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

[BBQMommy]

 

[Kitster]

Anyone got any ??? We have considered getting International calling cards or gift cards to Target or some other local store that CM can get to quickly and easily. Anybody have other suggestions?

 

[cjjr6892]

Pretty soon, we'll get to book our excursions. I am looking for any suggestions for what a family of four (DH, DD (soon to be 11) and DS (8)) should consider doing on this awesome cruise. We are soo excited.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

 

[mickeyteachers]

Three months from today we will be leaving for this very special cruise. I am so excited. I love Disney. I need to figure out all of my clothing for this cruise. Let the planning begin. I have booked my excursions and Palo's.

 

[StJohnfamily]

Pamela S.J. here. The sign in on the boards is StJohnFamily. I did send a message via facebook as well. Thanks. I am still working on my 10 posts.

 

[StJohnfamily]

Does anyone use other means of transportation besides the Magical Express? I am trying to figure out the best option. If we use the Magical Express, our bags go out the night before and does not leave resort until noon time. We were hoping to get to the pier around noon to 1:00.

 

[disneycruising]

Does anyone use other means of transportation besides the Magical Express? I am trying to figure out the best option. If we use the Magical Express, our bags go out the night before and does not leave resort until noon time. We were hoping to get to the pier around noon to 1:00.

I have been working on the same thing this week...transportation to the port.

*As you know there is DCL ground transportation, for $69 each (round trip).

* You can rent a car and return it near the port. This way you can arrive any time you want.

* You can do a shuttle or car service.

 

[candmfox]

Anyone got any ??? We have considered getting International calling cards or gift cards to Target or some other local store that CM can get to quickly and easily. Anybody have other suggestions?

You can also give iTunes, Amazon, Wal-mart and other types of gift cards - the crew gets shuttled over to the Merritt Island mall and to BJ's wholesaler when they get back to port, so they have plenty of opportunity to spend those types of funds ashore.

 

[thegales]

91

I had to post at least one of the countdowns.

 

[HFC1969]

91

I had to post at least one of the countdowns.

6 weeks from today.... we will be at WDW... and then 13 weeks from today we are at DCL...

 

[njmom23grls]

Pretty soon, we'll get to book our excursions. I am looking for any suggestions for what a family of four (DH, DD (soon to be 11) and DS (8)) should consider doing on this awesome cruise. We are soo excited.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

What does your family enjoy doing? Are you beach people or shopping people or hiking or big advenuture types? Shore excursions through the ship or go off on your own? I've been to some of the destinations before but not others.

I'm trying to decide what to do in Martinique & Guadeloupe as those ports are less written about and google tranlator is good, but not perfect .

Our family is more of a do-it-yourself adventure type - but I completely understand that for some people not being on a ship sponsored excursion is enough to produce anxiety that the day is ruined.

I'm also wondering about Martinique on Christmas eve what will be open - especially given the European tradition of closing in the afternoon and reopening in the evening. What are others planning?

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[Bakerteam]

No boxing day in the states.

Are the Christmas Crackers, the things with the small toys inside? If there what I'm thinking you can buy them, but not many people I know have this tradition.

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[DVC4US]

Anyone got any ??? We have considered getting International calling cards or gift cards to Target or some other local store that CM can get to quickly and easily. Anybody have other suggestions?

In the past we have given International calling cards, Wal-Mart gift crads, and even a small box of chocolates. This year I am thinking about just giving a card with a candy cane attached and a small amount of money. This way they can choose how they want to spend it. I don't think it really matters what is given, the thought is always appreciated.

 

[Evans Family]

In America, do you have Boxing Day on December 26th? I asked my Californian pen-friend this and she didn't know what I was talking about.

She also told me Americans don't have Christmas Crackers (not the edible kind!) on Christmas Day - if I brought my own would I be allowed to use them at the dinner table or would people object?

No Boxing Day in US.

Crackers are not a tradition but they do sell them in the states. My husband was born in England and we have them at X-mas dinner. Sure you can bring them! I'm sure no one will object. I'll be looking for you at dinner with your cute paper hats!

 

[DVC4US]

Pretty soon, we'll get to book our excursions. I am looking for any suggestions for what a family of four (DH, DD (soon to be 11) and DS (8)) should consider doing on this awesome cruise. We are soo excited.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

I have to agree with njmom23grls that it depends on what your family enjoys doing. We usually like to take DCL excursions unless it's a port we've been to several times.

Here's what we are doing:

St. Maarten - 12 Meter Regatta
Guadeloupe - Botanical Garden & Severin Distillery(DD & I may opt out of this and just walk around the port area)
Barbados - Turtle Shipwreck & Snorkel 11:15am
Martinique - Mangrove Kayaking 8:15am
St. Thomas - Buck Island Catamaran Sail 11:45am

!n 2004 we went to Meagan's Bay on St Thomas and that was a nice beach day.

 

[DVC4US]

Does anyone use other means of transportation besides the Magical Express? I am trying to figure out the best option. If we use the Magical Express, our bags go out the night before and does not leave resort until noon time. We were hoping to get to the pier around noon to 1:00.

We always use Happy Limo. This is a tradition we started on our 1st cruise and it's what we do every time. We always bring along champange and OJ and we have mimosas in the limo. It's a great way to start off our cruise.

 

[DVC4US]

Joann(3princessmommy) - just wanted to let you know that all excursions are showing open as of right now.

 

[bigAWL]

Hi! I am new to this forum and not sure if I'm posting correctly. We are the John and Elizabeth who have requested access to the Facebook page. We are sailing on the Christmas cruise with our 3 kids (16, 15, and 13), and Mom and Aunt. We can't wait! I would like the kids to participate in the secret santa, and am interested in communicating with fellow cruisers!

I'm a little behind right now, but you're on the roll call now. Welcome.

No Boxing Day in US.

Crackers are not a tradition but they do sell them in the states. My husband was born in England and we have them at X-mas dinner. Sure you can bring them! I'm sure no one will object. I'll be looking for you at dinner with your cute paper hats!

I had no idea what Christmas Crackers were and had to look them up. I'm guessing anyone who brings these to dinner will get a lot of interest from surrounding tables and people will have fun with it.

Joann(3princessmommy) - just wanted to let you know that all excursions are showing open as of right now.

Great news. Unfortunately, I'm playing golf the morning the reservations open up for us (not that playing golf is ever really unfortunate). Maybe I can talk Joann into getting up to do this (it'll be 7am our time when they open).