Calling All 8/19/06 Special Western Cruisers! AKA "The Cruisin' Castaways" Part 2

[jweiss]

I second Jeff's idea about intoducing the teens at the meet in Promenade Lounge. All it takes is a handful of them to be at least "familiar faces" to one another. CC on the first day is a great ice breaker....they don't have to have a lot in common to be able to enjoy the beach!!! Wouldn't it be great if a bunch of them who had previously not clicked and not returned to the Stack after the first visit, had FUN this time!!!!

Re. the national news....Do you think if I left NOW I could get to the Port by the 19th??? As if traveling alone with three kids wasn't scary enough, now I have to buy prepared baby formula (yuch!!!) and not carry anything to drink for my two year old??? What about baby wipes and diapers??? This could be a very interesting flight.....

Jeff....did you ever hear from concierge??? I am so excited about you revealing your "surprise".....I really want it all to go perfectly for you guys....

I am getting WAY excited about this trip. Now if only I could turn my excited energy into packing energy, I'd have it made!!!

Is ANYONE else doing the dolphin experience (DCL) or dolphin swim (on your own) in Cozumel??? Chelsea is signed up for the "experience" (which she and I did a few years ago, and I will "watch" with the babies. BUT, I really want to sign her up for the swim...am concerned about transportation to the resort on our own though.... Any suggestiongs????

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

My thoughts are with those of us traveling from the U.K. over the next couple days. Especially those who may be traveling with babies and young children. I can't even imagine the stress (during this already stressful time) of embarking on a long flight without bringing a few favorite toys or activities to keep the little ones happy! My wish is for sane, uneventful, peaceful and, most importantly SAFE journeys this weekend.

And to those of us from the U.S. that start their trips this weekend- may you too have the safest of travels!

See you all real soon!
Kris

 

[PoohJen]

Good luck and safe travels, Andrew!

any word in your news as to affiliation/motive of the 21 apprehended?

 

[Dizzyworld]

Andrew............Good luck to you and your family. Travel safe.

 

[5by5]

5by5 - The internet package was me, we have room for one more $18 and we'll all share. I can only leave this post for a moment so when you read it please post that you read it and I will remove this one. PM me if interested.


Thanks
Mary Rose

Thanks Mary! Post has been read. I'm PM you shortly.

5by5

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

Andrew,

Thanks for the update. Have a safe journey over.

Got my cruise docs today. Waaahhhooooo.

Whoa, not much to those cruise docs anymore with the online check in. Was a bit disappointed to see such a slim envelope.

Yeeeessssss on the new luggage tags. About time Disney did the taped luggage tags. Our worst DCL experience was when DD's DCL luggage tag fell off after check in and Continental put it on someone else's luggage which got delivered to our stateroom by mistake. The luggage owner was not booked on DCL.

Fortunately DD's luggage did make it onto the ship (there is a reason the ship is called the Magic by the way).

Yikes we have a 7am flight.

So it looks like we'll be leaving on 8/19 around 4:30am.

I made a t-shirt for DS for pirate night and upon admiring my work realized I spelled a word incorrectly.

Wow, single digits till we leave

 

[allshookup]

I'm just glad their destructive plans were thwarted & I hope that we all have a safe & uneventful journey!




Take Care!
Diane

 

[Steve's Wife]

Andrew: I hope you have a safe trip!

Beth: I've heard that travel expert before & this morning I'm toying with the idea. Of course, what are the chances that I could possibly get my act together early enough to send it all early?

I don't think the DCL security would be affected -- whether we carry on our "liquid stuff" or have it in our suitcases, we would still have access to it in a relatively short time.


By this time next week I should be watching the zebras at the AKL...
Lori

 

[PaulaM]

I wish a very safe and speedy trip for all traveling from over seas.

Paula

 

[PaulaM]

OK now I'm nervous I havent been on a plane in about 10 years. We've been driving to our family vacations. I was really looking forward to the plane ride and not to mention not sitting in a car for 2days . And well now I can hardly think straight .

Mare I hope that you haven't been watching the news cause I know how you feel about flying already before this mess. (Note to sister only watch BB)

Paula

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good luck and safe travels, Andrew!

any word in your news as to affiliation/motive of the 21 apprehended?

I wish a very safe and speedy trip for all traveling from over seas.

Paula

Firstly I wish everyone in these troubled times a safe trip. The BBC reports arrests aborad linked to these UK Arrests that suggest a connection to the war on terror, it looks like this plan of attack and also the Police operation was very well co ordinated, The number of planes targeted changes between 6-10 and they were mentioning a number to New york.

Where I was today it was noticablly less busy the same after the London Tube attacks I think everyone just decided to go home.

Be positve it looks like they stopped it!

 

[PaulaM]

OK this is a question for everyone..

I have heard a lot about no beverages or anything like that as a carry on, but can i still bring my camera and shoes as a carry on to save luggage space? I'm really confused about this. Can certain items go in or are they eliminating carry ons alltogether? Any help would be great!

Thanks!
Paula

 

[5by5]

Mary Rose, please clean up your PM box! I can't send you a message because it's full!!

5by5

 

[sandygirl]

I spoke with DCL this afternoon. No liquids in carry-ons to the ship. Liquids in checked bags only, as of now at least.

At first the CM said NO LIQUIDS period. I commented that it will be a very "stinky" cruise. LOL She said they have shampoo in the rooms. When I asked about sunscreen she decided she should go ask someone.

Darlene

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

OK this is a question for everyone..

I have heard a lot about no beverages or anything like that as a carry on, but can i still bring my camera and shoes as a carry on to save luggage space? I'm really confused about this. Can certain items go in or are they eliminating carry ons alltogether? Any help would be great!

Thanks!
Paula

Hi Paula,
I was just on the tsa.gov website and they have a page of frequently asked questions. What it said there was that, for US travel, no liquids and gels are allowed with very few exceptions. They also ask that carryons are not cluttered to make the inspections easier.

I would think a carryon packed with simply a camera and some shoes wouldn't be that tough to sort through.

I'd keep an eye on that website as the days go by. I've already watched it get updated in just a few hours time.

We will all get through this and be rewarded with a magical cruise very soon!
Kris

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I now will not be taking my camcorder I will not put it in the hold to break so I will only put my digital camera in, UK are not taking Mobiles, Laptops, any drinks, and liquids, the view is a combination can be put together to form something.

TAKEN FROM VIRGIN NOW:-

The following measures are to take place with immediate effect:

FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM UK AIRPORTS

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:
pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
keys (but no electrical key fobs)
In addition to this please note:
All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened.
Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.

FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM US AIRPORTS

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be implementing a series of security measures. Although the TSA is not restricting the carriage of hand luggage all items are being hand searched at the departure gate and this is causing significant delays. It is therefore strongly recommended that you carry only the most essential items to speed up the security process and minimise flight delays.

The TSA have advised that the following measures are to take place with immediate effect:
No liquids or gels are allowed past the airport security checkpoint and they are not allowed to be carried either in hand luggage or on your person, except:
Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is travelling
Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket
Insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines
In addition, customers may not bring liquids and gels purchased inside the airport onboard the aircraft. Examples of liquids and gels include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and items of a similar consistency.
Virgin Atlantic advises its customers to ensure that only items complying with these requirements are carried on board aircraft. All other items must be placed in checked baggage or left behind.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL PASSENGERS

Excess baggage charges will be waived to facilitate the carriage of additional checked baggage that would otherwise have been carried in the cabin.

We have been advised that customers in possession of non-compliant items will be stopped at the security checkpoint and will be re-directed back to the check in hall. With the additional security measures applied at the security checkpoint and the departure gates, passengers are advised to make their way quickly through security and arrive as early as possible at the departure gate.

Customers are advised not to carry personal belongings, which are valuable, or fragile without ensuring it is covered for loss or damage under their own personal possessions/ travel insurance. We cannot accept any liability for such items including laptops or cameras should passenger still wish to carry them.

 

[PaulaM]

Thank you all for the info. I'm sure we all will be fine.

Paula

 

[AuctionDazeUSA]

This was posted on the JETBLUE web site today:

Additional Prohibited Items Effective August 10, 2006
Effective immediately, customers may not bring liquids or gels of any kind on board the aircraft in their carry on baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. These items must be packed in checked baggage. JetBlue customers may check three bags without charge.Exception: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.Please allow additional time for check-in at the airport, as security checkpoint lines are expected to be longer than normal. For more information click on the link below:Related items:Transportation Security Administration

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

OK now I'm nervous I havent been on a plane in about 10 years. We've been driving to our family vacations. I was really looking forward to the plane ride and not to mention not sitting in a car for 2days . And well now I can hardly think straight .

Mare I hope that you haven't been watching the news cause I know how you feel about flying already before this mess. (Note to sister only watch BB)

Paula

Paula,

The only thing I'm going to pack in my carry on bag is my travel documents, identification and a book.

Everything else is going to be packed in my checked in luggage.

I used to carry my camera and camcorder in my carry on bag but now I'll pack it in my luggage. I will just wrap clothes around them as insulation and put them in the corners so that the x-ray beam won't harm the film.

Please don't fret too much about the airport. Yes, there is a longer wait at the security check point and non-ticketed passengers can't go to the gates anymore. And lots more uniformed police officers walking around the terminal.

But I still would fly over having to drive long distances.

And one benefit of having a very early morning flight is that the security checkpoint lines are shorter.

 

[zukeeper]

Hi Seaspray - thanks for your kind words on the other thread.

I'm not going to post on there because those silly people keep filling it with nonsense. Our lovely thread has plenty of great updates. Thanks to everyone giving new and helpful information!

I've been saving some bottles of special wine for this cruise and in past cruises, I've carried this on in a winebox inside a small wheeled carry-on. Obviously this is out - do I scrap the whole plan? My budget is tight this cruise and I wouldn't be able to buy these quality of wines onboard so I'm really sad about it. I just can't picture putting bottles in checked luggage. Has anyone ever done this - maybe a lot of bubble wrap inside a plastic bag? Maybe I could just do a couple. Also, what sort of temperature is checked luggage subjected to?

Hubby is diabetic so we will bring insulin - am I reading this correctly that no documentation is required for insulin, syringe, and kit? These aren't really prescription items so his name isn't on them. Do you think he'll get hassled?

Do you think it will be ok to bring all the cameras, laptops, mp3 in carry-on. I know from Derek UK that it's a no from GB, but I'm wondering about domestic flights.

Pixie dust especially to those crossing the Atlantic! Just keep thinking about sitting on the beach at CC with a cold drink in your hand.

Anyone flying on the early side please post and let us know how your flights went!

I'm just full of questions aren't I? Can you tell I'm a worrier?

Thanks!