12/6/08 Eastern ~ ***CURRENT ROSTER pg 68, post # 1007!

[winotracy]

Just catching up with this thread.

HiddenMickeys - oh no, I'm so sorry! Sending lots of pixie dust your way. My father just recently found a job after being downsized, so there's hope!

For the cruise, I'm SO undecided about what to do in St Thomas/St John. I think I've narrowed it down to snorkeling, but there are so many snorkeling excursions. Does anyone have any suggestions? (for two young adults, no kids)

St. Johns is beautiful! We have gone to Trunk Bay a couple times and absolutely loved it. I would recommend going to the park rather than just taking a boat that has snorkeling at Trunk Bay. There is more to do and see when you are on the beach.

 

[LATAS]

Hey there everybody! I haven't posted in a while. So I figured I might say hi. Anyway. Hello to everybody new. I noticed there are a few people around mine and my sisters age that will be going on the cruise the same time as us. Thats good to know. If any of you have myspace let me know. My sister and I have myspace. Its the site other than this one that I'm on all the time.

Hi Cassie!
You can spot me and mine on my myspace page ... it's my signature on this site. You may need my last name? Which is Rose to view my profile!

Nice to meet you. I'm not exactly close to your age (too bad my step-kids aren't going!) but hey, friends are friends!!

 

[Tinker_Bell16]

Hi Cassie!
You can spot me and mine on my myspace page ... it's my signature on this site. You may need my last name? Which is Rose to view my profile!

Nice to meet you. I'm not exactly close to your age (too bad my step-kids aren't going!) but hey, friends are friends!!

Hello!

Awesome. I'll add you as soon as I get back on my myspace.

Its nice to meet you too. Thats ok. Friends are friends.

 

[LATAS]

Heyyyyy............. if Hannah Montana Mini-Me wants a Shadow, I'm sure my 8 year old will fit the bill to a T!

 

[caniac27]

Hi there from the Great White North! (At least it was this past winter!) We have had this cruise booked since April 2007 - with the intention of never stepping foot on it - but changing it to summer 2009 Mediterranean...apparently the people at DCL didn't understand my plan and chose NOT to return to the Med in 2009 - what were they thinking? Sooooo...I looked at some other dates (swore I would not vacation right before Christmas again this year, after doing so at WDW last year and returning to CHAOS )But - can't beat the price, so why mess with a good thing. So joining you are myself (Michelle 38), DH (Derek 38), and DD (Maggie 6). This will be our third Disney cruise (#4 is already booked also - and will book #5 onboard - especially if Med 2010!).

I've tried to catch up on some of the posts (I've been lurking for a couple of weeks since booking #4-Nov 2009 Castaway Cay double dip - )

A few thoughts...
Stockings are a great idea for fish extenders - question - how will we know how many "gifts" to bring?
If you're in Canada and anywhere near a "Cows" store (sorry, it's a Canadian thing) they have the coolest "Pirates of the Cowibbean" shirts for 40% off right now - perfect for Pirate Night.
Late dining rocks - who cares if your kids fall asleep during dinner - at least they were awake for the show!
Excursions are overrated...and definitely don't do a walking tour with young children - they will hate you...unless there's something you absolutely have to do...get yourself to a beach for the day - or stay onboard and enjoy the pool and restaurants with hardly anyone else around!
Photos onboard...all I can say is take money, lots of money - and make friends with the photographers - they will actually pick your child out and take extra pics!
Website - I'm not sure I went back far enough to really figure out what's going on with that, but sign me up if it's relevent!
Door magnets...well, they're just plain fun.
Food...the fruit soup on boarding day is to die for.
Spa and Palo...don't stress when you don't get your ressies online - they have lots of openings on boarding day...but do book anything you can get online - you can always change them later.

Oh yeah - is it too soon to start packing?

Ok, batteries about to die - must go for tonight!

See you real soon!

 

[Tinker_Bell16]

Heyyyyy............. if Hannah Montana Mini-Me wants a Shadow, I'm sure my 8 year old will fit the bill to a T!

My little sister is in love with Hannah Montana. She has basically everything Hannah Montana and webkins.

 

[Tinker_Bell16]

Welcome caniac27

 

[Forever42]

Oh yeah - is it too soon to start packing?

I already have my cruise box going! I even bought some of the wines I'm bringing on board (there's a "Florida" winery down here that has franchises, and they have the BEST fruit wines - I have a guava, watermelon, tangelo, and a mango sparkling wine). Overplanner! We bought our Christmas colored Mickey hands to wave at the Port last year.

And oh my am I stressing out over first day plans! We have the REAS so no worries on Palo/excursions, but I need to make a hair appt for formal night, and have to make sure that we get the reservation we requested, AND have to book tastings and gingerbread house building! I'm going to have a plan of attack printed out with copies for DH and I to split and make our reservations the first day, and coordinate with cell phones.

Thanks, guys, for the tips on St John - we're happy to do something on our own, but I'm TERRIFIED of the ship leaving us behind if we're late for some reason (which never happens but!). Also, where would we get snorkeling equipment? Do they rent it out at the park?

And luckily ever since my mom passed away 5.5 years ago, Christmases are VERY low key as there are no children in our families, so we're not coming back to any stress.

And welcome caniac!!

 

[Melora]

Just checking in!

We have a big summer trip planned and I am kind of focused on that.
As soon as that is over we will be totally focusing on this cruise.
My whole family is going and we are all very excited.

Heres the whole lot going, minus me and my hubby.
My MIL Dee, Sarah (21) Bri (20) Emily (19) Alex (13)
Katherine (will be 9) and Jeffrey (will be 8)

 

[alaskanmommy]

Hi there from the Great White North! (At least it was this past winter!) We have had this cruise booked since April 2007 - with the intention of never stepping foot on it - but changing it to summer 2009 Mediterranean...apparently the people at DCL didn't understand my plan and chose NOT to return to the Med in 2009 - what were they thinking? Sooooo...I looked at some other dates (swore I would not vacation right before Christmas again this year, after doing so at WDW last year and returning to CHAOS )But - can't beat the price, so why mess with a good thing. So joining you are myself (Michelle 38), DH (Derek 38), and DD (Maggie 6). This will be our third Disney cruise (#4 is already booked also - and will book #5 onboard - especially if Med 2010!).

I've tried to catch up on some of the posts (I've been lurking for a couple of weeks since booking #4-Nov 2009 Castaway Cay double dip - )


A few thoughts...
Stockings are a great idea for fish extenders - question - how will we know how many "gifts" to bring?
If you're in Canada and anywhere near a "Cows" store (sorry, it's a Canadian thing) they have the coolest "Pirates of the Cowibbean" shirts for 40% off right now - perfect for Pirate Night.
Late dining rocks - who cares if your kids fall asleep during dinner - at least they were awake for the show!
Excursions are overrated...and definitely don't do a walking tour with young children - they will hate you...unless there's something you absolutely have to do...get yourself to a beach for the day - or stay onboard and enjoy the pool and restaurants with hardly anyone else around!
Photos onboard...all I can say is take money, lots of money - and make friends with the photographers - they will actually pick your child out and take extra pics!
Website - I'm not sure I went back far enough to really figure out what's going on with that, but sign me up if it's relevent!
Door magnets...well, they're just plain fun.
Food...the fruit soup on boarding day is to die for.
Spa and Palo...don't stress when you don't get your ressies online - they have lots of openings on boarding day...but do book anything you can get online - you can always change them later.

Oh yeah - is it too soon to start packing?

Ok, batteries about to die - must go for tonight!

See you real soon!

Welcome Caniac! It's great to hear of another girl that will be six at cruise time, my DD is 6 also! Thanks for all the tips, etc. as this will be our first cruise! We're also from the north, but still in the states, Alaska! I've always thought we've had a lot in common with Canadians! After all I live about an hour or two from Canada! Hopefully these next few months will go by quickly and before we know it we'll be sunning ourselves in the Caribbean!

 

[POR0907]

If you're in Canada and anywhere near a "Cows" store (sorry, it's a Canadian thing) they have the coolest "Pirates of the Cowibbean" shirts for 40% off right now - perfect for Pirate Night.

Are you from PEI? Not sure if there are Cows stores anywhere else in Canada? We are in Shediac.

Question for you re check in for Canadians on departure day, I read somewhere that we register separately as non US citizens, how do the boarding numbers work? What time do you normally get to Port?

Can't wait for the cruise to get here, but I hate that we are wishing the summer away.

 

[caniac27]

Are you from PEI? Not sure if there are Cows stores anywhere else in Canada? We are in Shediac.

Question for you re check in for Canadians on departure day, I read somewhere that we register separately as non US citizens, how do the boarding numbers work? What time do you normally get to Port?

Can't wait for the cruise to get here, but I hate that we are wishing the summer away.

Cows in Niagara-on-the-Lake! We live in the Niagara region of Ontario.

As far as departure day we aim to be there at 11am. The first year we went we registered at the non-US line. It was actually pretty quick, and we were in the 2nd or 3rd boarding group - can't remember which off-hand. Last year the non-US line was pretty long - and our daughter was travelling on her US passport (we just moved back to Canada last summer), they let us into the US line. Honestly - check and see which line is shorter - they can do it all at any of the lines. The first group allowed to board is always the "Suite" passengers. And I don't think it matters as far as boarding number - if I recall correctly we were handed our boarding number before or while we were in line. It depends on who is handing them out also - one person may have run out of group 2, but another still has some - if that makes any sense? Any input from other past cruisers? Am I recalling this correctly - it's been over a year for goodness sakes! (and am I in withdrawal!) Bottom-line, if you're there around 11 you will be in the first few groups to board. Also the characters come out for pictures in the terminal (remember I said bring lots of money for pictures - it starts before you even board!) Also there are TV's with Disney cartoons playing for the kids to watch. You can also go to the back of the terminal and get your kids wrist-bands and pagers for the clubs. (Someone remind me - it seemed like anyone who was going to be able to sign out the kiddies had to be there - am I remembering that correctly?). Of course you can also buy things for your stateroom - like the gifts that they show online, as well as drinks and candy.

A reminder to everyone who does not want to pay a small fortune for an autograph book - Bring one with you! Your kids will absolutely need one - even the older kids seem to enjoy the autograph collecting! And pins - don't forget to pick up a lanyard and some pins if you're at the Disney store or the parks. The crew will pin-trade at set times in the atrium. Plus they have cruise-exclusive pins onboard.

whew - hope I'm helping out and not just running off at the keyboard...

 

[Forever42]

11am is too late for me! I've only been on one cruise, but I'd imagine you'd be in one of the later groups, since the terminal opens at 10am.

 

[bubbasmom99]

We're taking a towncar over from Universal and we'll be there at 10 am!!! The time in the terminal goes really fast. The kids, all our kids, will be getting acquainted and watching videos, taking pics, running around!

We were handed a boarding group # when we started up the escalator. We got there about 10:30 and it was #5 I want a much lower # this time!! We do have Castaway Club line, but I think just about everyone is a CC member these day, hehe.

So.... does anyone have any updated plans yet?

I am thinking I want to do Palo brunch on the 1st sea day (and I want to waitlist for the 3rd sea day too). Palo dinner on Wednesday (Master Chef) night. That menu has never much appealed to me, so it's skippable.

I kinda dislike the fact that our 1st 2 days are sea days because I want my massage early in the cruise (but not the day we leave port - too busy).... but the bargains are on port days!

 

[bubbasmom99]

Okay, today's research topic is St. Martin/St. Maarten....

here is a map of the island with beaches: http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Beaches/stmaarten_Beaches.html

I have heard that Pinel Island is good and quiet... Orient Bay is well-amenitied... not real concerned with the toplessness. Looked at the zipline (Loterie farms)... have no money to shop much so that's out....

What are you all thinking?

 

[HiddenMickeys]

Here are some St. Maarten links we had bookmarked. Theres lots of different info.

http://www.st-maarten-info.com/St-Maarten-Activities/Activities.html

http://www.sxm-philipsburg.com/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Martin

http://www.jmbcommunications.com/sxm/pages/Here/maps.shtml


As for us, we are not all that much beach people, so we'll probably just do the "beach thing" on CC day. We love going to a town here in NJ called Cape May, and enjoy just walking in and out of the shops and browsing. We never really buy much, but we have a good time. It seems that st. maarten will be somewhat setup the same way, so we'll probably just browse and shop a bit, then head back to the ship and enjoy a somewhat emptier magic until everyone else makes it back on by 7:30.

We have a few shops we wanted to hit, heres some info on two of them, for those interested.

The "Yoda Guy" is one we wanted to see.

Some info:

For lovers of vibrant art and Star Wars, Planet Paradise is a must see. Described by many as the most unique store in the Caribbean, this unparalleled art studio and movie museum combines spectacular artwork, with stormtroopers and movie posters autographed by George Lucas, Harrison Ford, James Earl Jones and other Hollywood mega stars!

Planet Paradise is founded on the diverse creations of "Yoda Guy", Nick Maley, an internationally renowned artist, formerly celebrated as a Hollywood creature effects wizard. Nick's credits include Superman, Highlander and almost 50 other film projects, such as contributing to the creation of Yoda for the Star Wars saga. His movie creations were featured in Cinemax and HBO specials, won an Emmy nomination and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

With something for every budget, you will often find the Yoda Guy on site dedicating his superb prints for customers and even autographing inexpensive bookmarks that show him assembling Yoda.

Address: 19A Front Street City: Philipsburg Country: St. Maarten




Also, for any fellow parrotheads:

Last Mango In Paradise -- the Jimmy Buffett Parrothead Store

There's a popular Jimmy Buffett store on Front Street (it's officially called "Last Mango In Paradise") where Parrotheads can get almost anything they've ever wanted -- even a picture with SHARKMAN (take your camera). Recordings of Buffett, whose Caribbean travels sometimes take him here and to neighboring St. Barts, are often heard in the background at many local bars and restaurants. (For the not-so-legendary Cheeseburger in Paradise, take a day trip to St. Barts - you'll find the bar that inspired the song right in Gustavia, on the harbor.)

17 Front Street, Philipsburg


Just a few ideas

 

[Time4disneynow]

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Hope you have a great day!!!!!!

Take care....Monika

 

[Forever42]

For St. Maarten I think we're pretty set on the Golden Eagle catamaran, maybe in the AM. I'm thinking that we'll just try to "chill" on the islands and relax, instead of running around like crazy, and I've heard tons of good reviews on the Golden Eagle. In the afternoon I think we may trek over to Orient beach.

 

[Reneeaiko]

Happy Fathers Day!!​

I have decided that forever42 has a great idea for a cruise box. We are going to spend 8 days at WDW before the cruise so I might just mail the cruise box to POP and remail the WDW stuff back home.

I do have a question. What about snorkle gear? Is it worth bring our own sets? Same question on beach towels. Should we bring our own? Just wondering, most stuff is ready to go on sale and I am trying to decide if I should buy it. Thanks for helping out the rookie!!

 

[winotracy]

Happy Fathers Day!!​

I have decided that forever42 has a great idea for a cruise box. We are going to spend 8 days at WDW before the cruise so I might just mail the cruise box to POP and remail the WDW stuff back home.

I do have a question. What about snorkle gear? Is it worth bring our own sets? Same question on beach towels. Should we bring our own? Just wondering, most stuff is ready to go on sale and I am trying to decide if I should buy it. Thanks for helping out the rookie!!

for me it's snorkel gear yes, beach towels no. You can use the towels on the ship for your excursions. You do not need to haul beach towels with you. We bring our own snorkel gear because he have had bad fitting masks once too often.