April 13, 2013 - Western Caribbean Fantasy Cruise

[gemmers3]

Is anyone planning on running the Castaway Cay 5K??

 

[jtkboston]

How about water temps at Castaway Cay?

 

[pershing]

Is anyone planning on running the Castaway Cay 5K??

I always say I'm gonna to do the walk, but each trip I'm so tired by the time we get to CC that I sleep in! Maybe this time.....

How about water temps at Castaway Cay?

I found this on a diving website:

The chart below gives the seasonal air and water temperature range for the Central Bahamas including the Nassau, New Providence, the Exumas and Eleuthera. One note the water temperatures can change very quickly due to the shallow water on the banks. A few days of warm sunny weather and calm winds will warm the water quickly, while cool, cloudy & windy weather will cool the water quickly. We have had water temperatures as cold as 65º F and as 93º F on the banks. The water temperatures on the offshore reefs aren't this extreme as the bank water mixes with the offshore moderating it when the tide is dropping. When the tide is rising it will bring in more moderate water from offshore.

Average Temperatures
Month Water Temp Air Temp Wetsuit
January - February 72-75f/22-24c 72-80f/22-27c Full Wetsuit 6mm
March 73-77f/23-25c 72-85f/22-29c Full Wetsuit 6mm
April 75-79f/24-26c 76-90f/24-32c Shorty or Full
May 77-80f/25-27c 80-90f/27-32c Skin or Shorty
June 79-81f/26-27c 80-90f/27-32c Skin or Shorty
July-September 83-87f/28-30c 80-90f/27-32c None required
October 79-82f/26-28c 76-90f/24-32c Skin or Shorty
November 77-80f/25-27c 72-85f/22-29c Shorty or Full
December 75-78f/24-26c 72-85f/22-29c Full Wetsuit 6mm

Basically, it's cooler than Cozumel and Grand Cayman. The one time we sailed in January in 2005, we wore our short wetsuits in the pools and at Castaway Cay but there was huge snowstorm running up the eastern US seaboard at the time.

I still remember my Cape Cod kids walking into the water at Castaway Cay for the first time! They were around kindergarten age at the time and real fish; braced to brave the cold water as if they were at Nauset Beach and being shocked that it was so warm. I hadn't thought to prepare them. I also remember the Disney Lifeguard flipping out when my kids swam out into deep water right away. I was like, "They can swim. They're fine. They know how to float when they get tired!" This was the second week of November 2003.

I wouldn't sail in January again however. Too much of a crap shoot-temperature wise. I think February would be included in that crap shoot too. This will be the fourth time we've done April and have always had warm water.

 

[kdegour23]

Is anyone planning on running the Castaway Cay 5K??

We are planning to do the CC5K

 

[Calfan]

I pulled the trigger and purchased our tickets from SFO to MCO. One step closer...

 

[Calfan]

I pulled the trigger and purchased our tickets from SFO to MCO. One step closer...

Another step closer. Made our reservation through DVC for Animal Kingdom Lodge for the night we get off the ship. This will be our first stay at AKL and first time at Animal Kingdom park.

 

[jtkboston]

Hi everyone I think we have the FE list part two ready to go try out this link. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuGs2S1pwQ3DdGhlODU1NXpub3dHSnI5U19JZXdxNVE

We're on the list, but want to clarify what we're signing up for. (Our first time cruising, and hence first time on DCL.)

How much do people generally spend (time, materials costs) on FE gifts for this size exchange?

Do participants do FE gifts per person, per cabin, or somewhere in between?

 

[gfolchick]

We're on the list, but want to clarify what we're signing up for. (Our first time cruising, and hence first time on DCL.)

How much do people generally spend (time, materials costs) on FE gifts for this size exchange?

Do participants do FE gifts per person, per cabin, or somewhere in between?

They are limiting the groups to 15 cabins so you'll be purchasing for 14 (unless you want to keep one for yourself). It's up to you on how much you want to put into it. I've participated on two other cruises, both with much bigger groups (I'm happier with the smaller size we're keeping).

Some people do homemade/crafty type gifts (we've received magnets, jewelry, lanyards, chalkboards, picture frames, ornaments, pop up laundry basket, key chains, first aid kits, cruise emergency kits (shout wipes, pocket kleenex, highlighter, etc), pens, music CDs, beach toys, etc. Others might take the route and purchase food items that may relate to where they're from (salt water taffy, chocolate from Canada) or movie theater size boxes. And yet others might do goody bag type gifts with an emphasis on pirate items or tropical. Some do a gift per cabin, others break it out by adults and kids. There is no right or wrong way to do this. It's just something fun to do.

Our family usually does a gift for the adults and something for each child in the cabin and will probably do the same for this cruise (we're in group 1).

 

[pershing]

Another step closer. Made our reservation through DVC for Animal Kingdom Lodge for the night we get off the ship. This will be our first stay at AKL and first time at Animal Kingdom park.

We stay alot at AKL DVC (rent) always at Jambo, 'cause the studios are the cheapest. I checked in online last time from my laptop 3 days prior and it gave us the option to get a room on the Sunset Trail when we were a value studio (normally parking lot view). At the end of the day, we always had tons of giraffes and other animals to watch. It was great!

 

[Calfan]

We stay alot at AKL DVC (rent) always at Jambo, 'cause the studios are the cheapest. I checked in online last time from my laptop 3 days prior and it gave us the option to get a room on the Sunset Trail when we were a value studio (normally parking lot view). At the end of the day, we always had tons of giraffes and other animals to watch. It was great!

Very cool. We also opted for a studio at Jambo House, but I went for a Savannah View because it was only 4 more points, and I thought my kids would get a kick out of seeing some animals. They are dying to go to Africa.

 

[Calfan]

On our Alaska cruise this past summer, our DIS Meets thread participants decided it would be fun to make cruise t-shirts to wear on embarkation day. Not everyone chose to participate, but it turned out to be really fun for those who did. We were able to easily identify fellow DISers in the terminal and on the ship the first day. It also made for really great embarkation day photos. We were travelling with another family and did character photos in the terminal with each family separately and together. In both cases, having everyone wearing t-shirts with the same designs made for particulary good pics. Our family made short-sleeve t-shrits, our friends did long-sleeve (white tees in both cases). Others chose to put the image on the back, and some did colored t-shirts. We had agreed on a particiular design as a group, and then everyone just made their own t-shirts or used a company like VistaPrint to have them made. Anyway, I wanted to see if there was interest in doing something similar for our April Fantasy cruise. For our Alaska t-shirts, we used a design by Milliepie, but maybe we have some budding DISigners on this thread who can suggest a graphic. I am definitely not a designer (and also not very crafty or creative -- I was one of those who opted to have the t-shirts made by VistaPrint instead of attempting my own iron-on transfers), so I don't necessarily have a design to suggest. I just wanted to throw the idea out to see if others were interested and also see if folks have other design sources they have used to get us started.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

On our Alaska cruise this past summer, our DIS Meets thread participants decided it would be fun to make cruise t-shirts to wear on embarkation day. Not everyone chose to participate, but it turned out to be really fun for those who did. We were able to easily identify fellow DISers in the terminal and on the ship the first day. It also made for really great embarkation day photos. We were travelling with another family and did character photos in the terminal with each family separately and together. In both cases, having everyone wearing t-shirts with the same designs made for particulary good pics. Our family made short-sleeve t-shrits, our friends did long-sleeve (white tees in both cases). Others chose to put the image on the back, and some did colored t-shirts. We had agreed on a particiular design as a group, and then everyone just made their own t-shirts or used a company like VistaPrint to have them made. Anyway, I wanted to see if there was interest in doing something similar for our April Fantasy cruise. For our Alaska t-shirts, we used a design by Milliepie, but maybe we have some budding DISigners on this thread who can suggest a graphic. I am definitely not a designer (and also not very crafty or creative -- I was one of those who opted to have the t-shirts made by VistaPrint instead of attempting my own iron-on transfers), so I don't necessarily have a design to suggest. I just wanted to throw the idea out to see if others were interested and also see if folks have other design sources they have used to get us started.

Great idea! You know I'm totally up for it (since I'm the "other family" I can guarantee that I'm even less crafty than you though, LOL. Count us in if there are other takers!

 

[Calfan]

Great idea! You know I'm totally up for it (since I'm the "other family" I can guarantee that I'm even less crafty than you though, LOL. Count us in if there are other takers!

OK! At least there will be two of us . I went ahead and asked Milliepie for an image that we can use but would love others to make suggestions.

 

[jtkboston]

My family is considering an idea from one of the other threads: tie dye shirts.

 

[pershing]

I'm game on the t shirts! That morning is always a tussle. Knowing what shirts we're wearing already, will help the tussle move along.

I'm still debating about turning in my rental car Friday night and taking a taxi to the port Saturday morning. I know it's early but I'm still not finding great round trip rentals. One ways are better.

 

[Calfan]

Milliepie was really quick with the design request. Here are two possible designs, both of which I think are great. I am having trouble deciding which I would like better for the t-shirts. I think I am leaning toward the one with the Mickey globe, but I like the ship too! Again, I am completely open to other suggestions. As well, Milliepie is willing to do something else like one of her life preserver designs if folks would like that better. What do you all think?

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Milliepie was really quick with the design request. Here are two possible designs, both of which I think are great. I am having trouble deciding which I would like better for the t-shirts. I think I am leaning toward the one with the Mickey globe, but I like the ship too! Again, I am completely open to other suggestions. As well, Milliepie is willing to do something else like one of her life preserver designs if folks would like that better. What do you all think?

Wow, that was quick! I think I like the globe one better. I like having the itinerary map on there, and I like Minnie in color. But either one is great.

 

[whamma]

Hey gang. I haven't checked here for awhile but do follow the Facebook page closely.

Tonight I purchased our airfare TO Florida. We'll arrive pretty late Friday night and will stay at the Hyatt at MCO. Return airfare from our favorite airport (Milwaukee) isn't out yet. Hopefully it's a good deal. I pulled the trigger on buying one way because the rates were good (total for 4 of us including seat assignment was just under $500). I don't think the rest of the month of April will be out until mid to late October. At least I know we are going to Florida--maybe we won't be able to come home and will just have to stay there forever!

The t-shirts are really neat! I may be interested. I've tie dyed MANY a shirt for WDW trips and DCL cruises. Even tie dyed 20 shirts for my DS's class trip to WDW a couple of years ago. I love to tie dye. It's become a regular hobby thanks to Disney trips.

I haven't signed up for FE exchange and haven't decided whether I want to. Is the second group full yet? Just curious if anyone knows. Thanks!

 

[casinochic]

Hi everyone, this is my first time on the DISboards, and will be my family's first Disney cruise! I've been reading through the pages and see there's many New Englanders on the cruise. I'm from CT and looked into the airline prices from BDL.... Expensive!! If you're willing to drive for a couple hours, as my family of 4 will be doing, United has some great deals flying out of Newark Liberty airport. We got 4 RT tickets for $1270 (compared to $4000 out of BDL). BTW, love the t-shirt designs!

 

[pershing]

Hi everyone, this is my first time on the DISboards, and will be my family's first Disney cruise! I've been reading through the pages and see there's many New Englanders on the cruise. I'm from CT and looked into the airline prices from BDL.... Expensive!! If you're willing to drive for a couple hours, as my family of 4 will be doing, United has some great deals flying out of Newark Liberty airport. We got 4 RT tickets for $1270 (compared to $4000 out of BDL). BTW, love the t-shirt designs!

casinochic!

I've driven in the past to fly out of different airports. We got decent (well, decent for this year!) airfare out Boston on JetBlue this time, but I flew out BDL last 2 trips.

Calfan- love the design milliepie does a great job! I'm leaning towards the globe too. I'm thinking the men will wish it was Mickey instead of Minnie. I don't have a DH that would balk at that. Just 3 teenage DS's who will wear what I layout for them. Most of the time, ie: for my oldest the shirt itself would have to be black. Black in Florida! Oh, yes he does!