20050514..May 14, 2005...Official Check in Disney's 1st 14 Day thru Panama Canal Part 2

[bonzie1]

I've included some pirate ear rings in the sailaway bags...Not sure how many people will get them...the contents of the bags are all mixed...but if you discover a circle of coins that's too small for a bracelet, loop it around your ear for that wealthy pirate look...

Cash has forgiven me...Kitty, too.....since my new bed was delivered and she discovered the delights of sleeping on a new quilt....

Ahoy Lynda,

We're mighty glad to hear your comfort sailing vessel has arrived! Wishin' ye many pleasant dreams of smooth sails and bountiful treasures. We'll keep an eye out for the earrings and circle of coins! Our coin supply is dwindling quite rapidly here in the Yardville port. Soon we'll be setting sail for a mighty trip!

ARRGGGG!

Galley Annie

 

[DisneyPinDiva]

Does Cash get to sleep on the bed too?? We had to get a huge king bed just to make room for the dogs... Now theres barely room for us!!

Question on upgrades for those of you who may have been lucky enough to get them now or in the past.... Have you ever known your stateroom and then when the docs come or you get to the port... then find out about an upgrade??? I'm thinking that they will give upgrades to the people who are booking now and paying a lot more ... vs us that booked on day one and paid a lot less.... even though they've had our money for a year! Thoughts? Discuss.....

 

[bonzie1]

If you have cingular/att wireless service you can add international roaming to your account and your phone should work in all ports and through the canal. To verify this please check http://www.cingular.com/cingularworld Phone will need to operate at 850/1900MHz. Tmobile service should be avail too. I am anot sure about sprint and verizon. I was only able to check GSM service.

Thanks for passing along this information!

DH just found out the following for us and our plan...

As stated, if your phone already operates at 850/1900MHz, you can call for the int'l roaming. For us, we called, 1-800-888-7600 (ATT wireless). The monthly charge for this service is $4.00. Then we will be able to "roam" while on the cruise. We plan on instating this service right before we leave, and cancelling it when we return. Roaming rates varry with location (country to country).

 

[krdisneybound]

DH just found out the following for us and our plan...

As stated, if your phone already operates at 850/1900MHz, you can call for the int'l roaming. For us, we called, 1-800-888-7600 (ATT wireless). The monthly charge for this service is $4.00. Then we will be able to "roam" while on the cruise. We plan on instating this service right before we leave, and cancelling it when we return. Roaming rates varry with location (country to country).

I am doing the same thing. We have to stay ahead of them somehow and get our moneys worth.

 

[videogal1]

Does Cash get to sleep on the bed too?? We had to get a huge king bed just to make room for the dogs... Now theres barely room for us!!

Nope, only kitty (Ollie) has bed priviledges...It's a matter of who's top dog as well as bed size...You've seen that big galoot... 27" tall at the shoulders...His legs would take up half the bed alone....
Plus, from a dog psychology point of view it's not a good idea to let the Beta dog share a bed with the Alpha dog. I need him to obey me, not argue with me...

 

[hmrgang]

We have Nextel phones, and have the direct "interconnect" feature, where you use them like walkie-talkies. Our friend went home to visit in southern Mexico - 4 hrs. from Mexico City - and "beeped" us (SE PA) It sounded like he was next door. I couldn't believe it. Don't know if this would apply to the Panama area, though.

 

[videogal1]

Although I wanted the grab bag contents to be a surprise I realize that, unless I write over a hundred explanations to go with the goodies, they may not be readily identifiable, as the idea for some of them came out of my head, which has occasionally been accused of being to alien places. In some of the bags there will be treasure notepads and pens with long cords attached to hang from the message fish....another take on "drop me a line"...

Oh, I think I'm SO funny....

 

[Scott H]

Been setting up Quick Books for the Soggy Moose Diving all morning, Lynn has really helped a bunch.

Laurie, Try diversdirect.com they may have a good combo sets. We actually found a great set for 39.99 at Sam’s Club, brand is body glove. A very functional set with a travel bag. We are using it as a rental item for our classes.

Georgie, Will a sun dial work at night?????

 

[bonzie1]

Georgie, Will a sun dial work at night?????

Gee, it that kinda like "If a tree falls in the forrest will it make a sound?"

 

[gene2geno]

Hi Marie

Let Dora and Katie know we look forward to meeting them. The closer we get to sailing the harder it is to contain my excitement. You all are posting so many messages these days it's hard to keep up!

Joan

 

[Harry In Michigan]

Hi,
Regarding upgrades, I got upgraded from a 12 to a 09 for a Western in December of 2003. I had booked it at least a year and a half previous although it had only been "completely" paid for maybe four or five months. There was a big East Coast snow storm just before that cruise so maybe they had a lot of no shows. Most of the cabins (Oops, I mean "Staterooms") and halls forward of the foreward elevators on 02 deck were closed off.
My first post. How'd I do?
Soil Challenged Harry Rackham (in Michigan, Eh?)

 

[krdisneybound]

Today I got real serious about our cruise. Since I am going to WDW before our cruise, I had to get the clothes together that I am taking on both trips. Went out to one of my sheds and retrieved a large wide sewing table and set it up in one of my bedrooms. Have piles for both and for each. -- had to rest several times -- this is hard work.

All of this is gonna take a lot of planning for all of us. Bet the majority of us will have to pay for extra luggage and weight. There is no way we are gonna be the normal traveler/cruiser. Thank goodness the out-of-towners/staters can ship boxes first. That is a blessing for you guys.

After returning from our cruise, just gonna wash/dry clean all the clothes and put them back on the table for the July and September cruise. Then in September need different clothes for a two week trip to Hawaii. So, yet another pile.

Looks like I will be living with limited clothes until everything is over with. But isn't it work it.....

How is everyone else coming along with their packing??

Everyone must be out shopping - slow day for the thread and chats

 

[Tink33]

Yesterday when I went to Office Depot, I found a temporary Disney outlet next door. I spent too much because they are closing today. I am debating going back this afternoon because they had a Jessica Rabbit costume. I would love to wear it to dinner one night.

 

[aphoenix]

Today I got real serious about our cruise. Since I am going to WDW before our cruise, I had to get the clothes together that I am taking on both trips. Went out to one of my sheds and retrieved a large wide sewing table and set it up in one of my bedrooms. Have piles for both and for each. -- had to rest several times -- this is hard work.

All of this is gonna take a lot of planning for all of us. Bet the majority of us will have to pay for extra luggage and weight. There is no way we are gonna be the normal traveler/cruiser. Thank goodness the out-of-towners/staters can ship boxes first. That is a blessing for you guys.

After returning from our cruise, just gonna wash/dry clean all the clothes and put them back on the table for the July and September cruise. Then in September need different clothes for a two week trip to Hawaii. So, yet another pile.

Looks like I will be living with limited clothes until everything is over with. But isn't it work it.....

How is everyone else coming along with their packing??

Everyone must be out shopping - slow day for the thread and chats

Funny you should mention that. I spent today running errands, getting all the little things we are going to need.

I have the cruise only clothes packed, and have most of the sundries pulled together. I'm traveling 2 of the next three weeks, but have the last two weeks before the cruise at home. So, most of the clothes will be done then. I'm just hoping the tailor finishes the tuxedo vest soon!

 

[DisneyPinDiva]

Hi,
Regarding upgrades, I got upgraded from a 12 to a 09 for a Western in December of 2003. I had booked it at least a year and a half previous although it had only been "completely" paid for maybe four or five months. There was a big East Coast snow storm just before that cruise so maybe they had a lot of no shows. Most of the cabins (Oops, I mean "Staterooms") and halls forward of the the foreward elevators on 02 deck were closed off.
My first post. How'd I do?
Soil Challenged Harry Rackham (in Michigan, Eh?)

Welcome Aboard Harry! Pretty good for a first post! Thanks for the info.. how far in advance did you know you had an upgrade? Thats a pretty nice upgrade too!! I was hoping.... but it looks at the moment like we didn't luck out. No matter... I'm just happy to be on the ship!
Looks like this is going to be a Rackham & Flint family reunion... all you Rackhams and Flints out there!

 

[Regina]

I am debating going back this afternoon because they had a Jessica Rabbit costume. I would love to wear it to dinner one night.

Is that considered formal or semi-formal? I'll let Gary be surprised, very, very surprised.

 

[krdisneybound]

THOUGHT I WOULD MENTION THIS:

I remember last year when we went away for three weeks. Of course, my bills didn't get paid until I got home. On credit cards that were due, and were not paid on time, I was charged a service fee. Since I pay off my cards each month, I didn't understand and when I called each card's office, they suggested that I get somone to pay my bills next time I go away. A few of them waived the fee but some did not.

Cards that are not paid off each month, is charged a fee anyways, so maybe it isn't necessary to pay double.

And, the bills that are taken directly out of the bank account will be paid on time, of course.

SO, STARTING NOW and until we leave, when I receive a bill, I'm going to pay twice the amount and then when we get home on June 2nd, everything will be paid up-to-date. Basically, also, I will have a credit on the cards that I send payment for.

 

[Scott H]

Welcome Aboard Harry

This is a friendly and crazy bunch of folks here that will ensure a good time is had by all.

Read Peter's updates and jump right in the water is fine.

 

[airtime247]

Laurie,

You asked Scott where he bought his snorkel gear but I thought I would mention where I got mine to give you more options.

We bought ours from Snorkel-Mart (www.snorkel-mart.com). They had a pretty good package deal for two which included fins, mask, snorkel, two reusable underwater cameras, de-fogging drops, a fish identifying chart, and a large mesh duffel bag to store everything. I don't remember the cost off hand but you can check their site for current specials. They also included prescription lenses for mine.

They are pretty good quality but reasonably priced. If you are looking for an inexpensive set, you can check your local sporting goods store, Target, Walmart, or Costco. They may not have much of a selection until summer gets closer.

Hope that helps!
-steve

 

[bettemom]

Hi everyone,

Well we have a lovely day in NH today. We spent the day with Peter & Jen
( hygiene 99) and went to the Olive Garden and had a super lunch. Then the bad news..... We decided to make a quick stop at Wal-Mart, well I spent a little more than planned, however the memory card for my Mini camcorder was on clearance. Now for the real fun news, Jen & I found summer flip-flop sandals that have lights in them, as you walk the light blink,they were real cheap $ 7.00, of course we are bringing them on the cruise...

Time to go pay a couple bills and get ready for a new work week...

Bye, Kim