The question came up of...how much $$$ did this 5-day Xmas cruise cost, since it was 'bought' with Disney Vacation Club points (356 of them)
Well, based on the 3 and 4 day holiday cruises in 2013 I figured that this 5-day Xmas cruise cost over $2700/2 for the Standard Inside Stateroom.
And, using the same basis, a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom w/Verandah would have cost over $3100/2, or $633/night, or about $400 more than the Standard Inside Stateroom
So my Christmas 'gift' to Allyn was about $1,350, and we split the parking and tolls and gas.
But what really brought this question up was the fact that night 2 into the cruise (late Monday night), Allyn forgot his key to the room and while at the front desk he asked if there was an extra room available for him since he was having trouble sleeping (excitement) and having a roaring bear (me snoring) in the room wasn't helping...fortunately they did (?!?) and Allyn moved right into a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom w/Verandah for only a paltry $350 fee...for a room worth over $3100 (or $633/night). So for about the cost of a room upgrade, yey 'we' got a whole 2nd room for 4 nights of the cruise. WHAT A SCORE!!!
So now not only did I still have a buddy to enjoy my trip with, we both had our own private rooms and he had a room he could smoke from...so as Allyn said, it was win-win...and I will note this move for a future cruise.
Considering that and other things It would be hard to write a trip report that anyone would believe but here is a brief report...BELIEVE IT OR NOT
We arrived at the terminal early (~9:40am), waiting behind 1 family to get in (10:30ish), however when we were finally let in, there were already many cruisers there (?!?). My gold status popped me right up to check-in person, however our boarding number was 37 (?!?) so we didn't board the ship until about 12:45pm:-( I guess all the bus loads of Disney cruisers were let in before us, which doesn't seem fair since our $90 for parking is paying for the place?!?
While in the terminal I recognized
Alan Kalter (from the David Letterman show) and he and his wonderful wife were happy to take some pictures with us. He even remembered my name when I bumped into him that evening during dinner.
After we got on-board changed our dining schedule to match the excellent head waiter I had on my last cruise (Alex), so we were now Royal Palace, Animator, Animator, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace. Replacing Alex's drink waiter was a very beautiful woman, 'nuff said...we were both VERY HAPPY...food was marvelous the entire trip.
Allyn, who couldn't sleep Saturday night before the trip, had trouble getting to sleep Sunday night, and despite the ear plugs the roaring bear (me) made it even more difficult. He did manage to get about 4 hours of sleep in the afternoon after running around Nassau, before getting his own room that night.
Allyn, normally was up early each day to watch the ship dock, and hit the exercise room while I slept in waiting for breakfast or lunch to occur.
Christmas morning (sea day) I was a bit disappointed that Santa wasn't giving out presents (he gave out Disney calenders 3 years ago)...all I got from him was a painful groan as I jumped up and down on his lap;-) At lunch Allyn and I attended a singles lunch that was dominated by guys (geez) and 2 beautiful perky...crew members. That night at dinner, I also recognized Megyn Price from Rules of Engagement at the table next to us. Allyn recognized her as well and remembered her name. Allyn, enjoyed Castaway Cay, especially the barbecue.
On Wednesday, I attended my 4th DVC meeting (the 1st was for members) to 1) try to win a $300 on-board credit and 2) learn everything about my membership...turned out that the 4th time was a charm and I won the $300 credit for the day, which covered all my expenses/activities for the cruise. Allyn, lucked into an open slot to para-sail and had a blast...what an experience. Pirate Night was fun, with a party buffet afterwards in Cabanas (the only time I ate there), I lounged on the deck and watched the Pirates of the Caribbean...again...what a great movie (as the all were)! Magyn didn't show up for dinner.
On Thursday, I attended the final Bingo session and won $388 (the biggest of the non-jackpot payoffs), which I came home with (with just one bingo machine which was 'financed' by the DVC credit).
OVERALL, Allyn and I got along great socially despite our many differences, the crew was magnificent, the food was amazing, the weather was perfect.
As we left, I ran into Megyn again as her little girl 'played' with the on-board Magician (who was amazing) as they waited in line to leave the ship...unlike Colter, Megyn wasn't very friendly at all...not that we wanted to disturb her vacation at all, which we didn't, but not a glance or a passing Hi or a wave...still love her, though, and just knowing she was on-board was a kick.
