Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[kdeans1010]

Wow! I have been so busy the last week or so and not reading the board! Had to read several pages to get to where you have volunteered to do the meet n greet!! If you want help, ideas, or just another "loud" voice, let me know! We have a "whole" year to plan!!

Yeah I'll totally take the lead with the meet. I feel like I've been on enough cruises to know what I'm doing.

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Somewhere back a few pages, it was suggested I give a few details about myself and DH! Well, we are both somewhat retired! We officially retired from the main jobs, but now travel the Quilt Shows! I am a longarmer and designer of various purses, totes, jackets, etc! We went on the Mediterranean Cruise with Disney this last July! I made our Pirate Costumes for that trip. We obviously are big Disney fans!! We live in Tx! No children, except for the furry kind! DH is a golfer! So, enough for now, it is going to be a long year of waiting for this cruise! Trying to decide if we want to go to DW to the Food and Wine Festival after the cruise!! Have any of you been to that?

Love, Love, love Food and Wine, been several times! In fact, we are going down this October over Columbus Day for a few days, through Wednesday.
DH and I are also considering going to Disney when we get off this cruise as well, but that said, we would be there for the weekend and Boy HOWDY, Food and Wine is PACKED on weekends because all the locals and kids from the local colleges come in and try to outdo each other in drinking contests. So we tend to stay away from there on weekends. Can't stay any longer as we are not retired YET and it's already going to be 2 1/2 weeks away from work. So we haven't decided. But I highly recommend it if you haven't been!

 

[dsnydaddy]

Hello everyone

I am considering doing this cruise for my 20th Wedding Anniversary but am just concerned with being at sea for 5 days. I'm only ever done 7 night cruises. It's either this or WDW (where we were married) but I just think this would be more special.

I'm with the others. It's the at sea days that make this cruise attractive to us. With so much to do on the 7 day cruises I rarely get a chance to just relax and sit still. This cruise will give me the chance to do some of the things I've always wanted to do on a cruise. Simple stuff like reading a book on deck 4. Sleeping in. Ship tours. Etc.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Is anyone doing the b2b from Vancouver? We are possibly looking into it.

I was seriously thinking about it but my wife was dim on the idea so I dropped it.

 

[MirandaFamily]

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.

• by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
• newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
• no children (I will miss my cats, though)
• 1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)

I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.

• by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
• newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
• no children (I will miss my cats, though)
• 1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)

I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

and congratulations!!!

I can tell you we are veteran Disney cruisers and we have cruised this itinerary once before. Disney is the only line we have cruised and we don't plan to change that anytime soon. We are empty nesters and never have had kids on a cruise with us and have always found others like us. There has always been plenty to do onboard, almost too much at times, we can't do it all! If you think it might all be about kids, it's not and there are plenty of places to go without kids and lots to do with other adults!
There probably won't be as high a number of kids on this cruise due to the fact that kids are just back in school and two weeks is a long time at the beginning of the year to miss!

Not personally knowing you, I can't make a judgement if it would fit YOU but if you like being treated well, want a relaxing vacation and don't mind kids, yes, it might fit you!

Hope you decide to join us! (Plus the canal is a fantastic sight to see.....truly a feat of engineering!)

 

[mmbl]

Somewhere back a few pages, it was suggested I give a few details about myself and DH! Well, we are both somewhat retired! We officially retired from the main jobs, but now travel the Quilt Shows! I am a longarmer and designer of various purses, totes, jackets, etc! We went on the Mediterranean Cruise with Disney this last July! I made our Pirate Costumes for that trip. We obviously are big Disney fans!! We live in Tx! No children, except for the furry kind! DH is a golfer! So, enough for now, it is going to be a long year of waiting for this cruise! Trying to decide if we want to go to DW to the Food and Wine Festival after the cruise!! Have any of you been to that?

We are in Texas too, DFW area. We have been to the Food and Wine Festival many times and we love it. While it is not an annual trek, I think we may have missed two of the last 9 years, we go as often as we can. I'll be in Fl. 10/20-28; spouse meets up with me on 10/23. Staying at CBR upon spouse's arrival; the few days before that, I'm staying at my cousins and she and I will go one day and possibly two unless her daughter and grandkids prefer a day at MK. If you do go, I highly recommend the Party for the Senses. It's not cheap but everyone should try to go at least once. We're getting those tickets ( God willing) for Sat. 10/26. If you decide to go, message me, maybe we can meet up. BTW, we're empty nesters with only furry kids still at home! I'm recently retired but spouse still works.

 

[kdeans1010]

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.

• by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
• newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
• no children (I will miss my cats, though)
• 1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)

I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

Dooooo it!!!!!! And I'm not saying this because I'm bias for the Disney Cruise line at all or because you guys seem to me in my age range (making us not the youngest people on the boat!)

I like longer vacations. I'm a fan of those. I like just sitting on a boat not moving. Maybe this is because my job is all moving. Anyhoo this group seems fun!

 

[dsnydaddy]

You have to really look to what type of persons you and your husband are. Disney isn't quite the party cruise some other lines are. That is good for some and not so good for others. I prefer the relaxed elegance of DCL and not so much the glitzy Vegas of other lines. This cruise is an excellent value and I believe you'll have a great time.

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.

• by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
• newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
• no children (I will miss my cats, though)
• 1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)

I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

 

[mmbl]

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.


[*]by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
[*]newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
[*]no children (I will miss my cats, though)
[*]1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)


I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

Disney is a fun cruise for all ages. There are plenty of things to do on board, dining is terrific, the shows are really good, watching movies poolside and the outdoor parties are fun, first run movies in the theater are nice to have, the adult only clubs and venues are really nice, the activities planned are fun.... This our 3rd Disney, all w/o kids, and we love them. We are Diamond on Royal Caribbean and really like that line a lot but would have taken more Disney cruises if their cost was a bit more competitive. We've also been on Carnival and have had good experiences, Celebrity was top sedate for us, we did one NCL and absolutely hated it. I don't think you can go wrong with DCL if you like (a) cruising, (b) Disney. If you have specific questions, please ask!

 

[CrockettTraveler]

Has anyone stayed in a "Navigator's Veranda" before? If yes, did you like it and why? Is the veranda smaller than a regular veranda cabin? DH likes to sit out with his binoculars and search the sea. He saw whales on our recent trip to Alaska.

 

[yukongirl123]

Is anyone doing the b2b from Vancouver? We are possibly looking into it.

We are! Flying from Whitehorse to Vancouver morning of the cruise. I'm telling myself that the cost of cruising from Vancouver to San Diego is only slightly more than air fare would be...

 

[JimmyL47]

Has anyone stayed in a "Navigator's Veranda" before? If yes, did you like it and why? Is the veranda smaller than a regular veranda cabin? DH likes to sit out with his binoculars and search the sea. He saw whales on our recent trip to Alaska.

DW and I have had Navigators Verandah's several times and we enjoy them. We have one of the porthole style on this cruise. The problem you may have with a navigators verandah is that they totally obstruct yoiur view when sitting. As far as sun and fresh air they are as good as any other verandah but in order to see the water your line of sight must be above the rail.

 

[kdeans1010]

DW and I have had Navigators Verandah's several times and we enjoy them. We have one of the porthole style on this cruise. The problem you may have with a navigators verandah is that they totally obstruct yoiur view when sitting. As far as sun and fresh air they are as good as any other verandah but in order to see the water your line of sight must be above the rail.

And that confirmed me not getting a navigator's verandah. I am going to sound like a snot but I love seeing the water. I live on an island where I can see the water almost all the time.

 

[davidls]

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize and please feel free to delete or relocate to an appropriate area. I'd like to kindly ask you for any and all personal opinions, whether posted here or sent privately via pm, about whether or not this cruise might be a good fit for us. We are very seriously considering it (as in have almost put down deposit twice) but just wanted more personal opinions before making the commitment.

• by sail date, 35/f and 36/m
• newlywed (Disney FairyTale Wedding), so this would be our honeymoon
• no children (I will miss my cats, though)
• 1st time cruisers (any line, not just Disney)

I'm considering it because it looks like a great bargain. Plus, my family is East Coast and we and his family are West Coast. So, this is one more excuse to "go home." He's traveled to Mexico frequently but never the coastal resorts. I've never been but like the idea of hitting the spots with someone else doing all the driving. He works extremely long hours and this would be his longest vacation since he started his career. We hope to start a family within the next few years so this may be our only chance at a two week vacation.

Any input is appreciated... I am a total blank slate other than what I've been reading the last month since I first heard about this cruise. Of course any advice is welcomed too! (I've been reading the boards fairly often and am currently reading trip reports.) I was looking into other cruises but none really interested me. Although, I did see one that was up to Vancouver but it seems to have disappeared or sold out. I thought that could be interesting to sail up and road trip back down to Los Angeles. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help on this one!

First off MirandaFamily .........................................no,no,no, that ain't right....... to your future FIRST DISNEY CRUISE!!! (I'm being optimistic that you will see this is your BEST option!!!) And you did pick the right place to ask your questions.

Like others have posted, there will not be allot of kids on this cruise. Mostly adults like you and your husband. (I assume your husband is an adult - DW tells me I'm 6...................5................ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh 40 something going on 12!!!)

So this would make for a very SPECIAL Honeymoon for you and your new hubby. And all of those days at sea where you and your new husband can go out on the top deck and gaze into each others eyes, and at all of the stars in the sky, while you are holding hands. What a better way to start out your new life together. (WOW!!!! I should be working for Disney folks!!!)

And like you said, this cruise is a GREAT bargain. First off it's a Disney Cruise. Second, It's 2 full weeks of FUN, seeing new places, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and it's DISNEY!!! You will have a GREAT time sharing these life time memories together. (I tell ya, Disney needs to call me into service here!!!)

Any way, seriously, you both should discuss your ideas, and make your choice. I, we, here on this cruise, hope you choose to sail with us on this cruise!!! You will have a GREAT time.

 

[Va-NanaTink]

First off MirandaFamily .........................................no,no,no, that ain't right....... to your future FIRST DISNEY CRUISE!!! (I'm being optimistic that you will see this is your BEST option!!!) And you did pick the right place to ask your questions.

Like others have posted, there will not be allot of kids on this cruise. Mostly adults like you and your husband. (I assume your husband is an adult - DW tells me I'm 6...................5................ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh 40 something going on 12!!!)

So this would make for a very SPECIAL Honeymoon for you and your new hubby. And all of those days at sea where you and your new husband can go out on the top deck and gaze into each others eyes, and at all of the stars in the sky, while you are holding hands. What a better way to start out your new life together. (WOW!!!! I should be working for Disney folks!!!)

And like you said, this cruise is a GREAT bargain. First off it's a Disney Cruise. Second, It's 2 full weeks of FUN, seeing new places, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and it's DISNEY!!! You will have a GREAT time sharing these life time memories together. (I tell ya, Disney needs to call me into service here!!!)

Any way, seriously, you both should discuss your ideas, and make your choice. I, we, here on this cruise, hope you choose to sail with us on this cruise!!! You will have a GREAT time.

With people like David, how can you go wrong? Lofs of fun to be had!!!

 

[ChrystinaP]

Yeah I'll totally take the lead with the meet. I feel like I've been on enough cruises to know what I'm doing.

Great! Let me know if there is anything you want help with. I am great at organizing anything and everything!

 

[ChrystinaP]

We are in Texas too, DFW area. We have been to the Food and Wine Festival many times and we love it. While it is not an annual trek, I think we may have missed two of the last 9 years, we go as often as we can. I'll be in Fl. 10/20-28; spouse meets up with me on 10/23. Staying at CBR upon spouse's arrival; the few days before that, I'm staying at my cousins and she and I will go one day and possibly two unless her daughter and grandkids prefer a day at MK. If you do go, I highly recommend the Party for the Senses. It's not cheap but everyone should try to go at least once. We're getting those tickets ( God willing) for Sat. 10/26. If you decide to go, message me, maybe we can meet up. BTW, we're empty nesters with only furry kids still at home! I'm recently retired but spouse still works.

Wow! Lots of info for me to look up and go over. We have never been to the Food and Wine Festival. We won't be going this year, as I have a couple of quilt show that I am working. But, we are definitely planning for after the cruise. Sounds like something we might add to our "has to be" annual trek list! . Where in TX? We are down by San Antonio and Austin!

 

[mmbl]

Wow! Lots of info for me to look up and go over. We have never been to the Food and Wine Festival. We won't be going this year, as I have a couple of quilt show that I am working. But, we are definitely planning for after the cruise. Sounds like something we might add to our "has to be" annual trek list! . Where in TX? We are down by San Antonio and Austin!

I'm sure we'll get to know each other better before and after the cruise. We're booked at Port Orleans Riverside post-cruise; not sure if we'll stay 3,4,5 days~ reserved room through the Tuesday after the cruise but its all tentative until we have to book air. We are planning on Disneyland for 2 days pre-cruise as well.

 

[mmbl]

Wow! Lots of info for me to look up and go over. We have never been to the Food and Wine Festival. We won't be going this year, as I have a couple of quilt show that I am working. But, we are definitely planning for after the cruise. Sounds like something we might add to our "has to be" annual trek list! . Where in TX? We are down by San Antonio and Austin!

My reply was suppose to say before and during the cruise- couldn't edit!