May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 9

[mishoe01]

Hey to all.. I just booked this cruise yesterday.. so I am just stopping over to say hello to everyone...

Let us know about yourself!

 

[mishoe01]

Hi.... I will be cruising for the second time in my life.. with my husband and our 10 yr old... This cruise dates include my sons's 11th birthday, my husbands 40th and our 20th anniversay.. so its a gift to all...

WOW! What a great way to celebrate all these special dates.

 

[mishoe01]

Hi,
My DH and I just returned today from the 4 night Wonder, and while on board we booked the Westbound Panama cruise. They said the had just had a block of rooms open up. We are booked for main dining, Cat 5 room, and I think we got a special rate for booking while already on a cruise. I am new to this board, but found the Wonder board so helpful. Since I am late getting here, I don't know if I will get through all 1000+ pages. , but am wondering if there is any place to get a lot of the info anyhow. We are so excited about going thru the canal. I will appreciate any info anyone has. We have only been on the Wonder just now, and a Carnival cruise about 20 years ago. We are older..my DH is a young 60, and I am a sometimes young 52year old. Thanks.....Vicki

VICKI!

Just jump right on in

 

[mishoe01]

glad it wasn't just my connection that was having such a hard time with the DIS, but it is very frustrating!!!

WELCOME to all the new groups who are joining us!

V....have a great time this weekend! Say hi to everyone from us!
Anyone know when Marilyn was due home? I was thinking about her the other day.

Our weekend trip was cancelled, because the coasts here in WA and OR are still such a mess from the storm. Our condo still has no power and so they called us up this am to cancel. Now, we have to decide if we let the kids stay home tomorrow like we had told them or if we make them go to school since we are now home.

Marilyn and John got off the Wonder today. Not sure exactly when their flying home though.

Sorry about your weekend plans were cancelled, but hopefully your fill in plan will be just as fun though.

 

[mishoe01]

WELCOME!!!



All I know is that the first thing we're doing is EATING! I can't wait to start munching on cruise food.


I agree! Can't wait to have some of those AMAZING chicken fingers!


Welcome!!!


It looks like maybe a large group cancelled since we had so many rooms open up and so many newcomers joining.

DH and I are getting decent news about his job situation, so we shouldn't have to cancel this cruise after all.

Gina - that's WONDERFUL news!

 

[nskjerven]

Paul called me today....from Orlando...to tell me that he was on the way to the Space Center to watch the launch....

What a stinker

We had a few words about Wilson and I going with him, too much work, no time to fun... you've heard it before....then he sticks his foot way in his mouth with today's call.

The launch was scrapped and he tells me he wants to take the kids in May.

So turning lemons into lemonade anyone wanna have an outing on Friday before we cruise to Space Center??? I'll look into what we can do as a group if we get enough interest. Let me know.....

I still want to do the Priate/Princess event that night if it's on. Am I crazy, are these places too far away to enjoy both in one very full day before we set sail???

We are staying at Hyatt MCO, so that would be our leave and return points.

 

[mishoe01]

I just read that some rooms opened up for the Eastbound cruise too...of course nothing available now (curious).

I'm working on uploading my pics from last night.


Watching Greys....should be a really good show tonight.

 

[gydell]

We are staying at Hyatt MCO, so that would be our leave and return points.

if you are going to the Space Center why stay at the airport?

 

[gydell]

Watching Greys....should be a really good show tonight.

So far it is!

 

[mishoe01]

The three sisters....

Jackie and Peg behind with Pam sitting down

Jackie, Me, Peg - not the best picture...we were really laughing

Me and Jackie

 

[birkner]

glad it wasn't just my connection that was having such a hard time with the DIS, but it is very frustrating!!!

WELCOME to all the new groups who are joining us!

V....have a great time this weekend! Say hi to everyone from us!
Anyone know when Marilyn was due home? I was thinking about her the other day.

Our weekend trip was cancelled, because the coasts here in WA and OR are still such a mess from the storm. Our condo still has no power and so they called us up this am to cancel. Now, we have to decide if we let the kids stay home tomorrow like we had told them or if we make them go to school since we are now home.

If there is something fun for you and the kids to do, by all means keep them home and do something fun. IF and I mean IF the weather is terrible, might as well send the kids to school.

Just my thoughts....

 

[gydell]

Good pixs!

 

[HollyTyler]

Great pics Monica...thanks for sharing!

 

[birkner]

Paul called me today....from Orlando...to tell me that he was on the way to the Space Center to watch the launch....

What a stinker

We had a few words about Wilson and I going with him, too much work, no time to fun... you've heard it before....then he sticks his foot way in his mouth with today's call.

The launch was scrapped and he tells me he wants to take the kids in May.

So turning lemons into lemonade anyone wanna have an outing on Friday before we cruise to Space Center??? I'll look into what we can do as a group if we get enough interest. Let me know.....

I still want to do the Pirate/Princess event that night if it's on. Am I crazy, are these places too far away to enjoy both in one very full day before we set sail???

We are staying at Hyatt MCO, so that would be our leave and return points.

We spent the entire day at the KSC, arriving directly after we disembarked from the Magic and picked up our car at the Radisson. The complex opened at 9:00 AM and closed at 6:00 PM. Depending on when the Pirate and Princess event starts, you may be able to do both as it takes about 45 minutes back to WDW.

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/visitKSC/index.asp

We purchased internet tickets at this site: http://www.kennedyspacecentertours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=1904

There are so many things to do, such as tour Kennedy Space Center, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, have lunch with an Astronaut and take the NASA Up-Close guided tour.

The Complex admission tour includes This day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour of NASA's Launch Headquarters, two IMAX films, all shows and exhibits, and a visit to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The tour includes stops at the four-story LC-39 Observation Gantry where you get a bird's eye view of the Space Shuttle launch pads and parts of the world's busiest space launch facility.

The second tour stop is the acclaimed Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you will walk beneath a massive Saturn V rocket, relive Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon, and experience the thunderous rumble of a Saturn V moon rocket lift off.

Your day continues with IMAX movie screenings of "The Dream is Alive," where you experience life in space, or "Space Station 3-D," which takes you on a virtual trip to the International Space Station in a fully immersive big-screen environment.

You may also enjoy the many other shows and exhibits at the Visitor Complex, including a chance to meet a real astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter Show, and enjoy the zany live-action show "Mad Mission to Mars 2025."

The day is topped off with a visit to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, located at the entrance to the Kennedy Space Center. This attraction features the world's largest collection of personal astronaut mementos, historic spacecraft, one-of-a-kind space legacies, and hands-on activities. You may site in a mission control console, take a virtual moonwalk, feel the pull of 4 Gs in the G-Force Simulator, and land a Space Shuttle.

This ticket allows you to do everything in one day or break up your Kennedy Space Center experience over two consecutive days.

Each guided NASA Up Close tour is narrated by a space program expert, who shares in-depth and often little-known space facts during the 90-minute "mission" past the following areas: Space Shuttle Launch Pads A and B, The International Space Station Center, The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), Shuttle Landing Facility, Crawler Transporter and Crawlerway.

The GK's wanted to do lunch with an astronaut which we throughly enjoyed though the food was not as good as on board the Magic. This lunch includes the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Admission Ticket. What was the most fun was listening to all the questions the kids asked the astronaut who in our case was Tom Jones. We bought his book and had it autographed to both John and I.
http://www.thespaceagency.org/bios/jones.html

Hope this helps.

Noel

 

[disneylover5]

I think someone posted there is a UPS close to the port in LA, I have a feeling we will need to be using it.

When we got off the ship in Barcelona, UPS was right there in the port ready to ship things home for you.

I'm already planning to do that, but the airline limits us to 2 suitcases per person, and I'm not sure how many suitcases we're actually going to be able to transport to and from the airport. We're a lot of people plus a stroller and a wheelchair!

Ginamarie, I am so glad your DHs work problems are working out!! I love ABC News, what does your DH do? How many in your group....(you say a lot of people) and who uses a wheelchair. I have taken my mom on several cruises and she uses a wheelchair. I was surprised how easy it was to use on the ship!!

Sounds right. Almost every kid I've ever known has needed the size above their age, right from birth.

My youngest daughter Gretchen is 11 years old (almost 12) and she wears size 7. She is just really small...but she packs a big punch!!

Hi.... I will be cruising for the second time in my life.. with my husband and our 10 yr old... This cruise dates include my sons's 11th birthday, my husbands 40th and our 20th anniversay.. so its a gift to all...

We crusied last summer in the MED and it was my 50th, our 20th Anniversay and our oldest sons 18th BD . So much fun!! Where do you live in MD ... I grew up in Montgomery County...now in Fairfax County!

Hi,
My DH and I just returned today from the 4 night Wonder, and while on board we booked the Westbound Panama cruise. They said the had just had a block of rooms open up. We are booked for main dining, Cat 5 room, and I think we got a special rate for booking while already on a cruise. I am new to this board, but found the Wonder board so helpful. Since I am late getting here, I don't know if I will get through all 1000+ pages. , but am wondering if there is any place to get a lot of the info anyhow. We are so excited about going thru the canal. I will appreciate any info anyone has. We have only been on the Wonder just now, and a Carnival cruise about 20 years ago. We are older..my DH is a young 60, and I am a sometimes young 52year old. Thanks.....Vicki

I love Roanoke VA!! My oldest son is at Tech! Do you work at a hospital? My DH aunt is a nurse at one of the hospitals in Roanoke!

 

[calmom]

So I'm trying to get the darn pipe under my bathroom sink unscrewed, but the nuts (or whatever you call the things that you unscrew), are SO tight that when I pull on the wrench to try to loosen them, the whole sink pulls too! I called my dad and asked him if there's a way to get them loose so I can unscrew them or should I keep tugging. He told me to stop, unless I want to rip the sink off the wall! He tells me what he does is use a propane torch on it because the extreme heat makes it easier to unscrew. Doesn't sound right to me because things expand with heat, so I'd think that would make it tighter, but he says it's what works for him, so I should at least try. But I don't think this is a good idea because I frequently burn my fingers trying to light candles. Somehow, using a torch in such a tiny area doesn't seem very smart. I'm not interested in having to out my homeowners insurance!

You SO impress me!! We have had a broken faucet and basically just keep going to another room to wash our hands!

After this weekend I plan on really attcking the exercise and eating healthy. I'll still have a good 5 months to work on it.

Me too!

Hey to all.. I just booked this cruise yesterday.. so I am just stopping over to say hello to everyone...

WELCOME! To you and all the ones that have joined.

Me too
Scottishwee35

Me three then!

here's the bag.
I also got anchor earrings and a necklace but they look a little juvenile.

Love it!

Hi.... I will be cruising for the second time in my life.. with my husband and our 10 yr old... This cruise dates include my sons's 11th birthday, my husbands 40th and our 20th anniversay.. so its a gift to all...

I'm turning 40!! On the 16th. When is your DH's bd? We will have a 10 year old boy (as well as some others! more later)

in acapulco we are porbably going to see the cliff divers and then head to a beach.

They also have swimming with dolphins at a couple ports I think and sightseeing tours.

We want to go swimming with the dolphins. Anyone have an opinion as to the best port to do so??

About laundry on the Cruise, let you know that it was terrible on Med Cruise.

I back off and took all dirty clothes home!!

My mother in law was up very early morning and got her some washing done.

Some people were very selfish with the laundry. One lady used all tumble dryer and left one lady who was waiting for hours. I feel sorry for her as she said that that woman put one trainers in one tumble dryer

Next Cruise for 15 days - I will have to do some washing. I am hoping it go smoothly. In UK there have small washing powder like two in silver bag.

My friend went to Med Cruise in June and she brought the box of washing powder and lots of usa people used it and thought it was great. I understand that USA use big washing powder!!

I am thinking to bring it with us As we will be staying in LA for 3 nights so have to do washing clothes.

Scottishwee35

I'll try for the laundry room, but I am not going to hesitate to send the stuff either. Heckl this is our vacation!

I was referring to laundry that you send in...me personally, I have a hard time doing laundry at home let alone on vacation. Our nanny had to go to Mexico unexpectedly and I am looking at this pile of laundry and going WHAT?? My pet peeve...just can't do it. If it were up to me, I'd vote for disposable clothing - I know, not a good idea for the environment!!

is most everyone planning on the pool upon boarding? Well, after lunch, John would never miss the buffet!

Lunch then pool. LOVE the first day. Love everything about it. The embark photo, the excitement of seeing our room - no matter what room we have (from inside to a suite) I just love opening that door, the "free" food. I just love that I can eat, and eat, and eat and no bill!!

My friend emailed me to tell me that Eastbound Panama Cruise have some cancellations there.

I am very surprise to hear that as I remember that on Med Cruise, one staff told me that long waiting list had been dropping off.

mmm. I think that Eastbound will be full of childrens and I don't think Westbound will have full of childrens? Maybe I am wrong cos Eastbound - lots of children are on school holiday.

Westbound - lots of children still going to school?

Scottishwee35

My kids are in school in May and we are pulling them out. Life is short, got to live!

I'm not sure as this is the first 2 week vacation we have taken. I do know I plan on using their laundry service to get things pressed so he can wear some pants a couple times...
My Jack (Sharks fan) is the exact opposite -he is the odd ball. His waist is so little he can wear size 4 in shorts (he is 7, going on 8 in May). It is so hard to find pants that fit him...even the ones you can make tighter sometimes can't get tight enough or they are uncomfortable.


How do you know she is getting engaged??? Is it a surprise that you are in on? I saw one couple get engaged and all her friends were their and knew...that seemed cute, although not sure I'd want my friends to know before me!![/quote]

She knows too just not exactly when and where. She picked out the ring and the only weekend they have off together this month is the weekend of th 15th. They are renting a cabin in Pigeon Forge. He will ask sometime that weekend. Only, them and my DH and I know! They have only been dating for 4 months. He is a really sweet guy and really care about her!

Fun story - have fun!

Hi,
My DH and I just returned today from the 4 night Wonder, and while on board we booked the Westbound Panama cruise. They said the had just had a block of rooms open up. We are booked for main dining, Cat 5 room, and I think we got a special rate for booking while already on a cruise. I am new to this board, but found the Wonder board so helpful. Since I am late getting here, I don't know if I will get through all 1000+ pages. , but am wondering if there is any place to get a lot of the info anyhow. We are so excited about going thru the canal. I will appreciate any info anyone has. We have only been on the Wonder just now, and a Carnival cruise about 20 years ago. We are older..my DH is a young 60, and I am a sometimes young 52year old. Thanks.....Vicki

Welcome! Cat 5 - how wonderful!! We are in Cat. 9, adjoining cabins for our family of 6.

4 loads so far here...



like it!

Did we already have the sorority conversation here? I think we did. I'm a Delta Gamma. Our pin is an anchor...very nautical themed sorority, so when ever I see that kind of stuff I think of DeeGee

Never was in a sorority at Santa Clara University. Many of my friends were...something about not being able to have a beer in my home turned me off But they all said I could cheat, but didn't want to trust that!! Being a 20 year old and all...


Ok - with so many new people, should we do a mini-intro??? I'm Lisa, going with DH and 4 DS ages will be 10, 8, 5, and 2. We have been on 2 DCL, and several other cruise lines. We are in love with DCL. Live in Northern CA. I will be 40, DH 42. Husband is an attorney (the nice kind like John!), I run an ambulatory surgery center. Looking forward to this trip very much!!

Lisa

 

[disneylover5]

Still lots of snow in DC!! It is so pretty. Tonight we went to the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree. They place it in the Presidental Park rigth next to the White House. We were so close that your could almost throw a stone and hit the White House. Then each state (and DC and territories) has a tree. This years theme is the National Parks. Each state decorates the tree with National State Park stuff.

President and Mrs Bush were there and lit the tree. They have Sarah Evans and several proformers from NY Broadway. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance. It was so COLD!! All of our toes felt like they were going to freeze off!!

I will try and post some pictures tomorrow. It really was a special night. I would never have done this if Vanessa had not been here!! I have lived in DC for 50 years....kinda sad this is the first time I have made the effort to get the tickets and go.

 

[HollyTyler]

Still lots of snow in DC!! It is so pretty. Tonight we went to the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree. They place it in the Presidental Park rigth next to the White House. We were so close that your could almost throw a stone and hit the White House. Then each state (and DC and territories) has a tree. This years theme is the National Parks. Each state decorates the tree with National State Park stuff.

President and Mrs Bush were there and lit the tree. They have Sarah Evans and several proformers from NY Broadway. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance. It was so COLD!! All of our toes felt like they were going to freeze off!!

I will try and post some pictures tomorrow. It really was a special night. I would never have done this if Vanessa had not been here!! I have lived in DC for 50 years....kinda sad this is the first time I have made the effort to get the tickets and go.

Oh, Lisa, the tree lighting sounds so nice!

 

[mishoe01]

Ok - with so many new people, should we do a mini-intro??? I'm Lisa, going with DH and 4 DS ages will be 10, 8, 5, and 2. We have been on 2 DCL, and several other cruise lines. We are in love with DCL. Live in Northern CA. I will be 40, DH 42. Husband is an attorney (the nice kind like John!), I run an ambulatory surgery center. Looking forward to this trip very much!!

Lisa

Great idea Lisa!

I'm Monica. This will be my 4th DCL cruise (no other cruise line). Live outside of Orlando *YEAH* 38yo. Corporate Travel agent and seasonal CM at Epcot.

 

[disneylover5]

One other thought about the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree. We sang lots of Carols. one Carol surprised me..."Go Tell it on the Mountain" and one line is "that Jesus Christ is born"

I am thrilled they sang it. But it surprised me as this is Government property and how Politcally Correct our world is now.....

But I am surprised someone has sued, imagine a Christmas Tree on Government property........