Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[NHdisneylover]

Kids and I are doing the document dance!!!! Fed Ex just delivered them. I am stunned-we have never gotten them this early. I figured moving overseas would delay them--not expidite them

Scothen I added your dining time to the roll call Thanks. That is al lthe info I NEED about you for that--but the point of the thread is so we can get to know one another, so please post a little something about yourself (ALL of you knew people--not just Scot) so we can all learn a bit about you. I'll start by telling all you new people a bit about me (in case you do not want to go abck and read through the entire thread):
I'm Hadley. My husband David and kids (Marika 12 and Rio 10) and I moved to Germany from New Hampshire in February. It has been a good experience and overall we love our new home. However, some days (and weeks) are rough--including right now when I feel like I may not last 5 more weeks until flying to Florida. I am a former English teacher and small town librarian (BTW I actually CAN spell--I just cannot type!). Here in Germany I do not have a visa which allows me to work but that's okay becuase it is pretty much a full time job trying to learn German and navigate through all the things which we take for granted when we are raised doing them (like getting OT services for Rio--totally different way of handling that here, or paying bills; they only read the meters once a year, etc.). David is an in house consultant on rubber and plastic engineering and manufacuturing. He has been with the same company for 7 years. They are headquartered here in Germany--thus the move. He travels A TON for work (nearly every week). He is the best father and husband anyoen could ask for.
Marika--she is a great girl. She'ss be a teenager this December but isn't boy crazy yet She has a black belt in karate and LOVES to read (goes through about 5-10 novels a week).
Rio is equally great. He'll be 11 in December. He is a dancer (tap, jazz, ballet) and LOVES to do commnity theatre.
So, how 'bout you? I'd love to hear from all of you new people

Hi, I'm just overwhelmed having just discovered this page. What info do you give out and how does this whole thing work? this is the cruise for dec 5-12 that was supposed to be st croix and now is tortola, right? We're an "older" couple, late ...well mid... fifties doing our second cruise, first one being the first week in dec. last year for the 4 day. We're not taking any kids -they have to work or take finals. Ummm, i'll stop and wait for replies. Thanks!

Try not to be overwhelmed. Just jump right on in. I think everyone in this group is nice (maybe Barry "despises" me)--okay I totally admit to having discovered someone I want to avoid on my other cruise--but not on this one

CHRISTMAS By this sailing the termianl, ship and Castaway Cay should all be decorated It is soooo pretty. This will be our third time sailing during the holiday period and I just love it. You will also have many photo ops with the characters in holiday attire In the past they have offered some special holiday activities as well. I specifically remember a family activity in 2006 where we got to make our own gingerbread houses (with the warning that customs/immigration would not let us bring them off the ship at the end of the voyage). We took it to dinner as a centerpiece a few times (it was jsut our family--all 12 who were on that cruise, at our table so we were not bothering anyone else I promise).

 

[Tower]

Try not to be overwhelmed. Just jump right on in. I think everyone in this group is nice (maybe Barry "despises" me:eek

You do realize I was just joking. I'm really sick this weekend and still recovering. My humour sometimes does come off the wrong way. Silly engineering speak I guess.

I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[NHdisneylover]

You do realize I was just joking. I'm really sick this weekend and still recovering. My humour sometimes does come off the wrong way. Silly engineering speak I guess.

I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone!

Yes, I figured you were joking--but hey someone might despise me--I know I am not perfect I actually am rather leery of someone on my other meet thread so it is possible for that to happen ( of course that thread is for a trip a year off and is on the fourth or fifth full thread now and has about 10-15 pages posted PER DAY so there is a lot more activity over there in general--I gave up on even looking at it months ago and will go abck around January, maybe).

 

[beachbratt]

WE are also do MVMCP on Sunday 12/13. From the ship we are going to the BC.

For those of you who have cruised before on DCL, do we need to pack our own shampoo, conditioner and soap or is all of that supplied for us in our cabins. I am trying to start my packing plans and what I will need to bring with us.

yes they will have shampoo/conditioner and soap so if you want you can leave yours at home also if you think you will need beach towels for excursions off the ship you don't need to bring those either you can take towles from the ship you just have to bring them back so that will save room too any other questions just let me know...

 

[Hanover]

Is anyone else hosting a DCL House Party? We did one in Jan 2008 and had a great time and just got selected last week for the one this November. It will make us in the cruise mood even more (if that's possible).

Hadley, congrats on your documents!

We leave in 4 days for a quick 4 day trip to WDW and will do MNSSHP on Halloween. I know it will be insanely crowded but I'll just be happy to watch the parade and fireworks. Anything else that night is a bonus. We are flying down Friday and having dinner at Chef Mickeys. We are suprising the boys with a Haunted hayride at 9PM. I hope we can see Wishes from there too! We are staying at Kidani 2 nights, Bay Lake Towers 1 night and flying home Monday.

 

[NHdisneylover]

yes they will have shampoo/conditioner and soap so if you want you can leave yours at home also if you think you will need beach towels for excursions off the ship you don't need to bring those either you can take towles from the ship you just have to bring them back so that will save room too any other questions just let me know...

Deebits I totally missed your question until I saw the answer here As Beachbratt says--they do supply shampoo, comditioner and soap as well as lotion. The last two cruises we went on the policy had changed slightly and replacement were not automaticlaly given--but were happily given if you ask for them. So feel free to ask when you are running low.

She is right about towels too. I love not having to deal with sandy towels

 

[Hanover]

The shampoo, conditioner and lotion is from H20. We really like it but I have read that some cruisers that find the smells too strong.

When they first started using H20 products, they used to give the products each day or even twice a day. Now they only seem to replace them if you are out of them, ask for them or they are out of sight. I have read on other threads that some cruisers had called guest services to ask for more and were told to buy them in the gift shops. I have not had that experience myself. I know they also have shampoo/conditioner in dispensers in the spa showers.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Is anyone else hosting a DCL House Party? We did one in Jan 2008 and had a great time and just got selected last week for the one this November. It will make us in the cruise mood even more (if that's possible).

.

Congrats on getting to host again. We applied but were not chosen. We did not know if they would choose someone in Germany or not. We actually know a lot of interested people and thoguht it would be great PR for their med. cruises. Oh well.

The shampoo, conditioner and lotion is from H20. We really like it but I have read that some cruisers that find the smells too strong.

When they first started using H20 products, they used to give the products each day or even twice a day. Now they only seem to replace them if you are out of them, ask for them or they are out of sight. I have read on other threads that some cruisers had called guest services to ask for more and were told to buy them in the gift shops. I have not had that experience myself. I know they also have shampoo/conditioner in dispensers in the spa showers.

I am sure lots of people were stocking up to take home. Our last two cruises even when we were out they did not give us any unless we asked. We did ntot stock pile any of it either, I promise. But with four if us in one cabin and Marika and I both having very ling and thick hair and Rio's hair being very thick we can use up a shampoo and conditioner in about a day. Our host agreed taht was abvious but said they had been instructed to only refill upon request. Hopefully that has been changed to "when out." Though really, I need a new one to come when the old one is about half gone--otehrwise we run out in the middle of mornign showers

 

[deebits]

Thank you very much for your replies. You ahve been all so helpful and knowing we are going have a great cruise. The shampoos/conditioners/lotions will save some room in my suitcase, but the towels will save a lot. My DH and I were trying to figure out where we could was and dry them after our excursions. We are so excited to try our first Disney cruise and can not wait to meet all of you.

 

[deebits]

What is a DCL House Party?

 

[carmie3377]

We are going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party the day after the ship gets in. Sun 12-13-09. Any one else planning to go from the ship to WDW?

Christmas (Hanukah etc.) isn't a date on a calander, it's a feeling of magic in your heart. Any day is a good day for that.

I like Christmas on the ship because I can enjoy all the festivity without having to do any decorating or baking. And I still get home in time to do a little of that before the 25th.

We are going to WDW for a few days before the cruise (12/1-12/5) and then for a few days after (12/12-12/17). DH has to head back home on 12/13 but DMIL will be meeting up with us until we go home. We're skipping MVMCP though. DD and I went to the party a few years ago and while it fun, I'm not ready to shell out over $200 for tickets this year.

I can't wait to see the ship all decorated for Christmas. We will be gone almost the whole month of Dec. We will only be home from 12/18-12/23 so I won't be decorating the house. Anyway, back to the ship all decorated - we hope to sneak the kids up to one of the trees after the ship quietens down for the night for a picture in front of the tree. We bought them some really cute Disney Christmas PJs last year after the holidays and I have put them up and will give them to the kids right before we leave. Hopefully they won't be too tuckered out to get a couple of pictures.

 

[NHdisneylover]

What is a DCL House Party?

I am going to let Hanover answer that because she ahs done it and I am sure she understands it much better than I do.

Anyway, back to the ship all decorated - we hope to sneak the kids up to one of the trees after the ship quietens down for the night for a picture in front of the tree. We bought them some really cute Disney Christmas PJs last year after the holidays and I have put them up and will give them to the kids right before we leave. Hopefully they won't be too tuckered out to get a couple of pictures.

If they are early risers, you can get some nice shots in the mornings also. WE have many, many shots of a basically empty ship taken in the 6:30-8:00 time frame. If DCL is still putting up the giant gingerbread house under the stairs near Shutters taht is a great place for a photo op as well.

 

[Tower]

We are going to WDW for a few days before the cruise (12/1-12/5) and then for a few days after (12/12-12/17).

Ok Carmie! We'll see you at MK maybe on the 4th! We're arriving to CBR on the Thursday, relaxing by the pool, maybe dinner in Downtown Disney and then MK for the day on Friday. We'll finish our our DDP on Saturday AM and then head to the ship!

 

[carmie3377]

Ok Carmie! We'll see you at MK maybe on the 4th! We're arriving to CBR on the Thursday, relaxing by the pool, maybe dinner in Downtown Disney and then MK for the day on Friday. We'll finish our our DDP on Saturday AM and then head to the ship!

Looks like we'll miss you on the 4th because we're going to AK. We're going to take it easy on arrival day too and just go to DTD. We'll be hitting MK on 12/2 and Epcot on 12/3. Where do y'all have breakfast planned on the 5th? After picking up our rental car, we're going to go to DTD and eat at Wolfgang Puck Express. I've heard it's excellent and a great choice on the DDP for both breakfast and dinner! We'll make a quick stop at the grocery store then head to the port.

Can't wait! Five weeks from tomorrow and I'll be at DTD

 

[NHdisneylover]

Carmie--Wolf Gang Puck Express IS fantastic. I hope we manage to get over there for lunch one day. We have fewer park days than we have ever had so it will be interesting to see how it works out for us.

Maybe we will run into somone. I'll have to look up which days we are where and post them in a few minutes.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I looked it up. We may do some hopping but we will be primarily at :

Mk on 11/29
Epoct on 11/30
Epcot in the am and MVMCP in the evening of 12/1
AK on 12/2
on 12/3 we are hoping for water park weather (yes we know it is unlikely). May also just do a Disney Quest and mini golf day. MIght hit a park--but we will be ready to relax by then.
12/4 has to be Hollywood Studios because it was the only day we could get a Fantasmic DInner package while we are there.

 

[Tower]

I looked it up. We may do some hopping but we will be primarily at :
12/4 has to be Hollywood Studios because it was the only day we could get a Fantasmic DInner package while we are there.

Looks like we'll miss you on the 4th because we're going to AK. We're going to take it easy on arrival day too and just go to DTD. We'll be hitting MK on 12/2 and Epcot on 12/3. Where do y'all have breakfast planned on the 5th? After picking up our rental car, we're going to go to DTD and eat at Wolfgang Puck Express. I've heard it's excellent and a great choice on the DDP for both breakfast and dinner! We'll make a quick stop at the grocery store then head to the port.

Well, looks like we'll end up meeting on the ship then. DW will feel like there is too much to do on a Saturday AM than to go all the way to DTD, just to go back to catch the bus to the port. We'll just be eating at the resort for that morning. But thanks for that invitation Carmie!

I haven't been able to convince my bride to pull out the suitcase yet, not till after Halloween I guess. When she does however, I'll just crawl in and wait for the shipping date

 

[princess369]

Hey princess, just noticed you're from upstate New York. Where abouts are you? Though we're around the Toronto area, we'll be flying out of Buffalo. Maybe we'll see you enroute!

We live in Glenmont NY.
We're flying out of Albany. Bummer. It would have been great to see a fan even before we get to Fl.

Disney hugs - Christine

 

[princess369]

I've only gotten through the first 30 pages of this thread so please excuse me if I'm posting what has already been posted.

I noticed there are a number of first timers. I'm just smiling thinking about our first cruise. You would have to work really hard to not have a great time. Don't miss the "Welcome Aboard" show the first night. Or the
"Remember the Magic" show the last night. And we always hug friends, new and old, at the "Till We Meet Again" goodby to all the characters in the Atrium later that night. ( 10:15 ? ) Bring your camera if you want pictures of the characters.

Just called and got confirmation of the most probable schedual:
UR = Usual rotation dinner - Animators Palet -has their dinner show. Music and the walls are timed to the meal service. Parrot Cay - Island menu. Lumiers - French menu. Rotation assures you get a chance at each of these.

Day Main Show Menu

Day 1 Sat Depart Welcome Aboard Show UR menu

Day 2 Sun At sea (Formal night) Golden Mickey Show and Menu

Day 3 Mon At sea "Twice Charmed" UR menu

Day 4 Tue Tortola Pirate night (Big Party) Pirate menu

Day 5 Wed St Thomas UR menu

Day 6 Thur At sea (Semi-formal) Captain's Gala & Gala menu
"Disney Dreams" show

Day 7 Fri Castaway Cay "Remember the Magic" show and menu

Day 8 Sat They drag me off the boat kicking and screaming because
I don't want to leave

For the Golden Mickey they interview kids on the red carpet on the way in so it's a fun night to let them dress up.

On the Captain's Gala night you get a photo op with the captain just before the show.

If you don't feel like dressing up Top Siders is on deck 9 . (I have been told they have the same food as the resturants on deck 3 and 4.)

I hope this helps with packing plans.

Christine

 

[deebits]

I understand the dress for formal and semi formal night dinners, but what does everyone usually wear to dinner the rest of the nights. Are Capris acceptable for women? We were thinking casusal slacks for men? I know I am wayyyyyyyyy early in planning this, but I want to make sure we have the right clothes packed and not be under or over dressed.