February 10, 2007 7-Day Western Who's coming?

[4duncansfromcanada]

After reviweing the Cayman Activity Link, I feel that the SRC is a must, and should be done with a smaller group. But I am concerned as to whether it's a good excursion for the kids (7, 5)

My little one loves all creatures (frogs, turtles, beetles etc. he spent a week last summer sleeping with a grasshopper on his pillow) so I'm not too concerned about him. But the 7yo is even afraid of our cat! Think he could stay on the boat, if need be?

Deebs - were there kids on the excursion you were on? and if so, how were they? I quickly checked the Pirate Encounter.. I know the 7yo would love that trip.. I was hoping to get some nature in there too - for the little one. I noticed the Pirate encounter is not a long excursion so perhaps there'd be time for a run to the turtle farm etc too?

And if the SRC is a suitable option for kids:Yankeegal - would love to hop on that early morn excursion with your group if there's room..

Thanks for your input/advice in advance.

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

Hi YenSid1222. You are so lucky to get a preview!! I'm glad your visit with your sister went well. I understand where you're coming from because my best friend moved to England 7 years ago and now I only get to see her once a year! But if you guys are anything like us (and hopefully you are) within 5 minutes it's like we were never apart!!

 

[yankeegal64]

I'm game. The last cruise we went on we saw the big Disboards cruise meets, but didn't participate. It would be lots of fun to meet people from the boards, especially for the kids!

Anyone have any suggestions on a time?

 

[yankeegal64]

Who would believe. Our Daughter is really big and the baby has dropped, she is still working, but will finish this week. Really good news. The State started an acelerated Master's program for 50 workers in the State and she got selected, they pay for everything a two year program, three days one month(All day Friday, Sat. & Sun) two days the next(Friday & Sat.) for each class. Must be a lot of work at night. The class starts in Jan. but she's already had the first class so she won't start till March. Saves them a bundle of money.

That is so exciting! Congrats! You must be so proud.

 

[yankeegal64]

Yankeegal - I was looking into the cayman link you posted. It is so hard to make a decision!! as i mentioned we're traveling with 2 boys (7 and 5). I am tempted with the stingray excursion because it seems like a chance in a lifetime opp. but am not sure if the kids will appreciate/like it. i think we may rent a jeep and take a trip to the turtle farm, etc. - maybe follow the "go east" tour posted on your link! Do the Stingray tours book up quickly to your knowldege?

Happy to hear your good news joksten!

There were little ones when we went and they stayed on the boat until they were comfortable and then their parents held them while the crew held a stingray for them to pet. The water was only about 3-4 ft deep. I think the kids were more comfortable after they say their parents in the water and saw that it was safe. You can stay right next to the boat so I don't think it would be a problem if they didn't want to get off at all and at least one of our group will be staying onboard and she wouldn't mind the company.
The only concern I would have renting a vehicle is that they drive on the opposite side of the road. We came on a bad accident last time that involved 2 jeeps and our tour operator said it is very common. Scared me because I was riding up front with our operator and as we turned the corner my automatic response was "he's on the wrong side of the rode!", even though he wasn't. I would of gotten in an accident because I would of automatically went to the other side of the road if I had been driving.
You kids would love the turtle farm. If you decide to do the excursion you can always have them drop you at the turtle farm and take a cab back (they sit in front of all the tourist traps). Look at that link for a recommended cab service. The turtle farm is right across the street from the rumcakes also. I really don't know how fast they fill up. We had a large group and wanted to leave as early as possible.

 

[yankeegal64]

After reviweing the Cayman Activity Link, I feel that the SRC is a must, and should be done with a smaller group. But I am concerned as to whether it's a good excursion for the kids (7, 5)

My little one loves all creatures (frogs, turtles, beetles etc. he spent a week last summer sleeping with a grasshopper on his pillow) so I'm not too concerned about him. But the 7yo is even afraid of our cat! Think he could stay on the boat, if need be?

Deebs - were there kids on the excursion you were on? and if so, how were they? I quickly checked the Pirate Encounter.. I know the 7yo would love that trip.. I was hoping to get some nature in there too - for the little one. I noticed the Pirate encounter is not a long excursion so perhaps there'd be time for a run to the turtle farm etc too?

And if the SRC is a suitable option for kids:Yankeegal - would love to hop on that early morn excursion with your group if there's room..

Thanks for your input/advice in advance.

Just let me know when you make a decision and I will let Kerry know. Great to have you!

 

[yankeegal64]

Hello all you 2/10ers! Well, I just got back to Texas after getting to see the Magic on Saturday before her 10 day set sail. Now that I have (finally) been on board, I am more excited than ever! February can't get here fast enough!!

We got out to the Port by 7am, which is the earliest time a crew member can leave the ship. After her being at sea for 2 months, it was great to see her walking out of security. After a quick breakfast and taking her to the mall to get some final secret Santa stuff the cast is doing this week, it was time to go on board.

First, I must say that it is a VERY secure ship! We had to go through 2 metal detectors and my sisters gifts we were giving her were scanned in two different x-ray machines. After that process, we were down on Deck One where everyone's bags were being loaded. We went up to Deck 2 and checked out her crew room. She lives right up near the bow of the ship and is almost right under the stage of the Walt Disney Theater. She LOVES that because she can leave her room and be "at work" in less than 3 minutes. Beats my commute each day!

After taking a look around at the crew quarters, we went out to the guest areas of the ship. The first people were arriving on board, so I got to hear them announcing all the names. We checked out just about everything! I walked up and down so many stairs in the course of like 45 minutes! The ship was just amazing. It was even more exciting to see it still empty. I stood in the Walt Disney Theater looking out at the empty seats...that was a great moment to take in.

Anyway, I just can't wait!! For the whole thing...the meals, the ports and especially the shows!!!!!

Only a month and 3 weeks to wait!

That sounds so exciting. My brother and I are very close, so I know how you feel about your sister. I'm so happy for you.

 

[YenSid1222]

That sounds so exciting. My brother and I are very close, so I know how you feel about your sister. I'm so happy for you.

Yeah, my little sister and I are very close. It's kinda came full circle. I worked for WDW for quite a few years and she would come down and stay with me from time to time to go park hopping while I worked. Now I get to come visit her.

I am so proud of her...we got to watch a video clip of her in "Twice Charmed"...I have never been more proud in my life.

 

[deebs]

Deebs - were there kids on the excursion you were on? and if so, how were they? I quickly checked the Pirate Encounter.. I know the 7yo would love that trip.. I was hoping to get some nature in there too - for the little one. I noticed the Pirate encounter is not a long excursion so perhaps there'd be time for a run to the turtle farm etc too?

There were kids, but not many....I didn't have kids when I went so I really couldn't tell you the ages. I do remember there were plenty of adults who never went in the water. If you think your kids will like it, go for it. They'll see plenty from the boat if they decide not to go in the water ! It will be amazing for you though. I do think it was one of the most incredible things I've done in my life.

We thought about doing the butterfly/ Turtle farms too, but I'm hesitant about renting a car..and car seats, do they even have them?? So that's why we're playing it safe going on the Pirate encounter!

 

[deebs]

Anyone have any suggestions on a time?

I think right before the sail away party...maybe 30 minutes prior???
I know we're planning on being at the port at 10 am, so we'll be there whatever time....

 

[deebs]

Sail away party starts at 4:30, drill ends at 4:00....maybe we just find a meeting spot somewhere between 4-4:30???

 

[yankeegal64]

Sail away party starts at 4:30, drill ends at 4:00....maybe we just find a meeting spot somewhere between 4-4:30???

Sounds good! How is that for everyone else? Deck Port side right above adult pool right after the drill. And before anyone thinks I actually know Port from Starboard I had to go online to look it up. Port is left and the easy way to remember is 4 letters in each.

 

[yankeegal64]

I know this is long but I just wanted anyone that was thinking about joining us to see how nice these operators are and that you are not charged if the weather is bad or if the ship can't dock. FYI the price for 2007 will be $35.00 adult.

PLEASE PRINT OUT AND KEEP WITH YOU FOR THE TOUR.



KINDLY ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, THANKS.


Thank you for your credit card information.



I confirm 10 adults and 1 child on February 13th at 9:30am – 11:30 am



PICKUP IS FOR 8:30am (local time) EASTERN STANDARD



(Please check the local time when you arrive)



(My phone # is 945-4576, just in case)



AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:



(Also, please try to be on one of the first tenders ashore, ask

the concierge about obtaining tickets in advance for the earliest tender. Thanks.)



When you arrive at the North or South Terminal (it does not matter) turn RIGHT,

Walk pass Atlantis Submarines office, continuing a bit further you will see a

parking lot on the seaside. Please wait there. On the opposite side of the road is

a Church of God (point of reference). Look for a gold or white van with Sotos

Cruises name. Randy or Billy will be the driver.



IF THE SHIP MUST ANCHOR AT SPOTTS DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS,

PLEASE ASK FOR US AT THE TOURISM BOOTH. A REPRESENTATIVE WILL

BE NEARBY HOLDING A “SOTOS CRUISES” SIGN.



PLEASE REMEMBER TO PAY BY CASH OR TRAVELERS CHECKS ONLY

ON ARRIVAL. THE DISCOUNTED RATE IS US$ 30 PER ADULT/US$25 - CHILD

THE CREDIT CARD IS USED TO SECURE THE SPACES ONLY. _______



CANCELLATION POLICY

Five days advance notice. If your ship does not arrive or if the ship arrives very late

and you miss the tour you will not be charged. Weather conditions, no penalty.

“No shows” are charged 50% per person.



Look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks.



KERRY, SOTOS CRUISES

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

I spoke to my boys this morning and told them all about the stingray excursion - I even showed them some pics online (from the trip reports here) where there are kids -many who are/have been crying! I decided to give them the worst case scenario...

but they are both game! My 7 yo (the one I was worried about) wisely told me - that he's travelling all this way and that he should at least try, maybe he'll even like it.

so Yankeegal - I'd like to get on that early trip if possible. Do I need to contact Sotos with my info? We're up early pretty well everyday so early works for us!

Thanks deebs for your help too

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

We're in for the DIS meet. We should be there early too - so anytime will work for us.

 

[yankeegal64]

I spoke to my boys this morning and told them all about the stingray excursion - I even showed them some pics online (from the trip reports here) where there are kids -many who are/have been crying! I decided to give them the worst case scenario...

but they are both game! My 7 yo (the one I was worried about) wisely told me - that he's travelling all this way and that he should at least try, maybe he'll even like it.

so Yankeegal - I'd like to get on that early trip if possible. Do I need to contact Sotos with my info? We're up early pretty well everyday so early works for us!

Thanks deebs for your help too

I will contact Kerry from Sotos. That's 2 adults and 2 children correct? I will PM you a copy of the confirmation when she sends it to me. We have an 11 year old boy so maybe when you son sees that he is ok, he will follow suit.

 

[yankeegal64]

We're in for the DIS meet. We should be there early too - so anytime will work for us.

If you get there early we will probably be bugging Jokeston and his wife by the adult pool or hot tub.

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

yes! 2 adults, 2 kids (7,5) hopefully there is no age limit - I don't think I saw one. thanks again!!

 

[joksten2000]

I've been trying to look for everyone's name, I hate to get on the ship and start looking for deebs or yankeegal64.

John & Mary Oksten Cabin 7512 (Sleeping) Adult Pool when awake

 

[4duncansfromcanada]

Hi John and Mary

We are Jenn and Dave, kids are Craig (7) and Neil (5). We'll be in 8524.