Preliminary Cruise Info for S.O.F. 2006

[HurricaneMikey]

Hey Gang!

As promised, I spent some time at the local cruise-specialist travel agency today and got a few particulars ironed out.

The Official T2V Ship of Fools Cruise will depart on Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 from Ft Lauderdale Florida, for seven fun-filled days in the eastern Caribbean, including St Thomas USVI, St Maarten NA, and Princess Cay Bahamas. There are three full 'sea days' included, so one can lay by the pool and drink fruity drinks all day if one so desires.

The ship will be the newest of the Princess fleet, the Caribbean Princess, and we will have the traditional late seating for dinner every evening. We may be able to have a group dinner one night in the Sterling Steakhouse, but that detail will get ironed out much further down the road.

I'll find out the exact rates on Monday, but it will likely fall somewhere between $549 pp for an inside cabin, up to around $1100+ pp if you opt for a suite with a balcony. Regular balcony rooms should be less than a grand, but again, I'll know for sure on Monday.

They're going to block 22 cabins for us, and you can choose inside, oceanview, balcony, or a suite, I believe. If demand is overwhelming, we can get a few more cabins due to our early planning and preparations.

Also, once we get the rates, you can reserve your cabin for $250 per person immediately. I'll provide an 800 number and a contact person (Her name is Dana and she's being very helpful to us) All reservations must go through her if you want to be included in the group rates and our group dining reservations. By the way, they have our group listed as 'Travel2Vegas' and 'Mikey' as the group contact. You give her that info and she'll know exactly what to do.

Everyone is on their own as far as airfare goes, but she recommended that folks out west either come out on Friday night and crash at a hotel, or take the redeye. And of course she can help you with that if you'd like.

Again, the departure port is Ft Lauderdale, so Southwest is likely going to be the best option for flights. If that's not possible, all the major carriers fly into Miami, just 15-20 minutes away.

More info to follow!

Is that steel drum music I hear off in the distance???

Edited to add: Almost forgot. One thing that Princess does that other cruise lines don't--they have movies playing outside under the stars at night, so you can drink margaritas, eat popcorn, and either float around in the pool or chill on a chaise lounge and watch the movie. Cool huh?

Mikey :D

[ April 09, 2005, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: HurricaneMikey ]

[DonD]

Good choice, here are some details of the ship:
Caribbean Princess information . . . . . (http://www.princess.com/planner/ship.jsp?resItineraryCode=CEE070&resShipId=CB&resStartPortId=FLL&resEndPortId=FLL&resNoOfNights=7&resVoyageId=B636&resTourId=&shorexPortId=&tradeName=Caribbean&type=C&resultsString=month%3D9%26year%3D2006%26orderBy%3DDATE%26pageOffset%3D0%26resTradeId%3D%26monthYear%3D9%252C2006%26day%3D2%26resShipId%3DCB%26resType%3DC&source=&virtualPage=CB_vc)

One of the largest casinos afloat

[ April 09, 2005, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: DonD ]

[SH0CK]

Hopefully, this link will work:
Caribbean Princess Itinerary (http://www.princess.com/planner/itinerary.jsp?resItineraryCode=CEE070&resShipId=CB&resStartPortId=FLL&resEndPortId=FLL&resNoOfNights=7&resVoyageId=B636&resTourId=&type=C&resultsString=pageOffset%3D0%26month%3D9%26year%3D2006%26resTradeId%3DC%26monthYear%3D9%252C2006%26day%3D2%26resShipId%3DCB%26resType%3DC%26orderBy%3DLENGTH)

[doctor_al]

Shoot, I was holding out for Caribbean Queen, but I 'spose they're sharing the same dream...

p.s. seriously, Cruise critic (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=303) has some info on it as well.

[ April 09, 2005, 06:24 PM: Message edited by: doctor_al ]

[Jer]

You kill me Doc...

This sounds great... Mikey, I'll email you with my questions...

[PPtraderal]

We did the same cruise format, ST Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess private island a couple years ago on the Grand Princess. The cruise line is excellent to fault. Although it's a new ship the cruise is the same. It offers a good balance of sea time to shore time. The food is excellent. There are two formal nights but there's a Lido deck buffet for those who don't want to dress up. You can do as much or as little as you like . If you've never taken a Princess Cruise I believe you'll really enjoy it. Ship staff was great. Do your shopping in St. Maarten, especially liquor, and smoking materials, much cheaper than St. Thomas which is more jewelery intensive. It's a really nice trip. A balcony cabin is worth the difference in price. There are numerous accomodation levels so use the princess web site and ship diagrams to guide you. The middle of the ship is best as the rear tends to pick up vibration from the props.

[HurricaneMikey]

Oh yeah, thanks PPT--I was gonna mention that folks should buy their booze and smokes in St Maarten, and buy the jewelry and perfume in St Thomas. Although, at the Havensight duty-free shops right there at the cruise pier in St Thomas, they have great selections of flavored rums bottled there in the USVI, fairly cheap (better than Cruzan), and they do *not* have to be declared to customs, since it is a product of the USA. I usually pick up six bottles--Banana Rum, Cinnamon Rum, Coconut Rum, Vanilla Rum, Chocolate/Rasberry Rum, and another Banana Rum. And they will deliver it to the ship for free, so you don't have to lug it around with you.

And they give free samples, like Baskin Robbins or Costco! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Last time I was in St Maarten, I picked up the big bottle of Captain Morgan for five bucks, a bottle of Stoli Vanilla for six bucks, and a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label Fifty Year Old Scotch for $70 (Normally around $175-$200 here in the states). graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Mikey

[ April 10, 2005, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: HurricaneMikey ]

[Coaster Kikky]

I can't believe no one's mentioned this... isn't Princess Cruise lines the Love Boat?

I'm pretty set on going, Mikey... just let us know how much for each variety of cabin so we can decide how much to spend.

[sanonofresurfer]

I know it's a while off and a lot can happen between now and then...but is anyone else planning on going alone and in need of a roommate? Male or female...I don't care as long as it's two beds.

[RamBill]

One Balcony please....

[HoyaHeel]

I'd really like the Grand Suite, but I'm sorry--if I'm paying $2100 a person, my alcohol BETTER be included, and since it's not--sorry, no Grand Suite.....

[RamBill]

Vis-a-Vis Flights:

Don't forget to check other discount airlines. Those of us on the East coast and Midwest can find flights pretty low. Song(delta), for example, is offering flights for 74.00 one way. Of course a year from now, who knows!

[HurricaneMikey]

I just hopped over to Southwest.com to check the flight prices for the same week THIS September, and roundtrip from Vegas to Ft Lauderdale is $198. Not too shabby. Of course, I'll have to go out on Friday night beforehand if I want to have a shot at making it to the ship on time.

So, hopefully the price won't rise too much for next year, and I can get out there for less than $250.

Mikey

[HoyaHeel]

1)There's a bridge webcam (http://www.princess.com/bridgecams/caribbean_bridge_cam.html) It's in St Thomas today.

2) Nerds unite. There WILL be a trivial pursuit smackdown, and I will kick Mikey's butt. The gloves are off, baby!!!

[RamBill]

Did someone say Trivial Pursuit???? :D

[LV Terry]

I humbly suggest getting a high floor cabin...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,153698,00.html

[Coaster Kikky]

I read that the pianist was playing the theme from "Titanic" during the chaos that ensued after the wave struck. I would have clobbered him with a bottle of whatever was handy. Why not throw in "Poiseidon Adventure" while they're at it?

[doctor_al]

Or a little Gordon Lightfoot...

[RossW]

al,

where is that Big Lake located??

[Coaster Kikky]

That's like a 14 minute song. They were probably worried they didn't have enough time to finish it!

[RossW]

BTW,

Gord is a true-blue Canadian. I seen Lightfoot in Toronto, or T.O. as us locals call it in the 80’s. You ’mercians learned this short form for Toronto a few weeks back in another thread… I have a few of his CD's.

We also sang parodies to this song when we were younger at parties. We would all be greased and singing it, as loud as we could, making up lyrics as we went a long... graemlins/laughing.gif it was hilarious... OMG, that has to be over 20 years ago...
:eek:

[RamBill]

Saw him Live in a small Concert Hall in Springfield, MA. Just Gordon and an Acoustic Guitar. And yes it was 20 years ago....

[RossW]

FYI

Eloquent Composer and Singer, GORDON LIGHTFOOT returns April 28th - May 1st, 2005 to the Orleans Showroom located at Tropicana and Arville. Show time is 8PM. Tickets priced from $44.95 + tax can be purchased by calling 702-365-7075.

[Coaster Kikky]

I'm booked for SOF1 (dare we presume there will be a SOF2?)... paid the deposit today - although still not sure my work will let me go or not. Thankfully it's refundable up to the day before full payment is due in June of 2006. That should be enough time I'd think! graemlins/beerchug.gif :cool:

[doctor_al]

Just read something about how you can't bring your own booze into your room on these boats?!

[Dougie]

Ross, nice job on the Edmund Fitzgerald press release.

[DonD]

We ALWAYS put some booze in our checked luggage and have never had a problem. Last cruise we did a case of beer (cans) and a fifth of Absolute. graemlins/beerchug.gif

[Coaster Kikky]

Al, I read that Princess "kindly asks that you not" BYOB. I hope they don't plan on searching my luggage, if you know what I mean ;)

[doctor_al]

Thanks guys. That didn't sound right for this crowd.

[RossW]

Originally posted by bazootch:
Ross, nice job on the Edmund Fitzgerald press release. Just for you Dougie, The Legend Lives ON.... he actually does do a good show, at least he did 15 or 20 years back.

I knew that would get some interest...You're a closet folk music junky aren't ya Baz.... Maybe you could listen to SunDown on your way out to SunSet to see HM when you're in LV. Take your Walkman or MP3
graemlins/hehehmn.gif

[ April 19, 2005, 02:15 AM: Message edited by: RossW ]

[RamBill]

Don't worry about bringing booze. From what I've read on cruise boards EVERYBODY brings booze aboard! Some have even brought big coolers and/or boxes filled. I think the best bet is to have a separate piece of luggage checked into the cruise packed with bottles either wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap. I'm going to have to find or invent a bar companion piece of luggage so I can also pack those bar essentials like a martini shaker, plastic drinkware, a blender and special pockets for carrying jars of olives, maraschino cherries, lemons/limes and a small cutting board! LMAO. Looks like I'm gonna be tipping the steward big time to keep the bar clean and his mouth shut! LOL. Hmmmm...I do have a refridgerator....jello shots perhaps??

[HurricaneMikey]

If any of you rookies need assistance with info on the proper way to sneak booze aboard, let me know...It's not that hard to do, it just takes a little effort, that's all. Especially since those thieving bastards at TSA will steal anything they find in your checked luggage.

Mikey

[HoyaHeel]

Maybe TSA really likes you--I haven't had anything stolen from my luggage...

/knocking wood tongue.gif

[RossW]

Some friends of mine, who are world travelers, have had booze taken when boarding a cruise ship. Both when first boarding or when returning from a port stop-over with duty free bought on an island. These folks take about 4 or 5 cruises a year. Rich retirees. The last few times they have been denied taking it aboard. They have a trick now; they use the huge Listerine bottles or something else with a non-booze label on it or use small mickey bottles, that are plastic and shove them down their pants, the machines don’t pick them up. The husband has had it out with the TSA screeners saying that they don't have the right to seize it; they take it anyway on the instruction from the cruise line according to him……. :confused:

He said it depends on which cruise line you are sailing. They seize it in order to force you to buy the stuff at inflated prices on board. I think the legalities of this should be spelled out or the cruise line policies should be challenged in a court of law. Hoteliers don’t snag a case of beer when you take it to your room, why does the cruise line have the right to??

I don't know a lot about this as I have never cruised, but it would burn my ass if someone took my stash...it ain't right!!
graemlins/soapbox.gif

[RamBill]

Scour Cruisecritc and other cruise bulletin boards for various methods of smuggling. Har, 'tis a pirate's right to smuggle booty!!

[Coaster Kikky]

It wouldn't be a T2V Cruise without booze AND booty, now would it?

[HoyaHeel]

I think it's easier to load it in your suitcase--I've heard MANY more cases where they'll take the duty-free liquor you buy in St Maarten away from you until you get back....

[Heathcat]

My folks empty out two liter soda bottles for their brandy, bourbon, etc. They cruise every year and don't have a problem.

[RamBill]

My folks empty out two liter soda bottles for their brandy, bourbon, etc.

RamBill's "SODA" Legend:

Cream Soda = Rum (Capt. or Mount Gay)
Root Beer = Dark Rum
Coke = Bourbon
Pepsi = Scotch
7Up = Rye
Twist = Vodka
Mtn Dew = Tequila
Dr. Pepper = Cognac
Tonic = Gin
Sprite = Vermouth
Grape = Chambord (for the Terrys)
Fresca = Malibu

Gee, I hope they don't get suspicious about all this soda I'm bringing!!

[doctor_al]

Would be good to know beforehand what = used Copenhagen.
:rolleyes:

[Dougie]

SO... I had been holding off committing to this thing. If I don't take my wife on an Alaskan cruise prior to a warm one, I could get by with just a twin sized bed.

Today, I finished a bid for the Walton family's daughter (wal*mart), and gave it to their contractor. He explained that the job is mine, and that I had beat the nearest bidder by almost 45 grand. He advised that I raise my price by 30 g's or so.

I did, got contracts signed, and we start on Monday. I showed this to my boss, and he says "Why don't you take whatever you need of the increase and book yourself a cruise?"

This trip just may work out...

[SH0CK]

Originally posted by bazootch:
I showed this to my boss, and he says "Why don't you take whatever you need of the increase and book yourself a cruise?" "Why sure thing boss... I think 30 G's should cover it. I've got a big "family" and I just gotta take them all with me." :D

[Coaster Kikky]

Dougie, my fingers are crossed that you can make it. Of course, my fingers are crossed that *I* can make it, and I've already got a deposit made and a cabin reserved!

[doctor_al]

Link to the post with actual prices, info etc.:
http://www.travel2vegas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15450

[packfan57]

I haven't been around this site lately, did this ship sink?

[Coaster Kikky]

Ship went aground. It was supposed to have been this past September.

[packfan57]

Thanks for the update!

[StickyFingers007]

Bummer.. I thought this was a bust, but just wanted to double check. After talking to the other half of a sticky mess, I mentioned this group was talkin bout a cruise and said " Can i go " and got a "sure.. why not.." so I was hoping but alass, maybe next time.. Will there be a next time?

Sticky