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

[BethC1952]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!



I'm solo, too, Julie! It will be a WHOLE 'nother cruise, without my spouse

Does anyone have any experience with Hotwire or hotels .com? I've never bid on a hotel but I sure would like to lower my rate at the doubletree.

Happy Day, all!

The last time I used hotels.com was to book a hotel near Newark Airport, about 45 minutes from my house. The first THREE hotels they recommended were at least 30 minutes from my house in the other direction. So be careful if you use them to check the distance from where you want to be!

Beth

 

[haileyboo]

DH & I just booked this - we were able to get an IGY rate. We are leaving the kids at home with Grandma & Grandpa! So excited!

We will be flying out of FLL - I haven't gotten through all the posts, but it looked like someone was getting a group together for transfer to FLL. Is that still the case?

 

[Chinook]

DH & I just booked this - we were able to get an IGY rate. We are leaving the kids at home with Grandma & Grandpa! So excited!

We will be flying out of FLL - I haven't gotten through all the posts, but it looked like someone was getting a group together for transfer to FLL. Is that still the case?

Some folks were taking SAS Shuttle

 

[dededisney]

Welcome to all the new cruisers! We are getting up there. Haileyboo...we are also leaving our boys at home with Grandma & Grandpa...they will be 14 and 10 at the time, so pretty self-sufficient (at least I hope). How old are your kids? We are flying out of FLL and got on the list to share a shuttle (SAS) to the airport...the more the merrier! It shouldn't be more than $15 per person. I think there are a lot of us who booked the IGT rate...hard to pass that up!

 

[Moby]

DH & I just booked this - we were able to get an IGY rate. We are leaving the kids at home with Grandma & Grandpa! So excited!

We will be flying out of FLL - I haven't gotten through all the posts, but it looked like someone was getting a group together for transfer to FLL. Is that still the case?

I already booked our transfer for 3 passengers from Port to FLL through SAS Transportation for a 12:30 p.m. flight on Southwest. I emailed Steven to ask how many passengers he can handle per load and how to go about linking our reservations together to get the best rate because the price decreases to $13 per person for 6+ passengers. I also PM'd LindaBabe today after I realized that she already volunteered to coordinate the shuttle transfers to FLL. Thanks Linda!

 

[LindaBabe]

Hey Marla! Looks like it's your baby, now! lol. I'll just direct any inquiries I get - to YOU! Thanks, Babe!

 

[Moby]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge and joining the FE group. I'm hesitant because I'm not very crafty/creative nor do I have a lot of spare time or $$$ to put things together for every person in a cabin nor space in my suitcase for gifts, but it sure looks like fun, especially on a 14 day cruise where we'll have more time to wander about delivering gifts. Can I join anyway? Or will I feel like a total Scrooge if I give one small gift to each cabin instead of multiple gifts? I glanced through the homemade FE thread to get some ideas and was wowed by the talent and generosity of the gifters. I know I shouldn't be comparing myself to others, but my small gift will probably look like peanuts next to some of the gifts I saw in that thread and I just don't need more guilt in my life! So should I participate or sit it out?

Do you put your name/cabin # on the gift? Or do people prefer being anonymous as in "Secret Santa"?

Since our cruise is near Christmas, I thought about giving a homemade Christmas ornament. I absolutely LOVE receiving ornaments from others because I think of the person/occasion every time I hang their ornament on my tree. After reflection, I realized that not all cruisers celebrate Christmas, so would an ornament be an inappropriate gift? I sure don't want to offend anyone unintentionally. I've got a few other ideas brewing, but thought I'd ask the experts!

Thanks for helping this potential FE newbie!

 

[Moby]

Hey Marla! Looks like it's your baby, now! lol. I'll just direct any inquiries I get - to YOU! Thanks, Babe!

Thanks a lot! I probably don't have time to coordinate everyone's shuttle schedules, but I will post what I find out from Steven at SAS Transportation. When I get that information, I will start start a new thread, so we can list our flight time, airline, and # of passengers. The website says 1-5 passengers = $15 per person; 6+ passengers = $13 per person. People can PM each other if they want to link their reservations together to get the cheaper rate. If they want to be taken off the official shuttle list, they can let me know, and I'll delete them from the list. How does that sound?

 

[socababy]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge and joining the FE group. I'm hesitant because I'm not very crafty/creative nor do I have a lot of spare time or $$$ to put things together for every person in a cabin nor space in my suitcase for gifts, but it sure looks like fun, especially on a 14 day cruise where we'll have more time to wander about delivering gifts. Can I join anyway? Or will I feel like a total Scrooge if I give one small gift to each cabin instead of multiple gifts? I glanced through the homemade FE thread to get some ideas and was wowed by the talent and generosity of the gifters. I know I shouldn't be comparing myself to others, but my small gift will probably look like peanuts next to some of the gifts I saw in that thread and I just don't need more guilt in my life! So should I participate or sit it out?

Do you put your name/cabin # on the gift? Or do people prefer being anonymous as in "Secret Santa"?

Since our cruise is near Christmas, I thought about giving a homemade Christmas ornament. I absolutely LOVE receiving ornaments from others because I think of the person/occasion every time I hang their ornament on my tree. After reflection, I realized that not all cruisers celebrate Christmas, so would an ornament be an inappropriate gift? I sure don't want to offend anyone unintentionally. I've got a few other ideas brewing, but thought I'd ask the experts!

Thanks for helping this potential FE newbie!

You should absolutely participate. It doesn't matter what you give, it's all about the fun of giving it. I have seen all kinds of FE gifts and I am appreciative of everything I've recieved.

I think an ornament is a great idea as long as it can be transported home easily! I have always put my name/room number on the FE gifts I have given!

 

[bbangel]

Join the FE if you are interested! We are thrilled with anything received - it truly is the thought that counts!

I would say in the other exchanges I've participated in, about half the people put their name on them and the other half don't. So whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

[LindaBabe]

Do NOT worry about how small your gift is - or how 'not hand made' or ANYTHING. It's supposed to be fun! Sometimes I put my name on, sometimes not. I've always given one per cabin (in the Mom's pocket) - except in the rare instances you have two singles together, each participating. I think an ornament is a great idea ..... OH. It'll be Christmas! I can hang my Mickey Head door wreath!

Marla, you don't need to start another thread - I'll take the inquiries on the transportation by pm- as I put in the post that should be on the first page. We're all going to be getting off the ship within the same hour or so - and nobody's going to be hanging around port, so flight time probably doesn't matter that much. Likely if we get a LOT of people, what will happen is - as they fill a van, it will leave. Timing will be more a factor of people's 'debarking color group' if DCL follows the same protocol as in LA.

 

[dthogue]

Marla,

The FE exchange is so much fun - please don't worry about your gift - whatever you give will be appreciated. It doesn't have to be elaborate or handmade, just given from the heart

On our last cruise I made our gifts - this cruise our gifts will represent our hometown.

I love the Christmas ornament idea.

Some people put their names on their gifts, others don't - we do.

I hope you join us, Moira will have a blast delivering the gifts. My DH is the funniest when it comes to delivering though - he really enjoys it. He will also race DD to the room to look for gifts

 

[Cruise]

Since our cruise is near Christmas, I thought about giving a homemade Christmas ornament. I absolutely LOVE receiving ornaments from others because I think of the person/occasion every time I hang their ornament on my tree. After reflection, I realized that not all cruisers celebrate Christmas, so would an ornament be an inappropriate gift? I sure don't want to offend anyone unintentionally. I've got a few other ideas brewing, but thought I'd ask the experts!

I love Christmas ornaments too and actually only put Disney ornaments on my tree. I've been collecting the Disney ones that Hallmark puts out for about 20 years now. I'll be getting one from the gift shop to commemorate my cruise this time too.

As far as offending someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas - you could make it sort of a less-Christmas-specific type ornament. It could be just more of a cruise ornament. You know how sometimes people have little plaques or figurines or other things that they keep in their office at work...like any type of vacation souvenir. Then, anyone who wants to hang it on a tree and call it an ornament can, and anyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas can hang it on a generic stand and call it a souvenir! Problem solved.

 

[Moby]

Thanks for the encouragement to join the FE. I have a few more questions. Is there a maximum size for the group? I'm wondering because if one has to order supplies, it'd be nice to know how many to plan for before ordering. If the group gets too big, does it ever split into two groups?

As far as offending someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas - you could make it sort of a less-Christmas-specific type ornament.

If I end up giving an ornament, a vacation souvenir from our cruise is exactly what I had in mind. Whenever we vacation, I always try to pick up an ornament as a remembrance of that particular trip.

Marla, you don't need to start another thread - I'll take the inquiries on the transportation by pm- as I put in the post that should be on the first page. We're all going to be getting off the ship within the same hour or so - and nobody's going to be hanging around port, so flight time probably doesn't matter that much. Likely if we get a LOT of people, what will happen is - as they fill a van, it will leave. Timing will be more a factor of people's 'debarking color group' if DCL follows the same protocol as in LA.

Sounds good!

 

[yucaipagal]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge and joining the FE group. I'm hesitant because I'm not very crafty/creative nor do I have a lot of spare time or $$$ to put things together for every person in a cabin nor space in my suitcase for gifts, but it sure looks like fun, especially on a 14 day cruise where we'll have more time to wander about delivering gifts. Can I join anyway? Or will I feel like a total Scrooge if I give one small gift to each cabin instead of multiple gifts? I glanced through the homemade FE thread to get some ideas and was wowed by the talent and generosity of the gifters. I know I shouldn't be comparing myself to others, but my small gift will probably look like peanuts next to some of the gifts I saw in that thread and I just don't need more guilt in my life! So should I participate or sit it out?

Do you put your name/cabin # on the gift? Or do people prefer being anonymous as in "Secret Santa"?

Since our cruise is near Christmas, I thought about giving a homemade Christmas ornament. I absolutely LOVE receiving ornaments from others because I think of the person/occasion every time I hang their ornament on my tree. After reflection, I realized that not all cruisers celebrate Christmas, so would an ornament be an inappropriate gift? I sure don't want to offend anyone unintentionally. I've got a few other ideas brewing, but thought I'd ask the experts!

Thanks for helping this potential FE newbie!

You should absolutely participate!! My kiddos and I have loved every single gift we have received! The craftiness or expense does not matter at all- it is just the spirit of giving and fun!!! I know my kids have been just as thrilled when they check the pocket and it is one beaded necklace or one piece of candy as they are when it is a full baggie of expensive or crafty goodies! Everyone has different monetary situations and levels of skill (mine is low, but I keep trying because I love it and pretend that I am better at than I am),not to mention time and none of that matters- it just makes the days a bit more special knowing that you have been thought of and thought of someone else. Plus, just to be straight- my kids (and my hubby and I) love to check the FE and see that we have a surprise...any surprise- it brings a smile to our faces

As for the name being on it, strictly up to you.

I was planning an ornament too as one of my goodies, ahhh- what to do? I must stop reading so I don't stress if anyone is also doing any of my other ideas and just go for it, doubles be darned

Overall- please join in the fun

 

[Moby]

...I was planning an ornament too as one of my goodies, ahhh- what to do? I must stop reading so I don't stress if anyone is also doing any of my other ideas and just go for it, doubles be darned Overall- please join in the fun

I would absolutely LOVE it if I got more than one ornament, even if they are duplicates. It is something I would use year-after-year.

 

[RoxyHive]

My First Cruise!

I'm so excited my first cruise will be going to the PC, pinch me this can't be real?!

I am going with 10 family members: Me, DH, DD (will be celebrating her 2nd birthday on board), SIL, BIL, darling nephews (6 & 8), my 2 parents, and MIL & FIL

I was also interested in the FE but wondered about how many people/rooms participate?

 

[dthogue]

I will try to answer some of the questions regarding the FE -

Right now we have 25 cabins signed up to participate - in those cabins we have 27 ladies, 18 men and 30 kiddos ranging in age from 11 months to 14. I keep a spreadsheet online and update it as needed so you know how many are participating. I will also post a listing of cabins (and any changes) on my stateroom door.

The cutoff to sign up will be October 28th (6 weeks before we cruise) - of course there is usually someone who wants to sign up after that date - we try to accomodate them, but its not always possible.

Size - there is no limit to how many can participate - right now we won't split into more than one exchange, but that could change if things get too big! It's hard to predicate how many people will sign up, which also makes it hard to plan

Delivery - right now I am leaning towards breaking the group in half and having one group deliver their gifts the first week and the other group deliver the second week - of course we are flexible and you have the option of delivering whenever works for your schedule.

Gifts - can be whatever you chose - every gift is truly appreciated - you decide who to gift to - one gift per cabin, gift per person, etc. - there is no wrong or right. You also decide if you want to put your name on your gift - again either way is fine - no right or wrong!

Please let me know if there are any other questions - if you want to join the group just PM me your info (cabin number, adult names, kids names and ages and email address)

The more the merrier

 

[dthogue]

My First Cruise!

I'm so excited my first cruise will be going to the PC, pinch me this can't be real?!

I am going with 10 family members: Me, DH, DD (will be celebrating her 2nd birthday on board), SIL, BIL, darling nephews (6 & 8), my 2 parents, and MIL & FIL

I was also interested in the FE but wondered about how many people/rooms participate?

Welcome - you've got quite a group traveling - that's neat!! What a great cruise for your first - it's going to awesome

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

My First Cruise!

I'm so excited my first cruise will be going to the PC, pinch me this can't be real?!

I am going with 10 family members: Me, DH, DD (will be celebrating her 2nd birthday on board), SIL, BIL, darling nephews (6 & 8), my 2 parents, and MIL & FIL

I was also interested in the FE but wondered about how many people/rooms participate?

Welcome Roxy & Family! You'll need to post 9 more times before you can send a pm - but the 9 times can be on any thread on the boards, you're not restricted to this one!

There were 100 cabins in fe on the Hawaii in 6 groups. We gave all 100 (not everybody did) - and were still receiving fe gifts on the last night.

Happy day, all!