NYE Western Cruise 2008 - New Thread

[Aisling]

Don't jinx it Artman - Aisling TOTALLY is hoping to see Gary Sinise....

You got that right, sistah!!!!!! I that man! I'm hoping for Dec. 25th, since I think he usually does the 24th and the 25th.

Brenda, would it be ok if Chad called you today, just to say hello, and then you guys can make some plans. I'm THRILLED that you're going to see him in Italy...it's comforting in a way for me, KWIM?

I got a job interview tomorrow!

Wish me luck

GOOD LUCK, and I'm looking forward to hearing the good news!

Nan, what perfect timing for that Joey Fatone picture. The kids and I were talking about him just last night about how he's often on the Magic with his family. Lucky you! I've heard he's a really sweet guy.

Artman and Anjelica, your ADRs look GREAT! I'll be working on mine today, and I'll post later. I want something special for Christmas night, but if we get Gary Sinise love: ), it'll be one of the CP package restaurants.

Tig, I'm still coming on Saturday, but I won't be able to steal you back home with me. My brother and fam won't be going upstate until next week, so I'll still have a full house. They were going to go today, but changed their minds since they were able to get tickets to Mary Poppins for Monday. We'll get you here one of these days!

Chad's getting ready to leave, finishing up packing, etc. He's excited and I think a bit nervous, as this is a major thing in his life. His first time to Europe, and especially alone, without speaking Italian, in a real apartment and not a dorm room, and lots of studying ahead. I'm so so happy for him. Louise is having a hard time, but she'll be taking summer courses towards her Masters degree, so that'll keep her busy. You know how young love is, so intense and wonderful...it's going to be hard for them to be separated, but it'll be a good growing experience for both of them. Chad went to Build-a-Bear yesterday and bought her a pteradactyl with a recording og his voice saying I Love You This Much, and the wings expand.

Jesse has two more days of classes, and then exams, and he's OVERJOYED that school's almost over. My baby needs this summer break, as he really worked hard these last few months and pulled up all his grades. He starts work at our parish rectory on Saturday, and will make a nice $100 a week working three days a week. Yay, now I have a new source of money to borrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a doctors appointment today. I'm on a medication that is notorious for slowing down the metabolism, making weight loss difficult. I'm hoping there's something else I can take. I know the only solution is to add exercise to my daily life., but I'm so not used to it that it's difficult to get motivated. But I have to do it, as my new eating plan is taking so long to reduce my weight. Brenda, I admire you so much for getting to the gym on a regular basis.

So gang, have a good day, don't forget to write!!!!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

No problem Aisling, at least I know it's not only me and my schedule that gets screwy...

Nan, the Joey Fatone meetings are too cute and funny -

I need to get my tushy outta here...bbl cruisers~

 

[disneykelly73]

Tigg.. good luck on your job interview!!

Hey everyone, Anyone have the countdown as to how many more days til we are on the Magic??

I thought for awhile we were going to have to cancel, turns out that we will definitely be able to go now.

I really cant wait!! I NEED this cruise!

Hope everyone is having a Happy Thursday.

 

[artman]

I got a job interview tomorrow!

Wish me luck

Best of luck

You got that right, sistah!!!!!! I that man! I'm hoping for Dec. 25th, since I think he usually does the 24th and the 25th.
Artman and Anjelica, your ADRs look GREAT! I'll be working on mine today, and I'll post later. I want something special for Christmas night, but if we get Gary Sinise love: ), it'll be one of the CP package restaurants.

When you say you are going to get Gary Sinise.....Is that something I need to report to the authorities. ::cop:

One of my favorite movie monents involved Gary:

Lieutenant Daniel Taylor: Where are you boys from in the world?
Forrest Gump, Bubba: Alabama, sir!
Lieutenant Daniel Taylor: You twins?
Forrest Gump: No, we are not relations, sir.

 

[ohioworkingmom]

The countdown is below:

 

[CADZNYCHC]

Aisling - YES Chad can call anytime....you still have my cell right?

 

[disneykelly73]

Thank you for the countdown.

Wish it were sooner!!!

Anyone else on here buy the air through DCL? This time or previously??
I signed up for that, since it was cheaper than the air fare that has been published thus far.

 

[trinibjill]

Thank you for the countdown.

Wish it were sooner!!!

Anyone else on here buy the air through DCL? This time or previously??
I signed up for that, since it was cheaper than the air fare that has been published thus far.

The very 1st time I flew thru DCL. The flight was last minute. Since it was August and hurricane time. If it didn't make it on time I can only hope they would have flown us to the final destination. As it was darn near everyone was already on the ship.

The only real good thing about it was because of the hurricane our 7 day cruise went to a 10 day cruise & they made all of the arrangements for the new flights - especially since we couldn't get anywhere near the port. We had to dock at Miami. A lot of people were breaking out the phones rescheduling.

 

[disneykelly73]

oh.. I see.. so they are good at making sure you get home w/o an added cost, seeing as how they are the ones that made the ressies?

Are you using them again this trip? I am curious how they set up the flights down and back. If they chose a direct if possible/available and stuff like that.

I am very much looking forward to this trip.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! and I dont want a little snow in Boston to ruin it for me!

 

[trinibjill]

oh.. I see.. so they are good at making sure you get home w/o an added cost, seeing as how they are the ones that made the ressies?

Are you using them again this trip? I am curious how they set up the flights down and back. If they chose a direct if possible/available and stuff like that.

I am very much looking forward to this trip.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! and I dont want a little snow in Boston to ruin it for me!

The flight (in 2004) was direct. It was comfortable. Again, just too close to leaving the dock time. the airline was U S Airways. There was a person with a sign at the terminal looking for us. They provided the transportaion to the ship. The info & tickets came in a travel booklet with all details included.

No, I will drive I don't care what the cost is. The rest of the family is flying. I will be there a couple of days before they will. I drove the last time since I wanted to spend some time at WDW in 2005. I also think flying has come to be a pain in the various extremeties. I just paid the cost of leaving the car in the lot at the port.

I do believe everyone on this forum has an idea of looking forward to this trip. We are DISNEYHOLICS & this is our THERAPY.. hic

 

[Aisling]

When you say you are going to get Gary Sinise.....Is that something I need to report to the authorities. ::cop:

: That would be yes!


Brenda, I gave Chad your cell phone number.

Kelly, I'm so glad you didn't cancel. I know what you mean about needing this cruise. I made the decision that if I have to beg, borrow, steal, sell my body to science, I'm going to be on that ship! Even the planning stage is therapeutic. I'm looking forward to this evening, spending some alone time going over my ADR plans. It keeps me sane.

 

[chel95023]

Good morning!

I'm babysitting my baby nephew today!!! Chad took off work today to take my brother and family to the Times Square area just to walk around and see the sights. My brother rolled his eyes when his wife Kristin wanted to go, because this is all old and boring to him, having been born and raised here, but he did want his girls to see it all. I was thinking of later on putting the baby in the stroller and meeting them, but it's going to be in the mid-80s today, and still too hot to take the baby out. He gets prickly heat, so we'll just stay home and keep cool.

Ok, cruise talk!
I've decided to definitely do the cooking class with Josephina in Cozumel. I've posted some comments about it that I found. If anyone would like to join me, please do. If not, I'll either see if I can jump in with a group from CruiseCritic, or just do it solo. It really seems to be a unique experience that isn't touristy, and is in a real local neighborhood. I wanted to do the dolphin swim, but that can be done in other places at a later time on another vacation.

I'm going to email Josephina and get some details about the times it's offered for our day in Cozumel.


The cooking class involves a trip to the town Mercado, the traditional shopping and walking back to the waterfront will expose you to more of the real Mexico, the businesses that locals use, a real cultural experience that few get to see.

Taxis are everywhere and extremely regulated by the union. Clean cars, neatly groomed drivers are strictly required and a better chance of getting a taxi driver that speaks English than most parts on the U.S.

Well I went on the cooking class last week. I'd say between 2 1/2 to 3 hours total. It starts at the municipal Mercado for shopping. This is where the locals shop for the freshest produce and some exotic things not available in the supermarket. This part might take up to 30 minutes as there are lots of questions learning new foods and many vendors will have samples to try.

The group then walks the three short blocks to the kitchen. Sauces and guacamole come first to have snacks with lots of Jamaica punch to drink. The people participate in different parts of the preparation of the components, I confess I had never prepared cactus before, now I know. Depending on the meal, you finish with a nice lunch you have all assisted in preparing. When the class ends, you could continue the cultural experience and walk back the four blocks to the square and see the normal stores that cater to the needs of the locals. Taxis are all over, so it is an easy walk or jump into a cab and they'll take you where you want to go.

Josephina even fixed an authentic margarita.


I've taken the class as well. It's great! The trip to the market is very informative and fun. The class is well organized and the final product is excellent.

My only "constructive criticism" is that I wish Josephina would provide written recipes to accompany the class.

That said, it isn't hard to follow along and take notes so that you can re-create the recipe when you get home. Just bring a couple of pieces of paper and a pen with you.

CLASS FEES (cost of ingredients included)

Private Classes (your group only) 2-4 people: $79.00 per person, 5-6 people: $69.00 per person

Public Classes (5 people max) $69.00 per person

Individual Private Classes, one on one with Josephina: $125

I went to youtube.com, typed in Josephina Cooking Cozumal, and found many videos of this excursion! Here's a link to the market, it's a short video.


Aisling,
I would love to take the cooking class with you. It sounds like alot of fun, something different to do.

Also could you add me on to the Fish Extender list.

Thanks
Chel

 

[Aisling]

Aisling,
I would love to take the cooking class with you. It sounds like alot of fun, something different to do.

Yay!



EDITED to add: Louise will be taking the cooking class, too.
So far, interested and possibly interested parties include Robin, Chel, Louise, and me. Maximum is 6 people. I'm in the process of getting timing information, so that should help the possibly-interested decide.

Check out youtube videos of the person who'd link I posted earlier. There are several, including the area where we'd meet up with Josefina, the shopping, the actual preparation and cooking of the food, eating, and closing comments from a young couple who did this.

 

[Aisling]

I'm trying to do a dolphin swim in Cozumel after the cooking excursion, and I found some info about Dolphinarius:


Dolphin Swim Program - DSP
Establish an up-close and safe connection with dolphins. Swim while playing and caressing their smooth skin, get a gentle kiss and a handshake from your new friends and watch them perform exciting acrobatics right in front of you. Top off the experience by feeling the dolphins’ power as they foot-push you across the expanse of our lagoons. Come and enjoy the experience everybody is talking about.

Includes:

Foot Push or Dorsal Ride.
Dolphin Orientation Session.
Behavioral Presentation - great photo opportunity.
Free Play Time with Dolphin.
Admission to Wet n’ Wild - Day Pass. All Inclusive Food & Drinks plan.
Personalized Photos with Dolphin available for purchase.
Personalized DVD Video with Dolphin available for purchase.
Height: 4 Ft. and up.
Minors under specified height must be accompanied by a paying adult. No expectant mothers allowed.
All participants must know how to swim.

Dolphin Time: 50 Minutes.
Price: $ 145 USD - With transportation: $ 155 USD.
Schedules: 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 01:00 PM, 02:30 PM, 04:00 PM,
With transportation: 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 01:00 PM, 02:30 PM, 04:00 PM,
Duration: 1 Hour.


There are other, less-expensive dolphin swim options, too. This was the most complete (and expensive). If the cooking excursion is finished by, say noon, I'm going to seriously think about doing the 2:30 dolphin swim with my family.

 

[Aisling]

Here's a dolphin swim excursion associated with Chakkanab. This isn't the dolphin swim I posted above.

COZUMEL DOLPHINS ROYAL SWIM

FROM COZUMEL -
ADULTS: $149.00 KIDS: $149.00 INCLUDES FREE ENTRANCE TO CHANKANAAB PARK!

For many years these warm, intelligent creatures have captivated us, now you can get up close and actually swim with Atlantic Bottle nosed dolphins in Chankanaab National Park. Chankanaab meaning 'small sea', is a saltwater lagoon and botanical garden. The government has now made it into a beautiful wildlife sanctuary and an archaeological park.

This is, undoubtedly, the most famous of Dolphin Discovery’s programs and can be summarized in two words: action and speed. Two dolphins welcome you with an affectionate handshake, a kiss on the cheek, and let you give them one as well.



Later, they take you for an original and speedy ride while you hold on to their fins. The most thrilling moment of this program is during the foot-push, when you feel all the strength of your new friends while they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet so fast, you actually rise out of the water like Superman! It is truly “the experience of a lifetime!”

Cruise Passengers: This activity is located inside of Chankanaab Park, just a few minutes from the cruise pier by taxi. Taxis are lined up waiting for you as you walk off of your ship. This tour features a NO-PORT, NO-PAY policy. If your cruise ship doesn't make port for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund.

Included Activities: Foot Push, Dorsal Tow, Kiss, Handshake, Jumps

Duration: Approximately 1 Hour

Schedule: Six Times Daily except Sundays at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM.

Like the Dolphinarius excursion which I posted previously, this is not through DCL.
Also, this one also has other, less expensive options. These times will also work out for me, I think.

 

[magicalfam5]

We are doing the royal swim at 11:00. It also includes the taxi ride to the park then back to the pier. Our first Western cruise, it was sold out. Our second Western cruise, it was closed. This is our third try.

Been sitting by the pool reading most days. Weather has been great.

Judy

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I have Tulum ruins all day for Cozumel

Still crossing your fingers for me?

I had 4 interviews! It's a nice company with (really) good pay and I can see William Penn from the boss' window! Eye level with Billy Penn.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I went to Aramark, it's the 22nd tallest bldg in Philly

 

[Aisling]

What kind of job is it, what will you be doing? We're going to have to outfit you with Sex in the City clothes!!

Judy, three time's a charm! The dolphin swim will work out for you this time.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I thought about them after my day in the city today...

I would say yes, but most dress clothes are made of nylon or polyester and because of my skin allergies I can wear neither. Cotton or Lycra only - wanna challenge shopping for someone? Cotton tends to be casual, we need to find me pretty stuff that's still natural. Even shoes, natural materials only - which comes down to cotton canvas sneakers and suede and leather shoes.

It's for Administrative support for a marketing department in the education division. Aramark is in the food and uniform service industry - they sell their services to area stadiums, hospitals and apparantly schools. I would be in the marketing area tho as an assistant to two associate and one senior vice president.