Sept 14, 2013 - Western Fantasy Cruise!!!

[jenf22]

To Jenf22- we would love to share a Cabana- I will keep trying and let you know if I get lycky
Lisa

I'll keep checking and let you know if I can get one.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hi guys! I emailed Native Way a couple of days ago about the Island and Stingray Tour in Grand Cayman. Sharon wrote back and said we were confirmed for the 11:45am tour. So now I'm torn as to if we should do it It's only $60 per person and is the excursion I wanted to do through DCL. But I always get nervous about non-DCL excursions and I've never been to a port where we have to tender. Plus she said to be there at 11:30am since the tour departed promptly at 11:45am. How does that work when we don't arrive until 11:30??? Right now we've booked the Boatswain excursion (which is the complete Turtle Farm) for $92 per person through Disney. And then we're planning Castaway Rays again for $35 per person. For less money we could do the excursion I originally wanted and try new stingrays (we'd skip Castaway Ray). What to do????

Is anyone else interested in this excursion with Native Way? Maybe if there were enough of us, we'd get a private tour. Here's the link

http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/tour_details.htm#Stingray and Island

I had the exact same concerns you mentioned above. Either way you go, scheduled tour or private charter, maybe I can reassure you. The biggest consideration is the time translation. Grand Cayman doesn't observe daylight savings time. If I remember correctly, they're in the Central time zone which is the same as we live in here in the Houston, Texas area. When the ship travels west across to Grand Cayman they'll have a little card in your stateroom one night that tells you to adjust your clocks back an hour for the time change when you travel from Eastern to Central time. It won't be daylight savings time yet so you won't have to worry about that part. If it was, you'd need to consider it for the time translation. In short, you should already be on Cayman time when you get there.

Has Sharon called you yet to arrange the credit card guarantee??? That's when I discussed the possibility of time conflicts. Did you tell her you were coming in on the Disney Fantasy? The reason I ask is that she assured me when we spoke that they are very familiar with what time the Fantasy typically arrives. Their livelihood rests in knowing these things which makes sense. She said that as it got closer to our reservation time they'd notice any significant changes to the normal schedule and would keep that in mind for upcoming bookings. If there was any changes to what is normal they'd be in touch to adjust the time. If you haven't talked to Sharon about it yet be sure that you do. It's kind of confusing to wrap your brain around all the time differences and changes but it does all work out.

I'm not entirely sure that 11:30 time on the itinerary online isn't stated in terms of Eastern time. If it's 11:30 Eastern it's 10:30 Central. Looking at my notes from our May 25 - June 1 Western Caribbean on the Fantasy I see that we were on a tender headed over to the island at 10:30 a.m. That jives with the stated port time on the itinerary being Eastern time, not Central.

We stressed over the tendering, too, because we had never tendered before either. And we were on a sold out cruise. Here's how it went for us that morning:

- up at 8:00
- Cabanas breakfast at 8:45
- in line for the tender tickets/tenders outside Animator's Palatte at about 10:00. We were pretty far back in line, too. I'd say halfway between the doors to Animators and the atrium.
- at about 10:10 the line started shuffling forward
- received our tender tickets at the door to Animator's. ALL family members must be present and ready to go!
- shuffled thru AP in the lineup with a few pauses. They had classic cartoons playing on the bigger screens thru the dining room which was a nice touch.
- off the ship & sitting on a tender at 10:30. We were the 2nd tender to offload at the pier. I'm sure the first tender was all DCL excursion people because all the guests were lined up in various lines with CMs holding up the character signs for each line. We were some of the first folks to walk thru into the little shops area.
- We were there early as our charter wasn't supposed to leave until 11:00 or so.
- On the charter boat pulling away from the marina (it's a short drive away from the cruise pier) at 11:30-ish.

Just plan to get the whole family down to the tender line ahead of the all-ashore time you'll see in the Navigator. You should be fine unless the ship runs late. Native Way doesn't charge if the ship doesn't port for any reason so I'm sure if the ship ran late they'd do all they could to accommodate that as well. Right??? Again, their livelihood depends on them doing the right thing by the cruise ship passengers so it's advantageous for them to understand when things happen that are out of the passengers' control.

And don't worry that it'll take forever to get onto a tender. It won't. I didn't really think about it beforehand but definitely understand now that those tenders hold a LOT of people. A couple hundred if I'm not mistaken. There were at least 4-6 of them hovering near the ship ready to pull alongside as soon as the tendering began the morning we arrived in Grand Cayman. We laughed at how it looked like a swarm of bees hovering around a honeycomb. They move a LOT of people very efficiently! It's really cool, actually!

 

[jenf22]

Thanks Kelly. I've not talked to anyone in person. I sent an email a couple of days ago from work and never got a response. I shouldn't have done that because the firewall here blocks a lot of email traffic. So now I don't know if she ever responded to it. So yesterday, I filled out the online booking form. I got an email back from that saying we had confirmed reservations for the tour. I only wanted info, but a reservation isn't bad for now. She said no credit card was needed and we just pay on the tour. I'm waiting to hear back from my parents as to if they're ok doing a non-DCL excursion before I ask her any more questions. I thought maybe if some other folks were interested and it was a private tour, we could ensure we were back to the ship on time. I'm always paranoid about missing the ship!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Jen! The VGTs came out this afternoon!!!! I checked this morning and there was nothing. This afternoon I was upstairs in my sewing room working and Tracey called to tell me they were there. Only VGT. No IGT or OGT. We're booked and paid, tho, so it's officially official! We took the VGT (it was a hard decision not to choose our stateroom and use an OBB towards a 10a). The 10a would've been $50 more than the VGT but we would've had the onboard credits waiting for us. Now the wait for our room assignment begins.

 

[jenf22]

Jen! The VGTs came out this afternoon!!!! I checked this morning and there was nothing. This afternoon I was upstairs in my sewing room working and Tracey called to tell me they were there. Only VGT. No IGT or OGT. We're booked and paid, tho, so it's officially official! We took the VGT (it was a hard decision not to choose our stateroom and use an OBB towards a 10a). The 10a would've been $50 more than the VGT but we would've had the onboard credits waiting for us. Now the wait for our room assignment begins.

Yeah! Welcome aboard officially! I was hoping for a IGT for my sister. The VGT is only $200 cheaper than the cheapest inside room. Oh well, I'm sure her coming would just stress my mom out anyway! Couldn't you have used Dreams and got an OBC that way? Our agent said to let her know if my sister wanted to book a *GT rate.

Speaking of my mom - she wants to keep Boatswain and not do Native Way My dad has been working crazy hours and hasn't looked at it yet, but I imagine he'll be nervous about a non-DCL excursion. Phil and I both want to see the Turtle Farm and do Stingray City. Isn't that the main draw on Grand Cayman??

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Yeah! Welcome aboard officially! I was hoping for a IGT for my sister. The VGT is only $200 cheaper than the cheapest inside room. Oh well, I'm sure her coming would just stress my mom out anyway! Couldn't you have used Dreams and got an OBC that way? Our agent said to let her know if my sister wanted to book a *GT rate.

Speaking of my mom - she wants to keep Boatswain and not do Native Way My dad has been working crazy hours and hasn't looked at it yet, but I imagine he'll be nervous about a non-DCL excursion. Phil and I both want to see the Turtle Farm and do Stingray City. Isn't that the main draw on Grand Cayman??

We were really wanting an IGT, too. We wanted to try an inside configuration but it's hard to go with it when the VGT is, technically, cheaper. Ugh! Plus, yeah, a little afraid we'll try an inside room and feel like we're in a closet. LOL!

I use a TA, not Dreams. My friend is actually my TA w/a different Disney-specific agency. I have no idea if they'll give me any onboard credits. Probably but I don't really care. I'd book with her anyway even if I got nothing. The service is worth it in every way. We won't get the $200 from Disney for using an onboard booking, tho.

I know Grand Cayman is known for their snorkeling and diving. And Stingray City. That's pretty unusual. I've seen sea turtles before so that doesn't really draw me. Now, if I knew I could *swim* with sea turtles I might be swayed. LOL! We were actually thinking we'd take a cab up the beach and snorkel right off the shore on our own. Did a bit of reading about GC snorkeling spots and the particulars on managing it. Tracey expressed some interest in going back with another charter but we wouldn't do it for just the 2 of us. I understand about being unsure about an excursion away from the cruise line. I was pretty darned nervous about it myself. I bet I spent 25+ hours scouring the internet for blow-by-blow cruise ship passenger experiences w/Native Way. If y'all aren't comfortable with it then I say don't do it. There's no sense in piling on unecessary stress, right? Either way you'll have a fab time. That's what it's all about!

And THANK YOU for our officially official welcome! The earliest port arrival time available was 12:00. Well, they'll have to chase us back out the door with a stick. We'll be there closer to 10:30.

 

[jenf22]

I know Grand Cayman is known for their snorkeling and diving. And Stingray City. That's pretty unusual. I've seen sea turtles before so that doesn't really draw me. Now, if I knew I could *swim* with sea turtles I might be swayed. LOL! We were actually thinking we'd take a cab up the beach and snorkel right off the shore on our own. Did a bit of reading about GC snorkeling spots and the particulars on managing it. Tracey expressed some interest in going back with another charter but we wouldn't do it for just the 2 of us. I understand about being unsure about an excursion away from the cruise line. I was pretty darned nervous about it myself. I bet I spent 25+ hours scouring the internet for blow-by-blow cruise ship passenger experiences w/Native Way. If y'all aren't comfortable with it then I say don't do it. There's no sense in piling on unecessary stress, right? Either way you'll have a fab time. That's what it's all about!

Swimming with turtles is AMAZING! We LOVE Hawaii and are able to swim with the turtles there. We're in love with the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. They have a man-made lagoon that's ocean fed. So there are turtles, eels, and tons of fish and the water is perfectly calm. I just saw on their Facebook page they had a monk seal swim in to visit on Wednesday (sounded like this was the first time it's happened). That would be awesome if the seals decided to stay! They also have Dolphin Quest on site too. We just went this past April and I'm trying to figure out how to save the money to go again next year and do the Southern Itinerary on Disney next October! Ryan's been to Hawaii 4 times and he's only 6

My mom said she's do whatever, but I don't want to force her. I think I might need to feed her a little more information than the Native Way website (it's really not very good!). I just hope she's not making the decision based on not wanting to get her hair wet

57 days until we cruise!

 

[Emtgirljen]

Yo ho, yo ho, 57 days to go!

Can't wait, getting excited. How early is too early to pack?

 

[zippyzo]

Yo ho, yo ho, 57 days to go!

Can't wait, getting excited. How early is too early to pack?

I've already started to put stuff in my case, ready for the holiday.

 

[jenf22]

I sent DCL an email asking why the "Island Tour and Snorkeling with Stingrays" wasn't available for our cruise. The first reply I got said that I was confirmed with Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure. Um, ok, but not what I was asking. So I sent them another email asking my question again. They wrote back and said they would have to look into it. Today I noticed that excursion is available for our cruise! However, when I "check availability" it shows up as 10:16am. What's the story with that??? Since I've had the site crash on me today I'm wondering if that's an error. Anyway, I'm going to hold off on booking it, but I'm excited it might be there!

Does anyone think 10:16am is a real time???

 

[myosotisd]

anyone with GTY has his stateroom number ?
it should be today but since this morning i cannot log to see my reservation in disneycruise website

 

[DisneyDreamer2504]

anyone with GTY has his stateroom number ?
it should be today but since this morning i cannot log to see my reservation in disneycruise website

I've been waiting impatiently too! There's another thread where ppl post what day and time they receive their GTY and its usually 50-56 days out, so I'm expecting it anytime too. It seems like they're assigned more often in the afternoon. Maybe the fact that you can't sign in is a good sign!

 

[jenf22]

I sent DCL an email asking why the "Island Tour and Snorkeling with Stingrays" wasn't available for our cruise. The first reply I got said that I was confirmed with Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure. Um, ok, but not what I was asking. So I sent them another email asking my question again. They wrote back and said they would have to look into it. Today I noticed that excursion is available for our cruise! However, when I "check availability" it shows up as 10:16am. What's the story with that??? Since I've had the site crash on me today I'm wondering if that's an error. Anyway, I'm going to hold off on booking it, but I'm excited it might be there!

Does anyone think 10:16am is a real time???

DCL sent an email last night saying they had added that excursion to our cruise! How neat is that? I sent them an email adn they added an excursion! I'm impressed. I think the time is still wrong, so I'll send them another email.

The system appears to be working now. Hope you GTY guys get your rooms soon!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

DCL sent an email last night saying they had added that excursion to our cruise! How neat is that? I sent them an email adn they added an excursion! I'm impressed. I think the time is still wrong, so I'll send them another email.

The system appears to be working now. Hope you GTY guys get your rooms soon!

Maybe the time is a discrepancy between Eastern time & Central. ?? So glad they added your excursion. That's cool! Tracey and I may book the Kittiwake snorkel. Still not fully decided. I suppose we should think about hurrying. LOL!

 

[DisneyDreamer2504]

Yay! Got my room assignment today! We booked a 6b which is what we got, room 7544. Anyone have any information about it? I'm visiting family right now so I can't look up the deck plan to even see where the room is located. I'm not worried about noise or anything, I'm just thrilled to finally have a room and can't wait to go!

 

[disney honeymooners]

Disney Dreamer i found a review of your room and i pulled it up on the deck plan it is directly across from the forward elevators and is on the Starboard Side of the Ship here is the review i found:

Notes: Close to the Forward elevators but no noise. Connecting room with 7546 and very clean. Only thought was heading up to 11 and you take the elevators you are up in the adults only section. So you have to head back to mid-ship elevators first. Great location and beautiful room

I hope this helps

 

[DisneyDreamer2504]

Disney Dreamer i found a review of your room and i pulled it up on the deck plan it is directly across from the forward elevators and is on the Starboard Side of the Ship here is the review i found:

Notes: Close to the Forward elevators but no noise. Connecting room with 7546 and very clean. Only thought was heading up to 11 and you take the elevators you are up in the adults only section. So you have to head back to mid-ship elevators first. Great location and beautiful room

I hope this helps

Thanks Lainey, that's great for us actually. We're not picky, but easy access to adult section is good. Thanks!

 

[Laurie26739]

Excusions picked for our family:

Cozumel: Off Road Adventure to Jade Caverns

Cayman Islands: Dophin Adventure with Turtle Farm

Castway: Parasailing and Snorkling

DH new camera came yesterday so I know he is excited to use it!

 

[LindaBabe]

Hello happy cruisers!

We just booked this morning, VGT. Our room will be 6046. I'm happy, wherever it is. DH Bruce & me, Linda.

We've been to these ports many times, including, for me, Costa Maya on the last day of the Mayan Calendar. (We're all still here, right?) Anyway, if anyone has any questions, happy to help.

My husband did stingray city with Native way on our first trip to Grand Cayman. He loved it! I've taken the public bus to Hell (passes right by 7 mile beach) and also to the Botanical garden (now there was an adventure).

In Cozumel, we like Nachicocoom Beach club, but that too was on our first trip. Lately, we've just done a little shopping and called it quits. (Of course, we're older than dirt, so that explains that)

Happy day, all!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Excusions picked for our family:

Cozumel: Off Road Adventure to Jade Caverns

Cayman Islands: Dophin Adventure with Turtle Farm

Castway: Parasailing and Snorkling

DH new camera came yesterday so I know he is excited to use it!

Cool! We did the xrails to Jade Caverns (booked direct w/Wild Tours, NOT thru the cruise line) in May. It was an adventure!

Hello happy cruisers!

We just booked this morning, VGT. Our room will be 6046. I'm happy, wherever it is. DH Bruce & me, Linda.

We've been to these ports many times, including, for me, Costa Maya on the last day of the Mayan Calendar. (We're all still here, right?) Anyway, if anyone has any questions, happy to help.

My husband did stingray city with Native way on our first trip to Grand Cayman. He loved it! I've taken the public bus to Hell (passes right by 7 mile beach) and also to the Botanical garden (now there was an adventure).

In Cozumel, we like Nachicocoom Beach club, but that too was on our first trip. Lately, we've just done a little shopping and called it quits. (Of course, we're older than dirt, so that explains that)

Happy day, all!

Hi Bruce & Linda! I'm pretty late to the party here, too. We booked VGT as well. You already got your assignment??? I wasn't even bothering to look until at least 14 days out. Now I have to go look! LOL!

***edit***
No assignment for us. We're still in the VGT limbo.