8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 15

[tiggrbaby]

FLL?

Ft. Lauderdale

 

[Stepht5]

That is awesome news, Shannon! Your kids are a perfect age to have a new baby brother or sister. Congratulations!!

There's 8 years between my oldest and the next one, and 11 years between my oldest and my youngest. We'd been working on it all those years, but I guess God did it the way He wanted it done! Amazingly, all are close friends now that they are 25, 17 & 14.

Congrats again!!!!

That's like us -- 27ds, 24dd, 16dd, 9ds & 6dd. He had an awesome plan for us!

 

[Stepht5]

hmmm....march 2008.....seems like something is going on in march 2008. oh yeah...that's right...




we just found out we are expecting wheelerkidz #4 then!!!!!!!

How exciting!!! Two (of our five) were March babies!

 

[Stepht5]

My DW just bought one with the Disney cartridge.

Cool!

I asked dh to try to see if he could get me one at wholesale cost -- he's in the craft business and they do some work with ProvoCraft..... I want the big machine (that cuts paper up to 12 x 24 size) and all 4 of the Disney cartridges.....

 

[Stepht5]

heck no!! we are gonna get alot of flack from some of our family members, so we won't be telling for a bit! glad i have the dis to spill the beans. i just took the test a few hours ago!!!

I know that feeling well!!!! When we were pg with #3 my IL's told our other two (10 & 7) that they had only wanted one grandchild......

When I was pg with #5 my dad used to make comments in front of me to toher people (things like I sure hope this is the last, etc...) We were with a room full of his family (my Aunts & Uncles, cousins, etc... after the funeral of one of his sisters) and I said *Yea. It's a shame Grandma didn't stop at Five.* My dad is number 6..... He never said that again!

 

[Stepht5]

My DW was in that part of the DFW area yesterday visiting a big scrapbook store.

We're here until Friday of next week.

Recollections? That is about 10 min from my house -- I live right off of the Interstate!

I wish I had PM'd you my cell number I could have met her there!

 

[Stepht5]

The closest I come to any "games" is online Hangman on the Pogo site! Kev and I have no kids so you'll find no Xboxes,Nintendos,Wii, Ipods,Bluetooths,etc. in our house. Hell, I still have all of our LPs!

Kev plays "Hero" with a group of his buddies, not any online games. They've been off for the summer but normally get together every other week or so.

hhmmm...All of oldest ds friends thought it was so cool that he always had the newest game system & games.... He would always tell them *It's my dad's but, he lets me play whenever I want* A few years ago *Santa* thought everyone in the house needed an iPod for Christmas....... We call dh the *High Tech Redneck*

 

[dahuffy]

I know that feeling well!!!! When we were pg with #3 my IL's told our other two (10 & 7) that they had only wanted one grandchild......

When I was pg with #5 my dad used to make comments in front of me to toher people (things like I sure hope this is the last, etc...) We were with a room full of his family (my Aunts & Uncles, cousins, etc... after the funeral of one of his sisters) and I said *Yea. It's a shame Grandma didn't stop at Five.* My dad is number 6..... He never said that again!

I married the youngest of 5 boys....28 yrs. ago.

 

[dahuffy]

hhmmm...All of oldest ds friends thought it was so cool that he always had the newest game system & games.... He would always tell them *It's my dad's but, he lets me play whenever I want* A few years ago *Santa* thought everyone in the house needed an iPod for Christmas....... We call dh the *High Tech Redneck*

I have a BIL that is a true Techno Geek! Always has to have the latest and greatest gadgets when they first hit the shelf. My SIL is always asking him "How many cell phones does one man need anyway?" Gotta love 'em.

 

[dahuffy]

Hey, I may actually be able to help you for a change! We went on Costa Mediterranea in April (Easter week). We went because we were looking for something last minute and inexpensive. We got obstructed view (cat 6) staterooms. With insurance and fees it was just over $1500 a cabin for two. We felt the cabin was a decent size and had ample storage space. We were thrilled with the one cabin that was on the end nearest the elevator as it had a triple length balcony! The balcony actually went past the length of the cabin and behind the service area. We were on deck 5, which made an easy walk down to deck 2 for the dining room and up to deck 9 for the buffet/pool.

I felt it was a very casual cruise; they really were not too strict on their dress code. Even formal night seemed to be a suggestion. They did a few cute things in the dining room, but where we were sitting made it difficult to see. We did need to get our table reassigned as they split our two cabins up, but that could have been due to the fact we booked so late. I thought they could have handled that better, but it didn't spoil the week!

One really nice thing I learned about on the CC website was this option for your keycard. You pay a fee (it was about $11.50 a day per person who wanted it) to get unlimited house wine, tap beer, bottled water, and soda at meals only. My sister and I decided to do it, and even though we did not have too many lunches on board (we did not find too many bar tenders willing to serve outside the hours after the first day!) we thought it was worth it. After showing the card the first night, the waiter brought bottled water right away, and always gave us the full bottle of wine, not just the glass. We usually went through two bottles of water and at least a bottle of wine each night just the two of us! I believe this is something you must buy before the cruise, you cannot get it onboard, so if you have wine or beer with your meals and you ar not fussy about the lable, I would suggest this option.

I can't really tell you about the kids program as I have teen boys and they really just like to eat; their idea of a good time is to order room service! We did not go to any shows as we were doing 4 ports and we wanted to be up and ready. We did use our balcony, and we did use the fitness center, which was nice. Oh, we did use the slide once. It was fun, but the water was cold!

I guess we were most impressed with how clean everything was. And they have a toga night, which was a lot of fun! They leave white sheets in the cabins with directions on how to wrap it. Some people bring their own, and bring accessories. I would say about half the people dress in the togas for dinner. We brought ivy and coin trim from the craft department at Walmart and lots of safety pins!

PM me if you want more info; hope this helps!

Are there a Lot of smokers on these ships? I have asthma,that's why I ask.

 

[got2travel]

I know that feeling well!!!! When we were pg with #3 my IL's told our other two (10 & 7) that they had only wanted one grandchild......

When I was pg with #5 my dad used to make comments in front of me to toher people (things like I sure hope this is the last, etc...) We were with a room full of his family (my Aunts & Uncles, cousins, etc... after the funeral of one of his sisters) and I said *Yea. It's a shame Grandma didn't stop at Five.* My dad is number 6..... He never said that again!

nice comeback...sure put him in his place

 

[tiggrbaby]

Are there a Lot of smokers on these ships? I have asthma,that's why I ask.

I believe smoking is limited to certain areas of the ship, but there are a lot of Europeans on the ship (every announcement is made in five languages!), and they are usually known for smoking more. The only time I really remember being near anything smokey was when we were looking for lounge chairs in the shade and we ended up near one of the ash tray boxes. We just moved the chairs. I am not sure about the lounges and casino, either. My sister and I actually went to Mass twice in one of the theatres, and I don't remember it being smokey. We were also there for the Captain's gala night and the opening show, and I don't remember smoke then, either. I do remember moving ashtrays from tables near the bar outside the buffet near the pool on deck 9, but I don't remember anyone smoking while I was there, although if there were ashtrays there, that must mean they can smoke at that bar area. But I don't have asthma, so I would probably not be as attuned to it as you would.

Hope that helps!

 

[got2travel]

OMG!

I was flipping through channels and on the Weather Channel they are showing footage from a ship in a storm. They are all sitting in interior areas with life vests on and are sliding back and forth across the floors. Full grown adults sliding around. In one hallway one of the girls went in her cabin to grab something and you could hear her getting thrown against the wall.

It's not anything current, I don't even know when it happened. Finally caught the name of the ship, the Explorer. Seems to have a lot of students on it, not sure if it's a teaching ship or what.

Scary! They've moved on now to some other disaster. I don't think I like watching the Weather Channel now.

 

[cruisin'Mike]

hmmm....march 2008.....seems like something is going on in march 2008. oh yeah...that's right...



















we just found out we are expecting wheelerkidz #4 then!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

I go to the Dr's tomorrow and hopefully we will find out what is going on.


Karen

Karen, prayers and pixie dust that everything goes well for you tomorrow.

 

[dahuffy]

I believe smoking is limited to certain areas of the ship, but there are a lot of Europeans on the ship (every announcement is made in five languages!), and they are usually known for smoking more. The only time I really remember being near anything smokey was when we were looking for lounge chairs in the shade and we ended up near one of the ash tray boxes. We just moved the chairs. I am not sure about the lounges and casino, either. My sister and I actually went to Mass twice in one of the theatres, and I don't remember it being smokey. We were also there for the Captain's gala night and the opening show, and I don't remember smoke then, either. I do remember moving ashtrays from tables near the bar outside the buffet near the pool on deck 9, but I don't remember anyone smoking while I was there, although if there were ashtrays there, that must mean they can smoke at that bar area. But I don't have asthma, so I would probably not be as attuned to it as you would.

Hope that helps!

Thank you dear. I'm also an ex-smoker myself, so I can really smell it now. I haven't had one in 10 yrs or so...doesn't mean I don't crave one once in while!

 

[pdarrah]

I told DH about the possible $100/person panama canal fee, so he started poking around the net. He found this site http://www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/tolls.html which looks like it is indeed a new toll they are charging - it goes into effect this October.

I agree with Tom that we should all call Disney and protest - I doubt they will just eat the cost, but maybe they will give in on some sort of onboard credit to offset it a little - even $50 per person would make it more palatable and feel like DCL was at least trying to share the cost.

With the ship sailing completely full, they can't be cutting it close on profit on this sailing.

Pamela (pdarrah)

 

[tiggrbaby]

Thank you dear. I'm also an ex-smoker myself, so I can really smell it now. I haven't had one in 10 yrs or so...doesn't mean I don't crave one once in while!

Wow, that's great! Good for you to give it up!

 

[roseprincess]

Thank you mcimse2003, for letting my family and I come by and visit awhile at your cruise Dismeet!!
It was nice to visit with other Chicago area Disers!
Sorry we had to leave a little early, my DD doesn't like to stay long at places, when it has to with us(parents). DD is special needs and doesn't have the attention span at times.

It was nice to meet with you, mcimse2003 and your DH.
It was nice to visit with Geffric again and meet her DH.
It was nice to meet with you, castoff, and meet your family
And it was nice to meet Pam and her DS

Thanks again for letting our family visit with all of you!

 

[dahuffy]

I told DH about the possible $100/person panama canal fee, so he started poking around the net. He found this site http://www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/tolls.html which looks like it is indeed a new toll they are charging - it goes into effect this October.

I agree with Tom that we should all call Disney and protest - I doubt they will just eat the cost, but maybe they will give in on some sort of onboard credit to offset it a little - even $50 per person would make it more palatable and feel like DCL was at least trying to share the cost.

With the ship sailing completely full, they can't be cutting it close on profit on this sailing.

Pamela (pdarrah)

I sent an email to my TA at Dreams and she said that she hadn't heard anything about it..yet. But if she does, someone from DU will contact me.

 

[captaincrash]

Hey, I may actually be able to help you for a change! We went on Costa Mediterranea in April (Easter week). We went because we were looking for something last minute and inexpensive. We got obstructed view (cat 6) staterooms. With insurance and fees it was just over $1500 a cabin for two. We felt the cabin was a decent size and had ample storage space. We were thrilled with the one cabin that was on the end nearest the elevator as it had a triple length balcony! The balcony actually went past the length of the cabin and behind the service area. We were on deck 5, which made an easy walk down to deck 2 for the dining room and up to deck 9 for the buffet/pool.

I felt it was a very casual cruise; they really were not too strict on their dress code. Even formal night seemed to be a suggestion. They did a few cute things in the dining room, but where we were sitting made it difficult to see. We did need to get our table reassigned as they split our two cabins up, but that could have been due to the fact we booked so late. I thought they could have handled that better, but it didn't spoil the week!

One really nice thing I learned about on the CC website was this option for your keycard. You pay a fee (it was about $11.50 a day per person who wanted it) to get unlimited house wine, tap beer, bottled water, and soda at meals only. My sister and I decided to do it, and even though we did not have too many lunches on board (we did not find too many bar tenders willing to serve outside the hours after the first day!) we thought it was worth it. After showing the card the first night, the waiter brought bottled water right away, and always gave us the full bottle of wine, not just the glass. We usually went through two bottles of water and at least a bottle of wine each night just the two of us! I believe this is something you must buy before the cruise, you cannot get it onboard, so if you have wine or beer with your meals and you ar not fussy about the lable, I would suggest this option.

I can't really tell you about the kids program as I have teen boys and they really just like to eat; their idea of a good time is to order room service! We did not go to any shows as we were doing 4 ports and we wanted to be up and ready. We did use our balcony, and we did use the fitness center, which was nice. Oh, we did use the slide once. It was fun, but the water was cold!

I guess we were most impressed with how clean everything was. And they have a toga night, which was a lot of fun! They leave white sheets in the cabins with directions on how to wrap it. Some people bring their own, and bring accessories. I would say about half the people dress in the togas for dinner. We brought ivy and coin trim from the craft department at Walmart and lots of safety pins!

PM me if you want more info; hope this helps!

Thank You for the reliable insights Tiggrbaby!

... We were looking for the background info on a sailing my Dad sudddenly expressed interest in - when we stumbled upon this Costa offer. As it turns out we can do it - but were still reviewing the details to ensure all our "ducks are in line".

It sounds as if you had no gripes or disappointments - and that's good. And I must say the $1500 for an obstructed veranda sounds like a fair deal! Our thing is thier cheapest inside deal - which happens to place us in thier top inside catagory. The direct pricing is lower then the TA site where we found the deal. In a few moments I'm going to try for the TA reverse auction site - CRUISE COMPETE. However, it's already cheap enough - as in - how much cheaper can it get?

Aside from that - we know next to nothing about this line. I think when they sail in Europe the ships see a lot of Europeans and - that means a lot of smokers. Something we're not too keen of - but when saving about half with some compromises (no Giant Mouse or Walt themed things) then we have to expect some losses for the savings.

At any rate = we will probably book this tomorrow - unless we find a better deal somewhere.

Thanks again for your insights - if we have any Qs which we feel you might know about - then we'll PM ya' - thanks fer the offer of further insights!