Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[dsnydaddy]

Just checked out the DCL Facebook page. I saw on there where DCL posted that next week they will be making waves with their Fall 2015 Itineraries. I hadn't checked their facebook page in a while, so this may have been posted a few days ago, and ya'll already know this. (I've noticed I've slowed down a step or two here lately!!! What's up with that!!!)

Yep, expect the announcement on Tues and platinum/gold booking on Wed with silver booking thurs and thereafter. I'll be looking to book onboard the Fantasy for 2015.

 

[kayaker35]

Like Karen said, I too read on here somewhere that Disney was going to release the fall itineraries for 2015 sometime next week. Has anyone else heard this? Does anyone have any plans of cruising in the fall of 2015? I think Donna and I are planning to go then. Not sure to what itinerary as yet. Waiting to see what Disney has planned and are offering. We want to get back on the Magic here sometime soon, and check her out since her refurb. But, we'll take what we can get and sounds interesting. Maybe Hawaii, maybe Western Caribbean, maybe a Transatlantic, so many options, so many choices..................................oh I'm soooooooo confused!!! Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!!

It's a sweet confusion, though, isn't it? We'll be doing Western Caribbean with the family in March 2015. Can't wait for that. I booked a Princess Hawaii cruise for October 2015, but think I'm going to change it to a November date so that our 49th wedding anniversary will fall while we're at sea I'll take a look at the Disney itinerary as well, and could possibly switch to that from the Princess one, but I think that Princess will win out, given it's a round trip with nine wonderful sea days. We're really going for the cruise rather than the destination, though we may fly to Hawaii someday if it looks like a place we want to go back to. I'd go back to Alaska first, though. So much more we wanted to do there when we took the two cruises last August. Such an AWESOME place. Next time we'd do a land tour as well as the cruise. We didn't stop in Sitka, so I'd make sure whatever cruise we booked stopped there.

Yes, indeed.... confusion reigns when trying to choose a cruise. The way I look at it.... you've already won by just being on a cruise ship.... doesn't matter where it's going!

Karen

 

[TENNDVC]

Yep, there's plenty of chatter and speculation for Hawaii and it's looking like next week it will be confirmed! It's expected that there will be two one-way trips (10days each) rather than a return, so Aulani could be a pre or post cruise option. We have our travel agent poised and ready as soon as they are announced and then we'll see how hard we better get saving!
Hopefully here's the link to the blog......
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...yCruiseLineBlog+(The+Disney+Cruise+Line+Blog)

Hoping they offer this cruise would really like to do Hawaii. Not sure about sailing from Vancouver, was hoping from Los Angeles, San Francisco options.

 

[kayaker35]

Hoping they offer this cruise would really like to do Hawaii. Not sure about sailing from Vancouver, was hoping from Los Angeles, San Francisco options.

Vancouver is the turn-off for us. Traveling through warmer southern waters is more appealing for a November cruise, which is one reason we chose to sail out of L.A. And the extra expense of getting to Vancouver over getting to western U.S. airports is another consideration. Flying back from Hawaii all the way to the east coast is daunting as well. Would much rather cruise back to the west coast rather than fly. I suppose doing a B2B on Disney would be a possibility, if the bank account would support it. Will have to see what Disney offers next week. My mind can be changed in a heartbeat, lol.

Karen

 

[kerstfan1]

did u guys see the waiting lines to embark in san diego

 

[dee slack]

did u guys see the waiting lines to embark in san diego

Yes, not looking good, hope it's just a start of season glitch that will be sorted out SOON.

 

[davidls]

It's a sweet confusion, though, isn't it? We'll be doing Western Caribbean with the family in March 2015. Can't wait for that. I booked a Princess Hawaii cruise for October 2015, but think I'm going to change it to a November date so that our 49th wedding anniversary will fall while we're at sea I'll take a look at the Disney itinerary as well, and could possibly switch to that from the Princess one, but I think that Princess will win out, given it's a round trip with nine wonderful sea days. We're really going for the cruise rather than the destination, though we may fly to Hawaii someday if it looks like a place we want to go back to. I'd go back to Alaska first, though. So much more we wanted to do there when we took the two cruises last August. Such an AWESOME place. Next time we'd do a land tour as well as the cruise. We didn't stop in Sitka, so I'd make sure whatever cruise we booked stopped there.

Yes, indeed.... confusion reigns when trying to choose a cruise. The way I look at it.... you've already won by just being on a cruise ship.... doesn't matter where it's going!

Karen

Vancouver is the turn-off for us. Traveling through warmer southern waters is more appealing for a November cruise, which is one reason we chose to sail out of L.A. And the extra expense of getting to Vancouver over getting to western U.S. airports is another consideration. Flying back from Hawaii all the way to the east coast is daunting as well. Would much rather cruise back to the west coast rather than fly. I suppose doing a B2B on Disney would be a possibility, if the bank account would support it. Will have to see what Disney offers next week. My mind can be changed in a heartbeat, lol.

Karen

We're looking at Disney for the 1 way trip to Hawaii or from Hawaii, so we could tie in a stay at Aulani. I checked out Princess Cruise Lines and that looks like a very nice ship and itinerary Karen. I too would rather sail from Southern California, then Vancouver. But, guess we have to take what we get. I didn't see any 1 way trips on the Princess Cruise Lines, in less I missed it.

 

[davidls]

Set aside a lot of time for Pearl Harbor. There's plenty to see and do there. If you're a naval hardware nut like me you'll want to see it all. Go early. There's two different luau's close to the Aulani. The one at the Marriott is supposed to be the best. We didn't go to that one because I had already purchased a luau package at Germaine's. But everyone raved about the Marriotts. I really didn't care for the Polynesian cultural center. And Honolulu is just ugly. Such a let down after being in the beautiful Ko Olina. Rent a car and drive all over the island. Particularly the east coast. WOW! Check out the Kalua ranch jungle tour or the movie tour. We loved that. There is a full run down on our experiences on our travel blog.

I'm heading over to read your travel blog Steve. Thanks for the tips.

 

[kayaker35]

We're looking at Disney for the 1 way trip to Hawaii or from Hawaii, so we could tie in a stay at Aulani. I checked out Princess Cruise Lines and that looks like a very nice ship and itinerary Karen. I too would rather sail from Southern California, then Vancouver. But, guess we have to take what we get. I didn't see any 1 way trips on the Princess Cruise Lines, in less I missed it.

I don't think there are any one-ways. That wouldn't interest us, because we don't want the extra flight to or from Hawaii. So the round-trip is what we were looking for, and since sea days are my favorite part of a cruise, we get plenty of them . Gives us more time to adjust to the time change than going by plane as well. Nobody can please everybody.... that's why it's nice to have a choice. Lots of fun hashing it all out and making a decision!

I was able to change the date of our Hawaii cruise to the November date on the Ruby and got the stateroom next to the one we had in March. Unfortunately the one we had then was already claimed. I'll check again in a few days to see if it becomes available. Someone may just have a temporary hold on it. I'd like to get the same cabin steward we had on our March cruise. He was outstanding.

On the Panama front.... I've started reading the books I bought on the history of the canal as well as the points of interest hour-by-hour of the passage. It's going to be a great trip! Hot, but great nonetheless, lol.

Karen

 

[mmbl]

I'm heading over to read your travel blog Steve. Thanks for the tips.

My main reason for posting this is a warning to anyone flying to Honolulu and thinking about cruising the islands from there: DONT CRUISE NCL AMERICA! It was a horrible experience. In all of our cruises (18, I think) on 5 different lines, it was the one awful cruise we had.
Now for some thoughts on Oahu- (Sorry, Steve) We love Honolulu- yes, it's a big city but it also has a really fun atmosphere. The water in Waikiki is very calm but there is an area with some waves for newbie surfers. Dukes is a must for dinner on the beach and definitely have the Hula Pie. We also enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center (I've been 3x) although we did not like their luau. Speaking of luaus, neither spouse nor I liked the luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village either; however, Sunday church service on the beach at the Hilton is always nice.In Oahu, we like Paradise Cove Luau- it's kithsy,but hey, most 'touristy' things on the Island are. Get the original Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation!
One of the best things we did on our first trip (2001) was buy the Frommer's Guide and we visited the best beaches on the island - found the best ones for sunrise, sunset, snorkeling, etc. and enjoyed everyone! Our daughter also did two summer semesters at the U. of Hawaii, so we took full advantage, spending lots of time there, at the condo we rented those summers. If you have specific questions, just ask.

 

[Baysurf]

My main reason for posting this is a warning to anyone flying to Honolulu and thinking about cruising the islands from there: DONT CRUISE NCL AMERICA! It was a horrible experience. In all of our cruises (18, I think) on 5 different lines, it was the one awful cruise we had.
Now for some thoughts on Oahu- (Sorry, Steve) We love Honolulu- yes, it's a big city but it also has a really fun atmosphere. The water in Waikiki is very calm but there is an area with some waves for newbie surfers. Dukes is a must for dinner on the beach and definitely have the Hula Pie. We also enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center (I've been 3x) although we did not like their luau. Speaking of luaus, neither spouse nor I liked the luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village either; however, Sunday church service on the beach at the Hilton is always nice.In Oahu, we like Paradise Cove Luau- it's kithsy,but hey, most 'touristy' things on the Island are. Get the original Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation!
One of the best things we did on our first trip (2001) was buy the Frommer's Guide and we visited the best beaches on the island - found the best ones for sunrise, sunset, snorkeling, etc. and enjoyed everyone! Our daughter also did two summer semesters at the U. of Hawaii, so we took full advantage, spending lots of time there, at the condo we rented those summers. If you have specific questions, just ask.

John and I also spent two summers at the University of Hawaii back in the 70's when we first started teaching. We stayed in married housing at the EAST West Center and took classes toward our master's degrees. The tuition was $35 per credit and was less expensive then our local state university. Oh, those were the days!!

 

[kayaker35]

Only one sailing each way to/from Hawaii in September of 2015. The ship should fill up fast! And sailing out of/back to Vancouver, so that leaves us out. It's a shame they couldn't have made more than the one trip each way, but they've only got four ships and lots of other itineraries to think about.

Good luck to all who try to book. I guess general public gets their chance on Wednesday. Best to book before then if you're a level able to do it!

Karen

 

[davidls]

Only one sailing each way to/from Hawaii in September of 2015. The ship should fill up fast! And sailing out of/back to Vancouver, so that leaves us out. It's a shame they couldn't have made more than the one trip each way, but they've only got four ships and lots of other itineraries to think about.

Good luck to all who try to book. I guess general public gets their chance on Wednesday. Best to book before then if you're a level able to do it!

Karen

I just sent my request to my TA to get me a quote for one of the Disney Hawaiian Cruises. If the price is not right, I'll look into something else for 2015. Got some other ideas for a Disney cruise we want to do. Those we could book on board the Wonder in September on our Panama Canal cruise.

 

[mmbl]

John and I also spent two summers at the University of Hawaii back in the 70's when we first started teaching. We stayed in married housing at the EAST West Center and took classes toward our master's degrees. The tuition was $35 per credit and was less expensive then our local state university. Oh, those were the days!!

What a great experience for you! I wish we moved there when ours were little so they maybe would have stayed. If we move now, everyone is so far!
When Jenn took classes ('04 and '06) every student paid in-State tuition rate! She also got the Kama'aina discounts on everything with her student ID! We had rented summer condos those summers, and for a couple of other shorter visits, at Royal Kuhio, on Kuhio and Seaside. The price was very reasonable and we loved the building, unit and location- she took public transit to class and it was only a 2 block walk to the beach. Lucky me got to spend 4 weeks with her each time! We liked it so much we were considering buying a retirement condo there. I'm hesitant because it would be an 8 hr flight whenever we wanted to go. It's not quite off the table but not number 1 choice at this time.

 

[Baysurf]

What a great experience for you! I wish we moved there when ours were little so they maybe would have stayed. If we move now, everyone is so far!
When Jenn took classes ('04 and '06) every student paid in-State tuition rate! She also got the Kama'aina discounts on everything with her student ID! We had rented summer condos those summers, and for a couple of other shorter visits, at Royal Kuhio, on Kuhio and Seaside. The price was very reasonable and we loved the building, unit and location- she took public transit to class and it was only a 2 block walk to the beach. Lucky me got to spend 4 weeks with her each time! We liked it so much we were considering buying a retirement condo there. I'm hesitant because it would be an 8 hr flight whenever we wanted to go. It's not quite off the table but not number 1 choice at this time.

What a wonderful time you must have had. We could have very easily stayed there as well. We even looked into teaching jobs while we were there! Too far from family and a ten hour flight from New York.

 

[kdeans1010]

Sorry I've been MIA. I have been unpacking and cleaning my cottage (those on facebook have seen it). I am trying to decorate it on the cheap (the living room is definitely somehow getting a beachy beach cottage theme. The kitchen and dining room- which are the same space- is a cupcake vintage kitchen with green and yellow accents. The bathroom is girly "Star Wars." My bedroom right now is just boxes, but I think with my book love it is going towards the vintage literary vibe... Generally though there's a definite vintage theme throughout.). Oh and wedding stuff! So yeah MIA.

I think I have my book situation figured out for the cruise. I am packing "Salting Roses," "Arranged," "Bake off," and then in the Kindle "Baking Bree" and a couple other books. Maybe another book here and there. Definite a chick lit theme. Oh! And remember I'm going to have a book exchange thing. I'm going to have a bag outside my room for books: take a book/leave a book. So that way our group never runs out of books.

What a great experience for you! I wish we moved there when ours were little so they maybe would have stayed. If we move now, everyone is so far!
When Jenn took classes ('04 and '06) every student paid in-State tuition rate! She also got the Kama'aina discounts on everything with her student ID! We had rented summer condos those summers, and for a couple of other shorter visits, at Royal Kuhio, on Kuhio and Seaside. The price was very reasonable and we loved the building, unit and location- she took public transit to class and it was only a 2 block walk to the beach. Lucky me got to spend 4 weeks with her each time! We liked it so much we were considering buying a retirement condo there. I'm hesitant because it would be an 8 hr flight whenever we wanted to go. It's not quite off the table but not number 1 choice at this time.

8 hour flight isn't so bad though. That sounds like so much fun.

John and I also spent two summers at the University of Hawaii back in the 70's when we first started teaching. We stayed in married housing at the EAST West Center and took classes toward our master's degrees. The tuition was $35 per credit and was less expensive then our local state university. Oh, those were the days!!

Please tell me you have some great pictures.

I am hesitant to do any Hawaii cruise. My grandparents took my cousin and I on a Hawaiian cruise when we were 10 years old (I am 33 now). It was the last visible full eclipse visible on the northern hemisphere of the millennium... or at least that's what I was told. Cruising was very different then. But it was so much fun. I was spoiled. I had my New Kids on the Block fanny pack and Walkman. While we were tendering my cousin I were throwing pennies on fish heads, and this guy in aviator glasses came up, pulled out a handful of change, and was throwing pennies with us. My grandpa knew him through the Boy Scouts. We took a picture with him. Turned out it was Neil Armstrong. Whenever I show the picture of us together people are shocked that I met him. Didn't know it was him at the time. But it was such a great experience I am hesitant to go on another cruise or trip to Hawaii. I do have a good friend that lives there and she told me I can come over anytime. Very tempted...

 

[Baysurf]

Sorry I've been MIA. I have been unpacking and cleaning my cottage (those on facebook have seen it). I am trying to decorate it on the cheap (the living room is definitely somehow getting a beachy beach cottage theme. The kitchen and dining room- which are the same space- is a cupcake vintage kitchen with green and yellow accents. The bathroom is girly "Star Wars." My bedroom right now is just boxes, but I think with my book love it is going towards the vintage literary vibe... Generally though there's a definite vintage theme throughout.). Oh and wedding stuff! So yeah MIA.

I think I have my book situation figured out for the cruise. I am packing "Salting Roses," "Arranged," "Bake off," and then in the Kindle "Baking Bree" and a couple other books. Maybe another book here and there. Definite a chick lit theme. Oh! And remember I'm going to have a book exchange thing. I'm going to have a bag outside my room for books: take a book/leave a book. So that way our group never runs out of books.




8 hour flight isn't so bad though. That sounds like so much fun.

Please tell me you have some great pictures.

I am hesitant to do any Hawaii cruise. My grandparents took my cousin and I on a Hawaiian cruise when we were 10 years old (I am 33 now). It was the last visible full eclipse visible on the northern hemisphere of the millennium... or at least that's what I was told. Cruising was very different then. But it was so much fun. I was spoiled. I had my New Kids on the Block fanny pack and Walkman. While we were tendering my cousin I were throwing pennies on fish heads, and this guy in aviator glasses came up, pulled out a handful of change, and was throwing pennies with us. My grandpa knew him through the Boy Scouts. We took a picture with him. Turned out it was Neil Armstrong. Whenever I show the picture of us together people are shocked that I met him. Didn't know it was him at the time. But it was such a great experience I am hesitant to go on another cruise or trip to Hawaii. I do have a good friend that lives there and she told me I can come over anytime. Very tempted...

That must have been an amazing trip especially through the eyes of a 10 year old! On our first summer in Hawaii we met a couple from Olympia, WA. Kathy (Miller) Sortun grew up in Anacortes. Do you know her family? We've kept in touch and went back to Hawaii for a second summer with them.

 

[mmbl]

Interesting Cruise Critic article on Cabo San Lucas and other ports that may make a bad first impression.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/in...tions-overcoming-a-negative-first-impression/

 

[kayaker35]

Interesting Cruise Critic article on Cabo San Lucas and other ports that may make a bad first impression.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/in...tions-overcoming-a-negative-first-impression/

Glad to read this. We aggressive vendors accost us when we went to Jamaica years ago. Not my idea of a good time. We'll happily stay on the ship in Cabo and the other ports, except for Cozumel, where we plan to do the yacht race again.

Karen

 

[davidls]

Just got my quote from my TA for the Disney 2015 Hawaii Cruise. No Disney Hawaii cruise for us, just too much. I already had priced the same cruise with another cruise line, cruising at the same time, for the same ports, same kind of stateroom, and the same length of cruise. Disney is almost $2000.00 more. I can not justify going on Disney for that amount of money. Too bad.