January 8, 2011 - 7 Night Western Caribbean Sailing

[scrappinsandie]

Is the couples massage worth it? I would love to treat DW to something luxurious, she has worked very hard to make this cruise a family highlight for years to come, and I want her to have a lasting memory of her own. Whta would you all suggest for her? She is obviously going to read this so the more ideas I get the better to throw her off the scent!

Truth be told this will be my first ever professional massage. My husband has them all the time but the idea does not appeal to me but I promised I would try it!

Sandie

 

[Sir William]

Is the couples massage worth it? I would love to treat DW to something luxurious, she has worked very hard to make this cruise a family highlight for years to come, and I want her to have a lasting memory of her own. Whta would you all suggest for her? She is obviously going to read this so the more ideas I get the better to throw her off the scent!

** DISCLAIMER **

Honey if you are reading this these are all just suggestions, one of them will be a surprise!

Since this is my first DCL cruise I can't really comment on their spas, but DW and I had a couple's massage at Colonial Williamsburg's spa a year ago and it was very nice.

However, DW didn't want to do a couple's massage on the ship so she is getting one on Day 3 in the afternoon. I'm getting mine on Day 6 in the morning (I have a hard time sleeping past 7am at any time).

 

[Goldeelox9]

Southwest is having a major Holiday Sale and our Cruise falls in the time frame. If you haven't booked yet jump on it. If you have booked call 1-800-435-9792 and tell them that you current flight has dropped in price and you would like the credit. They will cancel your flights and the money goes into an account. Then when you rebook (and you can change days and times if you want for the new flights) you use your old confirmation number to retrieve the credit! SOOO easy!

 

[cmclaura]

We had a couples massage a couple years back on Castaway Cay in one of the cabanas. It was very nice but I think I'd prefer to just have them on board ship in the future as you leave feeling very greasy and then there's all that sun and sand trying to stick to you, lol!

They may do something a little different at the end of the couples massage, involving your hands. Don't want to give it all away but we thought it a little funny not knowing what was happening, so be forewarned.

It's nothing bad, don't worry!

 

[w-family]

I have to admit I am getting nervous about finding FEs. I found one thread that has all these beautiful handmade FEs; I am not crafty at all!!!!! plus I have three kids and work full time; I am not sure I would even have time to make the things that I saw. Please make me feel better and someone tell me that not EVERYONE does these beautiful FEs.

Other then that, we are getting so excited! There is something about keeping the trip a surprise from the kids that is making the expereince even more exciting! LOL I think I am more excited about the cruise then I am about Chrsitmas this year.

 

[ddpaints]

Well I'm making my FE's but I only have 2 kids, I'm a stay at home mom and I've been told I'm crafty. Not that it's easy I just have a tad more time then you. I am very sure that about 90% of the people participating in FE's will not be doing homemade things. I think one of the neatest suggestions I heard was that you should bring something from your region/state/country. You know, the little bobble, or something that makes your area unique. Most kids are easy , you can give them silly bands, coloring books, cool pencils that have their fav Disney Characters etc. Don't sweat the not making things, if I didn't have something already in mind, I'd probably be hitting the Oriental Trading company myself

 

[ginkybiloba]

I booked this cruise on Monday evening for myself, husband and two children (ages 6 and 8). It is our first time cruising, and kind of an impulsive decision as the Canadian discounted rates were just too good to pass up! We have the late seating, which I worry will be too late for our kids (they are up at 6:00 a.m., even on vacation - ugh).

We haven't booked any excursions yet - I am debating whether to book them through Disney or go out on our own. Any recommendations in this regard would be appreciated. We definitely want the kids to have a dolphin experience, but other than that, we're open.

We went to Disney in January 2009. I researched and planned that trip down to the very last detail, which I actually found quite stressful and overwhelming. This time, I am hoping to just relax and enjoy myself

Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Brenda
(Ottawa, ON)

 

[cmclaura]

Now, don't anyone worry overmuch about the FE gifts. We enjoy being surprised by little gifts here and there but it seems to be the kids who get the biggest kick out of it.

Last time, my daughter was the one collecting all the gifties and was so excited to see everything. And there's a huge range -- from the really nifty pack of custom made playing cards with a photo of the ship on them -- from an assortment of sweets.

My personal favorite were the sweets because we could eat them and not have to worry about packing them into our luggage for the trip back home! But my 16 year old loved all the pencils and stuff like that she would find tucked into our FE holder.

Remember, it's the thought that counts, not the level of skill or amount spent! Just have fun with it.

 

[ddpaints]

One of my husbands friends is the president of Hotwire.com. Today is their 10 yr anniversary and they are offering 10% off hotels and car rentals TODAY ONLY !!!!! Oct27. Just thought I'd pass that on. go to www.hotwire.com/anniversary

 

[speedo]

Everything that I have ever read on this board since 2002 has said to save your money and get it done before you go on the cruise for a better quality job that can last the week.

That is too bad. We might play it by ear then and check out the salon before committing.

 

[Sir William]

So I'm brainstorming ideas for my FE gifts... and I wanted to ask everybody...

What's your favorite Disney songs and movies?

This was a bit challenging (but fun to think on)!

Favorite Song: Colors of the Wind (Pocahantas)
Favorite Movie (Animated): Sword in the Stone
Favorite Movie (Live): Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

I need to check with DW on her favorites.

 

[Grasshopper]

Hello everyone !

This will be our first cruise. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids (aged 8 + 10).

Little bit stressed out as we have late dining (the kids usually eat at 5pm) and Palo is not available for when we wanted to book. Have arranged another Palo booking which we hope to change when we get there.

Just registered for the Dolphin/Turtle farm on Cayman for 11.15 (would prefer 9.15 but that is all booked up too).

Our reservation is for 9c GTY. When would we find out which room we have been assigned ?

Need some pixie dust on my breakfast to feel more magical about the trip.

Please add us to the FE list.

 

[ddpaints]

Welcome Grasshopper and family.
As far as Fe goes a few of us are asking for specifics for the gifts we are getting.

Mine are initials (just first and last), Fav Disney Charicter and fav color. I see you don't have a room assignment so I guess I will just get that at the meet on board once we all know.
TIA.

 

[w-family]

Quick question: I was talking to someone else that is going on this cruise with us on a different thread and she didn't know about the Meet and asked me for details, but looking back I cannot find it. I thought it was 3:00?

Where is the Meet going to be and what time, so all the newbies on here can see it (plus some of us who have been here for awhile but forget things !)

Thanks!

 

[ddpaints]

Katiekins13
Favorite Song: Mine, A whole new world (this was our first dance at our wedding), DS Real gone (from the movie CARS)
DD doesn't really have one. I will add DH's to this post when I get a chance to ask him.

Favorite Movie Mine, The little Mermaid, DS CARS DD doesn't have one yet but knows who Tinkerbell is (probably getting this movie for her for Christmas) Will post Dh's when I ask.

 

[w-family]

Hello everyone !

This will be our first cruise. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids (aged 8 + 10).

Little bit stressed out as we have late dining (the kids usually eat at 5pm) and Palo is not available for when we wanted to book. Have arranged another Palo booking which we hope to change when we get there.

Just registered for the Dolphin/Turtle farm on Cayman for 11.15 (would prefer 9.15 but that is all booked up too).

Our reservation is for 9c GTY. When would we find out which room we have been assigned ?

Need some pixie dust on my breakfast to feel more magical about the trip.

Please add us to the FE list.

WE are GTY too. We called and asked, and they told us about a month before we will get assigned, but to keep checking the website and it may appear before then.

- Here is that pixie dust you ordered!

 

[ddpaints]

Good question w-family.
I know it won't be at 4 because that is when they have the drill. I think it's 3 but can't remember where I just know there is one. I'm thinking closer to sail time we will get that all figured out so we can put it in our info that we will be taking

 

[w-family]

Good question w-family.
I know it won't be at 4 because that is when they have the drill. I think it's 3 but can't remember where I just know there is one. I'm thinking closer to sail time we will get that all figured out so we can put it in our info that we will be taking

Oh good, it is not just me!!! I forget everythig that I don't write in my calender that I carry everywhere! I will probably go through withdrawel on the cruise being without my calender and notes; if you see that happen park me at a bar with a fruity frozen drink! LOL

 

[ddpaints]

Oh good, it is not just me!!! I forget everythig that I don't write in my calender that I carry everywhere! I will probably go through withdrawel on the cruise being without my calender and notes; if you see that happen park me at a bar with a fruity frozen drink! LOL

You Got it
I doubt it will happen though. My first cruise I thought I'd miss my job ( I worked on a horse farm and loved my job) but I didn't think about it until the last night when I knew it was time to go home.

 

[cmclaura]

I thought we had mentioned it on here before but, as I really don't expect everyone to read back over 25+ pages, it is something we'll repeat periodically.

The Meet is at 3pm in the Promenade Lounge on Saturday.

Stop by to say hello and get updates of any cabin changes (there are always some last minute changes).

Maybe we should plan some evening meets in the lounges, etc.? It's usually just my husband and myself at a table, surrounded by groups of happy people, and we feel like outcasts, LOL. I think it might be more fun to have a group attend that Newlywed type game, etc.

What does everyone think?

While I'm here, let me include the latest list of everyone in this group. PLEASE let me know names; there's a lot of DHs & DWs on there who are nameless.

LIST IS NOW ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THIS THREAD, MESSAGE #1.