January 14, 2012 Eastern Carribbean Cruise

[dmarie5]

No tangent No problem

Sue I've already started planning the next cruise and haven't even gone on this one yet




Thanks guys I think I'll keep my original plan and go before hand. I was really feeling the pressure as the Airline Ticket sale ends tonight.

We are flying in Friday night and renting a car going down to Port Canaveral to stay at the Country Inn and Suites. Has anyone stayed here before? Or is there somewhere else that I should look into?
Thanks for any input.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

This trip is our second honeymoon and we always planned to go away together on our 25th anniversary (actually 23 years, but the VISA points and the timing of our kids/colleges/etc makes 2012 the best year to go).
We are recreating our original honeymoon (which we had to take on our first anniversary). The first time we stayed in WDW for 3 days at the Contemporary and then cruised on the Big Red Boat (first version of a Disney cruise). This time we are staying in WDW for 3 nights at POFQ, then off on DCL. We are flying in on Wednesday, partly to enjoy WDW, but more-so to avoid missing the cruise due to snow.
I will miss our boys, but there's no way we can all go together until a few years, which they prefer because of their schedules and sports. We promised them another cruise and they chose RCL because they loved the Independence of the Seas and felt that because they are older there will be more for them to do. We will probably be bringing our oldest's GF, who will probably be his fiancee or wife by that time, and who knows about the other two, lol. As much as they loved DCL, they want to move on...so Dave and I will spend the DCL points and cruise for free while we save for the next big family trip I am so glad they were able to experience and enjoy WDW and DCL as young kids!! (and equally happy that they still love camping with Mom and Dad, and want to vacation with us in the future-we are a very close family--lucky us!)

 

[StarGazer99]

Was going to pay off the cruise this morning but think I've decided on getting insurance. What's a few more days. lol

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Was going to pay off the cruise this morning but think I've decided on getting insurance. What's a few more days. lol

We still have to get insurance as well-waiting until the new credit card cycle starts Gotta get coverage that will reimburse us if we miss any part of the trip because of weather.

 

[StarGazer99]

Sue... I'm always bummed that people aren't on here at the same time and I don't see how I missed your posts... AGH!! We are staying at POFQ also, flying in Tuesday morning. That is, as long as nothing happens between now and the final payment that's due for Disney World.

I booked WDW thinking if I can come up with the cash by then we'd do it otherwise not. Well I wasn't worried about the cash until I started thinking about insuring the cruise. With an Elderly Father and Aunt in the same nursing home I'm scared of one of them passing away. They are both in fine health but you never know. The insurance doesn't cover "pre-existing conditions" (which health doesn't matter, a nursing home is an automatic PEC) but Disney will give a credit for the entire cruise if the insurance doesn't cover it. So I think I really need to do it. The cost is over a quarter of our WDW trip.

I hope we're able to be there and maybe even meet you guys while you're there.

 

[koquinn]

Cruising newbie here... But I think I'm in the right place! DH & I plus DS (6), DD (3), and DS (6mo at cruise time) will be on the 1/14 Eastern cruise. I've heard about the FEs but I'm not sure how to join the fun. I haven't read through this whole thread so feel free to holler at me if it's here and I just need to look more closely. Also, if anyone has suggestions for us newbies about meeting up with people that'd be great! Thanks! Can't wait!!!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Cruising newbie here... But I think I'm in the right place! DH & I plus DS (6), DD (3), and DS (6mo at cruise time) will be on the 1/14 Eastern cruise. I've heard about the FEs but I'm not sure how to join the fun. I haven't read through this whole thread so feel free to holler at me if it's here and I just need to look more closely. Also, if anyone has suggestions for us newbies about meeting up with people that'd be great! Thanks! Can't wait!!!

Welcome!!
hmmm, I think the best way for you to start would be to check out this spreadsheet Tory has made. It lists lots of good info. If you want to be added to the list, just post your info here as a post and it will be added. Here's the link to the spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...FNfeXZvMlZOb1VNTkw4bDBJTFJBY0E&hl=en_US#gid=0

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Sue... I'm always bummed that people aren't on here at the same time and I don't see how I missed your posts... AGH!! We are staying at POFQ also, flying in Tuesday morning. That is, as long as nothing happens between now and the final payment that's due for Disney World.

I booked WDW thinking if I can come up with the cash by then we'd do it otherwise not. Well I wasn't worried about the cash until I started thinking about insuring the cruise. With an Elderly Father and Aunt in the same nursing home I'm scared of one of them passing away. They are both in fine health but you never know. The insurance doesn't cover "pre-existing conditions" (which health doesn't matter, a nursing home is an automatic PEC) but Disney will give a credit for the entire cruise if the insurance doesn't cover it. So I think I really need to do it. The cost is over a quarter of our WDW trip.

I hope we're able to be there and maybe even meet you guys while you're there.

I know what you mean about the insurance. We only have to pay for our flights and insurance and the insurance is killing my budget. I would be too afraid to go without it though. We had a really close call with weather and almost missed our last DCL cruise.

It would be great to meet up with you if you end up at POFQ!

 

[dmarie5]

Cruising newbie here... But I think I'm in the right place! DH & I plus DS (6), DD (3), and DS (6mo at cruise time) will be on the 1/14 Eastern cruise. I've heard about the FEs but I'm not sure how to join the fun. I haven't read through this whole thread so feel free to holler at me if it's here and I just need to look more closely. Also, if anyone has suggestions for us newbies about meeting up with people that'd be great! Thanks! Can't wait!!!

Hi and welcome aboard! Tory also made this spreadsheet with meet and greets. However the only meet and greet right now is on embarkation day at 3pm on the secret deck. MY DH and I are travelling with our DS who is (5) and this is our first disney cruise as well. I have cruised other ships when I was young and single.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OSWMzOLkcu85vr6EcB23NWyb2f4L7iywxuUYXfafWns/edit?hl=en_US

 

[dmarie5]

Was going to pay off the cruise this morning but think I've decided on getting insurance. What's a few more days. lol

I checked into the insurance with my TA the other day....So I will purchase it because in case of the dreaded snow in the northeast here and we are only leaving on Friday. So I need to wait one more paycheck next week to pay it off.
I did not thinks about pre existing not including if god forbid something happens to my mother.....Yikes. She is still in the hospital but seems to be doing better and hopefully will be back at her assisted living house by then.
All the things you have to think about with the cruise or any vacation....

 

[Tolson70]

Cruising newbie here... But I think I'm in the right place! DH & I plus DS (6), DD (3), and DS (6mo at cruise time) will be on the 1/14 Eastern cruise. I've heard about the FEs but I'm not sure how to join the fun. I haven't read through this whole thread so feel free to holler at me if it's here and I just need to look more closely. Also, if anyone has suggestions for us newbies about meeting up with people that'd be great! Thanks! Can't wait!!!

Added your initial info to the attendance listing. If you want to share your dining time, stateroom number, and decision on the FEs, Palo, etc, let me know!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I checked into the insurance with my TA the other day....So I will purchase it because in case of the dreaded snow in the northeast here and we are only leaving on Friday. So I need to wait one more paycheck next week to pay it off.
I did not thinks about pre existing not including if god forbid something happens to my mother.....Yikes. She is still in the hospital but seems to be doing better and hopefully will be back at her assisted living house by then.
All the things you have to think about with the cruise or any vacation....

Just a heads up...if you are looking at DCL insurance, they will NOT cover you for flight delays due to weather unless you purchased your flights from them. We found that out when the ice storm rolled through here in '07 and almost didn't make it down to FL.

and... IMHO..."snow" is a four letter word when it comes to vacations in winter

 

[koquinn]

Added your initial info to the attendance listing. If you want to share your dining time, stateroom number, and decision on the FEs, Palo, etc, let me know!

Thanks! Kirsten (that's me - 35), John (35), Emily (3), Oliver (6mo), Timothy (6). We're in 8038, main seating. We'll do the FE but someone needs to fill me in on somewhere to look for examples of what to give as I'm not very crafty! Also are we giving 1 thing to everyone on the list? DH's friend said they used to just have one family to give stuff to all week instead of giving one thing to everyone. We're gonna do Palo but I dunno if I can get a ressie since we can't reserve it yet. Does everyone go to Palo together? I am not sure how that'll work out since I have to get Flounder's for the little guy. Might just do that one on our own?? Let me know what else I need to know.

 

[Tolson70]

Thanks! Kirsten (that's me - 35), John (35), Emily (3), Oliver (6mo), Timothy (6). We're in 8038, main seating. We'll do the FE but someone needs to fill me in on somewhere to look for examples of what to give as I'm not very crafty! Also are we giving 1 thing to everyone on the list? DH's friend said they used to just have one family to give stuff to all week instead of giving one thing to everyone. We're gonna do Palo but I dunno if I can get a ressie since we can't reserve it yet. Does everyone go to Palo together? I am not sure how that'll work out since I have to get Flounder's for the little guy. Might just do that one on our own?? Let me know what else I need to know.

You are updated now! As far as FE's go, no clue. I have seen where you exchange with one family, or have your kids exchange with other kids, or you do everyone on the FE list. We are not doing it, sounds fun but my wife and kids have no interest! As far as PALO, I don't think its a group thing, just a reference for those going to see if others are going the same day.

Welcome aboard!

 

[dmarie5]

Thanks! Kirsten (that's me - 35), John (35), Emily (3), Oliver (6mo), Timothy (6). We're in 8038, main seating. We'll do the FE but someone needs to fill me in on somewhere to look for examples of what to give as I'm not very crafty! Also are we giving 1 thing to everyone on the list? DH's friend said they used to just have one family to give stuff to all week instead of giving one thing to everyone. We're gonna do Palo but I dunno if I can get a ressie since we can't reserve it yet. Does everyone go to Palo together? I am not sure how that'll work out since I have to get Flounder's for the little guy. Might just do that one on our own?? Let me know what else I need to know.

Hi Kirsten-
THis is a link about the FE threads and that is where I got alot of my info from was the disboard. It sounds like a lot of fun and I think my son will enjoy getting treats in the FE.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

 

[StarGazer99]

Cruising newbie here... But I think I'm in the right place! DH & I plus DS (6), DD (3), and DS (6mo at cruise time) will be on the 1/14 Eastern cruise. I've heard about the FEs but I'm not sure how to join the fun. I haven't read through this whole thread so feel free to holler at me if it's here and I just need to look more closely. Also, if anyone has suggestions for us newbies about meeting up with people that'd be great! Thanks! Can't wait!!!

koquinn You're going to have a blast. What ever questions you might have just ask away.

 

[StarGazer99]

I know what you mean about the insurance. We only have to pay for our flights and insurance and the insurance is killing my budget. I would be too afraid to go without it though. We had a really close call with weather and almost missed our last DCL cruise.

It would be great to meet up with you if you end up at POFQ!

I checked into the insurance with my TA the other day....So I will purchase it because in case of the dreaded snow in the northeast here and we are only leaving on Friday. So I need to wait one more paycheck next week to pay it off.
I did not thinks about pre existing not including if god forbid something happens to my mother.....Yikes. She is still in the hospital but seems to be doing better and hopefully will be back at her assisted living house by then.
All the things you have to think about with the cruise or any vacation....

Important insurance INFO

Disney cruise people gave me a direct number to the insurance to ask specific questions. They're website is http://www.accessamerica.com/ you can check them out. They are the company that handles Disney's policy and you can buy your own personal policy.

You do not have to buy direct through Disney

The insurance they offered me over the phone included air, my WDW trip, and the cruise(everything Disney's policy covers +). It was just under $200.00(just cover flight and WDW was $119) and the individual coverage's were hundreds(in the case of medical thousands) more than what the Disney policy covered.

A reason for going with Disney's, and why I am, is pre-existing medical. I have a father and aunt both elderly in a nursing home. No matter how good their health is, all insurances call that a pre existing condition, and if one passes away, it's not covered under insurance.

Disney has a policy that if insurance denies your claim "for any reason", they will give you a credit for the cruise to use in the future. This use to only be good for a year but the person yesterday told me Disney has changed it to indefinite.

I would assume you HAVE to buy Disney's policy to get this. I'm to much of a chicken and worried about looking like a dumb donkey to ask them.

If you're only worried about flight delays and medical, your own policy may be for you.

 

[StarGazer99]

Oh the company also has a plan that covers pre existing medical conditions but you have to purchase it 14 days before you make your first down payment. Like that helps me out now...

 

[Tolson70]

Are we there yet?

 

[Tolson70]

Other than the door decorations, do you guys do anything, wear anything, share pictures prior to the cruise so we can recognize each other before the embarkation meet and greet (or if you miss it)? I've only done one other meet and greet, and that was a Cruisecritic on RCCL this past February, I was the easiest guy to pick out being the only 6'4" Scandanavian with no tan wearing a green Minnesota Northstars hat on the boat (which will be the case in January as well).

Has anyone done group t-shirts for other cruises or is it more work that its worth?