11/28/09 - 12/5/2009 The Nana's Ride the Seas Again #5

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I wish we were getting married on CC we were supposed to be but something got messed up and another lucky couple get to be married on CC during our cruise. We have any area onboard called secret deck 7? And the third couple getting married during our cruise has the lounge.

Oh I have a question for everyone, FH was reading & telling me about this thing called fish extenders ? something like a secret Santa, is this a real thing? or is he just kidding me?

Hey, we are two doors down from the secret deck, which really isn't so secret. We'll look for you on Thursday. And wow, 3 couples getting married. That seems like a lot but what do I know.

Fish extenders are sort of like a secret Santa. You put your pocket holder (or whatever you use) hanging from the fish outside your door. People take turns putting treats of any kind into the fish. Usually you are assigned one day so you don't have to do it every day. Treats vary from CDs with cruise music, to treats from your local area, to toys, glow sticks, booze, etc. It's up to the person stuffing the fish extender. And its up to the individual on how much they spend per cabin. I believe most people try to keep it on the inexpensive side but some may spend more. I guess its really dependent upon how many cabins are participating. No one has organized a FE exchange yet for this board. I would be interested in participating if someone is looking to set it up.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi Allison - I am Debbie.
I am sure my oldest DD will have fun with yours - she will be 9 in December. We have not told our kids about the DCL yet - going to wait until closer and surprise them! I can't wait to see how much fun they have making friends, etc.

For Royal Swim (dolphins) outside of DCL, is advantage lower price? Is it same experience either way?

Question for kids club - are they really strict with ages? My second DD is 7 (just turned) but hoping they will let her go "up" to older 8-13 group to be with my older DD and do more fun things - the DIS salesperson said no but older can drop down. Maybe they just say that but will let her go to older sometimes? Anyone know tried this before?

Hi Debbie. My DD is so excited to meet other girls on the boat close to her age. She falls in the middle of Jeff's girls and both are on either side of the kid's clubs. Your 8 yo will be in Oceaneer's Lab with ages from 8 - 10. Ocean Quest is for the next group up. I agree with Jeff that it depends on the counselor, the group size and how things are shaping up in OL that day. When you register on line you will need to register your 7 yo for the appropriate aged club and then can discuss it with the counselors either when you get to port or during the open hours on Saturday.

As for the Royal Swim in Cozumel, first off Disney doesn't offer it. Second, they have now changed to Dolphinaris and not the dolphin place at Chakanaab (spelling?). Any excursion you do outside of Disney will be cheaper. You do have to arrange for your own transportation and have to worry about getting back to the boat on time. We've never done a Disney excursion (okay - we've only done one cruise ). We always just make sure that we have enough time to get there and enough time to get back. And I always go into it with the mentality that if something happens and I can't get a refund then I'm out the money. As long as I budget for it ahead of time then I can suck it up. And of course I'm only paying for 3 people and not 6! Big difference. Hope this helps.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Happy Saturday everyone.
Getting ready to head outta town on biz this week and then off to the islands for two weeks. So ready.

Hope the business trip goes smoothly. And do you own your own company? If you don't, you have the best vacation policy anywhere. Can I come work for you?

Jeff,
just wanted to let you know I saw another thread for this cruise. There are a few people on it. I think it was started in April and they are looking for people to join the thread.
So I posted and told them about this thread and that you guys would love to have them stop by and say hello and join up your 2 threads.

They should be on page one since I recently posted there. you might want to check them out if nobody from there posts in a day or two. That would double the size of your group

Kathy

Hi Kathy. I went and invited people over here. Thanks for the heads up! Hope everything is going well with you and the family.

 

[momof2minnies]

Hi everybody! I am the one that started the other thread- this one looked like you guys all knew each other already.

We are a group of 7- me, Dh, 2 dds (15,18) my parents and brother.This is our second cruise- 1st was Wonder 2005.

We will be in WDW Wed.before, having Tgiving in the world- yay!

We will probably just do the beaches on our excursions.

How safe is it just to grab a cab- and for 7 of us?

Linda

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi Linda!
We're also going to WDW before the cruise. We are checking in on Thanksgiving day. Jeff is doing the same thing. I hope we can get some ADRs so that we can eat somewhere other than the food court for 2 days.

I've never done the Western but I can't imagine that you'll have a problem grabbing a cab to the beach for 7 of you. I remember in St. Thomas there were huge truck like cabs that could easily fit a dozen people.

Please don't be intimidated by everyone. I've never met anyone on this cruise but they are a really welcoming bunch!

 

[jd99]

Hope the business trip goes smoothly. And do you own your own company? If you don't, you have the best vacation policy anywhere. Can I come work for you?
Hi Kathy. I went and invited people over here. Thanks for the heads up! Hope everything is going well with you and the family.

Yes I do own my own company. I have an independent PR firm. I am a sole proprietor so no employees either but I do have some folks who subcontract to me and cover for me when I am away!

Hi everybody! I am the one that started the other thread- this one looked like you guys all knew each other already.

We are a group of 7- me, Dh, 2 dds (15,18) my parents and brother.This is our second cruise- 1st was Wonder 2005.

We will be in WDW Wed.before, having Tgiving in the world- yay!

We will probably just do the beaches on our excursions.

How safe is it just to grab a cab- and for 7 of us?

Linda

Hi Linda!!!! Please join us here (or we'll join your thread). Most of the people who posted on this thread early on are not coming on this cruise. There was a group of folks (including my family) who did this cruise the last 3 years but most of the others are doing something else this year or skipping this year. So bottom line is that as far as I know we are the only returners and everyone else is new so none of us know each other!

We'll also be at WDW for Thanksgiving. Hoping to get reservations at Yachtsman Steak House for Turkey Day. Had a great TG meal there last year.

As to the cab situation for 7, in Cozumel and GC they have larger vans that can accommodate or you will have to split up into 2 or 3 cabs. Regardless they charge by person and it is cheap on both islands. We love Paradise Beach on Cozumel and REALLY love 7 Mile Beach on GC.

Let's get our threads together so we can all get to cruise chatting!

Thanks Kathy for finding this other thread.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Morning all! Happy Monday. The sun is out.
Let's hope it stays that way.

And Jeff, I figured you had to own your own business. No one is that nice with vacation time unless you are the boss.

On that note, I need to get back to work.

Have a good day everyone.

 

[Griffith6]

To the experienced cruisers - have you done the fish extender thing? I was reading posts about how to make them, etc but not clear on who organizes the "secret santa" exchanges? Let me know if anyone is clear on this FE thing! Also, curious how full the ships are these days? Just wondering how many will be going on our week?

 

[jd99]

To the experienced cruisers - have you done the fish extender thing? I was reading posts about how to make them, etc but not clear on who organizes the "secret santa" exchanges? Let me know if anyone is clear on this FE thing! Also, curious how full the ships are these days? Just wondering how many will be going on our week?

We have done FE before. Generally someone from the cruise "volunteers" to organize - which really means just keeping a list of people participating and their cabin numbers and who is in the cabin (kids? adults? infants?) etc. Generally we start with someone who collects that info for a cruisemates list and then adds FE info to it, noting who is participating. Then it's a free for all. Bring what you want and deposit when you want, either by identifying yourself or anonymously. We have gotten some great stuff (and a lotta - ahem - junk) on various cruises but the Bananaheads were always the best - most creative etc. with great gifts.

We would likely participate but perhaps we should try to see if a few more people join our merry group soon and then we can get a cruisemates list together.

 

[*Nessa*]

Hey, we are two doors down from the secret deck, which really isn't so secret. We'll look for you on Thursday. And wow, 3 couples getting married. That seems like a lot but what do I know.

Wow you guys will be so close, I’ll let you know once confirmed but I think our ceremony is about 5pm

Fish extenders are sort of like a secret Santa. You put your pocket holder (or whatever you use) hanging from the fish outside your door. People take turns putting treats of any kind into the fish. Usually you are assigned one day so you don't have to do it every day. Treats vary from CDs with cruise music, to treats from your local area, to toys, glow sticks, booze, etc. It's up to the person stuffing the fish extender. And its up to the individual on how much they spend per cabin. I believe most people try to keep it on the inexpensive side but some may spend more. I guess its really dependent upon how many cabins are participating. No one has organized a FE exchange yet for this board. I would be interested in participating if someone is looking to set it up.

This looks great, I went and did a bit of a search and found heaps of info on it, it sounds like a great idea ! and with 4 families from Oz coming we will have heaps of room to bring lots of Aussie goodies with us for everyone. i don't mind volunteering to help organise too


Quick question for all, my younger brother is 20 do we have anyone of a similar age sailing in our group yet?

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Wow you guys will be so close, I’ll let you know once confirmed but I think our ceremony is about 5pm



This looks great, I went and did a bit of a search and found heaps of info on it, it sounds like a great idea ! and with 4 families from Oz coming we will have heaps of room to bring lots of Aussie goodies with us for everyone. i don't mind volunteering to help organise too


Quick question for all, my younger brother is 20 do we have anyone of a similar age sailing in our group yet?

I re-checked our room numbers to show my DD and we are actually right next to the secret deck. We'll peek around the divider. Just let me know the time so I can tell DH not to be outside smoking. Hate to have that mess up your wedding.

And are you sure you want to organize the fish extender part? If you do, put our cabin down! We'll join in. (now to go buy one)

And unfortunately I don't know any 20 year old men that have signed up yet. But I do recall that someone had a DD around that age.

 

[DisneyCDE]

Nessa,

My brother is sailing with us and he is 26.


Linda,

Welcome to the thread. how old is your brother that is sailing with you????

 

[momof2minnies]

My brother is 40- sorry!

Linda

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Yes I do own my own company. I have an independent PR firm. I am a sole proprietor so no employees either but I do have some folks who subcontract to me and cover for me when I am away!



Hi Linda!!!! Please join us here (or we'll join your thread). Most of the people who posted on this thread early on are not coming on this cruise. There was a group of folks (including my family) who did this cruise the last 3 years but most of the others are doing something else this year or skipping this year. So bottom line is that as far as I know we are the only returners and everyone else is new so none of us know each other!

We'll also be at WDW for Thanksgiving. Hoping to get reservations at Yachtsman Steak House for Turkey Day. Had a great TG meal there last year.

As to the cab situation for 7, in Cozumel and GC they have larger vans that can accommodate or you will have to split up into 2 or 3 cabs. Regardless they charge by person and it is cheap on both islands. We love Paradise Beach on Cozumel and REALLY love 7 Mile Beach on GC.

Let's get our threads together so we can all get to cruise chatting!

Thanks Kathy for finding this other thread.

Your welcome Jeff,
I am so happy to see everyone is getting aquainted now from both threads.

I just wanted to stop by and wish all of you a very Magical cruise

Wish we were still going with you but the timing just wasnt right so we are going just before you on 11/7.

Jeff I'll catch you on the 2011 thread and hopefully some of these great people will join us then too

Kathy

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi everybody!!

I'm so excited. My DD was in bed by 8:30 tonight. I had a load of wash started, the dishes done and on the Dis by 8:40!! Holy moly batman! I'm sending that kid to Girl Scout camp every week from now on.

Hope everyone had a good day!

 

[yukongirl123]

Just finished booking two days at Cocoa Beach pre cruise and five days at WDW POFQ post cruise and our flghts. Now we just have to decide on some shore excursions. The jeep excursion looks like fun, but I probably won't learn to drive a standard by then...may have to settle for golf carts on Key West.

Looking forward to seeing WDW in all it's Christmas finery!

Janice

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi Janice!

We're thinking of golf carts in Key West also. DH doesn't want to do the trolley and his legs aren't good enough to walk all day so I believe we will be renting a gc. We have our own at home that we use for camping so it seems weird to have to rent one. Do you think they'll let me bring mine on the ship?

We're doing dolphins in Cozumel but still haven't settled on GC. I'm thinking we might do the turtle farm or might just play it by ear. I'll have to look more closely. Hmm, got to do that soon as our booking window is fast approaching.

I can't wait!!!!!

 

[jd99]

Hi everyone

Allison - I'm in Jersey. Staying at the Newark Airport Marriott. Did a whirlwind tour of a client's facilities the last two days - was in Philly, then Cherry Hill, then Jersey City, Manhattan (I got to walk down 7th avenue today and have lunch in midtown) then North Brunswick.

Tomorrow back home to wrap up some work and get ready for our trip.

Friday, we are off to the islands - Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Can't wait!!!!!!!!

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Just in case anyone here is interested the link below will take you to a recent trip report for a western cruise and they posted the Navigator.
If anyone is interested in seeing a newer Navigator you might want to check it out.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2234786

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Hi everyone

Allison - I'm in Jersey. Staying at the Newark Airport Marriott. Did a whirlwind tour of a client's facilities the last two days - was in Philly, then Cherry Hill, then Jersey City, Manhattan (I got to walk down 7th avenue today and have lunch in midtown) then North Brunswick.

Tomorrow back home to wrap up some work and get ready for our trip.

Friday, we are off to the islands - Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Can't wait!!!!!!!!

Okay, I might not talk to you anymore because my building is on 6th (just a block from 7th) midtown. I'm always up for lunch and I found this really great Vietnamese place!!! (cheap, clean, fast and LOTS of food )

Have a great trip to the islands. But I did notice that you got to visit the best parts of NJ before your trip. Holy crap they took you to the highlights didn't they???

Just in case anyone here is interested the link below will take you to a recent trip report for a western cruise and they posted the Navigator.
If anyone is interested in seeing a newer Navigator you might want to check it out.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2234786

Thanks Kathy!!