Roll Call. Oct.19,02

[disney6]

Lori - We did the surial bath on our last cruise and it was a blast. It is something we'd NEVER do anywhere else and you do have to be able to laugh at yourselves I do say it's probably not for everyone and my DH was very reluctant when I booked it but he sure got over that in a hurry If you do it - get in line early because even on the 7day the spots fill up fast.
I plan on doing the Coral World/Cokie beach thing on our own. My DH and DS wanted to do the submarine also until I printed the info for SNUBA. I figure my family can all go together and the girls and I will play on the beach and the boys can SNUBA then we can visit Coral World together. Don't forget to bring your own beach toys (bucket, shovel, etc.) We were SO SO happy we brought our own.

Get out of your head any thoughts of NOT docking at Castaway Cay!!!!

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Diana,
Yea, that snuba looked pretty cool! I'm the only one in our family who scuba dives, so this might be a very cool activity. I want to do Coral world on our own too, hence the coupons. So much to do!!!
Lori

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We are thinking about the Regatta. Thought we had it all figured out and Ted is now thinking about just parasailing at Castaway Cay. He really wants this to be a leisurely trip. Last January, all we did was go go go. Of course, one of our daughters was with us and wanted to do and see all. She is the kind that loves to be with us so we like to make her happy. Her boyfriend was with and he wouldn't do anything unless we did. Makes me feel very loved. Are you all sampling wine to find your favorite??? Actually, the secret porthole rooms are on deck 5 and very far forward. We were in the same room in January and booked it again for October. They say you have to book far in advance for one but we booked in January. I told DU to book anytime in October that we could get the room. Speaking of not being able to dock at Castaway Cay, that happened to us in January. I was sooooo disappointed. I wanted my daughter to see what a wonderful place it really was and when they announced that we couldn't dock, I cried. (ok, I am a softy) It was such a let down. However, we were able to dock the next day. The weather was the best there than the entire trip. Florida was freezing and the Bahamas was windy and COLD. We have done the Surial and the Rainforest and think we will pass on the spa. I guess we were not meant for spas. I got sick from the Rainforest. I think it was too humid and the smell of eucalyptus sends me. I know, I'm strange. My husband has been telling me that for years! Sandy

 

[disney6]

Have to keep our thread near the top
Have thought about the rainforest but can't imagine spending too much time indoors and now I'm wondering if I could take the smell! Thanks for that tip - sometimes things like that are just too much....
Have been tasting wine and will most likely bring one made here in Ontario since it's probably hard to get there.
DH and I both scuba dive but haven't since Ian was born so thought it would be a great opportunity for the guys to do their male bonding thing
We WILL dock at Castaway Cay (positive thoughts only!)

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

I could certainly use a course on wine... or just drink a course of wine (I'm not too picky, just hate shiratze and don't want headaches.) I like Pino Noir and will no doubt bring that. I would like to find a time to let the kids meet before going into their respective clubs. Is deck 7's place big enough that they could do there own thing off the the side and not be right underfoot?
I emailed for info on Parasailing on St. Toms and they are cheaper for tamdum riding ($100 for the two - kid and adult) and they do the reel you out and back onto a platform method. Is that how they all are? I've heard stories of being pounded down into the water at end of ride in Mexico's resorts. Too many good things to do at Toms. I was thinking seriously about the "scuba adventure" excursion there too. Probably won't leave the DH and kids though. Decisions, decisions.
Anyone else who is with us on this trip... jump on in here! We haven't bitten yet!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Keep us informed as to what you find on parasailing. Didn't even think about venturing out on the other islands for it. SMART!! I just bumped your thread, Dreams, on the subject. I think the deck on 7 would be large enough. How many adults and kids do you think we would have? If I am right we have 10 adults and can't even address the number of kids. Two couples without and 3 with. Soooo, somewhere between 6 and 9 kids. Oh, I say we would be fine. We can order crackers and cheese platters from room service and take it to the deck. Should be just fine. Sandy and Ted

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Let's see, I can name 8 kids, but I might be missing someone. Who knows what time the shoving off party (I'm sure there's a nicer name for it...) is? Is there time between boarding and the party, or more of a time slot between that and 1st dinner?

 

[disney6]

Shoving off party?

That cracked me up!!!!

Anyone else already buying and then saving cruise clothes?

What about meeting right before the sailaway party and heading up as a group? Maybe 45min to an hour before? According to old Navigators it starts at 4:30 so I'd think by 3:30 we'd all be done with our ressie scrambles? Oh never mind, the boat drill is 4:00. We could do 2:30 and all be tipsy for the boat drill - what do you MEAN I put on my life jacket upside down????

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Originally posted by disney6
Anyone else already buying and then saving cruise clothes?

Oh yea baby. Just got a "tropicalish dress" at the thrift store ($2.98) that I would never where anywhere else... and if the luggage is too stuffed for going home... I'll just leave it!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Quiet honestly, I am not sure that the first day would be the best even if you do not do the ressie scramble. I think whoever is new to cruising like I know Dreams is will want to explore the ship. We will do the Palo's ressies, eat lunch, go to our room and unpack and by then it will be time for the boat drill. There would be a little time to spare though before the drill. We never go to the bon voyage party. We love to go to the front and watch us sail off. It is fun watching the dolphins jump. Can check out the deck party, however. Not sure hubby would be as willing because he missed the dolphins last time. He was video taping. Then we rush back to our room to get dressed for our 6:00 dinner.

As far as new clothes, heck no I am not looking. I am praying that I lose weight. No, that WE lose weight. End of summer clearance is what I am striving for.

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

I see what you're saying Sandy, and we have plenty of time to make plans. (Too much time!) Maybe we can make final plans just a week or two before leaving. I wouldn't mind just a quick meet with the kids on the first afternoon, then kick back and enjoy our wine in leasure on another night. I know that when there's exploring to be done, and a day full of excitment is still underway, the last thing my kids will want to do is stay put for very long. Not that we'll even have very long anyway, huh? I'm open for whatever everyone prefers.
Lori

 

[jiminyC_fan]

You know Lori, when I first posted about maybe not the 1st afternoon, I didn't even think about the kids. I know that they would absolutely hate it if the parents slowed them down for even a half hour. I am game for anything. Whatever works. A quick meet might be good. At least we could speak in passing until the wine tasting event. Sandy

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

I wonder how that Denine's doin?

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

OK you experienced cruisers! I thought of starting a new thread then thought... "Hey, these guys know everything I could ever ask!" The thread would have been titled... "I am NOT an animal" My friend who's trip report persuaded me to book that very day, has given me various tips. One is, "the only really uncomfortable time was being wedged in with hundreds of other people who were trying to get off the ship first, to get a chair on Castaway Cay" The other is, "Oh, be SURE that you get into line very early for getting off the ship at Castaway Cay, or you wont get chairs." Hummm. Since the rooms are so generous with space, what if we were to bring some little soft stadium seats and a beach blanket? Can we just stand back and watch the madness, (maybe sing a verse of "get along little doggies") leisurely disembark <-- I'm trying to use the lingo now and just plop down anywhere we want on the beach? I guess the part I'm not sure about here is, will there be SPACE on the beach anywhere not already covered by chairs? The seats are those light and flat padded fabric deals where two nylon straps adjust how much you lean back (you know what I mean)? and I don't think that carrying them will be a big deal, jeeez we'll already be carrying lunch, snorkel gear and sand toys. They'll fit easily into the suitcase. Besides, no one wants my Mother Lion side to come out and if someone elbows my kid in the face or shoves them back ... well, it won't be pretty. (Just kidding...kind of) I just want to be Happy, Happy, Happy. No confrontations this week please.
How about on the other islands as well. Is that too tacky or even just not allowed on the beaches where they expect you to rent chairs? Maybe just a blanket in the backpack will do.
Well, let me know. Thanks guys. Lori

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Hi Lori, your post surprised me. We have NEVER seen a stampede to get chairs at Castaway Cay and we have NEVER had a problem. One time we were at Serenity Bay and the other time at the family beach. Neither time did we have problems. If you are concerned by all means bring something. I like the idea of a blanket. That way your entire family could sit. I can't address other beaches as at Blue Lagoon they had plenty of free chairs and hammocks. They say the rooms are generous in space but quite honestly I can't say that. With all the luggage etc it does get cramped. Don't forget to store UNDER the bed. We made that mistake the first time. I have a question. Why are you planning on taking a lunch on Castaway Cay? They have Cookies BBQ there for you. Fresh fruit, cookies, hot dogs, hamb. chips, punch, salads. The only uncomfortable time we had was during the boat drill. I tell you, it is tight and on a hot day, WOW. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that has a Mother Lion side. I can be confrontational when it comes to kids. Adults don't always see that kids have rights, too. Or there are the adults that cut off families and separates them just to get a little ahead in line. I, too, was thinking of Denine. Bet she is due home soon. Sandy

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Oh yea, I mis-spoke about the lunch on CC. I do remember that DCL feeds us there. We'll pack along some food for the other islands, and no doubt still buy more there.
Novice question here, is Blue Lagoon on Castaway Cay? I don't see it listed by name on the little map I printed out.
Tx~L

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Oops, sorry to confuse you. Blue Lagoon is a Wonder excursion in Nassau. But from that experience I HIGHLY recommend taking your own lunch from room service for other beaches. I have NEVER had such awful food as at Blue Lagoon. Even my husband agreed on that one and that is unusual. He'll eat anything placed in front of him normally. If we decide to go on a beach excursion this time I am sure we will pack a lunch of sorts. You know, I am sooo excited for you Lori. I will never forget the first time cruising and the wonderful feeling. You will have that unique feeling not us. It will still be fun don't get me wrong but that first time, wow.

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Originally posted by jiminyC_fan
but that first time, wow.

Oh my gosh, you almost make me Blush

 

[disney6]

I have found as excited as I am for this cruise it still doesn't match the feelings of our first one. This will be the first one where all my kids are old enough for the clubs and I hope they will enjoy them so that in itself is different. I feel we missed so much last time (no excursions, not straying out of sight of the ship, no shows, no adult clubs) but like I said had a great time. My DH and DS got off the ship first thing at CC and found our "spot" and saved it, came back and found the rest of us at Topsiders and we made our way to the beach. When we got there there were still empty spots so..... It was crowded but I didn't feel hemmed in or cramped at all. We did not get a hammock but did get an umbrella, couple of lounge chairs and a couple of regular beach chairs (my little ones did nap under the umbrellas on the loungers) but found I didn't sit in the chairs much at all. Lots of people take their chairs to waters edge. To me CC was paradise and I could definately spend my life there so am very excited about seeing it again. Maybe this time we will rent bikes...... Conch Coolers are great - they even carry them on trays and wade to you in the ocean

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Hi Diana! Well OK, maybe I won't worry so much about the chair scramble. Are loungers by the pools also easier to get than I have heard?
Hey Kristia and DVC Lady! You still hangin around in here?