Disney Magic Back in LA 2008

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Vegas...

Eh, gambling in Vegas is depressing. Not that it stops me when I'm there, but there's something wholly different about wandering bleary-eyed out of a casino in the middle of the night to miles of neon and heat vs. getting up from the table to go stare at the moon reflecting off the ocean for a while.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Eh, gambling in Vegas is depressing. Not that it stops me when I'm there, but there's something wholly different about wandering bleary-eyed out of a casino in the middle of the night to miles of neon and heat vs. getting up from the table to go stare at the moon reflecting off the ocean for a while.

I can understand that.

[Prudence]

My husband is obsessed with that damn quarter machine where you plunk in $100 to win a $5 wrapped around 3 $1s. And then he gets seriously cranky. I'd be thrilled to be on a cruise with no opportunity for quarter machine obsession.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

But put me in the middle of the ocean, and that magically gets shut off. I don't care what I'm doing or what I'm not doing or what I could be doing. All I care about is making sure I know exactly what food is available at what hours and when sunset is so I don't miss it.

I love that. Especially how servers usually learn within a couple days how you take your coffee or other drinks and have them waiting for you without even having to ask. On our honeymoon, our stateroom hostess even noted what time we'd usually wake in the morning, so she didn't disturb us until way after then.

It's like I tip them to think for me.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by CoasterMatt

I'd probably go crazy on a cruise...

You're already there!

[Morrigoon]

I'd like to do one of those cruises to Antarctica one of these days. But I doubt I'll get there this decade.

[Not Afraid]

So, today, I'm all about taking this cruise.

Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer.

[Alex]

If you're going as a group of people I'd recommend maybe having everybody kick in a bit extra towards getting one part of the party into one of the larger suites that you have somewhere largerish to hang privately if the mood strikes (and a very nice balcony).

Deciding who actually gets to sleep there might be difficult though (draw straws).

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

So, today, I'm all about taking this cruise.

Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer.

And I'm going to post some more pictures tomorrow.

[Morrigoon]

Hey! Someone has info about shore excursions! Looks like they're probably using the last repo's info, because they're not promising that these are accurate, but hey, wouldn't be surprised if it's damn close to what's offered!

Cabo San Lucas
*Note - These excursions are only a representation of what you can expect for this port of call. These excursions have not been made official.
Excursions:

Cabo Beach Break (4 - 4.5 hours)
Meeting Time: 8:05am
A 15 minute ride brings you to the Beach Club Resort. You can relax on a lounge chair under the shade of the colorful umbrellas along the shoreline. While you enjoy your day in the sun and surf, you'll get two complimentary beverages at the beachfront bar as well as tasty chips, guacamole and salsa. You can rent boogie boards, sailboats, banana boats or parasail. (NOTE: Water sports activities are rented/hired at your own risk.) You'll have two and a half hours at this beachside resort before taking the 15 minute ride back to the shop. You can choose to be dropped off in town for some shopping or if you prefer, you can walk the mile from the beach back to the pier.
Prices: $39.00 (ages 10 & up), $22.00 (ages 3 - 9)

Cabo Del Sol Golf Outing (6.5 - 7 hours)
Meeting Time: 7:45am
You'll take a 30 minute ride to the Desert Course at Cabo Del Sol. This challenging 7,097 yard par 72 course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. When you arrive, you'll be provided with a cart and bottled water. There's a beverage cart if you wish to purchase snacks and other beverages. Clubs are available for rent. After you've enjoyed 5 hours on the course, you'll take the 30 minute trip back to the ship.
Price: $159.00 (ages 10 & up)

Scuba Diving Odyssey (2.5 - 3 hours)
Meeting Time: 9:25am, 12:30pm
A diver's paradise awaits you. You'll start with a 10 minute ride to the dive shop for instruction and equipment. From here, you'll be transported via a skiff for the 1 hour, 35 minute scuba session. You'll discover the incredible marine life found in the Sea of Cortes and San Lucas Bay. Your one tank dive takes you to depths of 25 to 100 feet. Upon completing your dive, complimentary beverages will be served during your return trip to the dive shop. A 10 minute trip back to the ship follows.
NOTE: You must produce a current dive certification card to participate. You must have completed a dive in the past 12 months. The dive site will be determined by prevailing weather conditions.
Price: $79.00 (ages 12 & up)

Cabo San Lucas Sportfishing Excursion (5.5 - 6 hours)
Meeting Time: 7:45am
A 28 foot cabin cruiser will take you on your sports fishing adventure. When you reach your prime fishing spot, the crew will rig lines and trail lures. If a fish takes the bait, guests will have the opportunity to catch "the big one" while reeling it in from the fishing chair. Beverages and a box lunch are included. After your 3 ½ hour fishing expedition, the trip back to the pier will take 45 minutes.
NOTE: Any billfish caught are required to be released. Included in your fee is the cost of a Mexican fishing license. A customary tip of $5.00 to $10.00 per person is not included.
Price: $169.00 (ages 12 & up)

Beachside Horseback Riding (3 - 3.5 hours)
Meeting Time: 7:35am, 9:25am, 11:45am
This unforgettable experience begins with a 10 minute ride to the Villa del Palmar Hotel. While here you'll receive instructions before mounting your horse for you beachside excursion. As you trot along the waters of the Sea of Cortez, you'll enjoy incredible views of the majestic Cabo San Lucas Bay, the renowned Los Arcos rock formations as well as the wildlife and cacti found in this region. Following your ride, there's a 45 minute beach break. Be sure to bring your swimsuit if you want to head in the surf. Complimentary beverages are served. Next you will take the 10 minute ride back to the ship, with an optional drop-off downtown for shopping and touring. (The ship is a 20 minute walk away if you choose the latter.)
NOTE: You must be in good physical condition and weigh less than 240 pounds to participate. Long pants and closed toe shoes are recommended.
Price: $75.00 (ages 10 & up)

Harbor Cruise & Scenic Drive (3 - 3.5 hours)
Meeting Time: 8:45am
The spectacular scenery is one of the many highlights of this excursion. You'll start with a 40 minute catamaran ride to the tip of the longest peninsula in the world. As you sail to your destination, you'll pass unspoiled beaches, incredible rock formations which include the renowned Los Arcos and beautiful luxury resorts. While you enjoy your complimentary beverage, you'll hear a narrative by J.M. Cousteau relaying the history of Baja California and describing the main points of interest in this region. After your catamaran trip, you'll take a 20 minute drive to Giorgio's Restaurant. High on a cliff top, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Land's End, Los Arcos and the Bay of Cabo San Lucas while being served a complimentary beverage. From here, there's a 20 minute ride back to the ship, with an optional drop-off downtown for shopping and touring. (The ship is a 20 minute walk away if you choose the latter.)
NOTE: The order of this excursion may vary.
Price: $36.00 (ages 10 & up), $25.00 (ages 3 - 9)

Chileno Bay Snorkeling Adventure (4 -4.5 hours)
Meeting Time: 7:40am
You'll cruise aboard the state-of-the art 65 foot "Tropicat" catamaran. Once you embark on your 45 minute journey to Chileno Bay, you'll pass a sea lion colony, Lover's Beach and Los Arcos at Land's End. Once you arrive, you'll drop anchor and begin your hour of snorkeling. (Instructions and equipment are provided.) Chileno Bay's reef is home to a variety of vibrant marine life including manta rays, parrotfish, angelfish and Moorish idols that dwell amongst the colorful corals. During the 1 hour and 10 minute return trip, complimentary beverages and snacks are served.
Prices: $59.00 (ages 10 & up), $36.00 (ages 5 - 9)

Baja Mountain Biking (2.5 - 3 hours)
Meeting Time: 9:25am, 11:55am
You'll explore the Baja California desert on this unforgettable excursion. After a 15 minute ride, you'll arrive at the start point where you'll receive instructions and safety equipment before leaving on your guided tour. As you go along the 2.6 mile trail, your helpful guide will describe the plants and wildlife that are native to this region. You'll see stately saguaro cacti and the glistening waters of the Pacific along the shoreline. A complimentary beverage is provided. Following your bike tour, there's a 15 minute return trip to the ship, with an optional drop-off downtown for shopping and touring. (The ship is a 20 minute walk away if you choose the latter.)
NOTE: You must be age 10 or over to participate. The maximum weight limit is 200 pounds. Closed toed shoes are required and you must wear the safety helmet that is provided.
Price: $79.00 (ages 10 & up)

Los Arcos Sea Kayak & Snorkel (2.5 - 3 hours)
Meeting Time: 9:20am
Your adventure begins with a 5 minute water taxi ride to the launch site. You'll receive instructions, bottled water and safety gear before embarking in your 2 person sea kayak. This 25 minute portion of the tour guides you through the Cabo San Lucas Bay past Los Arcos and to Lover's Beach where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean meet. While here, you'll have 45 minutes of incomparable snorkeling before paddling to Medano Beach. Your tour concludes with a 5 minute water taxi ride back to the pier.
NOTE: You must be in good physical condition and over the age of 10 to participate. The maximum weight allowance is 250 pounds. Weather can be a factor in determining your kayak route.
Price: $45.00 (ages 10 & up)

(More to come below...)