Sept 4-8 2005 Wonder S.S. Member Cruise! Part 2

[tiggerhappy]

I don't think door magnets are one of my strengths, Tiger Lily. DH thinks that I already have done more than enough "event planner" things for our trip. But I do have to say that all of you have been very creative with your designs--- is there going to be a competition/prize?

Key West plans---- because we're going to be there on Labor Day, are there going to be any special activities that Key West will be doing? Fireworks?? I don't think we're going to do any organized activities, other than watch people pass by one of the many bars that DH and I plan to visit. We love to watch crowds.... just not be stuck in them.

 

[cgcw]

I don't think we're going to do any organized activities, other than watch people pass by one of the many bars that DH and I plan to visit. We love to watch crowds.... just not be stuck in them.

I like to crowd watch too. I find it very relaxing.



Am I reading correctly that most people do not take preventative measures against sea sickness and just deal with it if/when it happens?

Years ago, my MIL who is tough as iron, went on a cruise and was sick every single day. I'm sure being as stubborn as MIL is, she refused to take anything to calm her stomach down. I certainly want to avoid any problems.

 

[WDWLVR]

Cindy - how many years ago did you MIL cruise? The reason I'm asking is that I've been cruising since the mid-70's and things have really changed since then. For one thing the ships of today have large mid-ship stabilizers. They make for a very smooth ride.


In addition the route we are taking is not one that takes a long time. So I don't think the Captain will be pushing the Wonder to its limits. The last Member Cruise we did was smooth as glass because we went so slow.

Now does that mean I don't think you should be thinking about it or not be prepared? Of course not. However at the same time I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[WDWLVR]

Dis Meet Sign!


Took some looking around for it (I had put it in a very safe place and then forgot where that was) I found the sign for the Dis Meet. This will help you find us both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

 

[cgcw]

Mary, I don't really remember but I know it was since Gary & I have been married (16 yearsago ). I'm not exactly sure what cruise line they were on. I think it was probably a 7 day cruise and do remember they went through the Panama Canal.

I'm not so worried about Cameron -- he's tough as nails. It's Walker who sometimes will get carsick when we least expect it. Sometimes on a drive as short as 5 minutes and he'll start complaining. A lot of the times it happens when he's watching a DVD in the car or after playing a computer game and then getting into the car.

While it's on my mind, I will call the pediatricians office tomorrow and see what they have to say.

 

[dvcChrisVWL]

I would also throw out some opinoins on seasickness.

Don't take other forms of motion sickness as for granted seasickness will happen. I do get very motion sick on 'virtual' rides like Body Wars, and coasters with loops, like Rock N Roller. I also will get carsick if I'm reading. That don't happen too much since I'm usually the one driving.

But I dont even get a teeny bit seasick on the cruise ships. The motion isn't the same and may or may not affect you.

WOW! And I thought I was just lucky! I, too, get sick reading in a car, vowed to *never* ride Body Wars ever again (well, I could stand vomiting for a million dollars), and atthe end of Mission Space when they announced that we landed on Mars, I was about to yell to let me out if we had to "go back to Earth"! I was [ickky tummy - i can't spell nawshis] for half an hour later. My wife mentioned that it was the same feeling she had while pregant - I asked her why she agrees to have a 2nd kid?!?!?!

I did get a little sick (almost vomited) on a fishing trip with my DBIL, but the boat was tossing a bit. Amy's brother yakked - he downed a McD's sausage biscuit (or 2) before we got on board in the morning. He only kept them down less than an hour.

But I had absolutely NO problems on a 7 day Magic cruise Oct 2003. I did walk a little funny for a couple of days *after* the cruise. Walking in a straight line down an office hallway felt funny - like I was walking hard. heh heh In a meeting I could sit really still, gaze off, and feel the slight motion of the boat. Then they would disturb me by asking some work-related question!

If they have free meds on board and you are not sure if you would ever get sick, maybe you don't have to worry about it until it happens...

 

[kritter]

If you are not on a member cruise do the regular 7 night cruises do anything a cocktail party,e tc,. for DVC members on board jsut wondering..

 

[MarkRG]

Mary, I don't really remember but I know it was since Gary & I have been married (16 yearsago ). I'm not exactly sure what cruise line they were on. I think it was probably a 7 day cruise and do remember they went through the Panama Canal.

I'm not so worried about Cameron -- he's tough as nails. It's Walker who sometimes will get carsick when we least expect it. Sometimes on a drive as short as 5 minutes and he'll start complaining. A lot of the times it happens when he's watching a DVD in the car or after playing a computer game and then getting into the car.

While it's on my mind, I will call the pediatricians office tomorrow and see what they have to say.

If they went thru the Canal, they had to be really moving to get there and back, it's not exactly close by. I can guarantee we won't be making speeds like that at all.

And that is the right thing, talk to your pediatrician. And I'd say get something as a precaution, but don't go dosing unless you really need it.

And Chris said right above, they do have free one doses of one of the two major seasickness meds in a box at the entry to the medcial center.

 

[zoecaley]

My two cents on the whole seasickness thing. Before I had a lot of surgeries and medications galore, I could handle just about anything. Now, not so much! Our first cruise, I got Transderm-Scop which is a little patch you wear behind your ear for about 3 days. You get a whole bunch of them with a prescription and they last for several years - so have only had to refill once since getting the first box in 1998. The thing I like about them is that you're not all groggy and sleeping away your vacation. You could feel the motion on the ocean, but it didn't affect the appetite (let's face it, good eats are a big draw for cruises!) or anything. You'll need to see a doctor first, but I recommend it - not sure about how good it would be for younger cruisers.

Kristi

 

[WDWLVR]

If you are not on a member cruise do the regular 7 night cruises do anything a cocktail party,e tc,. for DVC members on board jsut wondering..

On the 7 day cruises there is a member meeting. Usually held on a sea day morning. There is coffee and pasteries. Everyone usually gets a hat and they have drawings for other prizes like beach towels, bags, etc.

DVC does not usually do anything on the 3 or 4 day cruises.

 

[alikat99]

Good morning everyone!! The rain stopped last night, but they are saying that we'll have the same storms this afternoon too. I guess that we are finally in the regular FL summer pattern of afternoon thunderstorms.

I have LOTS to get done today around the house, so I probably won't be online much. (This is torture for me!!) But, I have a question, when is everyone arriving at the port? Even though we have our ressies made for Palo and the spa, I think that we're going to get up early (we do that anyway with the girls) and have some breakfast. Then, we'll head over to the port. I want to get there as early as possible. Does the port still open at around 10:30am?

 

[WDWLVR]

I just have to tell everyone that I'm getting more excited as we get closer and closer to the cruise. Having experienced the first Member Cruise and Member Homecoming I know DVC does things First Class. Using those as a starting point and with more time to plan than for those events I just know that DVC is going to blow us away this time! :thewave: :thewave: :thewave:

 

[WDWLVR]

Amy - yes I believe the port still opens at 10:30. We'll be looking at getting there early. For those of you driving over from WDW - anyone want to meet up for breakfast and then do a convoy over to the port? We'll be hitting church first but then are open.

 

[#1Mouse]

When we booked the Member Cruise, I think I remember reading that the tips were included. Is this true? If so, do you think that they will still leave tip envelopes in the rooms in case you want to add an additional amount to the tip?

 

[cgcw]

The rain stopped last night, but they are saying that we'll have the same storms this afternoon too. I guess that we are finally in the regular FL summer pattern of afternoon thunderstorms.

Gosh, we could use that rain up this way. Everything is so brown. Even though I water, I still can't soak it like a good rain does.

But, I have a question, when is everyone arriving at the port? Even though we have our ressies made for Palo and the spa, I think that we're going to get up early (we do that anyway with the girls) and have some breakfast. Then, we'll head over to the port. I want to get there as early as possible.

We'll be there early too. We have decided to drive the rental car to the port and park it (along with everything we don't need for the cruise). I'm not exactly sure what time we'll be there, but I suspect it will be early. By nature, I'm always early whereever I go so I don't think it will be a problem.

I've read we can bring a carryon bag with our bathing suits in it so that if the kids decide they want to swim, they can. Other than that, I think we'll just get ourselves familiar with the ship.

 

[WDWLVR]

When we booked the Member Cruise, I think I remember reading that the tips were included. Is this true? If so, do you think that they will still leave tip envelopes in the rooms in case you want to add an additional amount to the tip?

My guess is that yes they will leave envelopes with us and also leave vouchers for the pre-paid tip. Then we could add additional if we so wish. We'll be getting phone cards again as they always seem to go over well as an extra (not to replace the tip but as an extra little thank you).

Just a guess on my part.

 

[cgcw]

When we booked the Member Cruise, I think I remember reading that the tips were included. Is this true? If so, do you think that they will still leave tip envelopes in the rooms in case you want to add an additional amount to the tip?

I can't answer your question, but I've read the the crew does enjoy the extras like Wal-Mart gift cards and phone cards. I know I planned on having some on hand in case we met up with someone who goes above and beyond.

I would personally feel awkward not tipping.

 

[WDWLVR]

Cindy - packing a day bag with the kids swimsuits is a great idea. I've heard may people say that the best times their kids have had in the Mickey pool was on the first day when so few people were in it!

 

[cgcw]

Mary, based on your experience, does the crew prefer the pre-paid phone cards over other extras (like Wal-Mart)?

 

[#1Mouse]

If we were bringing small children with us, we would have their swimsuits available for swimming. Once they see the pool and the Mickey hand slide there's nothing else in the world that matters. Actually now that I think about it, since we never seem to find time to enjoy the pools during the cruise maybe that is a good time to get some pool time in.