July 22, 2012 5 Night Bahamian Cruise

[TempusFugit]

Ok. I just took a look at the deck plans and descriptions and about 4 locations look like it might work for our pre-cruise get together.

1. The Bon Voyage -Deck 3 forward. It's major advantage is it's easy to find. It's right off the main atrium. It has a bar if anyone wants to start the cruise off right. But there is a small table area and looks like it would be fine for kids and idle conversation. On the down side it's right next to the shops onboard and would likely have a lot of foot traffic and my be a bit noisy.

2. D' Lounge - Deck 4 midship. This location may be a touch harder to find than Bon Voyage, but is only one deck up. It sits at the entry to the District but appears to be open to families during the day. Major plus is it appears much more cosy and will more likely be easier to hold a conversation. There is also a lot more seating here. Plus there's still a bar. (sense a theme here?)

3. The Vista Cafe - Deck 4 midship. This area is smaller and to the starboard side. Very easy to find as it is open to the atrium on the one side. Less tables but more couches. It will definately be louder than D' Lounge as it's right across from Shutters but probably less than Bon Voyage. I don't know if they serve coctails but there is a snackbar near by. This place seems about halfway between the previous two locales.

4. Topside on deck 12- Other than being outside it's major advantage is that we would be right by deck 11 where the Sailaway party kicks off. I anticipate a lot more foot traffic, especially with earlybirds hitting the Aquaduck nearby. Also, in July, it may be very hot so some folks might feel like they're melting. Depending on where on the deck it may be a bit of a hike to get a drink as well. This would be my last choice but I thought I'd include it just in case.

Well, ladies and gents, those are my suggestions for a Meet and Greet. Consensus so far is that 3 PM will work out well. Plese chime in and give your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Ok. I just took a look at the deck plans and descriptions and about 4 locations look like it might work for our pre-cruise get together.

1. The Bon Voyage -Deck 3 forward. It's major advantage is it's easy to find. It's right off the main atrium. It has a bar if anyone wants to start the cruise off right. But there is a small table area and looks like it would be fine for kids and idle conversation. On the down side it's right next to the shops onboard and would likely have a lot of foot traffic and my be a bit noisy.

2. D' Lounge - Deck 4 midship. This location may be a touch harder to find than Bon Voyage, but is only one deck up. It sits at the entry to the District but appears to be open to families during the day. Major plus is it appears much more cosy and will more likely be easier to hold a conversation.
There is also a lot more seating here. Plus there's still a bar. (sense a theme here?)

3. The Vista Cafe - Deck 4 midship. This area is smaller and to the starboard side. Very easy to find as it is open to the atrium on the one side.
Less tables but more couches. It will definately be louder than D' Lounge as
it's right across from Shutters but probably less than Bon Voyage. I don't
know if they serve coctails but there is a snackbar near by. This place seems
about halfway between the previous two locales.

4. Topside on deck 12- Other than being outside it's major advantage is that we would be right by deck 11 where the Sailaway party kicks off. I
anticipate a lot more foot traffic, especially with earlybirds hitting the Aquaduck nearby. Also, in July, it may be very hot so some folks might feel like they're
melting. Depending on where on the deck it may be a bit of a hike to get a
drink as well. This would be my last choice but I thought I'd include it just in
case
Well, ladies and gents, those are my suggestions for a Meet and Greet. Consensus so far is that 3 PM will work out well. Plese chime in and give your thoughts. Thanks!

Ok, we've never been on the dream either, but the D Lounge sounds good to me. But I'll go with the majority. It doesn't really matter where we meet... I just wanna meet you guys!

 

[LBollengier]

3PM should work for us as well! We've only sailed on the Wonder and Magic but we are open to whatever sounds like a good idea to ya'll!! I vote for an inside location as I will be melting!! We have heat in Texas but the humidity in mid afternoon on the ship will be pretty rough!! PLUS - We'll join you in a toast as well!! (noting theme!!)


Some of the lounges on the other ships were occupied at these times by the Dining reps to do dining choice changes.. Plus other groups to handle last minute ressies! But they never took up the whole place... We're happy with any of the "cool" places!! Thank you for figuring all of this out for us!!

My ticker says 2 months and 21 days until CRUISE day!! Woot

 

[LBollengier]

I am a little confused and am wondering if you all that have taken the cruises previously with younger kids can you help. My husband and I are wanting to make dinner reservations at least one night without the kids. The one yr old is no problem because he can sleep in the nursery but it is our 4 year old that i amconcerned about That late at night he is going to want to go to sleep and chances are he is not going to want to sleep away from us especially at a camp. Did any of you have a similar dilemma? Do you know the ration of counselors to kids especially at night? Are the 12 year olds mixed in the same room as the 4 year olds? And any of info you have as to how this "camp" works
Also have any of you taken the glass bottom boat in CC. Is it worth it?

Meet and greet 3 ish sounds good whatever you alll think works for us.

Thanks so much

No don't worry, they totally separate the ages!! They do rotate around for activities during the day - just for the adventure!! At night there will be groups that the ages are all very close. There is a larger ratio for counselor to kids the older they get, but, there always seemed to be a lot of counselors - all sweet and with smiles for the kiddos!!

At night they make the areas conducive to rest of their sleepy heads! All lay around on bean bags or sleeping bags and the area is darkened with - guess what??? DISNEY MOVIES!! I remember some nights they were visited by GOofy and other characters as well. Our kids always wanted to go once they were 4! I worried more than anybody but they never once called me on the pager or phone to come get them!

Believe me, Disney knows how to do the kids!! We went on other Cruise lines and they were a total joke for the kids...

At Castaway, we have never taken the Glass Bottom boat but it sounds like a wonderful way to see all of the undersea area!! We did the stingray thing when Faith was about 4 and it was really educational as well as fun!

 

[TempusFugit]

Some of the lounges on the other ships were occupied at these times by the Dining reps to do dining choice changes.. Plus other groups to handle last minute ressies! But they never took up the whole place... We're happy with any of the "cool" places!! Thank you for figuring all of this out for us!!

My ticker says 2 months and 21 days until CRUISE day!! Woot

This is a great point but, as you say, it's doubtful the entire space will be used if some CMs are set up at any location. Personally I favor the D' Lounge or Vista cafe in that order. It should be easier to talk and make introductions. Also, if for some reason the D' Lounge is unavailable, it's only a short shuffle down the hall to Vista cafe as a back up.

Let's give it a couple days for other opinions. Please contribute any plusses or minuses you may see. We can set plans firmly by this weekend.

Now....off to bed!

 

[tamihong]

Good choices Jay. We agree, first choice D'Lounge and secondary Vista cafe at 3:00pm.

 

[LBollengier]

Okay, I vote for D-Lounge at 3PM!! Looking forward to the DREAM!!

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Drooling over the menu
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2885724

I'm expecting to gain some weight

 

[TempusFugit]

Great...now I'm hungry!

I'm with you, though. Gonna put on a few pounds on this one! I guess I'll have to put in a little more workout time before...

 

[tamihong]

Yumm, another thing to look forward too.

After looking at the kids menus, I realized that my 13 year old son would be better suited for the adult menu. He's not really your typical chicken nugget / mac and cheese kid. However, he is now a typical teen boy - always hungry

Will he be able to order from the adult menu?

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Yumm, another thing to look forward too.

After looking at the kids menus, I realized that my 13 year old son would be better suited for the adult menu. He's not really your typical chicken nugget / mac and cheese kid. However, he is now a typical teen boy - always hungry

Will he be able to order from the adult menu?

Yes he can! He can even order more than 1 entree. My DD8 will be ordering steak and ribs

 

[Gr00vyChc]

I gave up on making or looking for probable FE's, so I just ordered mine from Etsy (Thanks LBollengier )

 

[TempusFugit]

Ha! Yeah we ordered one too. It's not that I wouldn't want to make one- it's just a matter of time and prioritization. Grass needs to be mowed, garden planted, hockey practice and swim lessons this week....oh did I mention going to work???.... Plus the available FEs for order are sooooo very nice looking.

On a different note.... since there has been no objection..The "July Double-Dippers" Meet and Greet will be held on Sunday, embarkation day, July 22nd at 3 PM at D'Lounge. If, for some reason, the D' lounge is unavailable the Vista Cafe down the hall, just fore to D' Lounge will be the backup. The get-together will run as long as those willing or until previous or mandatory engagements require. I'll try to bring nametags and a sharpie for all who'd like. It might make is easier to put a face to a screen name . At that time, anyone who has changed cabins from the list Tami will provide please update her so we can all know where to drop FE gifts. With luck DW and I will have booked some adult beverage tastings and can let anyone know who is interested in joining us. Realling looking forward to meeting you all!

 

[TempusFugit]

I believe we are 75 days out. Any first-timers should be able to book onboard fun right?

Best of luck and let us know how you do.

 

[Tgrgrl]

I believe we are 75 days out. Any first-timers should be able to book onboard fun right?

Best of luck and let us know how you do.

Tried to on-line book and it said unavailable until May 8 so I guess it has to be UNDER 75 days. Grrrrrrr!

 

[TempusFugit]

If that's the case, at least you're on even footing with everyone else. Chin up and keep at it! Let us know how you do.

 

[Gr00vyChc]

I've read somewhere that if you don't get Palo or any of the other ressie that you want, keep on checking because some open up. Also, go straight to the excursion desk first thing when you get on the ship (no, I'm not diverting you from the Aquaduck)

On our last cruise, just this April on another cruiseline that rhymes with shmarnival the Dolphin swim was sold out online, but as soon as we boarded, we tried the Shore excursion desk and it was available! So, the 3 of us got to swim with the dolphins after all!

I hope you get to book whatever you want!!

 

[tamihong]

Yes, I am up and had some success.

Our activities are reserved. We wanted the Wild Side Teen Adventure GOT IT!
We were thinking about Palo Brunch but really thought it was a long shot - GOT IT!

Couldn't get bikes for all of us on the first day at CC but I will keep checking, not a big deal, just thought it could be fun.

Now starts the long wait. I should have taken a nap. I thought I was a late owl. How come every other night I have a hard time falling asleep or wake up frequently, but tonight, right now, I could sleep like a baby.

Sorry, I am just rambling to pass the time.

Hope others are getting what they want. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Diana Schulz]

I'm up and can't register!! Our cruise is paid in full, has been for a couple of weeks. The site may be too busy. I am going to try again, if I am not successful...I'm off to bed!

Tami, glad you were able to schedule what you wanted.

Let me know about the Meet & Greet. Haven't been Dis Boards, I've been busy getting ready for a family wedding in San Diego. I'm home now ready to start planning our vacation

 

[tamihong]

I'm finished

Got an 11:00-11:30 arrival time


Diana, hope things are going better than before.

I must admit I was really worried that it would be much more involved than it was. I'm just glad I read all the posts regarding online check-in. I had all my ducks in a row thanks to the DISers.

Now off to bed!!!!!