April 26 - May 3, 2008 Caribbean Crazy Cruisers

[Warren Family]

We finally got our cruise documents!!!!

I got a new bathing suit for me this weekend too Kay!!
I have went through all the kids clothes and still need to pick up a few things.This weekend we are going to start laying everything out to see what is stil missing! Hopefully not too much more shopping to do.

Does anyone know where I could find a goofy pillow case or anything goofy to get autographed by all the characters?? My son loves goofy and it hard to find.

Is anyone else going to drop stuff off to be autographed ??

Kristi

I have an idea for you. There are plenty of free Disney clip art sites. Grab a goofy image you like and print it out on transfer paper and iron on to your pillow case. I found Sharpies are inexpensive at Sam's.

 

[ldcruisers]

WOW

I would consider my family pretty devout Christians, we pray before every meal. My husband and I understand not wanting to make another family we are sitting with uncomfortable so we would just pray before we went to the dining room, but it concerns us the appearance we would give to our children. That they should be embarrassed of there faith.

________________________________________________________________

Good Morning

We are also Christians. We wondered the same thing on our first cruise. Our first meeting at our first dinner was with a family of 4 and a couple. We pray at each meal and give thanks as well, very privately not to offend anyone. The second night all the table asked to join us. Throughout the cruise our table was involved in prayer over the meals and the kids thought it special.
Never be embarrassed by your faith, and we are the example for our children.

You never know, ask and thou shall receive.

I found the weather to be warm at the end of April. T-Shirts and shorts weather. At Sea the late evenings a wind breaker was nice. Levis during the day could be a little warm.

Our first cruise we had no idea of what to pack and ended up with 1/2 we never wore. That's what you call over packing. Now, we worry about over packing.

Sharing the good life!

 

[tinkerone]

WOW welcome to all the new cruisers I can't believe just how big our little group is becoming. Chris and i keep wondering who we will sit with at dinner, maybe it will be someone from our group. I can't believe we are leaving so soon. I have a few things on my list and that is it. Saturday it is really going to hit me because that when we need to get a lot of stuff done...oil change for the car, haircuts, for the boys, clean the house for the pet sitter....the list goes on and on.

I have a couple of questions...
Will the pools be open as soon as we board?
I know we have been talking about weather do you think I would need to pack more than one pair of jeans per person for the week we are in FL before the cruise?
Ok this one might seem like a very strange question, but who else am I gonna ask???
I would consider my family pretty devout Christians, we pray before every meal. My husband and I understand not wanting to make another family we are sitting with uncomfortable so we would just pray before we went to the dining room, but it concerns us the appearance we would give to our children. That they should be embarrassed of there faith. Has anyone ever sat with a family on a cruise that prayed before, or if you do how do you handle the situation. We have been knocking this question around my house for months, and I didn't want to ask it on the open message boards in fear of getting flamed!!!

Zerog...I know we are in the same area of the ship...I was thrilled to see we got lime green luggage tags!!!

my penny and a half. my brother is a pastor and we have run across this loads when we go out to a restaurant. we, ourselves do not do prayer at the table but do certainly respect thos who do. the only thing i would suggest, as i think mary suggested, is that you let your tablemates know the first night. i have found from experience that if they are not told ahead it can be startling for some, not all, but some. espeicallly children. today it is not the norm, which is a shame. that being said i have never had anyone annoyed because of it. and personally, i find it humbling. it reminds me that their is a greater focus and i can certainly take a few minutes of my time for this purpose.
don't change the way you are, how else will people really know you. your doing great things for your children and i'm sure they know that this is nothing to be embarassed about.

 

[tinkerone]

WEATHER UPDATE​

72°F | 46°F ---- Tuesday

72°F | 45°F ---- Wednesday

70°F | 53°F ---- Thursday

GOOD NEWS: Beautiful weather for WDW!
BAD NEWS: Can definitely get chilly, especially with a strong breeze.

try this

12 c / 0 c today
6 c / 0 c tomorrow
5 c / 0 c sat.

i'll take yours anyday!

 

[jetanlori]

Hey Debi, I was wondering why I didn't receive a PM back from you. Glad to hear back from you. I know I have not posted more than 10 posts and I was able to send a PM so I'm not sure what that's all about. Anyway, hope to meet up with you. Like I said I will be down to the pool area early to reserve our chairs. Hey did you sign up for early or late seating? We signed up for late and requested a big table. You are more than welcome to join us. If you would like to sit at our table

Looks like it is sunny and 80's this week down there...yeah!!! Can't wait especially since we still have snow on the ground up here in NH! Got your e-mail but I can't respond until I've posted 10 times....keep getting an error message My son is 10, turning 11 on April 21st! I did sign him up for the Oceaneers Club. Last year on our 3 night DCL he went to the club a couple of times but didn't really meet new friends so I'm hoping this year he will!!

 

[jetanlori]

I would consider my family pretty devout Christians, we pray before every meal. My husband and I understand not wanting to make another family we are sitting with uncomfortable so we would just pray before we went to the dining room, but it concerns us the appearance we would give to our children. That they should be embarrassed of there faith. Has anyone ever sat with a family on a cruise that prayed before, or if you do how do you handle the situation. We have been knocking this question around my house for months, and I didn't want to ask it on the open message boards in fear of getting flamed!!!

Well I am not going to flame you because there really is no need BUT I will be completely honest with you since you asked and are obviously considerate of others since you did ask.

If I were to sit down to eat with a family on the cruise and they asked me if it was alright if they prayed I would say I prefer that they not. It would make me EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I would then feel tension for the remainder of the cruise sitting with them.

I do not see it as teaching your children to be ashamed of their faith but rather teaching your children when something is appropriate and when it is not. It's a way to teach your children that not everyone is like them and other people have different faiths, beliefs and practices. It is a great opportunity to let them see how other families are different and how to behave in different situations and how living in a world of diversity we all must compromise some times.

Now if you are sitting at a table by yourselves on the cruise or at a restaurant then that is fine because it is not infringing upon someone else but at a public table where other people are of other religions I believe it is not appropriate. Since it seems to me that there are alternative places and times for you to pray then it seems like an easy way to accommodate everyone involved.

 

[jetanlori]

but do certainly respect thos who do

And I feel that it's disrespectful to those that do not

that being said i have never had anyone annoyed because of

I would be offended and annoyed. I pray differently than the way Christians do and would NEVER, EVER impose my ways of praying on someone else. If I were to go to someone's house and they prayed or said grace before a meal I would readily join in even if it weren't my faith but in a public forum on a cruise it simply is NOT the place.

 

[dreamcometrue]

well, Kaylee's school called today saying that she's throwing up so I went and got her and we are home now. She had a headache this morning but I gave her some Tylenol and sent her to school anyway, hoping for the best! I guess it's better she gets it now than closer to the cruise but it's hard for me to leave work esp since I will be gone for a week later this month!

Oh well, I guess I will be spending the day cleaning house and packing some more!

Hope you all have a great day!

 

[ohiominnie]

It's a way to teach your children that not everyone is like them and other people have different faiths, beliefs and practices. It is a great opportunity to let them see how other families are different and how to behave in different situations and how living in a world of diversity we all must compromise some times.

I swore I wasn't going to respond to this comment. But can I just say one thing. You make the point (quoted above) that it's a way to teach your kids that not everyone is like them.

But what about YOUR kids. Or the kids of any "non-traditional-praying" parent....shouldn't THOSE kids also be taught that not everyone is like them?

The argument goes both ways. Why do the Christians have to bend to the non-Christian's views and practices, but the non-Christians cannot tolerate what the Christians do in public?

Tolerance. Goes both ways.

 

[ohiominnie]

I would be offended and annoyed. I pray differently than the way Christians do and would NEVER, EVER impose my ways of praying on someone else. If I were to go to someone's house and they prayed or said grace before a meal I would readily join in even if it weren't my faith but in a public forum on a cruise it simply is NOT the place.

It's not about imposing prayers on anyone who doesn't want to pray. No one is saying they want to impose prayers on anyone. They want to be comfortable praying within their own family. Sad that they even have to ask.

I am not Muslim, but if I was cruising, and a Muslim was seated with me, or at the next table, and bowed toward Mecca to say prayers before/during dinner, then fine. That is their thing. I'm not going to get down and pray with them, but I'll surely accept their faith for what it is.....theirs.

Ok, I swore I wasn't going to reply.

 

[LCtonra]

Thank you everyone for all of your opinions. We know we would never compromise our beliefs, but we have never been in a situation like this before. We always pray and give thanks in restaurants (usually something short and sweet), but we do not sit with others in this situation and if they hear us, oh well they are not at the same table as us so it is a little different. I really don't know why I am so nervous.

Thank you jetanlori for your different opinion. I wanted honest feedback so I really appreciate it. The only thing I do have to say is (and I am not saying you are wrong) But we do teach our kids there is never an Inappropriate time to pray...this is just what we believe, not what I expect everyone else too.

So I guess we will be praying at dinner...How could we not after what an amazing day we would have on the cruise and if the Dining Room is as loud as you all said it is, our tablemates probably won't even notice but we will be considerate and will let them know if it is going to be a problem.

Thanks again everyone I think I have my answer!!!

Randy...since you are the weather man how many pairs of pants do you think we need to pack if we are doing the parks for a week before.

 

[ldcruisers]

It's not about imposing prayers on anyone who doesn't want to pray. No one is saying they want to impose prayers on anyone. They want to be comfortable praying within their own family. Sad that they even have to ask.

I am not Muslim, but if I was cruising, and a Muslim was seated with me, or at the next table, and bowed toward Mecca to say prayers before/during dinner, then fine. That is their thing. I'm not going to get down and pray with them, but I'll surely accept their faith for what it is.....theirs.
Ok, I swore I wasn't going to reply.

Thank you Karen, I did not want to get started. This vacation is for the purpose of all to have a magical time and enjoy every minute. Being respectful runs both ways.

Only days away and counting. Almost single digits. We are down to 11 days before we leave for Mickey Magical Parks.

All have a great day.

 

[LCtonra]

The argument goes both ways. Why do the Christians have to bend to the non-Christian's views and practices, but the non-Christians cannot tolerate what the Christians do in public?

Tolerance. Goes both ways.

I completely agree with this comment. Now that our kids our getting a little older, well at least Katie is, this is something that is coming up more and more often in our lives.

Sorry everyone if I started a little drama ...I do appreciate all your feedback!

 

[jetanlori]

It's not about imposing prayers on anyone who doesn't want to pray. No one is saying they want to impose prayers on anyone. They want to be comfortable praying within their own family. Sad that they even have to ask.

I am not Muslim, but if I was cruising, and a Muslim was seated with me, or at the next table, and bowed toward Mecca to say prayers before/during dinner, then fine. That is their thing. I'm not going to get down and pray with them, but I'll surely accept their faith for what it is.....theirs.

Ok, I swore I wasn't going to reply.

What is the big deal about replying?

My personal feeling is that it is highly inappropriate. Hey I like to floss my teeth after I eat but I would not do it in a public restaurant and certainly not at a public table. I see nothing wrong with praying and I actually think it's very nice that a family says thanks before a meal. Too often we forget to give thanks and it's not a Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddist issue. It's just inappropriate to do on a cruise with other families that are not your friends.

 

[jetanlori]

But what about YOUR kids. Or the kids of any "non-traditional-praying" parent....shouldn't THOSE kids also be taught that not everyone is like them?

The argument goes both ways. Why do the Christians have to bend to the non-Christian's views and practices, but the non-Christians cannot tolerate what the Christians do in public?

Tolerance. Goes both ways.

Christians are not a minority religion. If your religion was a minority you would not feel the way you do.

 

[ohiominnie]

What is the big deal about replying?

My personal feeling is that it is highly inappropriate. Hey I like to floss my teeth after I eat but I would not do it in a public restaurant and certainly not at a public table. I see nothing wrong with praying and I actually think it's very nice that a family says thanks before a meal. Too often we forget to give thanks and it's not a Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddist issue. It's just inappropriate to do on a cruise with other families that are not your friends.

It's not a matter of replying.....it's starting the "drama" that the OP of the question hoped to not have to deal with. But, if left unsaid, then it seems that everyone accepts that it's inappropriate for this family (or any family) to pray in the DCL dining rooms. I just wanted to be a voice that said I accept it regardless of what others think.
You're right, it's not a Christian/Muslim/Jewish issue. I just used Muslim as an example b/c their way of praying is so radically different than mine. Radical differences doesn't mean I can't accept they are like they are.
Flossing your teeth at the table and praying are totally not related. One could shoot bits of food at another person, one does not. There is a hygiene issue here. I'm sure you were using that example to be dramatic, but they aren't the same.

 

[dreamcometrue]

religion and politics are always a very touchy subject. Personally, we would not be offended at all if someone we sit with at dinner said their prayers before their meal. I do agree with what others have said, and let whoever you are seated with know about your desire to pray before your meal and ask if that would be a problem.

 

[jetanlori]

But we do teach our kids there is never an Inappropriate time to pray...this is just what we believe, not what I expect everyone else too

There are things I feel strongly about and things I do in my family that I would not do in public or on a family cruise because above all else I RESPECT the fact that there are other people around or involved and I always try and accomodate and be RESPECTFUL of others. You sound like you are respectful of others because originally you said you would ask the other people at the table first. So have you thought about what you would do if I was the other person at that table and you asked and I said I was uncomfortable with it? Would you not do it?

 

[jetanlori]

It's not a matter of replying.....it's starting the "drama" that the OP of the question hoped to not have to deal with. But, if left unsaid, then it seems that everyone accepts that it's inappropriate for this family (or any family) to pray in the DCL dining rooms. I just wanted to be a voice that said I accept it regardless of what others think.
You're right, it's not a Christian/Muslim/Jewish issue. I just used Muslim as an example b/c their way of praying is so radically different than mine. Radical differences doesn't mean I can't accept they are like they are.
Flossing your teeth at the table and praying are totally not related. One could shoot bits of food at another person, one does not. There is a hygiene issue here. I'm sure you were using that example to be dramatic, but they aren't the same.

Yes maybe a little dramatic to prove a point, I just couldn't think of anything else at the time other than flossing teeth. Ok what about if a woman wants to breast feed her baby at the table, how's that for an example. Some people are going to have issue, others will not. I think the important thing is that if you are sitting at a table with strangers and you want to pray, breastfeed or do something particular to your family that you feel might not be tolerated by others. The best thing to do IS to ask and then to RESPECT the answer that is given. Like I said I personally feel that it is inappropriate and I would not hesitate if asked to tell them honestly and nicely of course that I would rather they didn't.

 

[zerog]

Randy...since you are the weather man how many pairs of pants do you think we need to pack if we are doing the parks for a week before.

I'm probably the wrong person to ask - I am one of those who tends to pack too much. I think we had 8 suitcases for our last 3-nite cruise. DOH.

It sounds like a cold front is moving in next week. Of course, 'cold front' is a relative term. Getting to the 40s sends everyone here into a panic whereas our friends in Canada would probably be outside in their bathing suits.

I say go for the one pair; you can always do a load of laundry in the hotel.