April 8, 2006 Western Magic Cruise

[MNrae]

Ikd4 - I've got 7 1/2 boy/girl twins!

UMTerp - we're at the Radisson as well - we'll be getting in around 11am on Friday - we're renting vans so we won't be taking the shuttle

My kids are getting SO EXCITED - okay...me too

Can someone recap the different things (meets) the dis group will be doing and at what time? I want to print it off and take it with me. That would be helpful. Maybe someone did and I missed it. If so, sorry!

 

[UMTerp]

Meets/events:

3:00 on Saturday Meet near Goofy's Galley/Scoops for everyone including families!

2:00 on 2nd sea day, Informal Wine Tasting for adults only
Meet on the port side (same side as the Mickey Slide/Drink station) deck 9 near the adult pool. Bring your wine (with description if you can - wine can be anything you enjoy - a local wine or you can pick up something in port/on the ship), cheese platter or other snacks (from room service or topsiders).
UMTerp & DH - 2
Pocono & DH & BIL & SIL- 4
Vavasmon & DH - 2
Polly P & DH - 2
SassyGirl & DH - 2
Anyone else want to join in ?

I think that's what we have planned. Anything else?

UMTerp

 

[windermerejudy]

Good morning ladies! Hey you forgot about that group bungee jumping at castaway cay and the lion safari on Cozumel, ..........

Just joking! Well lots of last minute running around to do. Fortunately it looks like it will be a calm week at our house as far as the kids are concerned.

Today I have got to go to Best Buy and get a new portable DVD player for the kids. They love taking it to dinner and it keeps them well behaved. Ours konked out. Its funny how there are not many movies released on PSP that are appropriate for kids. That would save room if I did not have to bring both.

 

[LisaMS]

Looks like my daughter and Vavasmon's daughter have hit it off on email and are planning to hook up on the boat. Perhaps other girls around that age want to join in? 10 year olds/4th graders...I think they are meeting at 3 pm at Scoops on Saturday. My daughter is thrilled to have found a comrade in arms. Lisa

 

[mslinda4him]

Personally I will not give my 9 yo sign out privies just due to horseplay and all the weird disappearances on ships. I would rather miss the first night than go there. Guess I may be over cautious but that is the most comforting to me.

QUOTE]

So...I've just been reading everyone else's questions and answers, packing a little here and there, and getting more excited by the day!

windermerejudy--you are the first person I've seen who openly has the same concerns I have. I didn't give my 11 yo privies either, and, frankly, I'm concerned about my DD15. She is just barely 15, and I am nervous about her leaving teen activities alone at night to wander back to the room. On top of that, we are not staying in the same room, as she is staying with the nanny we are brining for my twin nephews and developmentally delayed daughter. Maybe that increases my paranoia. Any input from anyone on this one?

Can't believe we'll be in the sun and fun in less than a week!

 

[mslinda4him]

I was reading some more...and wondering some more dumb things...
--what's with the room/door signs people keep talking about? is that a cruise tradition we first timers need to know about?

--my geography is not great, but are we going to the Bahamas? which port is Bahamas? my DM and I are quite confused about the Bahamas paper work.

--I get that "Pixie Dust" is little gifts (we call them "Happy prizes" around here ), but is it normal that people bring pixie dust to give to their new friends, or how does that work? what is typical?

--where does one sign up for Palo's reservations? obviously we didn't get them online...

Well...we've got our sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, under-water cameras and flip-flops all packed! Now I just need to remember little things like toothbrushes and shampoos...

 

[UMTerp]

mslinda4him - let's see if I can help with some of your questions:

Door signs - optional. Can help you find your room and it's fun to walk around the ship and see what other people have come up with.

Castaway Cay is in the Bahamas

Pixie Dust is good wishes/thoughts. As far as gifts for your fellow cruisers/new friends, that is optional. Some people bring a little something, others do not. It is totally up to you. Some people bring something from their home state/area.

You should be able to sign up for Palo at Rockin' Bar D (same level deck where you board). You probably want to try to do this as soon as you can after boarding as they fill up fairly quickly.

DCL provides shampoo so if you forget that it's OK! I think I saw toothbrushes in the store onboard too!

Have a great day!

UMTerp

 

[mslinda4him]

Thank you so much for the scoop! I can't wait!

 

[windermerejudy]

mslinda4him---I think being concerned is a responsible thing. I have seen 20 yr olds horsing around on board and near the rails.......what about preteens. I know DCL has not had the problem of rapes and attacks that other cruise lines have had but there is always a first time. It does not have to be a worker---it could be another passenger. There was an incident at Castaway Cay a few weeks ago where a railing was left open by a crew member painting. Someone wrote in to say how concerning that was. Also from a 9 yo resposibility level I am not sure he would go only where is allowable---not on purpose but by accident. Probably would not even be an issue considering my son cannot be drug out of lab BUT no chances here. If for some reason I could not find him---I would not even know where to start looking. Is it worth it for the convenience---------------------


When you go onboard, go to your right and there is a nightclub "avenue". Rockin Bar D is the first on your right and they will be in there with all the ressie stuff. (Palo, wendy, dinner assignment, seating, ) Remember if tours are full you can always pick up most tours right at each port. We have always done this in GC and had very good luck negotiating prices,. Lots of tour operators when you get off at each dock.

If you have time remember Lysol wipes and spray. They come in very handy. I have always sprayed down my entire room when getting onboard as they only change bedspreads every so often not after every passenger. Gross HUH?

 

[windermerejudy]

Looks like my daughter and Vavasmon's daughter have hit it off on email and are planning to hook up on the boat. Perhaps other girls around that age want to join in? 10 year olds/4th graders...I think they are meeting at 3 pm at Scoops on Saturday. My daughter is thrilled to have found a comrade in arms. Lisa

Yes Lisa, I think we ALL have children that age. And YES they will all be at Goofy's Galley with us.

 

[UMTerp]

OK, I'm spacing out! Can someone tell me which night is formal night and which is semi-formal? I know they are Monday and Thursday, I just can't remember which is which. I've been considering letting my DD get her hair braided this time (first time) but don't really want formal night pictures with the braids in.
I was thinking about getting the braiding done on Thursday late afternoon.

Thanks!

UMTerp

 

[poconoboatniks]

I can't believe we leave in 3 days. I still have all that last minute stuff to do. Is everyone done packing? I'm not!

Judy, What is the weather suppose to like this weekend? Should we wear shorts on the plane?

Poconoboatniks

 

[windermerejudy]

Pocono----it is hot and beautiful here today. I'll watch the weather later and post the latest.

Trying to get my house cleaned today!!!! I have done a few rooms just need to get off the computer.

 

[Vavasmon]

OK, I'm spacing out! Can someone tell me which night is formal night and which is semi-formal? I know they are Monday and Thursday, I just can't remember which is which.
UMTerp

My notes say formal on Monday; semi on Thursday but we haven't sailed the 7 night before.

Good luck to the lady Terps.

 

[UMTerp]

Thank you so much Vavasmon for both things!

I just cleared all of my camera memory sticks so I'm ready for more pics!!!

See you all soon!!!

UMTerp

 

[poconoboatniks]

Judy,

Glad to hear the weather is hot. We're getting rain right now. It's cold & damp.

Um,

Thanks for reminding me to clear the memory cards.

Poconoboatniks

 

[Vavasmon]

After a beautiful weekend it is coller and damp here too. I am hoping for the weather to be warm and sunny in FL on Friday and Saturday. Judy's current conditions made me feel better.

Judy - I may have missed it while I was gone - how is you DS foot doing? I assume he had the cast removed.

Also good luck to anyone calling tomoorow morning for Med reservations.

DH cleared the memory cards and sticks on Sunday and put 3 new tapes in the camera bag for the camcorder. My 2 bottles of wine may need to be better packed for the carryon. A friend at work is going to bring one of the cardboard carriers from the winery tomorrow - that should work better than what I currently have rigged in the backpack.

Concerning signout my 10yo has it but has very tight rules from DH and myself - Including path to/from club/cabin. I personally worry a lot more about the teen club arrangement which would not affect us for another 2.5 years. Personally I would not like my 13yo with 17 yos and the minimal supervision for teens. Other lines separate the "teen" group into 2 sets which I think is more approprite (including level of supervision).

 

[windermerejudy]

Ok guys I am watching the news now................(drumroll please......)

Fri------87/60 minimal rain chance
Sat-----86/62 minimal rain chance

Looks good. It was 88 today and HOT!!!!!!! We are getting the cold front tomorrow from you guys but they said it would drop us from 88 to 82 and then back up.

 

[windermerejudy]

Vavas---that is good to know about other lines with teen supervision. I totally agree ----I am not sure I would want my 13 yr old with much older and more worldly teens. Could be trouble. I may want to look more into that in a couple of years.

 

[UMTerp]

OK Judy - Good forecast! We are going to Kennedy Space Center on Friday!

DH still isn't packed! I just have a few last minute things to do!

Can't wait!

UMTerp