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

[PBader]

Hey everyone! No notifies yesterday so I missed a lot. That email is like a bell ringing and prompts me to take a break and check the boards. Things have been crazy wrapping up the month!

I just wanted to let you know, I heard that Dreams Unlimited is likely going to lower it's onboard credit for new Panama Canal clients starting on February 1.

I am surprised they have left it running for so long. I have no idea what the commission is for TAs but $600/400 was a chunk for on onboard credit.

 

[PBader]

Paula...thanks! You're the best!

Your welcome and booking through them will save you some $$

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

I'm sure this has been talked about before, but, what is the Matterhorn like? I've been on the DL boards but haven'y had a lot of time. Some other board is keeping me runnin'

I remember when Space mountain opened way back when that it was pretty much the Matterhorn in the dark. It is pretty much the same ride structure as SM in that you go up the mountain then come down twisting and turning. Check out this Matterhorn Ride Video.


Thank you all for wishes, prayers and PD.

 

[PBader]

Morning

Beautiful sunrise. I tried top snap a photo but the screening on the patio got in the way.
Today is my Friday It has been a really long week. Found out my Mom fell and broke her wrist so they are operating on Friday morning so I will be away for a few days.I asked her how she was taking care of herself as it is her right wrist and she said she gets dressed very slowly and was putting on her makeup so the second opinion Dr. wouldn't get scared. She is getting a kick out of the Drs and staff not believing she is 90 yrs old. At least she is getting an ego boost. By the way.... No internet and bare minimum cable DS promised to lend me his company laptop so if I get to a wifi spot, I'll try to log on and see how many tons of pages you guys make it impossible to ketchup with Need to stock up on dvds. DH will be staying home.

My DD woke up yesterday to find her truck had been gone thru. Then finds out the kids left their DSs and PSP in the glove box SDo this is the 2nd time Morgan has lost his PSP.Poor kid. The police came and actually fingerprinted. She gave them the serial #s so in case they show up somewhere.His birthday is next month and I have a feeling she will yet again replace it. Too bad she used gift cards instead of putting it on her CC. Come to find out from a co-worker, this has been going on in that town for the last week and not only did she get hit but many in her development as well. I guess they all learned a hard lesson and that is to make sure you LOCK up the vehicles. The other 2 were not touched.

So looks like 2008 is starting out with a bang. I think I have gotten all my forms so will be able to do the taxes. Hopefully we will get $ back again and be able to put it towards the TOAL.

Arlene, hope your mom's surgery goes well. Hopefully this will be the last time your DD has to replace game systems. We had a spell last year where cars kept getting stolen in our subdivision--they were left unharmed about a mile away. It was a ST on the next street over that had a little too much time on his hands.

 

[tom31b]

Good question - anyone have an answer? Especially for Cartagena

Not sure how accurate this is:

"CARTAGENA
The official currency is the Colombian Peso, which was over 2100 per US$1 in November 2000. Some stores take US dollars but give you a lower exchange rate; most places use 2000 per US$1. Your best deal is ATM withdrawal, and they are everywhere. If you have the time to wait in line, you can go inside the bank for VISA advances. Cruisers have used credit cards here with no bad experiences that we know of. When you are ready to leave, spend most of your pesos, but save a few for Rosarios - aquarium admission is 10,000 Ps per person (see Restaurants and Shoreside Activities, below), and locals there have fish, lobster and necklaces for sale."

"The local currency is the peso; most shops accept U.S. dollars and major credit cards.
Please Note: Shop owners as well as guides can be very persistent. While some shopping time is available on the tours, we ask guests to observe the allotted time and return to the coaches on time."

 

[tom31b]

Currency Rates
Currency............In US Dollar..........Per US Dollar
Colombian Peso.....0.00052..............1,941.00006
Mexican Peso........0.09225..............10.84010

 

[PBader]

Currency Rates
Currency............In US Dollar..........Per US Dollar
Colombian Peso.....0.00052..............1,941.00006
Mexican Peso........0.09225..............10.84010

I've never exchanged before a trip. I guess it could be a way to put some $$ up for now--for sure you wouldn't spend it before the cruise. But I sure wouldn't recommend anyone get a Visa advance--those cash advance fees are ridiculous.

 

[Diznyfan68]

When I contacted the company in Cabo they said that the times were taken up by the cruise lines, don't know how true that is. They also did say that if you book through the ship and it misses the port it is refundable. They have a 48 hours cancellation policy or no refund if you book with them directly

https://www.cabo-adventures.com/reservations/policy.htm

What I do like about this Dolphin adventure is that if anyone in your group wants to only observe they don't charge you unlike the one in Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco which have an observer charge

If anyone finds anything different about their cancellation policy if booking directly with them please post it as I am very interested in this option

Thank you! I've been wondering about the observer part - my DS will be 13 and neither DH or I want to do the swim part BUT we do want to see him. Now I know what we're doing during the morning!

 

[tom31b]

Aruba

"US$$ used everywhere. Even bus fares, cab fares, casino bets, resort bars, resort restaurants, ...... are stated in US$$. Places like gas stations, supermarkets, fast foods will have prices stated in their $$ but all will convert and take US$$. Even if you charge something it is run through their machine in US$$. At least I have never seen a charge slip in their funds."

"Visitors from the U.S. do not have to exchange money. U.S. dollars are accepted just about everywhere, but many places will not accept $50 and $100 bills due to widespread counterfeiting. Traveler's Checks and major credit cards are also accepted everywhere."

 

[tom31b]

Updated the summary post with the currency information

 

[Michelle2]

Good morning everyone!
All of our area's schools were closed for a snow day today....first one in 15 years! My kids sure are happy, and it could not have worked out on a better day for me. I had to reschedule my son's orthodontist appointment to today, and now, will not have to pull him out of school after all!

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Trying to answer inside of your quote Laura. Hope I remember how.

I was going to say - the same thing Paula - Also, Windsor is great for having their clearance specials in January. Also, "Limited" (the store) is clearing up their final sales. DD got a $100 dress for $15. She usually tends to stock up on formals in January - AND I have no idea where she got that habit from. Charlotte Russe also clearances out and they are probably nationwide I think. Good luck - mine drive me nuts and they don't have anything special to celebrate. Hope Angelina finds the perfect dress. BTW, Andy - she hasn't seen the new Disney line of wedding dresses has she?



I saw those Disney Dresses and told Elizabeth about them. Before she actually looked at them she couldn't believe anyone would want a "princess" wedding dress. THEN she looked a the site and fell in love with several of the styles. Many of the bridesmaid dresses would be great for prom.

Laura - I remember from the other thread - MARK SAID he was going to get you another one. Remember - I to you - your very good! My hats off to you! I'm your proof! (Not that you need any I'm sure) I remember!

The trick is to hit the tequila tastings BEFORE the jewelry stores. I am particularly thankful for the duty free liquior store on the dock that you have to go through to get to or from the ship.

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Sorry I have not been around to much since our phase II site went up. The addition of a puppy, recent illness for DW and myself (I blame Crash, the wind must have been blowing our way) we are fine now and my father being in the hospital this week. I can only shake my head on how Monica has been handling this pace for the last year. Hopefully in a week or two things will settle down.

Hi Roger, hope your are all feeling better now. Sorry to hear your Dad was in the hospital. Sounds like you need some pixie dust.

 

[The FairyGodmother]

You should have seen me do the rope swing in ...oh heck, where were we? I want to say Antigua......I didn't "swing"....I took one feeble step out, and just slid off the rope.
Mark another thing off my list that I never have to do again.

That sounds good, too! Are you doing the Jolly Pirates in Aruba? They have a rope swing just waiting for you -- and all our camcorders pointed expectantly in your direction . . .

Stace, Been there, done that. When we did JP the first time, I was a big chicken about jumping (wonder why I think I can do a zipline? )So everyone was trying to get me to jump. When I finally did there were way to many camera's pointed my way. Not a pretty picture.

There was one girl on our JP cruise that was about 20 and she was super skinny. One of the crew took her up pretty high on the mast and he had her get on his back, piggy back style, She had no idea what he was going to do. Well he swung out and did a summersault with her on his back into the water. It was pretty cool to watch the crew do all there tricks.

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Heaven's no..............

Andy, you get to go through this first. Elizabeth will do that next year. Keep good notes on what I need to be doing. I'm sure I will need all the help I can get.

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Arlene, you know Cheryl and I will be keeping a good thought and prayer for her. Please make sure you call Cheryl when you have a chance on Friday. We'll be in Michigan for our son's wedding but, I will have my cell. I don't know if cCheryl will have hers with her, so just call mine.

Luv ya,
John

Where abouts in Michigan are you all going to be?

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Laura and Mark! I don't think anyone will be beating that story, I laugh everytime I hear it

I'm just hoping for a repeat performance.

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Laura and Mark! I don't think anyone will be beating that story, I laugh everytime I hear it

Cheryl, those are adorable!

I agree, those are great. Mark and I will be celebrating 20 years. I should look in to getting one. Of course, I am artistically challenged.

 

[Diznyfan68]

I'm just hoping for a repeat performance.

Don't worry - we'll be there to help it along!

 

[The FairyGodmother]

Don't worry - we'll be there to help it along!

I knew I can count on my friends.