May 26, 2007 (5/26/07) "First Magical Med Cruise!!" (The M&M's!)

[sweetsue]

I am going to post this- it might help someone else. I have a blackberry pearl with t-mobile. I have been told by T-mobile sales rep and their telephone reps that you can call and request the unlock code for your phone. This allows you to put in a code that will allow you to take out your sim card and put in a sim card that you can buy in Europe that has low rates and is prepaid. In Europe- most companies allow incoming call free- charging the calling rate to the caller- so you are only paying for the phone call on one end- vs in the US where they have to pay to call you and you have to use your minutes to answer the call. (I never got that double thing) Anyways, the rates are supposed to be similar to calling card rates. It makes it so you don't have to have an internation plan with your carrier and you can purchase minutes as needed through companies. I used to have a link, but I am at work and don't have access to it. BUT, this will only work if your company will give you the unlock code. I think you have to have been with them for a certain length of time and perhaps be locked into a contract- so they know they will get their money, even if you aren't calling on their network. Without the unlock code, the sim cards for Europe won't work.

Celeste,

It's not quite as simple as that. You actually need a GSM based phone. There are three technologies in work in the US (well 4, but 3 for most): CDMA, GSM and iDEN. If your phone doesn't have a GSM base to it, the swap a SIM won't work. What you are looking for is the SIM unlock code which is a 6-digit code (at least in our phones) which is NOT the same as your PIN code (if you have one).

So... it all depends on your carrier. Sprint is CDMA. The former Nextel (now Sprint) is iDEN. The rest of the carriers vary. Some of the newer phones have multiple technologies. They would be referred to as dual-band or tri-band phones.

Base stations are very expensive. This is why each carrier usually has just one technology.

Uh oh. I think I just got my engineer hat on. Sorry guys!

Anyways - if anyone is thinking of doing this - make sure you call your carrier first.

Or you could just buy a cheap throw-away pre-paid phone (like Boost in the US). If you buy a $100 SIM, the throw-away phone is usually free anyways.

Sweet Sue

 

[sweetsue]

Yeah, this is a very, very unusual disgroup...too quiet.

Tell me about it! It's so unusual to not have to read through 200+ posts every day just to keep up.

 

[sweetsue]

Look at me, aren't I chatty!!



Welcome to another day closer to the cruise...


Can I share something with y'all? My closest Disfriends??? Can I tell you what makes me a little nutty? Huh, can I??

Calling DCL and being told a million different things, by a million differnt people. Heavens, how do they ever function?? I have been told by many DCL reps that I could get off of the boat- sure yes, no problem. Absolutely- Just bring your key, passport, give us the contact informaton. Have a great time. All the while...telling my friends, No, absolutely not. You cannot get off the boat, that will make these people and that people very mad. Needless to say, I don't know who to believe as I have two sets of supervisors telling me different things....


Any suggestions before DCL causes me to harm myself???

(HEY...you, DCL, if you're reading this- please, please get your people on the same page and save my sanity.)

I could try the concierge line. I have to call them about something else anyways. If anyone would know for sure - they would. And they are usually smart enough to get the real answer without trying to guess on the phone.

Speaking of which - DCL is offering drivers and guides for a few of the ports (at least for concierge). Sounded great until I found the cost. $600 for a driver for FOUR hours. Add a guide and it's double.

Sweet Sue

 

[sweetsue]

Do we know anything about the schedule of dinner themes or special events? Those of you who have made their bookings (the 105 day club), do you get only one Palo reservation? I assume yes and then the extra days will be available when we board.

Getting close enough to get excited!

Even us in the 105 day club can only make one each of the reservations online. We have to call a special number to get more. Don't worry though - I promise to eat in the dining room at least ONCE while on the cruise!

Sweet Sue

 

[winotracy]

I could try the concierge line. I have to call them about something else anyways. If anyone would know for sure - they would. And they are usually smart enough to get the real answer without trying to guess on the phone.

Speaking of which - DCL is offering drivers and guides for a few of the ports (at least for concierge). Sounded great until I found the cost. $600 for a driver for FOUR hours. Add a guide and it's double.

Sweet Sue

I talked to a supervisor at DCL today about staying onshore and was told by tomorrow all agents will have the same answer -- Absolutely not. That came from upper management, they said they were getting many calls about this. I think it was just one person

 

[sweetsue]

Hi
I wonder if those of you who have booked DCL excursion got informed of the times of these( those of us on the 28th of july are trying to find out for planning).If possible could you post the time of the various excursion that you know off.
I undersatnd there is meant to be a toll free number but can't access it (free)from the uk. Thanks for you help, Best wishes Ruth

Ruth,

I have that information in an Excel spreadsheet if you are interested. It's just cut and paste from the website, but it does show the info.

If so - PM me your email and I'll forward it along.

Sweet Sue

 

[icunurse_celeste]

I talked to a supervisor at DCL today about staying onshore and was told by tomorrow all agents will have the same answer -- Absolutely not. That came from upper management, they said they were getting many calls about this. I think it was just one person

Who would that one person be??? I really have to say- the line because upper management says so- doesn't cut it for me. I'd be happier if they gave me the logistics behind it that made sense. Answers that are like: "because I say so" don't sit well with me, ask my parents. I will still probably badger them, until I can either speak with "upper management" directly or some can give me a direct answer that doesn't sound like it is made up.

T- I appreciate you calling for me, so very sweet. Really a very kind gesture. You're the best.

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Celeste,

It's not quite as simple as that. You actually need a GSM based phone. There are three technologies in work in the US (well 4, but 3 for most): CDMA, GSM and iDEN. If your phone doesn't have a GSM base to it, the swap a SIM won't work. What you are looking for is the SIM unlock code which is a 6-digit code (at least in our phones) which is NOT the same as your PIN code (if you have one).

So... it all depends on your carrier. Sprint is CDMA. The former Nextel (now Sprint) is iDEN. The rest of the carriers vary. Some of the newer phones have multiple technologies. They would be referred to as dual-band or tri-band phones.

Base stations are very expensive. This is why each carrier usually has just one technology.

Uh oh. I think I just got my engineer hat on. Sorry guys!

Anyways - if anyone is thinking of doing this - make sure you call your carrier first.

Or you could just buy a cheap throw-away pre-paid phone (like Boost in the US). If you buy a $100 SIM, the throw-away phone is usually free anyways.

Sweet Sue

You work with Motorolla, right? Used to be my favorite phone- had the peble and gave it to my sister. I would have gotten the Motorolla Q, but I'm upset with Verizon. I know the pin and the unlock code are not the same- the pin is usually related to your account and the unlock code is a software/hardware item. I believe my phone is "quad" ban or something- because you are supposed to be able to use it "worldwide" on the t-mobile system. I have the international plan so, should I want to I can call directly from it- I just have to pay scarry rates. I originally did this when I had my old phone on the September cruise so I could call my parents in case of an emergency- as my sister and I were together.

I learned about the sim card from T-mobile and my brother who owns a blackberry with TM does this as well. If I have issues, I will definately purchase the disposable phone and go that route. Get idea! I appreciate the information. The more you know, the more options you have. Power to the people. Yes, I'm still a little sleep deprived.

 

[sweetsue]

You work with Motorolla, right? Used to be my favorite phone- had the peble and gave it to my sister. I would have gotten the Motorolla Q, but I'm upset with Verizon. I know the pin and the unlock code are not the same- the pin is usually related to your account and the unlock code is a software/hardware item. I believe my phone is "quad" ban or something- because you are supposed to be able to use it "worldwide" on the t-mobile system. I have the international plan so, should I want to I can call directly from it- I just have to pay scarry rates. I originally did this when I had my old phone on the September cruise so I could call my parents in case of an emergency- as my sister and I were together.

I learned about the sim card from T-mobile and my brother who owns a blackberry with TM does this as well. If I have issues, I will definately purchase the disposable phone and go that route. Get idea! I appreciate the information. The more you know, the more options you have. Power to the people. Yes, I'm still a little sleep deprived.

Yes - I work with Motorola! Until recently I've worked on the Nextel then Sprint account, so some of the customers like TMobile are one's I'm not familiar with. There are a few "minor" bands like TDMA that TMobile probably inherited from some other small carrier which is why the quad band. I'm more worried if someone has a different carrier and expects their phone to work in Europe. GSM (the band used in Europe) isn't very popular in the US, so many phones do NOT support it - especially "older" ones (e.g. bought 2 years ago or more).

On the topic of your little excursion, I'm sure it has to do with liability. The cruise line is responsible for you. Think of all of the disappearance cases - or the one in the news today about the people that stopped armed robbers and killed a guy. I'm betting "from upper managemeng" really means "from our legal department".

Sue

 

[Hygiene99]

You work with Motorolla, right? Used to be my favorite phone- had the peble and gave it to my sister. I would have gotten the Motorolla Q, but I'm upset with Verizon. I know the pin and the unlock code are not the same- the pin is usually related to your account and the unlock code is a software/hardware item. I believe my phone is "quad" ban or something- because you are supposed to be able to use it "worldwide" on the t-mobile system. I have the international plan so, should I want to I can call directly from it- I just have to pay scarry rates. I originally did this when I had my old phone on the September cruise so I could call my parents in case of an emergency- as my sister and I were together.

I learned about the sim card from T-mobile and my brother who owns a blackberry with TM does this as well. If I have issues, I will definately purchase the disposable phone and go that route. Get idea! I appreciate the information. The more you know, the more options you have. Power to the people. Yes, I'm still a little sleep deprived.

C forget about it!
Come back to the boat we will miss ya!

 

[figment52]

Have the West coast offered to do wake up calls Sunday monring for those of us in Eastern Time Zone?

Will there be a group on line chatting to keep us awake and fingers limber so we can reserve those excursions?

Just planning ahead - lol

 

[sunshine state kim]

I saw this website which might be useful:

http://www.minimus.biz/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=58

It's all kinds of travel size items. Even mini duct tape for those people who have that on their "must pack" lists. I've never brought any along and don't remember missing it.

The little laundry soaps seem most useful to me. I'm always a few quarters shy of load and for a 11 night trip I fear some washing will have to happen.

 

[Hygiene99]

Have the West coast offered to do wake up calls Sunday monring for those of us in Eastern Time Zone?

Will there be a group on line chatting to keep us awake and fingers limber so we can reserve those excursions?

Just planning ahead - lol

We will be here...

 

[Hygiene99]

I saw this website which might be useful:

http://www.minimus.biz/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=58

It's all kinds of travel size items. Even mini duct tape for those people who have that on their "must pack" lists. I've never brought any along and don't remember missing it.

The little laundry soaps seem most useful to me. I'm always a few quarters shy of load and for a 11 night trip I fear some washing will have to happen.

luandry will be a must unless you have your vacation underwear...
Like Jeanneg!!

 

[milestogo]

Hi all, Just a reminder about booking your excursions tonight. On the repo booking two weeks ago several people had great frustration trying to book because their online account said they either were or were not paid in full. The ones paid in full could not figure out why they were locked out! So, this morning make sure you are paid in full with DCL, DVC, and your TA.

Yes, I will be awake tonight and posting when done. If you need a wake up call PM me with your number. We are wide awake at that time of night.

Good luck everyone!

 

[kpros]

Hi Everyone! Here is my latest lanyard list:

Lanyard Team
Coalchick - Karen, Doug, Jordan
first timers - Alex, Carolyn
Hygiene99 – Peter, Jenn
icunurse_celeste – Celeste, Jennie
jeanneg – Jeanne, John
kpros/spros – Ken, Shari
littleowensmommy - Kathy, Ted, Owen, Amy
meb51 – Marie, Steve, Beverly, Dora, Katie, Will
NejTheLion – Jen, Debbi, Barry
Winotracy/AskAGeek – Tracy, Bill
wrabitdad – Bob, Dale

Confirmed
baileysgm - Carolyn, Keith, Elisabeth, Bailey
charwac1 – Charlene, Andy
CONNIEOSCI - Connie, Frank
CubCatsK&D – Kim, Deb
dd3rover - Dan, Sheryl, Nancy, Kaitlin, Brian, Michael
DebWills – Deb, Linda
DisneySpirit – Tom, Lynn, Shane, Laurie
figment52 – Sandy, Sharon
Jeisur – Laurie, David, Breighton, JoAnne, Howard
konslerg - Gloria, Gary
LegalBriefs - Ron, Monica
Ltl Mermaid - Melanie, Allison
milestogo – Kelly, Jonathan, Zoe
misseulalie - Jennifer, Rachid, Sophia, Lena, Hajja, Fatma
padalyn - Cayla, Barbara, Stacey, Bev
plantman - Peter, Joe, Delores
poconoboatniks – Ellen, Bob, Kate, Brett, Bob, Helen, Linda, Colleen(eeyoretat)
ronunc – Ron, Becky
Schiffy - Mark, Carol
sunshine state kim – Kim, Todd, Savannah, Carter
sweetsue – Sue, Barbara, Christina
TikiGirl - Leslie, Ed
(no dis name) - Michael, Keith, George, Kathy
renegade7 – Johanna, Gary
Yensidfan - Faith, Pete, Courtney, Peter
lkr - Larry, Mary
(no dis name) - Shirley, Sandy, Tracy, Sally

MIA - If I don't hear from this group so, name badges and lanyards will not be available:
Jeni1781 - ?
disneyfamilyforever – Mike, Cathy, Allsion, Megan, Kelly ?
garylpn – Gary, Karen ?
Smetheringham - ?


Ken

 

[renegade7]

Finally paid in full - I had problems with the reservation system being down.

Guess there is no turning back now - I was on the fence for a while. Hoping for a nice tax refund to help pay for this. I am figuring at least $6k each for my father and I for everything (flight, shore excursions, drinks on ship, souvenirs, etc.)

I am usually on obsessive planner. I have been so thankful to everyone else who has been posting what they have researched since I have been so busy. I am now going to lock down my shore excursions and when I want to do Palo and get a Spa treatment so I am ready to go tonight when they allow the Castaway's to book. (Hoping to not have any problems with the online system tonight.)

NejTheLion - I really love the website - Was able to find out that littleowensmommy is diagonally across the hall from us and kpros/spros are in the other hallway right behind us. I was wondering if there would be a place for us to list the excursions we are doing to see if anyone else is going on the one we choose or when we are doing Palo. Also would be great for what flights we are on.

I am looking forward to the Wine tasting. LegalBriefs thank you so much for opening your room up to all of us. My only concern is that I might not want to leave. BTW - I remember along time ago seeing baby grand pianos in the "suites" when I did the online tour of the room (early 2000's) - Is this still the case as I don't see them in the online tours now.

Anyone else still on the 6/6/07 Delta flight 95 that got moved from 12:30 pm to 10 am. I am still torn on what to do:
1. Risk making the flight
(leaning more and more away from this to have a more enjoyable vacation)
2. Get on the later flight through ATL
(which is not a big deal for me I have a connection no matter what to SFO but dad will no longer have a direct flight as he will now have to connect to flight into JFK and then still have a 2+ hour drive back to Wilkes-Barre, PA. That makes for a long day! BTW already checked and he can't make the last connection from ATL to AVP because of the time needed for customs )
3. Spend the night in Barcelona and take the flight on 6/7/07
(not finding any great rates because it is a week night - anyone have any suggestions?)

BTW - we are the 5/24/07 Delta flight 94 from JFK to BCN. I know there are some others on this flight.

Finally, I am planning on celebrating mine (32) and my father's (62) birthday on the ship (only 12 and 14 days respectively after we get off!) - probably the last night.

I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[Hygiene99]

Finally paid in full - I had problems with the reservation system being down.

Guess there is no turning back now - I was on the fence for a while. Hoping for a nice tax refund to help pay for this. I am figuring at least $6k each for my father and I for everything (flight, shore excursions, drinks on ship, souvenirs, etc.)

I am usually on obsessive planner. I have been so thankful to everyone else who has been posting what they have researched since I have been so busy. I am now going to lock down my shore excursions and when I want to do Palo and get a Spa treatment so I am ready to go tonight when they allow the Castaway's to book. (Hoping to not have any problems with the online system tonight.)

NejTheLion - I really love the website - Was able to find out that littleowensmommy is diagonally across the hall from us and kpros/spros are in the other hallway right behind us. I was wondering if there would be a place for us to list the excursions we are doing to see if anyone else is going on the one we choose or when we are doing Palo. Also would be great for what flights we are on.

I am looking forward to the Wine tasting. LegalBriefs thank you so much for opening your room up to all of us. My only concern is that I might not want to leave. BTW - I remember along time ago seeing baby grand pianos in the "suites" when I did the online tour of the room (early 2000's) - Is this still the case as I don't see them in the online tours now.

Anyone else still on the 6/6/07 Delta flight 95 that got moved from 12:30 pm to 10 am. I am still torn on what to do:
1. Risk making the flight
(leaning more and more away from this to have a more enjoyable vacation)
2. Get on the later flight through ATL
(which is not a big deal for me I have a connection no matter what to SFO but dad will no longer have a direct flight as he will now have to connect to flight into JFK and then still have a 2+ hour drive back to Wilkes-Barre, PA. That makes for a long day! BTW already checked and he can't make the last connection from ATL to AVP because of the time needed for customs )
3. Spend the night in Barcelona and take the flight on 6/7/07
(not finding any great rates because it is a week night - anyone have any suggestions?)
BTW - we are the 5/24/07 Delta flight 94 from JFK to BCN. I know there are some others on this flight.

Finally, I am planning on celebrating mine (32) and my father's (62) birthday on the ship (only 12 and 14 days respectively after we get off!) - probably the last night.

I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone.

www.kayak.com
you can pick your price range!
we have found some decent rates! for under $150.00

 

[poconoboatniks]

Paid in full and ready to book excursions and Palo.

I can't remember who was asking for favorite characters, so here they are

Bob - Jiminy Cricket & the Evil Emperor Zurg
Ellen - Vintage Minnie Mouse
Kate - Tinker Bell and Malificent
Brett - Buzz Lightyear & Snoopy (hey, how did thet kid get in this family?)
Linda - Goofy
Colleen - Eeyore
Helen - Mulan & Cinderella
Bob - Snow White

 

[misseulalie]

Can't remember where this was posted, but do we know if there's a pirate night and if so, what night?

Any other speciality nights that I have to buy costumes for???