4-night cruise questions...

[Dawn414]

We were originally planning on the 7-night cruise, but switched to the 4-night so we could spend some time in WDW as well. Well, I had all but memorized everything there was to know about the 7-night/Magic, etc and am now trying to get the same level of knowledge on the 4-night/Wonder. So...any insight to these questions would be appreciated.

1) Early seating times...what are they and are there specific rotations associated with those eating times?

2) Shows...I heard the Hercules show was being replaced by Twice Charmed. Did that happen?

3) What were the upgrades that happened during dry-dock?

I'm sure there are other things, but this is a pretty good start. THANKS all!

 

[nanaguide]

We just got back from the 4 day Christmas cruise. Here are the answers to your questions.
1. Main seating - 5:30,5:45,6:00 - we were always late to our 5:30 seating and I apologized to the head waiter. He said, "you are never late on vacation" so I quit worrying about it. The late seating was 8:00,8:15,8:30
2. Hercules is still playing - we hadn't seen it so we enjoyed it the first night.
The 2nd night was Golden Mickeys, the third night was a comedian (forgot his name but we had seen him on the Magic), and Dreaming was the last night. My grandson enjoyed all the shows.
3. The workout room is twice as big. I was excited about the new mattresses,pillows, etc. but to be honest I couldn't tell any difference. I miss the Mickey bottles of shampoo, etc. and the new stuff was OK but nothing I would go to the shop to buy. The big screen is really neat to watch. My grandson loved seeing himself during the castaway party. The Pirate Party was really fun - some new things there.

We had a great time. It is expensive to go at Christmas but it was so much fun that my husband had me book for next year - same time, same room. It is nice to get the 10% off and onboard credit when you book onboard.

We enjoyed Nassau. We went on our own. Took the water taxi to Atlantis for $3 a person. Hubby and kids gambled and I checked out the shops. It is definitely the cleanest island in the Carribbean I've been too - but of course I didn't wander far by myself. The basket market across from the boat was interesting.

I don't know if it was just our cruise or what but people definitely weren't dressing up as much. I only saw a few men with jackets - even on Christmas Day, our formal day, and in Palo's. Of course that pleased my husband - he is very casual. I love to dress-up so we look really cute together. Hope I answered all your questions. Have a great trip!

 

[Dawn414]

Thanks. I know there can be changes in terms of rotations, etc...like I 'heard' the Pirate night was the night in Nassau, but I saw a Navigator where it was the night of Castaway. So...I guess we'll just play it by ear. I've been to Nassau before so I'm debating whether to even get off the ship. We may...maybe to just take the kids to the aquarium at Atlantis. I'm highly fascinated by the facade. It's just so cool. I'm not sure I could talk DH into another Disney Cruise anytime soon...It's just too expensive. Plus, including the cruise, we're spending 3 weeks in Disney in '07 and will spend another week in '08. Not sure I could tack on an extra $3-5K... We'll see....

Thanks again!

 

[nanaguide]

Yes, they do change the rotations. We already booked for next year and I know the rotation is going to be different. Our Pirate night was after a day at Nassau. I agree it is expensive but my husband said today - he wouldn't trade the memories we made on that Christmas cruise for anything. It is a special time for family. Sounds like you are coming to Disney a lot this year.
Enjoy - it is a magical place.

 

[Dawn414]

Thanks! Yes we are...in justifying the expense, we purchased the season passes for the year. So actually, in addition to the times below, we'll also go again sometime in 2008 before they expire. We have a vacation club so while we're not on property, we'll be staying nearby. I'm trying to Disney them A LOT before they start kindergarten (Sep 08). After that, we probably won't go for several years since I don't plan to take them out of school for it...Be well!