12/07/2014 Magic Retirement Cruise to the Western Caribbean - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter Archives > [ARCHIVE] Checking Itineraries
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-07-2014, 01:30 PM   #1
Cam22
Batman's Gal/Mickey's Pal
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank:
Legend VIP
 
Cam22's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Owensboro, KY USA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 95,254

Post Thanks / Like
12/07/2014 Magic Retirement Cruise to the Western Caribbean

Luke and I got hooked by a DVC offer for 30% off a 7-night Caribbean cruise on the Magic. We chose the last possible date -- December 7 with return on December 14. This will be the longest cruise we've ever taken. We'll be visiting the Western Caribbean with stops in Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay.
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsAKL Jambo April/May 2017--SSR/OKW Sept/Oct 2016 --AKL Kidani May 2016 -- Polynesian Village Resort May 2015 -- OKW/Magic December 2014 -- AKL Jambo House October 2014 -- VWL May 2014--SSR October 2013--AKL/Kidani June 2013--CBR October 2012--BWI June 2012--AKV Jambo House/Kidani Village June 2011 -- November 2010 Beach Club -- June 2010 Beach Club -- October 2009 CBR and Gaylord Palms -- June 2009 AKV/Kidani Village -- June 2008 VWL --June 2007 OKW--June 2006 Disney Wonder/SSR -- June 2005 SSR -- June 2004 VWL -- June 2003 AKL -- August 1997 Off Property -- March 1980 Cocoa Beach
Cam22 is offline  
 
Old 09-07-2014, 06:13 PM   #2
disny_luvr
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Hershey, PA
Posts: 998

Post Thanks / Like
Have a great cruise! We are doing that cruise next year (11/28/15) on the Fantasy except our cruise doesn't go to Key West. We've never done a Western before so I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. Are you planning on writing a TR?
__________________
Louise

Upcoming Trips:
August, 2020
My Previous TripsPort Orleans Riverside/Yacht Club, 2018; Bay Lake Tower, 2017; DCL - Dream, 2017; Beach Club/Polynesian, 2016; DCL - Fantasy, 2015; Beach Club/Polynesian, 2015; Polynesian, 2014; DCL - Fantasy, 2013; DCL - Magic, 2012; Beach Club Villas, 2012; Wilderness Lodge, 2010; POP/Caribbean Beach Resort, 2009; Wilderness Lodge, 2004; Dixie Landings, 1996; Caribbean Beach Resort, 1991; Fort Wilderness, 1985
disny_luvr is offline  
 
Old 09-08-2014, 09:44 PM   #3
Cam22
Batman's Gal/Mickey's Pal
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank:
Legend VIP
 
Cam22's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Owensboro, KY USA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 95,254

Post Thanks / Like
Quote:
Originally Posted by disny_luvr View Post
Have a great cruise! We are doing that cruise next year (11/28/15) on the Fantasy except our cruise doesn't go to Key West. We've never done a Western before so I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. Are you planning on writing a TR?
I plan on doing a PTR probably in November and then a TR when we get back. We haven't done a Western Caribbean before either, so this has been a learning experience. I was so wrapped up in the port adventures that I initially forgot that we'd be traveling at Christmas time. The Christmas aspects of the cruise sound fun.
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsAKL Jambo April/May 2017--SSR/OKW Sept/Oct 2016 --AKL Kidani May 2016 -- Polynesian Village Resort May 2015 -- OKW/Magic December 2014 -- AKL Jambo House October 2014 -- VWL May 2014--SSR October 2013--AKL/Kidani June 2013--CBR October 2012--BWI June 2012--AKV Jambo House/Kidani Village June 2011 -- November 2010 Beach Club -- June 2010 Beach Club -- October 2009 CBR and Gaylord Palms -- June 2009 AKV/Kidani Village -- June 2008 VWL --June 2007 OKW--June 2006 Disney Wonder/SSR -- June 2005 SSR -- June 2004 VWL -- June 2003 AKL -- August 1997 Off Property -- March 1980 Cocoa Beach
Cam22 is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 09:17 PM   #4
disny_luvr
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Hershey, PA
Posts: 998

Post Thanks / Like
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22 View Post
I plan on doing a PTR probably in November and then a TR when we get back. We haven't done a Western Caribbean before either, so this has been a learning experience. I was so wrapped up in the port adventures that I initially forgot that we'd be traveling at Christmas time. The Christmas aspects of the cruise sound fun.
Great! I can't wait to read both your PTR and TR. We traveled on the Fantasy last year during Christmas time and the decorations were amazing!
__________________
Louise

Upcoming Trips:
August, 2020
My Previous TripsPort Orleans Riverside/Yacht Club, 2018; Bay Lake Tower, 2017; DCL - Dream, 2017; Beach Club/Polynesian, 2016; DCL - Fantasy, 2015; Beach Club/Polynesian, 2015; Polynesian, 2014; DCL - Fantasy, 2013; DCL - Magic, 2012; Beach Club Villas, 2012; Wilderness Lodge, 2010; POP/Caribbean Beach Resort, 2009; Wilderness Lodge, 2004; Dixie Landings, 1996; Caribbean Beach Resort, 1991; Fort Wilderness, 1985
disny_luvr is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 09:30 PM   #5
Amy L
Community Rank: Trekker
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New York
Concierge Level: 5
Posts: 1,525

Post Thanks / Like
Congratulations!! We did the W. Caribbean on the Fantasy last May and absolutely loved it! I know you guys will too! Our cruise went to all of the same places except for Key West and we did some really fun excursions. Happy to help if you have any questions about any of them.
__________________
Amy
My Countdown Counting down to: Aulani Hawaiian Vacation
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW POR Sept. 2001, Poly. April 2004, BC Feb. 2005, BWApril 2006, BW Nov. 2006, BC Feb. 2007, BW Nov. 2007, BW Nov. 2008, BLT May 2009, SSpr Aug. 2009, BW & BLT Nov. 2009, BLT May 2010, Poly. Aug. 2010, BW & BLT Nov. 2010, AK Club Level & DCL 2011, BC Sept. 2011, BW Nov. 2011 for W&D 1/2 Marathon, BLT & DCL May, 2012, YC & BLT 8/2012, BW Nov. 2012 for W&D 1/2 Marathon, Disney Fantasy Cruise & WL May, 2013, Disneyland Hotel to run Dumbo Double Dare races Aug. 2013, BW Nov. 2013 for W&D 1/2 Marathon, BLT Nov. 2013, BW, GF, AKL & BLT Aug. 2014, BW 10/14 to run in the ToT 10 Miler Race, BW 1/15 to run in the Dopey Challenge, Disney Fantasy Cruise and OKW for Princess Half Marathon 2/15, DisneyLand Hotel 11/15 to run Infinity Gauntlet Challenge, BWV & AKL 1/16 to run the Goofy Challenge at Marathon Weekend and Disney Dream Cruise to run the Castaway Cay 5k., BWV 4/16 to run Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon, Aulani, Oahu 7/16, BLT & GFV 11/16, 4/17 AK & CBR to run SWDS Half Marathon
Amy L is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 01:36 AM   #6
Coop
Community Rank: Scout
 
Coop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Michigan
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 4,792

Post Thanks / Like
I think that's the itinerary that we want to take next. We'll see how our FIRST cruise goes! Sounds great though!
__________________
Tracy (aka Coop)

My Countdown Counting down to: Sept 24, 2016- 20th Anniversary at Disney AND June 2, 2017 - B2B Double Dips on the Dream!
Happy Anniversary!
My Previous TripsWDW April 2010 CSR (1st trip ever) - WDW Nov 2010 AKL (honeymoon after 14 years of marriage) - WDW Nov 2011 (1st DVC trip) BLT - WDW Sept 2012 OKW - WDW Dec 2013 Christmas time split stay SS/OKW - WDW Oct/Nov 2014 Land and Sea -Halloween/ Kidani/4 nights on the Dream - Nov 2015 OKW/7 nights on the Fantasy. WDW Sept 2016 OKW.
Coop is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 10:02 AM   #7
shazza
Community Rank: Globetrotter
 
shazza's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Florida & Maine
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 3,411

Post Thanks / Like
That is a great itinerary. We did the Western on the Wonder (out of Miami) and had the same stops, except we missed Key West). I think each of the ports on this cruise are good ones. Will be looking forward to your PTR and TR.
shazza is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 10:04 AM   #8
OhToodles!
PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Explorer
 
OhToodles!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: St. Peters, MO
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 12,274

Post Thanks / Like
Congratulations!!! That's so exciting!
__________________
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Kelly Co-Guide to Owning the Magic: Disney Vacation Club & Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
My Countdown Counting down to: Spring Break @ the Poly!
no parks, but still Disney!!
OhToodles! is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 09:34 PM   #9
Grammy Grumpy
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Grammy Grumpy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Illinois
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 9,564

Post Thanks / Like
Outstanding! Oh, and I'm jealous!!
__________________


Me and my hunny!




Fall Festival Fun with Friends!

Eagles, and Whales, and Bears - Oh My!!
My Countdown Counting down to: Just us two and a few PPers too!
Lovin' this trip!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsTreehouse Villas 1987, All Star Sports 2000, Coronado Springs 2002, POR 2003, 2004 x 2, 2005 x 3, 2006 x2, 2007 x 3, 2008 x 2, 2009 May Flower and Garden, Sept DD Bday, Dec PPfest! 2010 Sept Bounceback with DH, Dec SSR with Kids/grandkids!!!, 2011 Alaska cruise, Thanksgiving with Mickey!, 2012 Poconos, Cruisin' and NYC, Birthday in the Bubble, 2 whole weeks in the bubble Sept 2013
Grammy Grumpy is offline  
 
Old 09-09-2014, 10:53 PM   #10
Tere WDW
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Tere WDW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florida
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 776

Post Thanks / Like
Congratulations! I've haven't been on a Disney cruise (yet ) so I can't wait to pick us some tips from you. Have fun planning it - and I'll have fun reading your PR and TR
__________________
Theresa
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsSeveral trips during 2013, Several weekend trips during 2012, PopC July 2011, PopC June 2011, PopC Dec 2010 (2x!!!), PopC July 2010, PopC Dec 2009 (2x), and many more before then...!
Tere WDW is offline  
 
Old 09-10-2014, 03:30 PM   #11
jackid2
Community Rank: Trekker
 
jackid2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Volo, IL
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 1,295

Post Thanks / Like
Awesome!! You'll have so much fun
__________________
My Previous TripsDL Jan '05 (first Disney visit) WDW '06, WDW POFQ Dec '07 (Honeymoon) WDW AS Music Dec. 09, WDW 1st DVC Vacation 9/2011, WDW Old Key West 10/2012; Wilderness Lodge 1/2015; AS Music Nov. 2015; Old Key West Nov/Dec 2015; POR May/June 2017
jackid2 is offline  
 
 




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:34 PM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger