May 12, 2007 -- Taking the Magic to the Mediterranean -- 14 day Repo Cruise! Part 2

[AuntyBrat]

Erik, you will happy to know that Puck was back to his green fairy pants!!! Apparently I am pretty good at this costume stuff. In fact a couple of the costume kids said that Mr Fisher has decided to quit arguing with me, since he is afraid I will quit, or worse, chop him up with a chainsaw. I smiled and told them I would never use a chainsaw. I prefer a sharp scalpal, it is more personal that way!!! And yes, I did know what I was doing with the costumes!!!

Which leads me to the playbill:

Everyone who is an adult supervisor is listed by first and last name, except me. I am simply

Mrs. Babykin

I am going to conclude that I am like Cher or Madonna, and while they need no last name, I no longer need a first name.

 

[Hoagie Pie]

We are so excited! We just booked this cruise for our family. Me, DH, DD-5, DD-1, and DM.

We are crazy to do this at the last minute but it is ok.

I had to get over the intial shock of my daughter missing her Kindergarten graduation. She could have cared less, I was the one who was sad about it.

My husband just returned from a year in Iraq (he has spent 29 out of the last 48 months there) so being surrouned by water for 14 days is exactly what he needs!

Anyway, we are excited to meet all of you!

Welcome Brooklyn and thank your husband for his honorable work in Iraq. Looking forward to meeting you.

 

[OH 6]

Sorry I did not post sooner, but I truely did not know that A Midsummer Nights Dream was a mini series...We did not get home until almost midnight, from a play that was supposed to start at 8pm, and NO we did NOT go to Denny's for the post production munching. So I slept in and knew I HAD to pop on and post before I took a shower and headed off to night two of Ghetto Shakespear

...

So all in all, it was not bad, far better than the dress rehearsal. Hopefully Helen will give up on her desire to fly off the stage. I am off to take a shower and go in and help with makeup again. You would be surprised at how many high school age boys do not know how to put on eyeliner.

More tomorrow....

Laura - I was on just in time...I thought that something had to have delayed you, but never dreamed that the short version at dress would turn in to a mini-series. I'm totally picturing their faces when they hear the elephant - OMG!! I have to catch my breath!! Your descriptions are so vivid....thank you again for a great laugh!! Any video by chance - I'd love to see Helen flash her gang signs, try to take flight, and whack the microphone. ::Is it bad of me to want to see that?::

 

[seaulater]

Wasn't there a DL meet planned for May 6th? I have it on my calendar, but haven't heard anything more about it. I think it was because Scott was going to be out here. Is that correct? If it is still on, where and when are we meeting?

I'll be at DL next weekend. I think there was going to be a mini meet on Sunday. Let me know.

Sorry, I've been MIA. Working on designing scrapbook pages!

 

[seaulater]

Does anyone else wish that Rich Pupura is on the ship or am I the only fan?

Personally I'm a huge Taylor Mason fan, but he won't be coming over to the Med until June 20th.

 

[gailadams_uk]

Finally got our docs ! No magnets though.

Far too busy at work this past week (moved departments, and have a boss who doesn't believe in lunch breaks), to read all the new messages on the board, so hope I haven't missed anything. I also spent 2 days in London, so haven't finished sorting out cruise essentials - like hotel and currency.

Still haven't packed either - have sorted some stuff out, but have far too much - not used to having to think about weight of suitcases - we have no problems when we come to Florida, so how come we can only have 1 "free" suitcase with BA from Barcelona? Doesn't make sense.
Hope to finally pack tomorrow - This time next week will be in Orlando, so need to get myself organised.

This group seems to be getting bigger every day - have we taken over the ship yet?

Anyone know where in Orlando I can buy some grass skirts- might be able to persuade my DH to wear one.

Just looked at the time - must get some sleep.

less than 2 weeks!!!

 

[Hoagie Pie]

You guys did a great job and it looks like you had fun. Wish we were there!!!

 

[seaulater]

Party Pic 4

KEWL!

Love it. Looks like it will take the whole side of the ship overlooking the sailaway party! Yippee!

 

[kpros]

Hey Linda - what room are you in now?

Ken

 

[Brooklyn]

Glad you joined us! I have DD 6 who just finished kindergarten, her name is Sophia. I also have a DD 4 named Lena.
What room do you have??

Jennifer

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and my husbands welcome home from Iraq. We are so excited about this trip!!! Since we just confirmed the trip yesterday I am SOOOOO far behind the power curve right now with packing and everything. It will all come together though, it always does

We are not sure what rooms we have yet. We are booking a CAT 6 & 12. We were originally supposed to have 6552 for the CAT 6 and GTY for the 12. We are having a little issue with our airline tickets through Disney so we have to wait to finalize everything on Monday. Did I mention, I hate waiting! I am just keeping the faith that they will work everything out for me.

I will be sure to let you know once we get our room assignments, even if it is just for the CAT 6.

Ok, so I have a few questions... This is my first cruise. DH has been on many but it was way before kids and he is a lot simpler then I am.

If anyone has any "must brings" for the trip please let me know. I do not even know where to begin with packing. Living on a ship for 15 days is a stretch for me I have no idea what I am doing

Can you do laundry on the ship?

Is there a limit to the number of bags that we can bring on?

How "dressy" is dinner each night?

Where do you store your suitcases in the room?

Has anyone posted a packing list or know where I can look at one??? Again this not being on land thing is a new concept for me. I do not venture out of my comfort zone often and sailing across the Atlantic, what am I thinking???

So after you are done laughing and feeling sorry for me, advice would be GREAT!!!! I wish I had time to go through all of these 500 pages of posts but there is no way! So I am sorry if any of this stuff is repeated but I would apprieicate any insight that anyone can give!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

 

[seaulater]

Hey Linda - what room are you in now?

Ken

Yes, it's true. I'm down the hall from you and Shari in 6532. You can come use my verandah.....

 

[Hoagie Pie]

Quick Question and it might have already been asked. Has anyone ever asked to take the menus from every night home with them? What can I say, I am a fanatical scrapbooker and save EVERYTHING!

 

[seaulater]

Ok, so I have a few questions... This is my first cruise. DH has been on many but it was way before kids and he is a lot simpler then I am.

If anyone has any "must brings" for the trip please let me know. I do not even know where to begin with packing. Living on a ship for 15 days is a stretch for me I have no idea what I am doing

Can you do laundry on the ship?

Is there a limit to the number of bags that we can bring on?

How "dressy" is dinner each night?

Where do you store your suitcases in the room?

Has anyone posted a packing list or know where I can look at one??? Again this not being on land thing is a new concept for me. I do not venture out of my comfort zone often and sailing across the Atlantic, what am I thinking???

So after you are done laughing and feeling sorry for me, advice would be GREAT!!!! I wish I had time to go through all of these 500 pages of posts but there is no way! So I am sorry if any of this stuff is repeated but I would apprieicate any insight that anyone can give!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

I can answer some of your questions.

1. Yes, you can do laundry on the ship. Bring quarters and bring your own soap and Bounce fabric sheets. They charge to much on the ship for them.

2. No limit to the number of bags you can bring on (we saw one gal with 32 bags for the 2004 Christmas Cruise-no joke). Just remember, you will want to tip the porters at the port for each bag. They have extra luggage tags and you can fill out. What I do is print labels with all the information and then I just have to stick on. Makes it much easier. Also, remember you will have luggage restrictions on your flights. If DCL puts you on Delta for example, each paying passenger can check in 2 bags not to exceed 50 pounds each if you are flying coach. You can also carry on 2 items (a small bag and purse or a computer bag and purse etc.)

3. There is only one actual formal night on the ship. Two semi formal nights and the rest will be themed or casual clothing (i.e. themed nights include Pirate Night, Tropical Night). You will see everyone dressed from very formal including tuxes to pretty casual. Do what you feel comfortable with. You won't feel out of place!

4. You can store your suitcases under the bed for the most part unless they are too wide. We usually put ours inside each other and shove them under the bed. If you absolutely have no space, ask your room steward if he can store them for you. But, knowing we are all going to have tons of luggage, that may be a problem!

5. I am sure someone has a packing list they could share with you. If not, going to the main thread on this board and I know some people have shared their packing lists in the past. I'm one of those that just throw everything into the suitcases at the last minute. I always have good intentions of getting everything packed early, but it just doesn't happen!

Once again, welcome aboard. And ask away with your questions. It will help you feel more comfortable getting ready for the trip. And be sure to go on line and get all your documents filled out and get your children signed up for the kids clubs. Disney has the best kids program on the sea and they will love it!

See you soon.

 

[seaulater]

Quick Question and it might have already been asked. Has anyone ever asked to take the menus from every night home with them? What can I say, I am a fanatical scrapbooker and save EVERYTHING!

I shouldn't really be answering this, but here goes.

DO NOT ask to take the menus. Official word is.....if you ask, your server is suppose to tell you know.

Now, for the rest of the story...............

My tablemates will tell you that I am the keeper of the menus. Don't believe them. They are NOT telling the truth!

However, I have seen someone in our group (me?) carry a bag along to dinner every night, and it seems that that "bag" ends up taking out a set of menus for each family at the table.

So take the information for what it's worth, carry a bag to dinner and stash the menus!

This message will self destruct in 10 seconds!

 

[Hoagie Pie]

I shouldn't really be answering this, but here goes.

DO NOT ask to take the menus. Official word is.....if you ask, your server is suppose to tell you know.

Now, for the rest of the story...............

My tablemates will tell you that I am the keeper of the menus. Don't believe them. They are NOT telling the truth!

However, I have seen someone in our group (me?) carry a bag along to dinner every night, and it seems that that "bag" ends up taking out a set of menus for each family at the table.

So take the information for what it's worth, carry a bag to dinner and stash the menus!

This message will self destruct in 10 seconds!

Thank, but I won't do that. I went on RC years ago and they sold the menus in the Gift Shop, and yes, I paid money to buy them! Thanks for the info!

 

[kpros]

Yes, it's true. I'm down the hall from you and Shari in 6532. You can come use my verandah.....

I thought you were in a sideways Cat 11

Ken

 

[AuntyBrat]

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and my husbands welcome home from Iraq. We are so excited about this trip!!! Since we just confirmed the trip yesterday I am SOOOOO far behind the power curve right now with packing and everything. It will all come together though, it always does

We are not sure what rooms we have yet. We are booking a CAT 6 & 12. We were originally supposed to have 6552 for the CAT 6 and GTY for the 12. We are having a little issue with our airline tickets through Disney so we have to wait to finalize everything on Monday. Did I mention, I hate waiting! I am just keeping the faith that they will work everything out for me.

I will be sure to let you know once we get our room assignments, even if it is just for the CAT 6.

Ok, so I have a few questions... This is my first cruise. DH has been on many but it was way before kids and he is a lot simpler then I am.

If anyone has any "must brings" for the trip please let me know. I do not even know where to begin with packing. Living on a ship for 15 days is a stretch for me I have no idea what I am doing

Can you do laundry on the ship?

Is there a limit to the number of bags that we can bring on?

How "dressy" is dinner each night?

Where do you store your suitcases in the room?

Has anyone posted a packing list or know where I can look at one??? Again this not being on land thing is a new concept for me. I do not venture out of my comfort zone often and sailing across the Atlantic, what am I thinking???

So after you are done laughing and feeling sorry for me, advice would be GREAT!!!! I wish I had time to go through all of these 500 pages of posts but there is no way! So I am sorry if any of this stuff is repeated but I would apprieicate any insight that anyone can give!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

The best packing advice I ever heard was to pack twice as much film and half as much clothes!!!

Remember the kid(s) and you two will spend a lot of time in the pools and such. Also during the day it is really casual, and trust me, there are no fashion police keeping track of how many times you wore those black capris, because we will all be wearing them!!!

Remember to set aside enough money to cover tips for everyone in your family including kids. About $150 per person for the cruise.

Bring a highlighter so when you go through the Navigator for the next day (you get it with your turn down service after dinner) and can mark the items that catch your eye.

Register your kid(s) online for their clubs online before you go. Then after the lifeboat drill you can take them down, introduce them to the counselors and get a pager so that they can contact you if your kidlet wants to get out. However, most of us have yet to have that happen. You and hubby should get lots of 'quality' time together.

Don't worry about not having Palo's ressies online, you should be able to go get them soon after your board in one of the lounges. Ask a cast member or one of the lanyard wearing Disboards for instructions. However, do not be surprised if who ever you ask just takes you by the hand and escorts you through the process.

RELAX!!!! It is a vacation, not a competitive sport. We may seem a little gung ho and OCD about some of this stuff, but, we prefer the term experienced and always love to take newbies like yourself under our protective wings!


Oh, and WELCOME ABOARD!!!

 

[misseulalie]

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and my husbands welcome home from Iraq. We are so excited about this trip!!! Since we just confirmed the trip yesterday I am SOOOOO far behind the power curve right now with packing and everything. It will all come together though, it always does

We are not sure what rooms we have yet. We are booking a CAT 6 & 12. We were originally supposed to have 6552 for the CAT 6 and GTY for the 12. We are having a little issue with our airline tickets through Disney so we have to wait to finalize everything on Monday. Did I mention, I hate waiting! I am just keeping the faith that they will work everything out for me.

I will be sure to let you know once we get our room assignments, even if it is just for the CAT 6.

Ok, so I have a few questions... This is my first cruise. DH has been on many but it was way before kids and he is a lot simpler then I am.

If anyone has any "must brings" for the trip please let me know. I do not even know where to begin with packing. Living on a ship for 15 days is a stretch for me I have no idea what I am doing

Can you do laundry on the ship?

Is there a limit to the number of bags that we can bring on?

How "dressy" is dinner each night?

Where do you store your suitcases in the room?

Has anyone posted a packing list or know where I can look at one??? Again this not being on land thing is a new concept for me. I do not venture out of my comfort zone often and sailing across the Atlantic, what am I thinking???

So after you are done laughing and feeling sorry for me, advice would be GREAT!!!! I wish I had time to go through all of these 500 pages of posts but there is no way! So I am sorry if any of this stuff is repeated but I would apprieicate any insight that anyone can give!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Since I have little ones like you, I basically went up and down the aisle in the pharmacy and bought almost one of everything! Children's motrin, Benadryl, band aids, visine, Rolaids, etc...
Lots of wet wipes, autograph books, pens, dry erase board or message pad for the door of the cabin to leave messages, 2 or more swimsuits for each person, ( carry on swimsuis for the kids so you can swim as soon as you board; this is the least busiest time for the pools)

What else guys???

 

[misseulalie]

One more thing....

You can bring on as much luggage as you want, but remember there is a limit on the plane flying back to the states....2 bags per person.

 

[Scott H]

Duct Tape..... never travel without it.