July 1st, 2006 070106 07/01/06 20060701 07012006

[Skuba2]

Hey guys--glad everyone did so well on making their plans.

Happy--I would go and watch if you've never been before. They are amazing creatures above or in the water. Some can be so big and the babies are just so small. You may just find yourself in the water with em after all. We are doing the excursion through Disney. I have done it twice and actually scuba'd it once--so this is more for the kids than me. Figure I want to make sure they have the kid's enjoyment in mind.

I am sticking with the 7 hour dolphin excursion with Disney. I think it is on Cancun--right. Never been there and have been to cozomel a couple of times. May enjoy seeing the new island.

Shopping---I hate shopping!! LOL! But, it has to be done. My oldest daughter keeps growing out of her clothes before the season is over. I can't keep up with her. I need to wait until it gets closer to get her anything new.

Anyone scheduled the meet yet? I think it is usually on the starboard side of the top deck overlooking the sail-away party. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll have to look at the plans to be sure of the spot.

Take care all!!

Deb

 

[ldb1030]

Lisa: No, I have not booked Captain Marvin's yet, will probably do so this week. My problem with this one is me! I am not so sure I feel like getting in the water to play with stingrays......... I really have mixed emotions on this. But on the other hand, I would love to see DD and DH enjoy the excursion, and take pictures for them. They also want to do some snorkeling on this one, and again, that's not a me thing. So, I go and watch, or spend the time on the beach, relaxing and soaking up some rays........ There's my dilemma. What time did you book?

Patti: My goodness you have done some sunblock research. I had not even thought to go to the extent that you have. Thanks for the great advice! (Thanks for the shopping tips too: Kohls is our favorite too! )

Nancy

Nancy-We are on the 11:15am, 2 hour tour! From what people at Captain Marvins's have told me, they do have people that don't get off the boat so you can still do it!
I worry about Alexa once we get there because she has a "fish-phobia" I have NO idea how this ever came about! never mind she has a NEMO pillow cover!!

 

[Husker4040]

LOL on the fish phobia! However, I see your fish, and raise you a skunk! Yep, Sara gets freaked out at the mention of a skunk!!

 

[Skuba2]

Ok---just another FYI for all going to Stingray City. Do not----I mean DO NOT--by any means touch the squid if you do not want to attract the stingray. These animals are very intelligent creatures. You get that smell on your hands and they will be all over you. They have actually learned to go over a diver's head and knock off their masks. This usually causes the diver to drop the squid in order to regain control of mask and air supply. I felt very claustophobic (sp?) when I did it a few years ago. Would rather snorkle. They do go between your legs, around your body and sometimes up your legs. They don't have teeth, more like a ridge of bone/tendon. They "suck" their food up like a vacuum. Some can be 4 feet across or more and there wil also be some smaller ones that are more shy. An underwater camera is a must on this. If you aren't quite as sure about it all, you can stand on the outside of the group of people and be generally out of the "action". Last tip. If anyone gets "seasick" on the ride to stingray city, the best thing for them to do is get in the water as soon as possible. You will feel so much better. Most importantly---ENJOY!!

The stingray come pretty much as the boat anchors. The engine attracts them. I can go into the reason why this has all come about---but you probably already know.

Please check on cancellation policy with anyone you book outside Disney. I would ask a lot of what-ifs? What if we don't make it to the island? What if we get there but get delayed getting off? What if the weather stinks--does the even still happen? Disney may cancel an excursion due to poor conditions way before the outside booking. I've booked outside before and it has always worked out--but I've heard of stories where it hasn't. Just make sure you ask all the questions, especially in Grand Cayman. We don't dock there--we tender and there have been times when getting off has been delayed due to high waves. It becomes too dangerous to transfer people to and from the tenders if the waves are too much. We even had once where they delayed the return tender until the waves settled. If you've ever seen the tenders--you'd know why.

Ok--I'm putting the mommy in me away now!! LOL!! Sorry.

Deb

 

[Skuba2]

I did the Rasul once and ended up being allergic to the mud. LOL!! Gotta say the experience was well worth the rash that followed. HEEHEE.

Deb

 

[MrShiny]

Gotta say the experience was well worth the rash that followed. HEEHEE.

Deb

Heh - that comment could apply to many things!

 

[MrShiny]

OK, for you folks who have done Stingray City - how hard is it getting from the boat to the sandbar? We do not have the best swimmers in the family, although all of us can swim. I know the water can get up to 8 feet deep - is that more common in the morning or afternoon (we are doing the early morning)?

I checked the cancellation policies on the non-Disney stuff I booked (Doplhin Encounter Cozumel and Seaworld Explorer). Both are pretty reasonable and if for somereason we don't make those ports, both will give us a refund (we need a letter on the ship's letterhead, I believe). Would have done the Seaworld Explorer through Disney, but it's a bit cheaper on our own and offers a time that works with the Stingray City excursion. It should work well - Stingray City 7:30-11:15, Seaworld Explorer 1:00. Guess we'll eat at Hard Rock in between (it's right be the Seaworld Explorer dock.

 

[Skuba2]

I would call whoever you booked through for the Stingray City snorkeling and ask them if they have the tide charts for that day. You may even be able to search tides and grand cayman to see if it is low tide or high. I have not ever snorkeled where I couldn't stand as an adult. There may be some ebb and flow that you have to deal with depending on where they do end up anchoring. There will be numerous boats out there.

May I just say that this isn't anything like the dolphin encounter where you take turns touching the dolphins. You are in and amongst them as a group. The best way to see them will be to either go under and sit on the bottom just like in a pool or to "bend" forward in the water and put your face in. I tend to go to the outside of the group and just float flat. You can run your hand along their back, feed them by holding out your hand flat, or let them swim between your legs. They may pick one up for you to see the underside. They all have their stingers, but are very tame.

History---This all came about because of the shrimp boats I believe who used to clean their catch on the way back into port. There is really only one way through the reef, so the stingray knew where to come and the boat engine sound gave them the when. It just slowly developed into a tourist attraction.

Deb

 

[ldb1030]

Looks like we're on for Cozumel but alot less time there. Originally we were leaving at 10:15pm.

Just got this from DCL:

Disney Magic® Returns to Cozumel April 8
Starting April 8, the Disney Magic® will return to Cozumel as one of its stops on the 7-night Western Itinerary. As you may know, this island was unavailable as a port of call for several months due to the impact of Hurricane Wilma, which passed directly over Cozumel in October 2005.

Although the cruise ship pier is still in disrepair, tenders will be used to bring your Clients ashore. The ship will depart Cozumel at 6 p.m., which means your Clients will need to be onboard by 5:30 p.m.

 

[mattmommy]

We're on the 9:15 stingray tour that gets back at 1. Do you think it's worth it (and will we have time) to take a quick run to 7 mile beach for a while?

I let DH pick the stingray/turtle tour and missed out on some beach/snorkel time. Is the snorkeling good there?

I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to bring my own snorkel gear. I'll save about $15 at CC, but that alone isn't worth it.

 

[ldb1030]

For as many years as I've been sending people to Grand Cayman, I'm told that it's one of THE BEST places for snorkeling!

 

[Skuba2]

St. Thomas is also a pretty good place for snorkeling. I actually found it better if you just want to go off a beach at a hotel and see coral and fish.

Ok gang---it snowed in upper Connecticut and it is 33 degrees outside. Yuck!!!! I actually already packed away my son's winter coat. Glad I'm labeling boxes. Gotta go dig!!

Deb

 

[Husker4040]

You probably don't want to hear about it being 75 in Omaha today.

 

[ldb1030]

We've got ya beat Patti!
80 here in Wichita today! Of course I'm working so I won't be able to enjoy it!

 

[Deb in IA]

Hi everyone!! Checking in again . . . sorry for the long absence. (We went to Disney World over Spring Break, and other things got busy for me.)


OK, tell me, did I wait too long? I went onto DCL to book excursions, spa, Palo today (first chance I got) -- we are Castaway members.

Got all the excursions, but Palo only has ONE listing left for brunch, and none for High Tea!! Lots of dinners, though.

Also, how long is the Brunch? We have a Key West Old Town Trolley excursion booked for 12:15, and the Brunch (the only one left) starts at 10 am. Will we be done in time?

 

[Deb in IA]

Also, can someone please tell me which night is the formal and semi formal nights on the Western?

Trying to figure out the best night for the Palo's dinner . . .

Thanks!!

 

[happyatdisney]

We've got ya beat Patti!
80 here in Wichita today! Of course I'm working so I won't be able to enjoy it!

OK Guys, would you mind sending some of that this way please??? We had lovely weather last week, upper 60's and 70's, sunny, just gorgeous spring weather. Then this front came through (I guess the one that brought all those tornados) with thunderstorms, hail, and wind like I haven't seen in a long time. Now, we are back in the frig again, and it really stinks.

Just when I'm gettin' psyched for some warm weather to get me in the mood for cruisin'.........I'm back looking for my winter coat.

 

[ldb1030]

Also, can someone please tell me which night is the formal and semi formal nights on the Western?

Trying to figure out the best night for the Palo's dinner . . .

Thanks!!

Hey Deb-
Formal is Monday. Semi is Thursday.
We have Palo booked for 6pm on Tuesday!

 

[Deb in IA]

Thanks!!!

I got Palo for Friday at 8:30. Thought it would be a great way to cap off the cruise!! And I was going for earlier, like 7, but I read on a Navigator that there is going to be a Talent Show at 7:30, so we'll try to make that!!

 

[Skuba2]

I vote for spreading around the warm weather. I actually saw snow flakes yesterday!! Yikes!

Still trying to get the pounds off. Slowly creeping down.

Deb (the Ct one)