April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 3

[MousseauMob]

Not sure if this was mentioned or not but I just noticed we are now in Maui till 10:30 PM.

This is so exciting - I think we can actually swing The Old Lahaina Luau! http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/ We were looking back at our pictures from our 2007 Hawaiian cruise today, and I was thinking - ahh, I wish we could do The Old Lahaina Luau again, it was such a wonderful experience, and then I read your message and did the math of ending time and driving time, and I think we might be able to swing it!

From The Old Lahaina Luau beach:

 

[Pixiegran]

I am looking for information from some of you who have done back to back cruises. We are considering doing one and wonder if you stayed in same cabins on both? Did anyone switch cabins? If you did, were you able to get help from the crew?

The repo to Seattle/Vancouver happens on May 14th and we are considering taking it home instead of driving . We are unable to get a handicap accessible on Hawaii cruise but can for the repo, but wonder if we'd be on our own to move. Also wonder..were you required to leave ship for those few hours between cruises?

Thanks for any information.

 

[padalyn]

There are some people, yes. Cayla (aka Padalyn) is sailing with a guy named Michael and one of his claim to fames (among some other DIS friends who are on this trip) is that he has been on every DCL inaugural sailing (for every ship and every itinerary) since the Magic got put in the water.....so I know he told us he is doing the Fantasy Maiden and then is also on Hawaii with us...so I imagine he's getting off the ship in Florida and hopping on a plane to get to the west coast in time for our trip....and there are probably at least a handful of others doing the same. Lucky ducks!!

LOL, thanks Eric - yes Michael and I are doing both sailings as well and the 3 NYC inaugural sailings, he is also doing Texas...then we are doing a 3 day in Nov so we can say 4 ships/1 year!!

I am looking for information from some of you who have done back to back cruises. We are considering doing one and wonder if you stayed in same cabins on both? Did anyone switch cabins? If you did, were you able to get help from the crew?

The repo to Seattle/Vancouver happens on May 14th and we are considering taking it home instead of driving . We are unable to get a handicap accessible on Hawaii cruise but can for the repo, but wonder if we'd be on our own to move. Also wonder..were you required to leave ship for those few hours between cruises?

Thanks for any information.

Some general notes about B2B (I seem to have done a bunch of them!)

Usually the cruiseline tries to keep you in the same cabin, if they cannot for what ever reason (different categories, availability or what ever), the steward will help you move. When I did my B2B2B in April, I had to change rooms one time - unfortunately the drawers were not compatable between the cabins, so I had to shift everything from set to the other. They have always brought a clothing rack, and just took all the hangers from one closet to the other. Basically you are moving without packing! Not a big problem. They will get the B2B folks cabins ready first - so I usually do not get off the ship until after the move (if I have to at all). Right after breakfast, the stewards work quickly to clean the room you are going into. You have to make arrangements with the steward supervisor in advance to get your "time" to move assigned as the stewards are pretty busy!

If you do NOT have to change rooms - you get to enjoy some of the services of the ship. If going in/out of a foreign port you will HAVE to disembark and go through customs - usually a walk through. In England they put us in the front of the line and we were back on board in 20 minutes. Not sure how they do it in LA or Fla (never done B2B's there) NYC? a mystery!

In Vancouver they would not let us reboard until 2 hours had passed, so we went and walked around...had a great lunch and then re-boarded ahead of the concierge level guests.

A lot of the services are suspended - the drink station isn't open and they will ask you to shift around the ship as they clean and prep.


Hope this helps!

Cayla

 

[Lexa]

This is so exciting - I think we can actually swing The Old Lahaina Luau! http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/ We were looking back at our pictures from our 2007 Hawaiian cruise today, and I was thinking - ahh, I wish we could do The Old Lahaina Luau again, it was such a wonderful experience, and then I read your message and did the math of ending time and driving time, and I think we might be able to swing it!

From The Old Lahaina Luau beach:

Oh I would love to do something like that.....

 

[LindaBabe]

If I can help you, please let me know. So I want to share this story from today. So getting on the bus back to AKV a family decides that they are so special because of their oversize stroller, that they could cut off the person in the scooter and board the bus through the real entry. Oh boy was I livid. As I walked by here is the quote of what I said. "I guess having a oversize stroller makes you special" right as I passed them. What's worse is the bus driver never said anything to this family.

Alan, you sound a little like my husband - he always 'rides to the aid" of the afflicted and to confront the transgressor. I've cautioned him, to look for the red flag / tag on the stroller though - some of them are actually "stroller used as wheelchair" and are allowed on the bus in the same manner as a chair.

I am looking for information from some of you who have done back to back cruises. We are considering doing one and wonder if you stayed in same cabins on both? Did anyone switch cabins? If you did, were you able to get help from the crew?

The repo to Seattle/Vancouver happens on May 14th and we are considering taking it home instead of driving . We are unable to get a handicap accessible on Hawaii cruise but can for the repo, but wonder if we'd be on our own to move. Also wonder..were you required to leave ship for those few hours between cruises?

Thanks for any information.

Oh I would love to do something like that.....

ME TOO! We did a b2b eastern western. We stayed in the same cabin, and if it was possible, that's what I'd do again. I definitely would NOT choose to change cabins. We were told to gather in Sessions at 9:15 They walked us off the ship, through customs and we went right back up to the empty hall. One cm checked us in, we cooled our heels for about 20 minutes and then were allowed back on the ship. Pretty much we hung out in Cove Cafe with the officers who didn't have duties at that time. Our cabin was deck 5 aft, and we were not able to access it until after 1:30 with the rest of the folks. Bit of a nuisance really, because I had been going to do laundry, but also totally understandable, since the laundries are in guest room areas too.

We really enjoyed being on the empty ship, and also being recognized by the servers and other folks around the ship on our second leg. We didn't have to train a new serving team =- they just brought what they knew we preferred (butter not 'spread', extra veggies, etc)

 

[Scott H]

Lynn and I are also working on the 4/1 for 2012. Should have them done in Sept of 2012.

B2B as others said, once at Port Canaveral we had to get off and sit in the terminal for a bit. Staying in the same stateroom is the best.

Note to self need to rent a big double stroller for WDW trip, good to know it is a fast pass to enter the rear of the bus, LOL amazing it is.

 

[aan1701]

Alan, you sound a little like my husband - he always 'rides to the aid" of the afflicted and to confront the transgressor. I've cautioned him, to look for the red flag / tag on the stroller though - some of them are actually "stroller used as wheelchair" and are allowed on the bus in the same manner as a chair.

Oh I am very aware of these as I see them daily at work. This was not the case here. This was just a family that thought the rules did not apply to them and myself and others sure let them know. I was so upset I even emailed WDW about the lack of action by the bus driver.

 

[MousseauMob]

Oh I would love to do something like that.....

I just need to work out transporation back to our port afterwards (maybe others would like to share), and remember to bring cash or check. The craftsman sat on the beach and demostrated their crafts as well as sold things. I only had plastic with me, amazingly enough the wood craftsmen told me to take what I wanted and send them a check when I got back home. I could not believe how kind and trusting they were. I was so uncomfortable with it that even though there were lots of things I would have liked I only agreed to a small turtle and tiki mask for my children. As soon as I got home I sent the check with a bit extra. This time, if we make it back to The Old Lahaina Luau I will make sure I have cash and checks on me.

 

[valbob89]

Sorry we haven't been on the boards much the last two weeks. Thanks to those who asked about us. We have been spending a lot of time at hospitals. Yesterday we got the great news that the radiologist was incorrect when last week she had identified a mass in his common bile duct. Unfortunately they still don't know why he is in pain and where the blood loss is occuring. But unless there is some other issue, we are clear to take the Halloween cruise he insists he wants to go on. More tests when we get back.

There were postings about when we could get the shirt material. Becky says we could have the material about 4 weeks from our order date, another 4 to make the shirts. So the issue is when to close the order and payment process. Now that DCL has told some or all of us that the final payment date is ???February 14, 2012, we can't make the paid date for the shirts the same as the FPD date. There is not enough time to get the shirts back and mailed out for the cruise if we order 2-14. Right now, I am leaning toward making January 9, 2012 the final payment for the shirts day. With that date I should have the material to you by March 1 and the shirts out by April 1. With some extra time built in for problems.
val

 

[Lynn G]

Sorry we haven't been on the boards much the last two weeks. Thanks to those who asked about us. We have been spending a lot of time at hospitals. Yesterday we got the great news that the radiologist was incorrect when last week she had identified a mass in his common bile duct. Unfortunately they still don't know why he is in pain and where the blood loss is occuring. But unless there is some other issue, we are clear to take the Halloween cruise he insists he wants to go on. More tests when we get back.

There were postings about when we could get the shirt material. Becky says we could have the material about 4 weeks from our order date, another 4 to make the shirts. So the issue is when to close the order and payment process. Now that DCL has told some or all of us that the final payment date is ???February 14, 2012, we can't make the paid date for the shirts the same as the FPD date. There is not enough time to get the shirts back and mailed out for the cruise if we order 2-14. Right now, I am leaning toward making January 9, 2012 the final payment for the shirts day. With that date I should have the material to you by March 1 and the shirts out by April 1. With some extra time built in for problems.
val

Pixie dust for you and hope you get an answer soon!

 

[granmaz]

Val, I hope you get some ansWers to Bob's problems very soon. It must be so very worrying and also tiring on top of Bob feeling ill. Thank you for keeping on top of all the shirt stuff too. Even though I doubt we will be able to participate and order some shirts, I really appreciate all you are doing for the group.

Bob and yourself continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[MrsMork]

Sorry we haven't been on the boards much the last two weeks. Thanks to those who asked about us. We have been spending a lot of time at hospitals. Yesterday we got the great news that the radiologist was incorrect when last week she had identified a mass in his common bile duct. Unfortunately they still don't know why he is in pain and where the blood loss is occuring. But unless there is some other issue, we are clear to take the Halloween cruise he insists he wants to go on. More tests when we get back.

There were postings about when we could get the shirt material. Becky says we could have the material about 4 weeks from our order date, another 4 to make the shirts. So the issue is when to close the order and payment process. Now that DCL has told some or all of us that the final payment date is ???February 14, 2012, we can't make the paid date for the shirts the same as the FPD date. There is not enough time to get the shirts back and mailed out for the cruise if we order 2-14. Right now, I am leaning toward making January 9, 2012 the final payment for the shirts day. With that date I should have the material to you by March 1 and the shirts out by April 1. With some extra time built in for problems.
val

Val, we too hope they find some answers for you very soon.

 

[MrsMork]

I too have been out of touch since April 24 when Dennis was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. They did a cardiac cath on the 25th and determined he needed a redo of his bypass that was done in 1997. That was completed on the 28th. He had a tia a couple of days post surgery ("mini-stroke") that left his right leg and arm paralyzed. That cleared in a day, thankfully, then he went into atrial fib a couple of days after that. Those two events slowed his discharge a couple of days, but we were able to come home night before last. Yesterday was our 44th anniversary so we were thrilled to be at home. Some very sweet ladies from our church brought dinner for us last night. Dennis is now on the mend, but we, of course, have lots of appointments coming up with cardiac rehab, coumadin clinic (because of the A-fib), surgeon checks, etc.

 

[BoosGram]

I just need to work out transporation back to our port afterwards (maybe others would like to share), and remember to bring cash or check. The craftsman sat on the beach and demostrated their crafts as well as sold things. I only had plastic with me, amazingly enough the wood craftsmen told me to take what I wanted and send them a check when I got back home. I could not believe how kind and trusting they were. I was so uncomfortable with it that even though there were lots of things I would have liked I only agreed to a small turtle and tiki mask for my children. As soon as I got home I sent the check with a bit extra. This time, if we make it back to The Old Lahaina Luau I will make sure I have cash and checks on me.

Thanks for the heads-up. I wouldn't have known otherwise .

Sorry we haven't been on the boards much the last two weeks. Thanks to those who asked about us. We have been spending a lot of time at hospitals. Yesterday we got the great news that the radiologist was incorrect when last week she had identified a mass in his common bile duct. Unfortunately they still don't know why he is in pain and where the blood loss is occuring. But unless there is some other issue, we are clear to take the Halloween cruise he insists he wants to go on. More tests when we get back.

There were postings about when we could get the shirt material. Becky says we could have the material about 4 weeks from our order date, another 4 to make the shirts. So the issue is when to close the order and payment process. Now that DCL has told some or all of us that the final payment date is ???February 14, 2012, we can't make the paid date for the shirts the same as the FPD date. There is not enough time to get the shirts back and mailed out for the cruise if we order 2-14. Right now, I am leaning toward making January 9, 2012 the final payment for the shirts day. With that date I should have the material to you by March 1 and the shirts out by April 1. With some extra time built in for problems.
val

You probably don't need this advice but be persistent. My DH had a problem w/swelling in both legs. It took some time but we finally got it taken care of (and it was definitely the kind of thing that needed taking care of!).

I too have been out of touch since April 24 when Dennis was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. They did a cardiac cath on the 25th and determined he needed a redo of his bypass that was done in 1997. That was completed on the 28th. He had a tia a couple of days post surgery ("mini-stroke") that left his right leg and arm paralyzed. That cleared in a day, thankfully, then he went into atrial fib a couple of days after that. Those two events slowed his discharge a couple of days, but we were able to come home night before last. Yesterday was our 44th anniversary so we were thrilled to be at home. Some very sweet ladies from our church brought dinner for us last night. Dennis is now on the mend, but we, of course, have lots of appointments coming up with cardiac rehab, coumadin clinic (because of the A-fib), surgeon checks, etc.

Oh, Angie, you and Dennis have been through the wringer! We're so glad that he's home. Relax and recuperate and do what you two do best: enjoy each other! to you both.

 

[Lexa]

I just need to work out transporation back to our port afterwards (maybe others would like to share), and remember to bring cash or check. The craftsman sat on the beach and demostrated their crafts as well as sold things. I only had plastic with me, amazingly enough the wood craftsmen told me to take what I wanted and send them a check when I got back home. I could not believe how kind and trusting they were. I was so uncomfortable with it that even though there were lots of things I would have liked I only agreed to a small turtle and tiki mask for my children. As soon as I got home I sent the check with a bit extra. This time, if we make it back to The Old Lahaina Luau I will make sure I have cash and checks on me.

Wow...that was really nice of him....you don't meet nice people like this every day.

 

[Lexa]

Sorry we haven't been on the boards much the last two weeks. Thanks to those who asked about us. We have been spending a lot of time at hospitals. Yesterday we got the great news that the radiologist was incorrect when last week she had identified a mass in his common bile duct. Unfortunately they still don't know why he is in pain and where the blood loss is occuring. But unless there is some other issue, we are clear to take the Halloween cruise he insists he wants to go on. More tests when we get back.

There were postings about when we could get the shirt material. Becky says we could have the material about 4 weeks from our order date, another 4 to make the shirts. So the issue is when to close the order and payment process. Now that DCL has told some or all of us that the final payment date is ???February 14, 2012, we can't make the paid date for the shirts the same as the FPD date. There is not enough time to get the shirts back and mailed out for the cruise if we order 2-14. Right now, I am leaning toward making January 9, 2012 the final payment for the shirts day. With that date I should have the material to you by March 1 and the shirts out by April 1. With some extra time built in for problems.
val

Some good thoughts for you and Bob with hope they will figure it out soon whats going on.

 

[Lexa]

I too have been out of touch since April 24 when Dennis was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. They did a cardiac cath on the 25th and determined he needed a redo of his bypass that was done in 1997. That was completed on the 28th. He had a tia a couple of days post surgery ("mini-stroke") that left his right leg and arm paralyzed. That cleared in a day, thankfully, then he went into atrial fib a couple of days after that. Those two events slowed his discharge a couple of days, but we were able to come home night before last. Yesterday was our 44th anniversary so we were thrilled to be at home. Some very sweet ladies from our church brought dinner for us last night. Dennis is now on the mend, but we, of course, have lots of appointments coming up with cardiac rehab, coumadin clinic (because of the A-fib), surgeon checks, etc.

Good thoughts for you and Dennis too. i wish him speedy recovery!

 

[georgeat]

I have been away for awhile. When did Disney add the 3 additional hours stay to Kahului and Honolulu April cruise?

 

[granmaz]

Angie it is so good to know Dennis is home and where he should be. That was quite a scare there.

 

[gdaneowner]

We are coming into LAX on the 27th, I think our plane gets there at 1230 or so. I want to stay near the port, but would like to go to DL. How bad would the drive be on Saturday if I rented a car at the port and drove to DL? Would it be an easy drive, or a pain? Any advice on how to handle this? I was thinking maybe go from LAX to a good neighbor hotel and visit Disneyland, then go to a port hotel that evening, but that is alot of checking in and checking out. If we stay both nights near DL, what is the best mode of transportation to get from DL area to the port? Any suggestions?