Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - PART II

[3princessMommy]

Eve - Did you see this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt_BY73SkZk&feature=related

It might give you some ideas of things for your daughter too.

 

[eve adkins]

Eve - Did you see this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt_BY73SkZk&feature=related

It might give you some ideas of things for your daughter too.

Thanks so much for the video...The video mentioned that Flounders is open on port days and in the evening. Does that mean it's closed on all our days at sea? Just wondering for planning purposes...I don't know how much we'll put her in there because she's pretty fun to hang out with but I would like to plan ahead. It doesn't look like our boards have too many kids under three.

 

[Liz Arjay]

We're a little better off - it'll be 7am here.



Welcome! The roll call keeps growing, that's for certain. I think we set the FE cutoff for Nov 1, so still plenty of time for people to join in. Be sure to check the first post of this thread and see all the plans - and check back there now and then for updates, as well.

Please explain to me about FE (fish extenders?). I know they go outside the door, but to what purpose? If you participate in the FE exchange, do you buy them (where?) or make them (any specifications? Suggestions?). It sounds like fun, but I need ideas!

 

[Liz Arjay]

Hi Eve, I live in Waxhaw also! What a small world...and literally because Waxhaw is a really small town!

My family went on the 7 night Magic cruise last year and though it's not exactly the same as an 11 night cruise, it did include some of the same islands (St. Thomas/St. John, St. Maarten, and Castaway Cay) and we had similar questions regarding scheduling of things on our first cruise too (which was also Eastern Caribbean). We've done two Disney cruises so far, so we're by no means experts but would be glad to help if possible. If you want to, we could even connect by phone if you wanted someone to talk things through with. Once you get to 10 postings, PM me if you are interested in that.

We found it very easy to "Do our own" and grab a taxi and go to Magens Bay on St. Thomas. I think the cab fare was about $8/person, and for some reason he drove us right through the ticket booth at the beach - so not sure if there should have been an extra charge for that. We were dropped off about 30 feet from the water's edge, so very convenient for small children or if you are bringing lots of gear for small children. I think the same experience via a Disney excursion is $47/ea for ages 10 and up, and $37 for ages 3-9. So the cab was way cheaper. They have changing rooms, concession stands, etc there if needed. The beach was gorgeous and my kids (DS16, DS15, DD13) had a great time! Go early for the shadiest picnic table. We arranged for our cab driver to come back and pick us up at a certain time and return us to the ship. It couldn't have been easier!

I am looking for the same sort of "Do your own" beach trip on St. Martin, Guadaloupe, Martinique, and Barbados - a close but nice beach. I've never been to those islands. Can anyone suggest a good beach on each that is easy to take a cab to? We don't mind walking up to 1/2 mile if needed.

 

[Almagetty]

I am looking for the same sort of "Do your own" beach trip on St. Martin, Guadaloupe, Martinique, and Barbados - a close but nice beach. I've never been to those islands. Can anyone suggest a good beach on each that is easy to take a cab to? We don't mind walking up to 1/2 mile if needed.

Liz: In St. Martin, we always go to Divi's Little Bay. It is behind the Divi time-share resort. It's a short cab ride away from the port. I think it was $4 per person each way. The taxi drivers know it well. When you first step across the patio onto the beach, you may be approached by someone from the time share offering to show you around. You are absolutely not obligated to do this. We always politely decline. The beaches on St. Martin are all public.

I like this beach a lot because it is always quiet. Being on the Dutch side of the island, there are very few if any topless guests there. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs for $5 apiece. There is a bar where you can get food and drinks. There are bathroom facilities. And the beach is very nice. You get a little more wave action in the winter than you do in the summer, but we really enjoy it there. I told my DD2 that we might try another beach this time for variety. She was not happy about that.

In Barbados, we went to a really great beach. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name. This time, we plan to go over to Accra Beach. The "hot spot" beach to go in Barbados is The Boatyard (Dockyard?). It is close to the pier and lots of the passengers and the crew go there. It tends to be really crowded and very loud. It's not what we look for in a beach, but lots of people have a great time. Taxi's in Barbados are expensive, though.

I haven't been to Guadeloupe or Martinique, so I can't help you there.

 

[CrusinLattas]

How old was your youngest in June? I'm seeing conflicting info about the ages. Some have said within a few months of the third birthday and other say only within a month while other yet say you have to already be 3 to be allowed in the kids clubs. Did you book Flounders before you went and cancel or not book FLounders at all?? Honestly I don't know if she'll stay anywhere alone..all this planning could be for nothing. One of her big brothers is 7 but I don't know if he would be in the same room as her. I just want to make sure she has a good time. I'm fine if she's with us or in the club. Although I have a feeling if she sees her big brothers heading off to a room filled with fun activities she may get upset to find she's not going!! UGH....I wish I had a crystal ball..Anyhow Thank you so much for the information!! I look forward to meeting you on the cruise!!

I have been playing catch up and this may be answered again before my post, but I know I will forget to answer if I get all the way to the last post...

I can tell you from my experience not to sweat the kids club for your youngest! My daughter and son were both in long before they were three. You have to let your child be evaluated - but what that means is they want to know if your child can follow directions and will be able to adapt to the older kids. With older siblings your daughter should be fine! My daughter did have a couple accidents in the club and it was not a big deal. We just got called so that she could get a change of clothes. When they were really young we would spend quite a bit of time with them in the club. It was fun for us too! If you are at all nervous about your child being allowed to participate, then book the nursery and then cancel - there is no charge for doing this, but I really don't think you are going to have a problem! They are now also not keeping kids by age but by activity, so your children can play together if that works better for them!

Hope that helps!

Renee

 

[colkath2005]

My youngest has gone at 6 months, almost 2, and 3 1/2.
We have used Flounders and recently the club.

We always booked Flounders for meal times and generally found they had room for him if we needed it, even when it was a full cruise.

This last cruise was when he was able to go in the club. They were really helpful with him. I went in every 90 mins or so to put him potty and check on him. His older brothers had self check out and also popped in and out to check on him. He wasnt really interested in Flounders i think he had outgrown it.

We were lucky that it was a quiet cruise but i am reasssured that this cruise (he will be 4 in Jan) he will be fine although i will still bein or out. I also found it nice that i could stay for an activity or however long i wanted to so he was settled down before i left.

They also let me take him in the evenings in his nighttime diaper in case he fell asleep.

 

[DVC4US]

Please explain to me about FE (fish extenders?). I know they go outside the door, but to what purpose? If you participate in the FE exchange, do you buy them (where?) or make them (any specifications? Suggestions?). It sounds like fun, but I need ideas!

This is from 3princessmommy on page 30:

Fish Extender Exchanges can be very flexible. But generally-speaking you do one or two gifts per stateroom participating over the course of the cruise. (I always do one, but I have seen others make several drop-offs, so it's really up to you.) You do not need to give out gifts every day!

The gifts are generally small, inexpensive, and related to the cruise or where you are from. So you'll see people hand out stuff for pirate night, or homemade scrapbook stuff to commemorate the cruise, or Disney stickers/tattoos. I have seen some folks do special cruise survival kits with little items that could be useful during the cruise such as a sewing kit, highlighters for the Navigator, and chocolate for those late night cravings. Others bring keychains, postcards, or specialty treats from where they are from. Really, it's up to you to put your special mark on your gift. Some choose to be anonymous about their gifts, and others put tags on telling you who delivered it. Again - entirely up to you. (Although, I do really like to know who gave me what. But that's just me.)

Some folks will personalize the gift for each cabin, which is why the list will include who is in each cabin (with ages of the kids). Kids particularly like to get something specially for them. Others will bring general gifts and each cabin gets the same. This second option is much easier to distribute since you don't have to worry about getting the right gift to the right cabin. But this is also entirely up to you.

If you have two cabins for your family, again, it's up to you if you want to do one or two FE. We only do one. But if your teenagers are old enough and want to do their own (meaning they distribute to everyone else as well), that's perfectly fine. Just add their names and cabin number separately to the FE list. Otherwise, their names/ages should be included under your name & cabin on the list.

Ultimately, it's not about the size or number of the gifts, but whether you have fun doing it. So make it your own and let it work for you to make your vacation that much more magical.

The FEs themselves can be made or purchased. I know that there are people selling them on ebay and there is another website but I don't remember what it is right now.(I am sure someone can help with this). If you do a search on the main cruise board for Fish Extender you will find several threads on this topic with pictures of both the FEs and some gifts.

 

[CrusinLattas]

I learned this the hard way - if you have not been able to book your spa, Palo, or other adult activity to coordinate with Flounders and you have small children, don't spend your time when you get on the ship in lines trying to reserve Palo or Spa and then trying to coordinate with Flounders - go to Flounders and let them call the other places on the ship for your reservations! It is MUCH easier and when you are with small children that first day, the last thing you want to do is drag them through the lines trying to get reservations. They always seem to have slots open on departure day if you have been challenged online.

Also, for families with younger club age children, in case you didn't know, Disney has started a Dine and Play for second seating. Basically, if you have younger club age children then they can use this program. You order their meals and they come out quickly then about 45 min. into dinner the club crew come and get the children from the dining room while you get to finish your meal at a slower pace! We have always booked early seating, but because of this program are doing second seating. My kids have a hard time sitting through the meals and this will allow us to see the shows earlier!

Sorry I was quiet for a while! I got a bit behind - been moving my office, setting up computers again, etc. and then you all had been so busy it took me a week to catch up!

What a great group we have! I am looking forward to getting to know you all better!

Renee

 

[ISCHARCM]

I think there's some sort of disclaimer in the excursion contract that the cruise company isn't responsible for fluctuations in weather or water conditions. My understanding is that if the excursion is cancelled, you get a full refund. But if it runs - even without perfect conditions, you have to pay the fee.

This happened to us on our honeymoon. We went to a snorkeling site only to find that the jellyfish had rolled in and snorkeling was impossible. The company told us that the conditions were the same all over the island (even though they weren't - other tours snorkeled without a problem). They turned our excursion into a party cruise instead of snorkeling. We all complained and essentially got the difference we paid for snorkeling over the party cruise cost. But we still had to pay for the excursion - only with a small rebate.

I don't know how Disney handles this, but it's got to be pretty standard across the industry.

Thanks very much!!!!!

 

[VMinick]

We're doing a tour with our DD3 in St. Maarten - the See and Sea tour.

We're doing this excursion as well! Eve, our children are similar to your younger three. We have two sons (ages 7 and 10) and a daughter who just turned three last month! When we sailed with them when they were little, we did a lot of beach excursions because the older ones were happy in the water while the little one loved the sand.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Since this is our first cruise I'm trying to determine the importance of all the options at Palo....Since it sounds like reservations are filling up which one or two would you suggest I try to get? Are their days and times I should try to avoid? It's hard to make all these plans when you haven't been on a disney cruise before. Then I have to throw Flounder's Nusary into the mix...UGH!! If anyone that has or has had kids around our kids ages Zack is 15, Christopher is 10 Jacob is 7 and Katie is 2 and two months away from three. That could share some advice and far as try for all three at Palo or just try one sine it's our first cruise. I feel very overwhelmed about trying to do excursions where we can all go which require taking a two year old. Or should i spend my time trying to sign up for Flounders then pick and excursions....I guess I don't even know where to start first. I only have two weeks left to figure this out....
Thanks if your able to help it is gratly appreciated!!

I understand that this is a bit overwhelming. I've done this before, and I too can get overwhelmed. I just have to remember it is suppose to be a relaxing vacation. Our first cruise we had to cancel our Palo brunch reservations because it was the same time as our Character Breakfast, and since our daughter was 7, we had to do the breakfast. If you have main seating, try to get late dinner reservations. Then have a light snack with your family at dinner, and you can enjoy Palo later. Also, maybe if there aren't any reservations at Flounders, your 15 year old can pitch hit. Theses are just some thoughts. Also, don't worry about getting reservations online, DCL does hold back some reservations that are available for cruisers to reserve on Embarkation Day (at Rockin Bar D).

My DD is 15 too. She loves The Stack. I am sure your DS will love it too. Is your DS on FB?

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Thanks so much for the information!! We've been in Waxhaw for three years this Christmas! We LOVE it here. Aren't loving the construction on 16 right now but I hope that get's better soon! I guess I need to post more so I can get PM's. I'm still not sure how to use this page yet...LOL I would like to add the little character to the side and the little tickers...but anyway....I'm not even sure I'm responding this message straight onto your message but I guess I'll see when I'm done. I'll definitely PM you when I'm allowed. I'm also interested in your math tutoring!!! I have a sophomore at Cuthbertson who's struggling in Geometry right now!! Hope to PM you soon! Eve

Geometry is also the Achilles Heel of my 15 DD. It is a crisis. I am an educator, and it is so frustrating for me. Presently, she is being tutored before and after school. Hopefully, they do not have geometry homework over Christmas vacation.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

I cannot wait for Dancing with the Stars. Does anybody else like Dancing with the Stars? Go Jennifer Gray. Nobody puts Baby in the corner.

Also, my DD had a blast at the Jonas Brothers' concert. She was lucky enough to be pulled on stage to dance to the theme song from Camp Rock! Raven was dancing with Allison Stoner! People are texting her...Was that you on stage last night? That was so cool for her.

 

[DVC4US]

I cannot wait for Dancing with the Stars. Does anybody else like Dancing with the Stars? Go Jennifer Gray. Nobody puts Baby in the corner.

Also, my DD had a blast at the Jonas Brothers' concert. She was lucky enough to be pulled on stage to dance to the theme song from Camp Rock! Raven was dancing with Allison Stoner! People are texting her...Was that you on stage last night? That was so cool for her.

I love Dancing with the Stars! We are voting for Jennifer Gray and Kurt Warner. Kurt played football at the local university here so it's like voting for one of our own.

Sounds like your daughter had a great time!

 

[Marcy Mouse]

Now that everything is booked - it's time to wait for my room assignment! We booked the gty 12 so I can't wait to find out where on the ship we are going to be?????

Anyone else waiting too???

 

[jfs9900]

Now that everything is booked - it's time to wait for my room assignment! We booked the gty 12 so I can't wait to find out where on the ship we are going to be?????

Anyone else waiting too???

I was thinking about booking a GTY 12 as well... Any stateroom assignments for anyone else?

 

[riggins]

We have a Cat 12 GTY also. We booked a Cat 12 last year for Christmas. On 10/27, a bunch of people got calls from DCL offering Cat 9s for $150. We were lucky enough to get the call and took the Cat 9 for $150, but a lot of people on our thread didn't get that offer. A good friend of mine not only didn't get the call, but was assigned 2 Cat 12 cabins. So, I know the reality of the Cat 12 gamble . On 11/5, cabin assignments were posted for people who didn't get/take the Cat 9 offer. So, I'm not expecting anything for at least another month.

 

[discruiser]

Now that everything is booked - it's time to wait for my room assignment! We booked the gty 12 so I can't wait to find out where on the ship we are going to be?????

Anyone else waiting too???

We're waiting, too! We've got 2 Cat 12s booked (one with 3 people and one with 4). I booked connecting 10's about 2 years ago (the first day bookings for this cruise opened) and just a few weeks ago switched to the 12s after I read on the boards that the 12s had opened up. I was really sad to give up my 10s, but they weren't worth the $4000 that we saved by going to the 12s!! I am anxious and a little nervous to see where we end up!

 

[StJohnfamily]

I was able to get dinner reservations at Palo, but no brunch or high tea. Making the mad dash as soon as we board. We would love to try for high tea. Does anyone make spa reservations prior to cruise? Has anyone done the Alone Time? Opinions or recommendations for spa?