4/25/09 Magic - First Visit To Tortola!

[sandyrella1010]

My favorite princess is Cinderella - hence it easily became Sandyrella My duaghters are making my FE and surprising me so I don't know what it will look like (one of them is a teacher and she's very creative) but she said she's putting my name Sandyrella on it and for Gary - he likes Grumpy - he will be Garumpy.

 

[aznaphrodite]

I'm not getting any feedback from the main DCL Forum so I'll ask my new friends here:

1. For U.S. citizens: Are you bringing your passports off the ship at St. Thomas and Tortola? I've heard mixed things about this. It's safer to leave them on the ship in your room safe and take a copy with you since you don't need your passport to get back on the ship. However, if something happens and you get stuck on the port and can't get back to the ship because it left without you or you are injured, a copy of a passport won't do you much good. What are you guys planning to do?

2. What do you do about your stuff when you go to the beach, especially valuables (money, camera, credit cards)? We plan to go to the beach at both St. Thomas and Tortola so we'll need to bring cash and credit cards. We plan to carry around a backpack and a messenger bag to hold beach stuff (snorkel gear, flip flops, sunscreen, towels, etc.). But when we hit the beach, this stuff obviously can't go into the water. We were planning to put our valuables into a waterproof swim box and bring it into the water with us. Then leave the bags on the beach unattended. Honestly, it'll be a pain to swim and snorkel with the swim box though. What does everyone plan to do? I don't know if I'm being too cautious about theft or not cautious enough!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[trings]

Everyone has really cool reasons behind their names.....

Our last name is Tringl...hence the Trings!!! SO not original!!!

My husband is John, my boys are Joshus (14) and Justin (11)...

Diane

 

[BubblesNH]

Still no cabin number for us either!

BubblesNH is a old screen name. Bubbles for scuba diver and NH for my home state.

We take passports with us and leave the copy in the safe. If you go to St.John on your own I believe you will have to pass thru customs and will need the original. We were there 10 years ago and we were coming from BVI so maybe that is different. I'm not sure what we will do about money etc on beach. Tortola was quite safe when we were there. No riff raff hanging around on the beaches like some Islands. I'm a little more concerned about St. Thomas, I think the crime rate is higher and cruise passengers may be an easy target??

 

[lsutigger2]

I too am loving learning about everyone's screen name. Rebecca, yours was one I just couldn't figure out.

We probably won't spend any time on the beach except at Castaway Cay. So I'm not much help on the what to do with valuables question.

Question for the group: Our last cruise was five year ago - I know much too long ago . I can't remember what I wore to dinner except on formal and semi formal nights (probably because I have pictures!). So, what types of clothes are you bringing to wear to dinner.

Everyone needs to get your dancing shoes ready, because this weekend it will be four weeks until sail away! And we'll all be dancing!!

 

[dvc2themax]

Can't help about the beach thing I we are not going to a beach and if we do, I really don't do the water.

Some of your screen names you might think are "ordinary" but the way you come up with them... Linda/adnil - I LOVE IT . I just found a new way for passwords that I have to change every 90 days at work!

Rebecca, my daughter, Casey, got your meaning right away weeks and weeks ago. She had to explain it to me.

BubblesNH - would not have thought about scuba diving bubbles - that is what I will be thinking of now.

For dinner, we like dressing up for formal/semi formal nights because it is great to get that family photo where everyone is dresed up (OK, there are only 3 of us ). But other nights, dress casual plus taht sweater/shaw/light jacket in case it is a little chillier that you care for and can stop the chills. Can always drop it off at the room later before going out to the adult entertainment if that is your pleasure.

Hey Diane, haven't heard from you for a while. Has Chicago - out of winter yet. It was FREEZING here today in NH. Just have to pray it is a little warmer on April 23 at 4:30 am so I do not have to drag my winter jacket to the airport just ot go from the house to the car to the parking lot to the airport and then drag it onto the airplane.

Just curious - but for those of you without a room assignment, why is that? I got mine the day I booked.

THEN, on the other hand, for those of you that got an upgrade, how did you find out?

Looking forward to getting to see everyone in a few weeks.

 

[sandyrella1010]

Rebecca - as for passports -- I never took mine off the ship. I only do the Disney shore excursions so if they are running late the ship will wait. If I go off on my own it's not far and I get back to the ship early. Last time I went to St Thomas I took a shore excursion to St John -- I did not need to take a passport.
My feelings for beach days - and we are doing all beach stuff --is to take a credit card and not too much cash. I have these neat wristbands that zip so I put my card to back on the ship and my credit card in that and I can swim with it on - but I can't remember where I ordered those - if I think of it I'll let you know. They are great - I use them at the pools when staying at Disney too. Money will get wet in them but the cards are okay. My husband has a plastic pocket in his bathing suit so he keeps cash there. I wouldn't leave any money or credit cards on any beach - but that's just my opinion. I've worn cases around my neck and if I tuck it inside my bathing suit then it doesn't get in the way when snokeling - however I'm older and wear a one piece suit so if you are in a two piece that may not work as well

 

[trings]

Hey Paula..

You know me..always stalking..hardly talkin!!

Chicago has been all over the place weather wise..today it was overcast and chilly..tomorrow its suppose to warm up a bit and rain..but I heard an ugly rumor of possible snow by the weekend... LOL! Too soon to shave those legs..

I cannot wait to see Casey!! The kids are getting excited..hell I'm getting excited LOL!! Did you end up with the late seating for dinner? Did we want to try to link up... It seems like we have so much time but it is right around the corner.. Panic has set in as I always seem to think Im going to be thin for the cruise .. yeah...as if...

I have yet to even start the Fish Extender thingy..I bought all of the materials, I just have not started. Its on my list of things yet to do.. We have already been shopping....boy I wish the boys would stop growing and give my pocketbook a break!

Anyways, chat soon!

Diane

 

[son3disfan]

I think my screen name is pretty LAME compared to some of you guys, but I have 3 SONs and I am a huge Dis fan. So it worked.

As for the upgrades.. I found out by logging into Disney Cruise Line, and under my resevation information. I have been checking regularly.

Anyone else have any upgrade news??

 

[son3disfan]

For you or anyone else who wants to make a magnet of the logo I made, the large version is here:

http://www.ladyrebecca.com/temp/piratesoftortola_big.jpg

I still need to print my magnets too!! I have over 40!!

Rebecca,

Thanks for the link to the magnet! I am going to print it off as well.
Very cool!

 

[aznaphrodite]

Thanks for all the input about my beach question!!

As for non-formal/semi-formal dinners, I dressed casually. Usually jeans. Though I'll probably trade in my jeans for a few casual skirts this time around.

 

[JEA2009]

Wow - so much activity in the past 48 hours! I like it - makes passing the time until the cruise much better

As for our screen name - it is the most unoriginal yet - JEA (JenEricAshley) and 2009 well I'm sure you all can figure that one out

It has been fun to read the answers to this question - I always wonder about people's screen names - and now I know.

Ok - so for clothing - really not sure. I guess I should start planning, but just have so much other stuff going on right now - so honestly, I probably won't pack until the week of But I do know - swimsuits, shorts, and tees (I sure hope the weather is nice!!)

Rebecca - As for security of items on beach - I don't think you're being silly at all - I wouldn't leave anything on the beach of value. I always worry about our camera. I'm a big blogger and scrapbooker and can't leave my camera in the room. On our last cruise we went with a large group and there was always someone behind to look after the "stuff" - so I'm not sure what we're going to do on this one. Would love to hear others suggestions.

 

[hoosiercruiser]

Hoosiercruiser - 2 adults Nicole and DH

Sandy

Sandy, could you please add 1 child (DD)


Hi guys,

I see lots has been going on since I last checked on this thread. Fun, fun. Well guys, we are getting close. I started my piles for packing. I'm not sure what we're all taking and I gotta get organized.

JEA2009 - LOL! Funny swimsuit, shorts, tees because my DH said, "Swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts - what more do we need." I just looked at him like he was nuts and he didn't understand my look.

QOTW: We live in Indiana (Hoosier) and cruiser - well it worked.

 

[tracy10073]

Hi Everyone! Sorry for being a late addition to this thread but I would like to introduce myself and family as we are sailing with you all on this cruise. My name is Tracy and my daughter is Julia (10) and my son is Christopher (9). Joining us also will be my friend Megan. This is my son's Wish Trip as he is a surviour of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and we are thrilled beyond belief to have been given this wonderful opportunity to join this cruise. We haven't been planning our trip for long..infact we just found out our plans are definate yesterday so we are just extremely excited about it all. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to pack other than the basic shorts, tees, and bathing suits. Do we need to bring jackets, long pants etc.? Also, for the ports, does everyone recommend doing an excursion just to go to a beach? Are they any kids coming along my kids age? I would love for my kids to meet some kids their own age. Thanks in advance.. Can't wait!

 

[amy2girls]

welcome Tracy and family- I hope your son is doing well and his wish trip is filled with a ton of dreams!

My girls are 7 and 9!

We are doing the snorkle, sail, beach combo in Tortola and a beach on our owh in st. Thomas!

Welcome to the group!

 

[aznaphrodite]

Hi Everyone! Sorry for being a late addition to this thread but I would like to introduce myself and family as we are sailing with you all on this cruise. My name is Tracy and my daughter is Julia (10) and my son is Christopher (9). Joining us also will be my friend Megan. This is my son's Wish Trip as he is a surviour of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and we are thrilled beyond belief to have been given this wonderful opportunity to join this cruise. We haven't been planning our trip for long..infact we just found out our plans are definate yesterday so we are just extremely excited about it all. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to pack other than the basic shorts, tees, and bathing suits. Do we need to bring jackets, long pants etc.? Also, for the ports, does everyone recommend doing an excursion just to go to a beach? Are they any kids coming along my kids age? I would love for my kids to meet some kids their own age. Thanks in advance.. Can't wait!

Welcome, Tracy!

You should bring light jackets because of the deck can be cool at night. Also, the dining rooms also get cool, especially when the ship has a lot of movement. You'll need pants or skirts for dinner. (No shorts allowed during dinners but jeans are okay.) There will also be a semi-formal night and a formal night so you'll need to bring dressy clothes for those nights (kids included!).

I think everyone is different when it comes to doing an excursion through DCL or doing stuff on your own. It depends on your comfort-level. We're planning to do a little bit of both. We have a DCL excursion planned for every port (St. John Island Tour in St. Thomas/St. John, Tour to Virgin Gorda in Tortola, and Stringray Adventure in Castway Cay) but also a few hours to do things on our own. If you plan to go to the beach on your own in St. Thomas/St. John & Tortola, you'll need to know which beach you want to go to and figure out how to get there. (For example, if you want to go to St. John, you'll need to take a taxi to the ferry, ferry to St. John, and taxi to the beach.) Also, if you do things on your own, make sure you get back to the ship in time because it will leave without you if you are late. (Unlike booking an excursion through DCL where the boat will wait if the excursion is late coming back.) With that in mind, DCL excursions are more expensive!

Hope that helps!

 

[nascar8820]

We would love to go to Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville when we arrive in Orlando the afternoon of April 24. Can anyone tell us the easiest and cheapest way to get there?

 

[hoosiercruiser]

Hi Everyone! Sorry for being a late addition to this thread but I would like to introduce myself and family as we are sailing with you all on this cruise. My name is Tracy and my daughter is Julia (10) and my son is Christopher (9). Joining us also will be my friend Megan. This is my son's Wish Trip as he is a surviour of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and we are thrilled beyond belief to have been given this wonderful opportunity to join this cruise. We haven't been planning our trip for long..infact we just found out our plans are definate yesterday so we are just extremely excited about it all. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to pack other than the basic shorts, tees, and bathing suits. Do we need to bring jackets, long pants etc.? Also, for the ports, does everyone recommend doing an excursion just to go to a beach? Are they any kids coming along my kids age? I would love for my kids to meet some kids their own age. Thanks in advance.. Can't wait!

Welcome Tracy & Family/Megan. What a great dream come true for your family. It's our first time on DCL, so I don't have much advice to offer, just wanted to welcome you.

 

[JEA2009]

We would love to go to Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville when we arrive in Orlando the afternoon of April 24. Can anyone tell us the easiest and cheapest way to get there?

hmmm I need a new shirt from there - I think that has to be my favorite t-shirt of all time...it is so soft!! We may have to make a stop there too

 

[sunburnin]

Hi All!

WOW! I haven't checked in here in a while. It's buzzing! You can't tell we're only 4 weeks away can you... .

My kids know we're going, but I they don't get time yet. Tomorrow might as well be next year. As for my wife and I..... every morning we tick off a day! Woo hoo!

Sunburnin is a play on our last name. Sunris. Considering I'm folicly challenged I've had my share of burns on top of my head. hehe

We're scheduled for the Cane Garden Bay excursion with lunch in Tortola and probably heading to Coral World and the Butterfly farm on our own ni St Thomas. For those that are still looking for excursions, the Baths in Virgin Gorda are AWESOME! We'd do it, but my daughter is only 4, not old enough for the DCL tour, and would definitely struggle with the walk and boulders. Give us a few years and we'll go back there. Anyway, for beach days, we'll keep our stuff in a fanny pack with us the whole time. We've beached enough to have a good sytem with the kids at the water so one of us is on shore and "near" our stuff all the time. Not a biggie.

So....




Ahoy!