R Family Cruise July 11, 2004

[vespagirl]

Redspize,
My daughters are 14 and 19 years old. I went on my first cruise last year with my youngest, to Alaska, and she had a blast. (My older daughter was away at college at the time so she couldn't go.)
I guess I am a strange breed 'cause I love spending time with my kids!Lucky for me they don't mind hanging out with me as well, to a degree of course!
This will be the first time we are vacationing with my girlfriend as well.

Never drive faster than your angel can fly.

[redspize]

Hi Vesagirl,
Nice to hear from you. I don't think you are strange, I had 2 boys and they are strange breed, especial as teenager. They don't want to be seen with there Mothers. I only had girls names picked out both times and had to think of boys names. Felt bad that I never had daughter but I think I did better with the boys than I would have with girls. I guess someone knew that before I did.
Taking trips with your kids always makes for good memories. I started cruising in 1999 and have loved it ever since.
You should all have good time. Lots of things to do and places to go. I would like to do an Alaska cruise and may do it next year.
Is this your girlfriends first cruise?
My girlfriend is going to die when she finds out what cruise we are going on.
Well got to go for now.

Everyone take care.

Bev

NCL Dawn 7/2004
Celebrity Summit 4/2004
Carnival Paradise 4/2002
MSC Melody 9/2001
Reniassance R7 9/2000
Carnival Triump 9/1999

[vespagirl]

Yep, it is my girlfriend's first cruise. I'm sure she is gonna love it.

[redspize]

Vespagirl I'm sure your girlfriend well love it. The only bad cruise is the one you don't take.

NCL Dawn 7/2004
Celebrity Summit 4/2004
Carnival Paradise 4/2002
MSC Melody 9/2001
Reniassance R7 9/2000
Carnival Triump 9/1999

[sandrye]

Hey ladies. We are getting closer!! Hey Redspize...watch your mail...they say they will be sending travel documents within the next 2 weeks. We are so excited to see where our cabin is. Is anyone going to take any excursions? How is everyone doing? We all been sick here yuk! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] But slowly getting better. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Well that's all for now(I'am at work)....Tina

[redspize]

Good evening everyone.

Tina sorry to hear you guys were all not feeling well but glad you are on the mends.
Yes, we are in June already soon we well see July and off we go.
Tina didn't you get a cabin assigned yet?? I got mine the day I booked. We are on 10 in 10211 I think it is. I usually get outside cabin but just cruised at end of April-1st week in May so I booked inside as I am out of my mind to go again so soon. Robin loves Rosie so much that I had to do it. She is going to just die when she fines out. I hope I can get the docs before she see them. It's going to be hard because she is home everyday to get the mail.
She has had back surgery and isn't currently working.
I haven't signed up for excursions yet. I've been to the Keys already so well just bum around may get a car for the day.
In Bahama's we are going to Alantis by cab.
I really would like to discuss it alittle with Robin before I book anything.

Has anyone else made plans yet. This is a very laid back group. On my last cruise we had 132 people on line and they all came to cruise critic party. FOD every night and we were about 30 in that group. Alot of us did same excurtions and meet around the pool often. Was a great group of people and it mad the cruise much better.
Well I guess I have rambled enough. Everyone have a great night.

Tina feel better!!

Beverly

NCL Dawn 7/2004
Celebrity Summit 4/2004
Carnival Paradise 4/2002
MSC Melody 9/2001
Reniassance R7 9/2000
Carnival Triump 9/1999

[sandrye]

Hello everyone. Thanks Redspize we are getting better slowly. I called to see if we have a cabin # and we do ...Redspize we are almost roomates..lol..our cabin # is 10155. That will be pretty easy for us to meet up for a drink. Gregg said the documents will be mailing out starting Tuesday so everyone wath your mail. 37 days left!! We pretty much know what we wanna do Universal Studios in FL, Atlantis at Nassau, and still looking for a charter at Key West,we are waiting to see what excusions are offered there. Thats it for now ,need some sleep got to be up at 4:45am yuk...goodnight....Tina

[redspize]

Hi Guys and Gals,
This vacation can't come soon enough, work is killin me lately.

Tina glad you guys are feelin better. Our cabins are just down the hall from each other that's nice do you think they are filling ship top to bottom haha.
I just got my new Advocate and they have a big ad in it for the cruise. It is Robin's name and they keep e-mailing her about the cruise. I thought to myself I'm glad I told her I book a cruise, could you see if she went to surprise me. We could end up with two cabins. She said she would really like to go but thinks we are going on a New England-Canada cruise. I wonder if they are really having a hard time selling out??? You really haven't seen much advertising for it.
I am glad you got your cabin number Tina it is always nice to know where you are going to be.
Now we just wait for documents.
Well should go as I have things to do before dinner.
Take care everyone.

Beverly

NCL Dawn 7/2004
Celebrity Summit 4/2004
Carnival Paradise 4/2002
MSC Melody 9/2001
Reniassance R7 9/2000
Carnival Triump 9/1999

[redspize]

Hi everyone,

Anyone get documents yet, just wondering???
Less than 4 weeks to go.

Beverly

NCL Dawn 7/2004
Celebrity Summit 4/2004
Carnival Paradise 4/2002
MSC Melody 9/2001
Reniassance R7 9/2000
Carnival Triump 9/1999

[sandrye]

Hey Redspize...How are you? Everything here is ok...just been real busy. Work,family,finishing up shopping,finally completing the backyard and just the normal everyday craziness. We did receive our documents on Monday. Yahooo!!! I did try to register but can not do till Friday. So watch your mail ...its on the way!!! Well thats all for now I'am on work time ...a little over 3 weeks left..We can't wait....Tina

[redspize]

Hi Tina
Glad everything is ok with you. I am still waiting for my documents. I thought they were here but it was the forms I needed to sign. So I signed and faxed them back. I hope they come soon.
I'm getting pretty excited.
I have been so busy at work lately but this weekend we are going away so I can relax.
State was at the facility for annual survey and everyone gets nuts. I'm sure for no real reasons.
Not sure I like this new format, but maybe just have to get use to it.
Have to go to pack a bag to go for the weekend.
Have a good weekend yourself.

Hi everyone else, this is a pretty quiet group.

Beverly

[sandrye]

Hey Bev...We did get all our documents but have been having a problem registering on line and through NCL. I spoke with Kelly whom was also having the same problem and she called NCL and they suggested to try it another way. When I get to work today I will try it (my printer at home is broke). This Sunday was the NYC Pride parade and it was DA BOMB!! (i'am still trying to recover) Bev you and your girlfriend need to expeirence the NYC parade at least once. After the parade the streets are filled with people for blocks and blocks. Bars,restaurants,clubs you name it all have the "Happy Pride" attitude,even the NYC police lol. Anyway I know what you mean about state inspections. We can have up to 3 a year because we are a nursing home. Our big one is comming up also, so we are really feeling the preasue. I hope they come when we are on the boat drinking a Pina Coloda lol. Thats it for now I need to get ready for work...Eleven days left..whoo hoo...Tina

[redspize]

Hi all,
Almost time to cruise. I can't wait. Got my cruise documents finally. Nice luggage tags. My luggage tags from NCL say forward but my cabin is aft. May never get my luggage LOL.

Has anyone started packing yet. Info in documents says we may wear shorts into dinner. My partner is going to love that, she hates to dress-up.
I am going to hopefully get her to dress for one formal night I hope.
Most cruises have 2 formal nights but looks like this one is truely casual. Packing is alot easier that way. My friend just got back from a cruise like ours and said it is very, very HOT. Must bring enough clothes to change several times a day do to heat.

Tina how is it going? My computer has died and I had to pull out lap top till I buy a new computer. Just got lap top about a year ago but never downloaded internet service till now.
Working on a resume as I am looking for a new job. I have been working with these kids for 3 years now and it is getting to me so time for a change. Nice thing about being a nurse, many jobs available.
Well I guess I better get busy it is my day off and I must get a few thyings done. I work this weekend so I am going to be pretty busy.
Take care ALL!!!
Beverly

[redspize]

Hi group,

Where is everyone???

Has anyone heard from any of the HBO people???
I spoke to them tonight. I am so excited and can't wait.
Well hopefully I well see you all on the cruise.

Beverly

[sandrye]

Hey Bev...we did speak to the HBO people but declined them. We were excited for having an interveiw. But from what they explained to us they want us to sign those papers which will allow them to follow and tape us whenever,wherever,or whatever we are doing. This is our first family vacation and would like to have some privacy,not wondering if the camera is going to pop up somewhere. They even wanted us to sign for our son so they could go threw the kids crew program and ask him question if we were not there. I was not too happy with that either. There is only 4 days left. And you are not gonna beleive this. My son started running a fever on Friday and 5 days later he still has one. No throath or ear infection. Doc even sent him for B/W and X-ray .Thank god no chest infection either. B/W states its viral. Which means no meds,its just got to run its course.(like the flu) Therefore we may have to cancel this trip. We did purchase the insurance I just need to see how that works. Doc says to see her Friday. Then Saturday we can make a decison. That all for now....Tina

[redspize]

Hi Tina,
I am so sorry to hear about your son. I hope the virus runs it course by Friday. I would hate to think you would have to cancel as this cruise is a once in a life time as it is the first of it kind.

Glad you have the insurance I always buy it and did have to use it once. Robin's grandmother died two days before we were going to cruise. They have a form you well need the doctor to fill out and then just mail or fax to them. I think it was about 4 weeks and I got the refund. Make sure you call your travel agent or NCL and get a cancellation number you also need that.
Still hoping you are all going to be able to go.

When I talked to the HBO guy he didn't tell me that part but then I think they wanted people with kids. I have 2 boys myself but they are older and don't live with me. The oldest is married. I think he was very over me when he asked if I would have considered bringing my kids when they where younger? I don't think he knew what to say when I answered. See I was married, I tried it. Was totally miserable but wasn't understanding why and had a great deal of family pressure. Finally just desided it was my life and did what felt right. Got devorced but still didn't figure myself out until about 13 years ago. Been with Robin for 11 years. Not sure they are looking for that kind of story, but I wouldn't want a camera following me day or night. What are they looking to do???
Well good luck with your son, let me know what happen at the doctor.

Beverly

[zachnyc]

Hi everyone
just a few more days until the cruise! What is everyone doing in Key West? We are thinking of taking an independent excursion which is 41/2 hours and includes snorkeling, dophin encounter, kayaking and sailing. If anyone else is interested, we could get a really good group rate. Individually it is about $85, a good price for a small tour holding no more than 6 persons.
What is everyone else doing at the other ports?

[pmvogelalex]

and everybody on NCL Dawn. My Wife and best friend Nancy and i are on the
grandeur, embarking sunday out of baltimore, and KEY WEST will be our favorite stop. {wednesday 0800-1800}
I predict that so much fun will be had that Gayness and Straightness will be relegated to the same importance as Leftyness or righthanedness.
The shopping will be great, the snorkling will be good, thousnads of digital cameras will snap thousands of bathing suited folks,and, as tehNCL Dawn cruises into port, Ill be high up on a parasail taking pictures of it. so wave Hi!!

[sandrye]

Hey Bev...its Friday night and Roberto is doing much better!! His tempurture only went up to 100 today which is great because he was 103-104 everynight so thank god he is getting better. The doctor said dont cancel the trip,just let him relax for the next few days and he will be fine. Yahoo!! Bev its been real nice chatting with you. At some point I hope us 4 can meet up somewhere on the ship and get a drink together. Hey Zach have not heard from you in a while. At Key West we charted a boat to take us out to the dolphin playground and snorkel. Were doing Universal studios at Port Canaveral, and Atlantis in Nassau. well thats it for now I need to go work on my luggage....Tina

[redspize]

Tina so glad to hear you are able to take the cruise. Look forward to meeting up with the three of you sometime during the cruise. We are in cabin
10211, stop by. Really glad your son is doing better.
Tina saw your post about the charter in Key West it sounds great, glad it worked out for you.

Zach long time since we heard from you. If Robin did water activities I would love to join you but she doesn't. A few years ago we did the stingray thing and Robin never got in the water so I don't try anymore. She always say you go but I don't want to go without her.

Well I must give dog bath, pack and get everything in order. Early flight in morning, weleave Chicago at 6 a.m. stop in Cleveland and then on to LGA.
So happy we are flying and not driving in as I would be on the road now.
Everyone have a safe trip and hopefully we can all meet up, if not have a great time everyone.

Bev

[voyagerfl]

We would have loved to have gone on this cruise....but the timing was not right for us.

Hope you have a wonderful time...

[u][b]PLEASE[/b][/u]: [u]Post a long review when you get back[/u]

[redspize]

FYI, Joy from the view is going to talk about her experience on the View in the morning, Tuesday, July 20.
Voyagerfl this si for you.
The cruise had about 1500 people. The ship was great. People were all great. The R family staff did a wonderful job to make it a great experience.
Enterainment was the greatest I have ever had on a cruise. Lots of great shows. Judy Gold, Joy and Poppy were my favorite. Some of the people from Taboo were there as well as many others.
Being on the ship was great all the families were great. About 550 kids of all ages came with there parents.
Many seminars on parenting, adoption and other ways to get have children.
Groups for the kids to dicuss the way they felt. A good group of teens and infants with all ages inbetween.
Every night besides great entertainment we had a gift in our cabin. I think they gave two cruises awy for next year. I saw one being given away to a women and her partner of 25 years. They are coming with the kids so it was a cruise for all seven people, that was great.
The food on the ship was just okay except in specialty restaurants which where great.
Activities were great just alot of over lapping so I didn't get to everything I wanted to get to.
Meet a great group of people. All ports were great except for Bahama's. They had a protest in the square with at least 150 people chanting and carrying signs telling us to go they didn't want our money and many other things I wouldn't repeat. I didn't let it stop me, I went to Atlantis casino and came back just didn't shop in Bahama's because I wasn't going to give them any of my money. Got some of their money at the casino.
Next year the Rfamily is doing New England-Canada and I already booked it as did about 300 people before leaving the ship.
It was the greatest cruise I have ever taken, really sorry you missed it.
If you have any questions just ask and I well attempt to answer them.

[voyagerfl]

[size=3]SO COOL

THANKS......GREAT REVIEW

SO WAS ROSIE ON THE SHIP THE WHOLE TIME ?
[/size]

[voyagerfl]

I just visitied thier web site...for info on next years cruise......and to see if they had anything about the one that just finished........and the site has not been updated since before the cruise.......it's still advertising this years...LoL:(

[ShawninFL]

What are the date's of the New England/Canada Cruise next year? Also, what ship? I checked out R Family Vacation's website and it is still advertising the cruise the just returned.

Thanks.