July 22, 2012 5 Night Bahamian Cruise

[Ceisen]

Is it pathetic that I was us at 12:01 last night? Yes...yes it is...

But our reservations are made. We're planning on running the Castaway 5K our first stop there and afterward I got myself a little 40th birthday present...couples massage at Serenity Bay. Yeah I know, spendy, but I'll soon forget that right? Hey getting older and senile has it's benefits...so I've been told....I think... I can't remember....

We also got Palo brunch on the only sea day. Thinking about snorkling. Have to wait to book tastings until onboard. Also did our online check-in.

So all you Sliver Castaway Club members- today's the day. Get some!

We have not booked anything...honestly we are quite clueless about all this stuff but I do know that since it is our first cruise we book at the 75 day mark. You mentioned a 5K run, do you sign up for this separately or does the cruise itinerary provide info. It sounds fun (of course the bday present sounds more fun...happy 40th birthday to you )
Thanks -Cher

 

[Ceisen]

Regarding the FE cut-off. I am still waiting to hear from everyone on what they would prefer. Thanks Jay, for your response. I like the 45 days out, with a no exception cut off at 30.

ANYONE ELSE?????

Sounds good to us ...as I mentioned we are new to this whole thing but 45, 30 days works for us
Thanks for coordinating

 

[Ceisen]

Schuerer family reporting in! Mom, dad and two DD 's age 1 and 4 1/2 ( the 1/2 is VERY important. This is our 1st Disney cruise and we are super excited. We live near Cape Canaveral and see the ships in port almost daily, which prompts the 4 1/2 year old to ask "Is today the day we go on the Disney boat?". Cant wait to finally say YES, today is the day!!!

We are traveling with 3 other families so I don't know if they are interested in the FE's but we would like to participate. I will PM the coordinator with our cabin #.

Question for former cruisers....any other activities with the Princesses other than the meet and greet? You know it's all about them right now. Poor Dad is totally outnumbered but he's a good sport!

Yeah, we have a 1 year old and a (just turned this past weekend) 4 year old too, but they are (I am learning this lingo) DS's instead of DD's. Our first Disney cruise, as well. Are you putting the kids in camp or using their babysitting services? Do you (or anyone else) know how the younger kids like the camp and what the thoughts are about the babysitting/nursery? (My husband and I want to do one night at Remy without the kids)

 

[Tgrgrl]

Yeah, we have a 1 year old and a (just turned this past weekend) 4 year old too, but they are (I am learning this lingo) DS's instead of DD's. Our first Disney cruise, as well. Are you putting the kids in camp or using their babysitting services? Do you (or anyone else) know how the younger kids like the camp and what the thoughts are about the babysitting/nursery? (My husband and I want to do one night at Remy without the kids)[/QUOTE

Yea! Some more young ones!
I've heard from friends who have already cruised that the 4 year olds really liked the camp and the self-guided "scavenger hunt" on the ship is a must. Almost everyone said they didn't use the nursery nearly as much as they thought they would, but felt totally safe leaving their babies there when they did use it.
Do you have early or late dining? I heard the late dining could last until 10:30 and most of the younger kids fell asleep at the table

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Hi Cher! Welcome! We took our daughter on our first Disney cruise when she was 4 also! She celebrated her 4th bday on Disney's Magic...fast forward 4 years later...she's 8 now and we're going on our 2nd Disney Cruise. 4 is a lovely age coz their eyes really twinkle when they see the princesses. Be sure to pack a couple of princess outfits to wear. I think there is a day where there is a Princess Meet and Greet Day.

Bring a photo mat (for a picture frame- any size u want) and then leave it at Guest Services with markers for the characters to sign. Of course, bring some goodies to thank the cast members when you drop it off. IF there is a night in the kids club (Goofy's pajama party) the kids are usually given a pillowcase to decorate. You can use the one that your daughter decorated, or ask for an extra one and drop that off at Guest Services to be signed. (I did these things on our last cruise and they make perfect souvenirs/reminders of our cruise) I brought a 16x20 (?) mat and it's still hanging in my DD's bedroom.

I just booked our shore excursions today! I booked a dinner with my DH at Remy and Parasailing on CC for my DH and DD. I also registered my DD for the kids club.

I'm looking at making some door magnets now. One of the DISers on our last cruise was so good at making door magnets, he made us some..including a surprise birthday one for my DD.

Happy planning!!!

 

[LBollengier]

I would feel a lot better about the cutoff if we had more people signed up!! Any ideas??

 

[LBollengier]

I am pretty new at the Fish Extender business but we had people added up to the last week when we did it last year. Of course the coordinator made that choice I guess.

Anyhoo, I would just hate for people to come in late and miss out on all of the fun - just because they were not aware of our group. Of course we are making custom things and need time to make them!! SO - There is no perfect answer!

With the cost of luggage these days it really limits one!! We are spending the week prior in WDW so we really couldn't make more stuff at last minute!! I would however like to make it a max of 30 days maybe even 3 weeks?? Just my opinion and I of course do not know what all of you are making so if you feel you need that much time, I'm sure you have a good reason.

Guess I am just saying it is okay with me what you decide.... BUT - could we make a few extras in case someone really nice finds us late?? What do you guys think?

Also about Pirate night - on my calendar that comes up with my cruise plans, it says that day 4 will have the Pirate party so this must be our Pirate night (vs. day 3) This may make a difference to some of you so I wanted to point it out!!

From Disney Website:
Day 4 ~ Wed, Jul 25 ~ At Sea ~ Pirate Deck Party

 

[TempusFugit]

Hi Cher. Glad you all joined us!

The Castaway 5K in the past has been very informal but has been getting more support from CM of late from recent trip reports. All you need to do is check the navigators for the Castaway Cay days. The meeting location for the 5K should be listed. Just show up with your running shoes on, sign up, get your bib and let the sweating begin! Lots of fun and makes me feel less guilty about pigging out and drinking multiple adult beverages the rest of the day.


Hello all. My name is Jay and I've been nominated to organize an adults get-together for some drinks during our trip. Apparently I may not look like Capt. Jack Sparrow, but I do occasionally walk like him with the proper liquid refreshemnts.

My DW and I are planning on doing a tasting or three (martini, beer, margherita, etc). Unfortunately, you can't book them until onboard so we have no idea when that will be. We plan on booking those as soon as our feet hit the ship so we'll know when we have an all-ages-inclusive meet & greet. (has anyone figured out when that will be? I'm assuming first day so we can find out any cabin changes for the FE) We can let you all know what tasting we're doing so if any other DISers can join us we'd love the company.

More to the point, I think we can set something less-structured up for our "coctail hour". While this will be our first outing on the Dream I'm thinking something laid back like 687 or Skyline. Any suggestions from the group is greatly appreciated. Day 1 is usually busy, so what do you think about mid-week? It would be a good opportunity to share stories and pointers for the remainder of the cruise. Plus folks are usually a little more relaxed a couple days in.

Let me know what you think. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to meeting you all and making some great memories and, hopefully, friendships.

 

[Tgrgrl]

Hi Jay,

My husband and I always do the martini and beer tastings on cruises so we will definitely join you.

Re Palo, is it worth the up charge? I know we won't go to Remy but Palo is a possibility. Is there much difference between lunch or dinner?

I'm going to have a ton of questions so y'all just bear with me.

 

[TempusFugit]

Hi Jay,

My husband and I always do the martini and beer tastings on cruises so we will definitely join you.

Re Palo, is it worth the up charge? I know we won't go to Remy but Palo is a possibility. Is there much difference between lunch or dinner?

I'm going to have a ton of questions so y'all just bear with me.

Well, maybe this will help you. We have dined at Palo every Disney cruise we have done and now have 2 reservations for our upcoming cruise -one dinner and one brunch. We have only done dinner before but the word is brunch is top shelf. I will freely admit though that we love Italian food and enjoy an excuse to dress well. It's a nice switch from our everyday life that revolves around two sons that never, ever stop eating and I barely have timeto shave let alone wear a tie. For the level of food and service the charge is nothing. Now Remy? I'm not the biggest French cuisine fan so it just doesn't interest me but if you are I could see the draw. The price is a bit high too - I could do Palo or liquor tastings three times for one go-round at Remy. ...... mmmmmmmm..martinis and beeeerrrrr.......

 

[TempusFugit]

Oh, and looking forward to the tastings with you!

 

[Ceisen]

Yeah, we have a 1 year old and a (just turned this past weekend) 4 year old too, but they are (I am learning this lingo) DS's instead of DD's. Our first Disney cruise, as well. Are you putting the kids in camp or using their babysitting services? Do you (or anyone else) know how the younger kids like the camp and what the thoughts are about the babysitting/nursery? (My husband and I want to do one night at Remy without the kids)[/QUOTE

Yea! Some more young ones!
I've heard from friends who have already cruised that the 4 year olds really liked the camp and the self-guided "scavenger hunt" on the ship is a must. Almost everyone said they didn't use the nursery nearly as much as they thought they would, but felt totally safe leaving their babies there when they did use it.
Do you have early or late dining? I heard the late dining could last until 10:30 and most of the younger kids fell asleep at the table

We actually booked the later seating. We figured that we can get the kids something to eat before the show at 6:15 and that way they will be awake for the show and then if the older one if still going at 8:30 we were told that they can get a rush order for food (forgot what it is called something like play and eat) and then the counselors come (if he wants to go and not sit at the table) until we are finished. Are you doing the earlier or later dinner seating?
The scavenger sounds like something my 4 y/o would enjoy..thanks for the tip

 

[Ceisen]

Hi Cher! Welcome! We took our daughter on our first Disney cruise when she was 4 also! She celebrated her 4th bday on Disney's Magic...fast forward 4 years later...she's 8 now and we're going on our 2nd Disney Cruise. 4 is a lovely age coz their eyes really twinkle when they see the princesses. Be sure to pack a couple of princess outfits to wear. I think there is a day where there is a Princess Meet and Greet Day.

Bring a photo mat (for a picture frame- any size u want) and then leave it at Guest Services with markers for the characters to sign. Of course, bring some goodies to thank the cast members when you drop it off. IF there is a night in the kids club (Goofy's pajama party) the kids are usually given a pillowcase to decorate. You can use the one that your daughter decorated, or ask for an extra one and drop that off at Guest Services to be signed. (I did these things on our last cruise and they make perfect souvenirs/reminders of our cruise) I brought a 16x20 (?) mat and it's still hanging in my DD's bedroom.

I just booked our shore excursions today! I booked a dinner with my DH at Remy and Parasailing on CC for my DH and DD. I also registered my DD for the kids club.

I'm looking at making some door magnets now. One of the DISers on our last cruise was so good at making door magnets, he made us some..including a surprise birthday one for my DD.

Happy planning!!!

Wow how exciting...I am sure your daughter will have a new set of eyes and it will be a whole new experience at 8 years old. Thanks so much for the great tips will definiately bring a picture frame and pillow case ...my 4 year old son will love to get autographs
Did your daughter 4 years ago do alot of the "camp" events. I think my son will enjoy it but I am not sure he will be willing to separate from us in a new environment.
Has anyone used the babysitting services? Do you have any recommendations besides a night out for dinner when is a good time to book the 10 hours of babysitting.
The martini tasting sounds like it is something my husband and I will enjoy but how do you find out times when you need to book the babysitting in advance?
Anyhow, thanks so much for the tips again all very helpful

 

[Ceisen]

Hi Cher. Glad you all joined us!

The Castaway 5K in the past has been very informal but has been getting more support from CM of late from recent trip reports. All you need to do is check the navigators for the Castaway Cay days. The meeting location for the 5K should be listed. Just show up with your running shoes on, sign up, get your bib and let the sweating begin! Lots of fun and makes me feel less guilty about pigging out and drinking multiple adult beverages the rest of the day.


Hello all. My name is Jay and I've been nominated to organize an adults get-together for some drinks during our trip. Apparently I may not look like Capt. Jack Sparrow, but I do occasionally walk like him with the proper liquid refreshemnts.

My DW and I are planning on doing a tasting or three (martini, beer, margherita, etc). Unfortunately, you can't book them until onboard so we have no idea when that will be. We plan on booking those as soon as our feet hit the ship so we'll know when we have an all-ages-inclusive meet & greet. (has anyone figured out when that will be? I'm assuming first day so we can find out any cabin changes for the FE) We can let you all know what tasting we're doing so if any other DISers can join us we'd love the company.

More to the point, I think we can set something less-structured up for our "coctail hour". While this will be our first outing on the Dream I'm thinking something laid back like 687 or Skyline. Any suggestions from the group is greatly appreciated. Day 1 is usually busy, so what do you think about mid-week? It would be a good opportunity to share stories and pointers for the remainder of the cruise. Plus folks are usually a little more relaxed a couple days in.

Let me know what you think. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to meeting you all and making some great memories and, hopefully, friendships.

Thanks for the info...we will definately look into the run
My husband, Marc and I would love the tastings...we are a little limited though as we have a one year old and I was told to book the 10 hrs we get of babysitting in advance as they book up fast..so if need be my husband and I can do a kind of tag team relay if it is an adult only thing (one with the kids, one with the drinks and then we could keep switching )
good to know about Palo vs Remy. Do they both fill up fast?
Getting more and more excited
Thanks again
Cher

 

[Tgrgrl]

A 1 and a 4 year old, should we bring a stroller to the Cay? What is the shade situation? We live in FL so we're used to the heat & sun but don't want the babies to stay outside for an extended time. Cabana rental is out of the question. How practical would it be to go back and forth to the ship during the day?

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Also about Pirate night - on my calendar that comes up with my cruise plans, it says that day 4 will have the Pirate party so this must be our Pirate night (vs. day 3) This may make a difference to some of you so I wanted to point it out!!

From Disney Website:
Day 4 ~ Wed, Jul 25 ~ At Sea ~ Pirate Deck Party

Thanks! I see that now! Pirate Night is Day 4! Woot!

 

[TempusFugit]

Thanks for the info...we will definately look into the run
if need be my husband and I can do a kind of tag team relay if it is an adult only thing (one with the kids, one with the drinks and then we could keep switching )
good to know about Palo vs Remy. Do they both fill up fast?
Getting more and more excited
Thanks again
Cher

I believe Palo and Remy hold back some reservation time slots until sail date so even if it is booked online you can still get reservations while onboard.- but I would hot-foot it over there when you arrive. Palo dinner is alway you best bet for availabilty even at the 75 day mark you should be able to get something.

Great to hear about the 5K. Come run with us! No need to worry about performance, I am a very slow runner. It frustrates my DW. She says I "mosey" along while jogging. Hey, I may be slow, but I'm like the Energizer Bunny! You just need to be at the appointed place and time the morning of Castaway Cay. It should be listed in the Navigators.

I like your tag-team system. We have done that many, many times with less fun things at home. It works. We won't know about the times for tastings until Day 1 onboard.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. We'll have a drink to all our birthdays on the Dream.

 

[LBollengier]

A 1 and a 4 year old, should we bring a stroller to the Cay? What is the shade situation? We live in FL so we're used to the heat & sun but don't want the babies to stay outside for an extended time. Cabana rental is out of the question. How practical would it be to go back and forth to the ship during the day?

As far as going back to the ship mid-day, I totally recommend it!! We used to cruise with little ones... Soon may take grand-kids!! LOL But it is quicker say than going back to the room from the parks to your room at WDW!! In my experience, Mom and Dad need naps as much as the kiddos at this point.

If nobody wants to be in the sun, you can find plenty of shade but if some of your clan wants to play on the beach while the rest stay in the shade - that is when it gets tricky!!

I had my 90 year old Grand-ma and had to ask some people if she could be under their umbrella in her wheelchair so I could be near her and watch my kiddos simultaneously!!

If you aren't one of the first ones off the ship getting an optimum place at the family beach isn't easy. Of course there have been some changes the last couple of years since we were there but I can only imagine it is worse with twice the people on these new ships!

If you cannot find shade the second C.Cay day, we have a whole big cabana and you can hang with your wee one there!! We were not able to snag one at midnight of day 105 for the first Castaway Day though!!

Check out this --- Link to a 5 day Navigator from this month!!
LissaW16's most excellent Trip Report!!

I am browsing pirate/wench stuff, I've only dressed up the kids for pirate night before but was considering??? Anybody else in our group do this?

Also I am worried a little for DD18, she's had so much fun on our past Disney Cruises but she met a bunch of kids the first day in the clubs/labs/Vibey places!!! Now she is too old for them! Once you hit 18 you are simply NOT allowed into the Vibe... I read they have a college get together, but from posts I read, they don't seem well attended. PLUS since she will be a couple weeks out of high school and not even driving yet, she is a very young 18 and well, I'm her mother and I worry too much!! LOL Any thoughts??

 

[Ceisen]

I am a little confused How did you find out the info on pirate/fireworks night? When I called they told me it is usually on the Tuesday night (which for our cruise is the 3rd night) and the semi formal night is usually on the Wednesday night (for us that would be the 4th night). They said however the personal navigtor is brought to the room and is always subject to change. We want to plan to make dinner reservations but did not want to do that on the pirate night. Can you tell me how you found out it was the 4th night (wed night)?
Thanks

 

[Ceisen]

I believe Palo and Remy hold back some reservation time slots until sail date so even if it is booked online you can still get reservations while onboard.- but I would hot-foot it over there when you arrive. Palo dinner is alway you best bet for availabilty even at the 75 day mark you should be able to get something.

Great to hear about the 5K. Come run with us! No need to worry about performance, I am a very slow runner. It frustrates my DW. She says I "mosey" along while jogging. Hey, I may be slow, but I'm like the Energizer Bunny! You just need to be at the appointed place and time the morning of Castaway Cay. It should be listed in the Navigators.

I like your tag-team system. We have done that many, many times with less fun things at home. It works. We won't know about the times for tastings until Day 1 onboard.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. We'll have a drink to all our birthdays on the Dream.

Thanks again for the info. Would love to run with you all. seems like you will get along well with my husband...slow runner...but a bit of an Energizer bunny too
One of us (or both) will join you all for the birthday drinks (even though it is not our birthday we'd love to drink to yours )