EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[spiiffy]

Sorry! I am here! I pm'd you! I am more active on our facebook group (b/c it is easier to check on my phone).

Is there, was there someone with the name of Spiffy on board with us? I can't find any PM's or posts by them, and I have them down as coming to the Palo brunch (because their name was included in the PM I sent a few months back), but I have no previous PMs either to of from them. Sent a PM yesterday and hasn't been read, and when I looked at their stats that have zero posts, etc. Searching for them on the board brings up nothing.

So if you're out there, or if anyone knows who they are, please let me know. I need your information ASAP.

Thanks.
Julie

 

[Relaxin']

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers,
We set sail in 24 weeks,
that is 168 sleeps!
Are you ready yet?

 

[dthogue]

We're in Reading.

Hey neighbor - we are east of Hershey - just thinking about driving to Reading today - there is a dance outlet my DD wants to check out.

What airport will you be flying out of?

 

[dthogue]

FE Exchange Update ​

Just wanted to post a quick update - we are up to 30 cabins participating the online spreadsheet is up to date. Hope everyone is having fun planning their surprises. If you want to join us in the fun, see page one for the details and PM me your info!

 

[Started With a Mouse]

I recently returned from the Fantasy Western, and did the Tropicante in Costa Maya. If it helps, here is my take on it...




My family was on the Fantasy Western Caribbean this week (6/9 - 6/16), and having been to the Chacchoben ruins previously, and with not a lot time in port this go-round, we wondered what to do.

I am one that likes to get off the boat and enjoy the local culture, so staying at the port, not venturing out of the shopping and pool area at the port, was not something I wished to do. Instead, I searched for something in Mahahual, the local town near the port, and happened upon a beach restaurant place where you can reserve your own set of chairs/recliners/umbrella on the beach. I would post a link, but I am not sure if I am allowed, so I will just suggest to do a search for the Tropicante in Costa Maya. The owner is Steve, and I sent him an email ahead of time with what we wanted, and he was quick to email back with our reservation.

Also, this place has free wireless and a free Skype phone to the States if you wish to check on things back home!

There was no fee to reserve a spot on the beach, I think you are just requested to buy something to eat or drink. We did, as it was quite warm on the beach and we needed a little something.

I must warn people though that this is not a Disney perfect place! If you are expecting Castaway Cay with perfectly manicured sand and brand new chairs and umbrellas, you will not find this in Mahahual. This is a natural beach, and things that are outside are being beated by the salt and sun. I have been to very nice beach hotels and condos in Florida with similar situations, and realize that the sun and salty air do a lot of damage to anything outside! So just remember, this is not a Disney set-up, but rather a "real Mexico" set-up, and you will be happy.

One final thing - if you have any extra new toys, Steve will collect them for the impoverished children in the area. My daughter collected a few things before our trip, and we dropped them off with Steve when we arrived. Also, if you ask, he can recommend which shops to visit if you are looking for something in particular. The silver jeweler that he sent us to had very, very good prices, compared to what I have seen previously at other ports. He also had some very nice gold jewelry, though it was a just a few pieces, but those prices were much better than what I get at home, and I did feel that the items were a better quality than what I have seen at other shops on the islands.

The one thing that might bother some people is that there are individuals that will approach you while you are on the beach, trying to sell you something. Just say "No, gracias" and they will go on their way. My daughter was actually fascinated by the different variety of people in this area of Mexico as opposed to other areas. You really see the Mayan ancestry (I am guessing that is what it is?) in some of the vendors that come up to you. You won't get that at the port's pool!

Anyway, Tropicante in Costa Maya, a great place for a real beach experience that is not built up with touristy things, and still has the flavour of Mexico!

So, we're kinda going for the Corona commercial route, we decided on the Tropicante in Mahahaul on the Malecon. After reading all the incredible reviews on Trip Advisor, looks like a nice, relaxing place to spend a few hours.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...ll-Mahahual_Costa_Maya_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

Here's to toes in the sand, cold drink in my hand...

We're doing this. Packing some old Tupperware to use as beach toys for the kids.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

I heartily agree with both! If not for the planning, the fun would only last as long as the cruise itself....not nearly long enough.


That would be so interesting...I'm sure the demand would be high. Anyone out there listening???

1,000th post on our cruise board!

 

[tweetybabee]

Hey neighbor - we are east of Hershey - just thinking about driving to Reading today - there is a dance outlet my DD wants to check out.

What airport will you be flying out of?

Hi there! Usually, we're the ones heading from here to Hershey (or Lancaster) for the Disney outlet, although we've found the new store near Pottstown to have Disneyland and, sometimes, Disney Cruise merchandise.


Anyway, we're flying from PHL through Chicago Midway to SNA (John Wayne Airport) on Southwest and spending a few days at Disneyland before the cruise, otherwise we would have gone into LAX.

 

[bbangel]

Tammy do we want to start talking about dividing the FE cabins into two groups? It might help those who are concerned about space/cost. So great that many are joining in!

 

[JessicasMom]

1,000th post on our cruise board!

Why, thank you for the honor! I'd like to thank my mom, my first-grade teacher, all the little people....

 

[WVURunner]

I booked flights, as well as a hotel in Phila. for the night before we leave (8am flight and 2.5 hr. drive to get to PHL).

Are you flying SWA on Friday from PHL? If so, I bet we are on the same flight

 

[JessicasMom]

Are you flying SWA on Friday from PHL? If so, I bet we are on the same flight

No, we decided to leave Thursday instead. We're on United 1629 that stops in Houston, where we will hook up with my mom/niece (flying in from Nashville) and dtr (from Austin) and continue to SNA together . Actually, the PHL flight doesn't have a "connection" in Houston but does have a "plane change", so we have to disembark and wait for the other plane just like they do .

On the way home, we're taking USAir (it will always be that to me) from MIA to PHL, connecting in Charlotte, so we can do the first leg with mom/niece. They're on their own back to Nashville! Mother has flown several times but still gets a bit nervous with connections, and my niece (age 28) is special-needs. I haven't booked Jess yet, but I'm thinking she'll take an SWA flight from FLL; even with a transfer, it's still much less expensive.

 

[dthogue]

Hi there! Usually, we're the ones heading from here to Hershey (or Lancaster) for the Disney outlet, although we've found the new store near Pottstown to have Disneyland and, sometimes, Disney Cruise merchandise.


Anyway, we're flying from PHL through Chicago Midway to SNA (John Wayne Airport) on Southwest and spending a few days at Disneyland before the cruise, otherwise we would have gone into LAX.

Thanks for the heads up on the Disney Store - I'll have to check that out.

I would have loved to go to DL before the cruise - unfortunately, I'm already pushing it asking for 2 weeks off, plus DD couldn't miss any more school.

We are flying from PHL on Saturday on United to San Fransico than to LAX.

 

[Cruise]

Just wanted to post a link to a book I received today for my birthday. It's so good when people around you can share in the excitement even if they're not going along for the ride.

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...7362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340584957&sr=8-1

It looks like a neat little book. It includes a history of the Canal, maps, info on flora and fauna, and guides to the major possible ports that most cruises stop at on the journey. Our ports are included with the exception of Costa Maya.

There's even a pull out map of the Canal itself with (what I'm guessing) is all the points of interest along the way.

I was excited to get it.

 

[Moby]

Just wanted to post a link to a book I received today for my birthday. It's so good when people around you can share in the excitement even if they're not going along for the ride.

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...7362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340584957&sr=8-1

It looks like a neat little book. It includes a history of the Canal, maps, info on flora and fauna, and guides to the major possible ports that most cruises stop at on the journey. Our ports are included with the exception of Costa Maya.

There's even a pull out map of the Canal itself with (what I'm guessing) is all the points of interest along the way.

I was excited to get it.

I ordered that same book from Amazon earlier this week!

 

[WVURunner]

I just bought The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough for my kindle this week and I am super excited to start reading it. I am a big non-fiction reader and love learning about places/things I will be seeing. I have enjoyed David McCullough's other history books so I am sure this will be a good read also.

Also, I noticed on amazon there were a few free books on the Panama Canal. I downloaded them but haven't looked at them yet. You might want to check them out as you have nothing to lose (except maybe some storage space)

Happy Reading

 

[JessicasMom]

Just wanted to post a link to a book I received today for my birthday. It's so good when people around you can share in the excitement even if they're not going along for the ride.

 

[Cruise]

Thanks!

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Just wanted to post a link to a book I received today for my birthday. It's so good when people around you can share in the excitement even if they're not going along for the ride.

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...7362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340584957&sr=8-1

It looks like a neat little book. It includes a history of the Canal, maps, info on flora and fauna, and guides to the major possible ports that most cruises stop at on the journey. Our ports are included with the exception of Costa Maya.

There's even a pull out map of the Canal itself with (what I'm guessing) is all the points of interest along the way.

I was excited to get it.

I've got that, and you're right - it IS wonderful. HUGE pull out map, and info on all the possible ports of call except Costa Maya.

 

[dthogue]

Just wanted to post a link to a book I received today for my birthday. It's so good when people around you can share in the excitement even if they're not going along for the ride.

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...7362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340584957&sr=8-1

It looks like a neat little book. It includes a history of the Canal, maps, info on flora and fauna, and guides to the major possible ports that most cruises stop at on the journey. Our ports are included with the exception of Costa Maya.

There's even a pull out map of the Canal itself with (what I'm guessing) is all the points of interest along the way.

I was excited to get it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (sorry I'm a day late)


Looks like a great book - I just ordered it - should be here in 2 days

 

[Moby]

I contacted DCL to ask when the Port Adventures would be listed since our final payment date is fast approaching, but their reply didn't give any hint as to when they would be available.

I am happy to assist you with information regarding port adventures (shore excursions) for the Eastebound Panama Canal Cruise.

At this time, we are busy working on the magical port adventure experiences that will be offered on your cruise. Please continue to check our website for the most up-to date information.

Once we have finalized the port adventures, you will be able to view these by going online at www.disneycruise.com and hover over Cruises & Destinations, select Port Adventures, and then select location....