NYE Western Cruise 2008 - New Thread

[CustardTart]

Well we def need some GOOD champagne.....and what's that drink Kaz was talking about....Kir Royale or something to that affect? I think we need to have some of that to toast in her honor...oh Karen, I am still so sad you aren't coming...another good drink is that black/white liqueour - Sheridans' i think is the name....can't get it out here...anyone know if it's available in Fl?
Other than than....DCLs DOTD of usually a good mix

You definitely, definitely need some good champagne!!! Life's nothing without it...

Anyway, order a Kir Royale on the Magic and for some reason you will get a Champagne Royale - Kir Royale is cassis and champagne, Champagne Royale is chambord and champagne. I don't know how/why this happens but let me tell you it don't matter, they're both delish!!! Another fah-bu-lous onboard drinkie is the Brachetto D'Acqui a.k.a Rosa Regale!!! It's on every wine list, is a perfect aperitif in its own right AND only around 6% so not too alcoholic! Go on, order another bottle...

I also have high praise for the free Appletinis on offer at the art auction - but that's another shameful story...

OMG I WISH I WERE SAILING WITH YOU GUYS!!!

 

[CADZNYCHC]

Just looking at the excursions. We are leaning toward a just a walk about at KW, the Pirate Encounter at GC (I think Owen will enjoy that), the Dolphin Swim at Dolphinaris at Coz and Parasailing at CC.

If anyone is interested in any of the above let us know.

Artie, ...We did the Pirate Encounter & it was fun for the kids....& the stop they make for "walking the planks" & swimming is fabulous!!! Sounds like a bunch of us are leaning towards KW walks...we should just all get together that a.m. & head out together~

You definitely, definitely need some good champagne!!! Life's nothing without it...

Anyway, order a Kir Royale on the Magic and for some reason you will get a Champagne Royale - Kir Royale is cassis and champagne, Champagne Royale is chambord and champagne. I don't know how/why this happens but let me tell you it don't matter, they're both delish!!! Another fah-bu-lous onboard drinkie is the Brachetto D'Acqui a.k.a Rosa Regale!!! It's on every wine list, is a perfect aperitif in its own right AND only around 6% so not too alcoholic! Go on, order another bottle...

I also have high praise for the free Appletinis on offer at the art auction - but that's another shameful story...

OMG I WISH I WERE SAILING WITH YOU GUYS!!!

thanks for those...going to add them to my list & trust me Kaz...WE ALL WISH YOU WERE TOO!!!

 

[Aisling]

Good afternoon, Mateys!

It's a beautiful day here in NYC, sunny, not too hot, no humidity, loving it.

Jesse starts 11th grade tomorrow, and Cory starts 10th. Cory and my brother are here hanging out with us, since SIL had to work.

I have a ton of laundry to do, but first I'm going to the gym before it closes at 3. Then I'll come home and turn on the news, hoping the levees in NO held up. Scary for those poor people.

BBL

 

[Orlanr]

I was just looking at the City of Key West web page. The day we are in Key West there will be two other cruise ships. We will be at Dock B (further S/W from Mallory Square). Has anybody been to the Pirate Soul Museum in KW? There is an excursion from the ship for $35.00 but in only costs $13.00 to get in if you go on your own.
http://www.keywestcity.com/egov/docs/1216126405_788818.htm
http://www.piratesoul.com/

 

[CADZNYCHC]

I was just looking at the City of Key West web page. The day we are in Key West there will be two other cruise ships. We will be at Dock B (further S/W from Mallory Square). Has anybody been to the Pirate Soul Museum in KW? There is an excursion from the ship for $35.00 but in only costs $13.00 to get in if you go on your own.
http://www.keywestcity.com/egov/docs/1216126405_788818.htm
http://www.piratesoul.com/

Rus....did you get your pkt rom Cynthia? i'm sure Ryan would love to see the Museum...we could go there on our own...

 

[Anjelica]

All - I may be out of touch for awhile ~

As some of you may know, my brother is a Combat Engineer in the Army. His unit was sent to Iraq in December of 07. He has been stationed in Mosul Iraq where some of the worst fighting has taken place (earlier this year). My brother regularly leaves the base and is on the front lines removing IED's, working with the Iraqi police/Army and running other operations. He has seen his share of face to face combat but has come out unscathed until today.

This morning we received a call from Ft. Carson (his home base) that Chas, while riding in one of the most heavily armed vehicles, was hit by an IED. Several men were severly injured. Chas ended up losing his right leg from above the knee down. I was devastated and felt horrible for my baby brother (he is 7 years younger and we are very close). We have no idea regarding much of anything else and have not heard from him or where he will be sent (he will eventually end up at Walter Reed). We initially thought we would have to fly to Germany but he may not be in Germany for more than 3-4 hours (as long as he is stable) and then be sent back to the States ASAP.

My brother wanted to be a military career man and spend the next 20 years in the Army. I know the injury is devastating but I have hopes that he will get to accomplish that dream. There are folks who have been injured in combat that have stayed active. My family just really needs to be there for him and make sure he does not go into deep depression, etc.

It really seems surreal because I just talked with him on Saturday. He has been hit so many times with IED's and come out unscathed. He has had face to face fighting and again come back. The fighting up in his area was letting and up and he even seemed pretty optimistic that things were for the better.

Sorry to keep rambling - I find it easy to get off track right now. I wanted to let everyone know so they didn't think I dropped off the face of the planet. I also didn't want to let folks think I was ignoring their PM's and/or email especially with the website.

I will keep everyone updated as soon as we hear something. I hope to see him in a few days even if it means driving to DC, etc.

 

[Orlanr]

Anjelica: You and your brother will be in our prayers.
Rus and Chel

 

[artman]

Anjelica,

We are praying for Chas and his mates. Please keep us up to date as you are able.

 

[CustardTart]

OMG Anjelica, I am so sorry to hear your news! My heart goes out to your brother, his colleagues and their families. Prayers and pixiedust they are OK...

 

[CADZNYCHC]

OMG Anjelica....I am so very sorry to hear this...much love & prayers to all of your families & Chas' unit.... we're here if you need anything

 

[Aisling]

Anjelica, I remember seeing a pic of you and Chas on your family website. How proud you looked.
I also have a brother in the military, but his job is nowhere near as dangerous as Chas'. Chas will be ok, he's alive, he'll heal, your family will surround him with all the love in the world. I can't even imagine the shock you felt when you got the call. You'll be with him soon, and tell him he has a lot of people praying for his health and healing, as well as for his whole unit. I'm sure you'll encourage him that he'll still be able to be a career military man once he's well. It'll be a tough road, but next year you'll be telling us all how wonderfully he's doing! Take care of yourself...we're here for you.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

This morning we received a call from Ft. Carson (his home base) that Chas, while riding in one of the most heavily armed vehicles, was hit by an IED. Several men were severly injured. Chas ended up losing his right leg from above the knee down. I was devastated and felt horrible for my baby brother (he is 7 years younger and we are very close). We have no idea regarding much of anything else and have not heard from him or where he will be sent (he will eventually end up at Walter Reed). We initially thought we would have to fly to Germany but he may not be in Germany for more than 3-4 hours (as long as he is stable) and then be sent back to the States ASAP

~Anjelica~

 

[nskjerven]

Anjelica:

Prayers for your brother and the rest of your family.

Stay strong and know that we are all here for you when you need to vent or whatever.



Nan

 

[Anjelica]

Update:

We are still waiting to find out exactly when he will be back in the states. He is supposed to be air evacuated to Walter Reed as soon as possible. The waiting is what sucks because we can't even get the ball rolling to get travel plans completed. Here is the latest we got from some contacts:

Sir, I just got off the phone with Chas's doctor, and the bottom line is that he is stable. You are already aware of his amputation. In addition, they were concerned that he might have an abdominal injury because he had free fluid. However, the exploration revealed no significant injury, which is very good news. Also, he has some bruising of his lung, which could cause him some respiratory problems so they have left him intubated (he is on a ventilator) mostly to protect his airway during his flight to Germany. They expect him to fly out this afternoon our time, so he will be there by tomorrow. He is sedated and comfortable. All in all, he is doing as well as can be expected.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I found this little detail on the link I posted here yesterday...

it's a thread of nothing but Cruise tips, and some pretty good one's I might add: Here's one for the Dolphin Excursion at GC

My Tip

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do your research about shore excursions. Most of the time, with a little extra legwork, you can find reputable, private companies which offer the same excursions as Disney at lower rates. With that said, keep in mind a couple of things.....unlike Disney run-excursions, most private companies do not keep an eye on changes in your ship's arrival and departure times so you are responsible for making sure you get back to the ship on time. Make sure that the company that you use has a cancellation policy which covers you not having to pay if your ship comes into port later than planned. But as long as you keep those things in mind, you can often find some great deals!

Here's an example: In Grand Cayman, Disney's StingRay City excursion is $65 per person and small children are not allowed. There's a wonderful, highly respected company called Moby Dick Tours (mobydicktours.com) which runs their own excursions for $35 per person, and children of all ages are welcome. Their version also includes the option for the boat to drop you off at Seven Mile Beach, so that you can enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth....a feature which Disney does not offer. These guys even say that they WILL keep an eye on The Magic's schedule in case there is a change in time. How's THAT for service!

But here's the KEY......ALWAYS use a company which has some solid, honest reviews by some real people who have used it, and had a great experience. And we have the perfect tool to look for reviews right here, in the DIS Boards!

Anjelica, I am glad to see the news coming out is positive news...
P&PD for his safe trip home

 

[Aisling]

Anjelica, I know the waiting is hard, but the news is good! He's going to be OK! Thank's for the update!

 

[disneykelly73]

Anjelica, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray for him to be strong...

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Oh Anjelica I am so sorry to hear this

Hopefully you will get word that he is at Walter Reed

Sending a truck load of healing pixie dust

hugs

 

[trinibjill]

TO CHARLES & EVERYBODY ELSE -

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY

JILL

 

[Anjelica]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

He's in the process of flying to Germany now. It is apparently worse than we originally were told. While his amputation was the "worst" I found out earlier that he had shrapnel in his left leg and they weren't sure they could save that (as of this evening it appears he will get to keep it) and he had shrapnel in his chest. His lungs were burnt due to the explosion. He was driving the vehicle when the IED was set off. They had to amputate because, and this is just what we have heard 2nd hand, he was trapped in vehicle.

The military has called me to get my information so that when he gets to the US or if he ends up in Germany for awhile to get his family to him soon. Hopefully, and I fully expect this to go through, but they are to pay/get us to him as fast as possible my father, mother and myself to him (parents are divorced and in two seperate worlds).

We just want a family member to be there when he's more lucid and if he doesn't already know he's lost his leg for someone to be there. That is probably the worst thing right now - is we don't want him to be alone when it really hits him.

I plan to be with him for a week or so. It's going to be hard because I have the two little ones here and my husband is legally blind - therefore I'm the only driver in the house. Thankfully we have alot of support from friends and family in the area so they will help out. I also hope to be able to work somewhat while at Walter Reed so I don't have to take a lot of time off of work (pretty much not alot of vacation left his year with the trip at Xmas, etc.).

Again - thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I know it could have been alot worse and I have to keep telling myself that.

Will keep you posted when possible.