Lapbandtalk Cruise 2007!!! Official Sign Up And News

jucyc · 07-30-2006, 01:19 PM

ok here goes Ali girl are you ready for a room mate because guess what i'm in surprise! We going to have so much fun room mate can't wait to hear from you ! Judy

A1ikou · 07-30-2006, 03:24 PM

Oh well, if I must, I must...LOL. I'm really happy you decided to come along...get ready for some laughs!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

sallyjo · 07-30-2006, 03:29 PM

Ali we finally got it all together. How happy can we be. We are gonna have a blast.:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Mystjin · 07-30-2006, 05:01 PM

I don't think the question was ever answered as to how many people are going so far. Any idea? I can't wait either!! I am already dreaming of formal dresses......and how goood I am going to look. All of us are going to look!!! Hope I can save up enough money by then so I don't have to scrimp, I want to be able to do EVERYTHING.

princess_n_thep · 07-30-2006, 05:04 PM

More Onboard the ship questions:
Thousands of pieces of luggage come onboard at roughly the same time. Don't panic if your luggage isn't in your cabin when you arrive. It may take a few hours to get to your room. Also, it is wise to place a card with your info in it just in case. Try and put something on your luggage at the end of the cruise to find your luggage easily. At the end of the cruise it will be located with everyone else's luggage for you to walk and claim. The first night in the dining room is VERY casual, you may wear whatever you need to. But it is a good idea to pack a change of clothing on your carry on as sometimes the suitcases may not get to your cabin until late evening. DO carry on all medications and documents. Items to pack in your carry-on bag include: perishables, liquor (hee hee hee), cash, credit/debit cards, jewelry, business documents, travel and health insurance information, laptops, computer disks, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, film, videotapes, CD's and cassette tapes, change of clothing for the night.
Two-way walkie-talkies are a great way for family members to keep in touch while onboard the ship. If you don't have your own, many ships rent them for the duration of the voyage but they generally go VERY fast to those with children.

Many ships sell an "unlimited soft drink" cup for kids or adults. If you're traveling with young ones, this can be a wise investment and save you some significant cash.
Plan to spend an average of $10 USD a day per person for all tips at the end of the cruise.

Plan on giving those above mentioned tips to waiters, headwaiters, shore guides, spa and salon experts, cabin stewards and other staff who display exceptional service at the END of the cruise. Double-check that bill. Many services add a 15% gratuity automatically to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs if you order a drink from the waitors in the theatre, bars, etc.

It's never wise to leave valuables out in the open in your cabin. Lock them in your luggage or in the cabin safe.

Many cruise lines offer in-cabin babysitting. Take advantage of this service if you need it. They also have a FANTASTIC kids program that is fully run by staff with degrees in education.

**Sign up for spa services, sporting events, salon appointments and other activities as early as possible as they can get sold out or booked completely. However, if you are the gambling kind, there are many times deals and specials offered when openings haven't been filled if you can do last minute decisions.

If you have any issues with your cabin, report them immediately or contact your group liasion.

At first, you may wish to carry the deck plan with you. Take a walk and familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship, and learn how to reach your cabin from the main stairways. The first few hours are really spent figuring out the layout of the ship. And ship personnel are always very helpful if you can't find your way. By the end of the cruise you will be know where almost everything is!

Items that are not included in your cruise fare : alcoholic beverages, soft drinks not consumed at dinner, laundry, phone calls and casino/bingo gaming.
Most ships have powerful air conditioning. A sweater or sweatshirt may come in handy.

Most ships have exercise facilities and classes. If you plan on working out, don't forget gym clothes and shoes. Come on bandsters, we need to exercise!!!
Got your eye on that something special in the onboard mall? Resist the urge to buy until the last day of the cruise. Many items inevitably go "on sale." towards the end of the cruise.

Remember, if you book "cruise only", you are responsible for arriving at the port in time for check-in, security and departure. (ie you didn't purchase cruise transfers from airport/ship)

Check-in and security procedures can be involved. Be sure to arrive at the embarkation area at least two hours prior to sailing. If you board early, there are plenty of activities that begin before the ship leaves port.

Don't purchase duty-free alcohol to drink onboard. It is confiscated until the last day of the cruise. If you want it for taking home, this works well.

There is a mandatory fire/emergency drill that is done before the ship can leave the dock. We all hate it, we all are uncomfortable and crammed into areas, we all just want to dig in and have fun, but.... EVERYONE must participate or the ship does not leave and it is important. Take your camera because we all look a bit silly in the life vests, trust me.

princess_n_thep · 07-30-2006, 05:08 PM

Carol,
We are still signing people up. There are about 10-14 cabins that are confirmed. Some are bringing family, some are single traveling, some are going with spouses. So I am guessing we will have around 20 cabins (40-50 people?) booked by the time we reach our deadline to sign up at the end of Sept. Just a guess at this point.
Those of you signing up first and confirming are getting the pick of the cabins, the best locations available, roommates you request, categories requested, etc etc.

We will be taking reservations until the end of September as long as space is available. So come one, come all.... JOIN US!!! Its gonna be a blast.

gadgetlady · 07-30-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystjin

I don't think the question was ever answered as to how many people are going so far. Any idea?

Hi Mystjin!

Sorry I haven't answered -- I was waiting to give you a final number but it seems like every few days we add more! Based on what we have now we'll settle in around 10-12 rooms, but if people keep sending their info it could get up as high as 20-25.

What fun! :clap2::clap2::clap2:

lizzilo · 07-30-2006, 07:45 PM

So say someone was going to attempt to bring some contraband ETOH (alcohol)... It should go in the carryon? Should it perhaps find a water bottle to fit into?

I'm sure I'm not talking about myself... ***looking around*** :)

princess_n_thep · 07-30-2006, 08:38 PM

Okay, so say that someone does bring alcohol on. I would think that the alcohol needs go into your suitcase in a large Evian water bottle and put in a large plastic bag. Or, you could attempt the carry on at the beginning of the cruise. But yes, again would be a large Evian type water bottle. At least, I think this is what one would do and get away with it EVERY time she (errr.. whoever) has cruised. And I heard somewhere that Bacardi and/or Vodka travels well and the OJ is free on the ship from the buffet restaurant.

FunnyDuddies · 07-30-2006, 08:45 PM

Do you think they might find me strange if I come on board with a suitcase full of nothing but Evian bottles? I am a bandster...I need my water. ;)

princess_n_thep · 07-30-2006, 08:49 PM

The person I know of does two large water bottles. But for the life of me I can't figure out why one smells like bacardi and the other vodka. Wierd.

lizzilo · 07-30-2006, 09:56 PM

ROFLMAO

We crack me up!
I think we should have rooms near each other in case we get "waterlogged"

FunnyDuddies · 07-30-2006, 09:59 PM

I think we should all bring four bottles of water on board, in case we need to share with anyone who gets their bottle confiscated.

lizzilo · 07-30-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunnyDuddies

I think we should all bring four bottles of water on board, in case we need to share with anyone who gets their bottle confiscated.

Excellent idea, and just imagine if we ALL have water- oh boy, watch out. I hear that funny gets into some pretty FUNNY stuff!!! lol

gadgetlady · 07-30-2006, 10:13 PM

Ya know, I distinctly remember my doctor telling me not to drink my calories once banded . . .

but I won't tell :speechles