A Christmas Ship Comes Sailing In (A Cam and Luke TR) Completed 2/18 - Page 5 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
Joining in to hear all about the cruise portion of your trip!
Welcome aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Seems that the boarding process went quite smooth and pretty quick! Open Boarding seems like a good idea and hope they have that for my cruise. Love the room as it looks quite comfortable!
Our room was very comfortable. The only problem the two of us had was running into the bottom end corners of the bed.
We just returned yesterday from a Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean. At two ports (Grand Cayman and Cozumel) we were in port with the Magic and I was so "homesick" for a Disney cruise. We've moved away from them as DH isn't a Disney fan like me and RC is much less expensive, but I think Disney is calling me back!!
I believe they will move to open boarding on the cruises once the crush of people who arrive early in the morning are boarded. There is usually a bit of wait early on, because they can't start the boarding process until all previous sailors are off the ship and it is cleared. That sometimes takes longer than other times. The later you arrive, the less waiting time you tend to encounter in the boarding area I have found.
We just returned yesterday from a Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean. At two ports (Grand Cayman and Cozumel) we were in port with the Magic and I was so "homesick" for a Disney cruise. We've moved away from them as DH isn't a Disney fan like me and RC is much less expensive, but I think Disney is calling me back!!
I believe they will move to open boarding on the cruises once the crush of people who arrive early in the morning are boarded. There is usually a bit of wait early on, because they can't start the boarding process until all previous sailors are off the ship and it is cleared. That sometimes takes longer than other times. The later you arrive, the less waiting time you tend to encounter in the boarding area I have found.
I would have been so sad looking over and seeing the Magic, but not being on it. Thank goodness, Luke loves Disney as much as I do.
By the time I remembered I was supposed to set up a boarding time online there were no opening before 1:00 PM, so I picked it since it was the earliest still available. I guess it might have been very crowded then in the 1 1/2 before we came.
These first pictures were taken as we waited in line to enter the D Lounge. Folks were still boarding.
I know some have not liked or been impressed with this new light fixture, but I'm partial to understated lights rather than those that have more sparkle and shine. I found this one quite lovely.
After acquainting ourselves with the stateroom, we went to the D Lounge for the DVC members Welcome Party at 2:30. There was a long line snaking into the door. While in line we were both given Tervis mugs with the a DVC imprint. Once in the lounge it was tough finding a seat until a nice family said we could sit with them. Luke got us each a complimentary drink. Then the fun began with a sort of Family Feud game with all categories related to Disney as we have come to expect.
This is the only DVC Welcome Party picture I took as where our table was I couldn't get that pole out of the way.
There were also infomercials for Aulani and DVC as a whole. I also picked up a red DVC lanyard. The gathering lasted about an hour, and as we were exiting, the announcement was made again about the mandatory drill rapidly approaching.
We went back to our stateroom to drop off the tumblers. A third suitcase had arrived while we were at the DVC party. At 3:45 we made our way to our designated zone (L). A few folks had beat us there, but the temperature was currently 71 degrees with a strong wind blowing, so we backtracked to stay inside out of the wind and warmer until closer to time.
This was where we hung out inside until going back outside for the drill.
A very sweet CM who was stationed at the door told us he’d make sure we weren’t late. At 3:55 we joined a now crowded deck with all the other folks in section L. I know this seems a waste of time. I heard several complaints as we waited. But having done thousands of drills as a teacher, I know they work. We knew we weren’t going to the pool today as it was just too chilly, so maybe that made us more patient. Most of the complaints were from folks who wanted get the fun started now.
The view of the harbor from section L.
When we were released, we returned to our stateroom. Our final suitcase was now at the door. It was probably around 4:15 and the sail Away Party was at 4:30. I decided to unpack at least the two biggest spinners as I need to hang up our dress clothes. Luke was very sleepy since I’d been a very restless, wakeful sleeper last night. So he laid down on the couch for a nap. In the end, I finished all the unpacking and let him sleep instead of going to the party. Once I’d finished the unpacking, I worked on my computer using the free 50 MB of data for this first day only. Remember I thought I had repacked my Nook, which I had been reading on during the drive to the port. Well, it was NOT in the backpack and I’m hoping at this point that when we return next Sunday it will still be in the car. I have the Nook app on my laptop, but I need to download the books I was reading. That way I wouldn’t need Wi-Fi to continue reading. Unfortunately, none of the three books opened at the point I had gotten to on my actual Nook. So then I had to skim each to find where I last remembered reading. Finally, I had my books all set up again.
Just as I completed this task, I felt movement and looking outside, I could tell we were no moving. I grabbed the camera to document the moment from our veranda. Sadly, our view of the port was mainly industrial. Boring! At 5:15 I came back inside to change for dinner and Luke woke up soon after to get ready as well. Tonight was scheduled as cruise casual.
Since the setting was not thrilling, I attempted to get a bird in each photo.
Now the fun is really about to begin! I have more than 9 months to wait but I'm do excited to cruise again. I hope they're still giving out those Tervis when we go. I'd love one.
A lot of nice shots within The Magic! I actually like that new light fixture in one of your photos!
I'm sort of unclear about the dress code for dinner. What are they and are they enforced? Not sure, if I want to bring a jacket and tie for my cruise, but just may go with khaki's and dress shirts! Don't want a lot of extra luggage!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Not a DVC member yet, so I won't be getting one of these on my cruise! Got to think about the finances, but may do one day. Got to do a lot of thinking on this venture!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I agree that the drill is important, even though it does get tedious to do again and again. I always feel like the cruise has really begun after the drill.... all my assigned tasks are complete and it's time to just relax and see where the moment takes me. There's nothing like the leisure of a cruise!
I agree that the drill is important, even though it does get tedious to do again and again. I always feel like the cruise has really begun after the drill.... all my assigned tasks are complete and it's time to just relax and see where the moment takes me. There's nothing like the leisure of a cruise!
Sounds like a good philosophy to me Laurie even though prior to my first cruise adventure, just around the corner!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I'm not sure what is worse....wind whipping OR sun blazing?!?! We were on the other side of the ship I believe for our drill. Annoying yes, but I always pay attention, as I do on the airplanes as well.......I "know" the rules, but always feel I have to make eye contact with the people performing the drills. IDK why...I just do.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I don't think we've ever had a DVC welcome party on boarding day before on our cruises, so that was interesting to read about that. It's a good way to pass the time before the drill.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
About This Page: 
Open Boarding seems like a good idea and hope they have that for my cruise. 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
What are they and are they enforced? Not sure, if I want to bring a jacket and tie for my cruise, but just may go with khaki's and dress shirts! 
Got to think about the finances, but may do one day. Got to do a lot of thinking on this venture! 
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
