Roll Call Carnival FREEDOM, Sept. 25, 2010

[Fun and Simple 1]

Hello! A friend and I will be coming down from Kansas for this cruise. Just checking to see if anyone else will be "onboard" with us:rolleyes:! Sounds like a fun 8 days and a good price!!!:D ~ T

[Fun and Simple 1]

Wishing everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving"! Looking forward to meeting some of you on the FREEDOM. ~ T

[Fun and Simple 1]

Getting all excited here in "Dorothy Territory" about the upcoming Christmas and New Years' celebrations! September 2010 is sooo far away, but I can't wait to do Panama and Costa Rico as well as Cozumel (again). Good thing the Mexican Riviera is coming first (1-31-2010) aboard the SPLENDOR.

No snow yet here in Kansas, but it sure has been cold this past week. Toto, keep me warm!!!:eek: ~ T

[2nucruisers]

Hi, My partner and I will be joining 4 other friends on this cruise. We just booked today and looking forward to it.

[Fun and Simple 1]

Goodness! It's been awhile since I have posted anything on C.C. Glad to see there will be some others on the FREEDOM!:)

We have our Air, Hotel the night before, and the Hotel for three nights post cruise all booked. Now we are down to excursions. In Coz. we have talked about possibly a Ruin or just maybe relaxing, shopping and parasailing. In Costa Rica pretty sure we will zip-line, and Panama doing a Embera Indian Village excursion. Do you all have anything planned?

I just know it's 150 +/- days, and I sure am ready for a break! There will be several weekend trips between now and then, but nothing like "Toes in the Water, Ass in theSand!":p

Like I said earlier, WELCOME!!:D

Fun and Simple 1 ~ T

[2nucruisers]

Hi,

 

We will start looking at excursions this weekend. Have never been to Panama before, so may consider a canal tour.

 

Will have to meet all of us when we board. We will be in the area a day before, but plans aren't finalized yet. Do they have a friends of dorothy group on carnival? Our only other cruise was NCL in Hawaii and they did even though a much smaller ship.

 

Looking forward to it!

 

Tom and Mike

[Fun and Simple 1]

Hello again!

Tom here, my friends' name is Bob. I have been on-line tonight checking out dif. excursions, etc. through the cruise line and independent(s). Sometimes I prefer the independent because it's more personalized (a van as opposed to motorcoach), as well as cheaper! For instance, Carnival Talum excursion is $79.95 p/p and www.cozumel-tours.com/private-tulum-tour.htm is $175.00 (total price) for 1-8 people. Divide that by 6 or 8 peops. and it comes out a lot cheaper ($30.00 - $25.00) for basically the same thing!

As far as FOD / GLBT meetings, they have had them on every Carnival cruise that I have been on, except one. On the SPLENDOR this past Jan. - Feb. there was a meeting every day. Usually 3-4 peop. with the largest attendance of probably 10 or 11! Even on the HOLIDAY, the ship that didn't have meetings, there was a presence. (well me and another M/M couple)

Hope you guys have a great weekend! I have to work Saturday and on Sunday my family is going to my mothers' family cemetery to mow and weed-eat so it will look good for Mother's Day. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Keep in touch! ~ T

[Fun and Simple 1]

Hard to believe, but in 140 days we'll be in Ft. Lauderdale, filled with excitement about our cruise! There's just something about getting through security, getting S&S card, photo, etc., then walking aboard that big ship!

Can't wait to tour the FREEDOM. Checking out the room that we'll be calling "home" for the next 8 days, finding food to eat, having that first D.O.D., meeting new friends, and that's just the first few hours! LOL:p

This will be # 4 for me, all on CARNIVAL, #1 on CCL for Bob.

Hopefully there will be more joining us. This thread is getting hits, but they seem to be transparent. It will be a "FUN" cruise, for sure!:D ~ Tom

[Fun and Simple 1]

Wow!! Sooo ready here to get on a ship again!! I suppose the four months will come and go in time.:rolleyes:

Got to looking at last post, and thought I'd explain a little about getting through security! I have to laugh in retrospect! Yes. CARNIVAL does state that carry on coolers must be of a certain size (6-pack). Well, I found a real nice cooler on wheels at "Wally-World" that was definately larger than allowed; however, I thought if I put some clothes, meds, cameras, and maybe an extra pair of shoes (I don't think there was a 6 pack of beer or bottle of Absolute Limon in there) I would be O.K. using it as carry-on luggage.;)

NOPE!! But they did provide me with a large black (thanks for not making it clear) plastic trash sack to put the contents in! They kept my (cool, chic insulated) cooler at the cruise terminal so I could pick it up at the end of the cruise. Well I told my traveling companion to help screen me as I stood at a banquet table transferring the "goods" to the trash bag. Whew! That went smoothly. Now for the next 20 - 30 minutes, carrying this bag with no confinements to help in the distribution of weight, hoping, praying that nothing would poke through, hit the floor (we need a mop and security - isle 3)!:eek:

All went well! Once onboard T.C. asked if I wanted to explore the ship. I told her that as soon as I delivered this trash bag (that was wearing thin and seemed to be about 15 #'s heavier than at first) I would be happy to. But right now I was hoping to fix a nice drink and relax while we explored the ship!:D

Cruise # 2 and cruising through embarcation will follow soon (if anyone is interested):cool:

2NU and friends, How are you guys doing? Thought about any excursions? Leaving Kansas on Sept. 24 for Ft. Laud. Will be a nice 12 days of birthday present for me!:)

Stay in touch! ~ Tom & Bob

[2nucruisers]

Hi Tom,

 

We have been looking at excursions. We will either do the Tulum tour in Cozumel or the day at the beach. Still undecided on other stops, but we kind of want to try a zip line in the jungle. Can't decide.

 

Looking forward to the cruise. We will be arriving in FLL on the 24th as well. Will probably come back home on the 3rd of Oct though as a friend will be staying with our two dogs.

 

Any suggestions for excursions in Limon and Colon?

 

Tom and Mike

[Fun and Simple 1]

2NU ~ Tom and Mike,

Have been checking out www.myfriendmario.com for Panama. Went to Cruise ship excursions. The one(s) that caught my eye was CL007 and CL006. 007 included the gatlun locks, river trip, Embera Indians, and waterfall with food and beverage. It cuts close time wise, but I know from the Freedom Roll on CC others are and have taken this excursion.

From what I read about the Embera, they make some cool baskets and carvings that they sell for $1/day it takes to make their handicrafts. They are also sold at the port, but at a hefty mark-up! By buying from the village, you are supporting them not some retailer.

Like you, I am thinking that a zipline is looking fun! Never done that. And in a jungle/forest setting, it would be all the better! How about the others in your group. What are they thinking about?

Don't know if I ever stated, but I am a young 50 (will be 51 Oct. 4) and Bob is somewhat older, but very young at heart. He is always headed somewhere. He and some friends are headed to Canada for a couple of weeks this summer. He spent 32 days last year touring several Asian countries! Lucky him. ~ Tom

Wow! May 25 --- Sept. 25 Getting Close!!!

Any one else who have taken this itenerary have any suggestions???

[krashtest]

Its 120 days out and I can't be more ready! I'll be down with 2 friends for this cruise. We 3 are a fun loving group. Glad to hear we have some of the "family" on the cruise.

[Fun and Simple 1]

Welcome krashtest and friends!

By my count we are up to 11 in the "family" way so far! Good to have you all on board.

Have you all thought about excursions? If you read the previous posts, you will have some idea as to what others are thinking about. If you have anything to add, please do. Myself, I have never been to Costa Rica or Panama. Had a good time both times in Cozumel, but that was just shopping and drinking in local sidewalk pubs.

Everyone have a good evening! I am going out for a bit.:p

~ Tom

[Fun and Simple 1]

Wishing everyone a happy, well, and safe Memorial Day! May we remember those who have gone before us, as well as those who fought for our freedoms that we enjoy today. We, as Americans, are fortunate. Sometimes it is hard to see; however, when we see what is happening in other countries, we are truly blessed! God Bless America! ~Tom

[CallDOC]

WOW! I booked for Sept 25 on the Carnival LIBERTY!!! Shoulda known I booked a cruise where so far only one other 'family' will be on!!! Oh well... hope you all have a GREAT time... I know I will even if I am all by my self.... alone .... single.... :(

 

LOL, I love cruises!

 

DOC :cool:

[Fun and Simple 1]

2nu (Tom & Mike) and friends, Krashtest (KJ) and friends,

Just 112 more days! That's 16 weeks!! The FREEDOM Cruise will be here before we know it.

We, Bob and I, still haven't gotten any excursions booked solid yet. We are still leaning towards Tulum in Cozumel. My cousin says that you have to do the Tropical Rainforest in Costa, which we hope to do zip-lining, maybe with a coffee or cocoa stop as well (I love coffee and cocoa)! Panama will be the MyFriendMario.com CL 007 or 006. I really think that covers quite a bit of territory (locks, river, Embera Indians, and possibly the waterfall. Their (E.I.) baskets and carvings are a fraction of the cost of what they charge in the souvineer shops at port! Plus, the tribe is more greatly rewarded instead of the middle men (cruise ship shops).

 

And of course, I have to get my "water-wedgie" aboard the ship! This will be my fourth cruise and I still have to go down the slide! I don't normally play cards; however, I am thinking about learning to play Canasta before this cruise! Hopefully, there will be no rainy days, but if there are, the cards might come in handy! And cheaper than the ca$ino!!!

DOC! Too bad you won't be along with us, but I am sure you will have a good time on your cruise, as well! From your signature, you appear to have the "dance moves"!

Take care you all! I check in to C. C. everyday to see if anyone has posted. Would like to hear from you if your busy schedule allows. Have a good weekend!:) ~ Tom

[2nucruisers]

Hey Tom, we are getting pretty excited about the trip. Haven't booked any excursions yet, but current thoughts are a beach day in Cozumel and zip line tour in Limon.

 

Glad to see that there are others popping up on here. Hopefully as it gets closer there will be even more.

 

Our friends joining us on this cruise are all in their 40's and 50's. Mike is 47 and I turned 60 recently. Everyone is active and fun, so should be a great time.

 

We were told that booking a tour through carnival protects you in the event that you miss a sailing. A little nervous about booking a private tour and getting stranded.

 

We will check out the one that includes the Emberas. Sounds interesting.

 

Stay well,

 

Tom and Mike

[Fun and Simple 1]

Hello All,

Bob takes off for a week in NOLA on Wednesday. I guess we will be making our final decisions for excursions upon his return. Wish I was tagging along with him; however, I have a few weekend trips in the making on my cycle. Then the cruise!:D We are going down to NOLA in November for a long weekend! Quite the "party town"!

If anyone (GLBT or other) reads this post that has been on this particular FREEDOM itenerary, please feel free to give suggestions as to excursions, "family-friendly" tours/tour guides, etc.

Take care everybody! Untill the next time. ~ Tom

[krashtest]

My apologies for being so scare on this thread! My group is about to POP to come down. We are counting down the days like its going to pass us by accidently.

 

I thought I was subscribed so I could keep up on the goings on of the family.

 

SO - lets get down to some fun - here are my group introductions -

 

We are all from Charlotte :-D

 

I'm Kevin, 28, dating (but he is not coming along due to work), IT Manager, football and car buff :-D. Usually quick to remind everyone - its not a limp wrist - its a self leveling drink holder.

 

Doug - is 36, single, and works at Bank of America in their Charlotte HQ. Country line dance fiend, drinking fiend, and a fun guy to be around.

 

Doug and I usually can be found in the Piano bar (as long as the entertainer is good)

 

Jonathan - is 27, single, and works for Target here in Charlotte. He is a fun guy that will rival anyone in having fun.

[Fun and Simple 1]

JUST 100 MORE DAYS !!! :) ~ Tom

[CallDOC]

Thanks Tom.... you will have a great time!

DOC :cool:

[Fun and Simple 1]

90 More Days!!!! You can sure feel the heat here in Kansas! High 90's and high humidity too (heat indexes of 105+).

The Men's Chorus (HOAMC.ORG) has a Benifit Car Wash today, so I am getting ready to go work that for a few hours. Then come home to get cleaned up for work at the bar! Usually I don't look forward to going to the "smoke-filled" bar, but after being in the heat this morning, it will feel good! Kansas passed a Smoking Ban Ordinance that goes into effect July 1, but saw on the news that it may be overturned.

Well, Just 3 more months and we can set sail aboard the FREEDOM! Can't wait!!! ~ Tom

[krashtest]

Thats cool Tom - I'll assume you mean the Heartland of America Chorus? I sing in Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte (gmccharlotte.org). Though, HOAMC website is down. I can't WAIT to get on this boat. I'm down at Myrtle Beach right now trying to relax a bit and pretend I'm on the cruise!

[Fun and Simple 1]

Thats cool Tom - I'll assume you mean the Heartland of America Chorus? I sing in Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte (gmccharlotte.org). Though, HOAMC website is down. I can't WAIT to get on this boat. I'm down at Myrtle Beach right now trying to relax a bit and pretend I'm on the cruise!

 

krashtest,

That was a little embarrassing:eek: After I posted that on Saturday, I decided to go to our website and saw that it was down. I talked to our business mgr. and he said that it was indeed down and that some porn site was coming up so they took it down to get it fixed!

Heartland Men's Chorus is in Kansas City MO. I sing with Heart of America Men's Chorus here in Wichita KS. We have sang the EXILE Concert with Heartland in both KC and here in Wichita. They are an awesome group ... I really haven't heard a group in GALA that wasn't "good people"!:)

I love to sing; however, I prefer to be with a group and not a solo or karaoke singer. I think I'd rather be naked than to sing karaoke ... and believe me, neither would be pretty!!!:rolleyes:

Hey, enjoy Myrtle Beach! Looking forward to meeting everybody on the FREEDOM! ~ Tom

[Fun and Simple 1]

Hey guys! ... and gals (if any)!

How has everyone been doing? Things have been wet here in Kansas with the aftermath of ALEX in the area! Hopefully, we will be in for a Smooth Time on our cruise!

We pretty much have everything planned out for our ports of call. Cozumel I will be parasailing if weather is clear (Bob says go for it, but he's not), then a little shopping and beach time. There is also a botanical garden and butterfly sanctuary in Coz.! Costa Rica we are doing a wagon rainforest with banana plantation through Greenway Tours. Then in Panama, My Friend Mario's Gatun Locks, Changres River, Emberra Indian Excursion!

Then plan on just relaxing on the boat during those FDAS! If it's rainy, I might be up for some cards to keep me out of the ca$ino!

Just 79 more days!!! Cant wait! ~ Tom