September 29, 2007 - Magic

[Zane_Anthony]

That tour looks fun. I think we might be interested. My husband is worried I'm not going to let us off the ship!

Cool...I think it will be fun!

 

[Deweysgirl]

NOW somebody offers a Limo ride. I knew i loved these boards LOL.

Unfortunately I'll need to decline as we are driving to FL from home. We're staying at Country Inn&Suites with cruise parking on Friday night. So our transpo is already planned. But if we were staying in the parks or somewhere close we'd take you up on it. I'd love to do a Limo to the port. Next time maybe.

Hi Maureen, we are also planning to stay at Country Inn. How do you get over to the port? Do they have a van or shuttle or do you have to get your own cab? I have been meaning to call and ask but never seem to find the time or I forget to call. TIA!

 

[TNMomof3]

Wow! So many new folks since I last got a chance to post. Hi there! It looks like there are plenty of kids too, which is great. Our kids are on a two week Fall break as well, and will be happy to know there are so many others close to their ages.

I hadn't thought of staying at WDW when we fly in Friday morning. I'd assumed we'd go to the port area. That's a cool idea though to get a dose of the other "magic" and we do have enough points. Choices, choices!

Has anyone done the Orient Beach thing? I seem to remember reading about a resort or area that was good to go to on one end of the beach that was a little more family oriented and had plenty of rentals and water activities. Anyone familiar with this?

We're so looking forward to the cruise and the planning is so much fun! It's getting closer every day.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Is it better than the DIS?
Please, people, no flames! Just an innocent, naieve question!!

No flames from me. I know its tough to beat the DIS so i won't say that it is. I will say that its ALL the info in 1 place. Very handy, instead of going through search function here or waiting for ppl to answer if you don't have time to post. Its got the deck plans for the ships, very complete packing checklists, info on how much passports are and how/when to get them. Sample menus from past cruises. Its not like Birnbaum's which is pretty much a detailed brochure. Its got details on everything all over the ship. PLus worksheets to help with lodging, rentals, and note pages use for comparing whatever you want. Its worth the money. This is the first 1 I've bought, and i will never do Disney anything without another. I could go on for awhile but i'll stop here. I don't want to take up the whole page lol

 

[Octoberbride03]

No we hadn't done it previously, I guess I heard about the crowds closer to Halloween and assumed it would be bad then as well...

We did it the first week of Oct. I don't remember what day, but I think it was a weekday. I doubt most ppl even think about halloween that soon. But i really doubt it would be a full party if you went. And everybody was so spread out it was easy to run through the park and do anything we wanted. And the parade is 1 of the best features of the party. I don't think its got the same popularity as the Christmas party, but its worth the money i felt.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Hi Maureen, we are also planning to stay at Country Inn. How do you get over to the port? Do they have a van or shuttle or do you have to get your own cab? I have been meaning to call and ask but never seem to find the time or I forget to call. TIA!

There's a shuttle service that runs to the port. I made our reservations through the website and when we check in then they will call the shuttle and reserve seats. Its only supposed to be a half mile to the port, and I could walk that easy. But who wants to drag all that luggage behind

Hope that helps. BTW i only used a credit card hold to get the room. Full payment is due a week b4 check-in.

 

[Octoberbride03]

OK, so now I'm guilty of serial posting. Blame it on the fact that I didn't get any notifications about new responses and just checked on a whim. Good thing too.

Welcome to all new sailors in case I missed anybody

And have a great weekend yall

 

[Zane_Anthony]

Here is the response I received. Any of you that are interested let me know if you would like to do the "regular" or the "private" tour. Either way they both sound great. Also let me know how many people in your party will be going. Once I have the names of all that are interested I will send messages to everyone so we can agree on a pick-up time,tour, etc and then I will get it all set up.

Hi Tonya,


Thank you for your interest in Sunny Liston Tours. It will indeed be my pleasure to show you my beautiful island. My tour consists of shopping, touring, and beach time. I will pick you up from the ship at a time convenient to you.

My pick up times are as follows: 9:00am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 a.m. Local Time. (You will need to let me know which time you want to be picked up. Choose your pick up time based on how much shopping you would like to do. 9:00 am local time pick up gives you 3 hours of shopping, 10:00 am local time gives you 2 hours and 11:00 am local time gives you 1 hour of shopping.)

From the ship we travel to down town to shop until 12:00 noon. After shopping we will start the sightseeing tour of the island up to the mountain to different points of the island for about 1½ to 2 hours. Then we take you to Sapphire Beach, or Coki Beach to swim, snorkel, jet ski, or parasail or do whatever your heart impels you to do for the rest of the afternoon. Your tour ends back at the ship. This tour is the regular tour for $25.00 per person. For the regular tour every 11th, person is free.

You can also do a private tour for your group. From 1 to 10 people is $375.00 for the day. From 11 people and over it is $35.00 per person for the day. With this tour you can do whatever you want, plan your own pick ups times and drop off time. You will have the safari until you are ready to go back to your ship.

Each safari can hold up to 27 people. Hope to hear from you soon. Remember this is the only fun tour on St.Thomas. See you soon.

The company requires a deposit of $100.00 for your tour,payable to pay pal which is refundable if cancel within 2 days of arrival. I will send you the Secure Link later for you to make your deposit.

I can assure you that this will be one of the best days you will have on your cruise. I look forward to hearing from you soon with your confirmed pick up time. Seats are filled up fast. To confirm your seats, it is urgent that you confirm your pick up time as soon as possible. Once again, thank you for your interest in Sunny Liston Tours - the Lover Boy Fun Tours known for lots of fun and excitement.

Don’t Forget To Confirm Your Pick Up Time From The Ship. It Is Important To Reserve Your Seats. THANKS.

Sunny Liston

Sunny Liston Tours

If you have any other questions let me know. Thanks!!
Tonya

 

[ibela]

OK, so I know it's been a while since I've posted but I've been reading all of them (at work)! Only problem is that I keep forgetting my password and can never login to add my commentary without resetting my password (which I can't access as it sends to my home e-mail account which is blocked).

All that to say, we haven't decided yet whether to fly in the night before or early that am but COUNT ME IN FOR A MEET! I sure hope there will be kids for dd to play with, she'll only be 18 months then but she's a social animal already!

As for the Sunny Liston tours - I know people on the board rave about it but really, they're just driving you to the beach and to a main shopping area? From previous cruise experiences (non-DCL) you can do that on your own easily and cheaper. Then again, my dh doens't plan on getting off the boat at all and I may at St. Thomas for a couple of hours, but that's it.

Grumpy Gramps - can you make us a sign too please?? I think our room is 7044 . . . or is it 7046 . . .? Hmm, maybe I should look into it. . .

Hopefully I can remember my password and can join in your posting fun!

 

[JDBlair]

No flames from me. I know its tough to beat the DIS so i won't say that it is. I will say that its ALL the info in 1 place. Very handy, instead of going through search function here or waiting for ppl to answer if you don't have time to post. Its got the deck plans for the ships, very complete packing checklists, info on how much passports are and how/when to get them. Sample menus from past cruises. Its not like Birnbaum's which is pretty much a detailed brochure. Its got details on everything all over the ship. PLus worksheets to help with lodging, rentals, and note pages use for comparing whatever you want. Its worth the money. This is the first 1 I've bought, and i will never do Disney anything without another. I could go on for awhile but i'll stop here. I don't want to take up the whole page lol

Well, I hope they sell it at Barnes and Noble because I'm going to the mall today and want to buy a copy!!! Sounds like something I'll need to have and the only book I'll want on the cruise!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

OK, so I know it's been a while since I've posted but I've been reading all of them (at work)! Only problem is that I keep forgetting my password and can never login to add my commentary without resetting my password (which I can't access as it sends to my home e-mail account which is blocked).


Hopefully I can remember my password and can join in your posting fun!

ibela: my trick to remebering my apssword is having DIS do it for me. I never log out. I just log in once and keep visiting so my password is remembered and i don't have to keep logging in. And you don't even have to post to have it active. Just have to view the boards and thats it. So if you visit every day from the same computer you should be fine.

JDBlair: My B&N does sell the passporter, but don't be surprised if it isn't there. My store doesn't keep many copies and they typically sell out soon after arrival. I got mine from the passporter site.

 

[ragdoll]

As for the Sunny Liston tours - I know people on the board rave about it but really, they're just driving you to the beach and to a main shopping area? From previous cruise experiences (non-DCL) you can do that on your own easily and cheaper. Then again, my dh doens't plan on getting off the boat at all and I may at St. Thomas for a couple of hours, but that's it.

When we did the Eastern back in 2001 we went on a short tour of the island in an open air van. The driver found enough people to fill the van and took us sightseeing with a few opportunities to stop and take photos. We stopped at the highest point in St. Thomas with gorgeous views and a little shopping area. On the way back he stopped at Megan's Bay to drop off those who wanted to stay and swim. He came back later to pick them up at a prearranged time. At that time it cost $15 pp. I'm sure the price has gone up but it was well worth it and we would definitely do that again. Very easy to do and you can go at whatever time you want.

 

[ragdoll]

No problem. I was the same way until I had been on DIS awhile. I would be more then glad to set up a DIS meet. I have never done this before so if anyone has the please "guide" me in the right direction.

I have been to quite a few DIS meets. They have all taken place at 3 o'clock on boarding day. Just a few suggestions...what did NOT work well was a meet during the sail away party to close to the festivities. It is too loud to talk.

The Promenade Lounge at 3 o'clock worked well because it is quiet and you can actually hear each other.

It seems that there are a lot of kids on this cruise. That is how our last cruise was so everyone met at the Mickey slide at 3 o'clock so the kids could swim. I would think it would be hard to keep on eye on the little ones though while trying to talk.

Sometimes late arrivers miss a 3 o'clock meet. Happened to me once. Maybe we could also meet for lunch on either Sunday or Monday since those are sea days. Just a few suggestions. Hope this helps.

Donna

 

[Zane_Anthony]

As for the Sunny Liston tours - I know people on the board rave about it but really, they're just driving you to the beach and to a main shopping area? From previous cruise experiences (non-DCL) you can do that on your own easily and cheaper. Then again, my dh doens't plan on getting off the boat at all and I may at St. Thomas for a couple of hours, but that's it.

When we did the Eastern back in 2001 we went on a short tour of the island in an open air van. The driver found enough people to fill the van and took us sightseeing with a few opportunities to stop and take photos. We stopped at the highest point in St. Thomas with gorgeous views and a little shopping area. On the way back he stopped at Megan's Bay to drop off those who wanted to stay and swim. He came back later to pick them up at a prearranged time. At that time it cost $15 pp. I'm sure the price has gone up but it was well worth it and we would definitely do that again. Very easy to do and you can go at whatever time you want.

Yes..for me this tour is very much worth the $25.00 it cost. You get a taste of everything (sight seeing, shopping, and beach). I would not feel comfortable renting a car and doing all of this on my own.

 

[JDBlair]

I kind of like the idea of doing a couple of meets. Maybe one on the first day and then another on a "sea" day. What does everyone think?

 

[mcraft17]

I also like the idea of a couple meets. On our first cruise I wasn't on the DIS (I know shame on me.. now I am on all the time) so no meet. The second was the first day and we were so busy swimming, getting the lay of the land, sail away party, etc. we completly forgot and missed it. This time I reallly want to make the meet and having two seems like a great idea in case someone misses the first one. I would love for my dd to meet the other kids.

We have always suprised her (dd) with the cruises and this one is no different.We plan on telling her after school on Thursday when she gets in the car to drive to Florida. The reason we do this is because 1) She has ADHD and doesn't do well with anticipation and it would be too far away for her to handle. 2) She doesn't take change too well and if we had to cancel (which we have had to do in the past) it makes it so much easier since she doesn't know. I will say she does like being suprised, although at times it is hard to not slip up.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!! Here it was warm all week (50-60's) and today it was cold and snowing!! HURRY UP SPRING!

 

[Octoberbride03]

As for the Sunny Liston tours - I know people on the board rave about it but really, they're just driving you to the beach and to a main shopping area? From previous cruise experiences (non-DCL) you can do that on your own easily and cheaper. Then again, my dh doens't plan on getting off the boat at all and I may at St. Thomas for a couple of hours, but that's it.

Honestly i thought the website looked pretty good. But i have to say that as 1st time cruisers Dh and I would not feel comfortable trying to find our way around on our own, small as the island may be. So for us a tour like this is perfect. And the price is terrific i think. So i think we may go in for this tour.


As for the idea i love the thought of 2 meets. More of a chance to meet everybody i think. A sea day meet sounds like a great idea JD. BTW did you get the passporter?

 

[Shannon1984]

I like the DIS meet idea but this time we're dragging four kids in tow, so maybe the Mickey Pool is a better idea.

 

[Zane_Anthony]

I think 2 DIS meets would be great. We could do one on the 1st day so some will have a chance to meet and get acquainted before all the fun starts. Then we could also have one on one of the sea days. I know nothing about the ship though so I don't really have any suggestions as to where would be a good place to meet for adults and kids.

 

[Zane_Anthony]

For those of you that have showed interest in the Sunny Liston tour would you prefer a private tour or do you just want to do the regular tour? If you want to do the regular one will each person just book their own or do we want to book it as one reservation? I would like to get this done sometime soon because this seems like a pretty popular tour.