July 22, 2015 * 12-night Northern European Cruise!

[pilawpina]

Posting again (sorry everyone!!!) Still trying to get to 10 to send a PM.

 

[pilawpina]

Curious as to what kinds of goodies and trinkets people leave for Fish Extender ... looks like so much fun and I think my son would have a blast trying to think of items to share with new friends. (Also still trying to get to 10 so that I can PM Deb T).

 

[pilawpina]

We got everything we wanted. I was surprised at how many options were still available. Much more so than our med cruise in 2013. Even got Palo dinner and brunch plus massages on sea days!

Since DH was interested in doing something different from us in Copenhagen we will likely keep those. DS and I did a half day am on the first day then we will head to Tivoli on our own. DH will meet up with us after his tour. Second day will be on our own or with a friend who lives there.

Stockholm is the one we may cancel. Only half day and we might have better options just haven't done any research.

Helsinki we have one of the full day tours...may keep it or add to our tour with TJ.

St Petersburg we are using TJ tours. My parents used them q couple of years ago for a 4 city tour and raved about them. We are planning a 2 day sm group with them - if anyone wants details pm me. And then I think we will do a private tour in the evening as DH and I want to go to dinner then do some evening photography around town.

Tallinn - we are just going to wander. Its such a short day I think it will be nice to relax and just see the scenery, take some pictures, get some souvenirs, etc.

Ooooohhh ... jealous about that Palo Brunch. I'm hoping we can get near the top of the waiting list upon embarkation.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Ooooohhh ... jealous about that Palo Brunch. I'm hoping we can get near the top of the waiting list upon embarkation.

If you get on reasonably fast in Dover and go straight to where they secure Palo bookings you should get a slot. Good luck.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Curious as to what kinds of goodies and trinkets people leave for Fish Extender ... looks like so much fun and I think my son would have a blast trying to think of items to share with new friends. (Also still trying to get to 10 so that I can PM Deb T).

FE can be so many things, often things based on the cruisers home town, but useful items pens and writing pads magnets. Etc.

 

[ctnurse]

Curious as to what kinds of goodies and trinkets people leave for Fish Extender ... looks like so much fun and I think my son would have a blast trying to think of items to share with new friends. (Also still trying to get to 10 so that I can PM Deb T).

There are a lot of goodies that people give for a FE. If you google FE, you can find some really great ideas. There is also a FE group on that place we can't mention. I wish I was crafty because I would love to partake in a FE.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

There are a lot of goodies that people give for a FE. If you google FE, you can find some really great ideas. There is also a FE group on that place we can't mention. I wish I was crafty because I would love to partake in a FE.

Agree however anyone can get involved. There are different crafts some people are good at some things and not as good on others. Always worth a try.

 

[ctnurse]

Agree however anyone can get involved. There are different crafts some people are good at some things and not as good on others. Always worth a try.

Very true.

 

[Celestine]

FE gifts vary greatly from the useful - cruise survival kits containing band aid, clothes peg, highlighters, to the edible - chocolate & candy, commemorative - pins, magnets, pens, home made - towels, bags, memo boards and shop bought - glow sticks, postcards, playing cards. Some have been themed - pirates, Disney, others from where the participant lives. Bottom line, everything & anything goes...as long as you can get it there! It is great fun and not about my gift was worth x$, but that gift was only worth y$.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

FE gifts vary greatly from the useful - cruise survival kits containing band aid, clothes peg, highlighters, to the edible - chocolate & candy, commemorative - pins, magnets, pens, home made - towels, bags, memo boards and shop bought - glow sticks, postcards, playing cards. Some have been themed - pirates, Disney, others from where the participant lives. Bottom line, everything & anything goes...as long as you can get it there! It is great fun and not about my gift was worth x$, but that gift was only worth y$.

Great advice.

 

[pilawpina]

FE gifts vary greatly from the useful - cruise survival kits containing band aid, clothes peg, highlighters, to the edible - chocolate & candy, commemorative - pins, magnets, pens, home made - towels, bags, memo boards and shop bought - glow sticks, postcards, playing cards. Some have been themed - pirates, Disney, others from where the participant lives. Bottom line, everything & anything goes...as long as you can get it there! It is great fun and not about my gift was worth x$, but that gift was only worth y$.

Thanks everyone for all of the great feedback! I think we'll have a lot of fun participating!!!

 

[pilawpina]

Last one to make 10! Boo yeah!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Thanks everyone for all of the great feedback! I think we'll have a lot of fun participating!!!

Enjoy

Last one to make 10! Boo yeah!

Great.

 

[Deb T.]

Curious as to what kinds of goodies and trinkets people leave for Fish Extender ... looks like so much fun and I think my son would have a blast trying to think of items to share with new friends. (Also still trying to get to 10 so that I can PM Deb T).

I received your PM and you're all set! I'm so glad you decided to give the FE Exchange a try! I think they're a LOT of fun.

As for what to give, it's completely up to you. I know that's not much help, but my philosophy is that the FE Exchange should be a fun enhancement to your cruise experience, so there's no pressure. As mentioned earlier, there are several threads on the main board that discuss ideas for FE gifts. We've received some really nice items (handmade zippered coin pouches, handmade luggage handle covers, Disney luggage tags, ink pens personalized with our cruise date and itinerary, Disney water bottles, Disney pins, etc. Some people give items from Dollar Stores, some are handmade, and some are been bought in bulk from websites that sell trinkets like the Oriental Trading Company. Often, we receive stickers, candy, glow sticks, lanyards, luggage tags, magnets, mugs, frames, etc., with themes such as pirates, beach, cruise, tropical, hometown, holiday, etc. My personal favorites to receive are glow sticks (we use them for nightlights in the cabin!), luggage tags, and chocolates, but I'm happy just to find new things in my FE!

 

[Deb T.]

There are a lot of goodies that people give for a FE. If you google FE, you can find some really great ideas. There is also a FE group on that place we can't mention. I wish I was crafty because I would love to partake in a FE.

I promise, you don't need to be crafty. German chocolate would be the perfect treat to give!!

 

[ynspire]

I have been sitting on the fence regarding the fish exchange but my kids really enjoyed it last time around and have been asking about it now that the cruise date is close. I think I only need a few more posts so I can send that private message.

 

[ynspire]

Thanks to everyone for all their tips. I'm more of a lurker but I appreciate all the great info.

 

[Karen727]

For us who said "no more than 20" will we be given a list of staterooms that we are to give to? I've only done this one other time and I was on the late list so I did people on the late only. Just wondering how this one is going to be done. Last time we did special things for the kids, per age.

 

[Deb T.]

For us who said "no more than 20" will we be given a list of staterooms that we are to give to? I've only done this one other time and I was on the late list so I did people on the late only. Just wondering how this one is going to be done. Last time we did special things for the kids, per age.

Hi Karen, I will be sending out FE Groups mid-June that will list your group's cabin numbers, names, ages of kids, and any allergy considerations. There are no rules or guidelines to this FE Exchange (other than it's not just for kids since we have at least 4 cabins of adults traveling without children who are signed up). It's up to you if you'd like to do one surprise per cabin or a separate treat for everyone in each cabin (I've done it both ways in the past). The main thing is just to have fun!

 

[krisinparis]

Quick question regarding the FE-- I said "no more than 40"-- and assumed it was 40 cabins/ families. Is that the case or was I saying no more than 40 people total?