Roll call for 10/29/09 3 night Bahamian - General chit chat

[wilma-bride]

Just this minute booked for 5 of us (me, DH, 2 DDs and DS) on the 29th October 2009 3-night Wonder cruise.

DH and I did a 3-night in August 07 without the kids and loved every minute of it. This time we're taking the whole family - but shhhh, the children don't know yet. We plan to try and keep it a secret until Christmas We were lucky enough to meet a great bunch of DIS friends last August and hope there will be enough of us to arrange a meet next time.

Thought I would add a list here of all those who are sailing on this cruise (hopefully):

wilma-bride (Joh), DH Gary, DD1 Sian (16), DD2 Rhiannon (15) and DS Daniel (6)
natalielongstaff (Natalie), DH John, DD Ellie (11) and DS Matthew (8)
meryll83 and DH Simon
winnyis, DH, DD (14) and DS (11)
OC stacylace, DH, DS (10) and DS (4)
pnyltwk (Mike), DW Feeln'Froggy (Stacey), DS Taylor (15) and DD Alyssa (12)
disneycr8zy, roomie, roomie's DD (20's) and roomie's DGS (4)
denversees4me (Cari) , DF Mary and Denver
Conex4, DH, DS (7), DS (5)
princessmeesh, DH, DD (7) and DD (9)
aswift (Angie), DH Daniel and DD Ashley (15)
keykeysmith (TaKiesha), DH Wayne, DD Tori (9) and DS Jon (7)
hereyago (Trish) and DD Dorian (11)
2gr8brits (Krista), DH Garrett, DS William (8) and DS Reavis (5)
ChocoKat (Saudade) and DH
BobandLee (Bob) and Lee
cheflawrence (Lawrence), DW Mary and DD Elizabeth (9)
imanazd (Mandy) and DH Dan
floridacruiser14 (Deanna), DH Dan, DD Cheryl (18), DD Lauren (12), DD Akeya (11) and DD Olivia (9)
DrD (Phil), DW Shelly, DS Zachary (7) and DS Jacob (5)
runskyhy and DBF
SNicksed (Steve), DW Lisa and DS Ryan (10)
Cinderella&Dopey and DH
sdchickie (Terri), Linda (Terri's Mom), DD Amber (12) and DS Jake (8)
cspalt007 and family
njmichele and DD Alyssa (12)

And those taking part in the FE Exchange

pnyltwk - SR#8060 - Mike, Stacey, DS Taylor (15), DD Alyssa (12)
disneycr8zy - SR#2106 - Ruth, Beth, Samantha, DGS AJ (4)
wilma-bride - SR#2544 & 2546 - Joh, Gary, DD Sian (16), DD Rhiannon (15), DS Daniel (6)
natalielongstaff - SR#6512 (was #7565) - Natalie, John, DD Ellie (11), DS Matthew (8)
denversees4me - SR#7631 - Cari, DBF Mary and DGD (Guide Dog) Denver
meryll83 - SR#5520 - Meryll and DH Simon (Newlyweds!!!)
aswift - SR#5508 - Angie, Daniel, DD Ashley (15)
keykeysmith - SR#2514 - TaKiesha, Wayne, DD Tori (9), DS Jon (7)
2gr8brits - SR#8002 - Krista, Garrett, DS William (8) and DS Reavis (5)
BobandLee - SR#2600 - Bob and Lee
cheflawrence - SR#7118 - Lawrence, Mary and DD Elizabeth (9)
imanazd - SR#5135 - Mandy and DH Dan
runskyhy - SR#6612 - Wendy and DBF
sdchickie - SR#7541 - Terri, Linda (Terri's Mom), Amber (DD12), Jake (DS8)
winnyis - SR#5509 - winnyis, DH, DD (14) and DS (11)
Cinderella&Dopey - SR#5150 - Jenni and DH Stephen
njmichele - SR#6614 - Michele and DD Alyssa (12)
Garyx - SR#7074 - Gary, Betty & DD Alannah (8)
cdnliving - SR#7084 - Karen, Mark, DD Jenna (15) & DS Ben (13)
floridacruiser14 - SR#6085 - Deanna, DH Dan, DD Lauren (12), DD Akeya (11) and DD Olivia (9)

The fish extender exchange list has now been split into two groups, A and B, as follows:

Group A

pnyltwk - SR#8060 - Mike, Stacey, DS Taylor (15) & DD Alyssa (12)
wilma-bride - SR#2544 & 2546 - Joh, Gary, DD Sian (16), DD Rhiannon (15) & DS Daniel (6)
denversees4me - SR#7631 - Cari, DBF Mary and DGD (Guide Dog) Denver
aswift - SR#5508 - Angie, Daniel & DD Ashley (15)
keykeysmith - SR#2514 - TaKiesha, Wayne, DD Tori (9) & DS Jon (7)
imanazd - SR#5135 - Mandy and DH Dan
sdchickie - SR#7541 - Terri, Linda (Terri's Mom), DD Amber (12) & DS Jake (8)
GaryX - SR#7074 - Gary, Betty & DD Alannah (8)
cdnliving - SR#7084 - Karen, DH Mark, DD Jenna (15) & DS Ben (13)
floridacruiser14 - SR#6085 - Deanna, DH Dan, DD Lauren (12), DD Akeya (11) and DD Olivia (9)

Group B

disneycr8zy - SR#2106 - Ruth, Beth, Samantha & DGS AJ (4)
natalielongstaff - SR#6512 (was #7565) - Natalie, John, DD Ellie (11) & DS Matthew (8)
meryll83 - SR#5520 - Meryll and DH Simon (Newlyweds!!!)
2gr8brits - SR#8002 - Krista, Garrett, DS William (8) & DS Reavis (5)
BobandLee - SR#2600 - Bob and Lee
cheflawrence - SR#7118 - Lawrence, Mary & DD Elizabeth (9)
runskyhy - SR#6612 - Wendy and DBF
Cinderella&Dopey - SR#5150 - Jenni and DH Stephen
winnyis - SR#5509 - winnyis, DH, DD (14) & DS (11)
njmichele - SR#6614 - Michelle and DD Alyssa (12)

The FE exchange lists, maps and other info can be found on Page 50 in post number 749.

runskyhy has done an awesome job of summarising some of the info that has been posted in this thread so far and I have included the summary below

MEET-N-GREET: Participants for this thread's meet-n-greet are tracked in this post. Suggestions for meeting included wearing group tags or leis.

Suggested meeting locations/times:
1. Sail Away Party Deck 10
2. Promenade Lounge before the Lifeboat Drill

Following a poll and votes cast by the group, the meet 'n' greet will take place in the Promenade Lounge at 3 pm. Look forward to seeing everyone there.

GROUP NAME: Excellent group names were offered in posts #166, #170, #179. A poll was created by disneycr8zy to vote on names in post #216. The group name which won the vote was HalloWonder

CLIP ART: Group clip art is available in post #214

FE EXCHANGE: Let Denversees4me know by August 15th 2009 (if you haven't already) if you want to be on the FE exchange list (see post #67). She will track the list and make a map of the participants across the ship (post #122). It was recommended that if we get a large number of FE exchange participants, we split the group up in to sides (of the ship) (or maybe decks?) We can decide in August. A FE gift sample list has been offered in post #67. A FE source was offered in post #75.

DENVER'S INFORMATION: The 'kiddie' pool on Level 7 Secret Aft Deck is for Denver's use (post #179). Denver's FE exchange wish list is available in post #72.

PACKING: Suggested list was offered in post #160. Other recommendations were offered in post #148. Information for mailing boxes ahead was offered in post #78

 

[natalielongstaff]

So, any other DISers out there going to be joining us?

yes !! we have booked as well ......... see you there

 

[wilma-bride]

yes !! we have booked as well ......... see you there

Excellent news!!!

 

[meryll83]

Us too!

We're from the UK and this will be our first Disney cruise, in fact, any cruise, and we will have just been married the week before at WDW

Any tips for us first timers would be greatly appreciated

Will there be any special Halloween theming at all?

 

[wilma-bride]

Us too!

We're from the UK and this will be our first Disney cruise, in fact, any cruise, and we will have just been married the week before at WDW

Any tips for us first timers would be greatly appreciated

Will there be any special Halloween theming at all?

Hi there

First of all, congratulations on the wedding. You are going to love the cruise. There are loads of useful tips on the cruise forum. Definitely make sure you fill in your documentation online and print it out to bring with you - makes things a lot quicker and easier on the day. From a personal point of view, I would make sure you make an effort to see all the shows - they were my favourite part of the cruise last year. Take some time on the first day to orientate yourself with the ship as it's huge (I don't think you can fully appreciate it till you see it). We haven't done Palo yet (may do this time) but I have heard it's excellent - it's adults only so you are guaranteed a quieter, more intimate dining experience. It needs to be booked early though (I think you can do it 75 days before unless you are in a Cat 3 or above or have booked the Romance package).

Will it just be you and your DH on the cruise? We will probably try, nearer the time, to organise a meet on the first day, if you're interested.

As far as Halloween goes, I have read that the ships often have special Halloween-themed stuff going on, including trick or treating around the ship and decorations. It should be fun

 

[meryll83]

Thanks for the tips, I've already been asking lots of questions here on the cruise boards, having checked out other people's photos I'm now even more excited!!

I'll have a look online at what we need to fill in prior to departure, as we've not really done this yet.

I think the first day we will just go for a good old explore, we're using Disney transport to get there, and I gather it's not the earliest way to get there, but it's the most convienient for us.
I love musicals so definitely want to see all the shows, I've been trying to figure out how to fit Palo in and it seems we can't do it without missing a show, so I think we'll just have to pick a night to try and reserve at 75 days out and then if it ends up being the Animator's Palette night we'll have to try and change it for one of the other nights, as we don't want to miss that either.

It'll just be me and (by then!) DH yes, but we're just big kids really. Well we're not all that old yet anyway! What normally happens at a cruise meet?

We were at WDW during the Halloween celebrations last year and loved all the additional theming and we went to MNSSHP where we got to try out the Trick or Treating - we still have candy left now!

 

[wilma-bride]

Are you on main or late seating? I would definitely say not to miss Animator's Palette as the 'show dinner' is great. Of the 3 restaurants, Parrot Cay was probably our least favourite for dinner. You can always have lunch or breakfast there to experience the restaurant itself.

As far as the DIS meet goes, on the last cruise I was on, a bunch of us met up on embarkation day in the Promenade Lounge around 3ish (if I remember rightly). We just had a little chat - it was nice to put faces to names and pick up a few tips from the more experienced cruisers

I believe there is a walking tour of the ship that you can do on the first day, to help find your way around, if that sounds like something you would like.

 

[meryll83]

We're on the main seating for dinner, so we can relax and watch the shows afterwards!

Do you have to book on the walking tour, or is it a 'just turn up thing'? Are these the sort of things that appear in your daily newsletter itinerary type thingies?
I'm not sure if we'd prefer to have a mooch round ourselves having said that....

 

[wilma-bride]

It is in the navigator that you can pick up from guest services when you arrive on board (or it is left in your stateroom if you don't get one from GS). I can't remember exactly but I'm pretty sure it was a 'just turn up' kind thing. In fact, it must have been as it is not long after you board - there wouldn't be time to pre-book it.

So, would you (and your DH if he's into that sort of thing) be up for a quick meet on the first day?

 

[winnyis]

I just booked this for my family today. It will be our 10th DCL cruise and it will be Me, DH, DD (14) and DS 11. Very good friends of ours also want to join us just havent booked yet.

My husband thinks IM CRAZY. I already had three other cruises booked between now and next august and now Ive booked another one. I have always wanted to be on the ship for Halloween and the price was great so I couldnt resist.

 

[meryll83]

So, would you (and your DH if he's into that sort of thing) be up for a quick meet on the first day?

What time and where? - I'm not sure what time Disney transport gets us there, but unfortunately I know it's a lot later than most people who get themselves there choose to arrive...

I just booked this for my family today. It will be our 10th DCL cruise and it will be Me, DH, DD (14) and DS 11. Very good friends of ours also want to join us just havent booked yet.

My husband thinks IM CRAZY. I already had three other cruises booked between now and next august and now Ive booked another one. I have always wanted to be on the ship for Halloween and the price was great so I couldnt resist.

Join the Halloween cruise goodness!
What other cruises do you have booked up til next August and through which cruise lines?
(This is out first cruise, but I used to be a travel agent so it's all very interesting to me!)

 

[wilma-bride]

I just booked this for my family today. It will be our 10th DCL cruise and it will be Me, DH, DD (14) and DS 11. Very good friends of ours also want to join us just havent booked yet.

My husband thinks IM CRAZY. I already had three other cruises booked between now and next august and now Ive booked another one. I have always wanted to be on the ship for Halloween and the price was great so I couldnt resist.

Great news - welcome aboard Tell us about the other cruises you have planned - you're obviously a cruise aficionado (wow, that's a big word for this time of the morning )

My DDs are (or will be then) 15 and 16 so they will probably be spending quite a bit of time at the teen club. It would be nice for them to meet other people their age on the ship.

 

[wilma-bride]

What time and where? - I'm not sure what time Disney transport gets us there, but unfortunately I know it's a lot later than most people who get themselves there choose to arrive...

It will probably be in the Promenade Lounge on the first day around 2:30 ish. I can't remember exactly what time we met last year but it was nice to just meet other DISers and have a quick chat - I know it was definitely before the lifeboat drill. If that doesn't suit everyone though (with people arriving at different times) we could always do something different - like maybe meeting at the Adventures Away party, although it could be difficult to find people there as it gets so busy. We have plenty of time to sort something out anyway

 

[meryll83]

It will probably be in the Promenade Lounge on the first day around 2:30 ish. I can't remember exactly what time we met last year but it was nice to just meet other DISers and have a quick chat - I know it was definitely before the lifeboat drill. If that doesn't suit everyone though (with people arriving at different times) we could always do something different - like maybe meeting at the Adventures Away party, although it could be difficult to find people there as it gets so busy. We have plenty of time to sort something out anyway

Someone will have to tell me approximately what time we'll arrive, coz I don't have a clue!
Presumably it won't be until we get our tickets that we're told the bus pickup time, but surely it goes at the same time each day, so someone out there will know

 

[wilma-bride]

Someone will have to tell me approximately what time we'll arrive, coz I don't have a clue!
Presumably it won't be until we get our tickets that we're told the bus pickup time, but surely it goes at the same time each day, so someone out there will know

Which resort will you be at? I'm sure I've got a list of the pick-up and arrival times somewhere.

 

[winnyis]

Great news - welcome aboard Tell us about the other cruises you have planned - you're obviously a cruise aficionado (wow, that's a big word for this time of the morning )

My DDs are (or will be then) 15 and 16 so they will probably be spending quite a bit of time at the teen club. It would be nice for them to meet other people their age on the ship.

I dont know if I would call myself an afficianado - maybe an addict is a better word.

My other 3 cruises are the 15 night Eastbound Panama Canal cruise in August with DCL, then a 4 night cruise with 11 ladies to Cozumel in October (We do a cruise every year just us gals) and then we are booked on the DCL 8/15/09 Eastern Cruise to Tortola with 13 family members. I wouldnt even have been looking at booking another one except friends of ours who have never cruised want to go on one WITH US so I started looking at pricing and the next thing I knew I was on the phone with DCL.

As a rule my family mostly cruises DCL (We did do one Royal Carribean Cruise on Navigator of the Seas back in 2003 which we also liked alot). I have cruised on Carnival and Royal Carribean for their shorter 3-4 night cruises with my girlfriends and while we had a great time - I just cant see bringing my family on any of those ships because they would compare them to DCL and honestly there is a difference. Some of the other cruise lines use their older ships to do the shorter cruises and its just missing something.

 

[meryll83]

Which resort will you be at? I'm sure I've got a list of the pick-up and arrival times somewhere.

We're going over to the Swan and Dolphin to pick up the bus....

 

[wilma-bride]

I dont know if I would call myself an afficianado - maybe an addict is a better word.

My other 3 cruises are the 15 night Eastbound Panama Canal cruise in August with DCL, then a 4 night cruise with 11 ladies to Cozumel in October (We do a cruise every year just us gals) and then we are booked on the DCL 8/15/09 Eastern Cruise to Tortola with 13 family members. I wouldnt even have been looking at booking another one except friends of ours who have never cruised want to go on one WITH US so I started looking at pricing and the next thing I knew I was on the phone with DCL.

As a rule my family mostly cruises DCL (We did do one Royal Carribean Cruise on Navigator of the Seas back in 2003 which we also liked alot). I have cruised on Carnival and Royal Carribean for their shorter 3-4 night cruises with my girlfriends and while we had a great time - I just cant see bringing my family on any of those ships because they would compare them to DCL and honestly there is a difference. Some of the other cruise lines use their older ships to do the shorter cruises and its just missing something.

Wow, that's an impressive list of future cruises Ginny The girly one sounds fun - what a great thing to do with a group of friends. I would love to do a girly cruise one day but, being from teh UK, no chance of that.

DH and I have cruised previously with NCL (on the maiden voyage of Norwegian Gem) albeit only a mini cruise to Amsterdam. It was great and we really loved it but we both said it just wasn't the same as DCL.

 

[wilma-bride]

We're going over to the Swan and Dolphin to pick up the bus....

Not sure about that one - darn - the list I have has pick up at Poly at 11:30 and Wilderness Lodge at 11:45 so I would imagine it would be more or less the same sort of time. That would get you to port by no later than 13:00 and, by then, you'll be able to get straight on the ship.

 

[OC_stacylace]

Hi guys!!

I booked my family on not only our first DCL cruise, but our first cruise ever! This is so funny, too, because my DH used to be in the Navy on submarines, and he is so looking forward to having someone else work for once, while he rides!

Us cruising will be DH, me, and our sons aged 10 and 4 at the time of the cruise. We're going to stay at AKLV for a week before our cruise, so I am just so excited!

I have been looking up stuff to do, since it is Halloween, and they do have a trick-or-treating path for the kids to follow. That should be fun!

I would really like to do the 15 day East bound repo cruise, but my hubby can't get time off, and it would just have to be me and the boys. I'm not sure if I would be ok on my own, so looks like that will have to wait.

I'm up for a meet! I think the hardest part for me after booking, is the waiting part. This particular thread I think will help with that.