September 12, 2009 ~ Last Call for Tortola! Thread 2

[dr&momto2boys]

Wow! There's been a lot of action here in the time I've been away. I haven't been around for a while because my mom passed away. It may actually change our cruise plans. We'll be on this cruise no matter what, but if my Dad can get the time off work, we may bring him with us.

Anyone who is price watching...please let me know if you see any Cat12's become available for this cruise.

Other preparations:
The kids watched the cruise DVD today and loved it.
DS2 is nearly potty trained. He'll be 3 in June and we keep telling him he has to be able to use the potty all the time to go swimming and to ese the kid's club on our cruise. He's a stubborn kid, but I think we can accomplish this. He's going to be mad if DS4 gets to go to the club and he doesn't!

Pretty soon we'll start to make/(or buy) a Fish Extender and think of gifts.

Can't wait until we can book stuff for the cruise!


How is everyone else doing with your preparations?

[ibouncetoo]

Originally Posted by dr&momto2boys

Wow! There's been a lot of action here in the time I've been away. I haven't been around for a while because my mom passed away. It may actually change our cruise plans. We'll be on this cruise no matter what, but if my Dad can get the time off work, we may bring him with us.


Pretty soon we'll start to make/(or buy) a Fish Extender and think of gifts.

Can't wait until we can book stuff for the cruise!

How is everyone else doing with your preparations?

So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. That was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through. Hope your dad will be able to join you all on this trip.



Anyone flying Southwest Airlines? We have four flying home on SW and I thought I'd check out a group transport to MCO from the port to try and save some money. I was thinking of a van that holds 10 people maybe and that it would be easiest if the group was all going to the same terminal/airline. Let me know if you are interested...only requirement...no flights before noon. I want to be able to enjoy my final breakfast and don't want to be racing off the ship! (So folks with late seating/late final breakfast would suit best!)

The transport I have for my group of six going to the port (which is on the brink of being booked) is with Southern Elegance and will come out to $26 per person including tip. If anyone wants to check them out, its www.*********** I've used them before and can highly recommend them.

.

[sssteele]

Originally Posted by dr&momto2boys

Wow! There's been a lot of action here in the time I've been away. I haven't been around for a while because my mom passed away. It may actually change our cruise plans. We'll be on this cruise no matter what, but if my Dad can get the time off work, we may bring him with us.

Anyone who is price watching...please let me know if you see any Cat12's become available for this cruise.

Other preparations:
The kids watched the cruise DVD today and loved it.
DS2 is nearly potty trained. He'll be 3 in June and we keep telling him he has to be able to use the potty all the time to go swimming and to ese the kid's club on our cruise. He's a stubborn kid, but I think we can accomplish this. He's going to be mad if DS4 gets to go to the club and he doesn't!

Pretty soon we'll start to make/(or buy) a Fish Extender and think of gifts.

Can't wait until we can book stuff for the cruise!


How is everyone else doing with your preparations?

Very sorry for your loss. We are at the time in our lives whare so many of our friends are experiencing the same sorrow.

I have been thinking about FE gifts and am looking for guidance. We have not participated in this before, and I'm hoping you can give me some leads. Do you gear the gifts to age/sex of recipient? Since there will be only DH and myself, I'm looking for a small FE. Headed out to Target later today and maybe the Disney outlet store. Surely I should be able to find something.

[KayR]

dr&momto2boys - sorry for your loss.

sssteele - I bought my FE off EBay (shipped from china I think) for approx $12 inc shipping. There are instructions on the DIS on how to make them, if you are crafty. But your FE doesn't need to be fancy - you could use some small cloth bags stuck together and decorated (in fact I saw some at Michaels the other day that would work - they were in the kids summer decorating section)

The FE gifts vary, and again, there are threads on this topic. Last cruise I gave out pirate ducks, pirate tattoos and some pirate candy. We received candy, $1 items from target (notebooks, pens etc), magnets, pirate stuff, princess stuff and much more (gosh I can't even remember everything we received). Again it doesn't have to be expensive.

-Kay

[CustardTart]

Originally Posted by dr&momto2boys

Wow! There's been a lot of action here in the time I've been away. I haven't been around for a while because my mom passed away....

So sorry to hear this. I know it took me a long time to pick up the reins when my Mum passed so my thoughts are with you and your family... Here's hoping you get your Dad onboard...

Originally Posted by dr&momto2boys

...How is everyone else doing with your preparations?

Well, let's see...

• I'm nearly paid off - just waiting/hoping for that exchange rate to jiggle my way so I can get the balance to zero!!! Come on £/$!!!
  
• I need to re-re-review the excursions info as decisions I thought were made have altered a little...
  
• I want to print out copies of the Tortola Navigator so I can work out what activities to do when...
  
• Then it's all systems go and time to get online to book Palo (dinner and brunch); Spa treatments; excursions!!!
  
• Just remembered door magnets!!! I must make door magnets...

Not doing the FE this time around - it kinda stressed me out a little bit when I did it before...

[lg3]

The last time we did FE, there was a master list that had the cabin #'s, how many people in the cabin with kids by age & gender. I think it was passed out when we first all met up right after the sail-away party?
Knowing the kiddos ages and gender was VERY helpful when getting little goodies together as a 10 yr old boy might not get as much out of the same goody as a 4 yr old girl. That way I knew how much Disney Princess stuff vs. Cars/Pirate, etc. to bring in general. Of course, getting something for the adults was fun too!

[CustardTart]

back, Monica!!!

Originally Posted by mishoe01

KAZ - can you pm me the info on that???

I definitely will, Monica but can I leave it for a few days as I'm revising for exams at the mo...

[CustardTart]

Just perusing the Navigators and I see there are waaay more tipple tastings than I've seen before...

As well as the usual wine, margarita/tequila, martini and beer, there are whisky and cognac...

Looks like Day 2 might be a little alcohol heavy as I believe that's when the Champagne Girls are doing their thing! So I'm thinking:

1pm - Stem to Stern Wine Tasting...

2pm - Champagne Tasting...

And then a rest (if absolutely necessary) until...
10pm: Sommelier Selection in Cove Cafe...

CHEERS!!!

[iankh]

Originally Posted by CustardTart

Just perusing the Navigators and I see there are waaay more tipple tastings than I've seen before...

As well as the usual wine, margarita/tequila, martini and beer, there are whisky and cognac...

Looks like Day 2 might be a little alcohol heavy as I believe that's when the Champagne Girls are doing their thing! So I'm thinking:

1pm - Stem to Stern Wine Tasting...

2pm - Champagne Tasting...

And then a rest (if absolutely necessary) until...
10pm: Sommelier Selection in Cove Cafe...

CHEERS!!!

And don't forget about:
Shots Around the Ship
A Stem to Stern Extravaganza!

[iankh]

We are back from our trip to WDW. Actually, we arrived back last Saturday. We had a great time and had a wonderful 1-bedroom at Old Key West.

Now that that trip's under our belts, I'm ready to focus on this trip!

Cheri (notsolittlemermaid) stayed at Eastwood Manor (conveniently located close to the Chicago duoline rail system) to look after the evil dogs, Tallulah and Truman. I'm happy to say we came home to find Cheri in one piece. Neither she, nor the dogs seemed traumatized.

I did get to have dinner with Jackie and her sister Diane. So, now I know 2 of the 3 Rossell Sister jewels. I get to meet the third gem, Peggy on this upcoming trip.

I'll soon be making our final payment for the cruise. I still have no idea about excursions. None of the DCL excursions appeal to us.

[sssteele]

Originally Posted by Kgroo

If we buy the REAS package (basically to be able to make reservations earlier), do you pay for it at the time of purchase, or does it go on your account when you get on the ship?

I too think that I would like to partake with the Champagne Girls - tiaras and pink boas sound just my style

Thanks

What is the REAS, and what does it have to do with booking PALO? We have only been on one Disney cruise, and are still novices when it comes to much of this stuff.

[woody73]

Greetings from Kodiak, Alaska. We are on Day 58 of our cruise. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Kobe, and Tokyo were fantastic.

We have several ports in Alaska before arriving in Vancouver.

Best,
Woody

[granmaz]

Originally Posted by woody73

Greetings from Kodiak, Alaska. We are on Day 58 of our cruise. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Kobe, and Tokyo were fantastic.

We have several ports in Alaska before arriving in Vancouver.

Best,
Woody

Hi Woody. I was only thinking about you today and was wondering when your cruise finished. Not long now. What an experience.

[ibouncetoo]

WOODY! Peg, Cheri and I were all just speculating as to your whereabouts.

I think we should arrange for a 'talk' one day on this cruise, so we can all hear of your adventures.

.

[DisneyRN1]

Originally Posted by ibouncetoo

WOODY! Peg, Cheri and I were all just speculating as to your whereabouts.

I think we should arrange for a 'talk' one day on this cruise, so we can all hear of your adventures.

.

I would like that also...Vicki