Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - ***UPDATED - post #411 ***

[amystevekai&bump]

Congratulations on your booking Amy! I have never been to Paris, would love to get there someday. Our summer vacation won't be quite so exciting - camping, camping, and then a little more camping. Which means that I'll be doing a lot of this summer!

I'm off to develop our Disneyland pictures. I will check the technical board later this weekend, and try and figure out how to post photos. This is something I have never attempted before, but how hard can it be?

We cancelled out DVC purchase. We just didn't feel that it was the right time for our family right now. And - the rate of exchange for Canadian to US funds right now is downright

thank you!! Paris is a beautiful city (almost as nice as London - but imho not quite - although very romantic!! ).

We haven't been to Paris since we've had the children - just to Disneyland. Disney Paris is nice to visit, but you have to try not to compare it to WDW - as there is no comparison. It makes a nice weekend break for us, but Florida is the 'real deal'!!!

I'm really looking forward to seeing your photos, we haven't been to Disneyland since 1997, so yet to try the Californian Adventure park. I must learn how to put photos on here too, as I would really like to do a trip report next Christmas - I think its a really nice momento!!

Sorry to hear about the DVC - you're right about the exchange rates, they're dreadful at the moment aren't they! - Just think of the money you've saved that can go towards next year's cruise instead!!

 

[pillow]

does anyone have any good links for the ports of call? Been to St. Maarten and St. Thomas on our previous Eastern. We loved St. Thomas and would like to explore more this time. We did the dolphin swim last time and didn't get to see much of the island. There is info on the DCL website on those 2 though, I am more looking for info on the other ports. Looks like DCL has not posted any info yet!

Go to cruisecritic.com. There is a link on the message boards for ports of call - tons of info. Good luck!

Jodie

 

[dreamcometrue]

Hey everyone! Had a house full of sickies this week. DH came home from work early Monday and has been laid up ever since with high temps. he's finally feeling a bit better today. DS has had it for 3 days, fever topped 103. Yikes! We were supposed to go to Disneyland Friday since it was a student free day, but since he was so sick, we didn't. We'll go tomorrow since he's feeling a ton better today! Just the kids and I. Looking forward to it. We live about an hour from Disney.

I was supposed to go to Vegas this weekend, but the one friend that I was supposed to go with got devestating news Monday. She came home to find her husband home, saying they asked him to not return to work at all this week and they will let him know Friday if he has a job still. So she wasn't in the right frame of mind to go, and the rest of us (there were 4 of us going) didn't feel it was right to go without her. Haven't heard anything from her regarding her husband's job but I am crossing my fingers for her! We will probably do a girls weekend to Vegas for Memorial Day!

 

[dreamcometrue]

Also, is anyone else a bit worried about Martinique? Doesn't seem like a very friendly port as far as I can tell. I have read a few not so nice reviews!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hey everyone! Had a house full of sickies this week. DH came home from work early Monday and has been laid up ever since with high temps. he's finally feeling a bit better today. DS has had it for 3 days, fever topped 103. Yikes! We were supposed to go to Disneyland Friday since it was a student free day, but since he was so sick, we didn't. We'll go tomorrow since he's feeling a ton better today! Just the kids and I. Looking forward to it. We live about an hour from Disney.

I was supposed to go to Vegas this weekend, but the one friend that I was supposed to go with got devestating news Monday. She came home to find her husband home, saying they asked him to not return to work at all this week and they will let him know Friday if he has a job still. So she wasn't in the right frame of mind to go, and the rest of us (there were 4 of us going) didn't feel it was right to go without her. Haven't heard anything from her regarding her husband's job but I am crossing my fingers for her! We will probably do a girls weekend to Vegas for Memorial Day!

oh gosh!! - This economic downturn really is hitting everyone so hard!! - hopefully your friend will have some better news soon.


Have a great time at Disneyland - I am so jealous , we LOVED California (I'm guessing you are San Diego way??) and to be able to pop to Disneyland and take a short trip to Vegas must be fantastic!!! Glad you are all feeling better and hope you manage to go!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Also, is anyone else a bit worried about Martinique? Doesn't seem like a very friendly port as far as I can tell. I have read a few not so nice reviews!

To be honest I am wary of all the ports!!! I know a lot of people jump in taxis but I don't think we will be doing that!! I plan to take DCL tours where possible (I know they are more expensive, but I don't want the worry of being back late to the boat. !! Plus I like the security aspect and the 'safe' feeling I get from still being with DCL!! )

I have dug (sp??!!) out my old passporter from 2006, when DCL did a southern carribean special. Although they only went to Barbados, so here is an idea of the tours they did there, if that helps you??!!

4x4 adventure & Paradise Beach - 3 hours ($39-$49)

Atlantis Submarine - 2.5 hours ($56-$94)

Catamaran sail & sea turtle swim - 5 hours ($59-$82)

Coast drive & Colonial Plantation House tour - 3.5-4 hours ($29-$39)

Jolly Roger Pirate Cruise - 3 hours ($54)

Kayak & Sea turtle encounter - 3-3.5 hours ($52-$75)

Rainforest hike & Cave Adventure - 4 hours ($54-$74)

Ocean Park Aquarium & Island Drive - 3 hours ($34-$44)

Sail, fish feeding & Snorkel adventure - 3.5 hours ($34-$59)

I have just seen that these were just a possible list, based on what other cruise lines were offering at the time - so don't know if it was what DCL ended up offering. Hope that helps a little!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

i'm on a roll - three posts in a row!!

Right... new question ... (inspired by the economic downturn and by a recent thread on the main board).... your cruise budget???


I currently have a $500 OBC and will possibly have a fuel charge refund of an extra $240. I know the 'basic' tips will be $530 for the four of us, so....

I am currently thinking of saving an extra $650 - which will give us approx $860 (assuming we get a fuel refund & after tips have been deducted) for excursions/photos/drinks for DH (although I think we will bring him some beer! )/souvenirs.

That doesn't sound very much does it?? - I am trying to bring our spending limit right down, but don't want it to noticeably affect our enjoyment!! Is this figure reasonable?? Or far too low??

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

Hey everyone! Had a house full of sickies this week. DH came home from work early Monday and has been laid up ever since with high temps. he's finally feeling a bit better today. DS has had it for 3 days, fever topped 103. Yikes! We were supposed to go to Disneyland Friday since it was a student free day, but since he was so sick, we didn't. We'll go tomorrow since he's feeling a ton better today! Just the kids and I. Looking forward to it. We live about an hour from Disney.

I was supposed to go to Vegas this weekend, but the one friend that I was supposed to go with got devestating news Monday. She came home to find her husband home, saying they asked him to not return to work at all this week and they will let him know Friday if he has a job still. So she wasn't in the right frame of mind to go, and the rest of us (there were 4 of us going) didn't feel it was right to go without her. Haven't heard anything from her regarding her husband's job but I am crossing my fingers for her! We will probably do a girls weekend to Vegas for Memorial Day!

Oh my! There is crazy sickness going around these days. My DS was running strange fevers for a couple of days. the would wake up with 102, it would go away and then come back at bedtime. As soon as I thought he could go to school the next day, he had a fever again. But he is better. I hope your family is all better too!

Sorry to hear about your friend. This economy is really scary these days.

I have never been to Disneyland or to Vegas. Too busy with planning cruises right now.

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

Also, is anyone else a bit worried about Martinique? Doesn't seem like a very friendly port as far as I can tell. I have read a few not so nice reviews!

I am definitly sticking to DCL excursions. I would feel safer. Except in St. Maartin, we have been there before and my husband wants to go to back to Maho Beach and I do not think DCL has any excursions there.

i'm on a roll - three posts in a row!!

Right... new question ... (inspired by the economic downturn and by a recent thread on the main board).... your cruise budget???


I currently have a $500 OBC and will possibly have a fuel charge refund of an extra $240. I know the 'basic' tips will be $530 for the four of us, so....

I am currently thinking of saving an extra $650 - which will give us approx $860 (assuming we get a fuel refund & after tips have been deducted) for excursions/photos/drinks for DH (although I think we will bring him some beer! )/souvenirs.

That doesn't sound very much does it?? - I am trying to bring our spending limit right down, but don't want it to noticeably affect our enjoyment!! Is this figure reasonable?? Or far too low??

I wonder if I still have my statement from last time we went? I know we racked up a bill. On our last cruise, it was also Christmas. i told the kids that Santa was bringing a few small things that would be easy for us to pack home. I told them their gift from us would be purchases during the cruise (the cruise itself was a gift from my parents). So we spend a small fortune onboard at the gift shop.

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Right... new question ... (inspired by the economic downturn and by a recent thread on the main board).... your cruise budget???


I currently have a $500 OBC and will possibly have a fuel charge refund of an extra $240. I know the 'basic' tips will be $530 for the four of us, so....

I am currently thinking of saving an extra $650 - which will give us approx $860 (assuming we get a fuel refund & after tips have been deducted) for excursions/photos/drinks for DH (although I think we will bring him some beer! )/souvenirs.

That doesn't sound very much does it?? - I am trying to bring our spending limit right down, but don't want it to noticeably affect our enjoyment!! Is this figure reasonable?? Or far too low??[/QUOTE


We have been on one Disney Cruise, a 7 day Western in February 2008. My husband and I are not big drinkers, but I have to tell you we really enjoyed a few drinks of the day ! We had prepaid our tips before leaving home. Our bill came to just over $1000. I believe that amount included the dolphin encounter in Cozumel, but not positive. Can't find the statement to confirm. We also did a bit of shopping onboard. Oh - attended the martini tasting as well, which was very fun and I'd like to do it again. We bought more than we should at Shutters, I think I'll scale back on the photo purchases next time.

I am definitly sticking to DCL excursions. I would feel safer. Except in St. Maartin, we have been there before and my husband wants to go to back to Maho Beach and I do not think DCL has any excursions there.

I wonder if I still have my statement from last time we went? I know we racked up a bill. On our last cruise, it was also Christmas. i told the kids that Santa was bringing a few small things that would be easy for us to pack home. I told them their gift from us would be purchases during the cruise (the cruise itself was a gift from my parents). So we spend a small fortune onboard at the gift shop.

We also stuck to DCL excursions, I think we'll do the same again. I don't know what we're going to do for Santa gifts yet Definitely has to be small in size.

I hope everybody's week is going well. Although it is "spring", we still have a lot of snow on the ground and the temperature is anything but springish. Makes me want to take another trip!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

I had to make another post - only 1 year, 8 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days until our cruise! It's just around the corner

 

[amystevekai&bump]

i'm beginning to doubt myself!! - I called my TA yesterday and got her to price up how much we would save by switching to the 7 day Wonder Christmas cruise!!

A couple of people on the resorts board have told me that 11 nights will be too much for the age of my two boys - of course on the cruise board they say the opposite!!

It would save us about $3k if we switched and even more if we swapped our hotels around a bit.

We originally wanted a 7 nighter but Steve and I have already done a similar Western itinerary (we went to Jamaica rather than Key West), so we opted for the Southern Caribbean (Although again, I was hoping it would have been more like the last one and included St Lucia & Antigua).

Now I can't help wondering whether the children would be better off on a 7 night?? We would get off at Key West & Grand Cayman, but would have an empty boat whilst at Cozumel. But will the weather be as good as the southern one??

Ultimately I originally just wanted to be on the boat for Xmas - so I should be happy regardless - but I wonder whether the 7 night will be 'enough' for me now!! But really I need to do whats best for the children.

Steve is no help as he really doesn't mind!!

I just don't know now - and I need to make a 'final' decision soon if I want to get exactly what I want on the 7 night cruise - what do you think??!!

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

Amy, this is a hard decision for you I am sure. Is this your first on DCL? Our 1st (and only) was a 7 night at Christmas. We did not want to get off the ship when it was over. I would have done the repo cruise if I could. I was so excited that I saw the 11 night. I had to jump at it.

as someone said on the other thread, you know you kids would know better. That being said, you are planning a long trip away from home, so I do not think there is a difference between being on a ship and staying in a hotel. Well, there is a difference, but I mean as far as being away from home.

And only you know you financial situation. That is a huge savings. Although, if it was me, I would just spend the savings on the trip.

I know that is not much help, except I would love to meet you on the cruise. Good luck with your decision.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy, this is a hard decision for you I am sure. Is this your first on DCL? Our 1st (and only) was a 7 night at Christmas. We did not want to get off the ship when it was over. I would have done the repo cruise if I could. I was so excited that I saw the 11 night. I had to jump at it.

as someone said on the other thread, you know you kids would know better. That being said, you are planning a long trip away from home, so I do not think there is a difference between being on a ship and staying in a hotel. Well, there is a difference, but I mean as far as being away from home.

And only you know you financial situation. That is a huge savings. Although, if it was me, I would just spend the savings on the trip.

I know that is not much help, except I would love to meet you on the cruise. Good luck with your decision.

thanks Jen!! To be honest the main reason I am clinging on to the 11 night is because of our Dis meet thread!!! I did take a look at the Wonder Christmas thread and it doesn't really seem to have the same following ( I guess this might change as we get closer??!)

I am really feeling that in this current financial climate, I am being extravagant to say the least!! We will be taking a 4 week trip and that is a fabulous treat in itself - It just seems to be getting more and more expensive, and harder to justify.

Thank you for your support and I will definitely decide one way or the other in the next couple of days!! - I'll keep you posted!!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

thanks Jen!! To be honest the main reason I am clinging on to the 11 night is because of our Dis meet thread!!! I did take a look at the Wonder Christmas thread and it doesn't really seem to have the same following ( I guess this might change as we get closer??!)

I am really feeling that in this current financial climate, I am being extravagant to say the least!! We will be taking a 4 week trip and that is a fabulous treat in itself - It just seems to be getting more and more expensive, and harder to justify.

Thank you for your support and I will definitely decide one way or the other in the next couple of days!! - I'll keep you posted!!

Amy, I totally understand your predicament. We faced the same decision earlier this year. We cancelled a 7 day Eastern cruise in February and opted for 8 days in Disneyland instead. We saved $2000.00 on airfare alone, never mind the cost of the vacation. We are trying to pay off some things, and just could not justify the extra expense. But - we had an absolute blast in LA!. I have to say that it was much more tiring than a cruise vacation, we came home more tired than when we left. But it was totally worth it, and we never once had second thoughts about the cruise.

If you are still concerned about the ages of your little ones, mine were similar ages when we went (4 and 7), and they both had a blast. My little guy prefers the cruise over Disneyland!

We'll miss you on the boards (and in person), but we'll all completely understand whatever decision you come to .

Good luck!
Carolyn

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

thanks Jen!! To be honest the main reason I am clinging on to the 11 night is because of our Dis meet thread!!! I did take a look at the Wonder Christmas thread and it doesn't really seem to have the same following ( I guess this might change as we get closer??!)

I am really feeling that in this current financial climate, I am being extravagant to say the least!! We will be taking a 4 week trip and that is a fabulous treat in itself - It just seems to be getting more and more expensive, and harder to justify.

Thank you for your support and I will definitely decide one way or the other in the next couple of days!! - I'll keep you posted!!

Another reason you have to stick with this cruise...you are the OP on this thread. If we want to post any information for the group on the first page, you have to do it. LOL

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy, I totally understand your predicament. We faced the same decision earlier this year. We cancelled a 7 day Eastern cruise in February and opted for 8 days in Disneyland instead. We saved $2000.00 on airfare alone, never mind the cost of the vacation. We are trying to pay off some things, and just could not justify the extra expense. But - we had an absolute blast in LA!. I have to say that it was much more tiring than a cruise vacation, we came home more tired than when we left. But it was totally worth it, and we never once had second thoughts about the cruise.

If you are still concerned about the ages of your little ones, mine were similar ages when we went (4 and 7), and they both had a blast. My little guy prefers the cruise over Disneyland!

We'll miss you on the boards (and in person), but we'll all completely understand whatever decision you come to .

Good luck!
Carolyn

Another reason you have to stick with this cruise...you are the OP on this thread. If we want to post any information for the group on the first page, you have to do it. LOL

thanks ever so much Carolyn!!

I had made up my mind last night to swap to the 7 night (By doing the 7 night we would have time before the cruise to do all of WDW - whereas on the 11 night we were planning to go back to WDW for New Years - but when I told DH about the NY crowds - he said to avoid that at all costs!!).......... However!!!.......

The final decision still seems up to me and I don't want to leave you guys!!!

So I am no closer to deciding - basically my head says to swap but my heart isn't budging!!

I may put it in the TA's hands and give her a list of staterooms I would be happy with and unless she can get me an exact match then perhaps that will be the decision maker??!!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Another reason you have to stick with this cruise...you are the OP on this thread. If we want to post any information for the group on the first page, you have to do it. LOL

What she said!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

just to let you know I will probably be saying good bye to you guys today!!

Had another talk to DH last night, and when he realised that by switching to the 7 night we could do all of WDW before the Christmas crowds, he said that he would definitely prefer that to having to 'brave' the New Years crowds after the 11 night cruise, and I agree that this would be better for the boys too!!

So providing the TA can get us a similar room as we have on the Magic (I still have some standards you know!!) then we will be switching!

So sorry to say goodbye and hope we will cross paths again!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi!! Just back to say bye bye for the final time!!

I've heard from TA and I have been transferred to the 7 night with the same room as we would have had on the Magic.

Anyway, hope your cruise is everything you want it to be and hopefully I will meet some of you on another cruise sometime!!

Take care!!