Eastern Caribbean Fantasy Oct. 5, 2013

[Kprovax]

It was so easy ordering the shirts and even better getting a great deal. Thank you Tink for the great graphic!
Kim

 

[pixiehallow]

It was so easy ordering the shirts and even better getting a great deal. Thank you Tink for the great graphic!
Kim

Thanks Kim

 

[pixiehallow]

For everyone waiting for Vista Print info.....Here is the break down of their response.....

I can do it the way I did with Kim, and go into an account you set up and upload the picture, I can let you log into the account I already have set up, or I can share the PDF with you (the PDF will have a link to upload directly to your account).

After getting this reply, Chuck and I talked about it, and decided to go forward with the PDF. The benifits of the PDF are that it is easier to share a completely set up shirt, the PDF can be used for other things, and, for all those who missed out on the groupon, but still want a shirt, I will have the file to share (it should be usable anywhere that shirts can be printed, plus, I think those do-it-yourselfers might even be able to make an iron on from it).

Since the PDF costs a little bit (a very little bit), I am only going to get the PDF made for the adult shirts. If you are ordering kid's shirts, you will have the design, thus you will have the picture and see how the wording is. And, you can use the picture once it is saved to your account. Since I do not have the download yet, I do not know if the adult design can be applied to a kid's shirt. I will test it and see though.

IMPORTANT

If you are ording shirts from Vista Print, I need you to send me a message. That way I can make sure to get a copy of the PDF to everyone who needs it.
You can message me through PM on here, or by logging into the group page and pulling up the members section. I am listed under Pixiehallow. Once you find my name, just click the 'send a message' link. If you are doing kid's shirts also, can you please include that. I have a little more info about those shirts.

~Tink~

 

[pixiehallow]

I just spent the entire morning dealing with Vista Print
(if you have time, and are a good listner I can fill you in on all of the stressful info)

Long story short......
Their reply to my query was complete Hogwash
After getting the PDF, I tried to load it to a shirt (like they said I could) in a new account. However, it is not possible to do it this way.
And through my conversations with various levels of customer service, I was informed that there is indeed NO WAY possible for me to 'share' the design
The only option I was given is to give everyone access to the account with the design.
Plus....that means no PDF for others later. ****I do have a copy of the image with the word PROOF written across it though, and I can figure out how to help anyone wanting a shirt at a later date****

So, for those ording shirts, let me know if you want to create an account like Kim did, and have me log in and set the shirts up for you, or if you want to have access to the account I have set up.
For those chosing to use the account I have set, I need to advice you to not save any shipping or payment info (for any additional items or shipping). The manager said that saving these things is an 'optional perk'. However, the system makes it seem as though it is a requirement. And when I read the fine print (on the FAQ's page....had to search for it), there is a notice that others using your account can not see your payment info, but can select to use saved info when they are closing out their purchase.

I am sorry about any misleading information that was given to me, that I subsequently passed on to y'all. I want to make this as easy as possible for everyone.
My opinion though...This groupon was a great deal, and I am excited to be able to get the shirts for such a good price. However, I will NEVER deal with the people at Vista Print again after how I was treated today.

WOW!!! I know harsh words and a temper from Tink
Cute, blonde and petite are not the only qualities that led to the nick name.....HeHeHe

 

[pixiehallow]

I placed my order.
For my $60 voucher, I was able to get 5 shirts, a bag, and a note book.

I am not sure if Kim found the discounts offered after choosing shirt sizes a benifit or not. However, I added one shirt to the cart and then used the discounts they offer for purchasing to add the remaining shirts and the bag and note book.

For those of you who got the $70 voucher, you will be able to get even more.

P.S. You do not have to stick to the group logo for your add on items. If you have anything else you want printed, go for it...take full advantage of the discounts. They will not give you credit on unused groupon amounts. So, I suggest that you keep adding until it says that you owe something, then decided what to take off.
Our 5th shirt was Clinton's graduation shirt (So cute, I did a Mickey head with a grad cap on, then added Mickey hands, shorts, and feet). It is what he will be wearing with a Mickey Ear Morter board hat when he is getting on the boat

So, when your ready to order, just let me know.

~Tink~

 

[Kprovax]

Wanted to find out if there are any Girl Scouts in the group. We have some FE gifts that would be perfect for them.
Kim

 

[kmronnie3]

Wanted to find out if there are any Girl Scouts in the group. We have some FE gifts that would be perfect for them.
Kim

My dd is a junior and I am the troop leader.

 

[Kprovax]

My dd is a junior and I am the troop leader.

That's wonderful, I will make sure I bring the FE for her. My DD is a Cadette and I am also there GS leader.
Kim

 

[Tenn]

My DD is bridging to Cadettes and I'm a leader.

 

[Deb T.]

Today, Concierge and Platinum cruisers are able to start booking excursions, adult dining, spa & fitness experiences, the nursery, golf & sports simulators, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. (All of these involve an onboard fee.) Just a head's up: when your booking window opens, your cruise must be paid in full before you are able to reserve anything.

We went ahead and made our final payment last Sunday night because I wanted to make sure it would be free and clear in DCL's system by today. It actually went through within 20 minutes so, as usual, I worried for nothing.

So, now all I need to do is finish my FE gifts and pack! Cruise is paid-in-full, flights are booked, hotels pre- and post-cruise are booked, WDW dining is booked, port excursions are booked, spa is reserved, Palo Brunch is reserved, and magnets are made! I'm going to reserve our pre- and post-cruise rental cars this afternoon. October can't get here fast enough!!!!!!!!

 

[pixiehallow]

Today, Concierge and Platinum cruisers are able to start booking excursions, adult dining, spa & fitness experiences, the nursery, golf & sports simulators, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. (All of these involve an onboard fee.) Just a head's up: when your booking window opens, your cruise must be paid in full before you are able to reserve anything.

We went ahead and made our final payment last Sunday night because I wanted to make sure it would be free and clear in DCL's system by today. It actually went through within 20 minutes so, as usual, I worried for nothing.

So, now all I need to do is finish my FE gifts and pack! Cruise is paid-in-full, flights are booked, hotels pre- and post-cruise are booked, WDW dining is booked, port excursions are booked, spa is reserved, Palo Brunch is reserved, and magnets are made! I'm going to reserve our pre- and post-cruise rental cars this afternoon. October can't get here fast enough!!!!!!!!

You Rock....
And I thought I was the one all over planning

Hey, can you do me a favor until lowly silver club members can start early booking (one cruise away from gold...) We have a first time cruiser who desperately wants to book a cabana on Castaway. I told her I would start keeping an eye on them as soon as I could, but if you could start now, that may ease her mind a bit. I told her by our past cruising experience and the volume of cruisers (looks like a great deal of cabins are still available- last I checked) that getting a cabana should not be to difficult, but she, as are you (self admittedly) is prone to worry.

Thanks
~Tink~

 

[kmronnie3]

You Rock....
And I thought I was the one all over planning

Hey, can you do me a favor until lowly silver club members can start early booking (one cruise away from gold...) We have a first time cruiser who desperately wants to book a cabana on Castaway. I told her I would start keeping an eye on them as soon as I could, but if you could start now, that may ease her mind a bit. I told her by our past cruising experience and the volume of cruisers (looks like a great deal of cabins are still available- last I checked) that getting a cabana should not be to difficult, but she, as are you (self admittedly) is prone to worry.

Thanks
~Tink~

Tink,

Thanks for looking out for me.. I too am an over planner but I thrive on that.lol. I just like to make everything perfect and taken care of before I get on the plane or boat. That way if I have a beverage or so too many I know it is all taken care of...lol

Thanks

Karen

 

[Deb T.]

You Rock....
And I thought I was the one all over planning

Hey, can you do me a favor until lowly silver club members can start early booking (one cruise away from gold...) We have a first time cruiser who desperately wants to book a cabana on Castaway. I told her I would start keeping an eye on them as soon as I could, but if you could start now, that may ease her mind a bit. I told her by our past cruising experience and the volume of cruisers (looks like a great deal of cabins are still available- last I checked) that getting a cabana should not be to difficult, but she, as are you (self admittedly) is prone to worry.

Thanks
~Tink~

Tink,

Thanks for looking out for me.. I too am an over planner but I thrive on that.lol. I just like to make everything perfect and taken care of before I get on the plane or boat. That way if I have a beverage or so too many I know it is all taken care of...lol

Thanks

Karen

I'm very sorry to report not so good news on the cabanas... only one is showing available right now, Family Cabana #9.

Last night at 12:30am, all but one Serenity Bay and six Family Cabanas were already booked. At noon today, there were only two Family Cabanas left (#8 and #9).

But please don't lose hope yet. There is always the waiting list. Many cruisers cancel cabanas at the last minute for a myriad of reasons. Plus, I believe that Concierge holds a few cabanas until sailing that could ultimately be put back into inventory, as well.

We didn't book a cabana on either beach. For us, we prefer to be down by the water's edge most of the time. Between all the activities on the island and lunch (and ice cream snacks!), we wouldn't spend enough time in a cabana to justify the cost. We'd much rather put that money toward our next cruise deposit!

I wish you luck and Pixie Dust!!!!!

P.S. I'd be more than happy to answer any other booking questions anyone might have.

 

[pixiehallow]

I'm very sorry to report not so good news on the cabanas... only one is showing available right now, Family Cabana #9.

Last night at 12:30am, all but one Serenity Bay and six Family Cabanas were already booked. At noon today, there were only two Family Cabanas left (#8 and #9).

But please don't lose hope yet. There is always the waiting list. Many cruisers cancel cabanas at the last minute for a myriad of reasons. Plus, I believe that Concierge holds a few cabanas until sailing that could ultimately be put back into inventory, as well.

We didn't book a cabana on either beach. For us, we prefer to be down by the water's edge most of the time. Between all the activities on the island and lunch (and ice cream snacks!), we wouldn't spend enough time in a cabana to justify the cost. We'd much rather put that money toward our next cruise deposit!

I wish you luck and Pixie Dust!!!!!

P.S. I'd be more than happy to answer any other booking questions anyone might have.

Thanks a bunch....
I do have a question. Have you been to the islands we are visiting on this trip?
My graduating son loves conch. Do you know of any place close to the pier with good conch, and on (I think St. Thomas), have you taken the gondula ride to the top of the mountain? Is it worth it.
This is our first time on this route, so we are very excited

~Tink~

 

[Deb T.]

Thanks a bunch....
I do have a question. Have you been to the islands we are visiting on this trip?
My graduating son loves conch. Do you know of any place close to the pier with good conch, and on (I think St. Thomas), have you taken the gondula ride to the top of the mountain? Is it worth it.
This is our first time on this route, so we are very excited

~Tink~

It will be our first time on St. Thomas and St. Maarten, too, so I'm no help here. Our DD & SIL honeymooned on a different cruise line that stopped at St. Thomas a year ago. Her recommendation for that island is the "Kayak, Hike, & Snorkel to Cas Cay" excursion. She said you end up on an island that is thick with hermit crabs, so many that all you hear is a clicking sound as they move around all over each other!

They did not do the Skyway ride. I've heard mixed reviews about it. Some say the cars are very crowded, fully enclosed, and get very hot inside. The views are supposed to be outstanding, though. We're sort of leaving it up to the moment - we'd love to see the views, but don't want to do it if the weather happens to be bad that day. It's my understanding that it is within easy walking distance from the ship and tickets can be bought from the vendor for about the same price you'd pay through DCL.

On a side note, we're in the middle of an intense thunder storm right now (it looks like it's the middle of the night outside!) compliments of Tropical Storm Andrea, so I'm a captive audience for any and all cruise questions right now at least for as long as our power holds on. We do tend to lose power fairly easily, though....

 

[pixiehallow]

They did not do the Skyway ride. I've heard mixed reviews about it. Some say the cars are very crowded, fully enclosed, and get very hot inside. The views are supposed to be outstanding, though. We're sort of leaving it up to the moment - we'd love to see the views, but don't want to do it if the weather happens to be bad that day. It's my understanding that it is within easy walking distance from the ship and tickets can be bought from the vendor for about the same price you'd pay through DCL.

On a side note, we're in the middle of an intense thunder storm right now (it looks like it's the middle of the night outside!) compliments of Tropical Storm Andrea, so I'm a captive audience for any and all cruise questions right now at least for as long as our power holds on. We do tend to lose power fairly easily, though....

2 notes...
We are under thunderstorm and flash flood warnings too. We are having storms with 45 mile an hour winds.
As for the sky ride, I have heard the same mixed reviews.

 

[Chipmunklove]

I am hoping some Palo Brunch reservations are still available when July 7 rolls around and we can finally book. I really want to try brunch there.

 

[healeylvr]

We have vacationed on St.Thomas several times and love the island. Aquick link to finding almost everything there is http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/ its a good guide to food,excursions and attractions it also lists links to other web pages of interest when we arrive on the island I get a copy at the airport and start scanning it. For this trip we haven't decided on anything except lunch at Viriglio's a great Italian resrurant we love.

 

[pixiehallow]

I am hoping some Palo Brunch reservations are still available when July 7 rolls around and we can finally book. I really want to try brunch there.

Out of all of our Palo experiences, brunch was the best

 

[pixiehallow]

We have vacationed on St.Thomas several times and love the island. Aquick link to finding almost everything there is http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/ its a good guide to food,excursions and attractions it also lists links to other web pages of interest when we arrive on the island I get a copy at the airport and start scanning it. For this trip we haven't decided on anything except lunch at Viriglio's a great Italian resrurant we love.

Thanks for sharing.
Can you post this on the group page