EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[LindaBabe]

Just wanted to share some info my TA gave me. She said DCL transfers from the Miami port to the airport will be $20 per person and to not book flights any earlier than 11:30! I have never booked flights on my own before. How far out do most people book flights?

IF you can fly southwest, the relevant schedule opens June 4th, according to my source They fly out of Ft. Lauderdale (although apparently Disney isn't transferring there), and have the advantage of 2 bags free, per person.

Right now flights on an earlier date are showing $215 one way per person and there's a flight with no plane change to LAX leaving at 2:50 pm (others
WITH plane changes.) SNA and Burbank will cost ~$100 more pp. and most have plane changes somewhere

Julie, a check of the first page shows Sarah and her mom and Danielle and her mom going, so that's 4 more women for you to potentially chum with

 

[LindaBabe]

Finally reading the thread from start.

I'm a planner, so I'm starting to think about clothing for all of us. What is everyone thinking in terms of dinner attire? There is no way we can wear something different all 14 nights. I'm thinking of packing one special outfit per person per formal or semi-formal night (I think there are three total???) and then otherwise repeating a few "cruise casual" outfits for all of the other nights. We will definitely be doing laundry while on board, anyway, because I'm only packing about 4 daytime outfits per person.

What are you planning?

Thinking about that too since there'll only be me to deal with the luggage. I am so over formal nights, and didn't wear half what I took for them on the Hawaii. Instead, I wore all the warm clothing i had brought with me, and only one of the shorts. What do you think about 2 long pants, 2 shorts & 1 skirt, all black?

I was just curious what everyone's dining plans are - early or late seating? We have late, it worked well for us on the last cruises, but I'm a little concerned about the time change, but I guess we'll adjust.

We were talking about whether we wanted to ask for a table by ourselves or take a chance on sitting with others. 14 nights of having bad tablemates would be terrible, but 14 nights with a fun group would be awesome - decisions, decisions! Any thoughts??

Another fun group on the Hawaii. Could Disers be bad table mates? Imo, they wouldn't dare, because people would "out" them on the boards

Hi all,
My husband and I are trying to decide on this trip. We are scheduled on the Fantasy for the Sept 29th trip to WB Caribbean with all of the family , but wanted to try one on our own. I keep reading about the certificate and wanted to know what it is. Also, we are both retired and will be in our 60's by the time we sailed and wanted to see if there are others with like interests to us to maybe pair up with for dinner. Hope to be sailing with you all.

Linda

Retired. 60s. Same name. That would seem to be a bit in common

​

I decided to make journal for our trip. I want to document everything we do, so I can remember the details when I get home and do my scrapbook. With 15 days of activities and food, I will neve rbe able to remember everything. I found journal pages here on the DIS and have made a few of my own using their designs. I haven't decided if I want to do it binder style or if I want to have it bound - guess I have time to decide - it is so much fun making things for the cruise - helps past the time.

Could you do it on looseleaf and have it bound by staples when you get home? They offer a few different kind of binding methods. I kept on on a computer from our 6 week 'life after work' trip, uploaded it to staples and got several bound copies printed.

All great tips, and I especially agree with what was bolded. Shoes used to kill us when we cruised, but now each female takes "dress shoes" and Crocs (which I admit to wearing to Palo brunch). Male family members the same, actually, though oldest dd and dh bring or wear their running shoes. We used to sometimes take four pairs of shoes for a 7 night (each outfit has its own shoes).

We did a lot of mixing and matching/ washing and rewearing on our 14 day cruise. We love to dress up on formal night, but dd wore the same gown twice, and I wore the same outfit as well. Will probably do the same this trip, though I'm hoping dd will be able to wear her dress uniform one night.

There was an RCMP on our recent trip - he wore his uniform every formal and semi-formal night. I've seen military do likewise, including the long skirted dress uniform for ladies.

Just checking to see if anyone has been through the Panama Canal before. I watched a special about the canal a couple of weeks ago and it looks like an amazing thing to go through the locks. I can hardly wait.

Yes - last January. It was GREAT!

I agree with the short port time. We were in PV in Dec when we sailed on the Wonder, and we were in port from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We booked our own zipline excursion with Los Veranos instead of thru DCL. One thing to note if you book your own excursion is the time change in PV. The ship stayed on MST (ship time) while PV was on CST. I was thankful that I asked questions at Guest Services the night before we arrived in PV or we would've missed our excursion. Some folks on the boat did miss it because of confusion over the time change.

January, I believe we left PV at 4:30 pm. Can't remember if it was ship time or CST - I'm thinking CST.


Done to page 15.

 

[dthogue]

And you may be solo, but you won't be alone. It's a good group going, and I'm sure we can "adopt" you when you don't want to be solo!

Beth

Julie,

I second the motion - we have a great group - I'm sure that with all our sea days that lots of us will be "meeting" up. When the time comes, post what excursions you are looking at and I bet you'll find someone else who will be doing the same one.

I know my DD will be off with her new friends and it will be great for us to "make" some new adult friends!

 

[bbangel]

My mom and I just got off the Wonder this morning. We had such a great time we booked this while we were on board! Now to catch up on this thread and figure out all the logistics. Should help with the withdrawal I'm already feeling!

 

[pharmjenn]

Small world since we live in Brentwood! This is the first cruise we bought trip insurance for, so that was a new one for us! Do you have your cabin assignment yet? I have been looking at other threads for IGT/VGT room assignments and it looks like we won't get ours until around 12 days before we leave...that is going to be very hard for the planner in me!

We booked IGT also. Can't beat that price!

I am so glad to see a good group of kids coming. My DS is best friends with every kid he meets, so I wasn't concerned, but the more the merrier.
Regarding airfare. When I first started watching this thread, a few weeks ago, United had a nonstop to SFO for $131. Long gone of course, but I am hoping they come back down somewhat. If not, SWA here we come.

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Rainy here this morning, everything is just lush and green It's amazing what a difference occurred in the landscape during the three weeks we were away.

What plans do y'all have for the upcoming holiday weekend?

Happy day, all!

 

[BethC1952]

Rainy and very green here at the Jersey Shore too!

The weekend is supposed to be beautiful weather. We're spending it with Jim's parents and sister and her family. It's my birthday, my MIL's birthday, my niece just graduated from college and the sister's anniversary this week, so we have a few things to celebrate!

Now I'm off to a very long day of training in very dismal Newark.

Beth

 

[WVURunner]

Hi Everyone,

I am trying convince my husband that we should go on this cruise! I am almost 100% sure I can persuade him because the IGT price is just right. Hopefully it will be me, my DH, my sister, and her two kids. Her DD will be 6 and her DS will be 9. This will be everyone's third disney cruise except for me, it will be my 4th. We are planning to do one or two days at disneyland prior to the cruise and then spend Christmas with family in Tampa after the cruise. I am in full planning mood and we haven't even booked yet!
I noticed lots of people flying out of PHL. We are in Delaware and will be waiting for SWA to see if we will be leaving from PHL or BWI. I was quickly looking at other posts and I noticed a few people from the Poconos. I grew up in the Poconos and that's where my sister and her family live.
My DH and I were just on the Fantasy and I am going through cruise and planning withdraw.

Hope to be cruising with everyone.

 

[Travelbee]

Hello All,

We just booked and took advantage of the IGT rates! It'll be me (Connie), DH (Sean), and DD 10 at time of cruise (Allison). We're taking her out of school for two weeks but that's the benefit of private school - don't have to make any excuses! We have been to Cabo and Puerto Vallarta several times but are definitely looking forward to the Panama Canal crossing. One of the selling points of this cruise is that we can get tickets to the Buffalo/Miami game and drive straight from the port to the game because we are HUGE Dolphins fan.

I haven't read any of the posts yet and will have to get up to speed. But we are definitely looking forward to getting to know everyone here and finding a friend for DD.

Connie

 

[skoi]

Welcome aboard to all our new shipmates.



Getting ready to take oldest dd down to Auburn,AL to attend her orientation. Get to stay over night in a hotel ALL BY MYSELF!

 

[LindaBabe]

Hello All,

We just booked and took advantage of the IGT rates! It'll be me (Connie), DH (Sean), and DD 10 at time of cruise (Allison). We're taking her out of school for two weeks but that's the benefit of private school - don't have to make any excuses! We have been to Cabo and Puerto Vallarta several times but are definitely looking forward to the Panama Canal crossing. One of the selling points of this cruise is that we can get tickets to the Buffalo/Miami game and drive straight from the port to the game because we are HUGE Dolphins fan.

I haven't read any of the posts yet and will have to get up to speed. But we are definitely looking forward to getting to know everyone here and finding a friend for DD.

Connie

Welcome aboard, new shipmates!

Welcome aboard to all our new shipmates.



Getting ready to take oldest dd down to Auburn,AL to attend her orientation. Get to stay over night in a hotel ALL BY MYSELF!

WOO HOO! Hope it's a nice one, with room service and a deep hot tub!

I have located and await an answer from a local private tour guide in Cartegena. Meanwhile, here's an article on Colombian safety and security. http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=features&j=1&cat=2&story_id=407

Response from tour guide #1

"For people who are coming on a cruise ship I recommend The Highpoints of the City Tour which begins with a visit to La Popa in order to take in a magnificent full circle panoramic view of the entire city and its environs. We would then do some sightseeing at the Fortress of San Felipe for a photo stop and in order to talk about its history. Then we take slow cruising tours of the neighborhoods of Manga, Getsemaní and Bocagrande before going for a nice walk in the Old City - visiting the Gold Museum, the main plazas - and winding up with some shopping (emeralds, coffee, handcrafts, antiques and leather goods among other things).

The tour lasts for four and a half hours.

For a group of four the price is 85 dollars per person, for six 73 dollars per person, for eight people 65 dollars per person, for ten or more 55 dollars per person. The price includes the cost of transportation in the air conditioned minibus or large bus I mentioned with a driver, entrance fees to La Popa, the fees I pay to the port authority in order to be able to pick you up and leave you off at the docks and, of course, the fee for my services as your private guide.

Children under ten pay 70% of the price for adults."

 

[yucaipagal]

I have just reserved our spaces at Maya Chan in Costa Maya

We went there on our Thanksgiving cruise and loved it! It is an all inclusive private beach day. We had a private palapa, yummy food, lots of drinks , including yummy smoothies for the kiddos and they even had sand toys waiting for my babies under our palapa. It is so nice and they only allow something like 40 people per day. If you are not doing the Mayan ruins that day, I highly recommend them!

I have no idea what to do in Colombia- any suggestions for something that will be fun for ages 4 up to 62?

 

[dthogue]

Wow lots of new cruisers it's great to have you joining us!!

 

[dthogue]

I have just reserved our spaces at Maya Chan in Costa Maya

We went there on our Thanksgiving cruise and loved it! It is an all inclusive private beach day. We had a private palapa, yummy food, lots of drinks , including yummy smoothies for the kiddos and they even had sand toys waiting for my babies under our palapa. It is so nice and they only allow something like 40 people per day. If you are not doing the Mayan ruins that day, I highly recommend them!

I have no idea what to do in Colombia- any suggestions for something that will be fun for ages 4 up to 62?

Oh my this sounds wonderful - too many choices, so little time

 

[bbangel]

Finally made it through all the posts! My mom and I are in for the FE so I'll send my info by pm soon. The ruins tour sounds great, I just have to confirm with my mom

For those looking for good servers, we had Lito and Julia and they were awesome! I wanted to take Julia home with me. We sat near a difficult table and saw them handle it all with courtesy and smiles. Lito made great suggestions on the menu and was always seemed willing to do all he could to make sure all his tables were happy

 

[pharmjenn]

The TA assigned us early seating. I was thinking that I wanted late seating, after reading how you have to rush back to ship on port days for early. Well, since our port days end so early anyway, I don't think that will be an issue.

We normally eat around 6pm at home, and DS4 goes to bed around 9pm. He does fine when kept up later though (although I don't know whether he would handle late nights for 2 weeks)

What is the opinion about early vs late? Are the shows really any different? If we did late, I wouldn't have a problem sending him to the kids club when they come get the kids during the late seating. DH and I are not hang out drinking/dancing people, so I would be just as happy going to bed early, but don't know if I would want the early breakfasts.

What are you guys with little ones planning?

 

[BethC1952]

DH and I are not hang out drinking/dancing people, so I would be just as happy going to bed early, but don't know if I would want the early breakfasts.

What are you guys with little ones planning?

Breakfasts aren't scheduled, except for the last morning. You can eat whenever you want to.

We don't have little ones, but we did have our granddaughter with us on a cruise years ago. We had late dining, and it was great because she took a nap in the afternoon and was good to go for the evening. She could stay awake much longer than we could LOL!!!

Beth

 

[pharmjenn]

Thanks Beth. People talk about the last morning, and I thought all the breakfasts were early/late as well if you wanted the dining rooms. We have only cruised once before, on Princess 15 years ago and they had set seating for the dining room breakfasts.

Will have to think some more on this.

 

[LindaBabe]

Diningroom and buffet breakfasts are as you choose, during the hours they're open except on the last day and your character breakfast day. You ALWAYS have the option not to attend either one of those and go to the buffet instead, but many people like the early last day breakfast so they can get off the ship earlier.

On the Hawaii cruise, the breakfast times were staggered in the various restaurants and the bags were tagged according to the breakfast time for your restaurant - I suppose the plan was to facilitate disembarkation directly after one finished breakfast, as we were called by tag color. It didn't exactly work out that way, though, as we were done with breakfast more than an hour before we were allowed off the ship in LA.

 

[WVURunner]

We went there on our Thanksgiving cruise and loved it! It is an all inclusive private beach day. We had a private palapa, yummy food, lots of drinks , including yummy smoothies for the kiddos and they even had sand toys waiting for my babies under our palapa. It is so nice and they only allow something like 40 people per day. If you are not doing the Mayan ruins that day, I highly recommend them!
QUOTE]

How was the turtle grass and beach when you went in November? I heard a story back on the ship from a family who were there that the grass is so thick, they have to clear paths in the water. They said the food and drink are wonderful but the ocean was horrible and full of trash and the snorkeling was bad.
We did the ruins in April and I have gone SCUBA diving serveral times in Costa Maya so I am looking for something differant but we love the water and would hate it if we couldn't enjoy it. I would love to hear your take on it. I can't always trust just one person.