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

[dizzi]

So what excursion are you actually waiting up until midnight for? Is there one particular that sells out quickly?
Just curious what everyone is doing in each port?

HONESTLY I dont care much about the excursions, But i do care about Palo.
We dont even know 100% what excursions we are doing.
Our choices right now are....
KEY WEST......ON OUR OWN
COZUMEL.......SNORKLE
GRAND CAYMEN.......STINGRAYS
CASATAWAYCAY.......JET SKIS one i am worried about most!

I'm not sure if I can be much help with the airline question. We live in Ontario and are close to the US border so we always fly from Buffalo, NY. We use Southwest. They have good rates and don't charge extra for luggage.
I guess maybe the best way to compare airfare is throughe expedia or cheapoair maybe. Good luck.

Is it impossible for you to drive to the states and fly the rest of the way??

DCL is planning my flights since it ends up being cheaper for me. I have NO idea which line I will be on but from what I have researched, I would LOVE it if Air Canada was the line of choice. I am pretty sure they will be flying me out on Delta though. What are the changes that have you so frazzled?

I hope I can get the excursions I want but I have to wait until Nov 08th. From what I have read here, no one is doing the same excursions I am. Maybe i will be lucky!

What is excursion in that Chrisse???????

 

[Cheechow]

Chrisse i am too much of a control freak on my travel plans to let the cruise line decide my flights for me. Mind you the way airlines change I dont end up with what i wanted anyways so should have just let DCL worry about it.

We are flying Delta because when i booked it they were the best price and had the best flight times! double bonus right i wish. Now they have changed all their flight times and my perfect mid day just enough connecting time is all gone. I have the option of being up at the crack of dawn, or arriving at midnight. Neither of which is ideal with small kids and when you are the agent in charge of your famillies trip as it all comes down to being your fault

I looked at driving down to ND and flying from there but isn't any better or cheaper in the end

We still have 3 months im sure it will change atleast 3 more times so think i will try and sit tight and let them sort themselves out first before i try fixing it. I should just move to Florida so I can cruise without airline hassles. Any homes for sales near you Lynn?

 

[Cheechow]

I haven't really looked at the excursions yet. DH has been doing some research though. I have been to Keywest so am fine with whatever the rest of my group is interested in, Grand Cayman have done the tours so this time we are planning to hit seven mile beach and just soak up the sun with any luck. Cozumel was thinking just wander around and shop a bit since I will be going there for a work cruise in May so do all the excursion stuff then. I think DH and a couple of the others are hoping to snorkel. Castaway Key I am soo excited for I can't wait but again with little ones will most likely be beach bums and just explore around the island and hopefully the 5K that morning.

Kristen have you looked into what you want to do for excursions? I noticed your girls are close in age to DS (2) and my nephew (4).

 

[kaj1436]

I haven't really looked at the excursions yet. DH has been doing some research though. I have been to Keywest so am fine with whatever the rest of my group is interested in, Grand Cayman have done the tours so this time we are planning to hit seven mile beach and just soak up the sun with any luck. Cozumel was thinking just wander around and shop a bit since I will be going there for a work cruise in May so do all the excursion stuff then. I think DH and a couple of the others are hoping to snorkel. Castaway Key I am soo excited for I can't wait but again with little ones will most likely be beach bums and just explore around the island and hopefully the 5K that morning.

Kristen have you looked into what you want to do for excursions? I noticed your girls are close in age to DS (2) and my nephew (4).

We have been to all of these ports before(except CC of course)..some of them several times and even spent a weeks holiday in Cozumel and we are headed down to Key West for a week on November 22 of this year.
So here is what we have planned:

Key West:either stay on the ship or else leave the kids in the kids club while DH and I go out a wander around for a bit. I'm sure we will end up staying on the ship since we will have just been there 2 months prior.

Cozumel: This is where I'm not sure what to do. Originially I wanted to go to Nachi Cocum which is a day resort. It has to be booked in advance and there is a good chance it is already filled since they only allow 100 people per day and I think there are 6 ships in port that day! My other option was just cab it to Paradise Beach but wonder how crowded that will be as well. There's also Chankanaab which I heard is nice for smaller ones. I guess I will have to make a decision soon. We may just end up staying on the ship this day too. This is our fist DCL cruise so we will have alot of exploring the ship to do!

Cayman: Headed to Seven Mile beach..probably cab it to Royal Palms resort. I really wanted to do the stingrays with Dexter Fantasea but I showed my kids the website with the pictures and they said they would be too scared. Even my DH said he would be scared! What a wimp. Considered the turtle farm as well but my kids just love going to the beach so I figured this was a good option since the beaches in Cayman are really nice.

Castaway Cay: 5km run and total beach day!!

 

[kaj1436]

HONESTLY I dont care much about the excursions, But i do care about Palo.
We dont even know 100% what excursions we are doing.
Our choices right now are....
KEY WEST......ON OUR OWN
COZUMEL.......SNORKLE
GRAND CAYMEN.......STINGRAYS
CASATAWAYCAY.......JET SKIS one i am worried about most!





Is it impossible for you to drive to the states and fly the rest of the way??


What is excursion in that Chrisse???????

Not sure what you mean by this? You mean is it possible? We live about an hour away from the US border. We drive to the Buffalo,NY airport and then fly to Orlando.

 

[kaj1436]

I don't think there is much hope for me to get ressie at Palo for brunch online so there is not much point in me waiting up until midnight on November 8th. Fingers crossed that I do get one once I'm on board though...or else we may have to sacrifice and go for dinner one night! I know, big sacrifice right?? lol

 

[dizzi]

CRAZY thing.............

I am sooooo adventurous will try just about anything BUT

I am really scared of doing something without it being through DCL,

Is that crazy??????

Should i be so concerned....I just dont want something to happen and miss the ship. I would be soooo sad in every way...........That i have chosen to play it safe.... i guess i weigh it out and i would rather pay the price for disney than have to pay the price to fly to the next port......

But i sort of wish i didnt feel this way........ughhhh

 

[dizzi]

You never know....
I have never had a problem getting what i wanted ior close to except for our second cruise where we booked about 6 weeks in advance...and we only did not get brunch....got it after we got on ship and then we slept through it any way...........

 

[kaj1436]

CRAZY thing.............

I am sooooo adventurous will try just about anything BUT

I am really scared of doing something without it being through DCL,

Is that crazy??????

Should i be so concerned....I just dont want something to happen and miss the ship. I would be soooo sad in every way...........That i have chosen to play it safe.... i guess i weigh it out and i would rather pay the price for disney than have to pay the price to fly to the next port......

But i sort of wish i didnt feel this way........ughhhh

I used to feel this way too..but after a few cruises I realized how easy and much less expensive it as to book stuff on my own. I only book things that have good reviews and/or been suggested by fellow cruisers. I have never come close to mssing a ship.(knock on wood)
Cruises in the past for me have always been about the ports and doing excursions, but this time I am just so looking forward to spending time on the ship and relaxing. I don't want to go overboard on spending money on excursions when I know my kids will be just as happy going to the beach.

 

[kaj1436]

BTW...
I'm anxiously awaiting to see who will be able to grab post #600....

 

[Lokkabear]

Chrisse i am too much of a control freak on my travel plans to let the cruise line decide my flights for me. Mind you the way airlines change I dont end up with what i wanted anyways so should have just let DCL worry about it.

Trust me, being a control freak myself, I am struggling letting them do the flights considering I have gone over every flight and see so many options that would be ideal BUT the cost for the 4 of us to fly and the hotel stay (even for us to stay at a cheaper hotel) would be almost $600.00 more! I can't justify that just to have control. Plus this way if there is any problems, DCL is at fault, not mine!

What is excursion in that Chrisse???????

We have a few in mind.

Key West: We are doing the Trolley tour Kelli told me about. Going to let the kids wander and shop and just relax. Kayle told his teacher he is going to Hemingways house so now he is going to have to do a report on it....lol.

Grand Cayman: We were thinking of the dolphin swim since we probably wont have any other option to do this.

Cozumel: Now this one is the one I notice no one else seems interested in but it is the whole reason I chose to do the WC itinerary... Tulum Ruins!

Castaway Cay: We will probably do the stingrays and I am hoping Parasailing! I am terrified of water and heights so this should be interesting...lol.

CRAZY thing.............

I am sooooo adventurous will try just about anything BUT

I am really scared of doing something without it being through DCL,

Is that crazy??????

Should i be so concerned....I just dont want something to happen and miss the ship. I would be soooo sad in every way...........That i have chosen to play it safe.... i guess i weigh it out and i would rather pay the price for disney than have to pay the price to fly to the next port......

But i sort of wish i didnt feel this way........ughhhh

I am with you 100% on this! I am so terrified of being left behind or not knowing where the cabbie or whomever is taking me. I have never been anywhere so I don't know my way around like some people. The only thing I am doing that is not DCL is the trolley tour in Key West because it has on/off privledges.

I don't think there is much hope for me to get ressie at Palo for brunch online so there is not much point in me waiting up until midnight on November 8th. Fingers crossed that I do get one once I'm on board though...or else we may have to sacrifice and go for dinner one night! I know, big sacrifice right?? lol

I think we are going to try a Palo brunch on an at sea day and Palo dinner on either day 2 or 4. If we get it great! If we don't, oh well, maybe next crusie... (HINT HINT Brian!)

Which reminds me.... Is anyone booking another cruise onboard? I am not sure if I can fund it or not yet but if I do I would LOVE to get a rez on the maiden voyage of the Fantasy! If we do make it for that crusie, it will be on Brooke's 13th Bday and Brian's 50th!!! How exciting would that be?!

 

[Cheechow]

The only time i am concerned about excursions that are not cruise line excursions is when they are an entire day event. I usually look for something that is just morning and then i still have plenty of time to wander around for a bit shopping and then back on the ship before the masses come back so i can enjoy a bit of quiet ship time.

For Tulum Chrisse it does interest me but just not with a 2 year old and that one i would say book with the ship as i think i is a lengthy excursion so ya i would think it was risky to do that one on your own incase of traffic coming back.

 

[Calrissian13]

So just curious what airlines those of you flying to Orlando are flying with? especially my fellow Canadians?

I am getting so frustrated with Delta but don't really see any airlines with better options but these changes are putting me over the edge. You would think I should be used to dealing with this in my job but ahhhhh its such a pain. Sorry just had to get that off my chest.

Good luck with the excursions to those of you staying up late be sure to let the rest of us know if it was worth it

Our first choice would be West Jet, but because of a credit we had to use, we're flying Air Canada. It's a direct flight from Ottawa to Orlando, which will be a first for us, the past three times we've flown we've had to connect somewhere (twice in Toronto, once in Newark).

I'm not overly pleased to be using Air Canada, we had an issue with them about six years ago trying to get home from Newfoundland. But I'm so excited about the cruise that how I get there is really just a minor detail at this point.

 

[Calrissian13]

.


Cozumel: Now this one is the one I notice no one else seems interested in but it is the whole reason I chose to do the WC itinerary... Tulum Ruins!

This is the one I'm looking forward to most as well! I went to Cancun after graduating from university and got to visit Chichen Itza, but there wasn't enough time to do Tulum as well.

 

[Cheechow]

Which reminds me.... Is anyone booking another cruise onboard? I am not sure if I can fund it or not yet but if I do I would LOVE to get a rez on the maiden voyage of the Fantasy! If we do make it for that crusie, it will be on Brooke's 13th Bday and Brian's 50th!!! How exciting would that be?!

yes i am planning at looking into this also as i can just tell them to keep the booking with my agency. I am not sure when i want to sail next with DCL though so guess i better decide that soon. I think i can change it later though when i get home so should be no biggie. I looked at the maiden Fantasy voyage on Wednesday when res opened to the general public and its pretty pricey plus if i am not mistaken reservations on that voyage are nonrefundable even if its only under deposit. Just something to keep in mind. I definitely want the next cruise to be on the Dream or Fantasy though but I was thinking more like 2013 since we are planning to go on the Oasis is 2012 so will see if they allow me to book that far in advance.

 

[Cheechow]

Our first choice would be West Jet, but because of a credit we had to use, we're flying Air Canada. It's a direct flight from Ottawa to Orlando, which will be a first for us, the past three times we've flown we've had to connect somewhere (twice in Toronto, once in Newark).

I'm not overly pleased to be using Air Canada, we had an issue with them about six years ago trying to get home from Newfoundland. But I'm so excited about the cruise that how I get there is really just a minor detail at this point.

i hear you on preferring Westjet. I was hoping to fly with them but their direct flight out of Winnipeg is on Saturday and we are flying down Friday so that didn't work and all their connections trough Toronto were horrible flight time and connections from here. AC is hit and miss so hopefully you will have a better experience with them this time.

 

[Lokkabear]

yes i am planning at looking into this also as i can just tell them to keep the booking with my agency. I am not sure when i want to sail next with DCL though so guess i better decide that soon. I think i can change it later though when i get home so should be no biggie. I looked at the maiden Fantasy voyage on Wednesday when res opened to the general public and its pretty pricey plus if i am not mistaken reservations on that voyage are nonrefundable even if its only under deposit. Just something to keep in mind. I definitely want the next cruise to be on the Dream or Fantasy though but I was thinking more like 2013 since we are planning to go on the Oasis is 2012 so will see if they allow me to book that far in advance.

I know the price is off the charts, it is just a dream at this point. If I do book onboard(finances permitting) I will book a dummy date and figure it out more when I get home. With hubby and I both working with his dads company, time off is rare. I am the only one in the office that can do the books/payroll/invoicing/etc so I have to book when I can sneak away(like in between payrolls like this cruise).

 

[Tinkerkell123]

Good to hear you are recovering Chrisse and Kelli a new dress is definetly exciting! Just remind him how much planning and work you have put into this cruise for him and the kids and ofcourse advise him on how stunning you will look in it and really how can he not understand that. Plus the cruise won't be the same for him and the kids if you die

Totally agree with you!! You are a wise woman!

ITS EXCURSION NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

MY Dh wants to wait up til midnight so i guess i will take anap maybe from 9-12 then get up and do excursions and then go back to sleep for bit.

sorry kell........taking back your extra chance

Woo Hoo!! Got what I wanted for Palo!! Was actually able to book a Palo brunch for Key West morning... Couldn't do brunch at all on line last year, but was able to get it no problem on board...

So just curious what airlines those of you flying to Orlando are flying with? especially my fellow Canadians?

I am getting so frustrated with Delta but don't really see any airlines with better options but these changes are putting me over the edge. You would think I should be used to dealing with this in my job but ahhhhh its such a pain. Sorry just had to get that off my chest.

Good luck with the excursions to those of you staying up late be sure to let the rest of us know if it was worth it

Hope y'all are able to work out headache free flights. Totally worth it as I booked Palo brunch, dinner and tea and several spa things...

 

[Tinkerkell123]

I used to feel this way too..but after a few cruises I realized how easy and much less expensive it as to book stuff on my own. I only book things that have good reviews and/or been suggested by fellow cruisers. I have never come close to mssing a ship.(knock on wood)
Cruises in the past for me have always been about the ports and doing excursions, but this time I am just so looking forward to spending time on the ship and relaxing. I don't want to go overboard on spending money on excursions when I know my kids will be just as happy going to the beach.

Okay, now I am torn between Nachi Cocom and Chankanaab Manatee encounter. Anyone with experience with either of these? Mainly I like both of these becaure they both have swim up bars in the pool and I have always wanted to go to one of those. How lame is that?

 

[Tinkerkell123]

And yes.... I am the #600 post queen! Yay me!!!