*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 3

[PFlamingo]

Geez really???? All gone by 7am?

I guess i'll have to get Lee to put our towels out at 5am when he goes for a run. (No flames please - I really hate it when people reserve beds & don't use them all day! )

Right! It's one thing if you actually use the loungers. I have no issue with that. Hmm... Maybe he could put towels down for the rest of us, too. Heh, heh, heh.

It got absolutely mental, people were all loitering waiting to pounce on any free bed.

I just had a vision of all of us standing around the loungers. Hell hath no fury like middle-aged Dis'ers waiting for sun beds!

The Disney police were even watching the sunbeds On the CCTV to see if the bed had been vacant for more than 30 mins, your stuff went to lost property.

Seriously?? That's so weird! Although, I've heard some pretty ugly stories about people going ballistic when they came back - hours later - and someone was in "their" chair. Of course, they claimed they had only been gone 5 mins. At least that way there would be proof that they weren't there.

I'll be with you in the shade Pat (same reason too) Last year our friends were laughing at us as we just kept moving our sunbeds to follow the shade ....just in the shadow of the funnel on Deck 10 was a great spot, if only the sun didn't keep moving. And you had to be ready for the 12 o clock whistle !!!

We did that on Castaway Cay! Love that beach, but have to stay out of the sun. I'd love to get a cabana, especially for our cruise in October, but I have the feeling those will be long gone by the time I can book one. Just not sure it's worth all that money on this trip, with only being at CC for half a day.

The only down side to being on Deck 10 is the trip down the stairs to cool off in the pool. I never feel particularly elegant descending stairs in a swimming costume, no matter how effective my cover up is

Note to me: must practice walking up and down stairs elegantly in flip-flops and swim suit. With FAB in hand.

 

[MandyGirl]

Mind you the infighting for the sunbeds at Cove Pool last WBTA was awful, we gave up when we got up at 7 am and all the sunbeds were gone already... we gave up and went to deck 10

Jeez. what time did these people get out there? I wish they could find a way to enforce the "no reserving loungers" rule. Mind you, I want one in the shade, as I don't tan (history of skin cancer in the family), but I never seem to snag one. Just seems wrong that people drop a towel on the chair and leave for hours.

It got absolutely mental, people were all loitering waiting to pounce on any free bed. The Disney police were even watching the sunbeds On the CCTV to see if the bed had been vacant for more than 30 mins, your stuff went to lost property.

Cove pool - heaving
Family pool - completely empty
Mickey pool - busy

We found that at the family pool and deck 10 they never touched your stuff, we went to lunch, cinema etc and it was fine.

There's just not enough beds for the volume of adults on the WBTA

I have learned to be bold enough to gently place their items on the deck beside the chair and sit there when I know it has been 30+ minutes. And yep, I have "staked out" chairs to wait for one in the shade. When they return, I will gladly let them know about the 30-minute rule and that they are lucky I just watched their items for them instead of tossing them like some cruisers do. They are usually just pissed I am sitting in their chair they move on, or I am ready to move on anyway. (Does DCL print the rule in the navigators?? Something to have handy as a bookmark to show them...)

Skin cancer SUCKS. Just FYI -- a 0.4 mm stage I melanoma tumor will leave you a nice 5-inch scar after removal due to all the skin that must be removed around it. PER tumor. If someone is more concerned about their BOOK or their TOWEL sitting in the shade while someone else with cancer history is denied a seat, well tough. And children of someone with melanoma have a 10x greater risk of having malignant melanoma one day themselves. Shade is so important to some families. (Along with rash guards and 50+ sunscreen.)

Unfortunately, chair hogging happens on every cruiseline. "Rules aren't made for me" mentality.

Same thing with waiting in line for something. I am amazed at the audacity of ADULTS who have less manners than my 4-year-old sometimes.

Okay. Now you see what flips my trigger.

 

[PFlamingo]

I have learned to be bold enough to gently place their items on the deck beside the chair and sit there when I know it has been 30+ minutes. And yep, I have "staked out" chairs to wait for one in the shade. When they return, I will gladly let them know about the 30-minute rule and that they are lucky I just watched their items for them instead of tossing them like some cruisers do. They are usually just pissed I am sitting in their chair they move on, or I am ready to move on anyway. (Does DCL print the rule in the navigators?? Something to have handy as a bookmark to show them...)

Skin cancer SUCKS. Just FYI -- a 0.4 mm stage I melanoma tumor will leave you a nice 5-inch scar after removal due to all the skin that must be removed around it. PER tumor. If someone is more concerned about their BOOK or their TOWEL sitting in the shade while someone else with cancer history is denied a seat, well tough. And children of someone with melanoma have a 10x greater risk of having malignant melanoma one day themselves. Shade is so important to some families. (Along with rash guards and 50+ sunscreen.)

Unfortunately, chair hogging happens on every cruiseline. "Rules aren't made for me" mentality.

Same thing with waiting in line for something. I am amazed at the audacity of ADULTS who have less manners than my 4-year-old sometimes.

Okay. Now you see what flips my trigger.

You go girl!! I'm sitting next to you at the pool.

 

[MandyGirl]

I just had a vision of all of us standing around the loungers. Hell hath no fury like middle-aged Dis'ers waiting for sun beds!

There's enough DIS'ers on here to make a point!

Seriously?? That's so weird! Although, I've heard some pretty ugly stories about people going ballistic when they came back - hours later - and someone was in "their" chair. Of course, they claimed they had only been gone 5 mins. At least that way there would be proof that they weren't there.

I always have my digital camera with me for pics. I snapped a pic one time of an area so I could remember if one was empty, and snapped again about 30 min later to compare. Then, if someone says they were there, you have a date/time stamp on your camera to show them that they had just forgotten... they were indeed gone MORE than 30 minutes, and here's a pic. Haven't had to use that one yet though...

And when on vacation, I always have our girls' stuff with us. Four of us are not taking up four chairs. It is more like 2 chairs. No need for my little ones to have their own chair, esp if in and out of the pool so much.

 

[susie2]

if you dont mind not sitting by the pools, where is the best place to look for sunbeds, thanks

 

[MandyGirl]

You go girl!! I'm sitting next to you at the pool.

If I had Curt's scars, I would gladly point to one, say "See this? This is the reason I am in 'your' chair in the shade. See that? That's another reason. See this other one? I figured you would be more appreciative of a skin cancer survivor sitting in the shade versus your magazine in an empty chair." Then at least they would see the personal connection. Of course, Curt is very shy about it and keeps every one covered that he can.

I really think if more of us helped DCL enforce the rules then there would be less of those issues. Especially if you can point to a statement in the Navigator. I know another cruiseline we have been on would post that 30-minute rule daily, particularly on sea days.

 

[MandyGirl]

if you dont mind not sitting by the pools, where is the best place to look for sunbeds, thanks

On other cruiselines, have often done a deck above the pool or the aft "secret" decks. Have also spent time on the promenade (such as deck 4).

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

You go girl!! I'm sitting next to you at the pool.

We'll be next to her too - the enforcer!

 

[LindaBabe]

I wish there was somewhere dry near the pool to leave my cane, towel & Cover-up! I sure won't fight you for a lounger - they weren't built for the old lady to get up off of - and as for the sun beds on Castaway Cay - oh my! If I can't find a hammock, I can't sit down except at lunch or on a bar stool. Not that some people would find that a bad thing,

 

[PFlamingo]

I really think if more of us helped DCL enforce the rules then there would be less of those issues. Especially if you can point to a statement in the Navigator. I know another cruiseline we have been on would post that 30-minute rule daily, particularly on sea days.

I doubt it - I've heard some truly nasty stories from people who have tried. Like one woman who had a total meltdown, screaming at the person who moved her stuff, when she hadn't been there for at least an hour.

I just checked a Navigator for the policy. It says that saving sun loungers is not permitted, and items left unattended will be returned to lost and found. Doesn't say anything about a time limit. I think the 30 minute rule is more like a guideline than an actual rule. It seems like a reasonable amount of time to me, though. It's also written in really small print on the back of the last page, under "Important Information," with the smoking policy, the quiet hours policy, and so on.

If I can't find a hammock, I can't sit down except at lunch or on a bar stool. Not that some people would find that a bad thing,

I've been known to fall off a couple of bar stools in my time.

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

Sorry, it is just a personal thing as I have friends who always go on Deck 7 and it is only the verandah rooms that I mean. We have been on there twice. I prefer the position of Deck 7 being 2 decks down from 9, but outside, just below the verandah wall is a wide metal rail that the maintenance thingy moves along. It is about a foot wide and blocks the view direct to the sea. On Deck 6 you can look straight down and i like being able to do that! See, just a personal thing.

Thanks just wanted to check it out...

I remember them being more in the $5-6 range. I was tempted by those yummy frozen concoctions every night at dinner, and I gave in every time! Zero self-control here.

I remember that as well as the drink for the day, I was thinking they were closer to $4.

For those folks that have cruised DCL before, what is your opinion of the wine packages that you can buy? Are they worth it, or is it better to stock up in Barcelona and Gibraltar and BYOB to dinner and pay corkage?

We love the wine plan..

Gosh .. I sound like a right old boozer

That's ok I think alot of us are right there with you...

Okay, so we're boozers then as Mel said, we can have our own area designated for anyone who fancies a drink and there will always be some familiar faces

Boy are we all going to have a great time

If I had Curt's scars, I would gladly point to one, say "See this? This is the reason I am in 'your' chair in the shade. See that? That's another reason. See this other one? I figured you would be more appreciative of a skin cancer survivor sitting in the shade versus your magazine in an empty chair." Then at least they would see the personal connection. Of course, Curt is very shy about it and keeps every one covered that he can.

I really think if more of us helped DCL enforce the rules then there would be less of those issues. Especially if you can point to a statement in the Navigator. I know another cruiseline we have been on would post that 30-minute rule daily, particularly on sea days.

DH Trent just had a removal a week ago, I completely agree with you on all aspects.

 

[Chirpee]

On other cruiselines, have often done a deck above the pool or the aft "secret" decks. Have also spent time on the promenade (such as deck 4).

We often end up on Deck 4 as in addition to being shady, it's also relatively quiet. The aft deck is nice too, but on a few times we went to go there on our last cruise, it was in use for private functions. While I love listening to music, sometimes it's nice to have a bit of peace and quiet to savor the view and read. That's one of the main reasons that we booked a verandah this time.

 

[PFlamingo]

We often end up on Deck 4 as in addition to being shady, it's also relatively quiet. The aft deck is nice too, but on a few times we went to go there on our last cruise, it was in use for private functions. While I love listening to music, sometimes it's nice to have a bit of peace and quiet to savor the view and read. That's one of the main reasons that we booked a verandah this time.

Oh, yes - I forgot about Deck 4! We love to sit there are read or take nap. Last time I got a plate of assorted food - wrap sandwiches, fruit, pizza - and took it to Deck 4 where we sat and noshed one afternoon. That was great! Dennis isn't much of a pool person anyway, though I like to jump in and do a couple of laps to stretch out and cool off a bit.

I love having a verandah, but I do wish it was wide enough for a lounge chair.

 

[Chirpee]

Oh, yes - I forgot about Deck 4! We love to sit there are read or take nap. Last time I got a plate of assorted food - wrap sandwiches, fruit, pizza - and took it to Deck 4 where we sat and noshed one afternoon. That was great! Dennis isn't much of a pool person anyway, though I like to jump in and do a couple of laps to stretch out and cool off a bit.

I love having a verandah, but I do wish it was wide enough for a lounge chair.

Yes it would be great if the verandahs had loungers...I hate falling asleep in upright chairs as I wake up with terrible neck ache...and with the combination of the movement of the ship, fresh sea air and indulging in lots of good food and "adult fruit beverages" I tend to nod off quite a lot on cruises

 

[MandyGirl]

DH Trent just had a removal a week ago, I completely agree with you on all aspects.

We often end up on Deck 4 as in addition to being shady, it's also relatively quiet. The aft deck is nice too, but on a few times we went to go there on our last cruise, it was in use for private functions. While I love listening to music, sometimes it's nice to have a bit of peace and quiet to savor the view and read. That's one of the main reasons that we booked a verandah this time.

Peace, reading, and watching the seas drift by. Love decks like that!!

Yes it would be great if the verandahs had loungers...I hate falling asleep in upright chairs as I wake up with terrible neck ache...and with the combination of the movement of the ship, fresh sea air and indulging in lots of good food and "adult fruit beverages" I tend to nod off quite a lot on cruises

Ditto! Our aft verandah on our Alaska cruise did, and we even had a couple days that we could wear SHORTS outside! I have a great picture of Curt asleep in the lounger on a deep verandah. ahhhh. For the glacier viewing day, we had about 10 family members out there on the railing. Fond memories.

 

[Tod&Copper]

if you dont mind not sitting by the pools, where is the best place to look for sunbeds, thanks

DH always opts for Deck 4 with his book and the comfortable loungers

We'll be next to her too - the enforcer!

Us too

 

[granmaz]

You go girl!! I'm sitting next to you at the pool.

if you dont mind not sitting by the pools, where is the best place to look for sunbeds, thanks

If you want a sun tan then Deck 10. You can get seriously cooked up there as the wind makes you think it isn't too hot, but remember we will be quite a way south so the sun will be powerful.

 

[melonz]

If you want a sun tan then Deck 10. You can get seriously cooked up there as the wind makes you think it isn't too hot, but remember we will be quite a way south so the sun will be powerful.

Oh, I didn't think of that Maz. I don't want to be burnt to a crisp I do tend to forget how strong the sun is when you're by the sea....and I sure as hell remember at the end of the day when my skin feel like it's had a trip to hell

 

[granmaz]

The captain and cruise director made quite a few reminders about the sun strength but with many it made no difference!!!

You sure don't need as long out there, and be careful over the hottest part of the day!!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

Oh, I didn't think of that Maz. I don't want to be burnt to a crisp I do tend to forget how strong the sun is when you're by the sea....and I sure as hell remember at the end of the day when my skin feel like it's had a trip to hell

I spent all my time on deck 10 and swore by the once a day P20 sun tan lotion and never got burned once, it's amazing stuff