Last minute cruise stuff...

[Jeff Wagg]

OK, we're almost there..

At Beady's suggestion, this is the thread for last minute info. This one. Right here. Not the others. Which one? This one.

The only item I have is that I'd like to know what beer folks would like me to get for the Bon Voyage party. There will be wine as well.

[scotth]

How many will be at the Bon Voyage party, do you think?

I have an idea to bring something special along for the occasion, but I would need to bring enough to share. It may not be feasible, so I'm not even gonna say what it is....

[Jeff Wagg]

How many will be at the Bon Voyage party, do you think?

I have an idea to bring something special along for the occasion, but I would need to bring enough to share. It may not be feasible, so I'm not even gonna say what it is....

About 70. It will be cozy. :)

[Beady]

This doesn't seem to be public knowledge, yet, and it may be vital for some folks. According to Jeff, some/many/most/all of the areas of the ship were renamed after the renovation, but the renaming is not reflected in the online deck plans. Our events seem to be distributed between the Conference Center and the Spotlight Lounge. The Conference Center is still the Conference Center, but the (now) Spotlight Lounge is the lounge at the stern of Deck 6, right near the Conference Center.

[Jeff Wagg]

This doesn't seem to be public knowledge, yet, and it may be vital for some folks. According to Jeff, some/many/most/all of the areas of the ship were renamed after the renovation, but the renaming is not reflected in the online deck plans. Our events seem to be distributed between the Conference Center and the Spotlight Lounge. The Conference Center is still the Conference Center, but the (now) Spotlight Lounge is the lounge at the stern of Deck 6, right near the Conference Center.

Beady speaks the truth.

[Jeff Wagg]

Also, I have a handheld GPS and a compass that I will use to take "readings" of when we enter the triangle and we'll see if we can record any anomalies.

[BrianSI]

Question(s): What does my little cruise book accomplish that my "Set Sail Pass" does not? Do I really need it along? If so, it doesn't mention my co-passenger. Is that a problem (he's listed in the online registration)?

[El_Spectre]

This is of course subject to vagaries of weather... but Atlantis is scheduled to launch just hours before the Bon Voyage party... any idea if we can see it from the JREF ?

[BrianSI]

I could always see it from Daytona Beach, but that's a bit closer.

[VPescado]

This is of course subject to vagaries of weather... but Atlantis is scheduled to launch just hours before the Bon Voyage party... any idea if we can see it from the JREF ?

As someone who lived in Broward County from the first launch of Columbia until a few months before the last flight of Challenger, I can tell you that you will absolutely be able to see the launch, but only if you are in front of a TV tuned to a channel that is covering it live. :D

[Jeff Wagg]

Question(s): What does my little cruise book accomplish that my "Set Sail Pass" does not? Do I really need it along? If so, it doesn't mention my co-passenger. Is that a problem (he's listed in the online registration)?

Well, you don't have a Set Sail Pass yet. You'll pick that up dockside. Your booklet is really just a receipt for your reservation. It's you confirmation that everything is in order.

Cruises, like most travel these days, function on an "eTicket" basis. If you show up dockside without your booklet, you can still get on (provided you have your driver's license and birth certificat/passport.)

Your co-passenger should have his own booklet or be listed in yours (check the luggage tags).

If that's not the case, call 1-800-794-SHIP (7447) right away.

[Beady]

Well, you don't have a Set Sail Pass yet.

We don't?


http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/189444e57fb8188b7.jpg

[Antiquehunter]

Beady - evidence please. Cheesy photoshopped images with bits blacked out don't count. C'mon, you know the rules.

;)

[Beady]

I can try, can't I?

[Jeff Wagg]

Bah.. I got confused with SeaPass. Damn these cutesy names.

You don't need to bring the whole cruise booklet with you. I think that was your question. Your Set Sail Pass tells them dockside that you have entered the info online, and they will scan it to pull up the info, an then print your Sea Pass and take your picture. Your picture is not on the card, but will appear on the security team's computers when they scan your card getting on and off the ship.

So, if you did like I asked and registered online, you have a SetSailPass that you printed out.

If you didn't, you should fill out the pages in the back of the cruise document booklet, and bring them with you.

If you don't do that, you'll have to fill all that out dockside, and you will annoy the staff and other people waiting in line. :)

How's that?

[Beady]

Hah! See? It worked!

BTW, gang, don't forget to sign the bloody thing before you get there.

[BrianSI]

Cool. That's what I was thinking. My co-passenger and I both have a set sail pass filled out.

[Hutch]

Jeff, what do you estimate is a good time to arrive at the Port Terminal Monday?

With a ship with a capacity of around 2,000+ passengers, I do not know how efficent the check-in process is. Plus I'd like to have an hour or two on-board prior to sailing so I can get a 'feel' for the ship and where things are located.

Suggestions?

[Beady]

Jeff, what do you estimate is a good time to arrive at the Port Terminal Monday?

My own book says 2:00 PM. I suppose they've got people set for staggered arrivals and, while I don't want to upset their organization, I also want to get on board and explore.

I imagine they're used to passengers showing up when they bloody-well please.

[Jeff Wagg]

Jeff, what do you estimate is a good time to arrive at the Port Terminal Monday?

With a ship with a capacity of around 2,000+ passengers, I do not know how efficent the check-in process is. Plus I'd like to have an hour or two on-board prior to sailing so I can get a 'feel' for the ship and where things are located.

Suggestions?

2:00 is a good bet. Earlier gives you more time to see the ship in port, get a drink, etc.. but it also means more lines.

3:00 is when the people who hate lines show up. Usually that strategy works.

Keep in mind that your bags may not get to your room until AFTER we sail.

[Beady]

Keep in mind that your bags may not get to your room until AFTER we sail.

Which is why God made carry-on luggage. Swimsuits will be in our carry-on, as will things that we absolutely must have on the entire trip: medicine, a couple extra changes of underwear and outerwear, camelbacks (these are must-haves for the Mayan part - the wife has problems with heat stroke), and camera. We figure showing up for Formal Night in shorts and t-shirt will be acceptable if our luggage doesn't arrive.

PS. Why does my spellchecker want to change Wagg to Wagga? What's a Wagga?

[SkepticScott]

PS. Why does my spellchecker want to change Wagg to Wagga? What's a Wagga?The OED says it's Australian slang for a blanket or covering made by opening two sacks, chaff bags, etc., and stiching them together along one edge.

I guess it's better than the time one spellchecker wanted to turn my boss's name into "Wrong Laser".

[Beady]

And that is in iSpell? Anyway, I thought that was a Matilda.

I'd like to see the list of things that didn't make it.

[Geek Goddess]

I have paid absolutely no attention to my cruise plans until this evening. (Been busy, yeah, yeah, yeah). Am I supposed to know where the JREF center is for the Bon Voyage party? I'm staying at the Comfort Suites.

Honestly, I'm not a ditz. My knuckles haven't dragged the ground in generations.

[El_Spectre]

Hey fellow cruisers... I mentioned this in another thread, but with the distance and logistics of disembarking the ship, it looks like we'd get maybe 2-3 hours at NASA, and spend most of the day travelling.

I'm thinking we cancel. Opinions?

[Antiquehunter]

El Spectre - if that's the case (only 2 - 3 hrs of Nasa and 6 - 8 hours in a minivan) then yup - I'm with you.

[VPescado]

I have paid absolutely no attention to my cruise plans until this evening. (Been busy, yeah, yeah, yeah). Am I supposed to know where the JREF center is for the Bon Voyage party? I'm staying at the Comfort Suites.

Honestly, I'm not a ditz. My knuckles haven't dragged the ground in generations.

The James Randi Educational Foundation
201 S.E. 12th St. (E. Davie Blvd.)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-1815
U.S.A.
phone: 954 467 1112

Bring peacock chow. :)

[Geek Goddess]

Thanks for the info. I'm bringing myself, unless I steal sufficient quantities of peanuts from American Airlines on the trip down.

[Cleon]

Actually, I have a question--for spending money on board, we have the SeaPass or whatever it's called. What about spending money in, say, Cozumel? The last couple of times I was abroad I could just use my debit card, and the currency conversion was done automagically. Is that the case in Cozumel, or should I bring some cash and convert it somewhere?

[Antiquehunter]

My experience in Mexico is that the major touristy communities (where we're visiting) give a fair exchange rate for the US Peso wherever you shop. If not, there are always loads of changers around to exchange $20 - $50 or whatever. I wouldn't panic. The T-Shirt / Silver / Sombrero / Blanket vendors will extract their money however they can get it! ;)

[Jeff Wagg]

First off, bring your whole booklet. You probably don't need it, but there may be some circumstances where it would be helpful. Given all the problems we've had with these things, it's best to bring it.

Second, the BEST way to pay for anything in Mexico is with a credit or debit card, the reason being that the conversion is exact, with no fee.

However, small merchants may offer a discount for paying cash.

Personally, I wouldn't bother getting any Mexican currency.

I was asked about the following things:

Should we bring a travel iron? There is no iron in the room, though there is a hair dryer. Your call. There are dry cleaning services on board, but they take a day. Also, there are 110v US-style plugs in the room, but no too many.


Beach towels? You won't need them on the ship or on CocoCay. If you're going to beach in Key West or Cozumel, you can probably get away with using the ones the ship provides. However, if you want one of those massive things that covers a 1/4 acre of sand, you should bring your own.


Bathrobes? I've never known what these were for actually... but there are none in the "normal" cabins. If this is something you enjoy having, I suggest you bring your own.

[SkepticScott]

...Beach towels?...I know where my towel is.

[Cleon]

I know where my towel is.

It's a tough universe out there...You have to know where your towel is.

[VPescado]

Second, the BEST way to pay for anything in Mexico is with a credit or debit card, the reason being that the conversion is exact, with no fee.

Actually that's not true. You should expect to pay 1-3% for credit card conversion transactions. See this article (http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20050624b1.asp) for some examples Some people also claim that there are some shenanagens done by the credit card clearinghouse to process the charge at the point in time when the conversion rates are least favorable to you, but that would be hard to prove.


Should we bring a travel iron? There is no iron in the room, though there is a hair dryer. Your call. There are dry cleaning services on board, but they take a day. Also, there are 110v US-style plugs in the room, but no too many.

I believe that RCCL does not allow irons in staterooms as they constitute a fire hazard.


Beach towels? You won't need them on the ship or on CocoCay. If you're going to beach in Key West or Cozumel, you can probably get away with using the ones the ship provides. However, if you want one of those massive things that covers a 1/4 acre of sand, you should bring your own.

RCCL does provide beach towels but if they are lost and not returned to your cabin, your Sea Pass card will be charged $25.00 per towel - It might be better to pick up some cheap ones at Target before the cruise.

This page (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=294633) privides a pretty good FAQ for cruising on RCCL. It includes useful tips, like why you should bring a battery operated alarm clock. Some of the info is out of data (e.g. I believe that they no longer allow any alcohol to be brought on board by pax).

[SkepticScott]

there are 110v US-style plugs in the room, but no too many.I think I'll toss a power strip in my luggage for my various chargers.

[Geek Goddess]

I know where my towel is.

A towel is the most massively useful thing in the universe.

[SkepticScott]

Besides the list in THHGTTG, discussions about towels are good ways to increase your post count. ;)

Thanks for the link VPescado, I found that very helpful.

If you're like me and use rechargeable batteris in your camera, bring two sets plus normal batteries. That way you can have one set charging, one set in the camera, and an emergency set for when the one's in the camera go dead halfway through the day. Yes, it's happened to me.

[Hutch]

url=http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=294633]This page[/url] privides a pretty good FAQ for cruising on RCCL. It includes useful tips, like why you should bring a battery operated alarm clock. Some of the info is out of data (e.g. I believe that they no longer allow any alcohol to be brought on board by pax).

Some good info there, some of it rather humorous...(I don't know if any of us have a balcony room or not)

Those of you with a balcony.
Even if you paid for your cruise and you will do as you please because it is your vacation..

You can not fly a kite off of the ship. The strings can disrupt the radar and you could end up in Cuba.. You may not be allowed back on.

You can not fish off of your balcony. The hooks do not feel good in your neighbors ear. A big lawsuit will come your way.

Please do not bring a blow up pool for your little one for your balcony. If you empty it overboard, be prepared for a not too friendly visit from your one deck down neighbor. Black eyes on formal night do not look good.

Don't sit on your balcony rail. A little "ship tip" and you will remember these words. They will be the last words you will remember.

[BrianSI]

So if I fly my kite without a string, it's okay?

[Beady]

Besides the list in THHGTTG, discussions about towels are good ways to increase your post count. ;)

Hmm... Six more and I'll have 2,500.

Oops! Make that five.

[SkepticScott]

Beady,
Your post count is shown as 2445. How can five more give you 2500?

[Beady]

Some good info there, some of it rather humorous...(I don't know if any of us have a balcony room or not)

We do! I notice they don't mention peeing off your balcony.

[Jeff Wagg]

OK, he's right. Mea culpa. Things have changed regarding credit overseas, and the best way to pay for things is....US currency. The worst way is Mexican currency.

Now, as for the irons.. it is not permitted to bring them aboard. But people do. If you kill us all, we'll be angry.

And the towels thing, he's right about that too. If you want to lug towels with you, be my guest. I'm not.

Actually that's not true. You should expect to pay 1-3% for credit card conversion transactions. See this article (http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20050624b1.asp) for some examples Some people also claim that there are some shenanagens done by the credit card clearinghouse to process the charge at the point in time when the conversion rates are least favorable to you, but that would be hard to prove.



I believe that RCCL does not allow irons in staterooms as they constitute a fire hazard.



RCCL does provide beach towels but if they are lost and not returned to your cabin, your Sea Pass card will be charged $25.00 per towel - It might be better to pick up some cheap ones at Target before the cruise.

This page (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=294633) privides a pretty good FAQ for cruising on RCCL. It includes useful tips, like why you should bring a battery operated alarm clock. Some of the info is out of data (e.g. I believe that they no longer allow any alcohol to be brought on board by pax).

[Beady]

Beady,
Your post count is shown as 2445. How can five more give you 2500?

Shadap! You weren't supposed to notice!

[VPescado]

OK, he's right. Mea culpa. Things have changed regarding credit overseas, and the best way to pay for things is....US currency. The worst way is Mexican currency.

Now, as for the irons.. it is not permitted to bring them aboard. But people do. If you kill us all, we'll be angry.

And the towels thing, he's right about that too. If you want to lug towels with you, be my guest. I'm not.

Some things I have discovered since posting last:

1) If you want to get cash while underway, you can get cash advanced from your shipboard account in the casino (up to $2K a day). The great thing about this is that it is just added to your tab, and does not count as a cash advance. So you pay no fees. For folks with a 1% cash back card, this can earn you $100 over the course of the cruise (Assuming that you don't mind carrying around thousands in cash and you don't carry a balance on your CC).

2) It sounds like the towel charge is oft mentioned but seldom enforced. Tip your room attendent well, and everything should be fine. YMMV.

[VPescado]

We do! I notice they don't mention peeing off your balcony.

No, they don't. And I notice that your balcony is on deck seven. Whereas mine is on deck eight. Might I suggest that you wear a raincoat while enjoying your balcony? Mwah-ha-ha. :D

[Jeff Wagg]

Yup, both those things are true. Cash at the casino is a good idea, but.. the casino is only open when we're at sea, and we're not at sea all that much. (I suspect it will be very crowded in the casino).

There is an ATM on board, but you will pay....

You've already paid tips for the steward, so keep that in mind. An extra little bit is often appreciated.



Some things I have discovered since posting last:

1) If you want to get cash while underway, you can get cash advanced from your shipboard account in the casino (up to $2K a day). The great thing about this is that it is just added to your tab, and does not count as a cash advance. So you pay no fees. For folks with a 1% cash back card, this can earn you $100 over the course of the cruise (Assuming that you don't mind carrying around thousands in cash and you don't carry a balance on your CC).

2) It sounds like the towel charge is oft mentioned but seldom enforced. Tip your room attendent well, and everything should be fine. YMMV.

[Jeff Wagg]

Oh, forgot to mention..


I saw the ship on Saturday. It looks all the world like a giant flying saucer landed on it. Perhaps that will keep us safe...

Perhaps not.

[VPescado]

Jeff,

Is there a schedule of JREF activities that you can post? It would be useful, when trying to plan other activities. It is my understanding that these cruise ship things do offer some sort of entertainment or diversions in which to spend some of our time.

[Beady]

Is there a schedule of JREF activities that you can post?

He sent it out some time ago. I plugged it and everything else for the trip into MS Works Calendar, and printed it out.

[Beady]

I have time on my hands, and was just reading the latest security regs (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10). A surprise was that you can no longer be "gellin'" when you get on the plane. Dr Scholl's (and other) gel-filled insoles are on the proscribed list.

Also posted in the Security Alert thread.

[SkepticScott]

What's scary is that they actually have to come out and say "No, you can't bring a hand grenade on a plane."

[Hamradioguy]

OK, we're almost there..
The only item I have is that I'd like to know what beer folks would like me to get for the Bon Voyage party. There will be wine as well.


Magic Hat? Sam Adams? Catamount? Well, maybe these are to be found in FL. Anything but Bud Lite.....

[Jeff Wagg]

OK it seems like you all want Coors light, so that's all I'll be getting.

[Jeff Wagg]

SCHEDULE

Sunday 27-Aug
JREF Headquarters
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

7:00pm- 9:00pmBon Voyage Party at JREF
(Beer, Wine and Tray Snacks will be served Book signing available Randi's books available for purchase at 10% off.)

Monday 28-Aug
Port Everglades
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
(be onboard between 12:30 & 3:30)

5:00 PMSailing and lifeboat drill
7:00 PMOnboard Party (Spotlight Lounge)
Welcome aboard by Randi
(Open Bar)

Tuesday 29-Aug
FORMAL NIGHT
Key West, Florida

7:00 AM - 2:30 PMDocked
2:00 PM - 5:00 PMLectures (Conference Center)


Wednesday 30-Aug
Cozumel, Mexico 10:00 AM 7:00 PMDocked
Thursday 31-Aug
At Sea
9:00 AM -12:00PMLectures (Conference Center)
3:00 PM- 4:30 PMBanachek Performance
(Spotlight Lounge, deck 6 aft)
Friday 01-Sep
Cococay, Bahamas
10:00 AM - 5:00 PMTendered to Private Island


7:00 PMFarewell Gathering (Spotlight Lounge)
Certificate Ceremony (Cash Bar)

Saturday 02-Sep
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
7:00 AMDisembarkation

[Cleon]

OK it seems like you all want Coors light, so that's all I'll be getting.

*checks TSA regs*

Will you look at that...There's no regulation keeping me from taking an electric cattle prod with me! How about that.

We really do need an "evil grin" smilie, but barring that, I'll go with this:

:dalek:

[VPescado]

ArrrggggHHHH!!!!!

I leave in less than 24 hours, where am I going to find a cattle prod in time?!?!?? :eek:

[Jeff Wagg]

ArrrggggHHHH!!!!!

I I leave in less than 24 hours, where am I going to find a cattle prod in time?!?!?? :eek:


JREF official anti-woo prods will be available for a nominal charge.

[VPescado]

JREF official anti-woo prods will be available for a nominal charge.

That's great for my flights back - but can you get one to the Oakland, CA airport by 0530 tomorow?

I am sooo screwed.

[SkepticScott]

Corkscrews are allowed. You should be able to improvise a prod of sorts with a stick, a corkscrew and duct tape.

[Geek Goddess]

What's scary is that they actually have to come out and say "No, you can't bring a hand grenade on a plane."

They have absolutely taken all of the adventure out of traveling.

Of course, with the 'no deodorant' rules, I might be mistaken...

[Jeff Wagg]

http://www.salon.com/books/int/2006/08/23/shermer/index_np.html

He thought folks going on the cruise would like to read that before they meet him this weekend.

[Beady]

Hullo? Is anybody here?

Or are you all in Ft Lauderdale, already?

Sigh. We don't leave for another ~18 hours.

[Hutch]

Nope, Beady, I just confirmed my cab to the airport--at 5AM--tomorrow. I'll be seeing you there at the party.

[Beady]

Our alarm is going off at 3, and we'll be at the airport ~ 5. Wheels-up at 7:15. Probly stop at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast.

[Geek Goddess]

http://www.salon.com/books/int/2006/08/23/shermer/index_np.html

He thought folks going on the cruise would like to read that before they meet him this weekend.

Nice article, I'm running out and buying the book this evening.

A book, a chair, a drink with a little umbrella...ah, vacation

[Beady]

A book, a chair, a drink with a little umbrella...ah, vacation

I'm planning on the drink with the little umbrella while sitting in the hot tub.

[Hamradioguy]

Our alarm is going off at 3, and we'll be at the airport ~ 5. Wheels-up at 7:15. Probly stop at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast.

I fly out of BTV at 7:20 on Delta- May see you there. Good flight, Beady

[Geek Goddess]

I'm planning on the drink with the little umbrella while sitting in the hot tub.


that's even better

[Kevin 251]

Magic Hat? Sam Adams? Catamount? Well, maybe these are to be found in FL. Anything but Bud Lite.....

I don't think you can get Catamount beer anymore. As I understand it, after Harpoon bought the Catamount brewery in Windsor a few years back, they kept the Catamount name alive for a while, but eventually dropped it. Too bad -- I liked that big cat on the label...