Cruising December 1st...What should we being doing in preparation?

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I have done NOTHING in preparation for this cruise aside of paying for it, purchasing airfare, arranging for hotel stay and parking for our car at airport here.

I used to be a really organized person, but 2 kids/2 step-children/husband/dog/cat/lizard/house/job later (can you tell I'm overwhelmed and NEED a vacation? lol)... you get the idea. Please help motivate me. I do well with lists.

 

[misswit]

Are you on the 4 day Wonder? I can't believe it is coming up so soon. I remember when we booked the cruise, and thought "I'll never be able to wait until Dec. 1!" I have made the same arrangements you have. I have been buying some pins for trading at the disney store, and doing a lot of reading on the boards. Most of the activities we want to be sure to include in our cruise will be arranged on the ship the first day (ie spa and Palo's). We were thinking about the excursions, but are still undecided. We are doing the week before at Disney and Discovery Cove/Sea World, so I have been doing a lot of planning there. My daughters are 15 and 7. How about your kids?

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Well if I were bringing my step-children, we'd have a great age combination. They are 9 and 13 (but the 13 year old is very mature). I however, am taking this trip solo with my two little one's (who will be 18 months and 3 years at sail). My husband went to a few Nascar races this year and can't get anymore time off, and I really wanted to go on this cruise. And also, he really has no desire to cruise.

Because the kids are so young, I'm not planning to do any excursions. Many of the excursions that I would have been interested in anyway required the children to be older. I really don't mind not doing any as I'm super looking forward to relaxing. I don't think I'm going to get off in Nassau either. I've asked before and decided it just isn't going to be worth it. I would if I was with my husband. I am joing a friend and her children (and her mom too!) who lives in St. Maarten, so Palo might be an option for me. I wouldn't do Palo solo, but would enjoy the company of my friend and her mom there. I will consider spa time. I really need to look through the stuff and see just what treatments might be of interest to me. I'm embarrassed to say that I have NEVER rec'd a professional massage, so that would be one heck of a treat! On the other hand, I'm trying to keep expenses reasonable, as I have a husband and 4 children at home who will still want to have Christmas on December 25th. Geezeeeeee, I can't understand why .

This is the first time I've actually found someone who is sailing the December 1st Wonder, so that is exciting! We booked 6 months ago, I think...and boy, time has FLOWN for us!

 

[misswit]

I look forward to meeting up with you on the ship. You are brave to do it alone with 2 little ones. We have never been on a cruise before, so that in itself is exciting. Being the Disney cruise just pushes it over the top. Are you early or late seating for dinner? We are early, but I have been thinking late might be better. Advice is to keep it early, because it is easier to change to late than it is to change from late to early.
Which race car driver does your husband follow? We live in NC, the home of nascar. I was a Dale fan, and now follow Jr. It just isn't the same though.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

We are booked for the early seating. I think it will be much easier with the two little ones, although from what I understand there is food available all the time, so it probably wouldn't have been an issue- only that they likely would not have sat through a sit down meal later if they'd already eaten.

My husband is a Gordon fan. He visited your local track last year. It's one track that he hopes to return to, and he liked the area too. We had family in Clemmons, but they recently moved back here. A lot of people I know have taken on Jr. as their driver. It seems like the right thing to do, with such a horrible tragedy. He is such a lively spirit though (Jr.).

This is our first cruise too! Look forward to meeting you!

 

[okidoc]

I was beginning to "wonder" if my family was the only one going on the Dec.1st sailing.We'll be traveling with 3yr and a 7yr old daughters. All of my preparation has been viewing these boards, Dave's site, Deb's site, Barb's site, etc. This is our 1st cruise as well. I've heard that the water can be rather cool for snorkeling in the winter. Anybody have any insight for Dec. 1st?

 

[misswit]

I am hoping the water isn't to cold. I have a 7yr old daughter as well. She has always been a princess nut, and is looking forward to the Disney part of the cruise. Maybe our girls can buddy up and spend time together at the club. My 15yr old daughter is looking forward to the ambiance of cruising, and going to the Bahamas. I hope she meets up with another teen (preferably a girl) and enjoys hanging out in the teen center. We are thinking about doing Atlantis, and staying on the boat during Freeport. We are still undecided. I want to get the most out of our stay on the boat, but we most likely won't get to Atlantis again any time soon. My 7yr old loves the water, and slides. I think she will love Atlantis. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. They have a real racket going on at the Comfort Inn. You save about $60.00 by booking through the Comfort Inn vs. booking a room at Atlantis.
Look forward to meeting you too! I guess there are others who are cruising Dec. 1st. I "wonder" if the ship will be full.
Missy

 

[westjones]

I would LOVE to read a trip report from anyone going during the Christmas season this year. We booked for next year's Christmas season and we would love to hear more about what to expect.

If anyone can post pictures of the decorations on a website that would be super!

Have a GREAT time! Wish we were going this year instead of next....but oh well....I have a year to DREAM!
Debra