Ship of Fools

[HurricaneMikey]

Hey Gang!

I was lying here in bed, unable to sleep, thinking of all the fun I had during March Madness with such a great group of people. And I got to thinking that yeah, Vegas is cool and all, but it's not my *favorite* destination (especially since I live here now :rolleyes: ).

I'm thinking that the group needs a different field trip, and if we start planning it now, we could make it happen.

So here's what I propose, and I'll give you my recommendations and reasoning.

I say, lets get a huge group of T2Vers together and go on a Caribbean Cruise in September of 2006. That's 17 months hence, plenty of time for folks to plan and to get their ducks in a row. In fact it's so far into the future that a lot of the ships itineraries haven't been scheduled yet.

But here are my thoughts for a successful T2V cruise.

Eastern Caribbean Itinerary-- Face it, most folks live east of the Mississippi, so flying out to LA or San Diego to visit the Mexican Riviera would put a burden on more people. Also, I think we should go with the Eastern Caribbean over the Western or Southern Caribbean for a couple of reasons. Southern Caribbean cruises are much more expensive. It either has to be a longer cruise due to the distance involved, or you have to leave out of San Juan Puerto Rico, which is a huge expense on airfare. Myself, I prefer the Western Caribbean (I never tire of visiting Cozumel or Belize... graemlins/biggthumpup.gif ), but--with this group I think a visit to places like St Maarten and the Bahamas with access to casinos might be a big consideration. I love the Eastern Caribbean also, and St Maarten, St Thomas, and the Bahamas are some of the most beautiful places on God's green earth. And St Maarten has the cheapest duty-free booze and Cuban cigars in the world! Not to mention casinos right on the beach.

Departure Port should be Ft Lauderdale--This is for a couple of reasons. First of all, Southwest flys there and the airport is a short cab ride to the airport. Southwest does not fly into Miami. If most people can use Southwest to get there, so much the better. There are cruises that leave out of Cape Canaveral also, but that involves flying into Orlando and taking a 60-mile shuttle ride. Having done the same thing twice before (flying into Houston and shuttling to Galveston to catch the ship), I can heartily recommend against this option. It's a pain in the arse that I don't care to deal with on vacation. True, there are other ports of call we could depart from, like New Orleans--but the first and last eight hours of the trip are spent floating along the cruddy Mississippi River and enjoying the scenic oil rigs. No thanks. Besides, if we left out of New Orleans, we may lose a few people before we even get onboard... :( . Jacksonville is also an option, but again, if folks can't use Southwest to get there, it can be expensive. Tampa might be a decent alternative, but most trips out of there go to the Western Caribbean.

Cruise dates Departing on Saturday Sept 2nd or Sunday Sept 3rd, 2006. I recommend this for a couple of reasons. 1) It's the week of Labor Day, so fewer vacation days would need to be expended. 2) It's low season in the Caribbean, so rates are cheap (yes, there are hurricane possibilities, but they do a great job of avoiding them. I've been every year in September and October and haven't had a problem yet) 3) There is also a full moon that week. Nothing better than a full moon at sea. Gotta love that! My last cruise was during a new moon, and it sucked at night walking around the deck--you couldn't see thirty feet out unless there were lights in the distance.

Cruise Line I'd go with one of the following three--Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Princess. My preference would be Royal Caribbean, but I'd easily go with either of the other two--whichever offers the best combination of ship/price/itinerary that works the best for our gang. I've got nothing against Celebrity or Holland America, but they're a bit pricier, and the crowd is a bit older and a bit more reserved. Our crowd would certainly fit right in on Carnival!

Length of Cruise Seven days, no question. Shorter, and it's not worth the effort, and longer, it gets tough logistically for most folks--expense, getting time off, etc.

Anyhow, that's the plan as I daydream about it. I'm definitely going, and I'd love as many of you as possible to join me! If I get enough indications of interest, I'll organize the whole thing and try to get a group rate, maybe save about fifty bucks a person--we'd all just have to book through a central travel agent. I know it's possible to get group seating in the dining room at least, so we can all be in the same area scattered over three or four large tables for dinner every night. We did the same thing in 2003 for my sisters wedding--had about 35 people and it worked out well.

Anyhow, the cost will probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of $575 per person, double occupancy, if you go with an inside stateroom. Outside staterooms are about a hundred bucks more pp, and balconies are another $150-$250 on top of that.

Add tips ($75 for the week), spending money, gambling money, and airfare, and you're looking at less than $1500 per person for the week. That includes all meals. I know a lot of you spend that much or more for a 3-day bender in Vegas, and you've got dang near a year and a half to plan for this. So, like Larry the Cable Guy says...Git 'er done! :D

If anyone is interested for real, lemme know. I'll start the machine in motion.

Edited to add: If we make this happen, the anticipation of such an event will make MM2 look like the level of excitement you have while sitting at work on Friday afternoon, looking forward to the weekend doing yard work... graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Mikey

[ April 03, 2005, 11:52 PM: Message edited by: HurricaneMikey ]

[Jer]

Dude, I second this...

I had the best time on my cruise and would love to do this! I'll work on getting bumped again and getting the free airfare! That always helps...

September 2006? No problem... I think!

I'll "co-chair" this if you need help Mikey...

[DonD]

It would be about 50-50 if we (wife and I) could make it. The ships have all been selling out this past year and the prices are getting higher. Sounds like a great idea. Royal Caribbean is always a good choice.
We will need to book 16 cabins to get a good price break. I may be able to recruit a few more people if need be.

[Coaster Kikky]

I've never been on a cruise, and am *extremely* interested. Getting the ducks in a row isn't the problem - it depends where in the biweekly payroll schedule this falls. Then again, the payroll manager took off during the bad time last year (she didn't get to pick those dates either - her son got married in Greece) and I've never ever missed the one most hectic day of the payroll cycle for any reason. So I might have enough brownie points to cash in... will have to see. I don't have the 2006 payroll schedule out yet - it might even be a moot issue.

[SH0CK]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:
Southwest flys there and the airport is a short cab ride to the airport. Really? graemlins/hehehmn.gif
Sorry had to get my smart ass comment out for the day ;)

Sounds like an interesting idea.

[HoyaHeel]

I'd prefer a sailboat charter, but I might be talked into a big cruise :rolleyes: And if the #$%^$@# dissertation is done, Big Brother will approve a vacation, I think graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[RossW]

Mikey,

First and foremost - Great idea!! I have never cruised, always wanted to try it, but never have yet. What a great introduction to the world of cruising, a T2V cruise.

I work at a travel agency; I wonder if we got enough people interested, we could maybe get “group space” on whatever cruise line the group wants to sail. Me being in Canada, I may be able to get pricing in Canadian dollars, which would be a savings for the American vacationers. Don't know for sure though, the USD and CDN pricing may be relative based on the current exchange rates, but I know they sometimes have “at par” deals on some cruises.

If you need an agent, we could help. Our toll free 800 number works all over North America.

If you get enough interest, I may be able to do some research from my end as well. Our cruise sales over the past years have been climbing. Although I am kind of behind the scenes, as I do the accounting for the travel agencies we own, we have some very knowledgeable travel counselors who know a fair bit about cruise vacations. With the Ft. Lauderdale departure point, the SWA air option is a wise decision and keeps the air portion reasonable for folks, I agree, and that would mean not needing to worry about coordinating the airfares or air deviations for people who may want to stay longer, shorter, whatever. Each person would be looking after their own air and getting to the pier. The group booking would be "cruise only", that makes it so much easier, from a group booking standpoint.

Cruising is the fast growing segment of vacation travel. It has been for over the past 6 or 7 years, and they pedict it will continue.

A lot of people who have done the "land" vacations, once they cruise, that's the only holiday they want to book for future vacations.

If I can help, let me know. I have never cruised before, and have always wanted to. And being 18 or so months out, maybe I can slowing convince the Mrs. to come along.... :D

Again, great idea..... graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

RossW

[RamBill]

OOOHHHH OHHHHH OHHHHHH OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

CRUISE?!?!?!!? I AM SOOOOO THERE!!!!!!! (unless I end up getting married.....HAH!!!!!)

[blackjack]

How funny. While telling my wife all about MM2 (well maybe not all :rolleyes: ) and showing her pics, she was very happy for me that I had such a great time with y'all & she actually said "you guys should take a cruise or something". Since you're talking about 2006, there would be a chance that she would want to come along but for sure count me in. I've been Eastern on Carnival & Western on Royal Caribbean and either itinery would be fine. Make sure that there is at least 1 or 2 days at sea. Too many stops is too busy. The days at sea are nice cause you can relax at the pool or play in the casino. I personally liked Carnival better but both were awesome.

Next August will be our 10 year anniversary & we were planning either a cruise or Hawaii so we'll have to see how that pans out. I'll keep you posted. BTW, great idea!!

[Vegas Addict]

I'm going on a venice to athens cruise in August this year on Windstar.

It's possible that I'm going to be tied into going on another european cruise next year on Radisson with another couple that couldn't join us this year. But if that falls through, I would love to hit the high seas in Sept 2006.

I had the greatest time 2 years ago on a Radisson cruise through the Virgin Islands. The America's Cup Regatta at one of the ports was awesome. Everyone racing in one of 3 used America's Cup racers, with a stocked cooler.

[Thekiller]

One month in Vegas and you've already got desert fever. :rolleyes: Have you been listening to that Jimmy Buffet music again?

[HoyaHeel]

Vegas Addict--I'm looking at a Seabourn or Radisson Med cruise as my celebration for finishing my dissertation--love the small ships (I don't really like people :rolleyes: )and the Mediterranean is one of my favorite places in the world....

[HurricaneMikey]

Ok..Scott, my bad...

I meant that the Ft Lauderdale airport is just a short taxi-cab ride away from the port. I think it cost us less than $15 last time.

Ross...good info, however, if I'm gonna coordinate this, I think I'd prefer to deal with somebody local who I can talk to face-to-face, as I'm sure as it gains momentum, there will be a lot of details to iron out and to make sure that everyone is on the same page. And heaven forbid if there's a major issue of some sort, I don't even want to try to deal with someone in another country. Just trying to make sure everything goes smoothly, that's all.

Blackjack...on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise, there will be a perfect balance--three port days, three sea days. As much as I love visiting the ports, I *really* love the sea days.

I'm pretty sure we can do at least 16 cabins with this crew in order to get a discount. I'll make my first visit to the travel agent later this week.

I'm glad to see that this has generated some positive feedback.

Sonya--you and Dan???

Mikey

[doctor_al]

Hoya, that's my wife's response to the big cruises also - too darn many people. If she and I go it'll be on one of those smaller windjammer-like boats. (Hmmm, what would it take for us to completely take over something like that, Capn Mikey?)

I think this sounds funner than a barrel of signature-monkeys, but I have no idea at this point whether I can get it done.

[Coaster Kikky]

I just did the calculations for which weeks are what for 2006 payroll dates, and I'm going to have to cash in those brownie points if I am to make it on this cruise. Thankfully advance planning is in my favor!

[RossW]

WindJammer would do a group as well, or maybe a private rental with a crew....?? HM, would there be anything in the magazine you had the article published in, Latitudes and Attitudes, i think was the name??

HM, what would the dollars be on something like this. My guess is HUGE....Mind you, no casino at sea and all of the other amenities that the larger ships offer....but a neat suggestion, just the same..

Also smaller ships are easier to hang over the edge and graemlins/vomit.gif

[Coaster Kikky]

Great Ross... I don't know how much I really need to add to the list of "T2V friends I've seen vomit".

[blackjack]

I haven't been on a smaller cruise/sail, however, I can say that the large liners did have me worried when you're talking 2600+ passengers not to mention crew. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they didn't feel "crowded". There was always someplace to go if you needed some space but the amenities were great. Casino, pool deck(s), bars & nightclubs, food choices, midnight buffets, activities.... when do we leave???

[RamBill]

There are a lot of Windjammers in the 100+ foot range but they are bou-cou bucks! Renting the boat, crew and provisions will run about 2k each easy. Here's a sample from Windjammer Barefoot cruises:
Typical Rates and Special Deals: Rates per person double occupancy for 13 days range from $1,225 to $1,650 ($2,850 to $3,050 for the owner’s suite), higher on Christmas and New Years sailings. Port charges are $75 for 13 days. There is an air/sea program for persons flying from the US or Canada. There are discounts for former passengers and groups (10 or more passengers). Children under 12 are charged half price if they are with two adults. There are occasional offers of companion at half fare.

Don't forget to add in airfare to the Islands, spending money for the Islands and no on-board entertainment, casinos, etc. Also notice the length. Most windjammer cruises are for 2 weeks.

That is for sailing on a 234 ft boat that carries 96 passengers. That's a big difference per person than say 5 - 600/per person for a cruise ship. Lines like Royal Carribean and Celebrity carry less passengers than Carnival (which with 3 - 5000 people is a zoo cruise). Also on a cruise I have as yet to be made to feel like I'm in a sardine can by the number of people on board.

Windjammers are great if you're doing something like a dive cruise, let's be naked all day/night cruise or some other singular purpose cruise.

[ April 04, 2005, 09:52 AM: Message edited by: RamBill ]

[RossW]

A T2V naked cruise? Is Typh going?? graemlins/drooling.gif

graemlins/hehehmn.gif

[RamBill]

I'm telling your wife, Ross!!

[doctor_al]

Originally posted by RamBill:
Also on a cruise I have as yet to be made to feel like I'm in a sardine can by the number of people on board.Well, some of us are a little more space-intensive than others, Samwise Gamgee.
graemlins/hehehmn.gif

Anyway, it was a thought. You're right, the economics work better with the bigger boat, plus there's the entertainment factor of the other passengers (that goes both ways...).

[Jack21]

Jeez, I'm out of the loop a few days, and we're goin' cruisin'.

Having been on numerous cruises (RC, Celebrity, Carnival) I must say it's an intriguing idea, except for one salient point- it ain't Vegas, baby. Part of the mystique of this crowd and the Vegas getaway is that we all meet at our little desert oasis away from real life. While it would seem we could do it with a cruise, keep in mind that Vegas is the only place DW is willing to let me go on my own, since she cares not for it and it is an annual ritual/tradition for me and my friends. When it's cruise time, it's me and my family (and hence my curtailed behavior).

Also keep in mind that ship casino's can't touch the Vegas casinos in terms of payouts, skill of dealers, drink babes, etc...etc..

Happy to participate so long as DW and the Jack21lings also wanna go.

[blackjack]

Originally posted by RossW:
A T2V naked cruise? Is Typh going?? graemlins/drooling.gif
The question you should be asking is "Is RamBill going?" I've seen his breasts, I don't need to see the rest graemlins/blink.gif . Gotta look at the whole picture is all I'm sayin' graemlins/hehehmn.gif .

[RamBill]

OOOOUUUUUCCCCHHHHH!!!!!! HURT, HURT TO THE VERY CORE I AM!!! And I thought I had friends here, sniff graemlins/cry.gif Sigh, All right I promise NOT to wear a speedo or anything resembling one, OKAY!?!?!?!?

True Jack, It's not Vegas but it is a great way for a bunch of friends to be together for wine women/men and song and even bring our families if so inclined (the first words out of the ex's mouth when I told her about this was "so you're taking the kids, right?" :rolleyes: )

There's less space on them smaller vessels Mr. Frodo.....

[ April 04, 2005, 10:53 AM: Message edited by: RamBill ]

[vegasdrea]

I would love to go, maybe I can talk some of my girlfriends into going. If not, the hell with them, I'll go by meself.

tongue.gif
Andrea

[sanonofresurfer]

YES! Bring the women!

I won't be onboard my ship in a year and a half...so I'll be up for a cruise! Just please...someone make sure RamBill wears SOMETHING when out in public. graemlins/hehehmn.gif

[Vegas Addict]

Originally posted by HoyaHeel:
Vegas Addict--I'm looking at a Seabourn or Radisson Med cruise as my celebration for finishing my dissertation--love the small ships (I don't really like people :rolleyes: )and the Mediterranean is one of my favorite places in the world.... HoyaHeel, (Go Tarheels!!!!!),
do the Radisson, my favorite cruiseline and the favorite of any cruise travel agent I've ever asked.

We were on the Radisson Diamond in the Virgin Islands leaving Puerto Rico a couple of years ago. approx 350 cabins. Staff to guest ratio was about 1:2. The gratuities are included with the price and we had a balcony room on the top floor. What a memorable experience. The food, the service, truly world class. There were no lines for anything. One of my most relaxing vacations ever.

If you can, start looking for deals on the Radisson website now. You put a deposit down, 10%, and you can always cancel if needed for a full refund of the deposit. They say that average age is in the mid 50s, but we never had any problem meeting couples in their 30s who wanted to party the nite away. They always have corporate groups, and they are always in their 30s.

And plenty of room to stay away from people too. It is an extremely big ship for such a small number of guests, approx 700.

[ April 04, 2005, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: Vegas Addict ]

[HoyaHeel]

VegasAddict--I get a few travel newsletters--a bunch are cruise discounters--since I don't know when we'll do a trip (dissertation ain't done yet....) we might just do a last minute thing if we find a great price. Radisson is one that is all-inclusive for drinks, too, isn't it??

[Vegas Addict]

Radisson is not all inclusive. Pretty nice wine is included with dinner. When you arrive, you can get 2 bottles of liquor free in your room. Other than that, you need to pay for booze outside of dinner. However, there are plenty of opportunities when you dock to bring booze, wine, beer, on board.

Gratuities are significant, and are great to be included with your price. I goofed when I said 700 guests. It's actually 350 guests, and I believe the staff to guest ratio is 2:1. The service and response of the staff is exceptional.

But any Radisson ship is 6 star. It is well worth the extra money.

[HoyaHeel]

Sorry for the threadjack Mikey :rolleyes: Silversea and Seabourn are the other lines I've looked at that are 6 star, small boats (and they all seem to have huge average room size) and are all-inclusive--I guess to different extents though I know they stock your in-room mini bar before you board and you get wine with lunch and dinner. All inclusive vacations seem to make good financial sense for us graemlins/goofy.gif As for the age thing--I don't think any cruise line is going to be ideal for me as far as that is concerned (which is why I'm not the "ideal" cruiser) I'm not a Carnival partier but I'm not a 65 yr old CEO either :cool:

OK, no more cruises, gotta watch basketball graemlins/jester.gif

[DonD]

Downtown people, MM2 people and Radisson don't seem to fit together. graemlins/goofy.gif
We haven't done Radisson yet but have tried most of the others.
BTW, single in a cabin is twice the cabin per person price. graemlins/grrr.gif

[Vegas Addict]

That's ok Don. I'm not really a downtown person. So, the Radisson is just me. I hang out at the Bellagio, THEhotel, MB or the Ritz Lake Las Vegas.

[HurricaneMikey]

Well, I kinda like downtown too, so someone of my low station could hang out in the bilge on a tramp steamer for a week and be ok with it. No need to put the Radisson on my cruise resume until I get me some of that My Fair Lady style of home-trainin'... :rolleyes: (Just kidding, I can mingle with folks from all across the socio-economic strata. Hell, Hoya even invited me into her HOME! :eek: )

Anyhow...Good input all, except you threadjackers, and you know who you are... graemlins/hehehmn.gif

A couple of things--yes, Windjammer would be most excellent, however, their ships can't pass a US Coast Guard safety inspection (Or I maybe I should say "won't pass") so none of their ships are allowed to operate in US waters or ports. So taking a Windjammer cruise is a *much* more expensive undertaking, with having to travel to a foreign country to get there, usually somewhere further south or east than Puerto Rico. (I'm trying to make this affordable for everyone...)

Also, again, this would happen during the low season. The ship may not even be sold out. And the newer ships are designed so well that you never feel like it's crowded, except during the lifeboat drill or at peak breakfast time in the buffet line. Otherwise, I've never felt like the ship was overcrowded at all. Besides--with 2500 other guests onboard, who *knows* what kind of adventures one could have. I know that I never have a problem meeting people, and if a XL sexy fella like me can get the hookup, then anybody should be able to! :D

And you're right, it's not Vegas. That's kinda the point. True, the casinos don't hold a candle to our favorites in Sin City, and generally the drinks are not free, but there is much more to the cruise then spending the whole time in the casino, although some may choose that option. On the other hand, most of the shows are every bit as good as the mid-range shows in Vegas, yet are free. Can't do that here unless you're talking about Big Elvis or the Asian cover band in the Omaha Lounge that only plays Journey songs.

And the main reason why I'm leaning towards St Martin. Casinos ON THE BEACH, duty free booze, cheap Cuban cigars, turquoise water, and tropical breezes I can't think of a better combo, except for maybe me, Jenny Love Hewitt, Lindsay Lohan, a case of rum, a couple cans of whipped cream, and Rambill manning the video camera...

Did I say that outloud?

I think my reasoning for recommending the cruise was that I've met a *lot* of T2Vers over the past three years, and pretty much everyone gets along really well, even with our diverse interests and backgrounds. I think this crowd would have a great time together no matter what we did or where we went, even if it wasn't Vegas. And a cruise, to me, is a perfect vacation. So why not share it with a bunch of fun people who I enjoy hanging out with? Yep, we can still do some gambling, and drinking, and general buffoonery. But I bet we could have a lot of fun drinking margaritas and cannonballin' into the pool one afternoon, followed up by a formal dinner, then an evening spent relaxing in one of the lounges with fancy drinks and fine cigars.

And another great thing about the cruise is that if you find that you're growing weary of your travelling companions, there are plenty of ways to escape and enjoy quiet time.

So if you're interested in going, we'll do it! If not, no problem, we'll catch ya next time you're in Vegas. Those that participated in the Madness know what a fantastic time we had. I know that this could be even better!

Mikey graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[RossW]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:
Ross...good info, however, I don't even want to try to deal with someone in another country. What!! graemlins/eek5.gif
Don't you speak Canadian?? graemlins/hehehmn.gif

On a serious note though Mikey, I don't blame you... it is so much easier being able to sit on the other side of the desk and sort things out in person...But the offer still stands, if I can be used as the "devil's advocate" or whatever, just to be sure you are getting the best deal, I don't mind checking my sources so that you can compare costs, keep up with different promotions that are coming down the pipe, etc. We get all kinds of Fax’s and e-mails from all the cruise lines. I could forward to you. Sound good??
eh!.

Is it the accent that you can’t understand, or just the Canadian drawl? graemlins/hehehmn.gif :rolleyes:

Ross

[Beach Crazy]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:

And the main reason why I'm leaning towards St Martin. Casinos ON THE BEACH, duty free booze, cheap Cuban cigars, turquoise water, and tropical breezes
and for those of you who are interrested, Mikey left out nude beaches. tongue.gif

[HoyaHeel]

I guess I'm odd (wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of that) I love hanging out downtown in Vegas but when it comes to other vacations, I like things....nicer graemlins/ssst.gif I would do this trip to hang out with cool people, not because of the ship--and I highly doubt I'd gamble anywhere, since I save that for Vegas.....

[Smarra17]

Not odd at all Hoya, I did a cruise once...yep past tense. Wont go into the details but it was not pretty, and you would be seeing me holding on to the garbage can with both hands not just the Dr. Al one. We picked a bad time to try it in September with three hurrianes in the Atlantic and leaving from NY to Bermuda so we just had some real bad luck but even though it was 12 years ago the memory is still fresh in both my husband and my mind...ouch. graemlins/vomit.gif

I love the islands but I fly there and have more time to sit on a beach with the rum drink in my hand listening to the wonderful music with the sand between my toes. Maybe on eday I will try it again but the memory is still too fresh to give it a shot now.

[ April 05, 2005, 05:19 AM: Message edited by: Smarra17 ]

[blackjack]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:
...But I bet we could have a lot of fun drinking margaritas and cannonballin' into the pool one afternoon
graemlins/laughing.gif I'm already laughing so hard at this visual that I almost lost my coffee. I'm picturing something reminiscent of the Caddyshack pool scene.

[doctor_al]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:
And another great thing about the cruise is that if you find that you're growing weary of your travelling companions...... or if you find them too dangerous...

[RamBill]

and Rambill manning the video camera...
Better get me a tripod!! My hands are shakin' just thinking about it!!!! graemlins/eek5.gif graemlins/drooling.gif I can see the Title now..."Island Dreams and Creams" A Harry Hooters Production....

I think a cruise would be fan-f*cking-tastic!! I've directed this years tax return to a separate account so that I don't touch it. It is earmarked for the cruise.

Nude Beaches.....why do I get the feeling that you guys won't let me near them????

[Vegas Addict]

Originally posted by Smarra17:
Not odd at all Hoya, I did a cruise once...yep past tense. Wont go into the details but it was not pretty, and you would be seeing me holding on to the garbage can with both hands not just the Dr. Al one. We picked a bad time to try it in September with three hurrianes in the Atlantic and leaving from NY to Bermuda so we just had some real bad luck but even though it was 12 years ago the memory is still fresh in both my husband and my mind...ouch. graemlins/vomit.gif

Smarra,
did you have dramamine with you? My wife is a bit motion sick prone, and she always takes dramamine on any plane or boat, cruise ship and has always been fine.
I love the islands but I fly there and have more time to sit on a beach with the rum drink in my hand listening to the wonderful music with the sand between my toes. Maybe on eday I will try it again but the memory is still too fresh to give it a shot now.

[abner2xday]

Been on a few cruises and they are a blast. I am surprised that no one has even suggested the following:

Click Here (http://www.cardplayercruises.com/faq03.htm)

I know they have routes in the Southern Carribean. Just another thought to chew on.

[ebuzz7]

Oh hell yes.........

Carnival is nice and cheap, I have never felt crowded either. I love the Bahamas and that Atlantis casino is awesome. White sand, warm water, palm trees and hammocks. Mix with some boat drinks and that my friends is heaven on earth.

Chalk up another definate attendee

[HurricaneMikey]

I'll be making my first visit to the cruise specialist travel agency tomorrow.

Details to follow...

Mikey

[Heathcat]

If you're traveling in September, just be sure to purchase vacation insurance. My folks ended up in the middle of Ivan last fall and their trip was shortened to a five-day instead of the purchased seven-day cruise. And, their itinerary was totally adjusted and they didnt get to go to Mexico. They are eligible to collect on the two missed days because of that insurance. Nothing like being stuck in a motel room in Fort Lauderdale when you could be out at sea enjoying everything a cruise has to offer!

I have bookmarked an online travel agency I like to check on for cruise prices...I don't know if they can accomodate reservations for large groups of people or not, but it's worth looking at, anyway:
Online Vacation Center (http://www.onlinevacationcenter.com/specials.cfm)

[sin]

I wanna go!!!! And it's even after the dreaded Bar! Holy cow, I guess the DA's office is out and I need a firm job so I can get hired before I pass the Bar and make enough money to pay for it. If I can manage it I will be there, problem is I don't know and won't for several months. Don't count me in the final count, but know I wanna be there!!!

PS. If there are any typos excuse them, I'm currently very, very drunk!

[RamBill]

Don't worry Sin, You've got 12 months to save up for it - final payments are due June of '06.

[RatPackFan]

I loved reading everyones accounts of MM2 and would love to meet everyone. I was just thinking about doing a cruise myself and wouldn't mind joining. I might be doing the single thing so contact me if anyone needs to share a cabin. Also I will most likely be in Vegas in Jan 06

Jim

[sanonofresurfer]

WAH HOOOooooooo!

I just found out that we are crossing the line where we will get hazardous duty pay for the month of July and every month after that...

So all that money is going to be earmarked for the Ship of Fools cruise!

I just have to remember to put my deposit in before we leave hawaii while I still have internet access......

I know Bills already got the party suite reserved...but the first round of jaegers are on me. Errr....I mean I'm buying....

And Angy, i'm there with ya on the nude beach thing. :love: I just hope I don't blind you...

Giddy up!

[Coaster Kikky]

Gawd SOF is gonna be great. I just have to make it. One of my bosses is leaving, moving out of state, this fall, so who knows what the situation will be next fall. I might just have to leave myself to make sure I can go! Priorities, ya know...

[sin]

Any new info on pricing/deposits/deadlines? I've decided I'm requesting donations for the cruise as my graduation gift. I'm workin it!!!

[East Coast Shuffle]

Wowsers.......if you're going...set up a paypal account and let the $ role in.

[RamBill]

I thought I would sticky this thread so it wouldn't get lost. :D Before you know it, it will be june of '06 and final payments will be due. I've been wondering if anybody who's going has thought about doing any excursions or tours? I've been reading reviews and am pondering booking a 4 hour waverunner tour on St. Martin (from Orient Bay). Anybody interested?

[Beach Crazy]

I've been reading reviews and am pondering booking a 4 hour waverunner tour on St. Martin (from Orient Bay). Anybody interested?

4 hours on a waverunner...in the nude...that's gonna make you :cry: Bill. You do know that's a nude beach. I did see someone parasailing nude when we were there several years ago. :D

[RamBill]

Only part of the beach is nude and the tour starts from Orient Bay and travels all around the French side. I plan to be FULLY tanned long before we get there!!

[sanonofresurfer]

Um....does that mean the RamBill party suite balcony is going to be clothing optional? :eek:

[RamBill]

For the ladies, clothing is ALWAYS optional at my place! Larry, I have ALL summer to tan before the cruise! heehee

[beccap32]

Any specifics yet? I would like to look into it...I've been on both Carnival and Royal Carribbean. Royal Carribbean has better food...but to me it felt like I was at a Geritol convention..too many damn old people. It took me 15 minutes to get to my room because the hallway wasn't wide enough for me to get around the guy with the walker! Seriously, when I was on the ship someone died in their sleep onboard! Bingo should not be the highlight of your trip!

The Carnival cruise I took to Cozumel rocked! They have an excursion called the "Booze Cruise" where you pay $50 and ride on a 2-story party barge for 3 hours with a band. It's all you can drink..rum, tequilla, and Dos Equiss. I definitely got my $50 worth, and ended up partying with an entire Mexican soccer team. Ah...the memories!

[HoyaHeel]

What do you mean, "any specifics"? The cruise, dates, prices, and travel agent with the group reservation have all been posted. Do you need more specifics?? That should get you on the right boat. Heck, Jer & Bill even posted their suite number so you know where the party is. Dang cruise is still 300 days away (or whatever Mikey's sig file says now;) )

[beccap32]

Sorry, thought I missed it in this thread! That's what I get for not scrolling all the way down. Thanks for the heads up!:D

[doctor_al]

IF YOU WANT SPECIFICS:

To spare the next wretched soul the wrath of the Look-it-up-Yourself police, Ship Of Fools specifics:
http://www.travel2vegas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15447

And some motivation:
http://www.travel2vegas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15451

[blackjack]

Dang Hoya - Cranky thong riding a little high the other day?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/ronv/img34.gif

[Coaster Kikky]

Dang Hoya - Cranky thong riding a little high the other day?

Cranky thong graemlin: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/CoasterKikky/madass.gif

[HoyaHeel]

Why sticky a post and continue to fill it if people won't even look for information themselves?? Or, if asking a question, be specific. I am not a coddler--I'll give someone the tools to learn to do things themselves. There's a search feature on this board; it's easy to use. That's not being cranky, it's being an independent adult. So there:cheers:

[doctor_al]

Well, the problem as I see it, is that the key post is/was getting buried (and these links will get buried in this thread too!), while the one that is stickied has no real information.

[HoyaHeel]

Doc--if that's the case--maybe we have the wrong post stickied. We can fix that.

[SilverStreak]

So, here it is Jan of '07, and I just found this thread. I have to ask- how did the cruise go? And will you be planning another one?

The idea sounds like it would be a blast!:)

-SilverStreak

[timmysmom]

I believe the cruise never set sail. :)

[SilverStreak]

What happened? Mikey? Are you out there?

What gives?

-SilverStreak

[doctor_al]

The cruise did not happen.