July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[danfromca]

OK let's see if I can remember all these:

I have seen some photos of rooms broken into on expedia and travelocity when I was doing research. Travelers came back to a room and in 1 case - the whole room safe was taken - yanked right off the wall! This scared me - what if they take my laptop - that's our life and company. Seriously considering not taking it but we'll be gone for 20 days and that's too long to be gone w/o one. So the hotel we got has a room safe and a safety deposit box in the hotel lobby. Figured between the 2 it may be safe.

We're bringing a laptop - but...
It's an older "spare" laptop. The mission critical ones stay at home (you can pick up older laptops on EBay or craigs list if you want to take that approach).

Definitely leave a complete image of your hard drive at home!

Any critical data that you need access to can be stored online using a service such as xdrive.com.

As to carrying an external hard drive with you - it depends on your needs. A handful of flash memory sticks might be adequate.

I have to say though, that having wireless access on the ship is going to be a mixed blessing. On past cruises I did not use the Internet at all, and traditionally those times have been virtually the only escapes I've had from our hyper-connected world.

Dan

 

[MrsJobba1]

Sounds like fun - oh, it's only 2:20 here - probably should wait a bit.

Dont get too excited it was a hot chocolate. I said before I dont really drink that much. And because of that A couple and I get very giggly
I've been dying to know, who's picture do you have by your name?

Its Job Bon Jovi

 

[kidcoos3]

Hi Everyone- - thanks for missing me! I was so excited to meet Anna and Wendy yesterday-!! I felt as if Ive known them for years-!! Both my husband and myself feel like we know Wendy, but we cant place our finger on it. I hope to have everyone here for a Pre Cruise BBQ !!
I haven't had time to catch up on all the posts- wow, now I know what it feels like when you miss a day !
I came home early because my husband will be taking Chloe( our cat) to the vet to be put down tonight. Im having a tough time with this one- cant eat or sleep- and sob uncontrollably every-time I look into her eyes.
I wonder why cats and dogs weren't made to live longer ? I am putting this on my list of questions for when I meet the "Big One" in heaven.. also on that list is the purpose of HOT FLASHEs!!!!!! - I still must reply to some posts about my flashes when I regain my composure!
Anyway- say a little prayer for us tonight- we need it!
I really miss you guys-!!
Sallie

So Sorry Sallie - that is such a hard one - I'm sure it's the right thing to do and yet so hard. How is your daughter holding up?

 

[MrsJobba1]

FINALLY..........THE BRITS ARE IN BED!!!!!!!!

Not quite but on my way

 

[kidcoos3]

Its Job Bon Jovi

Well, I thought it was him - but I've never seen that picture - it sure is a good one!! Are you a Jersey girl at heart?

 

[danfromca]

I think you need to call DCL and give them the flight info. For some reason they don't have all the airports in there. I called them and they said they were working on a list of missing airports but that was a long time ago. I swear they had BCN in there before but with the latest update, it seemed to have kicked it out.

You can also Email your flight info to them and they'll put it in the reservation.

I thought it was pretty funny that they didn't have any of the European airports (BCN, LHR, etc.) on the web, given they've had a year to prepare

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi Everyone- - thanks for missing me! I was so excited to meet Anna and Wendy yesterday-!! I felt as if Ive known them for years-!! Both my husband and myself feel like we know Wendy, but we cant place our finger on it. I hope to have everyone here for a Pre Cruise BBQ !!
I haven't had time to catch up on all the posts- wow, now I know what it feels like when you miss a day !
I came home early because my husband will be taking Chloe( our cat) to the vet to be put down tonight. Im having a tough time with this one- cant eat or sleep- and sob uncontrollably every-time I look into her eyes.
I wonder why cats and dogs weren't made to live longer ? I am putting this on my list of questions for when I meet the "Big One" in heaven.. also on that list is the purpose of HOT FLASHEs!!!!!! - I still must reply to some posts about my flashes when I regain my composure!
Anyway- say a little prayer for us tonight- we need it!
I really miss you guys-!!
Sallie

Oh Sallie, Im so sorry for you and your family. You are in my thoughts

take care
and PM if you need to talk or I can be of any help

 

[kidcoos3]

You can also Email your flight info to them and they'll put it in the reservation.

I thought it was pretty funny that they didn't have any of the European airports (BCN, LHR, etc.) on the web, given they've had a year to prepare

Why bother asking for passport info too - they already have all of that information - don't seem too well prepared for this whole thing!!

Well, I need to go out for a few hours - wonder how long it'll take me to get caught up . . . how many new pirates will there be . . . this is starting to sound like a soap opera

 

[Aurora1959]

Hi Everyone- - thanks for missing me! I was so excited to meet Anna and Wendy yesterday-!! I felt as if Ive known them for years-!! Both my husband and myself feel like we know Wendy, but we cant place our finger on it. I hope to have everyone here for a Pre Cruise BBQ !!
I haven't had time to catch up on all the posts- wow, now I know what it feels like when you miss a day !
I came home early because my husband will be taking Chloe( our cat) to the vet to be put down tonight. Im having a tough time with this one- cant eat or sleep- and sob uncontrollably every-time I look into her eyes.
I wonder why cats and dogs weren't made to live longer ? I am putting this on my list of questions for when I meet the "Big One" in heaven.. also on that list is the purpose of HOT FLASHEs!!!!!! - I still must reply to some posts about my flashes when I regain my composure!
Anyway- say a little prayer for us tonight- we need it!
I really miss you guys-!!
Sallie

Sallie, so sorry to hear that. I still cry when I think of when we put our dog down. I know exactly what you are going through. Seems to me that the best cats and dogs die young.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Carrie

 

[MrsJobba1]

Well, I thought it was him - but I've never seen that picture - it sure is a good one!! Are you a Jersey girl at heart?

I must admit I am a bit of a rocker.

And I kinda go weak at the knees when he's on TV

 

[Aurora1959]

You can also Email your flight info to them and they'll put it in the reservation.

I thought it was pretty funny that they didn't have any of the European airports (BCN, LHR, etc.) on the web, given they've had a year to prepare

This only works if you booked through DCL or a TA. If you booked through DVC, like I did, you have to go through DVC.

I know what you mean though, I emailed them and complained at how poor a job their QA dept did. I mean after all, are there not lots of Brits coming to FL for cruises? How are they supposed to enter in their deporting airport of LHR if they only have BCN and Paris listed? And I hear the latest update removed BCN.
Way to go IT and QA depts!

 

[LynnTarrant]

Hi Everyone- - thanks for missing me! I was so excited to meet Anna and Wendy yesterday-!! I felt as if Ive known them for years-!! Both my husband and myself feel like we know Wendy, but we cant place our finger on it. I hope to have everyone here for a Pre Cruise BBQ !!
I haven't had time to catch up on all the posts- wow, now I know what it feels like when you miss a day !
I came home early because my husband will be taking Chloe( our cat) to the vet to be put down tonight. Im having a tough time with this one- cant eat or sleep- and sob uncontrollably every-time I look into her eyes.
I wonder why cats and dogs weren't made to live longer ? I am putting this on my list of questions for when I meet the "Big One" in heaven.. also on that list is the purpose of HOT FLASHEs!!!!!! - I still must reply to some posts about my flashes when I regain my composure!
Anyway- say a little prayer for us tonight- we need it!
I really miss you guys-!!:flow


Sallie

cuddles from the UK

 

[LynnTarrant]

This only works if you booked through DCL or a TA. If you booked through DVC, like I did, you have to go through DVC.

I know what you mean though, I emailed them and complained at how poor a job their QA dept did. I mean after all, are there not lots of Brits coming to FL for cruises? How are they supposed to enter in their deporting airport of LHR if they only have BCN and Paris listed? And I hear the latest update removed BCN.
Way to go IT and QA depts!

Thank you I was very confused by all the on line forms none of which seemed to be set for a non american /canadian customer or the med cruises...I agree poor show DCL

 

[LynnTarrant]

Dan
Thanks for all the info re Yosemite, as soon as we get back from the Med I'm plnning to start booking flights/accommodation that will be a year in advance will that be enough? The cabins sound great and right up out street.
But I'm still thinking Vegas /grand canyon...we'll see anymore imput??

 

[MrsJobba1]

Ok guys Im soo tired I can't even hang around to attempt another irate:

But I'll leave you with a question - that will help those who want to rack up more posts! (see Joann I'm even helping )

What is your favourite food, meal on DCL? Or for those who are first times - what are you looking forward to the most?

My answer , I love the palo choc souffle and chocolate covered strawberries. Also at the Palo brunch I really liked the bacon wrapped scallops and finally I really enjoyed the mickey waffles for breakfast ( Yes I know Im a big Kid)

 

[lovebeast]

Part of the reason I went to FL on Mother's Day weekend was to speak with some friends from the UK. They are fantastic people and I picked their brains on how to pack.

First off: once they get off the plane and checked into their room they find a drugstore and pick up some necessities s/a shampoo and such. (Lordy - I forgot about those)

Second - this time they flew Virgin and Virgin allows them 2 suitcases - and so they bring duffel type of bags. I went with them while they went shopping. Turns out the $ is about 2 to their 1 or just over. Is that about right Andrew? Helen? We've dropped down again! Thus making our TOAL even more expensive.

Liz, travels with only 5 pairs of shoes, 1 fancy pair (not so fancy more comfortable that would look good for formal nights) and 1 sandal and 1 tennis shoes, 1 pr crocs and 1 water shoe. Her husband travels with less! Although I have now told DH that he and DS will get their tuxes and shoes from onboard - figured I might be able to take some of the space from his boats on there. He and DS have size 12 shoes and they take up a lots of space - DS won't give but DH will have too if you know what I mean

She recommended, 1 pr of fancy black pants to dress up or down, lots of tops to interchange and she brings skirts - no shorts except for 1 long burmuda type of shorts. Guess I won't be bringing the boody hugging shorts.

She says that one can always buy something over there. She did recommend a scarf or something lightweight to put on just in case. Apparently they REALLY are strict about having your knees and shoulders covered. Not that I wouldn't - I've already bought a small lightweight cardigan for my shoulders and looking for longish, peasant type of skirts to use instead of shorts. In fact - only planning on bring 1 pair for the ship and after.

I'm down to 6 prs of shoes. I'm also trying to implant into the girls that since they are almost the same weight - they should coordinate together and if they 'share' they would have a different outfit each and every single night.

Nothing doing - you would have thought I suggested they give their clothes away - I got this look Yup that about sums it up.

So here's my shoe list: 1 fancy/comfortable heel Probably black but not sure yet. 2 tennis shoe/sandal type for hot air from Esprit blue and beige. 1 white Mary Jane and 1 black pair of 'croc-'like Mary Jane. So God-willing - this will be my shoes.

On my weekend trip - I overpacked and I only took 1 pr of pants (which I never used) and 2 capris. 3 tops and then I went shopping so that made what I brought obsolete. Go fugure.

OK anyone else with thoughts of shoes?

i'm taking 1 black casual sandals, 1 white casual sandals, 1 tevas, 1 dress sandal to wear for dinner and formal nights, 1 swim shoes. 5 pairs of shoes.

 

[danfromca]

Why bother asking for passport info too - they already have all of that information - don't seem too well prepared for this whole thing!!

Well, I need to go out for a few hours - wonder how long it'll take me to get caught up . . . how many new pirates will there be . . . this is starting to sound like a soap opera

Well, passport I can understand. In our case several of our party either did not have a passport or had to get it renewed back when we made the original reservation. Good thing I pushed them to do it early too - I hear the backlog on those things is insane.

I think it has to do with some new regulations put in place after the closing of the Hershey factory tours....

 

[Aurora1959]

Thank you I was very confused by all the on line forms none of which seemed to be set for a non american /canadian customer or the med cruises...I agree poor show DCL

did I mention that i work in Software QA? So to me, this was something that I picked up on right away, and really really annoyed me.

Probably the same way my poor grammer annoys all those teachers on this board.

 

[Aurora1959]

Well, passport I can understand. In our case several of our party either did not have a passport or had to get it renewed back when we made the original reservation. Good thing I pushed them to do it early too - I hear the backlog on those things is insane.

I think it has to do with some new regulations put in place after the closing of the Hershey factory tours....

yep - you need a passport now to get chocolate

 

[LynnTarrant]

Joann sorry to hear about the op... you need some of my DNA I come round from the anaesthetic wide awake, bushy tailed and ready to go, it's like a massive caffeine hit on my body, the medical staff can't believe it...then about a week later I get the withdrawal post op blues, I cry non stop for two days!!!!