20060902--Eastern Sept 2nd, 2006

[DanelleVT]

Hi, I am sorry I didn't get to meet anyone in the group either, I popped in at the meeting and asked for Holly, someone said she was coming along right behind them, but during lunch my daughter had dumped an entire glass of milk all over me (why would they give a 4 year old a glass of milk in a large stemmed glass! - and why didn't I say something as soon as they did! ) -anyway it wasn't the most comfortable feeling and of course luggage hadn't arrived yet so I left pretty quickly to go wait for something dry to put on.

I have to agree with NeedingVacation, when diving you have to make sure your thought process is engaged carefully before you put your body into motion. Most diving accidents are a result of diver error, but it is very sad when you hear of it, and reminds you never to take anything for granted.

 

[BigBlueMan]

personally, i wonder how many cancelled the sting ray excursion for CC from our cruise after Steve Irwin died. we heard rumors about it, but until we got home didnt have full story (at .75/min for internet access i wasn't about to look it up until i got home!).

When we were at Serenity Bay, some idiot was doing a 'Saturday Night Live' type impersonation of Steve Irwin going after a sting ray. This was a grown man making a very loud, absolute fool of himself in the water where dozens of people could hear him. Everybody was looking at each other going "Geeez", I can't believe anybody acts so stupid.

 

[tomspixie]

Our understanding was that there were four cabins booked with the gentleman that passed away. Supposedly one cabin remained aboard after St. Thomas. Our prayer is that the families are able to find peace in that it was a wonderful time in being together and doing things they enjoyed.
The scary thing is this is the second DCL cruise we have been on where someone has died! The first was a heart attack of a gentleman in his early forties up by the Goofy Pool on the Wonder, while in port in Nassau. That was really bad as his kids saw the whole thing.

 

[tomspixie]

So hard to believe we only ran into a few of you! Those of you whom we met, it was a pleasure! I wish we could have met you all! It has been great fun talking with you here on the boards.

Tom and I rebooked for our solo trip next year...September 15th I think. We will be doing the Med July 28th. We also did an add on of points while onboard! Lots of fun!!!

Best to you all!
tif

 

[xABearx]

Ginny and I rebooked for the 09/08/07 Western.....seems so far away

 

[HollyTyler]

Hi Ginny! Don't feel bad....we're going on the Nov. 24, '07, so that's even farther away than your cruise!!!!

 

[CaptainJack]

It was really good seeing all of you on the cruise.

Brian, thanks again for the party at the Suite.
Big Blue, GO University of Kentucky
Holly, did you get 2 weeks behind by being gone 1 week? (thats the way it felt when I got back to office). And, BTW, is your next cruise (the kid fee one) leaving on January 6, 2007 and from where?
Tggrbuny, Im still waiting for my paycheck from the week for the cruise. After all, I did not help you with payroll but we talked about it--Does that count?

 

[gdulaney]

Hi Ginny! Don't feel bad....we're going on the Nov. 24, '07, so that's even farther away than your cruise!!!!

Well, you could always change your plans...

Ginny

 

[HollyTyler]

Well, you could always change your plans...

Ginny

Well, I'm just dying to see the ship decorated for Christmas. Until then, I'll just survive by staying glued to the DIS boards to feed my addiction!

 

[HollyTyler]

It was really good seeing all of you on the cruise.

Brian, thanks again for the party at the Suite.
Big Blue, GO University of Kentucky
Holly, did you get 2 weeks behind by being gone 1 week? (thats the way it felt when I got back to office). And, BTW, is your next cruise (the kid fee one) leaving on January 6, 2007 and from where?
Tggrbuny, Im still waiting for my paycheck from the week for the cruise. After all, I did not help you with payroll but we talked about it--Does that count?

Being gone 1 week did get me 2 weeks behind (in schoolwork, that is) because since this is week 2 of the semester, I have homework for 2 weeks to do. But I'll manage....I always do!

And yes, my next cruise is 1/6/07. It's an Eastern again, but not DCL. It's an 8 day on Carnival Liberty, leaving from Fort Lauderdale. I'm trying to go into it with an open mind, but I already don't like the itinerary---NO sea days! I didn't do the planning, I just joined the group after they had booked. But I'll still be happy because at least it's a cruise! AND I'll get to do whatever I want, whenever I want and NOT have to be a mom for 8 days! I SO need that!

 

[crainbow]

That's terrible that someone died, I hadn't heard that. Did we also leave someone behind in St. Thomas? It seemed to me that we left St. Thomas earlier than it said we were going to- does anyone remember? I thought maybe that meant that everyone was back on board so we pulled out early.

If anyone is interested, I'm posting a trip report:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=14492436#post14492436

-Courtney

We had a stateroom right above the aft gangway. We heard the chatter between the ships crew and dock workers. As for leaving early, we were almost an hour late or so pulling out due to people not arriving back aboard on time. Must have been close to 100 people who boarded late. One gent was escorted by the local Police, given his ID at the dock, and watched until he was aboard.


Chuck

 

[HollyTyler]

We had a stateroom right above the aft gangway. We heard the chatter between the ships crew and dock workers. As for leaving early, we were almost an hour late or so pulling out due to people not arriving back aboard on time. Must have been close to 100 people who boarded late. One gent was escorted by the local Police, given his ID at the dock, and watched until he was aboard.


Chuck

We were watching the late arrivals too and also saw the guy who was escorted by the police. Tyler got excited to see a police car drive so close to the ship! I'd be too afraid to risk getting back to the ship as late as those people did---would sure hate to get left behind!

 

[tomspixie]

Being gone 1 week did get me 2 weeks behind (in schoolwork, that is) because since this is week 2 of the semester, I have homework for 2 weeks to do. But I'll manage....I always do!

And yes, my next cruise is 1/6/07. It's an Eastern again, but not DCL. It's an 8 day on Carnival Liberty, leaving from Fort Lauderdale. I'm trying to go into it with an open mind, but I already don't like the itinerary---NO sea days! I didn't do the planning, I just joined the group after they had booked. But I'll still be happy because at least it's a cruise! AND I'll get to do whatever I want, whenever I want and NOT have to be a mom for 8 days! I SO need that!

Holly...go and enjoy. Tyler will be fine, and he will in the long run appreciate that you have a life as well. You will be recharged and ready to get him through anything and ready for the next semester!!! As to waiting for November 24...you are going to be sooooo glad to return to DCL!!! The ship is EXTRAORDINARY dressed up for Christmas!!! You have chosen wisely! We have sailed around Christmas for years, and sailed on Christmas last year. How we wish we had sailed over Christmas every year...now it is impossible with High School sports! My advice to anyone thinking of sailing over the holidays with kids in grade school....DO IT!!! Pull them out of school if you have to...but DO IT!!! It is truly priceless!!!

Best to all!
tif

 

[BelievesinMagic]

We had a wonderful time despite a me catching a bug after getting off the plane. I ended up sleeping most of the first 2 days onboard and missed the meets because I didn't want to spread my germs. Later at the last show I noticed a lot of people coughing and sniffling with what sounded like the same thing I had, so I didn't feel so bad knowing I wasn't the only one.

I'm sorry I missed the meets and wanted to go to Brian and Shelly's so bad, nice to know everyone had a great time. It was a pure pleasure meeting Tomspixie, Mickeysmedic, dhuffy, you all rock!

I saw crainbow but could not for the life of me remember your disname. I only remembered your lovely wife's name was Mina then felt awkward asking in case it wasn't, blast this memory.

We shared late dining rotation with Big Blue Man but I was having so much fun with our tablemates a mother and daughter duo from Oregon that I didn't get to go over and say hello cause we always closed down the restaurant. They really had a wonderful Mother/daughter relationship. We could hardly wait for dinner to hear of their exploits. Thank you DCL for pairing us up with another fabulous family!

I saw Monstro's FIL, walked towards him then walked away because I realized I only rememered Monstro's disname and realized I was about to blurt out, "Hello, aren't you Monstro's FIL?" I know I'm such a loser.

We rebooked a dummy date onboard for 12/07 in anticipation for the 2008 release dates. We also booked a room for my brother and his family and for my older brother who we can't wait to cruise with us in 2008. I hope to connect with my new found friends in the future and meet more of you on a cruise some day!

Right now DH and I go through our day saying, "At this time we would be going to the theatre for a show, or sitting down for dinner, or going to the rocking bar D for 70's night, or laying on those comfy deck chairs on deck4, etc.... *sigh* I miss the magic.

 

[tomspixie]

It was nice getting to meet you and your DH at the terminal and then onboard. Congrats on booking down the road and getting family to travel with you! We have been trying for what seem like ages to get several family members to join us! UGH!! Well, we know who our Disney family is!!!

 

[Monstro]

For those of you who like going to the rocking bar d... What did you think of the live band? It was interesting to watch people leave as they came on to play.

 

[BigBlueMan]

For those of you who like going to the rocking bar d... What did you think of the live band? It was interesting to watch people leave as they came on to play.

Umm... how do you say it in English...?

Er... they sucked?

 

[tomspixie]

Actually that is a big deal onboard amongst some of the crew!!! DCL is trying different type bands...like several other lines. To cut costs! The group actually performs over 500 songs and supposedly doesn't repeat one on a cruise...and even on set party themes, the songs other than what is required, are different. BUT, my understanding is that the cruise staff might want the old guys back. Write to DCL!!!
Did you also notice that the steel drum band was not onboard. That was always nice in Parrot Cay. They would also perform out by the pools. Well, if you did miss them as well, write to DCL!!!
The former lead of the band...not the Charles Marshall...the young white guy? Can't remember his name. Anyway...he married a gal from the cruise staff recently. Kaz had pictures on her iPod!

Well, as I said...if you would prefer the old touches, let DCL know! Guess what...they are docking at CC right now!!! Wish I was there! Chaos definitely ensued upon our return!!!
Best of days all!
tif

 

[crainbow]

I thought both of the live "bands" were on the bad side. The couple in the Promenade louge seemed to be in the same part of thier act each night Mina and I walked through before dinner. XOP drove me out of Bar D the first time we wanted to stay up late and dance. We never gave them much of a chance after that. We dropped into sessions and the guy there was on a Pan pipe. Ack! Disney did not want us to spend money in a bar listening to music or dancing on this cruise.

Must say that Bar D was much nicer without the cloud of smoke hanging around this time.

Chuck

 

[BigBlueMan]

I thought both of the live "bands" were on the bad side. The couple in the Promenade louge seemed to be in the same part of thier act each night Mina and I walked through before dinner. XOP drove me out of Bar D the first time we wanted to stay up late and dance.
Chuck

I almost felt sorry for the couple in the Promenade lounge. If my primary job was to play songs of the last 20 years for 30 somethings and their five year olds to dance to, I'd be less than enthused as well. They were just average I thought.

When XOP did Pink's "Get This Party Started", it was like nails on a blackboard. Had Pink herself been there, I have no doubt she'd have opened a can of whooparse on that girl singer.

Amen to the Steel Drum band. I think this was the first Caribbean cruise I've ever been on where that wasn't a part of things.

Many years ago, we used to go see a guy at the Captain Cook's in the Polynesian. His name was Dan Riley. Disney had him on their cruises for a while, although we never caught him. I was on his website a while back ( www.danriley.com ) and emailed him and he said they just quit booking him. This guy was a real entertainer. Wish they'd bring HIM back. I used to sit for hours in CC's and listen to him.