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

[momssurprise]

7am exercise sounds perfect.

Lots of good excursion input. I will have to rethink several. Wonder if the 12 M regatta is still available. Walking and posting lol. Will check later.

Still 80 deg here in S. Missouri at 5pm, loving it!

 

[skypixy]

I would like to join in the walking club, but I am a bit hesitant to commit to being there every morn....it is vacation after all! I will probably see you guys there(I am already picturing the ocean & beautiful mornings!)

 

[pennymike]

Hi all - I haven't posted in a while - but reading to catch up with everyone, whew! We are doing many of our own excursions with dd's age 16 & 12

In ST Maarten - we will take a taxi to Orient beach - older dd and I did this on another cruise and had a great day - if time permits we would also like to go to Pinel island but not sure this is doable (its across from Orient Bay) but not sure how often water taxi runs and if the restaurant has reopened from hurricane damage. Younger dd was not sure what to think when we had the topless/nudity discussion and how things are different in other countries. Older dd was great in explaining it was no big deal when she was there. This is a nonissue for us but understand and respect that it is a concern for some. My experience was that less than a handful of people were enjoying the no-strap opportunities!

In Guadeloupe DH will go Scuba diving with DCL and the kids and I will do the Creole fiesta day at the beach - I wasn't sure about this one - but they both thought it sounded great so mom will go too.

Barbados- Torn here. I have done a private catamaran/snorkel with Calabaza and it was the best day on a shore excursion! They meet you right at the cruise port drive to dock - less than 12 people on the catamaran and we went to the same places the other boats go - but we were there first and not like m&m's in a bag. Very professional. Wonderful sailing experience and fantastic lunch. Expensive but worth it. I and 1 dd would like to do this again. DH & other dd want to rent a car and go beach exploring. still deciding on this day but won't be dcl.

Martinique- we will take water taxi to area and shop/eat maybe beach time - but given its Christmas eve I think places will close early - but don't know. Tried to rent a car but rental office closed that day apparently.

St Thomas - we've been here many time so will take a taxi to Magans or Coki beach and then all go to let DD 16 spend time in the shopping area scared1. Thought about St John (one of our favorite places) but the early all-aboard time made me realize that we likely will only have an hour or hour and a half given the constraints of the length of the ferry ride and times.

Would love to join other walkers/runners. I'm a beginning runner currently working my way through the Couch-to-5K program.

How's 8 a.m. sound for the walk/run on deck 4? I run when my knee allows it, walk when it doesn't. Are you going to do the Castaway Cay 5K? I hope to this time.
Penny

 

[STLUCIELADY]

I would like to join in the walking club, but I am a bit hesitant to commit to being there every morn....it is vacation after all! I will probably see you guys there(I am already picturing the ocean & beautiful mornings!)

I'm in the same boat. I would love to walk in the mornings but don't think I will make the 7am roll call every morning. Too cold. I am super psyched about meetin up with everyone though!

 

[egorss78]

Is the Kid's meet at Mickey Pool for the 11 yr age group? If so, does anyone have younger kids that are interested in meeting new friends? My 4 & 6 yr. old love making new friends and would enjoy a little kid meet. Anyone else interested?

Hi, I have two daughters the exact same age(6 and 4) and would love to make some friends on the boat.. We plan on being at the kid meet. Not to sure how it works though, been there on the first day and the pool is pretty busy. Hopefully someone can give me a better idea on how to find the group.

 

[BBQMommy]

Has anyone toured the volcano in Guadeloupe? It sounds cool but there doesn't seem to be a DCL sponsored tour.

I would love to do a volcano climb. I was just afraid to schedule so far in advance and have it be a bust if the weather does not cooperate.

pennynmike - I'll be on the Barbados Turtle Shipwreck and Snorlke at 8:15 as well.

I am fine walking at 7 and/or 8. As I get up M-F at 4:45AM to go to the gym 7 sounds like a luxury!

------------------

Back from my workshop (taking not teaching) - had a great time and met some really interesting folks. Good to be home but T I R E D.


Caryn

 

[njmom23grls]

How's 8 a.m. sound for the walk/run on deck 4? I run when my knee allows it, walk when it doesn't. Are you going to do the Castaway Cay 5K? I hope to this time.
Penny

I didn't know anything about the 5k on CC! Learn something new everday on the DIS.... I don't know if I will be "able" to run the whole thing - I'm repeating a few sections of the C25K program as I don't feel ready to move on yet - I swear walkers will pass my slow runnin booty..... but I'm bound and determined to learn to run and complete a 5 K -so maybe the 5K CC would be something for me to aim towards! I would love to join the 8 am walkers/joggers - I may do 7 am some days just because less people out and about but it is vacation and sleeping in is a nice part of sea days

 

[pennymike]

Has anyone toured the volcano in Guadeloupe? It sounds cool but there doesn't seem to be a DCL sponsored tour.

I would love to do a volcano climb. I was just afraid to schedule so far in advance and have it be a bust if the weather does not cooperate.

pennynmike - I'll be on the Barbados Turtle Shipwreck and Snorlke at 8:15 as well.

I am fine walking at 7 and/or 8. As I get up M-F at 4:45AM to go to the gym 7 sounds like a luxury!

------------------

Back from my workshop (taking not teaching) - had a great time and met some really interesting folks. Good to be home but T I R E D.


Caryn

Yay, Caryn! Looking forward to meeting you! Penny

 

[pennymike]

I didn't know anything about the 5k on CC! Learn something new everday on the DIS.... I don't know if I will be "able" to run the whole thing - I'm repeating a few sections of the C25K program as I don't feel ready to move on yet - I swear walkers will pass my slow runnin booty..... but I'm bound and determined to learn to run and complete a 5 K -so maybe the 5K CC would be something for me to aim towards! I would love to join the 8 am walkers/joggers - I may do 7 am some days just because less people out and about but it is vacation and sleeping in is a nice part of sea days

Looking forward to meeting you!
Penny

 

[Cruisin'Nick]

I vote 8 am as well, please. And seeing as how it's only the sea days, it wont be TOO bad to wake up at 8. I'm usually up by 7 CST anyways, so 8 wont kill me.

 

[miatamel]

I'm in the same boat. I would love to walk in the mornings but don't think I will make the 7am roll call every morning. Too cold. I am super psyched about meetin up with everyone though!

Are we expecting it to be cold in December in the Southern Caribbean? I have zero idea how to pack.

 

[Cruisin'Nick]

Now that I think about it..... I've no clue as well. Hot, cold, cool, sauna, freezer? Guess I'll just bring my whole dresser...

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

I'm in the same boat.

Pun intended or no?

8am sounds better than 7am, and walking sounds better than running!

I just so want to take part in everything happening but I just know I won't be able to keep up with it all.

I will join in if I can - if not I'll sit and watch and keep count of everyones laps!

 

[pennymike]

Are we expecting it to be cold in December in the Southern Caribbean? I have zero idea how to pack.

On our 2 previous Xmas cruises we have been hot, hot, hot! We were a little nervous when we had to wear hats, mittens and jackets for the sail away in Port Canaveral (Welll...the WERE Minnie and Goofy Santa hats and Mickey hand 'mittens') but once the Capt. got that tug headed south, it was all what you'd expect in the Caribbean! I'd say bring clothes for FL coolness just in case, and a wrap for evening on deck, again, 'just in case'. Even evenings were hot on our trips.

Of course, don't quote me.....

Penny

 

[miatamel]

I'm just pulling out all these summer clothes to pack and then pulling Christmas-y stuff, too, because I hate to wear tropical for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

I'm like a bi-polar packer.

 

[ucancallmetink]

Hi all - I haven't posted in a while - but reading to catch up with everyone, whew! We are doing many of our own excursions with dd's age 16 & 12

In ST Maarten - we will take a taxi to Orient beach - older dd and I did this on another cruise and had a great day - if time permits we would also like to go to Pinel island but not sure this is doable (its across from Orient Bay) but not sure how often water taxi runs and if the restaurant has reopened from hurricane damage. Younger dd was not sure what to think when we had the topless/nudity discussion and how things are different in other countries. Older dd was great in explaining it was no big deal when she was there. This is a nonissue for us but understand and respect that it is a concern for some. My experience was that less than a handful of people were enjoying the no-strap opportunities!

In Guadeloupe DH will go Scuba diving with DCL and the kids and I will do the Creole fiesta day at the beach - I wasn't sure about this one - but they both thought it sounded great so mom will go too.

Barbados- Torn here. I have done a private catamaran/snorkel with Calabaza and it was the best day on a shore excursion! They meet you right at the cruise port drive to dock - less than 12 people on the catamaran and we went to the same places the other boats go - but we were there first and not like m&m's in a bag. Very professional. Wonderful sailing experience and fantastic lunch. Expensive but worth it. I and 1 dd would like to do this again. DH & other dd want to rent a car and go beach exploring. still deciding on this day but won't be dcl.

Martinique- we will take water taxi to area and shop/eat maybe beach time - but given its Christmas eve I think places will close early - but don't know. Tried to rent a car but rental office closed that day apparently.

St Thomas - we've been here many time so will take a taxi to Magans or Coki beach and then all go to let DD 16 spend time in the shopping area (). Thought about St John (one of our favorite places) but the early all-aboard time made me realize that we likely will only have an hour or hour and a half given the constraints of the length of the ferry ride and times.

Would love to join other walkers/runners. I'm a beginning runner currently working my way through the Couch-to-5K program.

Hmmm. We have a car reservation in Martinique. No trouble getting it. We went through Budget. Have you tried them?

 

[ucancallmetink]

My 16 y/o DD is LOVING the teen thread. Thanks, Lisa, for having your DD start that! I think my DD will be so much more confident heading to the Stack considering she's got friends already!

But...

My 12 y/o is hoping to meet some new friends pre-cruise, too. We did say that the 12 y/o girl group totally outnumbers the other groups, right? She's been emailing back and forth with one other Christmas cruiser for months and they seem to have become pretty good friends already. If there are any other 12'ish y/o Ocean Questers/Edge'sters who would like to pre-meet then please PM me and I'll send along our contact info.

 

[momssurprise]

Please keep those weather and packing tips coming! I'm confused enough with 12 nights...11 on ship. I am sure I'll overpack, but would love not too. The tips all say to take 1/2 your stuff out!

Caryn, I'm going to look into the volcano and will

 

[ucancallmetink]

I've been having fun reading everyone's excursion plans so I thought I'd share ours for those who are maybe still looking for ideas/deciding.

St. Martin -- We're booked for a private tour with Bernard's Tours. It'll be our first time but I've read nothing but positive feedback on that other cruise board. We booked this one way back in May!

Guadeloupe -- Undecided for sure. But I'm thinking we're going to do the Zoological Park/Crayfish Waterfall with DCL. We're sad that DCL's options are so limited to those of us with kiddos under 5, but this one looked decent. Still looking and hopeful that something might come up.

Barbados -- We're doing a snorkel/swim with turtles charter. It's with Ocean Adventures/Silver Moon on a sail that only allows for 12 participants. Our group alone makes up half of that total. How fun would it be if a group of DIS'ers made up the other half?!

Martinique -- Renting a van (bus'ish looking thing if I'm being honest) and driving to Saint Pierre. Hoping to find and stop at a black sand beach en route. A little nervous about this one considering we're renting a car and attempting to navigate in a country in which we don't speak the language. Hopefully it will go off without a hitch...

St. Thomas -- Thinking beach day at Magens Bay. Not 100% sure yet.

 

[disneycruising]

We did a New Years Cruise on the Wonder (3 night) last year.

As far as weather--It was 'cool' getting on the ship, jeans and t-shirt weather. Then it was nice the rest of the time...capri's & t-shirts. I remember the kids swam in the pools everyday. We did have to wear a sweatshirt at Castaway Cay...it was windy. It didn't stop us from enjoying our day.

I did pack a little bit of everything...jeans, sweatshirt & sweatpants, nice evening wrap, capri's, t-shirts, tank tops, swimsuit.