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Choosing a cruise
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Catnip
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 Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 09:34 pm26th Post

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Pixiedustdawn wrote:

 

We decided that cruising from a close port is what works for us. No flying!

 


That must be heavenly!!  The hassles at the airports these days are almost too much to stand!



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 Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 09:35 pm27th Post

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Pixiedustdawn wrote: We are not dedicated to any one cruiseline, but we do love Disney. I haven't seen any real good perks since I have been cruising with NCL so far. We did like the gifts we received from Disney upon boarding and their repeat guest parties were wonderful. Loved that they freely gave out cans of soda and bottled water for the taking.

Dawn, the Disney board here hasn't had a lot of activity, and I for one would be VERY appreciative if you would share your experiences! We've got our first cruise on DCL planned for December, 7 days on the Magic-Eastern. Do tell all!!!



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 Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 11:24 pm28th Post

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Free soda and bottled water sounds really nice!



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 Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 01:39 am29th Post

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BeckyThane wrote: Pixiedustdawn wrote: We are not dedicated to any one cruiseline, but we do love Disney. I haven't seen any real good perks since I have been cruising with NCL so far. We did like the gifts we received from Disney upon boarding and their repeat guest parties were wonderful. Loved that they freely gave out cans of soda and bottled water for the taking.

Dawn, the Disney board here hasn't had a lot of activity, and I for one would be VERY appreciative if you would share your experiences! We've got our first cruise on DCL planned for December, 7 days on the Magic-Eastern. Do tell all!!!

You will like Disney.  We have been on 3 DIsney cruises.  I just think they are a bit expensive. 



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 Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 03:06 pm30th Post

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I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:



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 Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 03:07 pm31st Post

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tommycruiser wrote: I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:
Yeah and if we will the lottery I am sure Jeff will make me go too.  lol 



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 Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 03:11 pm32nd Post

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Well then I'm hoping that happens



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 Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 10:11 pm33rd Post

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BeckyThane wrote: Pixiedustdawn wrote: We are not dedicated to any one cruiseline, but we do love Disney. I haven't seen any real good perks since I have been cruising with NCL so far. We did like the gifts we received from Disney upon boarding and their repeat guest parties were wonderful. Loved that they freely gave out cans of soda and bottled water for the taking.

Dawn, the Disney board here hasn't had a lot of activity, and I for one would be VERY appreciative if you would share your experiences! We've got our first cruise on DCL planned for December, 7 days on the Magic-Eastern. Do tell all!!!


It just feels "magical" as soon as you get to the port. The characters are there to take pictures with you. You then enter through the large Mickey ears. They announce you when you reach the atrium. Everyone stands by to greet you. They do make you feel special,  I think.

The cabins are nice, some have the split bathrooms. Two separate rooms. I am sure you can find pictures of these, sorry I don't have any. What category are you staying in?  They have larger cabins then most ships.

They seem to be more accomodating to children then other lines are, yet have separate areas for adults.

The kids club issues beepers for you and will take your children to lunch and dinner if you want to have an adult meal by yourselves.

You have to make ressies for Palo's (adult only restaurant) ($) You will enjoy it. All their restaurants have themes and sometimes entertainment. I do find Disney dinners are dressy then most other lines. 

The shows are fantastic. No need for Disney on Broadway after seeing their shows.

Also, you are going to like their fresh fruit/ice cream area. They cut the fruit fresh for you as you want it. Soda's, milk, tea and coffee 24 hrs on the top deck. 

Last time we were on they still had the tray system and they had staff to help you to your buffet table if needed.  

 Adult pool is peaceful. Anyone traveling without children can have a wonderful time as long as you like Disney.

Private Island was fantastic. Everything moves onto the island that day, including childrens club, food, bars, fresh fruit stand and all the activities. Serenity Bay (Adult's only beach) is a must to see. Like your own little private island. If you choose to stay they have a lunch BBQ for you there.

What else would you like to know. I agree with JSME, Disney is expensive, but we love it. The free cans and bottles were given to the repeat guests. When you are onboard try to have a date in mind for your next sailing, they will give you a special price onboard and you could hold the ressie until you get home. I don't know how much they are charging now to hold a room.

Then when you sail again, you will have a present waiting on your bed for you when you arrive, we have gotten, beach towels, luggage bags, photo albums, and travel clocks.

Day of departure, sleep late and go up to the buffet. Otherwise, you have to be up before the sun to get breakfast in the dining room if you had the early seating for dinner. 

 Please understand I don't know if anything has changed since i have been on the ship.

 

Dawn 

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 Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 03:06 pm34th Post

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Pixiedustdawn wrote: BeckyThane wrote: Pixiedustdawn wrote: We are not dedicated to any one cruiseline, but we do love Disney. I haven't seen any real good perks since I have been cruising with NCL so far. We did like the gifts we received from Disney upon boarding and their repeat guest parties were wonderful. Loved that they freely gave out cans of soda and bottled water for the taking.

Dawn, the Disney board here hasn't had a lot of activity, and I for one would be VERY appreciative if you would share your experiences! We've got our first cruise on DCL planned for December, 7 days on the Magic-Eastern. Do tell all!!!


It just feels "magical" as soon as you get to the port. The characters are there to take pictures with you. You then enter through the large Mickey ears. They announce you when you reach the atrium. Everyone stands by to greet you. They do make you feel special,  I think.

The cabins are nice, some have the split bathrooms. Two separate rooms. I am sure you can find pictures of these, sorry I don't have any. What category are you staying in?  They have larger cabins then most ships.

They seem to be more accomodating to children then other lines are, yet have separate areas for adults.

The kids club issues beepers for you and will take your children to lunch and dinner if you want to have an adult meal by yourselves.

You have to make ressies for Palo's (adult only restaurant) ($) You will enjoy it. All their restaurants have themes and sometimes entertainment. I do find Disney dinners are dressy then most other lines. 

The shows are fantastic. No need for Disney on Broadway after seeing their shows.

Also, you are going to like their fresh fruit/ice cream area. They cut the fruit fresh for you as you want it. Soda's, milk, tea and coffee 24 hrs on the top deck. 

Last time we were on they still had the tray system and they had staff to help you to your buffet table if needed.  

 Adult pool is peaceful. Anyone traveling without children can have a wonderful time as long as you like Disney.

Private Island was fantastic. Everything moves onto the island that day, including childrens club, food, bars, fresh fruit stand and all the activities. Serenity Bay (Adult's only beach) is a must to see. Like your own little private island. If you choose to stay they have a lunch BBQ for you there.

What else would you like to know. I agree with JSME, Disney is expensive, but we love it. The free cans and bottles were given to the repeat guests. When you are onboard try to have a date in mind for your next sailing, they will give you a special price onboard and you could hold the ressie until you get home. I don't know how much they are charging now to hold a room.

Then when you sail again, you will have a present waiting on your bed for you when you arrive, we have gotten, beach towels, luggage bags, photo albums, and travel clocks.

Day of departure, sleep late and go up to the buffet. Otherwise, you have to be up before the sun to get breakfast in the dining room if you had the early seating for dinner. 

 Please understand I don't know if anything has changed since i have been on the ship.

 

Dawn 

You did very well at summing that up. 



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 Posted: Thu May 8th, 2008 03:20 pm35th Post

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Thank You,

 
I did leave out one thing I really love onboard. They have the best spa I have ever been to on the sea. Join for the week and you will be totally relaxed when you come out. 

I still sometimes think of that place just to relax my mind and ease the stress.

Make sure the first day you go on the tour of the spa. You will see what I mean, and then you can make the decision yourself.  

Last edited on Thu May 8th, 2008 03:23 pm by Pixiedustdawn

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 Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 12:55 am36th Post

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THANKS for the great description, Dawn! :flowers:



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 Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 12:55 pm37th Post

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Pixiedustdawn wrote: Thank You,

 
I did leave out one thing I really love onboard. They have the best spa I have ever been to on the sea. Join for the week and you will be totally relaxed when you come out. 

I still sometimes think of that place just to relax my mind and ease the stress.

Make sure the first day you go on the tour of the spa. You will see what I mean, and then you can make the decision yourself.  

I agree with you about the Spa.  They do have an awesome one.  We have had various treatments on the Wonder and the Magic.  I also like the rasul (wink).  Nothing quite like being locked from the inside (so you can get out but no one without a key can get in) a steam room with an assortment of muds with your spouse. 

Last edited on Fri May 9th, 2008 12:56 pm by JSME



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 Posted: Fri May 9th, 2008 11:18 pm38th Post

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tommycruiser wrote: I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:

That happened to us on at least one cruise. Actually, we booked because another couple was on the cruise and found out later that yet another couple had booked the cruise before any of us. It was a great time!

BTW, love the avatar!



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 12:53 am39th Post

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hstrybuf wrote: tommycruiser wrote: I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:

That happened to us on at least one cruise. Actually, we booked because another couple was on the cruise and found out later that yet another couple had booked the cruise before any of us. It was a great time!

BTW, love the avatar!


Which avartar did Tommy have up when you said that?  The guys in the shirts or the trash can full of beer cans?

Don't you think it is a blast to vacation with friends? 

I hate we do not know anyone going on the Sensation next week but for Memorial day we are headed to the OBX with friends.  They post here too.  lol



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:12 am40th Post

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JSME wrote: hstrybuf wrote: tommycruiser wrote: I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:

That happened to us on at least one cruise. Actually, we booked because another couple was on the cruise and found out later that yet another couple had booked the cruise before any of us. It was a great time!

BTW, love the avatar!


Which avartar did Tommy have up when you said that?  The guys in the shirts or the trash can full of beer cans?

Don't you think it is a blast to vacation with friends? 

I hate we do not know anyone going on the Sensation next week but for Memorial day we are headed to the OBX with friends.  They post here too.  lol


The avatar I'm seeing now (and then) was the "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" avatar.

I love going cruising with good friends. That was probably our best cruise ever. Three couples who all got along, did as they pleased together or separately during the day then met up for dinner every night.

What is OBX? I know I should know, but for the life of me I can't remember! Too much going on these days I guess.



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:19 am41st Post

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hstrybuf wrote: What is OBX?

Outer Banks



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:35 am42nd Post

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hstrybuf wrote: JSME wrote: hstrybuf wrote: tommycruiser wrote: I have been booking cruises that friends have been going on lately but we did book alaska on our own because it's something we always wanted to do and now a friend and his family are going:tropics:

That happened to us on at least one cruise. Actually, we booked because another couple was on the cruise and found out later that yet another couple had booked the cruise before any of us. It was a great time!

BTW, love the avatar!


Which avartar did Tommy have up when you said that?  The guys in the shirts or the trash can full of beer cans?

Don't you think it is a blast to vacation with friends? 

I hate we do not know anyone going on the Sensation next week but for Memorial day we are headed to the OBX with friends.  They post here too.  lol


The avatar I'm seeing now (and then) was the "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" avatar.

I love going cruising with good friends. That was probably our best cruise ever. Three couples who all got along, did as they pleased together or separately during the day then met up for dinner every night.

What is OBX? I know I should know, but for the life of me I can't remember! Too much going on these days I guess.

 

We had the best time on the Freedom of the Seas.  We booked at 19 months out and I posted most of the time on a roll call and we really got very close to some of the people on the roll call.  Tommy is one of them.  That cruise was amazing.  About half of the people going on the Pride in November are from the FOS.  We have been to Myrtle Beach with Bonnie and her husband.  Then Bonnie and I went out to Vegas to meet up with a bunch from the cruise.  We all talk, chat and post almost everyday together. 



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:35 am43rd Post

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Becky, thanks for jogging the old memory! :big grin:



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 01:36 am44th Post

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BeckyThane wrote: hstrybuf wrote: What is OBX?

Outer Banks

Yeah that it is.  We love the OBX.  One of our first vacations with just the 4 of us as a family was to the Outer Banks.  I have such fond memories of that trip.



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 Posted: Sat May 10th, 2008 04:06 pm45th Post

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Price is a big factor for me since there are usually four of us to consider. I also don't enjoy the hassles of flying so I don't usually mind cruising out of a port that's easy to drive to.



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 Posted: Sun Jun 1st, 2008 04:40 am46th Post

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Since last posting here. I couldn't help myself to book a Disney Cruise this summer.

As I was writing about it, I realized how much I truly miss that Cruise.

I booked Disney resorts one week before and one week after the cruise. I haven't told my daughter about it yet. I will try to keep as much of it a secret as possible. I am ready to burst.

I really do dread having to fly.

 

Dawn

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 Posted: Sun Jun 1st, 2008 01:51 pm47th Post

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Pixiedustdawn wrote: Since last posting here. I couldn't help myself to book a Disney Cruise this summer.

As I was writing about it, I realized how much I truly miss that Cruise.

I booked Disney resorts one week before and one week after the cruise. I haven't told my daughter about it yet. I will try to keep as much of it a secret as possible. I am ready to burst.

I really do dread having to fly.

 

Dawn

Your daughter will be so excited! It will be 3 weeks of fun that will leave you with a lot of great memories.



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 Posted: Sun Jun 1st, 2008 01:59 pm48th Post

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I would imagine any child would be head-over-heels with 3 weeks of fun at Disney! :thumbsup:



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 Posted: Sun Jun 1st, 2008 05:14 pm49th Post

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Catnip wrote: I would imagine any child would be head-over-heels with 3 weeks of fun at Disney! :thumbsup:


I am doing back flips thinking about it. I can't imagine what she is going to do.

 

:banana:


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