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

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by Scott H
When we have been to CC and the Bahamas in May the temps have been in the upper 70's to low 80's, Water temps cool enough for a full 3mm wetsuit. Low to mid 70's.

N I C E!!

 

[Scott H]

Just back from the grocery store. Ran into a guy I know who is an avid cruiser. Got to talking out the Canal Cruise and here is a photo/camera tip he learned when he sailed the canal.

Place your camera in a plastic bag before you leave an air conditioned area of the ship. When you get outside allow the camera to come up to ambient temperature before opening the bag, suggested about 20 minutes. I guess this allows your camera to avoid the shock of the transition from cool dry to hot humid. This procedure avoids the fogging of the lenses etc. He was using a digital camera and it worked for him. It was a tip that RCCL sharred with the folks on his cruise before they entered the canal.

So add a camera sized baggie to the packing list.

 

[kellib36]

Good info about the baggies, Scott! It's Frontier Days, so Thursday the weather went in the toilet around here. It was only in the 50's on Fri/Sat with plenty of rain to make the steer roping nice and sloppy!!! it made for a very cold concert, too! We saw ZZ Top and Marshall Tucker Band last night.

Looks like we are not going to do DL after the cruise. I mentioned staying in CA for a day or two to Keith's Mom, and she wants to go see her baby brother!! (How old is a baby borther when you're 84?!?!?!?) ;-) He lives in Redlands, near San Bernadino. Both she and her brother have health problems so I guess her priorities are right!! And since Keith hasn't seen him since he joined the AF so many years ago, and I've NEVER met him, looks like we're set!!

We are looking at LAX for our return trip. It looks like it is the only airport that Midwest Airlines flies out of nonstop. I don't want her to have to change planes in KC, which is the only flight out of Orange County. We can do any of the 3 airports to Denver, but we have quite a choice of flights from LAX. They don't fly direct to most places we go, but when they do we are there!!! Of ourse, this all may be futile, since we may be flying home with her and coming home again anyway!!!

I was looking at the website, and don't see our info. Jeff, shall I send it again? Thanks, Kelli

 

[Scott H]

Last Thursday we had rain of Biblical Proportion. The deluge.

One of these years we should get to Cheyenne for Frontier Days. I think it is funny that folks in Cheyenne have TAG (tourist are gone) parties. Try living in Jackson. Tee Hee, where it is always tourist season, folks need to realize that there are many a valuable dollar spent in our local communities by the tourist. I will admit I tend to hibernate during our local heavy tourist events, usually had to work them, and still run the possibility of being called out.

Now here is a crazy thought I had, I know some will think I am nuts for thinking of this one: I was wondering how much lower in the water the Magic will sit as we go through the canal. The Canal is fresh water as apposed to the ocean salt water. Salt water is denser than the fresh water, so we should sit lower. Now I have a question to ask the Captain. Bet I get a really strange look, maybe not, as the difference in the draft of the ship would need to be accounted for. Being a SCUBA instructor and having knowledge of these physical properties is dangerous.

 

[JenKatt]

I wish we had a time of year when the tourists are gone. It use to be 5-10 years ago when Tampa southward were deserted in the summer, but now seeing a Canadian plate is commonplace. We went outlet shopping today, I think there were more Brits than Floridians!

 

[kellib36]

Originally posted by Scott H
Now here is a crazy thought I had, I know some will think I am nuts for thinking of this one: I was wondering how much lower in the water the Magic will sit as we go through the canal.

It just gives us more proof that you are nuts. Didn't you tell me you'd read the Path between the Seas? Don't they tell you the difference? I just finished through the first set of pics...its SO exciting!! I just wish I'd paid more attention in school!!! I can't wait to see how it ends!!

Actually, the history really is interesting...and I think it'll give me a lot of think about as we go through!! Anyone know if one side of the ship has more to see than the other?

Kelli, where "tourist" season is truly only 10-14 days a year!!!

 

[Scott H]

Have not started Path Between the Seas yet so now I have to. Proof I am crazy well I do that every day, just ask the guys I work with.

I know there are a lot of Canadians on the Gulf Coast, particulary in the Port Charlotte area where we plan to move to, biggie to me.

 

[JenKatt]

Scott... They're everywhere, the farther South you go, the farther North you've gone. Case in point: there is no good pizza in Florida. I grew up outside NYC, the pizza here looks like pizza, but it really isn't. However, go to Key West and you can find good pizza in Florida. Go figure

 

[kellib36]

For anyone who's interested, here's a cool story!!!

I'm on another list and a guy was saying he's going to WDW next year. In his signature, he said he was from Panama and I wrote and asked how close he was to the Canal. After I sent the email, I got to thinking how ignorant of me, that just because he is FROM Panama, that doesn't mean he's been there recently, let alone still there......

Well, his response was not only that he is still in Panama, but he can hear the ships' horns at night. How cool, huh? THEN, he tells me that he has been keeping track of our trip and he thinks he should start sucking up to his boss so he can be our PILOT!!!!

Wouldn't that just be an awesome thing to pilot the FIRST Disney cruise through the Panama Canal!! Almost as cool as being a passenger! Anyway, just thought I'd share that with you all! I was just gonna be happy to wave at someone, now I might be able to say I "know" the pilot!!

Kelli

 

[Scott H]

I understand the inability to find good pizza, I grew up in the Chicago area. Now I have an additional excuse to visit the Keys.

Kelli, that would be way too kewl to have the inside track on the canal pilot. I am seeing a DIS meet on the bridge to meet the pilot, yeah right......well I can dream.

 

[JenKatt]

Originally posted by Scott H
I understand the inability to find good pizza, I grew up in the Chicago area. Now I have an additional excuse to visit the Keys.

Kelli, that would be way too kewl to have the inside track on the canal pilot. I am seeing a DIS meet on the bridge to meet the pilot, yeah right......well I can dream.

There was a good little pizza place up Duval on the corner of Duval and Truman (US 1). Nothing to write home about for Chicago or NYC pizza, but pretty darn good for Florida...

 

[kellib36]

Originally posted by Scott H
Kelli, that would be way too kewl to have the inside track on the canal pilot. I am seeing a DIS meet on the bridge to meet the pilot, yeah right......well I can dream.

That's exactly what I was thinking.... "What do you mean this isn't where the meet is? Are you suuuure? Well, since we're here....."

 

[Brisully]

Is this confirmed?? Or just a rumor?? I am reposting this from the Collector's Board:

DCL 2005 Repositioning Cruise - Updates!!! Urgent
URGENT

There are alot of our pin friends going on these special
sailings and maybe getting some very special pins!!!!

This is the most recent UPDATE - PLEASE READ

In order to provide a premier experience for guests sailing on the Panama Canal cruises, changes have been made to the itineraries of these two sailings. On the westbound cruise, which departs on May 14, 2005, a stop at the port of Mazatlan, Mexico has been added. On the eastbound cruise, which departs on August 20, 2005, the Acapulco day visit has been extended to an overnight stay to give guests more time to enjoy this popular port. In both cases, Puerto Quetzal has been eliminated from the itinerary.

Responses to Guest Questions

1. Why did you eliminate Puerto Quetzal?

We always offer premier experiences for our guests at our ports of call, and the opportunity to make these changes offered an even better overall guest experience from the previous itinerary.

2. Should I be concerned that you made this change for security reasons?

Not at all. This change is being made to ensure a great guest experience. There is no other reason for the change.

3. Are you doing this to cut costs?

We are doing this in order to make these two very special voyages even better than they were before. We believe our guests will be pleased with the updated itineraries.

4. Why are these itineraries better than going to Puerto Quetzal?

Mazatlan, Mexico and Acapulco are extremely popular port destinations, and we believe our guests will have an incredible time at these ports. We are always looking for the best possible itineraries for our guests.

5. Why are you adding Mazatlan on the western journey and not on the eastern journey?

The timeline for the return trip does not allow for a stop at Mazatlan, which is why we’ve lengthened the stay in Acapulco.

6. Can I get a refund on my cruise because of this change?

Guests may receive a full refund on any Disney Cruise Line voyage when cancellation is made more than 60-days prior to their scheduled voyage.

7. How can you expect guests to be at sea for so many days in a row?

Our guests have always told us that they love having days at sea for a variety of reasons. For one, it gives guests the chance to enjoy our vast offerings on the ship from special entertainment to premier movies to special activities, and of course, our children’s offerings are extensive. Having time at sea also gives guests the chance to slow down the pace of their vacation. We believe our guests will have an incredible time during each day at sea.

Take Care
Dana
beanie-babies@att.net
S.S. PIN TRADERS GROUP
VILLAINS ON THE HIGH SEAS 2004

 

[JenKatt]

That would be so cool if these changes are true. I'm kinda thinking the overnight in Acapulco would be cool, but in honesty, I'm more interested in seeing something different!

 

[JenKatt]

Second thing, if anybody gets the Oriental Trading catalog, the new one has a ton of party favors. I was wondering for the sail away party should we try to go for a theme? The luau stuff they have is great, but the Fiesta stuff is nifty as well.. you can see it also on their website which I believe is oriental.com

 

[Tigfanjeff]

This is exactly WHY I didn't send out magnets as fast I could make them. Looks like I've got some more work ahead of me. This IS great news though.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Yay!!! I guess I will have to recalculate our time at sea/land

So we get a different port and eastbound gets one less port but overnight at Acapulco.

I think we get the better deal!!

Debbie

 

[moocow35]

I am so very excited about this! I have read about a wonderful place to horseback ride on the beach in Matatlan! I really hope this is true. Puerto Quetzal just sounded horrid! Thank you Brisully for posting this!

Jen, funny you should mention oriental trading. I was thinking about that very same thing a while back. The website is:
www.orientaltrading.com Sounds like a great idea to me. If we all come to a decision for a theme, count me in for purchasing several bulk items for our group!

Poor Jeff, back to the drawing board so to speak on the magnets. I'm sorry, yet I am very happy about this potential change.

Robin

 

[JenKatt]

Robin,
I just love Oriental Trading, the prices are to die for! And the stuff sin't bad horrible either, it's not great but for the price it's a steal

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Originally posted by moocow35


I am so very excited about this! I have read about a wonderful place to horseback ride on the beach in Matatlan! I really hope this is true. Puerto Quetzal just sounded horrid! Thank you Brisully for posting this!

Jen, funny you should mention oriental trading. I was thinking about that very same thing a while back. The website is:
www.orientaltrading.com Sounds like a great idea to me. If we all come to a decision for a theme, count me in for purchasing several bulk items for our group!

Poor Jeff, back to the drawing board so to speak on the magnets. I'm sorry, yet I am very happy about this potential change.

Robin

Actually, it won't take me that long at all.