February 25, 2006 Western Magic Cruisers!!

[rjh8115]

Has anyone been to Stingray Reef/Beach? I've been reading about people going on different excursions and I really want to try one a I think this would be so cool!! The snorkeling as well. My DS is 9 and he's giving me crunched face looks when I mention this. I so want him to experience this... even if it's from the boat. Any thoughts or suggestions?

~Sally

PS.. I love your Marti Gras idea I'm getting some beads and stuff, as well as priate stuff for that party all at OTC. This is so much fun

Hi Sally,
Are you talking about Stingray City and Rum Point Beach in the Caymans? If so, then yes there are a group of us going to Stingray City. We've booked through Captain Marvins (www.captainmarvins.com). We just doing the short trip (Stingray City and reef) not Rum Point. We really talked this up to our boys as their initial reaction was similar to you DS. I think they're ready for it now.

I can't believe how much traffic has picked up on this thread this week . With my trip next week, it's going to be hard to keep up (but I'll try).

Off to a meeting . . .

Rick

p.s. It is 8:55am right now, we fly down to MCO in 2 weeks and 4.5 hours (not that I'm counting . . .)

 

[SallyB]

HOLY CRAP!!! There are 200 of us in this group? I guess most just read?

Oh and Sweetie... you crack me up!!! Tossing beads is whole necklaces.. he he he (He's at work and I'm at home reading this)

I got some tiara's from OTC and I only need one but I think it comes with 50, so if the little girls or other ladies want some I have plenty. I think they are purple and green.

I also orderd the eye patches and they come in a set of like 50 as well... so if anyone needs an eye patch for the pirate night, let me know I'd hate for them to go to waste.

Oh and I can't remember which board I read this on but the ladies were saying that there are showers near the work out area and you can use them.. they said they are great!! And you dont have to work out to use them. (I think it was a topic about shaving in the small bathrooms..lol) The discussion was hilarious!

2 weeks from right now I'll be going INSANE!!! We have an older son who is blind and in a wheelchair and he isn't coming with us. My older daughter is staying here with him for a few days till the bus comes on Sunday to bring him back to school. Iknow she can handle it but I've never left him before, so my stomach is going to be tied in knots till I know he's at school. He stays the week and comes home on weekends.. but the weekend we get back into port he's staying at school that weekend. But were we left on Feb. vacation, he was home and he wasn't able to stay at school. The dogs are all set.. they are staying with the trainers We have Missy who is part Australian shephard and part Lab. She's a fluffball!! lol And we have two little midgets taht are only 4 months old. They are a Yorkie/CHi/Lhaso mix. Have you ever seen the real small dog crates (19" X 12"). It's so cute and they both fit in one. But they each have one. I'm curious to see how they are going to behave in a totally different environment. Of course they are dog trainers so I'm not worried... too much.

oh wow I"ve written a book... oops.

I hope everyone is having fun getting ready

~Sally

 

[SallyB]

Rick... which time are you going with Captain Marvin? If my son saw other boys going in it might help him feel not so freaked out. I'll try to book the same time if it's not all booked up. What is Rum Point? Basically I only wanted to go to Stingray city and the reef to see the colorful fish.

~Sally

 

[levea]

Hi Sally
I have a DS who's going to be 9 in March and he loves Pokemon. And my other DS is 7 1/2 who is also into Pokemon. I will tell them to bring there Pokemon cards. They are also into Yu-Gi-Oh cards which is a pretty current thing.

Alicia

 

[Mr508MA]

I just logged in to check on the Disney Cruise website and it now lists Costa Maya as a stop on Thursday and Cozumel is gone! I was so looking forward to Cozumel!

Kathy

Yup, says the same here
Day 1 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, February 25, 2006
Day 2 - Key West - Sunday, February 26, 2006
Day 3 - At Sea - Monday, February 27, 2006
Day 4 - Grand Cayman - Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Day 5 - Costa Maya - Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Day 6 - At Sea - Thursday, March 2, 2006
Day 7 - Castaway Cay - Friday, March 3, 2006
Day 8 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, March 4, 2006

 

[hjensen]

Well we have never been to Mardi Gras but do have some beads!! My daughter has some where the beads are the size of softballs!! I wonder how I could get those in the suitcase!! ha ha!!

Are any of you going all out on Pirate night? (as far as dress goes?)

I have bubbles for the sail away party...are there any of you that would like some of them for your kids?? I have 24 bottles. I wasnt going to bring them all but if any of you would like some I would bring them!! Just would have to figure out where to meet!!

Doesnt there seem like there is always so much to worry about Sally!! We have 2 dogs and 2 cats. While I'm not too worried about the cats...this is the first time we will boarding the dogs so I will kinda be worried about them!! Also would love a couple eye patches for pirate night!!

Well we got snow last night so I am more than ready to go!! I hear your bracing for a noreaster Sally and hubby!! Hope its a mild one!!

Only 2 more weeks!!! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!

 

[hjensen]

Our ressies say Costa Maya also...oh well at least we know now and aren't wondering where we're going!!

 

[SallyB]

Hi Sally
I have a DS who's going to be 9 in March and he loves Pokemon. And my other DS is 7 1/2 who is also into Pokemon. I will tell them to bring there Pokemon cards. They are also into Yu-Gi-Oh cards which is a pretty current thing.

Alicia

Hi Alicia!!! You are in Mass too! How neat! When are you all flying down?

My son started emailing a couple of other boys from a mom on this board.. is that you? My husband is Jeff (Mr508ma), and he set it up so they could get to know each other. If it's not your boys.. would you like them to email each other for the next couple of weeks too? He's going to be thrilled to talk POKEMON or Yugioh with other boys!!! He's so into it it's not even funny. lol I'll make sure he brings his cards too!! He'll love that! I'm having Shirley send him a sand bucket with sand toys, treats and pokemon cards to arrive in our room before we get there!! He's already informed me that he's going to be in the kids area all the time, except for swimming time. ha ha ha Disney is going to spoil him, as other cruise lines dont have the kids area open as much as Disney does, and never while in port.

Are you going to the Marti Gras party? Pirate party? Stingray city? I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! My DH said last night.. "It's about time"! I wasn't saying much and didn't want to start thinking about it because I'm so not a patient person. But NOW I'm excited a little too much!! he he rincess:

ok I'm shutting up now.. he he
~Sally

 

[SallyB]

Holli, We are expecting to get a foot of snow this weekend. There goes my thought of having a totally mild winter. As long as we are not snowed in at the airport in 2 weeks I"ll be happy

I'll save a couple of eye patches for you!! Where are we all meeting up? I hope we're not waiting till Monday Mardi Gras party. Is there something planned for Saturday after we board? Jeff probably knows..lol I know there is talk of the Mickey color swatches to be worn.

My SIL is coming with lots of the little bottles of bubbles.. I'll bet she got them at OTC!! SO we are all set there. But thanks for the offer It's funny... w ewent on a Princess cruise 4 years ago and I was telling Jeff last night that I dont remember anything on the ship except the kids area and the night time musical we saw. I remember some of the ports though. Weird. I was very seasick on that cruise though and slept alot. But I've done so much flying and stuff since then that also used to cause the same feeling that I feel i"m going to be fine on this cruise. But Dramamine is only a tablet away!

 

[rjh8115]

Rick... which time are you going with Captain Marvin? If my son saw other boys going in it might help him feel not so freaked out. I'll try to book the same time if it's not all booked up. What is Rum Point? Basically I only wanted to go to Stingray city and the reef to see the colorful fish.

~Sally

Sally,
We are on the 11:15 excursion. We need to be at their office in town by 10:45. It's like a five minute walk from the tender pier . . .

Rick

 

[Mr508MA]

Still in the general area of Cozumel
Must be because the Dock is not re-built


here's about it w/ reviews at bottom http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/CostaMaya.htm

http://www.costamayacruiseexcursions.com/Port_Costa_Maya.htm

 

[hjensen]

Hi Sally!! Well I know that we are meeting on Sun. before Key West but other than that I dont think we've set up any other meets! I'm game if anyone wants to meet later on on Sat. once everything settles down!

I know I am sooo worried about being seasick!! I bought the ginger tablets ,Bonine and the Dramamine!! I am not taking any chances!!

Well now that it is Costa Maya...what is everyone doing as far as excursions? I didnt plan anything at either port yet! Wanted to be sure where we were going first! Does anyone know if we tender in there or is there a dock? Just curious!!

WOW!! A foot of snow!! I will not even begin to complain about our 2 inches!!! My brother lives in Oxford MA. I talked to him last night and he was not happy!! Stay dry and warm...sending some sunshine your way!!

 

[Mr508MA]

Sally,
We are on the 11:15 excursion. We need to be at their office in town by 10:45. It's like a five minute walk from the tender pier . . .

Rick

So you got the short excurision ??
well if get in, I'll take pictures of you all from the boat...
They are cool looking, but i have no desire to be in there with them.
Now if they where Dolphins, or Seals, I'd be the 1st one in
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Short Excursion (approx. 2.5 hours):

Times: 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM, or (Check in by 10:45 AM)

· Stingray City sandbar, where you may feed and swim with the 'rays
· Snorkel at the incredible Barrier Reef or the Coral Gardens!
· Price: US$35/ages 12 and over; US$27.50/ages 4-11; under age 4, free!
· Price includes round-trip transportation from the Waterfront Centre, or from your condo or hotel on Seven Mile Beach, PLUS snorkel gear, life vest (optional), food for the stingrays, and icewater and fruit punch on board the boat.

 

[Mr508MA]

Hi Sally!! Well I know that we are meeting on Sun. before Key West but other than that I dont think we've set up any other meets! I'm game if anyone wants to meet later on on Sat. once everything settles down!

I know I am sooo worried about being seasick!! I bought the ginger tablets ,Bonine and the Dramamine!! I am not taking any chances!!

Well now that it is Costa Maya...what is everyone doing as far as excursions? I didnt plan anything at either port yet! Wanted to be sure where we were going first! Does anyone know if we tender in there or is there a dock? Just curious!!

WOW!! A foot of snow!! I will not even begin to complain about our 2 inches!!! My brother lives in Oxford MA. I talked to him last night and he was not happy!! Stay dry and warm...sending some sunshine your way!!

Yup the northeast is looking at a possible storm Sat night... hope it goes out to sea... lets go snowless til spring

Costa Maya shows a good size docking area

good like on the sea Sick... Sally is like that too... not me, we use to do little fishing boats in ocean storms & just hope we don't spill our beer

 

[rjh8115]

Hi Sally!! Well I know that we are meeting on Sun. before Key West but other than that I dont think we've set up any other meets! I'm game if anyone wants to meet later on on Sat. once everything settles down!

I know I am sooo worried about being seasick!! I bought the ginger tablets ,Bonine and the Dramamine!! I am not taking any chances!!

Well now that it is Costa Maya...what is everyone doing as far as excursions? I didnt plan anything at either port yet! Wanted to be sure where we were going first! Does anyone know if we tender in there or is there a dock? Just curious!!

WOW!! A foot of snow!! I will not even begin to complain about our 2 inches!!! My brother lives in Oxford MA. I talked to him last night and he was not happy!! Stay dry and warm...sending some sunshine your way!!

I started doing some research on Costa Maya just in case we changed. The ship will dock there (no tenedering). The pier area has a pool with swim-up bar and shops (www.puertocostamaya.com). From the reviews that I've read, people hop busses (buy tickets at the port) for the trip into Mahahual (small town about 3km south of port). There are a bunch of beach-front restaurants/bars where you can get chairs and go swimming. Also there are shops (for shopping ). When you're finished, hop a taxi back to the port.

As of now, we are not planning anything organized. I think we'll end up in Mahahual for part of the day. There is some good information on cruisecritic as well.

Rick

 

[Mr508MA]

Hi Sally,
I can't believe how much traffic has picked up on this thread this week . With my trip next week, it's going to be hard to keep up (but I'll try).

Rick, we'll try to cover for you... will be tough not having the Disney knowledge.
Want us to send you daily recaps while you are gone ???

Enjoy the business trip, cause the good one is yet to come [2 weeks]
so close, but yet so far

 

[Mr508MA]

HOLY CRAP!!! There are 200 of us in this group? I guess most just read?

Sally, the 200 is everybody, spouses, kids... like out of our 11, only you & I are on the board.... 37 board members make a party of 200

 

[hjensen]

Yup the northeast is looking at a possible storm Sat night... hope it goes out to sea... lets go snowless til spring

Costa Maya shows a good size docking area

good like on the sea Sick... Sally is like that too... not me, we use to do little fishing boats in ocean storms & just hope we don't spill our beer

Well I usually dont get motion sickness but being as this is our first cruise...I did not want to take any chances of getting sick and ruining any part of the cruise!! So I have stocked up on the meds!!

 

[dreamakermom]

OK guys!!!! I just cannot keep up with you!!! There are too many quotes so I will just talk. First, I am a bit bummed that Coz is out and it is wroiteen in ink, however, I will make the best of it. I had plans to "snubadive" there, so....
I AM excited that we will have time to enjoy pirate night as if we were in Coz DH and I were going to go out to eat on the island and we probably would have missed a good portion of the fun
I am sorry you guys in the cold are getting snow, but better to get it over with now so your planes are not delayed later!!!
Kim... I still need to get names to you.... haven't forgotten.
Holli... where did you get ginger tablets? I have bonine and dramamine and I THINK pepto.
Now for all of you to know HOW BAD I AM... I was packed the first weekend of the year and my suitcase has been sitting in my room since along with my younger DD's. All I have to do is include my shoes (a whole nother bag... can't beleive I just wrote "nother"... just created a word).
It is SO exciting to see EVERYONE getting excited!!!
As far as the green Mickey tags go... I think some people are wearing them boarding day as we wait in line we can actually maybe see other people from our thread. OMG I am so excited!!!! Sea you guys soon!! Karen

 

[DecemberRoses]

We got snow last night. About seasickness, I get motion sickness easily, but I always wear the wristbands, Seabands, and they work great without making me sleepy. Dramamine, even the non-drowsy, knocks me out. We also have some homeopathic motion sickness tablets that I will start taking the day before we get on the ship. They take a little longer to build up in your system than chemical medications, but no side affects.

Talk about animal worries, our two cats and the fish are usually fine with someone coming over every other day to feed and clean the litter box. However, what I am worried about is our chickens! LOL! We have to have someone come check on them everyday for eggs. Still don't have that figured out. But the most worrisome is that we weren't thinking, and they are sitting on eggs that are due to hatch sometime in the next week. Because it is winter, those babies will have to be brought inside to be taken care of.

Hmmm . . . bummer about Cozumel. We will miss getting to go to Paradise Beach! We were so looking forward to it. But on the upside, Costa Maya is a new place we haven't been to, so it will be fun.

Tracy