The DSP Cruise! Tell Me About It....

[Ruby Rynne]

Lots of people have mentioned it as a 'dream', so let's see if it could actually happen.

Margie has asked me to look into it, to see whether the numbers all add up. If they do, then who knows? Maybe we can make the dream come true.

If you would be interested in a DSP cruise, please take a few minutes to take a short survey that will help us to work out whether or not the idea is a go-er or not. Only 50 people can answer the survey (software limitation) so please, only complete it if you WOULD be interested in a DSP cruise.

Take the survey HERE (http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=jsylhudw2lmlqok551790).

Whether or not you are interested in going on a DSP cruise, you are of course most welcome to post any comments or ideas in this thread!

[mcbowersox]

Are you kidding!? That would be amazing! The question is whether or not I could afford it!

I know for sure that I couldn't drag my husband. LOL!

[Margie]

i would have a hard time being cooped up in a room staring into my box (like i do now) so maybe we could request a room with windows so we could at least see the ocean! oh, with glare guard so we can see the screens too??? :D

[cats4jan]

This is the absolute best time to be thinking about this. The prices are so low, they are ridiculous. Cruiselines have spent the last 10 years building bigger and bigger and bigger ships and now they are having trouble filling the rooms. Airfares are low, too.

Cruising is an absolutely wonderful form of vacationing.

For those who have never cruised, don't let the size of the room deter you from going. Buy the lowest price room and save the bucks. You get all the same food/entertainment as those in the suites. Realize - you will spend so little time in the cabin, the size is irrelevant.

Most days, you spend on shore - at night the ship moves from port to port. You can take tours at the ports or you can get around on your own to save money. While on board, you can take advantage of all the free food and non-alcoholic drinks to save money. The entertainment is all free. You just show up at show time.

They are truly cool rooms. They manage to squeeze so much storage into so little space it is an amazing feat.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p103/cats4jan/cabin.jpg
This is a really old room - from 2002 - they are much better decorated now.

Cruising is wonderful - you can spend as little as zero dollars extra - and still get a wonderful vacation.

Go to cruisecritic.com and read the forum. You will get a real feel for what cruising is all about.

[Ruby Rynne]

Thanks for the insight Janice, it's really helpful.

I wanted to add, to anyone who might be thinking 'Oh there's no way I could afford it', Janice is absolutely right, you really wouldn't believe the prices these days. We're not talking $1000+, we're not even talking half of that. It's perfectly possible to get a 5 night cruise for under $300, and the choice for under $500 is amazing...

With that in mind, perhaps even more people might look on it as a possibility?

[idtwinmom]

My husband and I did a cruise for our honeymoon! We had a wonderful time, but the one thing that "really" turned us off! They expected us to tip someone we had seen a grand total of once! And even then he was not the person to help us to our seat. After that we never even saw him again! If you do go: remember to take the required amount for tips in cash or easily cashable travelers checks (and lock it away so that you don't accidentally spend it elsewhere)! Your last day goes much smoother if your cabin steward is amply rewarded!

I would also think that a shorter 3-4 day cruise would be more appropriate for this type of group. And you may wish to investigate the newer non-smoking ships available. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on board.

[usports2]

Thanks for the insight Janice, it's really helpful.

I wanted to add, to anyone who might be thinking 'Oh there's no way I could afford it', Janice is absolutely right, you really wouldn't believe the prices these days. We're not talking $1000+, we're not even talking half of that. It's perfectly possible to get a 5 night cruise for under $300, and the choice for under $500 is amazing...

With that in mind, perhaps even more people might look on it as a possibility?
If the price would actually be that low, I could seriously consider it. I won't do the survey...leave the space for someone that is more serious than I. I will keep watching the thread, tho, for info.

[sherryva]

I have never done a cruise- this sounds like a blast if it gets off the ground- I am interested, depending on the location.

[Margie]

prices are very low, but even when they weren't, we always shopped around and found them very low. and we've done each type of room and personally, i'll happily choose an inside room with no window every time to save money. you spend VERY little time in your room looking out the window. if you want to see the ocean, go upstairs on the open deck! to windy, or hot or cold, go upstairs and sit by a huge glass wall! you sleep and shower and get outta there!
on our last one, we skipped the formal dinners (and stupid tipping) and just did buffets. around the clock buffets, yummmmm! it's really crazy ridiculous how much food is available all day long!!
okay, so now i really want to go again!!!

[sandygb]

Ok....This seriously sounds awesome. I would be willing to spend the money to do this rather than a land-based crop. I don't think I would bring my laptop. I just want to take photos, meet my fellow DSPers and have a girls-type vacation. I am also assuming we would want to share cabins, so prices you are guess-timating are for doubles. I have mentioned cruises to my hubby several times and he never seems quite as interested as I am, so I know he wouldn't mind me going alone. Depending on where this is, I guess I better get my passport, huh......

[swatkins56]

This would be so much fun. I'll tell DH he has to get back to work soon so I can go.

I vote for Alaska. Here is from my 2008 cruise (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=6636).

Or Mexico (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=6642).

Or Hawaii (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=6638).

I think ideal would be a cruise that front loads the sightseeing, with sea days later in the cruise for us to scrap.

[Jill W]

Oh I think a cruise would be a blast!!

I'm open to just about anywhere, except perhaps Mexico - (just based on the "problems" in the area currently).

If the price is right - I'm there!! DH just told me yesterday he was "done" with cruises - :cry: !

I'm not sure I'd want an inside room ... but man, there are SO many choices!!

[Muma]

Wow what an opportunity this would be .... I'd have to bring DD though because of DH working or may even bring him to LOL. He;d have a blast with all you ladies ROFL

[carolyn d]

please also remeber- if the cruise ship enters international waters AT ANY TIME you will need a passport ! Here is USA, passports can take up to 2 months to process ! (and that is the longest I've heard.. I've known people who've gotten them back in 3 weeks as well.. and that seems to be the average. But I figured I'm mention a time frame just in case)

Generally speaking, a deposit is required at the time of booking. ( ususally 50%) with the balance paid in full prior to sailing.

Most cruise lines offer transprotation from the airport to the cruise ship- for a fee/person. These arrangements can be made in advance.

You would need 1 formal outfit for the captains dinner the first night out !

there are usually 2 dinner seatings.. 6 and 8. I suggest the 8pm. Then there is no rush to get back to the ship for the early seating especially if you're out doing something fun on the island. Or if you're too pooped to pop and just want to take a nap ! LOL

Food starts about 630 am and ends with the midnight buffet ! So, with all that food.. walk everywhere on deck.. no elevators ! hahaha.

Myself, I would prefer an inside room as I like it dark when I sleep !

[sandygb]

I'm still hoping for east coast. LOL. Like Bahamas, or Mediterranian cruises.

[littlekiwi]

It would seriously be a dream that right now I could never afford

[Tara]

I would TOTALLY go...if it were held in the summer (USA summer). Sorry, but teachers get great summer vacation but can't get other time off!!!

I'm like Sandy -- I would be in it more for the vacation and sightseeing than for scrapping. Not interested in learning much, attending classes, etc. I would like to attend some crops on "at sea" days (and there could be classes then), but the thrill would be vacationing with all of my DSP buds!!!

Thank you SOOOO much for considering this. It would be SOOOOOO AMAZING!!!! I might even like it better than a crop at Adobe! :)

[bendipez]

A cruise would be so awesome!!! All I need is to get a passport and what else???
Oh yeah, the money to afford the cruise....hey, maybe Shawn can get a job, oops then he'd want to come!!!

[sherryva]

Im with Sandy- east coast would be great and while I would prefer to take pictures, it would be nice to get together with other DSP'ers and swap stories and get to meet them in person- I am glad Carolyn mentioned the passport- I am going to look into that this week, I should have one anyway..

[lmilgram]

I would interested if East Coast USA were a possibility - need to keep the travel costs affordable. Since I have never been to a DSP crop, I would love if there at least some time scheduled for a crop while cruising. I would probably also bring DH along since he could use a little vacation as much as anyone.

[Ruby Rynne]

Here are some options, to guage what people would prefer (once they see the combination of price, date, etc). Please take a moment to let me know your preferences, and then I can get some quotes etc on favourites.

One step closer....

Click here to tell me ... WHERE DO YOU WANNA GO? (http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=qtwgjjjcox9yvlp552297)

I've just gone with ones from North America for now, we can always do other cruises in Europe and Australasia depending on how many people would want them. Since most of the response so far has been for American-friendly destinations, that is what I have started with. Also, tried to do round trips as much as possible to make it easy for people to arrange connecting flights, etc.

[Teresa]

This is cool. I'd be looking for a DSP roomy though as DH would not be interested.

[Teresa]

I'm getting way too excited now after seeing the prices.

[tif_gerber]

OMG...How much fun would this be!?!?!? Not sure I could pull it off, but I'm sure going to try!

[carolyn d]

can I just post here that any of the desitnations would be fine with me? I'm very flexible and seeing as I'd need to travel from a starting destination on the east coast.... I'll let the majority rule !

[sandygb]

I think my choices would be:

Eastern Caribbean
Western Caribbean

[Ruby Rynne]

I've added a general poll to this thread, just to get some further idea of how many people would be interested. You're not committing to anything either way, it just lets me know what proportion of DSPers might be interested.

If you ARE interested, please go ahead and answer the two surveys posted (links repeated from further up the thread):

Survey 1: Your preferences for a DSP Cruise (http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=jsylhudw2lmlqok551790)
Survey 2: Your preferences for destinations (http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=qtwgjjjcox9yvlp552297)

If not interested in a DSP cruise, or you are a maybe, please do expand on why, everyone's feedback helps!

[Tara]

I'm so excited!!!

I like the Caribbean idea...but I've been to the western sights TWICE! (I know, poor me!)...so I'd be less inclined to fly across the country for that, much as I like you all. Been to Alaska too...(not that I expect us to plan it around me!!!)

San Fran and LA? Well, that is like visiting home so I say boooooo. Hey - we could do that and plan it around the Adobe crop if we do another this year - ha ha!

I have to say, none of those spots really jumped out at me. I guess Mexico would be my first pick. Eastern Caribbean would be interesting too!

[swatkins56]

I, of course, would love an Alaskan cruise, which leaves from my back yard.

Now, for an East Coast cruise, Bermuda would be a nice one. It leaves from New York, Boston or Baltimore - all great sightseeing cities. Then there are two sea days before Bermuda, three days in port, and two sea days back. So we could have plenty of class and crop time onboard ship.

We were going to take this cruise until DH spent too many months out of work. Hopefully, we'll get a second chance.

[caraffle]

I hope that my financial situation improves by next year so that I can do it too. I think a cruise is perfect for this bunch. Photos during the day, crops at night and on "At Sea" days. They can just be informal, lets all meet in the lido deck things too! I so hopw it will be when and where I can afford it. The trips to Bermuda go out of Baltimore and its half at sea and half in port.

I am now crossing my fingers and saying a prayer!

[JaeDee]

Cruises are really a inexpensive way to travel if you dont buy the fancy drinks, gamble, dont buy their photograph and their side trips! I LOVE TO CRUISE!

[Ruby Rynne]

Quick update, Canada (New York, St John, Halifax, New York) in September is currently front runner. The two Caribbean choices in joint second place.

If you disagree, do the surveys!!

PS, Claudia and I just worked out that our costs (including flights from London, airport transfers, hotel in NY the night before the cruise, port taxes etc and the cruise itself) for the Canada option would come to around £700 each. So Europeans - this is affordable for many of you too! The more the merrier!

ETA That's without any group discounts, we get enough numbers we can start knocking percentages off that.

[scamptx]

OMG the NY Halifax is one that I have wanted to do!! I'll take the survey! I will say though that the one thing that has always put the brakes on for me taking a cruise is that everything is priced for two, and I travel alone mostly. This would be different for a DSP cruise, cause I'll bet I could find a roomie!!

[Ruby Rynne]

No such worries with this, there are several DSPers who say they would be travelling without spouse and/or kids, so there would be definitely be opportunities to pair up with roomies :)

I have to keep editing these posts to say would not will. Can you tell I am excited to make this happen????

[Jill W]

Ruby, are we talking September 09, correct? (Sorry if that info has been given already!)

[Corgi Lover]

Are these all inclusive? Sorry - i have never been on a cruise before so I am not sure how it all works. Does this include food? What are the extra things you would have to pay for?

[swatkins56]

Yes, cruises are all-inclusive, but....
drinks, side trips, photos, laundry,and side trips are extra. Tips are expected. I've only cruised NCL; they add $10/person/day to the bill for tips so you don't have to tip people individually. You can take it off, but it would be tacky.

I created this web site for a Toastmasters Presentation. It has lots of links on cruises, cruise lines, etc. See the About.com entry.
http://sherylscruises.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-plan-and-book-your-cruise-online.html

[RoadMap4Us]

Oh, wow! I've never been on a cruise but the prices and destinations being discussed here make it sound like it might fit! I'll have to do some figuring -- and some arm-twisting around here!

[GailS]

Sounding good to me....If I can get away from work, this could be awesome! I'll see if I can work this in!

[Tara]

Well, count me out then! I can't do anything in September...especially not something that requires flying across the US. Now, if the California/Mexico ones were leading, MAYBE I could make it happen...but I can't take a week or more off in Sept. Ahh...sucks to be a teacher sometimes!!! :)

[Tara]

So I have to say...AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST!!!

[JaeDee]

Sept. is not good for me either!

[sandygb]

Just wanted to mention that late August to early October is prime hurricane season in the Southeastern US/Atlantic Ocean. It may not be an ideal time for some destinations.

I would also want to room with someone as I'm not planning on bringing Bob. LOL.

[swatkins56]

Hopefully, this will be such a great experience someone will want to put together another one next year - in a different month and in another ocean. It would be hard to put together something that will fit everyone's budget/schedule.

If the cruise is Alaska or Mexican Riviera, I'm 50% or more in. If I have to fly a ways, I think I'm 25-50% in because of the cost of the flight. But if you put together something on the East Coast and I can't afford to go, I do hope someone will pay the $$$ for an Internet package on the ship so you can upload your wonderful layouts and I can enjoy it vicariously.

[Tara]

Sept. is not good for me either!

Have I told you lately that I love you, JaeDee???

Just wanted to mention that late August to early October is prime hurricane season in the Southeastern US/Atlantic Ocean. It may not be an ideal time for some destinations.

I would also want to room with someone as I'm not planning on bringing Bob. LOL.

Okay...JULY, JULY, JULY...or end of June! And if I can go, I'd need a roomie too. Oh the pranks we could play on each other!!!!


If the cruise is Alaska or Mexican Riviera, I'm 50% or more in. If I have to fly a ways, I think I'm 25-50% in because of the cost of the flight.

I love swatkins too!!! :) I don't actual expect anyone to work solely around my schedule...but you know what they say about the noisy wheel! :)

[nachtstern]

I answered maybe due to the fact that we are in Europe now and will move to the US in May 09. overseas moves are way costly...
I would love to do it though! Always wanted to take a cruise anyways :)
anything leaving east coast sounds terrific!

I would love to have a fancy dinner with everyone and then get to take oodles of snazzy pics :)

[Ruby Rynne]

Jill, yes it's September 09 (the dates are on the descriptions on the Destinations survey). I can't get any information on cruises beyond Feb 2010, so I've used what I can get to come up with options.

I think September/October and January are the cheapest months of the year, which of course is fine for those who work independently or are retired, not so good for those with 'real' jobs. I've chosen example schedules based on the lowest available fares, which is why those months are heavily represented.

Of course, if the first cruise is (notice how I said that like it is going to happen, PMA!) a success there would be scope to do more. I would LOVE for there to be one each year, different months and destinations each time. And of course, European and Australasian/Asian ones as well. But it all has to work financially for enough people to make it viable each time, we need at least 30 people who can do it in order to organise the cruise. Shouldn't be too hard from 150,000 right? :)

From the data people have given about what they primarily want to DO on the cruise, it's becoming apparent that the social aspects are the most important. Therefore, I would hope that people wouldn't be put off from coming just because their favourite destination didn't 'win'. Wheverer we went it would be so much fun!

Keep the comments and wishes coming, please, it makes it easier for me to know what direction to research in (as well as more difficult to juggle LOL).

[scamptx]

I hope that folks will add to this thread with ideas, hopes and dreams even if reality bites this year and they can't go. I love the idea that this could blossom into an annual and/or international event.

Dreams can become reality!

[sherryva]

I hope that folks will add to this thread with ideas, hopes and dreams even if reality bites this year and they can't go. I love the idea that this could blossom into an annual and/or international event.

Dreams can become reality!

Ditto!
I filled out my passport application last night- going to the post office today to submit the application.

Would be so great if we had a cruise every other year or so- with alternate coasts and destinations, with enough notice I am sure alot of people would be able to work it into their budgets.

[Betsyfru]

I'm very interested in a cruise leaving from the East Coast, and DH would maybe go along, maybe not. He doesn't have as much vacation time as I do... In any case, please make it very early in September or after October 16th, beccause I have to get ready for our huge annual meeting/conference in San Diego the second week of October, so I will be quite busy from mid September through the 14th of October. I've never been to a crop before and I so want to go on this cruise!

[cherebus]

September/oct are cheap for caribbean because it's hurricane season, not sure if that was mentioned. I'll go back and read later. I love cruises heh the two big ones I went on were in Aug so hurricane season. We had some rough weather but a great time. I'd be up for going anywhere. Just need enough heads up to start saving.

[Penny M]

I would be interested in going, also, depending on cost, timing, etc, etc. I would need a roomie, too, because I don't think DH wants to go on a scrapping cruise. At least, that is what I will tell him it is! :lol: This will be MY vacation since he is going on a hunting trip without me.

[Lynnie]

sept might be out for me due to weddind. maybe not. whenever though i am interested.

[LauraLou]

I have been pushing for another cruise lately. We are an hour's drive from the Port of Canaveral so that would be my FIRST choice and between early January and late April. That would avoid hurricane season.

The hurricane season starts in June and goes until late September in Florida Speak. The Caribbean in those months is great. In summer...too hot.

I am not ruling out September, or other destinations, but the cost might be more than we are willing to spend. I think the Old Dear will be going with me although getting around a ship is harder and harder for him.

[Ruby Rynne]

Guess you'll just have to park him in the bar then. What a shame for the poor guy :) It's way too close to organise a Spring Caribbean for this year, but maybe 2010? I know I can't wait that long though, so meantime I'll keep working on something for THIS year first. Hope that's OK with all?

I am waiting for some quotes and info from cruise lines. I'll post up what I get, and we can finalise interest on the basis of what they can offer us.

[swatkins56]

I'm not sure how this particular cruise will work, but most bookings require a deposit and then regular payments until it is paid for a few months before the cruise. Due to DH's employment situation, we won't be above water financially until at least May, making a September cruise unlikely.

Here's an idea: I know folks in different parts of the country/world have been setting up regional get-togethers. Wouldn't it be fun if we coordinated one for the week you guys are on the cruise? Then we can all feel like we're part of it.

BTW, anyone in the Pacific Northwest, please contact me about an April get together in the Seattle area.

[Ruby Rynne]

Well I must admit part of my cunning plan was to try and get everyone in the departure city the morning of or the night before the cruise begins, to have a get together before boarding. And of course for DSPers who live local to the departure city but who aren't sailing, to come have lunch with us and make it a party.

I'll be better placed to talk about payment plans etc once I get some info back from the cruise lines, so bear with me on that :)

[Ruby Rynne]

OK, I have the following quotefor the most popular option on the Destinations survey. Please let me know what you think!

Ship: Carnival Triumph
5 Night Canada/New England (NY - St John - Halifax - NY)
Sailing 7-12 Sept 2009

Cruise Itinerary
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Mon New York, New York (Sails 5:00 PM)
Tue At Sea
Wed St John, New Brunswick
Thu Halifax, Nova Scotia
Fri At Sea
Sat New York, New York (Arrives 8:00 AM)


Cruise Group Price Quote (U.S. dollars)

4B Interior: $477.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $337.01)
6B Ocean View: $607.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $357.01)
8B Balcony: $707.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $377.01)

These Rates INCLUDE Port Fees and taxes, and $100 shipboard credit per cabin. Based on double occupancy (two people per cabin).

Payment Schedule

Deposit of $200 per person payable by 25 March
Balance payable by 26th June

Deposits ARE refundable until 25th June

[sands_healy]

Now's the time that I really wished I lived closer to US.

[sherryva]

well it looks like I could do this one, if my passport gets here in time- not sure how long it takes to get one..

will probably want a roomie too- not sure if I am bringing the other half or not...

[swatkins56]

Wow, I'll be there if at all possible.

I've never been on Carnival. Here's a review of the line:
http://www.frommers.com/trip_ideas/cruise/line.cfm?linecd=CARNIVAL

[swatkins56]

Wow, there are some fun-sounding shore excursions, most reasonably priced - particularly in Halifax. Details:
http://www.carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=NYC&itinCode=CA2&durDays=5&shipCode=TI&subRegionCode=NN&rateCode=PPB&sailDate=6/15/2009&sailingID=47500

[swatkins56]

Tourism Information on Halifax: http://www.halifaxinfo.com/
And Tourism St. John: http://www.tourismsaintjohn.com/files/fuse.cfm?section=1

[sanra]

Really makes me want to say yes, but health problems will not permit it. What a great idea to think about. Would be a fun cruise. :yes::yes:

[swatkins56]

Really makes me want to say yes, but health problems will not permit it. What a great idea to think about. Would be a fun cruise. :yes::yes:

Sanra, where are you in Washington State? I'm in Maple Valley (S.E. King County).

You would be surprised at how accommodating the cruise lines are to physical issues. Wish it would work for you; it would e fun to cruise with a "neighbor."

[sanra]

I live in Bellevue not far from Bellevue Community College. :)

[sandygb]

Thanks for all the great additional info Sheryl. I am really thinking seriously about this cruise. The Carnival line sounds like the non-stuffy kind of ship I would love.

[bendipez]

Wow!! this is actually a possibility for me!! And cheaper than I thought!! The destination isn't my first choice since I'm more a beachy, 85 degree tropical weather person....
Now, if the stupid(oops did i say that, I meant lovely and efficient) state of Texas would let me have my birth certificate I could get my passport....

[Tara]

I've been on Carnival - it was fun. Definitely a younger crowd compared to lines like Royal Carribean and such...but I was young when I went so I loved it.

The proposed itinerary definitely seals my fate. No principal in their right mind would give a teacher a week off - - especially in September!!! Maybe next time...RATS!

[sherryva]

I put a note in the gallery, (hope that is okay) to see if we could generate more interest, I don't think everyone reads the forums regularly, it links back to this thread.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Untitled-218.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=305042&ppuser=11664)
DSP Cruise (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=305042&ppuser=11664)

[Cathiemarie]

I'm coming, but I need a buddy to share with.

[sherryva]

Ruby-
Are you going to have any sort of list of expected attendee's? Maybe one post you could update as people say they are going? I thought if we had a list, maybe people could contact each other if they wanted to buddy up in cabins...
just a thought..

[swatkins56]

I will be coming alone. Int the interest of full disclosure, I sleep with a CPAP machine, which actually is a nice white noise (at least to my husband) and sure beats my snoring.

[ReneT]

Thanks Sherry for the post about this! This sounds like sooooo much fun. My family and I are taking our first cruise in June to the Carribean. We are excited. We got our passports. It costs $100, so be prepared to pay that at the post office when you go. You can fill out the forms online and print them out, then go get your passport photos at a place like Kinkos or Walgreens, then go to the post office. Also make sure you have an original of your birth certificate and your drivers license. It took us about a week and 1/2 to get ours back, but a girl who worked for us waited for hers 6 months last year.

I will probably need a roommate too. Rudy if there is anything I can do to help you plan this I am more than willing to help. Just PM me if you need any help.

[sandygb]

I will also need a roomie if I come. When do we need to decide by? March something?

[Betsyfru]

OK, I have the following quotefor the most popular option on the Destinations survey. Please let me know what you think!

Ship: Carnival Triumph
5 Night Canada/New England (NY - St John - Halifax - NY)
Sailing 7-12 Sept 2009

Cruise Itinerary
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Mon New York, New York (Sails 5:00 PM)
Tue At Sea
Wed St John, New Brunswick
Thu Halifax, Nova Scotia
Fri At Sea
Sat New York, New York (Arrives 8:00 AM)


Cruise Group Price Quote (U.S. dollars)

4B Interior: $477.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $337.01)
6B Ocean View: $607.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $357.01)
8B Balcony: $707.01 per person (3rd/4th person per cabin $377.01)

These Rates INCLUDE Port Fees and taxes, and $100 shipboard credit per cabin. Based on double occupancy (two people per cabin).

Payment Schedule

Deposit of $200 per person payable by 25 March
Balance payable by 26th June

Deposits ARE refundable until 25th June

OK, Ruby, I believe I'm in. I think it's early enough in the month for me. Will ask DH if he wants to go...if not, I'll need a roomie!

[Ruby Rynne]

OK, I think I need to post a new thread for signups! WooWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I'll get on to the cruise operator and find out how we need to go about reservations, etc.

[scamptx]

sept might be out for me due to weddind. maybe not. whenever though i am interested.

Ummm, Lynnie Bee, did you mean to say wedding? And did I miss an announcement somewhere???? :shocked:

Just move the whole event to the cruise...

And, yes--I'm in as well. Need to get passport, will need roomie. And if anyone is thinking about tagging on some days in my favorite city, let me know. I will be, just not sure whether to go front end or back. Must start saving NOW!

[ReneT]

OK, I think I need to post a new thread for signups! WooWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I'll get on to the cruise operator and find out how we need to go about reservations, etc.

Ruby when you talk to the cruise operator, can you find out what airlines fly into NYC, and which of the airports would be the best?

[Ruby Rynne]

Just to update you, I am waiting for the green light to open a Planning Station thread for commitment (no deposits at this point), suggestions, and the like. Will post as soon as I have all the Is and Ts sorted out.

Rene, best suggestion I can make about flights at this point is something like www.skyscanner.net, it will tell you about all the options that are available to you. I personally would be flying into Newark as that's the airport de choix for Europe, it's a cheap and quick transfer to NYC (around $25 return). I will get more info about connections etc together if and when the Planning Station opens.

I must stress at the moment we are still at PROPOSAL. PLEASE do NOT book anything (flights, cabins, etc) yet. That said, I am doing everything I can to make this (or something similar) happen, so bear with me :)

[ReneT]

Just to update you, I am waiting for the green light to open a Planning Station thread for commitment (no deposits at this point), suggestions, and the like. Will post as soon as I have all the Is and Ts sorted out.

Rene, best suggestion I can make about flights at this point is something like www.skyscanner.net, it will tell you about all the options that are available to you. I personally would be flying into Newark as that's the airport de choix for Europe, it's a cheap and quick transfer to NYC (around $25 return). I will get more info about connections etc together if and when the Planning Station opens.

I must stress at the moment we are still at PROPOSAL. PLEASE do NOT book anything (flights, cabins, etc) yet. That said, I am doing everything I can to make this (or something similar) happen, so bear with me :)

Thanks Ruby for you info. I talked to a travel agent about what airline flies there and she was helpful.

[sandygb]

Ruby, when you do post a formal sign-up thread, would you post a note and link here so we don't miss it. :)

[Betsyfru]

Ruby, how's the cruise coming???

[doda]

I just now found this! Where have I Been!!!!!!

Hope I'm not too late.

Will need roomie also!

[sandygb]

I just now found this! Where have I Been!!!!!!

Hope I'm not too late.

Will need roomie also!

Susan....this thread hasn't had any update for a couple of months. I guess there is no green light to go ahead with the planning yet. Good to know you would be interested though!

[doda]

Thanks Sandy,

I hope this really happens! I would be so THERE!
I've never been on a cruise and always wanted to; plus what fun to spend time with fellow scrappers!

[Margie]

no green light YET, but we're still working on it!

[TracyMHunt]

Marking my spot on Deck! Let me know when this gets rolling so I can mark my calendar in PERMANENT INK!

[boobearsmama1]

I absolutely love this idea. I am definitely game to go, depending on the where and how much it will cost.

[doda]

I have my Sharpie out, ready to write on the calendar! I'm soooooo ready!