Well, we're packing.. anyone else?

[ekerr19]

The time is quickly upon us - we may not have much time to check the boards next week - I think Heather's computer died the long, hard, cold death this past week - so we may not hear from her at all... there are a few (myself, orcrone, just to name a few ) who have been posting about their cruise ALL YEAR LONG - and now it is FINALLY HERE!

There is so much to do - so little time to do it - I will post as much as I can next week and I will post (even with pics!) from the final sailing of the MS Noordam. :)

Any helpful hints for the Med? Things not to be missed? Any last minute items not to be forgotten?

[Peggy Sue]

ekerr19,

We started working on our list this weekend. Got DH's tux in order and a couple new pair of shoes. Suit cases will come out tomorrow and we will begin to lay things out for the cruise. Can't believe our wait is almost over!

Have fun packing! I always end up packing way too much..so my only contribution is ... pack light!!

Peggy Sue

[WindyCity]

Ekerr,

I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise!! Bon Voyage.:D

Have you given a thought to joining all of us on the Westerdam Dec 12?:confused:

Kris

[Ziggy7]

I think Heather's computer died the long, hard, cold death this past week - so we may not hear from her at all
Happy packing ekerr19 !!! Is this HeatherInFlorida your talking about ??? Oh Dear!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

ekerr, I can't believe it is time for you to pack already. But then 2 weeks from right now for me I will be starting the packing. It won't be long now:D
I am sure you will be in the boards a little bit so I will wait with the Bon Voyage till later:)

Tonight at dinner we started the thing where we tell each other things like "Three weeks from right now we will be just getting ready to go to dinner" and "Three weeks from right now we will be sitting in the Main Dining Room having our first nights dinner." I guess it is our way of preparing and getting excited for the cruise.

[iluvcruzin]

I've began putting things together this past week. I hope to have things all put together by Sunday night. I have lots going on this week before we leave on Thursday for our roadtrip to Norfolk. It's not the packing that keeps me busy.. it's all the things I have to do to prepare for while I'm away. I can't believe it's finally cruise week! It won't be long before I'm a HAL Mariner! :D

[Sage]

Have a wonderful time on the Nordam. We will await your review. My first HAL cruise was aboard the Nordam's sister ship the, Niew Amsterdam, so I have fond memories of this class of ship. Bon Voyage. :D

[CaptData]

Have a great time. Take an extra amount of money in ones and twos for tips.

[stanjj111]

My DW is packing. We leave Dec 26th.

[dakrewser]

I'm packing, but only because I'm flying out to Denver this afternoon for a conference.


I'd rather be cruising! :(

-dave

[Orcrone]

ekerr,

I planned on doing a bunch of stuff in the yard this afternoon, but mother nature's not cooperating. So I think I'm going to try on some clothes, fill out cc auth. forms, luggage tags, etc. Ship pulls out in six days.:D

[localady]

EKerr- I know you have been looking forward to this cruise in a bittersweet kind of way, being the Noordam's final voyage under the HAL flag, but I am so excited for you! A wonderful cruise just around the bend!:)

So sorry to hear of Heather's computer meltdown, I sure hope she gets another soon so we can hear all about her cruise, she is truly missed!!!

Bon Voyage!!!:D :cool:

[mhshapiro]

I am Sooooo jealous. Have a great trip! :cool:

[lipoppop]

The time is quickly upon us - we may not have much time to check the boards next week - I think Heather's computer died the long, hard, cold death this past week - so we may not hear from her at all... there are a few (myself, orcrone, just to name a few ) who have been posting about their cruise ALL YEAR LONG - and now it is FINALLY HERE!

There is so much to do - so little time to do it - I will post as much as I can next week and I will post (even with pics!) from the final sailing of the MS Noordam. :)

Any helpful hints for the Med? Things not to be missed? Any last minute items not to be forgotten?

When you pass Sicily wave to us on shore. We land travel and cruise. The next two weks are land. But December the Veendam.

Enjoy the cruise and as you sail the sunny Med think about the snow you left behind.

:cool:

[Given to Sail]

We're packing!! I have a "staging area" all set up in the dining room. The Patriots game and then the Red Sox World Series coming up next are not helping matters. Go Patriots and SOX!!!!! :p

[RuthC]

Go Patriots and SOX!!!!! :pOne down:), one to go:)---at least for today.

[doone]

Ekerr19, I just packed last weekend for my March cruises. Just my shorts and tops, figured why put them away, they are all washed, ironed so put them in your suitcase, less to pack come March.

I am READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gizmo]

Have a wonderfull cruise!

[ekerr19]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all your well wishes. I feel like I know so many of you - it's been a pleasure sharing my anticipation and excitement with you.

As Sage and localady mention, it will be somewhat bittersweet, but I am happy I am able to sail on this final Noordam voyage under the HAL flag.

Lisa - It seems like the time has just flown by hasn't it? I didn't think it ever would get here, now it seems too soon - I'm ready, but I'm not.. if that makes any sense. :confused:

Marc - we too, had hoped to get some last minute things taken care of around the house - we have leaves all over the yard and were planning on vacuuming them yesterday - kids got the flu and then gave us the flu... I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, but haven't got anything done I'd planned on doing... :(

dave- at least the weather will be nice for your visit to Denver. It's a bit cool, but the sun is shining and the skies are very clear.

I don't want to forget to pack a nightlight for the bathroom - I think Lisa and Heather both made that suggestion and I want to try it instead of stumbling around in the dark. :) I will be packing light, as it looks like DH will still be in his cast.

doone- you won't have to do much to get ready for the Volendam will you?
Just zip up the bags and go! I think I will be ready for that cruise, without a doubt - we will be leaving some of our worst weather behind.

WindyCity- Talked to DH, even though we were able to get a good rate - we think it's just too soon after our return - also the kids would have to miss a few days of school, so we decided against it - I hope you have a great cruise I wish I could join you - it sounds like you have a great group of cruisers onboard, please make sure you let us know all about it!

iluvcruisin - we loved our Maasdam cruise out of Norfolk - had the greatest group of cc'ers onboard - hope you have a great time!

PeggySue & Given to Sail - Can't wait to hear all about your cruises!

stanjj111 - your DW is sure getting the jump on some of the rest of us - I feel like I waited too long to get started... you will be all ready!

lipoppop - We will wave! I'm really looking forward to the itinarary - we've always wanted to do this cruise.

RuthC, gizmo, mshapiro, ziggy, CaptData - you will have to hold down the fort for us - I'm sure w will be back before we know it - but don't like to think about that yet! I will be posting from the Noordam - I am even going to try and sneak in a few pics - so keep an eye out.

[Nautical Wheeler]

Only six more days until we sail on the "0". Everything is ready to be put into the suitcases Saturday morning. I am so anxious...........just a jumpin out of my skin. Even though we have done this itinterary several times it is still exciting to anticipate cruising again. Last cruise was in 2002. Glad the sabatical is over. :) :) :)

[Orcrone]

ekerr,

That's too bad that everyone got the flu. Hopefully you'll have it all of your system and back to full strength for your cruise. We're down to the last few days. This week is probably going to draaaaaagg on.

[RuthC]

I'll be looking forward to your posts from aboard the final voyage.

Send this fine old lady of the seas off in style!

[Himself]

I am flying out of Chicago Midway on the 5th of November. I will start packing on the fourth of November

Himself

[LAFFNVEGAS]

ekerr, Hope you and DH feel better by the time you leave. As far as all the leafs on the ground maybe you will have a good wind and blow them away:eek: Only kidding I remember from living in Iowa that it can be a pain in the fall but yet so beautiful. We really don't have many leaves in the yard here in the desert. Hope you enjoy the Final Cruise of the Noordam under HAL. I agree with others that I am sure it will be quite bitter sweet. I am sure the New Noordam will be wonderful also. Enjoy her final voyage, hopefully Heather will get her computer up and working or get a new one soon or it will get real quiet around here:D
Hope you and DH have a wonderful cruise we will be thinking about you.

[OCruisers]

ekerr .... Wishing you and EVERYONE sailing with you our best for an absolutely wonderful cruise! Many memories of good times on that ship! Please give her a farewell (((cyber hug))) for us!

Can't wait to hear about your cruise!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)