No wbta 2013

[JessicasMom]

Well ok, just to keep this thread bumped, here are a few (hopefully not too boring!) questions from a Transatlantic Cruise newbie:

- Some of you said how it was great having a verandah for the Atlantic crossing - but then again, as far as I understand the WBTA's were always in September and now it'll probably be October. Might it not be too cold on the Atlantic by then to really use a verandah? Or should we think about Navigator's Verandahs, maybe?

- With all the many sea days, I guess there will be even more activities scheduled than on a "normal" 7-day cruise? Not that I'm afraid I'll be bored, but DH is a bit!
- And another question concerning the many sea days: This should make it relatively easy to get Palo brunch reservations, right? Do they maybe even allow more than one reservation per person? (I kind of expect the answer to this one to be "no", but then again I guess it won't be much of a problem getting a second reservation by being on the waitlist?)
- I read somewhere (I think in a trip report) that for prior Transatlantic cruises, DISers linked their reservations in advance so they would share tables at dinner. I would absolutely love if you/we did that again on this thread! I would love to know in advance who we are going to sith with.
We had one bad (or should I say just very strange) experience with tablemates on our first cruise.
But then after the first dinner, to my neverending relief, some DISers we had met on the cruise thread invited us to come sit with them instead. There were 12 of them and they all kindly agreed to let DH and me squeeze in for the remaining 6 nights. That was the best table ever, we had so much fun!

As was mentioned already, the crossing is a Southern route...temps quite mild in the fall. It was cooler on our EB April crossing.

Lots of activities, esp. for your first time...take a highliter to mark the daily navigator, or you'll miss something you meant to do! The second week, there was definitely a more relaxed feel around the ship; more time to just chill . If you're not a pool person, there may be a few moments of "what do we do now?", but not too many (and don't you want to relax, anyway?)

I was lucky enough to get Palo bookings for tea, brunch, and dinner online, but we had a party of five. It seemed the 2-tops went first. Actually, I could only book tea for four, but they accommodated the fifth person once onboard. Dinner res. were readily available throughout the cruise, it seemed (yes, you could book more than one, but never online). Tea is always hard to get, since there are very few tables set up for tea and limited service staff. My hubby loves it, but I prefer brunch or dinner (both have their good points...don't ask which is better!)

I can't speak to linked dining. We considered it, but requested we be seated by ourselves (two weeks is a long time to be unhappy at dinner). Actually, we were matched with a Dutch family who turned out to be fabulous tablemates; we had a wonderful time getting to know them and the cultural discussions were fascinating.

So if you all see me walking crookedly, I may not be tipsy from drinking - LOL!

DH has seasonal vertigo related to BPPV; no definitive diagnosis yet but not a major issue most of the time. Anyone with this problem has my greatest sympathy! Although trying to blame your "tipsiness" on a brain disorder is quite creative ....I'll give that one a try next time I have a few too many DoDs! In all seriousness, WOW...what you must have gone through .

While I never get bored (I am what my mom calls "socially awkward" while some of my friends call me misanthropic, which of course is not true... I just don't know how to make small talk, I am very polite and will always smile and nod, I just don't start conversations easily, unless I know you well and then I won't stop talking)

Sounds like many of us...don't worry, we'll all just be socially awkward together

WELCOME BACK...

On a happy note: have you seen the change in Castaway Cay cabin gifts? Someone on another Disboard has posted a photo and it's a lovely blue rucksack. so much easier to use than the tote bag. And the key ring has changed too.

Plus no more silly metal drinks containers...that are either too cold to hold or way too hot!!

Got rid of the very sugary rice krispy flip flops too and now have ChipNDale healthy snacks - pretzels and cheesy biscuits

Sounds great. I still have the rice krispy flip flops in my pantry...not my favorite snack, but too cute to toss

 

[annichan]

Holly when the time comes, and a date is announced Dan has volunteered to organise the Diser link dinning resseis with DCL, And at that point those who want to sit with particular people will be organised into groups and other who just want to be with other Disers will also be organised. And I must say Dan did an excellent job last year, and it's so much nicer to sit with people who have a common interest and of couse we are such a merry bunch !!

That sounds perfect, exactly what I wanted to read!
We would love to participate in that, thank you so much for offering to do that, I'm sure it must be a lot of work.

I've just been through the pages i've missed and updated the first post, I would like to say a big to the following:
Annichan = Annichan & DH

Thank you for the nice welcome! The real name is Annika by the way, but I answer to Annichan as well!
I totally understand why you are feeling deflated, that is just what I felt when DCL finally announced the 2013 Med cruises I had been waiting and hoping for so long ... and then I found out that the price per day is so high we simpy can't justify doing it.

As I only found this thread afterwards, I already knew that no date had been announced yet, so it was no disappointment for me. But I am sure you / we will all feel better once this cruise is finally announced - I am sure it will happen!

It is based on the assumption that the cruise will follow the same pattern as the 2011 WBTA and that the Magic is already shown in schedules for Gibraltar, Madiera and one of the ports the other side of the pond. If they are correct the census was that it would leave from Barcelona on the 13-10-2013. On top of of that I am a great believer in PMA for the PMT :

Oh okay, thank you for the explanation! I admit I haven't got a clue what PMA means though, so I think I'm missing the pun here

 

[annichan]

I just don't know how to make small talk, I am very polite and will always smile and nod, I just don't start conversations easily, unless I know you well and then I won't stop talking) DH is a lot more... social?! He needs to do stuff while you can just put me in the corner with a good book and pick me up for dinner.

But... then there is that teeny, tiny language barrier. He always insists that he speaks English well, unfortunately that's still open for discussion I am sure he will manage and as there is no way we are ever doing Aida, he will have to get used to it.

Hey, you sound just like me! On the two DIS meets I have attended so far, I have spent lots of time standing and smiling politely and hoping someone would talk to me since I'm hopeless at initiating small talk conversations myself. So let's do that together!

My DH understands English very well but probably isn't quite as fluent as me in speaking it (which is little wonder, since I spend so much time practicing my English on the DIS while he is busy earning the money to pay for our cruises ). But we have never had any problems with that, as long as our tablemates don't mind sitting with a couple where she does most of the talking

On a happy note: have you seen the change in Castaway Cay cabin gifts? Someone on another Disboard has posted a photo and it's a lovely blue rucksack. so much easier to use than the tote bag. And the key ring has changed too.

I've seen it, the blue backpack is looking really good (even though blue is not exactly my favorite colour, but who would look a gift horse in the mouth? ) and I'm sure I will like the pretzels better than I did the rice crispies, of which most went uneaten.

I was lucky enough to get Palo bookings for tea, brunch, and dinner online, but we had a party of five. It seemed the 2-tops went first.

Actually, we were matched with a Dutch family who turned out to be fabulous tablemates; we had a wonderful time getting to know them and the cultural discussions were fascinating.

It seems like I have been lucky so far - I managed to get us a brunch reservation on both our cruises (though for the first one, the slot only came up a couple of weeks before the cruise, as I was checkung the website for what felt like the 1000th time ). I don't really fancy the tea so I don't mind that it is really hard to get.

And your dining experience sounds really nice - that's what we also like about sitting with Americans, there is always an abundance of (if ever so slight) cultural differences, and it's always fun getting to know each other and each others' countries and cultures better.

 

[Pinky166]

Claire- good to see you. I understand your sentiments perfectly. Hard to keep posting when you feel deflated, and there is nothing tangible to post about. I suspect that once the announcement is official, this thread will pick up speed quickly.

Thanks Caroline. It's been so deflating, we were all so hyped up about it....hopefully it wont be too much longer now. I can't wait to be back here when it's official and we can get on with planning.

Once DCL announces this cruise, we'll all be posting like crazy!

It is the deflation that we all felt with the "non-announcement" that slowed this thread down. We WILL have our day of excitement soon.

I hope it's SOON!

WELCOME BACK...

It will be such a relief to hear something from Disney and get things started.

On a happy note: have you seen the change in Castaway Cay cabin gifts? Someone on another Disboard has posted a photo and it's a lovely blue rucksack. so much easier to use than the tote bag. And the key ring has changed too.

Plus no more silly metal drinks containers...that are either too cold to hold or way too hot!!

Got rid of the very sugary rice krispy flip flops too and now have ChipNDale healthy snacks - pretzels and cheesy biscuits

Can't wait to get mine!

Thanks Sue. I have seen the lovely new CC gifts, how exciting! A little something extra to look forward to.

Yyyuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyy Chip -n- Dale pretzels and chessy snacks. My granddaughter loves these. She offered me some one time when we were at WDW and now I gots to buy me some everytime we go over!!! This is a BIG hit for me!!!!

And a big WELCOME BACK to Pinky 166. We knew you were out there!!! Glad to hear from ya'll again!!!

Like everyone else, DW and I are anxiously awaiting for DCL's announcement for this cruise!!! And DW and I would like to sign up for the seating at the dining table with all of our DIS friends on this cruise. I'm sure we will need several tables!!!!

Aww thanks David. I was out there...just having a little sulk.


I am sure we will have a big DIS dining section again. Last year someone (I think it may have been Dan) kept a list of all the people/res numbers who wanted to be seated together & we sent that to DCL who set things up.

Thank you for the nice welcome! The real name is Annika by the way, but I answer to Annichan as well!
I totally understand why you are feeling deflated, that is just what I felt when DCL finally announced the 2013 Med cruises I had been waiting and hoping for so long ... and then I found out that the price per day is so high we simpy can't justify doing it.

As I only found this thread afterwards, I already knew that no date had been announced yet, so it was no disappointment for me. But I am sure you / we will all feel better once this cruise is finally announced - I am sure it will happen!

Thank Annika. I will amend your name on the first post.

The Med cruises are very expensive, we were hoping to do the 12 night to Greece aswell as the WBTA but it's just too much. I'm still hoping DCL bring back the discount code they had last year for Europeans.

 

[LindaBabe]

Hey

I'm so sorry i've not been around here to keep the list updated but i've just been so deflated since the "non" announcement that i've not been on the DIS much at all. Anyway I will try to be a bit more positive, I know the cruise will happen but I just want it booked NOW!

I've just been through the pages i've missed and updated the first post, I would like to say a big to the following:

Justand = Andrina & Justin
Annichan = Annichan & DH
Bobbiwoz = Bobbi & Tom (DH)
Piggeldy = ? & DH
Stenogoddess = Lauren - Solo ?
Surf2di4 = Robin & Karl
DisneyDream2b = Names/solo ?
Ravensilverlight = Names/solo ?
Gilson = Names/Solo ?
Virginia5073 = Names/Solo ?

Welcome back, Claire! And thanks for the update

That is great to hear!
While I never get bored (I am what my mom calls "socially awkward" while some of my friends call me misanthropic, which of course is not true... I just don't know how to make small talk, I am very polite and will always smile and nod, I just don't start conversations easily, unless I know you well and then I won't stop talking) DH is a lot more... social?! He needs to do stuff while you can just put me in the corner with a good book and pick me up for dinner.

But... then there is that teeny, tiny language barrier. He always insists that he speaks English well, unfortunately that's still open for discussion I am sure he will manage and as there is no way we are ever doing Aida, he will have to get used to it.

I just hope the WBTA won't be much more expensive than the EBTA.

That would be me, too. But you've heard of the old "fake it til you make it"? That would be me, too. What language does your dh speak, when he thinks he's speaking English?

WELCOME BACK...

It will be such a relief to hear something from Disney and get things started.

On a happy note: have you seen the change in Castaway Cay cabin gifts? Someone on another Disboard has posted a photo and it's a lovely blue rucksack. so much easier to use than the tote bag. And the key ring has changed too.

Plus no more silly metal drinks containers...that are either too cold to hold or way too hot!!

Got rid of the very sugary rice krispy flip flops too and now have ChipNDale healthy snacks - pretzels and cheesy biscuits

Can't wait to get mine!

Those flip flops weren't plaster? I never realized they were supposed to be Edible Just as long as they don't do away with the fresh ones at the Castaway club reception! There's such a thing as carrying healthy too FAR!

 

[JessicasMom]

And your dining experience sounds really nice - that's what we also like about sitting with Americans, there is always an abundance of (if ever so slight) cultural differences, and it's always fun getting to know each other and each others' countries and cultures better.

That's what I like about the Disboards...so many interesting people from so many interesting places. It really is just one itty-bitty world...even if those of you across the Pond "talk funny"! Honestly, it's been an adventure just trying to interpret the "other" English...throw in an accent, and I'm lost, but I love to listen .

 

[valbob89]

We (Val & DH Bob) booked the EBTA when they didn't announce a WBTA. Now we are thinking we might do both. Our excuse is it will be cheaper to buy round-trip air tickets.

I have to admit I didn't read all 51 pages of this thread. Has there been any talk of the ship leaving from some place other then Barcelona? The ship was built in Trieste, Italy so I wonder if it might go into drydock there.

 

[epcot1stfave]

We (Val & DH Bob) booked the EBTA when they didn't announce a WBTA. Now we are thinking we might do both. Our excuse is it will be cheaper to buy round-trip air tickets.

I have to admit I didn't read all 51 pages of this thread. Has there been any talk of the ship leaving from some place other then Barcelona? The ship was built in Trieste, Italy so I wonder if it might go into drydock there.

Hi Val & Bob welcome from Michael & Trish, 2 of your table mates from the 2010 WBTA, we would love to see you on board this cruise.

There is a rumor that the ship will dry dock in Venice but it is only a rumor, also rumors of starting the cruise from Venice or Barcelona, ending in P.C. Miami, Galveston or possibly even N.Y. so it is still guesswork until DCL put us out of our misery and release the itinarey.

 

[Piggeldy]

Sounds like many of us...don't worry, we'll all just be socially awkward together

That would be me, too. But you've heard of the old "fake it til you make it"? That would be me, too.

That's so good to hear. I always feel like I am the only person in the world with that problem. My friends are all funny and outgoing and chatty and I am... well, I am me. I am the one in the corner, playing with the cat.

Hey, you sound just like me! On the two DIS meets I have attended so far, I have spent lots of time standing and smiling politely and hoping someone would talk to me since I'm hopeless at initiating small talk conversations myself. So let's do that together!

I actually think I do not only sound like you but I might be you
My cat even looks like yours (the red one). I desperately tried to find a picture of my cat that doesn't directly link to my facebook or our honeymoon pictures. And from what I have read I think I might want your job

What language does your dh speak, when he thinks he's speaking English?

Good question. It somehow sounds as if it might be English... the words are there, mostly. Just the grammar is, well, lacking. If you listen closely you might find a little bit of French that has snuck into the sentence or German if he doesn't know the English term
But he is doing his best and after a couple of days and if people try to understand him, he does well. Sometimes you just have to assume that what he said wasn't important, that's what our Finnish friends do. Works great. (And fortunately I didn't marry him for his perfect English. Nor for his house keeping skills )

 

[sssteele]

Good question. It somehow sounds as if it might be English... the words are there, mostly. Just the grammar is, well, lacking. If you listen closely you might find a little bit of French that has snuck into the sentence or German if he doesn't know the English term
But he is doing his best and after a couple of days and if people try to understand him, he does well. Sometimes you just have to assume that what he said wasn't important, that's what our Finnish friends do. Works great. (And fortunately I didn't marry him for his perfect English. Nor for his house keeping skills )

No doubt his English is better than my German.

Did you marry him for his love of sailing the seas, the Mouse or both?

 

[liesbeth1012]

That's so good to hear. I always feel like I am the only person in the world with that problem. My friends are all funny and outgoing and chatty and I am... well, I am me. I am the one in the corner, playing with the cat.



I actually think I do not only sound like you but I might be you
My cat even looks like yours (the red one). I desperately tried to find a picture of my cat that doesn't directly link to my facebook or our honeymoon pictures. And from what I have read I think I might want your job



Good question. It somehow sounds as if it might be English... the words are there, mostly. Just the grammar is, well, lacking. If you listen closely you might find a little bit of French that has snuck into the sentence or German if he doesn't know the English term
But he is doing his best and after a couple of days and if people try to understand him, he does well. Sometimes you just have to assume that what he said wasn't important, that's what our Finnish friends do. Works great. (And fortunately I didn't marry him for his perfect English. Nor for his house keeping skills )

I have also trouble with my English some times. I must think and translate and then everybody is much further in the talks. So I listen more then speak. But after a few days is on the ship it become better. You get used to speak English. I mingle sometimes Dutch words in and my son is laughing about it.
Also on this board and Facebook it is getting much better. Altough we had a conversation on FB before the WBTA about booze??, shoes or something like that and it went so quick that I couldn't hold it. We had in no time 200 posts. But is was great fun. And that happend before we even met each other.
That's why I love this board and everybody that organize things for the group and the linked dining. You get to know and speak to many people and be not alone.

 

[annichan]

What language does your dh speak, when he thinks he's speaking English?

I actually think I do not only sound like you but I might be you

While that thought sounds more than slightly disturbing at first, let me say I'm looking forward to meeting you!

I have also trouble with my English some times. I must think and translate and then everybody is much further in the talks. So I listen more then speak. But after a few days is on the ship it become better. You get used to speak English. I mingle sometimes Dutch words in and my son is laughing about it.

Goedenavond Liesbeth! If we meet on the ship and you speak to me, you could always write down what you wish to say in Dutch - I usually don't understand a single word of spoken Dutch, but in writing it seems closer to German so it's a bit easier.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I just got an e-mail from Carnival that features their WBTA for Nov. 2013. Here's hoping DCL isn't far behind in their announcement!

Bobbi

 

[LindaBabe]

That's so good to hear. I always feel like I am the only person in the world with that problem. My friends are all funny and outgoing and chatty and I am... well, I am me. I am the one in the corner, playing with the cat.



I actually think I do not only sound like you but I might be you
My cat even looks like yours (the red one). I desperately tried to find a picture of my cat that doesn't directly link to my facebook or our honeymoon pictures. And from what I have read I think I might want your job



Good question. It somehow sounds as if it might be English... the words are there, mostly. Just the grammar is, well, lacking. If you listen closely you might find a little bit of French that has snuck into the sentence or German if he doesn't know the English term
But he is doing his best and after a couple of days and if people try to understand him, he does well. Sometimes you just have to assume that what he said wasn't important, that's what our Finnish friends do. Works great. (And fortunately I didn't marry him for his perfect English. Nor for his house keeping skills )

TOO funny! That's like my German! My neighbors in Germany used to call what we spoke Gerglish. Strangers would know I was a foreigner, but they couldn't place from where. We're going to get along great!

(I didn't marry my honey for his housekeeping skills either, but I'm sure glad he's got 'em! Less work for me.)

 

[Piggeldy]

Did you marry him for his love of sailing the seas, the Mouse or both?

Sailing the seas! He has NEVER met the Mouse. That has to be changed!

When we first met, he said he'd never set foot on a ship. And if he ever did he would surely take a pocket-sized welding torch with him. I made him go on a mini cruise to Norway (just bought tickets, sent him on a little scavanger hunt to Kiel - by train, walking would have been a bit far - and told him he could come with me or stay behind and wait for me) and proposed to him at the Oslo fjord. We have done at least one of these mini cruises every year since then and spent our honeymoon on an 11-day Hurtigruten trip in December 2008.

We have never cruised a "real" cruiseline, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean - sound like a lot of firsts for us.

While that thought sounds more than slightly disturbing at first, let me say I'm looking forward to meeting you!

It does. Doesn't it?

 

[LindaBabe]

We (Val & DH Bob) booked the EBTA when they didn't announce a WBTA. Now we are thinking we might do both. Our excuse is it will be cheaper to buy round-trip air tickets.

I have to admit I didn't read all 51 pages of this thread. Has there been any talk of the ship leaving from some place other then Barcelona? The ship was built in Trieste, Italy so I wonder if it might go into drydock there.

Hi Val! SO glad you're aboard - we'll be old friends by then, eh?

Sailing the seas! He has NEVER met the Mouse. That has to be changed!

When we first met, he said he'd never set foot on a ship. And if he ever did he would surely take a pocket-sized welding torch with him. I made him go on a mini cruise to Norway (just bought tickets, sent him on a little scavanger hunt to Kiel - by train, walking would have been a bit far - and told him he could come with me or stay behind and wait for me) and proposed to him at the Oslo fjord. We have done at least one of these mini cruises every year since then and spent our honeymoon on an 11-day Hurtigruten trip in December 2008.

We have never cruised a "real" cruiseline, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean - sound like a lot of firsts for us.


It does. Doesn't it?

I LOVE that story! YOU are SO CREATIVE!

Annichan, I've been reading your food report - AMAZING!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Ugh! A DF mentioned a rumor that the Magic may be staying to do more exotic foreign ports, like Asia! I hope NOT!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Ugh! A DF mentioned a rumor that the Magic may be staying to do more exotic foreign ports, like Asia! I hope NOT!

Doing Asia from Europe wouldn't make sense. LA, maybe.

 

[surf2di4]

Ugh! A DF mentioned a rumor that the Magic may be staying to do more exotic foreign ports, like Asia! I hope NOT!

Australia, would be my guess.....

Karl

 

[LindaBabe]

Well, if they DON't come back here, I'll have to find another cruise to roll my dummy to - there is no WAY i'm going to sail anywhere out of Galveston!