Can't believe I just did this - booked 1/6 Wonder

[TammiMcMan]

I'm not sure if it's definite yet, but I did go ahead and put a deposit down with Dreams Unlimited for a 3 night cruise in January.

This will be our second cruise and I think we might be looking at a "parent's only" trip this time around. Our DD will be 19 and home for Christmas break, plus we have family who wouldn't mind spending a night or two with them. I'm just wondering how other parents have handled it. We've gone away for a few nights before, but we've always been able to stay in contact with our cell phones. The ship just seems like it will be a little bit more isolated. On our May trip, my cell phone service didn't operate after a few miles out of port. It will probably cost a small fortune, but is the ship to shore service adequate for checking in on a daily basis? Our kids are 19, 14 & 8 and the two younger one's would have school on Thursday & Friday anyway.

We had a fantastic cruise in May, but there was so much to do, that we didn't have time to do half of it. We never once made it to the nightclubs, the spa, the adult pool, or even the deck 4 chairs. We did take a quick tram ride over to see Serenity Bay while the kids were occupied at their clubs. It will be January if we do decide to take this cruise, so weather permitting, we'd like to spend some more time at the adult beach. And DH has already asked if we can book all of our dinners at Palo.

I'm just amazed at how hooked we are after just one short cruise. Even the kids voted on a 7 night cruise for our next trip instead of going to Disney World. (We're already waitlisted for December 2006). Here's hoping it all works out, now where did I put my Passporter.......

 

[clh2]

Can you check in back home using e-mail? Then if there is anything amiss - you could call. Or another option is - call when you get to Nassau - from what I understand there are "land" phones when you get off the ship. I don't recall seeing these - but I wasn't looking for them either.

 

[TammiMcMan]

The internet would definitely be an option for us. With AOL service, I could actually "talk" to them using instant messaging I think.

Thanks, that's a good idea.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by TammiMcMan
The internet would definitely be an option for us. With AOL service, I could actually "talk" to them using instant messaging I think.

Thanks, that's a good idea.

Yes, you can! You can set up a specific time that you'll be online so they can check in. whenever I was checking my AOL email on the ship someone would IM me and ask how the cruise was! It was a lot of fun "talking" to friends/family while on board.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thank you Phyllis. I'm glad to hear that instant messaging worked for you. I think that actually being able to carry on a conversation would take away that isolated feeling. I've got until November 9th to change my mind, but so far it's looking pretty good.

 

[Bethipooh4]

Hi Tammi,

I see you have the cruise bug too, now I am jealous having to wait until June for ours. You get to go sooner. I may have to talk to DH about a Jan cruise to tide us over till June...lol
Beth

 

[mmouse37]

Ship to shore rates are very high....like $6.95 per minute or so.

Much cheaper to stay in touch via e-mail everyday...even with the onboard charge for internet use.

MJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

but so far it's looking pretty good.

Wow, am I ever going to have to eat those words. You know when things are moving along pretty well and then BAM, you get that curve ball right between the eyes. We are just finding out that DD has probably tanked her freshman grades at college and has lost her scholarship money for next year. Long story, I have it posted on the community board if anyone wants to read the gory details. Any thoughts of cruising have now been put on hold until we get this straightened out though. Oh boy....