June 22, 2010 - 5-night to Key West

[VegasPixie]

Hi Jean! As the time gets closer I'm sure the chatter will increase (with the excitement!). Maybe a meetup can be planned at the terminal, although it seems like last time we cruised the group tried to plan a meet up at the terminal but everyone was getting in at different times, etc. I can definitely project that we'll probably be there as soon as it opens...we really like to get onboard and hit the pools, dive into "cruise mode" asap!

On our last cruise we did the Fish Extenders, and the kids really loved that. Is there any interest in Fish Extenders for this group?

 

[chiefdragon]

I have read so much on Fish Extenders and the meet ups that I would love to meet fellow DISers.

We got our mailer last week. I am so excited.

 

[chiefdragon]

DD who will be 5 the time of the cruise has already asked to put our count down on the wall. She wants to know where are the mickey heads mommy...because we leave the next night right. I finally told her that after the Easter Bunny comes we will put up our count down to the cruise. She was so happy and excited.

 

[VegasPixie]

We are getting very excited! Only one more week until we can start booking excursions! Anyone else booking something fun? We keep going back and forth on Key West excursions (should we do one of the tours or just go on our own), and even though many take a pass on Nassau, we've enjoyed the tours we've done; thinking about the snorkeling excursion there. As for CC, definitely want to rent snorkels and bikes! I also look forward to an opportunity for a Palo lunch (and maybe High Tea if it's offered).

Anyone else starting to line up their plans!

 

[JeanC]

Well, we are gold Castaway Cay members so we got to book excursions, Palo, etc. on March 9. Got our Palo brunch reservation for Thursday. On the 7 day cruises, they do Palo brunch only on sea days, but they are doing brunch on Wednesday (Key West day) and also on Thursday. I was really hoping to get a brunch reservation so that my daughter and her fiance could get to experience it. I was kind of surprised that I could book the brunch for all 4 of us. So I was delighted at 12:05 am on the 9th when I got Palo brunch for all of us. Not sure if they do high tea on this cruise. I don't remember seeing it, but then I wasn't looking for it.

We aren't planning to do any excursions. We will probably hit some stores in Key West, stay on the ship at Nassau and just enjoy the sun and beach and Cookie's BBQ at Castaway Cay.

Jean

 

[VegasPixie]

Thanks for the Palo info; good to know there will be two different days for the brunch, hopefully there will be a spot open when we go to book this Wednesday (or Tuesday night, not sure of what time that opens up since we are West Coast).

I was going to book a Key West excursion through DCL but after looking at a map and some local websites I think we might just book a snoreling excursion directly through the vendor. With Nassau, we've also looking at the snorkel excursion, but who knows, I've been really bad about over booking us on the last two cruises and then feeling more exhausted than relaxed at the end of it!

 

[JeanC]

If you can't get a Palo brunch reservation online, you will probably be able to get one after boarding. Until we became Gold CC members, I could never get Palo brunch online -- but I was always able to get in once we got onboard the ship. You need to get in the booking line as soon as you board, tho.

Jean

 

[chiefdragon]

We have not even thought of this yet. I know that we do not plan on doing any excursions this cruise. It will be hard with a 5 year old in tow - those little legs get tired real quick.

We have gone back and forth about Palo brunch, but I don't think DH really wants to do it. I keep asking, maybe I will get him to do it once we get on the boat.

 

[JeanC]

Oh my gosh -- The Palo brunch is something that should not be missed if you are lucky enuf to get a reservation. It is impossible to describe. The restaurant itself is beautiful and at the top of the ship with ocean views all around. Very elegant but also casual at brunch. There is so many different types of food on the buffet tables plus you can order dishes made to order -- omelets, Chicken Parmesan, breakfast pizza, etc. You also get a cocktail drink with the meal if you so desire. Just looking at the brunch tables is a beautiful experience.

Jean

 

[VegasPixie]

Oh my gosh -- The Palo brunch is something that should not be missed if you are lucky enuf to get a reservation. It is impossible to describe. The restaurant itself is beautiful and at the top of the ship with ocean views all around. Very elegant but also casual at brunch. There is so many different types of food on the buffet tables plus you can order dishes made to order -- omelets, Chicken Parmesan, breakfast pizza, etc. You also get a cocktail drink with the meal if you so desire. Just looking at the brunch tables is a beautiful experience.

Jean

We were lucky enough to get a brunch reservation on our "At Sea" day which works out since we wanted to explore Key West during the day! Was also able to get a dinner reservation on Nassau night. Honestly, there were many slots open when I logged in; granted it was 9 p.m. PST (midnight back east) so if you are on the West Coast definitely take a look "the night before" to see if you can start making your ressies. I feel back for the East-Coasters though, you're kinda stuck checking in at midnight.

DH and I also reserved a Rasul...we love the steam room and quiet time.

 

[JeanC]

Great that you were able to get your brunch reservation on our sea day (and dinner, too, altho that is not usually a problem). What time did you reserve for brunch? We are doing 10:30 (I think). Interesting that you were able to make your reservatons at 9 pm instead of having to wait up until midnight to do so. I'm sure you will enjoy both brunch and dinner. Be sure to get the dessert with the vanilla filling at dinner. My mind seems to be gone right now because I can't remember what it actually is. I just know that you have to order it when you choose your dinner selection because they prepare it so that it is warm when you eat it (chocolate with vanilla filling). Can't believe I don't remember what the actual dessert is. Your waiter will probably suggest it. If you have had dinner at Palo before, you will know what I mean.

Jean

 

[VegasPixie]

Hi Jean! I think we are 10:30 a.m. as well! Perhaps we'll get a chance to say hello!

BTW, just asking everyone again, is there any interest in Fish Extenders? I know we're just over 80 days out, but I'm such a plan-ahead-type. Anyways, if anyone is interested, I'd be happy to gather info and send out as the time gets closer! Post or PM me and let me know!

 

[chiefdragon]

I am so for the Fish Extenders...I really think my DD would love this idea ... ok even me.

 

[ljm23]

Hi everyone! We just booked for this sailing. This will be our first as GOLD CC members. We're very excited. It will be Myself, DH and DS(12) when we sail. Not sure about excursions, might do Atlantis this time since we've never done it. Looking forward to seeing the new water play area at castaway too.

 

[ljm23]

For those who are interested. I called DCL yesterday and they told me that the "dress up" day will be the sea day Thursday. Pirate night will be Friday after the day in Nassau. This is good news for us because in our previous cruises it was always after the day at Castaway and we'd be exhausted from being in the sun all day!
Where's everyone from? We're from Fishkill NY.

 

[VegasPixie]

We're from Nevada (I know, hard to tell with name like Vegaspixie huh? ). We actually live outside of Vegas in Henderson.

Thanks for sharing the info about the dress up day and pirate night!

 

[molette]

Thanks so much for the info!

We are in Ohio!

 

[molette]

I would love to do the FE! Let me know how/if/when/who lol!

 

[mem22]

Hi Everyone!

I'm ljm23's DH Mike! Like Laura said she just booked this for us and we love visiting the DIS boards to get us worked up for the cruise! I would love to do a meet n greet to get to know everyone and have a couple drinks! We have always done a meet at the Goofy pool at 3pm..starboard side (right side looking forward, terminal side). On our last cruise in November one of the DISers ordered lime green rubber wrist bands with the date of the cruise on it so we could all identify each other. I gotta tell you...it worked out GREAT! We spoke to people in the terminal, all around the ship and of course at the meet. If everyone wanted I could look them up and ship them out...they were very cheap. Either way I'm sure the three of us will wear ours. We'll be staying at the Radisson the night before. Where is everyone staying? 74 days till we sail!
Mike

 

[chiefdragon]

From Delaware