Cruise Chat Transcript - 4/1/2004 About This Page:

[Belle*]

Great Chat tonight guys!!

Transcript of Chat 04/01/2004

[Belle*] testing visual
[Shawn_d] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] Welcome to Cruise Chat Shawn_d!
[Shawn_d] thx
[Shawn_d] I got everything confirmed today
[Shawn_d] woo hoo
[Belle*] Congrats! That's exciting. I love getting the docs.
[Shawn_d] 26 days I'll be down there
[Belle*] Have you booked any shore excursions yet?
[Shawn_d] not on the cruise
[Shawn_d] just land
[Shawn_d] looking at fantasmic
[Belle*] Oh, I thought you meant you got cruise docs.
[Shawn_d] nope
[Belle*] Well, that's exciting! Where are you staying?
[laurenjean] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[FanOfMickey] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Shawn_d] por
[Belle*] Welcome to Cruise Chat Lauren and Fan!!
[Shawn_d] hi lauren
[Shawn_d] hi fan
[FanOfMickey] hi shawn and belle
[Shawn_d] hi fan
[cepmom] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[laurenjean] hi everyone
[Belle*] Welcome cepmom! Pull up a deck chair!
[Shawn_d] hi cepmom
[FanOfMickey] hi depmom
[FanOfMickey] hi lauren
[laurenjean] booked the disney cruise for november
[cepmom] Hi and thank you! Hoping to find out as much info as I can about DCL
[FanOfMickey] cepmom even
[FanOfMickey] WoooHoooo lauren
[Belle*] Ask away cepmom! Congrats Lauren! What itinerary?
[cepmom] IN the process of booking a 4 day trip for 8/2005. Anyone ever book thru cruise .com?
[laurenjean] staying at the polynesian for 4 days and cruise for 4
[Belle*] Very nice. Did you book land and sea together as a package?
[Belle*] Never used them cepmom. Sorry!
[laurenjean] yes travel agent did
[Shawn_d] never used them
[Belle*] laurenjean, you may want to consider booking the WDW and DCL portions of your trip seperately. You can usually save money, especially in times like Nov
[laurenjean] anyone ever travel with baby (19 months at time of cruise)?
[Belle*] Slower times (i.e. Nov) equal room discounts.
[cepmom] Have looked at many different agencies; most offer the same price except cruise.com is $160 lower than all the others. I just want to make sure theat I use a reputable agent
[StephanieS] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Shawn_d] hi StephanieS
[Belle*] Welcome Aboard Stephanie!
[StephanieS] hi
[StephanieS] oh, this is the DCL chat
[Belle*] We're discussing DCL tonight! Do you have a cruise planned?
[cepmom] HI StephanieS
[StephanieS] I don't have any planned, but I've been on DCL 3 times
[Belle*] Great! Maybe you can help out some people. Ever cruised with a toddler?
[cepmom] Anyone ever cruise in August?
StephanieS] I did this past August!
[catsaway] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] Hi There catsaway!
[cepmom] I'm a little concerned about the weather (hurricanes) but can not go at another time of year
[catsaway] Hi everyone
[StephanieS] i went in the beginning of August and there were no hurricanes or anything
[cepmom] Thanks! I feel as if I'm over analyzing everything!
[Belle*] Hurricanes can be avoided. You may just have a slight shuffle in your itinerary.
[StephanieS] I did the western
[Belle*] catsaway - you're planning a cruise too, right?
[catsaway] Yes I will be on the May 8th Western
[Belle*] That's so soon! You must be excited.
[cepmom] How are the kids activities? I'm going w/3 kids(15,8,5)
[catsaway] I am excited it is my first cruise
[StephanieS] the kids activites are great- they will have plenty to do
[Belle*] cepmom - the kids programming is incredible! Your teen will be in a different section of the ship from the others.
[catsaway] I am wondering what the best way is to bring things ashore (backpack?)
[StephanieS] yeah, a small backpack or fanny pack
[Belle*] Depends on where you're going. Back packs can be great or even just a waist bag.
[StephanieS] depends on what you are doing
[catsaway] Like if we will be swimming and also sightseeing
[Belle*] If you are planning on swimming, you should wear your suit under your clothes. Changing facilities are pretty limited!
[StephanieS] I think we would just take one beach bag/tote bag for the 3 of us
[StephanieS] yeah, that's true, belle
[cepmom] I have been quoted for the family stateroom or 2 connecting inside rooms on deck 2 - which would you recommend?
[Belle*] Personally, I like the 2 staterooms for 2 bathrooms!
[catsaway] thank you, suit under close is a good tip
[ciadria] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] Welcome Aboard ciadria!!
[FanOfMickey] *** Goodbye, thank you for visiting! ***
[FanOfMickey] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] LOL - Welcome back Fan!
[ciadria] Thank you, sorry I'm late
[Belle*] You're not late! We're here until 10.
[laurenjean] what is fun to do in Nassau with families?
[StephanieS] I did the Atlantis tour and that was fun
[FanOfMickey] thank you Belle, got booted from msn then my pc gave me problems, had to come on my laptop lol
[Belle*] We enjoyed shopping!
[laurenjean] I heard there was a huge waterpark
[ciadria] I did Blue Lagoon Island and it was great!
[ciadria] We're doing the seven day, any ideas for excursions?
[Belle*] There is a waterpark at Atlantis but it requires a room at Atlantis. I don't think any of the excursions include pool access.
[catsaway] What do the majority of the ladies wear on formal night?
[StephanieS] I wore a simple black cocktail dress
[StephanieS] some people will wear these huge ball gowns, but that's just too much
[Belle*] You'll see lots of little black dresses but also REALLY formal stuff. I like to dress up but not to that extent!
[catsaway] Was your dress at your knee or to the floor?
[ciadria] Do you really need them after dinner?
[StephanieS] mine was knee length
[Belle*] I've done both. And no, after dinner I usually change once we've had photos done!
[StephanieS] the lines for the photos can get loooong so get there early
[catsaway] thank you, that helps
[cepmom] How dressy do the kids need to be; is there a "formal night" on the 4 day?
[StephanieS] I can't remember
[Belle*] There is no formal night on the 4 night. But the dining rooms do have dress codes.
[ciadria] On the four day, we "dressed up" on our nite at Tritons
[ciadria] Again, there were lots of little black dresses and lots of ball gowns
[Belle*] Palo (aults only) requests a jacket for men and dress or pantsuit for women. Kids are fine in khakis and polos for boys and sundresses for girls.
[StephanieS] has anyone done the brunch at Palo?
[StephanieS] I loved it
[catsaway] When do most people book their spa treatment?
[Belle*] No shorts, jeans or swimsuits. And shoes are required in all dining rooms
[ciadria] No, that's right at the top of my to do list--I'd love some details
[cepmom] My teen daughter is not into clothes; prefers jeans and sneakers; do you think casual dressy is okay?
[StephanieS] the food is amazing, ciadria
[ciadria] what types of things are on the menu
[Belle*] No jeans and sneakers but a pair of khakis or capris is fine. Or she can get room service or eat from the counter service places if she really doesn't want to dress up.
[FanOfMickey] hopefully I can go on a cruise next year, you guys are really making me want to go now
[StephanieS] its kind of a buffet but also they will take orders for omeletts and other things
[Belle*] Our next cruise isn't until 2007! It's killing me!!
[Belle*] Stephanie, have you ever done the tea at Palo?
[FanOfMickey] lol maybe I will finally be going by then too belle lol
[StephanieS] they even made us two pizzas and wrapped one up to take back to the rest of the people in our party
[Belle*] lol - MouseFest 2007 Fan!!
[ciadria] 2007-- I about to die from waiting and I only have to wait until October--how can you stand it Belle
[StephanieS] belle- I had reservations for the tea, but I didn't have time to go
[StephanieS] I'll have to do it next time
[Belle*] Well, we just did one in December. And I want to wait until our son is 3 so that's 2007!
[ciadria] The tea is another thing on the to do list
[ciadria] As you can tell, I LOVE food.
[cepmom] Is it very difficult to get reservations at Palo?
[StephanieS] I don't think so
[Belle*] ciadria - the food is one of the best parts of the cruise!
[StephanieS] we just walked over to the lounge where they were taking reservations
[ciadria] Amen to that!
[FanOfMickey] I also have to find someone to go on the cruise with me too , too expensive cruising solo
[StephanieS] yeah
[Belle*] I don't think they are difficult. Decide what night you want to do it, then go to where they are taking rssies and sign up!
[ciadria] I'd like to take my dd who'll be 13 to the brunch, do you guys know if they allow kids?
[StephanieS] i can't remember, but I think it was called the "champagne brunch" so I'm not sure
[Belle*] No kids at the brunch - sorry!
[catsaway] What is the best restaurant to go to in Key West?
[StephanieS] I love Key West!
[StephanieS] there is magaritaville
[catsaway] My hubby saw something on Crabby Bob's or Bill's has anyone heard of it?
[ciadria] Are drinks an additional charge at the brunch -- too bad about no kids
[StephanieS] no, the champagne is included
[Belle*] I've heard good things about Sloppy Joe's, is that it maybe?
[catsaway] Maybe?
[ciadria] is there a dress code for the brunch
[laurenjean] what about buying sodas on ship?
[Belle*] Brunch is $10/person, drinks are $5.25 each after the first glass of champagne.
[StephanieS] I couldn't even drink one glass
[cepmom] do they have those refillable mugs like they do in the WDW resorts?
[Belle*] You can purchase a soda mug which allows you unlimited refisll while onboard.
[Belle*] It's about $5/day - so a 7 night would be $35.
[ciadria] I have two kids, 13 and 6 (now) I bought 1 disney drink mug. It was a good investment, although my kids don't drink much soda.
[StephanieS] if you book thru AAA you get the mug for free
[laurenjean] we have the mugs from the park too
[Belle*] We drink a lot of soda but only buy 1 mug for both of us. Since they have unlimited refills - we share!
[ciadria] plus the mug made a nice souviner
[catsaway] Do they have bottled water available or do they charge?
[StephanieS] There is free iced tea on near the mickey pool- I drank a lot of that
[Belle*] They charge for bottled water.
[ciadria] If I remember correctly, they charge -- I bought my own on board
[laurenjean] if you buy a mug at the hotel then again on the ship thats alot of money for soda!
[cepmom] Are there refrigerators in the rooms?
[StephanieS] little ones
[ciadria] Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a refrigerator
[Belle*] There are coolers. They aren't really refrigerators but they do the trick. Tiny though!
[laurenjean] I hear they don't get cold
[cepmom] Good idea to bring your own; we did that last year in WDW.
[FanOfMickey] well, a lot of money for soda, but cost will be even more without the mugs lol
[StephanieS] yeah
[ciadria] It's best if you chill it in the ice bucket before placing it in the cooler
[Belle*] Unfortunately, you can't bring soda onboard the ships.
[catsaway] Good idea Ciadria
[StephanieS] when you buy the mug, they will also put a little sticker on your key card, you just show the sticker and the people at the bars/pool will give you soda in a glass, so you don't have to carry the mug around
[Belle*] There is a free drink station on Deck 9 that has juice, water, milk, etc.
StephanieS] yeah, and iced tea, too
[StephanieS] that's good b/c sometimes you get tired of soda
[catsaway] Great! thats all I need
[FanOfMickey] I wish that cruise lines would build some single rooms for solo travelers
[Belle*] Plus, you can order lemonade free fromroom service!
[laurenjean] is it a pain to find drinks while you are at the pool, movies etc..?
[Belle*] That would be a good idea Fan.
[StephanieS] nope they are right near the pool
[Belle*] You are never very far from food or drink anywhere on the ship!
[cepmom] FanofMickey, do you enjoy traveling solo?
[ciadria] they also have wait staff that walks around the pool
[FanOfMickey] I don't think it would be too hard for them to do, they could be smaller then the regular rooms
[FanOfMickey] yup, mostly solo, non of my friends seem to be either interested in going or they say they can't afford to go
[FanOfMickey] so I go solo, and love it lol
[ciadria] way to go Fan
[Belle*] I know some cruise lines offer to set you up with another solo traveler but why should you have to share a room?
[StephanieS] that's cool, fan
[FanOfMickey] have not done the cruise yet though, I checked into it, it is a bit pricey for singles
[cepmom] Good for you!!
[laurenjean] anyone stay in cat 4?
[FanOfMickey] exactly belle, I am not sure I would trust staying in a room with a person I did not know
[ciadria] no,but I found the cat 11 quite comfortable for 4 people 2 ad 2 ch
[Belle*] Not yet! I wish. *magic*
[laurenjean] room with the verandah was highly recomended 2 ad 3 ch
[ciadria] Hope for some magic to get an upgrade on this trip
[Belle*] Upgrades - the elusive cruise freebie!
[catsaway] If you get an upgrade do you find out when your docs come?
[cepmom] I also am going with 3 children and 2 adults. My husband wants to go with the cat 4.
[ciadria] that's what I've heard
[Belle*] Maybe, maybe not! Normallly yes, but DCL RARELY gives upgrades.
[*Pixie*Dust*] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] We were able to upgrade from a Cat 9 to a Cat 5 on our last cruise for $250. We were just offered it at check-in.
[FanOfMickey] hi pixie
[Belle*] Welcome Aboard Margo!!
[laurenjean] im going with a baby who will be 19 mo, but they said it was still 5 people even though she will be in a crib
[*Pixie*Dust*] Good evening everybody
[StephanieS] hi
ciadria] hello there
[catsaway] hi
[Belle*] laurenjean, have you thought about connecting staterooms?
[laurenjean] yes, but the cat 4 has the verandah whereas the conecting room doesn't
[catsaway] What spa treatment would you recomend?
[ciadria] loved the ladies nite out and the iontherapy (bad spelling, sorry)
[LilMarcieMouse] *** Welcome to the PassPorter Chat! ***
[Belle*] Yes they do actually. They have connecting staterooms in categories 5, 6, 7 and 8!
[Belle*] Welcome Marcie!!
[FanOfMickey] hi Marcie
[LilMarcieMouse] Hi All
[ciadria] Hey marcie
[*Pixie*Dust*] Hi Marcie
[catsaway] hello
[Belle*] I had a blast at Ladies night but that's only on the 3 and 4 night. I also loved the Absolute Face and Body treatment.
[catsaway] Oh they all sound so good
[laurenjean] I will look into that maybe it will be a little cheaper. Thanks!
[Belle*] Have you guys pre-ordered your copies of the new PassPorter Guide to the DCL? It has a great breakdown of the staerooms and what connects, etc.
[FanOfMickey] I want to go on a cruise so I can get a loungechaire facing the ocean and read a good book with daquirie in hand
[*Pixie*Dust*] lol
[Belle*] Sounds like heaven!
[LilMarcieMouse] i'm gonna be in it.
[catsaway] I am with you fanofMickey
[Belle*] That's right Marcie! You have a tip and/or memory right?
[ciadria] That's what I thought too, but was having so much fun forgot to read the book
[FanOfMickey] cool, we can get chairs all lined up together lol
[LilMarcieMouse] Well kinda both
[StephanieS] brb
[StephanieS] *** Goodbye, thank you for visiting! ***
[LilMarcieMouse] And I don't remmerb submiting it
[ciadria] i'm gonna be in the book too!
[FanOfMickey] lol marcie
[*Pixie*Dust*] *** Goodbye, thank you for visiting! ***
[Belle*] All you guys planning cruises, I really recommend checking out the Cruise reports like MArcie's. You get some great tips!
[LilMarcieMouse] Thanks Belle* (blushing)
[FanOfMickey] mmm you must have been sitting drinking quite a few daqairies when submitting the story lol
[ciadria] ditto that belle, I was on the same cruise as marcie and she certainly did it justice
[Belle*] They help keep me going until our next cruise! ROTFL Fan!!
[catsaway] When was Marcie's posted?
[FanOfMickey] I am not planning one right now Just hoping......sigh
[LilMarcieMouse] In Augest It's call Theres a First for Everything.
[Belle*] It's up near the top in the Cruise Reports Forum. I would give you the link but if I do I'll get booted! (Don't say it Marcie!)
LilMarcieMouse] LOL
[catsaway] I will look for it Thanks
[FanOfMickey] I wish they would announce if the Magic was going out to Cali for next summer already grrrrrr
[Belle*] *)
[laurenjean] *** Goodbye, thank you for visiting! ***
[Belle*] I'm really surprised they haven't announced the plans for DCL in 2005 yet!
[catsaway] Is it cold on deck at night?
[FanOfMickey] I know Belle, well for summer, they have dates till May and then Sept. on
[ciadria] not in august
[FanOfMickey] just nothing between June till Sept
[Belle*] It can get chilly on deck when it's windy. I've even gotten cool in the dining rooms with the AC going.
[catsaway] how about in May
[FanOfMickey] I think they have dates till mid may
[Belle*] May -weather or cruise dates>
[ciadria] how about october
[cepmom] I have been getting prices for august
[FanOfMickey] thats why I tend to think the rumer about them going to cali for summer is true
[catsaway] Weather
[FanOfMickey] for week cruise or 3 or 4 nite cruises cepmom?
[Belle*] August 2005 is tough. There are rumors one or more ship may be in California for the 50th b-day of DL.
[cepmom] 4 night cruise
[Belle*] Weather in May is lovely.
[FanOfMickey] ah, that is the Wonder
[FanOfMickey] Magic is week cruise
[FanOfMickey] they do have schedule up for all year for Wonder
[cepmom] ah - makes sense now. thanks
[FanOfMickey] there are 2 ships, Magic and Wonder
[Belle*] But you do want to bring a sweater or light jacket for the evenings.
[FanOfMickey] Magic is the one rumered to go to Cali
[catsaway] thank you
[FanOfMickey] I heard rumer about a 3rd boat, but not to go to cali for summer
[cepmom] I would love to do the week long cruise; maybe next time
[FanOfMickey] thats the cruise I want to do, week long
[Belle*] DCL has been taking bids for a third ship but no contract has been announced for building.
[FanOfMickey] I figure if it goes to Cali for summer, I will definatly do that cruise
[FanOfMickey] lol I heard they wanted the name Disney Dreams, but someone already has the Dream name
[ciadria] I belive NCL has the Dream name -- my brother helped put in and run the theatre
[Belle*] Ok guys! Well this Guide is "cruising" off to bed. Feel free to keep chatting and remember the next Cruise Chat will be on April 15, same time, same place, different Guide! My Co-Guide Marge/PixieDust will be hosting. See you later!
[catsaway] thank you I am taking off too
[FanOfMickey] yeah, thats the line that has dream