I'm not sure if we have talked about this yet, but for first timer cruisers make sure to pack a very large extra bag. The gifts we get can big really big and heavy. We also try to ship some of the stuff home. Last year all crusiers received photo albums with wood covers in a wood box.
I know these next 20 weeks will either go by fast or drag real slow. 
So basically, since we didn't need ours until October then we had to play the waiting game. Good thing I have extra birth certificates for everyone. It doesn't seem fair to those of us that got the paperwork off in plenty of time. That is our government at work-change the rules and not have enough people in place to take care of things.
Linda - the information you are looking for (as are we all) needs to come from DVC. They do send out a number of e-mails prior to the cruise. Last year one of our main complaints was that the e-mails didn't come often enough or provide enough information to help us with booking excursions. For example it wasn't until after the excursion booking date that DVC announced the group picture would be taken at 10 am on the second CC day. So anyone who booked an excursion at that time was out of luck.
Hopefully DVC has learned from the feedback many of us left and will be giving us more information this year and sooner. I know they love to have surprises and we love to be surprised as well but please tell us the basics like:
You know the kind of basics that can help us all plan. DVC if you are reading it is time for an e-mail.
- when will the group picture be shot
- what are our arrival times at the island
- are we having a party the night before (like in 2005)
I realized that DVC did address the group picture in their last e-mail saying it would be on the 2nd stop at Castaway Cay. Based on past cruises I would expect this to be at 10 am though they didn't say that in the e-mail. So if you want to be included in the group picture I would not book anything in the 10-11 am range on the second day at Castaway Cay. We always like being part of the group picture as it is a great reminder of the voyage. They first year (2003) you had to purchase it if you wanted it, but the last two years (2005 & 2006) it was delivered to our stateroom as one of our gifts.
I got home from work and what did I find but info from DCL about excursions!
We applied for our passports 12 weeks ago and are still playing the waiting game. I even called last week to see where they were and was told that they were getting everyone that needed theirs immediately or within a month done first.
I also recieved the DCL docments yesterday and have a question or course. Is there a place to see the prices of these wonderful things to do? Or do I have to wait for the booking date to rethink all my plans?
WOO HOO, I received my documents today
It's going in the scrapbook
Amanda wants to do the fishing excursion. Amanda wanted to do that last year but it was sold out. She will probably do that by herself because I'm not good a sitting still and waiting for things to happen
