Mexican Riviera Cruise April 3, 2011

[been2marceline]

Would love to go scuba diving as well. My DH and I love to dive but we cant with the kids.

Not sure about yours - but mine we're more than happy to stay on the ship in clubs while we went ashore!!!

 

[ZDARA1999]

Not sure about yours - but mine we're more than happy to stay on the ship in clubs while we went ashore!!!

I didn't know that was an option. On our last cruise our DD fell asleep in the kids club. When I wen to to go and pick her up she cried saying "Im awake see see I dont want to leave". So I dont think it would be an issue with them stying on the ship. How safe would it be? Do they give you a pager or something?

 

[been2marceline]

The kids are safer on the ship than off IMHO. The clubs are open during port calls.

They do give you a pager - but they have a limited range.

Not sure if DCL has the ability to contact excursion operators during port calls - but I would be pretty surprised if they didn't.

 

[OC_stacylace]

Hey guys! Not sure if the cruise was/is sold out, but it never came up on my search on the website, so I assumed it was. The only categories left that I saw were 3 and 4. But, I am new to cruising, and I may not realize what I'm looking at, too!

We are as of the moment in the 2nd seating for dining. I'm going back and forth on this. I am not even sure I could request the 1st seating, as it may be full. Any thoughts from any of you guys who have done this before? Remember, we have a 5 and an 11 year old. While the kids are young, we are used to eating late due to sports and such.

 

[been2marceline]

Hey guys! Not sure if the cruise was/is sold out, but it never came up on my search on the website, so I assumed it was. The only categories left that I saw were 3 and 4. But, I am new to cruising, and I may not realize what I'm looking at, too!

We are as of the moment in the 2nd seating for dining. I'm going back and forth on this. I am not even sure I could request the 1st seating, as it may be full. Any thoughts from any of you guys who have done this before? Remember, we have a 5 and an 11 year old. While the kids are young, we are used to eating late due to sports and such.

Welcome Aboard!

Looking at the site now - it does appear to be sold out!!

We've always done late dining, we've had swimming, water polo, soccer, etc. so we're late eaters too, so it isn't that much of a change for us.

Our child will be 16 for this cruise - so the only time we practically expect to see her is debarkation, unless the room charge overflows.....

I always thought that first seating was more desired by the majority of cruisers so we've never had an issue changing to late - if the original booking had us at first.

 

[OC_stacylace]

How funny...water polo is our sport, too!

I like the option of seeing the show first with the late seeting, too. With a 5 year old, I'm thinking he would be more awake to watch it then the later one. Plus, I just read an option for late diners with kids. You can ask to have their meal in a hurry at dinner, then 45 minutes into service, a worker will come from the kids' clubs and take them from dinner to there for you.

 

[been2marceline]

How funny...water polo is our sport, too!

I like the option of seeing the show first with the late seeting, too. With a 5 year old, I'm thinking he would be more awake to watch it then the later one. Plus, I just read an option for late diners with kids. You can ask to have their meal in a hurry at dinner, then 45 minutes into service, a worker will come from the kids' clubs and take them from dinner to there for you.

Water Polo rocks! The Navy SEALS #1 recruitment target are college water polo players.

It is a physically tough sport, way beyond what most people realize.

I've seen my daughter do 3 matches in a row with no relief, they regularly swim 5000 + meters a day in practice.... simply amazing!

I've never heard of that club option - but it sounds great.

I've had MORE than my share of disputes with Disney, but all in all I still believe that other than some of the corporate bean counters, that most of the organizations members go out of their way to make their customers feel like VIPs.

 

[capntavis]

Well it looks like we will be diving in Cabo. The Puerto dive has a weight limit of 240 and I'm just not that small.

 

[giz89]

We were able to find two rooms on this cruise...after being told on Sunday from DCL travel that it was sold out!!!

Traveling with DH, DD 17 and DS 12, both would love to find some friends before the trip. If you are interested, send me a private message and I will give my kids email addresses so the kids can communicate.

So excited...this will be our 5th cruise!!!

 

[giz89]

Hey guys! Not sure if the cruise was/is sold out, but it never came up on my search on the website, so I assumed it was. The only categories left that I saw were 3 and 4. But, I am new to cruising, and I may not realize what I'm looking at, too!

We are as of the moment in the 2nd seating for dining. I'm going back and forth on this. I am not even sure I could request the 1st seating, as it may be full. Any thoughts from any of you guys who have done this before? Remember, we have a 5 and an 11 year old. While the kids are young, we are used to eating late due to sports and such.

We had the last seating on our cruise in 2008 and loved it. Good things about it at 4:00 the pools empty out and are free and clear for a couple hours. Bad thing...younger kids tend to fall asleep at the table...because they are tired from the days activity. Late dinner is around 8:30/8:45 and good doesn't come until 9:30ish..... It's a tough call with kids your age...but if you can go to the early one, you might be better off. We typically have dinner around 7:30 at home....but life on the ship is different. Hope this helps....let me know if you have other questions.

 

[been2marceline]

We were able to find two rooms on this cruise...after being told on Sunday from DCL travel that it was sold out!!!

Traveling with DH, DD 17 and DS 12, both would love to find some friends before the trip. If you are interested, send me a private message and I will give my kids email addresses so the kids can communicate.

So excited...this will be our 5th cruise!!!

Coolness!

I'll have my DD 16 ping your DD17.

Welcome!

 

[ZDARA1999]

Hey guys! Not sure if the cruise was/is sold out, but it never came up on my search on the website, so I assumed it was. The only categories left that I saw were 3 and 4. But, I am new to cruising, and I may not realize what I'm looking at, too!

We are as of the moment in the 2nd seating for dining. I'm going back and forth on this. I am not even sure I could request the 1st seating, as it may be full. Any thoughts from any of you guys who have done this before? Remember, we have a 5 and an 11 year old. While the kids are young, we are used to eating late due to sports and such.

We had second seating on our western Caribb cruise and LOVEDDDDDD it. My kids were 6 and 9 and the time and it worked out great. They didnt want to sit at the table and enjoy dinner, they wanted to play! This also gave my husband and I private time to enjoy each others company over a good meal. I went down and grabbed a slice of pizza for them right before the show and that tied them over until dinner.

 

[OC_stacylace]

We had second seating on our western Caribb cruise and LOVEDDDDDD it. My kids were 6 and 9 and the time and it worked out great. They didnt want to sit at the table and enjoy dinner, they wanted to play! This also gave my husband and I private time to enjoy each others company over a good meal. I went down and grabbed a slice of pizza for them right before the show and that tied them over until dinner.

Great advice!! I'm probably overthinking this, but I'm already telling my boys that the goal is to see every show and eat every dinner together. After all, this is our first cruise, and I want to spend some time with them...even if they don't want to stray from the clubs!

I did read in the latest guidebook about the new option to late diners in the 2nd seating with kids. This appeals to me, as the kids can eat and then get taken down to the club, and hubby and I can finish dinner in peace. That's the plan, anyways.

Speaking of the shows, do you think my 5 and 11 year old will like them? I am thinking the 5 year old will for sure.

 

[ZDARA1999]

Great advice!! I'm probably overthinking this, but I'm already telling my boys that the goal is to see every show and eat every dinner together. After all, this is our first cruise, and I want to spend some time with them...even if they don't want to stray from the clubs!

I did read in the latest guidebook about the new option to late diners in the 2nd seating with kids. This appeals to me, as the kids can eat and then get taken down to the club, and hubby and I can finish dinner in peace. That's the plan, anyways.

Speaking of the shows, do you think my 5 and 11 year old will like them? I am thinking the 5 year old will for sure.

My then 6 and 9 year old loved the shows. I have heard that they have added a Villians show and it wasnt getting very good reviews but we will have to see for our selves. my DS is 10 now and I still think he will like the shows.

 

[ZDARA1999]

Hi all, I wanted to get a jump start on my FE gifts and would love to get a head count. If you are interested please post the following info
DH-40,DM-39,DS-10 and DD-8 (This is our info). This will give me an idea as to how many boys, girls and age group. I will be more than happy to coordinate the FE exchange if everyone would like. I did it for our last DCL cruise. Thanks!!!!

 

[capntavis]

We are in on the FE.

DH-37,DW-39,DS-4

 

[been2marceline]

As are we,

DH - 53, DW - 50, DD 16

 

[giz89]

Welcome Aboard!

Looking at the site now - it does appear to be sold out!!

We've always done late dining, we've had swimming, water polo, soccer, etc. so we're late eaters too, so it isn't that much of a change for us.

Our child will be 16 for this cruise - so the only time we practically expect to see her is debarkation, unless the room charge overflows.....

I always thought that first seating was more desired by the majority of cruisers so we've never had an issue changing to late - if the original booking had us at first.

Check Costco travel...they book their own set of rooms. I called Disney on Sunday and was told it was sold out. Called Costco travel on Monday and they had at least 10 rooms available. We got the room/cat we wanted to worries. This might be true for other big travel agencies...so ask around.

 

[giz89]

Sharing Tips I have learned or gotten for others that help during the trip. Hope they help...


• First lunch at Parrot Cay instead of top siders. PC has waiter service and it’s not as crowded.
• Store suitcases and life jackets under the bed for more closet space
Lift up bedframe if suitcase is too big.
• 8530 – Walter E Disney suite
• Kids get free t-shirts at the end of the cruise if they participate in activites
• bring T-shirt, pillowcase or mat for picture frame and sharpies…bring to front desk and all the characters will sign and it will be returned to your room.
• Bring water bottles for stateroom, just pack in cooler, bags or luggage
• There is always breakfast/lunch service in Tritons…nice to have waiter service instead of buffet at top siders.
• Order the “All Hands on Deck” cheese platter from room service
• Take refillable drink bottles for soda service on deck 9
• Wait until the end of the cruise to buy the photo package…special photos are not included
• Get pirate supplies at party store for your kids to wear on Pirate Night
• Pack extra hangers..never enough in the closet
• Pack carry-on bag with bathing suit to go to the pool after lunch…and anything else you want with you on embarkation day. You are not allowed into your room until around 4:00 pm to unpack
• Bring address labels for the disembarkation tags you have to fill-out for all pieces of luggage
• Bathroom spray – it’s a small cabin!
• Candy for movie theatre…cheaper than buying on board
• Outlet strip to charge all electronics overnight
• Nightlight..room gets dark at night
• Post-it pad to leave notes for family members in room
• Walkie talkies to communicate with family members
• Small paper bathroom cups, takes up less space and you don’t have to share the one glass
• Ziploc bags…all sizes (various uses)
• Take showers in the fitness center…they have all the same soaps/shampoos as the room..but they are larger and saves prep time
• ID/Card holder for your room key (mostly for the kids) Disney sells a nice one in the gift shop.
• Over the door shoe holder to hold various things that might get lost in the room
• Bring quarters for laundry, do laundry on port days
• Don’t overpack….re-wear jeans/pants for dinner with different tops. Clothes kids wear to dinner can usually be worn the next day (if they are still clean)
• Two formal nights (one formal one semi-formal)… I’ve seen everything from jeans/Hawaiian shirt to ball gowns/tux… Be comfortable

 

[taysmom]

Hey guys! Not sure if the cruise was/is sold out, but it never came up on my search on the website, so I assumed it was. The only categories left that I saw were 3 and 4. But, I am new to cruising, and I may not realize what I'm looking at, too!

We are as of the moment in the 2nd seating for dining. I'm going back and forth on this. I am not even sure I could request the 1st seating, as it may be full. Any thoughts from any of you guys who have done this before? Remember, we have a 5 and an 11 year old. While the kids are young, we are used to eating late due to sports and such.

I love late seating always. The shows are not crowded since most families are at dinner. If my daughter wants to eat earlier she can and I can just relax. She had required days she has to go to dinner and always the show with me otherwise I barely see her.

Hi all, I wanted to get a jump start on my FE gifts and would love to get a head count. If you are interested please post the following info
DH-40,DM-39,DS-10 and DD-8 (This is our info). This will give me an idea as to how many boys, girls and age group. I will be more than happy to coordinate the FE exchange if everyone would like. I did it for our last DCL cruise. Thanks!!!!

DM-42, DD 12 (almost 13 as she likes to remind me)

Sharing Tips I have learned or gotten for others that help during the trip. Hope they help...


• First lunch at Parrot Cay instead of top siders. PC has waiter service and it’s not as crowded.
• Store suitcases and life jackets under the bed for more closet space
Lift up bedframe if suitcase is too big.
• 8530 – Walter E Disney suite
• Kids get free t-shirts at the end of the cruise if they participate in activites
• bring T-shirt, pillowcase or mat for picture frame and sharpies…bring to front desk and all the characters will sign and it will be returned to your room.
• Bring water bottles for stateroom, just pack in cooler, bags or luggage
• There is always breakfast/lunch service in Tritons…nice to have waiter service instead of buffet at top siders.
• Order the “All Hands on Deck” cheese platter from room service
• Take refillable drink bottles for soda service on deck 9
• Wait until the end of the cruise to buy the photo package…special photos are not included
• Get pirate supplies at party store for your kids to wear on Pirate Night
• Pack extra hangers..never enough in the closet
• Pack carry-on bag with bathing suit to go to the pool after lunch…and anything else you want with you on embarkation day. You are not allowed into your room until around 4:00 pm to unpack
• Bring address labels for the disembarkation tags you have to fill-out for all pieces of luggage
• Bathroom spray – it’s a small cabin!
• Candy for movie theatre…cheaper than buying on board
• Outlet strip to charge all electronics overnight
• Nightlight..room gets dark at night
• Post-it pad to leave notes for family members in room
• Walkie talkies to communicate with family members
• Small paper bathroom cups, takes up less space and you don’t have to share the one glass
• Ziploc bags…all sizes (various uses)
• Take showers in the fitness center…they have all the same soaps/shampoos as the room..but they are larger and saves prep time
• ID/Card holder for your room key (mostly for the kids) Disney sells a nice one in the gift shop.
• Over the door shoe holder to hold various things that might get lost in the room
• Bring quarters for laundry, do laundry on port days
• Don’t overpack….re-wear jeans/pants for dinner with different tops. Clothes kids wear to dinner can usually be worn the next day (if they are still clean)
• Two formal nights (one formal one semi-formal)… I’ve seen everything from jeans/Hawaiian shirt to ball gowns/tux… Be comfortable

Great List. We usually wear our bathing suits under our clothes and pack the undies to change into. Makes it easy to strip down at the pool. I would suggest going straight to spa and dining asap if you didn't get the services/seating you wanted.

Can't wait to go! I'm ready for vacation.