Silhouette November 18 2011

[DPNBP]

Luigi, what is the parking deal with Spring Hill Suites? I dread spending $228 just for parking at the pier. If there is a better alternative, I'd definitely like to know.
Thanks, Dianne
Booked the Spring HIll Suites parking deal through Trinity Reservations, too good of a deal to pass up.
Finally a nice day here in Boston although the Red Sox are gagging:mad:

Princess Di is out getting her nails and whatever done, more money out the door!!!

We feel for all those with flooding problems, life is tough enough without all that.

Pats open up Monday night against the Dolphins, hooray for football!!!

ciao,

Luigi and Princess Di Jr.

[beachbuddy]

RIchard - thanks for the info on St. Croix. It looks like being there on a holiday things will be very quiet. I guess a nice beach will be where we head!! Any other suggestions? Is there a good snorkel beach you would recommend? Maybe with such a large number of tourists hitting the island that day, the locals may reconsider and open some shops??

Sue and Patty - I love DWTS also. The cast this year will be full of surprises - doesn't seem to be anyone with a clear advantage like in the past with some of the olympic skaters, gymnists, etc. It will definitely be interesting and fun to watch! At this point, I don't know who I would favor.

Mary/John - the flood picture is amazing. I hope all the rivers, creeks, and streams return to normal soon. It's been one tough summer for so many north eastern cities and towns! By the way, how did you embed the picture directly into your post????? I've been able to "attach" pictures, but can't seem to find how to include them right in the post.
Marge
Forgot to mention - it's a beautiful sunny day today!! Halleluja

Marge, I love DWTS too! My DH hates it! LOL So he'll return to the basement to watch TV when it comes on.......LOL Your so right about there being no favorites this time around so time will tell who my favorite will be....LOL Should be an interesting season.........:-) :rolleyes:

[cruiserhal]

I live on St Croix and will be on the Silhouette Oct 10 - Nov 3! You will be arriving on Thanksgiving day so your options may be limited. I think the rum factory will be closed but the St George Village Botanical Garden will be open - a very interesting botanical setting amongst an old sugar plantation. Also, the Whim Museum, a restored greathouse of a former plantation and the Lawaetz Museum, a Danish farm house may be open - all within a few miles of the pier. In Frederiksted town where you dock the town will be quiet - Polly's at the Pier will be open - great iced coffee and free wifi. South of town the Sandcastles on the Beach Hotel has a nice lunch overlooking the ship and pier even if you don't want to take advantage of their beach package. Enjoy!

Richard

This is the kind of information I was looking for. The lunch at Sandcastles sounds interesting. We will keep that in mind. Hal

[Craftdee2]

Patty- same thing with us on an unplanned stop at St. Croix. It was either on the Radiance or Jewel of the Seas said it was a fuel stop. The people in town did a parade & some vendors were selling some things.
Bluebeards is doing snorkeling trips on Thanksgiving out of Christiansted if anyone is interested. Full & half days to Buck Island.

Marge - DWTS is a favorite for me too & DH heads upstairs to the computer or football game. The cast is just so so. No one exciting for me. I thought last season was great.

Any chance the logo could be set on woman's size long sleeve shirts & sweatshirts? Just wondering before I order.
Thanks, Diane

[2SeaWithMe]

Luigi, what is the parking deal with Spring Hill Suites? I dread spending $228 just for parking at the pier. If there is a better alternative, I'd definitely like to know.
Thanks, Dianne

I'm not Luigi but, I'll answer! :) if you stay at one of several hotels listed on trinityreservations.com, I think it's between $150 to $190? for the room and the parking for 2 weeks. It's cheaper than the pier AND there's no overspray risks from port parking.

There are several of us getting a shuttle together from the SpringHill.

[Slessenb]

RIchard - thanks for the info on St. Croix. It looks like being there on a holiday things will be very quiet. I guess a nice beach will be where we head!! Any other suggestions? Is there a good snorkel beach you would recommend? Maybe with such a large number of tourists hitting the island that day, the locals may reconsider and open some shops?? Sue and Patty - I love DWTS also. The cast this year will be full of surprises - doesn't seem to be anyone with a clear advantage like in the past with some of the olympic skaters, gymnists, etc. It will definitely be interesting and fun to watch! At this point, I don't know who I would favor.

Mary/John - the flood picture is amazing. I hope all the rivers, creeks, and streams return to normal soon. It's been one tough summer for so many north eastern cities and towns! By the way, how did you embed the picture directly into your post????? I've been able to "attach" pictures, but can't seem to find how to include them right in the post.
Marge
Forgot to mention - it's a beautiful sunny day today!! Halleluja

We will enjoy your take on DWTS , too. We started chatting about DWTS in 2007 when we cruised together. Hubby does not like it- so to the computer he goes.

Parry, this season starts on September 20th. Will be fun

Oh such a Colorado beautul autumn day here and news says Mtns will start having "color" in about 10 days. I love the weather but hate the season that follows.

Sue

[DPNBP]

Thanks for that information, Summer. It seems to be a very good deal! Are you the one coordinating the shuttle? I'm going to show DH the information.
Dianne
I'm not Luigi but, I'll answer! :) if you stay at one of several hotels listed on trinityreservations.com, I think it's between $150 to $190? for the room and the parking for 2 weeks. It's cheaper than the pier AND there's no overspray risks from port parking.

There are several of us getting a shuttle together from the SpringHill.

[mjwcruising]

[/quote]Mary/John - the flood picture is amazing. I hope all the rivers, creeks, and streams return to normal soon. It's been one tough summer for so many north eastern cities and towns! By the way, how did you embed the picture directly into your post????? I've been able to "attach" pictures, but can't seem to find how to include them right in the post.
Marge
Forgot to mention - it's a beautiful sunny day today!! Halleluja[/quote]

I've never been able to embed a picture directly into my post before either. I just decided to try and cut paste them. I was really suprised when it worked.
We also had a beautiful sunny day today.
I haven't done any yard work for about a week now so I will be starting back with my yard work tomorrow. I hope it will be another beautiful day.
Mary

[hac82]

I have started looking at pictures of the different ports that we will visit on this cruise and I was surprised to see that the port of Old San Juan must have heard that we were coming. They seem to have sent us a message via the pier that we will dock at that we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/69.jpg
days left until we set sail.

[CruisinMommas]

Howard, I was just thinking of you guys and was on the roll call forum and there was your name. I was thinking your cruise was coming up fast. I am going to have lots of questions for you when you return. We get back before you sail so will be back to wish those I know a bon voyage.
Carol

[beachbuddy]

We will enjoy your take on DWTS , too. We started chatting about DWTS in 2007 when we cruised together. Hubby does not like it- so to the computer he goes.

Parry, this season starts on September 20th. Will be fun

Oh such a Colorado beautul autumn day here and news says Mtns will start having "color" in about 10 days. I love the weather but hate the season that follows.

Sue

Sue, Thanks, I'll be sure to watch it on the 20th or tape it if I'm not home. That's the day I enter the 60's!!!! How the H@LL did I get this old!!!! Our grandson will be 12 on that day as well! Maybe I'll do like you and just let it slip by and then I'll still be 59 - so let me get this straight, is it if you don't celebrate it, you don't get older? LOL Tony keeps asking what I want to do, where do I want to go, what night do I want to go to dinner with the kids, etc. I really don't want anything..........definitly no parties and they all know that!! I would just like a day/night in NY. Still haven't seen Jersey Boys so would like to see that play but tickets are still difficult to get and you have to buy them pretty far out. I'm kind of a last minute NY person........we decide on a Friday night, buy tickets on line and go into the city Saturday to see a show.

Heading home today from the campground. We'll come back one more weekend in September to close up completely.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Patty- same thing with us on an unplanned stop at St. Croix. It was either on the Radiance or Jewel of the Seas said it was a fuel stop. The people in town did a parade & some vendors were selling some things.
Bluebeards is doing snorkeling trips on Thanksgiving out of Christiansted if anyone is interested. Full & half days to Buck Island.

Marge - DWTS is a favorite for me too & DH heads upstairs to the computer or football game. The cast is just so so. No one exciting for me. I thought last season was great.

Any chance the logo could be set on woman's size long sleeve shirts & sweatshirts? Just wondering before I order.
Thanks, Diane

Diane, We were on the Radiance when we had the unplanned stop. I absolutely love the Radiance Class ships....The Brilliance is and my favorite ship!!!

Are Bluebeards tours thru the cruise line or private? Should I just do a search for Bluebeards?

Patty

[myjillian]

Why would the shops on St Croix be closed down on OUR THANKSGIVING:confused:

[atog254]

"Reminder To Join In The Fun"



For those that have not yet done so and for all those that are new to this thread, please join us in some of the fun that we have going on behind the scenes of this thread and the plans that we have when we get on the Silhouette.

You can find details for our Roll Call, Website and Photo Gallery at Page no. 230 Post no. 4587 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30406229&postcount=4587)

While you are at it, consider registering for the Celebrity Connections (https://secure.celebritycruises.com/cruisecritic/home.do) party that will be on the ship after we sail where we can all get together and meet. Stay tuned in as we get closer to the sailing. More details on some of the events on board will be coming soon.

If you are also interested, you can also get t-shirts and other items with a logo that was designed for our cruise. You can find the details at Page no 215 Post no, 4297 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30250555&postcount=4297)

This week's update only has a few changes, no new members listed so far!

Howard - love the photo count down!

Steve :cool:

[emcee207]

I have started looking at pictures of the different ports that we will visit on this cruise and I was surprised to see that the port of Old San Juan must have heard that we were coming. They seem to have sent us a message via the pier that we will dock at that we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/69.jpg
days left until we set sail.


Howard,
YOu are definitely a piece of work!!!

Dianne, Summer "summed" it up, you can stay over the night before the cruise and park for the duration for less than the cost of parking at the pier with the risk of overspray. Princess Di has a new car and I looked into a car cover, for a cheap one it was $90. The shuttle back and forth is extra but still a good deal.

The Red Sox are swooning................:eek:

[DPNBP]

Remembering the Victims and their Family & Friends on the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack.
May God Bless Them All!

[beachbuddy]

Remembering the Victims and their Family & Friends on the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack.
May God Bless Them All!

Ditto............it's such a sad day. I'll never forget exactly where I was when that happened.........that's something you never forget.

Patty

[hac82]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/Screenshot2011-09-11at93626AM.png

I hope that you do not mind that I do not post a countdown picture for today. I will start again tomorrow. I am sitting here watching the coverage and I am remembering how I was at my desk on an assignment in Chatham, Ontario as all was unfolding back home. I was getting word from my Canadian co-workers and e-mails from home until I finally got the okay to call from the office back home to start understanding what had been happening.

I also remember that what seemed like an eternity, only three days later, I was driving across the border near Niagara Falls with three co-workers. I gave my passport to the customs officer and he gave it right back to me with only two words... "WELCOME HOME" and waved us through.

I WILL NEVER FORGET.

[bagsybarlow]

Hi Everyone.
Just to let you ball know we here in England are thinking of you all at this time and pray for healing of the scars or injuries of all the survivors.

Howard, I love your countdown pictures - very clever.

On Thursday the Queen Elizabeth visited Liverpool, leaving at 10pm to a firework display and entertainment on the quayside with the crowds who went to see her sail away singing The Leaving of Liverpool.
It was a very impressive sight and the atmosphere at night time from the Birkenhead side of the river was really good too. (This is were we were). Even the weather was kind as it was pleasantly warm and the wind had died down.

Today they have cancelled the Isle Of Mann. Ferry and the Irish Ferries are being evaluated regular because of the expected high winds from one your hurricanes in the Atlantic heading for the Irish Sea, they said we can expect wind of up to 80 miles an hour but now say it may not be quite as bad. I expect we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if they are right.

I hope all your flooding has started to subside So that you can all get cleaned up and dried out.
Take care everyone and stay safe.
Betty

[RodPat]

Howard, This is a day none of us will ever forget. Rod was working that day across the river from the towers. I called him after the first plane hit and told him to go outside and see. He saw the second plane go into the second tower. That day gave us all the resolve to fight against terrorism. I believe that what doesn't kill us gives us the strength to go on. Since that day, we fly our American flag every day only taking it down for a hurricane. We should all be proud to be Americans.

Pat

[Craftdee2]

It's a gray, quiet somber day here in NY. The sirens & church bells have rung in town.

May we remember always those who were lost.

May we count our blessings everyday for being able to travel and meet new people to share special times with. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Diane

[Craftdee2]

Patty - check the Bluebeards website. Looks like a nice trip. It's a private excursion, not through the cruise line.

[Craftdee2]

The website is Big Beards not Blue Beards for the St. Croix snorkel/beach trip. Sorry.

[hac82]

Why would the shops on St Croix be closed down on OUR THANKSGIVING:confused:
Because they are part of the United States. St Thomas, St John and St Croix are the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[2SeaWithMe]

God Bless America, everyone.


I remember I was in my office and my boss had returned from a conference in Vegas that morning. When the first plane hit my sales guys were getting phone calls from wives and friends and I was running around shooing everyone off the phone because I wanted my boss to return to a productive office, and I thought they were slacking.

I shut my office door and called my friend who works in the engineering side of the FAA and he told me it was a twin engine and to not worry.

It didn't really matter much after that...my boss came in and was telling stories when the second plane hit. We all sat around and listened to the radio and the phones weren't working all day. I drove home and my roommate was in front of the tv with a box of tissues and we just held each other and cried.


My husband and I were also married today seven years ago. We wanted to make some good memories, and because in my mind, if I just bypassed the date for no other reason than "9/11" the terrorists win. I wanted love to win.

[2SeaWithMe]

Since that day, we fly our American flag every day only taking it down for a hurricane. We should all be proud to be Americans.

Pat

We fly our flag everyday as well. :)

[hac82]

God Bless America, everyone.


I remember I was in my office and my boss had returned from a conference in Vegas that morning. When the first plane hit my sales guys were getting phone calls from wives and friends and I was running around shooing everyone off the phone because I wanted my boss to return to a productive office, and I thought they were slacking.

I shut my office door and called my friend who works in the engineering side of the FAA and he told me it was a twin engine and to not worry.

It didn't really matter much after that...my boss came in and was telling stories when the second plane hit. We all sat around and listened to the radio and the phones weren't working all day. I drove home and my roommate was in front of the tv with a box of tissues and we just held each other and cried.


My husband and I were also married today seven years ago. We wanted to make some good memories, and because in my mind, if I just bypassed the date for no other reason than "9/11" the terrorists win. I wanted love to win.
What a wonderful thought for the day. Happy Anniversary.

[DPNBP]

Happy 7th Anniversary Summer & Andrew! What a nice gesture!
Dianne
God Bless America, everyone.


I remember I was in my office and my boss had returned from a conference in Vegas that morning. When the first plane hit my sales guys were getting phone calls from wives and friends and I was running around shooing everyone off the phone because I wanted my boss to return to a productive office, and I thought they were slacking.

I shut my office door and called my friend who works in the engineering side of the FAA and he told me it was a twin engine and to not worry.

It didn't really matter much after that...my boss came in and was telling stories when the second plane hit. We all sat around and listened to the radio and the phones weren't working all day. I drove home and my roommate was in front of the tv with a box of tissues and we just held each other and cried.


My husband and I were also married today seven years ago. We wanted to make some good memories, and because in my mind, if I just bypassed the date for no other reason than "9/11" the terrorists win. I wanted love to win.

[wolfie10]

This afternoon I watched the memorial ceremony on tv from the rememberacce garden outsid the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square London, it was very moving and brought back memories of that terrrible day 10 years ago. My DH and I were driving home and the radio was on in the car and I could not understand what they were talking about, first of all I thought it was something like when Orson Welles read the story of The War of the Worlds, then I thought it can't be that as we were on a radio news station and then it hit us it was actualy happening. Got home and put the TV on and just stood there with tears rolling down both our eyes we could not believe what was happening in front of us.
We have had acts of terrosim here in this country but nothing like that, but whatever they do they will NEVER WIN as goodness not evil always wins.
Our thoughts our with you.
Margaret

[DPNBP]

Nice Picture! And, as much as we enjoy the countdown, we feel it is appropriate to skip today's! Thanks for doing it!
Dianne
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/Screenshot2011-09-11at93626AM.png

I hope that you do not mind that I do not post a countdown picture for today. I will start again tomorrow. I am sitting here watching the coverage and I am remembering how I was at my desk on an assignment in Chatham, Ontario as all was unfolding back home. I was getting word from my Canadian co-workers and e-mails from home until I finally got the okay to call from the office back home to start understanding what had been happening.

I also remember that what seemed like an eternity, only three days later, I was driving across the border near Niagara Falls with three co-workers. I gave my passport to the customs officer and he gave it right back to me with only two words... "WELCOME HOME" and waved us through.

I WILL NEVER FORGET.

[wolfie10]

Those picture of the floods showed us what weather you have all had to put up with these last few weeks, I hope that all who were flooded are now dry and are starting to get back to normal.

Patty, do make time to go to see the Jersey Boys if you can. We saw it last year in London and it must be one of the best shows we have ever seen.

Been every so busy this last couple of weeks making Jam and preserving etc. our plum tree had so many plums they were growing like bunches of grapes, all our neighbours have been helping themselves and still had lots. Had a family get together last sunday of all my DH's relations sent them all off with plums and jars of Jam.

Been looking at X prices but they haven't reduced this side of the pond.

Margaret

[kimba1]

We will never forget 9/11. I remember as a kid my mom telling me how she will never forget where she was when Kennedy was shot and I never could really understand what she meant but now I know 10 years after 9/11. I was working at Roche a little west of NYC and I would drive to work overlooking the Manhattan skyline. We watched the towers fall from my office window. What a heart wrenching sight. Then our sorrow turned to fear when we got a call from security telling us the facility was being evacuated due to the large tower we had, our proximity to NYC and all of the unaccounted for aircraft. We rushed home and were told by the school system all children needed to be picked up at the school. We lost several parents in our school system and they were concerned with children getting off the bus and going to an empty home.

We had a beautiful church service this morning honoring all the local firefighters, EMTs and police. There wasn't a dry eye in the church as we reflected on the events. Our contemporary band played Springsteen's sond The Rising. We all realized how blessed we are despite all the devastating flooding in our area. 10 years after 9/11 we see the community coming together again o help each other with flooding. God is good!

Happy Anniversary Summer - it takes lots of courage and is a fantastic idea to turn this day into something happy. My BIL turns 50 today and no one will ever forget his 40th birthday.

[kimba1]

Thanks for all the advice on the shirts. I thought they print shirts on demand so I will wait a few days and see if the colors we want come back in stock. Otherwise we will go with gray or white. I am getting a sweatshirt for sail away cause I'm always cold on the deck but Alex is planning to put one of his Under Armour turtlenecks under a t-shirt. That should be warm enough.

Patty - definitely go o Jersey Boys. We stayed in a great little hotel in the theater district for pretty cheap (about $100). Alex has gotten very good on Hotwire. We got the Millenium in Times Square for less then $100. Call us if you want help finding something. You're not really turning 60. That's just a number - you'll always be 29 to me!

Not sure what we are doing but guess we need to decide soon. Patty or Dee - now that we made final payment I assume our TA will send ocs? We usually book online with RCCL so not sure what to expect from TA.

[beachbuddy]

Why would the shops on St Croix be closed down on OUR THANKSGIVING:confused:

Linda,

They Celebrate Thanksgiving too.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Thanks for all the advice on the shirts. I thought they print shirts on demand so I will wait a few days and see if the colors we want come back in stock. Otherwise we will go with gray or white. I am getting a sweatshirt for sail away cause I'm always cold on the deck but Alex is planning to put one of his Under Armour turtlenecks under a t-shirt. That should be warm enough.

Patty - definitely go o Jersey Boys. We stayed in a great little hotel in the theater district for pretty cheap (about $100). Alex has gotten very good on Hotwire. We got the Millenium in Times Square for less then $100. Call us if you want help finding something. You're not really turning 60. That's just a number - you'll always be 29 to me!

Not sure what we are doing but guess we need to decide soon. Patty or Dee - now that we made final payment I assume our TA will send ocs? We usually book online with RCCL so not sure what to expect from TA.

Kim,

I've booked with a TA in the past and I didn't get docs........I just had to fill out and print the set sail pass or whatever they call it and take that to the ship with us. Of course that was with RCCL cruises but I'd imagine it's the same with Celebrity. RCCL did mail us luggage tags but I don't know how Celebrity handles it. Even when I booked with RCCL, they stoped mailing out docs......I think you could have still gotten them but they charged you for them.

Pat..........can you let us know if Celebrity mails out luggage tags like RCCL does.

Kim, about the shirts......one night I was fooling around on that site and clicking on different colors to see how the logo looked on different colors and it told me the Yellow was out of stock but I know I read somewhere on here that someone just ordered a yellow. I would think that they would put the logo on as they are ordered so I don't understand why they'd be out of stock - wait a while and I bet they'll get the color back in that you want.

Patty

[hac82]

Nice Picture! And, as much as we enjoy the countdown, we feel it is appropriate to skip today's! Thanks for doing it!
Dianne
I cannot take credit for that one. It was something I found on the internet.

[beachbuddy]

Hi Everyone.
Just to let you ball know we here in England are thinking of you all at this time and pray for healing of the scars or injuries of all the survivors.

Howard, I love your countdown pictures - very clever.

On Thursday the Queen Elizabeth visited Liverpool, leaving at 10pm to a firework display and entertainment on the quayside with the crowds who went to see her sail away singing The Leaving of Liverpool.
It was a very impressive sight and the atmosphere at night time from the Birkenhead side of the river was really good too. (This is were we were). Even the weather was kind as it was pleasantly warm and the wind had died down.

Today they have cancelled the Isle Of Mann. Ferry and the Irish Ferries are being evaluated regular because of the expected high winds from one your hurricanes in the Atlantic heading for the Irish Sea, they said we can expect wind of up to 80 miles an hour but now say it may not be quite as bad. I expect we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if they are right.

I hope all your flooding has started to subside So that you can all get cleaned up and dried out.
Take care everyone and stay safe.
Betty

Hi Betty,

Thank you for thinking of all of us - I hope your doing well.

I also hope that the winds that are coming your way won't be as bad as they predict and hope they cause you no damage.

Take Care,
Patty

[beachbuddy]

The website is Big Beards not Blue Beards for the St. Croix snorkel/beach trip. Sorry.

Thanks Dianne,

I'll check out their website.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

God Bless America, everyone.


I remember I was in my office and my boss had returned from a conference in Vegas that morning. When the first plane hit my sales guys were getting phone calls from wives and friends and I was running around shooing everyone off the phone because I wanted my boss to return to a productive office, and I thought they were slacking.

I shut my office door and called my friend who works in the engineering side of the FAA and he told me it was a twin engine and to not worry.

It didn't really matter much after that...my boss came in and was telling stories when the second plane hit. We all sat around and listened to the radio and the phones weren't working all day. I drove home and my roommate was in front of the tv with a box of tissues and we just held each other and cried.


My husband and I were also married today seven years ago. We wanted to make some good memories, and because in my mind, if I just bypassed the date for no other reason than "9/11" the terrorists win. I wanted love to win.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

Patty

[beachbuddy]

We will never forget 9/11. I remember as a kid my mom telling me how she will never forget where she was when Kennedy was shot and I never could really understand what she meant but now I know 10 years after 9/11. I was working at Roche a little west of NYC and I would drive to work overlooking the Manhattan skyline. We watched the towers fall from my office window. What a heart wrenching sight. Then our sorrow turned to fear when we got a call from security telling us the facility was being evacuated due to the large tower we had, our proximity to NYC and all of the unaccounted for aircraft. We rushed home and were told by the school system all children needed to be picked up at the school. We lost several parents in our school system and they were concerned with children getting off the bus and going to an empty home.

We had a beautiful church service this morning honoring all the local firefighters, EMTs and police. There wasn't a dry eye in the church as we reflected on the events. Our contemporary band played Springsteen's sond The Rising. We all realized how blessed we are despite all the devastating flooding in our area. 10 years after 9/11 we see the community coming together again o help each other with flooding. God is good!

Happy Anniversary Summer - it takes lots of courage and is a fantastic idea to turn this day into something happy. My BIL turns 50 today and no one will ever forget his 40th birthday.

Kim,

I remember where I was when Kennedy was shot too!

It's funny but today is 10 years since we bought our Park Model. I would never have remembered that date if not for Sept 11th. When our microwave broke and the GE man asked when we moved in so he could check the 10 year warranty on parts, I answered right away and said we bought it on Sept 11, 2001. I remember Tony calling me at work as we were supposed to close on it that afternoon, but he said he was picking me up right then because the office was closing and they wanted us there now. I was very leary about buying anything at that point but we did and we've enjoyed it for 10 years. I was in a meeting when the first plane struck and someone knocked and opened the door to tell us about it. At that point, we all thought it was an accident until we got a 2nd knock at the door and someone said another plane just struck and we all knew at that point how bad it was. None of us could even talk, we just looked at each other and pretty much ended the meeting and ran back to our offices in search of a TV.

Patty

[RodPat]

Patty, Celebrity mails you luggage tags but you have to request them. There will be a box you have to check when you fill out your set sail pass. The box probably isn't there yet. I know you have to request them before two weeks before sail date. I haven't done anything yet but I will get to it this week.

Pat

[RodPat]

God Bless America, everyone.


I remember I was in my office and my boss had returned from a conference in Vegas that morning. When the first plane hit my sales guys were getting phone calls from wives and friends and I was running around shooing everyone off the phone because I wanted my boss to return to a productive office, and I thought they were slacking.

I shut my office door and called my friend who works in the engineering side of the FAA and he told me it was a twin engine and to not worry.

It didn't really matter much after that...my boss came in and was telling stories when the second plane hit. We all sat around and listened to the radio and the phones weren't working all day. I drove home and my roommate was in front of the tv with a box of tissues and we just held each other and cried.


My husband and I were also married today seven years ago. We wanted to make some good memories, and because in my mind, if I just bypassed the date for no other reason than "9/11" the terrorists win. I wanted love to win.

Summer, That is such a sweet story. Happy Anniversary.

Pat

[beachbuddy]

Patty, Celebrity mails you luggage tags but you have to request them. There will be a box you have to check when you fill out your set sail pass. The box probably isn't there yet. I know you have to request them before two weeks before sail date. I haven't done anything yet but I will get to it this week.

Pat

Pat, thanks for the quick reply. That's the same way RCCL does it.......I must have requested them when I did the set sail pass.

Patty

[Slessenb]

Like all of you I will never forget where I was on September 11 2001- in Washington, DC just 2 miles from the Capitol and one of my staff members was in a hotel near the Pentagon. DC was packed as Congress was in session after the break and lots of conventions going on. I was there working with my staff - team- on the XM Satelite Radio project which was about to go on air that week.

DC went from a busy, lots of noise, planes, to deadly quiet. I will never forgot like all of you!! Being in a hotel and not being able to get a flight was so strange. I went to Richmond toward the end of the week when I could get a rental car and stayed with my cousins- finally got a flight home on Monday.

I have this beautiful angel pin that a lady who was with Bloomberg and had lost both family and friends in the Towers gave me on the 1st anniversary- I was in NYC that day. I wear that pin every September 11th and a couple days after. I was up at 1 am this morning working on a implementation with my staff and was panicked because I could not find my pin ( I wanted to put it on then!). It was not where I kept it- it really was just forgot that I changed boxes - because I wanted it in a sturdier box and do not want to damage the pin in anyway. It was a gift from the heart of someone who knew personal pain..

I thought of all of you NE friends today, too. Howard, your picture post said it all..

Sue

[atog254]

While driving to my audit assignment, I heard on the radio that a plane had hit one of the towers. At that time no details were given so I thought a small plane had somehow flew into the buildings.

When I arrived at the audit assignment, I told them what I had just heard. No one turned on a radio and I performed my audit of the company. Worked through lunch, so I did not hear anymore about the first plane, the 2nd plane, the towers falling. the plane flying into the Pentagon, or flight 93 in PA.

After completing the audit, and heading back to the office, I then heard the rest of the story! The State had shut down at 10:00 am, and was closed the following day. I was not contacted by the office!

I had performed a Fuel Tax audit in one of the towers years before but have no idea of the name of the company or people that I met during the assignment.

Once I got home, I watched TV all night and the next day. Having served in the military and thinking we were going to war, I kept thinking about my son (Draft). Like everyone, I was quite upset! Yesterday, I was glued to the TV watching all of the Memorials.

Living near Dover Air Force Base, the next few days were very quiet due to no fly orders. Yesterday, when I went outside I heard nothing and it was a little eerie for a few minutes until I heard something off in the distance.

I will forever "Remember 911" :mad:

Steve

[Imagolfnut]

Hello everyone - I was out all day yesterday but the memories of 9/11 have still not faded. At Mass our small choir sang "On Eagles Wings" and the third verse gave me goosebumps. It goes... "You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come."

As with the assination of President Kennedy - I know exactly what I was doing. I was working from home and had a small TV on next to the computer. When the first plane hit, I thought it was a horrible accident but actually seeing the second plane fly into the tower, I knew it was no accident. All the footage and TV coverage was hard to watch again but it does bring about a renewed patriotism and faith in our country. God bless this great land and all those who have given their lives for our freedom!

Summer - you made a sad date a happy and joyous event; congratulations on your anniversary!

Betty - I hope the storms are just gentle breezes when they reach your shores!

Boy, the time just seems to be flying now - maybe because I'm so busy the next two weeks! I will also check out "Big Beard" and see what kind of snorkeling trip they offer.

Have a great week everyone. Hope to check by in later tomorrow.
Marge

[firedog001]

Good morning everyone:
Just started to read all the comments about 911. How touching. Having married into a Firemen Family, yesterday was an emotional day. A local church celebrated a mass for all the surrounding Fireman, Policeman and Serviceman from multi communities. At the end of the service they gave all of them a St. Michaels medal to wear. It was touching. We also watched TV until we went to bed. It's a day no one can erase from their mind.

Positive notes:
Patty: You have to see Jersey Boys. we saw it in Pittsburgh and want to see it again when we go to Vegas in May.

Summer : what a wonderful way to celebrate the day. I so agree the terrorist did not win.

Myjillian: Only time in St. Croix, it was Thanksgiving Day, can you believe we do it again. Most of the stores were closed. They celebrate it.

Lynda

[bagsybarlow]

Well done in not letting the terrorists win- .congratulations to you both.

I remember where & what I was doing in 1963 I was getting ready for our wedding day the next day, making all the buttonholes for the guests. The 22nd was my 21st birthday so one way or another we can never forget.

Pattie the winds are nowhere near as bad as predicted, in fact I went to Costco wearing a cardigan because althouhg it was a bit wild the wind is very warm
The ferries to Belfast and the Isle Of Man have been cancelled again because of the high winds in the Irish Sea and flood warnings have been given for parts of Cumbria. They have suffered severe flooding several times in the past.

Margaret, I sent you a couple of emails but they are returned saying unable to deliver because you don't have an account. Maybe I have copied it down wrongly. Mine is bettysmith36athotmail.com
I have just bought some plums to make jam but I can't sit over it anymore so decided I will eat them instead. Yummy they are English Victoria, not as fresh as yours though. We used to have a neighbour with a couple of plum trees in her garden and when she found out I used to make jam for a charit fayre, she let me have as many as I wanted because the didn't like plums. They had them chopped down a couple of years ago.
Betty

[Greensgirl]

Just like the rest of the world, we had a very difficult time on Sept. 11 2001. We watched on TV as the plane hit the second tower and frantically began trying to reach our daughter and son in-law who move to NY that June. As it turned out our son in-law was home and stood on the stoop of their apartment taking photos of the falling towers. Our daughter was teaching a class and not at her desk looking into Lower Manhattan and missed the terror that could have played out before her eyes. Our story of that day turned out much better than so many, but those first few hours of not knowing were aweful. Little did we know that that day would lead to an even harder time for us...our son being in Iraq. I don't know that those days are anything that I can even describe. Like the days following 911 much of that time is now a fog. What I can tell you is that each time we had an email or heard his voice on the phone it was like winning the lottery!!! We were blessed to have him return safe and well. (He has returned to the Middle East several times with the AF as well as a civilian) I pray everyday for the safe return of all our troops and hope no one else in my family will have to go into a war zone but I am honored and humbled to have a son that did.

Yes 9/11/01 changed our world as we knew it forever. I pray that we never forget the sacrifices that so many have made for our country and our freedoms. If you see a person in uniform, thank him/her for their service and if the oportunity is right, offer to buy them a beer...you will feel wonderful for weeks!!! ;)

Summer and Andrew, Congratulations...how wonderful for you to make it a beutiful day!! Hope your 7th anniversary was perfect!!

Look forward to each countdown day!!

[Greensgirl]

Well done in not letting the terrorists win- .congratulations to you both.

I remember where & what I was doing in 1963 I was getting ready for our wedding day the next day, making all the buttonholes for the guests. The 22nd was my 21st birthday so one way or another we can never forget.

Pattie the winds are nowhere near as bad as predicted, in fact I went to Costco wearing a cardigan because althouhg it was a bit wild the wind is very warm
The ferries to Belfast and the Isle Of Man have been cancelled again because of the high winds in the Irish Sea and flood warnings have been given for parts of Cumbria. They have suffered severe flooding several times in the past.




Margaret, I sent you a couple of emails but they are returned saying unable to deliver because you don't have an account. Maybe I have copied it down wrongly. Mine is bettysmith36athotmail.com
I have just bought some plums to make jam but I can't sit over it anymore so decided I will eat them instead. Yummy they are English Victoria, not as fresh as yours though. We used to have a neighbour with a couple of plum trees in her garden and when she found out I used to make jam for a charit fayre, she let me have as many as I wanted because the didn't like plums. They had them chopped down a couple of years ago.
Betty


Betty,
Are you saying your birthday is Nov. 22 the day we are in San Juan? Mine is the 21st, our day in Labadee...maybe we can get together sometime that week for a drink?:)

[hac82]

Just like the rest of the world, we had a very difficult time on Sept. 11 2001. We watched on TV as the plane hit the second tower and frantically began trying to reach our daughter and son in-law who move to NY that June. As it turned out our son in-law was home and stood on the stoop of their apartment taking photos of the falling towers. Our daughter was teaching a class and not at her desk looking into Lower Manhattan and missed the terror that could have played out before her eyes. Our story of that day turned out much better than so many, but those first few hours of not knowing were aweful. Little did we know that that day would lead to an even harder time for us...our son being in Iraq. I don't know that those days are anything that I can even describe. Like the days following 911 much of that time is now a fog. What I can tell you is that each time we had an email or heard his voice on the phone it was like winning the lottery!!! We were blessed to have him return safe and well. (He has returned to the Middle East several times with the AF as well as a civilian) I pray everyday for the safe return of all our troops and hope no one else in my family will have to go into a war zone but I am honored and humbled to have a son that did.

Yes 9/11/01 changed our world as we knew it forever. I pray that we never forget the sacrifices that so many have made for our country and our freedoms. If you see a person in uniform, thank him/her for their service and if the oportunity is right, offer to buy them a beer...you will feel wonderful for weeks!!! ;)

Summer and Andrew, Congratulations...how wonderful for you to make it a beutiful day!! Hope your 7th anniversary was perfect!!

Look forward to each countdown day!!
I agree with you with the prayers for a safe return for all of our troops. Please extend our thanks to your son for his service.

The countdown will be posted later tonight probably during Monday Night Football - Go Patriots.

[Greensgirl]

I agree with you with the prayers for a safe return for all of our troops. Please extend our thanks to your son for his service.

The countdown will be posted later tonight probably during Monday Night Football - Go Patriots.



Thanks Howard, I will be sure to pass that along! And I'll watch for your post!!
Go Broncs!

[myjillian]

Thank you to all who informed me about Thanksgiving and St. Croix. I guess I wasn't putting 2 & 2 together. We've been to all the other Islands several times and it was our first time on St. Croix and sort of the reason I booked this cruise. I should have known better...I also thought we were there on a Friday..so now you know how stressed I am...:o Thank you all again.

[beachlovergirl]

The countdown will be posted later tonight probably during Monday Night Football - Go Patriots.



Howard, I'm in a football pool and picked NE to win tonight......so I can't believe I'm saying this.....Go Patriots!! :D But at least the Eagles won yesterday!

Dee

[hac82]

Howard, I'm in a football pool and picked NE to win tonight......so I can't believe I'm saying this.....Go Patriots!! :D But at least the Eagles won yesterday!

Dee
I just knew I would get one convert out there, even if it is for one game. :D

[pamkev]

Like everyone else I remember where I was 10 years ago yesterday. I was in school and one of the secretary came down and told us and I could not believe it we all went to the computer and could not believe the horror.

[beachlovergirl]

Like everyone else I remember where I was 10 years ago yesterday. I was in school and one of the secretary came down and told us and I could not believe it we all went to the computer and could not believe the horror.


I was home getting ready for a doctor's appointment when I saw the first plane hit on the TV......I called and cancelled my appointment after the second plane hit and sat watching the TV the rest of the day unable to believe the horrific things I was seeing.

When Kennedy was shot I remember I was in history class and the principal made an announcement over the loudspeaker......everyone in the class just started crying.

Dee

[Greensgirl]

Thank you to all who informed me about Thanksgiving and St. Croix. I guess I wasn't putting 2 & 2 together. We've been to all the other Islands several times and it was our first time on St. Croix and sort of the reason I booked this cruise. I should have known better...I also thought we were there on a Friday..so now you know how stressed I am...:o Thank you all again.


Linda, You might really enjoy St. Croix even though there won't be a lot going on. If nothing else just getting off the ship and strolling around. It's Thanksgiving in the Caribbean, I can't think of anything much better!! And my bet is it will be pretty stress free!;)

[firedog001]

Should anyone have to renew their passport, it really doesn't take 4 - 6 weeks. Ours were going to expire June 1, 2012. I didn't want to take any chances as they say you must have 6 months left on your passport to get into any country. So we sent our passports with renewal papers on Friday Sept 2nd, sent them regisitered mail. We got them today. Not even 2 weeks. Now we are good for another 10 years.

Becky: Friends of ours have a son in the Navy, he just came back from the MiddleEast. He is stationed in Norfolk. His mother has told everyone to do the same thing, acknowledge the soldiers with a "Thank you" when you see them. They need the encouragement. They protect our lives daily.

Enjoy the rest of the week.
Lynda

[RodPat]

Just found a link for St. Croix tourism. Maybe it has some good info.

http://www.villadawn.com/st_croix/info/generalinfo.htm

I will look for some others and post them also.

Pat

[RodPat]

Here is some more info.

http://stcroixguidebook.com/

www.visitusvi.com

Pat

[hac82]

Apparently, the people in Frederiksted got wind of the fact that San Juan got a message to us. I guess they did not want to be left out so they managed to get a message to us as well. They wanted to let us know that
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/67-1.jpg
days from now, we will be enjoying our first night at sea on the Silhouette. I think that is real nice of them....don't you?:p:D

[Craftdee2]

Trip Advisor has some good info for St. Croix.

Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel next to the cruise dock seems to have nice reviews for a beach day visit.
Also read about the Palms Hotel at Pelican Cove in Christiansted. Beautiful beach with great snorkeling.
I e-mailed them to see if they offer day passes. I'll let you know.

Diane

[RodPat]

Howard, You can root for the Patriots but in our family we are giant fans all the way down to my daughter's dog. Here he is looking a little sad after yesterdays defeat.


http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/49753/2035827320105526181S600x600Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2035827320105526181juHFcY)



Pat

[pamkev]

Should anyone have to renew their passport, it really doesn't take 4 - 6 weeks. Ours were going to expire June 1, 2012. I didn't want to take any chances as they say you must have 6 months left on your passport to get into any country. So we sent our passports with renewal papers on Friday Sept 2nd, sent them regisitered mail. We got them today. Not even 2 weeks. Now we are good for another 10 years.

Becky: Friends of ours have a son in the Navy, he just came back from the MiddleEast. He is stationed in Norfolk. His mother has told everyone to do the same thing, acknowledge the soldiers with a "Thank you" when you see them. They need the encouragement. They protect our lives daily.

Enjoy the rest of the week.
Lynda

That's good to know we sent ours out Friday as our expired March 2012 so I will be on the look out for them by the end of the month

[pamkev]

Howard, You can root for the Patriots but in our family we are giant fans all the way down to my daughter's dog. Here he is looking a little sad after yesterdays defeat.


http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/49753/2035827320105526181S600x600Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2035827320105526181juHFcY)



Pat


He is so cute

[RodPat]

Pam, our daughter rescued this dog from a shelter in Conn. He is five months old and so good. I would take a dog like him anytime. He is a cutie.

Pat

[Slessenb]

Howard

Watching Pats now from my Minneapolis hotel. Hope I can keep awake to watch the Broncos! Have to be up early for my meeting.

Loved the post! 67- wow exciting but means my project better be live and post implementation stable !!!!

[Slessenb]

Greensgirl

Please send a thank you to your son for serving from me and my hubby Jim. I know someone else posted too about their family and the same goes to them.

Jim served in Vietnam and he thought me to always be grateful to those who serve in our military. To be thankful that we can enjoy freedoms that I never have to think about bring there.

[beachbuddy]

Should anyone have to renew their passport, it really doesn't take 4 - 6 weeks. Ours were going to expire June 1, 2012. I didn't want to take any chances as they say you must have 6 months left on your passport to get into any country. So we sent our passports with renewal papers on Friday Sept 2nd, sent them regisitered mail. We got them today. Not even 2 weeks. Now we are good for another 10 years.

Becky: Friends of ours have a son in the Navy, he just came back from the MiddleEast. He is stationed in Norfolk. His mother has told everyone to do the same thing, acknowledge the soldiers with a "Thank you" when you see them. They need the encouragement. They protect our lives daily.

Enjoy the rest of the week.
Lynda

Lynda,
Our passports were expiring the end of October so I had to get them renewed too. Glad I didn't pay extra to expedite processing because we got them back in a few weeks as well. Why do they send the old ones back? I received the new ones and then a few days or a week later I received our old ones in the mail as well.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Howard,

Thanks for the countdown.....I think time will go fast now. This is always such a busy time of the year.

Pat, that dog is soooooo cute!!

Patty

[beachlovergirl]

Pat, he's a really cute dog.

Our passports don't expire until 2014, so that's one less thing we have to worry about right now.....

Dee

[emcee207]

Howard, You can root for the Patriots but in our family we are giant fans all the way down to my daughter's dog. Here he is looking a little sad after yesterdays defeat.


http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/49753/2035827320105526181S600x600Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2035827320105526181juHFcY)



Pat

Pat, cute dog, does have a resemblance to Eli Manning though...........;)

Pats win big, 511 passing yards from the greatest QB in the NFL!!!

That should stir the pot a bit!!:D

[pamkev]

Pam, our daughter rescued this dog from a shelter in Conn. He is five months old and so good. I would take a dog like him anytime. He is a cutie.

Pat

We are looking at getting another as Dudley loves to play 24/7. He is a good dog also but if he could play all day I will remind you what you said when Rod says he wants one:D

[hac82]

Pat, cute dog, does have a resemblance to Eli Manning though...........;)

Pats win big, 511 passing yards from the greatest QB in the NFL!!!

That should stir the pot a bit!!:D
Not from me it wont.:D

[firedog001]

Lynda,
Our passports were expiring the end of October so I had to get them renewed too. Glad I didn't pay extra to expedite processing because we got them back in a few weeks as well. Why do they send the old ones back? I received the new ones and then a few days or a week later I received our old ones in the mail as well.

Patty

So i should be expecting to receive them back! Marty asked me last night what they do with the old ones, said they must destroy them. Will watch for the old ones now.


Lynda

[RodPat]

So i should be expecting to receive them back! Marty asked me last night what they do with the old ones, said they must destroy them. Will watch for the old ones now.


Lynda

Lynda, They punch holes in the old ones when they send them back to you.

Pat

[RodPat]

Pat, cute dog, does have a resemblance to Eli Manning though...........;)

Pats win big, 511 passing yards from the greatest QB in the NFL!!!

That should stir the pot a bit!!:D

I am not surprised that Eli would look like this. Too many injuries this year on this team. You probably won't hear me yelling HOORAY too many times this year for my team.

Pat

[DPNBP]

Hello Summer, We made a reservation with the Spring Hill Suites. With shuttle & tips it still comes out cheaper than parking at the pier and we get breakfast, too!;) Also, since it's a work day we don't have to deal with the traffic from our house and husband cusing a storm while driving and we'll be a lot less stressed on our first day on board. How can we join the rest of you for the shuttle to & from the pier?
Dianne

Steve, I guess you can add that information to your spread sheet.

I'm not Luigi but, I'll answer! :) if you stay at one of several hotels listed on trinityreservations.com, I think it's between $150 to $190? for the room and the parking for 2 weeks. It's cheaper than the pier AND there's no overspray risks from port parking.

There are several of us getting a shuttle together from the SpringHill.

[hac82]

Hello Summer, We made a reservation with the Spring Hill Suites. With shuttle & tips it still comes out cheaper than parking at the pier and we get breakfast, too!;) Also, since it's a work day we don't have to deal with the traffic from our house and husband cusing a storm while driving and we'll be a lot less stressed on our first day on board. How can we join the rest of you for the shuttle to & from the pier?
Dianne

Steve, I guess you can add that information to your spread sheet.
Do we have an idea on how many people are staying at the Springhill? Do we need to see about doing something as a group dinner as well on the 17th? There have been some ideas tossed around but I do not think there was anything definite.

[atog254]

Howard if you check the most recent Roll Call update, those that have provided details of hotels are listed.

Steve

[2SeaWithMe]

Hello Summer, We made a reservation with the Spring Hill Suites. With shuttle & tips it still comes out cheaper than parking at the pier and we get breakfast, too!;) Also, since it's a work day we don't have to deal with the traffic from our house and husband cusing a storm while driving and we'll be a lot less stressed on our first day on board. How can we join the rest of you for the shuttle to & from the pier?
Dianne

Steve, I guess you can add that information to your spread sheet.

My email is sommrluv AT verizon Dot net

:) :)

There is a suite guarantee available. for $2800 pp if anyone is interested.

[Imagolfnut]

Out all day again today!! Had a golf tournament... played lousy but the weather was fantastic and the company great!! Had a good luncheon afterwards and won a beautiful mum plant in the raffle! Now I just need some rest!!! :eek:
Marge

[myjillian]

Linda, You might really enjoy St. Croix even though there won't be a lot going on. If nothing else just getting off the ship and strolling around. It's Thanksgiving in the Caribbean, I can't think of anything much better!! And my bet is it will be pretty stress free!;)
Thank you:)

[beachbuddy]

Lynda, They punch holes in the old ones when they send them back to you.

Pat

Pat,
I didn't notice any holes punched in ours........I did save them and put them with the new ones. If I weren't so tired I'd go get them out of the file now but I'm to tired. I will have to check them out to see if there's a hole in them.

Patty

[RodPat]

Patty, We renewed by mail in 2010 and they sent back the old ones with two holes in each. When I renewed before that time, they never sent the old ones back to us. I have had a passport since I was 20 years old, a long long time ago.:D

Pat

[hac82]

When we were in Antigua in 2007 on our last 12-nighter with most of you, we went on the Sting Ray excursion and we passed this cricket field twice and I never knew that the ground crew was so talented. I mean it is a beautiful stadium but they really went above and beyond by wanting to let us know that we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/66.jpg
days left until we sail.

[beachbuddy]

Lynda, They punch holes in the old ones when they send them back to you.

Pat

Pat,

Okay, I couldn't resist. I went and looked at the old passports and your absolutely right..........there's 2 holes punched on the first page. I never noticed it when I got them. Do I have to keep the old ones or can I cut them up and throw them out?

Patty

[RodPat]

Pat,

Okay, I couldn't resist. I went and looked at the old passports and your absolutely right..........there's 2 holes punched on the first page. I never noticed it when I got them. Do I have to keep the old ones or can I cut them up and throw them out?

Patty

Patty, I think you can cut them up and throw them out if you want. I like to look at the stamps from the countries I visited. Brings back memories.

Pat

[beachbuddy]

Patty, I think you can cut them up and throw them out if you want. I like to look at the stamps from the countries I visited. Brings back memories.

Pat

Heeheehee.........I don't have any stamps...........LOL

Patty

[corkey]

Heeheehee.........I don't have any stamps...........LOL

Patty


I've had a passport since I was 7 and boy! was I young!! ha!ha! I keep them cuz of the pics - scarey going from that age to centuries later! yikes! I wish when they stamped the pages, they would be neat about them and do the stamping in order, but no, they will turn to any page and any block and stamp... maybe I'll have to tell them to be neat and orderly next time... can I do that? Narce just tells me to be quiet each time - carol

[hac82]

Today, we are at Maho Beach in St Maarten. If you go there, you just never know what may be coming in just above your heads. It could be a small private jet, a large 747, or even a plane trailing a banner that indicates we are only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/65.jpg
days away from sailing

[2SeaWithMe]

I'm about to push send on a group email to those who have contacted me about the shuttle with all of our details. I would say if you haven't received it in a few minutes from now, please email me again just to make sure I have you on the list. :)

[2SeaWithMe]

WOW it is really close. I guess I better hit the clearance sales on bathing suits.


Howard, I love the countdowns!

[2SeaWithMe]

I have a dumb question about one of the ports.


It would help if I could remember which one...:)

I 'think' someone here mentioned that possibly St. Croix was pretty uphill from the dock. Unfortunately search still isn't working for me. Can someone tell me approximately how difficult an incline is it? I was hoping to get away without bringing a wheelchair or travel chair.

Thanks bunches!!

[2SeaWithMe]

Normally I can't keep up with everyone...I look bizarre with all these posts.


Guess who just changed their cabin assignment...again. :p

[hac82]

Normally I can't keep up with everyone...I look bizarre with all these posts.


Guess who just changed their cabin assignment...again. :p
Did you take that suite that was free the other day?

[firedog001]

Normally I can't keep up with everyone...I look bizarre with all these posts.


Guess who just changed their cabin assignment...again. :p

OK, where did you go now??

Lynda

[2SeaWithMe]

There was a free suite!!??

LOL

We upgraded to a suite guarantee. I know, I'm a room hopper. I'm just dying to know what we will be assigned. I couldn't pass up the price.

[hac82]

There was a free suite!!??

LOL

We upgraded to a suite guarantee. I know, I'm a room hopper. I'm just dying to know what we will be assigned. I couldn't pass up the price.
Well, you got me there :o it was the suite guarantee that I think was posted here a day or so ago.:D

[2SeaWithMe]

Oh that was me. And I got it ALOT cheaper than the price I thought was so great a few days ago. :)


Now the entire cruise is offline...and you know what that means....they are raising the prices and adding cabins back into the mix they had removed.

[hac82]

Oh that was me. And I got it ALOT cheaper than the price I thought was so great a few days ago. :)


Now the entire cruise is offline...and you know what that means....they are raising the prices and adding cabins back into the mix they had removed.
I guess that means we are nearly a full house on this one. Better price than what you posted before? How was it in comparison to the CC that you had originally? Your DW must be having a hard time keeping up with you and where you will be on the ship.

[2SeaWithMe]

I guess that means we are nearly a full house on this one. Better price than what you posted before? How was it in comparison to the CC that you had originally? Your DW must be having a hard time keeping up with you and where you will be on the ship.

Howard...


I'm the GIRL!! LOL :eek:

It was basically the same price that we originally booked AQ at. A little bit more than the 2K pp mark. There was a PA resident rate.

[hac82]

Howard...


I'm the GIRL!! LOL :eek:

It was basically the same price that we originally booked AQ at. A little bit more than the 2K pp mark. There was a PA resident rate.
That is how my day is going. You do know I meant DH, didn't you?:o:o:o:o:o

[Greensgirl]

Today, we are at Maho Beach in St Maarten. If you go there, you just never know what may be coming in just above your heads. It could be a small private jet, a large 747, or even a plane trailing a banner that indicates we are only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/65.jpg
days away from sailing



Love it!

[Greensgirl]

Do we have an idea on how many people are staying at the Springhill? Do we need to see about doing something as a group dinner as well on the 17th? There have been some ideas tossed around but I do not think there was anything definite.


Mike and I get into Newark around 5:00pm on the 17th...let us know if there is going to be some kind of a get together, maybe for drinks if nothing else?
Becky:)

[hac82]

Mike and I get into Newark around 5:00pm on the 17th...let us know if there is going to be some kind of a get together, maybe for drinks if nothing else?
Becky:)
I do not remember a bar in this hotel, but I know at one time there was some talk about going to a Brazilian restaurant that is close to the hotel for the Brazilian BBQ. If we did go as a group, I bet it would be a lot of fun.

[RodPat]

There was a free suite!!??

LOL

We upgraded to a suite guarantee. I know, I'm a room hopper. I'm just dying to know what we will be assigned. I couldn't pass up the price.

Summer there is something to be said about traveling by yourself. Most of us old regulars who are traveling together want to be in cabins next to each other or within a few cabin doors. Hope you get a good suite.

Pat

[corkey]

I'm about to push send on a group email to those who have contacted me about the shuttle with all of our details. I would say if you haven't received it in a few minutes from now, please email me again just to make sure I have you on the list. :)


got your email, thanx Summer - everything is correct - coming home, we are close to the 1pm flight - c an't email - I can FB and go on CC, but my comcASt won't open up for me -

carol

[pamkev]

Hope everyone is having a good day today and getting ready for this cruise:)

[RodPat]

Hope everyone is having a good day today and getting ready for this cruise:)

Pam, You know me. I always get ready the week before.:D Hope it stopped raining by you. Lord only knows we don't need anymore rain.

Pat

[emcee207]

We've made reservations for Spring Hill Suites and parking through Trinity Reservations. We'll be driving down from Boston on Thursday.

Howard, we love your countdowns but now you can't stop!!!

Red Sox are limping home.........Patriots look great but one game means nothing. So far, Ochocinco is Ochostinko!!!

[2SeaWithMe]

We've made reservations for Spring Hill Suites and parking through Trinity Reservations. We'll be driving down from Boston on Thursday.

Howard, we love your countdowns but now you can't stop!!!

Red Sox are limping home.........Patriots look great but one game means nothing. So far, Ochocinco is Ochostinko!!!

I just got your email and ....ooops, I knew I was forgetting someone. I'm so sorry, forgive me? :o

You are honestly and truly set for the shuttle. I'll send you an email in a little bit.

[Imagolfnut]

Hi everyone - boy, it seems like September is just flying by. Only 63 days to go now - am really getting excited. I have just 6 months (from the day we sail) left on my passport so hope it will be OK. I wasn't planning to renew it until January but may take a run to the local post office and see if it can be done now and quickly!! I'm thinking that since we're going to US territories, it should be just fine. Any thoughts??

Marge

[firedog001]

Hi everyone - boy, it seems like September is just flying by. Only 63 days to go now - am really getting excited. I have just 6 months (from the day we sail) left on my passport so hope it will be OK. I wasn't planning to renew it until January but may take a run to the local post office and see if it can be done now and quickly!! I'm thinking that since we're going to US territories, it should be just fine. Any thoughts??

Marge

Marge Go on their website. They explain the 6 month issue. Our date was June 2nd to expire, which Dec 2nd was 6 months left. I was going to let it go, but then i figured it wasn't worth it. I do believe the islands we are going to we would be fine, but i am one that doesn't take chances.

Lynda

[hac82]

Hi everyone - boy, it seems like September is just flying by. Only 63 days to go now - am really getting excited. I have just 6 months (from the day we sail) left on my passport so hope it will be OK. I wasn't planning to renew it until January but may take a run to the local post office and see if it can be done now and quickly!! I'm thinking that since we're going to US territories, it should be just fine. Any thoughts??

Marge
Oh Oh we seem to have a countdown conflict. Some countdown clocks count only to midnight of the day you are leaving and that has skewed the days by one. I would love it to be here in 63 days, but I know that in 63 days we are driving to NJ. According to the "widget" that is running on my machine and the image that I see in this picture of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Megan's Bay, we seem to have
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/64.jpg
days to go for the actual sailing.

[hac82]

We've made reservations for Spring Hill Suites and parking through Trinity Reservations. We'll be driving down from Boston on Thursday.

Howard, we love your countdowns but now you can't stop!!!

Red Sox are limping home.........Patriots look great but one game means nothing. So far, Ochocinco is Ochostinko!!!
We will be looking for you at the hotel unless we can meet earlier up our way.

I will do my best to keep this up. I usually only do a 40 day countdown.

As for our teams, praying helps for the Sox:D and let's do a Belichik and say "one game at a time" for them and the Pat's. I have no comments on 85 yet as I was concerned about getting him anyways.

[Greensgirl]

We will be looking for you at the hotel unless we can meet earlier up our way.

I will do my best to keep this up. I usually only do a 40 day countdown.

As for our teams, praying helps for the Sox:D and let's do a Belichik and say "one game at a time" for them and the Pat's. I have no comments on 85 yet as I was concerned about getting him anyways.



Please keep the countdown going...I look forward to it and send the photo on to Mike, he doesn't check the thread much!:D

[Craftdee2]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane

[hac82]

Please keep the countdown going...I look forward to it and send the photo on to Mike, he doesn't check the thread much!:D
Sending just the photo as an attachment to an e-mail does not have the same impact. I tried that once before. My mail does not allow me to imbed the photo like I can do on the thread post. Could you open the thread every night to show him?

[beachlovergirl]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane



Diane,

I love Andrea Bocelli.....hope you're not rained out tonight. Enjoy your concert !! :)

Dee

[hac82]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane
The Sandcastle looks like a nice take. I might just consider it myself. Is the lunch also included in the reservation or is it extra (just need to know what to take with me if we do it). Also, do we need to grab a taxi from the pier and how much is that or do they run a shuttle?

[Greensgirl]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane

Diane,

I'll be praying for wonderful weather for what sounds to be a beautiful and special evening!
I'm heading to NYC on Sunday...usually come in this time of year for The Race for the Cure and Fashion Week but not this year. Just coming to spend a few days with my daughter and grandson while dad is away! Hope the weather is nice while I am there...looking forward to some outside time with him...he is 18 months old and loves park/playground time.
Your St Croix choice sounds nice, we may do the same.

Becky

[Greensgirl]

Sending just the photo as an attachment to an e-mail does not have the same impact. I tried that once before. My mail does not allow me to imbed the photo like I can do on the thread post. Could you open the thread every night to show him?


You are right it isn't the same...I'll see if I can get him to pull them up on the thread each evening!! Thanks and keep 'em comin'!:)

[bagsybarlow]

Hi everyone.
Today we had the Queen Mary arrive in Liverpool. This marked the end of the River Festival, a week of all types of activities on the river.
When she leaves later (about 10pm) there will be a firework display.
We didn't go to see her as we went last week to see the Queen Elizabeth leave. They reckon there was over 5000 people on the Liverpool side to welcome her. I have been watching on the webcam and will watch her leave on the webcam.

Greensgirl I really would love to meet up for a drink to celebrate our birthdays but sadly we had to cancel our cruise on the advice of my doctor. However I will raise a glass to you on the 21st even though I will most likely be crying into my drink. Just make sure you have a wonderful cruise. Your fellow cruisers all seem set to make sure it is.
I really wish we could be joining the fun.
I will try watching the webcam so I may see you all.

Take care and stay safe & well.
Betty

[emcee207]

Summer, no problem forgetting me, Margo does it all the time!:rolleyes:

Howard, Margo and I will be showing up at your house on Halloween dressed as a Buccaneer and his Wench, ARRRRGHHHHH! I'm not going to say which I am going to be, you will have to guess.:D

Can I get a turkey sandwich for lunch at Sandcastle???

I heard Rainbow Beach is also nice and close if anyone wants to be a contrarian.

If the Sox lose tonight it is curtains!!!

[pamkev]

Hi everyone - boy, it seems like September is just flying by. Only 63 days to go now - am really getting excited. I have just 6 months (from the day we sail) left on my passport so hope it will be OK. I wasn't planning to renew it until January but may take a run to the local post office and see if it can be done now and quickly!! I'm thinking that since we're going to US territories, it should be just fine. Any thoughts??

Marge
I sent our passport on on Sept 9 just got a notice we will have them back by Sept 20th. So if you do it soon you should have them back in plenty of time Our passport expired March 13 so that is why we did it.

Pam

[beachbuddy]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane

Dee,

I hope the concert was on. Can't wait to hear all about it. Sounds like it's going to be an amazing concert. Enjoy!

Patty

[RodPat]

Howard those countdowns make my day! Thanks!

Supposed to be going to see Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park tonight. It's raining here about 75 miles north and may or may not stop later. Rain date is tomorrow so why don't they just cancel now. I know what will happen...as soon as we get on the train it gets canceled. Story of my life. Tony Bennett & Celine Dione are performing too with Bocelli.

St. Croix- leaning towards Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel day pass. Easy, close, low key, nice way to spend Thanksgiving & I don't have to cook! Yay!

Diane

Saw some of the concert on the news tonight. Looked like a really good time. Hope you dressed warm and brought an umbrella. Saw lots of unbrellas in the audience. Sounded wonderful. Please tell all about it.

Pat

[beachbuddy]

Diane,

I'll be praying for wonderful weather for what sounds to be a beautiful and special evening!
I'm heading to NYC on Sunday...usually come in this time of year for The Race for the Cure and Fashion Week but not this year. Just coming to spend a few days with my daughter and grandson while dad is away! Hope the weather is nice while I am there...looking forward to some outside time with him...he is 18 months old and loves park/playground time.
Your St Croix choice sounds nice, we may do the same.

Becky

Becky,

We're headed to NYC on Saturday for a wedding. Ceremony is at a University and reception is at some hotel (can't remember the name of it right now) but it's on Park Avenue. It's my cousin's son that is getting married and my cousin rented a bus for all her family so that we don't have to worry about driving and parking in the city. I love NY!!!!

Patty

[pamkev]

Just back from a nice crisp morning walk with Dudley and fall has arrived which only means one thing the cruise is almost hear! Yippee:)

[pamkev]

I also can't wait to hear about the concert it must have been great


Patty,
Sounds like a great wedding can't wait to hear all the details and the best park no driving in the city which I just hate also

[hac82]

Just back from a nice crisp morning walk with Dudley and fall has arrived which only means one thing the cruise is almost hear! Yippee:)
Yes it is. In fact today we start a tour of the Silhouette and our first stop is the card room on Deck 9. It appears that there is a message waiting for us on the ship's communication screen in the lounge. It seems that it is telling us we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/63.jpg
days left until we sail.

That means that we have exactly http://toons.artie.com/alphabet/numbers/arg-9-50-trans.gif weeks left.

[DPNBP]

Howard, you're very creative! We are enjoying the coundown's you're posting! Keep up the Great Job!
Thanks,
Dianne
Yes it is. In fact today we start a tour of the Silhouette and our first stop is the card room on Deck 9. It appears that there is a message waiting for us on the ship's communication screen in the lounge. It seems that it is telling us we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/63.jpg
days left until we sail.

That means that we have exactly http://toons.artie.com/alphabet/numbers/arg-9-50-trans.gif weeks left.

[beachbuzzard]

I will do my best to keep this up. I usually only do a 40 day countdown.



Let me know if you need a pinch-hitter. I've done it before but stepped aside since you started it up and have done it more often than me. Maybe a combined effort will make it easier to get to zero.

Alex

[hac82]

Let me know if you need a pinch-hitter. I've done it before but stepped aside since you started it up and have done it more often than me. Maybe a combined effort will make it easier to get to zero.

Alex
Thank you for the offer... If I do need the help, I will ask. What I do know is that it gives me a chance to do something at night to break me away from the stresses of the day.

[caribbean1004]

FYI - there are some really cheap Guarantee staterooms available.
Interior - $1,079
Ocean - $1,199

We're in Concierge class and considered moving to one of these because of the really great prices. Not sure how downgrading works after final payment - if you're allowed to get OBC or something for the difference. However we ultimately decided to stay in Concierge for the balcony, the extra credit (it pushes us over into Select), and the other added benefits. Anyway, thought it was a great deal and wanted to share :)

-Amy

[Greensgirl]

Betty, so sorry you won't be making the trip. I was looking forward to sharing our birthdays...Cheers to you and to improved health!

Diane, hope the rain didn't keep you from enjoying the concert. Please tell!

Patty, if I see a bus this weekend that looks like it is full of wedding folks I'll assume it's you :-) Have a wonderful time! I Love NY too!!

Only 9weeks!! Thanks Howard

[pamkev]

FYI - there are some really cheap Guarantee staterooms available.
Interior - $1,079
Ocean - $1,199

We're in Concierge class and considered moving to one of these because of the really great prices. Not sure how downgrading works after final payment - if you're allowed to get OBC or something for the difference. However we ultimately decided to stay in Concierge for the balcony, the extra credit (it pushes us over into Select), and the other added benefits. Anyway, thought it was a great deal and wanted to share :)

-Amy

Thanks for the info if I know of anyone looking for a great cruise will tell them

[2SeaWithMe]

They had some CC guar. for $1499 today as well. The lower balconies are still at the $1299 price point for PA

[beachlovergirl]

We also booked the Spring Hill Suites through trinityreservations and Summer has added us to the list for the shuttle.

Thank you Summer!!
:)
Dee

[beachbuddy]

Just back from a nice crisp morning walk with Dudley and fall has arrived which only means one thing the cruise is almost hear! Yippee:)

Pam,

I think Fall has arrived here too!

Patty

[Craftdee2]

Well we made it to NYC & back home. I'll share my night.
Took the train from Poughkeepsie 1 1/4 hr. ride then, 2 subways. Walked over to Central Park where the line was about 10 blocs long to enter. We sort of found an opening & joined the line. Then went through the first check point, show your ticket, when my son realized he had his girlfriends ticket. She is on her way from NJ. So we continue into the park on about a 3/4 mile walk. Checkpoint 2- empty all water bottles. Water is provided from fountains inside the venue. Keep on walking, check point 3- bag check. Keep on walking, Check point 4- tear off ticket. Once you're in you're in. DS decides to head back to park entrance to meet girlfriend. DH & I move on & in. Get to the lawn, spread out the plastic trash bags on the damp grass, then the mandatory size beach towel.
7:00 p.m. cue the music and the rain! And the wind and the cold! BUT Bocelli was amazing. Had some opera stars join him. 7:15 Finally DS & girlfriend find us. NY Philharmonic was glorious. 20 min. break Cue Celine Dion. Sang one song. Next up Tony Bennett who sings New York, New York with Bocelli. Perfect! We left to start our march back through the park and could hear Amazing Grace. Goose bump time. The buildings around the park were glowing & hearing that song this week was very meaningful to us. Rushed back taking 3 subways to Grand Central had 5 mins. to run to the train & made it!
The show will be on PBS on 12/2 so we'll really get to enjoy it. Totally exhausted today. Truly a night to remember!

Diane

[RodPat]

Well we made it to NYC & back home. I'll share my night.
Took the train from Poughkeepsie 1 1/4 hr. ride then, 2 subways. Walked over to Central Park where the line was about 10 blocs long to enter. We sort of found an opening & joined the line. Then went through the first check point, show your ticket, when my son realized he had his girlfriends ticket. She is on her way from NJ. So we continue into the park on about a 3/4 mile walk. Checkpoint 2- empty all water bottles. Water is provided from fountains inside the venue. Keep on walking, check point 3- bag check. Keep on walking, Check point 4- tear off ticket. Once you're in you're in. DS decides to head back to park entrance to meet girlfriend. DH & I move on & in. Get to the lawn, spread out the plastic trash bags on the damp grass, then the mandatory size beach towel.
7:00 p.m. cue the music and the rain! And the wind and the cold! BUT Bocelli was amazing. Had some opera stars join him. 7:15 Finally DS & girlfriend find us. NY Philharmonic was glorious. 20 min. break Cue Celine Dion. Sang one song. Next up Tony Bennett who sings New York, New York with Bocelli. Perfect! We left to start our march back through the park and could hear Amazing Grace. Goose bump time. The buildings around the park were glowing & hearing that song this week was very meaningful to us. Rushed back taking 3 subways to Grand Central had 5 mins. to run to the train & made it!
The show will be on PBS on 12/2 so we'll really get to enjoy it. Totally exhausted today. Truly a night to remember!

Diane

Diane, Sounds like a wonderful night to always remember. What little I saw on the news made me sorry we were not there. Will look for the show on PBS. Glad you had a great time.

Pat

[Craftdee2]

Here's some comments from the St. Croix boardabout the hotel:

Snorkeling:
"I took mine and was glad I did. When you step off the deck at Sandcastle, if you walk down the beach to your right (facing the water) you'll find some coral formations about 6-8' from shore - easy walk-out snorkeling! Not the most fish I've ever seen, but worth doing. I didn't walk it, but I heard that a little further down - in front of an old house, was the best snorkeling. I was so lulled by the beauty of the place, the delicious restaurant food, the cool little pool and inviting hammocks that I didn't have the energy to go that far. This is a great place to start or finish a cruise!! I would go back again and again. Also, special bennie - I sat in the edge of the water and collected an entire cup of sea glass."

Sounds like a 20 minute walk or $6 pp rdtrp. shuttle ride from the pier

check out sandcastleonthebeachdotcom/CruisePassengerBeachDayPassdotcfm

Reservations are suggested.

[beachbuddy]

Here's some comments from the St. Croix boardabout the hotel:

Snorkeling:
"I took mine and was glad I did. When you step off the deck at Sandcastle, if you walk down the beach to your right (facing the water) you'll find some coral formations about 6-8' from shore - easy walk-out snorkeling! Not the most fish I've ever seen, but worth doing. I didn't walk it, but I heard that a little further down - in front of an old house, was the best snorkeling. I was so lulled by the beauty of the place, the delicious restaurant food, the cool little pool and inviting hammocks that I didn't have the energy to go that far. This is a great place to start or finish a cruise!! I would go back again and again. Also, special bennie - I sat in the edge of the water and collected an entire cup of sea glass."

Sounds like a 20 minute walk or $6 pp rdtrp. shuttle ride from the pier

check out sandcastleonthebeachdotcom/CruisePassengerBeachDayPassdotcfm

Reservations are suggested.

Diane,

Sorry it rained but sounds like you guys enjoyed the concert regardless. Thanks for letting us know it'll be aired 12/2. I hope I can remember when it's on........can you post to remind us all.........LOL I sure would love to see it.

I just went to the Sand Castles website and it looks like the Beach Cafe is only open a few days and not on Thursdays which is the day we'll be there. Just wondering if anything is open that Thursday. I was going to email them and ask but looks like their having some problems with email right now. When I clicked on the lunch menu, that's where I saw it was only a couple days a week which I thought was kind of odd. The price to use their facility is very reasonable.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Wow Howard!!! 63 days left!! YAY!!!! :D
Patty

[hac82]

Diane,

Sorry it rained but sounds like you guys enjoyed the concert regardless. Thanks for letting us know it'll be aired 12/2. I hope I can remember when it's on........can you post to remind us all.........LOL I sure would love to see it.

I just went to the Sand Castles website and it looks like the Beach Cafe is only open a few days and not on Thursdays which is the day we'll be there. Just wondering if anything is open that Thursday. I was going to email them and ask but looks like their having some problems with email right now. When I clicked on the lunch menu, that's where I saw it was only a couple days a week which I thought was kind of odd. The price to use their facility is very reasonable.

Patty
I sent the hotel an e-mail tonight. It has not bounced back so hopefully it got there. I will see if they send any information back. If not I may try to call them as they have an 800 number.

[Slessenb]

Well we made it to NYC & back home. I'll share my night.
Took the train from Poughkeepsie 1 1/4 hr. ride then, 2 subways. Walked over to Central Park where the line was about 10 blocs long to enter. We sort of found an opening & joined the line. Then went through the first check point, show your ticket, when my son realized he had his girlfriends ticket. She is on her way from NJ. So we continue into the park on about a 3/4 mile walk. Checkpoint 2- empty all water bottles. Water is provided from fountains inside the venue. Keep on walking, check point 3- bag check. Keep on walking, Check point 4- tear off ticket. Once you're in you're in. DS decides to head back to park entrance to meet girlfriend. DH & I move on & in. Get to the lawn, spread out the plastic trash bags on the damp grass, then the mandatory size beach towel.
7:00 p.m. cue the music and the rain! And the wind and the cold! BUT Bocelli was amazing. Had some opera stars join him. 7:15 Finally DS & girlfriend find us. NY Philharmonic was glorious. 20 min. break Cue Celine Dion. Sang one song. Next up Tony Bennett who sings New York, New York with Bocelli. Perfect! We left to start our march back through the park and could hear Amazing Grace. Goose bump time. The buildings around the park were glowing & hearing that song this week was very meaningful to us. Rushed back taking 3 subways to Grand Central had 5 mins. to run to the train & made it!
The show will be on PBS on 12/2 so we'll really get to enjoy it. Totally exhausted today. Truly a night to remember!

Diane

Thanks for sharing- hving been to NYC a few times I could simply picture the entire scene. Made my day!!

[Slessenb]

Wow Howard!!! 63 days left!! YAY!!!! :D
Patty

I want it to be THREE DAYS! but terrifies me becaause of so much going on at work and work and work!!! Life fairly stressful now with the major project and trying to hire and train new people.

[pamkev]

Diane,
Sounds like a great night hope to watch the show if I can remember better jot it down now. It's tough getting old:D

Have a great weekend everyone:)

Pam

[emcee207]

Howard, only 100 posts (well now 99!) away from 5000. My votes on you.:D

[beachbuddy]

Howard, only 100 posts (well now 99!) away from 5000. My votes on you.:D

Luigi,

We'll see about that! The Race is On!!!! LOL;):D;)

Patty

[hac82]

Howard, only 100 posts (well now 99!) away from 5000. My votes on you.:D
I am not even trying. The only numbers I am interested in are the countdown numbers. LOL

[hac82]

Today, our stop is in the Hideaway. Looks like it is a nice quiet spot to get away from it all, but for me, the fact that I will just be on the Silhouette in
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/62.jpg
days is a get away for me. How about you?

[emcee207]

Now that I look at the posts, I'm shifting to Patty!!! I am humbled by over 11,000 to my measily 2400:D

Howard, what do u give out for Halloween candy? And do you do Unicef?:D

Go Sox and Pats;)

[beachbuddy]

Today, our stop is in the Hideaway. Looks like it is a nice quiet spot to get away from it all, but for me, the fact that I will just be on the Silhouette in
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/62.jpg
days is a get away for me. How about you?


Howard,

Let us know when you hear something from Sand Castle.

On another note...........for some reason I just can't imagine me sitting in one of those chairs but you know I'm going to have to try! LOL

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Now that I look at the posts, I'm shifting to Patty!!! I am humbled by over 11,000 to my measily 2400:D

Howard, what do u give out for Halloween candy? And do you do Unicef?:D

Go Sox and Pats;)

heeheehee............. are you and Margo trick or treating? :D

Patty

[emcee207]

Both! And if Howard gives our apples or those stale popcorn balls he will receive the wrath of Princess Di, AKA The Lovely Margo!:D

We'll be going as a Buccaneer and his Wench, guess which of us will be which?????;)

[kimba1]

Just caught up on a week's worth of posts. Been a busy week. Was at an off-site meeting in AC all week. Alex came down on Tuesday night and we hit Caesar's but otherwise was so busy just worked, worked, worked.

Diane - thanks for sharing you concert experience. Sounds amazing.

Alex and I went to the 9/11 memorial at WTC last night. It was absolutely breath taking and moving. The site is very serene and reverent. The mood is quite somber with people walking slowly and barely speaking - it's a striking contrast to the bustling streets outside the memorial and really forces you to reflect. It is heartbreaking to see the endless names. I said to Alex we only saw 1 small bird in the area which was a little bizarre as well. Almost like pigeons know not to step on the sacred ground. It was quite crowded but well organized and coordinated with tickets preventing too many people at a time in the memorial. Certainly something you should visit if you come to NYC.

[beachbuddy]

Both! And if Howard gives our apples or those stale popcorn balls he will receive the wrath of Princess Di, AKA The Lovely Margo!:D

We'll be going as a Buccaneer and his Wench, guess which of us will be which?????;)

Post pictures for us all to guess which is which! LOL

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Just caught up on a week's worth of posts. Been a busy week. Was at an off-site meeting in AC all week. Alex came down on Tuesday night and we hit Caesar's but otherwise was so busy just worked, worked, worked.

Diane - thanks for sharing you concert experience. Sounds amazing.

Alex and I went to the 9/11 memorial at WTC last night. It was absolutely breath taking and moving. The site is very serene and reverent. The mood is quite somber with people walking slowly and barely speaking - it's a striking contrast to the bustling streets outside the memorial and really forces you to reflect. It is heartbreaking to see the endless names. I said to Alex we only saw 1 small bird in the area which was a little bizarre as well. Almost like pigeons know not to step on the sacred ground. It was quite crowded but well organized and coordinated with tickets preventing too many people at a time in the memorial. Certainly something you should visit if you come to NYC.

Kim,

It's definitly on my list of things to do next time I'm in NYC. The pictures Alex posted on FB are great! Actually, I'll be there today but for the wedding and riding a private bus so can't do it today but sure will on my next visit.

Wedding is at Columbia University and reception at the W Hotel Union Square on Park Avenue. Looking forward to it. Guess I better go take my shower and get ready as we have to be at the bus by 12:30. A firehouse around here agreed to let us keep our cars there and that's where the bus will pick us up.
It will be nice to not have to worry about driving home tonight. Should be a fun bus ride with all the relatives...........LOL

Patty

Patty

[2SeaWithMe]

Is it me, or do those chairs in the hideaway look as if no person could look graceful getting out of them?

[Craftdee2]

Is it me, or do those chairs in the hideaway look as if no person could look graceful getting out of them?

They do look cozy, but I think once you're in, you're in.
Egg chair warning-Do not go alone, take a buddy with you.

[DPNBP]

I'll might get in, but getting out of it might be another story! :eek:
Dianne
...On another note...........for some reason I just can't imagine me sitting in one of those chairs but you know I'm going to have to try! LOL

Patty

[Greensgirl]

Just caught up on a week's worth of posts. Been a busy week. Was at an off-site meeting in AC all week. Alex came down on Tuesday night and we hit Caesar's but otherwise was so busy just worked, worked, worked.

Diane - thanks for sharing you concert experience. Sounds amazing.

Alex and I went to the 9/11 memorial at WTC last night. It was absolutely breath taking and moving. The site is very serene and reverent. The mood is quite somber with people walking slowly and barely speaking - it's a striking contrast to the bustling streets outside the memorial and really forces you to reflect. It is heartbreaking to see the endless names. I said to Alex we only saw 1 small bird in the area which was a little bizarre as well. Almost like pigeons know not to step on the sacred ground. It was quite crowded but well organized and coordinated with tickets preventing too many people at a time in the memorial. Certainly something you should visit if you come to NYC.

I am heading to NYC tomorrow but I don't think I will get to the memorial this visit. Our NYC kids have only visited once since that day and it was so very difficult for them. Mike and I plan to go when we are in the city when we return from the cruise. I for one have been impressed with what they are doing at the site. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[pamkev]

Just caught up on a week's worth of posts. Been a busy week. Was at an off-site meeting in AC all week. Alex came down on Tuesday night and we hit Caesar's but otherwise was so busy just worked, worked, worked.

Diane - thanks for sharing you concert experience. Sounds amazing.

Alex and I went to the 9/11 memorial at WTC last night. It was absolutely breath taking and moving. The site is very serene and reverent. The mood is quite somber with people walking slowly and barely speaking - it's a striking contrast to the bustling streets outside the memorial and really forces you to reflect. It is heartbreaking to see the endless names. I said to Alex we only saw 1 small bird in the area which was a little bizarre as well. Almost like pigeons know not to step on the sacred ground. It was quite crowded but well organized and coordinated with tickets preventing too many people at a time in the memorial. Certainly something you should visit if you come to NYC.

This sounds just like the Oklahoma memorial in Oklahoma City so quiet so moving with hustle and bustle of the city all around.

[kimba1]

I am heading to NYC tomorrow but I don't think I will get to the memorial this visit. Our NYC kids have only visited once since that day and it was so very difficult for them. Mike and I plan to go when we are in the city when we return from the cruise. I for one have been impressed with what they are doing at the site. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Keep in mind if you want to visit you need to get tickets on line in advance (at least for now not sure if it will change in the future). You need to identify each guest by name and you receive passes which are free for a specific appointment time. You que in a line for a check of your Identification and then go thru security like n airport. There are 3-4 checks as you enter.

[Slessenb]

This sounds just like the Oklahoma memorial in Oklahoma City so quiet so moving with hustle and bustle of the city all around.

I will never forget visiting that Oklahoma City memorial a few years ago on a warm October evening. Started in the day time and by the time we finished the evening had started and lights were on. Ther hushed quiet is unforgetable.

I was at the WTC in September 02 and march 03- never have had an opportunity to go back to NYC since then. I want to...and take hubby.

[RodPat]

Howard,

Let us know when you hear something from Sand Castle.

On another note...........for some reason I just can't imagine me sitting in one of those chairs but you know I'm going to have to try! LOL

Patty

I am going to have to carry my camera with me all the time just so I can catch someone trying to get out of those chairs.:D Makes great memories.

Pat

[Slessenb]

I am going to have to carry my camera with me all the time just so I can catch someone trying to get out of those chairs.:D Makes great memories.Pat


Pat,

I "thinketh" my buns are just a little too large to sit and have you take a picture! I agree am carrying my camera, too.

[hac82]

I just heard back from the Sandcastle Hotel in St Croix. Here is what they had to say:

"Thanks for your inquiry. Transportation will be available to you that day with a special round trip fare by taxi that does that route when cruise ship docks. They take you back and forth. For your request of the Beach package we can place your name on the day pass list and upon arriving at the hotel you can pay for this service. No need to give a credit card for holding the space."

[beachlovergirl]

Howard, I also received a reply this evening from Sand Castle. I had read that their cafe is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, except when the cruise ships are in. We're there on a Thursday but it's also Thanksgiving so I asked them if they would be open for lunch.......

"Tropical Greetings Dee,

Thanks for your inquiry, the Beachside Café will be open on Thursday November 24, 2011. For your request of the Special Beach Package for your group we will place your name on the day pass list, upon arrival at Sand Castle On The Beach please give your name at the Front Desk.

Irma - Staff"

[corkey]

Howard, I was just thinking of you guys and was on the roll call forum and there was your name. I was thinking your cruise was coming up fast. I am going to have lots of questions for you when you return. We get back before you sail so will be back to wish those I know a bon voyage.
Carol


Sure wish you were on this cruise withs us Carol B -- miss you on the original Explorer thread but will catch you on FB or regular email - take care - hugs, carol

[hac82]

Today we have some wonderful information to share with all of you and I think that the best place for us to be for this information is the one spot on the ship where you can always be connected to a huge wealth of information while on the ship (even if it is for a fee). Yes today we stop at the iLounge. I does look like they knew we were coming because there is a message there to let us know that we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/61.jpg
days left until we set sail on this wonderful ship. Of course there is another way to look at this date. As of today we are exactly http://animatedgif.net/numberscharacters/2_clr_e0.gif months away from seeing everyone onboard the Silhouette.

[beachbuddy]

They do look cozy, but I think once you're in, you're in.
Egg chair warning-Do not go alone, take a buddy with you.

Diane,

Now that made me laugh! LOL Good one!!

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Hi Carol B., Stop by anytime to visit us here! Wish you were coming on this one so we could meet! We'll all be sure to bring back plenty of information for you.


Dee, thanks for inquiring about Sand Castle. I was concerned that they would not be open on Thanksgiving so it sounds like it's a go!

Patty

[atog254]

I just sent out an email of our Roll Call list - No changes!

2 Months from today we will be on the Silhouette so I decided it was time to reveal "The Challenge"

Also, there is a PDF regarding The Challenge attached to the email - The only clue is ...........................................!

Oh, I forgot to mention - you must be listed on the Roll Call to receive the Roll Call list & The Challenge!

Let's have some fun!

Steve

[hac82]

Hi Carol B., Stop by anytime to visit us here! Wish you were coming on this one so we could meet! We'll all be sure to bring back plenty of information for you.


Dee, thanks for inquiring about Sand Castle. I was concerned that they would not be open on Thanksgiving so it sounds like it's a go!

Patty
Here is some additional information from the Sandcastle...
"the fare I believe is $3.00 each way and its only about a 5 min drive to the doc pending on traffic. As for lunch prices go they range from about $8.00 on up pending on what you are having"
So $25 for 2 lounges, 2 rum punches and an umbrella, plus $12 for 2-people round trip plus lunch, does not sound like a bad day.

[Craftdee2]

Sandcastle sounds like a great deal. I never heard back from Palms at Pelican Cove, near Christiansted. This sounds so much more relaxing.
So we should each send them an e-mail to say we are coming.
Thanksgiving on the beach, sharing the day with fun people with an umbrella drink in my hand! Priceless!
2 more months, 2 more months!!!

[kimba1]

Order our Wild Turkey stuff from Cafe Press - let the cruise shopping begin! A little disappointed that the 2 colors we wanted for Tshirts are still out of stock but we got white and grey so all is ok. Started thinking today while looking at a mail order magazine that maybe I'd like something new for formal night? I have my black carwash pants which are a must and some fancy tops but saw this pretty purple, pink and black tea length dress that I liked. Then I realized I bought a gown in Lord & Taylor on sale a few years ago that I've never worn. What to do?

Still struggling with my feet. My foot which I had surgery on is doing pretty well but now my good foot is giving me trouble. I go to the foot doctor this week so we will see what he says. I need to get on the treadmill to lee a few pounds darn it!

[mjwcruising]

Started thinking today while looking at a mail order magazine that maybe I'd like something new for formal night? I have my black carwash pants which are a must and some fancy tops but saw this pretty purple, pink and black tea length dress that I liked. Then I realized I bought a gown in Lord & Taylor on sale a few years ago that I've never worn. What to do?

Still struggling with my feet. My foot which I had surgery on is doing pretty well but now my good foot is giving me trouble. I go to the foot doctor this week so we will see what he says. I need to get on the treadmill to lee a few pounds darn it!

3 formal nights = 1 night carwash pants, 1 night the pretty purple, pinkand black tea length dress, and 1 night the gown from Lord & Taylor. Dilemma solved!!!! :-)

[beachbuddy]

Order our Wild Turkey stuff from Cafe Press - let the cruise shopping begin! A little disappointed that the 2 colors we wanted for Tshirts are still out of stock but we got white and grey so all is ok. Started thinking today while looking at a mail order magazine that maybe I'd like something new for formal night? I have my black carwash pants which are a must and some fancy tops but saw this pretty purple, pink and black tea length dress that I liked. Then I realized I bought a gown in Lord & Taylor on sale a few years ago that I've never worn. What to do?

Still struggling with my feet. My foot which I had surgery on is doing pretty well but now my good foot is giving me trouble. I go to the foot doctor this week so we will see what he says. I need to get on the treadmill to lee a few pounds darn it!

Kim,

You were probably favoring your good foot so maybe that's why it's hurting now. How about the dress you wore for your wedding.......that one's beautiful!

Patty

[Slessenb]

Here is some additional information from the Sandcastle...
"the fare I believe is $3.00 each way and its only about a 5 min drive to the doc pending on traffic. As for lunch prices go they range from about $8.00 on up pending on what you are having"
So $25 for 2 lounges, 2 rum punches and an umbrella, plus $12 for 2-people round trip plus lunch, does not sound like a bad day.

Sue and Jim are on board fro this one or should I say on the beach ! :) I actaully cannot think of better way to spend a Thanksgiving day then on a beach with our friends and giving THANKS for this opportunity!!!!!

[beachbuddy]

Here is some additional information from the Sandcastle...
"the fare I believe is $3.00 each way and its only about a 5 min drive to the doc pending on traffic. As for lunch prices go they range from about $8.00 on up pending on what you are having"
So $25 for 2 lounges, 2 rum punches and an umbrella, plus $12 for 2-people round trip plus lunch, does not sound like a bad day.

Howard,

Thanks for the additonal information. I also read somewhere that it's pretty close to the port and is within a walkable distance from the ship.

[Slessenb]

Kim,

You were probably favoring your good foot so maybe that's why it's hurting now. How about the dress you wore for your wedding.......that one's beautiful! Patty

Kim and Patty I agree with petty bet you are favoring the foot taht you had surgery on and it is affecting your good foot. Sending you thoughts for continued good recovery.

Kim, like you need to lose some pounds and or firm up for the cruise wear I own to fit and Howard's 2 month remark sent me into a tizzy tonight!!! I am hoping I can wear what I have and not buy anything new- have no shopping time with my crazy work schedule. I am going to ajazzrercise class but not helping me much as I cannot seem to get there more than once a week- 2x at best.

Patty\Carol\Dee etc it is DWTS debut tomorrow night!!! Will be interesting for sure...

[corkey]

I have been gaining weight instead of the other way around - geeze.......

DWTS Fans - Yes, it's tomorrow night!!can't wait - the first episodes are always the best -
I love Chynna Philipps cuz of being with her former group, the Wilson sisters -- Chaz? hope he does well- Cher will probably be around to support him. I just don't remember anyone else - oh! Ron Artest - cuz he's a Laker guy and then Rob, the Kardashian brother -

I am usually on a cruise during a season of DWTS- like last time... and usually in Nov too - who is your most favorite? I love Emmitt Smith the most - and also Kristie Yamaguchi -

and also Kirstie alley and laila ali...

carol

[emcee207]

Pats win again!!!!:D

Red Sox gag again:mad:

What a mixed up Sunday!!!

Has anyone checked into Rainbow Beach on St Croix? I also heard that was good. I"m going to check it out.

[hac82]

Well, today's stop on the ship tour takes us to the Oceanview Cafe. It seems to be the place to go when you are really hungry but I am just hungry for this cruise. good thing we only have
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/OceanviewCafe60.jpg
days left until we sail.

[caribbean1004]

Hi Everyone,

Quick question about St Croix. So many people seem to be doing Sandcastle Beach, and it does sound like a great option. But was wondering if anyone had considered the many other beaches, like Sandy Point or Cane Bay Beach, as I heard that they were both really good too. Is everyone going to Sandcastle Beach because of convenience or am I missing something?

Also, curious to know what everyone is doing at other ports???
Our tentative plan:
Haiti - We went to Columbus Beach last time and liked it. We may try another beach this time, but we'll see.
San Juan - We love walking around the city of Old San Juan
St Maarten - Take the water taxi across to downtown and also go to the beach (deciding between Little Bay, Dawn Beach, or Mullet Bay)
St Croix - Go to the beach (deciding between Cane Bay, Sandy Point, or Sandcastle Beach)
St Johns - Go to Half Moon Bay
St Thomas - Magens Bay is beautiful, so we will head there.

Amy

[Imagolfnut]

Hello everyone - wow, a busy weekend but it was beautiful weatherwise. A bit on the cool side, so I'd say summer is definitely on its way out!! We actually turned on the pellet stove the last couple of mornings - bummer! :eek: But the good thing is we'll get a little taste of summer back once we're in the islands!! -- YES!!! -- I think a day on the beach on Thanksgiving would be perfect and a first for me!! Somebody else can stuff the bird this year!

Bought a turquoise and black sparkly jacket and top on Saturday. I definitely don't need to buy any more cruise clothes but since we do have 3 formal nights, just couldn't resist. I think it will be great with my black "carwash/palazzo, or whatever, pants" and not take up too much more room in the suitcase. Am trying to cram everything for 12 days into my smaller suitcase - did it once before, so no reason I can't do it again!! But then again, since we can bring two bags each on the bus we're taking, might consider two smaller bags -- sooo many decisions to make!! ;)

Time seems to be flying by now. Enjoy the day everyone...
Marge

[2SeaWithMe]

I've been waiting to book excursions because we're supposed to have a host and a couple excursion via the Amex club but no word yet on that. I wonder if they are having trouble finding a host because it's over a holiday.

I'm still anxiously awaiting my GTY assignment....waiting, waiting...

They changed it from a "W" GTY to a "S2" GTY. I mean, of course you book a gty knowing that's the worse you'll get and hoping for the better, I'm just hoping it's not so different from the "w" that I have a shot at higher categories.


Dewey's been making fun of me for days because we're randomly chatting about (non-cruise) things and both surfing on the internet and I look up and go..We get dinner in a specialty restaurant for free! Wait, we get dinner in TWO specialty restaurants for free!! LOL. I'm such a geek.



I just realized that it might sound odd that we sit and surf the internet together...we've been looking for a vacation property in WV and have found that's the easiest way to look "together" without one of us chewing the other one out for our 'driving'.

[Craftdee2]

Sent an e-mail to the sandcastle hotel & reserved the beach package @ $25 for us & our friends.

[myjillian]

Hi Everyone,

Quick question about St Croix. So many people seem to be doing Sandcastle Beach, and it does sound like a great option. But was wondering if anyone had considered the many other beaches, like Sandy Point or Cane Bay Beach, as I heard that they were both really good too. Is everyone going to Sandcastle Beach because of convenience or am I missing something?

Also, curious to know what everyone is doing at other ports???
Our tentative plan:
Haiti - We went to Columbus Beach last time and liked it. We may try another beach this time, but we'll see.
San Juan - We love walking around the city of Old San Juan
St Maarten - Take the water taxi across to downtown and also go to the beach (deciding between Little Bay, Dawn Beach, or Mullet Bay)
St Croix - Go to the beach (deciding between Cane Bay, Sandy Point, or Sandcastle Beach)
St Johns - Go to Half Moon Bay
St Thomas - Magens Bay is beautiful, so we will head there.

Amy
Have you ever thought of renting an electric car in Old San Juan ? It is so much fun and they let you go into the Condado area. If one of you likes taking pictures..it's ideal..one can drive and the other take pictures. The office is right acrosss the street from the ship. Just a thought !

[firecake]

My wife Jo-Ann and I booked this cruise a few months ago. She has two cousins and their spouses joining us. We signed up for the Connections party. There are now 106 people signed up.

We have had a busy summer so I didn't sign up for the roll call earlier. WOW 248 pages. I'll never be able to scan all of them. Forgive me if I repeat information previously posted. We were on the Summit's Sept 4 sailing to Bermuda and learned that the Silhouette will only sail out of Bayonne until April 10 of 2012. Then it will move to Ft. Lauderdale until it repositions to Europe. Celebrity will not have a ship going to the Caribbean from Bayonne for the remainder of 2012. That is a major disappointment since we are only a two hour drive from Bayonne. This is a huge mistake. I'm not going to drive or fly to Ft. Lauderdale.

The future cruise person said there is no glass blowing on the Silhouette and they have expanded the Lawn Club to include grills on which you can cook your own food. DUH. I can do that on my patio.

[kimba1]

Welcome aboard Joanne & Firecake. That's a pretty intriguing name that must have some meaning. Yes lots of posts on this thread but no worries even those of us who have been following along tend to repeat ourselves.

Thanks girls for the encouragement to buy another dress for formal night. I don't need much encouragement to shop - just hope I didn't recycle the catalog. Patty - I think it would be too weird to wear my wedding dress don't you? Good buy Marge the blouse sounds pretty and I guess a few of us will have the same type pants on. :).

Marge - what the heck is a pellet stove?

Summer - you and Dewey are like Alex and I. Right now we are both sitting in the rec room - me on my IPad and Alex on his laptop. Ask Dee or Patty - there are times when we are both responding to the same post or email saying very similar things. It's almost spooky sometimes. True geeks in love! Sometimes we even compare notes on how to do something in Exel.


On the DWTS front - I have it on DVR cause the Giants are on you know! Now we are watching Two and a half men cause too many things taping at once.

[firecake]

I am a Revolutionary War re-enactor. Firecake is a mixture of flour salt and water. It was the staple of a soldier's diet. During the Civil War it evolved into hardtack.

My real name is Wayne.

[kimba1]

Interesting Wayne - glad you are joining us.

[2SeaWithMe]

My wife Jo-Ann and I booked this cruise a few months ago. She has two cousins and their spouses joining us. We signed up for the Connections party. There are now 106 people signed up.

We have had a busy summer so I didn't sign up for the roll call earlier. WOW 248 pages. I'll never be able to scan all of them. Forgive me if I repeat information previously posted. We were on the Summit's Sept 4 sailing to Bermuda and learned that the Silhouette will only sail out of Bayonne until April 10 of 2012. Then it will move to Ft. Lauderdale until it repositions to Europe. Celebrity will not have a ship going to the Caribbean from Bayonne for the remainder of 2012. That is a major disappointment since we are only a two hour drive from Bayonne. This is a huge mistake. I'm not going to drive or fly to Ft. Lauderdale.

The future cruise person said there is no glass blowing on the Silhouette and they have expanded the Lawn Club to include grills on which you can cook your own food. DUH. I can do that on my patio.

Hello Wayne & Jo-Ann! It is a busy thread, that's for sure.

I can only echo your sentiments on Celebrity moving the ships out of NJ. I'm hoping they reappear.

The Lawn Club Grill is another specialty restaurant. I agree with you also, however, about the novelty not being there for us either. Especially at the price point...$35 pp for steaks/kabobs and grilled flatbread. To each their own. I think there were a few people here excited to try it so maybe if they give it a rave review I'll change my mind.

You're not very far from us! :)


--Summer & Dewey (well, Dewey doesn't really join the threads, so just me,lol)

[beachbuddy]

Hello Wayne & Jo-Ann! It is a busy thread, that's for sure.

I can only echo your sentiments on Celebrity moving the ships out of NJ. I'm hoping they reappear.

The Lawn Club Grill is another specialty restaurant. I agree with you also, however, about the novelty not being there for us either. Especially at the price point...$35 pp for steaks/kabobs and grilled flatbread. To each their own. I think there were a few people here excited to try it so maybe if they give it a rave review I'll change my mind.

You're not very far from us! :)


--Summer & Dewey (well, Dewey doesn't really join the threads, so just me,lol)

Summer,I believe the Lawn Club Grill is now $40/person. I think they are all $40/person now except for the Tuscan Grill.

Welcome to Joanne and Wayne, glad you can join us. This is a very large group on this thread and believe me it's hard to keep track of everyone. This is actually our first Celebrity cruise. We have been loyal RCCL cruisers but wanted to try another ship and since Celebrity is owned by RCCL, it's a no brainer. Besides that, it will be nice to be on a pretty much brand new ship and cruising out of Bayonne is a big plus!! We're only about an hour away at the most. Looking forward to meeting the 2 of you.

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Welcome aboard Joanne & Firecake. That's a pretty intriguing name that must have some meaning. Yes lots of posts on this thread but no worries even those of us who have been following along tend to repeat ourselves.

Thanks girls for the encouragement to buy another dress for formal night. I don't need much encouragement to shop - just hope I didn't recycle the catalog. Patty - I think it would be too weird to wear my wedding dress don't you? Good buy Marge the blouse sounds pretty and I guess a few of us will have the same type pants on. :).

Marge - what the heck is a pellet stove?

Summer - you and Dewey are like Alex and I. Right now we are both sitting in the rec room - me on my IPad and Alex on his laptop. Ask Dee or Patty - there are times when we are both responding to the same post or email saying very similar things. It's almost spooky sometimes. True geeks in love! Sometimes we even compare notes on how to do something in Exel.


On the DWTS front - I have it on DVR cause the Giants are on you know! Now we are watching Two and a half men cause too many things taping at once.

Kim, your wedding dress wasn't a typical wedding dress.........it was a tea length very pretty dress but if you feel weird wearing it I can understand that. No one but us (and now the rest of this forum) would know that you wore it to get married in. :D

Patty

[hac82]

Welcome Jo-Ann and Wayne. I agree with you and others in hoping that Celebrity sees that there is a demand for their ships in Bayonne and that the decision will change.

Welcome to the thread and please join in in the fun. This is a great group of people.

[hac82]

"Reminder To Join In The Fun"



For those that have not yet done so and for all those that are new to this thread, please join us in some of the fun that we have going on behind the scenes of this thread and the plans that we have when we get on the Silhouette.

You can find details for our Roll Call, Website and Photo Gallery at Post no. 4587 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30406229&postcount=4587)

While you are at it, consider registering for the Celebrity Connections (https://secure.celebritycruises.com/cruisecritic/home.do) party that will be on the ship after we sail where we can all get together and meet. Stay tuned in as we get closer to the sailing. More details on some of the events on board will be coming soon.

If you are also interested, you can also get t-shirts and other items with a logo that was designed for our cruise. You can find the details at Post no, 4297 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30250555&postcount=4297)

[2SeaWithMe]

Summer,I believe the Lawn Club Grill is now $40/person. I think they are all $40/person now except for the Tuscan Grill.



You are right! I totally forgot about the price hike. $80 makes it worse, lol.

[2SeaWithMe]

If you all don't mind...I have a request.


Could you please pray for a young girl named Ellen who goes to my church? She is only 15 years old and has been on life support for a week tomorrow. We are all desperately praying for a miracle here.

Your prayers are much appreciated.

[beachbuddy]

If you all don't mind...I have a request.


Could you please pray for a young girl named Ellen who goes to my church? She is only 15 years old and has been on life support for a week tomorrow. We are all desperately praying for a miracle here.

Your prayers are much appreciated.

Summer,
I sure will say a prayer for Ellen. Good thoughts and prayers are on their way to her! Miracles do happen!

Patty

[kimba1]

If you all don't mind...I have a request.


Could you please pray for a young girl named Ellen who goes to my church? She is only 15 years old and has been on life support for a week tomorrow. We are all desperately praying for a miracle here.

Your prayers are much appreciated.

Prayers headed Ellens way. There is power in prayer that makes miracles happen

[kimba1]

I'm 35 minutes early but want to wish Patty (beach buddy) a very Happy Birthday. May this year bring you great health, much happiness and lots of cruising! Happy Birthday my friend.

[DPNBP]

Our Prayers go out for Ellen and her family.


If you all don't mind...I have a request.


Could you please pray for a young girl named Ellen who goes to my church? She is only 15 years old and has been on life support for a week tomorrow. We are all desperately praying for a miracle here.

Your prayers are much appreciated.


Welcome Aboard Wayne & Jo-Ann! I'm with you, If I'm on a cruise I'm sure as heck not doing my own cooking! That's what the Chefs are getting paid for!
Dianne

[beachlovergirl]

Summer, we're praying for a miracle for Ellen!

Welcome to Wayne and Jo-Ann!

Patty, Happy Birthday!!!


Dee

[corkey]

Welcome Wayne and Jo-ann -- glad you will be with us on this new ship -

Summer - will include Ellen in my prayers - I believe in the power of prayers - she's so young...

carol

[corkey]

Patty my Buddy - it's your Birthday NOW in New Jersey - not in CA yet tho' -
soooooo--- Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!! lots of hugs and kisses from me and Narce - can't wait to see you again - we can celebrate then --

LOVE YOU !!
Carol & Narce

[pamkev]

Happy Birthday Patty enjoy your day:)

Welcome to Joanne and Wayne

Thoughts for Ellen how sad:(

Pam

[hac82]

Our prayers are there for Ellen. Hoping for a miracle.

[hac82]

Happy Birthday Patty. Sure hope you have a great day.

Now of course if we were on the Silhouette today, we could have had all of the waiters come over to your table and wish you a Happy Birthday, but instead we can look at a picture of the MDR and see that we have
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/59.jpg
days left before we set sail on this beautiful ship.

[firedog001]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY, i remembered, today is also my daughters birthday. ENJOY!

Welcome to Wayne and Joann

Summer: Prayers are coming from this side of the state.

Lynda and Marty

[beachbuddy]

I'm 35 minutes early but want to wish Patty (beach buddy) a very Happy Birthday. May this year bring you great health, much happiness and lots of cruising! Happy Birthday my friend.

Thanks Kim, it's a big BD for me but like most say......it beats the alternative.

Hugs,
Patty

[beachbuddy]

Patty my Buddy - it's your Birthday NOW in New Jersey - not in CA yet tho' -
soooooo--- Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!! lots of hugs and kisses from me and Narce - can't wait to see you again - we can celebrate then --

LOVE YOU !!
Carol & Narce

Thanks my friend........can't wait to see you guys either!

Hugs,
Patty

[beachbuddy]

Happy Birthday Patty. Sure hope you have a great day.

Now of course if we were on the Silhouette today, we could have had all of the waiters come over to your table and wish you a Happy Birthday, but instead we can look at a picture of the MDR and see that we have
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/59.jpg
days left before we set sail on this beautiful ship.


Thanks Howard..........yes, to bad we're not on the ship today because I would share my cake with all of you!

Patty

[beachbuddy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY, i remembered, today is also my daughters birthday. ENJOY!

Welcome to Wayne and Joann

Summer: Prayers are coming from this side of the state.

Lynda and Marty

Hi Lynda,

My cousin's birthday is today too and my grandmother who is deceased shared today as a birthday as well and now my grandson shares it with me. He's 12 today and I'm .......oh never mind how old I am.............LOL

Thanks for the BD wishes and Happy Birthday to your daughter too!

Patty

[beachbuddy]

Happy Birthday Patty enjoy your day:)

Welcome to Joanne and Wayne

Thoughts for Ellen how sad:(

Pam

Thanks Pam............see you guys again soon! 59 more days......

Patty

[RodPat]

Patty, Hope you have a great Birthday. Just sent wishes over on facebook but I will post it here also.

Happy Birthday

Pat

[myjillian]

Yesterday was my mothers birthday. She died April 26th of this year.She would have been 89. My mother took me on my first cruise in 1969 ( college graduation gift) The Costa Carla....and I have been cruising ever since. The Dr had her stop cruising 2 yrs ago. Her passport is still good for 3 more years. Yesterday my 6 yr old grandbaby Jillian called to tell me she said a prayer for Bammys birthday and she knew I would be sad. It was only the 2nd time I was not with my mother on her birthday. Last year at this time my husband and I were sailing out of Venice. She was very excited because with that 21 day cruise I finally ( after over 20 yrs of cruising in Europe) ended up seeing all of the places in Europe she had seen by land and sea. We compared pictures when I got home. She didn't mind at all that I missed her birthday because she had really wanted me to finish up the European Ports for her to compare notes with me.
I'll say a prayer for a 15 yr old girl in a coma . She has not experienced life yet..so death is not an option now.

[RodPat]

Want to welcome Wayne and Joanne to this roll call. We mostly chat so I don't think you will have missed much. Some of us have sailed together before but we welcome everyone to this thread. Love making new friends.

Patty, I was told that Qsine and Muranos were the only restaurants to raise prices to $40, the rest was to be unchanged from their prices before. I guess we will see once we get onboard. To me specialty restaurants are for a special occasion or if the food in the dining room is not so good. We have two specialty restaurants booked and that is enough for me. Blu is so good that I see no reason to leave and eat elsewhere. If we all want to get together somewhere I would spend money on that.

Summer, Certainly prayers are on the way for Ellen. Why is a 15 year old on life support? That is a tragedy, I am so sorry for her and her family.

Pat

[2SeaWithMe]

Happy Birthday, Patty.

My thoughts are with you Jillian. It's nice you have such great memories of your mom.

I was worried to ask for prayers, because I didn't want to offend anyone. :o Things can come out so oddly on the internet. If you don't pray, send thoughts please.


I REALLY REALLY appreciate everyone praying for Ellen. The family goes to our church, but my husband grew up with the family and knows them very well. He's been on several mission trips with them. They have two big farms near us. Ellen is really active with the youth group, her school, 4-H, she sells baked goods at a farm stand, and she has a part time job at a local ice cream shop. It's amazing all the lives that she has touched.

We aren't sure of the details, but it's suspected she tried to take her own life. I just keep praying that she'll wake up and tell us all it was some sort of accident.

[DPNBP]

Happy Birthday Patty! Hope you have a Wonderful Day!
My DH will have his 60th on Thursday 9/22 and shares that date with my BIL and Cousin.
Dianne
Hi Lynda,

My cousin's birthday is today too and my grandmother who is deceased shared today as a birthday as well and now my grandson shares it with me. He's 12 today and I'm .......oh never mind how old I am.............LOL

Thanks for the BD wishes and Happy Birthday to your daughter too!

Patty

[Imagolfnut]

Happy Birthday, Patty - have a wonderful day!! :)

Prayer's are on the way for Ellen! Such a waste of a young life; hope her condition dramatically improves.

Kim - instead of a woodburning fireplace insert, we bought a "pellet" stove insert. It burns wood pellets and is great for heating up the downstairs without running the furnace. We were stupid though - should have put in a gas insert, but thought the pellets were more economical. The bummer is that the pellet stove is messy and has to be cleaned at least once a week when you use it regularly! The ash is a real pain in the butt to vacuum out and then you have to clean soot buildup on the windows of the stove. :eek: Really sorry now that we didn't spend the extra money and go for the gas!!! Live and learn - hind sight is always great sight!! ;)

Welcome to Wayne and Joanne - the more, the merrier!!

Anybody watch DWTS last night?? I recorded it and then an hour into the program was able to start watching it WITHOUT COMMERCIALS!! Some interesting prospects ... the basketball player was really bad but a few others have potential!! Chaz was interesting - that's about all I can say - it was a bit uncomfortable seeing her baby pictures in frilly dresses and then watching this rather overweight "guy". I will be curious to see how the general public reacts with the voting.

Well, better get moving - back tomorrow!
Marge

[2SeaWithMe]

Kim - instead of a woodburning fireplace insert, we bought a "pellet" stove insert. It burns wood pellets and is great for heating up the downstairs without running the furnace. We were stupid though - should have put in a gas insert, but thought the pellets were more economical. The bummer is that the pellet stove is messy and has to be cleaned at least once a week when you use it regularly!
Marge

We contemplated pellet stoves, but the thing that draws us away from those, and the corn stoves as well, is the fact that the blowers/loaders generally run on electric just put us off. We wanted something that will work when the electricity goes out! :)

Of course, we now found that the lovingly restored antique wood stove we purchased just doesn't throw enough heat. So we'll be going to a 'modern' one and using the wood stove as a conversation piece in the parlor. We have radiators in the main house and they are WONDERFUL.

[2SeaWithMe]

I don't watch DWTS, so everyone will have to let me know if Cher performs. Wouldn't that be great if she sang a song and Chaz danced to it?

[firecake]

It seems that Celebrity has increased the prices of some of their shore excursions. We took a family cruise on the Allure of the Seas in August. The floating mats at Labadee were $12. Celebrity wants $12.75. Last March, we took the sand bar excursion in Labadee. We enjoyed it and are thinking of doing it again. This time we will take our snorkels as there are many sand dollars you can get.

We have been to all of these ports many times before. We have never been to the beach by the airport in St. Maartens. That seems like a thrill.

Wayne

[2SeaWithMe]

How did you like Labadee? I was at the private island in the bahamas (coco cay?) last february and I thought it was the best stop of the cruise. Really very relaxing to be able to get off the ship, have a bag with you, and drinks are there, lunch is there...I like easy.

[Imagolfnut]

We contemplated pellet stoves, but the thing that draws us away from those, and the corn stoves as well, is the fact that the blowers/loaders generally run on electric just put us off. We wanted something that will work when the electricity goes out! :)


That's the other thing we really didn't think of - when the electricity is out, you can't use the pellet stove (and when it's on, it's noisy)!!!! With the gas, we would have been just fine but at the time didn't want to have to get a propane tank installed in the back yard and run to the house. Again, in hind sight, that would have been the smarter thing to do. The other down side if you want to call it that, is the dry heat produced. We have hotwater baseboard heat and that is really nice and comfy -- it's the cost of oil that's the shocker!!

Ce la vie!!
Marge

[cruiserhal]

My wife Jo-Ann and I booked this cruise a few months ago. She has two cousins and their spouses joining us. We signed up for the Connections party. There are now 106 people signed up.

We have had a busy summer so I didn't sign up for the roll call earlier. WOW 248 pages. I'll never be able to scan all of them. Forgive me if I repeat information previously posted. We were on the Summit's Sept 4 sailing to Bermuda and learned that the Silhouette will only sail out of Bayonne until April 10 of 2012. Then it will move to Ft. Lauderdale until it repositions to Europe. Celebrity will not have a ship going to the Caribbean from Bayonne for the remainder of 2012. That is a major disappointment since we are only a two hour drive from Bayonne. This is a huge mistake. I'm not going to drive or fly to Ft. Lauderdale.

The future cruise person said there is no glass blowing on the Silhouette and they have expanded the Lawn Club to include grills on which you can cook your own food. DUH. I can do that on my patio.

Welcome aboard! At almost 5,000 posts you will need a long rainy day to catch up with everything if you try. Too bad you will not see the glass blowing - we saw it on one of the other ships in June and I will say it was very interesting. They even did a children's contest where the kids drew a picture of what they wanted made. They then selected one (it was a horse) and made it for the little girl. Boy was she happy!

Anyway, welcome to the board and will see you on the ship.

Hal

[wolfie10]

Summer, We are sending our Prayers and wishes for Ellen's recovery.

Patty, Happy, Happy Birthday

Jo-Anne and Wayne, Welcome to the roll call

[wolfie10]

Wayne,
We also were surprised to hear Celebrity were going to cut the Caribbean Cruises from Bayonnne, out of all our cruises from USA the one from Bayonne was so much easier for travelling to from UK. There are so many more options to take as so many Airlines fly to any one of the NY Airports.
Today an opinion of what were peoples favourite cruises portswas published. New York came first beating Venice into second place. Venice has come first for a long time, but no longer so maybe Celebrity will see that and have a rethink.
Margaret

[RodPat]

Wayne,
We also were surprised to hear Celebrity were going to cut the Caribbean Cruises from Bayonnne, out of all our cruises from USA the one from Bayonne was so much easier for travelling to from UK. There are so many more options to take as so many Airlines fly to any one of the NY Airports.
Today an opinion of what were peoples favourite cruises portswas published. New York came first beating Venice into second place. Venice has come first for a long time, but no longer so maybe Celebrity will see that and have a rethink.
Margaret

Not sailing out of Bayonne may have more to do with the rumour that the port is going to be sold for commercial traffic. that might be the reason why no improvements have been made to the area since Royal and Celebrity started using the facilities. We love sailing out of Bayonne as it is only 30 mins from our house and is so easy to get to. We have sailed out of Baltimore on Celebrity but it is a long trip down the river to get to the sea. Still only about 2 hours and 15 mins. drive for us.

Pat

[hac82]

Not sailing out of Bayonne may have more to do with the rumour that the port is going to be sold for commercial traffic. that might be the reason why no improvements have been made to the area since Royal and Celebrity started using the facilities. We love sailing out of Bayonne as it is only 30 mins from our house and is so easy to get to. We have sailed out of Baltimore on Celebrity but it is a long trip down the river to get to the sea. Still only about 2 hours and 15 mins. drive for us.

Pat
How strong is that rumor. It has been passed around on the Everything Silhouette thread as well. I would not want to think that there will not be any closer port for me than Baltimore in the future. That would make a drive of almost 10 hours for us.

[pamkev]

Our passports came today so that means we are all set to go, so that means we can leave this Friday right:D

I hope the rumor about Cape Liberty is just that a rumor love driving to the port and not having to fly

Pam

[beachbuddy]

Patty, Hope you have a great Birthday. Just sent wishes over on facebook but I will post it here also.

Happy Birthday

Pat

Thanks Pat and thanks for the wishes on FB too! LOL

Patty

[Craftdee2]

Patty >Celebrate & enjoy your birthday!

Summer >Prayers going out to Ellen!

Who is celebrating a November b-day? My is the 16th. Think I requested a cake on the 20th.

St. Croix> all set with Sandcastle on the Beach day pass. Our friends Seena & Russ will be joining us.

St. Maarten > Since there will be so many ships in have no idea what to do? If we go on a snorkel trip it might be crowded. Any one know of a charter maybe we could all do?

St. Thomas> Going to St. John by ferry then taxi to Cinnamon Bay (our usual drill)

[kimba1]

Thanks Kim, it's a big BD for me but like most say......it beats the alternative.

Hugs,
Patty

You're a long time from the alternative. Just think as we count down to the cruise your age will go backward like Alex pointed out on email!

[kimba1]

Yesterday was my mothers birthday. She died April 26th of this year.She would have been 89. My mother took me on my first cruise in 1969 ( college graduation gift) The Costa Carla....and I have been cruising ever since. The Dr had her stop cruising 2 yrs ago. Her passport is still good for 3 more years. Yesterday my 6 yr old grandbaby Jillian called to tell me she said a prayer for Bammys birthday and she knew I would be sad. It was only the 2nd time I was not with my mother on her birthday. Last year at this time my husband and I were sailing out of Venice. She was very excited because with that 21 day cruise I finally ( after over 20 yrs of cruising in Europe) ended up seeing all of the places in Europe she had seen by land and sea. We compared pictures when I got home. She didn't mind at all that I missed her birthday because she had really wanted me to finish up the European Ports for her to compare notes with me.
I'll say a prayer for a 15 yr old girl in a coma . She has not experienced life yet..so death is not an option now.

Sorry to hear you are struggling today. Sending happy thoughts of a lifetime of great memories for you to reflect on today. The pain of loss of a loved one is so hard. My grandmother passed away a 2 1/2 years ago at 88 and I miss her every day so I can appreciate your tough day. Hang in there Linda. I'm sure your mom is looking down on you smiling.

[Cruisemate1974]

Hey all!

Sorry been so quiet, it's actually been a very rough few weeks for us. A couple weeks ago, I was unfortunately in the hospital for a week and have since just been home recovering and not up for doing much online (rare for me being as I'm a computer programmer ;)). I am now starting to catch up here and trying to get back to somewhat of normalcy.

Alfredo and I need this cruise more now than ever! 59 days can't come quickly enough!

Marge, when I sign in to my celebrity, I see our reservations linked, not sure why you aren't seeing it linked on yours :confused:

Summer, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your church family and Ellen.

Will spend the next day or two catching up on the posts. Quick glimpse at the sandcastle seems like a great day in St. Croix. Will definitely check it out!

--Valerie

[corkey]

Our passports came today so that means we are all set to go, so that means we can leave this Friday right:D

I hope the rumor about Cape Liberty is just that a rumor love driving to the port and not having to fly

Pam


when did you send for yours Pam? I sent for our renewal today... hope I get ours back in time or no cruisey cruise for us! shucks - carol

[corkey]

I am soooo glad Ron Artest or Metta or whatever he is calling himself ==is gone from DWTS - I knew it would be him or Nancy or the Kardashian kid - I love Carson and AJ Martinez - oh gosh- maybe I should not have said anything in case someone taped the show and will watch later - me and my big mouth! carol

[pamkev]

when did you send for yours Pam? I sent for our renewal today... hope I get ours back in time or no cruisey cruise for us! shucks - carol

I sent ours out Sept 9 and got them back in 11 days so yours should be there in no time. You can go online and check the status you will have to give it a few days until they get it. I sent ours priority mail and got it back the same way

[pamkev]

Hey all!

Sorry been so quiet, it's actually been a very rough few weeks for us. A couple weeks ago, I was unfortunately in the hospital for a week and have since just been home recovering and not up for doing much online (rare for me being as I'm a computer programmer ;)). I am now starting to catch up here and trying to get back to somewhat of normalcy.

Alfredo and I need this cruise more now than ever! 59 days can't come quickly enough!

Marge, when I sign in to my celebrity, I see our reservations linked, not sure why you aren't seeing it linked on yours :confused:

Summer, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your church family and Ellen.

Will spend the next day or two catching up on the posts. Quick glimpse at the sandcastle seems like a great day in St. Croix. Will definitely check it out!

--Valerie

Glad your home and I know what you mean about needing this cruise more than ever we are in the same ship as you can't get here fast enough

[hac82]

Today we make a stop at Blu. This dinning room has a feel of elegance about it and as you can see, they left a message for us. They wanted to let us know, in their own elegant style that we have only
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x256/hac82/58.jpg
days left until we board the Silhouette.

[beachbuddy]

Valerie,
Glad your home and feeling better. I think we're all very anxious for this cruise and by the countdown it's getting here pretty fast now.

Carol,
You really should be fine with the passport renewal. We got ours back very quick as well. I was glad that Metta or whatever his name is was the one to leave too.

Patty

[myjillian]

Sorry to hear you are struggling today. Sending happy thoughts of a lifetime of great memories for you to reflect on today. The pain of loss of a loved one is so hard. My grandmother passed away a 2 1/2 years ago at 88 and I miss her every day so I can appreciate your tough day. Hang in there Linda. I'm sure your mom is looking down on you smiling.
Thank you:)