6/9/2005 first time cruise who is going???

[ams71]

Sounds great! I just hope I have arrived by that time. I am playing with the idea of catching the DCL bus from AK.

 

[nittany89]

We are actually doing the cruise and then off to WDW to 6 nights. The deal was too good to pass up. I guess we'll be pretty exhausted by the time it's over!

 

[Lorij]

I know that WDW can be pretty exhausting. I remember our first trip where we could hardly walk at the end of the week. But since we have all been there several times, we aren't trying to see EVERYTHING.... So, hopefully it will be a more relaxed trip than most.
Kevlois, we are definately considering leaving at 4am. Not only will we miss the traffic, but DH wants to stop at Belz outlets and stock up on pin tradingstock. DD isn't too enthused, but she can throw a pillow in the back of the car and snooze away.

 

[Dissyblonde]

Do you guys think we should move our meeting time to a little later in the day to allow for traveling snags??
Welcome ams71!!

 

[Lorij]

That would be fine with me.... how about 3pm instead of 2?

 

[Meyer]

We are taking our first cruise too! We are very excited and can't wait. Our 3 kids are excited too. We're spending 3 days at Port Orleans before getting on the ship on the 9th. Looking forward to meeting other families with kids! We're from the Chicago area now, but used to live in Ohio... near Akron. We loved it there.

 

[Lorij]

Hi there! Gee, the ship is filling up... Maybe we'll run into you at PO before the cruise. Are you at riverside or french quarter?

 

[Meyer]

We're PO Riverside. Arriving Monday night. Lounging on Tuesday and Magic Kingdom on Wednesday. We considered two days at the theme parks, but R and R is much needed, so we thought we'd just hang out on Tuesday. Only four more days of school for my 3.

Have you cruised before?

 

[Lorij]

We are at Riverside too, arriving Saturday. We've been to the parks but haven't cruised before. Thought a 3 day would be a good introduction to see if we liked it. Did you know that MK is open late on Wednesday? Great timing for us as we can sleep in the next morning...
I was just up in Chicago in April for a conference, cool city, but I like my southern heat!!

We are all thinking of meeting at BBB on Thursday. It was 2pm, but I think some wanted to change to 3pm and I haven't seen a consensus yet. We're open for either time. See you there!!

 

[kevlois]

Welcome aboard Meyer. 3:00 sounds good to me. We should be on the ship 11-12 so we will save you a seat. Meyer, what ages are your kids? Ours DD16 and DS 12. ams71 and Meyer how will we know you? I will have my Henry Ford hat and a lei along with my tags saying kevlois.

 

[Dissyblonde]

Ahoy Meyer! I am counting on you to have a young one. Everyone else so far has teens or almost teens. We have a 6 years old son. We are land and sea as well and are staying at the PO French Quarter (will feel like home and it has a cool pool)
We are all going to have so much fun. This is one of those trips where, if you get bored you are just a boring person!!!!!
Hey kevlois you told us what you are wearing what about your DW? I hope she is meeting us too!!! Issac oh Issac!!!!

 

[Meyer]

Thanks for the kind welcome! You guys are going to have to teach me the abbreviations you're using, since I'm rather new to this. I can kinda follow them, and I'm assuming BBB is the buffet place on the ship. Unless I hear otherwise I'll be there with my family at 3:00. By the way, that will include my husband (DH?) and two boys (DS?), 14 and 12, and my daughter (DD?), 7. Fear not Dissyblonde, with two older brothers, my daughter will enjoy plaing with anyone on the ship that is close to her age. Shamefully I haven't started packing yet, so I can't say what we'll be wearing on Thursday. When I get that figured out, I'll let you know. For now, all I can commit to is shorts and a shirt!!!
Raining in Chicago today. Cold too. Can't wait to get to Florida in 8 days!!!!! Looking forward to getting to know new friends!

 

[kevlois]

Meyer your abbreviations are right on. Is your DS 12 signed up for lab yet? Dissyblonde the DW hasn't committed to what she is wearing. She is packing as we speak(type). Nittany89 what time do you expect to get to the ship? Last one there will have a bar tab "The Love Boat is exciting and new " O K got the song in my head.

 

[nittany89]

Not sure what time we'll be arriving that day, since we have the VERY LONG 17 hour drive! Hoping to do most of it the day before. I will definetely keep an eye our for everyone. If we do miss everyone - feel free to stop by our stateroom.
I think most of us are on deck 7 now.

 

[Meyer]

Haven't signed my DS12 up for lab yet, but I'm planning on it. He'll love it. I'm a bit concerned about finding activities for my DS14, who tends not to be very outgoing (socially) and avoids new group situations. He's the quiet type, who is at home on the computer... Hoping he will connect with a similar boy or girl and they can do some of the teen activities together. Suggestions? Anyone???
One week from today!!!! The Meyer countdown begins.....

 

[Dissyblonde]

Hey Meyer I can't help with the teen thing....not there yet....but I bet he will be just fine!
Okay, I am all packed
MY DH refuses to wear a tie or jacket to dinner(who can blame him it is vacation) so I may be dining with my DS only (which is okay because it is my vaction too!).
We head to the airport in 5days, 10hours and 22minutes!

Come aboard we're expecting you.......

 

[Meyer]

Your husband only has to wear a jacket/tie at Palo, right? The other three resteraunts will be fine with pants and a collared shirt. Otherwise, your DH and mine can hang out at a bar and we'll eat all of the yummy food with our kids. I have mine talked into a coat and tie for one night. He's not thrilled about it though.

We leave for the airport in six days and 19 hours. I'm counting the minutes and haven't starting packing yet. I did put the beach shoes in a pile in the corner of my room today though. Does that count?
One week from right now we'll be on our plane!

 

[Lorij]

My DH is planning on wearing Hawaiian shirts and Khakis. The only place I believe a tie is required in the short cruises is Palo, so I think your DH's are just fine as long as they don't wear shorts or jeans.
Meyer, my DD(14) and Nittany89's DD(13) have been instant messaging on yahoo for the last week getting to know each other. If your DS would like to join in, just let us know and we will send over the YIM id's. They seem to be having a ball getting to know each other.
ok, so I have DH's pirate costume ready, DD's dresses hung by the suit carrier and suitcases out on the living room couch starting to collect "stuff". Went yesterday to Walmart and picked up cameras for the snorkling excursion and paid bills so I know how much we have to spend..... I think we're getting close to ready. Luckily, I have Friday off, so I can run to AAA and get travelers cheques, wash the clothes and be ready to pull out of the driveway at O'dark thirty on Saturday.... Now all I have to do is try and get some work done for the next three days!! :thewave:

 

[Dissyblonde]

Work really gets in the way of our real lives....doesn't it!!!!!!
See you guys soon.

 

[Meyer]

Lorij and Nittany 89, I asked my DS 14 if he would be interested in getting to know a few of the people on the ship before we got there and he thought that would be great. He hasn't been bitten by the girl bug yet, so I'm sure they will all have fun hanging out. Please send along the YIM id's, and let your DDs know my DS will be in touch. We don't usually use yahoo and have never instant messaged, but he will give it a whirl.
Five days until Florida... Bought a new suit and coverup today.