Hi all,
Well, I've spent the past few hours reading this whole thread. I figured this would be a good place to start after having read all the info I could at
Dreams Unlimited and the
DCL site last night.
I have a ton of questions which I will list here. Anyone that gets through any part of this list earns my extreme gratification.
1) Wow... so many of you guys are from New York. My hubby Jim is from White Plains.
We are approx. 30 minutes north of WP.
2) Oh, by the way, I found out today we're in 2105. Now who does that mean we're going to be near? That's probably on the spreadsheet that I messed up. What's the latest version of the spreadsheet, please?
Last year we were in 2108 and loved that location. You will be near the laundry and the aft elevators. I do believe someone here on the boards has 2108 this trip. We are in 2614 so will be across the ship from you.
3) I read somewhere that there are no lifeguards at the pool. I have a 14 year old son James who'll be hanging out at the Stack and probably heading to the pool sometimes. I'm also considering letting my 12yo son Joey check himself in and out of the Oceaneer's Lab. If they decide to head to the pools would they be safe or do I need to make a rule against that/
There are CM's at the pools. I would not be concerned about safety. Your kids will not go to the Mickey pool because it is for little ones, the adut pool is off limits for them also. The Goofy pool is so small and shallow, they probably wont be there often. It is safe as long as they know how to swim and act responsibly.
4) I'm a bit confused about the food and drink onboard the ship. I know breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the cost. But what about if the kids want a hot dog or an ice cream or a soda? I know there's the soda station. Is that the only place they can get free soda? Are there places that they can get free food during non-meal times? Those of you with teenaged sons know how they can eat
There is plenty of food to be had at any time of day. Pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, french fries, wraps, ice cream, etc. All free of charge. The soda station is free also, but I do believe that is the ony free soda besides when you are at dinner.
5) Actually, I'm wondering about all onboard charges. Can someone give me a pretty good idea of what costs extra? I know alcohol costs extra... btw, how much is a beer? But what else?
We purchased a picture package last time. It worked out great. You can keep pictures your want, but then if you like a better one later in the week you can swap them. It was approx. $120.00. Dont know offhand the prices for beer and such. Although I drank plenty, I usually get the drink of the day and dont think about cost. It's vacation.
6) I heard a rumore that the Stack is becoming a 15-17 year old only place and that DCL's doinig something different with the 13-14 year old age group. Anyone have any knowledge on this?
Dont know. Sorry.
7) I know I won't be able to afford the pictures given some of the prices I've seen. Would the CMs be willing to take pictures with my camera the way the Photopass guys do?
You could try.
8) I've been reading about the ruins in Mexico. Is this an excursion or something you go and visit yourself?
I agree with Conny, do it through DCL. Its a long trip.
9) So are we to go to Home Depot and get the lime green paint chips? Not sure what that means. Someone please let me know what to get. And are we doing the meet at 2:00? I'm presuming that's 2:00 on Saturday the 19th? Where is that meet going to be? Kids included?
I believe the meet is at 2, with kids, paint chips in lime green. Cut the mickey head out, write your name on it, and put it somewhere on you.
10) Speaking of check-in day, how does that all work? Do I take my own bags to my room like I do when I stay at the Pop Century? If not, how long will it take before I get my bags? Should I take a backpack with stuff?
They will bring the luggage for you. Just make sure the luggage tags are on it.
11) I know you guys are very much looking forward to the 90 day mark so you can start booking excursions and such. Is there anything good left for us newbies at the 75 day mark?
Last year I booked at the 75 day mark and there were openings. They hold some back. No worries. I would make sure you do it that day though.
12) Someone mentioned that all rooms were category 11 GTY and then clarified that meant Guarantee Category. But what does Guarantee Category mean?
I believe it means you will get a specific catagory, but not a specific room you may want.
13) The hubby mentioned quite conversationally last night that I needed to get used to the idea of my kids parasailing. I'm guessing we'll do that at
Castaway Cay? How much does it cost? Age limit?
You can find this info on the DCL website.
14) I'm trying to decide whether or not to get passports. DCL told me last night that we don't need them for cruising -- that if we have birth certificates and photo IDs for the adults, that would be sufficient because the government changed the law so that we don't need passports for cruising until the summer. But everyone's told me that I should get them anyway, just in case something happens (I know I wouldn't be able to fly back into the States without one) and/or to make sure we didn't get turned away at the boat. But it's going to be like $400 to get passports for the four of us. I just don't know what to do. Thoughts/comments?
IMHO, get passports. We have always had them for the whole family. You never know when you might need them. Again, just my thoughts.
Sorry for all the questions, but I really don't know what I'm doing. I'm spending every free minute I get online looking for information, but I have sooooo many questions. I hope you guys will be patient with me. Thanks a billion!!!!
on the cost, but 
.
