11-23-2008 DCL per-Thanksgiving 3 night Wonder cruise!!

[pillow]

Have you all noticed all the chatter about the other cruise lines on the regular cruise forum? I'm actually thinking about looking into RCCL for next year if/when we cruise again. This will be the third time on the Wonder, and while we've had a wonderful time, I'm ready for something different. I hoped it would be during one of the 5-day cruises, but ooooooouch on the costs!

There seems to be many varied opinions about the other lines. I was just reading on another thread where people have been complaining about the upkeep of the Magic. They've said shes been showing lots of wear in the staterooms, but that the staterooms weren't spiffied up during dry dock. There are folks that feel Disney is charging top dollar for the cruise, but aren't putting the money into the ship. I semi agree. For us, the experience on DCL outweighs the little bit of wear we've seen.

Have you been to cruisecritic.com? They've got some pretty good info. Also, check www.cruisebruise.com. That site is maintained by some attorneys who have logged every infraction (deaths, molestations, etc) by cruise line - not a happy sight, but stuff you should know before you book elsewhere.

We would like to try RCCL as well (have heard the food is really bad though). I've also heard good things about Princess.

Which thread have you been following?

Jodie

 

[TCB in FLA]

Thanks for the websites. The cruisebruise one is scary -- but needed!

I haven't followed any one particular thread, but lurking around. The food aspect of cruises is a mystery to me -- as long as it's ok, we're happy. We not big into buffets, and eat simple breakfasts and lunches. Basically, if I'm not having to cook or do dishes, I'm happy!

 

[pillow]

Thanks for the websites. The cruisebruise one is scary -- but needed!

I haven't followed any one particular thread, but lurking around. The food aspect of cruises is a mystery to me -- as long as it's ok, we're happy. We not big into buffets, and eat simple breakfasts and lunches. Basically, if I'm not having to cook or do dishes, I'm happy!

Funny - I felt the food aspect of the Dis cruise was so over the top, it was a bit of a turn off. From what I understand, its like that on all cruises. On both cruises, our waiters really pushed food on us. He would bring out 2 entrees and 2 and 3 desserts - all for me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE food, but it seemed so wasteful. If its in front of me, I have a hard time not eating it - would rather have just had what I ordered and no more. We actually did go up to the buffet a few times for a change. Probably the only time I've eaten LESS at the buffet than a sit down meal - ha! Having said that, if I order something I want it to be GOOD, so bad food reports are a bit of a turn off to me. Who knows though, maybe I'd lose a little weight on RCCL!!??

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

My personal favorite thread is "Is Disney Smoking Crack?" or something like that. I was extremely shocked by the 5 day prices. I guess I never look during the summer time, and that is when the cruises are the most expensive. I also looked at the Baltic Cruise and it was over $10,000 just for the cruise for the 3 of us in the lowest category. I guess my dh and I feel like we know our way around Europe enough to do it ourselves. If I was going to spend that kind of money I would do the China adventures by Disney.

I have been on Carnival twice, once with my parents and once with college friends during spring break. I have to say my friend has a distrubing situation with one of the employees on the ship. She also put herself in a situation I would never put myself in, even when I was 21.

I think it is weird that they forced food on you. I am the same way, if it is in front of me I am going to eat it. I don't want someone bringing me food I don't order. I guess I will know some enough if cruising works for us.

I would love to go on one of the big RCCL ships. I just think they are cool. Maybe someday.

 

[pillow]

My personal favorite thread is "Is Disney Smoking Crack?" or something like that. I was extremely shocked by the 5 day prices. I guess I never look during the summer time, and that is when the cruises are the most expensive. I also looked at the Baltic Cruise and it was over $10,000 just for the cruise for the 3 of us in the lowest category. I guess my dh and I feel like we know our way around Europe enough to do it ourselves. If I was going to spend that kind of money I would do the China adventures by Disney.

I have been on Carnival twice, once with my parents and once with college friends during spring break. I have to say my friend has a distrubing situation with one of the employees on the ship. She also put herself in a situation I would never put myself in, even when I was 21.

I think it is weird that they forced food on you. I am the same way, if it is in front of me I am going to eat it. I don't want someone bringing me food I don't order. I guess I will know some enough if cruising works for us.

I would love to go on one of the big RCCL ships. I just think they are cool. Maybe someday.

The food thing is the ONLY thing we didn't like. I think this time, I'm just gonna talk to the waiter nicely at the beginning and explain that I really don't want to gorge myself on this trip!! Also, Palo is a very nice experience. Its like dining in a very nice restaurant at home (but better). The service was perfect - not too overbearing, but there when you need them. They also didn't bring things that we didn't order.

Carnival scares me. I just refuse to try them with children.

I feel the same about Europe. I've only traveled internationally twice - once on the Disney cruise and then while in college. I think when you don't speak the language it can feel intimidating which is why folks want tours and such. I like to do my own thing, and don't like feeling "trapped" with a group. I'm with you - would rather figure it out on my own. If you get lost, so what? Its not the end of the World.

I would like to try one of the Adventures by Disney trips, but the prices KILL me! They're even higher than the cruise prices after you total it up for 4 people. We have decided to go to the Grand Canyon in April over Spring Break for 8 nights. Based on car rental, our hotels, food, and several splurge activities, it should cost approx $3,500 (not incl air). The ABD trip is over $8,000 for 7 nights. Since we like to do other things during the year, and its not our only vacation, I just can't justify spending that much when we could do it on our own for half the price. However, the Dis cruise is all about the experience. I just don't think you can get that experience anywhere else, which is why I'm willing to spend a little more.

Jodie

P.S. I look forward to reading the "crack" thread! My dh thinks I was on crack when I booked our 2007 Med cruise. He still shakes his head when he thinks about the amount of money we spent!!

 

[spaddy]

I would only do the ABD for China. I am a little intimidated by China. I am afraid of eating somewhere that will make me sick. When my DH was in Tawain he ate something that made him sick.

So, you are going to the Grand Canyon? It's a beautiful place. Are you going for the mule ride? My dh and I did it before we had our son and it was amazing. Whenever my son is tall enough, we will go again. I thought I had a picture on my work computer, but I don't.

 

[pillow]

I would only do the ABD for China. I am a little intimidated by China. I am afraid of eating somewhere that will make me sick. When my DH was in Tawain he ate something that made him sick.

So, you are going to the Grand Canyon? It's a beautiful place. Are you going for the mule ride? My dh and I did it before we had our son and it was amazing. Whenever my son is tall enough, we will go again. I thought I had a picture on my work computer, but I don't.

No, we're not doing the mule ride. My daughter won't be tall enough, and its just as well since we're trying to make this a budget trip. My vacation planning tends to get way out of control, and one small trip ends up being a 3 week extravaganza! I'm really trying to rein it in some! Our plan is to spend 1 night in Flagstaff, 2 nights Grand Canyon, 1 night Page (for Lake Powell), 2 nights Sedona, 2 nights Phoenix. My dh and I have been to Sedona and LOVED it. I can't be close by and not stay there again. Where did you stay at the Grand Canyon. El Tovar was booked, but we got reservations next door at one of the motel style buildings (name escapes me).

Jodie

 

[pillow]

I would only do the ABD for China. I am a little intimidated by China. I am afraid of eating somewhere that will make me sick. When my DH was in Tawain he ate something that made him sick.

So, you are going to the Grand Canyon? It's a beautiful place. Are you going for the mule ride? My dh and I did it before we had our son and it was amazing. Whenever my son is tall enough, we will go again. I thought I had a picture on my work computer, but I don't.

Speaking of China - I noticed some INCREDIBLE airfare prices to Beijing out of Dulles a few weeks ago. It was $1,200 pp - can't think of the airline, and that fare was only offered on a particular day of the week. Found it on Travelocity.

Jodie

P.S. Way too much time on my hands - Really need to go back to work as I'm checking airfares to places I have no intention of going any time soon!!

 

[TCB in FLA]

DH and I lived in England for 2 years before DS#1 was born and just loved it. By the end of our time there, I felt pretty comfortable traveling around Europe with just him, my parents or friends. I guess that's why the European cruises just don't excite me -- I'd rather do it on our own.

There's a Carnival cruise right out of Mobile, which is just 2 hours from us. It's one of their smaller, older ships, and they have awesome sales. I love the idea of being able to wake up at home and be at the port before lunch. But the party idea scares me. We have friends who have been and really enjoyed it (but have said it's an "easy cheap getaway without bells and whistles"). The Cruise critic reviews are about the same -- cheap and fun, just nothing over the top. I'm just worried about constantly comparing it to the Wonder.

 

[spaddy]

No, we're not doing the mule ride. My daughter won't be tall enough, and its just as well since we're trying to make this a budget trip. My vacation planning tends to get way out of control, and one small trip ends up being a 3 week extravaganza! I'm really trying to rein it in some! Our plan is to spend 1 night in Flagstaff, 2 nights Grand Canyon, 1 night Page (for Lake Powell), 2 nights Sedona, 2 nights Phoenix. My dh and I have been to Sedona and LOVED it. I can't be close by and not stay there again. Where did you stay at the Grand Canyon. El Tovar was booked, but we got reservations next door at one of the motel style buildings (name escapes me).

Jodie

Sounds like me. I keep planning all these vacations. I can't help myself.

We stayed at one of the cabins that is in the park. There is the hotel and then some little cabins. Of course, I could be remembering this all wrong. It was over 6 years ago. Is it 50" to ride the mule? Now I can't remember. I was more concerned with the weigh requirment when we went. You have to actually go for a weigh in the day before. Potentially very embrassing.

Speaking of China - I noticed some INCREDIBLE airfare prices to Beijing out of Dulles a few weeks ago. It was $1,200 pp - can't think of the airline, and that fare was only offered on a particular day of the week. Found it on Travelocity.

Jodie

P.S. Way too much time on my hands - Really need to go back to work as I'm checking airfares to places I have no intention of going any time soon!!

Please, I am at working right now. I am just avoiding doing the work I know I need to do.

 

[spaddy]

There's a Carnival cruise right out of Mobile, which is just 2 hours from us. It's one of their smaller, older ships, and they have awesome sales. I love the idea of being able to wake up at home and be at the port before lunch. But the party idea scares me. We have friends who have been and really enjoyed it (but have said it's an "easy cheap getaway without bells and whistles"). The Cruise critic reviews are about the same -- cheap and fun, just nothing over the top. I'm just worried about constantly comparing it to the Wonder.

I think that was the ship I sailed on with my parents. It was one of its last times in the carribean. Well, the southern carribean. It was definitely nothing fancy and that was in 95.

 

[pillow]

Please, I am at working right now. I am just avoiding doing the work I know I need to do.

You have my permission to hate me! I really am going stir crazy. Need to either get a job or actually DO some of these projects around the house that I keep thinking about.

I bet it was the Bright Angel cabins. I think they're the only ones inside the park. The height requirement is 4'7" I believe. I understand the mules get right up close to the edge. That might freak me out a little! I think I might rather hike on my own 2 feet.

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

The Bright Angel cabins sounds right. I keep telling my DH I need to start writing more things down from our vacations. I feel like I am going to remember and then it is gone as soon as we get home.

Well, it is a little scary. Here are some photos. The one thing they tell you is not to lean. As you can see in this photo the guy in front of me was not listen. Actually I think walking down would be easier than riding the mule, but on the way out the mule is much easier.

This one is at the top.

I found cross this bridge the scariest.

 

[etblank]

There's a Carnival cruise right out of Mobile, which is just 2 hours from us. It's one of their smaller, older ships, and they have awesome sales. I love the idea of being able to wake up at home and be at the port before lunch. But the party idea scares me. We have friends who have been and really enjoyed it (but have said it's an "easy cheap getaway without bells and whistles"). The Cruise critic reviews are about the same -- cheap and fun, just nothing over the top. I'm just worried about constantly comparing it to the Wonder.

LOL! I went on my first cruise in January, on Carnival to the Bahamas. As soon as I saw the Wonder...I knew we had to book this cruise. My coworkers laugh because a majority of my pictures are of the Wonder sitting at PC and in the Bahamas. I was comparing my cruise on Carnival to a ship that I couldn't even set foot on!!!! Can't wait until the start of the cruise. BTW...how are you doing with the Biggest Loser challenge?

OK...so my older son is sitting on my lap while I am typing this and he is enthralled (sp?) with all the smiles on the right hand side. SO, he is sending all of you a big hug right now.

 

[pillow]

Spaddy, love the pictures, esp the sunrise one. Is that man on the mule wearing a sports coat???

J

 

[TCB in FLA]

BTW...how are you doing with the Biggest Loser challenge?

OK...so my older son is sitting on my lap while I am typing this and he is enthralled (sp?) with all the smiles on the right hand side. SO, he is sending all of you a big hug right now.

I've been slack about checking in with the Biggest Loser competition, but have been doing WW since the beginning of Sept. I'm down 8 1/2 pounds! (Hey, if you don't celebrate for yourself, who will???) One of the clients at Jazzercise (I teach about 3 times a week) who I don't see often was the first person to notice today. It's been fun fitting back into my clothes that had "shunk in the wash."

DS#2 loves the smilies and tells me to post so he can pick some for me.

Love the pics from the Grand Canyon!!!! I went there with a girlfriend right after graduating from college during a long weekend in Vegas. I'd love to take the boys someday. We lived in Albuquerque for a couple of years -- in fact, DS#1 was born there -- and I really love the southwest.

 

[spaddy]

Love the pics from the Grand Canyon!!!! I went there with a girlfriend right after graduating from college during a long weekend in Vegas. I'd love to take the boys someday. We lived in Albuquerque for a couple of years -- in fact, DS#1 was born there -- and I really love the southwest.

So, we must have lived in Albuquerque at the same time. My dh and I moved there in 1998 and moved the end of 2002. Actually the Grand Canyon trip was right as we were moving. We figured we better do it before we move really far away. I also love the southwest and really miss it. Did you ever go to Raggin' Shrimp? I have been craving that lately. There is just nowhere like that around here.

Spaddy, love the pictures, esp the sunrise one. Is that man on the mule wearing a sports coat???

J

Yes that is a sports coat. I didn't remember it until you mentioned it. I acutally think he was wearing another jacket underneath it. We went in January and it was cold. Some people don't realize how cold it is going to be. But this is actually a great time to go because the temp at the bottom can be 40 degrees higher than the rim. That makes the bottom very hot in the summer. Also, if you take the mules during the summer they let you spent 2 nights at Phantom Ranch. It was nice because we got to hike up the north rim.

 

[TCB in FLA]

So, we must have lived in Albuquerque at the same time. My dh and I moved there in 1998 and moved the end of 2002. Actually the Grand Canyon trip was right as we were moving. We figured we better do it before we move really far away. I also love the southwest and really miss it. Did you ever go to Raggin' Shrimp? I have been craving that lately. There is just nowhere like that around here.

That's wild about living both in Abq. We were there 2000-2002, as well as for 4 months in 1998 when DH was getting requalified on the plane. DH is out there all the time for work, inc. this week. I'd love to move back, but not DH. The DS#1 doesn't remember it, and DS#2 had not arrived yet. I don't remember that restaurant, but there were a lot of good ones out there.

I received the custom pillowcases I had made for the boys today and they are TOO CUTE!!!!! There's a lady from the DIS who sells them on eBay, for something like $9 each. I did a soccer Mickey for DS#1 and Jedi Mickey for DS#2, as well as an Ariel for a family friend who loves Ariel (her birthday is in Dec., so I'm thinking I have the most perfect gift ever!).

And I talked with DMIL today who insisted that DH and I go to Palo alone while she takes the boys to supper. Score!

 

[spaddy]

I loved living in Albuquerque. I would move back there in a second. We only moved to be closer to family. My DH worked at the end of Eubank right before the entrance to the base. Does your DH fly big planes or little ones? I used to love when we would go somewhere on an airplane and fighter jets were taking off before us. It is just amazing to see.

That is awesome about Palo. I was thinking about cancelling our Palo reservation, but I really want to go. I made the reservation so we could still go to dinner at our regular rotation on the last night. Of course, we can't do that and still see the show on that night. I guess we will see if our son likes dinner or the show better and go to that one. I have a feeling it will not be dinner that he likes.

I have to post a picture of the pillowcase I made. I went a little crazy with my new embrodiery machine.

 

[spaddy]

I got my stateroom assignment. No upgrade. We got a category 12 room. Oh well, it's only 3 days I am sure we will be fine. It makes the whole cruise seem so real. I can't believe it's a month away.