Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) **** PART III ****

[mdargen]

I'm sitting here surfing the net, watching tv, not really doing anything and it hit me....My family is really going on a vacation.

We have been planning this for 18 months. There were a few times we thought it wasn't going to happen. The big reason was my mom almost dying. She was in the hospital for almost 3 months. In those 3 months she had quadruple bypass open heart surgery and a lot of recovery. I can't believe my daughter gets to go on a holiday like this with her Grandma. Agnes and Grandma are best friends. They can talk on the phone for hours. They are sharing a cabin and have already decided each night is a slumber party.

This is going to be the second most amazing holiday we have ever spent. The first was Agnes' first Christmas.

Sorry for the babbling. I'm sitting here crying because I am so excited and can't wait for Agnes and my mom to see the ship, see Mickey, and get to spend 2 weeks playing together.

 

[decked out]

I know when an alcohol purchase is made at the onboard duty free it is held until the end of the trip. Is the same true of American cigarettes? DH is just wondering if he can buy and smoke them on board or we need to bring what he'd need for the trip.

Thanks!
Caryn

I can't imagine that the rules for duty free smokes would be different than booze and would plan to bring them.

Last-minute (week) packing and to-do stress is building in our house. But in my case, if it wasn't for the last minute, I would never get anything done.

We have a hard freeze (25F) forecast for Monday night. That makes a lot of extra work since our plants and pipes are not built for freezing weather. Freezes are a hassle and usually turn out badly for the landscape and wildlife around here. Better this week than next, or we might have real problems.

 

[MommyLissa]

Now I want to bring crackers! I may have to head over to Pier One tomorrow to pick some up.

The best ones we've ever had come from TJ Maxx.....now we get them from there every year. Sometimes we supplement with our own little treats, but theirs have the best jokes/fortunes and the loudest "pop"!

 

[BBQMommy]

I can't imagine that the rules for duty free smokes would be different than booze and would plan to bring them.

Last-minute (week) packing and to-do stress is building in our house. But in my case, if it wasn't for the last minute, I would never get anything done.

We have a hard freeze (25F) forecast for Monday night. That makes a lot of extra work since our plants and pipes are not built for freezing weather. Freezes are a hassle and usually turn out badly for the landscape and wildlife around here. Better this week than next, or we might have real problems.

I think that is the best way to plan (for the smokies). Thank you. As much as I hate him smoking, at least I got a verandah cabin out of it.

Best wishes for plants and pipes ----> I know that can do a lot of damage.

Michelle

Starting to freak a little. Not much, just up at 5:30 doing more chores and packing on a Sunday.

Caryn

 

[Cam Fam luvs Dsny]

The best ones we've ever had come from TJ Maxx.....now we get them from there every year. Sometimes we supplement with our own little treats, but theirs have the best jokes/fortunes and the loudest "pop"!

Good advice, thanks!

 

[3princessMommy]

Girls passed out on the Disney bus last night on the way home to SSR after Fantasmic. So, why are they up again this morning at 6am???????

Oh, and 27 degrees in Orlando on Tuesday??? Really???? I thought layering would be enough, then succumbed to hats, scarves, and mittens - but now do we need winter coats too????? Of course, would need a new suitcase too since all are already at 50lbs.....

 

[BBQMommy]

Girls passed out on the Disney bus last night on the way home to SSR after Fantasmic. So, why are they up again this morning at 6am???????

Oh, and 27 degrees in Orlando on Tuesday??? Really???? I thought layering would be enough, then succumbed to hats, scarves, and mittens - but now do we need winter coats too????? Of course, would need a new suitcase too since all are already at 50lbs.....

Keep warm. Hope no extra suitcase is needed :-(

Caryn

 

[Cam Fam luvs Dsny]

Girls passed out on the Disney bus last night on the way home to SSR after Fantasmic. So, why are they up again this morning at 6am???????

Oh, and 27 degrees in Orlando on Tuesday??? Really???? I thought layering would be enough, then succumbed to hats, scarves, and mittens - but now do we need winter coats too????? Of course, would need a new suitcase too since all are already at 50lbs.....

Stay warm, what happened to the improved temperatures for this coming week?

 

[3princessMommy]

Thursday and Friday are supposed to be better back into the 60's - but this afternoon till Wednesday could set cold records in Central Florida!

Pack accordingling!!!!

 

[DVC4US]

As we drove 2 hours each direction to a family Christmas function today all the newscasts talked about was the weather coming in from Iowa, which lead us to think of you LeiLani, knowing from your location lists Iowa. Well now not only can we thank you, LeiLani for the weather coming in tomorrow morning, I guess Angie gets some credit too.

Thanks ladies, but we would really rather take some record warmth

Not sure what we will get weather wise, they say it will be right over us and depending on winds if it goes south snow will be heavy, if it goes slightly north then rains will prevail.

I am hoping for rain as DD has a hockey game an hour away tomorrow and I would prefer rain over snow covered roads.

Think warm thoughts, one week and some of you will be finishing dinner while some of us will be finishing the show waiting for dinner. Can't wait

Oh yes, the BLIZZARD hit Iowa last night. We got about 3-4 inches of snow and the wind has been blowing hard all night. Right now it is 7 degrees outside with a windchill of -17. The wind is gusting about 40mph. Sorry it's headed your way Tracey but be ready. I know it is worse for our friends in Minnesota(Minneapolis-St Paul airport closed yesterday) so stay safe and stay warm.

Alyssa's dance recital for last night and today got postponed. So did we stay home and pack? Nope, we braved the roads and saw Harry Potter again. I know we are crazy but we like to watch movies multiple times(especially good ones). I think church services are going to be cancelled today, so after I take Alyssa to her Dad's I am going watch some football and work on packing.

 

[DVC4US]

Joann - sounds like they are having a great time! Did your parents make it to Orlando?

Stay warm!

 

[Cam Fam luvs Dsny]

As I stand in our kitchen assembling "Snowman Soup" gift bags for DD's hockey team . I can't help but dream about the warmer days to come .....

I am watching the rain pour, listening to the wind howl and rain keeps hitting the windows. I am trying to decide on why I shouldn't join my 12K training group this morning and reasons why it might be better to go out with the 5k group instead. Of course this will all be a bad decision when I do minimal training on the cruise and the princess half marathon sneaks up too quickly in Febrruary.

Lelani, thanks for the warning - sounds like the worse is yet to come as the day progresses.

Hope you get some packing done today!

 

[miatamel]

My dad was admitted to our larger hospital to the north yesterday in cardio critical care, apparent heart failure. Too much fluid in his lungs and kidney disfunction to heart cath yesterday, has to wait til Monday. Possible bypass if heart isn't too damaged already.
Have no idea what to do. Don't have trip insurance so can't imagine cancelling but also can't imagine leaving for 12 days in this situation. Not traveling on a passport, so if something happens I can't come home til it's time to come home.
Even so, long days at hospital means nothing done at home to get ready to go if we get to.
Strange, bad, upsetting situation all the way around.

 

[BBQMommy]

My dad was admitted to our larger hospital to the north yesterday in cardio critical care, apparent heart failure. Too much fluid in his lungs and kidney disfunction to heart cath yesterday, has to wait til Monday. Possible bypass if heart isn't too damaged already.
Have no idea what to do. Don't have trip insurance so can't imagine cancelling but also can't imagine leaving for 12 days in this situation. Not traveling on a passport, so if something happens I can't come home til it's time to come home.
Even so, long days at hospital means nothing done at home to get ready to go if we get to.
Strange, bad, upsetting situation all the way around.

Oh no! I am so sorry. No insurance is a tough one. Would you be comfortable using daily internet access to keep in touch with home?

Caryn

 

[candmfox]

My dad was admitted to our larger hospital to the north yesterday in cardio critical care, apparent heart failure. Too much fluid in his lungs and kidney disfunction to heart cath yesterday, has to wait til Monday. Possible bypass if heart isn't too damaged already.
Have no idea what to do. Don't have trip insurance so can't imagine cancelling but also can't imagine leaving for 12 days in this situation. Not traveling on a passport, so if something happens I can't come home til it's time to come home.
Even so, long days at hospital means nothing done at home to get ready to go if we get to.
Strange, bad, upsetting situation all the way around.

Call DCL immediately and explain your situation - ask for a supervisor because they would have to approve of any changes you may need to make. They are very good about working through tough times with and for you. Best of luck to you and your family.

 

[Three at Sea]

My dad was admitted to our larger hospital to the north yesterday in cardio critical care, apparent heart failure. Too much fluid in his lungs and kidney disfunction to heart cath yesterday, has to wait til Monday. Possible bypass if heart isn't too damaged already.
Have no idea what to do. Don't have trip insurance so can't imagine cancelling but also can't imagine leaving for 12 days in this situation. Not traveling on a passport, so if something happens I can't come home til it's time to come home.
Even so, long days at hospital means nothing done at home to get ready to go if we get to.
Strange, bad, upsetting situation all the way around.

How awful, our sincere wishes and prayers for you....hang in there...

 

[Three at Sea]

I have DD9 trying on her summer clothes now to see what fits...hopefully can start packing soon but the extended family xmas dinner at our house tonight so not much time. Also freaking out that my BOTP tshirt or my new black dress still haven't arrived! I ordered these late in November so should be here next week or I'm out of luck

 

[BBQMommy]

When do you leave-leave, Jennifer? I bet your two pakages will arrive Mon/Tues.

Caryn

 

[Evans Family]

Thought of you today too Sarah, as some family members returned from visiting my great aunts and uncles in Skipton and Yorkshire earlier this fall and were sharing details of their trip. Both of my grandparents came from Yorkshire to Canada.

We also had to pass on Christmas crackers, I found some make your own that are flattened and you fasten the sides together and insert a small gift. I suggested buying something onboard and using these, as crackers are a tradition for us too. Unfortunatly I was vetoed and there will be no crackers unless I can find some in Target, which I highly doubt.

Don't give up hope. Crackers are available in the states. Target will probably have them. Also, If you see a TJ Maxx, Marshalls or Cost Plus World Market they will definitely have them. I'm actually bringing some. My husband was born in England and his Mum is from Liverpool.

 

[ISCHARCM]

I can't imagine that the rules for duty free smokes would be different than booze and would plan to bring them.

Last-minute (week) packing and to-do stress is building in our house. But in my case, if it wasn't for the last minute, I would never get anything done.

We have a hard freeze (25F) forecast for Monday night. That makes a lot of extra work since our plants and pipes are not built for freezing weather. Freezes are a hassle and usually turn out badly for the landscape and wildlife around here. Better this week than next, or we might have real problems.

The last few times i've bought alcohol either on board or in a port they have not taken it.... anyone else have similar experience?