Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[MickeysMistress]

I am going to talk to Em about going back to the original plan: putzing around port, not doing a whole lot. Is there a beach near that you can put your feet in for free?

My group is coming from Anacortes/Oak Harbor area. I live in the smack center of Anacortes's main area. But I'm from Rancho Cucamonga, California. That was the big appeal to this trip. I'm planning to come down for a couple days before the cruise, see my brother and sister in law, maybe see my uncle and cousin, maybe see a friend from college, then go to Cucamonga and get BEST FRIEND TIME (!!!!!)... oh and Miguel Juniors. I want Miguel Juniors soooo badly. If you aren't from the IE here's what's the scoop on Miguel's: they're are like a dozen locations in Ontario, Cucamonga, Corona, and Riverside this is where I grew up. Craving the hot sauce.

Where are you in WA?

To the people traveling solo: if you want to photo bomb my group... Or find us and I can take photos of you.

We are from Snohomish. Originally from Colusa, Ca! We aren't flying down for extra time in Cali but we will extend our time in Florida. Can't wait to meet you all on the cruise.

 

[MickeysMistress]

to the cruise neighbors We are from Puyallup!!

We are in Snohomish!

 

[MickeysMistress]

We are celebrating our 15th anniversary as well this is our first cruise ever also!!! where at in Wa.? a i have a 4 year old daughter

Congrats on the anniversary! Crazy we are going at the same time and celebrating same thing! We are from Snohomish and our daughter is 8.

 

[MickeysMistress]

Went shopping today for FE stuff! I need to sign up still but have so many ideas in my head. I am a fairly crafty person and love scrapbooking, so it has been fun thinking of things to make and exchange!

 

[mmbl]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everybody! We just booked our flight out to Disneyland for a quick pre cruise visit. We're currently trying to decide where we want to stay. Ideally we want to book Grand Californian if we can afford it. Then we need to consider transportation. Our friends who just got back from the westbound Panama Canal took the train from San Diego, and that sounds like the best option for us. We're also looking at excursions. I've been to Cozumel before, but the last time was twelve years ago and I'm pretty sure a lot has changed (for example when I visited Playa Mia it was still called Playa Del Sol!). The other ports are new to both of us. I sent a message for hubby and myself to be added to the Facebook group when I first joined this discussion. Hopefully we'll both be able to join all of you on Facebook soon!

There is a group of us heading to DL precruise. We'll be meeting for dinner , probably Wed. 9/10/14 at Storytellers Cafe at GC- assuming we can get reservations at the 60 day out mark. We are also taking the 9:08 train, business class/ reserved seating on Fri. 9/12/14 , which arrives at 11:20 am. If you're interested in meeting up with us, please send me a message. More info on the train is on page 1 originally listed as carpool, but the train sounded like more fun and an easier connection.

In Cozumel, spouse and I are going to Naci Cocom (sp?) Beach Club. Living in Texas, we get to Mexico quite frequently and have been to this particular beach club several times. They only book 100 guests per day so it is usually quiet and peaceful. Chairs, palapas, food and beverages are part of the fee. They're easy to get to- short taxi ride. To date, we've never been disappointed. Our first trip to Cozumel, and Cancun, was 33 yrs ago on our honeymoon and in our 4* hotel, we had salt water showers! That's how much it has changed since our first trip!

 

[mmbl]

OK, GREAT, MY HUSBAND says "we have a good camera, we will take our own," meaning I will take our own...lol but this is our first vacation, so i am seriously considering it!!!

We have NEVER spent that much on pictures taken on a cruise. I can't imagine how many times you would have to stop and pose for pix to make it worth while. Maybe I am just too critical of how I look in pictures but even on our other 12,13,14 night cruises we have never purchased more than 5-6 pictures and at $20/ pic that's a a heck of a lot cheaper than $339-$399 for pix and CD/DVD. We did get the $149. Memory Maker in April at WDW, but we were 24 people (linked reservations so only 1 photo memory maker necessary) and were there a week- as a group we ended up with just over 200 pictures! So, I guess you need to decide how often your group will want to stop and have pictures done and how many of you will look 'good' in all the shots you do take. It is such an individual thing! I'm sure whatever you do, will be good for your group.

 

[mmbl]

thankyou!! is there characters while dining, ??? or is that a special thing??

Characters are around a lot, not always in the dining rooms but sometimes. Their daily appearance schedule is listed in the daily navigator.

 

[mmbl]

There are several of us here who staying in the Anaheim area pre-cruise (my family will be at the Grand Californian Villas 9/8 to 9/12) we are planning a local group dinner while there. Then also as a group will be taking the train from Anaheim to San Diego on the morning of the 12th. I am sure I speak for everyone else when I say the more the merrier.

Yes, you do!

 

[sillyspook13]

There is a group of us heading to DL precruise. We'll be meeting for dinner , probably Wed. 9/10/14 at Storytellers Cafe at GC- assuming we can get reservations at the 60 day out mark. We are also taking the 9:08 train, business class/ reserved seating on Fri. 9/12/14 , which arrives at 11:20 am. If you're interested in meeting up with us, please send me a message. More info on the train is on page 1 originally listed as carpool, but the train sounded like more fun and an easier connection. In Cozumel, spouse and I are going to Naci Cocom (sp?) Beach Club. Living in Texas, we get to Mexico quite frequently and have been to this particular beach club several times. They only book 100 guests per day so it is usually quiet and peaceful. Chairs, palapas, food and beverages are part of the fee. They're easy to get to- short taxi ride. To date, we've never been disappointed. Our first trip to Cozumel, and Cancun, was 33 yrs ago on our honeymoon and in our 4* hotel, we had salt water showers! That's how much it has changed since our first trip!

The group train ride sounds like fun! We'll certainly look into that once we have our hotel booked.

The first time I went to Cozumel in 1994 we couldn't drink the water. Also we had to tender even though we were on a smaller cruise ship.The second time in 2002 the port area had been built up a lot, and with that the infrastructure (note: water).

 

[swkkusw]

We have about 3.5 hrs there because of short time and tenders. Having lunch/brunch on beach , quick dip in Ocean and if time a quick site or two within walking distance of marina.

We didn't get our preferred excursion choice at Cabo so are thinking about doing the same thing although it may also involve some shopping (or at least window shopping of sparkly things) and some alcoholic beverages.

Sadly we didn't get our first choice at PV either but that was because Las Celastas was not offered (probably because we are there on a Sunday). We are currently booked to do the Paradise Beach Adventure. I have read mixed reviews about this - it is not worth going to if the Resort is booked out for a conference because the facilities will be packed. One would hope that they would avoid booking a conference group and a cruise group on the same day but there are no guarantees.

 

[swkkusw]

I am excited that we are staying at WDW while the Food and Wine Festival is conveniently happening. Are there any experienced F&W attendees here? I am following a blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/06/18/more-2014-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-items-puerto-rico-is-back/#more-109379 which makes me think I could be spending a lot of time walking around the world...

 

[Thnlk]

We have NEVER spent that much on pictures taken on a cruise. I can't imagine how many times you would have to stop and pose for pix to make it worth while. Maybe I am just too critical of how I look in pictures but even on our other 12,13,14 night cruises we have never purchased more than 5-6 pictures and at $20/ pic that's a a heck of a lot cheaper than $339-$399 for pix and CD/DVD. We did get the $149. Memory Maker in April at WDW, but we were 24 people (linked reservations so only 1 photo memory maker necessary) and were there a week- as a group we ended up with just over 200 pictures! So, I guess you need to decide how often your group will want to stop and have pictures done and how many of you will look 'good' in all the shots you do take. It is such an individual thing! I'm sure whatever you do, will be good for your group.

Totally agree we buy a couple picture from DCL the rest we take ourselves. the people with the characters always will take pictures with your camera.

 

[Thnlk]

I am excited that we are staying at WDW while the Food and Wine Festival is conveniently happening. Are there any experienced F&W attendees here? I am following a blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/06/18/more-2014-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-items-puerto-rico-is-back/#more-109379 which makes me think I could be spending a lot of time walking around the world...

This looks like a lot of fun. I understand you need to pay for the samples. Do you also need to buy a ticket other than regular admission?

 

[SparklingBlonde]

Where do I go on the website to find the photo options? People are talking about buying photo options before they board. I can't find em. TIA!

NM I GOOGLED IT AND FOUND IT.

 

[davidls]

I didn't know if you guys had seen this before or heard about it. Just thought I would add it here for all to see.

Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigators

Available for both iOS and Android devices, the Disney Fantasy - Navigator app works via the ship's internal Intranet and will provide more content than the paper copy. The app works while your phone is on Airplane Mode and doesn't use the pay-per-minute satellite internet connection. - See more at: http://192.168.101.205/news/cgi-bin/artman2/admin.pl#sthash.lfWtUDdA.dpuf

Available for both iOS and Android devices, the Disney Fantasy - Navigator app works via the ship's internal Intranet and will provide more content than the paper copy. The app works while your phone is on Airplane Mode and doesn't use the pay-per-minute satellite internet connection. - See more at: http://192.168.101.205/news/cgi-bin/artman2/admin.pl#sthash.lfWtUDdA.dpuf

Available for both iOS and Android devices, the Disney Fantasy - Navigator app works via the ship's internal Intranet and will provide more content than the paper copy. The app works while your phone is on Airplane Mode and doesn't use the pay-per-minute satellite internet connection. - See more at: http://192.168.101.205/news/cgi-bin/artman2/admin.pl#sthash.lfWtUDdA.dpuf



Each night in your stateroom, you will receive a personal navigator, a newsletter-type document which outlines all activities on the ship (as well as shore excursions) for the next day. It also shows you the theme of the day and the hours for the various restaurants. Part of the Navigator is a grid showing the day's activities. Many activities overlap and with various members of your traveling party wanting to participate in different things, it can be difficult to keep track of who is doing what, when and where. We have found it useful to bring a different color highlighter for each member of your party. This allows you to see at a glance what's going on.


The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is now available on the Disney Wonder (it previously launched on the other 3 ships). Guests with upcoming cruises will get an email explaining how the app works. The app can be downloaded before your cruise from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.


Disney Cruise Line also offers an app version of the Navigators for smartphones. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app works via the ship's internal intranet and will provide more content than the paper copy. The app works while your phone is on Airplane mode and doesn't use the pay-per-minute satellite internet connection. For a detailed review of the app, with screenshots, click here.

Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator

 

[mmbl]

I am excited that we are staying at WDW while the Food and Wine Festival is conveniently happening. Are there any experienced F&W attendees here? I am following a blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/06/18/more-2014-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-items-puerto-rico-is-back/#more-109379 which makes me think I could be spending a lot of time walking around the world...

We have gone the last 7 of 9 years and will be there for 5 days post cruise. We're staying at Beach Club Villas. We're passing on MNSSHP party this year because spouse wants more time wandering the world. The Party for the Senses , although very expensive, is great fun and a definitely do not miss if you have never been. We also like Sweet Sundays, but it looks as if that has been changed this year. There are quite a few us us heading to WDW post cruise!

 

[mmbl]

This looks like a lot of fun. I understand you need to pay for the samples. Do you also need to buy a ticket other than regular admission?

YOU WILL PAY FOR EVERYTHING!!! The whole thing is like one big tapas restaurant with small plates, bigger than samples, but not a whole meal. Great food, great drinks, fairly reasonable cost depending on how much you can eat!! the special events- which book in August and generally sell out quickly- are not cheap to very expensive. Very FUN event.

 

[Futurist]

I'm not opposed to giving it a try, at least once. You all just have to promise not to

You'll never suspect that isn't actually a yogic asana (pose). I'll tell everyone that's why I'm going it, and no one will be the wiser!

We'll be fine. Try it, you'll like it!

BTW, I only check in once or twice a week as I'm busy trying to make sure I've earned enough to pay for the cruise! So, be patient if I'm slow replying. I'm not ignoring you, I'm just ignorant!


Richard

 

[Futurist]

We are new to the group. Is it too late to sign up for 3 wristbands?

I'm going to guestimate how many people are members here and on the fb group, then try to order there enough wristbands for everyone. I'll ask people not to take extras. I'd rather do that than try to keep a running count.

I'll distribute the wristbands with a checklist at the onboard meeting on the first afternoon, and will accept donations in any amount (in bills only, no coins, please!) from anyone who wishes to help defray the costs.

KISS is my favourite principle!

See You Real Soon!
Richard

 

[Futurist]

My girls are scouts. one earned silver award this past year. They will be working on Scout badges on board. So if you (or anyone else) wants to help them earn stuff, yeah!!

Robin H

I'm guessing since your girls are Scouts that you're all from Canada as BSA doesn't allow girls (their mistake!).

I'm in Toronto, so am used to girls, gays, and guys in Scouts, no problem. We're inclusive, and, watching all the problems the BSA is going through, I'm really glad about that.

What level of Scouts are your girls? They should look through the badges they need, and see what fits with what's available onboard. If there's something the crew can help with, let me know in advance, and I may be able to get some help. (And no, they don't allow tours of the bridge or engine room since 9/11).

Why don't you PM me, and let me know where they are in the program, and what qualifications they have and need. Then I can check the SC (Scouts Canada) website to see what might be useful.

I'm happy to help, and will help test them if you like for qualification. However, I would want you to be present with us when we're working together since I'll be a stranger to them. I can't be the only adult with them, according to SC policy. Normally we would need two leaders, but if a parent is present we can cope.

Looking forward to the cruise!

All the best,
Richard