12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[DisneyMama27]

DH checked into the 2010 cruises today and decided the ports weren't that fascinating after all, at least not for the price. It's a really expensive way to see Europe! We'd rather do the 7-day caribbean (can't remember which - I'm terrible at geography! The one that goes to St. Croix, St. Thomas, etc. I know they change these itineraries up a lot) for much less, assuming the Wonder will be sailing the Caribbean. Actually, we'd jump at that Panama cruise if they did it again! So many trips, so little time...

Happy Birthday to your granddaughter, Brenda - I know you'll miss them on the cruise. You are welcome to borrow my kids anytime you need a fix! Since my parents moved to Arkansas, the kids miss them terribly! We'll be spending a week with them at Thanksgiving at WDW, though!

I feel like I should be booking more excursions - right now it's just parasailing, unless DH decides on an excursion in Nassau. Maybe we'll do the stingrays at CC. I'm a little worried that one or all of my kids will get freaked out by the rays - they are not normally high-strung or scared of stuff, but for some bizarre reason, potentially dangerous sea creatures tend to create panic in my kids! (The trip to the aquarium a couple years ago turned out to be much more traumatic than I anticipated...walking through the shark tunnel totally weirded DS out!) Another reason I am not going to pay big bucks for Atlantis. If we just pay the "cheap" ticket to check out the aquariums and the kids freak out and make a scene, I won't feel so bad! They can ride all the scary fast roller coasters, but a shark behind a thick piece of glass scares the snot out of them!

WHo knows...maybe they'll have outgrown this. DD9 cried when I told her about the cruise - she said she's scared of boats confused3 ) and the ocean. When I told her how BIG the boat is, and about some of the activities, she changed her mind and can't wait now!

I'm gonna quit babbling now. Literally waiting for DH's shirts to be done in the dryer so they don't turn into a wrinkled mess overnight! They usually go to the cleaners, but they've been sitting in my trunk too long, and now he needs shirts - oops!

Happy Hump Day! (oops - will I get censored for that? )

 

[brendalee59]

So sorry. It is unfortunate when grownups behave like children.

Still doing well. Missing Oklahoma and all the folks from St. Andrew's madly. My body may be in Kansas, but my heart's in Oklahoma.

Thank you Adrianna. You are right. I think what worries me more than them actually not going, is having to sit them down and explain why they can't go, while not trashing their father.

We miss you too. Even though we never got a chance to meet, it was nice just knowing you were here.

 

[brendalee59]

DH checked into the 2010 cruises today and decided the ports weren't that fascinating after all, at least not for the price. It's a really expensive way to see Europe! We'd rather do the 7-day caribbean (can't remember which - I'm terrible at geography! The one that goes to St. Croix, St. Thomas, etc. I know they change these itineraries up a lot) for much less, assuming the Wonder will be sailing the Caribbean. Actually, we'd jump at that Panama cruise if they did it again! So many trips, so little time...

Happy Birthday to your granddaughter, Brenda - I know you'll miss them on the cruise. You are welcome to borrow my kids anytime you need a fix! Since my parents moved to Arkansas, the kids miss them terribly! We'll be spending a week with them at Thanksgiving at WDW, though!

I feel like I should be booking more excursions - right now it's just parasailing, unless DH decides on an excursion in Nassau. Maybe we'll do the stingrays at CC. I'm a little worried that one or all of my kids will get freaked out by the rays - they are not normally high-strung or scared of stuff, but for some bizarre reason, potentially dangerous sea creatures tend to create panic in my kids! (The trip to the aquarium a couple years ago turned out to be much more traumatic than I anticipated...walking through the shark tunnel totally weirded DS out!) Another reason I am not going to pay big bucks for Atlantis. If we just pay the "cheap" ticket to check out the aquariums and the kids freak out and make a scene, I won't feel so bad! They can ride all the scary fast roller coasters, but a shark behind a thick piece of glass scares the snot out of them!

WHo knows...maybe they'll have outgrown this. DD9 cried when I told her about the cruise - she said she's scared of boats confused3 ) and the ocean. When I told her how BIG the boat is, and about some of the activities, she changed her mind and can't wait now!

I'm gonna quit babbling now. Literally waiting for DH's shirts to be done in the dryer so they don't turn into a wrinkled mess overnight! They usually go to the cleaners, but they've been sitting in my trunk too long, and now he needs shirts - oops!

Happy Hump Day! (oops - will I get censored for that? )

Thanks for the offer....I think You are thinking an Eastern Caribbean and while the Wonder doesn't sail 7 days, the Magic does, and sometimes they will do an eastern. Have you done a western? I know the Magic sails that itinerary. I may actually have too many excursions booked. Since I found out the forts in Nassau are open all the time, I may cancel the Dig. The kids really wanted to do the city tour anyway. The stingrays at CC is very safe. I read they have the barbs removed, and they put them on an underwater table type structure so the kids can pet and feed the rays. It is nothing like Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman. Which I love BTW
When we first told the grandkids about the cruise, our middle grandson, said he didn't want to go on the ship too. Said it scared him.
Have a great Hump Day everyone!

 

[TXdeVille]

So sorry. It is unfortunate when grownups behave like children.

Still doing well. Missing Oklahoma and all the folks from St. Andrew's madly. My body may be in Kansas, but my heart's in Oklahoma.

Amen sister! Sometimes I want to wring necks when that happens.

DH checked into the 2010 cruises today and decided the ports weren't that fascinating after all, at least not for the price. It's a really expensive way to see Europe! We'd rather do the 7-day caribbean (can't remember which - I'm terrible at geography! The one that goes to St. Croix, St. Thomas, etc. I know they change these itineraries up a lot) for much less, assuming the Wonder will be sailing the Caribbean. Actually, we'd jump at that Panama cruise if they did it again! So many trips, so little time...

Happy Birthday to your granddaughter, Brenda - I know you'll miss them on the cruise. You are welcome to borrow my kids anytime you need a fix! Since my parents moved to Arkansas, the kids miss them terribly! We'll be spending a week with them at Thanksgiving at WDW, though!

I feel like I should be booking more excursions - right now it's just parasailing, unless DH decides on an excursion in Nassau. Maybe we'll do the stingrays at CC. I'm a little worried that one or all of my kids will get freaked out by the rays - they are not normally high-strung or scared of stuff, but for some bizarre reason, potentially dangerous sea creatures tend to create panic in my kids! (The trip to the aquarium a couple years ago turned out to be much more traumatic than I anticipated...walking through the shark tunnel totally weirded DS out!) Another reason I am not going to pay big bucks for Atlantis. If we just pay the "cheap" ticket to check out the aquariums and the kids freak out and make a scene, I won't feel so bad! They can ride all the scary fast roller coasters, but a shark behind a thick piece of glass scares the snot out of them!

WHo knows...maybe they'll have outgrown this. DD9 cried when I told her about the cruise - she said she's scared of boats confused3 ) and the ocean. When I told her how BIG the boat is, and about some of the activities, she changed her mind and can't wait now!

I'm gonna quit babbling now. Literally waiting for DH's shirts to be done in the dryer so they don't turn into a wrinkled mess overnight! They usually go to the cleaners, but they've been sitting in my trunk too long, and now he needs shirts - oops!

Happy Hump Day! (oops - will I get censored for that? )

I want to do them all as well!

As for excursions, I will be online at 10 pm Mountain Time to set my excursions!!! Really makes it real. Now I want to do the Dig as well as a self tour of the forts, etc but we also wanted to do the snorkeling at the reef. Oh, what to do.....Would we have time to do all? I don't think so

I think we will pass on trying to upgrade our room. We found out Monday that Victoria got chosen to be a Student Ambassador for a trip to Europe this coming summer (Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece). All extra dough should head that direction. We got a lot of fundraising to do.

Spaghetti dinners, bake sale, coupon book selling, cookbooks that we create,.....Other ideas are appreciated if anyone has them

P.S. It's a lovely 21 degrees Fahrenheit in Taos Ski Valley this morning.

To think I just left lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. Had a huge ordeal before I left home and almost didn't come but DH said if I didn't I would end up killing everyone. I was gonna try to hit the Albuquerque balloon festival which is HUGE but strong winds are supposed to blow in tomorrow and they may not be able to do anything.

I don't want to risk driving down there this afternoon to see the Glowdeo and not make it back in time for reservations. May have to do it next year

 

[drag n' fly]

Amen sister! Sometimes I want to wring necks when that happens.



I want to do them all as well!

As for excursions, I will be online at 10 pm Mountain Time to set my excursions!!! Really makes it real. Now I want to do the Dig as well as a self tour of the forts, etc but we also wanted to do the snorkeling at the reef. Oh, what to do.....Would we have time to do all? I don't think so

I think we will pass on trying to upgrade our room. We found out Monday that Victoria got chosen to be a Student Ambassador for a trip to Europe this coming summer (Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece). All extra dough should head that direction. We got a lot of fundraising to do.

Spaghetti dinners, bake sale, coupon book selling, cookbooks that we create,.....Other ideas are appreciated if anyone has them

P.S. It's a lovely 21 degrees Fahrenheit in Taos Ski Valley this morning.

To think I just left lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. Had a huge ordeal before I left home and almost didn't come but DH said if I didn't I would end up killing everyone. I was gonna try to hit the Albuquerque balloon festival which is HUGE but strong winds are supposed to blow in tomorrow and they may not be able to do anything.

I don't want to risk driving down there this afternoon to see the Glowdeo and not make it back in time for reservations. May have to do it next year

How great for your daughter! It is 21f here too right now but that is a normal temp for our time of year. Sounds like an amazing time. Enjoy yourself!

 

[TXdeVille]

How great for your daughter! It is 21f here too right now but that is a normal temp for our time of year. Sounds like an amazing time. Enjoy yourself!

Normal temp in Taos too. Its so pretty. I'll see about downloading some pics

 

[scuba.mom]

I think we will pass on trying to upgrade our room. We found out Monday that Victoria got chosen to be a Student Ambassador for a trip to Europe this coming summer (Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece). All extra dough should head that direction. We got a lot of fundraising to do.

Spaghetti dinners, bake sale, coupon book selling, cookbooks that we create,.....Other ideas are appreciated if anyone has them

The best fundraising concept we have used for Lisa's Gymnastic Team Travel Fundraising is Great Lakes Scrip. (GLSCRIP.com) Think Gift Cards. The buyer gets the gift card worth the face value of what they purchased and the seller (has to be a non-profit) gets x% back on each sale. The amount varies by the Vendor. IE - Chili's is 9%, Marriott 12%, Disney 2%. People are willing to buy them since they get exactly what they paid for (not over priced gift wrap, cookies, pizza, etc) and the savings add up fast. Good Luck.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Normal temp in Taos too. Its so pretty. I'll see about downloading some pics

Have fun Courtney! Sending happy thoughts your way for a wonderful vacation in Taos.

 

[brendalee59]

Congrats Victoria! What an honor to be chosen as a Student Ambassador

I just know you are bursting with pride Mom.

We are going to do the dig and the self tour of the forts too. Probably do the Dig in the morning, and the forts after lunch.

Good luck in getting all the excursions you want,and have fun on vacation.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

The best fundraising concept we have used for Lisa's Gymnastic Team Travel Fundraising is Great Lakes Scrip. (GLSCRIP.com) Think Gift Cards. The buyer gets the gift card worth the face value of what they purchased and the seller (has to be a non-profit) gets x% back on each sale. The amount varies by the Vendor. IE - Chili's is 9%, Marriott 12%, Disney 2%. People are willing to buy them since they get exactly what they paid for (not over priced gift wrap, cookies, pizza, etc) and the savings add up fast. Good Luck.

Oooh yes. Last year, my son's school was able to redo the gymnasium floor by selling these.

 

[chhall28]

The shops are cute. They are little stands that look like a beach hut, or cabana. We are gift shop girls as well. Last time we didn't get anything from CC. I think we will have to this time around.

Hey ... if everyone is going shopping count me in!!

Caroline

 

[TXdeVille]

The best fundraising concept we have used for Lisa's Gymnastic Team Travel Fundraising is Great Lakes Scrip. (GLSCRIP.com) Think Gift Cards. The buyer gets the gift card worth the face value of what they purchased and the seller (has to be a non-profit) gets x% back on each sale. The amount varies by the Vendor. IE - Chili's is 9%, Marriott 12%, Disney 2%. People are willing to buy them since they get exactly what they paid for (not over priced gift wrap, cookies, pizza, etc) and the savings add up fast. Good Luck.

Thanks! I'll have to check that out. Several people around here do those. I'll have to find out more information at some of the first meetings which aren't until next month.

Congrats Victoria! What an honor to be chosen as a Student Ambassador

I just know you are bursting with pride Mom.

We are going to do the dig and the self tour of the forts too. Probably do the Dig in the morning, and the forts after lunch.

Good luck in getting all the excursions you want,and have fun on vacation.

I am! I want to go WITH her! Maybe the following year they could use a nurse Just the experience alone to visit Dachau concentration camp, the Vatican, the Parthenon.....if I tried to put something together I wouldn't be able to do all of it at this price.

What time are you doing the Dig? DH is alright with trying to do that AND the snorkeling but his first priority is the snorkeling. I don't know if we can do both.

Got the alarm set for a quarter til so that I make sure I don't miss anything!

 

[TXdeVille]

Andy, where did that link go to the pics of the food? I'm trying to find out exactly what the All Hands on Deck Cheese Platter entails. Don't know if I want to do that or order one that I pay for.....Along with some wine or champagne. If it's close enough I may order the all hands on deck and bring my own champagne

 

[TXdeVille]

Serial posting....I know I'm sorry.

Scuba diver.....I'm confused about how much alcohol I can bring back. If memory serves me correctly, you guys told me 2 bottles per person over 21. Passporter says one bottle per person. I remember the Bahamian allowance being one bottle of Bahamian rum and one bottle of other alcohol. Passporter also said that if I buy any liquor in the store onboard I won't get it until the day I disembark??? What's the purpose of that? This has GOT to be wrong...

 

[scuba diver]

Serial posting....I know I'm sorry.

Scuba diver.....I'm confused about how much alcohol I can bring back. If memory serves me correctly, you guys told me 2 bottles per person over 21. Passporter says one bottle per person. I remember the Bahamian allowance being one bottle of Bahamian rum and one bottle of other alcohol. Passporter also said that if I buy any liquor in the store onboard I won't get it until the day I disembark??? What's the purpose of that? This has GOT to be wrong...

I'm not an expert on how much you can take off. I do know you can bring on as much wine as you want.

I normally just bring off two bottles. I don't drink much liquor. The best source of info is Beat Street (or what ever it is called), the store where you buy it on the ship. They will know all the details.

And yes, it will be delivered to your room on the last night. They want to make sure you enjoy plenty of drink specials. That is where they make a lot of money.

Honestly, if I was not driving home from the port I would not buy any. The bucks I save are not worth the hassle of trying to fly it home.

 

[TXdeVille]

Definitely driving home.......

Now my head is reeling from trying to figure out when to do Palo. We'll have a special Christmas Dinner on the 25th, Pirate Night dinner on the 26th, and I don't want to miss Triton's. I'm sure I'm making this too difficult

 

[brendalee59]

Definitely driving home.......

Now my head is reeling from trying to figure out when to do Palo. We'll have a special Christmas Dinner on the 25th, Pirate Night dinner on the 26th, and I don't want to miss Triton's. I'm sure I'm making this too difficult

That is why we're doing brunch. Don't want to miss the reg dinner options. We are doing the dig excursion 11:15 -3:15 tims slot. I doubt we will be there the whole 4 hrs though.But should still be time to see the forts too.

I don't even know what time the ship leaves Nassau.

 

[TXdeVille]

That is why we're doing brunch. Don't want to miss the reg dinner options. We are doing the dig excursion 11:15 -3:15 tims slot. I doubt we will be there the whole 4 hrs though.But should still be time to see the forts too.

I don't even know what time the ship leaves Nassau.

According to Passporter (our Bible don't ya know) usually around 7 pm.

You know, maybe I should reserve a Palo brunch AND dinner and make the final decision once we check in and find out our rotation. We could get lucky. Triton's could be first or fourth night. I found this:

Rotations depending on time of seating
800 TAAP
815 APPT
830 PTTA

I have requested second seating. I'd like the 815 as first choice and the 800 as second choice. Do you think I could specifically request that? I'd rather not have the 830.

Also, I would have liked a sunset dinner reservation but seeing as how the sun sets at 530 and reservations don't start until 6 then I guess I don't have to worry about it, right?

BTW, Annette wish you were here. Strong margaritas at high altitude.

 

[brendalee59]

Hey ... if everyone is going shopping count me in!!

Caroline

Hi Caroline

Welp, my guys will be fishing till 12:45,so Lindsey and I will be free for shopping after our parasail. (We have the 9:00 slot) I'd say 10:00 to 10:15 ish.

Unless they added something since 2000 it's probably just Disney soviees. Same as on the ship except they say Castaway Cay on them.

 

[brendalee59]

According to Passporter (our Bible don't ya know) usually around 7 pm.

You know, maybe I should reserve a Palo brunch AND dinner and make the final decision once we check in and find out our rotation. We could get lucky. Triton's could be first or fourth night. I found this:

Rotations depending on time of seating
800 TAAP
815 APPT
830 PTTA

I have requested second seating. I'd like the 815 as first choice and the 800 as second choice. Do you think I could specifically request that? I'd rather not have the 830.

Also, I would have liked a sunset dinner reservation but seeing as how the sun sets at 530 and reservations don't start until 6 then I guess I don't have to worry about it, right?

BTW, Annette wish you were here. Strong margaritas at high altitude.

I don't know if you can request a specfic time within the rotation. I have been working on Dale about moving to late seating, but he likes eating early, then going to the shows. Besides, he says if we did late he wouldn't be hungry for the pirate buffet I just hope we are on the later end of that rotation. Hope he's ok with lots and lots of little kiddos around.