January 3, 2011 - 5 night Bahamas Sailing

[Silverfox97]

When is formal/dress up night on the 5 night?

Well, on our 5 night this past Aug., it was an "optional semi-formal/dress up" night, and it was on our sea day, which was day 4 (we went to Palo that night). So, I'd guess day 4 or 5 for our cruise? You can always call DCL for sure. True formal night is only on 7 night and longer cruises.

 

[biohaz_man]

Just tried to book onboard activities and couldn't book high tea at Palo... I thought that we were going to have high tea at Palo available since the cruise was originally a 10-night, was I mistaken?

 

[ssanders79]

Just tried to book onboard activities and couldn't book high tea at Palo... I thought that we were going to have high tea at Palo available since the cruise was originally a 10-night, was I mistaken?

There were openings at midnight, but Tea and Brunch filled up by 12:20 AM.

 

[Silverfox97]

There were openings at midnight, but Tea and Brunch filled up by 12:20 AM.

I don't even want to be reminded about this. We were up at midnight, got in, tried to sch brunch for the 11am slot, and received, "Sorry, there are no tables available for the number of people in your party," which was funny, because there are only 2 of us. So, DH (ssanders79) tried for the 10:30 and 11:30am slots, got the "Return in 20 min" message, which he ignored (duh) and kept trying. Then, when he was able to get back in, sold out. Are you kidding me? Now, the day we get on the ship, DD and I are going to have to get our lunch table in Parrot Cay while DH goes to try to sch Palo Brunch on board.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I didn't get the tea either.

 

[lakehead92]

That's sad that everything is already booked, especially since some of us can't even try until Oct. 20th.

 

[Silverfox97]

That's sad that everything is already booked, especially since some of us can't even try until Oct. 20th.

Well, there is still dinner at Palo that you can book.

Also, one of the moderators on the cruise line board, jilljill, said that DCL only releases about 1/2 of their bookings to be booked in advance online, and that the other 50% are reserved for booking on board. There is still hope!

 

[Born2Cruz]

Looks like me and my husband will be joining you. We will be paying our deposit tomorrow. Just him and I no kids. This will be our first trip in 15 years without the kids. We are in a 11C GTY with second seating. DW 37, DH 42

 

[Elangen]

Did I mention Im spending way too much time thinking about this cruise/trip? Well, I guess thats something we all have in common here at the DISboards huh?

So, I decided to fly us into Orlando on Saturday. Flights were a bit cheaper than on Sunday, the savings pretty much covers the extra night's room. So, since we will have all day Sunday free, we can go to WDW! I know for some of you veterans, one day at WDW is not all that exciting, but, we are pretty excited. We have been to Orlando and WDW before, but stayed at a house offsite. This time we will stay at Pop Century! Value yes, but our first time "onsite".

Im actually just excited for the leisurelyness of it now that we have added an extra day. My kids MELT down when we rush them, so I want to leave plenty of time to enjoy things without rush rushing

.

 

[Elangen]

So, for onboard reservations to Palo, we go to guest services?

How long is the line for that when you get on the boat? Gosh I hope to get some reservations for high tea or brunch.

Also need flounders reservations. Im not entirely clear how I coordinate all that.

I guess I have a few months to figure it out. lol.

 

[ssanders79]

So, for onboard reservations to Palo, we go to guest services?

How long is the line for that when you get on the boat? Gosh I hope to get some reservations for high tea or brunch.

Also need flounders reservations. Im not entirely clear how I coordinate all that.

I guess I have a few months to figure it out. lol.

You can make your reservations online at www.DisneyCruiseLine.com. Pull up your reservation and look for My Cruise Plans - Book. Keep in mind that if this is your first cruise you will not be able to make reservations till October 20th. If this is not your first cruise you can make those resos now.

By the way, not to burst your bubble, but Tea and Brunch are currently full.

 

[Silverfox97]

So, for onboard reservations to Palo, we go to guest services?

How long is the line for that when you get on the boat? Gosh I hope to get some reservations for high tea or brunch.

Also need flounders reservations. Im not entirely clear how I coordinate all that.

I guess I have a few months to figure it out. lol.

Like Ssanders79 said, you can make the resos for Flounders online now if you are a silver Castaway Club member, or on Oct. 20th if you are a first time cruiser.

Since you are looking for brunch or tea at Palo and they are currently full, you can try on board. On the Wonder, you could go to Wavebands, so not sure where you go on the Magic. Do a search on the boards, or, just wait until you get your Navigator at the port, as the times and location will be listed there. It's usually from 1-3pm that you can make/change dining stuff. DH and I did it in 2005 to get Palo reservations, as well as change from second to main seating, and it was quick, easy, and painless. Now, that was 5 years ago, but I imagine DCL still runs that like a well oiled machine.

We ended up booking Palo dinner for the last night of the cruise, but will happily cancel if we can get a brunch reso. If not, I guess we can try again on our 7-night cruise in Oct 2011! I can't WAIT to be a gold CC member!!!!

 

[Born2Cruz]

Just checking to see if anybody has purchased airline tickets yet. We are wondering if they are going down or if now would be a good time to buy. Anyone else?

 

[ssanders79]

On the Wonder, you could go to Wavebands, so not sure where you go on the Magic.

Rockin' D Bar on the Magic.

 

[ssanders79]

Just checking to see if anybody has purchased airline tickets yet. We are wondering if they are going down or if now would be a good time to buy. Anyone else?

I would say book now as it only gets more expensive as the flight fills up. If you can fly southwest then you can save a ton. Early booking with southwest can get you one ways from $69 (online web wanna get away price) with 2 free checked bags.

UPDATE: Not sure where you typically fly out of in NM, but I looked on line and it looks like the cheapest option from Albuquerque to Orlando (1/3/10) and Orlando to Albuquerque (1/8/10) is $139 each way per person.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I still need to buy airfare too. We'll probably fly out if Indy. CVG is usually way higher even though its closer.


I hope I can get a tea onboard. If not, no big deal. There is so much other stuff I want to do. And I don't think DH will like the tea.

 

[ssanders79]

The FE List has been updated with another family.

 

[KrisannB]

The FE List has been updated with another family.

I also want to be added - please tell me how or who to contact.

KrisannB
Ashlyn 15
Aaron 13

 

[KrisannB]

Just checking to see if anybody has purchased airline tickets yet. We are wondering if they are going down or if now would be a good time to buy. Anyone else?

We have not booked yet - I am thinking we will book on points - but still checking.

Krisann

 

[Georgia3]

Does anyone on our cruise scrapbook? If so, do you want to share some ideas on scrapbooking pages from our cruise? Maybe share some Disney things to put on our pages? I am not sure if I am going to do a digital book or a conventional one but maybe we can get a group together to discuss?