May 8th 2008 cruise

[Mrs.CaptJackSparrow]

Yeah I got on to book excursions and such on the first day we could but didn't decide on any yet.

Anyone have anything special planned?

I think we are going to just walk through Nassau (I heard the Straw Market has cheap knock off purses ) and go the Pirate Museum. Then head back to the ship. Everyone seems to say that if you stay on the ship while at Port that it is less crowded and just as much fun.

Then at Castaway Cay we are probably going to do the Stingray adventure DS-7 is very excited! I think that is all that I am going to plan. I don't want to get too much on our plates and feel too overwhelmed, it is a vacation and I would like to relax a little too. Which brings me to the Spa....anyone getting massages or pedicures or have had any special services at the spa that they would recommend?

 

[Grumpymom73]

I've been wondering about some of the spa treatments too. I booked DH a Well Being Massage for the first day. He has wanted one for a really long time and I figured it was a great way to start the trip. As for me I'm trying to decide between a La Therapie Hydralift Facial and the Ionithermie Cellutlite Reduction. I"m sure I'll need the later by the end of the trip. LOL They are all really expensive but since we waited forever to go on a DCL cruise I figure why not. Anyone have any suggestions? I would love to hear them.

As for Nassau, I can't decide to take an excursion or just stay on board.

 

[Mrs.CaptJackSparrow]

On my wish list I have the hydralift facial and the pedicure. I was also thinking about a cabana massage while on Castaway Cay. Decisions...decisions! I have never had a facial and thought what a perfect time to have one! I just don't know if I will get any down time from my DS7 he is pretty klingy but I am sure he is going to want to be with all the other kids. He makes friends so easily and then all I hear are stories about my friend, my friend, my friend.....he doesn't seem to pick up on any names he just seems to be so excited to have all the new "friends".

Does anyone have suggestions on what age to let them come and go and do their own thing while on the ship? My DD11 is very mature and I just don't know what to do about letting her run amuck. How about charging privileges? Any suggestions on this for kids?

 

[DisDee]

I've gotten the feeling this cruise is lightly booked too. We booked back in August, and every time I check the DCL website, the cost of our category is still the same. I thought the prices were supposed to go up the closer it gets to the sail date. I too had no problem getting our Palo ressie and the shore excursion. We're doing the Discover Atlantis tour. On CC day, we plan to just chill, and DH may do some snorkeling. We'll probably go back to the ship early and get some pool time in. DH is a fidget, and I can't see him hanging out at the beach for any extended time. I think I may get a manicure, but probably no spa treatments.

I'm so looking forward to this trip. I've had some health issues for the past year and a half, so this is just what the doctor ordered! We'll have 2 nights at WDW before and 3 after, and we plan to relax! We'll go to Epcot and a water park, and also do some touring around the Orlando area. I didn't add a count-down to my sig., so I enjoy seeing your count-downs each day! Can't wait!!!!!

 

[Grumpymom73]

I suppose it will be nice if the cruise isn't totally filled up. More room in the pools and stuff right?

I am SO counting down the days. I spend all my free time (and some of my not so free time - my dishes are piled up in the sink and I have laundry I should be doing right now! ) on the computer doing cruise research. LOL I get my DS9 all excited when I found out something new and tell him but after a minute he just groans at me because he can't wait and it's too far away for him. We made a 'countdown' calendar that now hangs on our refrigerator. He decorated it and I used a 'post it' to write the number of days left. Every night before he goes to bed he pulls another sheet off the list. Tomorrow is Day 69 incase anyone wanted to know.

 

[DisDee]

Funny, I have a calendar too and add a Disney sticker as each day approaches and I'm a 50-something. LOL! I also spend way too much time online since I'm not working right now and my DH comes home every day and asks "what did you learn today?" He appreciates the time that I spend on our vacation planning since I find good deals and hints and have everything organized for us. All he has to do is drive the car and carry the luggage.

 

[Grumpymom73]

My DH asks the same thing. I'm not sure he appreciates the time I spend researching, but he always enjoys our vacations. He just doesn't seem to get to interested until 1 or 2 days before we leave.

The other day he said, "You enjoy planning the vacation more than actually going on it."

I laughed and replied, "Of course not!"

Between you and me it runs a really close second! The only thing better than being in Disney is planning it.

 

[DbleTheFun]

Between you and me it runs a really close second! The only thing better than being in Disney is planning it.

AMEN!!!

This is the first trip we have taken bringing our Nanny (She only started with us in January), and she thinks I am a freak... because I share what I have researched while at work, at dinner every night! HAHA... She's 21 and really hasnt travelled, or planned a holiday at all. I think she expected to just get on the ship, and see what there was to do, and do it... not have so much inside information on what was happening (Last night I shared the room service menu, and what people think are the best items)... my husband just looked at her and said...get ready for another 2 months of this... but it's worth it, she may over plan everything, but we have the BEST holidays"

We are super excited. Not doing much in terms of excursions this trip though... we have done 4 cruises in the past, first one with DCL though... and generally like to explore on our own or book direct with a local tour operator. But in my "research" I discovered there isnt a LOT to do in Nassau, especially with 16 month old twins... and in Castaway Cay, we just plan on relaxing (I booked to floats for the day, but that was about it). My husband may go diving in Nassau, but he hasnt decided. At first I was on him about booking it ASAP, but it doesnt seem to be that busy, so he may not need to make a decision quickly after all!

 

[Grumpymom73]

If anyone is interested the Travel Channel is airing the DCL show tonight at
6PM (EST). It's part of a Disney Marathon going on right now. I've seen it before, but I/m looking forward to it tonight because it's the first time I'll watch actually knowing I'll be there soon.

 

[mdhkitten]

Hi everyone! I just booked our first cruise!! It will be me, my mom, and my 3 year old daughter. Usually we go to WDW, but I decided to do something a little different this time. Because I knew that Emily (my dd) has wanted to go back to MK (this past November was the first time that she really got "into" the attractions) and would love to do some character meals, I tacked on two days before the cruise at WDW!

I was recently placed in the Southwest employment pool, awaiting a postion to open, so this could be the last real trip that I can take with my dd for quite a while once something opens up. I can't wait and look forward to meeting others and their kids!

 

[Grumpymom73]

Congrats on your cruise and WDW vacation!!! I remember when my DS were your DD age and how magical everything was. I'm blessed that they still love Disney!

Here hoping the days til all our vacations go quickly!

 

[mdhkitten]

Thanks Grumpymom! Maybe we'll be at your dinner table! LOL We going to be three of ten at dinner. I wonder if we'll be sitting with other DISer's?! By the way does anyone know if they try to sit families with small children with others like themselves? Thanks!

 

[Grumpymom73]

This is my first DCL cruise too, but from what I've read and experienced on other cruise lines... yes they try to group families with young children together.

 

[DbleTheFun]

We were a bit dissapointed when looking through the excusrions, and the Blackbeard's Cay beach and sting ray excursion was limited to 3 and up... we were hoping to partake, but our boys will only be 16 months. (They would have stayed on land or on the boat for the stingray part... and just enjoyed the day on the beach...) we did this excursion when in Cayman and loved it... but alas, it seems we wont be doing anything in Nassau, since the excursions that do allow our little ones dont interest us at all!

 

[mdhkitten]

We were a bit dissapointed when looking through the excusrions, and the Blackbeard's Cay beach and sting ray excursion was limited to 3 and up... we were hoping to partake, but our boys will only be 16 months. (They would have stayed on land or on the boat for the stingray part... and just enjoyed the day on the beach...) we did this excursion when in Cayman and loved it... but alas, it seems we wont be doing anything in Nassau, since the excursions that do allow our little ones dont interest us at all!

I know what you mean! My dd is 3, and while there are a few things that we can do while at Nassau, there seem to be limited choice at Castaway Cay for her age. My mom will also be with us for the trip, and while I considered the Blackbeard's excursion, I don't think that she would be too interested. We may just hit the zoo there for a while. You can do it by itself for $15 per adult I believe (I saw the website, just can't recall the amount off hand). Feel free to join us if you'd like! I also may have to hit the casino for a little while! LOL

 

[DisDee]

Just an FYI for those of you who want to apply for a passport. DH and I both received our 12 days after we applied at our County Store. I was impressed with the swiftness of the processing.

 

[fredms]

Okay - I haven't booked yet as I am waiting to work out some details but I am totally planning on joining you on this three night adventure. I am accompanied by my two nieces (8 and 9) who I am surprising (hopefully).

I have been on four Disney cruises so far (all Wonder) and taken these little ladies once before about three years ago.

Still trying to figure out how to surprise them but I'll come up with something!

Can't wait to chat with you over the next two months as our vacation approaches!

 

[Grumpymom73]

Wow, that was really quick for your passports, DisDee!

fredms,it will be great having you and your neices with us. My DS is 9 so they will probably meet! I'm sure you've probably thought of this for your 'surprise' but what about putting written clues (like little riddles) in some plastic easter eggs during an Easter Egg Hunt. See if they can guess what their surprise is. Or if not on Easter how about a treasure hunt. They can follow a map to the treasure which could be a chest full of cruise stuff (sunglasses, sunblock, disposable cameras, etc) and an invitation to join your 'crew'. Anyway, those are just some thoughts. Good luck. Surprise vacations are such fun! My DH and I surprised our two DS with a surprise trip to WDW two years ago and it was the best. My younger son was about 7 at the time and he was so surprised, excited and overwhelmed that he actually started to cry. Of course, that made me cry too! Great memories.

 

[mdhkitten]

Okay - I haven't booked yet as I am waiting to work out some details but I am totally planning on joining you on this three night adventure. I am accompanied by my two nieces (8 and 9) who I am surprising (hopefully).

I have been on four Disney cruises so far (all Wonder) and taken these little ladies once before about three years ago.

Still trying to figure out how to surprise them but I'll come up with something!

Can't wait to chat with you over the next two months as our vacation approaches!

Welcome Fred! Hopefully we'll see you onboard! Gosh, I wish one of my uncles had loved me enough to take me on a Disney cruise! LOL Very lucky little girls!

 

[fredms]

Hey mdhkitten - just wanted to correct you, my name is actually Sheara (like the cartoon character) and I am an aunt. "Fredms" is my work id which shows just how creative I can be (I am an accountant - forgive me).

Grumpymom73 - thanks for the idea. Still have a couple thoughts floating around. Last time I surprised them we did a treasure hunt where they had to find clues - the last clue was a disney dvd for the cruise which I put on and at the end said - "Guess what kids - we are going!" at which point my four year old niece looks up at me and says "Can I come?" It was too cute.

Just hope everything works out.