May 4, 2013 Fantasy 7 Night Eastern Caribbean

[CurtisB]

Thanks feeling a bit sore today but nothing horrible.

How is everyone this beautiful day. I hope it is still that nice out when I get off work

It was beautiful here in DC this weekend but it's raining today

I'm enjoying reading the posts of folks who just got off the Fantasy. Some interesting info since that will be our cruise in less than a year!

 

[NC_Tink]

We had quiet a bit of rain today -- but we needed it so I guess it was a good thing.

I too have been reading some of the folks' comments about this past Fantasy cruise. I can't wait for our trip!! Next May can't come soon enough! But then 2012 has been pretty ick so far (and it's not even half over yet ), so I'm ready for 2013 to get here already and, hopefully, be much better

I've started taking notes and think about what we might want to do in St. Thomas and St. Martin. My DH and I have been to both islands -- previous cruise, but many, many, many, years ago (pre-kids). I remember we rented a car in St. Thomas (nope, won't be doing that again - been there, done that - never want to do that again! ) But we did do the Paradise Point Skyride and may do that again with the kids.

Okay - you all are gonna figure out that I'm a HUGE researcher and will go nuts in the next year reading trip reports and scouring the internet for information on the different options we have in St. Thomas and St. Martin

So, I'm going to apologize now for my craziness. But, I think I like the research and the planning, almost as much as I enjoy the trip!

 

[Hockeychic]

Oh good we can drive each other crazy I am a total type A planner. I have lists about my lists...lol

We have been to St Thomas numerous times but never made it to the sky side. Still haven't had a bushwacker. St Marten we have only been once and we did a island tour through DCL that did both sides of the island. This time we are probably heading to one of the beaches.

Hope you all have better weather today. We aren't suppose to get rain till tomorrow and only a bit we have a long weekend coming up so hope the weather stays nice.

Kim

 

[CoryB2679]

We had quiet a bit of rain today -- but we needed it so I guess it was a good thing.

I too have been reading some of the folks' comments about this past Fantasy cruise. I can't wait for our trip!! Next May can't come soon enough! But then 2012 has been pretty ick so far (and it's not even half over yet ), so I'm ready for 2013 to get here already and, hopefully, be much better

I've started taking notes and think about what we might want to do in St. Thomas and St. Martin. My DH and I have been to both islands -- previous cruise, but many, many, many, years ago (pre-kids). I remember we rented a car in St. Thomas (nope, won't be doing that again - been there, done that - never want to do that again! ) But we did do the Paradise Point Skyride and may do that again with the kids.

Okay - you all are gonna figure out that I'm a HUGE researcher and will go nuts in the next year reading trip reports and scouring the internet for information on the different options we have in St. Thomas and St. Martin

So, I'm going to apologize now for my craziness. But, I think I like the research and the planning, almost as much as I enjoy the trip!

I haven't had a chance to read what the previous cruises have been saying about the new ship. Please let us know any good info!

What's the Paradise Point Skyride?

My family took a cruise years ago to either St. Martin or St. Thomas and just took a cab to a beautiful beach. It was nice with the exception of the jellyfish invasion that ended up stinging 3 or 4 people in our group.

 

[NC_Tink]

Paradise Point tramway also known as the St Thomas Skyride or Paradise Point Skyride. Basically what you see in the photo. Awesome views from the top, some small shops and you can get a Bushwacker

I think we might do the skyride and then head to one of the beaches, but hmmm, jellyfish... Getting stung by one of those could put a damper on our vacation.

We did the tour of both sides of St. Martin/Maarten when we were there, but ours included snorkeling -- we went through RCCL. Alot of folks from previous cruises to St Martin keep talking about Bernards Tours -- so I may need to check them out a bit. They take tour groups to a couple of beaches, a little shopping - I'm pretty sure that they stop at Marigot Beach which, I think, is the one where the planes fly directly overhead? My boys saw that and think that might be pretty cool to see. I'm not so sure - something about this extremely large flying object passing just over my head doesn't really excite me?

 

[CurtisB]

Oh good we can drive each other crazy I am a total type A planner. I have lists about my lists...lol

I'm the same way! I'm worried that I will over plan and get too hyped up for the cruise that anything short of perfection will be a disappointment!

I found one thread on here of people listing things they would and would not do again that seems to be very helpful!

I have been to the Caribbean before but never to STT/STJ or St Maartin before. I really have no idea what to expect!

 

[CoryB2679]

Paradise Point tramway also known as the St Thomas Skyride or Paradise Point Skyride. Basically what you see in the photo. Awesome views from the top, some small shops and you can get a Bushwacker

I think we might do the skyride and then head to one of the beaches, but hmmm, jellyfish... Getting stung by one of those could put a damper on our vacation.

We did the tour of both sides of St. Martin/Maarten when we were there, but ours included snorkeling -- we went through RCCL. Alot of folks from previous cruises to St Martin keep talking about Bernards Tours -- so I may need to check them out a bit. They take tour groups to a couple of beaches, a little shopping - I'm pretty sure that they stop at Marigot Beach which, I think, is the one where the planes fly directly overhead? My boys saw that and think that might be pretty cool to see. I'm not so sure - something about this extremely large flying object passing just over my head doesn't really excite me?

Cool. I was afraid it was a zipline tour or something that my kids would be too small for, or freak out about. That looks awesome.

And the jellyfish stings weren't horrible. My brother-in-law stopped complaining about it after 4-5 years.

 

[NC_Tink]

And the jellyfish stings weren't horrible. My brother-in-law stopped complaining about it after 4-5 years.

How funny!

 

[Hockeychic]

I just want a Bushwacker

In St Thomas I have done a island tour and went to Saffaire (sp) beach. Mostly we just walk into the shopping area and roam around. DH is a amatuer photographer and loves to take random photos of buildings etc and I get to shop

Weather permitting we will do the tram this time for sure.

Kim

 

[NC_Tink]

deleted - sorry - I thought I saw that there had been a price decrease on my stateroom category -- but, alas, I was wrong - looked at the wrong category

 

[Hockeychic]

I just went to check and mine actually went up a bit

 

[NC_Tink]

I just went to check and mine actually went up a bit

Yeah - mine too, guess I should be happy that I booked a couple of weeks ago.

I'm booked in a 4E and I looked at the pricing for a 5E - started to get excited thinking I would get a credit - even sent my TA a note. Then, suddenly, it dawned on me that I looked at the wrong cat. Ah well, easy come, easy go Guess that glass of wine I had with dinner was stronger than I thought - my brain is not functioning

 

[CoryB2679]

Yeah - mine too, guess I should be happy that I booked a couple of weeks ago.

I'm booked in a 4E and I looked at the pricing for a 5E - started to get excited thinking I would get a credit - even sent my TA a note. Then, suddenly, it dawned on me that I looked at the wrong cat. Ah well, easy come, easy go Guess that glass of wine I had with dinner was stronger than I thought - my brain is not functioning

Cruise is still a long way off (unfortunately ), so there's still plenty of time for them to figure out they need to cut some deals.

 

[DreaMer2625]

Hi all! My family just got back from our Fantasy cruise and booked for this one on board!! We loved it sooo much!

As of now it will be myself (25) my mom (52) and younger sister (11) - we're keeping it a secret from my sis until Christmas (nothing can top that kind of gift )

 

[Ginger Renae]

Yeah - mine too, guess I should be happy that I booked a couple of weeks ago.

I'm booked in a 4E and I looked at the pricing for a 5E - started to get excited thinking I would get a credit - even sent my TA a note. Then, suddenly, it dawned on me that I looked at the wrong cat. Ah well, easy come, easy go Guess that glass of wine I had with dinner was stronger than I thought - my brain is not functioning

We are also in a 4E. We booked the same room we had for our dream cruise because we liked it so much - 5534!

 

[CurtisB]

Hi all! My family just got back from our Fantasy cruise and booked for this one on board!! We loved it sooo much!

As of now it will be myself (25) my mom (52) and younger sister (11) - we're keeping it a secret from my sis until Christmas (nothing can top that kind of gift )

Welcome aboard!

Having just been on the Fantasy, I'm sure we will have many questions for you!

Such a great present!

 

[NC_Tink]

Hi all! My family just got back from our Fantasy cruise and booked for this one on board!! We loved it sooo much!

As of now it will be myself (25) my mom (52) and younger sister (11) - we're keeping it a secret from my sis until Christmas (nothing can top that kind of gift )

DreaMer and family!
What an awesome surprise for your sister - I'm not sure that I could keep such exciting secret for that long

I've yet to cruise one of the new ships -- can't wait! Did you do the western itinerary? Or the eastern?

We are also in a 4E. We booked the same room we had for our dream cruise because we liked it so much - 5534!

We'll be in 5656 - I'm excited about the extended verandah! But, I'm hoping we won't miss the extended space in the room of an actual Deluxe Family Stateroom. My boys like to spread out

 

[DreaMer2625]

DreaMer and family!
What an awesome surprise for your sister - I'm not sure that I could keep such exciting secret for that long

I've yet to cruise one of the new ships -- can't wait! Did you do the western itinerary? Or the eastern?

It's going to be hard keeping it a secret no doubt.

We did the western caribbean run and it was gorgeous; mom really wanted to do the eastern run so it was a coin toss between this cruise or the one stopping at San Juan.

Personally I think it was a win win situation either way

I haven't had a chance to go on the older ships yet, I'm trying to convince the fam to do an Alaska cruise, I've heard wonderful things about them - but I have to say I am LOVING the Aquaduck

 

[Ready to go]

Can someone please explain what a Bushwacker is? Is it a drink? I am very excited and have perused my Passporter Book several times already regarding excursions. I am glad to see so many adults sans kids since my husband and I are going on our 25th Anniversary and initially felt odd that we were not taking our son. I plan to book my next cruise on the ship-I heard you get a discount. Does anyone know anything about this...Are we able to add people to our room at a later date?

 

[NC_Tink]

Can someone please explain what a Bushwacker is? Is it a drink? I am very excited and have perused my Passporter Book several times already regarding excursions. I am glad to see so many adults sans kids since my husband and I are going on our 25th Anniversary and initially felt odd that we were not taking our son. I plan to book my next cruise on the ship-I heard you get a discount. Does anyone know anything about this...Are we able to add people to our room at a later date?

A Bushwacker is a milkshake (not - but it tastes like one ) Yes, it's alcoholic and basically consists of: (got this recipe off of divinerecipes.com)

1/2 ounce rum (Cruzan is the best, but use whatever brand you have)
1/2 ounce vodka (any brand)
1/2 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream (or a similar off-brand name)
1/2 ounce Kahlua (or a coffee flavored off-brand name)
1/2 ounce amaretto liqueur (any brand)
1/2 ounce chococo chocolate-flavored liquer
1/2 ounce Frangelico (I recommend it) (optional)
1/2 ounce creme de coconut (a MUST - "Coco Lopez" is best)
1 cup crushed ice (more or less to make the proper consistency) 3 dashes of grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon whipped cream
1 maraschino cherry

I have yet to rebook on board -- but my understanding is that you will receive a 10% discount off the cost of the new cruise, as well as a OBB credit - I believe the amount of credit depends on the length of the cruise, 7 days or longer gets $200 and 6 days or less gets $100. I'm not certain about what happens when you make changes to your booking - perhaps someone else can chime in with more information. I know that there are a few threads on the main DCL forum regarding these changes.