March 19, 2012 So. Caribbean From Baltimore

[cruzette]

"Don't know what happened to everyone for the Meet & Greet in the Viking Crown at 10 Sunday morning. There were only three of us there to meet and exchange gifts. Disappointing. We enjoyed meeting anyway. :)

Latest: second propulsion motor still not working well, top speed down to 15 knots. Key West canceled, Coco Cay canceled, not into Port Canaveral for provisioning and day stop until WEDNESDAY morning. Then limping over to Nassau, but not arriving until 3PM, then leaving Nassau the next morning at 11 back to Baltimore for "normal" arrival at 0700 Monday. Captain still said there may be more itinerary changes. Offering full credit for every cabin, less the OBC already granted.

Who knew we'd be on a 9-night cruise to Port Canaveral and Nassau? Feel badly for those families with lots of kids. Weather's been pretty nasty, and lots of rockin' and rollin' in 18' seas. Not too many outdoor options for the ship's kids staff."

[chargeit2him]

Just read this on Face book from our travel agent who is on the ship. It was posted about an hour ago...

" Well it is Monday afternoon and we are sailing somewhere off the east coast. The captain came on the intercom this morning and announced our speed because of our engine problem will prevent us from going to Coco Cay. Our cruise is free! They are refunding the cruise fare. We felt this was fair so we are making the best of it and having a good time. Who know what will happen tomorrow. We are now due in Port Canaveral on Wednesday. We need to stop there because we need to take on provisions."

I just hope it gets fixed before we get on board.

Sandy

[prekteacher1]

Grandma Gail . . . . . Gail & Ken . . . . . . . . .. . 8540 . . . . . .Early . . . . MD
2crusin. . . . . . . . . . . . Barb & Skip. . . . . . . . . .8092 . . . . . Early . . . . MD
ceslpn . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl & Anthony. . . . . 7666 . . . . . .Early. . . . . PA
atb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann & Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PA
cruzette . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia & Diane . . . . . .4586 . . . . . .Early . . . .MD
dixieva . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7166. . . . . .Early . . . .VA
Carmen30 . . . . . . . . . .Carmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Early. . . .
wrkfire911 . . . . . . . . . Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7166 . . . . . . Early . . . .VA
TH451 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra & Tommy . . . . . 7631 . . . . . .Early . . . . VA
Cruznation . . . . . . . . . .Kathy & Ed . . . . . . . . . 4584 . . . . . . .Early . . . . VA
cruisinforabrusin79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
Living In MD . . . . . . . . .Deb & Chuck . . . . . . . . 3084 . . . . . . Early . . . .MD
DELTABLUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deck 3 . . . . . . Late . . . . MD
shelovescruisising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
YouSnoozeYouLose . .Janice & Rick . . . . . . . .7656. . . . . . .Early. . ..VA
THEcanvasback . . . . . .Sherry & Christian . . . 3116. . . . . . Late. . . . . . .MD
cheric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cheri & Gary . . . . . . . . 7136. . . . . . . Early. . MD
chargeit2him. . . . . . . . . Sandy & Lou . . . . . . . . 3124 . . . . . . . Early . . . . . PA
prekteacher1 . . . . . . . . .Susan & Kinter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
bchescpMaryland. . . . . . .Melanie & Marianne. . .3624 . . . . Early . . . MD
pegwalker55 . . . . . . . . . . . . Peg & Les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late. . . . NY
GRANNYOFFIVE. . . . . . . . . . Laura & Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
Stella777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stella . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2127 . . . Early . . .MD
Blondesnblades . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie & Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PA
Elliegal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MA
Rama41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol & Dick . . . . . . .8622. . .MTD . . . . .PA
TerpGrad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia & Andy . . . . . . 7170. . .Late. . . .MD
EMarie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen & Bill . . . . . . . . 7536 . . . . . . . . . WV
padrek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NH
Lilly & Sonny . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorraine & Stephen . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
Mr. and Mrs. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . Raquel & Vince. . . . . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
tsktsk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry & Steve. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Late. . . . . . .MD
glpremier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judi & Leon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
dragon1951. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agnes & Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late. . . . . . .VA
leatherlady. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy & Ken. . . . . . . .2623. . . Late. . . . . . .NY
J&SLowery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheila & Jay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valerie & Steve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy & Tom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VA
Traveling Sue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue & Tom. . . . . . . . . 3174 . . .Late. . . . . . .MD
girlfriendann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann & Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PA
Prekteacher1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan & Kinter. . . . . .3055. . . Early . . . . . .VA*
sailingalongtogether . . . . . . . .Andrea & John . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early . . . . . . MD

peddalpusher . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kay & Mike . . . . . . . . . . 3053. . .Early . . . . . . .PA

*Susan and Kinter disappeared somehow but they are here and never left


Nope... we're on there twice! It's nice to be recognized. Glad that you added Kay and Mike though! Thanks and I'm hopeful we'll have smooth sailing and warm waters!
susan

[dixieva]

We've been to Labadee when other ships were in and we really didn't have a problem. We got our chairs in our choice of location and our clam shell and we happy little campers.

I looked at the upcoming cruise on the Liberty and it does show them in Labadee on 28 Mar, but then when I look at the other site showing what other ships are in, it isn't there. Hmmmm.........


Where are the clam shells on Labadee? Which beach I mean. I don't think I've ever seen them there so it must be one of the beaches I have missed.

[TH451]

Just looking at EOS's position and they appear to be due east from Sandbridge, Va. At that rate, they may just turn around and head back to Baltimore.

[cruzette]

Where are the clam shells on Labadee? Which beach I mean. I don't think I've ever seen them there so it must be one of the beaches I have missed.
It's the beach furthest down on the zip-line side. All you have to do is ask for them and they slide those cute little blue things over. No cost, except for a tip. We liked them!

[cruzette]

Just read this on Face book from our travel agent who is on the ship. It was posted about an hour ago...

" Well it is Monday afternoon and we are sailing somewhere off the east coast. The captain came on the intercom this morning and announced our speed because of our engine problem will prevent us from going to Coco Cay. Our cruise is free! They are refunding the cruise fare. We felt this was fair so we are making the best of it and having a good time. Who know what will happen tomorrow. We are now due in Port Canaveral on Wednesday. We need to stop there because we need to take on provisions."

I just hope it gets fixed before we get on board.

Sandy
Now that's my kind of cruise...on the water, being fed and pampered...and FREE! Bring it on!

[dixieva]

Oh that beach. I thought that side of the island was rocky on the beach-did you find that to be true? I mean rocky when you walk into the water? If I recall on that side isn't the water rough too? If not we might have to check it out!

[dixieva]

Just looking at EOS's position and they appear to be due east from Sandbridge, Va. At that rate, they may just turn around and head back to Baltimore.

Sandbridge??? OMG that's traveling really slow:eek:! I told Kelly that before this is over they just might wish they had given the passengers their money back and sent them home so they could get the repairs done. Now they are paying for all of the gasoline for the ship to make 2 ports with no guarantee that they won't be stuck in Florida or the Bahamas and have to fly everyone home:confused:.

[cruzette]

Oh that beach. I thought that side of the island was rocky on the beach-did you find that to be true? I mean rocky when you walk into the water? If I recall on that side isn't the water rough too? If not we might have to check it out!
The beach before that one is VERY rocky...very hard to get into the water. This one was not bad at all. We wore water shoes but there were "paths" that were rock free. I'd do it again.

[dixieva]

Good-might have to check it out!

[DELTABLUE]

For any reading the other Enchantment threads and/or with connections with people on the ship, has anything been said about when and where they are going to repair the malfunctioning engines?:confused:

cruzette...you reminded me of that commerical where someone's steak gets burned and they are told it will be free. The others at the table ask if their salad can be burned or chicken can be burned.:p I wouldn't mind a free slow cruise to nowhere either but I could well do without the high seas and no power.;)/:eek:

[dixieva]

I've read the entire almost 40 pages about the Enchantment and this morning there is still no news about when and where a repair might be done.

Someone who is on the ship right now did say that they were starting to run out of things-he didn't specify what exactly. He said he was sure they wouldn't go hungry.

They better hope they don't run out of beer:eek::D:eek::rolleyes:! There would be a mutiny for sure!

[Cruznation]

I've read the entire almost 40 pages about the Enchantment and this morning there is still no news about when and where a repair might be done.

Someone who is on the ship right now did say that they were starting to run out of things-he didn't specify what exactly. He said he was sure they wouldn't go hungry.

They better hope they don't run out of beer:eek::D:eek::rolleyes:! There would be a mutiny for sure!

Absolutely!
On the 6 days it took for us to get from the Canary Islands to Florida on the TA we took in October we began to notice that the strawberries and the melons vanished first. It's the perishable stuff that can't be frozen that goes first. By Ft. Lauderdale we were down to some sorry looking bananas and oranges. But they were still serving a full menu at meals.

[dixieva]

Does anybody know the position of the ship this morning?? Would love to know.

I did just read a post from a guy who is on board and he said the weather is better so was wondering where they are right about now.

[Cruznation]

I read in one of the posts that they are staying overnight in Nassau. That would be my guess at where the repair would be done. A lot of RCCL ships are registered there. I imagine they would have the facilities.

[dixieva]

I thought that overnight in Nassau would give them plenty of time until I read that they are expected to arrive at 3 p.m. and will leave the next morning at 11 a.m. in order to get back to B'more by Monday morning.

[2crusin]

Going to be some unhappy passengers getting off on Monday....
& lots of questions from guests boarding .....

Always disappointing to have plans change but when traveling you just have to roll with the seas and make the best of the situation ...

We ended up on a cruise to nowhere on what was suppose to be a five day to Bermuda....engine problems & a Hurricaine heading towards Bermuda...
we sailed down the bay after spending the night and the day in Baltimore & were able to see what we missed sailing in the dark on other cruises.
Had beautiful weather ...had waves in the pool ... a very different cruise experience... We were compensated nicely... enjoyed every moment of that cruise :)

[dixieva]

I hope they won't be unhappy. After getting the entire cost of your cruise back and still getting to be on the ship for 9 days is not a bad deal. But I'm sure some will still be-otch about it.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Can someone who has participated in a M & M gift exchange give me a little more info? Can you list a few of the gifts that have been exchanged in the past? Also, is this usually 1 per couple or do you each do an exchange. This may seem silly--but, surely I am not the only person that is new to the M and M. :)

I have followed the other thread about the En of Seas current voyage. I feel for them. Every cruise my husband and I have taken during the winter from Baltimore has had very heavy seas from Hatteras to the Chesapeake Bay. (some much worse than others) Also, the water temps in the Bahamas and FL are very chilly even if the weather is good. We decided we would not take Jan-Feb cruises out of Baltimore anymore. We hope that the March 19 date is late enough to have better weather.

[dixieva]

I've never really taken part in the gift exchange but if you bring a gift you get a gift-so if a couple brings one gift then you get one gift. And usually it's something unique to your hometown area. Like here in Virginia we grow lots of peanuts so if I was participating I would probably bring peanuts. But it can be anything you want. Cost not over $10. Hope that helps.

[Cruznation]

Can someone who has participated in a M & M gift exchange give me a little more info? Can you list a few of the gifts that have been exchanged in the past? Also, is this usually 1 per couple or do you each do an exchange. This may seem silly--but, surely I am not the only person that is new to the M and M. :)

The M&M is just the free party that RCCL throws for Cruise Critic members onboard. They provide a room, a master of ceremonies, juice, coffee, tea, water, and pastries, and have drawings for door prizes. Last time on Enchantment we had 125 folks attend and the prizes were pretty good; massages and such. On Liberty this past October we had 525 people and just had the usual Royal Caribbean umbrellas and beach bags, etc. So no real idea of what they will do prize-wise.

Other activities like the gift exchange, the cabin crawl, a planned lunch or breakfast, and the slot pull are arranged totally by the folks on this thread to extend our good times together. Someone else can better speak for the gift exchange, but it's usually a $10 gift from your part of the country. I've seen hats and other local sports team stuff, souvenir type stuff from where the giver lives. Given that this is a home port cruise, the majority of the folks on board will be from Baltimore, or at least the tri-state area. So the gifts get imaginative. The rule is for every gift you bring, you get one. So you can do one as a couple or do one each. Doesn't matter.

The M&M provides a place onboard where all the folks that have been chatting on this thread can meet and talk face to face. That's really the fun of it. :)

[TH451]

Wow, I've been reading some of the posts on the Enchantment delayed thread and 'travelplus' is someone who I never want to cruise with. I don't think he/she could be happy stuck in a pie factory.

I think we all have been in delayed situations before whether our car broke down somewhere or a flight had some sort of difficulty and couldn't leave on time. I have and have never been rewarded with any free stuff as a result.

I personally think, from what I've read, RCI has done more than enough to compensate the current passengers. After all, they are on the ship with all it's amenities and getting their money back, too. That is unless they spend all the OBC.

I wonder if they will also get C&A points for this free cruise?

Maybe we should claim emotional stress in worrying for 27 days if EOS will be seaworthy for us.;)

[Cruznation]

I thought that overnight in Nassau would give them plenty of time until I read that they are expected to arrive at 3 p.m. and will leave the next morning at 11 a.m. in order to get back to B'more by Monday morning.

Being there all night may be enough though if they are just switching an engine out. It may be noisy for those staying aft though. We had a cabin near the forward anchor once. When they docked at 6am and dropped anchor I thought someone was driving in rivets outside our cabin! :eek:

[Cruznation]

Wow, I've been reading some of the posts on the Enchantment delayed thread and 'travelplus' is someone who I never want to cruise with. I don't think he/she could be happy stuck in a pie factory.

So true, Tommy! Peggy924 earlier on in the thread would be no joy to cruise with either. Definitely "glass half empty" types of people. Glitches happen when you travel. At least it wasn't like the Costa Concordia. You traveled slower and missed a couple of ports; but nobody died and the boat didn't sink. Party on!

[J&SLowery]

We had a cabin near the forward anchor once. When they docked at 6am and dropped anchor I thought someone was driving in rivets outside our cabin!

We can attest to that sound. On our 2nd cruise w/ RCCL (which was on Enchantment), long story short- we got on the ship for dirt cheap and ended up in Rm#2009 (the lowest and forwardmost room available). Talk about a sensory deprevation chamber-- no one on 3 sides of us. It wash quite the shock the first time we heard it. Ended up liking the sound, as it meant it was time to get up and get ready for the day!!

Jay

[cruzette]

We can attest to that sound. On our 2nd cruise w/ RCCL (which was on Enchantment), long story short- we got on the ship for dirt cheap and ended up in Rm#2009 (the lowest and forwardmost room available). Talk about a sensory deprevation chamber-- no one on 3 sides of us. It wash quite the shock the first time we heard it. Ended up liking the sound, as it meant it was time to get up and get ready for the day!!

Jay
See, someone saw their glass half full!!! I will enjoy cruising with you...no matter what happens on this cruise!

[cruzette]

I've seen something from hometowns and I've seen things that had nothing whatsoever to do with any town. There have been cruise-related gifts and then there have been photo albums and candy. So, as you can see, its whatever strikes your fancy.

If you bring two gifts, you get two gifts. We really have fun with it!

Hope this helps :D

[TH451]

Today, per zambien on EOS:

" Just in case no one posted already, we all got a free cruise. Our itinerary is less than ideal but I can't complain. This is my first cruise.... my wife's too. We will be back on an RCI boat this summer for sure. Itinerary is

Today Canaveral
Tomorrow at sea
24th arrive at Nassau 3pm
25th depart Nassau 11am
26th at sea
27th arrive in bmore

My understanding is that they will try to repair the boat in one of these ports. Hopefully Canaveral so that we can get to Nassau early.

OK off to the beach."

Maybe a peek of Enchantment in Port Canaveral. http://portcanaveralwebcam.com/

[dixieva]

The ship has arrived safely in Port Canaveral! Yay! Can't see it on the webcam and might not be able to depending on which dock it's at. Sure hope there are piles of stuff waiting on the dock to fix the problem! Get 'er done!!

[TerpGrad]

I wouldn't want to be anywhere near that "travelplus" woman either!! such a terribly negative attitude. I would certainly have some choice words for her if I had to listen to her complaining :p

I spoke with the travel agency we booked the cruise through since RCI still hasn't responded to my inquiry about the ship. Without elaborating, the agency was willing to tell me that they are aware of the engine issue and it is definitely possible that this engine problem will affect the next itinerary as well as the one after that because the full repairs could take that long, but they don't currently have any concerns about our itinerary since it is almost a full month out. This tells me that they may, possibly, have more info that RCI has been willing to publicly release (or they are just trying to placate their customers by making something up!). Hopefully the problem gets fixed sooner rather than later!!

[TH451]

Originally Posted by nuttzz http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=32551272#post32551272)
There are many misstatements already in this thread. There were close to 100 people who permanently disembarked at PC. We were two of them. There were close to 600 children on this cruise, who were allowed to roam the "adults-only" Solarium freely. The ship arrived in Baltimore disabled. It was allowed to leave into 20-foot seas, and limped along for 3 days at 12 knots. The best weather of the trip to date was Saturday in Baltimore. After that, clouds (at best) and SNOW (at worst) was the norm. Tue ship should never have left port, and this was supported by numerous crew. RCCL is now working to minimize their liability. Lawsuits will likely proceed.

Litigation:confused: Let's see: Paid for cruise.
Went on cruise.
Refunded for cruise.

Wouldn't it be ironic if their flight was delayed back to Baltimore.:p:D Oh, I guess that would be another lawsuit.:eek:

[dixieva]

Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful day in PC!

[Grandma Gail]

Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful day in PC!
Enjoying the day in Gaithersburg and being amazed at the grumpy people on Enchantment right now. I know I am not there so I can't speak from personal experience, but they just need to relax and enjoy this free cruise and book their next one while onboard. DGS birthday tomorrow so I just got home from the $store with 7 balloons!

[Cruznation]

Wow! Given the fine print about weather and such in the fine print in the cruise contract, I would have doubts about any of these succeeding. I would say that you wouldn't see ME leaving a cruise midway like that, but with 600 bored and pent-up kids onboard, maybe. And this captain just started his rotation? Lucky him...

[dixieva]

I wonder if the Captain is one of the 100+ peeps who got off today in port:D:D:D:eek:!

[cruzette]

Wow! Given the fine print about weather and such in the fine print in the cruise contract, I would have doubts about any of these succeeding. I would say that you wouldn't see ME leaving a cruise midway like that, but with 600 bored and pent-up kids onboard, maybe. And this captain just started his rotation? Lucky him...
Is this Captain Gus? We had him on our cruise a few weeks ago...the same cruise that is now free!

[cruzette]

I wonder if the Captain is one of the 100+ peeps who got off today in port:D:D:D:eek:!


did he fall into an airplane?

[cruzette]

Originally Posted by nuttzz http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=32551272#post32551272)
There are many misstatements already in this thread. There were close to 100 people who permanently disembarked at PC. We were two of them. There were close to 600 children on this cruise, who were allowed to roam the "adults-only" Solarium freely. The ship arrived in Baltimore disabled. It was allowed to leave into 20-foot seas, and limped along for 3 days at 12 knots. The best weather of the trip to date was Saturday in Baltimore. After that, clouds (at best) and SNOW (at worst) was the norm. Tue ship should never have left port, and this was supported by numerous crew. RCCL is now working to minimize their liability. Lawsuits will likely proceed.

Litigation:confused: Let's see: Paid for cruise.
Went on cruise.
Refunded for cruise.

Wouldn't it be ironic if their flight was delayed back to Baltimore.:p:D Oh, I guess that would be another lawsuit.:eek:
Did RCCL pay the airfare? Come on...lawsuit? Over what?? I don't think there would be a judge who would even consider taking the case. RCCL has bent over backward to make amends.

[dixieva]

did he fall into an airplane?


I think it's quite possible that he did indeed trip while out on deck and fall into an airplane:D:D!

[TH451]

Two Enchantment threads got closed today because of bad behavior of some posters. I'm glad we don't have that problem here.

Watching the webcam to see if Enchantment leaves @ 7pm and as far as I can tell, she is still there. Carnival Pride is leaving now right in the middle of a storm.

Link to thread by 1st time cruiser on EOS.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1573943&page=1

Enchantment is pulling away from the dock now on her way to Nassau.
http://portcanaveralwebcam.com/

[Living in MD]

Two Enchantment threads got closed today because of bad behavior of some posters. I'm glad we don't have that problem here.

Watching the webcam to see if Enchantment leaves @ 7pm and as far as I can tell, she is still there. Carnival Pride is leaving now right in the middle of a storm.

Link to thread by 1st time cruiser on EOS.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1573943&page=1

Enchantment is pulling away from the dock now on her way to Nassau.
http://portcanaveralwebcam.com/

Tommy, thanks for posting the link, I'm terrible at finding the other threads! :o

[dixieva]

Well, maybe things are looking up for the ship! This morning someone has posted (they are not on the ship) that the ship is traveling at 18 knots to Nassau. I guess you can tell the speed from some of those ship tracking sites. Sure hope this is true.

Someone who is on the ship said the Captain as of last night had not said anything about repairs or lack thereof. You would think he would have given an update as they headed off to Nassau. Oh wait-I forgot-he's on that airplane that he fell into:D;)!

[dixieva]

St. Thomas--

We have been to St. Thomas so many times. Only once to St. John so we are thinking about going over to St. John on our own. We did it before and it was easy. Get a taxi to the Red Hook Ferry (last time it was $8 pp) get a round trip ticket for the ferry ( I think this was $10). Once you get over there you can get a taxi to do a private tour or if you want to go to a beach they will take you there. We did a two hour tour last time and it was great. I think we paid $20. There is a nice shopping area where the ferry come in to the island. I think this time we're just going to hang around there.

If anyone else is interested we could go over together. Then we can each do our own thing. We haven't decided for sure yet-a lot depends on the weather that day. If it rains we won't go.

[TH451]

Radio has started a new thread about EOS current cruise.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1578624&highlight=enchantment

Just saw a special on the Virgin Islands and they said when people go to St. John from St Thomas, they almost always take a 2 hour tour of the island. I tdoes look beatiful. Not sure what we have planned yet. How much of the day is taken up when going to St. John?

[dixieva]

Tommy it just depends on how long you want to stay over on St. John. The taxi to the ferry is about 20 minutes, the ferry ride over is I think another 20. It's been a couple of years so don't remember for sure. We plan on going over early as soon as we can get off the ship and be back in time for lunch so we will have the afternoon free. I think the ferry runs about every 30 minutes.

[dixieva]

Hmm-there was just a post from someone who is on the ship that they are still making good time but that from looking at the wake you can tell that the ship is still working on one propeller:eek::eek:!

This is on the thread titled "A british man's first cruise" or something like that.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Dixie--My husband and I plan to visit St. John.

The last time we visited St Thomas we took the RCL excursion (St John on You Own). RCL used "Island Girl" excursion. They were more than 35 minutes late picking us up. If you add that to the 45 min ferry each way we only had less than 1.5 hours of the 4 hour excursion. We took a taxi ride around the island because that did not leave us enough time to take a taxi to the beach and back--and actually have time for the beach.:(

This year I noticed they offer STL2--Destination St. John: Coastal Cruise of National Park Beaches. 10 AM (6.5 hours) Highlights:-Scenic ferry ride to and from St. John. Cruise around the island. See thousands of acres of unspoiled National Park highlights. Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of independent exploration / shopping. This is $40 per person.

This gives plenty of time for the beach, a cruise around the island, the convenince of leaving directly from the cruise dock and it is not that much more than taxi/Red Hook Ferry route.

[dixieva]

That's a good price. We figure it is going to cost us around $30 to get there and back. We prefer to go on our own so we can come and go whenever we want-we won't spend a long time there since we've already done a tour.

[cruzette]

Figured I could soak up some rays while working in the gardens...now where did I put that heating pad and the aspirin? :rolleyes:

[Living in MD]

Enjoying the day in Gaithersburg and being amazed at the grumpy people on Enchantment right now. I know I am not there so I can't speak from personal experience, but they just need to relax and enjoy this free cruise and book their next one while onboard. DGS birthday tomorrow so I just got home from the $store with 7 balloons!


:D Happy Birthday to your DGS!!!!

[2crusin]

Watched fox news earlier tonight... one indiviual already gave interview with the press .... gees... :rolleyes:
hope they should interview the 2000 plus passengers that are having a great time wheb they get back ....

[TH451]

Watched fox news earlier tonight... one indiviual already gave interview with the press .... gees... :rolleyes:
hope they should interview the 2000 plus passengers that are having a great time wheb they get back ....

Link to story:
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wbff_vid_12286.shtml?wap=0

Can you just imagine hearing creaking & cracking in your cabins? It's a good thing the hangers weren't clanging in the closet,too.;) Also, sailing through a snow storm in winter. Oh the humanity!

I think we all have been through some sort of storm or bad weather while cruising. I don't ever recall thinking my life was in danger. I think this is just some more of the self righteous, entitlement mentality that is destroying the USA.

On a lighter note, This thread shows the current ship's captains. Capt. Gus really had a terrific welcome back experience.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1441813&page=16&highlight=captain

I keep finding new information.

The entertainment schedule for the Enchantment of the Seas, sailing March 19, 2012, is as follows:

Joey Van Singer / Impressionist
Matt Henry Juggler
Max Difaz Cocktail Pianist

To be announced Centrum Trio

Production Shows: Can't Stop the Rock
Stage to Screen
Tango Buenos Aires (seasonal)

[dixieva]

Yeah that story was pretty lame! I guess it's possible that some folks book their first cruise without any thought or planning/research so if that's the case then I could maybe understand but regardless-you do have some common sense don't you? Feb. in Baltimore-think about it-it just might be cold, stormy and snowing:rolleyes:!

Sure wish someone who is still on board would post an update for us.

Right now it is sunny, windy and 77 degrees here:eek::D:eek:! It is still Feb. and not June right? Or did I fall asleep in Feb. and wake up in June?

Not complaining though:)!

[dixieva]

I think I'll go out and pull weeds from around the patio. Take advantage of this warm weather.

Cruzette-please pass the heating pad and aspirin-I think I'm gonna need them later:rolleyes:!

[TH451]

For the next Enchantment cruise leaving 2/27, it looks like there's been a change to the itinerary - here's what's posted on RCCL's web site: Staying late in Antigua and St. Maarten, all day in Puerto Rico, skipping Labadee, and 3 days at sea going home.

Sailing Itinerary

Date Port Arrive Depart Activity
27-Feb Baltimore, Maryland 4:00 PM
28-Feb Cruising Cruising
29-Feb Cruising Cruising
01-Mar Cruising Cruising
02-Mar Tortola, British Virgin Islands 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
03-Mar St. John's, Antigua 8:00 AM
04-Mar St. John's, Antigua 1:30 AM
04-Mar Philipsburg, St. Maarten 8:00 AM
05-Mar Philipsburg, St. Maarten 12:30 AM
05-Mar Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked
06-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
07-Mar Cruising Cruising
08-Mar Cruising Cruising
09-Mar Cruising Cruising
10-Mar Baltimore, Maryland 7:00 AM

I wish they would do this for our cruise.:) Why would labadee be skipped?

[Cruznation]

For the next Enchantment cruise leaving 2/27, it looks like there's been a change to the itinerary - here's what's posted on RCCL's web site: Staying late in Antigua and St. Maarten, all day in Puerto Rico, skipping Labadee, and 3 days at sea going home.

Sailing Itinerary

Date Port Arrive Depart Activity
27-Feb Baltimore, Maryland 4:00 PM
28-Feb Cruising Cruising
29-Feb Cruising Cruising
01-Mar Cruising Cruising
02-Mar Tortola, British Virgin Islands 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
03-Mar St. John's, Antigua 8:00 AM
04-Mar St. John's, Antigua 1:30 AM
04-Mar Philipsburg, St. Maarten 8:00 AM
05-Mar Philipsburg, St. Maarten 12:30 AM
05-Mar Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked
06-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
07-Mar Cruising Cruising
08-Mar Cruising Cruising
09-Mar Cruising Cruising
10-Mar Baltimore, Maryland 7:00 AM

I wish they would do this for our cruise.:) Why would labadee be skipped?

Thanks for the update, Tommy!

This looks like the propulsion has not been fixed... Might be an indicator of what our cruise will be too.

[dixieva]

Interesting-I just saw on one of those threads about Enchantment someone said they were going to skip Labadee and overnight in St. Thomas. Don't know where they got that info-obviously that's incorrect.

I'm thinking the ship is NOT ship-shape just yet!

[chargeit2him]

i just checked the itineary for our cruise is also been changed to the same as the one for the 27 am going to call

Lou

[chargeit2him]

just got off the phone with rcl an the itineary for the 27 has been changed but ours has not

Lou

[bchescpMaryalnd]

just got off the phone with rcl an the itineary for the 27 has been changed but ours has not

Lou

I also called RC and was told that the ship was fixed, the itinerary for the 27th was changed, but ours has not at this point changed.:D

[cruzette]

I think I'll go out and pull weeds from around the patio. Take advantage of this warm weather.

Cruzette-please pass the heating pad and aspirin-I think I'm gonna need them later:rolleyes:!
It's been damp and cold all day here...then the sky opened around 2pm and it poured. Temps never got out of the low 50's. Home now after having lunch w/dad, making sandwiches for the homeless with my granddaughter's class, an xray and MRI on the knee. Snuggy warm in PJs and waiting to watch how Gordon Ramsey's transforms Cafe Hon in Baltimore. Tomorrow will be cleaning day then off to the train station to pick Diane up late afternoon.

[cruzette]

1. Open you email to find one from xxx.com saying, "Thank you for your order and it has been shipped."
2. Scratch your head and say, "What order?" :confused:
3. Read further...oh, the Camera I ordered. Really, what camera...and for whom? Oh, its for that person in San Diego THAT YOU DON'T KNOW!!! :cool:
4. And how much did you spend on a camera for someone you don't know? $1100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Buying a camera for someone you don't know...$1100
Spending time rectifying the problem...90 min
Having the address/phone # of delivery...priceless!! ;)
Knowing the order never made it to FedEx...even better! :D

[DELTABLUE]

cruzette...glad you were able to clear things up. Was it a phishing email or was your identity stolen?:confused:

It never did get as warm as we were promised today. Damp, cool and dank. Now it is blowing.:eek:

[cruzette]

cruzette...glad you were able to clear things up. Was it a phishing email or was your identity stolen?:confused:

It never did get as warm as we were promised today. Damp, cool and dank. Now it is blowing.:eek:
The email was real...my credit card number had been compromised. a camera was indeed ordered in my name, billed to me, but being sent to an address in California.

[Cruznation]

The email was real...my credit card number had been compromised. a camera was indeed ordered in my name, billed to me, but being sent to an address in California.

Georgia,
I hope you called the police to see what could be done about that address in California. I'm vindictive about stuff like that; I would press whatever charges I could.

[Grandma Gail]

The email was real...my credit card number had been compromised. a camera was indeed ordered in my name, billed to me, but being sent to an address in California.
How scary. You get a little nervous when you order on line or even over the phone. Have a friend that won't order anything on line or over the phone but she was at Sears buying a washer and her credit application was denied, someone had been using her credit card and wasn't making payment. The did find the person and they were charged but it still took her months to straigthen it out!

[Rama41]

The email was real...my credit card number had been compromised. a camera was indeed ordered in my name, billed to me, but being sent to an address in California.

This is a good reminder for cruisers. Don't know if RCCL is still doing this, but some room safes still require (believe it or not) a credit card for locking and unlocking! In other words, you can't secure your credit card and have to take it with you snorkeling, etc.! Two or three years ago, on the last night before disembarking, I had left the credit card somewhere in the cabin when we went to dinner. When we returned, our cruise evaluations and credit card were missing. I always carry Xeroxed copies of credit cards, passports, etc., so it was no problem to cancel my card. Of course, I redid my evaluations. I hope Enchantment's safes allow you to select your own four digit combination rather than use a credit card.

[dixieva]

You don't have to use a credit card to lock the safe. Any card with a magnetic strip will work. I have used grocery store cards, library cards, expired credit card-most anything that has that black magnetic strip on the back. And we then hide it somewhere in the room so either one of us can get into the safe if the other isn't in the room. We found this out before our very first cruise. So look for some other card to pack and use that. Then you can lock your credit card inside the safe.

[cruzette]

This is a good reminder for cruisers. Don't know if RCCL is still doing this, but some room safes still require (believe it or not) a credit card for locking and unlocking! In other words, you can't secure your credit card and have to take it with you snorkeling, etc.! Two or three years ago, on the last night before disembarking, I had left the credit card somewhere in the cabin when we went to dinner. When we returned, our cruise evaluations and credit card were missing. I always carry Xeroxed copies of credit cards, passports, etc., so it was no problem to cancel my card. Of course, I redid my evaluations. I hope Enchantment's safes allow you to select your own four digit combination rather than use a credit card.
We don't use LIVE credit cards for the safe...I learned this from Cruznation several cruises ago. You can use any card that has a black strip for reading. I will be using this DEAD credit card which is totally messed up on the front but I preserved the strip on the back just for this reason. We have a very particular way to secure this card as well so it cannot be located. This way everything stays in the safe.

[dixieva]

Wow! Yesterday sunny, warm- 81 -today very windy and 46:eek::eek:. Shorts back in the drawer, sweatpants and sweatshirt back out!:D

That's ok, a little over 3 weeks and warm, sunny skies and blue blue water are coming our way;)!

[dixieva]

Well, as of tonight our schedule has not been changed. I just called and asked. The girl I spoke to had no idea of any problem with the ship and told me that they aren't told anything-they find out from customers who read Cruise Critic!! We already knew that didn't we?

And someone who is one the ship just posted that the Captain spoke to them today and told them that the engine, despite repairs done to it at this point, is performing at about 65% capacity. No other information about what is being done to get it totally fixed. And he said he expects them to be in Baltimore on time on Monday. And someone else who is on the 27th cruise posted that they were getting an OBC of $175 per cabin regardless of cabin category. She heard this from someone else so not sure of the validity of that information.

So Georgia you are the official look-out for the Bead Brigade:)! Sort of like our own Paul Revere:D. Let us know what time you spot her on Monday morning!

[cruzette]

happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear grandma gail
happy birthday to you!!!

[cruzette]

Well, as of tonight our schedule has not been changed. I just called and asked. The girl I spoke to had no idea of any problem with the ship and told me that they aren't told anything-they find out from customers who read Cruise Critic!! We already knew that didn't we?

And someone who is one the ship just posted that the Captain spoke to them today and told them that the engine, despite repairs done to it at this point, is performing at about 65% capacity. No other information about what is being done to get it totally fixed. And he said he expects them to be in Baltimore on time on Monday. And someone else who is on the 27th cruise posted that they were getting an OBC of $175 per cabin regardless of cabin category. She heard this from someone else so not sure of the validity of that information.

So Georgia you are the official look-out for the Bead Brigade:)! Sort of like our own Paul Revere:D. Let us know what time you spot her on Monday morning!
Watching for the Enchantment is always fun but waiting for her come home tomorrow will be especially wonderful to see.

[cruzette]

What a beautiful return for the Pride! :D The horizon is a beautiful shade of orange...very low tide...but she is moving well out in the channel.

[dixieva]

http://th683.photobucket.com/albums/vv198/josiepsychocatlady/Birthdays%20and%20Holidays/th_happy-birthday.jpg (http://media.photobucket.com/image/happy%20birthday/josiepsychocatlady/Birthdays%20and%20Holidays/happy-birthday.jpg?o=5)


Happy Birthday Gail!! Have a great day!

[cruzette]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cruzette http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=32609654#post32609654)
The Pride has just come into sight off the shore of Shady Side which means she will arrive in Baltimore at approx 8a.m. Those on board are experiencing a beautiful return...the sky is a beautiful shade of orange stretching across the horizon. Tides are extremely low but she is moving quite well out in the channel.

I note that the captain has goosed his speed up to 20.4 K and is bucking for an on-time arrival. But to be tied up at the pier at a 285 degree heading by 8:00 am is just not going to happen. Trust me.

~ Dave
__________________
oldsealegs@mail.com


Barb/Skip...let me know what time the Pride makes it to Baltimore

[dixieva]

I saw that guy's post:eek:! How dare he question you! I was just thinking how can I find out what time the Pride really arrives this morning so I'm glad you asked Barb and Skip to keep you posted.

[Cruznation]

http://gfx.glittergraphicsnow.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/happybirthday/birthday004.gif

All the best!

[bchescpMaryalnd]

Hope you have a great Birthday Gail!

[Grandma Gail]

happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear grandma gail
happy birthday to you!!!

http://th683.photobucket.com/albums/vv198/josiepsychocatlady/Birthdays%20and%20Holidays/th_happy-birthday.jpg (http://media.photobucket.com/image/happy%20birthday/josiepsychocatlady/Birthdays%20and%20Holidays/happy-birthday.jpg?o=5)


Happy Birthday Gail!! Have a great day!

http://gfx.glittergraphicsnow.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/happybirthday/birthday004.gif

All the best!
Off to Normandy Farms with the family (DM, DD, DN, DD, DGS, DDBF, and, of course, my DH) for their famous brunch and those
amazing Pop Overs.

[TH451]

Hope you have a terrific day Gail!

223452

[DELTABLUE]

Gail...

http://www.zwani.com/graphics/happy_birthday/images/5a.gif

Hope you enjoy your birthday brunch and the rest of the year too!

I'd be happy to make you more popovers whenever you are in the mood and in the neighborhood. I do them all the time.;)

[girlfriendann]

Ann and Carl will be on Enchantment of the Sea on Mar. 19, 2012.

[girlfriendann]

Ann and Carl are also Crown and Anchor Diamond Members.

[DELTABLUE]

Ann and Carl...happy to have you join our group! Be sure to register for the Meet & Mingle and grab some beads!;) See you soon aboard Enchantment.:D

[Grandma Gail]

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HASN'T AND WANTS TO JOIN THE ROLL CALL????? I WILL BE PUBLISHING A NEW ROLL CALL IN A FEW DAYS. SO IF THERE IS ANYONE ON THE ROLL CALL THAT WON'T BE SAILING WITH US, OR ANYONE SAILING WITH US THAT ISN'T ON THE ROLL CALL, OR ANYONE'S SCREEN NAME OR NAMES THAT ARE SPELLED WRONG - PLEASE EMAIL ME AT: grandmagailhornig@gmail.com :)

[dixieva]

Just saw a post that Enchantment showed up on a ship tracker site off the coast of Va. Beach going 9.7 knots. Hopefully the speed is slow because they're not due in until 7 a.m. tomorrow and if they go too fast they will be too early.

Whatever-Yay it's looking as if they are going to make it back-not that I doubted it for a second:D!

[TH451]

Just checked the tracker and EOS appears to be approx. 6km from Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel moving @16.9k.

[dixieva]

So that would put them about 8 hours from Baltimore right? Seems to me when we leave at 4 p.m. you can see the lights of the tunnel around midnight. Maybe-my memory is not what it used to be so who knows.

[cruzette]

So that would put them about 8 hours from Baltimore right? Seems to me when we leave at 4 p.m. you can see the lights of the tunnel around midnight. Maybe-my memory is not what it used to be so who knows.
I think we normally see the lights around 9:30-10:00. I heard Capt Gus say it takes 9 hrs to get to Baltimore from there...

[dixieva]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1578624&page=3

Here's a link to a post by Radio with a message from TPKeller who is on board the ship. It was sent this afternoon. Check it out. Some new information in there. It's the last post on the page #60 post.

[Grandma Gail]

Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes Had a nice day with family.


Hope you have a terrific day Gail!

223452

Gail...

http://www.zwani.com/graphics/happy_birthday/images/5a.gif

Hope you enjoy your birthday brunch and the rest of the year too!

I'd be happy to make you more popovers whenever you are in the mood and in the neighborhood. I do them all the time.;)

[2crusin]

can't give you an exact time that the Pride came in this morning...
we got in around 9:15 and she was there but gangway was not connected yet so I would est. between 8:30 & 9:00.....

[cruzette]

can't give you an exact time that the Pride came in this morning...
we got in around 9:15 and she was there but gangway was not connected yet so I would est. between 8:30 & 9:00.....
Thanks!! I knew I wasn't far off! It is now 7:10 and the Pride is just passing. Do I assume she set sail at 5?

Hope you had a good day!

[prekteacher1]

]Gail...

http://www.zwani.com/graphics/happy_birthday/images/5a.gif

Hope you enjoy your birthday brunch and the rest of the year too!


Happy Birthday Gail! You share a birthday with one of the most special people in my world.... my grandson!!! :)

[2crusin]

Gail.... hope your birthday was fantastic

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1628549941313&id=4fb8c7cfa259120d1aa805883c15f36e

[2crusin]

Thanks!! I knew I wasn't far off! It is now 7:10 and the Pride is just passing. Do I assume she set sail at 5?

Hope you had a good day!


she was pushing away from the dock approx 4:30...

[cruzette]

I've been watching since 3:15am and as of 4am (the time She normally passes by) the Enchantment is MIA. Gotta leave for work...everyone keep their fingers/toes crossed that she arrives safely and those boarding today have a marvelous trip!

[TH451]

I've been watching since 3:15am and as of 4am (the time She normally passes by) the Enchantment is MIA. Gotta leave for work...everyone keep their fingers/toes crossed that she arrives safely and those boarding today have a marvelous trip!

She had already passed by you by then. I read somewhere that a medical emergency caused it to speed up and meet the pilot boat early to off load the sick passenger. Don't know if EOS docked early or slowed down for her normal docking time.

[dixieva]

Only ONE more Monday that we won't be on the ship:D:D! Monday after next we'll all be chatting in the terminal waiting to get on board.

I heard that folks were starting to get off the ship before 8 this morning.

[Grandma Gail]

I just couln't wait! I have started to pack and hope to have everything (except formal) in the suitcases by this afternoon. I think I will only have 3 1/2 suitcases, one carryon, and one large purse type. Ken and I spent hours and I mean hours going throught the garmet bags looking for this outfit I bought for this cruise and it is nowhere to be found. I guess it is with the camera I couldn't find two years ago. That space where ever it may be has a lot of lost things in it.

Also, I wanted to say Thank You again for all the pretty birthday greetings.

Just three weeks from today we will be meeting in the terminal. Don't forget to wear your beads. Our DD is going to drop us off around 10:30ish.

[dixieva]

Wow Gail! You really cut down on your suitcases this time!

I'm doing just the opposite this time. Last year we were kind of limited due to 5 of us riding together in one car:eek: and we had it packed to the gills! Just ask Tommy-he saw the mountain of luggage that came out of the back. This time it's just the three of us so I'm going to check a 27 inch tall bag and also have a small carry on bag. Last year Kelly and I SHARED a 27 inch tall bag and each had a 21 inch carry on. We have plenty of room for luggage so why not.

[Living in MD]

Gail, Happy Belated Birthday, I hope it was a good one! I was fighting a migraine all day yesterday..... :(

[Stella777]

I was going to put it off until I got back from my cruise but, I need to err on the side of caution and go to see my doctor about this pain under my ribs on the right side of my chest. It is not a real bad pain but it's uncomfortable when I sit a certain way and when I walk. I have a doctor's appointment on weds at 10:30am.....will keep everyone posted.:o

[Cruznation]

I was going to put it off until I got back from my cruise but, I need to err on the side of caution and go to see my doctor about this pain under my ribs on the right side of my chest. It is not a real bad pain but it's uncomfortable when I sit a certain way and when I walk. I have a doctor's appointment on weds at 10:30am.....will keep everyone posted.:o

Good for you, Stella!
Check it out early, best to be sure.

[dixieva]

Good thing to go now Stella. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

I have to go to see my doc tomorrow. I have been losing my voice-last week I thought I had laryngitis but it never went out all the way-just squeaky. Then it got back to normal. Then yesterday it started to go again and today I sound like a 13 year old boy going through puberty:D with the voice change. I don't have a cold or sore throat so it's strange.

Well, our friends are probably having lunch in the WJ right about now!

[Cruznation]

Check the news sites, Costa has another ship with problems.

[Stella777]

Good thing to go now Stella. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

I have to go to see my doc tomorrow. I have been losing my voice-last week I thought I had laryngitis but it never went out all the way-just squeaky. Then it got back to normal. Then yesterday it started to go again and today I sound like a 13 year old boy going through puberty:D with the voice change. I don't have a cold or sore throat so it's strange.

Well, our friends are probably having lunch in the WJ right about now!

Isn't it interesting that it's getting close to cruise time and health concerns pop up all of a sudden:rolleyes:

[Stella777]

Good thing to go now Stella. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

I have to go to see my doc tomorrow. I have been losing my voice-last week I thought I had laryngitis but it never went out all the way-just squeaky. Then it got back to normal. Then yesterday it started to go again and today I sound like a 13 year old boy going through puberty:D with the voice change. I don't have a cold or sore throat so it's strange.

Well, our friends are probably having lunch in the WJ right about now!

Hope all is well with you. It's just that here we are getting ready to sail and "old man health" decides to throw a zinger at some of us:(

[Grandma Gail]

I was going to put it off until I got back from my cruise but, I need to err on the side of caution and go to see my doctor about this pain under my ribs on the right side of my chest. It is not a real bad pain but it's uncomfortable when I sit a certain way and when I walk. I have a doctor's appointment on weds at 10:30am.....will keep everyone posted.:o
Stella - hope all is well with your pain.

[Grandma Gail]

Grandma Gail . . . . . Gail & Ken . . . . . . . . .. . 8540 . . . . . .Early . . . . MD
2crusin. . . . . . . . . . . . Barb & Skip. . . . . . . . . .8092 . . . . . Early . . . . MD
ceslpn . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl & Anthony. . . . . 7666 . . . . . .Early. . . . . PA
atb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann & Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PA
cruzette . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia & Diane . . . . . .4586 . . . . . .Early . . . .MD
dixieva . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7166. . . . . .Early . . . .VA
Carmen30 . . . . . . . . . .Carmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Early. . . .
wrkfire911 . . . . . . . . . Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7166 . . . . . . Early . . . .VA
TH451 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra & Tommy . . . . . 7631 . . . . . .Early . . . . VA
Cruznation . . . . . . . . . .Kathy & Ed . . . . . . . . . 4584 . . . . . . .Early . . . . VA
cruisinforabrusin79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
Living In MD . . . . . . . . .Deb & Chuck . . . . . . . . 3084 . . . . . . Early . . . .MD
DELTABLUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deck 3 . . . . . . Late . . . . MD
shelovescruisising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
YouSnoozeYouLose . .Janice & Rick . . . . . . . .7656. . . . . . .Early. . ..VA
THEcanvasback . . . . . .Sherry & Christian . . . 3116. . . . . . Late. . . . . . .MD
cheric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cheri & Gary . . . . . . . . 7136. . . . . . . Early. . MD
chargeit2him. . . . . . . . . Sandy & Lou . . . . . . . . 3124 . . . . . . . Early . . . . . PA
prekteacher1 . . . . . . . . .Susan & Kinter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
bchescpMaryland. . . . . . .Melanie & Marianne. . .3624 . . . . Early . . . MD
pegwalker55 . . . . . . . . . . . . Peg & Les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late. . . . NY
GRANNYOFFIVE. . . . . . . . . . Laura & Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
Stella777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stella . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2127 . . . Early . . .MD
Blondesnblades . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie & Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PA
Elliegal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MA
Rama41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol & Dick . . . . . . .8622. . .MTD . . . . .PA
TerpGrad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia & Andy . . . . . . 7170. . .Late. . . .MD
EMarie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen & Bill . . . . . . . . 7536 . . . . . . . . . WV
padrek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NH
Lilly & Sonny . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorraine & Stephen . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
Mr. and Mrs. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . Raquel & Vince. . . . . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
tsktsk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry & Steve. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Late. . . . . . .MD
glpremier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judi & Leon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late . . . . . . MD
dragon1951. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agnes & Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Late. . . . . . .VA
leatherlady. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy & Ken. . . . . . . .2623. . . Late. . . . . . .NY
J&SLowery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheila & Jay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valerie & Steve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy & Tom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VA
Traveling Sue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue & Tom. . . . . . . . . 3174 . . .Late. . . . . . .MD
girlfriendann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann & Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PA
sailingalongtogether . . . . . . . .Andrea & John . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early . . . . . . MD
PeddalPusher. . . . . . . . . . . . .Kay & Mike . . . . . . . . . . 3053. . .Early . . . . . . .PA

We didn't have anyone join us since the last Roll Call but I thought I would post it again. As usual, if there are any deletions, additions, or corrections please email me directly: grandmagailhornig@gmail.com:)

[Grandma Gail]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon1.gif Reminder Of Activities Planned for Our Cruise
March 18 – Pre Cruise dinner – place and time to be determined
March 19 – Departure Day – wear “beads” to the terminal [/b]
March 20 - Day 2 Tuesday, First full sea day, 8:00 am breakfast in the Main Dining Room (MDR), TBD Meet & Mingle, Gift Exchange, and Cabin Crawl
March 21 - Day 3 Wednesday, 10:30 Casino Slot Pull - Noon lunch Main Dining Room
March 22 -Day 4 Thursday – 11:00 Shuffleboard – Deck 10 above the Solrium
March 27 - Day 8 - CHOPS 6:00 pm

Meet & Mingle – This is a get together for Cruise Critic Members. Get a chance to put faces with the screen names. Refreshments are served and a staff member from RCCL hosts the M&M. It is usually held the first full sea day and all who have registered should get an invitation in their cabin with the time and location. At the M&M those who wish to participate bring a gift to exchange ($10 value), usually something from your home area. When you put your gift on the table you are given a Raffle Ticket. Raffle Tickets are called and the first person picks a gift from the table and opens it, another ticket is called and that person can take a gift that has been opened or pick a gift from the table, and so on. Some games are played and prizes awarded. It just is a great time to Meet & Mingle.

Cabin Crawl – Don’t you want to see as many different options for cabins as you can? This is a perfect opportunity. After the Meet & Mingle we will crawl (really just walk) to the cabins that have been offered to be shown. So far we have Grand Suite, Junior Suite, Balcony, Interior, and Ocean View. Some cabins might have treats or surprises for the visitors. This is purely optional.

[Grandma Gail]

The date and time for the Meet & Mingle was just posted: 20-Mar-2012 10:00:00 AM, Viking Crown Lounge

[Grandma Gail]

Meet & Mingle was just posted: 20-Mar-2012 10:00:00 AM, Viking Crown Lounge - Sorry for the duplicate post. I was just so excited!!!

[dixieva]

So sorry Delta-now you have to get up early on your first sea day! I know that's not the time you were hoping for.

[TH451]

A person that just got off EOS now says she has 2 good engines. Hope All will have a happy cruise. I know Scott & Tami will.:D

Looking at the tracker and EOS has just gone under the Key Bridge. It feels like it will be a long three weeks but I know they will pass quickly and our 12 days will absolutely fly by. But what fun we will be having.;):):D

[dixieva]

I saw that posted too Tommy and am wondering just how that person knows the engine has been totally repaired. But I'm willing to go with it:D!

[cruzette]

Good thing to go now Stella. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

I have to go to see my doc tomorrow. I have been losing my voice-last week I thought I had laryngitis but it never went out all the way-just squeaky. Then it got back to normal. Then yesterday it started to go again and today I sound like a 13 year old boy going through puberty:D with the voice change. I don't have a cold or sore throat so it's strange.

Well, our friends are probably having lunch in the WJ right about now!
Dixie, you are not alone. Diane lost her voice over a week ago. Dr in Boston put her on an antibiotic even her throat culture was negative. Two days later she looked like a blow fish with a rash on her face. She came home Saturday night. Took her to a medical center yesterday. She is now taking Claritin for the bad reaction to the meds. He said the hoarseness is probably sinus related. I have a friend who lost her voice three weeks ago...still MIA.

[cruzette]

A person that just got off EOS now says she has 2 good engines. Hope All will have a happy cruise. I know Scott & Tami will.:D

Looking at the tracker and EOS has just gone under the Key Bridge. It feels like it will be a long three weeks but I know they will pass quickly and our 12 days will absolutely fly by. But what fun we will be having.;):):D
Boy, she is way out there tonight.

[dixieva]

Dixie, you are not alone. Diane lost her voice over a week ago. Dr in Boston put her on an antibiotic even her throat culture was negative. Two days later she looked like a blow fish with a rash on her face. She came home Saturday night. Took her to a medical center yesterday. She is now taking Claritin for the bad reaction to the meds. He said the hoarseness is probably sinus related. I have a friend who lost her voice three weeks ago...still MIA.

Well, it's nice to know I'm not alone! I hadn't thought that he might do a throat culture. I would just like to have my regular voice back and stop sounding like a squeaky pre-teen:eek:! I'm trying not to talk too much-yeah right-like that's gonna happen!

.

[2crusin]

Add one more to the list..DH has sinus infecion..going to Dr Wed...
ears even clogged but for him that may be good he can't hear me when I talk to him :)
several people at work have colds ..sure hope the germs stay away from me.....! :eek:

[2crusin]

Just an FYI....the Enchantment was tied up when we got to work at 6:45
so she probably was in before 6:30....
they started boarding at 11:30 today :)

[Stella777]

Stella - hope all is well with your pain.

Thanks Gail...I am a little nervous about going to the doctor but it's better to know what's happening rather than get on a cruise and the pain grow worse and I am out in the middle of the ocean:eek:. I don't want to be the one they have to off load because of a medical emergency.

[DELTABLUE]

Sure hope everyone gets their maladies under control fast and stays well! It's been such a long wait and now we leave three weeks from today! I'll almost be happy to get up for the M&M at 10AM...almost.:eek::rolleyes: That will make 'up and out early' TWO days in a row!!! Don't know if my constitution take that.:confused:

Trying not to look at my Carnival stock...first Costa Concordia and now Costa Allegra!!!:eek::eek: This is not good for business but first order of business is to get everyone home safely.;)

[dixieva]

Well I'm gonna live!! Doc said I have a lot of sinus drainage causing the voice problem. I got a Decadron shot (steroid) and a Z pack (antibiotic) so I'll be good to go in a week or so. Gotta love my Doc. I've been his patient for over twenty years and he's a cruiser too. He knows I have a cruise coming up so he's very aggressive with his treatment to get this thing knocked out. I have informed him that he cannot retire until I am dead:D:)!

Stella I hope you find out that whatever you have going on is not serious!

[Stella777]

Well I'm gonna live!! Doc said I have a lot of sinus drainage causing the voice problem. I got a Decadron shot (steroid) and a Z pack (antibiotic) so I'll be good to go in a week or so. Gotta love my Doc. I've been his patient for over twenty years and he's a cruiser too. He knows I have a cruise coming up so he's very aggressive with his treatment to get this thing knocked out. I have informed him that he cannot retire until I am dead:D:)!

Stella I hope you find out that whatever you have going on is not serious!

I will find out tomorrow at 10:30am, then I will come back to work if it's not serious and post.

[cruzette]

Well I'm gonna live!! Doc said I have a lot of sinus drainage causing the voice problem. I got a Decadron shot (steroid) and a Z pack (antibiotic) so I'll be good to go in a week or so. Gotta love my Doc. I've been his patient for over twenty years and he's a cruiser too. He knows I have a cruise coming up so he's very aggressive with his treatment to get this thing knocked out. I have informed him that he cannot retire until I am dead:D:)!

Stella I hope you find out that whatever you have going on is not serious!
Happy its nothing more than sinus stuff...I get sinus infections 3-4 times a year...there always seems to be some gook puddling in my throat....eewwwwwwwwwwww!

[wrkfire911]

I NEED a vacation!! dont care if its on a ship with 1 or 2 engines as long as it doesnt sink or catch on fire :D theres enough people in our group we can shove off from the dock and paddle 3 miles out to open the casino

right??

on the count down & I can't wait !!

[dixieva]

Georgia I don't have many sinus infections but I have asthma so there's always something rattling around in my throat-eewwwww is right:eek:.

Now I'm feeling a tad overmedicated! A steroid shot, 500 mg of antibiotic, and 2 Musinex pills-which the doc told me to take.

It's gonna be an early night for me!

And I'm going on this cruise regardless! If they let me on the ship I'm going. Engine or no engine. And if we can't get out far enough to open the casino we have this fun large group and I'm sure we can find a deck of cards:D. And we don't need the engine to play shuffleboard either:rolleyes:!

[2crusin]

DH called to make an appt for Wed with Dr..
they asked if he could come at three today...
antibiotic - musinex - he picks another script tomorrow for his ears ....
hoping everyone is better soon

[Grandma Gail]

DH called to make an appt for Wed with Dr..
they asked if he could come at three today...
antibiotic - musinex - he picks another script tomorrow for his ears ....
hoping everyone is better soon
Wow - I hope you all are going to be all right. This crazy weather. Now it is supposed to be cold and raining tomorrow so stay warm.

I forgot to mention that I am going to email Reyno (Conceirge) tomorrow about the reservation for CHOPS, so if you want to go and you haven't already told Dixie let her know so we can get head count.

[cruzette]

Georgia I don't have many sinus infections but I have asthma so there's always something rattling around in my throat-eewwwww is right:eek:.

Now I'm feeling a tad overmedicated! A steroid shot, 500 mg of antibiotic, and 2 Musinex pills-which the doc told me to take.

It's gonna be an early night for me!

And I'm going on this cruise regardless! If they let me on the ship I'm going. Engine or no engine. And if we can't get out far enough to open the casino we have this fun large group and I'm sure we can find a deck of cards:D. And we don't need the engine to play shuffleboard either:rolleyes:!
I'll bring the dominoes...we don't need engines for a Mexican Train! Hope you're feeling better soon!

[cruzette]

Wow - I hope you all are going to be all right. This crazy weather. Now it is supposed to be cold and raining tomorrow so stay warm.

I forgot to mention that I am going to email Reyno (Conceirge) tomorrow about the reservation for CHOPS, so if you want to go and you haven't already told Dixie let her know so we can get head count.
Is it time to go yet?? I need a vacation NOW!!!

GET WELL EVERYONE!!

[dixieva]

Dinner at Chops-March 27th at 6 p.m.:

Kelly, Carmen and Carolyn
Stella
Cheryl and Anthony
Tommy and Sandra
Georgia and Diane
Barb, Skip, John and Andrea
Deb and Chuck
Gail and Ken
Ed and Kathy
Delta

Let me know if you want to be included in the reservation.

[Grandma Gail]

Dinner at Chops-March 27th at 6 p.m.:

Kelly, Carmen and Carolyn
Stella
Cheryl and Anthony
Tommy and Sandra
Georgia and Diane
Barb, Skip, John and Andrea
Deb and Chuck
Gail and Ken
Ed and Kathy
Delta

Let me know if you want to be included in the reservation.
Delta emailed and Diane (her roommate) would like to join us.

[dixieva]

Thanks Gail. I added her to the list.

Still don't feel so hot today. I was up most of the night. The Musinex pills and the steroid shot kept me awake. I hope tonight will be better.

Barb-hope Skip feels better soon.

[Stella777]

Went for my doctor's appt. She said that it could be a muscle strain because there are muscle groups in that area. She also said that if it comes back to take ibuprofen for it, and if it is really bad to get back to her. I felt kinda funny about going because it's not bothering me today, but it was bothering me for about two weeks prior...go figure:o. All in all I think that it was good to get the all clear from my doctor since I am going on a cruise and don't want my health to be an issue.

[dixieva]

Good news! Glad you went to check it out.

[Stella777]

Good news! Glad you went to check it out.

Thanks...I hope you are feeling better soon. None of us need to be feeling badly this close to the cruise

[TH451]

Went for my doctor's appt. She said that it could be a muscle strain because there are muscle groups in that area. She also said that if it comes back to take ibuprofen for it, and if it is really bad to get back to her. I felt kinda funny about going because it's not bothering me today, but it was bothering me for about two weeks prior...go figure:o. All in all I think that it was good to get the all clear from my doctor since I am going on a cruise and don't want my health to be an issue.

Stella, I hesitated to say it was probably a pulled muscle just in case it wasn't. Several years ago, I had a similar pain when sitting at night watching TV and listing toward port when the pain in my chest would occur. ( I must be getting in cruise mode because I'm beginning to use nautical terms) I had a friend that just had open heart surgery and was more than a little anxious about my pain. I went to the doctor and he asked what I was doing when I experienced pain. (at rest or active) I told him only when sitting in that certain position and his words were to stop sitting like that.

Glad everyone is beginning the recovery phase and we all should be shipshape on March 19th. There is too much fun ahead to be feeling under the weather.

[2crusin]

Stella ..so happy to hear it was nothing serious

DH has had a day & a half of meds so maybe he will get a better nights sleep tonight

Hoping everyone else stays heathy & the rest are feeling better soon..
we only have 19 days till we sail...

Gail... I am going to pack my evening clothes on hangers this trip ...
I did that for Skip's evening clothes last cruise & it sure helped to get unpacked quicker.. and since we are taking an extra suitcase this trip
I might even take a few extra outfits ..just in case !!

[Living in MD]

19 days from right now we'll be leaving Baltimore for 12 WONDEFUL nights at sea with a bunch of GREAT people!!!!!!!! :)

[wrkfire911]

Please everyone get rid of your cooties ! (and keep them to yourselves) on this ship last year I ended up w/an upper respiratory infection and had to go to the ships Doc on day 3 or 4....I'd rather get it over before hand or better yet ...when getting back !

[dixieva]

I guess we won't be getting any sympathy from Kelly:rolleyes:! So we'll all just suck it up and get well.

I've been hearing some very good things about our Captain Gus. Everyone who has mentioned him says he has a great sense of humor and is very nice. I'll still miss Captain Rob but hope to be impressed by Captain Gus.

[Stella777]

Stella ..so happy to hear it was nothing serious

DH has had a day & a half of meds so maybe he will get a better nights sleep tonight

Hoping everyone else stays heathy & the rest are feeling better soon..
we only have 19 days till we sail...

Gail... I am going to pack my evening clothes on hangers this trip ...
I did that for Skip's evening clothes last cruise & it sure helped to get unpacked quicker.. and since we are taking an extra suitcase this trip
I might even take a few extra outfits ..just in case !!

I,m glad it wasn't serious either.I paid my copay and got out of there fast:D. I am putting my evening clothes on hangers and in a zipped clothes bag and laying the bag on top of the other clothes in the suitcase so when I unpack in my room,I can just take the whole bag out and hang as is.

[Grandma Gail]

Stella ..so happy to hear it was nothing serious

DH has had a day & a half of meds so maybe he will get a better nights sleep tonight

Hoping everyone else stays heathy & the rest are feeling better soon..
we only have 19 days till we sail...

Gail... I am going to pack my evening clothes on hangers this trip ...
I did that for Skip's evening clothes last cruise & it sure helped to get unpacked quicker.. and since we are taking an extra suitcase this trip
I might even take a few extra outfits ..just in case !!
Somebody on CC recommended keeping your clothes on hangers and that was the best suggestion. It saves me hours when unpacking.

Glad that everyone seems to be on the road to recovery. This weather is enough to get us all sick.

[Grandma Gail]

Just read this on Cruise Critic: Finally some good news for the cruise industry: Royal Caribbean (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=32) announced today that it will pick up the option to build a second 4,100-passenger "Project Sunshine" cruise ship, scheduled to debut in spring 2015.

[cruzette]

I guess we won't be getting any sympathy from Kelly:rolleyes:! So we'll all just suck it up and get well.

I've been hearing some very good things about our Captain Gus. Everyone who has mentioned him says he has a great sense of humor and is very nice. I'll still miss Captain Rob but hope to be impressed by Captain Gus.
We had Captain Gus on our Jan cruise. While he is not Capt Rob, he was the next best thing. Very personable, very nice, but still wouldn't hold a candle to Rob.

[2crusin]

We had Captain Gus on our Jan cruise. While he is not Capt Rob, he was the next best thing. Very personable, very nice, but still wouldn't hold a candle to Rob.

I liked his thought for the day ! :)

[DELTABLUE]

It's cruise month!

Happy March
:D

[cruzette]

It's cruise month!

Happy March
:D

May the health fairies start sprinkling major anti-sick dust upon us all!!

[dixieva]

:DWOOHOO!!

We sail this month! We sail two weeks from Monday! We sail in 17 days!!:D:D:):D

[cruzette]

:DWOOHOO!!

We sail this month! We sail two weeks from Monday! We sail in 17 days!!:D:D:):D

Hey Dixie...let me know when you get excited.

[dixieva]

Georgia - you ain't seen nothin' yet:D:eek:! It will get better (or worse depending) as it gets even closer!

[2crusin]

not much longer until we enjoy views like this :D
http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1606866708925&id=955304726c259a170eb39414e0129fd0

[cruzette]

not much longer until we enjoy views like this :D
http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1606866708925&id=955304726c259a170eb39414e0129fd0
WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!! SHAZAM!!!! It can't come soon enough!

[Living in MD]

Somebody on CC recommended keeping your clothes on hangers and that was the best suggestion. It saves me hours when unpacking.

Glad that everyone seems to be on the road to recovery. This weather is enough to get us all sick.


I don't know if anyone has tried this trick or not but I have the plastic hangers that have a hook to hang another hanger off it. I hang 6 blouses together, one on top of the other so it works out to be the length of a suit. Does that make sense? :confused:

^
^
^
^
^
^

[EMarie]

Had some health issues, all seem better at the time. It had better stay this way!!!

Anyways, hubby and I are soooooo looking forward to this cruise. Been needing this R&R for some time now.

Weather hasn't been too bad in WV. 60 today and I have some flowers blooming.

[wiasco]

Greetings everyone, add us to the list of anxious cruisers on the Enchantment OTS on March 19. This will be our first sailing on Enchantment so we are eager to check her out!!

Two weeks of no work, no kids, and worries (except the SeaPass balance)...I almost forgot what it was like to get away!!

[DELTABLUE]

EMarie...glad you are feeling better. Hope everyone else is getting there quickly.;)

As I turned the page on my calendar shortly after midnight, the picture that came up was very similar to the one posted by Barb. It made me smile. Not long now till we get those views for real!:D

[DELTABLUE]

wiasco...happy to have you join the group! Grab some Mardi Gras beads to wear on embarkation day, sign up for the M&M and email GrandmaGail with your info (scroll back a few posts to find her) so that you can be included in the rollcall. See you soon...real soon!:D

[ceslpn]

The anticipation is growing....let the packing begin!!! Is anybody else as excited as I am???:):)

[DELTABLUE]

Want to compare adrenaline levels?:confused::D

[ceslpn]

Delta, I might have to come stay with you until the cruise...my husband can't take all this excitement...He thinks I am crazy. Until I am on that ship with a fancy girlie girl drink I will continue to elevate my adrenaline levels!!!!!:)

[DELTABLUE]

Come on down! Plenty of room here and we can climb the walls together.:D And....you can come to the pre cruise dinner the night before and be only 35 minutes from the ship! How about them apples?!;):p

[ceslpn]

Come on down! Plenty of room here and we can climb the walls together.:D And....you can come to the pre cruise dinner the night before and be only 35 minutes from the ship! How about them apples?!;):p
My husband will only come down the night before if they are calling for SNOW!! Otherwise we are leaving our driveway at 0730 sharp!!! I just talked to RCCL and our OBC from our credit card points finally posted. I cashed our points in January. I don't like this new system.

[DELTABLUE]

Don't think it took too long to get my points credited as OBCs. I requested them online, got an email confirmation and then later called C&A and they said they were posted to my account. Before I think I had to request them from the bank, get them in the mail and they mail them back to C&A. This seems easier to me.

PS...DON'T say that 4 letter word!!!!!!!!!!:eek: Shhhhhhh.;)

[cruzette]

Come on down! Plenty of room here and we can climb the walls together.:D And....you can come to the pre cruise dinner the night before and be only 35 minutes from the ship! How about them apples?!;):p
I AM READY!!! Let the party begin!!!

Delta, do we have a venue for the pre-M&M yet?

[cruzette]

The anticipation is growing....let the packing begin!!! Is anybody else as excited as I am???:):)
Yes, Diane...WE ARE EXCITED TOO!!! and we are so ready to party!!! See you soon!

[cruzette]

Greetings everyone, add us to the list of anxious cruisers on the Enchantment OTS on March 19. This will be our first sailing on Enchantment so we are eager to check her out!!

Two weeks of no work, no kids, and worries (except the SeaPass balance)...I almost forgot what it was like to get away!!
Welcome wiasco!! You'll love the Enchantment...great ship, great captain, and better yet, you're sailing with a great group of people! Looking forward to sailing with you!

[Stella777]

The anticipation is growing....let the packing begin!!! Is anybody else as excited as I am???:):)

I have been excited since the first day that I signed up:D:D:D!!! I can't wait to be pampered and spoiled to my heart's delight. This has been a long time in the making for me, because I have wanted to go on RCI ever since it came to Baltimore and now the reality of this opportunity has come true!!!

[dixieva]

I seem to be making backward strides instead of forward. I felt terrible yesterday and this morning the voice is just about gone:eek:! And this after a steroid shot and almost all of the antibiodic pills are taken (one more left for tomorrow)! Debating whether to go back to the doc or wait it out. Don't think there's anything else he can give me so will probably wait until Monday to see how I feel then.

AND yesterday a big truck backed into my house! Yes backed into my house. Luckily they didn't hit the garage door. I was laying down and saw this big truck backing away from my neighbor's house. Next thing I know there is this big crash so I go running out and say-You did not just hit my house did you? It tore the gutter downspout away from the top part of the gutter and dented the heck out of what was left. I was so pi--ed off! I know they will fix it but what a pain in the a$$. Really-couldn't you see my house??:confused:

I need a cruise!

Welcome to the newest cruisers!

[cruzette]

I seem to be making backward strides instead of forward. I felt terrible yesterday and this morning the voice is just about gone:eek:! And this after a steroid shot and almost all of the antibiodic pills are taken (one more left for tomorrow)! Debating whether to go back to the doc or wait it out. Don't think there's anything else he can give me so will probably wait until Monday to see how I feel then.

AND yesterday a big truck backed into my house! Yes backed into my house. Luckily they didn't hit the garage door. I was laying down and saw this big truck backing away from my neighbor's house. Next thing I know there is this big crash so I go running out and say-You did not just hit my house did you? It tore the gutter downspout away from the top part of the gutter and dented the heck out of what was left. I was so pi--ed off! I know they will fix it but what a pain in the a$$. Really-couldn't you see my house??:confused:

I need a cruise!

Welcome to the newest cruisers!
Dixie...so sorry for the step back. Have you tried a neti pot? or a nice, hot, steamy shower...that might help break up the goop in your throat.

[prekteacher1]

It feels official now... I just pulled out swimsuits and flipflops! I will start pulling things out and staging them in the guest bedroom! No company allowed until after the cruise!:) I wonder how many suitcases I will need?:D

[Grandma Gail]

The anticipation is growing....let the packing begin!!! Is anybody else as excited as I am???:):)
Deb - the hanger idea is a good one
EMarie - hope you are feeling better
wiasco -Welcome - will add you to the next Roll Call
ceslpn - have two suitcases packed and with the luggage strap on

[chargeit2him]

Great day today I'm packed Sandy said she will pack tomorrow. Just got a reduction on our Panama cruise on the Vision in oct.

Does anyone know how the cruise ship tracker works. I have not been able to find the EOS docked in tortola yet she was supposed to be there by now???

[dixieva]

I know the ship is in Tortola and arrived on time this morning from a poster who is on the ship. Sorry I don't have a clue about that ship tracker site. I can't make heads or tails out of it!

Georgia-I really don't feel like I have a bunch of goop in my throat. I am drinking lots of hot tea with honey. I did call my doc and he has called in a new antibiodic for me so hopefully that will work! If not I may need to learn sign language.:eek::rolleyes::D

[cruzette]

I know the ship is in Tortola and arrived on time this morning from a poster who is on the ship. Sorry I don't have a clue about that ship tracker site. I can't make heads or tails out of it!

Georgia-I really don't feel like I have a bunch of goop in my throat. I am drinking lots of hot tea with honey. I did call my doc and he has called in a new antibiodic for me so hopefully that will work! If not I may need to learn sign language.:eek::rolleyes::D
as long as you can point to the drink of the day as it is walking around you're good to go! Did the dr do a culture? Diane's voice is starting to return but she has a long way to go before its close to normal. Hope you are better soon.

[dixieva]

No to the throat culture. My throat is not the least bit sore or red looking. I'll start the new pills tomorrow. This not being able to talk sucks! I try to answer the phone and it takes me two or three times to get out a "hello".

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired:eek:!

[TH451]

Great day today I'm packed Sandy said she will pack tomorrow. Just got a reduction on our Panama cruise on the Vision in oct.

Does anyone know how the cruise ship tracker works. I have not been able to find the EOS docked in tortola yet she was supposed to be there by now???

Here's the link that shows EOSs location.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/default.aspx?oldmmsi=311733000&zoom=10&olddate=lastknown

Hope it helps.

[DELTABLUE]

The precruise M&M dinner is set for Sunday night March 18, 5:30PM, at the Olive Garden here in Bowie. If anyone needs more specific directions, let me know. We should be able to get a table at that time. So far we are a party of 8. If anyone else who has not already gotten in touch with me, cares to join us, please let me know.;) DELTABLUE2U at yahoo See you soon and let's get this party started!:D

[dixieva]

Mmmmmm! Olive Garden-yummy!

Can't wait!

[dixieva]

Thanks for the marine web site Tommy!

[2crusin]

The precruise M&M dinner is set for Sunday night March 18, 5:30PM, at the Olive Garden here in Bowie. If anyone needs more specific directions, let me know. We should be able to get a table at that time. So far we are a party of 8. If anyone else who has not already gotten in touch with me, cares to join us, please let me know.;) DELTABLUE2U at yahoo See you soon and let's get this party started!:D

We will not be able to make the precruise M&M dinner :( we will be working ....

[cruzette]

We will not be able to make the precruise M&M dinner :( we will be working ....



:(:eek::(:mad:

[cruzette]

The precruise M&M dinner is set for Sunday night March 18, 5:30PM, at the Olive Garden here in Bowie. If anyone needs more specific directions, let me know. We should be able to get a table at that time. So far we are a party of 8. If anyone else who has not already gotten in touch with me, cares to join us, please let me know.;) DELTABLUE2U at yahoo See you soon and let's get this party started!:D
Thanks Delta...we plan to be there. We like Olive Garden but the last time we went looking for the one in Bowie we couldn't find it. Obviously, without an address (my fault for not bringing it with me) we missed it somewhere. This time we will use the GPS!

[ValerieM]

Hi There -
We can't wait to get onboard our first cruise out of Baltimore! We are bringing our two teenage boys, age 14 & 15. Anybody else bringing teens along? Also, we love to snorkel - any recommendations from those of you who have been to some of these ports?

Thanks,
Valerie

[cruzette]

Hi There -
We can't wait to get onboard our first cruise out of Baltimore! We are bringing our two teenage boys, age 14 & 15. Anybody else bringing teens along? Also, we love to snorkel - any recommendations from those of you who have been to some of these ports?

Thanks,
Valerie
Last year, while in St. Thomas, several of us took an excursion to Christmas Island on "Bones" (Pirate Ship). We snorkeled and saw many beautiful sea turtles and fish. I have also snorkeled off of Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas and enjoyed that as well. We are considering Sapphire Beach this year.

[Grandma Gail]

Hi There -
We can't wait to get onboard our first cruise out of Baltimore! We are bringing our two teenage boys, age 14 & 15. Anybody else bringing teens along? Also, we love to snorkel - any recommendations from those of you who have been to some of these ports?

Thanks,
Valerie
Welcome - saw you on the other thread. Glad you found us. Check out Posts 2362 & 2363 and send your info to be included in the next Roll Call (next Mon/Tues).

[dixieva]

Welcome Valerie and family!

I don't think anyone on our roll call is traveling with kids-at least no one has mentioned it. You probably won't see a lot of children on board this being a 12 day cruise.

Just what I need today-a dull rainy day- when that is exactly how I feel! Well dull anyway, not so much rainy:p! My voice is still very much MIA!!

[cruzette]

Rainy days are good for making soup, bread, cookies...whatever. I made mini egg casseroles for breakfast, then baked some banana bread...now thinking about making beef stew for dinner. If you were closer I'd sent over a nice, piping hot bowl of stew...or if you like, some wonderful chicken noodle soup. Close your eyes and think warm sun, the sound of waves crashing against the ship, seeing TWO huge wakes behind the ship...and a tall handsome server walking around with a tray full of Miami Vice and a bottle of rum!! 16 more days and it will all come true!!!

[dixieva]

Sounds like a little bit of heaven! Funny you should mention chicken noodle soup-when I feel lousy that's what I want to eat.

Does anyone know where the Enchantment is this morning? I checked that site Tommy posted and it's showing still in the middle of the ocean-not in port! What's up with that?

[chargeit2him]

the site that tommy gave shows that the EOS was still out to sea at 5:19 this morning
it is not a live site u have to look at the time which is in gmt time 2400 equals 8pm the is a 4 hour time difference from us the other site I go to does not show her at all but it does look like it should have been on time

Lou

[dixieva]

Thanks! I figured there was something I was missing!

[TH451]

...now thinking about making beef stew for and a bottle of rum!! 16 more days and it will all come true!!!

Georgia, don't forget the pickles & beets.:p:D;)

Aaaahhhh, rum punch.;)

[prekteacher1]

We are looking into doing some things on our own while at some of the different ports. It sounds like many of you have "been there, done that". I'd like to throw out some ideas and if you feel like responding, I'd love to hear from you....
Antigua- Runaway Bay? Darkwood Beach? Valley Church Beach? Ft. James Beach? Anything else to do while there that we shouldn't miss?
Tortola- The Baths? Virgin Gorda? Jost Van Dyke? Smugglers Cove?
St. Maarten- Maho Beach? La Galion Beach? Mullet Bay? Orient Beach?
Haven't researched San Juan enough but think we will be doing some walking tours of the old city and the fort.
Don't know what we are going to do at St. Thomas either.. but that might be a ferry daytrip to St. John.

I hope someone will have some input. I do understand if you choose not to respond either...
Susan

[Grandma Gail]

We are looking into doing some things on our own while at some of the different ports. It sounds like many of you have "been there, done that". I'd like to throw out some ideas and if you feel like responding, I'd love to hear from you....
Antigua- Runaway Bay? Darkwood Beach? Valley Church Beach? Ft. James Beach? Anything else to do while there that we shouldn't miss?
Tortola- The Baths? Virgin Gorda? Jost Van Dyke? Smugglers Cove?
St. Maarten- Maho Beach? La Galion Beach? Mullet Bay? Orient Beach?
Haven't researched San Juan enough but think we will be doing some walking tours of the old city and the fort.
Don't know what we are going to do at St. Thomas either.. but that might be a ferry daytrip to St. John.

I hope someone will have some input. I do understand if you choose not to respond either...
Susan
ANTIGUA - Doing a tour that dixieva arranged
TORTOLA - Jost Van Dyke through the ship. Tried to arrange a tour throuth Tortola Tours but they never got back to us
ST. MAARTEN - Helmet Dive
ST. THOMAS - Pirate ship to Christmas Cove, been there 3 times and have always had a blast. Snorkleing, Pain Killers and a BBQ lunch on the beach
SAN JUAN - probably staying on board or depending where we docked, going into the terminal building and do a little shopping

[TH451]

We are looking into doing some things on our own while at some of the different ports. It sounds like many of you have "been there, done that". I'd like to throw out some ideas and if you feel like responding, I'd love to hear from you....
Antigua- Runaway Bay? Darkwood Beach? Valley Church Beach? Ft. James Beach? Anything else to do while there that we shouldn't miss?
Tortola- The Baths? Virgin Gorda? Jost Van Dyke? Smugglers Cove?
St. Maarten- Maho Beach? La Galion Beach? Mullet Bay? Orient Beach?
Haven't researched San Juan enough but think we will be doing some walking tours of the old city and the fort.
Don't know what we are going to do at St. Thomas either.. but that might be a ferry daytrip to St. John.

I hope someone will have some input. I do understand if you choose not to respond either...
Susan

Antigua, we are also going on a tour with the group.
Tortola, we are just going to take a tour from a taxi or one of the tour venders. Last year we went to Virgin Gorda and it was wonderful. We walked to Speedy's Ferry to ride over, went down to the Baths. When we got back we caught a taxi back to the ship because all were tired.
St. Maarten, we are just planning a low key day with probably going to Maho Beach and enjoying. Orient Beach is a nude beach if you're so inclined.
St.Thomas, we are still undecided at this point. Downtown? St. Johns?
San Juan, probably not venture too far from ship since we are only there a few hours.

Just our thoughts.

[dixieva]

If you're looking for things to do on your own go to the ports of call boards and search each island. You'll find lots of tips there and even recommendations for private tours.

We did Virgin Gorda on our own last year and it was fun and easy. We walked to the ferry from the ship.

[prekteacher1]

If you're looking for things to do on your own go to the ports of call boards and search each island. You'll find lots of tips there and even recommendations for private tours.

We did Virgin Gorda on our own last year and it was fun and easy. We walked to the ferry from the ship.


I've been on the boards for the ports of call.... that's where I'm getting some ideas! I'm also going on youtube to check out some of the beaches..... I'd like to know more about the excursion you are taking when you get to St. Thomas....

[chargeit2him]

Sandy & I are also doing

Antigua Tour with goup
Tortola Not sure yet have to see what ship has to offer we have lots of OBC so we have to wait till on board
St Maarten sam as tortola
St thomoas

I think we are looking intio the pirate ship to christmas cove
San Juan just walking around they do have a open air market right off the dock the forts are also within walking distance but we are just going to walk a few blocks into town

Lou

[dixieva]

I've been on the boards for the ports of call.... that's where I'm getting some ideas! I'm also going on youtube to check out some of the beaches..... I'd like to know more about the excursion you are taking when you get to St. Thomas....

We don't have any plans yet for St. Thomas. We might take the ferry over to St. John's but haven't decided yet.

Maybe it's the tour GrandmaGail is taking in St. Thomas?

[Grandma Gail]

This is the excursion we have done several times and probably some of us will do it every time we come to St. Thomas.


Caribbean Sail to Christmas & Honeymoon Coves - ST63


-Overview: St. Thomas is famous for its beaches, snorkeling and sailing – this tour combines all three along with a delicious Caribbean BBQ lunch. A great tour if you're looking to explore the underwater world and relax on the beach with an experienced and friendly crew taking care of you. -Highlights: Board the romantic sailing schooner "Bones." Sail to Christmas Cove and Water Island's Honeymoon Beach. Snorkel, swim, and explore coral formations and tropical fish. Enjoy a Caribbean BBQ lunch.
Ready to reserve this excursion?


Overview:
St. Thomas is famous for its beaches, snorkeling and sailing – this tour combines all three along with a delicious Caribbean BBQ lunch. A great tour if you’re looking to explore the underwater world and relax on the beach with an experienced and friendly crew taking care of you.

Highlights:
-Board the romantic sailing schooner "Bones”
-Sail to Christmas Cove and Water Island's Honeymoon Beach
-Snorkel, swim, and explore coral formations and tropical fish
-Enjoy a Caribbean BBQ lunch

Full Description:
Relax as you start an ultimate Caribbean adventure aboard the classic romantic sailing schooner "Bones" during a scenic sail to Christmas Cove, near the south coast of St.Thomas. After anchoring at this deserted island, your certified crew will provide you all snorkel equipment, including friendly instruction and safety tips.

The crew will guide you as you snorkel, swim, and explore among fantastic coral formations, colorful tropical fish, and serene turtles. Back on board, beverages, chips, and salsa will be served, with pleasant music in the background. Soak up some sun as you continue on your adventure with a relaxing sail to the second destination, the enchanting Water Island's Honeymoon Beach, an unspoiled island which is only accessible by boat.

Once you arrive at Water Island, the 4th and newest Virgin Island, the choice is yours. Relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, or enjoy more snorkeling. Work up an appetite for a delicious Caribbean BBQ lunch, serving chicken, ribs, potato or pasta salad, and coleslaw. All the food is freshly prepared by chefs and served at the water's edge. The great crew will serve famous local drinks, beers, sodas, and water.

The fun continues on the return to your ship, motoring though the picturesque St.Thomas harbor and past the bustling waterfront. A true taste of paradise to treasure forever!

What to Bring:
-You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard the ship) and photo identification when in port.
-Towel (available onboard the ship)
-Sun protection and sunglasses
-Waterproof camera

What to Wear:
-Wear your bathing suit.

Important Notes:
-Even though seas and weather conditions are rarely inclement at Christmas Cove, there is an alternate anchorage site available should a change become necessary.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Tortola--Walk to the ferry and go to the Baths. I think we plan to try to take the 9 AM Speedy ferry.
St Thomas --We plan to take the tour through the ship to St. John. (Destination St. John: Coastal Cruise of National Park Beaches )It is $40 per person for the ferry ride, a boat tour and 3-3.5 hours on your own. That is almost as cheap as you can do it on your own and it leaves right from the cruise ship dock.
San Juan--Walk around old town. (We are in port such a short time) Since we dock right in town it is a very easy walk. We visited the fort last time. I would suggest that if it is a nice day.
Antigua--Looking at the beaches you mentioned.
St Maartin--Not sure yet. We took a van tour around the whole island and then went to Orient Beach last time. (only one end is a nudist beach)

[DELTABLUE]

Stay on ship....;)

Enjoy frosty beverages...

Enjoy the breezes and sun...

Enjoy the scenery...

BOLO for pirates....:eek::rolleyes:

Wait for everyone else to come back...

Repeat at next port!:D:p

[cruzette]

Georgia, don't forget the pickles & beets.:p:D;)

Aaaahhhh, rum punch.;)
Looking forward to the pickles and beets...good excuse to go to Chops!

[Living in MD]

Tortola: we're taking the Jost van Dyke tour through the ship. Tortola Charter never called us back.

Antigua: Island tour with the group.

St. Maarten: Helmet Dive

St. Thomas: we're getting a cab up to Meghan's Bay on our own, I think it was $7 per person. They have clean restrooms and changing rooms. We just hung out on the beach, snorkeled and then we went shopping in town.

San Juan: Walk some shops near the ship

Labadee: ParaSailing and a Cabana at Barefoot Beach.

[Stella777]

Today,I have done some last minute shopping of which, I think ,I will still have some shopping up to the last minute until we actually board;). I do know that I have a few items on my list that I haven't as yet found, or searched for. I am also in the process of laying out the suitcases to begin the process of packing....
I am also in the the process of choosing a pedicurist to begin the process of removing all the dead skin follicles of the winter skin on my feet:rolleyes:. My beautician for my hair has told me that once I see the pedicurist that to keep away dead skin from my heels that I need to rub vacilline oil on my heels for the rest of my life and that I will never need to go to a pedicurist again, because my heels will be smooth for the rest of my life! I am going to do this to see if it actually works.

[Cruznation]

Tortola, The Tortola Highlights ship tour. We had to cancel last time we were there - we both were feeling "under the weather". :(
Antigua, we are also going on a tour with the group.
St. Maarten, we hope to visit a beach bar near the airport a few of our friends on board have mentioned.
St.Thomas, we have some shopping to do downtown and find a new place for lunch.
San Juan, same thing really, a hunt for a good Puerto Rican lunch.
Labadee, visit the market and sit on the beach with drinks. :D

Had a great day up to point. Kathy & I were watching a movie and I made popcorn. I broke that tooth the dentist said had a big filling and a crack in it. Nice sized chunk came off. Didn't hurt, but has a really sharp edge. I packed it with an over-the-counter filler, but I have to call my dentist first thing Monday morning. I may be sporting a temporary crown on this cruise. Something I didn't plan on... :eek:

[DELTABLUE]

Ed...isn't it always something?! Sorry about your tooth but better here and now than in a bit more than two weeks when we are out in the middle of the ocean.:eek: I'm sure that you'll be much more comfortable being able to go to your doc than to sick bay on the ship or looking for some new tooth doc on a foreign island.;) Hope the fix goes easily, if not to your pocket.:rolleyes:

[Cruznation]

Ed...isn't it always something?! Sorry about your tooth but better here and now than in a bit more than two weeks when we are out in the middle of the ocean.:eek: I'm sure that you'll be much more comfortable being able to go to your doc than to sick bay on the ship or looking for some new tooth doc on a foreign island.;) Hope the fix goes easily, if not to your pocket.:rolleyes:

Thank you, kind lady.

I haven't eaten or drank cold liquids on it yet, so tomorrow should be an adventure. Flossing and brushing my teeth were interesting. :rolleyes:

All part of life's rich pageant.

[cruzette]

Tortola, The Tortola Highlights ship tour. We had to cancel last time we were there - we both were feeling "under the weather". :(
Antigua, we are also going on a tour with the group.
St. Maarten, we hope to visit a beach bar near the airport a few of our friends on board have mentioned.
St.Thomas, we have some shopping to do downtown and find a new place for lunch.
San Juan, same thing really, a hunt for a good Puerto Rican lunch.
Labadee, visit the market and sit on the beach with drinks. :D

Had a great day up to point. Kathy & I were watching a movie and I made popcorn. I broke that tooth the dentist said had a big filling and a crack in it. Nice sized chunk came off. Didn't hurt, but has a really sharp edge. I packed it with an over-the-counter filler, but I have to call my dentist first thing Monday morning. I may be sporting a temporary crown on this cruise. Something I didn't plan on... :eek:
Let's see, this time last year you were sporting a "boot." Hope your dentist can take care of you soon...better you broke it now than 2 weeks from now. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

[cruzette]

Unfortunately, it won't be me! :( It is 6a.m. and a ship is on her way into Baltimore...I will assume because of the time that it is the Pride. :p

[chargeit2him]

Hi everyone just checked the ship tracker and the OTS has shown up and is docked in St. Maarten

Lou

[dixieva]

Glad to hear that everything seems to be going along as planned!

Ed-sorry about the tooth! Hope you can get a quick fix-if temporary. We always travel with a small dental kit and hope that it will do in an emergency!

I hesitate to say it (don't want to jinx it:rolleyes:) but my voice is just a teeny bit better today. Hope it will get better each day now.

Here's what we're doing:

Tortola-do a private tour -about 2 hours- of the island, will arrange it with a taxi driver when we get there

Antigua-tour with the group

St. Martin-take the water taxi over to Philipsburg in the morning, then maybe taxi over to Maho Beach to watch the planes in the afternoon

St. Thomas-maybe ferry over to St. John's-depends on the weather that day

San Juan-walk over to the casino for a while

Labadee-beach in the morning-back to the ship for lunch

Can't wait to get on board and meet those of you that we haven't met already! I just know that we are going to have loads of fun with this group!

[prekteacher1]

So of the peeps on this thread, how many of you know each other? Are there very many newbies like me? We are very excited to be on this ship. It seems like so many of you are repeat sailors of the Enchantment!:)

Hoping everyone has a healthy, non eventful Sunday!:D

[Stella777]

Tortola....................no plans
St John,Antigua......tour with the group
St. Maarten.............no plans
St. Thomas..............sight seeing tour
San Juan..................shopping close by the ship
Labadee...................no plans

These plans are subject to change with the exception of the planned tours:o

[Stella777]

So of the peeps on this thread, how many of you know each other? Are there very many newbies like me? We are very excited to be on this ship. It seems like so many of you are repeat sailors of the Enchantment!:)

Hoping everyone has a healthy, non eventful Sunday!:D

I am brand new to the group and this will be my first time on Enchantment. I am looking forward with anticipation to meeting the group and also enjoying every minute of this long awaited Cruise:p

[dixieva]

Well, now let's see here's who I remember

Delta
Gail and Ken-grandmagail
Georgia and Diane-cruzette
Ed and Kathy-cruznation
Deb and Chuck-living in MD
Tommy and Sandra-TH451
Barb and Skip-2cruisin
Cheryl and Anthony-ceslpn


We've all cruised together before at least once-some several times!

Did I forget anyone? My memory is not so good these days!

[Grandma Gail]

Tortola, The Tortola Highlights ship tour. We had to cancel last time we were there - we both were feeling "under the weather". :(
Antigua, we are also going on a tour with the group.
St. Maarten, we hope to visit a beach bar near the airport a few of our friends on board have mentioned.
St.Thomas, we have some shopping to do downtown and find a new place for lunch.
San Juan, same thing really, a hunt for a good Puerto Rican lunch.
Labadee, visit the market and sit on the beach with drinks. :D

Had a great day up to point. Kathy & I were watching a movie and I made popcorn. I broke that tooth the dentist said had a big filling and a crack in it. Nice sized chunk came off. Didn't hurt, but has a really sharp edge. I packed it with an over-the-counter filler, but I have to call my dentist first thing Monday morning. I may be sporting a temporary crown on this cruise. Something I didn't plan on... :eek:
OMG! I think we all should meet in a central location and have each other wrap ourselves in bubble wrap. Sam's has a very good price, much better that Home Depot of Staples. Glad it wasn't hurting.

[Grandma Gail]

Well, now let's see here's who I remember

Delta
Gail and Ken-grandmagail
Georgia and Diane-cruzette
Ed and Kathy-cruznation
Deb and Chuck-living in MD
Tommy and Sandra-TH451
Barb and Skip-2cruisin
Cheryl and Anthony-ceslpn


We've all cruised together before at least once-some several times!

Did I forget anyone? My memory is not so good these days!
I can add two more:

Ann & Jim - ATB
Andrea & John - sailingalongtogether

[Grandma Gail]

I am planning out putting out a New Roll Call Monday or Tuesday. So if anyone else wants to send mail me grandmagailhornig@gmail their information, please do. Any additions, deletions, or corrections would be greatly appreciated. I will type the Roll Call up and have it available at the Meet & Mingle.

[Grandma Gail]

So of the peeps on this thread, how many of you know each other? Are there very many newbies like me? We are very excited to be on this ship. It seems like so many of you are repeat sailors of the Enchantment!:)

Hoping everyone has a healthy, non eventful Sunday!:D
Almost all of us met on Cruise Critic and have become cruising buddies. In fact we had such a good time on the same cruise last March we booked this one.

[prekteacher1]

Tortola....................no plans
St John,Antigua......tour with the group
St. Maarten.............no plans
St. Thomas..............sight seeing tour
San Juan..................shopping close by the ship
Labadee...................no plans

These plans are subject to change with the exception of the planned tours:o
Just wondering what tour with the group on Antigua means... what tour are you taking? A ship excursion?
P.S. Glad I'm not the only newbie!

[Grandma Gail]

Just wondering what tour with the group on Antigua means... what tour are you taking? A ship excursion?
P.S. Glad I'm not the only newbie!
Heah Dixie, would you describe the St. John's tour?

[bchescpMaryalnd]

So of the peeps on this thread, how many of you know each other? Are there very many newbies like me? We are very excited to be on this ship. It seems like so many of you are repeat sailors of the Enchantment!:)

Hoping everyone has a healthy, non eventful Sunday!:D

I'm a newbie as well, to the group and to cruising. I'm very much looking forward to my first cruise and meeting all the great people on this board.

[dixieva]

Last time I was in Antigua one of our group booked a private tour with Lawrence of Antigua Tours. We had a great time so I have arranged a tour with this company for those interested. I'm not sure if I can add any more to it at this late date but if anyone is interested I can try. I made the reservations several months ago.

It will be a 3 to 4 hour tour-you can check out his website at lawrence of antigua dot com. The cost is $40 per person plus $8 entrance to the National Park that we will ride through. He will drop some of us off at a beach at the end of the tour and come back to get us or some of us are going back to the ship after the tour. We will meet on the dock early-I think it was 8:30 or so-I'd need to get the paperwork to check the time.

I just checked my paperwork and we already have a bus full for the tour. So unless there are enough folks who are interested to arrange another vehicle I'm afraid it's not going to work adding more. A van would probably hold 8 so if 8 more want to go I'll see what I can do.

[cruzette]

Well, now let's see here's who I remember

Delta
Gail and Ken-grandmagail
Georgia and Diane-cruzette
Ed and Kathy-cruznation
Deb and Chuck-living in MD
Tommy and Sandra-TH451
Barb and Skip-2cruisin
Cheryl and Anthony-ceslpn


We've all cruised together before at least once-some several times!

Did I forget anyone? My memory is not so good these days!
Need to add Dixie (dixieva) and Kelly (wrkfire911)!!

We met most everyone on CC and on the March 2011 cruise. We met Cruznation (Ed and Kathy) the October before while on the Oasis...then learned we would be on the same trip the following March.

[cruzette]

Last time I was in Antigua one of our group booked a private tour with Lawrence of Antigua Tours. We had a great time so I have arranged a tour with this company for those interested. I'm not sure if I can add any more to it at this late date but if anyone is interested I can try. I made the reservations several months ago.

It will be a 3 to 4 hour tour-you can check out his website at lawrence of antigua dot com. The cost is $40 per person plus $8 entrance to the National Park that we will ride through. He will drop some of us off at a beach at the end of the tour and come back to get us or some of us are going back to the ship after the tour. We will meet on the dock early-I think it was 8:30 or so-I'd need to get the paperwork to check the time.

I just checked my paperwork and we already have a bus full for the tour. So unless there are enough folks who are interested to arrange another vehicle I'm afraid it's not going to work adding more. A van would probably hold 8 so if 8 more want to go I'll see what I can do.
Dixie...are we on your list?

[dixieva]

Yes you sure are on the tour list:

Kelly, Dixie and Carmen
Georgia and Diane
Ed and Kathy
Gail and Ken
Chuck and Deb
Tommy and Sandra
Rick and Janice
Stella
Sandy and Lou
Cheryl and Anthony

Gail is going to have copies of the roll call for us at the M & M so the morning of the tour if something comes up and you're not gonna make it please call our room #7166 to let me know. I don't want to hold up the tour waiting for someone who's not coming:).

Our guide is supposed to meet us at 8:45 island time( Eastern Carribbean time) which I'm not sure is going to be the same as ship's time so be sure to turn on your cell phone to see what time it shows. It should show island time. We're planning on being on the dock at the end of the gangway around 8:30 to meet everyone then we will look for his driver who will have a sign.

[Cruznation]

Georgia, Dixie, Gail,
Thanks so much for the kind words! :)

Older son and I cleared garage for new door installation. Whew! Threw out a lot of stuff we couldn't remember why we were saving. Really starting to look foward to this cruise and being with old and new friends!

[chargeit2him]

Hello

I'm not sure i get this about the time for the tour if the ship arrives at 8:00a.m. and that is not the island time and the time is an one hr earlier we missed the tour I know from past times my cell phone hrs were not even close to ship time. or my watch guess we can figure this out at the M&M

Lou

Lou

[dixieva]

My cell phone (Verizon provider) automatically goes to the time zone that it's in. So when on a cruise it will pick up the local time and change to that. I know someone who is on the ship now on the 12 day cruise said they changed the clocks before the first port. And we go on Daylight Savings Time before we leave so we're going to be all messed up. I am going to get a cell phone number for the tour guide so that if I have to I will call him when we dock to check the local time. I don't think I'll bother to ask on board at the Purser's desk since I might get wrong information.

I will have everyone's cabin number so if the ship's time is not island time I will just have to call everyone that morning. I'll check my cell phone as soon as we dock.

We don't want to miss the bus!:D

The tour guide will know what time the ship will dock and will wait for us I'm sure. And I'll give him my cell phone number so he can contact me if necessary.

[chargeit2him]

That sounds great I agree we don't want to miss the bus.

Does anyone know the parking fee for Baltimore I can't remember if it was $12 or $15 a day when we sailed last year.

Lou

[cruzette]

That sounds great I agree we don't want to miss the bus.

Does anyone know the parking fee for Baltimore I can't remember if it was $12 or $15 a day when we sailed last year.

Lou
$15/day cash or credit

[chargeit2him]

thanks I thought that is what it was

Not sure if we are going to park or just have my daugther drives us down. we are only a 8o min drive down 95

Lou

[dixieva]

Ok so I Googled current time in St. John's Antigua and right now they are one hour ahead of us. However we are getting ready to move up an hour for DST so that will make it even. BUT if the ship changes time before we get to Antigua then it's going to be off again.

GEEZ I'm confused.

[cruzette]

thanks I thought that is what it was

Not sure if we are going to park or just have my daugther drives us down. we are only a 8o min drive down 95

Lou
that's great if you have that option...$180 is a lot to pay for parking...but at least your car is there when you are ready to leave.

[cruzette]

Ok so I Googled current time in St. John's Antigua and right now they are one hour ahead of us. However we are getting ready to move up an hour for DST so that will make it even. BUT if the ship changes time before we get to Antigua then it's going to be off again.

GEEZ I'm confused.
Dixie...past couple cruises we've been on the ship never changed time...maybe it depends on the captain. Either way, we'll get it figured out.

[dixieva]

Maybe this is how it will work: If Antigua goes to DST too then they will still be an hour ahead of us and when the ship's time goes forward an hour then we'll all be on the same time.

I'm sure one of the folks who is on board now said they turned the clocks up an hour but I'm going to check back and see if I can find that post. Or maybe I'll just ask the question-that will be quicker but lazier:eek:!

[dixieva]

Found it-they turned the clocks forward an hour the second night out (first full day at sea).

[chargeit2him]

This is really gong to throw us off Sandy just used the world clock app on her verizon phone and it says that it is 7:30 in antigua. either way im sure that the bus will leave for the tour 45 mins after we dock

Lou

[dixieva]

Very strange! When I googled it the time was exactly one hour ahead. Did she check St. John's Antigua? I think when I just put in Antigua I got a different time.

Well, my brain hurts now:eek::D:eek:-waaay to much thinking for a retired person not used to using her brain all that much!

It will all work out!

[YouSnoozeYouLose]

Very strange! When I googled it the time was exactly one hour ahead. Did she check St. John's Antigua? I think when I just put in Antigua I got a different time.

Well, my brain hurts now:eek::D:eek:-waaay to much thinking for a retired person not used to using her brain all that much!

It will all work out!


Think "yummy umbrella drink at the Scooner Bar.........", and let not your brain be troubled. :eek:;):p

Looking forward to meeting all of you guys on the 19th!!!

I doubt that Lawrence will tour Antigua without us; we'll be the group meeting him with $$ in hand. (I know that would influence my decision on how long to wait.)

[dixieva]

You're right about that!

Empty bus= no $$$$$$$:D

[YouSnoozeYouLose]

Ooops......I meant Schooner Bar!! I sure wish I could spell gooder!!:p

[2crusin]

our plans:
Tortola - Virgin Gorda Baths - TT32
St Johns - Scenic Antiqua & Beach tour - ANA8
St Maarten - taxi to Maho Beach
St Thomas - Catamaran Sail to Christmas & Honeymoon Cove - ST63
San Juan - staying on the the ship & enjoying the pool & hot tubs
Labadee - a lazy beach day sharing a Cabana & lunch with friends

[bchescpMaryalnd]

We are looking into doing some things on our own while at some of the different ports. It sounds like many of you have "been there, done that". I'd like to throw out some ideas and if you feel like responding, I'd love to hear from you....
Antigua- Runaway Bay? Darkwood Beach? Valley Church Beach? Ft. James Beach? Anything else to do while there that we shouldn't miss?
Tortola- The Baths? Virgin Gorda? Jost Van Dyke? Smugglers Cove?
St. Maarten- Maho Beach? La Galion Beach? Mullet Bay? Orient Beach?
Haven't researched San Juan enough but think we will be doing some walking tours of the old city and the fort.
Don't know what we are going to do at St. Thomas either.. but that might be a ferry daytrip to St. John.

I hope someone will have some input. I do understand if you choose not to respond either...
Susan

Mom and I have booked the following through Royal. We love the beach, but since we have never been to any of the islands we want to explore some as well:
Tortola - Tortola Beach Break
Antiqua - Taste of Local Antigua
St Maarten - Beach Rendezvous
St Thomas - A Lovely Island and Beach Tour

San Juan - Since we are there such a short time, just explore close by and maybe check out the famous 'pina colada' restaurant everyone raves about.

Labadee - Hang out on the beach for a while

[growlersmom]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the site and thought I would join in. Not quite new to cruising, but it has been a long time since we did cruise, 1993. Sounds like the group has a great time. Has anyone ever gone on their own to the Rum Factory in Puerto Rico?