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

[pharmjenn]

[/QUOTE]

Trying to decide what to do at each port - has anybody been to the Chacchoben ruins in Costa Maya? Are they worth seeing? We want to experience a bit of "culture" while on the cruise and not spend the whole time relaxing...yes, we're officially crazy![/QUOTE]


We haven't been there, but are planning on doing the private excursion that Julie (skoi) is planning. It is a little cheaper than the Disney excursion, and should be fun since it sounds like we go to a native village as well.

 

[buckeyesix]

About Alzheimer's.... Thanks to those who posted sympathetic comments about my mom. She was diagnosed eight or nine years ago but showed symptoms before that, so we've had a ten year journey so far. She's only 74. She remained pretty high functioning for quite a long time and just went in the nursing home last fall, which was sad for everyone but has relieved a lot of stress for the rest of us. Her mother also had Alzheimer's, and she lived with us while we were growing up, so it's the second time around for our family. I try not to dwell on the future for my siblings and me, but it's impossible not to think about it. We just pray. And I'm thankful that all of my children are adopted and my brother and sister both have step-children only, so at least the genetic line stops with us.

 

[buckeyesix]

Suggestion : One of you, Post your room number on the cruise website labeled BOOK EXCHANGE. Then hang a shopping bag on the rail outside your door. People can leave their completed books and select from what's there, if they wish. Any leftover books, your stateroom host can take to the crew library.

Oops -- did something wrong while quoting that. Sorry. Anyway...


This is a good idea. We have two connecting rooms, so I can use one of our fish hangers for a book exchange bag and one for our FE (if we decide to participate -- we are still debating this). I don't know our cabin number, but I'll ask DH for it and make sure it is posted on the website for fellow bookaholics to have a central place to get their fix.

 

[JessicasMom]

She is comes home Dec. 23 for two weeks. We get home Dec. 26, so we will have lots of time together, then it will be the next 6 months that may be hard for her. Her boyfriend may go over to visit. I would be nice if someone went in April during her spring break.

I volunteer to go for a visit! Of course, it won't make her feel any better, but I'll have a great time .

 

[Alaska DogCat]

Does anyone know if there will be Chanukah services aboard our cruise?

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

About Alzheimer's.... Thanks to those who posted sympathetic comments about my mom. She was diagnosed eight or nine years ago but showed symptoms before that, so we've had a ten year journey so far. She's only 74. She remained pretty high functioning for quite a long time and just went in the nursing home last fall, which was sad for everyone but has relieved a lot of stress for the rest of us. Her mother also had Alzheimer's, and she lived with us while we were growing up, so it's the second time around for our family. I try not to dwell on the future for my siblings and me, but it's impossible not to think about it. We just pray. And I'm thankful that all of my children are adopted and my brother and sister both have step-children only, so at least the genetic line stops with us.

My husband is concerned about that too. Apparently the likelihood is greater for children of mothers who have it than children of fathers. We have read, though, that diet and exercise and "brain exercise" can potentially stave it off. One big reason why we gave up wheat - and we both work out and do puzzles and stuff. But you are right - you just can't dwell on it - prepare as best you can and then hope for the best.

Does anyone know if there will be Chanukah services aboard our cruise?

There usually are not DCL provided services of any denomination, but often a group of like minded people get together to hold their own. The upstairs back room in the Outlook Bar over the cove cafe is often reserved for them. I would ask at guest services when you board.

Off to the gym. Happy Wednesday.

 

[bugsgrandma]

Anyone interested in dinner tablemates? This is our first time to cruise without family or friends. Would like to get with fellow disboarders if possible. Both are retired and just turned 60. Laid back and casual. Very light hearted. Will be dining at late seating. Please pm with info.

 

[LindaBabe]

Goood Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Boy! The board is DEAD this week. Everyone must be on vacation.

Anyone interested in dinner tablemates? This is our first time to cruise without family or friends. Would like to get with fellow disboarders if possible. Both are retired and just turned 60. Laid back and casual. Very light hearted. Will be dining at late seating. Please pm with info.

Love to - unfortunately, I dine early. Have always had fabulous table mates with DIS group linking, so I know you'll gather a great bunch.

Funny story. There's an apple tree in our front flower bed. It was supposed to be one of those patio apples that can be grown in a flower pot, but it totally grew up and out and became too huge for the spot. Anyway, this year, it has died (thank heavens) so DH went out to limb it, preparatory to cutting it down.

Mrs. Robin was screeching up a storm and divebombing him. There was an apparently empty nest in the tree, but she was treating him like it was full. I went and got the mirror. He said there's a baby in there, but it looks dead. I told him he better leave it alone. Sure enough, later on I peeked around the corner and there were two bare little heads on scrawny necks stuck out with their mouths open. Guess it will be a while before he cuts that tree down!

Happy Day, all!

 

[rach7]

Trying to decide on what to do in each port - we're thinking just stick with Disney for Cartagena, but unsure about the 3 Mexican ports. We've never been to Mexico - are the ports OK to just wander around on your own? I've noticed some of the Disney excursions are to resorts/beaches - does this mean there aren't any nice beaches close by that we can go to on our own?

Sorry if these questiions have been asked before!
Rach

 

[WVURunner]

Boy! The board is DEAD this week. Everyone must be on vacation.

I wish I was on vacation! Super busy work week and a travelling nightmare.
Flew out to Memphis on Tuesday night after work , got "randomly" selected by TSA for extra screening. I use random in quotes because I have never not been randomly selected and I fly a couple of times a month. Then my flight was delayed out of PHL. Finally made it to my hotel a little after 2am. I had a 6am meeting on Wednesday and then lost track of time during site visit. Rushed to the airport, dropped of rental and did not have any time to change out of my work clothes. Made it to the TSA line with about 15 mintues before my flight left. Only to be "randomly" selected again by TSA. This time however, after the pat down the TSA agent's gloves got a hit so then they tested something else (my work safety vest) which can back positive, shocking, so then I got detained for 45 minutes, my stuff searched and more pat-downs. Needless to say, I missed my flight and didn't get back home till 2am again. Oh I also spilled my full glass of water all over my lap during the flight. Back to work at 7am this morning. Lesson learned though, after working and crawling around in a chemical plant all day, leave time to shower and change before you board a plane!

I am hoping this was enough of a travel nightmare that I have a year of good travel karma. I want flying to LA to be smooth in December!

The good news is that I am putting all my work travel on my disney visa to earn disney dollars for our trip! The last minute plane tickets are helping big time!

 

[BethC1952]

I'm not on vacation yet, but getting ready to go! I'm heading back to Canada on Sept. 12the on the last cruise out of New York on Magic, this time a "girls only" trip. I can't wait! It's been a long, hot, busy summer!

Beth

 

[bugsgrandma]

I wish I was on vacation! Super busy work week and a travelling nightmare.
Flew out to Memphis on Tuesday night after work , got "randomly" selected by TSA for extra screening. I use random in quotes because I have never not been randomly selected and I fly a couple of times a month. Then my flight was delayed out of PHL. Finally made it to my hotel a little after 2am. I had a 6am meeting on Wednesday and then lost track of time during site visit. Rushed to the airport, dropped of rental and did not have any time to change out of my work clothes. Made it to the TSA line with about 15 mintues before my flight left. Only to be "randomly" selected again by TSA. This time however, after the pat down the TSA agent's gloves got a hit so then they tested something else (my work safety vest) which can back positive, shocking, so then I got detained for 45 minutes, my stuff searched and more pat-downs. Needless to say, I missed my flight and didn't get back home till 2am again. Oh I also spilled my full glass of water all over my lap during the flight. Back to work at 7am this morning. Lesson learned though, after working and crawling around in a chemical plant all day, leave time to shower and change before you board a plane!

I am hoping this was enough of a travel nightmare that I have a year of good travel karma. I want flying to LA to be smooth in December!

The good news is that I am putting all my work travel on my disney visa to earn disney dollars for our trip! The last minute plane tickets are helping big time!

We haven't flown since 9/11, so we are really apprehensive about flying this time. I surely hope we don't have the trouble you had. I can't imagine getting the luck of the draw twice in one trip. I am sure that it was very frustrating.

 

[LindaBabe]

Trying to decide on what to do in each port - we're thinking just stick with Disney for Cartagena, but unsure about the 3 Mexican ports. We've never been to Mexico - are the ports OK to just wander around on your own? I've noticed some of the Disney excursions are to resorts/beaches - does this mean there aren't any nice beaches close by that we can go to on our own?

Sorry if these questiions have been asked before!
Rach

Don't worry! Cabo has a lot of shops right off the tender dock, with plenty of sightseeing excursions available on the shore as well as a beach a short distance away, in sight of the ship.

PV has shops you have to walk between to get out of the port on foot, then you can grab a cab for a 10 minute ride down to the main shoping area where there is a nice esplanade along the edge of the sea. Or, walmart, right across the road from port. No beach close, that I know of, but I'll ask my friend Gustavo, who lives about 5 minutes from port in PV.

Costa Maya has shops and pool right off the dock, and a nice beach resort a short taxi ride away, that others have mentioned. I forget the name.

 

[ChipperMerlin]

HELP! Does anyone have a good idea on how we can get from the ship to Disney World. I've checked Virgin and United - neither has a flight to Orlando. Southwest goes from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando, but not until 3:30pm. DCL is not offering anything. Since Southwest wants $222 for the two of us, would I be ahead to rent a car and just drive up there?

 

[LindaBabe]

HELP! Does anyone have a good idea on how we can get from the ship to Disney World. I've checked Virgin and United - neither has a flight to Orlando. Southwest goes from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando, but not until 3:30pm. DCL is not offering anything. Since Southwest wants $222 for the two of us, would I be ahead to rent a car and just drive up there?

That would be my choice! It's what? A 5-ish hour drive? You'd be there about the time you could fly there with a lot less hassle and no TSA.

 

[dthogue]

HELP! Does anyone have a good idea on how we can get from the ship to Disney World. I've checked Virgin and United - neither has a flight to Orlando. Southwest goes from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando, but not until 3:30pm. DCL is not offering anything. Since Southwest wants $222 for the two of us, would I be ahead to rent a car and just drive up there?

I would rent a car - when we did mapquest it was about a four hour drive - much easier than flying.

Tammy

 

[Manon_Paul_Nina]

Packing for a spontanious camping trip this weekend!
The weather is so nice we couldn't resist!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

 

[WVURunner]

HELP! Does anyone have a good idea on how we can get from the ship to Disney World. I've checked Virgin and United - neither has a flight to Orlando. Southwest goes from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando, but not until 3:30pm. DCL is not offering anything. Since Southwest wants $222 for the two of us, would I be ahead to rent a car and just drive up there?

We are heading in the same direction after the cruise but going to Tampa instead of Orlando. We were able to get a one way rental for 5 days for under $200. My DH is going to grab a taxi to the car rental place and drive it back to the port to pick us up. With 5 of us, we knew a rental car was a much better bet than flying. I believe we booked our car through Avis.

 

[mouse66]

HELP! Does anyone have a good idea on how we can get from the ship to Disney World. I've checked Virgin and United - neither has a flight to Orlando. Southwest goes from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando, but not until 3:30pm. DCL is not offering anything. Since Southwest wants $222 for the two of us, would I be ahead to rent a car and just drive up there?

Our plans are to rent a car and drive. Alamo Miami Airport has shuttle to port. Plan on paying for the toll pass, must have toll pass to use toll roads - no more collectors. Alamo "$2.00 fee per rental day (24 hr. interval) that customer incurs tolls, plus tolls (at posted cash/TOLL-BY-PLATE rates)" Drop off is available at Disney Car Care Center or at Dolphin/Swan.
We are thinking of dropping the car off the next morning at the Dolphin/Swan and going right into Epcot.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

We are heading in the same direction after the cruise but going to Tampa instead of Orlando. We were able to get a one way rental for 5 days for under $200. My DH is going to grab a taxi to the car rental place and drive it back to the port to pick us up. With 5 of us, we knew a rental car was a much better bet than flying. I believe we booked our car through Avis.

I'm wondering (ha, no pun intended) if it's an easy swing to come back to the port and find your party? We want to do the same thing. Also, if both adults are not at the car rental agency, is the other one able to drive? I would much rather stay with the kids at the port, but I'm also the 'driver' in the family.

Also, does anyone know what time we get off the ship? The *plan* is to return the car to the airport the next day, at 9:30, for our flight home. So, I couldn't pick it up/rent it any earlier, so we aren't charged for an additional day.