12/19/2009 - 12/26/2009 Magical Christmas Cruise! It's not that far Away?

[itutorfortravel]

Hi everyone! My DH and I will be joining you all!

We had to cancel the EB Transatlantic because we couldn't get the time off....then we moved that to a cruise during Winter Break in February, but a 3 day is just toooooooo short, so DH said "Why not Christmas?" and so here we are!

Booked in a Cat. 12 for a pretty good price. We did lose the 10% re-booking discount but we did keep the onboard credit so that's still good!

Can't wait!

Welcome lovesDCL! This cruise is a lot sooner than either of the others you had booked, so that is something to defnitely be excited about

 

[riggins]

Hi guys-
Just thought I'd check in and say Hello too. We booked this cruise about 2 weeks ago thanks to the great Cat 12 deals. We were originally booked on the 12/26 New Year's cruise, but couldn't pass up the Cat 12 deals over Christmas. We're actually still booked on the 12/26 sailing . . . long story involving an incompetent DCL rep , but that's another story. Too bad I can't do both!! It will be me, DH, and our two DDs ages 6 and 8.

See you soon!
Leslie

 

[itutorfortravel]

Hey Leslie!

Glad you've joined this thread!

Have you had any luck with the reservation? I checked a couple times yesterday and didn't see anything...I'll keep my eyes out for you

I've been going through my "gift closet" this week looking for small things to bring along as surprises from Santa on Christmas morning. Nothing too big, of course, since space will be an issue. But I've found a couple things I can use and also a couple stockings I had bought on clearance last year that I think I'll bring to hold the gifts...my husband's family is joining us so we have decided on a no gifts policy with them, which should make the holidays sooo much easier and will give us all extra $$$ to put towards the trip

In addition to celebrating Christmas, we'll be celebrating my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. We've asked for an anniversary notification on their reservation (did you do this too lovesDCL?) and I am hoping they bring out a cake like they did for my DD's birthday notification in April. Anyone know what they do for anniversaries?

I've also heard that you can purchase Christmas trees from Disney for your stateroom. Anyone ever done this? Or decorated their cabin in some other way? I'm sure I'll decorate our door, but wondering about the extra space that a tree would take up?

Hmmm...so much to plan and do!

 

[riggins]

No luck with the reservation. I appreciate your help checking on it. I have until early October to get it fixed, but I'm not that patient! If I don't see another Cat 12 for 4 by early next week, I think I'm going to call and see if a supervisor can help me. It wasn't like I misunderstood or the agent didn't understand what I was asking. I specifically said "So, I will keep my $200 OBC for booking onboard, right?" And she said No. And I said, "Are you sure? I know I'll lose the 10% discount, but in the past I could keep the OBC with a Cat 12." She then got impatient and said "That may have been the case in the past, but it must have changed. I'm reading here and it says that the onboard booking program only applies to Categories 4-11." And I said "So, if I move my existing reservation to the Cat 12 on 12/19, I lose all the benefits, both the 10% discount AND the OBC, associated with booking onboard?" And she said "Yes. The only way you can keep those benefits is to move it to a Cat 4-11." The agent I talked to Thursday agreed that I'd been given wrong info but said she couldn't fix it unless another Cat 12 for 4 became available. I'm not one to throw a fit, so I didn't, but this is its really bugging me. I don't think checking online 20x a day hoping another Cat 12 for 4 will show up is an adequate resolution to an agent clearly giving me wrong information. But I'll give it a shot for a few more days. I actually feel some ownership for this . . . I was was almost certain the agent was wrong. If I hadn't been so afraid that the Cat 12 for 4 would disappear any minute, I would have hung up and called back to get someone else.

On a happier note, we celebrated our 10th Anniversary on the Wonder. Our anniversary was noted on our reservation, but we had dinner in Palo that night. No one there seemed to know it was our anniversary and we didn't tell anyone, so there was nothing special. But I suspect that if we had eaten in the dining room, they would have known and done an anniversary cake. I've seen them do it for others in the past. I think if you mention it to your Head Server a day or two in advance, he or she will make sure you're taken care of.

I did a search on the Trip Reports board and found a few people with pictures of their decorated cabins. I didn't see any of the DCL trees, but I saw a couple mini-trees (12-18") that people had set up. It looked like people strung Christmas lights around the mirror and put window clings on the door/window/mirror. I think we'll do something like that. Last week at WDW, we went to the Christmas store and Downtown Disney. They had a really cute Mailable Christmas tree that came in a mailable tube that would pack pretty well. It was only about 10" and had little Mickey ornaments. It didn't have any lights. It was about $25. I almost bought it, but it seemed so small and I wanted something with lights. They also had a little bigger fiber optic one that was probalby 12-14". I liked that it was lighted and it was only about $30, but the box it came in seemed kind of big to pack. So, I debated and debated and ultimately didn't get either one! I'm hoping to find something locally as Christmas gets closer.

 

[itutorfortravel]

We actually had the DCL rep put an anniversary notification on my in-laws reservation and told them the day we wanted it to be recognized. (We chose the 2nd night, formal night, as we thought it would be fun to get pictures of all of us dressed up celebrating the occasion.)

We did something similar for DD's birthday. We made a note of a birthday notification on the reservation, said what day we wanted it celebrated (I had to call DCL for this), and at the first night's dinner I talked to the maitre d' (msp?) to confirm that it was all set to go the following evening...everything went great!

I had thought of booking something at Palo for all of us for their anniversary, but that would exclude our DD and my SIL's daughter since they are not yet 18. While I hope we still get to Palo, I know my in-laws would want to have their main celebration with the whole family.

I do hope to get to Palo while we are there, tho! DH and I enjoyed it sooo much on our last cruise!

 

[itutorfortravel]

I did a search on the Trip Reports board and found a few people with pictures of their decorated cabins. I didn't see any of the DCL trees, but I saw a couple mini-trees (12-18") that people had set up. It looked like people strung Christmas lights around the mirror and put window clings on the door/window/mirror. I think we'll do something like that. Last week at WDW, we went to the Christmas store and Downtown Disney. They had a really cute Mailable Christmas tree that came in a mailable tube that would pack pretty well. It was only about 10" and had little Mickey ornaments. It didn't have any lights. It was about $25. I almost bought it, but it seemed so small and I wanted something with lights. They also had a little bigger fiber optic one that was probalby 12-14". I liked that it was lighted and it was only about $30, but the box it came in seemed kind of big to pack. So, I debated and debated and ultimately didn't get either one! I'm hoping to find something locally as Christmas gets closer.

Those trees sound so cute! You know you could call those stores and have them ship you one if you change your mind...

I actually have one of those origami "Christmas Tree in a Box" that I got on clearance a couple years ago. Never opened it, so maybe that is what we will do...though it's just small and made out of paper, but could be fun for the girls to do together.

I got a car door Christmas magnet last year after Christmas at the Hallmark store...sure wish I had gotten more, as I am planning to use it on the cruise and would have loved to have had one for my other family members. I also have some tropical window clings from DD's birthday party that I saved...think I'll bring those too.

 

[riggins]

If I don't see another Cat 12 for 4 by early next week, I think I'm going to call and see if a supervisor can help me.

Well, I couldn't wait a few days . . . in fact I couldn't wait more than a few hours. I called DCL and I got a supervisor who said she could fix this mess for me! I have to wait until Monday so the "back office" people can help make sure all the $$$ get straight, but that's ok. She was really nice and very apologetic for the whole thing. So, I'm going to try not to sweat it anymore . . . at least until Monday!!

 

[itutorfortravel]

Well, I couldn't wait a few days . . . in fact I couldn't wait more than a few hours. I called DCL and I got a supervisor who said she could fix this mess for me! I have to wait until Monday so the "back office" people can help make sure all the $$$ get straight, but that's ok. She was really nice and very apologetic for the whole thing. So, I'm going to try not to sweat it anymore . . . at least until Monday!!

Fabulous! And congratulations on getting it worked out...

 

[robynchic]

hmmm...I wonder if my parents (who booked the cruise for us) mentioned we'll be honeymooning, and if they do anything special for honeymoons...Not a big deal if they don't. I can't wait!

 

[itutorfortravel]

hmmm...I wonder if my parents (who booked the cruise for us) mentioned we'll be honeymooning, and if they do anything special for honeymoons...Not a big deal if they don't. I can't wait!

If your parents booked this, maybe they have arranged for something to mark the occasion! I'll bet they did if they knew it was something that they could do Congratulations by the way!

 

[riggins]

Hi guys-
Does anyone know or care to speculate on whether there will be changes to the dress up/pirate nights on this cruise? Do you think the holiday will change those things or do you think they'll follow the normal Eastern schedule?

We sailed the Wonder 4-night over Thanksgiving last year and even though the stops changed order (Nassau, Sea, CC vs. Nassau, CC, Sea), the "dress" nights stayed the same as any other 4 night. It just worked out that "dress up" night was on Thanksgiving, which worked out nicely. Based on that experience, I would guess that the schedule for this cruise will stay the same. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Leslie

 

[itutorfortravel]

Would anyone be interested in our doing a roll call for this cruise? I'd be happy to compile the list and post it...if so, why don't we just include:

-Names of family members (if you don't want to use proper names, you could just use DD, DH, etc.)

-Your family's hometown (if you want to include it)

-How many Disney cruises you've been on

-Ages of kids

I don't see any reason to do stateroom numbers for now unless anyone is interested in an FE exchange...that is certainly something we can consider if anyone is interested in it.

Anyhow, if you would like to be included on a roll call, just PM me your info and I'll start the list...it may take me a few days to get it all compiled and posted, as we have company this week, but I'll be happy to do it.

BTW Leslie, I'm not sure about the different theme nights on the ship and if they are switched up. That would be nice to know, though!

Have a great day everyone!

Kimberly

 

[itutorfortravel]

Tom (DH), Kimberly (DW), Morgan (DD7) and Lindsey (SDD19)
DISboard ID: itutorfortravel
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Billy (DH), Leslie (DW), Sarah (DD6), and Emma (DD8)
DISboard ID: riggins
Hometown: Huntersville, NC
This will be our 6th DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Meg (DW), Joe (DH), Jack (DS13), Madeline (DD, almost 12), and Charlotte (DD, almost 9)
DISboard ID: SoCalDCLfan
Hometown: Irvine, CA (near Disneyland!)
This will be our 5th DCL cruise


Robyn (DW) and Kerry (DH)
DISboard ID: robynchic
Hometown: near Savannah, GA
Our first Disney cruise
No kids...we're honeymooning! We'll have been married for 2 months and 1 day when we board.
***Interested in FE exchange***

Note regarding FE gifts:Robyn and Kerry are Jewish & do not celebrate Christmas


Sue (DW), Richard (DH), Kath (Sue's mom, 80), Rosie (DD, almost 18), Alice (DD11)
DISboard ID: Disneyday
Hometown: Rotherham,UK
Our second Disney cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Jhoanna(DW), Sammy(DH)
DISboard ID:lovesDCL
Hometown: used to be So. CA, now Boston, MA
Our third Disney cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Amanda(Mom), Mari (DD,6)
DISboard ID: momtomari
Hometown: Ohio
Our fourth Disney cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Jim (DH / owensjro), Amanda (DW / owensamo), Hannah (DD,7)
DISboard ID: owensjro / owensamo
***Interested in FE exchange***


Tina and Kaitlin (DD, 11)
DISboard ID: downrivermama
Hometown: Wyandotte, MI
This will be our 4th DCL Cruise.
**Interested in FE exchange**


DW, DH, DD13 and DS12
DISboard ID: crystald
This will be our 4th DCL cruise
**Interested in FE exchange**


Stefanie (DD) and Margie (Mom)
DISboard ID: stitchlover87
Hometown: Largo, FL
This will be our 7th DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Casey (DH), Julie (DW), Addison (DD, 18 months), Craig (DG grandpa), and Mary (DG, grandma)
DISboard ID: disneyland255
Hometown: Las Vegas
This will be our 2nd Disney cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Barbara and Mark
DISboard ID: bpsecar
Hometown: San Diego
***Interested in FE exchange***


Thomas and Colleen
DISboardID: drizzt117
Hometowns: Fairfax, Va / Pittsburgh, PA
This will be our 3rd DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Conrad (DH), Francine (DW), Justin (DS13) and Logan (DS11)
DISboard ID: peaceableone
Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Bill (DH), Angela (DW), Billy (DS17), Kristen (DD13), Kathleen (DS's GF 17)
DISboard ID: 3DAN (Bill) & coasternut (Angela)
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
This will be our 9th DCL cruise


Tiffany (DW),Brian (DH), Paige (DD10) and Grace (DD8)
DISboard ID: smokescreen
***Interested in FE exchange***


Michelle (DW), Michael (DH), Brandon (DS8), Corey (DS3), and William (DS2)
DISboard ID: michellemb


Shannon(DW), Tony(DH), Emily(DD9)
DISboard ID: shannonetherton
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
6th Disney Cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Kiki(DW) and Paul(DH)
DISboard ID: kikimouse
Hometown: DC/Atlanta
4th Disney Cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***


Lea(DW), Jerry(DH), and Caleb, Sam, and Lulu (all 17 months)
DISboard ID: Proud2BMomof3
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX


Isidro (DH), Cynthia (DW), Sarah (DD6)
Disboard ID: MERMAIDLOVE
Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ
This will be our 6th DCL Cruise

The FE Exchange is now closed!​

Slogan Ideas:

We had two ideas that were tied for a winner! Take your pick, they are both great


Goofin' Around the Holidays


Teachers Gone Goofy

 

[itutorfortravel]

You know what? I just thought, do we want to add our DISboard ID's to the roll call? That would help us know "who" is posting! I'm going to add ours...let me know if you want me to add yours, too...

 

[riggins]

I think that's a great idea Kimberly. Thanks!

 

[itutorfortravel]

Hi everyone, I hope I have gotten everyone's info up on the roll call who has sent it to me...if I've missed anything or made any errors, please let me know and I'll change asap.

lovesDCL made a note that she is interested in an FE exchange. If you are interested in that, let me know, and I'll make a note under your info. I'm not sure yet if my family is going to do that just because I know we'll have sooo much stuff with us trying to also bring a few surprises from Santa. But I would be happy to note those who are interested and then once we figure all that out, maybe someone from the group who wants to do the FE exchange can coordinate that part. How does that sound?

StepDD is visiting us this week and we told her about the cruise. She is so excited! We've got to talk a little bit about shore excursions and what she might like to do since I'll have to start booking those in a little over a month. I can't believe it!

 

[itutorfortravel]

DH, SDD, and I had a great time last night! After DD went to bed, we started talking shore excursions and it was exciting planning all the things we wanted to do We are thinking about a tour of St. John, doing St. Maarten on our own (actually maybe just getting a taxi over to Marigot to shop and eat - anyone ever done this?), and then SDD and DH want to do the wave runners at Castaway Cay. Has anyone else decided on shore excursions? Leslie, I know you said you were looking at the Eco tour in St. John which looked really good to us, too, but we just didn't know if we'd have the stamina for an active tour the morning after Pirate night - ha ha.

Right now our family has a cat 12 booked for all four of us, but after talking more, we are leaning towards doing 2 cabins. We know we run the risk of being far apart on the ship, and DH and I might not be able to sleep together that week, but we just really feel we need the space and the extra shower. Plus, SDD told us last night that she sometimes gets a little claustrophic (as does DH), so maybe it is in our best interest not to cram all four of us in one cabin! We're still trying to decide, but I think this is what we are going to do.

I can't believe that this cruise is so close and that it is really happening! So much to do between now and then!!!

 

[robynchic]

I was looking at the roll call and noticed that someone was willing to do an FE exchange. What's that mean?

 

[itutorfortravel]

I was looking at the roll call and noticed that someone was willing to do an FE exchange. What's that mean?

Hi Robyn,

If you go to the top of the cruise threads, there is an anchored thread with Disney Cruise FAQ's and there is some information there about FE's. Also, I had posted a thread today to get a little more clarification on them...don't know if this helps at all...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2263876

Take care,
Kimberly

 

[robynchic]

Hi Robyn,

If you go to the top of the cruise threads, there is an anchored thread with Disney Cruise FAQ's and there is some information there about FE's. Also, I had posted a thread today to get a little more clarification on them...don't know if this helps at all...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2263876

Take care,
Kimberly

...but I still don't get what it is. All I got from it is that it's a "fish extender", and that it involves trades or something? If someone could please clarify this for me, I may be willing to join in on it!