12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[drag n' fly]

Hi everyone! Boy has it been busy here. We are doing house renos right now and are swamped and then dh and I are taking a mom and dad trip in 2 weeks so busy getting ready for that also! We just finished booking the Embassy Suites in Tampa for the first leg of our trip! Everything is now in place for December! Hope you are all getting excited about the upcoming trip at Christmas! We should organize a mini dis meet on the boat!

 

[brendalee59]

Hello all.
It's a beautiful spring day here. The birds are singing, the sun is shining,there is a good stiff breeze(ok wind) and I have all my windows open to air out the house. Course I'll have to close them and run the ac for a few minutes before DS gets home from school. He has super bad allergies,and takes shots every week to try and keep them under control.
Ok, Now I'm in spring cleaning mode. Gotta get busy Catch ya'll later!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Hello, hello, hello! We will be on the Wonder December 24-28! Two kids, both a month shy of 6 and 2 when we cruise. It will be our second DCL cruise! A little worried as we had a Cat 5 on the 1st and decided to book a Cat 9 this time to save a little XMas cash. Hoping that we don't miss the balcony so much...

Also staying at WDW for four nights first, this time at the military resort. Used two frequent flyer tickets and the baby will be free on lap (for the last time), so only had to purchase one plane ticket.

So... so far this budget vacation is... on budget. Even if it is WDW and DCL at XMas!

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

Hello, hello, hello! We will be on the Wonder December 24-28! Two kids, both a month shy of 6 and 2 when we cruise. It will be our second DCL cruise! A little worried as we had a Cat 5 on the 1st and decided to book a Cat 9 this time to save a little XMas cash. Hoping that we don't miss the balcony so much...

Also staying at WDW for four nights first, this time at the military resort. Used two frequent flyer tickets and the baby will be free on lap (for the last time), so only had to purchase one plane ticket.

So... so far this budget vacation is... on budget. Even if it is WDW and DCL at XMas!

Adrianna

Welcome adrianna_sarah!
So glad you joined us. How great is it to stay on budget? Our budget flew out the window months ago

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Brendalee-

I think we might be neighbors. We are located between the OKC and Dallas airports as well. At least for the time being. We'll be moved to another state by the time we actually fly.

I just pulled up my reservation (checking if I'd been moved to main dining...booked Feb 8 and still second seating was my only choice). The itinerary has us going to Nassau on Xmas, day at sea on the 26th and Castaway Cay on the 27th. It will be interesing so see if they switch. Would you try to catch Junkaroo if we actually did end up there for Christmas? Maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Magic will be docked at CC on the 26th and the 26th is Boxing Day in the Bahamas, so that may explain why they have put a day at sea for the Wonder between two island stops that are truly so close together.

I wait with baited breath DCL. What will you do??? Make sure I know before I get my massages and such all lined up!

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

Brendalee-

I think we might be neighbors. We are located between the OKC and Dallas airports as well. At least for the time being. We'll be moved to another state by the time we actually fly.

I just pulled up my reservation (checking if I'd been moved to main dining...booked Feb 8 and still second seating was my only choice). The itinerary has us going to Nassau on Xmas, day at sea on the 26th and Castaway Cay on the 27th. It will be interesing so see if they switch. Would you try to catch Junkaroo if we actually did end up there for Christmas? Maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Magic will be docked at CC on the 26th and the 26th is Boxing Day in the Bahamas, so that may explain why they have put a day at sea for the Wonder between two island stops that are truly so close together.

I wait with baited breath DCL. What will you do??? Make sure I know before I get my massages and such all lined up!

Adrianna

We live in Lawton Ok. Where do you guys live? Where are you moving to? My DH is a truck driver for United Van Lines. Most of his moves are military. With the war in Iraq the moving industry has taken a hard hit.
As for Junkanoo. We missed it on our last Disney cruise.(2000) The captain made an announcement after we had set sail, that we would be having our sea day on Christmas Day. His reason being that with Junkanoo, all the shops and resturants would be closed due to the Bahamian holiday. We did Nassau on the 26th, CC on the 27th, Port Can. 28th. My guess is that they would make the same call. Course that is up to the captain.
The only thing we know for sure we want to do in Nassau is get some cracked conch. We'll just wing it. Maybe do the walking tour. I know we will be on a tight budget onboard. We splurged on a midship cat 3. That is the only thing that kept us from cancelling this cruise when we found out the grandkids wouldn't be able to go. Still can't decide if we want to do the DDP in WDW. We're staying at the Poly. Isn't that close to SOG? It's alot harder to plan this vacation with the twins being 16 as opposed to planning it for the grandchildren in mind(7,8,10)

 

[adrianna_sarah]

We are at Fort Sill now but move to Fort Leavenworth this summer. We are flying out of Kansas City. Last vacation in January was our budget buster. I keep wondering if I should call back and get us a Cat 5 or Cat 6 so we can have a balcony, but hubby points out that the price difference will pay for our shore excursions and my spa treatments. Can't live without those.

Shades of Green is very close to the Poly, we walked there to catch the monorail back in 2002. We are on the Shades of Green Dining Plan because it is part of a Welcome Home package for guys returning from Iraq. We will probably only use it for breakfast (b/c you actually have to eat at SOG), but even at that it about pays for itself.

 

[brendalee59]

We are at Fort Sill now but move to Fort Leavenworth this summer. We are flying out of Kansas City. Last vacation in January was our budget buster. I keep wondering if I should call back and get us a Cat 5 or Cat 6 so we can have a balcony, but hubby points out that the price difference will pay for our shore excursions and my spa treatments. Can't live without those.

Shades of Green is very close to the Poly, we walked there to catch the monorail back in 2002. We are on the Shades of Green Dining Plan because it is part of a Welcome Home package for guys returning from Iraq. We will probably only use it for breakfast (b/c you actually have to eat at SOG), but even at that it about pays for itself.

My DH has moved quite a few families to Ft Levenworth. Maybe he will be able to move you guys. It's a tough call to upgrade or not. Hey, we need to get to know each other better. We have a triple balcony for the four of us, so maybe we can share

 

[brendalee59]

I thought I would double check with my DU agent to see what the special itinerary she mentioned was. This is her reply.


Hi Brenda,



The Christmas sailing is a special itinerary sailing in the fact that it's a 4-night cruise leaving on a Wednesday, usually 4-days leave on Sunday, and then 3 night's sail on Thursday. DCL re-arranged the itineraries over Christmas & New Years so that ships were not embarking on Christmas Day and/or New Year's Day. The itinerary could still be adjusted at the Captain's discretion, but at his time, the scheduled itinerary is as stated online.



I understand your concern about Nassau on Christmas Day. Feel free to call DCL to voice your concerns. Hope that helps.


What do you guys think? From what I remember of Junkanoo, it is a pretty wild event. Kinda like our Mardi Gras.

 

[drag n' fly]

Apparently Junkanoo starts Boxing day morning. This is what I found

What are the dates of the Junkanoo Parades?
The major Junkanoo parades take place twice a year, from about 2:00 a.m. until about 9:00 a.m. on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1).

Where is Junkanoo held?
Most of the major Bahamian islands celebrate Junkanoo, with the largest and most popular major parades occurring in downtown Nassau, New Providence, where revelers “rush” around several blocks on Bay Street and Shirley Street.

How is the weather during this event and what should I wear?
The temperatures for Junkanoo typically range between the mid 60°’s to the mid 70°’s Fahrenheit. Though rain is always a possibility it is unlikely between November and April. Casual and comfortable sporting wear is appropriate.

Can I watch Junkanoo without purchasing a ticket?
Yes, standing room is available at the parade. For your own comfort and the best view however, it is recommended to obtain seating. Up to 50,000 spectators attend the Junkanoo parades and standing room is limited.

How can I purchase Junkanoo tickets?
Junkanoo tickets normally go on sale a few weeks before the parade and can be purchased online at www.tajiz.com or by calling the international toll free line 1(877) THE-RUSH. Tickets can also be purchased locally by calling (242) 324-1714 or at any authorized local Tajiz distribution outlets.

Can Junkanoo tickets be purchased at the parade?
Junkanoo tickets will be available for sale at the parade, however it is advised that tickets be purchased in advance as sales are based on seating availability and tickets traditionally sell-out very quickly.

Will I be able to see the Junkanoo parade and take good pictures if I am seated?
Yes, while being seated you will be able to see the Junkanoo parade and take good pictures. Stadium-style bleacher seating is strategically implemented throughout the parade route to provide unobstructed views.

Will the environment be safe and is it safe to wear my jewelry and carry bags?
Yes, the environment at the Junkanoo parades is safe. Security is strongly enforced at the parades by uniformed and plain-clothed officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Are there any additional charges for Junkanoo at the Parade?
No. There are no additional charges to watch the Junkanoo parade. There are some additional considerations such as transportation, food and souvenirs costs, which are all optional.

If I oversleep and don’t get to see the parade, do I get a refund?
All ticket sales are final, except in the occurrence of a cancellation or the postponement of the Junkanoo parade.

If I arrive at the parade on Bay Street at 4:00am how do I locate my seat?
Bleacher Marshals responsible for visitors with assigned seats-no matter what time you arrive (i.e. 8:30AM) the ushers will still be there.

Can I carry my video camera and record, and/or take photos of the Junkanoo parade?
Yes cameras and camcorders are permissible to take pictures and record the parade.

Would it be advisable to bring my baby or young child?
Yes. Despite the start time, Junkanoo is a family event. Thousands of children of all ages attend and even participate in the parades.

Do I have to be there as soon as the parade starts and would I enjoy the parade if I arrive late and leave early (i.e. 3a.m to 6a.m)?
The time of attendance is optional to everyone. It will be the seemed great experience at whichever time.

Are there restrooms available?
There will be portables available at anytime.

Is it a hassle getting there?
Transportation is not a hassle. Taxi’s are at hand and schedule times for public bus service for you and/or family.

Are there food vendors and is the water safe to drink?
There are a number of food vendors located on Bay and Shirley Street that serve great food. Also, serving all kinds of beverages including water that is absolutely clean and safe.

 

[drag n' fly]

Honestly I would rather have a double dip at CC than do Nassau. Hello to the new people who have joined

What dinner seating is everyone doing?

We are doing the late one because of the time diffference for us. The late one is when we usually eat our dinner on our time.

 

[brendalee59]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting this. That explains why the streets were so dead when we were there. People were sleeping...LOL
We were there on the 26th,and you could tell the parade was the night before..or early am. The streets were littered, and they were taking down the bleachers.

 

[brendalee59]

Honestly I would rather have a double dip at CC than do Nassau. Hello to the new people who have joined

What dinner seating is everyone doing?

We are doing the late one because of the time diffference for us. The late one is when we usually eat our dinner on our time.

I would prefer a double dip too, but that won't be an option. I would be happy with spending Christmas day at sea.

We have 1st seating, but am going to try to talk DH into letting us change to second. I hate rushing to get ready for dinner. DH likes to eat early, even at home. Drives me crazy

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Brendalee-

It would definately be a shame to have all that balcony space and not do a little entertaining, I would think.

If you decide to switch to late, let me know so I can call in and try to get your spots. We had late seating in January by choice, which has its merits, but since the baby was in the nursery and had only 12 hours of care allotted for the whole trip, we never had the chance to just get out and boogie after dinner. Hoping to have a boogie night or two this time.

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

Brendalee-

It would definately be a shame to have all that balcony space and not do a little entertaining, I would think.

If you decide to switch to late, let me know so I can call in and try to get your spots. We had late seating in January by choice, which has its merits, but since the baby was in the nursery and had only 12 hours of care allotted for the whole trip, we never had the chance to just get out and boogie after dinner. Hoping to have a boogie night or two this time.

Adrianna

I promise, if I can convince DH to switch, I will let you know asap

 

[TXdeVille]

Hey Brendalee and Adrianna!

I haven't been on here in AGES! Work and my son just crossing over to boy scouts has kept me busy!

Adrianna, welcome to the party. My husband was in the army as well, before we met though. If you haven't been to Leavenworth, he says it is nicer than Sill. Perhaps they could talk shop.

We have the late seating. From all the stuff on the boards, I found that it was better to have this seating and spend more time at port, not having to rush back. Hopefully we won't miss too much activities on board at that time.....

Brendalee - definitely too much balcony for four people. We haven't told our kids and will keep it a surprise. We told them we would go back to WDW this winter but not as big a trip as last time. They want to visit Universal Studios though but we will stay at WDW since we are DVC owners.

I am sooooo excited! I made the ressie through DVC for this with our extra points due to being new members, last year's points available, etc (don't know if I would ever do it again). I haven't received any info so that I can start booking excursions and stuff online. Anyone have an idea when I might get this?

Courtney

 

[brendalee59]

Hi Courtney!
Good to see you in here again. I really want 2nd seating for a couple of reasons. mainly so we don't have to rush every night. We have teenagers. Many families with young children want to feed them and settle them down for the night. I just hope I can convince my DH he won't starve to death if he hasn't eaten by 6:00


I have no idea how DVC points work, or when you would be able to book excursions. I didn't look into that too closely as we will probably not book any excursions. Nassau we will do the walking tour on our own, and grab a bite to eat. DH and I are craving some cracked conch YUM! The kids may want to do the teen thing at CC. If so, it'll be a nice relaxing day at SB for me and DH.Saving my $200 OBC for pictures and shopping Maybe a spa treatment

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Hi Courtney-

We had second seating in January and enjoyed it. Since we were on the Western, there were 4 island stops and we always stayed ashore until the last minute. Our kids were still alert for the show and I always had time to wash the salt out of my hair before dinner. On a seven day or longer cruise we would probably do second seating again for those reasons. We are second for now for this cruise, but hope to switch to first, mostly for the sake of the baby. I think our activities will have a more "onboard" focus this time since we'll be celebrating our family Christmas. Either way, it's the DCL, so you can't go wrong.

As for activities, spa ressies and Palo, you can book them 75 days out if this is your first cruise, 90 days out if you have cruised before or 105 if you are in a suite like Brendalee (is there a smiley-icon for jealous???). It sounds like this is your first, but no worries. I still was able to creativly secure everything I wanted at 8:00 AM at the 75 day mark, not knowing that the reservations opened at midnight EST. I would still try to be on at midnight to be sure, especially if you need to co-book the nursery for anything. If you go to the DCL website and enter you reservation number, there will be an icon for "book shore excursions". If you click this it will give the exact day you are eligible to book, provided that your full payment has been made.

You can also check out the shore excursions available under each "Port of Call" icon and similarily the menu of spa offerings under the "Spa" icon.

Where are you on the ship?

Hope that gives some answers.

Adrianna

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Just saying hello!

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

Hello Adrianna.
Wasn't it a beautiful day today? I think spring is here to stay

You know the funny part about having the suite, and being able to book sooner? We probably won't book anythng Been to Nassau, and so far our only plan is to find a resturant and have some cracked conch. We may do a little shopping,(if the shops are open) We won't do Palo either, and while I may change my mind later, at the moment I doubt I'll do any spa treatments . My plan is to sit on that big ol balcony and relax after 4 days of walking at WDW! Hey the way I figure it, We got that huge suite, we are gonna get plenty of use out of it.