Christmas/Holiday 2011 on the Wonder: 8 night Mexican Riviera 12/18/2011

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hi Everybody! I started packing today, woo hoo!
Info: Neither my husband or I drink, so we'll pass on the tastings. Have fun!

Question: We didn't book anything for Manzanillo, and now I'm regretting that there are no resort or beach excursions left, at least not with space for 3. Does anyone know whether the resorts, such as Las Hadas that host the shore excursions that were available through Disney, sell day use passes for those of us that didn't make up our minds in time? If not, are their good, safe beaches with bathrooms and perhaps restaurants close by that we could just take a taxi to?

Also, I've been reading in my Disney Passporter book that in Manzanillo especially we should carry pesos as few locals make or carry change in American money. Can money be exchanged on the ship?

Thanks!
Betsy

I don't know about exchanging money for pesos. I'm trying to figure that out. We didn't book a beach/hotel excursion either. I'm planning for us to go to this beach, Playa Miramar. Here is a pretty good thread about it with pictures on cruise critic:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1468214

One of the posters there lives in Manzanillo in the winter. There's another link within that thread to even more Manzanillo pictures and beach information.

SO, my plan is to get a cab, make arrangements to get to/from Playa Miramar, and go enjoy the day. My DH is a little nervous about it all, but I think I am more adventurous than he is when it comes to foreign countries. I have planned things like this before and it works out fine. I have read A LOT and it seems that Manzanillo is pretty safe, and this beach area in particular has a lot to offer. Restaurants, a flea market, an artist's market, banana boat rides, boogie board rentals, jet ski rentals. I myself like anywhere with a beach, cheap beer, and good food!

Christine

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi Everybody! I started packing today, woo hoo!
Info: Neither my husband or I drink, so we'll pass on the tastings. Have fun!

Question: We didn't book anything for Manzanillo, and now I'm regretting that there are no resort or beach excursions left, at least not with space for 3. Does anyone know whether the resorts, such as Las Hadas that host the shore excursions that were available through Disney, sell day use passes for those of us that didn't make up our minds in time? If not, are their good, safe beaches with bathrooms and perhaps restaurants close by that we could just take a taxi to?

Also, I've been reading in my Disney Passporter book that in Manzanillo especially we should carry pesos as few locals make or carry change in American money. Can money be exchanged on the ship?

Thanks!
Betsy

We were in Manzanillo in January on the Wonder for the Panama Canal cruise. I can't answer your question about if the resorts offer day passes (I know some resorts in Puerto Vallarta offer this, so it's worth looking into if resorts in Manzanillo do), but I do know when we were there, it is true that it's hard to use American dollars. At least for us, it was.

We didn't go to a beach when we were there, so I also can't speak about the beaches. But, I have no idea if Manzanillo is the same, but the beache we went to in Puerto Vallarta (we took a cab there), you had to pay to use the bathrooms, or if you wanted to use a bathroom in a restaurant, you were required to buy food there. So, not sure if it's the same, but if you go to a public beach, you might want to for sure have pesos just in case you have to pay for the public restrooms.

We didn't know this in Puerto Vallarta, and we didn't have any pesos (the bathrooms only took peso coins), and had to use the restroom, so we ended up buying some nachos and margaritas at a restaurant so we could use the bathroom. So, it ended up fine... we got some good food and drinks out of it, but it was an expensive bathroom break!

But, as for getting Pesos in Manzanillo, there is a bank right in a set of shops at the end of the pier (there will be a huge fountain at the end of the pier, and across the street from the fountain is a bank). My DH went into that bank and was able to draw out some Pesos with our debit card.

I am quite sure the Wonder does not do foreign currency exchange. The whole ship is cashless.

It might be your best bet would be to get some Pesos here before you leave, and then whatever you don't use, just get them exchanged back into US dollars after you get back.

There were some places in Manzanillo that did take US Dollars, but I honestly wondered if they gave me the correct change! They would have everything listed in Pesos, and I pretty much knew the exchange rate in my head, so I'd do the math in my head, but then they'd just blurt out the dollar amount to give them (with no US dollar amount listed on the price tag). I only bought one thing in US dollars (this is before my DH went to get Pesos), because I really felt like they overcharged me and didn't give me the correct change... but it wasn't very much money, so if they did over charge, I didn't lose much.

Good luck! It'll be a ton of fun regardless what you end up doing. I would definitely say, though, that Manzanillo is for sure the least Americanized out of the 3 ports we are going to.

Kathy

ps. this time we are doing one of the all inclusive resort excursions through Disney. Last time, we just did Manzanillo on our own (we just walked all over town) and it was nice to experience the town and culture, but this time we decided we'd rather just go to a resort, play in the pool, relax, hang out, and drinnk fun drinks. Hope you can find something to do that works well for you!!

 

[jalismoore]

1. Number of people
2. Top 3 choices of beverage-Margaritas, tequila, martinis.
3. Any beverage you definitely would not participate with.Whiskey
4. Preferred Day and/or Time (normally the first full sea day-Monday-, but we could do Tuesday if that's better).Monday or Tuesday
5. Any hard conflicts that rule out a particular time.-Booked activities at all ports
6. Any other comments.we have first dining

 

[jalismoore]

Just packed the Fe's, just have to wrap the Secret Mickeys..whew..brought out all the suitcases to start packing...We can't wait..Cant believe its almost here 13 Days til we meet...

 

[Dchachos]

Just packed the Fe's, just have to wrap the Secret Mickeys..whew..brought out all the suitcases to start packing...We can't wait..Cant believe its almost here 13 Days til we meet...

I know you live in CA, but if you are flying don't wrap any presents. The TSA will not allow them even in checked baggage.

This is of course going to make getting stocking stuffers and presents on the ship even more fun.

Oh and I got an email from Disney today reminding me the cruise was coming soon. I guess they haven't been counting down the days like we have lol.

See you real soon

Dianne

 

[jalismoore]

I know you live in CA, but if you are flying don't wrap any presents. The TSA will not allow them even in checked baggage.

This is of course going to make getting stocking stuffers and presents on the ship even more fun.

Oh and I got an email from Disney today reminding me the cruise was coming soon. I guess they haven't been counting down the days like we have lol.

See you real soon

Dianne

Not flying but I will do gift bags..We are also staying at Crowne Plaza Saturday night...We didnt want to be rushed but relax...Maybe we can meet....Take Care

Alis

 

[jalismoore]

Well my hubby booked us for a spa appt Tues. at 2pm whoo hoo...
Palo Tues. 6pm
Weds. Manzanillo- Tour and shopping...
Thurs. Puerto Vallarta-Pirat Boat and Snorkling
Friday-Cabo-Dolphin Swim
Sat-Cabo-Harbor Cruise and Scenic stop..

Im still debating the Christmas eve outing..My husband and I have been to Cabo and have done the cruise shopping thing but our kids haven't soooo.. LOL...I think we are doing to much but this is their Christmas present....

Alis

 

[LovesToRun]

1. Number of people
2. Top 3 choices of beverage-Margaritas, tequila, martinis.
3. Any beverage you definitely would not participate with.Whiskey
4. Preferred Day and/or Time (normally the first full sea day-Monday-, but we could do Tuesday if that's better).Monday or Tuesday
5. Any hard conflicts that rule out a particular time.-Booked activities at all ports
6. Any other comments.we have first dining

When is the deadline for this to be finalized? Just wondering if we'll know for sure before we get on the ship if we are doing this tasting or not.... since we'd get charged whether we show up or not, want to make sure I know it's definitely on. Is there enough people yet?

Sounds like fun!

Thanks!!
Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

I know you live in CA, but if you are flying don't wrap any presents. The TSA will not allow them even in checked baggage.

Dianne

Thanks for the tip!!! We are flying! We travel a lot every year, but this is the first we've actually flown at Christmastime. We usually avoid air travel at Christmas, but we couldn't pass up this cruise opportunity. So, I hadn't thought about not wrapping presents before flying! Glad to know that.

I was going to bring wrapping paper with me anyway in case I find gifts for my kids, DH and inlaws during our cruise before Christmas day. So, I'll make sure I bring enough to wrap everything!

We are bringing stockings with us and setting them up in our room, and we are just binging stocking stuffer size gifts for each of us to open on Christmas day, and all of our other presents will be waiting for us at home when we get home on the 26th. So, we'll get two Christmases!!

I'm SO excited.... we leave in less than two weeks! Wow!!

Oh, and I've been wanting to ask those in this cruise meet group.... is anyone here a runner? As you can tell, probably, from my screen name, I am a runner. My DH is a runner, too. We LOVE to run on deck 4.... anyway, if anyone is a runner, maybe I'll see you out on deck 4 running. My DH and I will probably be out on deck 4 running almost every day!

Only thing we'll miss is Castaway Cay.... they do a 5K on that island. But, that's ok. Just being able to run on the ship, especially on sea days, is good enough for me.

-Kathy

 

[mdlove2cruise]

For the tastings- I am not a big drinker so I will not be participating.

Getting excited and starting to pack. Hoping all FEs will fit in the suitcases.

I am also bringing stockings for us all as well as a small christmas tree I found on disney store that shipped in a mailer that i hope will keep it safe for the plane ride.

Debbie

 

[LovesToRun]

I am also bringing stockings for us all as well as a small christmas tree I found on disney store that shipped in a mailer that i hope will keep it safe for the plane ride.

Debbie

I think we got the exact same Christmas tree (and so did my inlaws)! Is it the one in the green tube (that is a mailable Christmas tree)? Anyway, it's super super cute!! You will love it, and a perfect little tree to bring if you have to fly. The green tube is very sturdy, so it should be totally fine in your suitcase.

Kathy

 

[Dchachos]

I don't know about exchanging money for pesos. I'm trying to figure that out.


Christine

I found a website for a company that does currency exchange. They have a branch in my airport. I am going to check them out, if they don't have complaints I am going to buy my money from them. The best part is if you don't use the pesos they will convert them back for no fee within 90 days of your original exchange.

Here is their link. You can see if they have a branch near you.
http://www.us.travelex.com/US/Home/

 

[Dchachos]

not flying but i will do gift bags..we are also staying at crowne plaza saturday night...we didnt want to be rushed but relax...maybe we can meet....take care

alis

That sounds like fun. I should be there and settled in by 3:30. There is another pre-cruise meet at the Double Tree, but I won't have a car so we will stay at our hotel.

 

[chernabogfamily]

Oh, and I've been wanting to ask those in this cruise meet group.... is anyone here a runner? As you can tell, probably, from my screen name, I am a runner. My DH is a runner, too. We LOVE to run on deck 4.... anyway, if anyone is a runner, maybe I'll see you out on deck 4 running. My DH and I will probably be out on deck 4 running almost every day!

Only thing we'll miss is Castaway Cay.... they do a 5K on that island. But, that's ok. Just being able to run on the ship, especially on sea days, is good enough for me.

-Kathy

Hi Kathy, I am also a runner! I'm right in the middle of my training for an upcoming 1/2 Marathon on New Year's Eve (my running club's "Get Fit so you can Get Lit" 1/2) and a full in at the beginning of Feb. So, you will see me out on Deck 4 every morning. I can't stand treadmills, I admit that I LOVE the feel of a breeze thru my hair while I run.
Maybe we could meet up for a run one of the mornings.
I'm an early riser and runner, so I can finish and be back and showered when the rest of the family is starting their day.

Kellie

 

[Double Trouble]

When is the deadline for this to be finalized? Just wondering if we'll know for sure before we get on the ship if we are doing this tasting or not.... since we'd get charged whether we show up or not, want to make sure I know it's definitely on. Is there enough people yet?

Sounds like fun!

Thanks!!
Kathy

TASTINGS: As of now, we only have about 15 people for a private tasting, with 25 minimum required. So regarding "tastings", may I suggest we just join in one or more of the normally scheduled group tastings as desired. I will get a schedule of them for Monday and Tuesday (they generally only do them on sea days) and bring it to the Sunday 3pm meetup in the Promenade Lounge for everyone to review. We can all be flexible that way and choose whichever ones you like, then sign up at guest services individually. We can still make it work that way and sit as a "group within the group". They are generally about $15/person and have all been very enjoyable. Additionally, we can all get together for a "meetup" on Monday (more in my next post), with our without drinks, in a more informal setting. Comments/ideas??

 

[designertravels]

Just to let you know.. last year if you bought something from the gift shop on X-Mas eve they were gift wrapping for free. Go early, it was packed.

How do I know??? Last year we stayed at the Hyatt Grand Cypress for 2 nights in Florida before the cruise. We never unpacked our cruise bags at the hotel. On Christmas eve I realized our santa gifts never made it to the ship. They had been stolen, I believe at the hotel. (all in one Christmas bag) I had to go spend bookoos of money in the ship gift shops because my girls had a big thing if Santa would come on the ship.
We had a ginormous FE group, and I ended up putting some unwanted FE gifts under the tree too.
They were not selling any paper or gift bags. I had just brought stockings to put everything in.

ok. time to finish laundry so I can pack! Jill

 

[SanDeeKath]

TASTINGS: As of now, we only have about 15 people for a private tasting, with 25 minimum required. So regarding "tastings", may I suggest we just join in one or more of the normally scheduled group tastings as desired. I will get a schedule of them for Monday and Tuesday (they generally only do them on sea days) and bring it to the Sunday 3pm meetup in the Promenade Lounge for everyone to review. We can all be flexible that way and choose whichever ones you like, then sign up at guest services individually. We can still make it work that way and sit as a "group within the group". They are generally about $15/person and have all been very enjoyable. Additionally, we can all get together for a "meetup" on Monday (more in my next post), with our without drinks, in a more informal setting. Comments/ideas??

Sounds like a great idea!

 

[Double Trouble]

As a follow-up to the Sunday 3pm meetup in the Promenade Lounge, may I suggest a casual meetup on Monday (once everyone is settled in an fully in "cruise mode")? It's a great opportunity to get to know people better, talk about excursions, and share other ideas about the trip. We could have it in the Outlook Cafe See the link below...

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/wonder/nightclubs-lounges/outlook-cafe/

It's a nice indoor facility with excellent views and casual open seating with plenty of room to mingle. Although billed as an adults only venue, by then our kids will all have "disappeared" into the Club/Lab/Edge anyway, rarely to be seen again for the rest of the cruise (you gotta love Disney!). You can bring in your own beverage, or get one there or at any of the other nearby options. Or, you can just come hang out. Monday is generally a good day to do this as it will likely be quite cool outside still and not the best pool weather. We could also choose a different venue if anyone has some suggestions.

I know it's hard to get a group together with all the other activities going on, but it's a nice chance to make friends with some of your shipmates that you'll be running into for the rest of the week, as well as maybe later at DLR or even a future cruise. It's also a great time to figure out what tastings or other events might be fun to participate in. We could do it either in the late morning (coffe and/or Bloody Marys) or sometime in the afternoon (libation of your pleasure). I would like to finalize this no later than this weekend so we can publish a meetup summary before everyone hits the road.

What do you think about having it on Monday either around 10:30 or 11:00am, or maybe 2'ish if afternoon is better?

All comments/suggestions welcome!

 

[Brooklyn]

Just wanted to share our Christmas Card photo. We took this in Cabo on our Halloween cruise.

 

[Dchachos]

Just wanted to share our Christmas Card photo. We took this in Cabo on our Halloween cruise.

That is a fantastic picture and makes a perfect card. I love a picture that is not a studio pose picture. We have some but our favorites are the ones where we are just having fun: like this one of your girls.

I just ordered our and I am hoping they come soon, so I can get them out.

Every year I buy new Jammies for us and we take pictures in them and Santa hats. Sometimes we do it at home and sometimes in other places, it's really fun to go out in public in jammies. Then we wear those jammies on Christmas Eve.

Okay off to bed. I am up late but I finally finished making my FE gifts, whew it was a little bit more involved than I anticipated but so much fun. The last batch is drying and tomorrow I package them and pack them.

Dianne