Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.9

[acourtwdw2]

has anyone ever bought the day pass for the hotel at Maho Beach? Were thinking about it and need to know what its like. Trip advisor gives it mixed reviews.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Yippee! Just heard from the TA that she sent the docs out to us today, and we should have them tomorrow!

--Lynn

Me too, me too - mine will be in the mail after tomorrow.

So, when are you telling his school about this cruise? My older son started school this week and I haven't told them about the cruise yet. When we booked this, he was being homeschooled. My younger son is still homeschooled and I have already notified his principal. Any suggestions on telling the other school about the cruise?

I told my DD's school already. She goes to a paraochial school and will be a Sr as of tomorrow. Here's my suggestion. Stick as close to the truth as possible, if you don't want to tell the whole truth and be upfront. For instance, I made sure to state that this once in a lifetime opportunity blah, blah, blah and I also informed them that there would be a few hrs each day to do some type of homework. That she could be in contact with teachers if need be on a daily basis or at least every other day. I also gave evidence of how diligent she works and how her GPA did not suffer when we pulled her out for about 8 days when her grandfather passed away. I also promised to have her contact each individual teacher for homework (school usually doesn't give HW ahead of time) and will make arrangements with them.

It worked, not only this but I requested to have an answer within 1 day. It worked for me. But then again, I did stress the cultural and historical aspect of the ship rather heavily. Also, the fact that we would be visiting some very holy and important places in regards to our religion. So, technically, I didn't lie, history is steeped in war and lots of other good things like that.

OK got to sign off now as my furrkids are dying to walk. Looks like I'm on my own. Not a good sign.

 

[tinker1bell]

Hi all, I'm repeating this question because I'd really like your thoughts. Forgive the repetition!

There's another thread devoted to whether anyone has felt pressured by CMs to give them an "excellent" rating on the satisfaction surveys at the end of the cruise whether they deserve it or not. (BTW, you can find that thread here.)

Thanks,
Richard

If needed, I will include an extra sheet to give further comments.


On our Dec four day Wonder cruise, the last night our service went in the toilet as far as I was concerned. We did have a big table and each night a few people were not there since they were eating in Palo. Those of us not there were told they were taken care of quite well and no problems. The last night all of us were there and it seemed to take forever. We ordered drinks and some were delivered, some right, some wrong. It took forever to get our main course and we didn't even get the offer of dessert. We all made sure to tell the head waiter our disappointment.

We also made sure to note this on the comment card as well.

I have worked in a few restaurants as a Hostess, so I made sure to pass along any praise to management as well as to relay it back to the wait person. Plus now if I am very satisfied or very unhappy with service, I will go immediately to the manager to give my impressions.

 

[tinker1bell]

Repeated reply from thread 8
Personally, I think it should be done online but I do realize not everyone has access to online services.

They might have those persons not willing to participate in an online survey, receive a phone call asking those questions.

Somehow it is so impersonal to just mark your comments down either on a survey or a piece of paper. I have heard of people who mark negative things for no other reason than they are just unpleasant people. To think that a person could loose his or her job over one such a survey seems inefficient to say the least

DCL should do more follow up phone calls, especially to first time cruisers to see what their experiences were and how they could improve. They could do a random selection of persons in all categories to call to get much more feedback than they get in a survey. Questions like did you rebook on board, if so why or if not, why not etc. I think people might tend to be more forthcoming on the phone.

Just my thoughts...

I like the idea of phone calls. I would be willing to take the time to answer questions that way.

 

[Dizneyholic]

So we all know about our next vacation However just out of interest has anyone got any future vacations planned???

We are trying to be good and so have nothing planned, I`ve been eyeing up a Caribbean cruise for next feb, possibly a couple of months in France in 2012.
DH would like to stay at home and save the money

Anyone else?

So far we are only planning a week at DVC Hawaii which opens in August 2011. Probably in October sometime.
We'll book some dummy dates on board for the Fantasy in 2012 and hopefully something on the Dream sometime next year; followed by a week or two at WDW.
We also just bought our tickets for the D23 Expo today but we're only 30 minutes from Disneyland so not really a vacation. However, we'll probably get a studio at the Villas and make a mini-trip outta it.

"Originally Posted by Feebs
So we all know about our next vacation However just out of interest has anyone got any future vacations planned???"

We are looking to swap our home in Celebration, FL (next door to WDW) for someplace in Europe for a few weeks next summer (Jul or AUG).

Rene

I'm so jealous that you get to live in Celebration! We went last year and I just loved it! I told Gus one way or another we have to have a house there someday!

 

[HallsofVA]

YEAH!! We are here - do you think this will be the last before the cruise?

Not unless they take our PCs and internet connections away.

So we all know about our next vacation However just out of interest has anyone got any future vacations planned???

We're booked on the 8/16/11 5nt Dream cruise with 2x @ CC. However, I've tried since 2 weeks after booking it to rebook it and get an onboard credit, but it's been sold out up to Cat 5 or 4 since December.

My Minnie Ears are on a headband, not a cap, so mine will be "different", too.

I've also got headband ears so you won't be the only one!

 

[MrsMork]

So we all know about our next vacation However just out of interest has anyone got any future vacations planned???

We are trying to be good and so have nothing planned, I`ve been eyeing up a Caribbean cruise for next feb, possibly a couple of months in France in 2012.
DH would like to stay at home and save the money

Anyone else?

We have DCL Alaska July 2011 booked. I'm having difficulty getting excited about this one. Dennis is looking forward to it though. I hope to get something booked for 2012 when that is released. Fantasy or maybe Dream depending on where they are going. We can book a dummy date if needed. I too like the longer, special itineraries.

 

[TChrist05]

Hello all....well after a couple of tough days....well weeks actually....I am happy to report my DD is feeling better....know how I know....she is getting fiesty and argumentative.....she had another cath scan today and we do not have the results yet....but she now wants to eat and they are allowing her soft pureed food.....sounds wonderful....but she is making positive strides and I thank all for the pixie dust and prayers.....my wife and I were starting to talk about maybe having to cancel the cruise the other day.....but tonight we had a nice talk about 4 weeks from tomorrow we will be flying out....and we already have put a backup plan in place....my MIL lives in Georgia and in an emergency would fly in to stay with DD.....again....THANKS!
Tom & Marilou

 

[MrsMork]

Hello all....well after a couple of tough days....well weeks actually....I am happy to report my DD is feeling better....know how I know....she is getting fiesty and argumentative.....she had another cath scan today and we do not have the results yet....but she now wants to eat and they are allowing her soft pureed food.....sounds wonderful....but she is making positive strides and I thank all for the pixie dust and prayers.....my wife and I were starting to talk about maybe having to cancel the cruise the other day.....but tonight we had a nice talk about 4 weeks from tomorrow we will be flying out....and we already have put a backup plan in place....my MIL lives in Georgia and in an emergency would fly in to stay with DD.....again....THANKS!
Tom & Marilou

fiesty and argumentative is really GOOD news!!

 

[MrsMork]

Update on Dennis' dental situation....needs 3 crowns replaced and a root canal on one of them. So root canal tomorrow, temp crown on that one on Sept 2 after his cataract surgery on Aug 30. We did not have a dentist here in town and I gotta say we LOVE this guy. He is working thru his lunch tomorrow to do the root canal because he wants to get the pain gone before we travel. AND, he is going to show Dennis one of his guitars when we go in tomorrow. Oh, and does not demand the massive amount of money up front. Which is a really good thing because we have an amazing vacation coming up and will need a couple of months to pay for the dental expenses.

 

[tinker1bell]

Here is a link to all the menus from the Med cruise we came off of yesterday - just to give an idea of what might be on offer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40285840@N03/sets/72157624762416612/

OMG!!!! I am drooling!! I can feel the pounds coming right on!!!

But I don't care

 

[got2travel]

So, when are you telling his school about this cruise? My older son started school this week and I haven't told them about the cruise yet. When we booked this, he was being homeschooled. My younger son is still homeschooled and I have already notified his principal. Any suggestions on telling the other school about the cruise?



Thanks. Luckily, I just ate dinner so I could enjoy looking at them without wanting to get some food!

I haven't told them yet. I tried last week at registration but the right people were not available. I may try again tomorrow if I can leave work early. I plan on asking for independent study for the 2 weeks but letting them know that whether its granted or not, he will not be at school. I've heard other cruisers report that they 'ask' the school and are told they can't go. I'm not necessarily going to ask, I'm going to tell them he won't be there and find out what we can do to minimize the impact.

 

[got2travel]

I have a 4 night mini-trip to WDW in January during the marathon. I hope to get medically cleared by then to start training. I want to do the 5K and not get swept.

My tag says it all. I overcome my post Disney depression by planning another trip. If I don't have another trip in the hopper, I would have to be carried off the ship. It wouldn't be pretty.

I have a friend who will be doing the 5K in January. He found an iphone app Couch to 5K or something like that. It eases you into running. Laura (eeyorelover) is also doing the program (but not the WDW 5K) so she could tell you about it.

 

[got2travel]

We have two time share trips to take - a cruise and a trip to Cabo. No dates solidified yet. And I am hoping that we can book a dummy date as well...



If you do the on line forms, you just print the signature page and bring it to the port. As long as the on line fors are completed in time it is all in the computer, they just collect the signature page, verify the credit card and you are set!

Thanks for reminding me. I have 2 timeshare weeks I need to use before May 2011. I guess I better see what's available.


I hope that the Barcelona port has improved. In 2007 they made me fill out all the forms again, even though I had done it online and had my signature page. They actually made everyone fill out the forms and wouldn't let you proceed to a CM until you did.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

I really need to nail down my plans for Gibraltar because it's bugging me that it's not settled yet! I want to go to the Rock without the help of DCL, but I'm not sure how I want to go about doing it. I see so many options, but what I think would be easiest for my back is a "taxi tour". I would love to go up the cable car too, though, to film. See! I'm so undecided!

I fear the taxi tour won't be an option going single. I've read where you can go into town where there's a taxi line. For those of you who have been there before, do you know if they have like mini-vans that will take multiple people up and down the Rock?

For anyone else who's still researching their options for Gibraltar, I did find this informative post on Trip-Advisor that started with a DCL 2010 EBTA cruiser!

it's in the genes!!!! My mom's idea of a birthday present for each of her grandchildren (can't remember if it was the first or second birthday) was a children's band!!! Drums, symbols, horn, etc.

Now you know where I get it

It's naturally the right, sentimental, honorable thing to do! I'm sure your DSs and DDILs will appreciate the tradition being passed down to the next generation.

...I've also got headband ears so you won't be the only one!

Hello all....well after a couple of tough days....well weeks actually....I am happy to report my DD is feeling better.......

fiesty and argumentative is really GOOD news!!

I couldn't agree more! Feisty and argumentative never sounded so peaceful!

I'm elated to hear she's doing much better Tom! She's been on my mind, and it's nice to know you can all relax a little more knowing she's improving!

Update on Dennis' dental situation....needs 3 crowns replaced and a root canal on one of them. So root canal tomorrow, temp crown on that one on Sept 2 after his cataract surgery on Aug 30. ....

You two really know how to take it all on at once, don't you?!

 

[got2travel]

Hello all....well after a couple of tough days....well weeks actually....I am happy to report my DD is feeling better....know how I know....she is getting fiesty and argumentative.....she had another cath scan today and we do not have the results yet....but she now wants to eat and they are allowing her soft pureed food.....sounds wonderful....but she is making positive strides and I thank all for the pixie dust and prayers.....my wife and I were starting to talk about maybe having to cancel the cruise the other day.....but tonight we had a nice talk about 4 weeks from tomorrow we will be flying out....and we already have put a backup plan in place....my MIL lives in Georgia and in an emergency would fly in to stay with DD.....again....THANKS!
Tom & Marilou

so glad to hear she is doing better

 

[BoosGram]

So we all know about our next vacation However just out of interest has anyone got any future vacations planned???

We are trying to be good and so have nothing planned, I`ve been eyeing up a Caribbean cruise for next feb, possibly a couple of months in France in 2012.
DH would like to stay at home and save the money

Anyone else?

We're planning a trip w/DGD2 to WDW in December (her first trip there) and a cruise in late Feb. on the Dream. Looking forward to ALL of them!

Here is a link to all the menus from the Med cruise we came off of yesterday - just to give an idea of what might be on offer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40285840@N03/sets/72157624762416612/

You so totally rock! Thanks so much!

Hello all....well after a couple of tough days....well weeks actually....I am happy to report my DD is feeling better....know how I know....she is getting fiesty and argumentative.....she had another cath scan today and we do not have the results yet....but she now wants to eat and they are allowing her soft pureed food.....sounds wonderful....but she is making positive strides and I thank all for the pixie dust and prayers.....my wife and I were starting to talk about maybe having to cancel the cruise the other day.....but tonight we had a nice talk about 4 weeks from tomorrow we will be flying out....and we already have put a backup plan in place....my MIL lives in Georgia and in an emergency would fly in to stay with DD.....again....THANKS!
Tom & Marilou

Tom, that's great news !

Update on Dennis' dental situation....needs 3 crowns replaced and a root canal on one of them. So root canal tomorrow, temp crown on that one on Sept 2 after his cataract surgery on Aug 30. We did not have a dentist here in town and I gotta say we LOVE this guy. He is working thru his lunch tomorrow to do the root canal because he wants to get the pain gone before we travel. AND, he is going to show Dennis one of his guitars when we go in tomorrow. Oh, and does not demand the massive amount of money up front. Which is a really good thing because we have an amazing vacation coming up and will need a couple of months to pay for the dental expenses.

Oh, I don't envy Dennis, but it's probably much better to get it over and done with. It also helps when you find a good dentist. We have a new one and we love her; she is great .

 

[Dizneyholic]

Update on Dennis' dental situation....needs 3 crowns replaced and a root canal on one of them. So root canal tomorrow, temp crown on that one on Sept 2 after his cataract surgery on Aug 30. We did not have a dentist here in town and I gotta say we LOVE this guy. He is working thru his lunch tomorrow to do the root canal because he wants to get the pain gone before we travel. AND, he is going to show Dennis one of his guitars when we go in tomorrow. Oh, and does not demand the massive amount of money up front. Which is a really good thing because we have an amazing vacation coming up and will need a couple of months to pay for the dental expenses.

We feel your pain! Being a small business owner Gus doesn't have any health insurance and we still aren't married so when he had terrible tooth pain last week we had to go to Mexico for his root canal. It's about 3 hours to the border so the drive wasn't terrible but there is a travel advisory against travel to Tijuana so I was a little nervous but everything turned out fine! Not to mention, it was only $150! However, Gus has been in some pretty bad pain for the past fews days! He finally got some relief today but now have to go back Monday for the crown. Poor thing. I'm glad you guys are able to take care of it before the cruise. Btw, the only pain meds that gave Gus any relief was Norco 10-325. The Vicodin the doc gave him didn't work at all for tooth pain. He had to call him for something stronger the very next morning since he couldn't even sleep.

Hope Dennis feels better soon! Root canals are no joke!

 

[MrsMork]

You two really know how to take it all on at once, don't you?!

Yep, and in addition to all that, we are going to Kennewick, WA tomorrow (after the root canal) for a couple of days for our niece's 40th surprise birthday and then a 4 or 5 day camping trip Labor Day. Nuts! We are just nuts! But we do pile on the fun! I will have to drive the 5 hours to Kennewick while Dennis dozes on pain meds.

We feel your pain! Being a small business owner Gus doesn't have any health insurance and we still aren't married so when he had terrible tooth pain last week we had to go to Mexico for his root canal. It's about 3 hours to the border so the drive wasn't terrible but there is a travel advisory against travel to Tijuana so I was a little nervous but everything turned out fine! Not to mention, it was only $150! However, Gus has been in some pretty bad pain for the past fews days! He finally got some relief today but now have to go back Monday for the crown. Poor thing. I'm glad you guys are able to take care of it before the cruise. Btw, the only pain meds that gave Gus any relief was Norco 10-325. The Vicodin the doc gave him didn't work at all for tooth pain. He had to call him for something stronger the very next morning since he couldn't even sleep.

Hope Dennis feels better soon! Root canals are no joke!

We have "dental insurance" that is a joke. They pay only for xrays and cleaning and only up to $75 for xrays and they pay a few dollars for fillilngs. That is it. All the rest is "not covered". A waste really but it comes with our health insurance so we file the claims for the few dollars on cleanings. Dennis is a pharmacist so he has his drugs of choice for pain, which I'm sure he will ask for. Vicodin is not one of them! I have not heard of Norco 10-325 but I'm sure Dennis has.

 

[MrsMork]

We feel your pain! Being a small business owner Gus doesn't have any health insurance and we still aren't married so when he had terrible tooth pain last week we had to go to Mexico for his root canal. It's about 3 hours to the border so the drive wasn't terrible but there is a travel advisory against travel to Tijuana so I was a little nervous but everything turned out fine! Not to mention, it was only $150! However, Gus has been in some pretty bad pain for the past fews days! He finally got some relief today but now have to go back Monday for the crown. Poor thing. I'm glad you guys are able to take care of it before the cruise. Btw, the only pain meds that gave Gus any relief was Norco 10-325. The Vicodin the doc gave him didn't work at all for tooth pain. He had to call him for something stronger the very next morning since he couldn't even sleep.

Hope Dennis feels better soon! Root canals are no joke!

Sounds like you are familiar with Mexico dental clinic. How did you locate one that you were confident with. I hear there are some that give excellent care.