Jamaica cruise. Who is going? when do you arrive [Archive]

Doubt

3rd January 2011, 07:06 AM

The title says most of it.

Who all is going from the forum? When do you arrive? When do you depart?

I am going. I have not booked flights yet. I am thinking of sticking around the Miami area for the weekend following the cruise. Anybody else?

Cleon

3rd January 2011, 07:34 AM

The current plan for me and GF are to drive down Thursday (18th) and back the following Thursday (25th).

ve2vfd

3rd January 2011, 08:40 AM

I fly down to Ft-Lauderdale airport on the 18th (no cheapo flights to Miami Intl. from Montreal).

Will stay in a hotel in Ft-Lauderdale or Miami area overnight (haven't decided yet, depends on where others will be staying and if we want to get together).

Renting a car and driving up to visit my parents at their condo in Cocoa Beach on the 24th.

Pat

kittynh

3rd January 2011, 08:45 AM

not going but totally jelous! ALso want to meet Cleons gf. Oh well... take lots of photographs to share with the rest of us ok?

Horatius

3rd January 2011, 02:44 PM

I'll be flying into Miami at 12:50 pm on the Friday. I have to fly back the Thursday the cruise ends, however.

Have we heard if there's a good hotel to use Friday night?

And has anyone thought about shore excursions?

Jeff Wagg

5th January 2011, 04:26 PM

I'll have a hotel recommendation soon. Also, I was thinking of organizing a side trip in Miami. Coral Castle? Air boat with alligator wrestling?

ve2vfd

10th January 2011, 12:16 PM

Anyone looking into ship run shore excursions or are we doing something as a group?

Pat

hcmom

10th January 2011, 02:33 PM

Dang, but is it October yet?

Horatius

10th January 2011, 02:49 PM

Anyone looking into ship run shore excursions or are we doing something as a group?

Pat

The Skeptours site says they have something planned for Grand Cayman, but there's nothing listed for Jamaica. I was looking around at Jamaican things, and this one sounds the best to me:

http://www.excursionsinjamaica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=162

A fellow I know at the pub, who is from Trinidad, says the Dunn's River Falls is the best thing to see as well, and how can you say no to a recommendation from some guy at the pub?

The cruise line will probably offer an excursion there, but booking it directly will almost certainly be cheaper. I wouldn't be surprised if the Waggs could set it up for us, in fact, if a group wants to go.

Jeff Wagg

10th January 2011, 04:08 PM

Yes, I could. :)

Horatius

10th January 2011, 04:18 PM

Yes, I could. :)

Well, make me first on the list then.

Anyone else?

ve2vfd

10th January 2011, 04:20 PM

Going to the falls? I'm in! :)

Pat

Glider

10th January 2011, 08:35 PM

Greetings. I'll be joining you for my second Amazing Cruise. Since I live in Melbourne, Florida I'll just be driving to Miami. My schedule is flexible, so I'll be open for any Miami activities Jeff can organize.

xenxabar

16th January 2011, 08:57 AM

I'm arriving on the 18th at 5:16PM EDT and go back on Thursday evening.

Jeff Wagg

16th January 2011, 04:56 PM

Yes, we should go to the falls. Warning: it is a commercial enterprise. There's an entry fee and guides, and it's a "exit through gift shop" type of experience, despite the pictures and Bond's Dr. No.

But, it's one of those places you should visit.

Eos of the Eons

17th January 2011, 09:25 AM

Whaoo, I'm going, and getting my stuff in a group! Will update when I get more details :)

Doubt

19th January 2011, 06:14 PM

Flights and in bound hotel room booked. I get in around 11 PM to Miami.

I will stick around Miami for the following weekend. But don't know where I will be staying yet.

Eos of the Eons

19th January 2011, 06:18 PM

Flights and in bound hotel room booked. I get in around 11 PM to Miami.

I will stick around Miami for the following weekend. But don't know where I will be staying yet.
Yahoo!!

I will get there about the same time :)

I haven't booked my hotel for the 18th or the 24th yet though. Next paycheque!

Anybody need roomies those nights? Still trying to share costs :D

paperskater

19th January 2011, 06:27 PM

Eos, it sucks that we can't be cabin roomies, but I'd be interested in sharing hotel costs!

Eos of the Eons

19th January 2011, 06:30 PM

Eos, it sucks that we can't be cabin roomies, but I'd be interested in sharing hotel costs!
That would be super awesome! Can we get a room booked, and call the hotel with each of our credit cards? I'll message you on facebook... working late tonight and can't get on there except with a really slow cell phone, so will message you tomorrow to hammer the details.

Thank you!

Jeff Wagg

21st January 2011, 12:28 PM

If everyone posted their flight arrival times (and what airport) some synergy might occur.

Horatius

21st January 2011, 06:58 PM

paperskater

21st January 2011, 07:05 PM

Doubt

21st January 2011, 07:18 PM

ve2vfd

21st January 2011, 08:51 PM

Eos of the Eons

22nd January 2011, 09:27 AM

Doubt

22nd January 2011, 12:48 PM

:cool:

Geez, me and Doubt are going to be on the same plane to Miami!

I will meet you in Detroit then. In all probability, I will get bumped up to first class. A perk I get for their frequent flier program.

Horatius

22nd January 2011, 03:08 PM

Eos of the Eons

22nd January 2011, 03:47 PM

I will meet you in Detroit then. In all probability, I will get bumped up to first class. A perk I get for their frequent flier program.
Oh sure, just leave me seatmateless on the plane, like I'm a second class citizen :p :D It will be nice to see a friendly face in Detroit already though! I'll message you my contact details for when I get to that city :)

Jeff Wagg

25th January 2011, 07:11 AM

Fort Lauderdale folks.. I'm looking at flying in there and renting a car. Stay tuned!

xenxabar

4th February 2011, 09:53 PM

ve2vfd

5th February 2011, 11:46 AM

Ugh! I want Caribbean heat and good company and I want it NOW!!!!!! ;)

Damm winter... begone!

Pat

Glider

5th February 2011, 01:14 PM

Here in Melbourne it's 84° and sunny. I think I’ll go lie on the beach :p

Horatius

6th February 2011, 04:32 PM

Here in Melbourne it's 84° and sunny. I think I’ll go lie on the beach :p

While you're there, could you ask someone to punch you in the face, on behalf of ve2vfd and me? KTHXBYE!

Jeff Wagg

9th February 2011, 08:04 AM

I'm flying in on Thursday to Fort Lauderdale. Jen comes in Friday.

Doubt

9th February 2011, 10:05 AM

http://www.theonion.com/articles/us-authorities-cant-really-fault-alqaeda-for-deadl,19105/

WASHINGTON—Following Monday's deadly terrorist attack on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, U.S. officials have had difficulty issuing a stern condemnation of the incident, saying that while any act of terrorism is inexcusable, they couldn't completely blame al-Qaeda for wanting to blow up what is essentially a giant, floating symbol of everything that is truly god-awful about America.

Why do they hate our cruising freedom?

Doubt

22nd February 2011, 10:11 AM

Anybody signed up for any of the shore excursions?

Just started looking at them myself.

Eos of the Eons

22nd February 2011, 02:13 PM

Would like to do some kind of hike up a mountain or something... or climb a palm tree... throw coconuts around to the beach below. Anything like that?

Horatius

22nd February 2011, 03:02 PM

Anybody signed up for any of the shore excursions?

Just started looking at them myself.

Would like to do some kind of hike up a mountain or something... or climb a palm tree... throw coconuts around to the beach below. Anything like that?

I'm still up for this one:

I was looking around at Jamaican things, and this one sounds the best to me:

http://www.excursionsinjamaica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=162

A fellow I know at the pub, who is from Trinidad, says the Dunn's River Falls is the best thing to see as well, and how can you say no to a recommendation from some guy at the pub?

The cruise line will probably offer an excursion there, but booking it directly will almost certainly be cheaper. I wouldn't be surprised if the Waggs could set it up for us, in fact, if a group wants to go.

It combines a bit of climbing stuff with some hanging around on the beach stuff, which seems optimal to me.

Jeff said above he could arrange a group outing to this. I could e-mail him about it if there are any other takers, otherwise, I'll book it myself.

Eos of the Eons

22nd February 2011, 03:58 PM

I'm still up for this one:

It combines a bit of climbing stuff with some hanging around on the beach stuff, which seems optimal to me.

Jeff said above he could arrange a group outing to this. I could e-mail him about it if there are any other takers, otherwise, I'll book it myself.
Waterfalls??? Okay!!! How much?

Horatius

22nd February 2011, 06:29 PM

From their link:

Adult: US$33.00
Child: US$20.00 (3-11yrs)
Minimum Age: none
Duration: apprx. 3 hours
Under 3 yrs: FREE
Group discounted rate for 10 or more persons
Entrance fees included
The following options are also available after your excursion:

* Enjoy some Jamaican lunch, this includes authentic spicy Jamaican Jerked Pork or Chicken along with unique side orders like Festivals and Bammy.
* Visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Sports Bar and Grill by the Beach
* Duty Free Shopping in town and or shopping by the Craft Market

This is about 2/3 to 1/2 the price of comparable excursions I was looking at on the Cruise website, and if we get 10 or more, it will be even better.

So: Sign ups?

Name|Number of guests
Horatius|1

Eos of the Eons

22nd February 2011, 07:13 PM

So: Sign ups?

Name|Number of guests
Horatius|1
Eos|Just me?

How do we get more people now? Doubt? You in?

xenxabar

22nd February 2011, 07:57 PM

I'm in.

Name|Number of guests
Horatius|1
Eos|Just me?
Xenxabar|1

Horatius

23rd February 2011, 04:32 AM

Going to the falls? I'm in! :)

Pat

So: Sign ups?

How do we get more people now? Doubt? You in?

I'll assume ve2vfd is still up for it. Hopefully others will notice this, and join in.

Name|Number of guests
Horatius|1
Eos|Just me?
Xenxabar|1
ve2vfd|1

Jeff Wagg

23rd February 2011, 06:51 AM

I might have something better planned. :) Stay tuned.

Horatius

23rd February 2011, 06:54 AM

I might have something better planned. :) Stay tuned.

You tease!

Doubt

23rd February 2011, 07:10 AM

Horatius

23rd February 2011, 07:32 AM

Okay, what about Grand Cayman? Some of the snorkeling looks interesting. Maybe GCC6 or GC91? Or does Jeff have something in mind here as well?

The Skeptours site says that there is an included tour for Grand Cayman planned. I'm planning on going with that.

Doubt

23rd February 2011, 07:33 AM

The Skeptours site says that there is an included tour for Grand Cayman planned. I'm planning on going with that.

Guess I need to read the page a bit more closely than I have so far.

Jeff Wagg

23rd February 2011, 10:28 AM

I'm aiming to send out the complete schedule today. Everything is optional, of course. If there's something you REALLY want to do.. do it!

Jeff Wagg

23rd February 2011, 10:58 AM

Ok, you'll (all) be getting mail from me today. I'm in negotiations with the tour company that Horatius was recommending. Their prices are good. I'm hoping to get them to drop us off at Turtle Beach so we can have a bit of a beach gathering before the ship leaves.

We need at least 10, so adding Jen and Myself brings the total to 7. I'm sure we can find three more.

(I had originally been speaking with a private driver, but he'll end up being more expensive.)

Jeff Wagg

23rd February 2011, 11:36 AM

Got confirmation and a nice discount on the tour. Details to follow.

Horatius

23rd February 2011, 11:48 AM

WooT!

paperskater

23rd February 2011, 05:24 PM

Count me in the tour! That sounds fun!

Beerina

23rd February 2011, 06:05 PM

A fellow I know at the pub, who is from Trinidad, says the Dunn's River Falls is the best thing to see as well, and how can you say no to a recommendation from some guy at the pub?

Been there, done it, highly recommend it.

ve2vfd

23rd February 2011, 06:16 PM

yeah I'm in too!

Pat

Doubt

24th February 2011, 05:34 AM

Ok, you'll (all) be getting mail from me today. I'm in negotiations with the tour company that Horatius was recommending. Their prices are good. I'm hoping to get them to drop us off at Turtle Beach so we can have a bit of a beach gathering before the ship leaves.

We need at least 10, so adding Jen and Myself brings the total to 7. I'm sure we can find three more.

(I had originally been speaking with a private driver, but he'll end up being more expensive.)

No e-mail received. Jeff, I know you had a snafu with my e-mail address before. Is that happening again?

hcmom

24th February 2011, 10:44 AM

No email for me, either.

Oh yeah, that's because I'm not going on this one. Bah. Only 7 months 'til Egypt, though!!!

ve2vfd

24th February 2011, 11:12 AM

No email here too

Pat

Doubt

24th February 2011, 12:19 PM

We have mail!

And I don't care what anybody says. I am not wearing a dress for formal night!

Well, maybe if Paper takes me up on that offer from chat......no, still won't do it.

Jeff Wagg

24th February 2011, 12:43 PM

yes.. I was late getting the mail out. I apologize. The schedule took me a bit longer than I thought it would.

HCMOM.. your mail is coming in a few months. :)

Horatius

24th February 2011, 02:52 PM

yes.. I was late getting the mail out. I apologize. The schedule took me a bit longer than I thought it would.

HCMOM.. your mail is coming in a few months. :)

Mail received! And responded!

Geek Goddess

26th February 2011, 01:47 PM

I arrive Friday afternoon.

Eos of the Eons

26th February 2011, 03:14 PM

I arrive Friday afternoon.
Yahoo!! Hey, will you be my wingwoman? :D

Geek Goddess

1st March 2011, 09:10 PM

I arrive at 2 pm on Friday.

CO flight

some Table God please add me?

Horatius

2nd March 2011, 04:28 AM

Jeff Wagg

2nd March 2011, 06:58 AM

GG's coming into Miami.

I'm coming in to FLL on Thursday late.

Horatius

2nd March 2011, 08:28 AM

GG's coming into Miami.

I'm coming in to FLL on Thursday late.

Name|Airline|Flight|Airport|Arrival
Horatius|Continental|238|Miami|12:50pm Friday
paperskater|Southwest|602|Ft. Lauderdale|2:55pm Friday
Doubt|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
ve2vfd|WestJet|WS1054|Ft.Lauderdale|11:08 Friday
Eos|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
xenxabar|United|7536|Miami|5:16pm Friday
Geek Goddess|Continental|?|Miami|2:00pm Friday
Jeff Wagg|||Ft. Lauderdale|Late Thurs.

Geek Goddess

3rd March 2011, 09:27 AM

Name|Airline|Flight|Airport|Arrival
Horatius|Continental|238|Miami|12:50pm Friday
paperskater|Southwest|602|Ft. Lauderdale|2:55pm Friday
Doubt|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
ve2vfd|WestJet|WS1054|Ft.Lauderdale|11:08 Friday
Eos|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
xenxabar|United|7536|Miami|5:16pm Friday
Geek Goddess|Continental|1690|Miami|2:04pm Friday
Jeff Wagg|||Ft. Lauderdale|Late Thurs.

Cleon

3rd March 2011, 09:39 AM

The gf and I are driving; we'll get in late Friday and leaving the following Friday.

paperskater

3rd March 2011, 10:25 PM

Two more weeks!! Yayyyyy!!

Horatius

4th March 2011, 06:26 AM

Man, it is only two more weeks! I'd better start packing!

I'll also have to post some pictures of my new shoes I bought just for the waterfall trip. They're quite funky! I'm breaking them in right now!

Horatius

16th March 2011, 05:38 AM

I just called the hotel to ask about their airport shuttle. They have one at 1:30 and one at 3:45 on the Friday. I'm guessing I'll probably miss the 1:30, and if I do, I don't plan to stand around for an extra hour just to save money on a taxi.

They said it picks people up on the second level, near the American Airlines desk. Look for a while van with the Howard Johnson sign in blue.

Name|Airline|Flight|Airport|Arrival
Horatius|Continental|238|Miami|12:50pm Friday
paperskater|Southwest|602|Ft. Lauderdale|2:55pm Friday
Doubt|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
ve2vfd|WestJet|WS1054|Ft.Lauderdale|11:08 Friday
Eos|Delta|2229|Miami|11:03pm Friday
xenxabar|United|7536|Miami|5:16pm Friday
Geek Goddess|Continental|1690|Miami|2:04pm Friday
Jeff Wagg|||Ft. Lauderdale|Late Thurs.

Eos of the Eons

16th March 2011, 07:22 AM

oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my
oh my oh my oh my oh my

OH... any idea how big the audience is going to be for the presentations... need a head's up on how many handouts to print...

Ping JEFF!

Horatius

24th March 2011, 11:52 AM

Well, let's just sum up today's adventure with, I'm at the West Palm Beach Airport, not Miami, waiting for a different flight to Chicago, to get my connection to Ottawa.

Geek Goddess

24th March 2011, 01:49 PM

A most excellent time was had by all. A very good group of people - it was like taking a vacation with a group of friends.

ve2vfd

24th March 2011, 02:30 PM

Well, let's just sum up today's adventure with, I'm at the West Palm Beach Airport, not Miami, waiting for a different flight to Chicago, to get my connection to Ottawa.

Was your flight moved to another airport because of the events at Miami Intl this morning?

Pat

Horatius

24th March 2011, 10:11 PM

Was your flight moved to another airport because of the events at Miami Intl this morning?

Pat

Yes, they booked me on flight, and it took about 2 hours on the train to get there. I've hit 5 different modes of travel in one day - ship, car, bus, train, and plane. I thought about seeing if I could rent a hot air balloon......

The Central Scrutinizer

25th March 2011, 09:35 AM

My schedule has changed and it looks like I will be able to make this after all! See you all on board.

Horatius

25th March 2011, 10:15 AM

My schedule has changed and it looks like I will be able to make this after all! See you all on board.

I must say, that blue box you had in your stateroom was quite amazing!

It did kind of clutter things up a bit.

Cleon

26th March 2011, 05:46 PM

Many thanks to Jeff for putting together a week full of epic win. The gf and I had an absolutely wonderful time.

paperskater

27th March 2011, 05:55 PM

Many thanks to Jeff for putting together a week full of epic win. The gf and I had an absolutely wonderful time.

Seconded!

He works his butt off so the rest of us can just laze around and actually enjoy our vacation. :D

ve2vfd

27th March 2011, 08:15 PM

Third!

I had a great time!

Thanks Jeff!

Pat

Luciana

28th March 2011, 04:04 PM

Btw, Jeff just updated the Egypt cruise - that now won't have Egypt, but rather Greece (http://skeptours.com/greece/) instead. And it's cheaper too! Come on, folks, I know you want it too!

The Central Scrutinizer

28th March 2011, 04:07 PM

Btw, Jeff just updated the Egypt cruise - that now won't have Egypt, but rather Greece (http://skeptours.com/greece/) instead. And it's cheaper too! Come on, folks, I know you want it too!

At first glance it seemed like it was a little more. Maybe I'm misremembering the old rates.

Doubt

29th March 2011, 10:40 AM

Btw, Jeff just updated the Egypt cruise - that now won't have Egypt, but rather Greece (http://skeptours.com/greece/) instead. And it's cheaper too! Come on, folks, I know you want it too!

If only I had more vacation time.

Jeff Wagg

30th March 2011, 07:07 AM

Thanks to everyone who came! I had a great time, made a bunch of new friends, and am very pleased that everyone else did too. I'm now taking suggestions for where we go next... I'm thinking west coast.

The Central Scrutinizer

30th March 2011, 07:26 AM

Thanks to everyone who came! I had a great time, made a bunch of new friends, and am very pleased that everyone else did too. I'm now taking suggestions for where we go next... I'm thinking west coast.

Something like Seattle to LA?

Cleon

30th March 2011, 07:29 AM

Thanks to everyone who came! I had a great time, made a bunch of new friends, and am very pleased that everyone else did too. I'm now taking suggestions for where we go next... I'm thinking west coast.

Are there cruises to the Northeast, like from Boston up to Halifax, Newfoundland, etc?

The Central Scrutinizer

30th March 2011, 07:33 AM

Are there cruises to the Northeast, like from Boston up to Halifax, Newfoundland, etc?

Or Boston to Liverpool? :)

I was signed up for that one, I think it was going to be TAA 4?

Jeff Wagg

30th March 2011, 07:36 AM

Yes, that's possible. I'm trying to do one inexpensive and one fancier cruise every year. At least at this point. That would be a fancier cruise, but I'm definitely looking into it.

The Central Scrutinizer

30th March 2011, 07:39 AM

Yes, that's possible. I'm trying to do one inexpensive and one fancier cruise every year. At least at this point. That would be a fancier cruise, but I'm definitely looking into it.

It would be even cooler if it arrived or departed in conjunction with TAM London IV. :)

Jeff Wagg

30th March 2011, 07:51 AM

Cleon, yes.. there are. The Jewel of the Seas (my favorite ship) sails from Boston to Maine, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick each fall. Sadly, they're pretty expensive trips. It's on my "potential" list though. I went on this cruise with Jen this past fall, and the ports are great.

Fitter

30th March 2011, 05:45 PM

Are there cruises to the Northeast, like from Boston up to Halifax, Newfoundland, etc?
Newfoundland?? You know that place is crawling with Newfies right?

Cleon

30th March 2011, 07:24 PM

Newfoundland?? You know that place is crawling with Newfies right?

You know I live about an hour and half's drive away from Alabama, right? :p

Eos of the Eons

6th April 2011, 08:13 AM

I was going through the pictures from the cruise again, and in my mind I just visited all the places and was with all of the people again. I had the time of my life!!! Just thank you so much to everyone for being so AWESOME!! And thank you so much Jeff for organizing it and making that experience possible.

hcmom

6th April 2011, 09:25 AM

*hcmom points out that it's already April. October will be here... well... eventually...

Doubt

6th April 2011, 09:32 AM

*hcmom points out that it's already April. October will be here... well... eventually...

Nope. The world ends in May, or so "reliable" sources tell me.

hcmom

6th April 2011, 09:34 AM

So my survival party is on a ship!

paperskater

6th April 2011, 05:45 PM

For those of you who haven't seen the recap... click here! (http://skeptours.com/jamaica/)