Got My Christmas Present Early, It Really Says I Am Addicted To Board

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Good Morning Everyone, First I must say something which will quickly explain what I got for Christmas. For a long time one of the things DH and myself have enjoyed is reading differnet peoples daily reports while on ship. It tends to be really fresh in their minds and best of all it is almost like you are cruising with them. I can remember looking forward to Greg's aka Revneal's reports this past fall. Now if DH and I looked forward to this I know many of you also did, so I felt my way of giving back was to start doing the same. I thought about it many times while on our last cruise on the Ryndam but knew without having my own laptop it would take up to many minutes (as you all know I get wordy:D ) So know you are thinking Oh yes now I know what she is finally getting at and you are right. I got my own wireless notebook, a 14 inch HP with lots of speed and hard drive and with the Centrino. This my way of giving back to Cruise Critics HAL Board. I know it is now one more thing I will have to lug thru the airport and to the cruise ship. But it will help me thru this addiction:o

Now I have lots of questions in regard to the pricing and Hotspots. Do the suites have hotspots? I am looking forward to reporting to you LIVE from the Westerdam when we sail March 13th 2005

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Lisa

What a wonderful Christmas present.

The new Vista class ships have ports in the suites.

[sail7seas]

That's Wonderful!!! I'm so happy for you.


And I can't get over how very generous of you to share your gift with us. :)

Hope you have loads of hours of pleasure and enjoyment from your great gift.

Happy Holidays.

[dakrewser]

Congrats Lisa!

Now head over to http://www.mtnsat.com/ds_kbyg_hal.htm to learn the ins and outs of wireless on HAL, but (to help you decide which ship to cruise on) here's a list of the hotspots by ship:

Amsterdam: Internet Café, Java Café, Grand Atrium area decks 3,4,5

Maasdam: Atrium area decks 7 & 8, Java Café, Internet Café, Explorer’s Lounge, Library, Card Room

Noordam: Internet Café, Card Room, Explorer’s Lounge, Library

Oosterdam: All Public Lounges on decks 1,2,3, Lido Deck (9), Crow’s Nest (10)

Prinsendam: Decks 6,7,8, Library, Internet Café, Queen’s Lounge

Rotterdam: Atrium area decks 3,4,5

Ryndam: Internet Café, Atrium area decks 6,7, Vermeer Lounge, Java Café, Ocean Bar, Sports Bar

Statendam: Atrium area decks 6,7,8, Internet Café, Java Café

Veendam: Internet Café, Library, Card Room, Tea Room

Volendam: Atrium area decks 3,4,5

Zaandam: Internet Café, Library, Card Room, Explorer’s Lounge

Zuiderdam: Internet Café, Java Corner, Half Moon Room, Hudson Room, Stuyvesant Room

-dave

[jhannah]

This my way of giving back to Cruise Critics HAL Board.What a noble rationalization for your purchase! :D

I think that's great, Lisa! The technology is such now that laptops are much lighter than the "clunker" I have. You can also use it to upload your digital photos on a daily basis so you don't need as much memory media. You can also have most of your cropping/photo enhancements done before you get home.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks KK and Sail and Dave I knew you would have the answers. I wish that at least suites had hot spots rather than dial up. My plans had been that after a wonderful day on the ship we would then go back to our cabin to retired for the evening I would write a daily review, then post it on the HAL board, once I was comfy in my PJs. But if I have to go out to find a hot spot:confused: . Too bad the Neptune Lounge is not a Hot Spot, well I know some days it is a HOT SPOT but not that kind of HOT SPOT:D I am guessing that the Westerdam will be the same as the Oosterdam since it is not listed.

Jim, you are right about the photos that was another idea we had since I tend to take a lot of pictures.

This new Laptop is really amazing, it is so fast and does so much. I have really nice computers at home and work but was amazed at this thing. I actually never thought I had a need for a notebook/laptop but I think I will have lot of fun with this one. It was amazing how easy it was to set up and hook up the router so I can log into our cable. We have a very secured site but found we could of logged on to a neighbors who should of secured theirs:eek:

Jim and Bill, now when we get together I can do like Jim did to show our cruise pictures:)

I think I am feeling broke, last week we paid finally payment for our March cruise and last night was Christmas:eek: Good thing I don't have another finale payment due for a cruise till April.

[Bill S]

Lisa: as I was reading your post, I was thinking of the very same thing: ah, we can all bring our laptops to our next get-together!!! :D Congratulations on the new laptop-you will love it-wireless is great-we used ours on the Ryndam back in April-worked fine! Have fun and give Tom a big hug for being a very good DH!

[jhannah]

Good thing I don't have another finale payment due for a cruise till April.But of course you just might find a five-day flash sale on an early spring cruise that's just too good to pass up!! :cool:

[Tatka]

You will really appreciate this gift :) !

My company provided WL for me as I am a "call-girl" for one week every month.;)

I am using it for the last 2 years and can't imagine going back to living without it!!! It's so nice to sit my the pool in the back yard or ride a car and be able to surf internet!!!

[bepsf]

Lisa --That sounds like the perfect gift! (for one that doesn't come in a powder-blue box...)

Enjoy!!!

[ColoradoJuli]

Congratulations Lisa! I got a laptop back in September and love the thing. I thought DH was crazy when he got it for me. I thought that I was fine working out in the office, but it is so nice to be able to travel around the house and be connected anywhere. It makes for great reading (like the newspaper) when you must spend a little extra time in the bathroom. :eek:

Dave - I am always amazed at your wealth of information. You are a real asset to this board. Thanks so much for your wonderful input.

Brian - I guess if I can't get a powered-blue box, then a computer will work. Although I just got a new car and it has so many gadgets that it must have several computers in it. ;)

Our January cruise will be our first one with a laptop. I too and excited to create a daily diary and be able to download pictures. Means I can take more photos!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh My God! You guys are so completely totally out of control and more addicted than I ever even thought of being!!! I feel soooo much better.

Lisa, enjoy your wonderful and extravagant gift and now we all know what we got from you:D . I will really enjoy getting your reports. Much as I love this, my little corner of the world here in my house is enough for me. But I believe in getting what you want most for Christmas and I'm glad you got Santa was looking out for you:) .

As for me ... if anyone asks ... that little powder blue box with the wee white ribbon usually does me just fine;) . And fyi, if anyone should ask, I'm content with sterling, happier with platinum and you can never go wrong with diamonds.

[jhannah]

Okay. I'll ask. What comes in a powder blue box???????

[ekerr19]

Okay. I'll ask. What comes in a powder blue box???????

Anything from Tiffany's... :)

[ekerr19]

As for me ... if anyone asks ... that little powder blue box with the wee white ribbon usually does me just fine;) . And fyi, if anyone should ask, I'm content with sterling, happier with platinum and you can never go wrong with diamonds.

Me too! Actually got my present early this year too and darn, it wasn't in the powder blue box - in fact - it's too BIG to wrap!!! But I'm HAPPY. :D

Lisa- enjoy your new toy!

[jhannah]

Anything from Tiffany's... :)Thanks. Well, I guess now I've outted myself that I don't shop for my DW at Tiffany's. A tad out of my range. I guess I'm a typical man ... more accustomed to browsing where I hear "attention Wal-Mart shoppers!" :D Hey, they sell cruises, you know!

[localady]

Hey Jim- take a big leap this holiday season, try Ross, Mervyns or my favorite favorite, Target :eek: . DW deserves it!;)


Lisa- Congrats on your present! It will be so handy when you travel!!
:cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Me too! Actually got my present early this year too and darn, it wasn't in the powder blue box - in fact - it's too BIG to wrap!!! But I'm HAPPY. :D

Lisa- enjoy your new toy!
Laura? So what is it? Or can't you tell;) .

Jim, amazingly Tiffany's isn't as expensive as you might think (for some items ... not the ones Laura and I are talking about:D ). But you can get some very nice gifts for under $100 and even for less than $50.

In fact I heard on the news the other day that a lot of the Ritzy Ditzys don't shop there anymore because the "common folk do".:D

[ekerr19]

Laura? So what is it? Or can't you tell;) .

Jim, amazingly Tiffany's isn't as expensive as you might think (for some items ... not the ones Laura and I are talking about:D ). But you can get some very nice gifts for under $100 and even for less than $50.

In fact I heard on the news the other day that a lot of the Ritzy Ditzys don't shop there anymore because the "common folk do".:D
Well, I'm thrilled - I've waited a long time for it, but I couldn't be more pleased with my new Lexus RX330 SUV and I can thank my wonderful DH for it. :D

I also like getting the powder blue box (but not this year - I'm done!) - and as you noted, it's not always as pricey some may think.... ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well, I'm thrilled - I've waited a long time for it, but I couldn't be more pleased with my new Lexus RX330 SUV and I can thank my wonderful DH for it. :D

I also like getting the powder blue box (but not this year - I'm done!) - and as you noted, it's not always as pricey some may think.... ;)
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful! Did you get that big red bow? I love the ad where the car is in the LR and the hubby is so excited giving it to his DW and she says "Where did you ever get such a big bow?" Cracked me up!!!!!:D

Merry Christmas ... the gift that keeps on giving.:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Well, I'm thrilled - I've waited a long time for it, but I couldn't be more pleased with my new Lexus RX330 SUV and I can thank my wonderful DH for it. :D

I also like getting the powder blue box (but not this year - I'm done!) - and as you noted, it's not always as pricey some may think.... ;)Congratulations Laura, You beat me:D I guess we were both good girls this year:p The Lexus RX330 is great, I like that you bought from the Toyota Family especially because I have worked for a Toyota Dealership for 10 years. Next year this time I hope to get a new Avalon mine will then be 5 years old and paid off (Isn't that the American way to always have a car payment?):p

I also like those little blue boxes but I also like the big dark blue boxes that come from Swarovski Crystal.

I am typing this on my new Christmas present. It is amazing what what all they can pack in these little notebooks.

KK you mentioned that there are ports in the suites, is this a type of DSL connection?? I would not think it could be dial up. Is the cost the same? It seems like I remember a thread stating that the speed is a lot slower. Has anyone used it?

Thanks everyone for your help I am looking forward to reporting in our our next cruise.

[dewhit6959]

Did I mention that I asked for new socks for Christmas? They sure would look nice with the new shoes I want. New shoes without new socks is like a stained tie with a new shirt.
A new car would help the shoes last longer, but I had a couple of mild tantrums the past year and blew that chance. Maybe next year.

[ekerr19]

Congratulations Laura, You beat me:D I guess we were both good girls this year:p The Lexus RX330 is great, I like that you bought from the Toyota Family especially because I have worked for a Toyota Dealership for 10 years. Next year this time I hope to get a new Avalon mine will then be 5 years old and paid off (Isn't that the American way to always have a car payment?):p

I also like those little blue boxes but I also like the big dark blue boxes that come from Swarovski Crystal.

I am typing this on my new Christmas present. It is amazing what what all they can pack in these little notebooks.

KK you mentioned that there are ports in the suites, is this a type of DSL connection?? I would not think it could be dial up. Is the cost the same? It seems like I remember a thread stating that the speed is a lot slower. Has anyone used it?

Thanks everyone for your help I am looking forward to reporting in our our next cruise.
Lisa- If I'm not mistaken, your new laptop should have wireless connectivity... you may want to check with your internet provider and inquire about wireless... then you won't have to worry about any port. :) You can email me at lskerr@comcast.net if you have questions, I will try and help!

This is also my first foreign made vehicle I've had since we've been married - my family are total Toyota fans, but DH is a union man and we've always bought American made vehicles - I've finally persuaded him of the best choice - Consumer Reports magazine (and a few U.S. made lemons) helped!

[ekerr19]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful! Did you get that big red bow? I love the ad where the car is in the LR and the hubby is so excited giving it to his DW and she says "Where did you ever get such a big bow?" Cracked me up!!!!!:D

Merry Christmas ... the gift that keeps on giving.:)
I love that commercial too! I was really tickled that Kyle was trying to convince DH to "wrap" the car!

I'm happy just to have it - it's been a while coming! :)

[dakrewser]

Did I mention that I asked for new socks for Christmas? They sure would look nice with the new shoes I want. New shoes without new socks is like a stained tie with a new shirt.
I'm getting a new tie. And new pajamas. I know, because I bought them today and gave them to DW tonight to wrap for me. When it comes to clothes, don't trust anyone's taste but your own!

:)

[Bill S]

Laura: congratulations on your Christmas present, too! I hope you will enjoy your RX330 as much as I have enjoyed mine! Excellent vehicle-I've had mine for 15 months w/13k miles and no problems whatsoever. At least, for Lisa's sake, it is in the Toyota family-her employer has several dealerships in town, including Lexus, so I gave her some job security, indirectly! I know this is OT, so too bad we can't take them on cruises, huh? If I could use my laptop while in my car to check in to CC, I would do it-so how's that for trying to keep this OT??? :eek:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Congratulations Laura, You beat me:D I guess we were both good girls this year:p The Lexus RX330 is great, I like that you bought from the Toyota Family especially because I have worked for a Toyota Dealership for 10 years. Next year this time I hope to get a new Avalon mine will then be 5 years old and paid off (Isn't that the American way to always have a car payment?):p

I also like those little blue boxes but I also like the big dark blue boxes that come from Swarovski Crystal...........................

KK you mentioned that there are ports in the suites, is this a type of DSL connection?? I would not think it could be dial up. .Yes, Lisa, it's "dial-up". They run one of those long phone extension cords to the ship. Then if no one ones to use the dial-up, they just reel it in on a spool-like device:rolleyes:.

I also like the big grey boxes from Steuben Crystal!!:D

[Vicar]

Lisa and Laura,

Man Santa was very good to you guys. You must have been very good this year *LOL*

Ahhhhhhhh the little powder blue boxes, I know them well. *LOL* There are actually some reasonably priced gifts there , but nothing that my fiance wants :)

[ekerr19]

I'm getting a new tie. And new pajamas. I know, because I bought them today and gave them to DW tonight to wrap for me. When it comes to clothes, don't trust anyone's taste but your own!

:)

You may not trust anyone's taste but your own - but you should let DW pick your jammies, she's the one that has to look at them... ;)

[Vicar]

You may not trust anyone's taste but your own - but you should let DW pick your jammies, she's the one that has to look at them... ;)


I would have to agree, personally i don't wear jammies , but My fiance has wayyyyyyy better taste in most things than I ever will. She has pretty much been my fashion coordinator for a few years now.

I will look at something and think its great, then she wil show me what she would sugest, and i must concede she is right.

[ekerr19]

I would have to agree, personally i don't wear jammies , but My fiance has wayyyyyyy better taste in most things than I ever will. She has pretty much been my fashion coordinator for a few years now.

I will look at something and think its great, then she wil show me what she would sugest, and i must concede she is right.

Of course she is! ;) DH frequently concedes - though I cannot recall the last time he actually picked out and bought any of his own clothing or wore jammies... :D

[dakrewser]

If I could use my laptop while in my car to check in to CC, I would do it-so how's that for trying to keep this OT??? :eek:
With an automotive power adapter (or an inverter) plus a cellular modem - what's stopping you?

:) -dave

[dakrewser]

You may not trust anyone's taste but your own - but you should let DW pick your jammies, she's the one that has to look at them... ;)
One thing we've learned over the years (it'll be 37 next month) is that it doesn't work for one to pick out clothing for the other. It's best when both are on the shopping trip (the wearer to decide on fit, fabric, etc. while the spouse handles appearance) but buying your own is much, much preferable than buying for the spouse. It might be that little insights like this are what's kept us together this long. Or maybe it's just habit.....


And, by the way, those of us who can work in our jammies do have to make sure to wear them (else it shocks the DHL delivery lady!)

:rolleyes: -dave

[ekerr19]

One thing we've learned over the years (it'll be 37 next month) is that it doesn't work for one to pick out clothing for the other. It's best when both are on the shopping trip (the wearer to decide on fit, fabric, etc. while the spouse handles appearance) but buying your own is much, much preferable than buying for the spouse. It might be that little insights like this are what's kept us together this long. Or maybe it's just habit.....

:rolleyes: -dave

I know, I was just kiddin' you! :p

[Vicar]

dakrewser

oh see I enjoy fiance giving me ideas on clothes, I actually get compliments on how I look when I wear something she picks out. *LOL*

I would never pick anything out for her though, because I am usually way of base . *LOL*

Outside of Victorias Secret I stay away from clothing when it comes to gift giving :)

[jhannah]

Outside of Victorias Secret I stay away from clothing when it comes to gift giving :)My DW always covers my eyes and hurries me past their store in the mall. ;)

[Vicar]

Jhannah

actually Fiancee doesn't mind me buying her anything she doesn't have to wear in public, *LOL*


funny how my taste in clothes sucks, but my taste in jewelry and furs is pretty good *LOL*

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Yes, Lisa, it's "dial-up". They run one of those long phone extension cords to the ship. Then if no one ones to use the dial-up, they just reel it in on a spool-like device:rolleyes:.


Gee, I always thought the boats were driving on a track just like Disney World:eek:

LOL only kidding:D

Actually what I meant was that if I am not mistaken and some one please correct me if I am wrong. In the cabins you use the phone line that is satelitte/cell service but it would DIAL into a ISP to get Interent service. I have AOL using cable connection if I use it via "dial Up" I get charged a lot per minute. My new computer has Wi Fi with the new Centrino processor. At home I got a router that is very secured to tap into my cable. Many places like Starbucks have Hot Spots/WiFi availability but you have to pay for it. I have not checked into the cost. I think the only time I will bother with paying will be on the ship and most likely will get the 250 minutes for $100. Let me tell you that is a BIG step for this "Cheap Skate":eek:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Lisa, just so you know I actually did know what you meant. But I thought I was being terribly funny:D . Sometimes that happens and I can't be stopped.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa, just so you know I actually did know what you meant. But I thought I was being terribly funny:D . Sometimes that happens and I can't be stopped.
Heather I am the same way, I sometimes tend to get carried away:D But most know I seldom get really serious. I totally knew you were being funny, I actually laughed out loud. There are actually some pretty funny comments on this thread.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather I am the same way, I sometimes tend to get carried away:D But most know I seldom get really serious. I totally knew you were being funny, I actually laughed out loud. There are actually some pretty funny comments on this thread.
Funny you say that, Lisa, because I'm actually on the boards for fun:D . I take very little of it seriously unless it's the valuable advice I've often gotten and also some fantastic support through some lousy weather. But beyond that, I think it's the greatest thing that we can live vicariously through everyone else's cruises (which kind of connects our own) and have a few laughs along the way.

[sheldrvrT6A]

Lisa
All I am getting is coal!
Jerry

[ColoradoJuli]

I must share that I have been good this past year and just got a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Inferno Red). It has soo many gadgets that I am beginning to feel old because I can't figure out how they work. I need a teenager to tell me how my car works. Have one I can rent?

Dave - I too work from home, but I sleep in....so I always need to put on something before heading downstairs to the office. I don't want to scare the UPS guy, plus he is so cute.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I must share that I have been good this past year and just got a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Inferno Red). It has soo many gadgets that I am beginning to feel old because I can't figure out how they work. I need a teenager to tell me how my car works. Have one I can rent?

Juli, Congrats on getting the new Grand Cherokee, it is always so much fun getting one of those fancy new vehicles. I like lots of gadgets myself:D

[ColoradoJuli]

Its funny. I got a new car and now I need to get a new phone so it can sync up with my new car. It is amazing how this technology works together. I guess I am also getting a new phone for Christmas. Wow! What a year.

[dakrewser]

I must share that I have been good this past year and just got a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Inferno Red).
Dave - I too work from home, but I sleep in....so I always need to put on something before heading downstairs to the office. I don't want to scare the UPS guy, plus he is so cute.
We bought a GC a couple of years ago. My DW lets me drive it on weekends (sometimes)...

I will say that our current UPS guy (who we've had for about 3 years) was a bit agog the first time he rang the doorbell at 1:30 and I answered in my robe.

Still, I make it a point to get dressed before lunch every day. It's just that sometimes I don't eat lunch until 3 or 4!

:rolleyes: -dave