Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[CrockettTraveler]

I am going out on a limb, but I am guessing they are from San Fransisco...hehe.

I found a post somewhere that showed how much more it was to rent from places like the ports of call, or airports and it was usually around 10 dollars per day more.

Also, I don't know if anyone else has tried using foreign travel sites like expedia.uk or not, but we were able to get rooms at WDW Boardwalk Inn for about 60% of the normal price...I haven't yet tried seeing how that works on rental cars, but I will shortly as I am in need of getting a rental car from Florida in order to take my parents to the airport and then continue on to stay at WDW for a couple days and then return the rental to the airport in Orlando. Any advice on where to rent is greatly appreciated!

YES! you are correct. We live in the San Francisco/Bay Area. It was more important to book our flight BACK from Orlando than going to San Diego to board the ship. Waiting for CHEAP $69-$89 fares to San Diego. Non-stop flights scheduled every couple of hours from one of the three airports near us to Southern California.

Did anyone buy TRAVEL INSURANCE????

 

[JJJnE]

We bought our cruise through Costco (executive member, and getting a 425 dollar cash card after the cruise), and they offered separately travel insurance through Travelguard, which we purchased right after booking, so that we didn't have to worry about any pre-existing condition issues (not that we have any, we just didn't want to have to go to the doctors or worry about any hassles). But it cost 255 dollars for me, my wife and my sons coverage, and covered a lot of things that made it worthwhile in my mind.

Yes, I planned to drop off my Mom and her husband on the way to WDW, but wanted to retain a car when going to WDW as we were going to do a couple things outside of WDW and can't just use taxi's for.

 

[CrockettTraveler]

We bought our cruise through Costco (executive member, and getting a 425 dollar cash card after the cruise), and they offered separately travel insurance through Travelguard, which we purchased right after booking, so that we didn't have to worry about any pre-existing condition issues (not that we have any, we just didn't want to have to go to the doctors or worry about any hassles). But it cost 255 dollars for me, my wife and my sons coverage, and covered a lot of things that made it worthwhile in my mind.

Yes, I planned to drop off my Mom and her husband on the way to WDW, but wanted to retain a car when going to WDW as we were going to do a couple things outside of WDW and can't just use taxi's for.

We also bought our our cruise through COSTCO TRAVEL, but only getting $310 cash card after the cruise. The quote I got for travel insurance from Travel Guard was $250 for DH and me. Found one company for $214, but doesn't cover as much as Travel Guard. Is there any truth that older people pay more for travel insurance or is it based on how much the trip cost?

 

[JJJnE]

I thought that it was based on the trip cost. We are doing a category 5C with an extra passenger...so 3 in a cabin. I know there was a discount based on getting the Costco discount for Travelguard as well, as I tried going straight through Travelguard itself and it was about 100 dollars more than through Costco, and it covered less.

You might be getting a smaller amount on the gift card because you have 2 in a cabin vs our 3?

 

[kdeans1010]

Can you buy Costco travel insurance even if you didn't book your cruise through them?

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

OK, just kidding…(mostly)

OT, but I'm so excited! My eldest son is a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy, following in his father's footsteps as it were. We just found out that he has been selected for promotion to Chief Warrant Officer! So very proud of him, he's Number one of the four in his career field selected! He puts on his new rank in October. His father has already informed him he will not be saluting him!
Seriously, we are so very proud….

Wow!! So happy for your family. Just goes to show what happens with good upbringing.

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

Did anyone buy TRAVEL INSURANCE????

I got our travel insurance through DVC. It was $176 for both of us.

Thanks again for the Southwest info on Monday . I was able to book both our flight to San Diego and our flight home to Louisville for $790. It's possible that I could have waited for cheaper flights home from Orlando but I'm more relaxed knowing its all booked and paid for.

As soon as I booked the flights I called DVC and paid for our transfers from Port to MCO. Our flight out isn't until 6:25 so we will also be hangin out at the airport for a while. How late do the transfer buses run from the port?

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Wow!! So happy for your family. Just goes to show what happens with good upbringing.

Awww, Thanks

 

[Va-NanaTink]

I got our travel insurance through DVC. It was $176 for both of us.

Thanks again for the Southwest info on Monday . I was able to book both our flight to San Diego and our flight home to Louisville for $790. It's possible that I could have waited for cheaper flights home from Orlando but I'm more relaxed knowing its all booked and paid for.

As soon as I booked the flights I called DVC and paid for our transfers from Port to MCO. Our flight out isn't until 6:25 so we will also be hangin out at the airport for a while. How late do the transfer buses run from the port?

I think the latest ones are 9:30- 10. Everyone has to be off the ship by 9:30, I believe.
We have a 4 PM return flight home. Not quite as late as you....

 

[mmbl]

We also bought our our cruise through COSTCO TRAVEL, but only getting $310 cash card after the cruise. The quote I got for travel insurance from Travel Guard was $250 for DH and me. Found one company for $214, but doesn't cover as much as Travel Guard. Is there any truth that older people pay more for travel insurance or is it based on how much the trip cost?

Travel insurance is based on trip costs, age, itinerary....

 

[mmbl]

Wow!! So happy for your family. Just goes to show what happens with good upbringing.

Are you saying that those with 'problem' children ( not me, of course; mine are perfect) did a lousy job? Is it ALL environment? Nature vs. nurture~ the debate lives on. I believe people are they way they are from the moment they are born. You cannot change nature, alter it slightly-maybe- but not change it.

 

[Robin"D"]

Good Morning EBPC Cruisers;
I was on a past cruise where we had a “Beer Exchange” and was “Wonder”ing [pun, yes ;-)] if there would be any interest on this cruise.

How it works: surfweb:
1)You bring either as six pack/ of 12 pack of your home town’s beer/ and very special beer or just your favorite. What we do ask, please don’t bring a beer that we can get anywhere, or on the ship.
2)What you bring to the exchange [number of beers] is what you take with you
3)We will do it one beer at a time until all the beers are gone. Remember what you bring it what you take, only fare to all.
4)Time: was thinking 3:00 ~ 3:15 day of embarkation [right before the safety drill] or if this is a bad time, the next day is the 1st day at sea….11:00ish???
5)We will be the host for this, besides I will be a great time to meet people and to see old friends

Any interest???

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[mmbl]

I thought that it was based on the trip cost. We are doing a category 5C with an extra passenger...so 3 in a cabin. I know there was a discount based on getting the Costco discount for Travelguard as well, as I tried going straight through Travelguard itself and it was about 100 dollars more than through Costco, and it covered less. You might be getting a smaller amount on the gift card because you have 2 in a cabin vs our 3?

The 'kick back' is based on what you paid for the cruise; therefore, assuming you paid less for 2 in the cabin and accounting for any other variance in rate paid, that determines how much you get back.

 

[mmbl]

Good Morning EBPC Cruisers; I was on a past cruise where we had a “Beer Exchange” and was “Wonder”ing [pun, yes ;-)] if there would be any interest on this cruise. How it works: surfweb: 1)You bring either as six pack/ of 12 pack of your home town’s beer/ and very special beer or just your favorite. What we do ask, please don’t bring a beer that we can get anywhere, or on the ship. 2)What you bring to the exchange [number of beers] is what you take with you 3)We will do it one beer at a time until all the beers are gone. Remember what you bring it what you take, only fare to all. 4)Time: was thinking 3:00 ~ 3:15 day of embarkation or if this is a bad time, the next day is the 1st day at sea….11:00ish??? 5)We will be the host for this, besides I will be a great time to meet people and to see old friends Any interest??? Robin & Angel "D"

Follow up from FB question:
1) how do we fly with the beer?
2) how do we get it on the ship?
3) does DCL allow beer to be brought on board?

We'd love to do it, but I'm terribly confused by the logistics.

 

[dee slack]

Good Morning EBPC Cruisers;
I was on a past cruise where we had a “Beer Exchange” and was “Wonder”ing [pun, yes ;-)] if there would be any interest on this cruise.

How it works: surfweb:
1)You bring either as six pack/ of 12 pack of your home town’s beer/ and very special beer or just your favorite. What we do ask, please don’t bring a beer that we can get anywhere, or on the ship.
2)What you bring to the exchange [number of beers] is what you take with you
3)We will do it one beer at a time until all the beers are gone. Remember what you bring it what you take, only fare to all.
4)Time: was thinking 3:00 ~ 3:15 day of embarkation [right before the safety drill] or if this is a bad time, the next day is the 1st day at sea….11:00ish???
5)We will be the host for this, besides I will be a great time to meet people and to see old friends

Any interest???

Robin & Angel "D"

Follow up from FB question:
1) how do we fly with the beer?
2) how do we get it on the ship?
3) does DCL allow beer to be brought on board?

We'd love to do it, but I'm terribly confused by the logistics.

Great idea. I know DH would love to do this, but I don't think it's very practical on a 12 hour flight, shame. Hope you manage to organise something tho'.
We do plan to visit The Best Dam Beer Shop (found online) while we are in SD and stock up for the cruise and a few nights in Orlando post cruise.

 

[Robin"D"]

Follow up from FB question:
1) how do we fly with the beer?
2) how do we get it on the ship?
3) does DCL allow beer to be brought on board?

We'd love to do it, but I'm terribly confused by the logistics.

1). Maybe you could pick up some beer in SD
2). If you do bring the beer to / on the ship , it must be in your carry on luggage
3) & yes DCL allows you to bring alcohol on board

Hope this helps

Robin & Angel "D".

 

[mmbl]

1). Maybe you could pick up some beer in SD 2). If you do bring the beer to / on the ship , it must be in your carry on luggage 3) & yes DCL allows you to bring alcohol on board Hope this helps Robin & Angel "D".

I thought we could only bring 2 bottles of wine per cabin. Guess I was wrong.if we pick it up in San Diego, what does that do to the 'local' aspect of the event? Do you know if we ship it, will they deliver a box to our stateroom? Thanks and sorry for all the questions.

 

[padalyn]

Follow up from FB question:
1) how do we fly with the beer?
2) how do we get it on the ship?
3) does DCL allow beer to be brought on board?

We'd love to do it, but I'm terribly confused by the logistics.

I thought we could only bring 2 bottles of wine per cabin. Guess I was wrong.if we pick it up in San Diego, what does that do to the 'local' aspect of the event? Do you know if we ship it, will they deliver a box to our stateroom? Thanks and sorry for all the questions.

To answer the OP questions:
1. flying with the beer - you would have to check it, there are special crates for alcohol. As long as the crate weighs less than 50 pounds you should be alright - but you will give up one checked bag (if you pay per bag you will be buying an extra!) (subnote: I do know that FedEx and UPS will not ship alcohol to a hotel or ship - BUT if you can figure out a way to ship it to Calif then you are good to go!)

2. getting it onboard - carry it. Try using a small carryon bag for just the alcohol. The staterooms are not ready until after 130pm. If you are boarding any time before that - you have to carry everything with you everywhere! (this gets pretty heavy!!)

3. There is no limit - however, if too many folks start carrying cases onboard Disney will revoke the privledge of bringing our own. The rules (as I know them) are:

A. the bottles do not leave your stateroom unless going to a dining room
B. you will pay a corkage fee if you take a bottle to the dining areas (40.00 per bottle)
C. You must carry the liquor onboard (and must be over the legal drinking age of the state you are in)
D. no glass of any sort near any pool area (so don't take your wine in a wine glass - get a plastic one from upstairs!)
E. the porters are not allowed to carry liquids onboard - so if you bring water (not sure WHY folks insist on doing this - the water onboard is the purest in the world!) you have to carry it!

The ship will not deliver packages to staterooms as far as I know - all things coming onboard have to be vetted. It happens very rarely!

I have no comment about the actual swap - since we don't drink beer!

This is going to be a great cruise!!

Cayla

 

[padalyn]

ok - I have finally located my packing lists. I have a couple - one for a 32 day trip (slight overpacking done - 4 shirts were not worn, laundry was done) this trip covered Mexico to Alaska so the list included cold weather clothing. The second trip is a 23 day trip (no overpacking - one shirt not worn!) this trip was a transatlantic that ended up in Iceland (also cooler weather). These lists on on Excel sheets - I would prefer to not generally post them - so please PM me if you want them. I will share both - the first list includes all the misc stuff that one needs, the second does not! I am going to start working on our packing list for this trip soon. Please remember that we share some clothing - so the lists may seem a little "short" for two people.

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Are you saying that those with 'problem' children ( not me, of course; mine are perfect) did a lousy job? Is it ALL environment? Nature vs. nurture~ the debate lives on. I believe people are they way they are from the moment they are born. You cannot change nature, alter it slightly-maybe- but not change it.

Gee, I'd like to think DH and I had SOME type of positive influence on our children. Guess we could have just left them run wild and do what they wanted when they were growing up since they would have turned out the same way. Live and learn, I guess.