May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 5

[tigger137]

Yes, the email was waiting for me this morning! 'Only' $200 for us - but for a lot of groups it is a large amount and not funny! That is a lot of new tax revenue.

I haven't seen the e-mail yet, it's presumably waiting for me at home, but the extra $200 has been added to my confirmation on the Dreams website.

I agree with Marilyn, it is a lot of new tax revenue. Has the Panama Canal specified the extra $100 per person or have they just increased the overall cost for the ship and DCL have translated that into the $100?

Does anyone know how to work out from your total cost how much is actually for the cruise and how much is taxes? The Dreams website only shows a total figure, no breakdown. I'd like to know what I'm paying to DCL for the cruise itself, and how much I'm paying in taxes. And I'd be interested to see what percentage increase this new tax is on the existing taxes.

Not that it makes paying it any less painful! I just like to know exactly what I'm paying for the service, and what the government(s) are charging me for the privilege.

 

[tigger137]

This is completely off topic and shows what a bizarre world I inhabit.

But if any UK people have ever wondered if Joe Pasquale's voice is really so squeaky, I can confirm it is. He was just in the corridor in front of my office!

 

[tigger137]

I've just been studying the Tolls Assessment page of the Panama Canal website. (Busy afternoon at work, can you tell?!)

It seems they've changed the method of assessing tolls on passenger ships and, for a ship the size of the Disney Magic, from 1 Oct 2007 they will charge tolls on a per berth basis rather than on tonnage.

The per berth charge is $100. Which is the extra amount DCL are passing on to us. But what happened to the amount DCL would have been paying under the old system? Surely we should only be paying the difference between the old and the new?

I've read it and re-read it, but it certainly appears to me that the per berth charge is instead of the tonnage charge not as well as.

By my quick reckoning, if the Magic is 83,000 GRT with a passenger capacity of 2,500, the toll for our crossing will be $250,000, ie $100 per passenger. But the old toll would have been $239,050. So DCL should only be charging the difference, which is less than $5 each. Even if the official capacity is higher, I still can't see how it can amount to an extra $100 each.

Perhaps someone with better math(s) than mine could take a look?

 

[granmaz]

Well I guess if you have something 'different' like that then you may as well make money from it! He does seem a lovely guy.

 

[tigger137]

It's me again, at home now and still wondering about this additional charge.

At 2,500 passengers, DCL will be collecting an extra quarter of a million dollars. I know the Panama Canal wants to raise revenue for expansion, but are they really doubling the transit cost overnight? And if they are, how come it hasn't made the news, and why isn't the shipping industry fighting it?

I've read their website again and I still don't think they are increasing costs this much.

I have e-mailed Dreams with my concerns, asking them to get more details from DCL for the sake of all their customers on this cruise.

But perhaps the lawyers out there (John1?) could have a look at the Panama Canal website and see if I'm missing something.

I'm fortunate enough to be able to cough up the extra $200 if I have to, however annoying it might be. But this may be the breaking point for some people and make them have to cancel. If DCL are genuinely having to pay an extra $100 per passenger and cannot afford to absorb the cost despite the high price they are charging for the cruise, then fair enough. But is it beyond the realms of possibility that they are using a small increase in tax as an opportunity to make a little more money from each passenger on this oversold cruise?

 

[granmaz]

I had been wondering about how much this increase was bringing in - there are a lot of people on the boat! So cruise ships are having to pay an extra quarter of a million dollars each to transit the canal? That is a lot of money.

 

[lillygator]

well the weather is pretty rainy here..no pool tonight. Luckily John is done with softball until late August so we can all veg at home together tonight. We are grilling int he rain I guess as John picked up some steaks on his way home.
Tomorrow is "recipe" day at Samantha school....we have to come up with a creative craft recipe and bring in the ingredients....??? I have no clue...~

 

[lillygator]

I am really not liking an additional $400 ....that is quite a bit I wasn't planning on!


My sister broke her shoulder over the weekend.....not much you can do for it either.....she can either keep is close to her body in a sling and take precautions or they will fix it surgically. She is a ton of pain though.

I am trying to finalize our August plans....we cut off two days because there is a meeting on 8/28 I cannot miss....drats! Bit we will be at the pirate and princess party that night!

The weather is actually better tonight...no rain, John's grapes have a new "home" bamboo shoots he rigged up and they are growing quite well! He picked two pineapples from the yard for dessert with the steaks, going to grill one up!

Not much else other than that....! Hope all is well with everyone....

 

[lillygator]

at my little one's request....."want Jack parrow, want Jack parrow" we are putting in DMC!! she is clappign estatically over the "castle" (you know the disney themed movies).

 

[lillygator]

I guess I'll keep pulling a John1!

Been doing quite a bit of mystery shops, they are pretty fun, not all that highly paid but certainly cover a few things...I already got paid for the 7/13 weekend trip! I would love more of those!

For Samantha's cooking project...I looked on Kraft Foods and came up with "'Nilla Sand Cups", basically Jello vanilla pudding with crushed nilla wafers, parasols and some shark fruit snacks to top it off with....I figure the kids would get a kick out of it....


My mom's birthday is on the 26th, she'll be 53 which always sets the reminder that DH will be 43, I'll be 33 and dear broken shouldered sister will be 23 this year. I am not sure what to get her....she buys whatever she wants....!

 

[MrsMork]

I am really not liking an additional $400 ....that is quite a bit I wasn't planning on!


My sister broke her shoulder over the weekend.....not much you can do for it either.....she can either keep is close to her body in a sling and take precautions or they will fix it surgically. She is a ton of pain though.

I am trying to finalize our August plans....we cut off two days because there is a meeting on 8/28 I cannot miss....drats! Bit we will be at the pirate and princess party that night!

The weather is actually better tonight...no rain, John's grapes have a new "home" bamboo shoots he rigged up and they are growing quite well! He picked two pineapples from the yard for dessert with the steaks, going to grill one up!

Not much else other than that....! Hope all is well with everyone....

DrHug was just asking how Johnny's grapes were doing. Yum on the grilled pinapple!

Ouch! Prayers and hugs for little sis.

 

[taysmom]

Can you post the link for the canal website...i'll take a look. I love hassling DCL about problems...
Steph

 

[pjpoohbear]

DLR discounts available to DVC members.

"A 10% discount is available at virtually every table service AND counter service restaurant in both parks, all three hotels, and DTD. There were only a few restrictions (eg no House of Blues or Rainforest Cafe in the evening).
You just have to show your blue member card, and be staying at a DLR hotel.

Most of these discounts are very new, as the portable perks booklet (which was dated July thru September) listed most of these discounts as 'New'. In fact, about half the time the wait person (and even restaurant manager) was unaware of the discount. But we had no problem once we showed them the portable perks book.

There were other discounts for some DTD shops and movies. I think most of the discounts are the same as offered to Disneyland/California Adventure AP holders.

So, if you are headed to DLR in the near future and staying at a DLR hotel, be sure to take your blue member card, and pick up a portable perks booklet either at check-in or at a DVC kiosk. And carry the Portable Perks booklet with you in case anyone questions the discount."

Found this on another thread.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

That is sweet Deb. What a lovely daughter you are thinking about this future(if sooner than you would like) event and buying her a new dress and lipstick. How lovely too that your mother has been the kind of person to give you these lovely memories.

Keep taking care of yourself too. I hope the leg is improving.

Also want to send and to everyone who needs them. And to Deb, I just want to add that I you are truly an inspiration. Your positive outlook is what makes you the wonderful person you are. I do look forward to meeting you soon. Extra to you

Wow....everyone has shown so much care and concern and I am truly blessed to know you all....thank you so very much.

Current outlook is not good.....Dr. said today that mom is being weined off the ventilator and they will send her home with hospice care and then it's just a matter of time and it won't be long. Her kidneys are completely gone, she will dehydrate again quickly....she still has the urinary track infection and pneumonia....her heart is weak....today we got the results of a cat scan and it showed that there was some bleeding in her head.

John and I finished making all the funeral arrangements with my brother's input over the phone. I feel so bad for him that he can't take time off now and be here....it's killing him. He'll only be able to take three days for the funeral.....We have decided to go with full traditional, which is what Doris would want, and it's going to be beautiful.....filled with everything and everyone she loves.

I don't mean to bring everyone down....on a lighter note, I spoke with DGS Kris today and he told me that he finished reading HP.....I HAD to ask about the ending and he told me. Now I know!

I too got my increase letter from DU....for me it's not so bad because we gained $150 from changing to a Cat 6 and now they're taking back $200 so I'm only down $50 net overall. It's not going to break the bank.

If I disappear again these next few weeks, please understand why and know that I will be back.....most importantly.....our cruise will be taking place during mother's day and there isn't anyplace else I would rather be on that day than with all of you on Mickey's ship. I think somehow I knew.

 

[HollyTyler]

Deb:

 

[ibouncetoo]

Before I back track and catch up on posts.....

anyone want to re live 80's NIGHT ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4R7BKHsi0Q

.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Deb, hugs and prayers for you all. Remember we're here when you need us

 

[Jhalkias]

I've just been studying the Tolls Assessment page of the Panama Canal website. (Busy afternoon at work, can you tell?!)

It seems they've changed the method of assessing tolls on passenger ships and, for a ship the size of the Disney Magic, from 1 Oct 2007 they will charge tolls on a per berth basis rather than on tonnage.

The per berth charge is $100. Which is the extra amount DCL are passing on to us. But what happened to the amount DCL would have been paying under the old system? Surely we should only be paying the difference between the old and the new?

I've read it and re-read it, but it certainly appears to me that the per berth charge is instead of the tonnage charge not as well as.

By my quick reckoning, if the Magic is 83,000 GRT with a passenger capacity of 2,500, the toll for our crossing will be $250,000, ie $100 per passenger. But the old toll would have been $239,050. So DCL should only be charging the difference, which is less than $5 each. Even if the official capacity is higher, I still can't see how it can amount to an extra $100 each.

Perhaps someone with better math(s) than mine could take a look?

Well, rather than trying to read something I am totally unfamiiar with, I sent a PM to Alvaro, the pilot on the PC that has posted on our thread a while ago. I searched for his post (not easy!) and found his DIS name - Alvaroluis.

I'll let everyone know if and when he responds.

 

[calmom]

Can't wait - Your DH probably had some practice experience first though!

John,
He went straight from being in-house to various high tech places, then went into business development for high tech, then voila. Put his shingle out. So you will have a lot to discuss about! He did work as an intern during law school at the firms, but never as an attorney. Getting use to the whole billable hour thing has been hard (especially for me!). I'm like "what do you mean you only billed 4 hours today???? Did you take a long break or what??" Drives him crazy. But hey, a girl has shoes she needs to shop for....Lisa

 

[kimerinc]

Sorry about my drive by yesterday. We have been in Sun Valley at a 6 state Ice Skating Competition since Thursday. I have resigned myself to the fact that the next few years, all our summer vacations and most of our "weekend trips" throughout the year will be following DD from one Ice Skating venue to another.

The good thing is, we had a BLAST in Sun Valley. The other families were delightful and Savannah did really well. We are having the discussion with her coach on whether to move her up a level, but she has only been to 2 competitions at this level and for some reason, she is really stressed about moving up. She is only weak in one area in the next level. We don't want to stress her out, but she is getting kind of bored doing the elements at this level so I don't really get why she wants to stay. Usually, you stay at a level for a year so her coach said she could do one more competition at this level. All of you experienced parents any thoughts about this one?

Anway, going to catch up now....

Kim