January 8, 2005 Magic Cruise - Let's Get Ready to Cruise!

[brack]

Originally posted by cmesq61
... can anyone explain the short version of the intricacies of boarding? Which line is for which sign-up, etc. We will not be doing Palo, but my sis & are going to do something in the spa (maybe rainforest?) & I will sign the kids up for kids club. Any veteran cruisers have thoughts on the week long wine program? The bottle at your table every evening? Thanks in advance.

My DW and I don't do Palo's for dinner either we love the time with our tablemates (just ask Diane & Molly).

Definitely do the Rainforest.

We had one set of tablemates who had the wine package. It just didn't seem to be worth it to them but then we don't drink so it is hard for me to really judge. It depends on how many people share your bottle but it seems like it could pressure you to drink more than you normally would (like me at a buffet!!!)

 

[brack]

Today is the day to pay off the balance. Really I will have about 30 more days because I will put it on my Disney VISA and then pay it off when that bill comes in.

I need to talk to my DS and his wife to see about excursions so we can book them soon. That will be soon.

My DW and I went to Branson over the weekend and saw the Andy Williams Christmas show. It was great as usual but it's no Disney Dreams!

Hope everyone is well.

 

[staylor]

It's getting close gang! You'll still be shocked to know that I have not booked yet. Last weeked they began offering interline rates for the Jan. 3 and 4 night cruises. So, it should be coming any time now. I've been watching the rates. It seems that in the last few days they now have rooms available in Cat. 12,11,10,9,7, and 5. This is a good thing. Also I have noticed that the priced has been lowered on a few sites such as vacationstogo.com and cruisecompete.com. So, if worse comes to worse I can still book a room at "regular" rates.

CMESQ61, tell your sis that once she boards to go directly to the spa res. line. There is a link right now on the cruise line forum board that compares buying wine on board and bringing your own. It depends on the cost of the wine you like to drink. If you enjoy an expensive bottle then I would bring my own. I think the corkage fee is $17.50 now. If the wine you normally drink is inexpensive, the cost may just wash out. It also depends on your servers. From what I understand (someone correct me if I'm wrong) not all servers charge the corkage fee. Of course you would want to give cash on the spot if they don't. Last time, I gave our asst. server $10 cash each night and he was happy.
I personally will be bringing my own. We'll drink some getting ready for dinner and all that stuff. Will we be taking our own to the dinner table or not? I don't know, it will depend on the mood at the time. Hope this helps.

Staci

 

[staylor]

By the way, my friend Lisa that is traveling with us was able to trade her inside cat. 10 room #7001 for SPH 5522, today. So, if anyone booked a cat. 10 and wants one on deck 7, call to see if you can switch. I was browsing at southwest.com (they book cars, hotels, and cruises too) trying to see what staterooms are available still and what the rates are. You might check to see if you can get a better room, if you are interested. I believe everyone has to cancel by today if they do not want a penalty. So that's why some more cabins are popping up.
Staci

 

[brack]

Paid up and now I need to Pack up!

My DW and I leave for WDW on Monday for a week of fun. It's just a tune up for January.

I'm not taking my computer so everyone have a great Thanksgiving. I'll post when I return.

 

[staylor]

Brack, I'm jealous. Have a super time. Let us hear about it when you get back. Enjoy the warmer weather!
Staci

 

[Lisa]

Brack and Annette are enjoying warm Floridian weather and we had a spot of snow this morning.

I know the trip is soon to come when our weather gets colder. Only 8 weeks to go!!

 

[staylor]

Yippe!

 

[musicdude]

We just got our confirmation of our excursions(5 star snorkel tour) today.

Chris

 

[Skywalker]

Hi everyone! I had joined this thread for a while, then posted about how I wasn't sure I could go on the cruise because of a new job I started. Well, just got approval for the vacation so my family is BACK ON BOARD AGAIN! Wa-hoo!

Anyway, now I am going to go back over this thread to catch up on all that I missed and all the new people that I don't recognize!

We're almost there, guys!

 

[marylee15]

I cannot wait, my DH has been working mega overtime on this big project and I have been running around like crazy and we have been going to sleep our whole family by 8:00 p.m every nite for the last three nights including our DS (5). This morning my DH was leaving for work at 6:00 a.m. and he said he just could not wait to get on that cruise ship and relax. We just need this and it cannot come soon enough for us. I am looking forward to the holidays but more importantly I am looking forward to 1/4 when we fly to WDW for four days and then leave on Saturday morning for Port Canaveral. Looking forward to seeing you all soon. And if I don't get back on the board before then:

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my 1/8/05 cruise friends, and keep little Sophie and her family in our thoughts as we give thanks for all of the wonderful things we have.

Take care,

Marylee

 

[staylor]

skywalker glad to hear you are going to make it. Make sure you go to page 16 of this thread, check the list, and see if you are on it.

marylee, sorry your DH has been working so much. This cruise will be a much needed break for all especially after the holidays.

Well everyone, I'm getting nervous about the airline discount. Still nothing. They just opened up the discount for the 10 day on Dec. 18 so hopefully it will be soon. DH and I decided if they don't offer it by 30 days out, we'll just pay full fare. I've been watching the room inventory on southwest.com and more rooms have been coming available. For the longest time only Cat. 5 was available. Now all the sudden other categories are available. Even inside rooms. Also the price of inside rooms went down so hopefully soon they'll offer the airline rate. I guess all of the travel agents had to turn in left over inventory. I really don't know. We'll see!

Okay, let's talk DIS meet. What does everyone think? Do you want to meet during the sailaway party? I know sometimes that is hard because everyone is busy unpacking and excited to be there. We could meet real quick and then let everyone go about their own business. Any other ideas?
Staci

 

[Skywalker]

Staci, thank you for the welcome back! That was nice! I did go and check Lisa's list and yes we are on it! Wa-hoo!

Yes, the DIS meet - that will be very exciting! I agree it should be if not right at the sailaway party very soon after so at least we can recognize each other in the dining room and maybe if we have kids who would like to hook up in the clubs, etc!

Allison.

 

[marylee15]

Hey 1/6/05 cruisers Happy Thanksgiving, we cannot let ourselves be pushed to page 2 on cruise meets!!!!

Fourty four days out, can you believe it!!!! Getting close. The first one to get their cruise docs should post it so we know when to expect ours.

Talk to you soon.

Marylee

 

[sopandbass]

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

This year, our family has many, many things for which we are thankful! And one of those things is our upcoming trip with all of you!

Many blessings to each of you!

Sharon, Steve and Isabel

 

[Lisa]

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with family and/or friends.

Only 6 weeks to go!!!!!

 

[staylor]

We had a great Thanksgiving. I hope everyone else did as well.
Can't wait to hear from Brack when he gets back from WDW. Lucky him!
Staci

 

[musicdude]

We also had a nice Thanksgiving and you should see all the snow we've gotten in the past two days. Makes us long tobe on that cruise. Happy Holidays!!
Chris

 

[brack]

I'M BACK!!We had a great time and the weather was marvelous.

My DW and I were at the MK when they opened Stitch's ride. Stitch had toilet papered the castle! I have pictures and will post some on my web site soon.

Of the seven days there we visited the MK four days. My DW said she thought I must really like the MK. It really is the best place for me to relax and unwind.

The last couple of cruises we had a DISmeet on Sunday. We could meet just before lunch or just after.I can't wait.

 

[marylee15]

Brack, I think Sunday is a great day to have a Cruise Line Forum meet. I know that when I first get on board I am going to be checking everything out and just try to get my bearings with a 5 year old and all. I would love it to be Sunday afternoon.

We put up all of our Christmas decorations this weekend inside and out and for the first time in my life I am not getting depressed about the day they have to come down!!!!!

Sounds like you had a great time in MK, we are going on 1/4 for a few days before traveling to Port Canaveral. Talk to you all soon.

Marylee