From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 2

[danfromca]

Congrats on the grandson!! ::

Internet, yes...DD will need post homework & skype for classes (it's the only way her school will agree to the EXCUSED absences for extra long break)...though the reason we cruise is for the complete unplug factor -- being unreachable is priceless!

Uh... you might want to double check with someone for the latest info, but last I heard DCL blocks Skype (uses too much bandwidth). If so, you might want to explore alternatives...

 

[danfromca]

Im the same, never buy food in port, no disrespect and everybody to there own, but some folk get of the boat and go for meals, I just could never do that, I think it is the scottish in me, now drinks, thats a totally dif matter.
We used to get dunkin here is scotland many many years ago, not like the shops in Fl though, just a little shelf in some gas stations.

That's the other reason I prefer 1/2 day excursions - I definitely don't like buying food on shore when there is perfectly good (as in generally really good) food on the ship.
The one exception - we went to Pizza Michelle's in Napoli (supposedly some of the best pizza in the world). Otherwise, the only time I've eaten on shore is on those rare full day excursions. I'm pretty sure I've never missed a dinner onboard.

 

[danfromca]

I used to not get why people would go off the ship and buy food. Then I realized that some people just want to try the local flavor. I get that, but I am with you. Why spend even more when you have, and I got this from a table mate on the last Panama cruise, pre paid food waiting for you here on the ship.

As I recall, one of the groups on the last PC cruise went out to try the local flavor, and came back with some of the local bacteria. Oops

 

[JenKatt]

In Mazatlan we did the whole day tour. It took us to a little town called LaNoria. Hands down best excursion I've ever done. This town just had a handful of buildings. The locals took the tour group in and fed us a typical Mexican lunch including freshly made guacamole. Now i HATE guac, but this was one of the best meals ever, including the guacamole.

Normally we do full day tours. For us, the cruise is about seeing new places. In St Marteen (so shouldn't have gotten off the boat) we took a scary cab ride over to the French side and had amazing crepes. In Cabo, as I have said, we pigged out at Cabo Wabo. Again, completely worth it for the Cheesy Greasy Pizza (sounds gross - tastes divine, esp when had with multiple Wabojitos).

We love the food on the ship, but we love trying new things more. Right now, cruising is really the best way to travel to multiple places with a toddler (it'll be awhile before we pack up and hoof it through Australia and New Zealand again - not until Jack can carry his own stuff!) So we make do. I kinda wish we could just skip ports and stay on board, it sounds like fun - but thats just not us

 

[WDW Princess 71]

That is what happens when you marry someone from Maine. Dunkin is like Starbucks here, praticly every corner. She got me hooked. With no Dunckin in California I really like it when I can get it. It will kill me to pay for food in a port, as I have said, I have paid for food on the ship so I really shouldn't buy food in a port.

I completely disagree about Dunkin Donuts, as I am a Starbucks girl, but I agree with your thinking because I feel the same way about Jamba Juice! They are nowhere around here except major cities like Philly or NY, not around every corner like they were in So Cal when I lived there. I love Jamba so much, my mouth is watering for a Mega Mango right now Its funny how some things are prevalent in some areas and scarce in others. Chipotle, which I also love, used to be nowhere around here either, and in the last 2 years we've gotten three that are less than an hour from me, so I keep holding out that Jamba Juice will be the next thing to follow me back to South Jersey!

Normally we do full day tours. For us, the cruise is about seeing new places. In St Marteen (so shouldn't have gotten off the boat) we took a scary cab ride over to the French side and had amazing crepes. In Cabo, as I have said, we pigged out at Cabo Wabo. Again, completely worth it for the Cheesy Greasy Pizza (sounds gross - tastes divine, esp when had with multiple Wabojitos).

We love the food on the ship, but we love trying new things more. Right now, cruising is really the best way to travel to multiple places with a toddler (it'll be awhile before we pack up and hoof it through Australia and New Zealand again - not until Jack can carry his own stuff!) So we make do. I kinda wish we could just skip ports and stay on board, it sounds like fun - but thats just not us

I am definitely looking forward to eating and more drinking at Cabo Wabo too-- it sounds like we are going to have quite a group heading over there! Maybe we'll have to all get together as a group for drinks and a toast while there at our last port after getting to know each other all cruise long!

I also agree about loving to try new things, including places and food, at the ports via a cruise. I love being on board, but I love getting off and exploring too. That said, like I said in my recent post, this cruise, after my negative St. Thomas experience, I dont feel compelled to stay all day in a port that isnt for me- but I would never not at least try a port first. And I do like to change it up foodwise by getting something different off the ship sometimes- especially on a long cruise like this one!

 

[aan1701]

Uh... you might want to double check with someone for the latest info, but last I heard DCL blocks Skype (uses too much bandwidth). If so, you might want to explore alternatives...

I remember this to be true. Anyways with DCL Internet provider there is no way I would try to do anytype of video conferencing. The net on the ship is not the fastest and really can go very slow. This is why they block things like Skype.

 

[sak0526]

I remember this to be true. Anyways with DCL Internet provider there is no way I would try to do anytype of video conferencing. The net on the ship is not the fastest and really can go very slow. This is why they block things like Skype.

Are there ways to get special pricing or is it just the pay as you go expensive internet?

 

[aan1701]

Are there ways to get special pricing or is it just the pay as you go expensive internet?

As I recall it is .75 a min. They have packages which will give a discount. I am not sure of the price but the largest package I do remember is 500 min. for $150.

 

[ACDSNY]

We have a new grandson!! He was born yesterday morning!! He and his mom are doing well!

Congrats on your new grandson, Luke! It's so fun to spoil a grandchild.

I am away for a week to pitlochry on a holiday,woohoo, take care and speak when I get back.

Have a wonderful holiday trip!


We're in the group that likes to explore new places, we'll do some excursions and some ports on our own.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

As I recall, one of the groups on the last PC cruise went out to try the local flavor, and came back with some of the local bacteria. Oops

THIS is another thing that puts me off, that and me being a vegitarian.
Anyway, I am at work , half an hour before I leave work......

 

[disfaninca]

As I recall, one of the groups on the last PC cruise went out to try the local flavor, and came back with some of the local bacteria. Oops

That is a big reason why I don't try the local flavors.

 

[disfaninca]

THIS is another thing that puts me off, that and me being a vegitarian.
Anyway, I am at work , half an hour before I leave work......

I hope you have a wonderful holiday trip Lynne!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Everyone!

Parents with school age kids remember to visit the Panama Canal Cruise Education thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2304047

 

[shushh]

Good evening all! My goodness, I stop paying attention for a little bit and I can't catch up!

Well today was the last day of term so all kiddos at home for the next 2 weeks...joy!

In Mazatlan we did the whole day tour. It took us to a little town called LaNoria. Hands down best excursion I've ever done. This town just had a handful of buildings. The locals took the tour group in and fed us a typical Mexican lunch including freshly made guacamole. Now i HATE guac, but this was one of the best meals ever, including the guacamole.

Normally we do full day tours. For us, the cruise is about seeing new places. In St Marteen (so shouldn't have gotten off the boat) we took a scary cab ride over to the French side and had amazing crepes. In Cabo, as I have said, we pigged out at Cabo Wabo. Again, completely worth it for the Cheesy Greasy Pizza (sounds gross - tastes divine, esp when had with multiple Wabojitos).

We love the food on the ship, but we love trying new things more. Right now, cruising is really the best way to travel to multiple places with a toddler (it'll be awhile before we pack up and hoof it through Australia and New Zealand again - not until Jack can carry his own stuff!) So we make do. I kinda wish we could just skip ports and stay on board, it sounds like fun - but thats just not us

I echo your thoughts. I was beginning to wonder if we were the only ones who use cruising to see different places. For us not having to pack and unpack with 3 kids is a HUGE draw card. Experiencing different foods and different places are half the fun!

Each to their own. I can also see though how lovely it would be if I could stay on the ship for 14 days...

 

[WeLuvDCL]

I echo your thoughts. I was beginning to wonder if we were the only ones who use cruising to see different places. For us not having to pack and unpack with 3 kids is a HUGE draw card. Experiencing different foods and different places are half the fun!

Each to their own. I can also see though how lovely it would be if I could stay on the ship for 14 days...

I'm with you and Jen. This is exactly why we cruise and I love going to different places and experiencing different cultures and activities. There have been a few times when staying on the ship would have been better, but I still wouldn't miss the experience. I love doing a 3 or 4nt and staying on the ship (except for CC) but I don't think I could do longer than that. I think I would go stir crazy just staying on the ship for 15 days straight but, as you said, to each their own.

If we do any other type of vacation we usually only go to one place (or maybe 2) and stay for at least 3, 4 or 7 days. I don't like spending half my vacation travelling and packing/unpacking.

As for eating in ports, we usually only do this if we are on a tour and can't make it back before we would starve. We did go to a great little Mexican place in Mazatlan, wish I could remember the name of it. Food was great and we sat outside while being serenaded by a gentlemen singing and playing his guitar. Our sodas were served in their original glass bottle with a straw (and that is the only way I would drink anything in Mexico). And, Jen has convinced us that we need to try the greasy pizza in Cabo this time. I hope it still taste good after only one Wabojito.

 

[poohs4me]

I'm with you and Jen. This is exactly why we cruise and I love going to different places and experiencing different cultures and activities. There have been a few times when staying on the ship would have been better, but I still wouldn't miss the experience. I love doing a 3 or 4nt and staying on the ship (except for CC) but I don't think I could do longer than that. I think I would go stir crazy just staying on the ship for 15 days straight but, as you said, to each their own.

I'm with both of you as well. We like to get of the ships and I agree there have been a few times where staying on the ship would have been better.

 

[JenKatt]

Cheesy Greasy Pizza tastes great sober and after only one wabojito.
I promise!

 

[carmie3377]

We've only been on one cruise but as much as we enjoyed it, I see it being something that we do as often as we can. As relaxing as it was, we were still able to go out and see and do new things. It was so convenient to go see and do and then come back to the ship for food (for the most part) and relaxation. To us, that's the beauty of a cruise. How else can you unpack one time and see multiple countries? Unless it's been a port we've visited before and were disappointed, I don't see us just staying on. If it's a new port were just not interested in, I see us still getting off to explore a bit. Who knows, we might really enjoy it. But don't get me wrong, we love the sea days too! We just loved it all!

As far as buying food in ports, we would if it was something we really wanted to try or we were out and very hungry! If we were out and about and too far from the ship to jump back on to grab a bite, we would buy food in port. If were just out shopping close by, we'd just eat on the boat since it is prepaid. In Tortola, we were all getting hungry but just got the kids something to hold them over as DH and I were really fine waiting until we got back to the Magic. It just all depends on the situation.

That's what is so great! Everyone can chose what fits their style of vacationing and the cruise offers it all

 

[LindaBabe]

Well, never rains but it pours - but in this case SUNSHINE! I have the possibility of a 3rd room mate. Of course that would mean we have to split up, since the cabin only holds three. . . .

 

[sak0526]

We've only been on one cruise but as much as we enjoyed it, I see it being something that we do as often as we can. As relaxing as it was, we were still able to go out and see and do new things. It was so convenient to go see and do and then come back to the ship for food (for the most part) and relaxation. To us, that's the beauty of a cruise. How else can you unpack one time and see multiple countries? Unless it's been a port we've visited before and were disappointed, I don't see us just staying on. If it's a new port were just not interested in, I see us still getting off to explore a bit. Who knows, we might really enjoy it. But don't get me wrong, we love the sea days too! We just loved it all!

As far as buying food in ports, we would if it was something we really wanted to try or we were out and very hungry! If we were out and about and too far from the ship to jump back on to grab a bite, we would buy food in port. If were just out shopping close by, we'd just eat on the boat since it is prepaid. In Tortola, we were all getting hungry but just got the kids something to hold them over as DH and I were really fine waiting until we got back to the Magic. It just all depends on the situation.

That's what is so great! Everyone can chose what fits their style of vacationing and the cruise offers it all

you are so right about offering things for everyone. we did a pack/unpack every 2-3 days in 1985 or 6 and while it was fun, i was younger. and with cruising i can figure out if i want to go back somewhere when i retire. (Not nassau unless we can afford atlantis for example). i'll be more careful about what and where i eat at ports after leaving CC this trip though!
Sherri