Fantasy Western April 28, 2012

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Packing: I am currently in Las Vegas. Packed for 6 days with nothing but a small wheeled carry-on designed to carry a laptop and minimal clothing (did not bring laptop as am using my smartphone), plus a small shoulder purse. No problem. Less is more and it's such a pleasure to travel light!

Theme nights: Formal & semi-formal night and Pirate night are about it. The other nights are "cruise casual," although I am someone who always dresses up for dinner in something I would not wear during the day on the cruise. Keep in mind that since the Fantasy is not sailing yet, theme nights and other things may not be the same. It's best to hold off any serious planning until DCL releases more info about the onboard experiences for the Fantasy.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if there was anything else. Of course we won't be doing any "serious" planning until we get closer, but that doesn't stop my mind from planning & packing theoretically As for your packing light to Vegas -- I'd bring your bags for a weekend/overnight trip, but 6 days! Kudos to you....

It will be interesting to see what Fantasy-specific details will be released, if any, or if they will keep things similar to the Dream.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

This is one of the downfalls...yet also one of the exciting things about booking a cruise on a new ship: fewer details and all new territory.

This will be only the 4th scheduled cruise on the Fantasy. (there's nothing listed about an inaugural cruise - just the Maiden Voyage).

We'll all probably be spending hours pouring over all the trip reports and posts from anyone who has sailed her before us.

I can't wait!

 

[DisneyDuo]

If I remember right, there were 4 Dream Cruises before the Maiden Voyage Cruise. 1) Disney Cast members, 2) Travel Agents, 3) Disney VIPs and Special guests, and 4) Boy and Girls club special cruise (not counting the Trans-Atlantic Cruise). A few folks on the Maiden Voyage felt that it wasn't a true "Maiden Voyage", but talking with some of the folks that were ON those cruises, I'm glad that the crew had some practice before the "paying guests" were on board. I would think that Disney would probably do something similar with the Fantasy. A smooth cruise is a happy cruise!!

 

[DisneyDuo]

And I almost forgot, The sailings for the first year of the Dream are called Inaugural Cruises. They have got lost of stuff in the gift shops with Dream Inaugural Cruises - 2011. I 'spect they will do the same for the Fantasy.

 

[supercruiser420]

Disney cruise posted a photo of Duffy the bear on the Disney cruise line on their Facebook page a couple of days ago!!! Is anyone else concerned!?!? I love the character, but he is slowly starting to take over!!!! There was a rumor that he is going to be the atrium statue on the fantasy?!? Could it be true???

 

[taswira]

I'm not worried. I would LOVE it! My Duffy will most likely be on this cruise. Couldn't leave him behind since he hasn't gone Concierge yet although he sailed on both the Wonder and the Magic with me and received the royal treatment from CMs.

Why be concerned? Duffy as the atrium character was supposedly just an April Fool's Day joke. However, they do sell him aboard the ships and his backstory is perfectly suited to him being there (Minnie created him and gave him to Mickey to keep him company on his long sea voyages).

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I like Duffy and wouldn't mind it at all.

Taking over? Funny I felt that way about Disney pushing Stitch on us. At least Duffy is cute and has a story that fits with DCL. I'm going to adopt a Duffy of my own soon and he'll probably cruise with me!

 

[DisneyDuo]

Yup, I've got Duffy too. He didn't get to come on the Dream with me, I adopted him afterwards. But he'll definitely come on the Fantasy. Maybe we'll have to have a Duffy party ;-)

Has anyone found an affordable source for clothes for him? I thought the ones in the park were a bit pricy!

I doubt he would be the statue in the atrium My bet is going on Minnie.
Though my husband is hoping for The Goof

Blessings - Lin

 

[taswira]

Yup, I've got Duffy too. He didn't get to come on the Dream with me, I adopted him afterwards. But he'll definitely come on the Fantasy. Maybe we'll have to have a Duffy party ;-)

Sounds good to me!

I'm not too upset about the Duffy outfit prices because (unlike the costumes they had for Pal Mickey years ago) at least they are excellent quality. They do give a passholder discount if you're an AP holder. I think it's only 10 or 15% though, can't recall.

I'm sure that, as with Pal Mickey, inexpensive outfits that fit similar-size plush would do fine. Keep an eye out at Walmart, especially around the holidays.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

By the way - check your tickers - ONE YEAR TO OUR CRUISE!!!!


Am I excited?

 

[krhardy]

One year from today we board the big beautiful brand new ship. Better get busy...so much time and so little to do. Wait, strike that, reverse it!!!

 

[supercruiser420]

Only one year to go!!! I have to pick up the pace with shopping for fish extender gifts!!!!

 

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Less than a year!!

Just a few random questions...

--Any idea on when DCL will be posting the Costa Maya excursions? I like to plan and daydream on what we'll be doing, so it'd be nice to think about those.

--Has anyone ever cruised in April before? What's the weather like? I just read on another thread that some people had to skip some ports due to the weather being too windy for them to tender.

Now that we're past the year mark, maybe more people will book and we can get more in this thread.

 

[taswira]

stinkersbellsmommy - I think one thing hindering DCL posting details on Costa Maya port adventures (shore excursions) is that as of now we are only slated to be there from 12:00 to 4:00. By the time you get off the ship, that would only give you a few hours before reboarding.

I think when the Disney Magic went there, it was for a longer time. There is a website that recommends excursions based on the various ships' time in port. For the Magic, it was these. I would be interested in some of the Mayan ruins, but it seems our port time will be too limited.

Yes, April can be quite windy and also quite warm, but no one ever really knows what the weather will do!

 

[supercruiser420]

Less than a year!!

Just a few random questions...

--Any idea on when DCL will be posting the Costa Maya excursions? I like to plan and daydream on what we'll be doing, so it'd be nice to think about those.

--Has anyone ever cruised in April before? What's the weather like? I just read on another thread that some people had to skip some ports due to the weather being too windy for them to tender.

Now that we're past the year mark, maybe more people will book and we can get more in this thread.

I agree, I think the limited time at port is going to put a hinder on what excursions will be available. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time costa Maya is going to be a permanent part of the DCL itinerary. For most new ports, they usually posts the excursions about 5 months in a advance since platinum and concierge guests an start booking at 4 months in advance. Almost there!!! I check the meyer werft webcam every week!!! The ship looks amazing!!!

 

[motherofallfans]

I am relatively familiar with this port. My family and I spent 11 weeks driving around Mexico last year - including 2 days at Mahajual (the cruise port of Costa Maya.) This part (Costa Maya - the land mass that sticks out of the south-east of Mexico) used to be THE MOST isolated part of all of Mexico. There is only one road coming in and one road that runs along the coast. It wasn't long ago that they did not even have plumbing in this part at all!
There really is not much here but a fantastic beach area and excellent shopping for local goods (no Diamonds International here yet). There are hard-working waiters on the beach who litterally run to serve you. You can get a massage for US$25/hr (but I'm not sure they're accepting US$ anymore - will have to read up more on that closer to the time). There is only one ATM here and I hear it is often 'out' of money so come prepared - many of these small independant establishments won't take credit cards. You can drink cheap beer while seated on a swing instead of a bar stool. There is jet-skiing, parasailing, AND BEST OF ALL - snorkelling and SCUBA. This is literally some of the best coral reef marine viewing as this is very near the second largest coral reef in the world!
If you're hoping for "Mayan" excursions, this location is far removed from most of the good stuff. Any excursions that take you away from Mahajual will mostly be spent in a bus, and therefore IMO, not worth it. Enjoy the shops on the beach (handmade jeweley, Mexican vanilla, clothes, tshirts - including some vulgar ones) and plan to make this a slow-paced day. The hub is about a 15 minute easy walk from the ship.

 

[taswira]

Thanks, motherofallfans! That's exactly as I suspected from what I've heard and read. It can be a slow-paced day, but everyone will need to keep an eye on their watch. Four hours in port can fly by!

I don't plan to hit the beach since I live 7 miles from the ocean. I'll do a bit of casual shopping, then return to the ship.

 

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Thanks all! I know we'd only be in Costa Maya for 4 hours (which hardly seems like a lot of time!), so wanted to know what we'd be able to do in that time. Nothing wrong with just taking a relaxing walk around to enjoy the atmosphere!

Thanks again for the responses

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I have to admit I'm a little sad we aren't going to be in port longer. But, I'm not upset as I am one of those people who is going on the cruise to be on the ship, the ports are just an extra benefit.

 

[taswira]

Ditto here, Holly! But who knows? Perhaps they'll end up extending our time there, arriving earlier or staying a bit later. I've seen it happen on a few rare occasions. We are just under a year away, so our time in port might change a bit. Let's not lose hope just yet.