Jan. 22- 29 , 2011 Western Caribean Cruise on the Disney Magic!!!

[dizzi]

I guess i am going to pay my cruise off in a matter of weeks....
So that i can do my reservations on the 24th.

I guess i will be staying up till like after midnight that night to do it.

As i want to get the PALO that i want.
(not sure what that is yet though)

And even though i am a castaway club member(1-5 cruises) wht is that silver?
There will be others who can book even before us....so i need to be on there ASAP!

 

[dizzi]

DOES ANY ONE KNOW FOR SURE.....when formal,semiformal and pirate night are?
If not i will call DCL and ask.

This is the only way i can know which night i want to do Palo.....I dont want to do it on any of these nights.

And we normally like to do the earliest PALO seating this way we can at least come and have coffee and desert or coffee and wine at the normal table seating.

 

[FabFivePA]

The only itinerary I have been going by is the one towards the bottom of this page, but can't say for sure it's 100%.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-dining.htm

I think we may try for Palo Brunch, it may take a miracle I guess by the time we can reserve. Is brunch just sea days i'm assuming?


here's the link for Nachi Cocom. It's an all-inclusive beach day where they only allow 100 people a day.
http://www.cozumelnachicocom.net/

Kristen, I am torn as to whether we're going or not, and really need to decide to even check if they have availability. I checked all the ports we're going to and they all seem to have several ships the days we're there and it won't take much to fill up that place. After reading a bunch I was sold on it, but then read further and read some reports of people getting a little out of hand by the end of the day (non-stop drinking, with no having to drive.) and also someone report pot smoking, etc... so now I am not sure what to do. I looked at Paradise as they have some cool kids stuff, but not sure mine are quite old enough for it all and don't like having to pay for everything as we go, I liked the idea of one price and you're set. I looked at Playa Mia where disney goes, but lots of reports of it being crowded. There was another one on an island, but you have to take a thrill boat to get there, again not good for my kids... AH!
Then there's Chakanaab or however you spell it. LOL Since we're not going to do the dolphins there, I am afraid my kids will see them and be disappointed.
I looked into the excursion to Punta Sur, but again kids aren't old enough for the snorkle part and reviews are not so great on it. So really the perfect day for us I think would be exploring on our own, I would love to just drive around the island and see the coast, but with 3 little ones I'm not very comfortable doing that, worrying about a reliable vehicle, etc.. and I don't want to go to the mainland, too much travel. So that leads me back to Nachi. LOL or we may just give up and do the Ocean View Explorer, the semi-sub, and then maybe Discover Mexico.

I was starting to read on Cruise Critic about people hiring a private driver for the day, but never got to really read through the thread... so may check that out if there is someone with many, many good reviews.
Can you tell I have been agonizing over Cozumel?!?!?!

We're going with Dexter Fantasea Grand Cayman for Stingray City, great reviews on him and he can only take 20 at a time, which is what I was looking for, very reasonably priced as well! And has been very nice in emails.

AH, sorry for the novel!!

 

[dizzi]

hey dont we do
Cozumel then grand caymen.......reverse order of what they have listed there?

If not sorry i always have too much in my brain.

I am just going to call and make sure.

Yes i think brunch is on sea days and possibly Key west day as we dont get in til later.

We did Brunch on our key west day before we got in we did it at like 10 am.

Dont forget about high tea if you think you cant do a dinner at Palo.
I love HIGH TEA in palo and i think i would be the most idapointed if i didnt get the high tea then any other.

High tea is so undemanding and the most casual.
Not over stuffing just little petites, yummy yummy tea, tiny sandwiches...

ITS COOL!!!!

TTFN

 

[Lokkabear]

DATES:

Day 1 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, January 22, 2011

Day 2 - Key West - Sunday, January 23, 2011

Day 3 - At Sea - Monday, January 24, 2011

Day 4 - Grand Cayman - Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Day 5 - Cozumel - Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Day 6 - At Sea - Thursday, January 27, 2011

Day 7 - Castaway Cay - Friday, January 28, 2011

Day 8 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, January 29, 2011

TIMES:

Day Port Ashore Onboard
1 Port Canaveral, Florida - 4:00 p.m.
2 Key West, Florida 12:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
3 At Sea - -
4 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
5 Cozumel, Mexico 9:45 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
6 At Sea - -
7 Castaway Cay 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
8 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:35 a.m. -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[kaj1436]

I think we are going to do the brunch at Palo if we can get in...this is our first cruise so we have to wait until November 8 to book. I'm hoping for the second sea day...that way hopefully the kids will be more comfortable with us leaving them in the kids club for a couple of hours while we go.
We have vacationed for a week in Cozumel before...it is an amazing island in the way that it is basically one road that goes around the outskirts. We rented a car while we were there, they were very reliable and had a wonderful day exploring. Some rental companies did have car seats available but they are not mandatory in Mexico. We opted to use one as our little one was only 1 at the time.
We have also made many cruise stops in Cozumel and have done several other excursions but never made it to Nachi. Paradise doesn't interest me just because there will be several(6 or 7 I think!) cruise ships in port that day and it will be very crowded. I like the idea that Nachi only accepts 100 people a day. If we don't find anything else we may just opt to stay on the ship and enjoy the pools that hopefully will be less crowded.

 

[Tinkerkell123]

What is FISHLIPS? do tell!!!!
i dont think we will be going to WDW....just hanging out

are you taking a shuttle on your own car to the port?

We are doing the shuttle. Hopefully CI&S is a bit more organized than the Radisson! FishLips is an awesome restaurant that is on the water at the ports. Here is their site: http://www.fishlipswaterfront.com/ We got a bunch of appetisers and the kids got kid's meals. All the food was awesome, but they have this one app Hawaiian Ahi Tuna that is to DIE for! Here is a picture of it when we were there:

I could possibly live on it!!

We're driving down, takes 16 hours.

I thought we had it bad at 8 hours!!!

We drive alot too but only about 3 hrs each way, but it is every weekend.

That is a LOT of driving!!

Hello Everyone!
My name is Kristen and I am taking my first Disney cruise with my family: DD Jonathan, DD(5) Jordan and DD(3) Addison. We are from Ontario, Canada. We are all very excited and looking forward to meeting alot of nice people.
This is my first post on Disboards. I am a Cruise Critic girl and have just recently discovered this board. A great deal of information to take in. I'm still catching up on this roll call.
Although I'm still trying to figure out this FE thing(not sure exactly what kinds of things to buy for it) plus we don't even have one(FE) yet, I think my girls would definitely enjoy this activity along with the other things like meets and scavenger hunts.
I will continue to read the rest of the posts on this board and will most likely have some questions for the DCL veterans!
Happy to share the excitement with all of you! Less than 4 months to go!

Hi Kristen & family!! Welcome aboard! If you check out post #37 in this thread you will find a bunch of info about FE's... I'll PM you...

Welcome aboard to yet ANOTHER Canadian! YAY! I think I may meet more fellow Canadians on this cruise than anything else...lol.

I think I might be coming down with a Canadian accent, eh?

 

[kaj1436]

We are spending a week in Key West this November so we are going to explore pretty much the whole island and lower keys. If anyone wants me to check anything out for them just let me know!
When we stop there in January on the cruise I'm not sure we will even get off the ship. Another day to just relax on the quieter ship.
I know you must be wondering why we planned our vacations like this but really it was not my fault! lol We have had the trip to KW planned for a long time..we have family there and are going down to visit them. Then when the Canadian discount came up for DCL I just couldn't resist. I have always wanted to try it especially when the kids are at the age when they are into the princesses. 2011 is going to be a big year for our family because not only are we taking the cruise in January but we have a family reunion scheduled at WDW in November as well! YIPPEE! I have never been to WDW so it will be a wonderful experience for both me and my kids. Very excited.
My younger one actually turns 3 on embarkation day! I intentionally waited until she was 3 so she could participate in the kids club. What a great birthday she will have. I'm hoping the dining staff does something special for her. I have indicated it on my reservation but you never know if the message gets through. Has anyone else had this experience on DCL?

 

[Tinkerkell123]

I need to correct myself....that is DH Jonathan not DD! lol


Also, I think I read that there is a 5km run on CC...that is something I will definitely do! I have recently taken up running and now am totally addicted! For those of you who say they are not fit enough to do it should see me...I am not small by any means(but working on it!..have lost around 70lbs so far!) I have completed several 5km and 10km runs in the past 6 months. A run on CC will be both beautiful and something to be proud of accomplishing. I encourage anyone who is remotely interested to just try..it will feel great!

I wondered about that. I have met lots of girls with "boys" names (my DD being one of them) but never met a girl named Jonathan! That is awesome about your running and weight loss!!! I am planning on doing the 5K too, but will probably not be able to keep up with you...

 

[Tinkerkell123]

I guess i am going to pay my cruise off in a matter of weeks....
So that i can do my reservations on the 24th.

I guess i will be staying up till like after midnight that night to do it.

As i want to get the PALO that i want.
(not sure what that is yet though)

And even though i am a castaway club member(1-5 cruises) wht is that silver?
There will be others who can book even before us....so i need to be on there ASAP!

I'll be doing the same!! I am not sure what night we'll do Palo... I am thinking whatever night is a Parrot Cay night as that was our least favorite for dinner... Oh, decisions, decisions... Definitely will do a Palo brunch!

 

[kaj1436]

I would have loved to try Fishlips..I have read alot of great things about that restaurant. Unfortunately we have a later flight on Friday and opted to just stay near the airport since it will be dark and we don't know where we are going! Bid on Priceline and got a decent price for the Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Airport. I'm sure it will serve our purpose. We will head to Port Canaveral in the morning. We rented a car so we can stop for a few supplies before heading to the ship. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the best time to arrive is?

 

[kaj1436]

I just have to figure out where to find my PM's! lol...newbie here!

 

[Tinkerkell123]

We are spending a week in Key West this November so we are going to explore pretty much the whole island and lower keys. If anyone wants me to check anything out for them just let me know!

My younger one actually turns 3 on embarkation day! I intentionally waited until she was 3 so she could participate in the kids club. What a great birthday she will have. I'm hoping the dining staff does something special for her. I have indicated it on my reservation but you never know if the message gets through. Has anyone else had this experience on DCL?

I am pretty sure Lokkabear would want you to check out the Garden of Eden clothing optional roof top bar for her! We will expect a full report here, of course!

My DD turned 10 on our last cruise and will turn 11 on this one (on our last night). I put it on the ressie and made sure I told Guest Services, or servers and the Head Waiter. And reminded them again the night before, just in case. They brought her a great cake and sang to her. See picture below:

 

[Tinkerkell123]

I would have loved to try Fishlips..I have read alot of great things about that restaurant. Unfortunately we have a later flight on Friday and opted to just stay near the airport since it will be dark and we don't know where we are going! Bid on Priceline and got a decent price for the Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Airport. I'm sure it will serve our purpose. We will head to Port Canaveral in the morning. We rented a car so we can stop for a few supplies before heading to the ship. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the best time to arrive is?

My thought is the earlier the better, but loads of people like to wait til later for less crowds...

I just have to figure out where to find my PM's! lol...newbie here!

Look in the upper right hand box that says Welcome, kaj1436. If you have PMs it will post a notification there...

 

[kaj1436]

Garden of Eden will be my first stop!! NOT!! Nobody wants to see me topless that's for sure! lol But I will ask around
I see the notifications..thanks for the info!

 

[Lokkabear]

LOL! How did I get wrapped up with this topless bar again! You have seen me on facebook Kelli.... it would NOT be a pretty sight if I was topless!!! Beisdes, there is not enough sanitizer in the world to convince me to sit in a place like that....lol

And Kelli, don't worry about your new Canadian accent, with so many Canadians on board, you will fit right in...lol However... I do not say "EH?" I have alot of American friends that I speak with and if I ever slip and say it, I NEVER hear the end of it.... EVER!

 

[Tinkerkell123]

Garden of Eden will be my first stop!! NOT!! Nobody wants to see me topless that's for sure!

Me either!! I could not believe it when I saw the sign for it when we were there in January! I mean really, why on earth would anyone want to do that???

LOL! How did I get wrapped up with this topless bar again!
And Kelli, don't worry about your new Canadian accent, with so many Canadians on board, you will fit right in...lol However... I do not say "EH?" I have alot of American friends that I speak with and if I ever slip and say it, I NEVER hear the end of it.... EVER!

Well, I had to tease you again about the bar! So do you say about or aboot?

 

[Lokkabear]

Well, I had to tease you again about the bar! So do you say about or aboot?

LOL! I say ABOUT! a boot is something you wear on your feet!

One of my good friends is from SC and now lives in Tampa Bay, Fl and when we get on the phone... MAN! Accents all over the place! I LOVE her accent! My favorites are "y'all" and "sugar"...lol. I am sure we can entertain each other with our accents that we normally don't notice...lol. I just wonder who will be out-accented(not I real word I know...lol) the Canadians or the Americans?

 

[kaj1436]

The only itinerary I have been going by is the one towards the bottom of this page, but can't say for sure it's 100%.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-dining.htm

I think we may try for Palo Brunch, it may take a miracle I guess by the time we can reserve. Is brunch just sea days i'm assuming?


here's the link for Nachi Cocom. It's an all-inclusive beach day where they only allow 100 people a day.
http://www.cozumelnachicocom.net/

Kristen, I am torn as to whether we're going or not, and really need to decide to even check if they have availability. I checked all the ports we're going to and they all seem to have several ships the days we're there and it won't take much to fill up that place. After reading a bunch I was sold on it, but then read further and read some reports of people getting a little out of hand by the end of the day (non-stop drinking, with no having to drive.) and also someone report pot smoking, etc... so now I am not sure what to do. I looked at Paradise as they have some cool kids stuff, but not sure mine are quite old enough for it all and don't like having to pay for everything as we go, I liked the idea of one price and you're set. I looked at Playa Mia where disney goes, but lots of reports of it being crowded. There was another one on an island, but you have to take a thrill boat to get there, again not good for my kids... AH!
Then there's Chakanaab or however you spell it. LOL Since we're not going to do the dolphins there, I am afraid my kids will see them and be disappointed.
I looked into the excursion to Punta Sur, but again kids aren't old enough for the snorkle part and reviews are not so great on it. So really the perfect day for us I think would be exploring on our own, I would love to just drive around the island and see the coast, but with 3 little ones I'm not very comfortable doing that, worrying about a reliable vehicle, etc.. and I don't want to go to the mainland, too much travel. So that leads me back to Nachi. LOL or we may just give up and do the Ocean View Explorer, the semi-sub, and then maybe Discover Mexico.

I was starting to read on Cruise Critic about people hiring a private driver for the day, but never got to really read through the thread... so may check that out if there is someone with many, many good reviews.
Can you tell I have been agonizing over Cozumel?!?!?!

We're going with Dexter Fantasea Grand Cayman for Stingray City, great reviews on him and he can only take 20 at a time, which is what I was looking for, very reasonably priced as well! And has been very nice in emails.

AH, sorry for the novel!!

I just checked out Dexter Fantasea and it looks great! I think I will look into that one. I guess you have signed up for the morning excursion? I can't remember what our hours are in port? Who knows, he may be booked up already since they only take 20 at a time.

 

[kaj1436]

Just noticed that we are in CC from 930am to 430pm. I thought the run was scheduled for 830am? Is this correct? Do they let the runners off first? Or is the run scheduled for whenever the ship is open for debarkation? I don't want to miss it!