20050514..May 14, 2005...Official Check in Disney's 1st 14 Day thru Panama Canal

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TAG games sounds fun, not sure about the rules, or should we call them guidlines?
 
Don't know if Ken has signed us up yet but we'd love to play tag and also snorkel at CC.
 
We would join in also for tag.

Anyone else on main ( or early) dinner. We feel like the only disers who are going to be at dinner ??? <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm813' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_12_2.gif' border=0></a> We are trying to set up some dinner links so we are not sitting with total strangers at dinner.

Bye, Kim
 
Scott H said:
TAG games sounds fun, not sure about the rules, or should we call them guidlines?
pirate: Guidelines! pirate:

No real rules. What worked best on the last cruise was to set a 12 hour maximum for holding the Mickey before passing it on. Personally, I think the faster it goes around, the more fun it is. I would even like to see it go around more than once if possible. But I'll be very happy if it makes it to everyone once!

I'll keep a running list of those who are interested in playing TAG. I'll post it once in a while just to remind everyone and just in case I miss someone's request to play. If you have not given Jeff your cabin number and you want to play, please PM me so I can include it for the game.
 
karaeric said:
pirate: Guidelines! pirate:

No real rules. What worked best on the last cruise was to set a 12 hour maximum for holding the Mickey before passing it on. Personally, I think the faster it goes around, the more fun it is. I would even like to see it go around more than once if possible. But I'll be very happy if it makes it to everyone once!

I'll keep a running list of those who are interested in playing TAG. I'll post it once in a while just to remind everyone and just in case I miss someone's request to play. If you have not given Jeff your cabin number and you want to play, please PM me so I can include it for the game.

Count us in for tag! I can't remember our room number, but I know we are on deck 6 near midship. Guess I'll check that out!

Linda
 
Okay---finally got DH and DD out the door to go skiing. Talk about a major ordeal!!!

Jamie (DD-12) has been bugging dad to go skiing all season. I reminded her yesterday knowing that there was no school today and I wanted to get something done (with pics from the Christmas Cruise) and figured if I could get them out of the house, I might be able to accomplish something!

Well, it's now 9:45 and they just left. But I bet I haven't seen the last of them. They probably forgot something. You would think that we would keep all our snow gear in one place (I mean-we have it set up that way), but for some reason everytime they return from snowmobiling or something else, the stuff doesn't get put back!

Oh, well................okay repeat after me....................I am going to get something accomplished today..............I am...............I am................

Linda
 
Scott H said:
Jenn,

I will send ya a time for the CC Serenity Bay "All Adventures, Snorkel to the Hidden Derelict of CC". This excursion is free if you bring your own snorkel gear and lunch is provided on CC and all you have to do is buy your own drinks (after words of course). Sorry, I guess this is an adults only thing as the access if from the adult only beach.


Scott- I would be interested in the "Snorkel to the hidden derelict of CC". I'd love to here more about it. Alex
 
I am in for tag!!

There should be a Deck 6 tag since most of us are on that deck anyway!! :earboy2:

It is 9 degrees here and I am supposed to be at work. But my car decided it was too cold to run..... so after 4.5 hours of waiting my car was finally picked up by the tow truck. Too late to accomplish anything at my office, so here I sit.

You all may get sick of me today :)


Debbie
 
I have done a little research on other cruiseline sites for the shore excursions. I was able to find descriptions for a few. THESE ARE MY GUESSES They are not the official descriptions from DCL but those that the names sounded close on Princess and RCCL.

Cabo San Lucas

Land’s End Coastal Cruise: Travel by boat to view Cabo San Lucas’ famed rock arches, where the Pacific meets the Gulf of California.

Your approximately 40-minute boat tour explores Los Arcos, the majestic rock arches where the waters of the Gulf meet the Pacific. Watch for wildlife including pelicans, sea lions and seals as Jean-Michel Cousteau provides taped narration of the area’s ecology and points of interest. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while surveying magnificent views of the coast, Los Arcos, and your ship at anchor

Harbor Cruise: Explore Baja’s desert terrain and rugged coastline on an excursion that includes a visit to an ecological garden featuring over 750 species of cacti.

Board your air-conditioned motorcoach and travel through Baja California desert terrain and by rugged coastal rock formations to a local glass blowing factory, where you watch artisans at work. Then journey to the picturesque village of San José del Cabo, where you have approximately 30-minutes of free time to shop, visit the mission church, or explore the tree-lined plaza. Head to Cacti Mundo, an ecological garden dedicated to the world’s cacti. Continue to Giorgio’s Restaurant, where you enjoy a complimentary beverage and views of the bay, Los Arcos, and your ship at anchor.

Santa Maria Sail/Snorkel - Join us for an exciting adventure that combines the thrill of sailing with a snorkeling trip to view the spectacular variety of undersea life that thrives in the waters surrounding Cabo San Lucas.
1. Your tour begins as you step aboard a sailing yacht or catamaran (use of boats are dependent upon the number of participants on tour). You'll then set sail for a trip by Lover's Beach, a sea-lion colony and the famed rock formations of Land's End.
Turning east, you'll travel down the scenic coastline with its untouched beaches, rocky coves and prominent headlands. Upon arriving at the beautiful Santa Maria Cove, the crew will outfit you with masks, snorkels, fins and safety vests and provide a safety briefing and detailed snorkeling instructions. You'll then snorkel in the protected and tranquil waters of this lovely area.
After your snorkeling adventure, an open bar featuring sodas, beers, Mexican cocktails and a snack will be available. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal scenery as you make your way back to Cabo San Lucas and the ship

Sea Kayak - The rugged coastline, crystal blue water and diverse marine life make Cabo San Lucas Bay an ideal place to learn and experience sea kayaking. It's a short paddle to the magnificent Los Arcos: a natural rock monument that rises sharply out of the sea at Land's End. Together with pristine beaches, these towering rock formations offer a memorable sightseeing experience by kayak.
1. A water taxi will transport you from the tender pier to Medano Beach where it is a short walk to the kayak shop. Here your tour guide offers instructions in kayaking and will brief you about the underwater life, ecology and major points of interest in the area, including some of the early history of Baja California. You'll also receive snorkeling gear, instructions and a bottle of water for the trip.
Your approximate 2-hour, guided paddling adventure aboard two-person sit-on-top kayaks will take you across San Lucas Bay, past Pelican Rock, and around Los Arcos. You'll also stop for snorkeling or beaching on the famous Lover's Beach, which is only accessible by water and one of the few beaches in the world that actually joins two seas: the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
After your paddle back to Medano Beach, return to the main tender pier by water taxis or you may choose to walk 20 minutes directly into downtown Cabo San Lucas.
This tour has a minimum age limit of 12 years and a maximum weight limit of 240 pounds in order to participate. Participants must be in good health and should be competent swimmers. A safety vest must be worn throughout the kayaking and snorkeling portions of the tour. Participants should bring a towel and wear swimsuits under their clothes, as there are no changing facilities on the dock. The kayaking and snorkeling locations may change depending on the water/weather conditions at the sights. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are recommended
 
(See above post for disclaimer :) )

Acapulco

(There are many similar sounding excursions on the other sites, but the names we have are just too ambiguous to determine which one it is)

Shotover Jet Boat Ride: Journey to the heart of the jungle on a thrilling jet boat ride on a tropical lagoon.

Board your air-conditioned vehicle for the approximately 45-minute scenic ride across Acapulco to the beautiful southern bay of Puerto Marques. After a short safety orientation, board your jet boat for a breathtaking ride surrounded by spectacular scenery. The tropical lagoons of Puerto Marques are renowned for their incredible 30-foot tall mangroves and as the site where several Tarzan movies were filmed. The area is full of exotic bird life and you might even get a glimpse of one of the shy crocodiles that reside in the lagoon. Your jet boat driver is highly-trained and skillfully pilots the boat through areas you would never have imagined possible. The boat will seem to fly past trees and under the jungle canopy performing complete 360º spins that are guaranteed to thrill.

SPECIAL NOTES
Passengers will get wet during the jet boat ride. Passenger should bring a T-shirt to change into after the trip.

This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or passengers with bad backs.

Swim With The Dolphins In Acapulco: (Ci Ci Dolphin) Visit Cici Aquatic Park for a swim with dolphins - your visit includes a video of your adventure and a photo with the dolphin.

Board your air-conditioned van and drive along Costera Miguel Aleman to Cici Aquatic Park. After a brief orientation, you are introduced to the dolphins under the supervision of qualified trainers. The highlight of your visit is an approximately 50-minute in-water experience with these intelligent and playful animals. Passengers should wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. To protect the animals, sunscreen is not permitted. After the swim, return to the ship or you may choose to spend extra time at the Park. Transportation to the ship is then your responsibility.

SPECIAL NOTES
Children must be at least 8 years of age

Horseback Riding: Saddle up and join in an unforgettable ride through the countryside of Acapulco.
During the bus ride to the ranch, you'll view one of the most beautiful bays in Mexico from on the famous Costera Miguel Aleman. Arriving at the ranch, you'll be assigned a horse and be given a riding helmet, riding and safety instructions. Following your guide, your leisurely ride will take through the countryside with its working ranches, farms, hills and streams. Returning to the ranch, you'll have time for to relaxing with a cool beverage and box lunch.
After lunch you'll reboard the transportation for the return to the ship while enjoying the sights of Acapulco
Guests will be required to wear a riding helmet while on horseback. Please note that there is a minimum age requirement of 12 years of age and maximum weight limit of 240 pounds in order to participate. Pregnant women are not permitted to participate in this tour.

Debbie
 
(See disclaimer above)

Mazatlan

City Tour & Folk Lore show: This excursion will take you to see Mazatlan's most historic sights. Leaving the port your tour begins with a visit to the 19th century Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral with its graceful facade of intricately carved volcanic rock. From a distance view the second-highest natural lighthouse in the world, El Faro, surrounded by scenic offshore islands and a spectacular oceanfront.
1. Continuing along the coast, there will be a brief stop at a rocky promontory to view the local cliff divers. Your drive continues past one of Mexico's grandest resorts, El Cid, before making your way to Mazatlan's “Golden Zone” and the opportunity to shop for Mexican and Indian handicrafts.
The highlight of your tour will be a special 30-minute folkloric show. As you enjoy a complimentary beverage, a local troupe dressed in colorful costumes will introduce you to songs and dances of ancient and colonial Mexico. View the Papantla Flyers display an aerial act, which has been passed down through generations and is truly a sight that is not to be missed.
At the conclusion of your tour you may stay in the Golden Zone and return to the ship independently, or return directly to the ship

Sierra Madre Tour: History and natural beauty blend on this tour to the legendary Sierra Madre. Departing the pier on an air-conditioned motor coach, travel through the busy streets of Mazatlan and into the historical mountain range. During your drive make stops at an adobe brickyard, a colonial furniture factory and a pottery factory to view workers creating bricks and crafts in these interesting cottage industries.
1. Within the Sierra Madre, stop to explore the fascinating villages of both Concordia and Copala. These once-thriving colonial towns, which hosted Spanish missionaries and gold prospectors, stand today in picturesque testimony to periods of Mexican history long gone. Concordia, founded in 1550, is best known for its baroque architecture, while the little town of Copala affords its own historic and quaint charm.
A Mexican combination plate lunch will be served at a local restaurant for before returning to Mazatlan. After lunch, travel back through more scenery to the coastal city for a stop at the famous "Golden Zone." After a few minutes on your own to shop, re-board your motor coach for the short drive to the pier and the ship

Huaraches, Saddles And Tequila Factories: Visit the countryside for a firsthand look at three factories: one producing sandals, one producing saddles, and a future tequila factory. Salud!

Board an air-conditioned motorcoach with English-speaking guide for an approximately one-hour journey to the town of La Vinata. Here you will stop at a future tequila factory for an explanation of the production of fine, artisanal quality, blue agave tequila-the factory is not yet in operation as the agave is not yet mature but the equipment is in place and provides a clear illustration of the process. After your visit, continue into town of La Noria for a tour of a huarache or sandal- making factory. A factory specializing in elegant hand-made saddles will be visited as well as the beautiful San Antonio de Padua church. Enjoy a lunch featuring traditional Mexican dishes before returning to the ship.

SPECIAL NOTES
The drive to La Noria is approximately one hour each way.

Walking Tour of Mzatalan: Discover "Old Mazatlan: on a walking tour that travels from Cerro de Neveria to the main plaza and the old market.

After a short transfer via taxi, meet your guide at the Continuity of Life monument and proceed along the scenic shoreline, passing Cerro de Neveria, where you will see the famed Mazatlan high divers. Leaving the shoreline, walk into old Mazatlan, traveling the narrow streets of the historic district to Angela Peralta Theatre and past the House of Music. Enjoy a complimentary beverage in a café before continuing to the main plaza, site of the Post Office and Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral, built 1875. Your walking tour ends at the old city market, where taxis transport you directly to the ship or to the Golden Zone. If you opt to travel to the Golden Zone, you are then responsible for your own return to the ship.


Stone Island: An expedition to Stone Island offers 12 miles of unspoiled white sand beaches lined with coconut palms.

Board a comfortable boat for the approximately 30-minute cruise to Stone Island, passing the Pacifico Brewery, the naval base, and the fishing and shrimp fleet. Disembark at the pier on Stone Island, where you have approximately three hours to enjoy 12-miles of unspoiled beaches lined with coconut palms. Enjoy an island-style lunch in a rustic local restaurant. While on the island you can choose to either go horseback riding or for an open-air carriage ride. Banana boat and other water activities are available for a nominal fee. Board your vessel at the pier for the return to Mazatlan.

SPECIAL NOTES
Beach facilities are basic; passengers should bring a towel and wear swimwear under their clothes.

Debbie
 
Curacao

Highlights Folk Lore show:Take in Willemstad’s colorful and historic sites on a half-day tour that also includes a performance of native dances at a historic manor house.

Board your transportation and drive through Willemstad’s Otrobanda district. Cross the Queen Juliana Bridge for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Travel past the Franklin D. Roosevelt House, home to the US Consulate, en route to the Curacao Museum. Founded in 1946, the museum combines contemporary art with an exhibit on life in 19th century Curacao. Continue to Chobolobo. Tour the Dutch colonial mansion where the original Curaçao liqueur is distilled in 100-year-old barrels. Enjoy a sample of the famed liqueur before heading to your folkloric performance at Grandbeeuw. At this elegant colonial manor house watch traditional dancers demonstrate their native tumba. Then join in as the dancers offer a lighthearted workshop that ends in a group performance.

Hato Caves: Experience Curacao’s stark and dramatic countryside, explore the grottos of Hato Caves on a guided walking tour, and take in Willemstad’s highlights.

Board your air-conditioned transportation and travel to the island’s north shore, crossing its dramatic and stark countryside; pass a number of small, traditional villages. At Hato Caves, meet your guides and set off on a walking tour of the dramatic underground grottos with their stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear pools. After your tour, drive to the Curacao Museum in Otrobanda.


I know that there are descriptions out there for the rest of the excursions, but do not want to take a chance and confuse the issue.

Hope these all helped!

Debbie
 
Scott..we would love to join the gang at C.C. to snorkel to the HIDDEN DERELICT !! Please count us in...sharon & jean-marc
 
HERE IS SOME INFO ABOUT THE SNORKEL ADVENTURE

Castaway Cay – Snorkel Adventure to the Derelict off of Serenity Bay

WHEN: Sunday May 15, 2005, at 11:00AM

WHERE: Meet at the entrance to Serenity Bay.

WHO: Since we have to access via Serenity Bay, sorry us only us Kids over 18. Strong swimming skills and comfort in the water is suggested.

WHAT YA NEED TO BRING: Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Swim vest, water temps will be cool so a wet suit might be nice, as we will be in the water for a good while.

THINGS TO CONSIDER: Sun protection and hydrate well before we start

WHAT’S INVOLVED: A good little ways off shore at Serenity Bay there are the remains of a vessel, not sure what it was during its more seaworthy days. The keel, some ribs, and the engine are there. There is good coral growth, with lots of Caribbean fish hanging out amongst the remains. The visibility here has always been great for us, better than the common snorkeling area.

The wreck lies in about 5-10 ft of water depending upon the tide. It is visible from the shore when the tide is low. On May 15, 2005, the high tide will be 2.7 ft at 12:12 PM, so we maybe able to get a visual reference at 11:00AM or a little before.

This wreck is a ways out there, well past the orange buoys. Average depth is about 8 feet or less the whole way out. This will take about 1.5 hours. Here is a break down, it takes about takes about 30 minutes to swim out to, spend 20-30 minutes exploring the wreck, and 30 minutes to swim back. SO WE WILL BE IN THE WATER FOR QUITE A WHILE. This will really work up a good appetite for lunch at Serenity Bay lunch spot, behind the bar. Good time for a Conch Cooler.

My charts of the area do not show this derelict so it may depend on wither we can see it to find it. Either way it is an adventure.
 
karaeric said:
pirate: Guidelines! pirate:

No real rules. What worked best on the last cruise was to set a 12 hour maximum for holding the Mickey before passing it on. Personally, I think the faster it goes around, the more fun it is. I would even like to see it go around more than once if possible. But I'll be very happy if it makes it to everyone once!

I'll keep a running list of those who are interested in playing TAG. I'll post it once in a while just to remind everyone and just in case I miss someone's request to play. If you have not given Jeff your cabin number and you want to play, please PM me so I can include it for the game.




See my signature re: the whole rules/guidelines question pirate: :)

Count us in for tag - we have two cabins. We'll let you know the location as soon as we find out! (still gty status)

The Palo brunch sounds great too.

So it sounds like when you link dining reservations they put you at the same table if they can - or maybe just near each other and on the same rotation - right?
Since we have 2 cabins and 6 people (with both little ones and teens and late seating as well) I figure we may be a tough group to match with fellow diners - so wouldn't be surprised if they stuck us at our own table for six - but who knows.


Debbie,
Thanks for taking the time to post your research on the excursions!
 
Cruisetoberfest 2 years ago we had a table of 12 of fellow DIS'ers so it wasn't that hard or that big of a deal to make a big table. It was nice because when someone went to Palo's or Topsiders for dinner instead the table wasn't left empty...
 
Hi Everyone,

Debbie: Thanks for the great excursion info.

Scott H: Count DH and I in for the snorkeling at CC and the get together the day before the cruise. Let us know what to bring, i.e. snacks, wine and/or beer.

Linda: Add me to the group to do scrapbook.

TRANSPORTATION INFO:

We have been looking at transportation options from the Port of LA to Grand Californian and then from the Grand Californian to LAX. What we came up with:

Port to GC: DCL $25 pp., rent a car or share rental of van/limo with others. Only Enterprise close to pier. Hertz will reimburse $10 for taxi to their location to pick up car and no additional charge for drop off at different location. All other car rentals do not offer shuttle service to rental location or would reimbursement for taxi.

GC to LAX: Super Shuttle $15 pp. if booked through GC or rent a car/limo. Super Shuttle will give us a pickup time and guarantee that we will make our flight.

Does anyone have additional info?
 
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