May 2, 2009~~~Magical MAYniacs!~~~ 7 day Western....Updated, April 3,2009!!

[Myth-USA]

Hey, Zerog, I have missed your math!

I need to ask one really stupid question: what's the Castaway Club? I'm assuming that you're a member, Zerog, since you've cruised before. Is it open only to previous cruisers?

Castaway Club membership is automatic once you have sailed with DCL. You do not have to sign up etc...

Other cruise lines call it: Past Guest number, Crown and Anchor Society, etc....

 

[laura001]

Ok everybody, it is time to WAKE UP!!! ​

Let me do the math: 16 weeks x 7 = 112 days till the cruise.

For Castaway Club members, Palo and excursion reservations open up 90 days prior to cruise date.
For everyone else, Palo and excursion reservations open up 75 days prior.

Once these doors are unlocked, there is going to be a mad scramble to make reservations and prime times will fill up fast (within a few hours).

So for Castaway Club members, we have about 3 weeks to decide when, where, and what we want to do.

We have to wait til 75 days out!!! I am just figuring if we don't get the Palo reservation we want...oh well, we will just have to go on another cruise!

 

[jewelmicky]

or if you book the REAS....and book even sooner, 105 I think? If you REALLY wanna be sneaky, book it and cancel at the 90 day. I booked it but plan to keep it.

 

[laura001]

or if you book the REAS....and book even sooner, 105 I think? If you REALLY wanna be sneaky, book it and cancel at the 90 day. I booked it but plan to keep it.

Which day did you book for ??

 

[zerog]

or if you book the REAS..

What is the REAS?

 

[jewelmicky]

Romantic Escape Package.

 

[zerog]

Romantic Escape at Sea Add-on

The $359 REAS package includes:

* Romantic gift amenity delivered to your stateroom (one per package, usually includes two one-size-fits-most robes, a bottle of champagne and chocolates)
* Bottle of wine from the Premium Wine List (one night)
* Tropical Rain Forest pass for two at the Vista Spa & Salon (length of cruise)
* Priority seating at Palo (one dinner or brunch - package covers the usual nominal per-person fee)
* Romance turndown service (one night)
* Champagne breakfast in bed (one morning - this is a full breakfast, from a more extensive menu than the standard continental breakfast room service)

The retail value of the stateroom gift is $93. The bottle of wine is worth up to about $50. A Tropical Rain Forest pass costs $75 for a 7-day pass (per person), and the Palo fees for dinner normally total $30. There is some additional value in the upgraded room service breakfast and being pampered with the romance turndown service. Plus, you have the luxury of pre-booking everything early.

An unadvertised aspect of the Romantic Escape at Sea add-on is that you get to pre-book your Palo reservation(s), shore excursions and any spa services 105 days in advance of your cruise, as long as you've paid for your cruise in full. Only the cost of one dinner at Palo is included in the package. The fees for additional Palo reservations, shore excursions and spa appointments aren't included in the package, but you can still book them 105 days in advance if you've purchased this add-on.

The red font above seems to be the only drawback. Not really that bad of a drawback, because we still have to pay in full 90 days prior; what's a few extra weeks?

 

[laura001]

I was thinking of booking the REAS, but I wasn't really sure if the money would be better spent on our other excursions etc. This is our first cruise and was thinking we would be happy with pretty much anything at this point, I am sure we will be overwhelmed with all the other stuff going on. Just like going to Palo, I am going to try to book it, but if we don't get in...oh well.


On another note, has anyone here ever purchased the REAS?

 

[zerog]

I was thinking of booking the REAS, but I wasn't really sure if the money would be better spent on our other excursions etc. This is our first cruise and was thinking we would be happy with pretty much anything at this point, I am sure we will be overwhelmed with all the other stuff going on. Just like going to Palo, I am going to try to book it, but if we don't get in...oh well.

On another note, has anyone here ever purchased the REAS?

Hi Laura..

Based on our last 7 nite cruise, I think it kinda goes down like this:
- 1st day: Overwhelming with the newness of the cruise and getting settled in.
- 2nd thru 6th day: You'll think you own the ship. Life is good!!!
- Last day: Won't want to get off the ship and return to the 'real life.' This will be a sad day for most of us. You can see it clear as day on people's faces..

You'll be happy with whatever choices you make. It's all good and its hard to argue against being pampered like kings and queens for a week. For some of you, I'm certain it is better than dealing with several feet of snow.

 

[laura001]

Hi Laura..

Based on our last 7 nite cruise, I think it kinda goes down like this:
- 1st day: Overwhelming with the newness of the cruise and getting settled in.
- 2nd thru 6th day: You'll think you own the ship. Life is good!!!
- Last day: Won't want to get off the ship and return to the 'real life.' This will be a sad day for most of us. You can see it clear as day on people's faces..

You'll be happy with whatever choices you make. It's all good and its hard to argue against being pampered like kings and queens for a week. For some of you, I'm certain it is better than dealing with several feet of snow.

Aha! I have day 7 already licked! We are heading to BWV for a week at WDW after the cruise......day 14 will be the killer!

 

[Myth-USA]

Aha! I have day 7 already licked! We are heading to BWV for a week at WDW after the cruise......day 14 will be the killer!

At this point you will need a vacation........

 

[laura001]

At this point you will need a vacation........

LOL!!! You are probably right! (I don't have to have a long face when I leave then though either, cause I already booked again to go back in September )

I can't believe how excited I am getting about the trip! Right now I am trying to decide on Car Rentals. Then back to the excursion planning. Anyone else?

 

[zerog]

back to the excursion planning. Anyone else?

I've run into a small snag.. I was planning on booking the Chankanaab Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel, but it turns out that this is a dolphin "hug/kiss" and not the "Royal Swim." The only way to get the Royal Swim is outside of DCL. But then, the ages for this are listed as 8 and above (my DD is 6).

My hunch is that my DD will get frightened anyhow and not want to actually swim with the dolphins; but I have to at least give her the chance if all of us are doing it.

 

[Laurafoster]

I have just come across this thread - cant believe i didnt find it ages ago!

Well we are coming on the 2nd May cruise! Im so so excited as we have only done the 3 day one before.

Ok the cast of characters on this cruise will be me(24), DH (23), My Mum (slightly older ) My Dad, and My grandparents. It will likely be my grandparents ast ever trip to Florida as they cant cope with the 9hour flight very well. So i am all intent on making this the trip of a lifetime for them.

Ive booked a few surprises for them throughout their trip but my next plan is to decorate their door and get them fish extenders. How do i sign up for the fish extenders? There will be 3 rooms in total - i'll have to start hunting for cute little gifts.
I also need to suss out how to make a fish extender? I cant afford to buy 3 off ebay as they would cost nearly $150!

So if anyone has instructions as to how to make one can they please let me know

Also how do you all make these fab designs i see on the doors?

 

[jewelmicky]

Time is marching on, and our Cruise will be here before we know it!


I am excited! I just made my final payment, and have to decide on Palo! I booked the REAS and my window starts this weekend!

Here is my plan thus far......open to suggestions.

Palo dinner Tues night, and Palo Brunch Thurs...

Grand Caymen the Pirate Encounter
Cosumel Fury Catamaran
Key West Walking Tour

For Spa treatments I am not sure what it's called, but the "scalp" massage? I heard it was good and cheap! well cheap for spa treatment anyway! either that or the messy mud thing!


Is anyone still interested in the bracelets? I have only seen a few people relpy. It really isn't worth it if we don't get enough participants.

 

[zerog]

I have just come across this thread - cant believe i didnt find it ages ago!

Well we are coming on the 2nd May cruise! Im so so excited as we have only done the 3 day one before.

Ive booked a few surprises for them throughout their trip but my next plan is to decorate their door and get them fish extenders. How do i sign up for the fish extenders? I also need to suss out how to make a fish extender? if anyone has instructions as to how to make one can they please let me know

Also how do you all make these fab designs i see on the doors?

Welcome LauraFoster ​

In the past we used to light fireworks for all of our newcomers. I apologize for everyone that you did not receive the same earlier. Nonetheless, something happened to this thread a few months ago and it's been slowly coasting along. On a positive note, I think things will pick back up as we start getting closer and closer to the cruise date. There are some really nice people here who have been very helpful to others!!

FISH EXTENDERS: I'm not sure what the status is for these. We would need an up-to-date Roll Call, which includes stateroom numbers. I used to maintain this list, but I think Laura001 may have taken it over.

DOOR MAGNETS: There used to be a lady on the main forum who would fill requests. I think she became overwhelmed and from what I've read she is not making them anymore.

Once again, a belated welcome to our board.

 

[zerog]

I just made my final payment, and have to decide on Palo! I booked the REAS and my window starts this weekend!

Here is my plan thus far......open to suggestions.

Palo dinner Tues night, and Palo Brunch Thurs...

Grand Caymen the Pirate Encounter
Cosumel Fury Catamaran
Key West Walking Tour

Is anyone still interested in the bracelets? I have only seen a few people relpy. It really isn't worth it if we don't get enough participants.

JewelMicky
Based on your post, I also booked the REAS. I'm going to pay off the cruise today.

With the early registration, I hope to get Palo on sea days.

As for excursions, I hit a major speed bump when I found out that DCL doesn't offer the Royal Swim in Cozumel. I'm going to have to book that outside of DCL. For Key West, my DW wants to leave that open. Same with GC - she doesn't want to commit to anything in case we change our mind.

Thanks once again for informing me about the REAS!! You made a difference in our cruise plans.

 

[laura001]

Welcome LauraFoster ​

In the past we used to light fireworks for all of our newcomers. I apologize for everyone that you did not receive the same earlier. Nonetheless, something happened to this thread a few months ago and it's been slowly coasting along. On a positive note, I think things will pick back up as we start getting closer and closer to the cruise date. There are some really nice people here who have been very helpful to others!!

FISH EXTENDERS: I'm not sure what the status is for these. We would need an up-to-date Roll Call, which includes stateroom numbers. I used to maintain this list, but I think Laura001 may have taken it over.

DOOR MAGNETS: There used to be a lady on the main forum who would fill requests. I think she became overwhelmed and from what I've read she is not making them anymore.

Once again, a belated welcome to our board.

Hey there, and I will give my official welcome . Sorry, have been totally overwhelmed with all kinds of stuff.

Zerog....the keeper of the list.....I only started doing it cause you weren't around...now that you are back, please, please, please, can you take it back????? As well as the weekly update as to what week we are on???

As for the bracelets....let's hold off for a few weeks and then perhaps everyone will be around. I will post some updates this weekend.

 

[zerog]

And he said "Let there be cruise!"
and there was cruise;
and he saw that it was good!
​

Today, our cruises have been paid in full including my in-laws! The REAS package allows us to book Palo and excursions this weekend.

 

[zerog]

Zerog....the keeper of the list.....I only started doing it cause you weren't around. As well as the weekly update as to what week we are on?

Hi Laura, I'll see what I can do.. January 17th marks the 15 week milestone (105 days).

Photos: Anyone interested in posting photos so that we can recognize each other on the ship?

Cruise Meet: We are not going to make the cruise meet on May 2. This was a sore spot for me on the last cruise because my DW didn't have any desire to get involved with the dis-board. She basically didn't understand why we had to pull away from what we were doing to meet some 'strangers' (not strangers to me because I had been on the last cruise board for almost 11 months). This time my DW's inlaws will be with us so it will be even more difficult. Nonetheless, DW probably spoke more to the dis'ers she met than me.. Go figure.

Having said that, let me post the first photo of my DW (she's the one on top - although she can be as difficult as the one below)..
[No animals were hurt in this photo]