*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 4

[granmaz]

it gets awfully hot in the laundry room, you might want to hang out elsewhere!

That is so very true!!

 

[squitty]

hallway party then!

I'm with you Karen

Thanks Michelle I'll give them a call later



this cruise is getting so expensive with all the added expenditure that keeps cropping up

I just couldn't leave underwear and socks for 14 nights

Me neither Mary - perish the thought

 

[Beauty & the Best]

We feed her using a Kong now and she enjoys it. We bought her a Tug-A-Jug (not sure if you have seen them) but she's not keen on it. She knows there's food in it but she seems disinterested in trying to get it out. I've tried to teach her how to use it and she looks at me like "you expect me to work to get fed? Not worth it!"

Bella is not as food-crazy as mine is. He will do almost anything for the right treat - a blessing and a curse!

they seem to know that if they leave it long enough, you'll do the work for them! dogs aren't that stupid!

This is so true, mine won't play his game to the end if I'm sitting there watching, but if I go away, he does it in a matter of minutes on his own.

maybe we should take along a bottle of wine or FAB, it'll make the laundry a hell of a lot more enjoyable

I will second that idea! Every time I tried to use a laundry room on the ebta this year (and last year), they were PACKED and people were grouchy! I heard from Krisann that 2 am is a better option, but never found it convenient to go then...lol

Yes the laundry rooms are not the funnest place to hang out and people can get pretty fierce about it too. I've found that if you're willing to go to the casual buffet for dinner, its not as crowded during evening meal times.

It broke my heart every day leaving them as I had put them in a crate, mind you it was a labrador sized crate, so they had room to move around. The little faces, when I closed the door, were so sad, it was awful. Mind you they only got left for 3 hours at a time, so it wasn't all day.

After a year I weaned them out of the crate and I don't have one tooth mark on anything

This breaks my heart too and I haven't even seen their little faces! I can just imagine them.

 

[Dgentrysim]

hallway party then!

Can always get some extra Riverdancing practicing down while getting your clothes clean at the same time!!

 

[OKW93]

Can always get some extra Riverdancing practicing down while getting your clothes clean at the same time!!

I hope the people in the cabins near the laundry are DISers...and will appreciate our riverdancing!!! LOL

 

[granmaz]

Not sure even Dis'ers will appreciate it at certain times of the day, or more importantly the night!!!!!

 

[seamour]

Well, about 2 years ago I made a luggage tag from the Mickey ears paint chips that you can find at Home Depot. I cut out a piece of paper that becomes the "information" piece of the tag and stick it to the back side of one of the Mickey's, laminate it, but an eyelet in it and then attach it with a ribbon to my luggage. It's bright, colorful, fun and, the best part, is not too many people have a Mickey Ear luggage tag!



Keri

Cute idea!

OMG I love Alfred and Seymour. We saw them on the Baltic Repo cruise last summer, they were absolutely hilarious. I was hoping that they would be on the WBTA and had checked their website for tour dates, but it is not up-to-date. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they are still on the Dream for our cruise in a few weeks time or they are on the WBTA.

maybe both?

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/t...otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Here is the link to the scrapbook pages that I have done. I can't get it to work to actually post any of them on here so this is the best I could do. Not all of the writing is finished on it but at least most of the stuff is on these pages to give people ideas.

Great pages! Love the idea of using the DCL stationary for journalling. And the towel animals page is GREAT!

Do you have a link to the Kids thread? I remember hearing that kids were going to post, but can't recall seeing the thread. I will get Mallory to post on there so she can chat to Sarah. My other daughter is 10, so I am hoping she will find a friend her age as well! My girls are a little shy at first and I am hoping My husband and I will get a little more alone time on this cruise!!! We were on the Wonder in March and the ship was packed, so they didn't leave us very often!!

Yep here it is http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2680262

There is not alot of posting going on there right now.

 

[Dgentrysim]

I hope the people in the cabins near the laundry are DISers...and will appreciate our riverdancing!!! LOL

Maybe all the noise from the washers and dryers will drown us out........Nah...probably not! lol Maybe we could offer them a taste of our FAB drinks for their troubles!!

 

[seamour]

I read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett & really enjoyed it.
QUOTE]

Loved this book! Highly recommend it

My husband likes to iron also - was Dennis former military?



My Canadian friend Carol calls them 'buffet pants'

My husband is retired AF also and while I do not think he "loves" ironing, let's just say it is not one of my jobs around here!

Our local agricultural show (http://www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/html/home/) starts today for three days so traffic is a problem and Sainsbury's (supermarket) has to close as it is next to the showground and people can't get there to shop because of traffic. Major roads coming in are already blocked up with hour long delays which will only get worse. Fun!!!

How interesting that they close up the grocery during the show.

 

[seamour]

THANK YOU for the Bath pics - wow, now I need to go!!

.
.

they are gorgeous, you will love the Baths, I highly recommend them, and we had basically that information that Auntlynne has shared with y'all. We did find there were a couple of different ferries running with different times. And as we were walking to the ferry dock we were approached several times by someone trying to sell us "tickets" for the ferry and taxi you will need on Virgin Gorda. We chose to wait til we got the ticket window to buy.

 

[seamour]

Can always get some extra Riverdancing practicing down while getting your clothes clean at the same time!!

Ba ha ha ha love it! Laundry is now on the fun list!

DD Sarah (13) who is coming with does Irish dancing. In fact this week is what I call dance heck (okay i use the other word) as she has dance camp every morning 10-noon, and then 3 nights has her regular class for 3 nights. For the camp her teachers family is over from Ireland teaching, so an awesome opportunity for all the dancers. As we live 45 minutes away though the driving back and forth is wearing on me for sure.

 

[Dgentrysim]

Ba ha ha ha love it! Laundry is now on the fun list!

DD Sarah (13) who is coming with does Irish dancing. In fact this week is what I call dance heck (okay i use the other word) as she has dance camp every morning 10-noon, and then 3 nights has her regular class for 3 nights. For the camp her teachers family is over from Ireland teaching, so an awesome opportunity for all the dancers. As we live 45 minutes away though the driving back and forth is wearing on me for sure.

There you go! We now have a bonafide experienced Riverdance student who can turn us into the Magical Dis-co Twinkle Toes that we know deep down that we really are all in the time it takes to wash/dry one load of clothes! She can't partake of our FAB drinks, but we can provide her with all the Coke she wants! Our hallway Riverdance fame is now in her hands!

 

[Donaldcp98]

There you go! We now have a bonafide experienced Riverdance student who can turn us into the Magical Dis-co Twinkle Toes that we know deep down that we really are all in the time it takes to wash/dry one load of clothes! She can't partake of our FAB drinks, but we can provide her with all the Coke she wants! Our hallway Riverdance fame is now in her hands!

Please just make sure I know when the first show is so that I can come watch!!!!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Please just make sure I know when the first show is so that I can come watch!!!!

You will definitely be the first one to know!

 

[Pinky166]

they are gorgeous, you will love the Baths, I highly recommend them, and we had basically that information that Auntlynne has shared with y'all. We did find there were a couple of different ferries running with different times. And as we were walking to the ferry dock we were approached several times by someone trying to sell us "tickets" for the ferry and taxi you will need on Virgin Gorda. We chose to wait til we got the ticket window to buy.

Is there a ticket window near the Port? Do they sell the ferry & taxi tickets to the baths? Do you recall how much they charge? Sorry for all the questions but i'm guessing this way would be cheaper than DCL's excursion.

 

[auntlynne]

Thanks for the info on the VG Baths Lynne. Have you been yourself? If so, did you enjoy it?

Not yet. This is part of the research I mentioned (on FB) that I would need to do.

Speedy Ferry is $20 one-way/$30 return for adults.

Official BVI Taxi rate for Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda (effective Nov 2010):
1 passenger pays $6
2 passengers each pays $5
3 or more passengers each pay $4

I feel better now knowing that others are going to be re-wearing clothes onboard. I was slightly worried...

Looks like a few of us are going to be doing a few loads of washing whilst onboard. Will be taking some washing tablets with me I think

And I've got 12 days in Europe before we even get on the boat; I'll probably have to do laundry one night in France while visiting Disneyland Paris. Not particularly looking forward to using their machines, though; they take much longer than even the ones on the boat. We are definitely spoiled with our American washers and dryers.

 

[auntlynne]

Is there a ticket window near the Port? Do they sell the ferry & taxi tickets to the baths? Do you recall how much they charge? Sorry for all the questions but i'm guessing this way would be cheaper than DCL's excursion.

DCL is $68 pp
Checking with Tortola Charters right now (sent a request for info); they offer a $55 tour:

"Baths Snorkel Tours are the perfect excursions for Tortola Cruise Ship and Resort Visitors who want to make the most of their time in the BVI and especially enjoy the world famous Baths of Virgin Gorda. We’ll welcome you aboard with a friendly smile, offer you a drink and start the day with a smooth and scenic cruise across Drakes Channel to Virgin Gorda. Once there we’ll tie up to our mooring at Devil’s Bay right in the heart of The Baths where you’ll have several hours to snorkel the crystal clear waters and take our guided walking tour through the unique granite boulders. While at the Baths our large power catamaran offers guests a stable and shaded swim platform from which to explore the Baths and the surrounding waters. There are 3 different sandy beach coves within the Baths and we will visit two of them – Spring Bay and Devils Bay. There are also some interesting snorkel spots around the sunken boulders that include some challenging swim through tunnels.

The Baths gets its name from the African Slaves who first inhabited the BVI during the Rum Trading Era of the 1700’s. Legend has it that these secluded coves were used as a private bathing area for the slaves during this historic period. The huge granite boulders seemed to be tossed around chaotic manor that only can be appreciated in person and some naturalists have gone as far as to call the Baths the eighth wonder of the world. After much snorkeling and exploring through the Baths we’ll re-board the catamaran and start our smooth cruise back to Road Town, Tortola. Throughout the day you’ll enjoy assorted drinks and snacks from our onboard cash bar; plus some interesting stories about the history of the islands from our friendly and knowledgeable crew. This trip is always fun and all personalized snorkel equipment and lessons are included. Be sure to bring your own towels, hats, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen; no coolers needed. We could carry more on our large catamarans double deck catamaran, but seating is limited for your comfort and safety, so reservations are recommended.

Boat > 55′ Power Catamaran “Blue Star” / 45″ Sea Ray “Oil N Water”
Times > 4 to 5 Hours / We Work Around the Daily Cruise Ship Schedules
Price > $55.00 Adults – $40.00 Children (Under 12) – Under 3 Free
(On some tours there is an additional $3/guest government park fee)
Departs > Cruise Ship Pier Entry Gate, Road Town, Tortola (Village Cay Marina)
Guests > Cruise Ship Visitors to Tortola, Peter Island Visitors, Virgin Gorda Visitors
Offers > Cold Sodas, Beer, Wine, Rum Punch, Frozen Drinks
Includes > Spring Water, Snorkel Gear, Flotation Belts, Rum Cocktail on Return Trip
(This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, infants or guests with limited mobility)"

http://tortolacharters.com/excursions/virgin-gorda-baths-tours/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Virgin-Gorda-Baths-Tours/132876433410070?sk=wall

 

[auntlynne]

We are the only ship docked in Tortola that day (only one other ship that month). The Allure of the Seas (I think that is a big RCL ship) will be docked in St Thomas.

The DCL excursion is a ferry + taxi tour of Virgin Gorda and a visit to the Baths.

 

[kj_connections]

DCL is $68 pp
Checking with Tortola Charters right now (sent a request for info); they offer a $55 tour:

Do you know how long this tour is?

 

[TxMermaid1]

I will second that idea! Every time I tried to use a laundry room on the ebta this year (and last year), they were PACKED and people were grouchy! I heard from Krisann that 2 am is a better option, but never found it convenient to go then...lol

.

Bev I did laundry once, mid morning, and while it was full I was able to get one washer and then one dryer for my stuff. I think the people were grouchy cuz they were sitting in there the whole time and it's HOT! If someone really wants to steal my clothes, they can have at it! I am not sitting down there for over an hour.

I was in the cabin just across the hall from the laundry room on deck 7 it really did not stay all that busy... I had no problems getting a washer or dryer. Of course I had the advantage of seeing how busy it was every time I went to my room

Just a reminder and to those new to DCL... DCL does not allow you to bring your own irons... not even travel irons. They will take them from you. It is a safety hazard. They do have 2 irons and board in each laundry room for your use. Also the price to have a shirt pressed is less than $2. I do not remember the exact amount. I think around $1.50. I sent all of DH's and dad's dress shirts out when we first boarded to be pressed only. Worked great.