January 3, 2011 - 5 night Bahamas Sailing

[ssanders79]

Does our cruise have a formal night? If so, which night? Or is it just the Pirates Night on the 5 night cruise?

There is no true formal night.

The fish extender list has been updated.

 

[Elangen]

Whoo hoo! Less than 90 days right? Still so excited. This little cheap cruise is ending up costing me much more than anticipated, but, the good news is that by the time it comes, most everything will be paid for already.

We arrive in Orlando on Sat Jan. 1. Airfare was cheaper than on Sunday, and this way Im giving us a full day of travel, my kids melt down when we are in a hurry and this vacay will be all about not hurrying ANYWHERE.

And, since we saved on airfare, I looked into WDW hotels and ended up getting aroom at Pop Century. So, we will be hitting WDW on Sunday, again no rush to fit it all in, we will just enjoy the full day we have!

 

[Elangen]

Done:
Cruise paid for
Plane reservations made and paid
WDW hotel reserved, deposit paid
New swimsuit purchased
DS almost potty trained. lol.


To do:
WDW tickets
Get FE gifts - I know what Im doing, just waiting on the final count!
Reserve Flounder time for DS
Fun T-shirts for the family
thinking about a "welcome basket" for the kids/DH
Passports. I dont think they are needed, but we figure the kids should have them and ours have expired anyways.


There is lots of discussion about tipping. Can anyone tell me what I should budget for that? We have taken one other cruise, and we just paid what they tacked on at the end. Is there a "reccomended amount?"

 

[Silverfox97]

I just read your "Wonder"ful trip report. What an adorable daughter you have. Our daughter turned 4 in June so they look about the same age. I'm sure they will see each other in the clubs.

Your husband's photos are outstanding. It's obviously a hobby that he does very well! Looking forward to seeing you onboard.

Thank you VERY much

Does our cruise have a formal night? If so, which night? Or is it just the Pirates Night on the 5 night cruise?

I am guessing:

Night 1 was rotational menu
Night 2 was rotational menu
Night 3 was Pirate menu/Pirate night
Night 4 was rotational menu
Night 5 was Till We Meet Again

On our 5-night summer cruise, there was an "optional dress-up/semi-formal night" on Day 4, which was our Day at sea. I am not sure if it will be Day 4 or 5 on our cruise, but you can always call DCL to be sure.

There is lots of discussion about tipping. Can anyone tell me what I should budget for that? We have taken one other cruise, and we just paid what they tacked on at the end. Is there a "reccomended amount?"

Yes, use the tip calculator - http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

 

[MickeyMagic]

We decided to go on the 15-night PC cruise, so will not be doing the 5-night holiday cruise. Maybe we will be passing each other on our voyages!

 

[Elangen]

Is no one obsessing the way I am?

Just changed from Pop to All Star Movie Resort for our two days precruise. I saw some pics from a friend that just got back. I know my DS(2) will LOVE the Toy Story theme. The rest of us like it alot too.

 

[Elangen]

I noticed from the FE list there are a number of little girls age 4-6 in our group. I wonder if anyone might be interested in an early meet up to get them introduced? Maybe plan them to hit the kids club at the same time or meet at the pool on sail away day? My DD (5) is super outgoing but initially very shy. Im sure she would love to meet some friends. Im new to DCL, so not sure if this would be "too planned."

 

[lisare]

I have a 5yr & a 7yr old & I would love for them to meet up on the first day. It might help them stay in the clubs if they already know kids there. When & where and we'll be there.

 

[aanderson5]

I have a 4 turning 5 year old boy. I know he is no girl but I'm sure seeing a familiar face in the clubs would make him more comfortable too. If you guys meet can we tag along.

 

[diskam]

Hello everybody! My DH and I are really looking forward to this cruise, but we're not telling DS 11 and DD 7 until New Year's Eve. When we went to Disney World 2 years ago, DD invited her entire Kindergarten class to come with us. The kids were very excited until their parents told them no, and the parents weren't all that thrilled to have to burst their bubbles. I'd like to think she'd be better about it this year, but I kind of doubt it. At least she's trying to share, right?

This will be the second cruise for DH and DD and the third for DS and me. We took a mother/son cruise for his 10th birthday and my 40th. I was planning on taking DD for her 10th, but have sadly realized it coincides with DH's 45th and I guess it would be fair for the two of them to have a trip. Sort of fair. I guess. I'd still rather be the one to take her

We're flying out on New Year's Day, but I'm not sure what we'll do before the cruise. Maybe Disney, maybe KSC, maybe just hang out at the beach. Can't wait to get there!

 

[PrincessMer]

Just wondering if anyone on this cruise who has a GTY room has gotten their actual room assignment yet... I can't wait to find out where I'm going to be!

Meredith

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Just wondering if anyone on this cruise who has a GTY room has gotten their actual room assignment yet... I can't wait to find out where I'm going to be!

Meredith

I looked today and nothing yet. I can't wait to find out either!

 

[Elangen]

I have on my calendar that tomorrow is the day that bookings open for us first time cruisers. Is there anything left? Is there anything we should be trying to book?

Im thinking Founders, but, without knowing when we will get PAlO, its kind of up in the air. I guess I will just pick a few slots. Also, DS will be almost three and is fully potty trained, so, Im hoping I wont end up needing Flounder's hours. Mostly because I think he would be bored with the babies. He is already a daycare kid and used to the scene.

 

[Georgia3]

My nephew was 3 and potty trained. They let him in the kids club in 2004. My daughter was 2 but was very mature. I could get her into Flounders whenever she wanted to go. When she needed a break, she would say I want to go see the babies. She was a "helper" to the CM. Either way I think he will have fun.

 

[aanderson5]

Well, we are 75 days out. I just booked our Palo reservation for dinner on our last night. I booked at 6pm and plan to go to our regular seating for dinner to give tips and probably feed DS. I am still hoping we will be able to get a brunch res. and I will cancel dinner.

We are still GTY. Hopefully we will get our assignments soon. I'm getting so excited.

 

[lakehead92]

I am online right now...after staying up to midnight and having no luck.

There seems to be PALO BRUNCH AND DINNER AVAILABLE, but for brunch it is only for parties of 5 or 6.

We need a table for 8...but it won't let me book it.

 

[ebony]

Hi everyone,
Im back after the Transatlantic cruise and 2 weeks at Saratoga Springs.
We had a wonderful trip and I can now look forward to this cruise.
I hope I havent missed much !! and will try to read back the pages at some stage.

To anyone new on this thread since Sept. My name is Jan, hubbie is Carl, we are both from Oxford in the UK, travelling on our own. We are also staying at WDW after this cruise.

Jan

 

[Silverfox97]

Well, we are 75 days out. I just booked our Palo reservation for dinner on our last night. I booked at 6pm and plan to go to our regular seating for dinner to give tips and probably feed DS. I am still hoping we will be able to get a brunch res. and I will cancel dinner.

We are still GTY. Hopefully we will get our assignments soon. I'm getting so excited.

We are booked for the same day/time for Palo as you are Last time, we fed DD pizza up on deck 9 before taking her to the kids club -- it worked out fine, except that after Palo, she came out starving (good thing Mom brought food to eat during the show!!). She refused to eat chicken fingers in the kids club.....Anyways, that is what we are going to do -- take our tips to the servers before we go to Palo. Originally, we were going to try for Palo brunch when we got on the ship, but I am not sure -- we may just wait and do it on our 7-night Oct. 2011.

 

[Silverfox97]

By the way, anyone booking the Fantasy today?? We are going to book a 7-night eastern for Summer 2012 when we are on board in January........I cannot miss out on that on board credit like I did for this one

 

[DW2010]

I am so not on this cruise but am about to book the Dream for 1/3/12 . Can anyone tell me what the weather is like and if the water temperature for CC? Thank you so much.