2012 Fantasy Inaugural sailing ~ who's joining us!

[mmouse37]

Hello everyone...sorry to hijack your thread but the title caught my eye and I had to read it.

We were lucky enough to be on the Magic's maiden voyage back on July 30, 1998 and although they have not released any info regarding the two new DCL ships I thought I would share how they handled the Maiden Voyage for the Magic.

About 12-18 months before the sailing they did a lottery system. We had to deposit but we did not know if we were confirmed until after the lottery. We booked directly with DCL the minute I heard they were open for bookings. I believe they did away with the lottery after the ship was delayed twice so all the booking had to be switched around...but we held out and had to deal with the two ship delays...original date was supposed to be March 12, 1998 (I still have the brochure) and then a few months after that and then finally the MV was July 30th. I don't think they did a lottery for the Wonder's MV. DCL was great about giving discounts to people who were so inconvenienced by the delays but I think they will be pretty sure to have all their ducks in a row before they announce anything official with the new ships...I doubt they would want to have to give refunds and discounts for any delays on the new ships.

The MV of the Magic was our first cruise experience ever and I loved it...even with all the things that did go wrong. I loved the feeling of being out at sea and the whole feel of cruising. We have been back on DCL for a total of 17 times now with 3 more booked (one a faux booking in hopes of the MV for the Dream) and are booked on the WBTA 2010 and a quick 4 night in January of 2010.

Again, not sure how they will handle any MV bookings for the new ships but I bet they will be hard to get at any rate.....

Sorry to jump on your thread...just wanted to share!!!

P.S.....loved the Twilight Series...got DD 25 reading them now!! And we had our TrueBlood party on Sunday night for the season premiere....made red velvet cake!! Yum, Yum...but scary how much the batter looked like blood!!!

MJ

 

[dznyacct]

Hello everyone...sorry to hijack your thread but the title caught my eye and I had to read it.

We were lucky enough to be on the Magic's maiden voyage back on July 30, 1998 and although they have not released any info regarding the two new DCL ships I thought I would share how they handled the Maiden Voyage for the Magic.

About 12-18 months before the sailing they did a lottery system. We had to deposit but we did not know if we were confirmed until after the lottery. We booked directly with DCL the minute I heard they were open for bookings. I believe they did away with the lottery after the ship was delayed twice so all the booking had to be switched around...but we held out and had to deal with the two ship delays...original date was supposed to be March 12, 1998 (I still have the brochure) and then a few months after that and then finally the MV was July 30th. I don't think they did a lottery for the Wonder's MV. DCL was great about giving discounts to people who were so inconvenienced by the delays but I think they will be pretty sure to have all their ducks in a row before they announce anything official with the new ships...I doubt they would want to have to give refunds and discounts for any delays on the new ships.

The MV of the Magic was our first cruise experience ever and I loved it...even with all the things that did go wrong. I loved the feeling of being out at sea and the whole feel of cruising. We have been back on DCL for a total of 17 times now with 3 more booked (one a faux booking in hopes of the MV for the Dream) and are booked on the WBTA 2010 and a quick 4 night in January of 2010.

Again, not sure how they will handle any MV bookings for the new ships but I bet they will be hard to get at any rate.....

Sorry to jump on your thread...just wanted to share!!!

P.S.....loved the Twilight Series...got DD 25 reading them now!! And we had our TrueBlood party on Sunday night for the season premiere....made red velvet cake!! Yum, Yum...but scary how much the batter looked like blood!!!

MJ

Thank you so much for your first hand account of an inaugural sailing . I know three years is a long way off, but as you can see, we cruised with a bunch of (wonderful ) DISers who love to plan Disney trips as much as I do . I can only imagine how this thread will grow from now until 2012.

 

[jns]

where will the inaugural sailing be from

is it from the shipyard here in Europe or will it be the first sailing from the US ?

would love it to be from europe

 

[texfinn]

Sonya -- I'll grab you a bottle of both. No plans for London yet but close to booking the hotel. I am thinking the Sheraton Park right now but will let you know when it is confirmed.

JorDan -- I am with you -- struggling for something to read. Need to re-read Harry Potter in advance of the movie but just can't get into it. Now that season 2 of True Blood has started am thinking of re-reading Dead in Dallas BUT that won't get me far. Sonya -- wish you lived closer, would share my books with you.

I haven't read the Host yet. It got odd reviews so was not so sure I would like it.

MJ -- thanks for sharing! I am hoping this won't be a lottery so we can all go together. As Kathy said, it is a great group of DIS'ers and I would love to sail again with them (this time without grumpy DH).

JNS -- that is a good question. I have no idea. MJ, if you are still out there, was the maiden voyage from Europe? I am good with that -- especially if it happens in the summer since I am taking DD with me. It's ok, we have 3 years to plan.

I have decided I am still in mourning over the passing of our "vacation". Me and Yoni are trying to plan little one night things the next few months but I am just sad that I don't have anything as exciting as WDW or the cruise anytime soon.

Ok, off to drop the kids to camp! Have a good day everyone!

 

[mmouse37]

Sonya -- I'll grab you a bottle of both. No plans for London yet but close to booking the hotel. I am thinking the Sheraton Park right now but will let you know when it is confirmed.

JorDan -- I am with you -- struggling for something to read. Need to re-read Harry Potter in advance of the movie but just can't get into it. Now that season 2 of True Blood has started am thinking of re-reading Dead in Dallas BUT that won't get me far. Sonya -- wish you lived closer, would share my books with you.

I haven't read the Host yet. It got odd reviews so was not so sure I would like it.

MJ -- thanks for sharing! I am hoping this won't be a lottery so we can all go together. As Kathy said, it is a great group of DIS'ers and I would love to sail again with them (this time without grumpy DH).

JNS -- that is a good question. I have no idea. MJ, if you are still out there, was the maiden voyage from Europe? I am good with that -- especially if it happens in the summer since I am taking DD with me. It's ok, we have 3 years to plan.

I have decided I am still in mourning over the passing of our "vacation". Me and Yoni are trying to plan little one night things the next few months but I am just sad that I don't have anything as exciting as WDW or the cruise anytime soon.

Ok, off to drop the kids to camp! Have a good day everyone!

Maiden Voyage was from Port Canaveral, not Europe. I believe they sailed from Italy with just crew and some VIPs from the company and then had a 1 or 2 night VIP sailing with press and a big celebration from Florida. They had the official MV with paying passengers on July 30th, 1998. Many people were upset because the MV was not celebrated at all.....and everyone onboard was seeing all the festivities and streamers and characaters/vips for the VIP sailing shown continually on the cabin TV and no such celebration was on our sailing...people were really upset!!!

Again, who knows how they will handle the new ships' MV.

P.S. In London we have stayed at the Thistle Marble Arch and the Thistle Euston...both nice with full english breakfast and convenient to everything. DD was studying abroad in London last year and we went for a visit. I had priced out tons of hotels and the Sheratons were on my list (as I am a Starwood member) but we opted for hotels with full breakfast included to cost down on costs. Not sure if the hotels still offer the breakfasts. My friend is going to London next week and she is staying at the Marriot Marble Arch. DD on a subsequent trip back to London stayed at the Holiday Inn Camden-Lock. Camden is a very trendy area with a great marketplace for all kinds of clothes, antiques, souveniers, etc. I found a great website for searching hotels was www.otel.com

MJ


MJ

 

[mmouse37]

bumping up

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I'm back! Been so busy at work this past 2 weeks its been a nightmare! Have taken today off with all the extra hours I have racked up the last 2 weeks! Its our wedding anniversary today so I'm making a bit lamb dinner - Tony got the taste for it on the Magic! have made some cinammon muffins as well - closest thing I can come up to to Cinabbons!!

Thanks Mmouse for all the help - I sure hope we all get to travel together!

My Sookie books came yesterday - can't wait to get started!! For those looking for something new to read, have you read the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman - includes The Golden Compass, (the Daniel Craig film). They're not as good at Twilight or Harry Potter, but they're certainly not bad! And if you're into magic, I think I mentioned this back on the KLP thread, but JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL by Susanna Clarke is pretty good as well! Think they are making a film out of it as well!

Hope everyones keeping OK. TGIF!!!

 

[dznyacct]

I'm back! Been so busy at work this past 2 weeks its been a nightmare! Have taken today off with all the extra hours I have racked up the last 2 weeks! Its our wedding anniversary today so I'm making a bit lamb dinner - Tony got the taste for it on the Magic! have made some cinammon muffins as well - closest thing I can come up to to Cinabbons!!Hope everyones keeping OK. TGIF!!!

Happy Anniversary Sonya & Tony !

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Ah thanks Kathy!!

Just wanted to say, just officially pushed our cruise back to Dec 2010, so Fantasy here we come! Also booked a mini-break to Disney Paris for my birthday - apart from we're going two months after my birthday *** I am worried about the snow in January! decided to blow the money we were going to spend on interiour doors! Whats the point of new doors when the dogs will just mess them up?! Give me Disney over cleanlines any day!!!!!

 

[Dizneyholic]

Happy Anniversary Tony & Sonya!!!

BTW, who needs new doors when you can go on vacation instead!!

 

[dznyacct]

Ah thanks Kathy!!

Just wanted to say, just officially pushed our cruise back to Dec 2010, so Fantasy here we come! Also booked a mini-break to Disney Paris for my birthday - apart from we're going two months after my birthday *** I am worried about the snow in January! decided to blow the money we were going to spend on interiour doors! Whats the point of new doors when the dogs will just mess them up?! Give me Disney over cleanlines any day!!!!!

YAY, so glad you are "officially" joining all of us !!!

 

[dznyacct]

Just throwing this out there, but wouldn't it be fun to add on some time at WDW before or after the cruise (ala Sonya and Tony ) with our Key Lime Pie-rates????? Hmmmmm, three years to plan !

 

[Dizneyholic]

I'm all for more time at WDW!! I guess it just depends on how much the cruise is going to be and if we can even get on it!

 

[SpeedFigure]

Ohhh I'm all for extra time at WDW. We own a condo rental association and get get a condo next to WDW for only $89 for the whole week!!! Never stayed on sight at WDW, but depending on how much the cruise will cost we'll have to see what's possible.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TONY & SONYA!!! Sounds like you had quite a lovely day full of good food! (I saw that giant cookie heart you gave Tony)

I miss the cruise so bad...life worries are getting into the way. BLAH!

 

[texfinn]

Hi Everyone! Sorry I've been absent. Had a serious case of the blahs. Sonya -- I am with you, need to plan another vacation. Yoni is looking at a beach getaway for a few nights in October which would be a nice break in between summer and our Christmas London/Finland trip.

Happy Anniversary again Sonya! We didn't eat at Tony Roma's. We did go and buy the sauce though! The restaurant in San Antonio looked gross -- they were definitely not keeping it up. We ended up at an Irish Pub and drank and sang all night long (yes, we went to San Antonio -- a Mexican American mecca -- and ate and drank at an Irish pub -- go figure!).

JorDan -- I've been thinking about you and Baby Tripp. How are you feeling??? When will you find out the sex? I hope you post pictures as you start to really show. I think you are going to be the most adorable pregnant woman!!!

Kathy/JorDan -- I am all in for WDW before and/or after the cruise! Yoni has sworn off Disney so it is up to me to get my fix. Sonya -- so jealous that Tony enjoys it as much as you do. Smart move on the vacation over the doors. Memories are worth so much more -- at least to me!

Yoni is ok with Disney but since we have been there the past two years, he would rather go elsewhere. Next year it is probably a week long vacation somewhere at the beach with the kids. I know we are doing the Italy trip for our 10 yr and my 40 yr for 2 weeks and I am already planning a DL trip next year for me and Sabrina. Just not sure when -- spring break or summertime? Hmmmmm......seems like I have used up almost all of my vacation for 2010!

Nothing much going on here. Workouts are getting more intense -- hopefully at some point will start to see more results. I am helping a bit with our 20 year reunion at the end of July and just work and the normal stuff!

I need to go catch up on TRs....maybe I'll do that today!

 

[SpeedFigure]

As I posted on the old Board:
Just filling you in on my first official Baby appointment. Yesterday was my 12 week appointment to see the Dr and hear the heartbeat.
We arrive at the office super early and excited/anxious. I really wanted to hear that heartbeat to be 100% sure a baby was in there. (Since I've had no morning sickness/nauseous, felt fine except getting fatter)
They take us back in the room, ask a few questions then I get ready for the Heart Monitor thingy. After 5 minutes, they can't find a heartbeat. It was kinda intense. The nurse says I need to have an Ultrasound done to check on the baby.
We go into the Ultrasound room and the Dr gets it all ready. She starts doing that thing on my tummy and she finds what she thinks is my Uterus and says it's empty. She told me that I either wasn't pregnant or I lost the baby. They could do 1 more ultrasound (the fun one down in the danger zone). She leaves just freaking out that I'm not pregnant. Amazingly I was doing just fine, no freak out. She does the other Ultrasound and BAM there is our baby!!
We couldn't hear the heartbeat, but could see it fluttering around. It was good to have because we found out I am only 11 weeks along.

So to say the least we are relieved and very happy. My due date is now Jan 11th, but will be moved up sooner cause I'm having a C Section. Our next appointment isn't until end of July and we won't find out the gender until end of August. I'll keep you all posted!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Sounds like a lot of us have the post cruise blues. I've been away from the boards cause its just depressing that I don't have anything to plan for.

JorDan - I'm so glad everything worked out for you and you were able to see the baby! How lucky for you that you haven't had any morning sickness.

I've just caught up on all the trip and food reports. I'm really impressed that you all are able to keep the vacation going by reliving it through your reports.

Mati - I'd suggest going to DL in October. The weather is great and the crowds are down (more early October since they do the whole Halloween decorations now).

Lynsey - can't wait to hear how the conference went and how you enjoyed your quick trip to WDW.

Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July weekend (well at least all the US group).

Jane

 

[dznyacct]

Sounds like a lot of us have the post cruise blues. I've been away from the boards cause its just depressing that I don't have anything to plan for.

JorDan - I'm so glad everything worked out for you and you were able to see the baby! How lucky for you that you haven't had any morning sickness.

I've just caught up on all the trip and food reports. I'm really impressed that you all are able to keep the vacation going by reliving it through your reports.

Mati - I'd suggest going to DL in October. The weather is great and the crowds are down (more early October since they do the whole Halloween decorations now).

Lynsey - can't wait to hear how the conference went and how you enjoyed your quick trip to WDW.

Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July weekend (well at least all the US group).

Jane

Thanks for checking in Jane . I miss everyone from the cruise so much . It's amazing how we can all bond in such a short time together, although all our pre-vacation chatting on the DIS boards helped all become friends long before the cruise .

I'm hoping to still do my birthday trip to WDW with my friend Alicia in September . I talked to my boss today about the timing and she said it would be fine. At my old job (where I was at for 23 years) we had a calendar year-end (12/31) so our "bad time" was December - February. Well, at Purdue year-end is 6/30. Many things they save up for year-end, so from May to early September I am swamped. Don't really like working late and bringing things home when the weather is so beautiful, but I am thankful to have a job with today's economy. Two of my friends from my previous job are still looking, having been unemployed since January 1st .

I am off Friday, but will be bringing work home to do Friday so I can have a real two day weekend . We are going to my sister's on the 4th to swim, eat and see some fireworks. I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend. Hugs to all ! ~ Kathy

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hi Kathy,

When in September are you thinking about going down? We just registered for the ConGaloosh event September 25 - 27 and hope that we made the cut before all the registrations were sold out. Jim decided that is how he would like to celebrate his birthday (its not till January, but this is a once in a lifetime event). We also just noticed the food and wine festival starts on Sept 25 as well.

Cross your fingers that we made the registration. Then planning can begin!

Jane

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Is it 2012 yet - I am so ready!!!!!!!!!