Cruise Meet -April 21, 2012 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean

[Donald_Quackers]

Everyone still ready to make a mad dash to the spa for the rainforest room pass as well as getting Palo Brunch?

I'm already warming up my running shoes!

 

[DizzylandDeb]

We were on the 3 day May 3rd but switched to this cruise when I found a great deal on a 9D!

I don't want to have to read the 40 plus pages - can some one fill me in on any info that I may need to know.

BTW I'm Marcy(36) and dh Chris(39) just the two of us on this one! Can't wait!

Thanks!

Marcy Mouse

Things to know.... FE Exchange is headed by Nikicares See THIS link for more info and send her a PM if you would like to participate.

We also have a Facebook page. If you would like to join in, we can add you. Just let us know your Facebook name (you can PM someone if you prefer not to state it here on the boards)

People are excitedly booking Palo, Remy, Spa appts, excursions, etc... Only 73 more days!

 

[DISNEYJ&P]

I'm personalizing gifts for the young people. See that a few FE participants have not given their children's names yet. Would love to have these names or nicknames if you want to supply them!!! Thanks, Pat

 

[Conceptualice]

Nikicares> You and Colosun have convinced me! I will join along! (It also helps I told DH about the FE, and not only was he supportive, but he thinks it's a really cool idea and is all for it too! ) Thankyou for the advice and putting my doubts to rest.

I will send you my information after this post! (finally 10 posts so I can send a PM! )

 

[bareed]

I just want to confirm something that we were not aware of until just a bit ago concerning passports. We contacted Disney cruise lines and asked about needing passports for the Eastern Cruise and were told no we do not need passports for the cruise only original birth certificates with raised embossed seals for all four of us and drivers license for my wife and I. We were planning to purchase passport cards for the trip but now according to the cruise line we do not need them. When asked about submitting the passport information for on line check in they told us to select other for that part. Can anyone else verify this information is correct???

 

[Donald_Quackers]

I just want to confirm something that we were not aware of until just a bit ago concerning passports. We contacted Disney cruise lines and asked about needing passports for the Eastern Cruise and were told no we do not need passports for the cruise only original birth certificates with raised embossed seals for all four of us and drivers license for my wife and I. We were planning to purchase passport cards for the trip but now according to the cruise line we do not need them. When asked about submitting the passport information for on line check in they told us to select other for that part. Can anyone else verify this information is correct???

Bareed,

According to the government's site -- closed loop cruises (those that begin and end at the same US port) do not require Passports. Thing is, if you have an emergency that requires you to fly home, you would need to get the book (NOT the card).

I got the book myself for the peace of mind. If you decide to get the passports, then that is what I would recommend as well.

 

[simbasmom2]

Conceptulice(sp?)- the FE exchange is so fun, you will be happy you joined!

Frank- I have been working out for my mad dash for brunch reservations. I just want one spa day pass, not the whole week. I had a hard time fitting that in last time.

Deb- thanks for the info, now I wont worry about the luggage issue!


Yay to Catgirl the 700th poster...you get a pirate head...arrrrr!

 

[gummdrop87645]

Hi I am new to these Boards. We will be sailing on this cruise Me 29 my mom and two sons 5 and 4.

 

[DizzylandDeb]

Hi I am new to these Boards. We will be sailing on this cruise Me 29 my mom and two sons 5 and 4.

gummdrop87645

Glad to have you sailing with us! Nikicares is heading up the FE Exchange if you wish to join in. (but, you're going to need 10 posts before you can send her a private message) We also have a Facebook page.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

Hi I am new to these Boards. We will be sailing on this cruise Me 29 my mom and two sons 5 and 4.

to the boards and the cruise!

You can also fill out this form if you want to join the FE.

Hard to believe it's almost 2 short months before we're on the Fantasy.

 

[flybone89]

I just want to confirm something that we were not aware of until just a bit ago concerning passports. We contacted Disney cruise lines and asked about needing passports for the Eastern Cruise and were told no we do not need passports for the cruise only original birth certificates with raised embossed seals for all four of us and drivers license for my wife and I. We were planning to purchase passport cards for the trip but now according to the cruise line we do not need them. When asked about submitting the passport information for on line check in they told us to select other for that part. Can anyone else verify this information is correct???

It is all about your tolerance for risk - falls in the same category as "do I need travel insurance" question. You are correct that they are not required - unless you have an emergency and have to return via alternative transportation. In this day and age, I would never leave the country without a passport. Yes, it is an additional expense, but the piece of mind to me is worth it. And for adults, they don't expire for 10 years, so if there is any chance you will have international travel in the future, get them now and you are set for awhile. That said, they are expensive. For all 5 of us I believe it was close to $500 by the time we were done.

Kevin

 

[flybone89]

Bareed,

According to the government's site -- closed loop cruises (those that begin and end at the same US port) do not require Passports. Thing is, if you have an emergency that requires you to fly home, you would need to get the book (NOT the card).

I got the book myself for the peace of mind. If you decide to get the passports, then that is what I would recommend as well.

Sorry, forgot to also concur with Donald_Quackers and make it clear I too believe you should get the book, not the card.

Kevin

 

[Conceptualice]

I have a rather... strange question.

Does anyone know the dimensions of our stateroom doors? (the normal ones) at least, even the dimensions of them on the dream would be helpful? Trying to figure out a door design, but I am worried the image will be too big.

 

[DISNEYJ&P]

It is all about your tolerance for risk - falls in the same category as "do I need travel insurance" question. You are correct that they are not required - unless you have an emergency and have to return via alternative transportation. In this day and age, I would never leave the country without a passport. Yes, it is an additional expense, but the piece of mind to me is worth it. And for adults, they don't expire for 10 years, so if there is any chance you will have international travel in the future, get them now and you are set for awhile. That said, they are expensive. For all 5 of us I believe it was close to $500 by the time we were done.

Kevin

I agree. We live close to Windsor, Ontario and now need a passport to cross into Canada! The only thing I would add...it took us nearly four months for our first passports to arrive. I hear you can get one in 6 weeks but I wouldn't wait too long. About 4 years back, my sister and DBIL were stranded in Haitii as they were on a medical mission for the poor. She got extremely ill and it cost thousands of dollars to fly her out. She was in intensive care for 11 days back in the US. Can you imagine no passport in that instance? Something to think about.

 

[DizzylandDeb]

I have a rather... strange question.

Does anyone know the dimensions of our stateroom doors? (the normal ones) at least, even the dimensions of them on the dream would be helpful? Trying to figure out a door design, but I am worried the image will be too big.

Searched and found these dimensions for regular stateroom doors on the Dream:
27 Inches wide
6 1/2 Feet high
3 Inches Deep

Would assume the Fantasy is the same.

 

[Conceptualice]

Deb> Thankyou soo soo much! This will help out a lot!

 

[Colosunn]

I am also going to put in my two cents on the passports... GET THEM! It is better to be safe than sorry. Anything can happen, and if you dont have them you are going to be in a world of hurt.

My husband and I have ours although our three children did not. We went into a SMALL local post office, we were in and out in about 20 minutes for the three passports. It cost us around $500, although one great thing, it only took 3 WEEKS for them to come in the mail. Maybe this isnt normal, although it sure was nice to get them back so fast!

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. Just consider the "what if" situations like the other's said.

Good luck!

 

[simbasmom2]

Welcome gummdrop!!!

We have our passports...just in case!

 

[nikicares]

I just want to confirm something that we were not aware of until just a bit ago concerning passports. We contacted Disney cruise lines and asked about needing passports for the Eastern Cruise and were told no we do not need passports for the cruise only original birth certificates with raised embossed seals for all four of us and drivers license for my wife and I. We were planning to purchase passport cards for the trip but now according to the cruise line we do not need them. When asked about submitting the passport information for on line check in they told us to select other for that part. Can anyone else verify this information is correct???

True Passports are NOT required for a closed loop Cruise (US port back to US port), you would have to have a certified birth certificate (raised seal) in leu of the passports.

But I too HIGHLY recommend a passport BOOK for every traveler.

Passport CARDS are very rarely used anymore and not valid for many international countries.

Consider the "what if" situations... And I am with everyone else, the decision is ultimately yours and what your willing to risk.

 

[Conceptualice]

We all have passports, us and our ds. (of course having international family does push that process along) but I suggest getting them. There are services that can hasten the process.