Cruising March 12, 2005!!

[DisneyLisa]

Sorry to hear you won't be going on the cruise disneywithkids...but happy to hear you at least you got to see Mickey.

Lisa...this is our very first cruise but seeing as though I booked it well over a year ago, I've had lots of time to research the excursions. The dolphin swim is something my DD has always wanted to do so that was a definite...booked and paid for that in August. We booked it on our own...I'm doing the same thing for the Grand Cayman excursion. I don't think any of the excursions are worth booking ahead at Key West for us so we're probably just going to roam around and perhaps book a trolley tour...very easy to do when we arrive. As for CC...we plan to lay on the beach and just relax. My DD (17) is considering doing the Wild Side so I may book that for her.

These excursions are very pricey so with 3 kids I know it would really add up for you. There are several stingray tours in Grand Cayman that are fairly inexpensive and they seem to be very popular with very positive feedback from previous cruisers. I really don't know how popular all these tours are or how difficult they are to book once you're on the ship. Perhaps you could ask that question on another thread on the Crusing Board.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions...I'd be happy to tell you what I can.

 

[Vivig]

HI There,

Nice to finally see some posts on this thread

This will be our third cruise with Disney. Booking the exursions from now saves you the time when you board the ship. When we had booke dour excursion last time all the required documentation was in our room when we boarded the ship.

Sometimes, if you wait until you board it may be sold out.

For Key West, last time our son did not want to leave the children's club, so we got to roam around. This time, my parents will be joining us on the cruise so I am thinking of booking a trolley ride. (Disney offers this exursion..however you will see that it is very easy to book it yourslef when you arrive.) There is also a children's acquirium that we saw lots of kids enjoying. We walked around ..went to Jimmy Biffets for some Marguerita's ...did some shopping not too much and then boarded the ship.

Grand Cayman..we had booked the "exploration expedition" it was fun to go on the submarine..would I do it again? No...but we will go to a beach and then walk around like last time. My best friend's brother lives there so we visited as well last time. Many people do the stingray expedition..however children may be frightened. Hell's Holes? I keep reading that it is very touristy and not really worth it.,.and the turtle island seems to also not get such hot reviews.

Cozumel..last time we went to Mr. Sanchos and had a great time. This time I am looking at us going to Paradise beach.

Castaway Cay ...we did absolutely nothing but rent a tube for our son. It is amazing we LOVED it on their private island.

I have kept many of the posts from the first time so if you would like info perhaps I can assist.

Happy holidays everyone,
Vivian

 

[lisamacd]

Thanks so much for the excursion tips. That is very helpful information. I received the pamplet describing each of the DCL options with the request for final payment so DH and I are going to try to figure out if we want to do any of it. I asked my two Ds. (10,8) if they would want to swim (or see) the StingRays and they both gave me an adamant "NO!" I like to snorkle, but none of my other family members have tried it or seem to have a great interest in doing so.

What about the DCL Play de Sol beach trip on Grand Cayman. In your opinion, is that worth the money or is it just as easy (and less expensive) to find a beach on your own when you get there?

:jumping4:

 

[Vivig]

Since we are tracking Santa on Norad.....

Thought I would pop in and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with everyone's heart's desires.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday with all your loved ones

Vivian

 

[lisamacd]

My DS and I were just on Norad and found Santa in Brazil. I guess he is on his way. Happy Holidays to you too...as my DD says Happy ChrismaHanuKwanzaRamadanzika and Hinduish....which should just about cover it all.

 

[Vivig]

lisamacd, I loved your daughter's statement..poltically correct towards everyone..where I wasn't sorry if I offended anyone.

Here is the info my best friend's brother had sent me when we had boarded the Magic two years ago...I hope it helps you for Grand Cayman...
Grand Cayman is a beautiful island, but its real beauty lies beneath its shores. Depending on you stopover time, here is what I suggest:

1) Stingray City Snorkel Tour (3.5 hours at $45): Highly recommended if you want to go in the emerald green water and observe stingrays and even touch & feed them. They are not dangerous. It is preferable that you learn how to snorkel beforehand, if you don't already know, so that you can get the most enjoyment. In some areas, the water is shallow (three-four feet). Your child should enjoy it, as I have seen several children under ten do this tour.

2) Atlantis submarine (1.5 hours at $75): Highly recommended if you don't have much time but want to see marine life up close. The sub submerges to 100 ft, lots of fish life down there. The pilot gives lively narration of the sea creatures being seen by the passengers. Lots of fun and it is a great experience for adults & children. The other submersible tours you will hear about are cheaper but be careful they are not submarines but glass bottom boats (you will not get the same thrill). I will add my 2 cents here..yes, it was a thrill to go down with the submarine..great for anyone with small kids...but we unfortunately did not see much Marine life down there..

3) Not on the activity menu: If you just want to do a little snorkelling and walk downtown for some good shopping (best deals are crystal & watches & porcelain) then I suggest going to Eden Rock (just a few minutes from the docking area) The snorkelling is good there, rental of equipment available. After the snorkelling, you can head to Hard Rock Cafe across the street for a snack and then head to George Town (Capital of Cayman Islands) for downtown shopping.

4) If the above does not interest you, you can always take a taxi and go to Seven Mile Beach ( a couple of miles from the dock). The beach is very long and beautiful but don't expect mountains or hills like other islands (Hawaii). Cayman is a flat islands hence its real beauty is under the sea. Again..since teh hurrican I have not received an update on the condition of the beach.....it sounds like so far it has not been too great..but maybe by the time our group goes it will be in better condition.

I believe the Playa del Sol beach you are referring to is in Cozumel. There is an admission charge..our taxi driver suggested that we go to Mr. Sanchos and we were quite pleased..this time I believe there is another beach that many are referring to the name has slipped my mind , however once I remember I will send it along to you.

Hope the above helps you...
Vivian

I cannot believe our countdown ticker...time sure passes quickly! Hope can organize a DIS meet.

 

[lisamacd]

Thank you for all the helpful excursion tips. I think I might be able to talk my family into trying the StingRay Snorkle Trip. It sounds like fun. Hope your holiday was happy and all are well. Once the New Year has come and gone I am actually going to start figuring out what to pack for the cruise for me and my kids...my husband is on his own.

Lisa

 

[LisaTex]

Hey you guys. I'm another Lisa on the March 12 trip. You all seem like pros at all of this so have patience I just found this sight - seems like fun. I feel kinda guilty about being excited about the trip with all that's gone on in the world lately, but i can't help it. Any advice on getting to the ship from the airport? Is the disney shuttle the best? Happy New Year!

 

[DisneyLisa]

Welcome Lisa.

I can't really answer your question as I'm new to cruising and still trying to figure out what we should do for our transportation arrangements. I had a Town Car booked (MCO to WDW to CC to MCO) but our return flight has just been changed and isn't leaving now until 4:30 pm...so I'm looking at other options that would allow us to possibly go shopping between the time we dock and our return flight. Hopefully someone will be able to help you though...I think there are a few experienced cruisers here. Or you could also post your question on the Cruise Line Forum...you'll definitely get answers there.

Happy New Year everyone (although as Lisa said, it's very difficult to feel happy when there is so much devastation and sadness in the world).

 

[lisamacd]

There are always a thousand "Lisas" out there. You can definitely tell what generation someone is from based on her name. We are flying in the night before the cruise and staying at the airport hotel. We purchased the DCL transfer so I guess we have to hook up with them sometime the next morning. I haven't figured that part out yet as this is our first cruise as well.

I know what you mean about being excited about the cruise in light of recent world events. Just normal day to day living and planning can sometimes feel weird when you think about how horrible it is right now for those hundreds of thousands of people. But time does not stop and we still have to go on (terrible cliche, I know).

I'm still looking forward to March especially since the December holidays are almost over and it will soon be back to the work and school grind for our family until then.

Best to you and yours this New Year.....Lisa

 

[CBEB]

My name isn't Lisa and we aren't from Canada, but we'll be sailing with you! This will be our third March Magic for DH, DD8 and I -- surely that qualifies as addicted??!!

Now that Christmas has passed, we're really getting excited about the cruise. We took down our tree today, taking one last look at our Disney Magic ornaments that bring back such great memories.

See you soon!

 

[Vivig]

Welcome CBEB....this is also our third Disney cruise! That absolutely qualifies both of us as addicted ( as many of my friends have labelled me as such )

I have been counting down for a year and am anxiously awaiting for our sail date!

It's myself and DH as well as our DS 7 1/2. Plus...my parents will be joining us for their first Disney Cruise..celebrating their 45th anniversary!

We celebrate Christmas also on January 6th...so one more week and then I will sadly put away my wonderful Christmas decorations.(I am a little crazy when it comes to decorating for Christmas)!

Can't wait until the begins....

Hopefully we can all meet on board...
Have a wonderful week everyone,
Vivian

 

[garytam]

Hi everyone

This will be our third Disney cruise. Make the final payment last night. Just started planning on the shore excursion now.

Have a happen New Year.

 

[LisaTex]

OK all you professional Disney cruisers - I need help. How do you go about reserving spots for the excursions? Also, my nephew is having his 8th b-day while on board - is there a way to make that extra special? Thanks for any help - I'm clueless

 

[CBEB]

Hi LisaTex,

You should have received a form by now from Disney (ours came a week ago?) that was in a packet of info about the cruise. In our case, it was the balance due on the bill (I like to wait until the last minute to pay these biggies...). The form (and brochure that is also in the packet) describes the pricing per person, times available as well as what the excursion includes. You can also look at the Disney Cruise website for info on each excursion.

Once you make your choices, just call the reservations 800 number and they'll take your bookings. They'll bill it to your onboard account, so no need to pay right now.

For your nephew, while you're on the phone make sure you tell them about his birthday! We did this for my mother and they brought out a beautiful cake at dinner that night.

Also, when on board, be sure to tell every cast member you see - especially on that day. I can assure you he will be in for some nice surprises. Those people are so incredibily thoughtful!

63 days to go!!

 

[DrBob]

Hello everyone!

I just found this thread, and wanted to pipe in and say Hi.
My DW35, DD2 and I 40, are going to be on your cruise! None of us are named Lisa, and none of us are Canadian, but we all like both.

Just over 60 days to go!!!

--Bob

 

[DisneyLisa]

Welcome to our newest cruisers and just for the record...I'm not a Lisa either. My DD is actually the Lisa...I picked my DIS name when I was about to take her on a trip to WDW and it was the first thing that popped into my head when I joined. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever meet anyone on this Board in person...but in the last 4.5 years I've actually met quite a few great people...I feel silly explaining all the time that my name is actually Susan.

I also wanted to let everyone know that my DH will now be joining us and we're so excited...he'll be flying down to meet us in WDW a few days before the cruise. He's not a real Disney fan but he's really looking forward to the scuba-diving excursions ...I'm planning to get them booked tomorrow so hopefully they won't be full.

How is everyone's excursion booking going? I can't believe this cruise is getting so close. The first year went by so slowly but these last few months have just flown by.

 

[lisamacd]

DisneyLisa ... I mean Susan....I apologize for assuming you were a Lisa, but at least you still have one in the family.

I've been dragging my feet on the excursions. I think we are just going to do our own thing in Key West. I've been reading that the trolley is a good deal because you can get on and off at various stops along on the way. Paradise Beach sounds very nice in Cozumel. http://paradise-beach-cozumel.net/home_pbeach.php $13 dollar taxi ride to the beach, free admission, $5 charge to get a chair, umbrella and use of a raft, kayak and snorkle equipment. That all sounds like a pretty good deal. I'm still not sure about the Caymans. It sounds like people love the Sting Ray City excursion whether on their own or through DCL.

My husband is turning 40 while we are on the cruise so I have to figure out a fun way to celebrate.

All the best to you all. Stay warm. See you soon.
Lisa

 

[DisneyLisa]

My husband is turning 40 while we are on the cruise so I have to figure out a fun way to celebrate.

My husband will be having a birthday as well (his 49th)...I too am wondering what we should do to celebrate. I wonder if it's possible to order a cake.

 

[Vivig]

You can absolutely order a cake, if you wish a specific type..not too sure of the costs associated?

However if you mention it to your table servers or the Head Waiter they will bring a cake out with Mickey on top as well as sing ....if you don't cut the cake right then and there ask them to wrap it up...they do a great job with aluminum foil and shaped ours as a swan. You can order a cake for any special occasion..I will be for my parents 45th anniversary And my hubby ordered one for our 10th anniversary the first time we cruised . I think it's great! And this does not cost anything additional!

Enjoy..