June 18, 2010 - WONDERful Waverun - Bahamas 4-Night

[mom2aidanNpiper]

Hi Kari!
Welcome aboard!
I'm so sorry it took me so long to reply to you! It's been...shall we say hectic...in my household. I'm in process of a career change...which is daunting to say the least.
Talk to you all soon!

Congrats? on the career change! Hope it was a planned change (or at least a change that works for your family)!

4 months to go! Wooo! I just started making door signs and figuring out possible touring stuff for us for the parks (before and after) and still researching shore excursions. Both kids really want to do the dolphins on blue island, so that's a go (assuming there are spots open when my time to book opens) and then my DD wants to do stingrays and my DS wants to go parasailing. I'm thinking if I can do both I will- it's a god way to spend quality time one on one with them

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

Hey all! Ok, I know this topic has been all over the boards but I don't really want to scour the pages of threads

Looking at my budget for 2011 it's pretty tight- we initialy were going to take a ABD trip- but that would cost us upwards of $15000 to do it (inc airfare) and my youngest will only be 6. I think another year (so I'll have a 7 and 11 yr old) would be better - and not have me touch my savings

So for 2011 the kids asked to go to Mexcio. Random, but then I remembered that DCL offers a cruise there. So we are thinking of doing the 7 night Mexican Riviera and then doing DL for a few days before or after. his would cost me about half of what the ABD trip would be (and that's going all out with staying at the GC hotel, lots of spending and shore excursions). Seems the better option for us next year assuming the kids and I like cruising).

My question- how does onboard booking work? What is the typical discount, and how much OBC is there? Should I refer my TA or just stick with DCL? When is it best to rebook? Sea day? Late night? Do I need an apt?

What happens if I book and they come up with a deal later on (kids sail free, etc) can I call and adjust my reservation?

Thanks a ton everyone!

 

[Smileneyes]

Hey all! Ok, I know this topic has been all over the boards but I don't really want to scour the pages of threads

Looking at my budget for 2011 it's pretty tight- we initialy were going to take a ABD trip- but that would cost us upwards of $15000 to do it (inc airfare) and my youngest will only be 6. I think another year (so I'll have a 7 and 11 yr old) would be better - and not have me touch my savings

So for 2011 the kids asked to go to Mexcio. Random, but then I remembered that DCL offers a cruise there. So we are thinking of doing the 7 night Mexican Riviera and then doing DL for a few days before or after. his would cost me about half of what the ABD trip would be (and that's going all out with staying at the GC hotel, lots of spending and shore excursions). Seems the better option for us next year assuming the kids and I like cruising).

My question- how does onboard booking work? What is the typical discount, and how much OBC is there? Should I refer my TA or just stick with DCL? When is it best to rebook? Sea day? Late night? Do I need an apt?

What happens if I book and they come up with a deal later on (kids sail free, etc) can I call and adjust my reservation?

Thanks a ton everyone!

When you book onboard, you'll get a 10% discount on the base cruise price (doesn't include a discount for transports, ins., etc.). You'll also receive an onboard credit. I think, for the seven day cruises, the OBC is $200.00. You can refer your travel agent's name, and they will receive credit for the booking. The rebooking desk has scheduled times for availability. Sea days are usually busier. I usually find the most success going as soon as it opens on a given day.

I can't say for certain about the "later deal" question...but typically you can call DCL (if there is a better deal) and cancel the existing one and have them book the better deal, transferring your deposit. Your TA may have better info on this than I do, since I don't work with a TA.

Good luck!

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

When you book onboard, you'll get a 10% discount on the base cruise price (doesn't include a discount for transports, ins., etc.). You'll also receive an onboard credit. I think, for the seven day cruises, the OBC is $200.00. You can refer your travel agent's name, and they will receive credit for the booking. The rebooking desk has scheduled times for availability. Sea days are usually busier. I usually find the most success going as soon as it opens on a given day.

I can't say for certain about the "later deal" question...but typically you can call DCL (if there is a better deal) and cancel the existing one and have them book the better deal, transferring your deposit. Your TA may have better info on this than I do, since I don't work with a TA.

Good luck!

Thanks! I'm a little worried booking 8 months out but I think I'll be okay with it not filling (since it's a late Feb cruise). Am I correct in that the deposit is half off at that time of booking or does that not apply anymore?

Thanks a ton for the info!!

 

[Smileneyes]

Thanks! I'm a little worried booking 8 months out but I think I'll be okay with it not filling (since it's a late Feb cruise). Am I correct in that the deposit is half off at that time of booking or does that not apply anymore?

Thanks a ton for the info!!

Wow...I'm not sure. If I recall, we were able to get the 50% discount for booking this cruise and for Alaska. I "thought" it was a special promotion, and I don't recall the reduction when we booked in 2008.

 

[kar529]

Hi, Kari.
I have a 12 year old boy who will be on the cruise. Does your daughter have facebook? Maybe the two of them could "meet" that way.

Laura

Hi Laura,

You mentioned that your son does facebook. My daughter now has a page. Would it be possible for them to chat a little that way before the cruise?
It'd be nice for them to have a familiar face on the cruise - someone their age. How should we go about doing that? Can you send me his name via email? Did you say your traveling with some other kids (cousins?) that age as well?

Looking forward to the cruise!!

Kari

 

[TAKitty]

Checking back in. Counting down the days until I can book our Palo brunch. I don't think we want to miss a dinner in the dining room.

I wrote a book called Kid Tips for Walt Disney World--Touring Advice by Kids for Kids of ALL Ages. I am finishing up the last couple of sections and posted a survey for kids. If your children are between the ages of 6-15, they can take the survey at http://vacationfieldguides.com/kid-tip-survey

I'm excited to be leaving for a quick trip to WDW this week. I just hope it warms up in Florida.

Also, about the 50% deposit, I'm not sure they are doing that anymore. I had to pay full price for this cruise, but the cruise last year I did get the 50% off.

 

[b00kw0rm429]

Hi Laura,

You mentioned that your son does facebook. My daughter now has a page. Would it be possible for them to chat a little that way before the cruise?
It'd be nice for them to have a familiar face on the cruise - someone their age. How should we go about doing that? Can you send me his name via email? Did you say your traveling with some other kids (cousins?) that age as well?

Looking forward to the cruise!!

Kari

Hi, Kari...my email is lfordyce@roadrunner.com. Email me her name and I will have him look her up. My neice is 15 and my nephew is 18. They are all great kids. My daughter (7) will also be with us. It will be great to have other kids for them all to hang out with!

Just booked our room at Country Inn and Suites for the night before...getting so excited!

 

[b00kw0rm429]

Funny... I just noticed that our trip countdowns are not all the same! Wonder why?

 

[b00kw0rm429]

When can we reserve our dinner at Palo's?

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

Funny... I just noticed that our trip countdowns are not all the same! Wonder why?

I set my cruise countdown clock for Fri the 18th. Did you set yours for the day that you fly in (if you are arriving early)? That's why I have 2 One for my pre trip and then one that is for my cruise/WDW post trip.

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

When can we reserve our dinner at Palo's?

If you are a first time cruiser (not a castaway member) our date is April 4th I believe (or around there). You can look online to see. It's the day of or after our final payment is due. Which is 75 days out. You can then book Palo, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.

 

[b00kw0rm429]

Just testing my Ticker!

 

[b00kw0rm429]

It's official...my family thinks that I have lost my mind. I'm addicted to reading the boards and planning my trip. I have been dreaming in "disney" for about the last week. Now how fun is that? It's like getting a cruise for free!

Can't wait to get more action going on this thread! I am interested in getting to know you all!

I order to get it all started...Where are you from? How many children and how old? What do you hope to get out of your vacation? (rest, excitement, excursions?)

We are sailing with 9 people...2 families with children and my MIL who has graciously planned and funded our trip. My children (DD7 and DS12) are over the moon and cannot wait! I too am very excited, for a number of reason...vacation, food, time with hubby and kids, you name it. I am also excited to be able to workout on the ship in preparation for the triathlon I will participate in when I get home. (Notice I said participate...not compete!) I envision runs around the deck, spin classes in the fitness center and swims in the ocean. Anyone want to join me? I am slow at everything, just so you know in advance! Of course I will not gain even a pound due to all of my hard work

We will then have a house in Orlando for the following week and will do all of the parks before heading home to Northwestern PA. My DH and I are both teachers , so although we have odd jobs in the summer, it is just the beginning of some needed down time. (Kids' activities, 2 jobs, workouts, masters program has about done us in this winter...not to mention the snow! )

Well...that's all for now! Next...?

Laura

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

I'm addicted to the boards as of late. My kids just roll their eyes at me. lol. You are lucky you are dreaming good dreams about disney! I'm currently planning 3 trips at the moment (over the next 15 months) and when I get so immersed like that I start to dream horror travel dreams- you know- where all of the sudden you have an hour before your flight leaves and you aren't packed and you feel out of control. yeah, that's my dreams lately

I am a single momma of 2 great kids- we've had a rough couple years (I've battled cancer and my son hsa OCD, anxiety, trichotillomania & sensory issues) so for us- it's just a matter of being AWAY together. Because we've never cruised before, and Aidan's issues I'm not sure how much "alone" time i will get, but I'm hoping for the best. We are all about excursions- both kids want to do the dolphins at Blue Lagoon, Piper wants to do Stingrays at CC and Aidan wants to do parasailing with me.

We are leaving the Tuesday night before the cruise and flying red eye cross-country (we are in Seattle), getting in Wed morning. We are doing lazy hotel and DTD day (we are at CBR) and then Thursday we are doing Universal to see Harry Potter world. My DD is OBSESSED with Harry Potter. She grasps the concepts and complexities of the storylines more than my DS does.

Then After the cruise we are doing 6 days at Disney, staying at the Contemporary. 2 days each MK and Epcot, and one day at AK and DHS. We are taking a very laid back approach to touring though- as neither of my kids are huge ride kids and thrill rides are out because my DS hates coasters. So it should be fairly relaxing (right?? lol).

Then home.

Oh- and about working out- I am a gym nut!! I used ot be a yoga instructor and taught ballet for years (I studied myself for 16), but then after 2 kids and then the whole cancer thing I let my body go soft. My next door neighbor and I have been hitting the gym 5 times a week since Jan 1 So as long as my kiddos fair well in the kids clubs- I'm all for working out with you! I'm training for my first half marathon.

 

[b00kw0rm429]

Jess,
I am gearing up for a 10k in May. My training starts the week after St. Patrick's Day...I had dreams of a 1/2 marathon and was up to about 5 miles and started to have knee problems. (I have had 3 arthroscopics since high school.) Last summer I started training for a sprint tri to take some pressure off my knee. that was very difficult for me because I couldn't swim (fall in, save myself-that was about it) and had a serious water phobia. It took me 4 months to be able put my face in the water and to actually swim the distance. I did my tri in Oct. in a race that had a pool swim. This year have a 10 K goal-just once maybe, but we'll see what happens, then an Olympic Triathon-relay team. I have the bike leg. 3 Sprint triathlons after that. Not bad for an ALMOST (not quite yet!) 40 year old mom.

I am supposed to have my gallbladder out March 18th that may put a wrench in my plans! I have opinion #3 on Monday and expect that she will tell me that I don't need it. Long story...

I know what you mean about going soft...my reason is not nearly as serious as yours, but the stomach issue got me off track, and it's been hard to get going again. Two weeks ago I worked out once, last week twice, this week three times...you get the picture! I'm working up to it! Once the 3 feet of snow melts and it's still light at 5 pm, it should be easier!

BTW did you know that every CC day there as an 8:30 am 5K run around the island? You get a magic moment certificate for doing it. Sounds fun if you like running in 90 degree heat, which you might be used to! It is about 23 degrees here now, but hopefully I'll be more acclimated to heat before the cruise.

I have an Aidan also, only mine is a girl!



As for my earlier question about the tickers being different...that was my "airhead" moment. I didn't even think that some of the posts I was reading were from a day or two earlier! I just assumed everyone's should look like mine!

Laura

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

I have a HUGE water phobia- the kids and I all took swimming lessons last year (they are better swimmers than me) and I still have my panic moments - I can't get side breathing down. lol. I'm good with flippers, but in general I dislike being in the water. I'm only 30 but I was the oldest one in my swim class and I felt kinda dumb So I stopped going. I am going to go with the kids to the pool a lot before vacation though.

Funny your Aidan is a girl I fell in love with the name when I visited my fam in Ireland as a teenager, and it's a common name there. I decided whether he was a boy or girl to name him Aidan. Now the name is SO popular- and I had people ask me how to spell it, saying they had never heard of it. lol. Before the wave of popularity!

As for the 5k on CC- the heat may bug me... I am a Seattlite at heart- and while our coldest temps this year were in the teens, and it's currently in the 50's, we avg about 70 as a high for the summer I am not a sun lover I like a cold breeze or rain when I run. lol. But who knows- I may like it.

 

[b00kw0rm429]

We have a Scottish/Irish background as well. My DS is Keegan... Love the Irish names!


Laura
(Watching 8 more inches accumulated on top of what we already had...is it June yet?)

 

[b00kw0rm429]

Seriously...if there are only 5 of us for our fish extender-you are all getting some really nice presents!

 

[KerryAnn]

This is my first time on this page. I am 10 yrs. old and I am going on the Wonder cruise.

Is the cruise fun?