May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[bobbiwoz]

We signed up for snorkeling from a boat on CC. Anyone else?

Bobbi

 

[MandyGirl]

I did it!

Checked in online and secured Palo brunch for the day after Castaway Cay and Palo dinner for the 6th sea day! I know they are quite close but with the pirate night and the second formal night later on that week, I think I've planned it well.

Thanks so much again Binkytell for the help with the Palo times, that was amazing of you!

Also booked the Unforgettable Madeira excursion.

And now Captain Mickey has welcomed me onboard his ship virtually, I am going to switch off my Mickey lamp and try to get an hours sleep before getting up to head out to work.

Yay! So happy for you! And Sarah (binkytell) totally rocks as usual! She is super kind and helpful in-person as well.

When we've been saying this cruise is not that full -- by comparison, on WBTA 2011 we were first-timers with DCL. There was not a single brunch we could get the entire 14 days. The only way we were able to do brunch was as a group. Even for this one, we are doing group brunch, and then once onboard may book again - but have one booked now just in case group brunch falls through (which it won't - but I couldn't pass up not having one booked!)

Well that's it booked - cruise and flights - I'm on my own for 2 1/2 weeks

Stevie (StephenKay) is officially cruising without me I wish I could come too, but I've already got 6 weeks leave booked for this year and its all DCL and WDW

Hope you'll all take care of him !!!

In the process of getting him added to the various activities you have all kindly organised and thank you everyone for the hard work involved being an organiser and running the thread!

Don't talk about painkillers, I am so not happy that WBTA 2014 is not going via Tortola, but I have it on good authority there are bars in St Maarten which sell them

I'm sure Stevie will pick you brains over the next few weeks

He will be just fine with us, Mary. Still bummed you can't join, but YAY for your other vacations booked!

Since Steve is not with us (seraphine's husband), we will recruit Stevie for Goofy's Boat Building contest

Still bummed about WBTA not going to Tortola but I'm researching Antigua for a comparable excursion.

 

[JenDen]

Attention all northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania cruisers. Dennis and I would like to get together before the cruise.

We did this before the Hawaii cruise and had a great time.

PM us and we'll try to set up a time and place to meet!!


JenDen
Jennifer and Dennis

 

[Tod&Copper]

He will be just fine with us, Mary. Still bummed you can't join, but YAY for your other vacations booked!

Since Steve is not with us (seraphine's husband), we will recruit Stevie for Goofy's Boat Building contest

Still bummed about WBTA not going to Tortola but I'm researching Antigua for a comparable excursion.

Thanks Mandy

Now there's an idea - I hadn't thought about boat building, he would enjoy that

Looking forward to hearing about a potential Antigua trip

 

[Ladyshopper]

I noticed there are a couple of people staying at Country Inn and Suites in the IAH vicinity. Could anyone confirm which one, as there seems to be 2 near there, and both are fairly good prices! Am considering booking, and would be nice to be in same place as others!

 

[WVURunner]

6) Aulani is meh to me; 9) Diamond Head at sunrise

I'll think of more later. I have many obscure ones, too. Like hole in the wall places or "local secrets" haha.

Thanks, I added the list to our Hawaii 2014 folder. It seems like every island person doesn't like Aulani. My friend said she agrees wiht your list except she would sugest Makapuu for sunrise instead of diamond head? Keep them coming

Is there a lens he would like? Or a tripod? Or a book on composition, exposure or post processing?

Hmm, he got a tripod for christmas this year and a few books the year before when he got the camera. He has two lens, one goes to 300? (if that makes sense) He always mentions wide angle or fish eye lens? why are men so hard to shop for?

When we've been saying this cruise is not that full -- by comparison, on WBTA 2011 we were first-timers with DCL. There was not a single brunch we could get the entire 14 days. The only way we were able to do brunch was as a group. Even for this one, we are doing group brunch, and then once onboard may book again - but have one booked now just in case group brunch falls through (which it won't - but I couldn't pass up not having one booked!)

So I booked my mom and sister this morning and I can't believe how many things were gone! I was left thinking this cruise was going to be packed! I can't even get a table for 4 at Palo for dinner but was able to for brunch though. On the EBPC in Decemeber, we could have had any night we wanted for many nights! They kept telling us to come back and we change our night once aboard at least 3 times (we kept liking the menu for the night) We also did to brunches, one the first sea day and one the last sea day. Hopefully we can get a table for 4 once aboard the ship.

The good news is that there appears to be hardly any kids under 3 as the nursery had every timeslot open!

All of our excursions are through private operators and we aren't doing anything at CC so I didn't look into that.

 

[twopeasonepod]

Ouch.

Woody

Sorry. It just doesn't do anything for me. I think for locals, it's like putting a Disney resort in the middle of the desert. Would you go to Disney 29 Palms? haha

 

[twopeasonepod]

Thanks, I added the list to our Hawaii 2014 folder. It seems like every island person doesn't like Aulani. My friend said she agrees wiht your list except she would sugest Makapuu for sunrise instead of diamond head? Keep them coming

Yes, Makapu'u is wonderful. A much more beautiful sunrise, but I thought you would want to see Waikiki in the background haha.

Speaking of views, you can go up Tantalus (the road behind Hanahau'oli) and see this. It was our Christmas card in 2010:

I think the best shave ice is at Waiola. But that is very debatable amongst locals -- there are many faves - Shimazu, Matsumoto's, etc.

 

[Tink1987]

Well that's it booked - cruise and flights - I'm on my own for 2 1/2 weeks

Stevie (StephenKay) is officially cruising without me I wish I could come too, but I've already got 6 weeks leave booked for this year and its all DCL and WDW

Hope you'll all take care of him !!!

In the process of getting him added to the various activities you have all kindly organised and thank you everyone for the hard work involved being an organiser and running the thread!

Don't talk about painkillers, I am so not happy that WBTA 2014 is not going via Tortola, but I have it on good authority there are bars in St Maarten which sell them

I'm sure Stevie will pick you brains over the next few weeks

Welcome to Stevie! Sorry you couldn't join us

 

[Tink1987]

I'm sooo happy! I can feel like the holiday can begin.

And next time we cruise with DCL I will be silver so can check in an extra 15 days early!

 

[Tink1987]

I'm so happy you got what you wanted!

Thank you! It's made it feel we are actually going now, as silly as that sounds

 

[Tink1987]

We signed up for snorkeling from a boat on CC. Anyone else?

Bobbi

Oh that sounds cool, will have to take a look at that! Thanks

 

[Tink1987]

Yay! So happy for you! And Sarah (binkytell) totally rocks as usual! She is super kind and helpful in-person as well.

When we've been saying this cruise is not that full -- by comparison, on WBTA 2011 we were first-timers with DCL. There was not a single brunch we could get the entire 14 days. The only way we were able to do brunch was as a group. Even for this one, we are doing group brunch, and then once onboard may book again - but have one booked now just in case group brunch falls through (which it won't - but I couldn't pass up not having one booked!)

He will be just fine with us, Mary. Still bummed you can't join, but YAY for your other vacations booked!

Since Steve is not with us (seraphine's husband), we will recruit Stevie for Goofy's Boat Building contest

Still bummed about WBTA not going to Tortola but I'm researching Antigua for a comparable excursion.

Thank you, I've had a big smile on my face all day!

Sarah is totally amazeballs - it was so great of her to check.

Scary to think you couldn't get a single brunch for the whole 14 days. I mean it's not like they only do one seating is it! That's why it's great to have the group brunch to fall back on.

 

[Tink1987]

Hmm, he got a tripod for christmas this year and a few books the year before when he got the camera. He has two lens, one goes to 300? (if that makes sense) He always mentions wide angle or fish eye lens? why are men so hard to shop for?

So I booked my mom and sister this morning and I can't believe how many things were gone! I was left thinking this cruise was going to be packed! I can't even get a table for 4 at Palo for dinner but was able to for brunch though. On the EBPC in Decemeber, we could have had any night we wanted for many nights! They kept telling us to come back and we change our night once aboard at least 3 times (we kept liking the menu for the night) We also did to brunches, one the first sea day and one the last sea day. Hopefully we can get a table for 4 once aboard the ship.

Yeah that makes sense

I would say a wide angle would be better - only because fisheye is an acquired taste shall we say. You can't use it a lot as it can be very gimmicky if you do. I love the fisheye lenses but DB isn't so keen. He think's it has his uses but it's gimmicky. We hired a fisheye first of all as DB thought he would feel like what I've just said above. So perhaps that's an option if he wants one of those. Now a wide angle is a must! I don't know how long we lived without ours. Is the D3100 full frame? Sorry I'm being lazy, I should just look on Google!

So sorry you couldn't get the dinner for 4 at Palo!! fingers crossed you get one on the boat!

 

[Viking_53]

We signed up for snorkeling from a boat on CC. Anyone else?

Bobbi

Hi,

If it's the "Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure", then yes, we are signed up for that one at 9:30AM.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi,

If it's the "Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure", then yes, we are signed up for that one at 9:30AM.

That's the one. See you then!

 

[MandyGirl]

So I booked my mom and sister this morning and I can't believe how many things were gone! I was left thinking this cruise was going to be packed! I can't even get a table for 4 at Palo for dinner but was able to for brunch though. On the EBPC in Decemeber, we could have had any night we wanted for many nights! They kept telling us to come back and we change our night once aboard at least 3 times (we kept liking the menu for the night) We also did to brunches, one the first sea day and one the last sea day. Hopefully we can get a table for 4 once aboard the ship.

The good news is that there appears to be hardly any kids under 3 as the nursery had every timeslot open!

All of our excursions are through private operators and we aren't doing anything at CC so I didn't look into that.

What about splitting up into tables for two for Palo dinner - was that an option? Snag a spot so you have it secured, and then change onboard possibly?

Yes - nursery time was wide open for our's who is under 3. I just added more time a couple days ago.

 

[Kirbo]

Yes, Makapu'u is wonderful. A much more beautiful sunrise, but I thought you would want to see Waikiki in the background haha.

Speaking of views, you can go up Tantalus (the road behind Hanahau'oli) and see this. It was our Christmas card in 2010:

I think the best shave ice is at Waiola. But that is very debatable amongst locals -- there are many faves - Shimazu, Matsumoto's, etc.

Love that picture

I'm sooo happy! I can feel like the holiday can begin.

And next time we cruise with DCL I will be silver so can check in an extra 15 days early!

Thank you! It's made it feel we are actually going now, as silly as that sounds

Doesn't sound silly to me at all!

 

[WVURunner]

What about splitting up into tables for two for Palo dinner - was that an option? Snag a spot so you have it secured, and then change onboard possibly?

Yes - nursery time was wide open for our's who is under 3. I just added more time a couple days ago.

I tried that, I can not get two tables for two on the same night. Hoping we can get it fixed while on board, if not, DH and I will cancel our dinner, we only want to go to see my mom and sister experiance it. We do enjoy Palo dinner but it isn't a "must-do" for the two of us as we like the main dining room menus. It is a "must do" if I get to sit with my family who are doing it for the first time.

We still have 10 hours left for the nursery. We are waiting for the private tasting time and the pub crawl time. If it isn't busy, will they allow you to book more than 34 hours once onboard?

Yes, Makapu'u is wonderful. A much more beautiful sunrise, but I thought you would want to see Waikiki in the background haha.

Speaking of views, you can go up Tantalus (the road behind Hanahau'oli) and see this. It was our Christmas card in 2010:

I think the best shave ice is at Waiola. But that is very debatable amongst locals -- there are many faves - Shimazu, Matsumoto's, etc.

Maybe we will do both hikes then! we are both hikers so that would be fun and I am sure we could do our own taste test to find or favorite shaved ice place! Your picture makes me wish I was there now!

Yeah that makes sense

I would say a wide angle would be better - only because fisheye is an acquired taste shall we say. You can't use it a lot as it can be very gimmicky if you do. I love the fisheye lenses but DB isn't so keen. He think's it has his uses but it's gimmicky. We hired a fisheye first of all as DB thought he would feel like what I've just said above. So perhaps that's an option if he wants one of those. Now a wide angle is a must! I don't know how long we lived without ours. Is the D3100 full frame? Sorry I'm being lazy, I should just look on Google!

So sorry you couldn't get the dinner for 4 at Palo!! fingers crossed you get one on the boat!

I'm not gonna lie, I am not sure what you mean when you ask if the 3100 is a full frame, so I have no clue. Can you rent lenes? That might be a cool idea to one of each for the trip and see if he likes any other them and if he does, maybe I will have a x-mas gift for him! How much do they run?

 

[MandyGirl]

We still have 10 hours left for the nursery. We are waiting for the private tasting time and the pub crawl time. If it isn't busy, will they allow you to book more than 34 hours once onboard?

Yep! You can only pre-book a certain amount, but once onboard, it's fair game.