July 18 2009 Tortola

[jlawall]

Ok, I've heard from a few DISfriends...........there's more coming............ ............we are a family of 5; DH52; me47 (by then - yikes!); DD25; DD22; DD19.........of course, we're hoping all the ladies can make it by then (who knows with jobs, school, etc.) but I have a feeling they'll make it!!!

We haven't been to the Eastern Caribbean in a few years, so we're very excited to get back. We've been to Tortola twice for day trips and St. Thomas/St. John.........at least 3 times for vacations and port stops........my first view of Paradise............we haven't seen CC in many years.......it will be 5 by the time we get there............

We've been sailing on the DCL special cruises.........Med 2007; West Coast 2005; so we're really happy to be back on the "old" route again!!!

 

[starwood]

We're onboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is great. We're going to have a very big crowd coming on this trip. I guess you'll be our Tortola expert. I have a book on order at the library about the British Virgin Islands.

 

[mickeymo]

We've always managed to hit the Western ports on all our cruises, this itinerary will be a first for us. We'll welcome the advice on all the ports!

 

[RAC]

I originally booked June 20, but changed this morning to this one since some SPR opened up. My parents are also coming and got a SPR as well.

Got a great OBC deal from my TA $400. I wish it was 2008 instead of 2009.

It is myself, DH, and DD (12) and my parents. Look forward to chatting with all of you.

 

[noahsmom]

This is exciting, we are getting a good group going here! Our neighbors are seriously considering joining us. I'm trying to get them to book soon. This will be their first time.

jlawall - tell us about Tortola!

My group consists of me (47) dh (45) ds (11) - ages are at time of cruise. We are in the process of becoming foster parents so I'm not sure how that will impact this trip. There may be a 4th in our party.

Kelli

 

[jlawall]

Ok, SPR = secret port rooms; I had to think about that one! In a nutshell, the BVI is paradise plus! It's more pristine, virgin than the wonderful Virgin Islands........so, so beautiful, the beaches are very pure.........I recommend the Baths excursion (I think it's a neighboring island but so worth it!) There's a nice beach on the island where Jimmy Buffet wrote Margaritaville and a nice Harbor restaurant with excellent food for lunch........we will have so much fun there!!!

 

[mickeymo]

They know I lurk on the main cruise boards, received a ton of helpful hints, etc and they all have directly benefited from my experience by allowing me to shop around for quotes...I'm not sure my family fully realizes the monster they've unleashed allowing me to handle the reservations for our cruise.. I'm really trying not to scare my family. I'm really trying hard to restrain my DCL fanaticism. I'm slowly introducing posting on the meet thread - we'll wait a bit until it gets closer...

All I can say is "Welcome to the Dark Side..."

-I've given them the 91st day mark for all payments due - so, at the least our family can make our reservations. We're spread out in the four rooms, we'll see what the system will allow us to reserve.

We'll ideally like to have Palo reservations for the 7 adults as a group- but, two of the rooms have CC club members under 18, so we'll at least get a reservation for 4. Does anyone have any experience with linked reservations? Is there a possibility of initially getting a reservation for 7? Otherwise, how hard is it to add on the other 3 adults at the 60 day eligibility?

Why am I trying to figure this out now?

I hope everyone is having a great day!!! It's hot and humid in Houston - Santa's going to have to get out his surf board...

 

[MrsG]

Hi!

We just booked!! DH & I will both be aboard.

JoAnn, glad to see you booked too. Hopefully we can get some more people from our Med Cruise to join us. What a wonderful group of people we sailed with and it sounds like this will be a nice group also.

Maryann

 

[jlawall]

Hi!

We just booked!! DH & I will both be aboard.

JoAnn, glad to see you booked too. Hopefully we can get some more people from our Med Cruise to join us. What a wonderful group of people we sailed with and it sounds like this will be a nice group also.

Maryann

Yes, I agree, we're in good hands here!!! Just one and a half years to go.........

 

[noahsmom]

Mickeymo we try to figure these things out because we are so excited and know what is going to happen. Yes it's an illness - but great one!

I'm also wondering how connecting reservations affect Palo reservations. We are also trying to decide how long to stay at WDW before the cruise. So many decisions, so little time (well maybe not).

I was dreaming of floating at Castaway Cay today as we shoved the most recent snow of the season, another 5 inches to add to the 16 we've already received this month. DS had a snow day, DH did not (he works in a different school district). Unfortunately DS broke his ankle in October so he is not able to enjoy all this snow - this makes for a rather cranky 10 yr old!

Has anyone found a website that has some good photos of the Baths? I've been to a few BVI sites but I've only found one or two pictures.

Kelli

 

[starwood]

We got our new confirmation from Disney 2 days ago. I really need this. I have to go to my aunt's funeral today, it's supposed to snow and ice tomorrow and I have to take my mother for laser treatment on her eye. They it's more snow and ice for Saturday night into Sunday. Can I just runaway to Castaway Cay now??????

 

[mickeymo]

We got our new confirmation from Disney 2 days ago. I really need this. I have to go to my aunt's funeral today, it's supposed to snow and ice tomorrow and I have to take my mother for laser treatment on her eye. They it's more snow and ice for Saturday night into Sunday. Can I just runaway to Castaway Cay now??????

 

[MrsG]

Prayers and pixie dust to you and your family. I think we all really need this. Winter weather is on it's way toward us. Palm trees swaying in the warm breeze sounds great.. can't wait!

Maryann

 

[starwood]

I'd rather have this

than this

 

[jlawall]

We got our new confirmation from Disney 2 days ago. I really need this. I have to go to my aunt's funeral today, it's supposed to snow and ice tomorrow and I have to take my mother for laser treatment on her eye. They it's more snow and ice for Saturday night into Sunday. Can I just runaway to Castaway Cay now??????

I'm in!

 

[noahsmom]

Well I'd rather have the snow now instead of in March. It will be nice to have a white Christmas, we haven't had one in about 4 years!

 

[jlawall]

I'd rather have this

than this

Nice!!!

 

[starwood]

I really wouldn't mind the snow too much if I didn't have to go out in it. If I could just lock myself in the house all winter (hibernate) that would be fine. But today my mother is having laser on her eye at 12:00 (of course that is when the snow is supposed to get heavy).

It's just too early for snow - by the time Christmas rolls around it will be all dirty and icky looking.

I did get the Fodors British Virgin Islands book out of the library yesterday so I can start checking out Tortola.

 

[starwood]

Here is a current list of who is coming on our cruise that is so very far away

noahsmom - with DH
jlawall - with DH, DD (25), DD (22) and DD (19)
wvmd - with DW and DD (14)
mickeymo - with DH, DD (12) and DS (14), parents, DBRO, DSIL and Dnephew (7)
RAC - with DH, DD (12) and parents
MrsG - with DH
Starwood - with DH and DS (16 - turning 17 on the cruise).

 

[mickeymo]

Here is a current list of who is coming on our cruise that is so very far away

Thanks for starting the list!!! At least we don't have to check it twice and find out who's naughty or nice...