Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean December 14 2013

[disneydiva16]

Do you want us to jump ship? Lol.

I am debating adding a western Caribbean but Alaska is always calling my name. Wish I booked a dummy date on our last sailing.

I recently booked us on a carnival sailing for January 2015. But with carnivals issues this week I may abandon that idea. Not many options showing for early 2015 yet. I figured we had this sailing for this winter so I was looking for one for the following winter. I don't want to sail during hurricane season again. Ugh.

OMG Lianne...NOOOO!!!!!! I dont want anyone to jump ship. I like everyone we have going and I think we have a great bunch of people. So I am hoping noone wants to change their dates
Dont do Alaska until 2015. Then you can do it with us I told Michelle before she left to book me a dummy so that when Alaska opens up in 2015 I can move it to a sailing then. But she also knows I want to do a southern, so I am hoping she puts my money on that one. I guess I better save so I can make another dummy booking when I am on the ship in December for Alaska!! =)

 

[disneydiva16]

Beth~I would book as soon as you know what one you want to do. I bet the southern sells our quickly because there are only a few sailing dates for that one. Have they even released the prices yet for these cruises? I hope it is not too crazy.

 

[noahsketomom]

Beth~I would book as soon as you know what one you want to do. I bet the southern sells our quickly because there are only a few sailing dates for that one. Have they even released the prices yet for these cruises? I hope it is not too crazy.

Yikes -- I do see that it's just four sailings. I'm sure they will be popular. Will have to talk with DH, but we'll probably end up on a Western then. Neither one of us is stuck with any particular itinerary (just not Eastern again). However, I just noticed that if we want to do it again on the Fantasy, we'd have to do it before November because then she switches to only Easterns. That's strange.


Of course we'd love to get my in laws on a cruise, but they would never pay the $$$. We'd have to foot the bill, so we would have to do shorter than 7 days, unless there was a really good deal.
Even though my DH isn't a big parks guy, I just love how he loves the cruises!!! Works for me!!!

 

[lianne_0325]

Beth~I would book as soon as you know what one you want to do. I bet the southern sells our quickly because there are only a few sailing dates for that one. Have they even released the prices yet for these cruises? I hope it is not too crazy.

We should see the prices tomorrow. And Beth my theory on booking two years out is that we have a sailing this year to wait for so it won't seem like that long of a wait. Plus the price just keeps going up and up. Our cabin is now almost sixteen hundred more than it was when we booked last year. And that is before taking out the on board booking discount. So booking far out seems like the way to go to me.

 

[lianne_0325]

OMG Lianne...NOOOO!!!!!! I dont want anyone to jump ship. I like everyone we have going and I think we have a great bunch of people. So I am hoping noone wants to change their dates
Dont do Alaska until 2015. Then you can do it with us I told Michelle before she left to book me a dummy so that when Alaska opens up in 2015 I can move it to a sailing then. But she also knows I want to do a southern, so I am hoping she puts my money on that one. I guess I better save so I can make another dummy booking when I am on the ship in December for Alaska!! =)

And I just might have to do that. Waiting until 2015 would give me more time to save up for the trip to Alaska. I feel like I have been waiting my whole life to go there.

 

[noahsketomom]

It is funny to me that you mentioned the concert at Epcot as an incentive for going there. Our high school chorus used to perform in that every year and for a Disney junkie like me it was amazing to be there.

I'd have a hard time picking which one of the parks to go to as well. I would love to see the show at Epcot as I have never just seen it, the lights at Hollywood would be exciting, but I think seeing the castle all decorated with the lights would be the top one for me. So basically the Animal Kingdom is the only one I wouldn't be considering as a special holiday treat.

Problem is that I won't know my school schedule until Fall so I'll have no idea how many days if any I can head down in advance. I'll need our schedule for finals before I can make any plans.

We enjoyed POFQ. It was our first on site experience as paying adults. We didn't use the pool at all though as we were always heading to the parks. In fact it was last year right after we got off the Dream. I <3'd that they let us check in at like 9am right off the ship. I thought that was really awesome. That being said it didn't feel Disney like enough for me. I enjoyed our more recent stay at Pop Century more as it was more Disney for me.

Hi Lianne!

I watched one candlelit concert at Epcot that had Jodi Benson in it and that's why I knew about it! Jodi Benson (aka Ariel!) did a Christmas pops concert up here with a local orchestra a couple of years ago. It was AH-MAZING! (Her O Holy Night rendition still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it! I was trying to search for a recording of it and no luck....but I did find that Epcot video!

Glad to hear you enjoyed POFQ. Hopefully it will be Disney enough for the kiddos -- knowing them they just will want to swim if it's warm!!!

I still don't know if it will be one night or two, but that will depend on flights and work off for my mom and sister.

 

[noahsketomom]

Last cruise we stayed two nights at all star movies. The kids loved. The resort. We went to Magic Kingdom for one day. I won't ever buy tickets for one day again. The cost is outrageous. And the kids just wanted to go back to the hotel and swim. This time we are staying at animal kingdom lodge. I booked a DVC rental and the price was not much more than value. We will spend our day hanging out at the resort and visiting downtown Disney. There are so many free things to do at Disney and with little ones (3 & 7) they won't want to stand in lines at the parks. Can't wait!!!

that's what I'm thinking my kids will enjoy -- they will probably love the pool as much as the parks -- no joke. I think it's me who secretly enjoys the parks more than anyone......

We should see the prices tomorrow. And Beth my theory on booking two years out is that we have a sailing this year to wait for so it won't seem like that long of a wait. Plus the price just keeps going up and up. Our cabin is now almost sixteen hundred more than it was when we booked last year. And that is before taking out the on board booking discount. So booking far out seems like the way to go to me.

Hmmm....that's a good thought........
Will be interesting to see the prices......

 

[aymekae]

Speaking of booking cruises and where we're going next, I have my heart set on Alaska in 2014. We were supposed to go this summer, but canceled because we can't bring a 2 month old, and I don't want to leave him for that long when he's that young. (Truth be told, I was not happy with the cruise line my family chose, Carnival, and wanted either DCL, Princess, or Holland America.) I'm going to miss going with my family, but oh well. With Ian a little over a year old at that point, and the much shorter flight to Seattle (from So Cal) we'd take him along (I think!)

The trick is to get my husband to agree. I'm thinking we'll have to wait till we're on board this cruise to book the Alaska cruise. Last cruise, he was like, Book a new cruise? Sure! Go to every Bingo session? Why the heck not? Order plenty of Diet Cokes from the bar when they're available for free on another deck? Pocket change! Pay the price of a modest car for a Disney timeshare? Would you like cash or credit? He was a maniac, and is never like that... ever. I am sure to use his lack of inhibitions in our favor for our next vacation.

(Don't think poorly of me... I help him out with his new business as bookkeeper and more, and my only request for compensation is that I can plan reasonable vacations for our family without him complaining about it all the time. He agreed, but.... he still complains!!)

 

[lianne_0325]

Any chance your hubby could have a chat with mine? Lol. I want mine to act more like yours on vacation.

 

[sparklechicks]

You guys are funny!

Although I'd rather go sooner, I too want to see the ship all decked out for Christmas.

But we've already decided we want to do one in 2014, at least that's the plan. Was going to book for my 40th, but that's not until 2015.....egads! I can't do the wait again!!!! I am wanting to do either Southern or Western, so will be looking at prices. Do you guys think we should wait until we are on board to book one for the FAll/Winter 2014, or book beforehand? I'm guessing the southern will be popular, so we're fine with the Western too. We are totally flexible on dates -- can go anytime, so really just want the best bang for the buck.
Thoughts?

We were on the Dream this past Christmas for the New Year's Eve cruise and it was AMAZING!!! The decorations are everywhere! Even in the kids clubs. They had a GIGANTIC gingerbread house in the atrium that smelled so good it was hard to not walk up and pick off a piece. I have to admit that as much as the decorations were pretty they weren’t pretty enough to pay as much as we did - but I can’t help myself and we are obviously going back at Christmas time. We did do the Fantasy in June 2012 and it was equally as nice for about 2K less. But the prices for 2014 for June are almost double for my family of 5 so I am sticking with this December cruise.. I was able to book Nov 8th 2014 Fantasy Western with a stop in Jamaica yesterday. It is for our 15 year and my 40th. Join Us!

 

[disneydiva16]

Well. I am excited to say that Michelle did hear my prayers and booked me the southern caribbean for Oct 4th 2014. She texted me to let me know the good news. The price actually wasnt bad. It is cheaper than what I am paying for this cruise. I am surprised because I thought they would raise the prices for that itinerary because they know people would be running to book it.

I was playing around with airfare the other day and all I could find was r/t for $450.00 per person from Syracuse. I am hoping that the rates go down or I may have to drive...YUCK! I really dont want to have to do that

 

[miztressuz]

with regrets we are bugging out from this trip.

we got a great deal on a western med/trans atlantic repositioning from NCL this year so we can't do both. i've been anxiously awaiting the 2014 itineraries from both cruise lines. with NCL not doing the same one next year and being able to find a similarly priced stateroom on the Fantasy (downgrade a bit but we'll be on the ship ) we decided to do NCL this year and push Disney back again. (going through withdrawal already)

have an awesome time guys and i'll be watching for your trip reports

 

[noahsketomom]

We were on the Dream this past Christmas for the New Year's Eve cruise and it was AMAZING!!! The decorations are everywhere! Even in the kids clubs. They had a GIGANTIC gingerbread house in the atrium that smelled so good it was hard to not walk up and pick off a piece. I have to admit that as much as the decorations were pretty they weren’t pretty enough to pay as much as we did - but I can’t help myself and we are obviously going back at Christmas time. We did do the Fantasy in June 2012 and it was equally as nice for about 2K less. But the prices for 2014 for June are almost double for my family of 5 so I am sticking with this December cruise.. I was able to book Nov 8th 2014 Fantasy Western with a stop in Jamaica yesterday. It is for our 15 year and my 40th. Join Us!

Will keep working on DH for that cruise -- it would be setting sail on my DD's 8th birthday!

Well. I am excited to say that Michelle did hear my prayers and booked me the southern caribbean for Oct 4th 2014. She texted me to let me know the good news. The price actually wasnt bad. It is cheaper than what I am paying for this cruise. I am surprised because I thought they would raise the prices for that itinerary because they know people would be running to book it.

I was playing around with airfare the other day and all I could find was r/t for $450.00 per person from Syracuse. I am hoping that the rates go down or I may have to drive...YUCK! I really dont want to have to do that

You can book already? I'm waiting on Southwest and Jet Blue (direct flights from Providence)....haven't released their prices for Nov/Dec yet.....

with regrets we are bugging out from this trip.

we got a great deal on a western med/trans atlantic repositioning from NCL this year so we can't do both. i've been anxiously awaiting the 2014 itineraries from both cruise lines. with NCL not doing the same one next year and being able to find a similarly priced stateroom on the Fantasy (downgrade a bit but we'll be on the ship ) we decided to do NCL this year and push Disney back again. (going through withdrawal already)

have an awesome time guys and i'll be watching for your trip reports

So jealous!!! Will miss you here but have a fabulous cruise!!!!

 

[Magic25]

with regrets we are bugging out from this trip.

we got a great deal on a western med/trans atlantic repositioning from NCL this year so we can't do both. i've been anxiously awaiting the 2014 itineraries from both cruise lines. with NCL not doing the same one next year and being able to find a similarly priced stateroom on the Fantasy (downgrade a bit but we'll be on the ship ) we decided to do NCL this year and push Disney back again. (going through withdrawal already)

have an awesome time guys and i'll be watching for your trip reports

Have a great trip on the NCL cruise!!! We'll miss you on the Fantasy cruise!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Well. I am excited to say that Michelle did hear my prayers and booked me the southern caribbean for Oct 4th 2014. She texted me to let me know the good news. The price actually wasnt bad. It is cheaper than what I am paying for this cruise. I am surprised because I thought they would raise the prices for that itinerary because they know people would be running to book it.:

You know that we are so connected that I heard you say Southern,Southern!!! I took care of us.

 

[disneydiva16]

You can book already? I'm waiting on Southwest and Jet Blue (direct flights from Providence)....haven't released their prices for Nov/Dec yet.....

Beth I can book my airfarem but not with Jetblue yet. I went to Orbitz to see who had the cheaper air. All that is available right now is 450 per person. I am waiting for Jetblue to release the rest of the years flights. I like that they dont charge for the first suitcase. I dont have Southwest here in Syracuse.

 

[lianne_0325]

Will keep working on DH for that cruise -- it would be setting sail on my DD's 8th birthday!

You can book already? I'm waiting on Southwest and Jet Blue (direct flights from Providence)....haven't released their prices for Nov/Dec yet.....

So jealous!!! Will miss you here but have a fabulous cruise!!!!

Ironically I am holding a cabin on that same sailing too. I am about ready to put my deposit down on it and cancel the one I have on Carnival for 2015. My hubby can jump cruise lines without us. After my surgery I don't want to fathom being stuck on the ship without power, food or electricity like those poor people were on the Triumph.

Beth put it down now and then cancel or rebook on board if the prices are the same or go down. Looking from the trends on our sailing I would get it on the books now before the prices go up and up. The PIF date will be well after our sailing so better safe than sorry.

 

[2Pirates&1Princess]

Glad you had an great time Michelle I am hoping to book the same cruise as you and Robin. I just need to come up with the deposit. So many vacations...so little money! LOL

I am going to the mall tomorrow to look and see if I can find any dress on sale for Taylor for formal and semi formal nite. I hope I can find something cute.

 

[noahsketomom]

Ironically I am holding a cabin on that same sailing too. I am about ready to put my deposit down on it and cancel the one I have on Carnival for 2015. My hubby can jump cruise lines without us. After my surgery I don't want to fathom being stuck on the ship without power, food or electricity like those poor people were on the Triumph.

Beth put it down now and then cancel or rebook on board if the prices are the same or go down. Looking from the trends on our sailing I would get it on the books now before the prices go up and up. The PIF date will be well after our sailing so better safe than sorry.

Lianne....that is crazy that we are thinking of sailing in the same date again---what are the odds!?!

I'm seriously considering booking cabins, then changing on board if prices drop........and I'm pretty sure if I use the Disney visa, I don't have to even pay it for six months......anyone know that?

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Glad you had an great time Michelle I am hoping to book the same cruise as you and Robin. I just need to come up with the deposit. So many vacations...so little money! LOL

I am going to the mall tomorrow to look and see if I can find any dress on sale for Taylor for formal and semi formal nite. I hope I can find something cute.

Thanks Norma...wish I was still on. Yes book the Southern!! Yeah so little money is always the problem!! LOL Oh can't wait to see what u find. I have formals I think for the girls. I would like a new one and need semi's but I am into a specific color so it's harder. Well gotta go START unpacking and somehow make it to the store for food, nothing in our fridge. Man it's cold here....80 something to 18 is a body shocker!!!