August 7, 2005 WONDER 4-night Bahamian Cruise

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Whatever you can book it's ok for us !!! THANK YOU so much !!!

I see your search for "light sundresses": are you sure you are going to wear them in CHILLY air-conditioning ?

I mean ( I always like to chat of dresses ... forgive my Italian spirit !!! ) ... you can "usually" adjust the temperature in your stateroom, but public areas - restaurants - lounges are VERY CHILLY ... not only in MHO; many US persons we met, who usually love fresh airconditionig... stated these ships are really chilly !!!

I feel more comfortable wearing a light jacket at dinner, or maybe pants and blouse.Consider that dinner lasts about 2 hours ... when you are sitting still in airconditioning ...
For what I saw during past cruises women "our WONDERFUL age" wear sundresses on excursions or at breakfast / lunch.

Marco usually wears a cotton casual jacket or a sweatshirt during the day INSIDE public areas; last year we had two formal nights on the Magic and he was so handsome in his black tuxedo ... but this August on the Wonder there will be no formal night , so I guess he might bring just a "business" jacket or , MOST LIKELY', a white "sahariana" jacket for our dinner time.

I have read that now AT PALO DCL only asks a dress shirt , while tie and jacket are now ONLY suggested....
This is it !!! I found you can really wear everything you feel comfortable with ... especially on the Wonder ; still we saw a (very) few tux 2 years ago, aboard the Wonder.

Just BEWARE : it's really cold inside !!
We don't want a sneezing Beckie !!! (just "piping" Beckies are appropriate with "secret porthole" !!)


See ...why Italy is famous for fashion and style ??? we like to talk of it since we are wearing ... diapers !!!

Well, I'm so excited about this cruise, I could talk for ... hours !!!!
Ciao , laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

Well pants and blouses would be easier to find. So Friday I'll add this option to the mix, the dresses I've seen wouldn't work for diner. So much shopping to do.

I need to finalize a few things for our trip in May... My oldest nephew called last night and he wants to do Dolphins in the Depth while we are at WDW so Terry may do this tour with him.

Have you thought about any excursions?

While I want to do everything I realize there is just so little time.

Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Laura
Have you thought about any excursions?

While I want to do everything I realize there is just so little time.

Beckie

Beckie, you DON'T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING NOW, in THIS cruise !!!

In MHO a Disney cruise is somehow like falling in love with Humphrey :
once you try it ... you become "addict" !!!!!
so, maybe, you or Terry will "find" yourself BOOKING next year cruise ... before "knowing" you want to do so !!!!!!!!
That always happens to Marco ...


For the moment I just like to "dilly dally" ... dreaming of our days on board ...I read somewhere that Ardastra gardens have a nice flamingo show , we never visited there ...
But I would also like to visit the straw - market , though I know Marco doesn't like those "agressive" vendors ...
We also had a great time doing by ourselves the tour of town- center by feet... I love castles and dungeons ...
Also Atlantis was "curious" and we would visit there again with pleasure...

As you said ... SO MUCH TO DO !!!


laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

I have been thinking that if Terry and I do the Dolphin swim we wouldn't really have time for much else. I do want to visit the straw market, Atlantis, and some of the other sites in Nassau. (shopping) So maybe the dolphins can wait until another cruise. This would make it seem that we had actually visited the island. Ardastra gardens sounds beautiful.

I think we could do all the above on our own just by taking taxies or walking, I'm not looking forward to the "agressive" vendors, but I think we can handle them between the four of us.

Maybe we could have lunch over at Atlantis or somewhere local?

This way we wouldn't have to rush for excursion meet times. Hakuna Matata
(No Worries)

Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

So maybe the dolphins can wait until another cruise.

ssshhh!
don't tell Laura, but while on board I will book the 7 days Western Cruise, departing August 12th 2006.
It's a secret
DGH

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Maybe we could have lunch over at Atlantis

Beckie,
I have chatted with DGH about a possible Nassau visit plan for the four of us.
(DGH is typing now while I am cooking lunch)

According to the "Navigators" we will be "all ashore" in Nassau at 9.45 AM and we have to be "all on board" at 7.00 PM.

Considering the "late" debarkation time, we think we will have a "very generous" breakfast on the ship, so we will not really need a complete lunch. Maybe just a short break, with a snack, in a cool place to refresh ourselves after a sunny morning.
--------
As far as "things to do" is concerned, please list in the order of your preference what you and Terry would like to do (we have already seen most of the places, so you choose).
When you have arranged the list, we could try to put together a scheduling for the day. What do you think?

Things to choose from:
- Visit to Atlantis aquarium
- Visit to Atlantis casino
- Visit to main historical sites in the city
- Strawmarket
- Ardastra Garden
- Shopping in the main shopping district (Bay Street)
- maybe you have other "things" to add?

ciao
Laura and DGH (Grump)

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

I am so tired...two days of shopping, ($$$ money,money,money $$$) I'm doing pretty good. I have my outfits for Triton's and Palo's, a few outfits for daytime, two new swimsuits, a cover-up, new tennis shoes, 2 pair of sandals. So I feel like I'm going to have things under control. I know it's early but if I wait until later in June or July everything will be picked over and I wouldn't be able to find the correct sizes. So I'm being the early bird for this trip, because I have so looked forward to it.

I did received your PM about the Dining and will call DCL Monday to make sure they also add Marco and youself to our reservations.

Your list covers everything I would like to see while in Nassau. At work today a was looking through some books on Nassau so I will check them out and read to see if there are any over locations that we must see.

Laura if we book the REAS package we will need to schedule our champange breakfast in bed either Monday or Tuesday, since the debarkation time is later on Monday than on Tuesday our CC day I guess I should schedule for Monday morning? Which day do you think would be better? The earliest time I can schedule this is 8:00am.

Wednesday I want to schedule all four of us brunch @ Palo's. Not sure when I'll schedule the massage at the spa. (So much to do, so little time)

I have been reading through the "NAVIGATOR'S" (I printed them) going through each day and highlighting each item of interest.

Better sign-off for now.

Beckie

P.S. DGH aka Surfer-Dude aka Marco...I won't say anything, ssshhh!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Hi, Beckie!

DGH Here: Laura is very busy as we have my mom visiting with us today: they are chatting and cooking, cooking and chatting all day long ... not bad the cooking part ...

Laura wants me to tell you the following:
she thinks the REAS package is great (grump!) : monday morning will be just perfect for your champagne breakfast, so you can have a nice start of the day, to schedule the breakfast at 8.00 AM will be fine; you should have plenty of time to enjoy it ... we guess we will meet at the gangway not before than 9.30 (DGH comments ... should we meet before 9.30 we will have to swim to reach the island - grump )

Laura wants me to print this IN BOLD:
... ok ... just the following sentence was supposed to be in bold

She is dying to know how your new outfits are (color / shape / everything)
when you have some time, could you describe them? Are you wearing sundresses for the excursions?
She is also asking: why two pairs of sandals?

DGH GRUMPY QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Have you and Terry got proper Identification (certified, birth certificates with raised seals or passport, I guess)

Laura & DGH (WHY I CANNOT PLACE ANYMORE GRUMPY PICTURES IN MY POSTS?????)

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

She is also asking: why two pairs of sandals?

Well the sandals came in four colors...I loved the pink and the yellow, just couldn't decide which to purchase...so I bought both pair.

The outfits I have so far are very bright, pink, yellow, turquoise, lime green.
I have two floral skirts, one very nice slip dress that has pink piping with a pink sweater to wear over it. (for the chilly dining rooms & theater)

I really like the skirts for the day excursions, (with either tennis shoes or sandals) maybe even for the causal dining nights, so far I can mix and match several of the outfits.

I also purchased a formal black top and cover for evening, I already had a nice black skirt or pants to wear with them. I would wear this to either Tritons or Palo's.

May run back over to the mall tomorrow after work...I have been thinking of some pale yellow crop pants. I may end-up looking like a big banana

Terry and I both have certified birth certificates with raised seals, but we are going to apply for our passports. I believe that passports are the best form of ID if traveling outside of the US.

DGH I'm not sure why you are having trouble posting Grumpy are you placing the

before and after your http: address?

Ciao
Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura Marco

Hi, called DCL this morning and linked our reservations together for Dining (she did have the information linking them so your TA's information had already been noted)

I also went ahead and booked the REAS package, and paid for it, ($$$) I have to wait until 30 days out before booking Palo's and massage reservations.

Ciao
Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Just wanted to share with you friends !!!!!!! our happiness : we have our new Pope !!!!!!

Just heard on TV about the WHITE smoke !!!
Don't know who he is yet !!!!!!!!

Bells are singing on St. Peter's square ... and bells of our small church near home are singing as well !!!!
We have our new FATHER !!!!


Laura

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

...
Well the sandals came in four colors...I loved the pink and the yellow, just couldn't decide which to purchase...so I bought both pair.

WOW !!! I need to purchase sandals too, but weather in Italy is still very cold; they are selling ... BOOTS !!!! I'll have to wait 'till June .


I have two floral skirts, one very nice slip dress that has pink piping with a pink sweater to wear over it...

I have two or three "sundresses" I bought in Hawaii with a floral theme ... I guess I may bring them for excursions or for the night !

I also purchased a formal black top and cover for evening, I already had a nice black skirt or pants to wear with them. I would wear this to either Tritons or Palo's.
I will be wearing something "similar" on the DRESS UP night, this was a present from my Mom I wore two years ago just once, it's "dressy" but I can bring it ...

" My" problem !!!! is ... we are staying at Royal Pacific resort the week BEFORE the cruise ...and another week AFTER our cruise "with Humphrey", so we will have a lot of luggage to carry with us ...we are away from home for more than three weeks !!!
Alitalia only allows 20 kilos per person ...

AND I will need to do our laundry ( and some ironing ???) before boarding the Wonder !I know they have launderettes on board, but I don't want to waist our precious time during the cruise, if I can avoid it !


Well, enough for now !!!!

SEE YOU PRETTY SOON !!!!!

laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

I understand about the laundry

it can be a hassle, I would think that doing it at RP would be the best time. Unless you could wait until you arrive back at Wilderness Lodge. Or just buy enough outfits for everyday... 21days x 3=63 new outfits (That was for DGH)

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

LOVE your suggestion !!!! just maybe DGH could ... wonder ... if I really need all those outfits !!!!!!

Did you and Terry think about any other "must see" while in Nassau ?
Marco and I will try and draft a plan to spend our wonderful day in the best way !!!!!! Will post it ... maybe on Sunday .

For sure the 4 of us will have a MAGIC day !!!!!!!!!


Love, Laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Did you and Terry think about any other "must see" while in Nassau ?
Marco and I will try and draft a plan to spend our wonderful day in the best way !!!!!! Will post it ... maybe on Sunday .

Laura

The list Marco came up with the other day sounded great, I have been reading and the list still sounds the best.

- Visit to Atlantis aquarium
- Visit to Atlantis casino
- Visit to main historical sites in the city
- Strawmarket
- Ardastra Garden
- Shopping in the main shopping district (Bay Street)
And maybe the pirate museum.
Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Beckie, just a thought :

You could park your new car at port /if I remember correctly it isn't unattended, you pay I guess about 10$ per 24-hour period ,Canaveral port Authority operates a fenced and gated parking lot - just across the street from the DCL terminal


OR

( I would choose this one !!!) You can park (for a special small "CRUISE"price) at the RADISSON:they run free shuttles between your hotel and the port.
I remember my friend had to make reservation for this shuttle the day BEFORE cruise departure.

Maybe you would want to check with them ...

Laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

We have already made reservations at the Radisson Resort at the Port, with the Cruise Parking Package. Terry said he is going to call to check on how secure the parking area is. I told him that the Port or the Radisson should be fine.

Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Ciao, Beckie and Terry!

Today here in Italy we have a SPLENDID day!
DGH and I have some free time and we are having a great time trying to plan our visit for four in Nassau. We ended with this two options, of course you two can cancel or change whatever you want.
HAVE FUN dreaming our day in the Bahamas!

Nassau scheduling is based on following info:
from March 14th Navigator: All Ashore 9.45 AM; All Aboard 7.00 PM
Ardastra Gardens Marching Flamingo Show 10.30 AM, 2.00 PM, 4.00 PM

PLAN “A” (ashore 9.45 or before)
Take a taxi to Ardastra Gardens
Flamingo Show 10.30

Take a taxi towards Atlantis; Beckie should negotiate the taxi fare and instruct the taxi driver to make short stops at Fort Charlotte and at Fort Fincastle / Queen’s Staircase, just to take a few pictures.

The taxi will drive us to Atlantis where we will spend the hottest part of the day .
While in Atlantis we can see the Aquariums/ Sea life exhibits , visit the Casino and have a quick snack.

Taxi again for Pirates of Nassau Museum , which is at walking distance from the Straw Market and Bay street, and also very close to Prince George Wharf, where the ship is docked.
Visit / shopping according to time left before boarding the ship. (Info from March 14th Navigator: dress up night)


PLAN “B” (Late debarkation)
Taxi to Atlantis: while in Atlantis we can see the Aquariums/ Sea life exhibits, visit the Casino and have a quick snack .

Around 1 PM we will take a taxi to Ardastra Gardens, Flamingo Show is at 2 PM.

Then we will take a taxi back to downtown; Beckie should negotiate the taxi fare and instruct the taxi driver to make short stops at Fort Charlotte and at Fort Fincastle / Queen’s Staircase, just to take a few pictures.

The taxi will leave us at Pirates of Nassau Museum , which is at walking distance from the Straw Market and Bay street, and also very close to Prince George Wharf, where the ship is docked.
Visit / shopping according to time left before boarding the ship (Info from March 14th Navigator: dress up night ).

How do you like these planning proposals?
(DGH is very happy

, but he will never admit that) I am jumping
Ciao
Laura and DGH

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura & DGH

I love both the plans but PLAN A sounds the best to both Terry and myself. We are early risers so PLAN A will give us a good start to the day, visiting Atlantis during mid-day is a brilliant idea it should be nice and cool in the Aquarium. BUT...

Beckie should negotiate the taxi fare and instruct the taxi driver to make short stops at Fort Charlotte and at Fort Fincastle/Queen’s Staircase, just to take a few pictures.

I'm not so sure "Beckie" will be very good at this...I have only riden in a taxi a few times, once on a trip to New York City when I was 17 years old, and on a trip in Atlanta to see a baseball game.

Terry wanted to know if I told you about my dealings with the car salesman last week...I said NO...(the salesman and I didn't see eye/to/eye about how much money our old car was worth) He decided to see things my way in the end.

I may need some help with the negotiations. Could we rent ? That may be fun.

Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

I may need some help with the negotiations.

DGH has NO patience at all with aggresive taxi drivers! Myself I will be more than happy to help you in negotiations, but I believe you should be much better than me in "getting the secret meaning" of their "mumbling" ... (English style)

BTW we will check on the boards what should be the right price for what we want to do, so we will know how to behave

Could we rent ?

NO!

They drive on the LEFT hand side!!!!!
But ... we can always rent a bike at Castaway Cay
ciao
Laura