06/24/2006 - Special Western Cruise - Who Else!?

[Jillpie]

okay guys, for those of you that don't have a passport, are you getting one for this cruise?? As you know, we're a family of five and the expense is pretty big. But if you think we'll need them, I want to do it now, before there's a million people next Winter trying to get them. But here's the thing...the dates of requirement state that Mexico won't be needed till 2007. But the Caribbean is needed after Dec. 2005. So, is this considered Mexico or the Caribbean or both?? Should we go to this expense or what?

 

[musicgirl]

I was hoping that they would say our cruise was Mexico plus a Disney owned (USA) island. But DCL said that CC is considered to be in the Bahamas (or was it Caribbean). Either one, it will be under the sanction.

However, that is not in stone yet!!! I am a hold out. I was going to wait a few more months (maybe Oct. or Nov.) to see what happens. If they don't definitely put it into effect by Oct., I don't see how they could ask people in Jan to get passports.

Personally, I think this is crazy. I am all for security, but I don't think this is the answer. I think it will cause MANY people not to travel outside the country to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada.

For us, it is only 3 people. There are others that have big families and it may be the difference in them going. I know some people feel, well they are paying a huge amount to go on the trip, they can certainly afford it.
I don't think that is true. I budget very carefully and am making a monthly payment (on my disney visa of course!). I'm sure I am not the only one to budget. We wouldn't have to cancel our cruise, but why spend it for this cruise only?

This is our last trip for a while, a long while. I have been to Canada a number of times, so that wouldn't even be in our plans. Any trip we might take will be very close to home and far from exotic!!!!

What about faimilies going on a WISH trip or something similar. What if they don't have time to get passports?

I hope that the government re-thinks this.

Just my humble opinion. I know this is a hot topic.

 

[Jillpie]

Hi Lorie, thanks for your feedback. Here's what happened today...I called DCL about this particular cruise and talked to someone who really sounded like she knew what she was talking about. She agreed with me about not needing a Mexico destination passport till Dec. 2006. She also said that CC is in the Bahamas and not the Caribbean. So there you have it, it certainly sounds like we may not need them. My oldest DS17 will need one though, he's going to Italy in April with school. But the rest of us, I don't think so. I can think of other ways to spend 400.00, ya know? I refuse to fall prey of this "panic" that seems to be setting in here on the boards. I'll pay attention to the deadlines, but not spend foolish money if not needed.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

musicgirl, enjoy your summer!!!

On the passport question, DH and I have passports, the kids don't yet, but I do plan on getting passports for them. I just think in the long run it will be easier and less stressful for me!

I am sooooo anxious to hear what the ports of 2007 are. I was considering changing to 2007 depending on the ports, but my DD said she wants to go to CC because we missed it last time. So I am sure we will stick with the original plan. But that Panama cruise sure sounded fantastic....

I have a request for someone who is posted on the first page. Can we edit one of your posts to list all the people from the DIS on the cruise? I could do the legwork and get the list. It would be fun to see everyone listed in one place for the memory challenged people.... (that would be me! LOL!)

 

[musicgirl]

I've got a list already, I can edit one of my if you would like. I think I'm on the first page!

I have the dis name and real name if provided, the family with ages and room #'s. I assume it would be ok to list the number since I would have gotten it from here.

 

[musicgirl]

ok, a list is on page 1. I'll update it when we get add on's.

I tried to make sure the "names" were correct so that if anyone wants to pm.

princess-are the ages of your kids ds-11 and dd-7 their current ages or ages at the time of travel?

 

[BethA]

We will be going the day ahead. Also my parents Joe and Betty are going
My brother and his wife are Joe and Maureen

 

[Jillpie]

Hey guys, guess what I did today, guess what I did!!

The cruise is now PAID IN FULL, wooooohhhoooooo

Its all play money, right?? Please tell me it is, it'll feel so much better !

Okay Lorie, how many more days girl??? I just have the month countdown, so I'm countin on ya.

 

[Jillpie]

Hey, has anyone started thinking about booking flights? The 330 day mark is coming up next month. I'm not really sure how crazy June will be for high fares. Hopefully it'll be okay.

 

[dmensing]

I've got a list already, I can edit one of my if you would like. I think I'm on the first page!

I have the dis name and real name if provided, the family with ages and room #'s. I assume it would be ok to list the number since I would have gotten it from here.

Hey! Lorie has been profiling us all along! Thanks for setting up the list. Here is additional names for other family members: my wife is Lori (easy to remember, huh!), son is Connor (11 at time of cruise), and daughter is Kathleen (9 at time of cruise). We will be in 2610.

Jillpie, in regards to flights, we usually use Southwest or Airtran, so we can't book flights until about 5-6 months out.

Thanks!
Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

Yes Dan, you wouldn't believe all the stuff I have found on all of you!! LOL!!

Is there anything else people would like me to post on the list? Like where you are staying before the cruise (or after), home phone numbers, bank account numbers!!! Just kidding!! Everyone else is sleeping so I must entertain myself!!!

Princess, I hope you stay with us!!! I don't think I could postpone until 2007. I'm ready to burst right now waiting for 2006!

Jillpie, Very cool about the "all paid" status. I won't be that happy until Feb.!!! Once the 330th date comes, we will start looking into flights and book when we see a good price.

Also, when I had talked to a DCL rep., I thought they said if the passport dates are enforced we would have to have them because the Bahamas was included somehow. Personally, I thought the Bahamas was associated with the U.S. like the USVI.

Here's a horrifying thought, what if we didn't need them for our trip, there was a hurricane and they sent us to a carribean port? AHHHHH!!!! Let's hope this all gets straightened out with definite answers soon.

 

[musicgirl]

Well, if the passport issue goes through, we WILL have to have passports to go to CC (Bahamas). I went to www.bahamas.com and according to this site, it says that we will need them coming from there back to the US 1-1-06.

 

[musicgirl]

Jillpie-377 days to go!!!

I just look at dmensing's countdown!!!

 

[Jillpie]

Jillpie-377 days to go!!!

I just look at dmensing's countdown!!!

Oh! I thought it was you with the daily countdown, doh, my bad!

Hey, interesting Bahamas link. Now, it says if you go to the Bahamas and re-enter the U.S. from there you need a passport. But aren't we technically going right to Mexico from there and not the U.S? hmmm, I don't know. I really wish I knew if we had to go to this expense...we'll see.
Oh, wait a minute, then there's the Friday CC day, we go right to the U.S. after that...noooooooo! We need the passport.

 

[musicgirl]

well, we can always hope that the policy does not go through on schedule.

We're coming up on 1 year!!!!!!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

musicgirl, Thanks a bunch for creating the list!!!! That is awesome! The ages listed will be the ages for my kids at sailing. My name is Vija and my DH is Glenn. Call me crazy, but I get nervous putting too much out on the internet, so I'll hold on to the kids names till we get a little closer to our trip.

I have pretty much decided to stick with this cruise. The kids want to go to CC so bad! So this sounds like the best bet for us. And I am afraid that if I delay the trip... it will never happen.... so I say lets just go for it!

I haven't thought about flights yet, but I am sure I will be checking into them soon!

Pretty close to 1 year.

 

[musicgirl]

Thanks Vija!!!

I'll update your names. I don't blame you for being cautious about the info!!!

I'm glad you decided to stick with this one!!

I just hope time flies!!! We are at 668 days!!!

 

[dmensing]

I just hope time flies!!! We are at 668 days!!!

Aahhh! Lorie has been sent back in time! I know it is a typo, but I had to bust on you.

Friday is the one year mark! Woohoo! The countdown ticker should actually start tracking then.

Saturday we are headed to our annual trip to Williamsburg. Should be nice and hot for Water Country!

Talk to ya' later!
Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

No, No, No!!!!!

Ahhhhhhh! that would be horrible! I like the real amount of days!!!


Have fun on your trip Dan. Let me know what you think of that new ride.

We just got back from visiting relatives on one of the Michigan Lakes. It was absolutely beautiful! We stopped at Frankenmuth to do a "little" shopping.

We also went to a German Buffet while in Frankenmuth. If anyone has ever gone to one of these, you'll understand why I must get back on track exercising. There was soooooo much food!!!

See ya

 

[musicgirl]

Just thought you might enjoy these pictures of Chank. Park.

This is where we will probably end up at with a side trip to Dzul Ha Beach.

http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/CozumelChankanaab.htm