Wonder January 4 2016 Galveston to Puerto Rico

[SonicGuy]

So far its looking like a lot of cabins still available on our cruise - I counted over 150. Had no problem getting my Palo reservations (both brunch and dinner) and getting DW surprise spa time for her birthday. I am REALLY glad that pirate night is on a sea day. Last couple cruises they have been on port days and makes for a long, tiring day!

 

[twokats]

OK, I'm clearly a little forum-challenged. I'm not seeing how to PM anyone.

If someone can help, that would be great! Because I'd love to join the FE. Thanks!!

Kim

You cannot PM anyone until you have 10 posts to your name. So keep talking and asking questions and you will be there in no time.

Glad you are joining us and I will be glad to add you to the FE.

 

[SonicGuy]

You cannot PM anyone until you have 10 posts to your name. So keep talking and asking questions and you will be there in no time.

Glad you are joining us and I will be glad to add you to the FE.

How big are you making the FE groups? Our last couple were HUGE and took awhile to get taken care of. With us not telling the kids until 10 days before, wed have to do the majority in that short window. Our kids LOVE to do FE (never have not) - especially DD26 that is special needs. Her going around the ship handing out the gifts is one of the highlights of each cruise for her

 

[SonicGuy]

So is most everyone from Texas?

 

[gkwylie]

You cannot PM anyone until you have 10 posts to your name. So keep talking and asking questions and you will be there in no time.

Glad you are joining us and I will be glad to add you to the FE.

Thank you, Kathy! Now I don't feel so silly for not seeing it. :-D

Kim

 

[gkwylie]

So is most everyone from Texas?

We're from Illinois - outside of Chicago.

Kim

 

[gkwylie]

So far its looking like a lot of cabins still available on our cruise - I counted over 150. Had no problem getting my Palo reservations (both brunch and dinner) and getting DW surprise spa time for her birthday. I am REALLY glad that pirate night is on a sea day. Last couple cruises they have been on port days and makes for a long, tiring day!

Thanks for answering one of my questions -- if there was a pirate night on this cruise. I've been trying to read a ton of Disney cruise info sites and this sounds like so much fun! I'm glad there's going to be one on this cruise.

First question -- how did you know that (and when it is)?

Second question -- does pretty much everyone dress up? I hope so! Because, now I'm envisioning pirate outfits as one of the kids' Xmas presents, before they know about the cruise. That will really confuse them. LOL

 

[twokats]

How big are you making the FE groups? Our last couple were HUGE and took awhile to get taken care of. With us not telling the kids until 10 days before, wed have to do the majority in that short window. Our kids LOVE to do FE (never have not) - especially DD26 that is special needs. Her going around the ship handing out the gifts is one of the highlights of each cruise for her

These lists were set up at 12 cabins per group. The guy that originally set it up chose that number and when he had me take over, it was already set up.

 

[twokats]

So is most everyone from Texas?

We are in NE Texas 50 miles east of Dallas

 

[gkwylie]

Another silly/newbie question -- Do they use the Magic bands on cruise ships? If so, do you know how far in advance they mail them out?

We did Disney World last year - for the Tower of Terror 10-Miler race - and I can't remember how early they sent them out. I don't want the kids to see the box, if they do use them on the cruise ship. :-D

Thanks so much for putting up with my questions!

Kim

 

[gkwylie]

Boy, I'm going to get my 10 posts in just questions.

Stateroom doors -- are they metal? I'm seeing some super-cute magnets on Etsy, so assuming they are -- but want to make sure.

Thanks again!

Kim

 

[Corwin]

Corwin - we're a family of divers too! How old is your son? My kids are 18 & 17.

Kim

My son is 18 (will be 19 in January).

He and I just got certified this past June. We went diving in Grand Cayman on our last cruise (in July) and had a great time. We are signed up for the DCL Port Adventure dive in Tortola on this cruise, and plan to go diving again in Puerto Rico following the cruise. I hope the weather and water temps are good in January!

 

[Corwin]

So is most everyone from Texas?

We're from Connecticut. (However, I'm originally from Houston, Texas. We're visiting my extended family in Houston before the cruise.)

We're from Illinois - outside of Chicago.

Kim

I went to high school in a Chicago suburb (Army brat growing up).

Another silly/newbie question -- Do they use the Magic bands on cruise ships? If so, do you know how far in advance they mail them out?

No magic bands on the ships (yet). They use key cards for everything.

...Stateroom doors -- are they metal? I'm seeing some super-cute magnets on Etsy, so assuming they are -- but want to make sure.

Thanks again!

Kim

The stateroom doors are metal. Magnets are allowed, but nothing with adhesive or tape.

 

[gkwylie]

My son is 18 (will be 19 in January).

He and I just got certified this past June. We went diving in Grand Cayman on our last cruise (in July) and had a great time. We are signed up for the DCL Port Adventure dive in Tortola on this cruise, and plan to go diving again in Puerto Rico following the cruise. I hope the weather and water temps are good in January!

That is so awesome!

How do I sign up for the dive in Tortola? We definitely want to get some diving in! Is there a way to know how long we'll be in port? Water temps should be in the high 70s in January - which is why I chose this particular cruise. :-D

I read our stay in St. Thomas is pretty short -- any thoughts on whether or not that's enough time to get a dive in? We've been to St. John, and had hoped to head over there -- there's a great shore diving bay -- Mollo Bay (a bit off the beaten track - a true find thanks to the local dive shop) -- but, it sounds like we won't have time for that, when factoring in the ferry over.

I think it would be awesome if we introduced our sons - since both are going to be too old for the teen nightclub. That's my biggest concern - my daughter will be 17 (so able to go to the teen night club) and my son won't. I'm sure they'll make friends though and have a great time!

Kim

 

[gkwylie]

We're from Connecticut. (However, I'm originally from Houston, Texas. We're visiting my extended family in Houston before the cruise.)

I went to high school in a Chicago suburb (Army brat growing up).

No magic bands on the ships (yet). They use key cards for everything.

The stateroom doors are metal. Magnets are allowed, but nothing with adhesive or tape.

We're in Plainfield - right on the Plainfield/Naperville border. We've been here for 5 years. We've lived all over the country -- CO, CA, AZ, NY, SD, and now IL. Texas is one of the few states I haven't spent much time in (other than airport layovers).

Another question for folks coming from out-of-state. Is anyone doing the Disney transport from Houston to the port in Galveston? I held off, wanting to look at the options (and what our flight schedule looks like). I have always loved the convenience of Disney transport in Orlando - with bags just magically showing up in our room. Is this a similar process for cruises -- tag our bag in Chicago with the Disney tag and they handle them from there?

Thanks for the info on no Magic bands. Do they mail any other sort of trip packet? My daughter usually grabs the mail after school - so, if I need to start sneaking over and previewing it first, I'd like to know.

Thanks again, everyone!!

Needless to say, I'm super excited for this trip!

Kim

 

[karip]

Boy, I'm going to get my 10 posts in just questions.

Stateroom doors -- are they metal? I'm seeing some super-cute magnets on Etsy, so assuming they are -- but want to make sure.

Thanks again!

Kim

Kim ,

thank you for asking all this question ..this is our first Disney cruise as well. super excited but so confuse on so many thing. This is a Xmas gift for my daughter so i want to make sure she enjoys everything...

Karina

 

[Corwin]

That is so awesome!

How do I sign up for the dive in Tortola? We definitely want to get some diving in! Is there a way to know how long we'll be in port? Water temps should be in the high 70s in January - which is why I chose this particular cruise. :-D

Port times are listed in your confirmation email. We are in Tortola from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. You can add the scuba excursion online under "My Activities." It's listed as "TT47 Scuba." For some reason, it's not listed in the guide that describes all of the Port Adventures on the new DCL website that launched a few days ago. (It was listed and described on the old website.) However, I was able to successfully add it, so fingers crossed!

I read our stay in St. Thomas is pretty short -- any thoughts on whether or not that's enough time to get a dive in? We've been to St. John, and had hoped to head over there -- there's a great shore diving bay -- Mollo Bay (a bit off the beaten track - a true find thanks to the local dive shop) -- but, it sounds like we won't have time for that, when factoring in the ferry over.

We are in St. Thomas from 12:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (Note that there was some conflicting info on the arrival time in St. Thomas, in which 12:15 a.m. was incorrectly listed on the website in some places.) I didn't think there was time for a dive in St. Thomas, and none is being offered by DCL Port Adventures. We are planning to go snorkeling.

I think it would be awesome if we introduced our sons - since both are going to be too old for the teen nightclub. That's my biggest concern - my daughter will be 17 (so able to go to the teen night club) and my son won't. I'm sure they'll make friends though and have a great time!

Kim

Sounds good! I'll PM you our contact info and stateroom #.

...Another question for folks coming from out-of-state. Is anyone doing the Disney transport from Houston to the port in Galveston? I held off, wanting to look at the options (and what our flight schedule looks like). I have always loved the convenience of Disney transport in Orlando - with bags just magically showing up in our room. Is this a similar process for cruises -- tag our bag in Chicago with the Disney tag and they handle them from there?

According to the ground transfer info online on the DCL website, you do have to pick your bags up from baggage claim at IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport). Not sure if they are doing ground transfers from HOU (Hobby).

In any event, we've never used DCL transportation directly from the airport, because we never fly in the day of cruise departure. Most experienced cruisers recommend flying in the day before (or earlier) and staying a night locally in a hotel. That's because if there is a flight delay or cancellation, you may miss the ship's departure time. The ship leaves on time, whether you're there or not!

...Thanks for the info on no Magic bands. Do they mail any other sort of trip packet? My daughter usually grabs the mail after school - so, if I need to start sneaking over and previewing it first, I'd like to know.

Yes, they will mail a cruise packet a few weeks prior to sailing. It'll contain a personalized binder with info as well as luggage tags (similar to the ones used in WDW for Magical Express). Even if you arrange your own transportation to the cruise terminal, you still need to apply the tags before you arrive. Porters will take your luggage and deliver them to your cabin.

 

[karip]

i have a question

Does anyone know how the weather is in January on and off the ship?

Karina

 

[gkwylie]

Port times are listed in your confirmation email. We are in Tortola from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. You can add the scuba excursion online under "My Activities." It's listed as "TT47 Scuba." For some reason, it's not listed in the guide that describes all of the Port Adventures on the new DCL website that launched a few days ago. (It was listed and described on the old website.) However, I was able to successfully add it, so fingers crossed!

We are in St. Thomas from 12:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (Note that there was some conflicting info on the arrival time in St. Thomas, in which 12:15 a.m. was incorrectly listed on the website in some places.) I didn't think there was time for a dive in St. Thomas, and none is being offered by DCL Port Adventures. We are planning to go snorkeling.

Sounds good! I'll PM you our contact info and stateroom #.

According to the ground transfer info online on the DCL website, you do have to pick your bags up from baggage claim at IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport). Not sure if they are doing ground transfers from HOU (Hobby).

In any event, we've never used DCL transportation directly from the airport, because we never fly in the day of cruise departure. Most experienced cruisers recommend flying in the day before (or earlier) and staying a night locally in a hotel. That's because if there is a flight delay or cancellation, you may miss the ship's departure time. The ship leaves on time, whether you're there or not!

Yes, they will mail a cruise packet a few weeks prior to sailing. It'll contain a personalized binder with info as well as luggage tags (similar to the ones used in WDW for Magical Express). Even if you arrange your own transportation to the cruise terminal, you still need to apply the tags before you arrive. Porters will take your luggage and deliver them to your cabin.

Good to know about coming in a day early!! Especially with iffy weather coming out of Chicago - that's a very good idea!! Thank you!

How did you find your stateroom #? We're in the "cheap seats." LOL I'm taking my daughter to Florida in 2 weeks. Then my husband and I are in Belize in November, and then my daughter and I are in Europe for 2 weeks in June, while my son and husband do a Keys dive trip - so, we're on a bit of a budget. But, online my room number says "GTY."

Also, for my cruise activities, it says I can start booking them on 10/21. Is it because I just purchased our cruise last week?

Never having been on any cruise before, assuming you have everything together, how long does it take to get off the boat, when you're at port? Do we have to be onboard by 5:45 pm, or is it one of those things where that's when the boat leaves, so you better be back a half-hour early? I'll have a look at the port location and dive site location. A one-tank dive might be doable. Hmmm...

Kim

 

[Corwin]

Good to know about coming in a day early!! Especially with iffy weather coming out of Chicago - that's a very good idea!! Thank you!

How did you find your stateroom #? We're in the "cheap seats." LOL I'm taking my daughter to Florida in 2 weeks. Then my husband and I are in Belize in November, and then my daughter and I are in Europe for 2 weeks in June, while my son and husband do a Keys dive trip - so, we're on a bit of a budget. But, online my room number says "GTY."

Also, for my cruise activities, it says I can start booking them on 10/21. Is it because I just purchased our cruise last week?

Never having been on any cruise before, assuming you have everything together, how long does it take to get off the boat, when you're at port? Do we have to be onboard by 5:45 pm, or is it one of those things where that's when the boat leaves, so you better be back a half-hour early? I'll have a look at the port location and dive site location. A one-tank dive might be doable. Hmmm...

Kim

"GTY" means that they assign your stateroom number at a later date. I've heard anything from 45 days out to right before sailing. For non-GTY rooms, you can pick your stateroom in advance, but it costs more, obviously.

If you have never cruised with DCL before, you can book cruise activities 75 days prior to sailing (and after final payment). Once you complete one DCL cruise, you are a "Silver Castaway Club" member and can book 90 days out. There's also Gold Castaway Club (5 completed cruises) and Platinum Castaway Club (10 completed cruises), which have even longer booking windows.

Getting on and off the ship is usually pretty efficient. As far as return times, they are very strict.* We try not to cut it too close if we're on our own. If you are on an excursion booked through DCL that runs late, you are in better shape...they will generally hold the ship, I'm told.

*On our last cruise, our Cruise Director put it like this: "If you decide to return after the all-aboard time, be sure to bring your camera...so you can take a picture of the beautiful Disney Fantasy leaving without you!"