August 20, 2005 - L.A. to Port Canaveral - Eastbound Repo Cruise - The SHIP OF FOOLS Part 2

[sandygirl]

I now have flights: Song out of orlando to LAX Aug 19th @$137 Air Tran from orlando to Baltimore@$79. HoJo's for one night so daughter can do a very abbreviated tour of DL/CA. Looks like I am striking out on a one day hopper discount, but did research those prices. I also have estimates for a town car from LAX to HoJo. I figure if we get to LAX @10:00 am we should be in a park by noon. PM'ed about space on the HoJo bus.

The poor credit card is still smoking.

I know what you mean! Everytime I feel the need to go for the fire extinguisher I look at DD and DH and figure "when am I ever going to get an opportunity to share such an awesome experience with these two again?"

Darlene

 

[mark & sandra]

There's always the August 2006, Ship of Fools Reunion Cruise to look forward to!!...Mark

 

[DisneyElf]

Still deciding on which digital camcorder to get -- stuck between a Sony and a Panasonic model. I like from the stats & the feel -- the GS-PV200 with a 3 CCD lens (for great color) on the con -- not sure how well it will do fireworks -vs. the sony models.

One thing I did read about the digital camcorders that write to DVD's was wait a couple of years - they are still getting the bugs out (I think it was on C-Net's reviews).

Anybody else looking at models too ?


Just a side note - about camcorders & humidity - on my Magic trip in Sept. '03 (Western) my current camcorder did not like the humidity outside - and if I stored it in the cabin (A/C) - it would take several minutes of warming up before the dew sensor would go off and it would tape. Solved the problem by storing the camcorder on the verandah. I'm thinking of doing the same - esp. when going thru the canal.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Boy oh boy, I couldn't get on here this weekend for crap.

I booked my air, I had been waiting for SWA, but yesterday I went to Delta, looked at the SkyMiles pages, and low and behold, they had TONS of flights. So I booked both ways for miles. One less expense I need to worry about. Now it's just paying for the cruise.

kmiles, congrats on getting, having or being a TOP, whatever make you happy makes me happy, too.

Slushy today, I think that this winter is making up for last year's mild one.

 

[piglet33]

One thing I did read about the digital camcorders that write to DVD's was wait a couple of years - they are still getting the bugs out (I think it was on C-Net's reviews).

Just a side note - about camcorders & humidity - on my Magic trip in Sept. '03 (Western) my current camcorder did not like the humidity outside - and if I stored it in the cabin (A/C) - it would take several minutes of warming up before the dew sensor would go off and it would tape. Solved the problem by storing the camcorder on the verandah. I'm thinking of doing the same - esp. when going thru the canal.

I had heard the same thing about the camcorders that write to DVDs so I decided to hold off on getting one of them too. I got a Canon ZR90 that is supposed to be pretty good. We'll see this weekend at my niece's birthday party.

Thanks for the tip about the humidity and the cameras. Makes sense though since my glasses always fog up when I go from our room to our verandah.

Reneé

 

[kmiles]

<center><font color=#9999cc><font size=5>Good morning everyone!</font>

How many days until we sail??? </center>

 

[YrMajesties4]

Hi everyone. I don't know what happened that I was unable to post replies, but I re-registered under a new name in order to continue participating in this very fun Forum.
I hope this works. I can never figure out the tech stuff. I just happy I can type.

Gone to find birth certs to apply for passports. Wouldn't ya know they are nowhere to be found! What AGITA!!

 

[kmiles]

Hi everyone. I don't know what happened that I was unable to post replies, but I re-registered under a new name in order to continue participating in this very fun Forum.
I hope this works. I can never figure out the tech stuff. I just happy I can type.

Gone to find birth certs to apply for passports. Wouldn't ya know they are nowhere to be found! What AGITA!!

Sorry to hear about the internet problems, YrMajesties4.

But, glad you're still here!

 

[winotracy]

Cruise ship going through Gatun locks right now!

Click here!

 

[Lthouseprincess]

Ok, late to the posts, but what web site for info on Digital cameras? I have the basic onr that came free with my printer. I am confussed as the difference between optical and digital zoom.

 

[Grumbo]

Optical zoom is how the camera magnifies the picture or what is seen. Like using a magnifying glass. This is much sharper/clearer. It is mechanical as opposed to electronic.
Digital zoom takes the image and enlarges it by making the pixels/information larger. This causes graininess and distortion if you go really large on it. Some cameras (lower end) have NO optical and only digital zoom. Stay away from that.
I have found that anytime I use my digital zoom my photos suffer in quality.

My explanation is a bit confusing but hopefully it makes a bit of sense

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[kmiles]

Ok, late to the posts, but what web site for info on Digital cameras? I have the basic onr that came free with my printer. I am confussed as the difference between optical and digital zoom.

Karen--

If you're looking to purchase a new camera check out <a href="http://www.dpreview.com">DPReview</a> for in-depth info on specific digital camera makes and models.

If you're looking to learn more about digital photography in general, <a href="http://www.shortcourses.com/">ShortCourses</a> offers a wealth of knowledge on just about every aspect!

 

[kmiles]

I have found that anytime I use my digital zoom my photos suffer in quality.

Ssshhhhh... Camera companies don't want you to talk about that sort of thing Grahame.

 

[sandygirl]

There's always the August 2006, Ship of Fools Reunion Cruise to look forward to!!...Mark

Aw, shucks! We are already booked on the 8/19/06 Reunion Cruise from Hurricane Frances. Could I be lucky enough for both reunion cruises to be at the same time? Now that would be SOME cruise!

Darlene

 

[sandygirl]

Still deciding on which digital camcorder to get -- stuck between a Sony and a Panasonic model. I like from the stats & the feel -- the GS-PV200 with a 3 CCD lens (for great color) on the con -- not sure how well it will do fireworks -vs. the sony models.

One thing I did read about the digital camcorders that write to DVD's was wait a couple of years - they are still getting the bugs out (I think it was on C-Net's reviews).

Anybody else looking at models too ?


Just a side note - about camcorders & humidity - on my Magic trip in Sept. '03 (Western) my current camcorder did not like the humidity outside - and if I stored it in the cabin (A/C) - it would take several minutes of warming up before the dew sensor would go off and it would tape. Solved the problem by storing the camcorder on the verandah. I'm thinking of doing the same - esp. when going thru the canal.

We had the same problem with our camcorder and the humidity. It was very frustrating!!! Our room steward suggested wrapping it in a blanket or towels while in the cabin. It worked.

Darlene

 

[ehtpnt]

Darlene thanks for the hint about the camcorder and wrapping it in a blanket. DH had a lot of trouble with the temp change between the outside and the cabin. I will have to tell him there is a solution after all.

We actually have brighter weather. No Sun just brighter. At least it isn't raining.

Estelle

 

[Denine]

About passports: I don't think they will be required, but it is always good to have them. Say if the "men" on this cruise went out drinking in Mexico and got a little wild. Would you rather have a birth certificate to avoid those Mexican jails or a Passport?

Everytime I look at flights, they are either more expensive or the same price they have been for months. We need some cheap carriers here in Cleveland. We need to drive down to Akron to get the best price. I still need to find flights for our June trip.

I know nothing about digital cameras. I like my point and shoot, although I will need a new one soon. DH dropped it and it acts funny sometimes. Maybe I can get a new one before the cruise.

Has anyone heard anything about the Christmas cruise? Were there any special shows or dinners or anything? Paul, didn't you go on this cruise?
Maybe you could have Pam write us a small report.

 

[kpgclark]

My husband and I already had passports but we got them last weekend for the kids. First both parents must be present (unless you get special forms notarized ahead of time). We went to the PO but they were out of film. So then we had to go to a PhotoMoto or something like that to get the pix. Then back to the PO. Parts of the form must be witnessed by the PO employee. It was a little pesty but luckily we had downloaded all the forms prior. In case anyone is wondering it came to close to $100 PER CHILD to get each passport. I guess they are good to have.

 

[mickeyfan1]

How many days till we cruise?????????????

I'm already starting to panic, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was all ready to book the flights with Airtran when DH says to me "I heard that Delta was going to lower their rates." I said O.K. I'll wait and check out their rates. Now I see Grumbo's post saying, will they still be in busy in August??????
What should I do?????? Wait for Delta or book with Airtran? Is Airtran going to still be in busy in August, should I worry about them too. I'm paying cash $607.40 with Airtran.

Plus, while we are on the subject of transportation, any suggestion on that from LAX to Holiday Inn? Looking to land at LAX a little after noon. Anyone else coming in close to our time on the 19th staying at the HI maybe we could share a van or something. There is 3 of us DH, me and DD who will be 8.

Ginger, I booked my flights yesterday and will be landing at 2:19 pm. What time are you getting in?

 

[RobinMarie]

Aw, shucks! We are already booked on the 8/19/06 Reunion Cruise from Hurricane Frances. Could I be lucky enough for both reunion cruises to be at the same time? Now that would be SOME cruise!

Darlene

We are booked on this cruise as well!