8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #2

[darthrugby]

He's home. We've already had a few tense moments. It will take some time for him to get adjusted I'm sure.

Glad to hear he's home.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Speaking of Aruba, when I looked more closely into the beach excursions, it looks like there is a really neat one for the kids that includes a water park! A bit pricey but might be worth it, especially since it includes an OPEN BAR!

Edited to add it actually says, "alcoholic beverages will be served" so not necessarily unlimited, but still a pretty good deal!

Beach's there are nice! good one.

Andrew, what a sad story. Vacations are supposed to be happy times.

Agree, it was tragic

(justmestace)Very well put!

I fully agree. I have been put off the 2009 thread, because one/two dissers think its a competition for most posts. So I do not post there anymore,

As I said in the other thread about this, I was always wondering if they were going to sue . . . they live on Staten Island and of course that was a big tragedy. The question I would have is whether something faulty in DCL's design actually caused the injury to be fatal -- because as we know older people fall all the time and sustain injuries. I really don't know enough to speculate.

The amount asked does seem small to me, though!

As I say tragic, and to be part of our group, too close to home, very tragic very sad.

 

[PBader]

Well, gee...I suppose I should get off my duff and get some work done.



But first...a CRUISE QUESTION......

Looking at the Cartegena excursions, there are two beach resort ones listed....does anyone have any kind of insider info or thoughts on either one of them??

From this in the Ny Times:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpa...93BA35753C1A963958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=4

it sounds as if either would be fine -- Baru Island is more of a beach, reachable only by boat, with possible strolling vendors, etc., whereas the other one is at a hotel resort nearer the dock.

I am leaning towards Baru. The excursion is shorter and I hope it leaves me enough time to see at least part of the walled city.

 

[PBader]

And you ARE gorgeous - both inside and out!

Couldn't have said it better myself Lorri!!! I am so blessed to know both of you

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I actually had heard that Cartegena might not be the best for beaches . . .I'm not sure yet what we will go for there . . .

The old town is nice, the monastery on the hill is nice and has good views, the shopping is entertaining and there is lots to buy, Care on the Gems inc Emeralds, be a firm buyer in control and you will enjoy. This is one city to go with DCL trips only and then you will enjoy, Do get off the ship there is lots to see and in the controlled areas totally fine. Dont do the beach's here.

 

[justmestace]

Thanks for the input on Cartegena everyone..... All I know is that after a few days at sea, and then going through the Canal, we are going to NEED to get WET. Nope, the ship's pool won't cut it.

I am leaning towards Baru also.

Thanks Andrew...that does help decide if we'd want to go to one of the mainland beaches or not. I guess that's a NOT.

 

[darthrugby]

Gabby says Thank You! for all the Birthday wishes.

Hi everyone!

 

[got2travel]

Read this:-

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1700053

This tragic story happened on the July 28th 2007 11 night Med cruise, they were part of the Dis forums, Julie knows them.

We had an emergency stop.

Haven't read the story yet, will in just a moment, but when did we start having advertisments in the middle of threads? Or is that just because of the houseparty??



Ok, read the story now. I do remember mention of the emergency stop. So sad for this family. It is tough to lose anyone.

 

[bellelinus]

I am leaning towards Baru. The excursion is shorter and I hope it leaves me enough time to see at least part of the walled city.

Would you try to walk around the walled city on your own, Paula? I ALWAYS do excursions on my own -- went all over Europe with my three girls last summer with no outside excursions, took commuter trains in Naples, etc., etc., and Cartegena is spooking me for some reason. I just keep thinking we will get kidnapped or something, and this is so unlike me! That's really the only reason I am even looking for DCL excursions there, but it does make me feel like a wuss.

 

[darthrugby]

Read this:-

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1700053

This tragic story happened on the July 28th 2007 11 night Med cruise, they were part of the Dis forums, Julie knows them.

We had an emergency stop.

Wow, that's a really sad story.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the input on Cartegena everyone..... All I know is that after a few days at sea, and then going through the Canal, we are going to NEED to get WET. Nope, the ship's pool won't cut it.
I am leaning towards Baru also.

Thanks Andrew...that does help decide if we'd want to go to one of the mainland beaches or not. I guess that's a NOT.

Best to go out of town.

HILTON BEACH

Haven't read the story yet, will in just a moment, but when did we start having advertisments in the middle of threads? Or is that just because of the houseparty??

Ok, read the story now. I do remember mention of the emergency stop. So sad for this family. It is tough to lose anyone.

Very sad.

 

[PBader]

Would you try to walk around the walled city on your own, Paula? I ALWAYS do excursions on my own -- went all over Europe with my three girls last summer with no outside excursions, took commuter trains in Naples, etc., etc., and Cartegena is spooking me for some reason. I just keep thinking we will get kidnapped or something, and this is so unlike me! That's really the only reason I am even looking for DCL excursions there, but it does make me feel like a wuss.

Julie, everything I have read says that is very safe there. But there are also some listings on the cruise critic board about a couple of guides that could be hired. Everything I have read too seems that you are approached more traveling in a larger group with people trying to sell you things. So I don't think it would bother me to go off on our own. Honestly, I don't think DCL would really stop here if they didn't feel that it was safe for it's guests. Of course I hope there would be some others that would like to come along, I'm not talking about going by myself.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Would you try to walk around the walled city on your own, Paula? I ALWAYS do excursions on my own -- went all over Europe with my three girls last summer with no outside excursions, took commuter trains in Naples, etc., etc., and Cartegena is spooking me for some reason. I just keep thinking we will get kidnapped or something, and this is so unlike me! That's really the only reason I am even looking for DCL excursions there, but it does make me feel like a wuss.

Julie, you have never been a wuss ever, but please do a DCL excursion there,
the crowds at the port entrance was very intimidating.

 

[got2travel]

As I said in the other thread about this, I was always wondering if they were going to sue . . . they live on Staten Island and of course that was a big tragedy. The question I would have is whether something faulty in DCL's design actually caused the injury to be fatal -- because as we know older people fall all the time and sustain injuries. I really don't know enough to speculate.

The amount asked does seem small to me, though!

I had the same thought, older people fall, I should know, my mom is still healing from her recent fall. She didn't have any problem with the bathroom design on the ship though. If I were that family I might have an issue at the initial diagnosis being wrong, but not at the design of the bathroom.

 

[justmestace]

My thoughts exactly, Monica. And the gentleman wasn't all that young, either, if you know what I'm saying.
I have tripped more than once on the ship...in the rooms, with the odd edges they have at the verandahs...but then, everyone knows my nickname is Grace!


Advertisements?? Where? I missed it.



Actually, that Hilton beach isn't the worst I've ever seen....a few places in the Caribbean are less impressive.

My family and I almost always do things on our own and there have only been a few times that we really felt intimidated....one being Montego Bay at night....but I honestly don't think the other Escaping Moms and I will wander Cartagena alone.

 

[arlenesp]

What a shame to ruin a vacation with such a medical emergency.Hate to post yet another sad story. I spoke to a woman who lost her dad on a cruise to Hawaii. Seems a rogue wave hit the side of the ship and he was thrown down. Hit his head and went to dr and said he was ok. Small bruise. It was his anniversary and he had bought a bottle of wine for his table. Later he started experiencing signs he was not ok. they had to airlift him off the ship (wife had to wait to get to him a few days later)and he had some brain injury which even with emergency surgery he didn't make it. Here is the kicker to this. They took out insurance but were declined due to the fact he was drinking!!! Even tho the tablemates testified he only toasted 1 glass of wine, he signed for the bottle, it was empty and they deemed him drunk and therefore ineligible for the insurance and the cruise ship was not responsible. That was a terrible story to hear.Especially on what was to be such a happy occasion. Sorry. Did put a disclaimer on first.


So we board on the 4th deck I have been told and walk down the stairs to be announced. Hmmmm DH will have his scooter so we may just need to leave it parked for a bit. Elevators are a pain with the scooter.Especially the first and last day. We usually have to go the opposite direction to get one for ourselves if we are using the smaller elevators.

I was looking at my checklist and still haven't started the renewal of my passport and DHs application for one.It's the picture thingy. I hate to have my picture taken.Guess we need to get that started as well.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

My thoughts exactly, Monica. And the gentleman wasn't all that young, either, if you know what I'm saying.
I have tripped more than once on the ship...in the rooms, with the odd edges they have at the verandahs...but then, everyone knows my nickname is Grace!
Advertisements?? Where? I missed it.


Actually, that Hilton beach isn't the worst I've ever seen....a few places in the Caribbean are less impressive.

My family and I almost always do things on our own and there have only been a few times that we really felt intimidated....one being Montego Bay at night....but I honestly don't think the other Escaping Moms and I will wander Cartagena alone.

I think the photo, makes it look better than it is!

 

[MrsScooby]

He's home. We've already had a few tense moments. It will take some time for him to get adjusted I'm sure.

Hang in there

 

[MrsScooby]

Here's Gabby's cake, rush job:

[/IMG]

Sorry about the dark background, our counter tops are black.

NICE
Love those candles

 

[buckifan]

Happy Birthday Gabrielle!!!

Gabrielle's interest in penguins reminds me of my DD8. She is obsessed with pandas! She is very interested in working with pandas when she grows up, since they are also endangered. I love that kids "dream big"! And it's so important that we, as parents, encourage that.

Mark & Laura....nice to "see" you again!

Stace....I think you have had a lot of good things to say on your soap box! You make a lot of sense!