May 2, 2014 - A WONDERous trip through the Locks WBPC

[jrp]

Thanks for the info Brixton. I guess I know who I will try to get my flight with now. And the info just keeps on coming. oh yeah.

 

[Muushka]

For Muushka... This year we're flying SWA, then taking SAS Shuttle to Miami

Great. I hope you will come back and share your experience.

And I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

[crundell]

Hi! I am looking at this cruise, but haven't committed yet. We just got off the Magic on 4/6/13 and my son knows I booked a dummy date on board. He is really wanting to go through the locks and even announced that his elective for next year will be Spanish - boy they will come up with anything if they think it will work in their favor - I am just curious how difficult it is for kids that are not home schooled to catch up (of course they will continue their studies on board)? Or even some insight in what kind of hurdles you had to go through to get the absence excused. Anyone that has insight in this I would appreciate as we would love to join you for this cruise.

 

[jrp]

Hi! I am looking at this cruise, but haven't committed yet. We just got off the Magic on 4/6/13 and my son knows I booked a dummy date on board. He is really wanting to go through the locks and even announced that his elective for next year will be Spanish - boy they will come up with anything if they think it will work in their favor - I am just curious how difficult it is for kids that are not home schooled to catch up (of course they will continue their studies on board)? Or even some insight in what kind of hurdles you had to go through to get the absence excused. Anyone that has insight in this I would appreciate as we would love to join you for this cruise.

Hi CrudellJust follow what feels right for you and your family. We welcome you to join us on this WONDERful cruise through the locks.

 

[Brixton]

Hi! I am looking at this cruise, but haven't committed yet. We just got off the Magic on 4/6/13 and my son knows I booked a dummy date on board. He is really wanting to go through the locks and even announced that his elective for next year will be Spanish - boy they will come up with anything if they think it will work in their favor - I am just curious how difficult it is for kids that are not home schooled to catch up (of course they will continue their studies on board)? Or even some insight in what kind of hurdles you had to go through to get the absence excused. Anyone that has insight in this I would appreciate as we would love to join you for this cruise.

We homeschool 1/2 time & attend public school 1/2 time. In CA there is an Independent Study Contract used to cover extended absences, then turned in with subject-specific work samples upon return. We're also on the 2013 WBPC, with other families who do not homeschool. FYI... socababy mentions this, briefly, in her 2012 EBPC live trip report.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi all. I just noticed this cruise and it is my dream to take DCL thru the PC.

I notice that the price for veranda is pretty good. We want to wait until we are on Fantasy this June to book this cruise (for the OBC and discount). Does anyone think the prices should be going up by then? Thanks!

We are seriously thinking of this one too! If we book it will be on our transatlantic cruise! It would be great to meet you!!

Bobbi

 

[Muushka]

We are seriously thinking of this one too! If we book it will be on our transatlantic cruise! It would be great to meet you!!

Bobbi

Bobbi!

Come on along with us! It would be great to finally meet you!

 

[Brixton]

The more the merrier

I am amazed many of you have hundreds &/or thousands of posts, and may have met on other cruises

Have a WONDERful weekend...385 days

 

[jrp]

Hi Brixton. I thought it was just me who thought that way too, but some else spoke up first.It will be a very pleasant day when Miami Port of Debarkation is down to one, numero uno, a prime number. carry on. Does anyone on here have a cannon SLR and do they know anything about the lenses? I have 2 lenses and a few other attachments but still don't know how to use them. Going to get educated when we go to Branson, MO next month for 3 or 4 days. The Ozarks are pretty that time of year and I am going to take a lot of pics Some good and I know some bad. Too many buttons and dohickies/thingamajigs. Oh well Have a great Friday to you all.

 

[Muushka]

The more the merrier

I am amazed many of you have hundreds &/or thousands of posts, and may have met on other cruises

Have a WONDERful weekend...385 days

Bobbi and I know each other from the DVC VWL board. The DIS really is a great way to meet new friends. In fact, tomorrow we are having a meet here in NC and one of the attendees is coming from Philly for it and another couple from VA.

Hi Brixton. I thought it was just me who thought that way too, but some else spoke up first.It will be a very pleasant day when Miami Port of Debarkation is down to one, numero uno, a prime number. carry on. Does anyone on here have a cannon SLR and do they know anything about the lenses? I have 2 lenses and a few other attachments but still don't know how to use them. Going to get educated when we go to Branson, MO next month for 3 or 4 days. The Ozarks are pretty that time of year and I am going to take a lot of pics Some good and I know some bad. Too many buttons and dohickies/thingamajigs. Oh well Have a great Friday to you all.

We own a Nikon DSLR. We have a few lenses and goodies. I learned on a totally manual SLR (which is probably older than anyone on this thread!). When you pay for film, have to wait to see if you did it right, pay for development, you learn quickly! It is so easy now with digital and auto. Anywhoo, a good way to learn about your camera is to take it off of auto and play with it. If you have any specific questions, fire away or PM me. In a way I hope my husband doesn't drag it on this cruise, it is like another person with all the 'stuff' .

 

[bobbiwoz]

Have a wonderful meet, Muushka!

We want to experience at least part of the TA cruise before committing to this one. We have a voucher on Princess, and we will use it either for a PC cruise or for one to the Holy Land.

We will know soon! TA begins on May 18th!

Bobbi

 

[Muushka]

Have a wonderful meet, Muushka!

We want to experience at least part of the TA cruise before committing to this one. We have a voucher on Princess, and we will use it either for a PC cruise or for one to the Holy Land.

We will know soon! TA begins on May 18th!

Bobbi

I have never done a TA, but promise ourselves that one of these days we will.

For some reason, in my mind, I always saw us going thru the PC on a Disney ship. Even though we are primarily Celebrity, I want DCL for a PC!

I hope you will come on this cruise. We are 99% sure we will keep the reservation. And hopefully re-booking in June on the Fantasy.

 

[crundell]

We homeschool 1/2 time & attend public school 1/2 time. In CA there is an Independent Study Contract used to cover extended absences, then turned in with subject-specific work samples upon return. We're also on the 2013 WBPC, with other families who do not homeschool. FYI... socababy mentions this, briefly, in her 2012 EBPC live trip report.

Thanks Brixton, I went and read what there was of the trip report and it made me feel better. I don't know what it is that makes me feel like pulling my kids out of school for 2 weeks makes me a bad parent, but that's how I am feeling. I will look into what options we have here in Nevada. I have seriously thought about withdrawing them for 2 weeks and then just re-enrolling them, but I am sure there is a better answer. I will go talk to the middle school and elementary school and see what options I have. With so many sea days I am sure they would have not problem doing the missed work.

 

[aan1701]

I have friends in Reno that wanted to come on this years cruise with us. They did a whole presentation for the school for there high schooler. They were told if they took her out, she would be held back a year. That seemed a little harsh, but with schools receiving a lot of funding based on attendance I kinda understand.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[crundell]

aan1701 We live in Carson City, just south of Reno. Because we are inside the city limits we are not in the same school district as your friend - otherwise it would be (Washoe County) - so that was really not what I wanted to hear We have charter schools here since this is toward the end of the school year I wonder if I could withdraw them and let them finish the year at charter school. 2 weeks on the ship and 3 weeks once we got home. That could be an option - crudy one, but an option nonetheless. Fortunately my kids are not in HS yet, which is why I am wanting to do this one my oldest will be in 8th grade during this cruise.

 

[dennes]

In New Zealand, we are kinda allowed to take the children out of school - they are at Primary school (elementary/or early middle) and our principal does give us the "it is deemed truancy leaving the country with the children - however after his spiel he gives the kids information about what the best rides at Disneyland are! LOL he is a Disney kid at heart!

My Kids will be doing a photographic journal and a presentation to the class on return. that is usually sufficient.

However, this will be the last trip in school term time... As they get older it gets harder... Mum and Dad will have to go alone (Gosh, darn

 

[Brixton]

We, too, are creating journals. Daily observations - writing; calculating speed & distance - maths; charting weather & seas - science; and researching each country - social studies. I agree with dennes, you may get a speech from admin., but it's really an extended, very educational field trip

 

[Muushka]

We, too, are creating journals. Daily observations - writing; calculating speed & distance - maths; charting weather & seas - science; and researching each country - social studies. I agree with dennes, you may get a speech from admin., but it's really an extended, very educational field trip

What a great lesson plan! So much more valuable than anything they would get in school.
Just the other day I was talking with my husband about the cruise we are going on in June. My wonderful FIL is taking the entire family (8 adults and 3 girls) on the Fantasy. I said that for about the same or even less $$ we could have all gone on this PC cruise. And pulling the girls (my nieces) out for 2 weeks would be worth it.


We plan on buying the book The Path Between the Seas to get us prepared for this wonderful journey.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_6?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=panama+canal+david+mccullough&sprefix=panama%2Cstripbooks%2C312

 

[jrp]

Thank you very much for the info on the camera Muushka. I am doing a little at a time and reading about as much as I can on canon SLR in photo plus mag.

 

[Muushka]

Enjoy!