April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Wonder to Hawaii- who is with me?

[jessrose18]

i think i want maui to be our beach day any suggestions? we are willing to rent a car, and want a beautiful beach, some snorkeling, but mainly splashing around......

looking into helicopter for kauai, pricey, yet beautiful pictures and views..this one will be a tough decision

we are also going to arizona on oahu, if someone puts together a tour group of disers i will sign up!

thinking volcano national park on big island.

depending on rate of course, interested in hyatt precruise as well

these are just my first thoughts, researching has been fun so far!!!

 

[goofprincess]

As many here will attest, I love to organize tours. If I am successful in getting a SR, I will be happy to organize some private tours!!

Yeah Noel

 

[goofprincess]

I just booked for DH and me today. I called my TA and was told they only had some Deck 2 rooms left. I was wanting 9A or above. I asked to just be wait listed and within 15 minutes I got a call back. He was able to set me up with either a 9A or 7A (navigator's veranda). We chose the veranda since the price was within $500 of each other.

Long story short, we're in 5136! I see lots of familiar names and faces from our 2010 EBTA cruise.

I got tired of reading to try to catch up so I'm just going forward from here on this thread.

Lori

WELCOME ABOARD LORI

 

[granmaz]

Welcome! I think you have found the nicest group of people on the high seas!!


boy, I so agree!!!




Nice! The new categories confuse me. What's the difference in 5A and 5C....obviously nothing if it's the same room!!!

Yes, as Monica said just position. We were booked on Deck 7, and after our last 2 cruises on Deck 7 I said in future we would go for Deck 6 as from there you can look straight down to the ocean. Unfortunately none on that deck were available. From 7 there is a wide metal ledge that stops you doing that. Anyway our TA was quick to see the cabins this morning and grabbed one for us.

Having said that, I had to explain to our TA by deck position as I couldn't remember the categories!!!! She must think I am nuts.

 

[MrsMork]

Yes, as Monica said just position. We were booked on Deck 7, and after our last 2 cruises on Deck 7 I said in future we would go for Deck 6 as from there you can look straight down to the ocean. Unfortunately none on that deck were available. From 7 there is a wide metal ledge that stops you doing that. Anyway our TA was quick to see the cabins this morning and grabbed one for us.

Having said that, I had to explain to our TA by deck position as I couldn't remember the categories!!!! She must think I am nuts.

 

[sshaw10060]

I was able to change from a 5a (all that was available when we booked to a 9b and we saved almost $3000. That moves the cruise from the ridiculously expensive category to just hugely expensive. Not like it really matters it would take a herd of elephants to keep me off that ship!

 

[CruznLexi]

We had originally booked the Spirit for the fall could save more money and had the best itinary and could see my best friend, go to Aulani after the cruise. My husband said no way were we going to spend 23 days on vacation. So Sunday night that got scrapped and looked and found my cabin. But right now Disney does not have any other cabins in that catg so I can't transfer the booking.
For Hilo we want to do the black sand beach. We plan to rent a car again and go to the beach. It is about an hour away. For those wanting to do the volcano it is about 30 mi away and costs about $10 per car to get in. You can also see the nut farm too which is free. Kinda like going to Krispy Kreme where you see nuts on a belt. When then went to Akka falls opposite of the ship maybe 30 min also free. Same your was offered on the ship was offered at over $95. The volcano is very easy to do they give you a map and have a visitor center with a couple of movies. The volcano was not active when we went but the Capt had tried to get us close but no active volcano. We were in Maui but on the other side. This time we want to do Molokini but they go early so I am hoping there will be one offered through Disney. In Oahu to get to the beach was a. $6 taxi ride. Never been to Kuai. ABC stores are great lots of fin items to get. I am really surprised that Disney is not doing a late night port. On our last 15 night we over night in Maui skipped Kuai and were in Oahu until 2am and had 2 hours in Ensenada. They did bring some singers on for the entire cruise and some hula dancers and had a mini luau on deck. Alan believe me I will email Disney a few times before we leave about the pins. Also let us know when those SW flights come out.

 

[castoff]

Hi everyone! Just checking in from St Maaren. The cruise has been wonderful so far! Hawaii is all the buzz aboard the ship. So excited to be booked on this one!!! My husband and I just keep talking about how wonderful this cruise is going to be.

Have fun !

Well, just changed staterooms and saved $594!!! Had to book a 5A on Saturday, but got changed to a 5C!!! Same room, different position!

I just saved my friend Chris $661 by downgrading him from a 10b to an 11c. It's only him in the room, so he was happy with that

Just found out that my friend Marlene, is chosing this cruise over walking across the stage to receive her diploma for her masters degree from UCF. She's decided that this will be her graduation present.

I was able to rebook my cat 9C - saved about $400.00 Now we're in a GTY instead of a room assignment, but I'm ok with that! That's extra $ in my pocket!

Congrats All on the savings ! Welcome aboard Marlene and congrats on your masters degree !

I also was able to transfer a obb to a 10b that was open this morning...paying $300 more than 11b, but now get a $200 credit for obb....so $100 more for 2 baths is a deal! Right after I saw a 9c open up for even cheaper, talked to ta she is gonna try to get it for me......here's hoping Right after I get this all secure I will release my 11b gty so look out for that. Glad others are getting better rates as well, I am surprised these cabins are still here this morning.

$100 more for 2 bathrooms sounds like a good deal to me.

I looked at the itinerary map, and we're sailing the wrong way from Hilo to Maui, so there is no possible way for us to sail Kilauea at night. If you look at the map posted by birkner here (click arrow next to birkner),we sail up from Hilo directly to Kahalui, instead of down around towards Kailua-Kona by Kilauea! I'm so sad, that was the most beautiful and awesome sight watching the lava flow into the ocean.

What's a wave phone? What are they used for? If they are used to keep in touch on the ship, boy I need one for my teenager!

I didn't know about this volcano till I was on this thread. I was excited and now I am bummed.

Although I haven't used the wave phones yet I hear they can come in handy. If you decide to use them and anything happens you will have to pay 250.00. I believe you can text each other on them.

 

[dylan'smom]

I am so glad that I have found this thread!

After reading a thread earlier today about newbies vs gold/platinum's, I was getting a little nervous, especially considering the amount of previous cruiser's that will be onboard!

But you all seem so nice and inviting!!!

I will be with my son (4) and we are hoping to stay near the port the night before we leave...would love to do DL, but I'm not sure if time and money will allow it! If anyone is doing a block of rooms the night before, keep me posted!

Hoping to join the CG also! Love my Moet!!!!

My first reaction was that I would stay on the ship and make this my 10th sea day. However, the more I read about this, the more I am inclined to get off the ship. There is a world class bird reserve near Ensenada and also some interesting marine wildlife. I suppose I have to check out excursion options nearer the time. Corinna

That sounds cool. We usually just walk in aways, past the really touristy stuff and & have a good, authentic mexican lunch....... except for a time we took a group of kids on an excursion to a movie museum about an hour away near Rosarita Beach - it was great for the kids with lots of stunt photo ops & they filmed Titanic there so lots of memorabilia & we stopped to have a family style lobster fest on the way back.

 

[castoff]

I was confused prior to visiting re the different islands.
Honolulu is on Oahu where Waikiki Beach is.
Maui is beautiful; my personal favorite because of the beaches.
Kauai is the garden isle because it rains and rains and rains. Waimea Canyon so majestic; also in northern area is where they filmed South Pacific.
Big Island aka Hawaii is home to Kiluea. Diverse scenery.

Hope this helps. I want to do something out of my comfort zone....zip lining I know I won't be in a helicopter since I am not very good with flying. It will be interesting to see what excursions DCL will be offering up. Can't wait. I Hawaii.

Thanks that makes me feel better. Yes that helps. I can't wait to see what DCL offers so I can find something that might save me money on my own.

Great to see you again! Welcome to the crew!!!!

We will have to get off the ship at Ensenada to replenish my Mexican Vanilla supply

Aww forgot about the vanilla !

i think i want maui to be our beach day any suggestions? we are willing to rent a car, and want a beautiful beach, some snorkeling, but mainly splashing around......

looking into helicopter for kauai, pricey, yet beautiful pictures and views..this one will be a tough decision

we are also going to arizona on oahu, if someone puts together a tour group of disers i will sign up!

thinking volcano national park on big island.

depending on rate of course, interested in hyatt precruise as well

these are just my first thoughts, researching has been fun so far!!!

Did you check out the link I posted a few pages back ? The helicopter ride isn't in Kauai but Hilo. Scroll down and there is one for Falls & Volcano. 45 min. ride for 219.00.

Yes, as Monica said just position. We were booked on Deck 7, and after our last 2 cruises on Deck 7 I said in future we would go for Deck 6 as from there you can look straight down to the ocean. Unfortunately none on that deck were available. From 7 there is a wide metal ledge that stops you doing that. Anyway our TA was quick to see the cabins this morning and grabbed one for us.

Having said that, I had to explain to our TA by deck position as I couldn't remember the categories!!!! She must think I am nuts.

No not nuts just that the girl knows what she wants.

I was able to change from a 5a (all that was available when we booked to a 9b and we saved almost $3000. That moves the cruise from the ridiculously expensive category to just hugely expensive. Not like it really matters it would take a herd of elephants to keep me off that ship!

Wow nice savings !

We had originally booked the Spirit for the fall could save more money and had the best itinary and could see my best friend, go to Aulani after the cruise. My husband said no way were we going to spend 23 days on vacation. So Sunday night that got scrapped and looked and found my cabin. But right now Disney does not have any other cabins in that catg so I can't transfer the booking.
For Hilo we want to do the black sand beach. We plan to rent a car again and go to the beach. It is about an hour away. For those wanting to do the volcano it is about 30 mi away and costs about $10 per car to get in. You can also see the nut farm too which is free. Kinda like going to Krispy Kreme where you see nuts on a belt. When then went to Akka falls opposite of the ship maybe 30 min also free. Same your was offered on the ship was offered at over $95. The volcano is very easy to do they give you a map and have a visitor center with a couple of movies. The volcano was not active when we went but the Capt had tried to get us close but no active volcano. We were in Maui but on the other side. This time we want to do Molokini but they go early so I am hoping there will be one offered through Disney. In Oahu to get to the beach was a. $6 taxi ride. Never been to Kuai. ABC stores are great lots of fin items to get. I am really surprised that Disney is not doing a late night port. On our last 15 night we over night in Maui skipped Kuai and were in Oahu until 2am and had 2 hours in Ensenada. They did bring some singers on for the entire cruise and some hula dancers and had a mini luau on deck. Alan believe me I will email Disney a few times before we leave about the pins. Also let us know when those SW flights come out.

Thanks for sharing...........going to copy for my binder.

 

[birkner]

I

I keep my fingers crossed for you.

Corinna

Thank you Corinna!!

 

[castoff]

oops I posted the wrong link for the helicopter trip. Birkner actually posted it.

http://www.allbigislandhawaiitours....&aid=ltg1462&gclid=CMTE2cLPlagCFRs5gwodjjClDQ

 

[birkner]

NOEL - sent you a pm

Got it!!

 

[birkner]

Now days all we have are the good O'days when there was silverware on flights. val

Nowdays we get plastic silverware which is an oxymoron if there ever was one!!

 

[dcannon101]

You guys might want to take a look at the Cruise Critic boards. They have it broken down into the different ports and some people review the various tours that they took or were available for them. Here is the link if anyone is interested : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=62

Dale

 

[aan1701]

What are you interested in seeing or doing ?


I am also on The Thanksgiving cruise. Who is your friend ?

I want to go to the Arizona. After doing a little research, looks Luke if you take a tour you are going to get over. If you walk up it is first come first serve. I may be off on this, but that was my impression. I want to do thus so badly I can't even really put it into words. I also really want to go to Volcano park. I want to go into a lava tube.


My friend who booked yesterday was on next years Thanksgiving cruise. I believe his name is photocjr.

 

[birkner]

You guys might want to take a look at the Cruise Critic boards. They have it broken down into the different ports and some people review the various tours that they took or were available for them. Here is the link if anyone is interested : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=62

Dale

The links at cruise critic give you lots of information. What I have found is most successful for me in planning a tour is to email and develop a relationship with the tour operator. By asking them all the questions directly, I find myself being more comfortable with all aspects of a tour.

 

[Frodo UK]

Well managed to read to page 47. So many faces old and new.

We're in. Marilyn and John, wrinklies and proud Old Geezers!! Well only 'in' as far as we have a reservation. Still have to convince John, find some serious money, and stay well!!! How could we NOT cruise with so many old friends.

John I am depending upon you, otherwise I will wear out my Kindle when the CG's are playing and there will be empty seats in Cove Cafe before bedtime.

Nowdays we get plastic silverware which is an oxymoron if there ever was one!!

or even silver plasticware, fingers crossed for your landside tourguide expertise.

I must say....thinking about this cruise is overshadowing my Alaska cruise that starts in 3 weeks. I REALLY LOVE sea days & am really looking forward to them. I'm also looking forward to seeing all my friends too (and making new ones).

Lots of pix's of Alaska please.

Welcome! I think you have found the nicest group of people on the high seas!!

Wearing our Geezer pins with pride and charging up the camera batteries.

 

[snwwht]

9B's and 9A's available right now!

 

[aan1701]

Alan believe me I will email Disney a few times before we leave about the pins. Also let us know when those SW flights come out.

I am so happy to hear you will contact them. I hope with enough emails history will not be repeated. As to the flights I will keep you posted.