May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves...May 2008 Repo Thread...Part 7

[CameronsDad]

Is anyone not doing any "extras" - so no spa, no excursions? I am thinking about our budget and it seems just to go crazy when you add those things on...anyone walk away from a cruise with no bill at all? This one will be tough as our ship board credit doesn't even cover our tips for 6! I used points for our hyatt stay the night before, points for the hertz rent-a-car for ride home...need to pay for transport to the port, and might splurge on a limo...but then think I should just save the money and do a van. But then I really like a limo.

With the spa, I really wanted to try both the Rasul and the Spa Villa for couples. With the excursions, I wanted the kids to do the Dolphins and Sub ride. Argg...I think I would give up my spa so the kids can do the tours, but then I think do they really need those excursions? Being on the ship is going to be such a great vacation in itself.

I figure $100 per kid for souvenirs, knick-knacks, etc. $50 per kid arcade.

How does this compare to some of you guys (if you feel comfortable sharing)? Am I spending more, less, about the same? Having a big family really takes its toll on vacations...

Lisa

We would love to have no bill at the end. This is our first cruise, so we are doing excursions and one spa trip. There are only three of us though.

Tips have been prepaid, and there is now enough obc to cover the excursions and spa. I am trying to come up with some extra money for laundry service. I am figuring slightly more for souvenirs, the same for arcade, and these are the costs I have a little control over but cannot pay before hand.

I know we have to pay for our Palo dinner, but we will not have a bar tab, so very little cost there. I know we will have a bill at the end, but hopefully it will not be too bad.

The really hard part, is purchasing clothes for the cruise. DS outgrows things every couple of months. DW needs some items. For some reason I did not think about this cost and am now scrambling to cover. Thankfully we just signed a contract and the work will be done in the next couple of weeks.

Joseph

 

[seaulater]

We walked in planning to share that cake between the four of us, but were very happy to see the cupcakes on the menu. Cheri had the red velvet one...the sisiters...all had chocolate.

We've decided to cook dinner for Peg and DBil on Friday night, and are having trouble with a menu. As I haven't been cooking much, there aren't a lot of supplies on hand. Told Dianne, if I have to buy five different spices....pick another receipe! Any suggestions for a fairly uncomplicated company dinner? Nothing involving soy or terri-ickiey, no peas, nothing requiring a food processor or outdoor grill.

.

We don't have any Claim Jumper Restaurant here as far as I know.

There is a recipe on the Shake and Bake box that my family loves. Buy 4 chicken breasts, a can of italian tomatoes some zuchinni squash, cut up the squash, mix with tomatoes in 13 x 9 pan, cover chicken breast with shake and bake, lay on top of zuchinni/tomatoes and cook.

Its good and it's under 500 calories per serving

 

[gouodux]

I am thinking about buying new bags, who had this sale going if you don't mind sharing?

Starts with a "N" and ends with a "M".

 

[HollyTyler]

Do you take Topamax? I tried that but it started to give me double vision.

Nope, never heard of it. I take Corgard twice a day to prevent, and when I get one, they gave me Fiorinal to try, but that didn't touch the pounding a bit, so I just stick with Excedrin.

 

[CameronsDad]

Great news, I love the food in Palo! I am passing on the dinner this time in Palo as it makes no sense to take the boys there for dinner (the chief/waiter might have a fit if my oldest tried to order a cheeseburger with fries). I did get a brunch booked for one sea day, to they should could try it this time. I might put my name in for a 1 person cancel on a sea day if the boys end up wanting to eat in the kids club. I could go to palo as a "food critic" and sit at a table of one!

We were very relieved to get into Palo without standing in line on board. I noticed that you are in Burbank, just down the freeway from us. We are in Santa Clarita. Looking forward to meeting you and your sons.

Joseph

 

[woody73]

No room # this morning!

Same here. Having doubts about DCL.

Woody

 

[ibouncetoo]

Expenses:

I think I'm safe: AFTER tips and my two DCL excursions, I'll still have $500 in OBC and assorted Disney rewards/gift card/dollars. Considering how many people I owe DOD's to, it might be close! Don't have any spa expenses, but I'm still considering the rainforest package. If I remember correctly, a vist each sea day just about equals the per day cost without the package. I'll need to double check that later on.

Still have several out of pocket expenses to take care of/plan for : trip insurance (which I will buy next week), two non-DCL excursions and related transportation, my share of the Hyatt (MONICA..I'M TREATING TO ROOM SERVICE!), my share of the Hummerzine, assorted porter tips, dinner at the Hyatt/MCO, my share of the car rental for the trip from LA to AZ and brunch/lunch at DTD. I think that's it.

.

 

[woody73]

. . . As for spending onboard, I'm expecting a BIG bill.

DCL softens the blow by charging your credit card each time your stateroom account reaches a certain amount.

Woody

 

[woody73]

They will get your rooms assigned, don't worry, be happy!

Okay.

Woody

 

[ibouncetoo]

The really hard part, is purchasing clothes for the cruise. DS outgrows things every couple of months. DW needs some items. For some reason I did not think about this cost and am now scrambling to cover. Thankfully we just signed a contract and the work will be done in the next couple of weeks.

Joseph

I know what you mean about this catagory, Joseph!

Thankfully I still have two $100 gift certificates from Christmas, one for a ladies plus size shop and one for Westcor mall to cover any last minute clothing emergencies. I still have hopes that some of those 'snug' things in the back of the closet will make their way into the suitcase. (I've actually lost some weight since Friday...more activity really helps in that regard! )

.

 

[mishoe01]

Nope, never heard of it. I take Corgard twice a day to prevent, and when I get one, they gave me Fiorinal to try, but that didn't touch the pounding a bit, so I just stick with Excedrin.

Fiorinal didn't do anything for my migraines. I take Maxalt if I need it (allows me to go to sleep) and turns my (used to be) 3 day migraine to a 1 day one. Topamax is supposed to be a preventative med that you take 1x/day. 1 big side effect tho is the double vision.....I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I kind of got freaked out the 1st day it happened and stopped taking it. *I also get double vision if I try to keep the Scopamine patch on for the entire 3 days*

 

[lillygator]

I can't wait! 53 days!

 

[Ginamarie]

DCL softens the blow by charging your credit card each time your stateroom account reaches a certain amount.

Woody

Somehow I'm not sure that makes me feel any better!

 

[surf2di4]

Starts with a "N" and ends with a "M".

i thought it ended with an 's

karl

 

[ibouncetoo]

I can help with one..... www.eBay.com

V, I'm thinking we need to be walking around with nametags the first entire week! I have one with my user name and real name that I plan to bring and wear embarkation day. What I'm most worried about is forgeting the names of the people I've ALREADY met!

.

 

[granmaz]

I can't wait! 53 days!

7 weeks today and we will be in the air somewhere over the Atlantic!! I make that 47 days!!!

 

[granmaz]

V, I'm thinking we need to be walking around with nametags the first entire week! I have one with my user name and real name that I plan to bring and wear embarkation day. What I'm most worried about is forgeting the names of the people I've ALREADY met!

.

Stick with Mon ice - she knows everybody!!

 

[lillygator]

Neiman Marcus?

 

[pjpoohbear]

Has anyone gotten their 2008 dcl passporter yet??? can you tell i am anxious?

I ordered via my work, soon hopefully.

Pj

 

[Ginamarie]

V, I'm thinking we need to be walking around with nametags the first entire week! I have one with my user name and real name that I plan to bring and wear embarkation day. What I'm most worried about is forgeting the names of the people I've ALREADY met!

.

There's NO WAY I'll remember everyone's names!