Eastern Jan 24-31, 2004...........

[mariamard]

I hope this is not a stupid question, how is the weather in the eastern Carribean that time of year? I was just talking to a friend of mine and he claims that when he and his wife went to Nassau in Jan, that it was cool- upper 60's and very windy. Is that the norm? It is not hurricane season(that is all I know), so will that make sailing smooth? Anyone else in on these dates? I can't stand the thought of waiting 10 more months till we cruise!!!!!!!!

 

[Scratch42]

Just remember, you won't be wearing your WINTER BOOTS and COATS!LOL

Yes, this past January was well below normal temps. But this whole winter was weird!LOL

The year before, they had outstanding, above average weather! Go Figure

My DD and I were on the Wonder Jan 26 - 31/03. The seas were a little rough but at least we had sunshine and warmer weather than what was up North! Castaway Cay was Excellent! The winds were a bit chilly but you could live with it!

According to charts, we should see 70+ in St. John and St. Martin. Just remember you can't control the weather and you make due with what you get. We were luckier than the cruise before us 'cause they had that very cold spell and they did not get to go to Castaway Cay! (or they docked but nobody got off because it was too cold?!?!?)

So just remember, it's warmer than Chicago!

So who is all going in your party?

Scratch


PS The time goes by quickly, before you know it, it will be January! YIPEE!

 

[mariamard]

I knew that I would sound a little like a baby complaining about upper 60 s coming from Chicago in Jan! LOL .I would love sunny and 70's, but at that time of winter for us, I'll take what I can get. This trip will be myself, 31 dh 29, dd13, dd 3 1/2 , mil 51, and baby- in- my- belly will be 5 mos. We have 2 cabins on 7. This is our first Disney cruise. I have been on cruises before and love it!!!As long as there are no rough seas!!!!!!!!!!!!!Had a bad experience on Carnival in early September last year Really bad, rough seas!!!!!!!!

 

[Minybear]

Hi mariamard

Glad your joining us on our cruise. Isn't it January yet .

What I can remember when we were on the 1/26/03 4 night Wonder cruise that it was a little nippy. I know when we went onto Deck 9 and Deck 10 it was cold and you needed a jacket to be warm. Castaway Cay was the warmest of all the days we were on the cruise. I would venture to say it was in the 60's-70's, but last year it was in the 80's. So its kinda hard to figure out what the general weather is in January.

You and your whole family will love this cruise. There is so much to do and to see. Carnival is not a good cruise for family. You made the right choice on picking Disney Cruise.

Minybear

 

[DBMagic]

We'll be there. Myself(34), DW(34), and our 2 DD (6&10). Let's pray for mid 80's

 

[Scratch42]

This was the first time I've been to FLA and didn't come back with a tan!LOL

Thanks to Minybear at least we were prepared for the colder weather before we got there!

That's why we're trying again, well there are other reasons but we won't 'bring that up'!LOL

Scratch

 

[mariamard]

I'm prayin!!!!!!!!!even 60's will feel tropical to me by that time in winter. Are you staying in Port Canaveral everyone, or Orlando? we were going to stay in Disney World until we decided that we will most likely be staying at the Contemoprary for Halloween. So now, we will stay at Radisson Resort at the Port the night before our cruise. We are renting an SUV from Avis, ans they have an Avis desk at the hotel.That is music to my ears!

 

[Minybear]

mariamard

You are lucky that you know where your staying prior to your cruise. We really haven't decided. Right now we are thinking about going into the Airport Hyatt due to they will take care of your luggage. Its less expensive if we go into the Raddission but we will have to wait and see what we decide. I was thinking about doing a towncar or limo (sharing with my good friend) but due to limited trunk space we may not do that. Right now we need to figure out whats the least expensive and more convent way to get to Port Canaveral.

Any suggestions Scratch ?

 

[mariamard]

We rented an suv from Avis ( we get a slight discount)for one day , the 23, and then one day the 31. Our other option was a town car service with a van. We will have 6 people and 2 of those will be in a car/booster seat. That is still an option. I liked the idea of having the suv while in Port Canaveral to go to the beach, Target for beach toys and sunscreen, and going out to eat. We'd save on no cabs .I dont like waiting for a shuttle-I like the freedom of going when I want.The DCL shuttle would be waaaaayyyyy too much for us. how many are in your party? You can get a cheap rate thru Avis the way we are doing it if you only need a car for 4 or 5. It would only be about $50 each way!!!! The money you'd save can go towards all the excursions and suviners!!! The best part of it to me, is that the car return is at the Radisson.All we will need to do is get on the shuttle and get to the port!

 

[Scratch42]

Or have you been talking with DD and you know the amount of shoes she already wants to take with her!LOL

I kinda want to stay at the Hyatt the night before. I liked them taking the luggage and trust me this time DD will take her allotted amount and then some!LOL

I know she is still kinda iffy about the whole thing but when I reminded her about getting new things at the end of this season for the trip, her eyes lit up! She is even willing to let me get her into a formal dress! You'll see me taking at least three rolls of film while she is wearing it!LOL I think I'll even spluge for a portrait!LOL

By taking the DCL transfers, we can get the first bus, get there earlier than last time and still get the whole "Magic Experience" of driving into port! And not worry about the luggage but the carry on! But there is still time to decide.

Minybear, I think we have to wait to find out how much luggage there will be! This time we have formal, semi-formal and tropical to worry about! And all those shoes that go with them!

OMG!

Scratch

 

[Minybear]

I agree with you on the Hyatt. I am into convinece. We normally take 1 extra large suitecase and one large suitcase and one garment bag. The large suitecase is normally for all of our shoes. I cannot wait to shop for my formal and tropical dresses. I have a link on my home computer for tropical appareal but knowing my luck it will be too cold to wear. I hope the tropical night is inside.

 

[DBMagic]

I think we're leaning towards staying at the Radisson and taking a towncar. We took a towncar on our last to trips to Disney and it was great. I love the fact that they are waiting for you when you arrive like we're some kind of celebrity. How much is the Hyatt? Is that the one right at the airport that you have to walk through?

 

[Scratch42]

$89.00 per night!

Hey DBMagic, yeah that is the one right inside the airport. We still have not got our flights arranged but definately know that it will be the night before the cruise!LOL

There is just two of us travelling and two in Minybear's party, so even if we went limo, it would still cost us more? And in my case, I have to convert Cdn into US! And who knows where that is going!LOL Right now its ok but still, it hurts!

Minybear, I'm gonna go thru my stuff to see if anything hanging in the back of my closet will do for formal and semi, but definately want new for Tropical! Who knows might even get energetic and sew something! Decisions, Decisions!

Do you bring the Garment Bag with you or check it? And what about a suitcase for everything we buy on the islands?

Anyone into Pin Trading? DD11 will probably want to bring her pins too!

Scratch

 

[Minybear]

Scratch

I wonder when we need to secure the Hyatt? $83 is better then $129. I wonder if we wait until the war starts and see if the rate will go down any more .

I also noticed on limo's. The towncar and limo has the same luggage space. So if we have lots of luggage then we probuably need to the DCL van anyway.

With our luggage we carry a small duffle bag within our luggage so when I over spend on Disney stuff then we have this extra bag to carry everything back with us. Our garment bag goes as checkin luggage.

Ok is January here yet I need another cruise vacation .

Scratch we need to get together about that pin trading. I have a few pins I collected years ago but never got into trading.

Minybear

 

[pjpoohbear]

Just a thought,

I will be flying in the night before with my mother to MCO as well. Still looking at transport options, would love the idea of sharing a Limo, does 6 ways make it more affordable. Oh yeah the whole luggage thing, what about a van for six, eh?


The only reason we have cruised before, was because mom saw the online ad for the Pin Trading Cruise last May, lol. Found out we are not those kind of people, but do love the whole trading and collecting thing. Can't wait to meet your daughter, Minybear. Have lots of pins.

yeah, the internet rate at the hyatt seems to be the best deal, wonder if they will transport your luggage, even if you are not on the DCL tranport, that would be the best, eh?

Ps. Mom, 53 ( after gangway, about 6) Me, 28, (after gangway, about 12) someone has to be in charge, lol

 

[Minybear]

Hi pjpoohbear

What I have heard that DCL will pick our luggage up at the Hyatt around 8am. This is only if you have paid for their servcie.

pjpoohbear I think you were thinking about Scratch and her DD. I wish I had a daugter but I have 2 grown boys (one is in the navy).

Minybear

 

[pjpoohbear]

messages were coming from too many sides, lol.

Sorry, but the thought was the same Are either of your sons coming on the cruise with us?

Been checking the hotel rates for the night before as well. The transport to the port hasn't even entered the radiar screen yet, but soon very soon. With just two of use, DCL is still the cheapest, but would be interested in other methods.

 

[Minybear]

pjpoohbear
I wish our sons were going with us , but they are not due to job situations. I am hoping sometime they will join us for WDW.

I understand why you want more options on the transporation. It would be great to be in a limo or even a stretch limo.

Did you check recently if those rooms have opened up for you?

Minybear

 

[pjpoohbear]

Sorry about your sons, with all hope, it will be completed and over with long before we get the chance to meet, and all your family will be safetly together.

The rooms were available on the internet site last night, haven't booked yet, but the 83.00 rate is great, especially after last year's disaster at the the Quality Inn on McCoy road. The travel time, fighting for a shuttle seat, getting a smoking room, have a construction crew next door, etc.

Getting in late and being able to just go across the airport will be wonderful.

 

[Scratch42]

I actually had to do some work this afternoon, so I couldn't reply!LOL

First, I vote for the Hyatt, due to the fact that for me it will be T-4, GST, PST, WSIB, etc. etc. etc. time again! And if any indication from this past cruise, it will be hard to try and concentrate!

Second, I vote for DCL Transfers. That way, less lugging of luggage! And this time we can get there earlier and enjoy at a snails pace. 'Cause I remeber feeling rushed when we left at 12:30 p.m. from AK!

But this is all ten months out, and we are all women and it's our perogative to change our minds!

Scratch