12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[scuba.mom]

Hi Jodale!

I will be good to get on that ship. Just hope four days is enough to recharge us for the rest of winter. I already know it isn't enough for me. I have no idea how I got bamboozled into a 4 day cruise when my family knows that just just gets me started

I understand that this will be a short cruise and after doing the EB Panama Canal for 15 days very different for me. However, we did a three day cruise two Christmas's ago and it was VERY relaxing. The key was not to over book ourselves. This time will be all about what Matt (DS 18) wanted, thus Palo Dinner and Brunch.

This weekend Jim flew to MS to see Matt for the weekend. Matt just found out that when he finishes his Air Traffic Controller Training in MS his next base will be Grand Forks, ND. Big weather change for a Florida boy. I told him he needed to embrace his "Michigan" roots (we moved when he was 5) and get back into skiing, etc. He has a great attitude, so I think he will be fine. The date he will have to leave for ND is up in the air, so I am hoping this does not "mess up" our Christmas plans. But, I guess this is the military and what they tell you one day does not mean it will happen the next. We booked this cruise when he was told he would have 10 days off at Christmas - I hope that is still true.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

I understand that this will be a short cruise and after doing the EB Panama Canal for 15 days very different for me. However, we did a three day cruise two Christmas's ago and it was VERY relaxing. The key was not to over book ourselves. This time will be all about what Matt (DS 18) wanted, thus Palo Dinner and Brunch.

This weekend Jim flew to MS to see Matt for the weekend. Matt just found out that when he finishes his Air Traffic Controller Training in MS his next base will be Grand Forks, ND. Big weather change for a Florida boy. I told him he needed to embrace his "Michigan" roots (we moved when he was 5) and get back into skiing, etc. He has a great attitude, so I think he will be fine. The date he will have to leave for ND is up in the air, so I am hoping this does not "mess up" our Christmas plans. But, I guess this is the military and what they tell you one day does not mean it will happen the next. We booked this cruise when he was told he would have 10 days off at Christmas - I hope that is still true.

My husband is AD Army and we almost always book our vacations at Christmas time. It is the only time that we know for sure that he will able to take leave, as Christmas is universally block leave, at least in the Army. We have taken a bit of a risk in booking our Baltic Cruise as summer block leave is much less predictable, but generally falls the week of the Independence day and the week either preceeding or following it. Not sure if things are much different in the Air Force (they generally get better base housing, that's for sure), but I would say Christmas is a pretty safe bet. His superiors don't want to work it either!

 

[brendalee59]

Good morning everyone!

9 weeks from today we will be landing at MCO and beginning our vacation


Ok, back to earth Hope everyone has a super Saturday, and a wonderful weekend.

 

[scuba.mom]

My husband is AD Army and we almost always book our vacations at Christmas time. It is the only time that we know for sure that he will able to take leave, as Christmas is universally block leave, at least in the Army. We have taken a bit of a risk in booking our Baltic Cruise as summer block leave is much less predictable, but generally falls the week of the Independence day and the week either preceeding or following it. Not sure if things are much different in the Air Force (they generally get better base housing, that's for sure), but I would say Christmas is a pretty safe bet. His superiors don't want to work it either!

I sure hope you are right. Thanks.

 

[drag n' fly]

It was snowing big fluffy flakes this morning.


Here is a little Disney to get you in the mood!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disradio/new-player/player.htm

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Shopping-xmas/index.htm

 

[brendalee59]

It was snowing big fluffy flakes this morning.


Here is a little Disney to get you in the mood!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disradio/new-player/player.htm

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Shopping-xmas/index.htm

Hard to imagine snow already. It's still in the 80"s here.

Thanks for the links Annette. It got me in the mood. I always get Christmas ornaments when we go on vacation. Guess I'll have my work cut out for me this year:

 

[brendalee59]

Good morning!

60 days from now we will be on a plane headed for Orlando I getting so excited I can barely stand it. I'm about ready to drag out the luggage I still need to see about a little Christmas tree. Thought about getting one in Downtown Disney, but don't really want to spend that much. I was thinking something cheap that we could leave behind. Guess that will be my mission this week. I will get stockings and some goodies for the kids at the Christmas Shop in DTD. I saw an Ariel stocking for Lindsey while looking through the pictures from Annette's link above.

Have a Mavalous Monday Dahlings....I'll catch ya later

 

[TXdeVille]

Still here. Still sailing. Paid in full. I think BRENDALEE59 nailed it. Things have been incredibly busy. Certainly for our household. I've been reduced to the Lurker mode here on the DIS board. I try to log on at least once a week and read as much as I can but rarely have the time to post. I've fallen asleep more nights than I can count now fully dressed with the lights and TV on.

Today was another urgent trip to the high school (a frequent enough occurance that the principles, social worker, counselors and admin staff all know me by name) and once again we ended up in the Emergency Room (an all too common occurance as well.) No lasting problem. Just the latest crisis dejour for us.

This cruise is going to be soooo gooood
oh, and it will be nice to meet you guys in person too

Wow! I hope everything starts looking up JoDale and that the ER visits stop or at least slow down. I hope everything is alright....

It will be nice to meet all you guys in person too. Will we have a formal Disboard meet onboard?

I understand that this will be a short cruise and after doing the EB Panama Canal for 15 days very different for me. However, we did a three day cruise two Christmas's ago and it was VERY relaxing. The key was not to over book ourselves. This time will be all about what Matt (DS 18) wanted, thus Palo Dinner and Brunch.

This weekend Jim flew to MS to see Matt for the weekend. Matt just found out that when he finishes his Air Traffic Controller Training in MS his next base will be Grand Forks, ND. Big weather change for a Florida boy. I told him he needed to embrace his "Michigan" roots (we moved when he was 5) and get back into skiing, etc. He has a great attitude, so I think he will be fine. The date he will have to leave for ND is up in the air, so I am hoping this does not "mess up" our Christmas plans. But, I guess this is the military and what they tell you one day does not mean it will happen the next. We booked this cruise when he was told he would have 10 days off at Christmas - I hope that is still true.

Here's pixie dust that it works out!!

Good morning!

60 days from now we will be on a plane headed for Orlando I getting so excited I can barely stand it. I'm about ready to drag out the luggage I still need to see about a little Christmas tree. Thought about getting one in Downtown Disney, but don't really want to spend that much. I was thinking something cheap that we could leave behind. Guess that will be my mission this week. I will get stockings and some goodies for the kids at the Christmas Shop in DTD. I saw an Ariel stocking for Lindsey while looking through the pictures from Annette's link above.

Have a Mavalous Monday Dahlings....I'll catch ya later

OMG!! THANKS ANNETTE!! Now my budget needs to be increased. Some of those ornaments are absolutely darling! I love the Mickey head ornaments. Before I really looked into the pictures I was thinking about how it would be good to get special ornaments to reflect where we have been during Christmas. Perhaps start a tradition of getting an ornament when we go somewhere. Even if it isn't Christmas. Not sure of the likelihood of that one... I think Victoria would love the Pirate Princess stocking. Not sure if I'm gonna buy them although they are cute. My budget just got bigger, remember?!?

As for the tree, I need to get one too. Brenda, check out Garden Ridge. If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll get it for ya and deliver it with the pie.

I can't wait for the snow. Just missed it in Taos. I did find out that my conference in Vail is still happening! This time, I'm kickin' the mountain's butt!! Ooops...hope I don't get dinged.

Annette, you bookin' RCL directly?

 

[DisneyMama27]

I was thinking about how it would be good to get special ornaments to reflect where we have been during Christmas. Perhaps start a tradition of getting an ornament when we go somewhere. Even if it isn't Christmas.

I started that years ago! I TRY to get one on each of our trips - sometimes we've forgotten, but we have ornaments from MOST places we've been to! I have tons of Disney ornaments, of course, but plenty from other places too. Obviously, we do not have a "decorator" tree, but I love our tree full of memories! The kids love to take hours each year to decorate the tree, asking where each ornament came from, who gave it to whom, etc. My favorites are the ones made by the kids, of course. We probably have enough Disney ornaments for its own tree, I just don't have space or time for two trees! (WHen DH breaks down and buys me a pre-lit tree, maybe then...)

Brenda, Garden Ridge or someplace like that (Hobby Lobby) are great for cheap, small trees. I have a couple that I picked up on sale a few years ago - we used to use them in the kids' rooms, but I took one to my classroom, and I think I will bring one on the cruise and leave it behind (except for the ornaments)...I am looking for small lighted ones for the kids' rooms this year.

I like the idea of special stockings...may have to get those when I am there in a few weeks for TG. LOVE that Christmas store! And the scrapbooking store - I always buy stuff, but do I make the scrapbooks? NOOO! Someday.... I'll be looking for cruise stuff there - can't seem to find it anywhere else!

Well, I made it through my first day back to work...a little hopped up on happy pills, but they worked! (Didn't think I would need them, but the world was a steadier and less stressful place once I took it!) Took a nap this afternoon... just took my last vicodin. Hope good old Advil does the trick tomorrow! My sweet 2nd graders were great today as I eased back into the real world! I really missed my mid-morning nap, though!

 

[brendalee59]

Wow! I hope everything starts looking up JoDale and that the ER visits stop or at least slow down. I hope everything is alright....

It will be nice to meet all you guys in person too. Will we have a formal Disboard meet onboard?



Here's pixie dust that it works out!!




OMG!! THANKS ANNETTE!! Now my budget needs to be increased. Some of those ornaments are absolutely darling! I love the Mickey head ornaments. Before I really looked into the pictures I was thinking about how it would be good to get special ornaments to reflect where we have been during Christmas. Perhaps start a tradition of getting an ornament when we go somewhere. Even if it isn't Christmas. Not sure of the likelihood of that one... I think Victoria would love the Pirate Princess stocking. Not sure if I'm gonna buy them although they are cute. My budget just got bigger, remember?!?

As for the tree, I need to get one too. Brenda, check out Garden Ridge. If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll get it for ya and deliver it with the pie.

I can't wait for the snow. Just missed it in Taos. I did find out that my conference in Vail is still happening! This time, I'm kickin' the mountain's butt!! Ooops...hope I don't get dinged.

Annette, you bookin' RCL directly?

Thanks for the offer Courtney. Nearest Garden Ridge is in Oklahoma City. If it is even still there. I will find a tree if it's just a little one from the dollar store. I don't want to spend much on one, and it can't be too heavy as we will be flying.
I don't know how Disboards meets work. I've only ever done RCCL. Meet & Mingles. You have to have 25 people sign up,then RCCL will throw you a little get together. Snacks, door prizes and such.
Guess we need to pick a spot and time to meet up for those who can make it. Have plenty of time to work that out though. I know Dale and I will be spending most of our sea day on our balcony recovering from 4 days of WDW. Just chill'n on a lounger,with an adult beverage in hand. awww doesn't get any better than that

 

[brendalee59]

I started that years ago! I TRY to get one on each of our trips - sometimes we've forgotten, but we have ornaments from MOST places we've been to! I have tons of Disney ornaments, of course, but plenty from other places too. Obviously, we do not have a "decorator" tree, but I love our tree full of memories! The kids love to take hours each year to decorate the tree, asking where each ornament came from, who gave it to whom, etc. My favorites are the ones made by the kids, of course. We probably have enough Disney ornaments for its own tree, I just don't have space or time for two trees! (WHen DH breaks down and buys me a pre-lit tree, maybe then...)

Brenda, Garden Ridge or someplace like that (Hobby Lobby) are great for cheap, small trees. I have a couple that I picked up on sale a few years ago - we used to use them in the kids' rooms, but I took one to my classroom, and I think I will bring one on the cruise and leave it behind (except for the ornaments)...I am looking for small lighted ones for the kids' rooms this year.

I like the idea of special stockings...may have to get those when I am there in a few weeks for TG. LOVE that Christmas store! And the scrapbooking store - I always buy stuff, but do I make the scrapbooks? NOOO! Someday.... I'll be looking for cruise stuff there - can't seem to find it anywhere else!

Well, I made it through my first day back to work...a little hopped up on happy pills, but they worked! (Didn't think I would need them, but the world was a steadier and less stressful place once I took it!) Took a nap this afternoon... just took my last vicodin. Hope good old Advil does the trick tomorrow! My sweet 2nd graders were great today as I eased back into the real world! I really missed my mid-morning nap, though!

We get ornaments from every trip too. It is fun to remember all our vacations each year when we decorate the tree.
We have a Hobby Lobby, but I didn't see anything I really wanted. There is a Michael's in Wichita Falls. I may try there. Thanks for the ideas though. Glad you are back to work. Happy pills and all Guess 2nd graders don't take naps huh? Fingers crossed the Advil works for you

 

[scuba.mom]

I don't know how Disboards meets work. I've only ever done RCCL. Meet & Mingles. You have to have 25 people sign up,then RCCL will throw you a little get together. Snacks, door prizes and such.
Guess we need to pick a spot and time to meet up for those who can make it. Have plenty of time to work that out though. I know Dale and I will be spending most of our sea day on our balcony recovering from 4 days of WDW. Just chill'n on a lounger,with an adult beverage in hand. awww doesn't get any better than that

In the past, a time and place have been agreed to by the group to meet before the sailaway party. I think the last group was at 3pm on Deck 10 mid-ship on the side of the ship closest to the Terminal. Whatever this group decides is fine with us. It will be nice to meet everyone and put "faces" and names together. We have been spoiled in the past by cruising with a friend who makes buttons for everyone with their DIS name and Real name. It makes it easier to find each other. Just pick a time and a place and hopfully many of us can connect.

 

[drag n' fly]

Wow! I hope everything starts looking up JoDale and that the ER visits stop or at least slow down. I hope everything is alright....

It will be nice to meet all you guys in person too. Will we have a formal Disboard meet onboard?



Here's pixie dust that it works out!!




OMG!! THANKS ANNETTE!! Now my budget needs to be increased. Some of those ornaments are absolutely darling! I love the Mickey head ornaments. Before I really looked into the pictures I was thinking about how it would be good to get special ornaments to reflect where we have been during Christmas. Perhaps start a tradition of getting an ornament when we go somewhere. Even if it isn't Christmas. Not sure of the likelihood of that one... I think Victoria would love the Pirate Princess stocking. Not sure if I'm gonna buy them although they are cute. My budget just got bigger, remember?!?

As for the tree, I need to get one too. Brenda, check out Garden Ridge. If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll get it for ya and deliver it with the pie.

I can't wait for the snow. Just missed it in Taos. I did find out that my conference in Vail is still happening! This time, I'm kickin' the mountain's butt!! Ooops...hope I don't get dinged.

Annette, you bookin' RCL directly?

No I am not booking directly. We have a Expedia Cruise Centre 5 minutes from my house so I am booking with them or with whoever offers the best OBC:

I saw some small trees at our local store here for 14 bucks. They even come with decorations!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Hey all! Just poppin' in. Nothing to say in particular. Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[brendalee59]

Hidey Ho neighbors

2 months....or

60 days or

8 weeks...

However you look at it. We are in countdown mode I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm so excited I can barely stand it


Annette, Looks like you found your Christmas tree. I'll keep looking. I can always go get the one at Hobby Lobby,but was hoping for a little one that can be taken apart so it won't take up much space in our luggage.

Hi Adrianna! Always good to hear from you, even if you don't have anything to say Glad all is well with your family.

Scuba Mom, since you are more familar with the ship, would you mind choosing a place for us to meet? It has been so long since our one and onlyDCL cruise, I think it will be like the first time all over again. Maybe since it's a little late,and we are all so busy, we could just use the peel and stick name tags? or wear something that we can be reconized by...maybe a lei, or a certain color strand of mardi gras beads. Nothing big...just a quick meeting to see who we have been chatting with the last year and a half. I know everyone will be busy unpacking, and settling in. then there are those of us with early seating for dinner who will wait till last minute to get ready that first night You tell us when and where, and we will be there with bright shiny faces.....and frizzy hair


Nitey Nite everyone. Sweet Dreams

 

[TXdeVille]

Scubamom and/or Scubadiver,
As I am starting the process of making sure I have everything, I am debating about whether or not we take our fins for snorkeling. They are a pain to lug around if I don't have to. What do you think??

 

[scuba diver]

Scubamom and/or Scubadiver,
As I am starting the process of making sure I have everything, I am debating about whether or not we take our fins for snorkeling. They are a pain to lug around if I don't have to. What do you think??

If you are only snorkling at CC then I would just use their's. It saves the hassel of hauling them around, cleaning them, getting everything wet, etc. It is just so convenient when the equipment is just right there for you.

However, if you are also snorkling at Nassau, then I would consider bring them. You just don't know what the equipment will be like.

The most important thing to bring is the mask. It is hard to get a good fit on the mask. Snorkles, vests, fins are all pretty universal, but a leaky mask is just a real pain.

If I had to pick one item it would always be the mask.

 

[TXdeVille]

If you are only snorkling at CC then I would just use their's. It saves the hassel of hauling them around, cleaning them, getting everything wet, etc. It is just so convenient when the equipment is just right there for you.

However, if you are also snorkling at Nassau, then I would consider bring them. You just don't know what the equipment will be like.

The most important thing to bring is the mask. It is hard to get a good fit on the mask. Snorkles, vests, fins are all pretty universal, but a leaky mask is just a real pain.

If I had to pick one item it would always be the mask.

Thanks for the advice!

We are going to snorkel at Nassau too but I'm having second thoughts about it. I agree 100% about the mask. We are definitely bringing those and the snorkels as well. Even though they may get cleaned, I have a problem putting my mouth on a snorkel someone else has used. Unless of course, it's DH's. Figured we would bring our vests too since everyone else's will look the same. Collapsed, they don't take up much room.

 

[scuba diver]

Thanks for the advice!

We are going to snorkel at Nassau too but I'm having second thoughts about it. I agree 100% about the mask. We are definitely bringing those and the snorkels as well. Even though they may get cleaned, I have a problem putting my mouth on a snorkel someone else has used. Unless of course, it's DH's. Figured we would bring our vests too since everyone else's will look the same. Collapsed, they don't take up much room.

Did I mention wet suits? Almost as important as mask.

 

[drag n' fly]

You know I was reading this and I swear I will never swim with the dolphins again

http://www.wildlifepimps.com/feat-SwimWithDolphins.htm