20041009 - 10/9/04 - Western

[wayneg]

Welcome Ian
This will be our 1st 7 day cruise, did 4 day last Oct and loved it. Is it your 1st time to Florida?
If you want to know anything just ask somebody will know the answer.
Wayne

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Welcome Ian,

We hope to see you on board!

Lori

 

[jfs9900]

Wahooo! 69 Days and counting......

Don't forget everyone final payments are due Aug 10!!!!!!

 

[cindy21494]

My final payment was due August 1st, so I paid it off this past Wednesday. Only a few more days, and we can start booking shore excursions through Disney!

So far we booked Horseback riding in Grand Cayman and a car rental while we are there, and the Dune Buggy tour in Cozumel. I think we are just renting scooters in Key West. On CC, I want to book the Nature walk/Kayak tour, but I'm not sure how it works with dropping off DD's at kids club before we meet for the tour. Otherwise, we will probably snorkel and rent bikes that day.

What does everyone else have planned so far?

Cindy

 

[JenKatt]

Cindy, we 're doing almost the exact same shore excursions... who are you riding with in GC? We're also doing the dune buggy thing in Cozumel!

 

[UKIan]

I've just changed my sig, and as you can see, we are somewhat Disneyholics, although never felt the need to stay at Disney properties in Orlando as we never could justify the additional cost.

 

[allforpooh]

We are still undecided about the excursions, right now we are leaning toward

Cozmel - Fury Catamaran Sail, Snorkely & Beach Party
Key West - just walking around
Cayman - Stingray Sandbar and Coral Gardens (Nativeway water sports) or Rays, Reef and Rum Point.
CC - Probably just beach and maybe rent bikes

Has anyone done the excursions above, if so what are your thoughts?

Denise

 

[wayneg]

Ian
I see you have stayed at the Omni Rosen/Rosen Centre Hotel. Considering staying there at Xmas. Could you give me a quick review. Price I have seen is £45.11/nt Xmas day to New Years day. Do you think thats a good rate? to book direct with hotel it is £90/nt.
Cheers
Wayne

 

[cindy21494]

Jenkatt, we booked the horseback riding through Island Marketing Ltd. The name of the stables is Honey Suckle Beach Rides. We booked a 9:30 private ride so our DD (4) could go with us. She will be riding with either me or DH. Did you book the Dune Buggies through Cozumel Homes? I saw several people say they were very good, so we went with them. If you are on the same tour with us, that will be great!! I was hoping there would be other's from the ship with us.

I'm getting so excited!! One more week and we will be at the two month mark.

 

[JenKatt]

Originally posted by cindy21494
Jenkatt, we booked the horseback riding through Island Marketing Ltd. The name of the stables is Honey Suckle Beach Rides. We booked a 9:30 private ride so our DD (4) could go with us. She will be riding with either me or DH. Did you book the Dune Buggies through Cozumel Homes? I saw several people say they were very good, so we went with them. If you are on the same tour with us, that will be great!! I was hoping there would be other's from the ship with us.

I'm getting so excited!! One more week and we will be at the two month mark.

Cindy we rode with Honeysuckle last year they are wonderful and plan to book a private ride for 5 this year. We haven't booked the Dune Buggies yet Jeff squared (my Jeff and the other Jeff) are dragging their heels in that aspect of the planning....

 

[cindy21494]

Jenkatt, if you go through Cozumel Homes, you will probably speak to Veronica. She is very nice, but make sure you request a confirmation. I had to call her back and request one. I didn't ask when I made the reservation (I just assumed they would send one), so I don't think she sent it when I made the ressie.

I'm glad you liked Honey Suckle, how was your last ride? Do you actually go in the water, or just along side of it? We've never done a beach ride before, and are not sure what to expect.

Thanks

Cindy

 

[JenKatt]

Since my husband and I ride a bit, they were a bit more adventerous with us. We did go in the water, not enough the horses had to swim, but my shorts did get wet. It was a wonderful time.....

 

[UKIan]

We really liked the Omni Rosen, the main reason being is that is was usually full of conference delegates who were working at the convention centre next door, hence, the pool was really quiet during the day time.

The rooms are pretty standard, although they were looking a little "tired" the last time we stayed there. It could probably use a facelift in the near future.

They have a great 24 hour deli in the lobby which we used all the time. Restaurants were OK, but overpriced compared to other stuff on I-Drive, but they mainly catered to the business traveller.

One downside is the walk from the car park at the rear, to the lifts to the rooms. There is a HUGE conference facility at the back of the hotel, and it's a long walk, especially with two young kids after a day at the parks.

Overall, I probably wouldn't go back again, mainly because there are some newer properties in the area that I would like to try out, namely the Ritz Carlton and the new JW Marriot.

For the rate you quoted though, I think it's a good deal.

 

[cindy21494]

Thanks for the information JenKatt. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Cindy

 

[wayneg]

Thank you Ian,
Think we will wait and see what else comes up, there is plenty of time yet.

Won't be posting for a while as I booked our summer holiday yesterday. Going to Benidorm for 2 weeks on Wednesday then only home a week them Amsterdam for a long weekend so no talking about me while I am away.

Wayne

 

[traycie2201]

Welcome to the boards Ian, hope to see you at the dismeet after lifeboat drill. Wayne have a great holiday, how bad is the weather here ? at least you'll get a tan before dcl :-(
allforpooh, we've booked nativeway for stingrays $80 for the 3 of us for the 9.30am tour (shiptime) can't wait.
See you all very soon.

 

[Kiki07]

We will be joining you on this cruise. Myself, DH and DD8.

Kristen

 

[il-gander]

Welcome Kristen! We have a DD8 too, please PM us if your daughter would like to get virtually acquainted before the cruise. Do you know what cabin you're in?

Carla

Edited to add 8/10: Oops! Our DD is 7, not 8 as I typo'ed above. Jeez, now this cruise planning has got me so addled I cannot even remember how old my children are!

 

[traycie2201]

Welcome Kristen , 9 weeks tomorrow and we cruise, can't wait, don't forget our 60 day mark for booking excursions etc with dcl is on 10th august.

 

[JenKatt]

I'm hoping concierge contacts us soon. I have so much I need them to do precruise for when we board....