August 1st 2009 - Eastern 8/1/2009 The Eastern Caribbean Castaways

[marcij]

Hello Dave and Helen,

Several years ago I had the great joy of working in Leicester (sp?) and loved the countryside. The best part was when the locals heard us Americans taiking would come over and want to talk to us because they loved our accent. And we enjoyed thier/your accent so we were all happy. We also visited Birmingham, Coventry, and of course London. You have a beautiful country and I want to get Kim (disneymom8589) over there to visit. Just don't tell her or I will be committed to doing it.

Now for all, we will be vacationing in New York during Spring Break. Have you been there, and what restaurant/activities would you recommend. We will do Serendipity (Kim's favorite movie) for the frozen hot chocolate and hopefully Regis and Kelly.

See you in a few months.

Dave

For NYC -- we ate at a steak place --Sparks. It was pricey, but oh so wonderful! If you want to splurge, I suggest there. Have a fanfastic trip!

 

[MrsJobba1]

HI guys -

We are back up to 12 for Palo brunch - I telephoned my contact but she is out of the office until next wednesday (guess she must be on her spring break ) I'll try and call her next wednesday -so our request can be offically processed.



One thing I might need is the surnames of you guys- not sure is DCL is that offical (I have Kim & Daves)

I can't wait for our visit to NY your food suggestions sound great could you let me know where they are ?

We are staying through DVC @ The Regency hotel on PArk Ave - do you know this area anyone? Dave is looking forward to joggin round central park - just how big is it? He will be in seriuous training mode as he is doing a half marathon in September.

Have a good day _ its friday

 

[marcij]

Helen -- that should be a great area! Central Park is huge. Ask the concierge where the safest parts are to jog.

Johnson is our surname. I think the steakhouse I told you about (Sparks) isn't too far from the theater district. I know the concierge will have heard of it.

 

[disneymom8589]

How great that the Palo brunch is still on!! Thank you for arranging this. What day of the cruise is the brunch scheduled?

Have a terrific time when you go to NYC. Dave and I are going in 17 days during my spring break...his 1st time, my 2nd. It is an incredible city and there is an abundance of things to do.

 

[MrsJobba1]

How great that the Palo brunch is still on!! Thank you for arranging this. What day of the cruise is the brunch scheduled?

Have a terrific time when you go to NYC. Dave and I are going in 17 days during my spring break...his 1st time, my 2nd. It is an incredible city and there is an abundance of things to do.

Hi Happy Saturday everyone.

I have asked for the brunch to be on the 1st sea day (Sunday) I said if that was not available to try the second .

The timings for brunch is normally 10-12 I think (if I remember right)

I love the brunch (esp the scallops wrapped in bacon

I really hope this comes off -it was so much fun being in the private room the last time we cruised _ I want every one to share this experience.

Lets hope there are no VIP guests on our cruise as they would use the room.

Take care

 

[disneymom8589]

Hi Happy Saturday everyone.

I have asked for the brunch to be on the 1st sea day (Sunday) I said if that was not available to try the second .

The timings for brunch is normally 10-12 I think (if I remember right)

I love the brunch (esp the scallops wrapped in bacon

I really hope this comes off -it was so much fun being in the private room the last time we cruised _ I want every one to share this experience.

Lets hope there are no VIP guests on our cruise as they would use the room.

Take care

This sounds fantastic, Helen!! Thanks for all of your planning and organizing!

Kim

 

[MrsJobba1]

This sounds fantastic, Helen!! Thanks for all of your planning and organizing!

Kim

Its my pleasure - I only hope it comes to fruition.

According to my count down its only 138 days till we cruise !


Looks like we are going to have a lovely spring morning here the sun is actually shinning (and yes I am in England) Hope it lasts and I will be able to get in the garden this afternoon. I do not have very green fingers but I do try my best

 

[joycsk]

Its my pleasure - I only hope it comes to fruition.

According to my count down its only 138 days till we cruise !


Looks like we are going to have a lovely spring morning here the sun is actually shinning (and yes I am in England) Hope it lasts and I will be able to get in the garden this afternoon. I do not have very green fingers but I do try my best

Dear Helen,

I most certainly do not have a green thumb or fingers! I wish that I could get motivated to cultivate them!

 

[disneymom8589]

Its my pleasure - I only hope it comes to fruition.

According to my count down its only 138 days till we cruise !


Looks like we are going to have a lovely spring morning here the sun is actually shinning (and yes I am in England) Hope it lasts and I will be able to get in the garden this afternoon. I do not have very green fingers but I do try my best[/QUOTE

I am jealous of your sunshine! We are having SNOW this morning. This is very unusual in the Seattle area for this time of year, but our weather this season has been anything but normal!!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Its my pleasure - I only hope it comes to fruition.

According to my count down its only 138 days till we cruise !


Looks like we are going to have a lovely spring morning here the sun is actually shinning (and yes I am in England) Hope it lasts and I will be able to get in the garden this afternoon. I do not have very green fingers but I do try my best[/QUOTE

I am jealous of your sunshine! We are having SNOW this morning. This is very unusual in the Seattle area for this time of year, but our weather this season has been anything but normal!!

Snow

I hope spring arrives for you soon x

 

[DanielSan]

After lurking on this board for a few weeks, I've decided to make my presence known! lol

I'm Dan, MsLefever's brother. My wife (Anne) and I are starting to get really excited about this trip! Actually, I'm just looking forward to May 18, when Anne and I can book our excursions, reservations, spa treatments, etc.!

Has anyone here used the spa services on a Disney cruise? Anne and I are cruise "virgins", but we'd both be interested in taking advantage of a good massage!

We also know we want to sign up for the wine package for dinners. I think it's a bottle per dinner, correct?

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself! Oh, and Anne and I are two of MsLefever's group who will be joining the Palo brunch!

 

[MrsJobba1]

After lurking on this board for a few weeks, I've decided to make my presence known! lol

I'm Dan, MsLefever's brother. My wife (Anne) and I are starting to get really excited about this trip! Actually, I'm just looking forward to May 18, when Anne and I can book our excursions, reservations, spa treatments, etc.!

Has anyone here used the spa services on a Disney cruise? Anne and I are cruise "virgins", but we'd both be interested in taking advantage of a good massage!

We also know we want to sign up for the wine package for dinners. I think it's a bottle per dinner, correct?

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself! Oh, and Anne and I are two of MsLefever's group who will be joining the Palo brunch!

Hi Welcome Dan

I have a word of warning if this is your first cruise - Disney Cruises are addictive ! LOL

I have never done the wine package myself but I know on the first day you are asked a number of times by servers walking around on deck if you would like to sign up. I have been on a table and our friends got a wine day and also they were able to carry wine over if they did not drink it all.

Spa services are great - there are a variety of different massages to try. One tip I have is on your first visit to the spa they get you to fill out an info sheet. I now always write on the top - NO sales pitch please and they honor this. In the past after my treatment they would try to get me to but the products and it was kinda stressful for me. (not really hard sell but I felt uncomfortable)

Some say the best massage are the ones on castaway cay (disneys island) they have cabanas that look out to sea.

On the afternoon we board you can get a tour of the spa.

The rainforest room is great and allow time to use this after your treatment

Try not to book your spa 10am-12 on the sea days as this is when we could be having Palo brunch.

Hope that helps - Feel free to ask any questions and we'll try our best to help.

137 days and counting

Take care

 

[joycsk]

After lurking on this board for a few weeks, I've decided to make my presence known! lol

I'm Dan, MsLefever's brother. My wife (Anne) and I are starting to get really excited about this trip! Actually, I'm just looking forward to May 18, when Anne and I can book our excursions, reservations, spa treatments, etc.!

Has anyone here used the spa services on a Disney cruise? Anne and I are cruise "virgins", but we'd both be interested in taking advantage of a good massage!

We also know we want to sign up for the wine package for dinners. I think it's a bottle per dinner, correct?

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself! Oh, and Anne and I are two of MsLefever's group who will be joining the Palo brunch!

This is only our second cruise and our 1st 7 day. I have a daughter close to your niece in age. (MsLefevre - did you receive our snail?) I didn't do the spa on our 4 day - and I have one word about CC. I have no doubt that the massages on CC are fabulous - but there is SO much to do there on the island.
I've also been reading that the mani/pedis on the ship are _not_ good quality and that it is better to get one prior to the cruise and go for other treatments in the spa. Do a thread search on the boards and read for yourself. I'm not sure of the specific complaints, but I've heard that there are better ways to spend your time/$$ than the manicure.

So glad you delurked!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi Welcome Dan

I have a word of warning if this is your first cruise - Disney Cruises are addictive ! LOL

I have never done the wine package myself but I know on the first day you are asked a number of times by servers walking around on deck if you would like to sign up. I have been on a table and our friends got a wine day and also they were able to carry wine over if they did not drink it all.

Spa services are great - there are a variety of different massages to try. One tip I have is on your first visit to the spa they get you to fill out an info sheet. I now always write on the top - NO sales pitch please and they honor this. In the past after my treatment they would try to get me to but the products and it was kinda stressful for me. (not really hard sell but I felt uncomfortable)

Some say the best massage are the ones on castaway cay (disneys island) they have cabanas that look out to sea.

On the afternoon we board you can get a tour of the spa.

The rainforest room is great and allow time to use this after your treatment

Try not to book your spa 10am-12 on the sea days as this is when we could be having Palo brunch.

Hope that helps - Feel free to ask any questions and we'll try our best to help.

137 days and counting

Take care

This is only our second cruise and our 1st 7 day. I have a daughter close to your niece in age. (MsLefevre - did you receive our snail?) I didn't do the spa on our 4 day - and I have one word about CC. I have no doubt that the massages on CC are fabulous - but there is SO much to do there on the island.
I've also been reading that the mani/pedis on the ship are _not_ good quality and that it is better to get one prior to the cruise and go for other treatments in the spa. Do a thread search on the boards and read for yourself. I'm not sure of the specific complaints, but I've heard that there are better ways to spend your time/$$ than the manicure.

So glad you delurked!

I agree with the manicure - I got one on board and by the time we went for dinner 4 hours later it was already chipped.

The frangipani scalp massage ($26 I think) was really good value for money but it was done in the salon not the spa.

 

[DanielSan]

Thanks for the great advice!! I suspect that massages may be in order, but I now doubt that Anne will be getting a manicure / pedicure done that week!

And thanks for the "heads up" about the Palo brunch. We'll make sure not to schedule anything during those times.

Anne and I are going to 1) do the wine purchase, 2) buy the beer glasses to use throughout (We'll give Anne's to her dad when we come home!), 3) I'll probably pay for the internet use because I'll need to check e-mail for work, and 4) Anne and I will probably have a private dinner for just the two of us at Palo.

Anything else you all can recommend (or not recommend) for on-board purchases?

 

[MrsJobba1]

Thanks for the great advice!! I suspect that massages may be in order, but I now doubt that Anne will be getting a manicure / pedicure done that week!

And thanks for the "heads up" about the Palo brunch. We'll make sure not to schedule anything during those times.

Anne and I are going to 1) do the wine purchase, 2) buy the beer glasses to use throughout (We'll give Anne's to her dad when we come home!), 3) I'll probably pay for the internet use because I'll need to check e-mail for work, and 4) Anne and I will probably have a private dinner for just the two of us at Palo.

Anything else you all can recommend (or not recommend) for on-board purchases?

RE Internet

Heres a lot of info on using the internet on the ship - costs, best way etc http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2112734

 

[DanielSan]

Wow, thanks for all this help and info!

By the way, I couldn't help but notice the David Boreanez avatar! My wife and I are HUGE Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel fans! In fact, David and I went to school together at Ithaca College - although we weren't buddies or anything like that! Truthfully, I didn't know him at all while I was there - only found out years later that he graduated from Ithaca one year after me.

 

[marcij]

After lurking on this board for a few weeks, I've decided to make my presence known! lol

I'm Dan, MsLefever's brother. My wife (Anne) and I are starting to get really excited about this trip! Actually, I'm just looking forward to May 18, when Anne and I can book our excursions, reservations, spa treatments, etc.!

Has anyone here used the spa services on a Disney cruise? Anne and I are cruise "virgins", but we'd both be interested in taking advantage of a good massage!

We also know we want to sign up for the wine package for dinners. I think it's a bottle per dinner, correct?

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself! Oh, and Anne and I are two of MsLefever's group who will be joining the Palo brunch!

Hi Dan! I'm glad you've come out of lurkdom... Welcome to our group.

This is our 4th 7-night, and we've also done a 4-night. We've done the wine package a couple of times, but the last couple of times have brought our own wine onboard. It's certainly easier just to buy theirs, but we hated paying the price for things we could get for half the price on our own, and we also weren't very crazy on what they offered. You can find the wine list on the Dis and the price, and that will help you know if you like the ones offered etc.

On our first time on the Magic, I did the cabana massage on Castaway Cay. It was really nice, but I really didn't find it all that different from a regular massage and have decided that I'd rather not take any of my time away from the Island. It also seemed kind of hot in the cabana's. I guess I'm an air conditioning type of spa girl! I've also had my hair done for formal night several times and have been pleased with the hair salon. I tried the spray tanning one time, and wasn't very happy with it. It seemed kind of streaked.

The other thing Randy and I have done and loved were the spa villas. VERY PRICEY, but we loved it. It was really cool to sit in the hot tub, just the two of us and look out on to the ocean. That was also the first time Randy had ever had a massage, and he liked it. I would probably do this again. Helen is right -- they will hard sell you products if you don't warn them ahead of time that you aren't interested.

Palo is a favorite of ours -- you must schedule that as well. I'll also be doing the internet package, but this is our first time to go since they've made wireless available so I'm a little apprehensive about how to use it. I had heard there were lots of problems when they first started it, but I'm sure they've ironed out the kinks by now.

 

[disneymom8589]

Welcome aboard, Dan (and Anne)! We'll look forward to meeting you on the cruise and at the Palo brunch. This is our (mine and DH ScubaD's) first 7-night cruise, having done two 3-night cruises. We are really looking forward to it! Definitely go to Palo for dinner! It is fabulous!! We are celebrating our 25th anniversary (one month late) on the cruise and are looking forward to our Palo dinner! The filet is so wonderful!!

Kim

 

[MsLeFever]

Hey Danny! You were REALLY lurking as even I didn't know you were here. Lucky I didn't say anything nasty about you.

We got our "My Cruise Travel Kit" today - nothing really new in terms of info - but still exciting to look at.

I did notice that the children's area ages are wonky - one says 8-12 and one says 10-14. I think the ages are different on the Magic/Wonder and have to look into that. I know I'm putting Johnna up into the 8 year old group but I'm not sure where Bennett goes yet. How old is Jake?

We are planning on doing the Doubloon Sail and Snorkel on St Thomas/St. John. Dan - it's the one where you snorkel with sea turtles. It's only 3.5 hours so we should have beach time or shopping or whatever.

Barbara