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

[betsy918]

Absolutely!!

I'll head up the FE list. If you want to join, just give me a PM.
Double Trouble, that's a good idea of a general cost. I've spent a little more AND a little less than that before. All depends on what you want to do- things you make that you can find at a good price, may run you less. If you have things you are ordering, it might be a little more. Do whatever is comfortable for you! It shouldn't be about "I should spend xxx".

Thanks also for the Los Veranos info! Great information to have.

Christine

Hi Apparantly I can't send a PM until I've posted 10 times, so here's our info for the FE:

Me: Betsy K.
DH: Dion K
DD: Mary-Grace K (turning 8 on the cruise)

 

[SanDeeKath]

Fellow Christmas Cruisers: Are you and your family first seating or second seating for dinner? We are second...figured my big kids could handle it.

We are second seating too. We always do 2nd seating because the kids like to graze at the buffet during the afternoon so they are not too hungry around 6pm. I am a little worried about the fact that the buffet closes at 3pm on this ship but I figured I will just be calling room service a whole lot during the witching hour of 4-6pm...

Katherine

 

[chernabogfamily]

We have done both (1st and 2nd) seatings for dinners. We personally don't like eating at 9-10 pm, so the kids reqquested we do the first dinner seating from now on. Personally, I think it is so they can have a midnight snack of 2-6 slices of pizza up on deck later. Plus, it was their guarantee that they wouldn't be too stuffed to enjoy the Pirate night buffet and the Dessert buffet. Hmmm...sneaky kids

I have to think about whether or not we are going to participate in the FE this cruise or not. Since we are planning on celebrating Christmas on board, I know there are going to be extra gifts/items that we will already be toting along in our luggage and buying on board to bring home with us (plus we will be heading to DL and LA for 3 days after the cruise). Let me think about that one.

I had thought of having an ornament exchange among all the DISers. Not sure if anyone would be up for that. 1 ornament doesn't take up a lot of space in my luggage . Plus, there are some very unique ones from around here. Anyway, just a thought.

 

[courtnvm]

Hey Guys!

I'm Liz and we have just booked our room! Traveling will be me, my DH, Val, and our kids, DS11 - Chandler, DS9 - Val, and DD4 - Allison. This will be our 2nd Disney cruise and the best part about this cruise....the kids won't know a thing about the cruise until we pull into the port!!

My DH and I grew up in So. CA (Chino for him and Rancho Cucamonga for me), but now currently live just outside of Austin, TX. We have been here about 2 weeks, after living in Nashville, TN for 17 years.

Our first cruise was a 4 night on the Wonder in January of 2009 and I've been trying to get us back on the boat since then! We were supposed to go to WDW for Thanksgiving with my family, and then it was the week of Christmas, and now it's been moved to Spring Break, so it opened up Christmas week for us. We are headed back to Nashville for Thanksgiving, and I didn't want to spend our first Christmas with no family around all by ourselves, so I sent a quick email to our TA, and here you go!!

It's gonna be so tough keeping this a secret from the kids, but my inlaws live in Bakersfield, CA, so the kids will think that we are going to spend Christmas with them. We are thinking about staying in Anaheim Saturday night so that the kids think that we are starting our CA trip at DL, which is what we usually do when we visit the inlaws. The morning of the cruise, DH will "get lost" and get on the freeway and we'll end up at the port. I absolutely can't wait to see my kids' faces!!

I am a little nervous, because we are a category 4 GTY, and I've never done GTY before! I guess as long as I'm on the boat, it doesn't really matter, right?

We are in for the FE and whatever tasting everyone decides. I'll PM my info tonight!!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome Liz!

Too funny your DH is from Chino- mine too! Chino High boy I lived in Ontario from age 10 and graduated from Pomona Catholic. We live not far from Rancho now, just north of Fontana. My inlaws live in Tennessee now so we spend a good bit of time there.

You'll love surprising the kids! We did that with our March MR cruise. It was a looonnnng 9 months to keep that secret! They didn't know till we were pulling up to the port when our DD Rachel looked up from her Kindle and said, "Hey Mom- look, it's the Wonder!" I grinned and said, " I know!" We had told the kids we were going to spend Spring Break at the Angels Spring Training in Arizona (they were not thrilled). I was worried they would notice that we were driving west, not east to Arizona. I clearly overestimated their dependence in the car on technology. They never looked up once!

At any rate, the surprise was incredible. I had done everything from make door magnets to FE gifts while they were asleep or at grandma's. DH and I were so nervous the morning of but we pulled it off. You will have a great time planning this! Your Disneyland ruse is perfect.

Christine

 

[Tinkerbellll]

Hey Guys!

I'm Liz and we have just booked our room! Traveling will be me, my DH, Val, and our kids, DS11 - Chandler, DS9 - Val, and DD4 - Allison. This will be our 2nd Disney cruise and the best part about this cruise....the kids won't know a thing about the cruise until we pull into the port!!

My DH and I grew up in So. CA (Chino for him and Rancho Cucamonga for me), but now currently live just outside of Austin, TX. We have been here about 2 weeks, after living in Nashville, TN for 17 years.

Our first cruise was a 4 night on the Wonder in January of 2009 and I've been trying to get us back on the boat since then! We were supposed to go to WDW for Thanksgiving with my family, and then it was the week of Christmas, and now it's been moved to Spring Break, so it opened up Christmas week for us. We are headed back to Nashville for Thanksgiving, and I didn't want to spend our first Christmas with no family around all by ourselves, so I sent a quick email to our TA, and here you go!!

It's gonna be so tough keeping this a secret from the kids, but my inlaws live in Bakersfield, CA, so the kids will think that we are going to spend Christmas with them. We are thinking about staying in Anaheim Saturday night so that the kids think that we are starting our CA trip at DL, which is what we usually do when we visit the inlaws. The morning of the cruise, DH will "get lost" and get on the freeway and we'll end up at the port. I absolutely can't wait to see my kids' faces!!

I am a little nervous, because we are a category 4 GTY, and I've never done GTY before! I guess as long as I'm on the boat, it doesn't really matter, right?

We are in for the FE and whatever tasting everyone decides. I'll PM my info tonight!!

Liz,

How fun! I love surprises, but I am horrible at keeping them. Horrible. I look forward to hearing how it goes.

Happy you are joining this cruise!

Monica

 

[NarrabeenSteph]

We are in!!!
That´s DH Steffen, DS Joshua (20 months old in December) and myself Stephanie. We are relocating from Sydney/Australia to Stuttgart/Germany in January and thought this might be the perfect way to spend Christmas, while our Christmas tree gets shipped to Europe.

We are sooo excited! Anyone of you ever been on a cruise with a toddler?
We are currently booked for second seating, but aren´t sure if we should request first seating, as DS might be too tired for late dinner.

 

[Double Trouble]

Fellow Christmas Cruisers: Are you and your family first seating or second seating for dinner? We are second...figured my big kids could handle it.

We always do first/main seating, but we're an early to bed early to rise family. It's usually straight to the cabin after the evening show for the whole family. For late seating, they send CMs from the kids club/lab 45 minutes into dinner directly to the dining rooms to pick up any younger kids that want to go, allowing the adults to enjoy their dinner in peace at a leisurely pace. We've known several families who have taken advantage of this program and really enjoyed it. The older kids tend to be fine just "hanging" with their friends at night, or maybe catching a movie. Bottom line is it's really up to you. There's not a ton of activities in the early morning anyway if you're a late sleeper. Plus, there are several food options on Deck 9 by the pools, as well as room service, to satisfy any cravings at virtually any hour.

 

[Double Trouble]

Hey Guys!

I'm Liz and we have just booked our room! Traveling will be me, my DH, Val, and our kids, DS11 - Chandler, DS9 - Val, and DD4 - Allison. This will be our 2nd Disney cruise and the best part about this cruise....the kids won't know a thing about the cruise until we pull into the port!!

I am a little nervous, because we are a category 4 GTY, and I've never done GTY before! I guess as long as I'm on the boat, it doesn't really matter, right?

We are in for the FE and whatever tasting everyone decides. I'll PM my info tonight!!

We are in!!!
That´s DH Steffen, DS Joshua (20 months old in December) and myself Stephanie. We are relocating from Sydney/Australia to Stuttgart/Germany in January and thought this might be the perfect way to spend Christmas, while our Christmas tree gets shipped to Europe.

Liz, Stephanie,

Welcome aboard to you and your families!

We're looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[courtnvm]

Christine,

That's too funny that your DH grew up in Chino, too! I'm sure the guys will have to compare notes! Val moved from Chino to TN when he was 16 and we always make sure we hit the area up when we are in town.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Val and I are really excited about this and are keeping our fingers crossed that we can keep it quiet from the kids. My DD4 is now old enough that I can't work on anything when she is around, so this limits what days I can work on the cruise stuff. I have everything cut out for my FE from our last cruise, but I might have to check out eBay instead.

As of now, we are scheduled for 2nd seating for dinner. I can't decide if I want to keep it or change it. We did 1st seating on our first cruise, but there was a night or two that it seemed really early to eat. One thing I have to remember is that 6pm on the ship is 8pm our time. We will adjust pretty quickly to the time change, but I don't know how my DD4 will do. She is the queen on meltdowns!

I still can't believe we are doing this!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Questions: Can I laminate magnetic paper? Will the laminate make the paper too heavy? Is the water on the ship good? I am a BIG water drinker, and I need to have good, fresh-tasting water.

When I first booked this cruise, I looked at it like it was going to be somewhat of a one-shot deal for our family. I am beginning to think that I will be booking another cruise when we are onboard!!! Maybe after one of those wine/martini tasting sessions I can talk to my husband about it!

I don't laminate my magnetic paper. You're right, i think it would be too heavy or not stick well. I have a scrapbooking machine called a Xyron and I USED to be able to get cartridges for it that were laminate on the front and magnetic on the back. Not anymore So last cruise I just bought magnetic paper. It worked out fine.

I have never had an issue with the water onboard. We usually bring a couple bottles with us and refill as needed from the tap and leave them in our cooling box for excursions. I'm not picky however. They do sell water onboard especially on port days, so if the onboard water is not to your liking, then you can pick up some bottles on your way off the ship.

Christine

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

19 cabins!

Silly Little Pixie
SanDeeKath
Tinkerbelll
Double Trouble- 2 cabins
Betsy918
mdlove2cruise
Brooklyn - 3 cabins
Dchachos
designertravels
Kat7Clay
chernabogfamily
Country Charmer
TheLeMasters
jalismoore
hitormiss
Kazabby


DEADLINE is Sunday, November 7th!!

Group #1 is CLOSED but if you are a late joiner, PM Brooklyn and join in for Group #2!

Christine

 

[NarrabeenSteph]

I really have to read myself into that FE/gift thing. I am to confused at the moment

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I just found this info on Manzanillo on Cruise Critic. Miramar Beach looks like a good on-our-own option for the day! Read all the way to Page 3 to see pictures and get some info. I am looking forward to the cruiser who posted all the information to get back from her cruise and give a review of her day! We had been toying with the idea of an all inclusive for the day, but they did seem expensive and I know I can get it cheaper on my own.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=30265323&posted=1#post30265323

Christine

 

[mdlove2cruise]

Please add us into the FE:

Mom-Debbie
DD-Anna (6)
DS-Marco (4)
Grandma

 

[SanDeeKath]

YAHOOOO! Paid in full today!

OH, and we are

120 days out!!!



Katherine

 

[SanDeeKath]

EXCURSIONS and prices available as of Aug 20th... LOTS for kids over 12. Not much option for my younger one. SIGH...

Sort by: Excursion | Port | Type | Level | Ages

4x4 Mini Jeep Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Active
Ages:
10 and Up - Must be 21 to Drive
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child :

ATV Beach & Desert Expedition
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Active
Ages:
21 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 21 and up)
Child :

Cabo Canopy Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Active
Ages:
8 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 8 and up)
Child :

Cabo Dolphin Encounter
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
3 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $125 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $105 (ages 3-9)

Cabo Dolphin Kids
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
4 to 9
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult:
Child : $105 (ages 4-9)

Cabo Dolphin Swim
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $175 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $155 (ages 5-9)

Cabo Resort Beach Getaway
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Signature Adventure
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $75 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $55 (ages 3-9)

Cabo Resort Pool Getaway
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $65 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $49 (ages 3-9)

Cabo San Lucas Sport Fishing
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Signature Adventure
Ages:
10 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $199 (ages 10 and up)
Child :

Cabo del Sol Golf
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Signature Adventure
Ages:
10 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $299 (ages 10 and up)
Child :

Certified Two-Tank Dive Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $115 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Chileno Bay Snorkeling Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $75 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $45 (ages 5-9)

Coastal Highlights
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $35 (ages 3-9)

Discover Scuba
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $125 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Harbor Cruise & Scenic Stop
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages - Under 3 Charged Child Rate
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $45 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $29 (ages 9 and under)

Land's End Coastal Cruise
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages - Under 3 Charged Child Rate
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $33 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $19 (ages 9 and under)

Mexican Outback Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Active
Ages:
8 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $119 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $99 (ages 8-9)

Mexican Outback Adventure
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $89.00 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $59.00 (ages 3-9)

Pacific Side Horseback Ride
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Active
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $79 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Salsa and Salsa
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $89.00 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $59.00 (ages 3-9)

San Jose City & Shopping Tour
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $35 (ages 3-9)

Santa Maria Snorkel & Sail
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $69 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $39 (ages 5-9)

Teen Surfin Safari
Port:
Cabo San Lucas
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
13 to 17
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 13-17)
Child :

Catamaran Snorkel at Elephant Rock
Port:
Manzanillo
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $89 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $69 (ages 5-9)

Countryside ATV Adventure
Port:
Manzanillo
Type:
Nature
Ages:
18 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $109 (ages 18 and up)
Child :

Manzanillo City Tour & Shopping
Port:
Manzanillo
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $29 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $22 (ages 3-9)

Off Road Jeep Safari
Port:
Manzanillo
Type:
Nature
Ages:
8 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $79 (ages 8-9)

Tesoro Resort Pool & Beach Bash - All Inclusive
Port:
Manzanillo
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $79 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $52 (ages 3-9)

Banderas Bay Snorkeling Treasure Hunt
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
10 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $69 (ages 12 and up)
Child : $59 (ages 10 - 11)

Canopy Adventure
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Active
Ages:
10 and Up - Minimum Height 48"
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child :

Discover Scuba at Las Caletas
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $129 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Dolphin & Sea Lion Observer
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $35 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $35 (ages 3-9)

Dolphin Encounter
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
3 and Up
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $125 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $105 (ages 3-9)

Dolphin Kids
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
4 to 8
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult:
Child : $105 (ages 4-8)

Dolphin Signature Swim
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $189 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $165 (ages 5-9)

Dolphin Swim Experience
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $175 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $155 (ages 5-9)

Dolphin Trainer for a Day
No reservations available.
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Signature Adventure
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $325 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Historic Towns & Tequila-making
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $50 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $29 (ages 3-9)

Las Caletas Hideaway
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages - Under 3 Charged Child Rate
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $95 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $57 (ages 9 and under)

Mexican Cooking Experience
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $39 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $29 (ages 3-9)

Paradise Beach Adventure
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $69 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $34 (ages 3-9)

Pirate Boat Sail & Snorkel Adventure
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
All Ages - Under 3 Charged Child Rate
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $85 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $65 (ages 0 through 9)

Puerto Vallarta City Tour
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Sightseeing
Ages:
All Ages
Level:
Mild
Price:
Adult: $35 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $25 (ages 3-9)

Scuba Diving Marietas Islands (For Certified Divers Only)
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $115 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Sea Lion Encounter
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up - Minimum Height 53"
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $89 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $79 (ages 5-9)

Sea Safari: Horseback Riding, Snorkeling and Paradise Beaches
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $110 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Tropical Rainforest by Horseback
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Nature
Ages:
12 and Up
Level:
Active
Price:
Adult: $95 (ages 12 and up)
Child :

Yelapa & Majahuitas
Port:
Puerto Vallarta
Type:
Splashtacular
Ages:
5 and Up
Level:
Moderate
Price:
Adult: $75 (ages 10 and up)
Child : $39 (ages 5-9)
Choose Your Guests Help

A variety of fun activities are offered for children ages 12 and under during your shore excursion reservation.

Ages 3 and under: Flounder's Reef Nursery (subject to availability).
Ages 3-12: (no reservation).
Note that children must be registered to participate in these activities.
Cancel

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We did the Mini Jeep 4x4 excursion in Cabo and loved it! We also did Las Caletas in PV and had a great day there as well. If anyone has questions about those, ask away.

I feel ya on the ages Katherine- our DS will be a couple months shy of 12- some of the excursions that look like fun are for 12 and up. We have never left the kids in the clubs while in port. Port days are family days!

Christine

 

[courtnvm]

I really need to start thinking about and planning for port days. My biggest problem is that we have a 4 year old, so she is excluded a lot from the fun stuff. I had thought about the dolphin encounter, but the one I found, the parent isn't allowed to be with the child. There is no way she'd do that.

We have thought about doing this in Puerto Vallarto, which might be dumb to some, but we LOVE Mexican food, and the kids love helping us cook. I think it's something that we all would enjoy.

Okay, I'm off to read Cruise Critic!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Ok Elizabeth, I would LOVE to do that!! DH is a great cook, and DD is following in his footsteps. But our son said No way Jose! That was not his idea of a fun excursion.

Sooooo PV is still up in the air. Now I'm leaning toward the Dolphin Signature Swim in PV. I think DD wants to do the Teen Surfing Safari in Cabo. I admit that sounds pretty cool!

Christine