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

[brendmar]

Thank you so much for the info - I just emailed her. Hopefully she has some rooms left. So looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

I can't figure out what we're doing in Oahu for 8.5 hours after we're done with Pearl Harbor? We are there so long, but there is a definite lack of afternoon and evening activities to choose from.

Have you considered the Honolulu Hop-on Hop-off bus? The 24 hour pass has like 20+ different stops including the Duke Kahanamoku statute, Iolani Palace, Chinatown and lots of shopping stops. You can ride the City Tour Loop, Night Loop & Pearl Harbor Loop

You can get an all-day pass for $29/$14 online and you get a free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased.

Military get an even better deal of $23/$12 with same free kid ticket

www.alohabus.com

 

[kugalbelle]

Hey there fellow Hawaii (and now I guess some fellow May 2013 WBPC cruisers) since we are on page 2 I'd thought I would bump us back to page 1 by posting a photo of a lighting test for Cars Land I took tonight. Here you go. Enjoy.

Thank you for this. Can't wait for it to open!

I am making one gift for the
Cabin and when I find out the ages of the children I hope to get something appropriate .
I recently was having some eye problems double vision so I have been going for MRI etc waiting to hear on a brain s an I took Friday. It's going to be a long stressful weekend If anyone has some extra prayers on hand keep me in mind. Hanks

In our thoughts and prayers!

Probably a bit late but we are travelling with you!
Peter (DH), Jessica 13 (DD - and disney cruise teen expert on www.wdwradio.com), Kimberly DD 10 and me; Denise
We are platinum members and are so excited about HAWAII and the amount of sea days... My favourite... Quite frankly, Disney could put me on any ship and just go around in circles... I'd be happy..
Hope to see you all on the cruise
Tink&Cinderella

Welcome, Looking forward to seeing you on the cruise too.

 

[dylan'smom]

As soon as you get onboard go book Palo. You should not have a problem getting brunch. We have to do that also for our friends that are sailing with us. We are platinum and have ours booked, but could not get them with us.

Just want to add agreement to that!!

Go straight to Wavebands (aka RockinBarD on the Magic) after boarding if you get on during the first couple of hours. And if you can't get there early in the day, or don't like the dates available, be sure to check back because there will be lots of availability later on.

High tea is a little tougher because they only open up half of the dining room for that, but even so, with all those sea days it should open up too.

Does anyone know the answer to this question...

If we rent a car, is there a shuttle taking us BACK to the ship too? Also, what is the time frame? I was thinking of renting a car and dropping it off 1-1/2 hours before all aboard just in case thinking that shuttles may only leave every hour back to the cruise ship terminal (if at all). I get worried about the ship leaving without me!

I'm wondering this too - I'm going to check with the rental agencies to see when they close and/or stop the shuttle service....it would be nice to keep the car into the evening!!

We are doing the beach in Kauai, but I guess I could switch things up - I just wish DCL was offering things. Does anyone know of a beach close enough to the pier that is nice (with kids) and maybe walking distance?

.....I need 3, DS really really wants to do this one. I told him I'd keep looking back and checking. Let me know if you cancel and I'll cross my fingers and check it out.

Remember, DCL always holds back space on excursions for on board booking!! We have snagged what we want on several occasions by visiting the desk asap after boarding! Of course, if you need Palo too, you need to divide & conquer!!

I'd like to know about a beach that's 'walkable' in Kauai too!!



Oh and to everyone who is just joining us here!!!!!

.

 

[Lexa]

Have you considered the Honolulu Hop-on Hop-off bus? The 24 hour pass has like 20+ different stops including the Duke Kahanamoku statute, Iolani Palace, Chinatown and lots of shopping stops. You can ride the City Tour Loop, Night Loop & Pearl Harbor Loop

You can get an all-day pass for $29/$14 online and you get a free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased.

Military get an even better deal of $23/$12 with same free kid ticket

www.alohabus.com

Does anyone know where our ship will be docked? I looked at the map and there is few different locations (not far from each other) where we could be "parked".

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

Does anyone know where our ship will be docked? I looked at the map and there is few different locations (not far from each other) where we could be "parked".

Leshaface has a VERY detailed TR from their MR cruise Dec 11-18 that kind of lays out the whole embarkation stint from San Pedro. Perhaps it can help you determine exactly where our ship will be docked (if it is the same as the MR cruises)

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43508662&postcount=382

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

So, my hubby is getting a little bit grumpy about all the COOL things I'm signed up to do that he thinks are "all for the girls" (Champagne Gals; Scrapbooking, Jewelry Making, etc.)

SO, he says to me last night - "What about us Fellas?"

"Is anybody planning a poker tourney or anything while you womanfolk are busy??"

And, so I ask you all - have the men ever planned something like this? Is playing poker on board even allowed?

If so, would any of you men (or your hubby's if it is a gal reading this) be interested in some kind of poker event?

If so, we'd be happy to coordinate since we are driving to the port and could bring the necessary "poker stuff"

Let me know what you all think...

Steph

 

[TDC Nala]

On the DCL site about a half hour ago, the Haunted tour in Oahu was not showing as sold out. If you wanted that you may want to check it.

 

[Lexa]

So, my hubby is getting a little bit grumpy about all the COOL things I'm signed up to do that he thinks are "all for the girls" (Champagne Gals; Scrapbooking, Jewelry Making, etc.)

SO, he says to me last night - "What about us Fellas?"

"Is anybody planning a poker tourney or anything while you womanfolk are busy??"

And, so I ask you all - have the men ever planned something like this? Is playing poker on board even allowed?

If so, would any of you men (or your hubby's if it is a gal reading this) be interested in some kind of poker event?

If so, we'd be happy to coordinate since we are driving to the port and could bring the necessary "poker stuff"

Let me know what you all think...

Steph

Sounds like my DH. Not sure about playing poker on board. But I would think having tournament for fun wouldn't be a problem. I would be more scared that there would be 60+ men signing up for this


I called my TA today to see if she can get me our stateroom number......no luck, we are still stuck with GYT

 

[Grammy4Lizzy]

My honey would like a poker tournament.
He jokingly tell people he is a professional gambler. He entered a tournament one time and won $56.00.

 

[tomoyo]

Our Pearl Harbor tour ends at 3:15. I think I will talk my group into seeing the palace.
Is the palace easy to find or see from port ?

I'm not sure what time they'll be open until (I think it's 4 PM), but the ticket office closes at 3:30 PM, so it might not be possible if your tour ends at 3:15.

 

[Rat-a-too-ee]

Not as easy as I thought, but I have figured out some car rental info I can share.

HILO (ITO): Rented through Avis. Spoke directly to the office at 808-935-1298. There will be shuttles waiting at the cruise port, and return shuttles start at 2pm and continue until 6:30 pm (last call) Rate = $71 for intermediate car (plus I will probably be adding LDW) Plans: Drive to Volcanos National Park and back (drive around rim and explore lava tubes).

MAUI (OGG): Rented through Enterprise. Spoke directly to the office at 808-871-6982. I have to call for a pickup when we dock. It should take 10 minutes. Dropping off... allow 45 minutes from the time you drop off to get back to the ship. Rate = $68 for an intermediate (plus I will DEFINITELY add LDW based on Hana Hwy research). Plans: Drive on Hana Hwy to Seven Pools and back. Then drive the perimeter of western Maui from North to South. Really want to go to a luau but I cannot figure out how to do it and get the rental car back in time to make it to the ship.

HONOLULU (HNL): Really wanted Enterprise, but no shuttles between port and rental car lot. Rented through Thrifty. Could not reach a direct person in Hawaii, as all calls go into the main number 877-283-0898. Rate = $70 for an intermediate with LDW. Got this rate through a link from http://www.aloharents.com/cruise-ships.htm Plans: Hike to top of Diamondhead, do everything that's in the itinerary for Explore & Taste O‘ahu's North Shore, and check out Aulani time permitting.

KAUAI: No rental car, no plans yet.

Note:
Here's a neat site that tells you what car rental agencies cater to cruise ship passengers. I used it as a starting point, but called to confirm shuttle service. http://www.hawaiicarrentals.net/hawaii-cruise-ship-car-rentals.html

Note 2:
I have only purchased LDW once before. But I think (especially for Maui), it is worth the extra $16 -$26 per day. Although most islanders have the Aloha Spirit, many of the blogs I have read on driving the Hana Highway caution about potential break-ins if ANYTHING is in the car. We will keep everything out of sight, but you know that sometimes punks just enjoy messing around.

 

[Shananana]

Maybe someone can help me out with this. I have a 2 year old son, and all of the excursions that I am booking do not allow for me to select him as a participant. I am assuming that this is because he is under 3 and does not require admission to the excursions I am booking? Everything that I have booked shows that it is for all ages. So this is the best explanation I can come up with. Any thoughts?

My daughter was 21 months when we went on the PC cruise. We had her in the nursery for a bit, but also brought her with us on some excursions. When registering, you are correct. She didn't need a ticket if it was priced as a child (ages 3-9) but there were some that we did have to pay for her, so it just depends. Once we got to the bus, we just told the activity manager that she was one, and they just told us that she would have to sit on our lap.
No worries there!

 

[gdaneowner]

My daughter was 21 months when we went on the PC cruise. We had her in the nursery for a bit, but also brought her with us on some excursions. When registering, you are correct. She didn't need a ticket if it was priced as a child (ages 3-9) but there were some that we did have to pay for her, so it just depends. Once we got to the bus, we just told the activity manager that she was one, and they just told us that she would have to sit on our lap.
No worries there!

Thanks!.. I was just making sure that there wasn't some hidden fine print that I was missing..I seem to have picked out all excursions that he is free! Not on purpose, but it is an added bonus!

 

[MousseauMob]

Thanks, that helps with deciding what to do.

I might be seeing you in the spa after I get my vanilla. I didn't book anything on line and I am hoping for some specials on board. Our Pearl Harbor tour ends at 3:15. I think I will talk my group into seeing the palace.
Is the palace easy to find or see from port ?

I don't believe you can see it from the pier, but looking at the maps it appears close. Check out: http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/honolulu/

Have you considered the Honolulu Hop-on Hop-off bus? The 24 hour pass has like 20+ different stops including the Duke Kahanamoku statute, Iolani Palace, Chinatown and lots of shopping stops. You can ride the City Tour Loop, Night Loop & Pearl Harbor Loop

You can get an all-day pass for $29/$14 online and you get a free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased.

Military get an even better deal of $23/$12 with same free kid ticket

www.alohabus.com

I have been considering this - thanks for the link.

Just want to add agreement to that!!

Go straight to Wavebands (aka RockinBarD on the Magic) after boarding if you get on during the first couple of hours. And if you can't get there early in the day, or don't like the dates available, be sure to check back because there will be lots of availability later on.

High tea is a little tougher because they only open up half of the dining room for that, but even so, with all those sea days it should open up too.

Remember, DCL always holds back space on excursions for on board booking!! We have snagged what we want on several occasions by visiting the desk asap after boarding! Of course, if you need Palo too, you need to divide & conquer!!
.

There's just me - so divide and conquer is extremely painful!

Does anyone know where our ship will be docked? I looked at the map and there is few different locations (not far from each other) where we could be "parked".

I was wondering the same.

On the DCL site about a half hour ago, the Haunted tour in Oahu was not showing as sold out. If you wanted that you may want to check it.

I missed it!!!!

But I did see that they added an Aulani item! Of course it is at 7:15am - I don't understand being in port for 15 hours and having all excursions (except 1 or 2) starting in the morning so only 1 can be selected.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Just want to add agreement to that!!

Go straight to Wavebands (aka RockinBarD on the Magic) after boarding if you get on during the first couple of hours. And if you can't get there early in the day, or don't like the dates available, be sure to check back because there will be lots of availability later on.

High tea is a little tougher because they only open up half of the dining room for that, but even so, with all those sea days it should open up too.




Remember, DCL always holds back space on excursions for on board booking!! We have snagged what we want on several occasions by visiting the desk asap after boarding! Of course, if you need Palo too, you need to divide & conquer!!

.

We did not get Palos brunch either or High Tea. There are lots of days so I found that strange.....we will check in on board but I am not holding out hope that they held them back. They used to.....but I am not sure they still do. ????? It will be a pleasant surprise if we get brunch.

 

[dylan'smom]

Not as easy as I thought, but I have figured out some car rental info I can share...
MAUI (OGG): Rented through Enterprise. Spoke directly to the office at 808-871-6982. I have to call for a pickup when we dock. It should take 10 minutes. Dropping off... allow 45 minutes from the time you drop off to get back to the ship. Rate = $68 for an intermediate (plus I will DEFINITELY add LDW based on Hana Hwy research). Plans: Drive on Hana Hwy to Seven Pools and back. Then drive the perimeter of western Maui from North to South. Really want to go to a luau but I cannot figure out how to do it and get the rental car back in time to make it to the ship......

Thx for the numbers!! I haven't been able to get away yet today (away from my keyboard)!! I want to call & see how late they stay open, with a luau in mind - I'm probably dreaming but would love to do both...

....
There's just me - so divide and conquer is extremely painful! ....

But I did see that they added an Aulani item! Of course it is at 7:15am - I don't understand being in port for 15 hours and having all excursions (except 1 or 2) starting in the morning so only 1 can be selected.

Then you have to be quick!!! Run like the wind....lol

I'm curious about the Aulani thing?? Was it a lunch or all day?

We did not get Palos brunch either or High Tea. There are lots of days so I found that strange.....we will check in on board but I am not holding out hope that they held them back. They used to.....but I am not sure they still do. ????? It will be a pleasant surprise if we get brunch.

Honestly, we were just on the Wonder for a 7 night (fewer days at sea, of course) and we had booked the cruise really late - nothing at all available online for Palo or the excursions we wanted.

We were one of the first families in Wavebands & the Palo res. book was open with a spot or 2 in every time/category! They had it laid out with all available times & we literally had our choice of anything - even though EVERYTHING had been sold out online when I got there so late.

The trick is to get there early - they open at 12:30, so we went there first, shore excursions second, Guest services 3rd (booked tastings)...it was all available. It's less a hassle to get it done online, but we were too late & this worked as a back-up.

.

 

[MousseauMob]

Found the following. Not sure why it has us for 6-7 but it does say that if a pier is not specified then Pier 2 is the assigned pier.

http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules/oahucruise2012.pdf

 

[Pixiegran]

Here is a few facts I found out on the website and from talking to Disney direct a few minutes ago..... Aulani is not set to "be" an excursion yet the name shows on the excursion list but no times, length or prices. The 7:15 mentioned earlier is not there anymore. I was told to check back regularly to see if it is up yet.

Also added to Honolulu excursions was the Hop On Hop Off bus pass..it is normal price from Disney, but the website listed earlier has it for sale at $10 less.

Under the Disney info about that pass it states pass is good for all 3 lines BUT only one line comes to pier and it goes to another stop where you can change to different line. The ship will be docked at "Aloha Tower Market Place (the cruise ship pier) "....

After reading the Disney info on Hop On Hop Off pass I am really tempted to go that way since our only excursion is late afternoon...

 

[socababy]

I don't know why I am so bummed about there not being any brunches available right now. Maybe because the food was just so darn good! I won't get to the ship until possibly 2:00 which makes me think we will be on a long waitlist at that point.

The good news is that I also sail on the Wonder just 3 weeks before this cruise and I do have brunch and high tea booked for that cruise. I am tempted to ask my concierge who will hopefully be Tawanda who I had last Nov if he can help me get a brunch booking for this cruise even though I am not in concierge for this trip. That's how bad I want brunch! LOL I'll make sure to leave him a nice large tip on the MR cruise! My mouth is actually watering right now thinking about it.