Aug. 21, 2004 Eastern Magic check in list

[Credit Man]

Andy, I am certainly in favor of, and looking forward to meeting at the Raddison on Friday. A meet and greet on the ship is also a great idea.
I have also heard of some doing a Palo Brunch meet. Does anyone think that is a good idea, and know how to arrange it?

[Verandah Man]

We had a Brunch meet at Palo on our cruise in August, we were given the private room, it got a little warm in there, but once the fans were turned off it wasn't that bad. If we have any cruisers that have a Cat. 3 or above, and would want to schedule a brunch for our group that would be great, otherwise, someone would have to set up the brunch ressie once onboard. What is needed is everyone's last name and cabin number to make the ressie. We had 13 meet for our brunch, ours was on Thursday morning at 10:30.

[denise5374]

That sounds like agreat idea for Friday night at the Radisson. We haven't decided how wee are getting to Florida I have booked rooms at the Hyatt-airport and the Radisson. I am leaning toward the Radisson but anyway I regress.....

I am also up for a meet onboard(or brunch??)...I am easy but don't let that get around!!! Seriously, anything is fine with me...I am on vacation!!!!!

I don't have a Cat 3 so I don't think I can help with the arrangements for brunch but if I can do anything else I would be happy to.

[Verandah Man]

What we did last year was, I went and made the ressies for the brunch, then went back to our cabin and my DW called and left voice mail messages for everyone on their cabin phones letting them know what day and time the brunch ressies were for. It was quite easy and went very fast to get the brunch ressie. When the time gets closer for the cruise, we can put a post out asking who all would be interested in a brunch meeting, then all we would need would be cabin numbers and names of those interested.

[Maleficent59]

Happy 2004! I hope you all are staying warm!

Since we are on the West Coast, we won't be joining you for your mini-meet. Hope you all find a location and time! We'll be there in spirit.

Will most likely also miss the meet at the Radisson so we will have to catch up with you at the terminal or on-board. Of course, I can always call Andy and talk to everyone on his cell phone! :D My preference would be an earlier meet (as opposed to one later in the week) so we can say hello and put faces to names!

From past experience, I would also suggest more than one "DIS meet." That way, those who miss one of the times has another opportunity to meet. For example, we had some who didn't want to miss the sail-away party so we didn't see them after the safety drill (Jennifer - was that your family?!). :) Brunch excluded the kids. We had a group photo on formal night (Hannosmom came up with the great idea for a formal photo since we were all decked out) and it was last minute word of mouth so we heard from several people afterwards that they were sorry they missed it.

Can't say how much we enjoyed running into DIS folk on-board, at DIS meets, on shore excursions and in general, EVERYWHERE! This is a great group of folks! ::yes::

See you real soon! -Sarah

[Maleficent59]

Any kids interested in a Valentine's card exchange? Thought this might be a good way to have them start getting to know each other before the cruise.

My daughter is 7 and would love to do it!

Please let me know and I can coordinate names, ages and addresses on a list (and email out to the participants)! Thanks!

[Colestat]

Andy - I received the card and magnet today - Thankyou so much. My kids love it.

[disney3144]

Originally posted by Maleficent59

From past experience, I would also suggest more than one "DIS meet." That way, those who miss one of the times has another opportunity to meet. For example, we had some who didn't want to miss the sail-away party so we didn't see them after the safety drill (Jennifer - was that your family?!). :)
See you real soon! -Sarah

No Sarah, that was not us. We made it to the meet. However, we did miss the photo on formal night. :( Actually I didn't even know it took place until just now.:rolleyes:

I'm definatley up for the meet at the Radisson and one on board!
I am so ready for this trip. It's to cold!!

Jennifer

[Verandah Man]

Let the planning begin!!! For those who would like to have a DIS Brunch Meet at Palo, I will start keeping a list and add it to my website with the cruise list and photos. What I need for the ressie is names and cabin numbers. If you don't have a cabin number, give me your name now, and you can add your cabin number later. I know some people don't get their cabin number until they get their documents.

I will start the list off:

Andy and Hazel Walters #2118

[Credit Man]

Count us in for the Brunch.

Michael and Vicki Mednick #2103

[Verandah Man]

The DISmeet Palo Brunch List (http://www.verandahman.com/82104cruiselist.htm) has now been added, why not sign up and join us for a Palo Brunch DISmeet.

[Colestat]

Count us in for the brunch.
Sue and Tracy Cole - Room ???

[denise5374]

Count us in for brunch:

Denise and Rex Fields #2128

AND

Sarah,
My kids DS7 and DD11 would love to do the Valentines Card exchange. Let me know if I can help.......

Have a great weekend!!!

[Verandah Man]

Here is our Brunch List so far, not bad since we just started it this morning.

DISmeet Palo Brunch List

Andy and Hazel Walters--cabin #2118

Michael and Vicki Mednick--cabin #2103

Sue and Tracy Cole--waiting for cabin assignment

Denise and Rex Fields #2128

Scott and Stacy Keehner--cabin #7622

Jennifer and Joe O'Brien--cabin #8540 (Honeymoon Cruise)

Dan and Linda Blinn--cabin #2022

Sarah Lai--cabin #

[disney3144]

Count us in for Brunch
Jennifer and Joe O'Brien
Cabin #8540

Jennifer

[dannyb]

Andy: count us in:

Dan and Linda Blinn #2022

Thanks!

ps: This is on Sunday, right?

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by dannyb
Andy: count us in:

Dan and Linda Blinn #2022

Thanks!

ps: This is on Sunday, right?


I'm going to try and schedule the brunch for Sunday if I can get the ressie in early. Last year we had to take Thursday morning at 10:30 for our brunch. From what I understand, brunch is only served on sea days. Once we have the ressie date and time, Hazel will call each stateroom and let eveyone know when the brunch is scheduled for.

[denise5374]

Thnaks, Andy, once agaion for all you do!!

Have a great day!!!

[dannyb]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
I'm going to try and schedule the brunch for Sunday if I can get the ressie in early. Last year we had to take Thursday morning at 10:30 for our brunch. From what I understand, brunch is only served on sea days. Once we have the ressie date and time, Hazel will call each stateroom and let eveyone know when the brunch is scheduled for.

Thanks!! Should be great

Dan

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by dannyb
Thanks!! Should be great

Dan


I hope we have as much fun with our brunch this coming August as we had in August 2003. This photo was taken of our DISmeet Brunch in the private room at Palo this past August. We had 13 of us gathered together, we were there for just about two hours.

http://www.verandahman.com/palo%20group%20photo.jpg
DISmeet Brunch at Palo--August 2003

[Maleficent59]

Since we're on the Eastern, we should have 3 possible brunch days: Sunday, Monday & Thursday. Thanks for organizing this Andy & Hazel! Can't wait to meet new friends and see familiar faces!

LY, MI! -Sarah

P.S. Look out everyone! Andy has a new camera! I can't imagine him taking more photos than he did last year, but he bought extra memory cards! :earseek:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
Since we're on the Eastern, we should have 3 possible brunch days: Sunday, Monday & Thursday. Thanks for organizing this Andy & Hazel! Can't wait to meet new friends and see familiar faces!

LY, MI! -Sarah

P.S. Look out everyone! Andy has a new camera! I can't imagine him taking more photos than he did last year, but he bought extra memory cards! :earseek:


Yes, I bought myself an extra 256MB smart media card for my new camera, plus I can still bring my old digital camera as long as well, I have 4 smart media cards for that camera. Gee, can I take more than the 440+ photos I took last August??? LOL!!!

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

[denise5374]

Andy,

What kind of Digital Cemra do you have? I am looking to purchase a new one and am looking for suggestions......

Thanks, Denise

[Verandah Man]

I have a FugiFilm FinePix A210 3.2 mega pixel that I bought off of QVC a few weeks ago.

[Maleficent59]

Hi Denise! There was a discussion on the budget board a while back regarding digital cameras (and also one on photo printers - can't seem to find that thread):

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=473673

Friends referred me to the following sites when I was researching digital cameras several months ago (I bought a Minolta F300):

http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.dcresource.com/

Have fun and good luck with your search!

-Sarah

[Maleficent59]

Gee, can I take more than the 440+ photos I took last August??? LOL!!!

YES!!! :rotfl:

I'm having lots of fun playing with photo software. DH took lots of photos at the Tuluum Ruins on one of our cruises last year and I finally figured out how to use the panoramic feature on our photo software to merge photos (both landscape and portrait) to compose seamless panoramic shots. Waaay cool! I will be buying more memory cards for our upcoming cruise so I can take lots of photos to merge them!

[denise5374]

Sarah, Thanks for the info. I have frequented those sites VERY often! Now I am gathering opinions for real people who use the cameras.... I am looking at the FujiS5000 and was recently recommended the Minolta z1. I need a camera with a lot of zoom(or the ability to attach lenses) because I mainly take pictures of my kids during various activities and I am not always close enough to the action...so that's where I am now.

And, just like planning DCL I OVER-analyze everything before I make a decision...I have been debating the new camera thing for months now.....it took my 8 months to buy the first one!!! I sometimes wish I could be more impulsive!!!:p

[Verandah Man]

What a beautiful site to behold as we are waiting for 4-8 inches of snow starting this afternoon. How I wish I were sailing away right now myself. This pic was taken from the Two Palms cam on Saturday 1-24-04. Seven more months to go for the San Juan Sojourners Cruise!!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/552/62Magic_two_palms_1-24-04.jpg
Disney Magic January 24, 2004

[disney3144]

She is a beautiful ship!
Waiting for the snow to start here also. (I'm hoping for a day off from work.;) )

Jennifer

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by disney3144
She is a beautiful ship!
Waiting for the snow to start here also. (I'm hoping for a day off from work.;) )

Jennifer

If it gets too bad, I might be taking a vacation day on Monday. I had enough slipping and sliding walking around last week.

[denise5374]

Well...We got the snow and I just slipped and slided my way into work!!!

Only 7 more months.......Oh...I can't wait!!!

[Verandah Man]

I just received an e-mail from NYDisneylover who are on our cruise list for August 2004, they had to cancel, please read the message below:


Andy,

We have some good news and some bad news... the bad news is that we had to cancel the cruise for August....but, the good news is we are having a baby my due date is July 25, 2004.

Stacy, Scott & Brittany

[Maleficent59]

Congratulations NYDisneylover !

[denise5374]

Congratulations NYDisneyLover!!! Good luck to you!!!:grouphug:

[disney3144]

Congrats NYDisneyLover!! Best wishes to you and your family!

Jennifer

[dannyb]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
Any kids interested in a Valentine's card exchange? Thought this might be a good way to have them start getting to know each other before the cruise.

My daughter is 7 and would love to do it!

Please let me know and I can coordinate names, ages and addresses on a list (and email out to the participants)! Thanks!

My two little ones got a couple of cards from some real "characters" today - - whoever I have to thank for that - -

THANK YOU! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[lalapodip]

My kids got special Valentines today, too - THANK YOU!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[Colestat]

My kids received valentines also. They were thrilled.


THANKYOU

THANKYOU

THANKYOU

[Credit Man]

200 days, all!! The countdown continues.

[denise5374]

200 days and SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!!!!! Who believes a groundhog anyway???:teeth: :teeth:

[Verandah Man]

Yea!!! Another milestone, 200 days and counting!!!!! We've made through January, the coldest January in 22 years here in our area.

60 days until our Spring Break trip to Florida!!!:wave2::sunny: :wave2: :hyper: :wave2: ::yes:: :wave2::sunny:

[denise5374]

199 days...199 days....199 days!!!!!199days...199days....199 days!!!!!

That sounds so much closer than 200 days.:jumping1:

[jennyl772003]

Wow, I hadn't realized it was already under 200 days! Time is sure flying! It is something to hold on to, especially since we are supposed to be getting 5-7 inches of snow tonight!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jennyl772003
Wow, I hadn't realized it was already under 200 days! Time is sure flying! It is something to hold on to, especially since we are supposed to be getting 5-7 inches of snow tonight!

Hi jennyl772003,

Would you like to be added to our 8-21-04 Cruise List? Take a look at my website and see who some of your fellow cruisers will be, San Juan Sojourners 8-21-04 Cruise List and Photos (http://www.verandahman.com/82104cruiselist.htm)

[jennyl772003]

You sure can add us to your list! It is going to be me (Jenny), my hubby Josh, and our will then be 7 your old son Bailey. We are going to be celebrating our one year anniversary. (we were married last summer on Castaway Cay) I have pictures, but I don't know how to post them :(

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jennyl772003
You sure can add us to your list! It is going to be me (Jenny), my hubby Josh, and our will then be 7 your old son Bailey. We are going to be celebrating our one year anniversary. (we were married last summer on Castaway Cay) I have pictures, but I don't know how to post them :(


If you can e-mail me your family photo at apwalters55@comcast.net then I can add the photo to the 8-21-04 cruise list photo gallery.

[denise5374]

Hi Jenny,

Welcome to the 8/21/04 cruisers!! I look forward to meeting you and your family.

Take a look at Andy(verandahman) web site and you can see who all is with us.

Enjoy the snow, we are getting LOTS OF RAIN here in PA today!:umbrella:

[Verandah Man]

I added two families to our cruise list on Thursday night, along with Jenny's family, DH Josh and DS Bailey age 7, I have added Steve (steverog) and Mary Rogers and their DS Thomas age 3, and their DD Chloe age 2. I don't know if I'm supposed to be announcing this or not, but Mary will be celebrating her 40th Birthday on 8-22-04.

Also, I found out that Jenny and her husband Josh will be celebrating their 1st Wedding Anniversary during our cruise, they wewe married last summer on Castaway Cay. Congrats to Josh and Jenny.

Now all we need are family photos of these two families to add to our cruise list photo gallery.

[Gayle17]

Hi everyone

I just found this message board. We will be on this cruise as well.

It will be me, (Gayle - 48) my sister (Heidi 36), and my daughter (Heather 24). This is going to be a girls only trip. I am very excited as I have never been on a cruise before.


Gayle

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Gayle17
Hi everyone

I just found this message board. We will be on this cruise as well.

It will be me, (Gayle - 48) my sister (Heidi 36), and my daughter (Heather 24). This is going to be a girls only trip. I am very excited as I have never been on a cruise before.


Gayle

Welcome to the DIS and to the 8-21-04 San Juan Sojourners Cruise, I will add you to our cruise list. If you like you can add a photo to our cruise list photo gallery, you can send that along to me and I will include it. If you haven't done so already, you can go to my website and click on 8-21-04 Cruise List (http://www.verandahman.com/82104cruiselist.htm) and see who some of your fellow DIS'ers are who will be cruising with you. I will be adding your names in shortly. We are all looking forward to a MAGICal cruise!!!

[disney3144]

Welcome Gayle17!! Glad to have you aboard!

Jennifer

[Gayle17]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am not sure I have a digital picture of the 3 of us together but I will check, if not we will have to take one and send it to you.

You can add us on to your brunch - that sounds like fun.

I am so excited about this trip - I can't wait.



:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Gayle

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Gayle17
Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am not sure I have a digital picture of the 3 of us together but I will check, if not we will have to take one and send it to you.

You can add us on to your brunch - that sounds like fun.

I am so excited about this trip - I can't wait.



:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Gayle

Hi Gayle,

I will need your last names and cabin number (if you have one assigned) for the Palo Brunch ressie. You can either send me a PM or you can e-mail me the info at apwalters55@comcast.net

Thanks,

Andy

[Verandah Man]

I've added some new names and a new photo to our 8-21-04 cruise list. Also added some more names for our DISmeet Palo Brunch. Check out the latest additions at Verandah Man's Website (http://www.verandahman.com/index.htm) and click on the 8-21-04 Cruise List in the left hand column the homepage.

[Marcotta]

ANDY!!!!

Add us to the cruise list AND the brunch!
I haven't been on the boards for so long, I guess I forgot to tell you! :D

My that Maleficent - sure is convincing huh?

Scott

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Marcotta
ANDY!!!!

Add us to the cruise list AND the brunch!
I haven't been on the boards for so long, I guess I forgot to tell you! :D

My that Maleficent - sure is convincing huh?

Scott


Hi Scott,

I sure will do that!!! Yes, that Maleficent59 is one convincing lady!!! I will need your last names and cabin number for the Palo Brunch ressie.

[disney3144]

Originally posted by Marcotta

Add us to the cruise list AND the brunch!
I haven't been on the boards for so long, I guess I forgot to tell you! :D

My that Maleficent - sure is convincing huh?

Scott

I'm so glad to have you and Don with us again!

Jennifer:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[buzzdad100]

Hey, all. Finally putting together our travel plans.

After a non-stop 21 hour drive from New York during the blackout, we decided to head down to Florida a few days early this year. I have seen some information about the new Ron Jon Caribe resort near the port. Anyone know anything about it? Hear anything good or bad?

Thanks

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by buzzdad100
Hey, all. Finally putting together our travel plans.

After a non-stop 21 hour drive from New York during the blackout, we decided to head down to Florida a few days early this year. I have seen some information about the new Ron Jon Caribe resort near the port. Anyone know anything about it? Hear anything good or bad?

Thanks

I haven't heard anything about this new resort, but I'll see if I can get some info from Shirley.

Would you like to be added to our cruise list? I remember from an earlier post that you have 5 people in your group.

We will be driving down ourselves this year. My DD's friend will "NOT" fly. The drive doesn't bother me, we usually stop in Lumberton, NC the first night, then will arrive at the Radisson Friday afternoon 8/20. We have a large group getting together for a DISmeet Palo Brunch, you are more than welcome to join us if you like. If you check out my website www.verandahman.com you will see the cruise list and some photos of our fellow DIS'ers that will be cruising on 8-21-04.

[denise5374]

Welcome to the 8/21/04 San Juan Sojourners!! Since Andy filled you in on all the details...I will just say Hi!!!:wave2:

[Maleficent59]

My that Maleficent - sure is convincing huh?
Yes, that Maleficent59 is one convincing lady!!!

Scott & Andy: Are you talking about me when I'm not around?! :hyper: This is going to be a really fun cruise! :bounce: We can't wait to meet some of you and see "old" friends!

Buzzdad100, were you on the 11:15 Captain Marvin's trip on the August 16th cruise? I hope we see you on this sailing!

I hope you all are staying warm on the East Coast!

Best, Sarah

[denise5374]

Sarah,

We are having a heat wave here in PA....42 degrees today!!

Only 192 days to go.........When will Winter end??:scratchin

[Maleficent59]

Denise: Yikes! It's 61 degrees with 23 MPH winds here. Everyone is saying how cold it is! We live in Southern Cal - we're cold weather wimps! :p

[Verandah Man]

We're up to 49 degrees right now at 4:30pm in South Jersey, where did I pack my bathing suit and t-shirts? LOL!!!

[Marcotta]

Originally posted by disney3144
I'm so glad to have you and Don with us again!

Jennifer:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Jennifer -

We are thrilled to be joining you all again too! We'll have to make up for missed ressies! More exciting - we'll get to celebrate the newlyweds!!! (If they ever leave the stateroom!). I can hear a BIG toast coming on....

Sarah - When are you NOT around??? Hey, it's all for the best right?

Andy - I will get you that information

denise5374 - Hello to you too :wave: and thanks for the warm welcome!

Looks like I need to do some updating of my signature lines and get that countdown clock going...:crazy:

[Maleficent59]

Sarah - When are you NOT around???
When I'm sailing on DCL or visiting one of the parks! :teeth: Scott, the munchkin is sooo excited that you and Donald will be on this sailing! She was talking about it all the way to school this morning! I wouldn't be surprised if she told all her friends!

Will anyone be spending a few days before the cruise at WDW? We haven't finalized our plans (okay, we've haven't really thought about it!). Anyone have any ideas about excursions? I'll ask my neighbor if he has any recommendations for San Juan. He used to live there. :D

[Colestat]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
We're up to 49 degrees right now at 4:30pm in South Jersey, where did I pack my bathing suit and t-shirts? LOL!!!

It was a beautiful day 46 degrees in North Jersey today. Maybe the groundhog was wrong. Can't hurt to dream.

[Credit Man]

We will not be at WDW before the cruise, however, we are spending the week after the cruse there. Staying at BWV.

[denise5374]

Unfortunately, we are only doing the cruise this time..with the exception of going to Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville at Citywalk the Saturday we disembark.

Hey all Winter in back in SE Pennsylvania, very blustery here today!!!:upsidedow

[Marcotta]

Well, I had promised Don that we wouldn't be doing the parks this time around - just the cruise and we'll save the parks for the Christmas 2005 cruise but I don't know that I can resist temptation. For now, just the cruise, no parks.

Sarah - I can picture Ashleen talking about it like you said, all the way to school and back again. It will be so nice to see her again, she always brings a smile to our faces!!:teeth:

[Gayle17]

We are only doing the cruise also. We just did a big 10 day trip right after Xmas through New Years. My sister and daughter can only take a week off at this time of year so I guess I will just have to make a separate trip down to Disney before the year is up if I can convince dh. He is not a Disney fan and we have done 2 trips in the last 2 years. I think he is about done for awhile lol

Gayle

[Maleficent59]

I did a little exploring on the web and found some sites regarding San Juan. The following excursions seem to be popular:

New & Old San Juan City Tour
Old San Juan Walking Tour
El Yunque Rain Forest Tour
Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour
Horseback Riding
Kayak Adventure
Rio Camuy Caves Park

If there are excursion(s) a number of us are interested in, perhaps we could consider chartering something or arranging for a group discount. We had a large group of DIS folks on the Captain Marvin's Stingray excursion last time. If we had chartered the boat, we could have saved some $. I am going to run these excursions by our friends to get recommendations.

Here are some sites for hard core planners.

General information about San Juan:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanjuan/outline.html
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml


General excursion information:
http://www.soulofamerica.com/isldfldr/sanjuan11.html
http://www.dynamictravel.com/excursions/eastcarib.htm
http://www.shoretrips.com/common/search3.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=SJU


Some excursions offered by other cruise lines:
http://www.cruisenewsdaily.com/serccsju.html
http://www.rssc.com/ports/detail.jsp?region=S%20AMER&code=SJU
http://www.cruiseweb.com/NCL-PORTS-SANJUAN.HTM

Happy planning!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
I did a little exploring on the web and found some sites regarding San Juan. The following excursions seem to be popular:

New & Old San Juan City Tour
Old San Juan Walking Tour
El Yunque Rain Forest Tour
Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour
Horseback Riding
Kayak Adventure
Rio Camuy Caves Park

If there are excursion(s) a number of us are interested in, perhaps we could consider chartering something or arranging for a group discount. We had a large group of DIS folks on the Captain Marvin's Stingray excursion last time. If we had chartered the boat, we could have saved some $. I am going to run these excursions by our friends to get recommendations.

Here are some sites for hard core planners.

General information about San Juan:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanjuan/outline.html
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml


General excursion information:
http://www.soulofamerica.com/isldfldr/sanjuan11.html
http://www.dynamictravel.com/excursions/eastcarib.htm
http://www.shoretrips.com/common/search3.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=SJU


Some excursions offered by other cruise lines:
http://www.cruisenewsdaily.com/serccsju.html
http://www.rssc.com/ports/detail.jsp?region=S%20AMER&code=SJU
http://www.cruiseweb.com/NCL-PORTS-SANJUAN.HTM

Happy planning!


Thanks Sarah,

I think I'm going to check some of these out. I have to try and find something that two teen-age girls would enjoy doing, lucky me!!!

We won't be doing any of WDW during this trip either, as we are driving to and from Florida this August. We plan on arriving Friday afternoon on 8/20, then as soon as we get off the ship 8/28, we have to head north, I have to be back to work that following Monday morning.

Is it Spring yet???:wave2:

[Verandah Man]

Another family photo was added to the 8-21-04 cruise list photo gallery. (http://www.verandahman.com/82104cruiselist.htm)

To The Rogers Family, we welcome you aboard!!!

[disney3144]

We aren't doing the parks this time around either. We are going to be in FL. the day before, so maybe we can take a ride over to Downtown Disney for a bit of shopping.:p
We are taking another cruise in Dec. with the kids, so we are going to wait until then to do the parks.

Jennifer

[denise5374]

Actually, the horseback riding thing sounds kind of neat..any other takers. Keep in mind that I have never ridden a horse before...But there always a first time.

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
Actually, the horseback riding thing sounds kind of neat..any other takers. Keep in mind that I have never ridden a horse before...But there always a first time.

OMG, I will "NEVER" put my DW on a horse again the rest of my life, I on the other hand would love to go horse back riding!!!

[Credit Man]

Hey, Andy! Sounds like there is a horseback riding story to be told?

[denise5374]

Alright, Andy...SPILL IT!!!!::yes::

[Verandah Man]

I will share this story in a little bit, my mom just stopped by and I need to do some things on the computer for her. I shared with Hazel about the horse back riding excursion, and her remarks were, "NO WAY, NO HOW, NO WHERE!!!!!

[Marcotta]

Can't wait to hear this one.

Don and I would most likely jump at the chance to go Horseback riding again. We were really disappointed that it didn't fit into our time schedule on the last Aug. cruise

[Verandah Man]

About Hazel and "THE HORSE."

We were on a marriage enrichment retreat several year ago, and on Saturday afternoon of the retreat we were going on a trail ride. Now to set the scene, my wife is all of 4' 7" tall. She got on the (smallest) horse, but could still not reach the stirrups. As her horse started moving, Hazel started swaying from side to side, screaming the whole way, "I'm going to fall off, I'm going to fall off." For those who don't know my wife, she talks very loud to begin with. The trail ride lasted all of about 45 minutes, but it seemed like 3 hours to her. By the time the ride was over, nearly everyone that was riding, was about ready to wet themselves. It was one of those, you had to be there experiences. I wish I had it on video tape!!!

When we woke up Sunday morning, Hazel could hardly walk, it was like watching a cartoon of a bow-legged person just getting off a horse. The inside of both of her thighs, all the way to her knees, were completely black and blue from fighting the horse. It was then that Hazel said she would never get on a horse again!!!

As a matter of fact, Hazel has trouble with the horses on the merry-go-round at WDW, everytime we get on the merry-go-round, she brings up the ride of her life at the retreat!!!

So, when you see Hazel in August, make sure you invite her to go horse back riding, just wait and see what kind of response you get!!!

[Credit Man]

LOL, Andy. Sounds like Hazel is a good sport.

Happy Valentines Day, everyone!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Credit Man
LOL, Andy. Sounds like Hazel is a good sport.

Happy Valentines Day, everyone!


She is a RIOT, once you meet her, you will not forget her!!! Happy President's Weekend as well!!!

At least this year we aren't getting 21" of snow like last year on Presidents Weekend.

[denise5374]

Haviing never been on a real horse before that might be my experience as well:p . But what a good sport Hazel is!:teeth:

Happy Valentines Day to all!

Andy, the weekend isn't over yet and the way our winter has been going, anything is possible!!!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
Haviing never been on a real horse before that might be my experience as well:p . But what a good sport Hazel is!:teeth:

Happy Valentines Day to all!

Andy, the weekend isn't over yet and the way our winter has been going, anything is possible!!!

Hush, Hush, don't even think it!!! There are no storms in the forecast for this weekend, unless you consider Hazel taking Angelina clothes shopping today!!! Angelina is experiencing one of those growth spirts again!!! Our Federal and State Tax Returns were depositied into our checking account this morning, how amazing that Angelina needs new clothes this weekend??? LOL!!!

[denise5374]

Kids just seem to have that sixth sense about thing like that, don't they? I know how Hazel feel, I cringe at the thought of taking Brittany clothes shopping. I usually make my Mother do it, Brittany doesn't give as hard a time. and I hate shopping anyway, to me it is not a sport, it is something that needs to be done!!

I hope Hazel has fun!!:rolleyes:

[Maleficent59]

Oh - I love Andy and Hazel stories! They are really great folks who have wonderful senses of humor. So Andy - ready to go on another Banana Boat ride?! :rotfl:

Took DD shopping a couple of weekends ago; it was her second growth spurt in the past 6 months! Kids - they grow so fast! Have fun Hazel!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
Oh - I love Andy and Hazel stories! They are really great folks who have wonderful senses of humor. So Andy - ready to go on another Banana Boat ride?! :rotfl:

Took DD shopping a couple of weekends ago; it was her second growth spurt in the past 6 months! Kids - they grow so fast! Have fun Hazel!


Bring on the Banana Boat........my glasses however, will remain with Hazel on the beach!!!!! LOL!!!!!

[buzzdad100]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
Scott & Andy: Are you talking about me when I'm not around?! :hyper: This is going to be a really fun cruise! :bounce: We can't wait to meet some of you and see "old" friends!

Buzzdad100, were you on the 11:15 Captain Marvin's trip on the August 16th cruise? I hope we see you on this sailing!

I hope you all are staying warm on the East Coast!

Best, Sarah

We were on Cap't Marvin's trip. The mad trip down left us so rushed we really did not meet many other people.

Yeah, we are freezing ours off up here. Luckily, I just returned from a few days out in Southern California - enough to get the chill out of the bones.

[Marcotta]

That was just about the type of story I was expecting from you Andy! Picturing it happen makes it that much funnier - I can only imagine how funny it really was in person.

Happy Valentine's Day everybody and to those that have a 3 day weekend :snooty:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Marcotta
That was just about the type of story I was expecting from you Andy! Picturing it happen makes it that much funnier - I can only imagine how funny it really was in person.

Happy Valentine's Day everybody and to those that have a 3 day weekend :snooty:


I'm relishing a four day weekend!!!

We had off Friday for Lincoln's Birthday and have Monday off for Washington's Birthday.

Happy Valentine's Day All!!!

[disney3144]

Originally posted by Marcotta

Happy Valentine's Day everybody and to those that have a 3 day weekend :snooty:

Happy Valentine's Day right back at you. (I'm one of those people who is off on Monday.:tongue: )

Jennifer

[denise5374]

Well, as one of those who is working today, Happy Presidents Day! (although I count myself fortunate that I have a job to go to).

Have a great week, all!!!:teeth:

[Colestat]

Happy President's Day To ALL

[dannyb]

:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

We finally booked our flight down! I waited too long to use the frequent flyer miles, but at least we got the flights that we wanted. We're coming down early on Friday and will probably either go to Seaworld or perhaps to Kennedy Space Center - - we haven't been to either. We've also got a full day before our flight out on the return.

Now, we need to book a place to stay Friday night. If we go down to Cape Canaveral, any suggestions for places to stay near the ship? We'd love to stay at BWV, but we've got no points left! :crazy:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by dannyb
:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

We finally booked our flight down! I waited too long to use the frequent flyer miles, but at least we got the flights that we wanted. We're coming down early on Friday and will probably either go to Seaworld or perhaps to Kennedy Space Center - - we haven't been to either. We've also got a full day before our flight out on the return.

Now, we need to book a place to stay Friday night. If we go down to Cape Canaveral, any suggestions for places to stay near the ship? We'd love to stay at BWV, but we've got no points left! :crazy:


We have quite a few of our 8-21-04 cruisers staying at the Radisson Friday night, we will also be having a mini DISMeet around the Radisson pool Friday night. Hope to see you there!!!

[Colestat]

Hi,
I read on another post today that people who rebooked for any of the special itinerary cruises like ours (i.e. San Juan) gets a $400 stateroom credit instead of $200.

Is that for everybody or was it only being offered for a certain time period? I rebooked while on board the Wonder in December 2003 and I believe she told us we got a $200 stateroom credit.

I think I will have to call Disney tomorrow.

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Colestat
Hi,
I read on another post today that people who rebooked for any of the special itinerary cruises like ours (i.e. San Juan) gets a $400 stateroom credit instead of $200.

Is that for everybody or was it only being offered for a certain time period? I rebooked while on board the Wonder in December 2003 and I believe she told us we got a $200 stateroom credit.

I think I will have to call Disney tomorrow.


It was only offered for a "short" period of time. We rebooked on our cruise last August for this coming August and got the same deal, the only thing is, when we changed our ressie from cash to points, we lost the $400 stateroom credit.

[disney3144]

Originally posted by Colestat
Hi,
I read on another post today that people who rebooked for any of the special itinerary cruises like ours (i.e. San Juan) gets a $400 stateroom credit instead of $200.

Is that for everybody or was it only being offered for a certain time period? I rebooked while on board the Wonder in December 2003 and I believe she told us we got a $200 stateroom credit.

I think I will have to call Disney tomorrow.

Yes Colestat, it was only offered for a short period of time.

Jennifer

[Credit Man]

Good morning, all! Just resetting my e-mail notification to this thread.

[denise5374]

Less than 6 months away!!!!:jumping1: [SIZE=3]

[dannyb]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
We have quite a few of our 8-21-04 cruisers staying at the Radisson Friday night, we will also be having a mini DISMeet around the Radisson pool Friday night. Hope to see you there!!!

You will see us there -- just booked it. We are going to spend the day at the Space Center and get back to the Radisson by early evening. Should be a great time. :jester:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by dannyb
You will see us there -- just booked it. We are going to spend the day at the Space Center and get back to the Radisson by early evening. Should be a great time. :jester:


O.K. Dan, we'll meet up with you at the Radisson pool!!!

[Disneycrazymom]

We booked our trip last week!!!:teeth: It will be myself, DH,DS11,DD4, my parents and my grandfather. 2 cabins (7610/7608). My kids have never been on a cruise before and none of us have been on a Disney cruise, so we are all excited! I read through this entire thread this morning:eek:. Yep, didn't get much else done! Anyway it will be great to meet so many of you on the ship, or maybe even the night before at the Radisson. I can't believe how early many of you booked. It was fun to go through all the holidays as I read this morning.

My DS would like to get to know someone his age( 11) before the cruise. If anyone would like to be his e-mail pal PM me and I will give you our E-mail address. I noticed several kids around the 10-11-12 age group. Thanks!:wave2: I can't believe we are gong!::yes::

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Disneycrazymom
We booked our trip last week!!!:teeth: It will be myself, DH,DS11,DD4, my parents and my grandfather. 2 cabins (7610/7608). My kids have never been on a cruise before and none of us have been on a Disney cruise, so we are all excited! I read through this entire thread this morning:eek:. Yep, didn't get much else done! Anyway it will be great to meet so many of you on the ship, or maybe even the night before at the Radisson. I can't believe how early many of you booked. It was fun to go through all the holidays as I read this morning.

My DS would like to get to know someone his age( 11) before the cruise. If anyone would like to be his e-mail pal PM me and I will give you our E-mail address. I noticed several kids around the 10-11-12 age group. Thanks!:wave2: I can't believe we are gong!::yes::


Welcome, Welcome, Welcome to the San Juan Sojourners 8-21-04 Cruise!!! Come on all you San Juan Sojourners, give Disneycrazymom and nice warm welcome!!!

Hope to meet you at the Radisson the night before the cruise. We had a DISmeet there last year and it was a nice way to start off the cruise.

[Maleficent59]

A warm welcome to Disneycrazymom and family!

We look forward to getting to know you and your family on this thread and to meeting you onboard the Disney Magic! Feel free to post, send us email or PM if you have any questions.

Best, Sarah

[denise5374]

Welcome disneycrazymom and family! Looking forward to meeting you at the Radisson Friday night!!!

I have a DD11, don't know if they would like to meet before the cruise or not. She is into softball, soccer, basketball and spends her receses at school playing sports. I also have a DS7 who will be 8 on 8/29...if you think your DS would be interested in emailing...let me know....

Denise

[Credit Man]

Welcome Disneycrazymom. My son will be 12 by the time we cruise. I am sure he would be happy to correspond with your son before the cruise. He has been on two Disney cruises and considers himself a vet.

[disney3144]

Welcome Disneycrazymom!!! Glad to have you onboard with us.

Jennifer

[dannyb]

Originally posted by Disneycrazymom
We booked our trip last week!!!:teeth: It will be myself, DH,DS11,DD4, my parents and my grandfather. 2 cabins (7610/7608). My kids have never been on a cruise before and none of us have been on a Disney cruise, so we are all excited! I read through this entire thread this morning:eek:. Yep, didn't get much else done! Anyway it will be great to meet so many of you on the ship, or maybe even the night before at the Radisson. I can't believe how early many of you booked. It was fun to go through all the holidays as I read this morning.

My DS would like to get to know someone his age( 11) before the cruise. If anyone would like to be his e-mail pal PM me and I will give you our E-mail address. I noticed several kids around the 10-11-12 age group. Thanks!:wave2: I can't believe we are gong!::yes::

I sent you a PM with my 10 year old son's address. He is seriously into sports.

My 12 year old daughter is also interested in e-mailing a girl about her age. Her interests include dancing, music and socializing in general. :chat: She's not much into sports, though. princess: I'll be happy to PM her address.

Less than 6 more months to go - - wow! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[Disneycrazymom]

Wow! Thanks so much everyone. I will send out DS's e-mail address in PMs. They will have quite a nice little group of friends before we sail! DS is also into sports, especially hockey and soccer, and loves to talk about the parks too. What a nice group I will be sailing with! I am so looking forward to meeting all of you.:D

[dannyb]

Wow - no posts in a week! I don't think that's happened before.

Linda and I are leaving on a cruise next Saturday on the Celebrity Constellation. The ship departs from and returns to . . . . San Juan. We will be arriving at the ship probably about 1:00 pm, and the ship does not sail until 11:00 pm. So, we'll have some time to check it out. On the way back, we are going to have a lot of time before our flight back to Connecticut. We've signed up for an excursion to the Yanque Rainforest.

So, if anyone has any questions or wants me to try to check anything out in advance, let me know!

[Verandah Man]

Have a great trip Danny, I'd be interested in any info you could find on the horseback riding excursion on San Juan. Thanks!!!

[dannyb]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
Have a great trip Danny, I'd be interested in any info you could find on the horseback riding excursion on San Juan. Thanks!!!

That one could be tough, because I believe that most people doing San Juan excursions will be doing it on the last day after disembarkation, so I won't have much of a chance to speak with them afterwards.

There is a great website for all things cruise related - you will get lots of info on excursions at any port. www.cruisecritic.com

There are threads for various ships, threads very similar to this one for people going on the same cruise, and threads for various ports. You can also get info on booking excursions directly with vendors - - some of the better (and cheaper) ones are not through the cruise lines.

This is the thread re San Juan:

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=927093444&f=619097554

[Credit Man]

Good morning, all. My DD, Kristin, who will be turning 10 on the cruise, asked if I would make a request for her. She is looking for an e-mail pal who would be in the 10-12 age group on the cruise. Please PM me and I will send her e-mail address.
Thanks.

[lalapodip]

Mike -
I sent you a PM about my DD, Grace, who will be 11 at the time of the cruise! :sunny:

[denise5374]

Mike,

I sent you a PM with my dd email adde4ss. Brittany will be 11 on the cruise.

We cleared the 170 day mark!!!!!

[lalapodip]

Denise -

I sent you a PM too!

:sunny:

[Credit Man]

Thanks, everyone. Kristin will be thrilled!

[ClarabelleCow]

Checking in for cruise (thought I already did!!) My ds will be 4, he's not the problem! DD will almost be 12 (yuck), any almost 12 year old horse lovers out there!!!!

[Credit Man]

Welcome aboard Clarabelle Cow! My DD will be 10 on the cruise, and if that's not too young, is always looking for a new friend.

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by ClarabelleCow
Checking in for cruise (thought I already did!!) My ds will be 4, he's not the problem! DD will almost be 12 (yuck), any almost 12 year old horse lovers out there!!!!


Welcome Aboard!!! We have a DD 13, know what you are talking about!!! LOL!!! Have you checked out our cruise list and cruise photo gallery on my website. Go to the home page and look down the left hand column for 8-21-04 Cruise List, there you will see some of your fellow San Juan Sojourners cruise buddies.

If you e-mail me your snail mail address, I can send you a door magnet for the cruise.

[Verandah Man]

Alan (goingbacksoon) I sent you a PM could you please check your PM box, thanks!!!

[Verandah Man]

Any other DIS'ers in the New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia area interested in joining us for a DISmeet on Saturday June 5, 2004 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=515956) sounds like it is going to be a MAGICal and WONDERful get together!!!

[Gayle17]

That sounds like fun. I am in NYC and only about 45 minutes away. It would be fun to meet you before the cruise.
Gayle

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Gayle17
That sounds like fun. I am in NYC and only about 45 minutes away. It would be fun to meet you before the cruise.
Gayle


I just printed off directions from Mapquest and I am about 70 miles away, but we drove more than that to go from my grandmother's house in Deland, Florida to eat at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Florida. That didn't even take into consideration, the fact, that we will be meeting a group of other DIS'ers!!! This should be a great time!!!

[Credit Man]

I don't know if this has been asked before.:rolleyes: Since our cruise goes to San Juan and St. Thomas, does that mean we will not have to have an early morning customs event mid-cruise?

[Verandah Man]

We will be going to St. Thomas first, so we should NOT have to go to the early morning immigration check-in!!!!! DW and DD are very happy about that!!!!!

[denise5374]

Yeah!! I am also very happy about that!!![/SIZE]

Have a great weekend all!!

[Colestat]

We have only been on the 3 day Wonder and I don't remember this.

What is a customs event or an immigration check in? And why, since we are going to St. Thomas do we not have one.

[Verandah Man]

On the regular 7 day Eastern the first port of call in St. Maarten (a non US port), when arriving at St. Thomas (a US port) eveyone on the ship must pass an immigration check, which happens to be VERY EARLY in the morning. I had to have 5 women up by 6:30am on our cruise last August. With our cruise this coming August, our first port of call is St. Thomas, and since we will be leaving form Cape Canaveral, we will not have to have an immigration check.

[Colestat]

I get it. Thank you.

[Verandah Man]

In just a few more minutes my countdown clock for the San Juan Sojourners 8-21-04 cruise will be down to 160 Days!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to meet all you fine folk!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to meeting Credit Man and Gayle17 at the
NJ DISmeet on 6-5-04 at the Victorian Manor in Edison, NJ.

[Gayle17]

Andy I am looking foward to meeting you and your wife as well. It should be lots of fun.

I received a list of Spa offerings for the cruise from my travel agent - so much to choose from.

Gayle

[Disneycrazymom]

We got a post card from Mickey Mouse!!!!!!!:teeth: But I bet I know who helped Mickey out a bit!;) Thanks Andy. What a fun bit of mail for us.::yes::

[Credit Man]

We got a post card too. Thanks Andy. You are a true WONDER at making MAGIC!!!

[Verandah Man]

Now who said I had anything to do with mailing out postcards???

[denise5374]

The DIS boards have the "Tag Fairy" and the San Juan Sojourners have the "Postcard Fairy". Thank you Postcard Fairy! It is so nice to get something in the mail besides BILLS!!

How many of you are planning on going to the DIS meet in NJ in June?

Creditman, you daughter and mine "talked" on Saturday. Brittany now wants to know why we aren't DVC members:rolleyes:

[denise5374]

The DIS boards have the "Tag Fairy" and the San Juan Sojourners have the "Postcard Fairy". Thank you Postcard Fairy! It is so nice to get something in the mail besides BILLS!!

How many of you are planning on going to the DIS meet in NJ in June?

Creditman, you daughter and mine "talked" on Saturday. Brittany now wants to know why we aren't DVC members:rolleyes:

[Credit Man]

Too funny, Denise. We are going to the NJ Dis meet. It would be great if you guys came. Kristin would go wild if Brittany was going to be there.

[Verandah Man]

Hazel, Angelina and I will be at the NJ DISmeet. We are just across the river from Philly, and the Victorian Manor is 70 miles from our house. I already printed the directions off of Mapquest. I think we will have a blast at the NJ DISmeet.

[Colestat]

We got a postcard too!! Thanks again Andy!!

I am bummed we can't make the NJ Dismeet. But I am very looking forward to meeting all of you on the cruise.

[Verandah Man]

Happy St. Patrick's Day
to all my fellow
San Juan Sojourners!!!:bounce:

[Verandah Man]

"Happy First Day of Spring 2004" to All My Fellow San Juan Sojourners!!!

In 22 weeks we sail away!!!

:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

[Colestat]

HURRAY!!! It couldn't have come soon enough. What a winter!

[maryisme]

Hi Everyone!
I just found my way over to this thread. My family and I will also be sailing on August 21 (can't wait!!!). This will be our first 7 day cruise. Sailing will be myself, DH, DD Rachel(9) and DD Mallory(11 months).

My DD Rachel asked me if she could "meet" any other kids her age on this sailing. She is very friendly and outgoing and just loves meeting people--adults and kids alike.

Please send me an email if your DDs would like to make a friend before we sail.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Mary

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by maryisme
Hi Everyone!
I just found my way over to this thread. My family and I will also be sailing on August 21 (can't wait!!!). This will be our first 7 day cruise. Sailing will be myself, DH, DD Rachel(9) and DD Mallory(11 months).

My DD Rachel asked me if she could "meet" any other kids her age on this sailing. She is very friendly and outgoing and just loves meeting people--adults and kids alike.

Please send me an email if your DDs would like to make a friend before we sail.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Mary


Hi Mary,

I do have you on the 8-21-04 San Juan Sojourners cruise list, but I don't remember asking you if you would like a San Juan Sojourners door magnet that you can put on your frig. I made plenty of these so that every family could have one. In fact, we have one on our frig, and a second one I have taped to the front of my computer monitor. Hey, we sail away 5 months from today. If you think your DD's would like to receive a DCL postcard regarding our upcoming cruise, I can take care of that as well. Just let me know.

Andy

[Verandah Man]

Five months from today,
we sail away!!!

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :boat: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[Verandah Man]

If anyone on the 8-21-04 cruise would like to be added to the San Juan Sojourners e-mail list, please send me your e-mail address. We did this for our cruise last August, and it worked out very nice. Many DIS'ers felt like they knew one another before the cruise even started. It also helped to break the ice and some of the children got to meet other new friends before the cruise. I do have a few e-mail addresses already to start the list.

[Verandah Man]

I have the following 19 DIS'ers e-mail addresses in my address book, if you would like your e-mail address removed from the 8-21-04 Cruise List could you please let me know. If you do not see your name here and would like to be added to the list, could you please let me know as well.

Thanks!!!

alicedisny
Colestat
Credit Man
dannyb
Denise5374
Disney3144
Disneycrazymom
Gayle17
goingbacksoon
jennyl772003
Lalapodip
luv2sail
Maleficent59
Marcotta
Max123
Mnmomof1
Quirky Cruiser
steverog
Verandah Man

[dannyb]

Linda and I just got back from our anniversary cruise on the Celebrity Constellation. The cruise originated and ended in San Juan, and we got to spend some time there yesterday. Our last stop on the cruise was St. Thomas, where we had been before. We were looking at both islands w/ a view towards what to do when we returned there w/ the entire family this August.

I think that we go to St. Thomas - - right? Or is it St. Maarten? Well, if I'm wrong, pls disregard these ramblings.

In St. Thomas, we spent much of the day at Megan's Bay and then did some shopping. Cab rates to Megan's Bay were fixed at $6/pp plus an entry fee of $3 to go to the beach. You can go there on a ship's excursion, but it is much, much cheaper to do it on your own. Beach chair rentals were available for $6 plus a refundable deposit. You need to move the chairs yourself. There is a decent (although kind of slow) beachfront restaurant w/ decent burgers and pizza. On the pricey side. They also have a great bar that makes what I decided is the best tasting frozen drink on the planet - a Bushwhacker, which I understand is a famous St. Thomas drink. Mostly Bailey's Irish Cream w/ vodka or rum (they used vodka at this bar, but apparently use rum elsewhere), Khaluha, amaretto, brandy, pineapple juice, coconut milk, blended w/ ice. Ground nutmeg on top. Consistency of a milkshake, but no where near as sweet as a pina colada. Phenomenal!

Notwithstanding my focus on the bar, this is a GREAT beach to take small children to. Lots of trees for shade. The sand is great, and the water gets deep very gradually to allow safe play. Very little waves or undertow. In a word, perfect for young'ens. And very tranquil for mom and dad, too. Not a good place for snorkeling, though, although there were a few people out there doing it. Not much to see though.

Megan's Bay has gotten quite popular lately and can get very crowded. We were lucky, in that we were on the only ship in port that day - - and the Constellation is not as big as Disney Magic. There will probably be several ships in, and significantly larger crowds when we get there.

Many people took various excursions to St. Thomas, which is said to have even nicer beaches. Some feel that the amount of time in port does not justify the trip out there. We may very well decide to do something like that on our trip.

The shopping in St. Thomas is probably the best in the Caribbean, and it has the most liberal rules re what you are allowed per US Customs, too.

The picture in San Juan is not as happy. We had stopped there on a ship in 1996 but did not arrive until evening. So, there weren't many options other than checking out the shops in Old San Juan and going to a night spot for a few hours. As we'll be there in the daytime, that is not really going to be an option for us. Now, we arrived there in the late morning and immediately boarded the ship. Although could have explored San Juan that day (we didn't have to board until 10:30 pm), we decided to spend the afternoon on the ship rather than in port, largely because we did not have very many sea days on our itinerary, and we wanted to enjoy the ship.

Our return date was a different story. Our flight out was not until 6:00 pm. We decided to sign up for a ship excursion to El Yanque (pronounced Junkee) rainforest. It was a long coach trip during which the driver talked non-stop about how large their K-Mart was, how many Walgreen's and Subway's were on the island, etc. We spent 15 minutes at a tourist trap to use the restrooms and get drinks and snacks (when I would much rather explore some of the roadside stands where they fried fish over open wood fires - a local delicacy).

We then drove through the forest. We spent virutally the entire time in the bus and were allowed on "hike", which was really a 5 minute walk through a paved area of the forest. There were other longer, more interesting trails that beckoned to us, but no time was allowed, and the walk was not guided. There was a brand new visitor's center, but "that is not part of the tour." The forest was beautiful, but I think that I would much rather rent a car or hire a driver to take us there so that we could do it at our own pace and speed. When we go back, we will either do just that, or maybe just arrange a day pass at a local hotel and spend the day at the beach. We are not yet decided.

It figures - - we have been on 6 cruises and have never booked a ship excrusion, always chosing to hire a driver at port or make arrangements in advance directly with vendors after researching it myself. We have never been disappointed doing that, but we really did not like this excursion.

Our port was not right in Old San Juan - - remember, this was a port used for embarkation and disembarkation, so they used a more remote location w/ a full terminal facility. I understand that some cruise ships just stopping by may use the port and then utilize shuttles to take you to Old San Juan. I don't know how much Old San Juan has changed since we were there 8 years ago, but I recall that there is much of historic interest and some decent shopping besides. The Bacardi tour gets high marks, too.

Andy, you had asked about the horseriding excursion. I did not have a chance to find out anything about it. There is a great site w/ info on cruises in general and specific info on ports - - www.cruisecritic.com I highly recommend it to everyone interested in researching what to do while in port.

Anyway, Linda and I had a great cruise -- this was to celebrate our 15th anniversary (we're married 17 years last week, actually, and we were supposed to go a couple of years ago but had to put this trip off - - a long story). We tell everyone that Celebrity is our favorite cruise line when we go by ourselves, but when the entire family is along, we love Disney!

Five months from today!! Wow!

Dan

[Credit Man]

Thanks for the report, Danny! sounds like you had a great time.

Mary, I sent you a PM regarding Rachel.

[jweiss]

We were also on the August 16th cruise last year, and will be on the August 21st this year. It will be our 3rd 7 day August cruise in a row. We're hopelessly addictied. We joined DVC last year, and am considereing a quick trip to WDW in May for Member Homecoming. Will be traveling alone with a 12 yo and 13 yo. ~Jennifer

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jweiss
We were also on the August 16th cruise last year, and will be on the August 21st this year. It will be our 3rd 7 day August cruise in a row. We're hopelessly addictied. We joined DVC last year, and am considereing a quick trip to WDW in May for Member Homecoming. Will be traveling alone with a 12 yo and 13 yo. ~Jennifer


Welcome Aboard to the San Juan Sojourners 8-21-04 cruise Jennifer. If you would like to be added to our cruise list all you need to do is send me your information and I will add you and your kids. We also have a photo gallery on the cruise list page, so if you want to e-mail me a photo, I can include that as well. If you haven't already done so, you can see who else is already on our cruise list by going to www.verandahman.com and looking down the left hand column, click on the 8-21-04 Cruise List.

Hey all you San Juna Sojourners, we have a new family to welcome to our cruise.

[Credit Man]

Welcome aboard, Jennifer. Glad to have your family sailing with us!

[DuncanLL]

Our family is really excited to be going back on the Magic on the Aug. 21 cruise. We made our reservation a couple of months ago, but wanted to get the rest of our plans in place before posting on this board - airline vouchers, hotel points, etc.

We are the Duncan family: Al (44), Linda (41), Emily (11) and Alexander (8).

We live in South Jersey near Philadelphia.

This will be our 6th Disney Cruise. Al and I have taken two without the kids (for our anniversary) and the rest have been the whole family. We've done two 3-day, two 7-day Eastern and one 7-day Western. The DIS boards have helped us get so much more out of our trips!

We will fly in on the 20th and are staying at the Courtyard in Cocoa Beach. We're doing one-way car rentals with Budget. Right now, we are booked on a Cat. 10 GTY. We have usually done a Cat. 11 - one time tried a Cat. 6, but the 11's have been just fine for us... The only apprehension we have is not being able to select our cabin location. We usually try to stay mid-ship on Deck 6.

Our kids, daughter especially, have made some great friends on the cruise and still email back and forth.

We're looking forward to the different itinerary. Anyone know when San Juan excursions will be released?

After the cruise we're spending one night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and will try to park-hop to see everything we can that's new before we have to fly home Sunday night.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Linda

[Credit Man]

Welcome aboard, Linda! So glad your family will be joining us!!

[Verandah Man]

Welcome to the San Juan Sojourners Cruise Linda and Family. We must be neighbors, we live in South Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia International Airport. We look forward to you and your family joining our group. If you would like to be added to the 8-21-04 cruise list and photo gallery, just let me know. You can check out the cruise list on my website www.verandahman.com and click on the 8-21-04 Cruise List in the left column of my homepage.

[denise5374]

Linda and family,

Welcome tot eh San Juan Sojourners!!! Looking forward to meeting you!

Our kids are almost the same age, my DD Brittany is 11 and my DS Collin is 7(he turns 8 on 8/29). My DS does not have email yet but if your daughter would be interested in another email buddy, PM me and I will give you her email address.

We live in a suburb north of Philadelphia (in Montgomery County) so we are neigbors!
:wave2:

[denise5374]

I just booked the AutoTrain for our trip to Florida! After Brittany learned that you guys were going she gave us her blessing to go that way so we are BOOKED!!!

YAY!! all the plans are falling into place...I cannot wait for August to get here!!!!

Now, if only I can get to the NJ DISmeet.......it falls right at the end of little league season so I will have to wait and see what the schedules look like and if wither of our teams will be in the playoffs.....:goodvibes

[Credit Man]

Great news, Denise! Kristin will be excited to hear that.

[Verandah Man]

150 Days People,

150 Days!!!!!

[denise5374]

Yiippee!!!!

Pretty soon we will be doing the Double Digit dance!!!:jumping1:

[Maleficent59]

Goodness! Gone for a few weeks and lots of families to welcome! Welcome to DuncanLL, Maryisme, and JWeiss (I hope I didn't miss anyone)! JWeiss, I see you were on last year's 8/16 cruise - so were we! Did you ever make it to any of the DIS meets?

I hope you all have a great NJ pre-cruise meet! Take lots of photos to share with the rest of us (I guess I really don't need to post this since I know Andy will be there with BOTH of his digital cameras!). :wave2:

-Sarah

[Verandah Man]

Hello My Fellow San Juan Sojourners,

I received a phone call the other day and my family has been invited to spend the week leading up to our August cruise at a two bedroom condo in the Orlando area. This is a gift from a fellow DIS'er, and we have been very touched by their extremely kind offer. So now, I'm not sure if we will be at the Radisson on Friday night (8-20) or not, since we will have the condo up until the Saturday morning we leave for our cruise. So, if I don't get to meet some of you at the Radisson that Friday night, I will be looking forward to meeting you at the DCL Terminal or on the ship.

The cruise is getting closer with each passing day!!!

Andy

[Gayle17]

That sounds wonderful. Your vacation plans just get better and better.

Andy thanks so much for the magnet and card. I love it!!!

Gayle

[Credit Man]

Sounds great, Andy! Looks like a perfect example of "Pay it Forward". Nice things do happen to nice people.

[denise5374]

Sounds like a great way to spend the week leading up to a MAGICal cruise! Have a great time!!

Are you going to wear your Captains Hat in the terminal so we can find you??

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
Sounds like a great way to spend the week leading up to a MAGICal cruise! Have a great time!!

Are you going to wear your Captains Hat in the terminal so we can find you??


My Captain's Hat was sent to Nate Page (Verandah Boy) back in the fall. I will probably have my lime green Verandah Man DISboards t-shirt on. Just look for the "giant lime" walking around the terminal, LOL!!!

[denise5374]

Bright green, Huh?? The official DIS color.

That was nice that you did that for Nate. I had forgotten that. Have you heard from the Page family?? How are they doing?

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
Bright green, Huh?? The official DIS color.

That was nice that you did that for Nate. I had forgotten that. Have you heard from the Page family?? How are they doing?

The last I heard from them was a few weeks ago, and they are still trying to deal with Nate's passing. I had a dream about Nate last night, I saw him in his swing, and he had the biggest smile on his face. Rest in peace my "Little Buddy."

[denise5374]

Andy, I can't even imagine what that family must be going through. I trhink about them often and send up a prayer for them.

I hope everybody had agreat weekend, we had beautiful weather her in PA! Maybe Soring is finally here.......

[denise5374]

Hey all.....

Did you notice that the 10-day Cruise list has over 4000 posts??? Come on..lets get posting!!!!

Did ya'll have a nice weekend??

:teeth:

[Maleficent59]

Two of my computers crashed last weekend. Not the end of the world, but not fun when one is in the middle of doing taxes (which I have already procrastinated waaaay too long in doing)! NOT a word Andy! :crazy: (the eager beaver received his refund months ago)!

On the bright side, it's sunny and 90 degrees! :D

-Sarah

[Verandah Man]

I have a very special request to make. My wife received a phone call this afternoon informing her that her older brother Dave (53 years old) has only days to live. Dave has been fighting cancer for several months now, and the cancer has now spread throughout his body. All feeding has stopped. Could you please keep my wife and her family in your thoughts and prayers, they are a very close family, and this is tearing them all apart. My father-in-law (heart condition) collapsed on Saturday after visiting with Dave. I came home this afternoon to find my wife in tears. Thank you all so much,

Andy

[Gayle17]

Andy I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Gayle

[Credit Man]

Andy, adding my thoughts and prayers for your family.

[skyhawk]

I'm going on the August 14th cruise. I'll make sure we leave the ship nice and clean for all you guys. Have fun. :wave:

[denise5374]

Andy, Hazel and family,

You are all in my prayers.

Denise

:grouphug:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by skyhawk
I'm going on the August 14th cruise. I'll make sure we leave the ship nice and clean for all you guys. Have fun. :wave:


Just make sure you leave plenty of shrimp and orange mango soup, then everything will be just fine!!!


I would also like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and concern regarding Hazel's family. The doctor's aren't even sure if Dave will make it to the end of this week. It's been a very tough few months, but we will all make it through.

[Maleficent59]

I'm so sorry to hear that Dave's condition has worsened. Hazel's family sounds like a very close-knit one and I pray that this closeness will be a source of comfort and support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dave, and Hazel's family.

Blessings,
Sarah

[disney3144]

Our thoughts are with you and Hazel's family during this terrible time. Your in my prayers.

Jennifer

[denise5374]

Just checking in to see how you and your family are doing.

"I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens
Down at Your feet
and anytime I don't know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You"

This is a little song that might help you through this time. Be strong and know that Dave is going to a better place.

Denise:grouphug:

[Credit Man]

Well said, Denise. Andy, you and Hazel remain in our prayers.

On a lighter note, it is 20 weeks till the cruise.

Have a nice weekend, all.

[Verandah Man]

Hazel had a rough day yesterday after spending 12 hours with Dave on Wednesday, it was a very emotional day for her. Hazel is feeling much better today, in fact she is out food shopping right now. Hazel was told that Dave was showing more signs of slipping away yesterday, it is just a matter of time, and how much fight Dave still has left in him at this point.

I just picked up the written report from an MRI that I had taken on my right knee this past Saturday. It appears that I have not one, but two tears in the cartilage of my knee, also a ruptured cyst, and sclerosis in the right knee. Sure looks like surgery for me in the near future. I want to get any surgery done ASAP, so that I'm in good shape for our cruise in August!!! I go back to my orthopedic doctor next Friday, will know more then.

Thanks for asking and sharing your concern. We look forward to brighter days ahead!!!

Andy and Hazel

[denise5374]

Andy,

Have you had surgery on your knee previously? I had 2 surgeries on my right knee to repair tears of the medial meniscus. The suregeries were done 5 years about with e last one in 1999. Just this past January I went back to the Dr because my knee hurt so bad I couldn't drive! I thought for sure it was more surgery but as it turned out I had bursitis so after 2 months of physsical therapy it is gone(for the most part) My knees are much older than the rest of me!!!

I can't remember what my point was here..I guess so that you wouldn't be overly concerned. Will the repairs be able to be made orthoscopically? If so the recovery will be much easier. I think I was out of work for a week. The hard part is bending your knee for thefirst time after the surgery...I was so scaed that I would redo the damage. I would hop oon one foot up and down stairs. Now let me tell you that was sight!!:laughing:

I am glad that Hazel is doing better. It is difficult to watch someone you love slip away...just remember that he is going to a better place where he will have no pain. I will continue to pray for your family.

[Verandah Man]

I had this knee operated on about 20 years ago for the same problem. I've had four surgeries on my left knee for various reasons, the latest was a partial knee replacement three years ago. I know what you mean about knees being older than the rest of you. I've been having knee problems since I was 16 years old. I do a great deal of walking, going up and down stairs, and bending up and down on the ground with my job as a water meter reader. I've been doing this for 25 years, speaking of which, I've got to get back to work right now.

[jennyl772003]

Well, I am sorry to hear of all you and your family are going through right now.

On a lighter note...

140 days! Is that all? We booked 13 months in advance, so it is really nice to see those count downs ticking away. And it actually is starting to look like spring here in WI, not that I feel we are out of the woods snow wise...

[Verandah Man]

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead this weekend all you San Juan Sojourners, that will put us one hour closer to our cruise!!!

[Credit Man]

Hazel's brother Dave passed away this weekend. Please remember Andy and Hazel in your prayers.

May God grant you both the strength to deal with this tragic situation.

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Credit Man
Hazel's brother Dave passed away this weekend. Please remember Andy and Hazel in your prayers.

May God grant you both the strength to deal with this tragic situation.


Thanks so much Mike, we truly appreciate all your thoughts and prayers!!!

I posted to remind all our San Juan Sojourners to set their clocks ahead this past weekend, guess who forgot to set their clocks ahead??? It was the first time in our 28 years of marriage that we forgot to do this.

[denise5374]

Andy, Hazel and family,

I posted this on the main cruise board but wanted to say it again. I am praying for you i your time of sorrow and wish you God's grace.

Denise

[denise5374]

I got my Train tickets in the mail Saturday! It's a shame that they are date for 8/19...I wish I could leave tomorrow(especially with the little bit of SNOW we had this morning:rolleyes: )

137 days left!!!!

[Credit Man]

Denise;
Looking forward to traveling down with you. Kristin is very excited.

[denise5374]

I know Brittany is finally excited about taking the train. At first she wasn't real thrilled with the idea.

What time do you leave for VA?

[goingbacksoon]

First of all, so sorry to hear about Andy's Brother-in-law. It's so sad to hear of a loss to someone who serves as somewhat of a patriarch on the DISBoards, and also for the 'San Juan Sojourn.' I didn't think he would let us join the DISer groups being so young, but he welcomed up with open arms.

If he is any indication, then his wife must be an equally outstanding person, as the rest of her family.

Prayers to them.

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by goingbacksoon
First of all, so sorry to hear about Andy's Brother-in-law. It's so sad to hear of a loss to someone who serves as somewhat of a patriarch on the DISBoards, and also for the 'San Juan Sojourn.' I didn't think he would let us join the DISer groups being so young, but he welcomed up with open arms.

If he is any indication, then his wife must be an equally outstanding person, as the rest of her family.

Prayers to them.


Thanks so much Alan, these next two days are going to be rough on my wife's family. They are a very close knit family, and I saw what they went through when their mother passed away 12 years ago.

BTW, my wife is the BEST!!!

[Maleficent59]

Goingbacksoon: Welcome! Which University do you attend?

Andy, Hazel & Angelina: You know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Give me holler if you need anything.

Blessings,
Sarah

[goingbacksoon]

Originally posted by Maleficent59
Goingbacksoon: Welcome! Which University do you attend?



I go to LMU (Loyola Marymount University).

How about you? Assuming you might be in college too.

goingbacksoon

[Maleficent59]

I did my undergrad in Chemistry at UCLA and now work at UCR. You could say that I "go to" college. ;) One of our cousins is finishing up at LMU majoring in business. It's a beautiful campus!! So, how do you like your major? I found the upper division Biochem classes very interesting and had a blast in the labs (having great lab partners helped!). Take care and study hard! :D

-Sarah

[denise5374]

I was investigating possible excursions on San Juan because I really wanted to try horseback riding. I went on Carnivals website and RCCL's and they bothe hace a Caraballi Horseback Riding excursion but the minimum age is either 10 or 12 and my DS is only 7...now I am bummed! It doesn't look like there are going to be many excursions ther, mainly walking tours of Old San Juan and sites like that..I was hoping for something a little more exciting (although Andy and Hazel won't do the horses!!).

Has anybody else looked into excursions and found something different??

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
I was investigating possible excursions on San Juan because I really wanted to try horseback riding. I went on Carnivals website and RCCL's and they bothe hace a Caraballi Horseback Riding excursion but the minimum age is either 10 or 12 and my DS is only 7...now I am bummed! It doesn't look like there are going to be many excursions ther, mainly walking tours of Old San Juan and sites like that..I was hoping for something a little more exciting (although Andy and Hazel won't do the horses!!).

Has anybody else looked into excursions and found something different??


I'd go horse backriding, but Hazel wants "NO" part of that!!!

[denise5374]

One bad experience on a horse and that is what happens......hmpf....women:teeth: :teeth: (just kidding)

Looks like no horses for me either....I might be better off that way although the others on the excursion will probably be missing out on a funny story!!:blush:

[DuncanLL]

We are kind of hoping Disney will offer a trip to the rainforest. I think the kids would like that, and it'll be something different. We'll probably snorkel in St. Thomas/St. John (we like the 5 Star) and we can do the beach thing at Castaway...

I wonder when DCL will announce the excursions for San Juan. Has anyone heard????

Well, it's been a busy week or so for all of us. Enjoy your Easter!!

Linda

[goingbacksoon]

About any excursions, our TA said at the very least we should hear something around beginning of June, when the 60-day date for the August 7th cruise is. That doesn't give us too much time ourselves though to figure out what we want to do.

I, too, would enjoy a rainforest trip. I want to see something poisonous, colorful, or rare. All three would be okay too.

I hadn't thought of looking on other cruise lines sites for excursions, but that sounds like a plan right now.

Seems like tooo long still :(

goingbacksoon

[Verandah Man]

Happy Easter, we are down to 132 Days, this past week seemed to fly by for me!!! Just keep the thought of this photo fresh in your mind!!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/552/62tp_4-10-04.jpg

[disney3144]

Happy Easter everyone.:hug:

Jennifer

[Credit Man]

A blessed an joy filled Easter to everyone.

[goingbacksoon]

On the 2nd helpings of easter dinner here in L.A.... ham, mashed potatoes, dumplings, broccoli, and rolls, oh my. So much for the low-carb craze.

Anyone going to WDW before? Gf and I are thinking of doing three nights at the French Quarter; we still have a plus option and one full day left on our passes from Christmas. What better time to use it then?

Echoing what others have said before, a blessed and Happy Easter.

goingbacksoon

[Colestat]

We are going to WDW the week before the cruise. Our annual passes expire on August 21st, so we have to get another week out of them.

We can't wait.:Pinkbounc

[Credit Man]

We are spending the week following the cruise at WDW. Staying at BWV.

[Verandah Man]

We are hoping to spend a week, just ten minutes from WDW(Westgate Vacation Villas), before the cruise. It all depends on how much time I have to take off from work for my knee surgery in May.

[DuncanLL]

Boy, it looks like our ship is getting pretty full!

Every now and then I log onto the DCL website and check to see the price go up (makes me feel good about what we paid) and what categories are now on a guarantee status. Today, I got a message that no cabins were available for that cruise date. I had plugged in 2 adults and 2 children, but tried without kids, too just in case it was just a matter of the kids programs being filled to capacity. Got the same message at Travelocity and Orbitz. I called DCL just for curiosity's sake and they told me the only way they could accommodate a family of four was a Cat. 3 Family Suite for almost $11,000!

As you can see, I had too much time on my hands today... Just thought you might be interested in this little tidbit.

Linda

[denise5374]

Where is everybody??? No new posts in 3 days!!! Everybody in the northeast is probably grown fins and webbed feeat from all the rain we have had and it is very difficult to type with FINS!!!!:jumping1:

[Credit Man]

Still here, Denise.If I don't see the :sunny: soon, I am going to go :crazy: !!!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
Where is everybody??? No new posts in 3 days!!! Everybody in the northeast is probably grown fins and webbed feet from all the rain we have had and it is very difficult to type with FINS!!!!:jumping1:


You sure have that right Denise, you should try walking around in all this mess with a bad knee. It isn't any fun at all. I finally found out that I will be having my knee surgery on May 4th. Will the :sunny: come out on Thursday? We'll have to wait and see!!! :wave2:

[denise5374]

I have tickets to go to the new Phillies stadium tonight and what could eb more fun than sitting at a baseball game in the pouring rain!!

Andy, I bet you are relieved that the date has been set...now if only the weather would cooperate your knees would prbably feel better. I know the last couple of days mine have bee unusually stiff as well.

The silver lining of the rain cloud is.....April showers bring May flowers!!! and the grass has certainly been green lately and all the spirng flowers are blooming. It is so nice to see a patch of bright yellow daffodils on a dreary day like today (and yesterday amd the day before that....)

Come on :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[DuncanLL]

Sitting here looking out my office window as the downpour just started... again! It's wreaking havoc with the kids baseball/softball schedules.

Denise - There doesn't appear to be as much "cover" at the new ballpark as there was at the Vet. I caught part of the home opener on TV and it looked pretty soggy.

They say we might see sun by Friday - we'll see!

Linda

[Maleficent59]

Well, we are enjoying another 70's day today. We so rarely get rain here in So Cal (which is sometimes not a good thing). But it figures that we're going to the Angels game Saturday and showers are expected! :(

[goingbacksoon]

It's nice over here in the LAX area. Sitting through my classes snoring this morning with nice weather, such a shame.

I haven't been to a baseball game in so long, Sarah. I keep saying I'm going to go out and see the Angels (when they play the A's of course; they A's are my team). I never get a chance to go, I used to practically live at the oakland coliseum in high school during the season.

Hopefully your surgery goes well Andy. I'll make sure to think of you on May 4th.

The countdown continues...

goingbacksoon

[denise5374]

It's a shame the Phillies have this beautiful new Stadium ($453 million) and they still STINK! 1-5 record...maybe a rain out would do them good!!! I am very excited to see the new stadium, though. After going to so many games at the Vet, this place will be like a Castle....

Still Raining here in PA......:umbrella:

[Credit Man]

Andy, sending my good thoughts and prayers for your surgery on 5/4. Hope you are in great shape for our Dis meet in June.

[jweiss]

We went on the 7 day Eastern in 8/02, the 7 day western in 8/03, amd are booked this year for 8/21/04. Only one problem.... when I called last week to add the baby that I just found we will be adotping (she'll be 6 months old on the cruise) I was told the cruise is BOOKED and I can not add her. Apparently we have a 3 capacity room and there are no 4 capacity rooms available at ANY level. I am praying, begging, obsessing, etc. that there will be a cancelation. If not, if I have to cancel the cruise, my daughter and neice are going to have a lot of resentment towards this sweet little baby!!!!!!!

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jweiss
We went on the 7 day Eastern in 8/02, the 7 day western in 8/03, amd are booked this year for 8/21/04. Only one problem.... when I called last week to add the baby that I just found we will be adotping (she'll be 6 months old on the cruise) I was told the cruise is BOOKED and I can not add her. Apparently we have a 3 capacity room and there are no 4 capacity rooms available at ANY level. I am praying, begging, obsessing, etc. that there will be a cancelation. If not, if I have to cancel the cruise, my daughter and neice are going to have a lot of resentment towards this sweet little baby!!!!!!!


Oh my, I would keep checking back, especially as we get closer to the 60 day out mark.

Congratulations on the adoption, we adopted our daughter(that's her photo in my avatar), when she was seven months old. It seems like yesterday that we brought her home, how the time flies, she will be 14 in September.

[Gayle17]

Congratulations on the adoption. How wonderful for you. It would be a shame if you have to cancel the cruise but hopefully a cancellation will come through for you.

It is still rainy and chilly here in New York but they said we might finally get some sun this afternoon.

Gayle

[Verandah Man]

It is still rainy and chilly here in New York but they said we might finally get some sun this afternoon.


Us too, us too, I just looked out the living room window and actually saw some breaks of blue sky through the clouds!!! Can the SUN be far behind???


Happy Income Tax Day everyone!!!

[denise5374]

The SUN is shinning in PA!!!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth: ::yes:: :sunny: :sunny:

Congratulations on the Adoption and I really hope that you and your family will be able to join us!!

[Credit Man]

Hey, Denise!
18 weeks from today we will be boarding the Autotrain. It will be here soon.::yes::

[denise5374]

How cool is that!!! Save $$$, save $$$$, save $$$.....

[Disneycrazymom]

Congratulations on your new baby! Our DD is also adopted. It is so amazing to me that she is here with us. Adoption is truly a blessing!

You might try writing a letter to the cruise folks and explain your problem. They sometimes can work "Magic"! Like maybe uopgrade someone to your 3 person room and open up a 4 person room. At any rate they can't find a creative solution if they don't understand the situation. So it can not hurt to let them know how important this is to the new "big sister". Good luck to you! :D I hope we get to meet your new baby on the trip!:teeth:

[Maleficent59]

Jweiss: congratulations!! That is wonderful news! Like Andy said, there may be some cancellations after the 60 day mark so hang in there and make sure DCL understands your situation!

Goingbacksoon: Saturday's game is against the A's. Since we're from the Bay Area, it will be hard not for us not to let out a cheer every now and then for the A's! But we are really Giants fans!

Gosh, I can't WAIT for the cruise!! I need a vacation!

[DuncanLL]

When I just checked on availablity left on our cruise the other day, the CM told me that they could still accommodate a Cat. 10 if there was one adult/one child. I had asked what was available for a family of four. I know it would add $$$, but maybe it would get you all on the ship.

Good luck.

Linda

[Maleficent59]

Please send good thoughts and prayers Andy's way for his knee! We're really looking forward to spending time with him and his family before the cruise but it looks like he may not have enough vacation time because he needs to use it now for his knee!

Andy - we're praying for you!!

LY! -Sarah

P.S. Next Tuesday is a special day for Andy - check his profile!

[Verandah Man]

Hey all you San Juan Sojourners, in just a little over three weeks, we'll all be doing the Double Digit Dance!!!

Well, I'll still be recovery from knee surgery, so I might be doing the Double Digit Hobble, LOL!!! ::yes::



:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

[Colestat]

Wow, the double digit dance - its hard to believe how quick this is going. I don't want to wish the summer away, but I just can't wait.

Andy, wishing you a smooth surgery and quick recovery.

[goingbacksoon]

The rain finally hits the LA area! Well, not exactly rain, but any sprinkles are considered rain over here.

All this while I was taking the MCAT...

Andy, did they go in with a laproscope? Hopefully your recovery will be swift and relatively pain-reduced.

Double-digit dance here we go!

goingbacksoon

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by goingbacksoon
The rain finally hits the LA area! Well, not exactly rain, but any sprinkles are considered rain over here.

All this while I was taking the MCAT...

Andy, did they go in with a laproscope? Hopefully your recovery will be swift and relatively pain-reduced.

Double-digit dance here we go!

goingbacksoon


Hi Alan,

I will be having my knee scoped on May 4th, and hoping to be back to work by the beginning of June. I had to leave work this past Thursday because the pain was so severe I could hardly walk, so I will now be out of work until after the surgery. I read water meters for a living, and it is very difficult walking, bending, climbing stairs, with a bad knee. Oh, the price we pay for aging, LOL!!!

I just looked at my countdown clock, only 125 days to go, until we sail away!!!

[Hygiene99]

After the Surgery u will be as good as new.....ANDY

THEN NOTHING BUT SMOOTH SAILING.........


HEY this is not my thread Can kick me out if u Want...lol

Sure is a treat to go on a cruise with Verandah Man...

JUST an all around Good Guy....

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Hygiene99
After the Surgery u will be as good as new.....ANDY

THEN NOTHING BUT SMOOTH SAILING.........


HEY this is not my thread Can kick me out if u Want...lol

Sure is a treat to go on a cruise with Verandah Man...

JUST an all around Good Guy....


Thanks Pete!!! Drop in any time, I enjoy hearing from you!!!

[Maleficent59]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERANDAH MAN!!! :hug: :jumping1:

[Credit Man]

Happy birthday, Andy!! Many happy returns!

[denise5374]

Happy Birthday, Andy! May you have many many more to come!

And a beautiful sunny day to enjoy it with!!!!:wizard: :boat:

[Verandah Man]

Thanks everyone, it is a beautiful day here today, sunny, mid 70's, light breeze, and I just had a nap. You know how it is when you are getting older!!! Actually, the Tylenol 3 knocked me for a loop today. ::yes:: :crazy:

[Gayle17]

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Andy.

Gayle

[Marcotta]

:bounce:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!!!!!! :jester:

:jumping1:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Marcotta
:bounce:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!!!!!! :jester:

:jumping1:


Nope, you're right on time, THANKS!!! :wave2:

[Colestat]

Happy Birthday Andy!!! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :tongue:

[denise5374]

I want to share my good news with my fellow San Juan Sojourners......My Dh and I bought a new house! We make settlement July 30!!

Now I have 2 things to obsessively plan about!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by denise5374
I want to share my good news with my fellow San Juan Sojourners......My Dh and I bought a new house! We make settlement July 30!!

Now I have 2 things to obsessively plan about!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce:


Congratulations!!! Looks like you are going to have a busy summer!!! It seems like ages ago, but we had made settlement on our house July 30, 1980. It's hard to believe, we've owned this house, for almost 24 years now.