Just back from West Coast Cruise - any questions?

[Mickeyfan66]

diznefan76 - Thanks for the information about the Pirate Sail & Snorkel. Just how much movement is there on the pirate boat? Is it kind of rocky or really rocky? We have it reserved and I really want to do it, but I'm concerned about motion sickness.

It was really rough on the water, but I am lucky that I am not prone to Sea Sickness. There were several people of all ages getting sick, so if you are prone to Sea Sickness, I would take caution before scheduling this.

 

[dreamflight99]

Meskamooska~Here are my answers to your queries...please post any more you may have. Hope these help!!

What time did you arrive at the port and what time were you allowed to board? We arrived at 2:00 pm, and did not board until 4:00 pm, and we were in the CASTAWAY line! This is the LONGEST we have EVER had to wait for processing. We were told the previous week's inaugural cruise was even WORSE, and took LONGER on average. They are working on a new program, and it's supposedly getting better. It's a FAR CRY from the smoothness of PORT CANAVERAL. Ifyou have TWO PEOPLE with you, I'd advise splitting up and having one stand in each line...when one approaches the counter...call (walkie talkie or cell phone) the other and summon them to your line!

*Are they doing auctions on the West Coast cruises? YES

*Is there any special merchandise available to commemorate the event? Yes, lots in the auctions...and also in MICKEY'S MATE & TREASURE KETCH!

*what time did you disembark and what time did you have your shuttle scheduled to come and get you? Disembarked at about 10:25...but the line (passport line is a little shorter/faster), took at least 60-80 minutes to get from the ship to immigration. Again, split up and have people in your party stand in different lines...it's the QUICKEST way to get through.
We did not use the shuttle...as we drove home (less than an hour!!)!!!!

*What pier does the ship leave from? BERTH #93

*Do you by any chance know if Shutter's will download pictures and put them on disk so that you can reuse your memory card? Yes, I heard someone mentioning this...so I certainly believe they will.

*Do we need an adapter for any plug in items? NO...but If you have more than one item, I'd advise using a strip and bringing an extension cord. ALSO, if you need an extra plug while sitting at the vanity, remember to look behind the television (it slides out), as there is an extra one available there.

*TIP===PLEASE NOTE: Also...there are a LIMITED # of room filters (fans for circulating and purifying the air...also acts as soft WHITE NOISE for better sleeping!), aboard the ship for guest use. As soon as you board and enter your stateroom, ask your stateroom host to OBTAIN one for your room! These are the BEST things onboard, and will make your trip much more enjoyable. ^_^

*What did you like best on the menu? LOBSTER (the TAIL is huge...a good 18-oz or more), Scallops with the fettucine, prime rib...and the shrimp.

*Was there anything that you did not like on the menus? No. Because if there was, the wait staff would bend over backwards to make something you do enjoy!

*Did you do the Tea at Palo and is it worth trying to get a reservation for that? YES...it's the BEST thing I enjoy at PALO.

*If you have the main dinner seating does that mean that you have breakfast & lunch at the "main" times as well? Only on the last morning, for disembarking the ship. All other days, you may dine whenever you like for these two meals.

*Are the beverages at the beverage bar limited to water, coffee & tea or are there sodas as well? SODAS are all included. Therefore, if you are going to enjoy a movie, make time to run up top and grab a soda with a lid/straw to enjoy with that delicious $1.50 BIG BAG of buttered popcorn!!

*[/b]Should we bring our own container if we want to bring drinks back to the stateroom? [/b] This is not necessary. The cups are always available. Your stateroom host will keep a full container of ICE in your room at your request. Also, room service will deliver a PITCHER of ICE COLD FRESH WATER upon request. It's very good, and so is the FRESH-BREWED ICED TEA they deliver in nice icy TALL WAVY GLASSES! I would recommend keeping a stack of $1 bills handy to tip room service as well.


TTFN...DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

Dreamflight99, no fair. I asked on the second day of the cruise. I asked the two bars on deck 9 and was told the same thing both times, that they were not allowed to sell them anymore.

That's so sad. I only asked once, as I did not want to keep them in my stateroom the entire week. I asked at the gift shop, and she told me to ask at the bar around the corner (preludes...just outside the gift shop on the way to the Walt Disney Theater). The CM's name is LENROY, and he is SOOO nice! He asked me HOW MANY I needed? I said 10, and he said, "are you sure that's all you need?" He told me he would have to have someone go to the storeroom to get them, and to check back in an hour. I did, at about 6:00pm---and he had them in a bag, ready to go! I was impressed to see they were all wrapped in the shrink wrap...making them even BETTER to give as gifts to friends and family!

I just want to make sure anyone taking an upcoming cruise is aware these are still available for sale. At $3 a pop...they are definitely one of the BEST BARGAINS on the ship (I wish I would have bought MORE).

Again, sorry you were misinformed. I was never told no, but would have literally SCREAMED had they told me NO! Especially, since the item was listed for sale in the Navigator!!! Maybe you can contact DCL customer service, and inform them of this discrepancy. You may be able to obtain them via mail. Good luck.

DF99

 

[diznefan76]

diznefan76 - Thanks for the information about the Pirate Sail & Snorkel. Just how much movement is there on the pirate boat? Is it kind of rocky or really rocky? We have it reserved and I really want to do it, but I'm concerned about motion sickness.

As Mickeyfan66 stated...the Pirate ship really rocks!!! On the Magic you really only feel the up and down motion of the ship since the Magic has stabilizers...but the Pirate ship you feel it ALL!!! UP, Down, Side to Side. There were probably about 65-70 people on the ship and I would about 20 were sick. I personally felt a little quesy so I took some dramamine that the pirates offered and after about an hour I started to feel better. I usually wear a seaband when I cruise because I feel a little sick and that really seems to help, of course I wasn't wearing one when we went on the Pirate excursion (silly me). If your not prone to seasickness then this is a must excursion. We had such a good time. I would do it again in a heart beat!!

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

They turn off the soda machines at night? I don't know why, but I thought the beverage station was open 24 hours. What are the hours?
Thanks!
Suzy

Meskamooska,

It seems like most of your questions have been answered (thanks guys). We were on the late seating so were next to last to get off the ship. We had a 10:20 a.m. reservation, but were at the curb a little before 10 a.m. and left right away. The ship leaves from Pier 93. I saw a sign at Shutters selling memory cards, but looked for a sign about copying pictures on CD due to previous posts. I never saw one, but didn't use all my memory cards so I never asked whether it was available. I was able to plug my black box hairdryer plug and my digital camera battery recharger into the desk and didn't need an adapter. My favorite meal was on Golden Mickey night, the spiced shrimp, chicken parmesan. I was really disappointed in the desserts. Most looked fabulous but tasted okay. We had brunch at Palo but not tea. Our table mates had tea and said it was terrific, particularly the scones. Next time I would bring mugs onto the boat to refill for sodas, but we are big soda drinkers and I got tired of going upstairs at night and having the machines turned off. They even turned off the water. I would go to Pinochios and ask for a glass of ice water which I took back to my room, but I really wanted soda (too cheap to pay for the can at the bar (okay I broke down a couple of times) - it is the principle of the thing).

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have other questions.

 

[skeegan]

On Pirate night they were open later and one other night (not sure why). The other nights they were shut down when I got there around 11 p.m., the Pizza place was still open as it closes at midnight. There would be a sign (don't remember seeing hours) saying it was closed for the night. One night they also left an ice machine on so we were able to get ice but most nights it was off as well. I was not alone, there were always several of us trying. We didn't get out of dinner until around 10:30 each night so unless we got sodas before dinner we were out of luck most nights. If you have a teen in the stack they have access to sodas in the club, but my son said he was not allowed to bring them out (?) He was enjoying that he could get one and I couldn't.

 

[LiserAnn]

We will be staying in Pacific Palisades the night before we depart. What is the parking situation like? Is it hard to find spots? How far of a hike is it to the terminal? What is the cost per day for parking? Can the family be let off, park, and then meet up with everyone? Lots of questions, but hopefully someone will have answers. Thank you in advance.

Leslie-we went and saw the Magic off on May 28th. Parking appeared to be ample from our vantage point, it's $11/day so it would be $77 for the week. I would say the earlier the better in terms of parking. Depending on where you park, the terminal and the parking lot are close. I couldn't see, but I'm sure you could drop off and then park...if anything you could drop off in the first few rows and then go park. Maybe someone else will have more detailed info on that.

Lisa

 

[rsjj]

That's so sad. I only asked once, as I did not want to keep them in my stateroom the entire week. I asked at the gift shop, and she told me to ask at the bar around the corner (preludes...just outside the gift shop on the way to the Walt Disney Theater). The CM's name is LENROY, and he is SOOO nice! He asked me HOW MANY I needed? I said 10, and he said, "are you sure that's all you need?" He told me he would have to have someone go to the storeroom to get them, and to check back in an hour. I did, at about 6:00pm---and he had them in a bag, ready to go! I was impressed to see they were all wrapped in the shrink wrap...making them even BETTER to give as gifts to friends and family!

I just want to make sure anyone taking an upcoming cruise is aware these are still available for sale. At $3 a pop...they are definitely one of the BEST BARGAINS on the ship (I wish I would have bought MORE).

Again, sorry you were misinformed. I was never told no, but would have literally SCREAMED had they told me NO! Especially, since the item was listed for sale in the Navigator!!! Maybe you can contact DCL customer service, and inform them of this discrepancy. You may be able to obtain them via mail. Good luck.

DF99

can you please explain what exactly is it you are talking about? is it a cup? special cup? any light you shed on this is greatly appreciated! thanx!

 

[LiserAnn]

diznefan76 regarding the pirate sail excursion....when I cruise I, like you, sometimes feel a tad sick and for me usually ginger capsules do the trick. For the Priate sail, if we were to take Bonine (or dramamine) it sounds like that would protect us from getting sick...would you agree? Based upon your experience?

dreamflight99 regarding the room filter fans...is that what they're called? If I ask the room steward for a "room filter fan" will s/he know what I'm referring to? What a great idea and I'm grateful for the tip!!! Thanks!!!!

Lisa

 

[windermerejudy]

I know they are trying to cut out nonwashed glasses at the drink station especially from the kids. That is probably why they were shrink wrapped and maybe not for sale up on deck but more of a memento. They wanted you to take them but not use them.

I personally get sick of the menus and type of food on cruises in general. We eat out alot and we love Thai, Mexican, Italian,Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian....Most of all I wish they had dinner salads not just side salads. Maybe you can order them that way but our waiter never offered that when that was all I ordered. Most of the desserts look pretty and taste blah. We always eat at what ever port we are in just for a change.

We too kept going up to the drink station at night after the show or I picked up Drew and they were closed. Maybe they know they can sell more in the bars that way. I know it has not been like that on some cruises because Dale went up in the middle of the night one time to get me a Coke. I guess I have to plan better.

 

[dreamflight99]

Lisa~Actually, it's an air "purifier" (but I would describe it to the stateroom steward, and he/she should know exactly what you are requesting). I too...LOVE this feature, which VERY FEW people are aware of. I just told him I am sensitive to allergins in the air, and will need one in the stateroom. NO PROBLEMO!! It works like a charm too...cleans and purifies the stale air, and circulates as well. We had a suite with a verandah. I should think these things should be STANDARD in every INSIDE CABIN on the ship (since they seem stifling and stuffy...according to our tablemates whom had one). Glad you found this info helpful!!

gouodux~As Lisa Posted, parking is a BREEZE at this terminal. We parked our SUV in the lot, and followed the following method:

DH pulled up to the front and unloaded all the bags, checking the ones we needed to check. DD and I sat on the bench with his carry-on, and our own as well. DH went to park the car in the lot *(where there is more than ample CLOSE parking), and was back in about "5" minutes!!! We all entered the terminal together, and had no problems with the parking. When we returned, we reversed the method, and DH paid the $77 for the week. What a simple system they have in place there, very convenient and expedient.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS?!? Happy to help with anything~!

DF99

 

[windermerejudy]

dreamflight99 regarding the room filter fans...is that what they're called? If I ask the room steward for a "room filter fan" will s/he know what I'm referring to? What a great idea and I'm grateful for the tip!!! Thanks!!!!

Lisa

I believe they call them air cleaners. We were surrounded by smokers one cruise and I started having asthma and our room steward located one for our room. It significantly helped for that. I am really not sure why you would want one otherwise especially if you have a verandah, they are noisy!

 

[dreamflight99]

I believe they call them air cleaners. We were surrounded by smokers one cruise and I started having asthma and our room steward located one for our room. It significantly helped for that. I am really not sure why you would want one otherwise especially if you have a verandah, they are noisy!

You can call it whatever you like...and they will know what it is (as there is only one type available onboard!). I called it an "AIR FAN THINGIE" and he knew exactly what I wanted (he called it a "purifier"). I LOVE the "noise" they produce, and am accustomed to sleeping with a FAN, sound machine, etc. Without this machine running, I could hear (literally) every CREEK, SNAP and CRUNCH of the wood/fixtures in the cabin as the ocean tried to "tear" the ship down (LOL). Also, I could hear kids/people running in the halls, or talking...everything. I'm a light sleeper, and prefer the HUMMING of this machine while sleeping. After the incredible amount of posts generated on a similar subject on the resort thread, I can ASSURE you...I'm NOT ALONE (in my desire for white noise while sleeping)!!!

 

[DisneyTart]

Meskamooska,
Next time I would bring mugs onto the boat to refill for sodas, but we are big soda drinkers and I got tired of going upstairs at night and having the machines turned off. They even turned off the water. I would go to Pinochios and ask for a glass of ice water which I took back to my room, but I really wanted soda (too cheap to pay for the can at the bar (okay I broke down a couple of times) - it is the principle of the thing).

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have other questions.

Hi thanks for all the great Info! But I need clarification... do I understand from your post that they turn the Deck 9 soda machine off at night? I had read somewhere they were 24 hrs. I completely understand the "need" for soda, I even plan to bring a case of Diet Coke in my extra big suitcase (I know pathetic but I'm an addict!).

 

[dizneykids]

Sure wish I was still on it, too!

We did the Canopy Adventure in PV...HIGHLY recommend it! We split up in Mazatlan as youngest DS was too young for older brothers' and DH's Deer Island Kayak and Hike Tour (which they loved...only drawback was no snorkeling, they said), so youngest DS and I did Stone Island tour. It was OK, was a tour around the harbor, then tractor ride to other side of the island across from where Magic was docked. Private section of the beach, but we were constantly hit upon by Mexican "vendors" as they pandered their wares. Not fun stopping conversations every 2 minutes to say "No, gracias!" Lunch included...again, OK. Not an excursion I would recommend or repeat, though it was a good day at the beach for DS and me.

In Cabo, we, too, did the Chileno Bay Excursion. Youngest DS and I both got stung by jellyfish. Painful, but pretty much gone within 2 days. Worst was the first night. I don't know what happened...I was at the back of the boat, saw no problems, so called youngest DS in. Once in the water, though, he started bellowing through his snorkel, and I began to feel them "biting." Pushed him back to the boat ladder and suddenly found myself surrounded. Left him climbing out of water to DGMs, and practically flew out of the area. Once away from the catamaran, I only saw two other ones and was able to swim around them. Swam to beach, looked for shells and swam back out to catamaran. DS#2 took Zodiac-type boat back to catamaran (NO WAY was he going back into the water!). In spite of being stung on both arms, I'd do that excursion again. Like someone else posted, we liked Cabo and are thinking of using our Disney or Sheraton points to go back.

Yes, you can have pictures downloaded in Shutters. We didn't need to as DH can't seem to travel without at least one computer (we had two on this trip!), but another guest told me she had used the service....$16 or so.

I, too, was told no about the mugs and I'm bummed as I like to collect the mugs. May be worth a letter to Guest Communications.

One thing about using the plugs on the vanity....DH and I don't think they draw enough power. We tried using that plug to recharge batteries and walkie talkies, and they never seemed to fully charge. We found that the TV plugs (2 if you unplug the TV) worked best. We thought we'd brought our plug extender, but hadn't. Live and learn!

Another thing many don't realize (a la the noise machine/air purifier) is that you can "borrow" both strollers and wheelchairs on board. My mom has had a couple strokes and can be unsteady at times on her feet. We borrowed a wheelchair upon boarding, and she used it like a walker all week. You can also borrow an extension cord. Ask at Guest Services.

We were at the port by 10:30 and among the first to board, thanks to Mom's disability. There were people who were being turned away from Topsiders at 3:45 who had just been able to board. Sounded horrendous!

We were also among the first to disembark, thanks to a 10:45 am flight. DH had to go down to Guest Services, show our flight info (we flew in/out of Long Beach), and we were given new (white Mickey) tags for our luggage and Mickey stickers Friday night. DH thought we could just get off when we wanted, like at Port Canaveral, but I prevailed on him to check since things are different in LA. Sure glad we did as he was told he wouldn't have made it his way. So, take note if you have an early flight....let Guest Services know.

So...who else rebooked while on board? We're scheduled for October 2006 Eastern (so tried to get DH to do Costa Maya for 2 CC days, but he doesn't like Western cruise...but I have time to work on him!!!).

 

[DareTooDream]

We're thinking of the Pirate Ship excursion! Did you all reserve through DCL or on your own? How did you get in/out of the speed boat to the beach? Do you have to climb over the side or something is there a ladder? I don't mind getting wet, I just don't want to look like a fool (or a beached whale) since I need to lose a little weight.

The seasick medicine from Guest Services.....does it make you sleepy?

I was looking at a couple of the power strips we have and they have 3 prongs to plug in. Is that a problem? I don't know if all strips have 3 prongs....

Thanks for all the info!
Sherry

 

[LiserAnn]

You can book the Pirate Sail through DCL but we booked ours (the same one as the DCL one) through www. vallartaonline . com (without the spaces). The name of the pirate sail ship is the Margilante. We saved $52 for a family of four by booking it on our own. The down side, is if you decide not to do it, there is a cancellation fee, where with DCL I think you can cancel up to a certain point without a fee. I can't answer the rest of your questions as our cruise is 7/30 but am curious to know the answers!

HTH,
Lisa

 

[CACruisin']

Dizneykids: Did you do the Disney Canopy Tour? We are with Los Veranos next week so that DD11 and DD9 can go. It has wonderful reviews on another website, but I would love to get a DIS opinon. Do you know anyone that went with Los Veranos? TIA.

 

[dreamflight99]

I completely understand the "need" for soda, I even plan to bring a case of Diet Coke in my extra big suitcase (I know pathetic but I'm an addict!).

Have you tried COKE ZERO? Oh, it's the BEST on the market...and I can NOT tell the difference between this, C2, and the REAL THING!! NO CALORIES, NADA...ZIP!! I'm HOOKED!

dizneykids~The MUG "shutdown" you received is unacceptable! I would definitely contact guest services in response to this matter. I did not experience any resistance or problems obtaining/purchasing these items. I intended to do this prior to boarding, after reading all the reports from the REPO cruisers whom bought several @ $3.oo each. After always paying much more for these (in the resorts and previously aboard the ships) I was determined to buy at least 10! Should have bought more, as they are the cutest (w/Castaway Cay, the ship and MICKEY on them)! Sorry for your disappointment. I hope you are able to obtain these through guest services.

Fully agree with the PLUG~POWER theory! We too...used the TV outlets for cams and other advanced electrical items.

The check-in and check-out process was STARKLY different from DCL in PORT CANAVERAL. I will not cruise from DCL via CALI again, until DISNEY BUILDS a dedicated Port here. Too much of a hassle, IMHO.

As for items readily available...I call most every resort we are reserved in, to insure they have such items on hand (to loan) before we leave. It's never any problem, as most every place has these items and then some! The PBH has a very nice purifier (quiet hum, too), as well as chenille blankets, microwaves, etc. for convenient use. It makes our stay so much more enjoyable.

We did not book onboard, and never have. But, this is our 5th Disney Cruise in 6 years, so this has never proved to be a deterrent in our case! LOL. Therefore, I foresee us taking the WESTERN (our personal favorite) 7/10 day cruise in 2006...or 2007. We ARE PLANNING to take the Queen Mary II across the Atlantic sometime in the interim, as DD is attending a University (full time) in Northern England over the next three (minimum) years! We have wanted to travel aboard this liner...and go transatlantic for some time now. It's a 14-day sailing, which sounds like SO much fun. Therefore, we have CRUISING in our future (and ALWAYS WDW, and other travel...across Europe too). We are NOMADIC by nature. LOL. We just returned from the Cruise, and are off in less than a week...for another 8~week vacation in the sunshine state! The hardest part is leaving the "farm" (as we lovingly refer to our animals) behind. Yet, they are all in great care, and have wonderful care-givers watching over them.

Lisa.... We watched the Pirate ship sail in the harbor from aboard the MAGIC. The dancing and games (music) looked like "good~safe~fun"...did you enjoy it?!? I have some GREAT photos of this excursion. If you want me to email a couple to you just Pm me with a real email, and I'll drop a few in the box for you! ^_^ This way, you can email these to friends/family too.

DareTooDream~Did not affect DD at all, and she NEVER takes "pills" of any kind (she dislikes meds, etc). She balked at taking one, but was SO dizzy and light-headed, she finally caved. She was fine, and the adverse affects caused by the motion of the sea completely dissipated.

I too...miss the cruise, but my summer vacation is STILL ON!! Soon, I'll be @ WDW, after spending a week at the PBH (playing in US/IOA w/APS!) and 2-weeks at Disney's VERO BEACH resort! Our summer 2005...has only begun!

TTFN...DF99

 

[diznefan76]

diznefan76 regarding the pirate sail excursion....when I cruise I, like you, sometimes feel a tad sick and for me usually ginger capsules do the trick. For the Priate sail, if we were to take Bonine (or dramamine) it sounds like that would protect us from getting sick...would you agree? Based upon your experience?
Lisa

Lisa- I would agree with you. Based upon my experience, once I took the dramamine I felt fine. Definently take your seasickness pill ahead of time (before boarding the Marigalante), it will be a blessing! Have a great time on this excursion!