May 25th, 2008 West Coast - Mexico

[soudersmes]

Welcome Mary..Sounds like we may have quite a few from Az. So close and no long air travel I too didn't realize first timers had to wait later. We've been on alot of cruises and never got that as a perk. After reading all the posts I have to make door signs and get with it for pirate night. All the kids are so excited.

Margaret

 

[4campers]

....
My dd school is giving me a bad time about taking her out of school for the trip. I told them that I booked the trip when I was going to home school her and she ended up in public school. Anyone else having this problem with a child who is in school?

I'm just now telling my teachers. They didn't say anything, yet. Other then they want us to take them! But, I haven't told the front office yet I might get something from them. One of the days is a holiday (Memorial Day), and one is a half-day for us. Then, it's just two weeks of school left, and for us we have several more half-days. So, I'm thinking I'll be ok. I know it will get more difficult later in the years

We like to camp too, and this year has been no go so far. It's desert season and we haven't gone yet

Oh the joys of being a parent

 

[4campers]

Thought maybe some of you would be interested in reading this!

I haven't read all of it yet, but have been enjoying her thoughts


http://www.cruisecritic.com/virtual/virtual.cfm?ID=25&page=1

 

[JennyW]

My dd school is giving me a bad time about taking her out of school for the trip. I told them that I booked the trip when I was going to home school her and she ended up in public school. Anyone else having this problem with a child who is in school?

No, but then again, we homeschool.

However, my philosophy is that a trip such as this will be more valuable and much more memorable to your child than whatever they're doing in school that week.

 

[jrp]

Hi All
Good to see so many new faces on board the post. I appoligize for the lack of posts lately but I am trying to view more frequently Did everyone receive the letter from DCL last week on the requirements to board the ship? Yep it sure is getting to the point of countdown mania We did finally get 2nd seating last week after calling DVC customer service again..Nicole -you can also go to the DCL website to make your ressies or wait til you board the ship and then hike up to Palo's at the prescribed time to get on the wait list.. I don't think there are any bruch or High tea times left. 3 weeks ago I went to the site 90 days out and only a few dinner slots were left.. I will go later to check it again.. Today is our DD 21st birthday and we are going out later to celebrate but not too much.. Well talk later and remember to
AAAARRRRHHHHH the kids yo ho yo ho its a cruising life for me...
jrp

 

[JennyW]

I logged on last night at 9pm (we're in Arizona) and I managed to get Palo reservations for us for the Cabo night (9pm-11pm, though, ugh!!), and for my mom and stepdad for the first night (at a more reasonable 6:30-8:30pm). There's nothing left today. I'm glad I did it last night! I'm still hoping to go and change reservations to something earlier, once we get on the ship.

 

[MaryAz]

Jenny
I am in Az too! We could not get reservations for Palo. I am going to keep checking. We did get all the excursions we wanted.
Mary

 

[MousseauMob]

Did everyone receive the letter from DCL last week on the requirements to board the ship?

I didn't get a letter, what are the requirements to board the ship?

 

[jrp]

Hi All
I will scan in the letter TM and send it to anyone who sends me thier e-mail through PM..It explains about the need fo documents needed to board DCL.. Of course they stil recommend a Passport for all even if not required yet..
Just send me a PM and I wiil promise nothing other than this document will be sent to you.. Hope this helps.. jrp

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

We didnt get a chance at all to make any reservations for Palo. We probably were not going to eat there but when I checked out the reservations online, there was none. The cruise reservation specialist on the phone said that they do set a side times when you board and still can make reservations to eat there in case anyone was interested.

 

[traceye]

HI Everyone I'm so glad I found this board and thread. We are joining you all on the curise on the 25th. It will be our first with DCL but my husband and I have cruised about 10 times before. The kids have cruised one time for a long weekend cruise out of LA and LOVED it. They are so excited for this cruise as we are. My kids are DD 6, and DS 8. I'm SO glad there are so many girls my DD's age as she has some seperation issues still and I plan on her being in the club ALOT but my kids tell me they're not going in there! I know they'll love it once they get in there. My DD is VERY social and loves other little girls so when she sees how many other little princesses are there she should be fine..... I can hope anyway.

This board is so fantastic. I can't believe all the great ideas and things I am learning. Can't wait to read so much more. I spent hours reading stuff last night, including this entire thread!

We didn't get any of our Palo ressie's that I wanted, not sure if we are doing shore excursions or not. Probably not. Loved the idea of getting a day room at a resort, just might have to do that. Any reccommendations for which port or which resort I'd be intererested in hearing about.

We are from So. Cal so we only have about a 45 minute drive to the ship. Can't wait!

Tracey

 

[tinkmischief]

Hey everyone!
I've been lurking on several of the Mexican Riviera cruises waiting for my husband's R&R to get approved and as of lats night we are officially joining you on the cruise Woohoo!
None of us have ever been on a cruise before! It will be me , DH and DS (3 1/2) We are from AZ too, looks like there are quite a few of us!
We've only booked one excursion to go to Lands End in Cabo. A couple of the other Mexican Riviera threads had some great info and links that I haven't seen on here so I will try to find them and post.
I think I've only seen it mentioned once on here....Do we want to do a fish extender gift exchange?
I'm so excited! Can't wait...I feel a little behind booking so close to the sail date but who needs sleep with so many great tips to read
Melissa

 

[4campers]

HI Everyone I'm so glad I found this board and thread. We are joining you all on the curise on the 25th. It will be our first with DCL but my husband and I have cruised about 10 times before. The kids have cruised one time for a long weekend cruise out of LA and LOVED it. They are so excited for this cruise as we are. My kids are DD 6, and DS 8. I'm SO glad there are so many girls my DD's age as she has some seperation issues still and I plan on her being in the club ALOT but my kids tell me they're not going in there! I know they'll love it once they get in there. My DD is VERY social and loves other little girls so when she sees how many other little princesses are there she should be fine..... I can hope anyway.

This board is so fantastic. I can't believe all the great ideas and things I am learning. Can't wait to read so much more. I spent hours reading stuff last night, including this entire thread!

We didn't get any of our Palo ressie's that I wanted, not sure if we are doing shore excursions or not. Probably not. Loved the idea of getting a day room at a resort, just might have to do that. Any reccommendations for which port or which resort I'd be intererested in hearing about.

We are from So. Cal so we only have about a 45 minute drive to the ship. Can't wait!

Tracey

Welcome Tracey

Once your children see the kids club, they'll love it! There are so many kids.

My girls didn't want to go have dinner with us for our last cruise! So, we made a deal. We all eat together, and then DH would take them up and return just in time for coffee and dessert. Everyone was happy

 

[4campers]

Hey everyone!
I've been lurking on several of the Mexican Riviera cruises waiting for my husband's R&R to get approved and as of lats night we are officially joining you on the cruise Woohoo!
None of us have ever been on a cruise before! It will be me , DH and DS (3 1/2) We are from AZ too, looks like there are quite a few of us!
We've only booked one excursion to go to Lands End in Cabo. A couple of the other Mexican Riviera threads had some great info and links that I haven't seen on here so I will try to find them and post.
I think I've only seen it mentioned once on here....Do we want to do a fish extender gift exchange?
I'm so excited! Can't wait...I feel a little behind booking so close to the sail date but who needs sleep with so many great tips to read
Melissa

Welcome Melissa

AZ is taking over the ship

 

[JennsBabySky]

Has anyone heard what nights the shows will be and what dinners are what nights? I know that DCL distributed the dress/Pirate night info, but I was interested in which nights were rotation at the restaurants.

Also, a lot of the hotels in the Mexican Riviera don't require a day pass to use their facilities (very different than the Carribean). I did a search on cruisecritic to find some interesting resorts. DH and I got engaged at the El Cid in Mazatlan, so we'll be using their pool. They don't require a day pass (just buy food and drinks while at the pool). I've also heard that the Krystal in PV and Melia (not sure if you need a day pass at this one) are good hotels to try.

See you soon,
Jennifer

 

[MaryAz]

Hi Tracey and Melisaa
Welcome! Melissa, good to see more Az peeps here! Tracey, I also hope my DD (soon to be 4) will stay at the CLub. She will have her cousin with her so I hope that will help. Now I just need to find a buddy for my 18mo. SHe has major seperation issues and I don't think will stay at the nursery.
We are geting closer!
Mary

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

I don't know if anyone had a situation like this but its worth a shot. My ds who is now 4 years old is not fully potty trained. We started to just potty train him the other day. I am hoping that he will pick it up and so far it is going pretty ok. With his recent surgery and development, I am not sure if he will be done potty training by the day of the cruise. I talked with the cruise representative on the phone and one person said that she would see if the club can allow him to still join and another woman said that she wasn't sure what will happen until we go on the ship and talk with the kids club. I am hoping that he can participate because myself and my dh are in need of a little time on this vacation. I love the kids but I am looking forward to having a relaxing time in the hot tub and maybe a meal and a drink without a tantrum. They wanted to place him in the nursery but I was telling them that he is close to 50lbs and is around 46 inches so he is just a little to big for a nursery with way younger kids. I just wanted to see if anyone had this problem on the disney cruise line or another cruise line and what was the outcome? Thanks

 

[JennsBabySky]

I don't know if anyone had a situation like this but its worth a shot. My ds who is now 4 years old is not fully potty trained. We started to just potty train him the other day. I am hoping that he will pick it up and so far it is going pretty ok. With his recent surgery and development, I am not sure if he will be done potty training by the day of the cruise. I talked with the cruise representative on the phone and one person said that she would see if the club can allow him to still join and another woman said that she wasn't sure what will happen until we go on the ship and talk with the kids club. I am hoping that he can participate because myself and my dh are in need of a little time on this vacation. I love the kids but I am looking forward to having a relaxing time in the hot tub and maybe a meal and a drink without a tantrum. They wanted to place him in the nursery but I was telling them that he is close to 50lbs and is around 46 inches so he is just a little to big for a nursery with way younger kids. I just wanted to see if anyone had this problem on the disney cruise line or another cruise line and what was the outcome? Thanks

Hmm. That's a tough one. They absolutely won't change diapers in the kids club. You might want to explain the situation to the counselors and see if it would be okay to bring him to the club just after he has gone the bathroom. Alternatively, they are totally fine with you staying in the club with your children while they play. I used to frequently do that with my 2 year old when he was too little for the club, but he wanted to play with some bigger kid toys.

Good Luck,
Jennifer

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

Does anyone know the price of parking per day at the port and how secure it is?

 

[teemsum]

Hi

I'm Angela + my DH ( Alex ) are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary on this cruise.

We've done the Mex Riv b4 but this'll be our 1st DCL cruise.

I'm so excited reading all the info on here.

We're in stateroom 6585.


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