EBPC December 9, 2012!!! PART 2

[So Cal Crew]

I tried to find out if we were linked using both methods but it doesn't show up. Can anyone tell if we are linked with you?

My little one was having the same problem. I changed the instructions a little. See if that helps.

 

[MaryLou1962]

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

I hear you! On our first (and only other) cruise I could have stocked my own pharmacy I had so many different medications. I was thrilled when shopping at the Cocoa Beach Publix to discover a vast selection of product not available in Canada and bought even more! In the end we didn't use any of it--to my relief. I shall be bringing it all with me again this time--just in case! Actually I'll bring even more since this cruise is twice as long. Just in case.

I also have little twinges of anxiety about the deep, dark ocean. I can't even watch documentaries about the Titanic and movies like The Deep--no way!!!! I found I never even thought of that while on board. And this time I suspect with so many new DIS friends to visit with that these concerns will fade even further.

I deal with nighttime anxiety of the type you mention by taking a sleeping pill. This works like a charm. And has the added benefit of rendering me oblivious to my DH's snoring. He claims that I am the one who snores, but I am sure he is simply mistaken!

ML

 

[BethC1952]

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

Unfortunately, I tend to get VERY seasick, but it doesn't stop me from cruising or doing anything. I use the seabands and eat green apples (thanks to a DIS'er for that suggestion!!!!) and have found that helps a whole lot. I don't like taking medication when I can do without it. The good thing about seasickness is that you know what it is, and you know that it will go away. Strangely, keeping food in my stomach tends to help a lot, as does being outside, or even being able to see outside. We've been on a few cruises with some really bad weather, but my last four cruises had absolutely perfect weather. On my cruise to Canada in September, the water was so still and smooth that it actually looked like it was fake water. The best thing to do is keep your mind off the fact that the ship is moving, and don't stand or sit still.

I don't worry about being out in the middle of nowhere or being eaten by sea creatures. I don't worry about things that I can't fix, and once I'm on the ship I can't fix where it goes!

Beth

 

[mug318ca]

So I'm sure there's an easier way, (Depending on what spot you log into, you may have to go to online check in first, then click edit documents) but what I do is, log in and under cruise summary click where it says onboard account. Click to edit one of the passengers. First is payment information and then payment coverage. There is the lists of room numbers and passengers that you are linked with. On a side note, if anyone would like to grant charging privileges to my girls, I'm ok with that. Don't make any changes, just click on return to overview. If anyone knows how to check dining rotation, I'd love some help.

I called and we are all still linked. I believe the best thing to do is call if you want a particular rotation. I am not partial to any particular rotation but the less time spent in Parrot Cay the better.

 

[mug318ca]

It was my DD's birthday on Monday and my DW's on Tuesday. DD was born at 11:59PM as my DW didn't want to share her birthday. Anyway, my DD and her boyfriend (both CM's) booked a room at the Disneyland Hotel. After their stay, the hotel offered an additional night at the same CM rate. So I took the room on night 2 for myself and my DW. Very nice time. I have never stayed at the DL Hotel, though I have been in the rooms of others who had.

These quickie vacations are very hard to recover from.

 

[jsails]

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

Stugeron 15 is the drug of choice of sailors around the world for sea sickness. You cannot buy it in the US but I believe you can in Canada. I usually get it in England and it's across the counter. For 90 percent of people it does not cause drowsiness. We give it to everyone that sails on our boat. On my last cruise I had it and gave it to a friend who said nothing worked and it did. I'd be curious to know if you can get it across the counter in Canada. It's not very expensive.

 

[MaryLou1962]

Stugeron 15 is the drug of choice of sailors around the world for sea sickness. You cannot buy it in the US but I believe you can in Canada. I usually get it in England and it's across the counter. For 90 percent of people it does not cause drowsiness. We give it to everyone that sails on our boat. On my last cruise I had it and gave it to a friend who said nothing worked and it did. I'd be curious to know if you can get it across the counter in Canada. It's not very expensive.

I'll check.

ML

 

[Land Park Tudor]

I called and we are all still linked. I believe the best thing to do is call if you want a particular rotation. I am not partial to any particular rotation but the less time spent in Parrot Cay the better.

Does anyone know when DCL actually sits down and "puts pen to paper" to come up with the table assignments and rotations? I'm wondering when it becomes too late to put in a request -- or if perhaps it is already. (I know you can try to change when you board, but am hoping someone knows.)

 

[mug318ca]

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

On a MR cruise last year at this time, the return trip to LA was a bit rough. Not that I got sick, but you could see the ship pitch up and down as we were going against the current. I really noticed it when walking up the stairs. As I would position my leading foot above the next step, the step would come up and meet it. No one at our dining table reported any seasickness.

Sleeping during these rough seas wasn't so bad as our bed was positioned front to back. I don't know about the inside cabins that are positioned side to side.

I have been seasick before. Last time was on the Catalina Express. I was heading over to the island at about 40MPH and it was very choppy. Was inside because it was really cold outside. I decided to move outside and take in the sea air. It helped a bit. Didn't loose my breakfast but had a slight headache.

 

[decked out]

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

Arlene: I am very prone to motion sickness, but being on a large cruise ship is rarely a problem. The best place to be during rough seas is in bed. I would avoid taking sea sickness medication unless absolutely necessary - they make you dopey and sluggish, as far as I can tell. If you have been on smaller vessels, this cruise should be no problem. There will be so much to do that you probably won't have time to think about it. Sharks are a myth and there are huge life jackets in every stateroom. There is nothing to worry about!

 

[ArGa]

Arlene: I am very prone to motion sickness, but being on a large cruise ship is rarely a problem. The best place to be during rough seas is in bed. I would avoid taking sea sickness medication unless absolutely necessary - they make you dopey and sluggish, as far as I can tell. If you have been on smaller vessels, this cruise should be no problem. There will be so much to do that you probably won't have time to think about it. Sharks are a myth and there are huge life jackets in every stateroom. There is nothing to worry about!

Sharks are a myth?! Huh?!, then what are they filming during shark week on tv? Thanks for all the reassurances and advice everyone.

Arlene

 

[pharmjenn]

It was my DD's birthday on Monday and my DW's on Tuesday. DD was born at 11:59PM as my DW didn't want to share her birthday.

I can't imagine spending my birthday in the hospital, even for as joyous an occasion as childbirth. It always makes me sad to see patients come in to the hospital close to their birthdays, especially if they are very sick.

My DS was born on his fathers birthday, at 12:47am. So while I was pushing, my sister wished my husband Happy Birthday. I don't think anyone else noticed him after that for a couple days
It is a family thing to share birthdays; my FIL, BIL, niece (daughter of BIL) all have the same birthday, as do my twin nephews on my side. DH says he never has to have another birthday gift, since he got the best one ever 5 years ago.
The cruise is sort of a birthday trip for them, departing 5 days after.

 

[skayrobe]

We just finished our first Disney Cruise in October and to my surprise I felt wobbly knees. It was especially notable at the back of the ship (mostly every time we ate at Parrot Cay.) I bought the Seabands that they sell on board and I was just fine. I have ordered the same bands off Amazon for half the price for this cruise. Sherry

 

[Jeff Spencer]

We've always used Bonine for seasickness. We only take it if the seas are really rough. It has never made me sleepy.

 

[MaryLou1962]

Sharks are a myth?! Huh?!, then what are they filming during shark week on tv? Thanks for all the reassurances and advice everyone.

Arlene

They're animatronic, of course.

 

[Relaxin']

Hey Arlene,

Rick is prone to motion sickness. That is the reason he buys so much coffee at the Cove. He says it balances off the drowziness of the Gravol. I think it is just an excuse to drink coffee.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good evening Happy Cruisers!

I totally forgot this morning, WHAT a lot to catch up on.

. . . Sleeping during these rough seas wasn't so bad as our bed was positioned front to back. I don't know about the inside cabins that are positioned side to side. . .

Actually, that's exactly WHY I only sleep in inside cabins - the little 'side to side' waddle that the ship does played havoc with my brain in an outside cabin witht he bed back to front. With the bed sideways, so I rock head to foot it doesn't bother me .

We've always used Bonine for seasickness. We only take it if the seas are really rough. It has never made me sleepy.

Bonine! LOVE that stuff! I take it early and often - but for my head not my stomach. After a few days, I don't need it any more. Surprisingly, really rough bothers less than a little choppy.

I haven't worn a gown in years. And just for the record, I don't wear heels either, but I will do my hair nicely and wear makeup! I'm old enough to do what I want, right?

I'm with you. Done with long dresses AND heels.

Since DH and I have never cruised before, we have no idea if we will feel the effects of seasickness. Maybe taking a 2 week cruise was not the best way to find out? I don't really anticipate a problem because we have both been on smaller vessels such as ferries and we have not had any problems and neither of us really suffer from motionsickness. But if we do, what do people suggest is the best medication to have on hand for seasickness? I think that I will be so busy during the day that I will forget that I am floating on top of a vast, dark, scary, body of water containing man eating creatures such as sharks (at least, I hope that I will forget)! But I am worried about nightime and lying in my bed. Do you feel the motion of the waves a lot? Does is get worrisome at times? I know we all have to die sometime, I just prefer not to do it by drowning or being eaten by sharks. Any suggestions for combatting panic attacks in the middle of the night?

Dimples (teddybear) can come and stay with you if you're really scared.

I hear you! On our first (and only other) cruise I could have stocked my own pharmacy I had so many different medications. I was thrilled when shopping at the Cocoa Beach Publix to discover a vast selection of product not available in Canada and bought even more! In the end we didn't use any of it--to my relief. I shall be bringing it all with me again this time--just in case! Actually I'll bring even more since this cruise is twice as long. Just in case.

I also have little twinges of anxiety about the deep, dark ocean. I can't even watch documentaries about the Titanic and movies like The Deep--no way!!!! I found I never even thought of that while on board. And this time I suspect with so many new DIS friends to visit with that these concerns will fade even further.

I deal with nighttime anxiety of the type you mention by taking a sleeping pill. This works like a charm. And has the added benefit of rendering me oblivious to my DH's snoring. He claims that I am the one who snores, but I am sure he is simply mistaken!

ML

That's what I need! Meanwhile, if you have the pharmacy, I have the tool kit - super glue, eyeglass tools, duct tape . . .

It totally slipped my mind that my friend/co-worker in the PIT office is from Colombia until she was talking about being home for Christmas. Anyway, she isn't form Cartagena but has been often. She gave some good advice and looked at all the Disney excursions. She said the best overall excursion appears to be the "Best of Cartagena" and she feels the best one for kids is the carriage tour and the best adults only is the Chiva Bus, which she says are awesome and so much fun! She said the beach at Las Americas Hotel is amazing and Rosario Islands are a must see if you are a sea/water loving family. She said she wouldn't suggest a mangrove tour and that the bugs will be horrible on that tour.
Other info:
There is a gold muesum, which she remembers being free and is a "can't miss". She said to have lunch at a Juan del Mar resturant, there are three total and are in the same block or get coffee/have lunch on Plaza Santo Domingo. You can get a carriage for a tour at the Plaza de Bolivar, she said its similar to getting on at central park and you can also get a carriage tour of the modern city. For a beach, Playa Blanca is the best and do not go to Bocagrande beach, this beach is muddy. You must eat coconut rice and fried plantains. She wrote more notes for me but since she was thinking about Colombia, she wrote them in Spainsh, she plans on rewriting them for me tomorrow. Also, she will be in Colombia while we are there and will leave me her contact info for any emergancies. She said if you have any questions for her, she can answer them tomorrow. She wants everyone to give Colombia a fair shot and that it isn't any more dangerous than any other large city in the world.

Exactly. Just use your common sense, is the big thing. don't go down a dark alley alone with a stranger. Or put your purse on the floor by your chair in MacDonalds, Like a tourist in my group did in London. OR leave your wallet under the mattress in the hotel like a hotshot fighter pilot did in Paris.

Sounds like great info. One question...do we need local currency (as I suspect) or will USD be widely accepted? I'm thinking of shops in the old city or restaurants in the area.

Local currency should be available at guest services - and they will buy back the bills you don't spend. You *can* spend dollars in Mexico, but the exchange rate might not be as favorable. Colombia too, but remember you have to think about how to translate the cost of what you're buying. Signs in Colombia will say $xxx - be sure you know whether it really means Dollars or Pesos or whatever their money is.

One of the big caveats is not to change money with some 'guy' who comes up to offer to change money with you. Even the Cambios (money exchange booths) aren't as 'safe' as getting the money on the ship.

We'll be in San Pedro (Doubletree) but given the time change, we probably won't get out for a M&G that evening.

Is anyone else staying at the Doubletree - do you know how the shuttle works? I'm curious. Thanks!

I'm there too. Thinking of going to Ports of Call for dinner. You sign up for the shuttle when you check in at the hotel.


HAve a good night, all!

 

[socababy]

I am assuming that DCL transfers will have me to the airport by 10 ish if all goes smoothly. Will I be able to check in at the airport even if my flight isn't until 2? I am already stressed about the flight since the seats I reserved when the flight was booked last Feb are no longer available. I called to verify all the flight ino today only to learn that we didn't have any seat assignments and that they didn't have 4 seats near each other. I don't want my 7 and 9 year old sitting away from me for a nearly 6 hour flight! Hopefully I can swap with some others once at the airport.

 

[tessa67]

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

I am working the holiday BLAH but someone has to heal the world!

Starting to wrap the Christmas presents, just need to finish picking up stocking stuffers and that will be all done.

Then on to PACKING!!!

Spent some time this evening watching YouTube videos of people missing their ship after a port call. Oh my! Nightmare!

 

[Cruise]

For the women who are dressing up for formal nights - are you doing a full gown on both nights or are you getting more "dressed up" on one night or the other? I have one long gown that I would like to wear and one shorter gown but I can't decide which to wear on what night. People have talked about one night being a Prince and Princess night - which of the formal nights is that? Might make more sense to wear the long gown that night...

I have floor length dresses for both formal nights. One is a straight dress and the other has a bit of a ball gown bottom - tho not especially poofy. I have a shorter dress for semi-formal night. I *think* the Prince and Princess night is the second of the formal nights and I'll be wearing my fuller dress that night.

But, as other have said - do what you want! Decide on the night if you feel like wearing one over the other.

We've always used Bonine for seasickness. We only take it if the seas are really rough. It has never made me sleepy.

I've also read that if you actually start taking your motion sickness meds a couple of days before getting on the ship, you'll have an easier time acclimating.

I am assuming that DCL transfers will have me to the airport by 10 ish if all goes smoothly. Will I be able to check in at the airport even if my flight isn't until 2? I am already stressed about the flight since the seats I reserved when the flight was booked last Feb are no longer available. I called to verify all the flight ino today only to learn that we didn't have any seat assignments and that they didn't have 4 seats near each other. I don't want my 7 and 9 year old sitting away from me for a nearly 6 hour flight! Hopefully I can swap with some others once at the airport.

In the past, most airlines wouldn't check you in for a domestic flight any more than 4 hours before flight time. Not sure if that's still what they're going by but, even so, you'd be in that window and I would assume you'd be fine. You could double check with your particular airline if you wanted to be sure they'll check you in once you reach the counter to make changes.