3/29/2007 - March 29th 3-day Wonder - anyone???
- Thread starter yndygo
- Start date
DH, DS4, DS5 and myself will be on the cruise too.
I have been searching for a cruise meet thread for this date for a couple of weeks and haven't been able to find another thread. Thanks for starting the thread. Now we each know that there will be at least one other dis family on the cruise.
This is our third DCL cruise. This time I booked late and am trying really hard not to overplan
but will try to check back regularly to find out who else will be joining us.
I have been searching for a cruise meet thread for this date for a couple of weeks and haven't been able to find another thread. Thanks for starting the thread. Now we each know that there will be at least one other dis family on the cruise.
This is our third DCL cruise. This time I booked late and am trying really hard not to overplan
but will try to check back regularly to find out who else will be joining us.DH, DD13, DS10.
This is our first Disney Cruise. Any advice, tips, etc. anyone can provide will really be appreciated.
Can't wait!
Andria
This is our first Disney Cruise. Any advice, tips, etc. anyone can provide will really be appreciated.
Can't wait!
Andria
Hi Andrea & yndygo,
This is our 3rd DCL cruise, but I am no expert by any means. Almost everything I know is in the following thread. However, I was not sharp enough to realize that it was all consolidated into one thread and spent hours researching these boards.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1002071
Here are few tips that I have come up with based on our two previous cruises.
1. Don't plan too many adult things on the assumption that your children will like the kids clubs. My children are very sociable, but only last about an hour in the club, which makes it hard to plan anything that is adult only. We do try to have dinner at Palo one night, but were only successful on the 2nd cruise and still got paged from the club toward the end of our dinner. It works better for us to just plan on doing stuff with the kids and if they want to be in the club, that's OK. Don't get me wrong, most kids love the clubs, but for some reason mine don't and I wasn't prepared for that on the first cruise.
2. If you are doing an Atlantis excursion in Nassau and your kids like to swim, book a room at either Atlantis or Comfort Suites. We booked Atlantis last time because it was only $169. Unfortunately, the rates are outrageous this time. I did get a Govt. rate at Comfort Suites for $250, which is still less than the day pass for 4 people at Atlantis for $85 per person.
3. If you don't have the extra $$ to spend on excursions in Nassau, just do a little shopping in the straw market and hang out on the ship. Beware, the straw market can be intimidating and is not clean. I would not take my kids in there, but that's just my personal preference. Also, keep in mind that my little ones are 4 and 5, I wouldn't have a problem taking my older children in the straw market. Just view it as a cultural experience.
4. The 3 night cruise is really short. I have planned too much on our previous two cruises and we have barely had the time to enjoy the ship. I am really going to make an effort to participate in more ship activities this time.
5. I have tried both early and late seating and neither was perfect for us. The early seating had us rushing around like crazy and my kids never made it to the late seating because they were starving and exhausted. We tried getting them to nap in the middle of the day, but they were just too excited to fall asleep. However, if you have young children who are good nappers, I would recommend the late seating. You can always get them a snack at Pluto's or from room service before dinner.
I hope these tips don't sound too negative and are somewhat helpful. Obviously, we have had an awesome time on each of our cruises or we wouldn't be going a third time.
Looking forward to the cruise.
-Kristi
This is our 3rd DCL cruise, but I am no expert by any means. Almost everything I know is in the following thread. However, I was not sharp enough to realize that it was all consolidated into one thread and spent hours researching these boards.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1002071
Here are few tips that I have come up with based on our two previous cruises.
1. Don't plan too many adult things on the assumption that your children will like the kids clubs. My children are very sociable, but only last about an hour in the club, which makes it hard to plan anything that is adult only. We do try to have dinner at Palo one night, but were only successful on the 2nd cruise and still got paged from the club toward the end of our dinner. It works better for us to just plan on doing stuff with the kids and if they want to be in the club, that's OK. Don't get me wrong, most kids love the clubs, but for some reason mine don't and I wasn't prepared for that on the first cruise.
2. If you are doing an Atlantis excursion in Nassau and your kids like to swim, book a room at either Atlantis or Comfort Suites. We booked Atlantis last time because it was only $169. Unfortunately, the rates are outrageous this time. I did get a Govt. rate at Comfort Suites for $250, which is still less than the day pass for 4 people at Atlantis for $85 per person.
3. If you don't have the extra $$ to spend on excursions in Nassau, just do a little shopping in the straw market and hang out on the ship. Beware, the straw market can be intimidating and is not clean. I would not take my kids in there, but that's just my personal preference. Also, keep in mind that my little ones are 4 and 5, I wouldn't have a problem taking my older children in the straw market. Just view it as a cultural experience.
4. The 3 night cruise is really short. I have planned too much on our previous two cruises and we have barely had the time to enjoy the ship. I am really going to make an effort to participate in more ship activities this time.
5. I have tried both early and late seating and neither was perfect for us. The early seating had us rushing around like crazy and my kids never made it to the late seating because they were starving and exhausted. We tried getting them to nap in the middle of the day, but they were just too excited to fall asleep. However, if you have young children who are good nappers, I would recommend the late seating. You can always get them a snack at Pluto's or from room service before dinner.
I hope these tips don't sound too negative and are somewhat helpful. Obviously, we have had an awesome time on each of our cruises or we wouldn't be going a third time.
Looking forward to the cruise.
-Kristi
yndygo
Knee Deep in Pixie Dust
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2007
- Messages
- 888
Thanks for the tips!
We were pretty much already planning on waiting to see how my DD takes to the club before planning anything.
Given that she's an only child, and LOVES school, we expect she'll love the clubs - but since you never know, we weren't planning anything until we found out.
We're also planning on staying on the ship in Nassau, with the possible exception of a walk up to the Pirate Museum if DD is enjoying the kids' club.
This isn't a sight-seeing tour for us, so much as a relaxation trip.
I've cruised before, so I'm more than aware of how much energy the excursions use up!
That said - we're booked for the late dinner seating b/c we're from Colorado - and DD's normal dinner time is around 6:30p... which is 8:30 eastern.
But I'd say everything you said were useful tips! Not negative at all!
We were pretty much already planning on waiting to see how my DD takes to the club before planning anything.
Given that she's an only child, and LOVES school, we expect she'll love the clubs - but since you never know, we weren't planning anything until we found out.
We're also planning on staying on the ship in Nassau, with the possible exception of a walk up to the Pirate Museum if DD is enjoying the kids' club.
This isn't a sight-seeing tour for us, so much as a relaxation trip.
I've cruised before, so I'm more than aware of how much energy the excursions use up!
That said - we're booked for the late dinner seating b/c we're from Colorado - and DD's normal dinner time is around 6:30p... which is 8:30 eastern.
But I'd say everything you said were useful tips! Not negative at all!
Thank you for the tips. I can't believe I am going to be on a cruise ship in a little over a month. The kids and I brought up the luggage out of the basement and went shopping for swimsuits today. It sort of hit us all that - THIS CRUISE IS FOR REAL!
We are doing the Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour on Nassau. I hope this is worth it - I went today and got a prescription snorkel mask so I can see the fish. On Castaway Cay we are doing the Stingrays. My ds age 10 was VERY opposed to this choice until he learned the barbs are cut off the stingrays. (He still watches Steve Irwin every evening on the Animal Channel). I have been reading about the Straw Market - I like to shop but the rest don't - so I don't know if we will make it there or not. For the repeat cruisers - would you suggest I push going to the Straw Market or should we just head back to the ship and take advantage of the onboard activities?
We are doing the late seating. We typically eat around 7:30 anyway so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch and I will plan snacks accordingly.
My son is 10 and I could probably check him into the Oceanears Lab when we first board and never see him again the rest of the cruise. He is very sociable, makes friends easily, and likes everything that doesn't involve his parents. My 13-year old daughter is very different - somewhat immature - and extremely sensitive. Hands down she would rather be playing with your 5-year olds than other kids her age. We've talked to her about the teen activities but she is petrified and doesn't want any part of it. Not sure what to do with her. I'm hoping that she will relax and make a friend that will help her change her mind.
Talk to you all again soon!
Andria
We are doing the Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour on Nassau. I hope this is worth it - I went today and got a prescription snorkel mask so I can see the fish. On Castaway Cay we are doing the Stingrays. My ds age 10 was VERY opposed to this choice until he learned the barbs are cut off the stingrays. (He still watches Steve Irwin every evening on the Animal Channel). I have been reading about the Straw Market - I like to shop but the rest don't - so I don't know if we will make it there or not. For the repeat cruisers - would you suggest I push going to the Straw Market or should we just head back to the ship and take advantage of the onboard activities?
We are doing the late seating. We typically eat around 7:30 anyway so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch and I will plan snacks accordingly.
My son is 10 and I could probably check him into the Oceanears Lab when we first board and never see him again the rest of the cruise. He is very sociable, makes friends easily, and likes everything that doesn't involve his parents. My 13-year old daughter is very different - somewhat immature - and extremely sensitive. Hands down she would rather be playing with your 5-year olds than other kids her age. We've talked to her about the teen activities but she is petrified and doesn't want any part of it. Not sure what to do with her. I'm hoping that she will relax and make a friend that will help her change her mind.
Talk to you all again soon!
Andria
yndygo - It sounds like your DD will be one of the ones who doesn't want to leave the kids club. I can guarantee that's how my older DDs, now 22 and 24 would have been, but for some reason these boys are different. Probably because DH and I are older and we have a tendency to let them get away with more...much more
Relaxation sounds good - I wish someone could teach me to relax
Are you from anywhere near Denver? If so, I'm sure after this winter, you all will just enjoy the warm weather and lack of snow on the cruise.
Andrea - I'm so glad you said that about the stingray barbs...I had been concerned about that but had not researched it since our DSs are still a bit too young for snorkeling.
I would not push the Straw Market. Especially with the description you provided of your DD. She sounds so much like one of my DDs at that age and she would have hated me for taking her to the Straw Market. It is very crowded and the vendors are VERY pushy. It's a good place for designer knock offs, if you have a need for or interest in those, but it's definitely NOT a MUST DO.
By the way, our DD that seems to have a personality similar to your DD's is about to turn 18 and has just recently started hanging out with friends. She is the youngest of our four DDs and the other three are total socialites. AND although we have worried about her, it is so nice not to have to worry about who she is hanging out with and what she is getting into. I think she started breaking out of her shell when she got her first job and had to speak over the loud speaker at the drive thru window of a fast food restaurant. She was mortified, but I think it helped her in the long run.
Oh, and we have begged her to come on the cruise with us because she is the only one of the older kids who is still at home and she absolutely refuses. She is terrified of being on a ship.
It's starting to look like we are the only disers who are on this ship. Where is everbody???
Relaxation sounds good - I wish someone could teach me to relax
Are you from anywhere near Denver? If so, I'm sure after this winter, you all will just enjoy the warm weather and lack of snow on the cruise.
Andrea - I'm so glad you said that about the stingray barbs...I had been concerned about that but had not researched it since our DSs are still a bit too young for snorkeling.
I would not push the Straw Market. Especially with the description you provided of your DD. She sounds so much like one of my DDs at that age and she would have hated me for taking her to the Straw Market. It is very crowded and the vendors are VERY pushy. It's a good place for designer knock offs, if you have a need for or interest in those, but it's definitely NOT a MUST DO.
By the way, our DD that seems to have a personality similar to your DD's is about to turn 18 and has just recently started hanging out with friends. She is the youngest of our four DDs and the other three are total socialites. AND although we have worried about her, it is so nice not to have to worry about who she is hanging out with and what she is getting into. I think she started breaking out of her shell when she got her first job and had to speak over the loud speaker at the drive thru window of a fast food restaurant. She was mortified, but I think it helped her in the long run.
Oh, and we have begged her to come on the cruise with us because she is the only one of the older kids who is still at home and she absolutely refuses. She is terrified of being on a ship.
It's starting to look like we are the only disers who are on this ship. Where is everbody???
yndygo
Knee Deep in Pixie Dust
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- Feb 10, 2007
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Disjest you must be psychic! We're from Denver! lol...
And yes, I'm ready for SUN now, thanks!
That said, I'm sorry your DD won't come along - has she been on a cruise before?
I went on one at her age - and it was such an amazing experience for me at that point!! Entirely different world than it is for the adults, trust me!
MM - sounds like you might want to just let your DD sort of find her own way...
We use a phrase my Step-mom taught us when I was a teenager and we first started traveling with her after she married my Dad.
The phrase is TEHO -- pronounced "Tay-hoe" -- and it stands for To Each His/Her Own.
The nice thing about the ship travel is that your DD could spend the entire afternoon wandering around finding her niche on the ship, while you hit the Straw Market... since it's just right off the ship, you don't have to worry about transportation.
This is going to be fun guys!!
We'll have to figure out a meetup at some point just to say howdy!!
And yes, I'm ready for SUN now, thanks!
That said, I'm sorry your DD won't come along - has she been on a cruise before?
I went on one at her age - and it was such an amazing experience for me at that point!! Entirely different world than it is for the adults, trust me!
MM - sounds like you might want to just let your DD sort of find her own way...
We use a phrase my Step-mom taught us when I was a teenager and we first started traveling with her after she married my Dad.
The phrase is TEHO -- pronounced "Tay-hoe" -- and it stands for To Each His/Her Own.
The nice thing about the ship travel is that your DD could spend the entire afternoon wandering around finding her niche on the ship, while you hit the Straw Market... since it's just right off the ship, you don't have to worry about transportation.
This is going to be fun guys!!
We'll have to figure out a meetup at some point just to say howdy!!
Hi all!
Funny you should mention Denver. My dh is stuck there this evening because of the bad weather - not sure if it is on that end or this - but I know we got about 6" of snow today. So hard to imagine that about 1 month from now I am going to be in a swimsuit and snorkeling!
digest, I wish your dd was coming along! I think our two would actually get along. My dd has a half-sister, age 19, that she worships. As long as other girls aren't too close to her in age, she gets along with them.
Thank you for the wisdom of TEHO...that works perfectly for us.
Unless some others join in shortly, I am going to think we have the whole ship to ourselves...okay, I know that isn't real...but I can wish okay!
Meeting sounds fun!
Andria
Funny you should mention Denver. My dh is stuck there this evening because of the bad weather - not sure if it is on that end or this - but I know we got about 6" of snow today. So hard to imagine that about 1 month from now I am going to be in a swimsuit and snorkeling!
digest, I wish your dd was coming along! I think our two would actually get along. My dd has a half-sister, age 19, that she worships. As long as other girls aren't too close to her in age, she gets along with them.
Thank you for the wisdom of TEHO...that works perfectly for us.
Unless some others join in shortly, I am going to think we have the whole ship to ourselves...okay, I know that isn't real...but I can wish okay!
Meeting sounds fun!
Andria
Odd question here...
I've read up on tipping and the 4 key people you are supposed to tip. Can someone give me an idea of others that we might end up wanting to tip? I also read that telephone gift cards are appreciated. Is there any other ideas?
Thanks,
Andria
I've read up on tipping and the 4 key people you are supposed to tip. Can someone give me an idea of others that we might end up wanting to tip? I also read that telephone gift cards are appreciated. Is there any other ideas?
Thanks,
Andria
yndygo
Knee Deep in Pixie Dust
- Joined
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- 888
yndygo
Knee Deep in Pixie Dust
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2007
- Messages
- 888
http://www.castawayclub.com/
MM4Pres - have you seen the above site yet? It's a wealth of information I hadn't found anywhere else yet - there's even a section on tipping!
Thought I'd pass it along!
MM4Pres - have you seen the above site yet? It's a wealth of information I hadn't found anywhere else yet - there's even a section on tipping!
Thought I'd pass it along!
Good Morning Andrea & yndygo,
I can't believe we cruise in only 26 days. I am so excited and I don't think my DS-4 & DS-5 really believe that we are going that soon.
I am still shocked that only the 3 of us have replied to this thread because it appears that the ship is completely full. I was hoping to upgrade to a better cabin at the port, but I don't think that's going to happen.
I'm going to read through the FAQS thread and the best tips thread again just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. I will update this thread if I come across anything that I feel will be helpful to either of you.
Are either of you going to WDW before the cruise? We will be at Saratoga Springs for 4 days first and I can't wait. I'm sure the crowds are going to be horrible, but we just went in December, so we are going to try not to squeeze too much in this time.
Have a great Saturday!
I can't believe we cruise in only 26 days.
I am so excited and I don't think my DS-4 & DS-5 really believe that we are going that soon. I am still shocked that only the 3 of us have replied to this thread because it appears that the ship is completely full. I was hoping to upgrade to a better cabin at the port, but I don't think that's going to happen.
I'm going to read through the FAQS thread and the best tips thread again just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. I will update this thread if I come across anything that I feel will be helpful to either of you.
Are either of you going to WDW before the cruise? We will be at Saratoga Springs for 4 days first and I can't wait. I'm sure the crowds are going to be horrible, but we just went in December, so we are going to try not to squeeze too much in this time.
Have a great Saturday!
yndygo
Knee Deep in Pixie Dust
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2007
- Messages
- 888
I am still shocked that only the 3 of us have replied to this thread because it appears that the ship is completely full. I was hoping to upgrade to a better cabin at the port, but I don't think that's going to happen.
I guess I'm not that surprised - I didn't even find ONE other person over on Cruisecritic going - guess we're on board with a bunch of people who don't "do" the internet!
That said, I expect it's so crowded due to Spring Break schedules.
Still - we'll have fun!!!!!!!!!!!
I still haven't done the 'online checkin' yet - because I'm waiting for our passports to get here first - but I think that's going to be something in our advantage - I bet a LOT of the non-board folks don't even know you can do that!
Anyhoooo have a great day yourself! We're off to the mountains for DD's first ever ski lesson tomorrow... From snow and skis to sand and sun in less than a month!
yndygo -
Thank you for the website. It does have A LOT of useful information. I would never have thought of lottery tickets as something to use as a tip. For me, I will probably resort to phone cards but I was hoping to think of something a little different but I am running out of time. My original thoughts had been Girl Scout Cookies (because I bought way too many of them) but there would probably be a problem bringing food on board so I scrapped that idea.
I bought the Passporters guide that everyone raves about and faithfully read a few pages every day on my commute but if anything it just makes me feel more and more like I am going to forget to do something. Is this typical for first time "Disney cruisers?"
Anyway, thanks again for the website. I have more to study and learn!
Andria
Thank you for the website. It does have A LOT of useful information. I would never have thought of lottery tickets as something to use as a tip. For me, I will probably resort to phone cards but I was hoping to think of something a little different but I am running out of time. My original thoughts had been Girl Scout Cookies (because I bought way too many of them) but there would probably be a problem bringing food on board so I scrapped that idea.
I bought the Passporters guide that everyone raves about and faithfully read a few pages every day on my commute but if anything it just makes me feel more and more like I am going to forget to do something. Is this typical for first time "Disney cruisers?"
Anyway, thanks again for the website. I have more to study and learn!
Andria
This will be our first cruise. My daughters are 9 and 7 and really looking forward to it. My husband wanted to go to Atlantis but I want to hang around the ship and possibly go to the straw market. My girls are already into shopping and I would like them to see a little of the culture, so I'm not sure.
Also, I thought about just renting bikes on Castaway, I've looked through the threads about everything, not sure if I looked about bikes or not, does anyone recall?
This cruise for us too, is just about relaxation!
Also, I thought about just renting bikes on Castaway, I've looked through the threads about everything, not sure if I looked about bikes or not, does anyone recall?
This cruise for us too, is just about relaxation!
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