OCTOBER 23RD 2005 - 4-Day Wonder - 102305 - 10232005 - 20051023

[keef22]

We're coming into MCO on Saturday, as well. SW flight??? Getting in at 1:35pm.

We're renting a car that night and staying at "HOME" (for the first time) at SSR. (We'll be visiting Raglan Rd. at DD if anyone else is around! ) Waking up Sunday and heading over to PC for boarding

 

[Henlady]

We're leaving on Friday morning Oct 21 and heading to Lorton Va, then traveling on the AutoTrain, arriving in Sanford Fl, then to Cocoa Beach on Saturday, spending the day just shopping or at the beach (weather permitting) then heading to the Port at about 10:30 Sunday morning.
We're staying at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Cocoa Beach.

Kris

7 days till we leave for our 30th Anniversary Tour - 4 nights on the Wonder and 3 nights at PO-R

 

[ddndogma]

We are flying into Tampa Sat morn and staying my parents who live abt an hour NE. Then we are all driving over early on Sun morn to hopefully arrive at the port 11ish.
Happy dance is on with the countdown as above.

 

[seagee]

Taking a break from packing to read the board. We are leaving Baltimore on Thursday October 20th (7:40am S.W. ) and will spend 3 nights at the Disney Beach Club. We then have transportation to the Port sometime on Sunday! Not sure what time we will be at the Port. Does anyone know how the Land and Sea package works-what time we will make it to the ship?

 

[Captain Kidd]

I've heard various different stories. You're best to run a search and see what comes up. I think there are different times. However if I remember right, the stuff I've read was that you get to port around noon but I could be wrong.

 

[ddndogma]

Do you all realize in just 7 days we will be at/near the port to board for 4 Wonderful days!! Wooohoooo
Can anyone tell I need this and am excited? Usually hard to tell by looking at me since I am too often calm and collected but my insides are doing a major happy dance.

Admiral: pretty impressive squeaky last second win yesterday. DH was watching several games switching channels.

 

[3boysmomma]

Seagee- We are staying at POR from this Wed until Sun. I was told by my TA that we wll be picked up there at 11:45(have to be in the lobby by 11:30) and it will take approx. 1 hour to get to Port. See you all next Sunday

 

[3boysmomma]

Hi everyone I have two questions. First, we are not planning on getting off the boat in Nassau, do we still have to fill out the Bahama immigration form? And second, which I think I will call DCL tommorow regarding is, the form in our documents asking about minors travelling with you. Two of our boys are listed in our cabin, the 3rd with my parents. He, of course, will still be with us so technically they are not responsible for him but I don't want to get to the Port on Sunday and find that we still needed to have the form notarized for my parents to have him in their cabin. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Eileen

 

[Henlady]

3Boysmomma(Eileen)
Regarding the Bahamas Immigration form, I would imagine that even if you aren't getting off the ship at Nassau, you are technically still in the Bahamas so you would most likely need to complete it. Not sure about the form for "Minors" hopefully someone else can help in that department.

Well, the time is getting closer. To all of you who are departing during the early part of the week, have a very safe and "wonder"ful trip. See you on Sunday.

Kris

4 days till we leave for our 30th Anniversary Tour - 4 nights on the Wonder and 3 nights at PO-R

 

[fantasmiclush]

Can't wait to see y'all in 5 days! Leaving from Ohio on Saturday morning. Cruise Terminal 11am Sunday. Finally!!

 

[ddndogma]

Sure you all have seen the developing hurricane out there. Projected to hit southwest FL possibly Sat. Keeping everything crossed here not to have to change ports again this year. I want to see Port Canaveral this time at check-in.

 

[keef22]

Okay, now I'm starting to get nervous. It looks like Wilma's heading North East!

We all need some help here!

Maybe she'll weaken and just give us a little rain!

 

[Henlady]

Here is the NOAA site showing the storm heading right for the lower part of FL. Hopefully it will be outta there by Monday morning & Nassau.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/084537.shtml?5day
Oh well, if it's not we'll have a "rolling" good time. Keep the Bonine handy. This is all DF Barry's fault (traveling with us) He has been thru something like 5 hurricanes and evacuated for either 2 or 3 times because of them. So its all his fault!!

Kris

3 days till we leave for our 30th Anniversary Tour - 4 nights on the Wonder and 3 nights at PO-R

 

[Henlady]

Nice pics Fantasmiclush. Join us at 3:00 pm on "secret" deck 7 verandah on Sunday (weather permitting). Would you like to join our "Dis Tag Team"? Just let us know your stateroom number.

Kris

 

[keef22]

Okay, you all now know that I'm nervous...

No trip insurance here. I may be in for a rude awakening; and I know that Sunday is still 5 days away BUT...

Does anyone have experience with weather issues? What might we expect if...

1) The storm is south of the port and we can board the ship; but can't go south to Nassau and Castaway Cay?

2) The weather in port is too bad and we can't board the ship; but it is clearing up in time for a later boarding time?

3) The whole thing is a train wreck and we can't do any cruising at all?

Will DCL offer other options even though I know they're not officially required to do so?

If nothing else, this gives me something to keep my mind off the fact that we're not packed yet!!

 

[Henlady]

Hi Keef22:
I can't answer all of your questions, but from the looks of the weather map from NOAA, the storm will be south of Port Canaveral at 2am Sunday morning so hopefully by the time we sail, it may be further out to sea. The DCL cruse info states that they may change itineraries, so ports of call could be different. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed and say a little prayer that our trip goes off without a hitch. Luckily, we did purchase travel ins.
I am almost packed. I have all the clothes pressed and/or layed out, and all the miscellaneous stuff gathered up. Just have to place it into the suitcases.
We leave on Friday and arrive in Cocoa Beach on Saturday.
Don't worry - Be happy!! Things will work out and whatever happens we'll all have a great time.

I'm not worrying now/yet about the hurricane. That has been put off by household problems - had to have the basement drain unplugged because of tree roots in the outside tile drain, electrical work to replace the meter yesterday, then when that was being done the electricians evidently bumped or jarred the cold water pipe to the kitchen sink, causing a major leak, so now we have to have a plumber come today to redo that. Hopefully that is the end of it.

Kris

3 days till we leave for our 30th Anniversary Tour - 4 nights on the Wonder and 3 nights at PO-R

 

[Dwingate]

Wow,

Now I'm not a weather forcaster but, it seems like they put alot of distance on that thing from Sat. 8am to Sun. 8am. I watch the weather like a hobby because its affects my job alot. I dont think it will move that fast. I could be wrong, (it happened once in '99)

We are now Mr. and Mrs. and are flying out from Ohio (hello Fantasmiclush) on Thrus. morning for our land part of the deal. I would like it to be sunny but if it rains I'm sure we can find something to fill our time.

Well everyone be careful and see you there.

 

[ddndogma]

This is all DF Barry's fault (traveling with us) He has been thru something like 5 hurricanes and evacuated for either 2 or 3 times because of them. So its all his fault!!

Well Kris, I am so glad this is someone else's fault b/c I was beginning to think we are the jinx on this one. The end of last September, we had this same 4 day cruise. Flew into Tampa on Saturday, same as now. Spent Sunday, boarding day, in my parents house without electricity and 60-70 mile an hour winds. So the 4 day turned into 3 days, no CC b/c of previous hurricane damage. Plus, we had to rent a car one-way to drive to Ft Lauderdale and board the ship there b/c we were departing at Port Canaveral.
This was the whole reason we rebooked, and a full month later to hopefully avoid the same scenario.

Right now with the projected course going between both ports, I am not certain they would try to board Sunday at either port. i.e., we could be waiting to board until Monday like last year. AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!

I trying not to be negative or worry too much yet, so all we can do is hope this takes a different course or better yet, falls apart.

Dwingate: Congrats on the marriage. May you have a lifetime of bliss.

 

[ddndogma]

1) The storm is south of the port and we can board the ship; but can't go south to Nassau and Castaway Cay?

2) The weather in port is too bad and we can't board the ship; but it is clearing up in time for a later boarding time?

3) The whole thing is a train wreck and we can't do any cruising at all?

Will DCL offer other options even though I know they're not officially required to do so?

If nothing else, this gives me something to keep my mind off the fact that we're not packed yet!!

Based on our experience last year here is what I can add. If they can not do Nassau or CC, they may do a different port (did Charleston SC once last year during a hurricane, probably not an option now with projected course). Or, more day(s) at sea.
Second question is partly answered in my previous post. They could keep our port but a day later or change port and a day later. Then you get partial reimbursement or can cancel or change to future date. Can't say for sure what it was last year b/c we used DVC points and we were able to use those towards this cruise.
I believe if DVC cancels, you are entitled to a full reimbursement or placing the cruise towards a future date.

Hope this helps some.
Gayle

 

[keef22]

Actually, Gayle, that does calm my fears a little. The main reason we didn't buy insurance is that we ARE using DVC points.

I figure if nothing else, maybe we can use those points in the future. Hopefully we can work something out. Talk about turning your vacation !