Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[fourmcds]

Dolphin Swim Question....
anyone have an opinion between Cabo and PV? ie-is one better than the other? nicer/better pics/better experience? Can't decide which one to keepof the excursions.

Thanks!
Better change my countdown clock soon...been a while since the dream cruise!

 

[Double Trouble]

Dolphin Swim Question....
anyone have an opinion between Cabo and PV? ie-is one better than the other? nicer/better pics/better experience? Can't decide which one to keepof the excursions.

Thanks!
Better change my countdown clock soon...been a while since the dream cruise!

We did the dolphins in Cabo on our 2008 cruise. The facility is modern, clean, and very convenient (an easy 5 minute walk from the dock). Another advantage is if it's just the kids going in, you can go for free and watch as opposed to booking a $35 or so (per adult) dolphin "observer" package (basically a bus ride) in PV. It also appeared the dolphins were well cared for at the Cabo facility. One thing to be aware of though is they generally don't let you take your own camera near the pool so you have to buy their photos is you want any. They were expensive, but I must admit they were pretty awesome and you can get them on CD to print multiple copies at home. We're tentatively booked again this time for the Dolphin Kids package for the girls.

I can't speak directly about the PV facility as I've never been, but there are many reports in other threads or other sites. Just search for PV dolphins. PV also has sea lions if that interests you, although from what I saw when I used to work at Sea World, they don't smell very good. Hope that helps.

 

[Double Trouble]

I told Joe that I won't ask him to do many pics with characters and we still haven't decided if we're doing the character breakfast. With just the basic characters I would rather do that in the parks.

BTW... Welcome to all the newbies!!

Thanks for the welcome! Regarding the character breakfast on the ship, it's actually a lot of fun even if you're not totally into it (unless you find the thought of Chip and Dale hovering over your ham and eggs somewhat disturbing). Typically 6 to 8 characters that roam table to table and you can take your own pictures in addition to the ones the DCL photographers take, or you can just wave "Hi" and keep eating. It was always in Parrot Cay on our 3 Magic cruises (different day for each seating rotation group). And best of all (as opposed to DL or WDW...we've done those breakfasts too), it's free (or at least "included"...you've already paid for the cruise). Plus, you're generally going to eat breakfast anyway, so why not? Anyway, up to you but just wanted to provide some info for those who haven't done it yet.

 

[Az Pirates]

Thanks for the heads up on the Doubletree rate Kristi. I went ahead and booked a room even though the port is an easy drive for us. I don't want to bother friends to drop us off and pick us up, and I certainly don't want to pay for 10 days parking at the port, so I guess we'll just start the vacation a little early.

Just went shopping for DD13's cruise wear - it's so hard to find things that are age appropriate. Everything is too short and very revealing! It's freaking us both out!

Yikes, I haven't even thought about that. The last time DD needed formal wear she had just turned 11, since that was almost 2 years ago, she'll be needing something new too. I guess we better start looking soon. I have a feeling we're going to run into the same problem.

I hear ya. What's a 19 year old boy (man?) supposed to wear for Formal Night? Pa-leeze!

I have this problem too. My DS has always worn a suit on past cruises, but that's because he already had one. No suit in his closet right now. Hmmm, what to do? It's not nearly as fun for pictures, but I might just have him wear a shirt and tie.

 

[Double Trouble]

If anyone is still looking for a hotel near the port, I just changed my Doubletree park & cruise package to a different, cheaper package. Doubletree has on their site a Catalina getaway package with 2 queen beds, non-smoking, marina view for $159. This also includes a free in-room movie and 10% off at their restaurant. I called twice to make sure I could still park there free for the 10 nights. I was told it is not a problem at all. I explained that I was just looking for the cheapest rate, I would not be going to Catalina. They said no problem, book what you want you still get the free parking for the length of the cruise. I also put in the comment part on my reservation that I would be parking there from 4/17-4/27.

That seems to be the cheapest package at the Doubletree San Pedro. For those of you staying at the Doubletree, we can have a small meet on the evening of the 16th. Right now it is me, Dany, and Deserie.

Kristi, Thanks for the info on the Catalina package. We're tentatively booked at the Doubletree as well (where else would "Double Trouble" stay?). I also called and got the same response regarding parking (and put it in my comments) so that's reassuring. If we're there, we'd be happy to join in the "mini-meet". I know the girls would love to meet Isabelle and all the other kids in our group as soon as possible. We'll confirm with you when we get closer.

 

[CasaMartinez]

The package at the Double Tree sound good. I was planning on just getting dropped off the morning of but this sounds like a good alternative. Thanks for sharing.

 

[LiserAnn]

If anyone is still looking for a hotel near the port, I just changed my Doubletree park & cruise package to a different, cheaper package. Doubletree has on their site a Catalina getaway package with 2 queen beds, non-smoking, marina view for $159. This also includes a free in-room movie and 10% off at their restaurant. I called twice to make sure I could still park there free for the 10 nights. I was told it is not a problem at all. I explained that I was just looking for the cheapest rate, I would not be going to Catalina. They said no problem, book what you want you still get the free parking for the length of the cruise. I also put in the comment part on my reservation that I would be parking there from 4/17-4/27.

That seems to be the cheapest package at the Doubletree San Pedro. For those of you staying at the Doubletree, we can have a small meet on the evening of the 16th. Right now it is me, Dany, and Deserie.

I don't know how I missed this post yesterday!! We're booked at the CP and paying $265 (includes taxes). I just booked at the DT...they only have King beds left with the Catalina deal but that's OK. We'll bring a sleeping bag for our oldest and our youngest can share the king with us. I prefer the savings ($80!!!!) so we can deal with the sleeping situation for one night. Thanks for sharing your find with all of us!

 

[savin4WDW]

Hi all -- Just to add to the shore excursions info for consideration: A day or two ago, USA Today had an article on cruising that included some tips on saving money:

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/...rgains-make-waves-in-the-Caribbean/44148510/1

One suggestion the article had was to research independent shore excursions. This is what it said:

"Craft your own shore excursions. 'In the Caribbean and Mexico, it's easy to decide what you want to do ashore' without paying at least double to book through the cruise line, notes Anne Campbell of ShipCriticBlog.com. If you're looking for an organized tour, compare cruise line rates with those at companies such as PortPromotions.com, ShoreTrips.com and Viator.com. One new twist for U.S. ports: Try websites such as Travelzoo.com's Local Deals, Dealery.com or YipIt.com, which aggregate city-specific deals."

I checked out the sites, and most of the tours are for the Caribbean, but there are some for the Mexican Riviera.

 

[virdis]

Kristi....great deal!!!!! I wish we weren't already booked in Long Beach. I used my American Airlines miles to book the closest hotel I could find with their network (which was across bridge in Long Beach) but, I still have to pay for parking. I think the port is $12/day so $120 plus taxes....not to far off from what you are paying plus you get hotel.

I just looked it up and if I cancel I will lose the miles. I guess we are locked in.

 

[szubieta]

Kristi....great deal!!!!! I wish we weren't already booked in Long Beach. I used my American Airlines miles to book the closest hotel I could find with their network (which was across bridge in Long Beach) but, I still have to pay for parking. I think the port is $12/day so $120 plus taxes....not to far off from what you are paying plus you get hotel.

I just looked it up and if I cancel I will lose the miles. I guess we are locked in.

There is an upside to parking at the port...you don't have to wait for the hotel shuttles which make you wait til they start running or they get sooo many calls. We called 4 times and waited over an hour and when they did get there everyone pushed and shoved to get on that first shuttle. NOT so looking foward to that again.

 

[Double Trouble]

Welcome to all the newbies! We also have a 8 yo daughter... sounds like a party waiting to happen! We are in Lake Tahoe skiing this weekend (it's been awesome, 7 feet of new powder from Tues-Fri just before we arrived). For the roll call, if you'd like to provide your names and a photo, I'll get it on the website when I get home on Thursday... Check out the website for the info we have on the roll call and just send me an email of the info you're comfortable sharing.

Travelbee (Connie), I hope you enjoyed the skiing...sounds like fun! Our kids just started lessons this winter so they don't quite have the ski legs for deep powder yet. Maybe the girls can do Wii Ski together in the Lab (when they're not cranking up the "party" or pretending to be Taylor Swift anyway).

Thanks for all your hard work setting up the website and getting us added in. I'll send a PM (once I get 10 posts) or email with our info by Monday.

"Sleepin' L8" of Double Trouble

 

[Az Pirates]

There is an upside to parking at the port...you don't have to wait for the hotel shuttles which make you wait til they start running or they get sooo many calls. We called 4 times and waited over an hour and when they did get there everyone pushed and shoved to get on that first shuttle. NOT so looking foward to that again.

Last time we cruised out of Florida we took one look at the line for the rental car shuttle, and DH grabbed a buddy and they took a cab over to pick up the cars while wives and kids hung out and chatted. By splitting the fare it only cost a few dollars each, and they were back to pick us up before the first shuttle ever showed up. Might be worth thinking about since several of us are staying at the Doubletree.

 

[HoppingMad]

Hi Everyone

I'm hoping that I can get a bit of advice from all you experienced types!

We will be getting a rental car when we land at LAX from Oz on the 15th, and would like to return it to a location close to the port on the morning of the 17th.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a company to use, and if they're not located close, do they offer transfers from their depot to port?

Thanks again

Penny

 

[Az Pirates]

Hey Penny,

Being local I haven't checked into this myself, but I did remember seeing a post about rental cars on one of the threads with general information about the port, so I dug it up for you.

It doesn't look like the news is good, at least if you want to use Enterprise, and I think they may be one of the few agencies with locations both at LAX and near the port.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39595852&postcount=82


I can't find the post now, but I know I also read about someone renting a car at LAX, returning it to LGB, and arranging transportation to the port from there for a whole lot less than if they paid the ridiculous drop off fee Enterprise is charging. So that might be another option to look into.

Sorry the news isn't better, but I hope the information helps with planning.

 

[padalyn]

Hi Everyone

I'm hoping that I can get a bit of advice from all you experienced types!

We will be getting a rental car when we land at LAX from Oz on the 15th, and would like to return it to a location close to the port on the morning of the 17th.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a company to use, and if they're not located close, do they offer transfers from their depot to port?

Thanks again

Penny

Penny - I am not sure if this will help or not...i am using super shuttle from Long Beach Airport to DLR, then Prime Time Shuttle from DLR to the port. Not sure if that helps or not...the cost for the Prime Time Shuttle was about 10.00 more than DCL transport, BUT I get to pick the time I arrive at the port...DCL is set up for 11am pickup at the earliest! So I would not arrive until after 1pm (due to mutliple hotel pickups...sigh)

 

[TNShellBelle]

Michelle, I have a feeling the ship is going to change to central time for Manzanillo and PV, both of those cities are on CST.



My kids change to "ship time" when we sail. They stay up later and sleep in later. They all seem to be super charged up and have more energy on the ship. They do sleep soundly at night though. My 2 3/4 year old Brennan, he does not nap at home. I am going to have to lay down with him or something because he will have to nap on the ship. I think around 2 or 3 everyday will be his nap time and the big kids will be occupied elsewhere. This will work every day except embarkation day. They have that darned safety drill between 3:30 and 4pm and they have loud announcements in the room. No way my kids can nap through that. So first night I will have a tried boy at dinner. My kid also go to bed at 7:30pm.

I didn't even think of the ship changing back to CST. That would be awesome. On our last cruise Macy refused to take a nap at all and by the end of the week was sick. I think from being overtired and her immune system was down so we spent the last night in the cabin. Hoping for naps this time around!

I didn't realize there was a choice. (Never mind. I see it now. Looks like fun.) Did you book through DCL? We are on the 8:45, on day 4 (PV) Who else is on this one?

Susan, we are booked for the 8:45am one also. I can't wait...it looks like fun. Glad we get to do an excursion together.

 

[Susiesark]

Penny - I am not sure if this will help or not...i am using super shuttle from Long Beach Airport to DLR, then Prime Time Shuttle from DLR to the port. Not sure if that helps or not...the cost for the Prime Time Shuttle was about 10.00 more than DCL transport, BUT I get to pick the time I arrive at the port...DCL is set up for 11am pickup at the earliest! So I would not arrive until after 1pm (due to mutliple hotel pickups...sigh)

What nights are you staying at DLR and what days are you going into the parks?

 

[Jareds_mommy]

so we are booked at the Shareton Park hotel, we were told its about a 5 minute walk to the park,
We are there from the 13th to the 17th,
We still need to figure out transports from LAX to the hotel and then to the port.
Then back to a airport area hotel for after the cruise, and we still need to find one of those lol
Any Ideas
there will be 8 of us
Rae

 

[Susiesark]

so we are booked at the Shareton Park hotel, we were told its about a 5 minute walk to the park,
We are there from the 13th to the 17th,
We still need to figure out transports from LAX to the hotel and then to the port.
Then back to a airport area hotel for after the cruise, and we still need to find one of those lol
Any Ideas
there will be 8 of us
Rae

Find out if the Shereton offers a shuttle from LAX to the hotel. Will you be going into the parks before cruising?

 

[padalyn]

What nights are you staying at DLR and what days are you going into the parks?

I am arriving on the 14th, as of now, I have family and friends meeting me at the hotel. I haven't figured out what I am doing with the parks actually...I have to work that out with a friend out there!