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

[DVC4US]

OK, I'm finally catching back up after a few days off from the boards. I think I got all the new cruisers and changes made to the front page. Please let me know if you see anything that's off.

We are definitely the dress-up types, so we go all out for formal nights. The girls love it... so far.

Thanks so much Aaron! YOU ROCK too! I"ll buy you a drink too for doing such a good job with the logo and keeping all of our information organized.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Since mid-day yesterday I've ony seen Cats. 9 & 10 available on our cruise. There seemed to be one Cat. 5 earlier, the room next to mine (7084) and maybe one Nav Veranda, but I couldn't get a room # to show.

I think we are going to be sold out. Not sure if my previous cruises were sold out. What does this mean in terms of the pools, etc.?? How crowded will it be? Will we be able to get lounge chairs? Will we have a "DIS" section by each of the pool? On our last cruise, we definitely did - although unofficial. It was so much fun having a big group.

I appreciate the updates of the staterooms' availabilities .

Big groups are fun. I am so looking forward to meeting all of you and socializing with everybody throughout our cruise.

I have only been on sold out or almost sold out cruises. The Mickey and Goofy's pools are a bit crowded, but it did not bother DD. She always had a blast in the pools. Even with more people, the Quiet Cove always seemed to have plenty of room. I do not know, if it is the atmosphere, but it has always been a relaxing experience hanging out by the adult pool with my DH with a cold drink in my hand. We also had a lounge chair or two. Also, the whirlpools may have a few too many people in it, but I enjoy the conversations with fellow cruisers.

Cannot wait to meet you

 

[mickeyteachers]

Day 4 - St. Maarten - Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Island Drive & Explorer Cruise
KATHLEEN BRIGGS
PATRICK BRIGGS
Robert-Adam Briggs
Christel Gies

8:00AM
12:30PM



Day 6 - Barbados - Thursday, December 23, 2010

Turtle Shipwreck & Snorkel Adventure
KATHLEEN BRIGGS
PATRICK BRIGGS
Robert-Adam Briggs

8:15AM
11:45AM

Harrison's Cave and Scenic Drive
KATHLEEN BRIGGS
PATRICK BRIGGS
Robert-Adam Briggs
Christel Gies

2:15PM
5:15PM



Day 9 - St. Thomas - Sunday, December 26, 2010

St. John Island Tour
KATHLEEN BRIGGS
PATRICK BRIGGS
Robert-Adam Briggs
Christel Gies

8:15AM
12:45PM

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

We've celebrated 2 birthdays on board and the free cake is very nice, but only big enough for about 4 normal servings, or 6 small servings. It was one of the most delicious, moist cakes I've ever had, though! Also, it has a rendering of the ship in white and dark chocolate as a decoration on top - really pretty and tasty too. If I can find a photo of it, I'll post it. I may have to stop by and wish your Mom a Happy Birthday!

My DD enjoyed her birthday cake surprise. I ordered the cake through DCL before we sailed. I also confirmed with our server on the first evening. I agree with the small servings, but we just ordered a few desserts too.

I will also look for a picture of a cake.

If I correctly recall, the "Happy Birthday" decoration on top of the cake was edible. Another Yummy Treat!

MickeyTeachers: Enjoy your birthday celebration onboard.

 

[jgura]

Since mid-day yesterday I've ony seen Cats. 9 & 10 available on our cruise. There seemed to be one Cat. 5 earlier, the room next to mine (7084) and maybe one Nav Veranda, but I couldn't get a room # to show.

It was so much fun having a big group.

When we first started cruising DCL about four years ago in a better economy, we were on sold out cruises. They were crowded, hard to get chairs and a jammed packed sail away party, long lines, shows etc. We did not know any different from any other Dis. cruise. Of course we had the time of our life. The last few cruises we have been on were not full at all. As a matter of fact last June in Europe, they only had one restaurant open during main dining. Now that is empty! We just loved it! Plenty of people to get to know, seemed very personable, no rushing to the shows, and almost always a lounge chair. The best was the kids club, it was like having a private cast nanny for your child, can you imagine? My girls were able to make good friends as well since things were not crazy in the club. We also had cast members on our buses and excursions since they were able to get more free time during this cruise.
It looks like this X-Mas cruise will have an exciting vibe. I'm just glad we were able to book when it was empty and the price was right!

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

I'll buy the 2nd round. Melissa you did a great job on the FE list!

It sounds like we will have a merry old time!

 

[DVC4US]

We usually go pretty casual on all of our cruises. We haven't dressed in true formal for about 12 years. On our 10 night Med cruise this summer, we only took a carryon each for the 18 days we were in Europe. We pack light, do laundry and everything has to do at least double duty. But this cruise, since it is our first Christmas cruise and since we had the worst year ever except for the fact that we all lived through it even though it was shaky at times. Thank you God for coming through for us! We have decided to go all out. ... I think no matter how everyone decides to dress, it is great just to be together as a family and sharing our holidays with new found friends.

I hear you! I was quite ill earlier this year and came close to losing my life. My mom was getting radiation this time last year. I am so happy to be doing this with my folks we are gonna do it up as much as possible too!

I hear both of you! I was so glad when my parents decided to join us on this cruise. My mom has been battling ovarian cancer for 6 years now and just went through a round of radiation that was really tough on her. So we too are going to celebrate as much as possible and just enjoy being on the cruise with family and friends.

Ovarian Cancer - It whispers... so listen.

If you want to know more - ask me when you see me on board.

 

[DVC4US]

My SIL and BIL, along with a guy here at work who has cruised Disney several times, pretty much told me I HAD to tell DH so he could make some plans, get ready, etc. My SIL also thought it was too much on me to try to get everything done until the last minute. So...I told him and it was a little dicey at first, but I think he's even more excited than I am now!

In fact, he is talking about it constantly - so much so I'm fearful that DD will get wind of the secret - b/c we are still trying to keep it for her.

So, I'm sad that I wasn't able to see my big secret through to fruition, but it is fun to be able to talk about.

I will always wonder if I could've pulled it off. He clearly had NO clue when I told him.

Sorry to hear it's not a surprise for DH anymore but I'll bet you guys have a great time telling your DD.

At least it was a surprise for him when you told him!

 

[Lolobellica]

I didn't book our reservation, my SIL did, how do we know what dining rotation and time we are on?

 

[DVC4US]

It sounds like we will have a merry old time!

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I have a drinking theme on this cruise. I don't drink a lot at home, but when I am on vacation - Watch Out!

 

[DVC4US]

I didn't book our reservation, my SIL did, how do we know what dining rotation and time we are on?

You will not know until you check in at the port and it will be on your KTTW card. The only thing you will know if advance is if you are on early(Main) or late(Second) seating for dinner. You can put in a request with DCL for a specific rotation but it is just a request and not a guarantee.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

To all our vets on the DISboards...HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY! Thank you for your service.

It is great to have a 4 day weekend to relax and organize/plan for our upcoming Christmas cruise. Today, it was so nice not to chug my coffee while I run out the door to get to work on time. I was able to "taste" and enjoy my coffee on my cozy couch in my snuggie watching Good Morning America.

GMA might not have been a good idea. I saw the news reports of the the Carnival cruise ship being tugged into a San Diego port, as well as listened to the passengers' stories. Need I say anything more.

I just purchased my HP tickets. My BIL will be joining me so I will not be going alone to see the movie like I previously thought.

I cannot wait to do the Docs Dance

Everybody enjoy their day.

Take care and talk to you soon.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I have a drinking theme on this cruise. I don't drink a lot at home, but when I am on vacation - Watch Out!

Amen, Sister!

 

[jgura]

FYI - when I went to print my FE list large enough for my eyes to read, it left off some of the kids and or ages. I know this is some error on my technology skills. So if you are printing, double check it with the actual online spread sheet.

 

[tinkmischief]

My SIL and BIL, along with a guy here at work who has cruised Disney several times, pretty much told me I HAD to tell DH so he could make some plans, get ready, etc. My SIL also thought it was too much on me to try to get everything done until the last minute. So...I told him and it was a little dicey at first, but I think he's even more excited than I am now!

In fact, he is talking about it constantly - so much so I'm fearful that DD will get wind of the secret - b/c we are still trying to keep it for her.

So, I'm sad that I wasn't able to see my big secret through to fruition, but it is fun to be able to talk about.

I will always wonder if I could've pulled it off. He clearly had NO clue when I told him.

I know what you mean. I had originally planned on keeping it a secret from my parents until my birthday in August of this year when I planned on telling them that all I wanted for my birthday was them to get passports. BUT I caved and told my mom last November when I was taking her to her radiation appoinments. I just wanted to give her a good reason to fight and something to look forward to while she was feeling so crummy. She did an awesome job of keeping the secret from my Dad and acting surprised when I "surprised" them both with it last Christmas. It actually turned out great and it's been nice sharing the planning

We've celebrated 2 birthdays on board and the free cake is very nice, but only big enough for about 4 normal servings, or 6 small servings. It was one of the most delicious, moist cakes I've ever had, though! Also, it has a rendering of the ship in white and dark chocolate as a decoration on top - really pretty and tasty too. If I can find a photo of it, I'll post it. I may have to stop by and wish your Mom a Happy Birthday!

I think our cake was brought out after everyone had ordered dessert so we took most of it back to the room. Couldn't get anyone at our table to share it with us everyone was already so stuffed!

Aww tink, I hope everything is better now. When you are struck with medical emergencies, it makes you realize how fragile the world around us is. And you can never have too many hugs and kisses! Sending a big hug your way!

I am doing great now Thanks! It does make you appreciate things. It was a celebration when I could go to the store to buy milk by myself and without strapping on the oxygen tank

(((Momssurprise))) It still was a surprise Glad he is giddy about it, too.


BTW - got an email that 20% everything at Disney store and free ship over $75.


Caryn

And they have that cute little artificial Mickey tree that someone mentioned a couple days ago - and it was on sale when I checked!

I'll buy the 2nd round. Melissa you did a great job on the FE list!

Awww You all are so sweet! I would say both you and BigAWL have done as much if not more! There's gonna be a lot of drinks flying around

I hear both of you! I was so glad when my parents decided to join us on this cruise. My mom has been battling ovarian cancer for 6 years now and just went through a round of radiation that was really tough on her. So we too are going to celebrate as much as possible and just enjoy being on the cruise with family and friends.

Ovarian Cancer - It whispers... so listen.

If you want to know more - ask me when you see me on board.

Well now she will have someone to commiserate and share war stories with Plus someone to visit with in the shade at CC

 

[tinkmischief]

Amen, Sister!

We'll be the sisterhood of the DOTD

 

[pennymike]

Since mid-day yesterday I've ony seen Cats. 9 & 10 available on our cruise. There seemed to be one Cat. 5 earlier, the room next to mine (7084) and maybe one Nav Veranda, but I couldn't get a room # to show.

I think we are going to be sold out. Not sure if my previous cruises were sold out. What does this mean in terms of the pools, etc.?? How crowded will it be? Will we be able to get lounge chairs? Will we have a "DIS" section by each of the pool? On our last cruise, we definitely did - although unofficial. It was so much fun having a big group.

MOST of our cruises have been full ships, especially our Xmas cruises! It has never felt 'crowded' to me at all. Beauty of the cruise is the numbers are limited, not like the parks, when crowded is REALLY CROWDED!

The only trouble at the pool is the never ending habit people have of saving loungers for hours when no one is sitting there.

Getting close! Getting excited!
Penny

 

[mndisfam]

Getting excited too! To the mom whose son is wearing the loud golf pants - hey, I bet the plaid ones look great at Xmas.

You all have been so supportive of my families formal wear issues - I am looking forward to meeting all of you.

No docs yet - any day!

 

[momssurprise]

We'll be the sisterhood of the DOTD

OK, I'm old...and slow, DOTD? Drinking on the __? Help. Especially since I want to join!!!

 

[tinkmischief]

OK, I'm old...and slow, DOTD? Drinking on the __? Help. Especially since I want to join!!!

Drink Of The Day