LindaBabe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 20, 1999
Welcome to the Wonderful Panama Canal Crossing thread (Part 5)!
Our Cruise Website. http://www.wonderpanama2011.com/
I've just added some more pictures and 1 more person. If you *ARE NOT* on the list now, or something is not right, it's because I don't have it, or I lost it, or I forgot and it's so buried that you need to send it again.
PM TigfanJeff or email monorailpilot@gmail.com
FE List . http://wonderpanama2011.com/fish.php[/QUOTE]
Cookie Recipe Exchange Please PM Glindamood with Recipes in the subject line. Include Name and Room number. Details have not yet been worked out. Please comment on your preference for mode of delivery in the thread.
Carmie3377 is keeping a list of who's where the night before the cruise in case anyone wants to plan a pre-cruise meet up. PM Carmie with your information if you'd like to be included.
Excursion Planning Spreadsheet
Originally Posted by DVCinderella
PHOTO SHARE Carmie3377 Update 12/2010
The smugmug group is now closed. Carmie has sent payment information. Please be sure she gets your share either by paypal now or in cash in an envelope under her door on the ship. Mark your envelope with your dis name.
Non Disney Excursion suggestions
SCUBA DivingContact TxMermaid1 for more information
UPDATE 12/26/10
LindaBabe
The Banana Bushttp://www.bananabusaruba.com/
UPDATED 12/ 29/2010 Burt emailed me this morning to confirm our pickup will be at 9 am at the terminal where we dock. If there is any new news, I will post it on the whiteboard outside stateroom 7063.
Participants:
LindaBabe (3)
Jimmy Martin (2)
TinkRyansmom (8)
DCL_FAN_TAC (3)
AgentJ (3)
KayR (4)
TJFrack (2)
Also in Aruba, Valbob89
The Aruba Sail Snorkel and Fish is now full
ValBob89 is offering this independant excursion PM valbob89 for more info
PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA
TOURS UPDATE
Quote:
Ride in an air-conditioned spacious vehicle, being driven by an experienced driver, to Costa Rica’s most popular national park, Manuel Antonio, where our knowledgeable nature guide will give us a narrative of the geologic features, national history, local botany, as well as exotic tropical birds, monkeys and sloths we will see.
Than enjoy the Manuel Antonio beach, equally good for snorkeling, swimming and just laying on the beach before a lunch stop at a quality restaurant where we can choose among traditional Costa Rican favorites or more familiar foods, such as burgers and fries or sandwiches.
On the way back to the ship we will have an opportunity, if time permits, to stop at a number of photo opportunities and souvenir shopping spots. These might include Villa Lupas and Santa Lucia, an eco-friendly resort within a tranquil rain-forest preserve for nature lovers.
The cost of this full-day tour, with park entry fee and lunch included is $85 per person plus tip. Children under 8 years old receive 15% off, under age 3 are free. UPDATE: Oddessy Tours can now accept credit card payments.The following families(18 individuals) have indicated they will be joining us on this tour. PM me if you have would like additional info or wish to join us. [/quote]
WeLuvDCL is organizing ziplining in Puerte Vallarta - If you'd like to zipline on a NON-Disney excursion, plese pm WeLuvDCL
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39292675&postcount=331
Tinkerbel129
A_Litle_Pixie_Dust
The lanyards have been received and shipped - She will bring the rest of them to port.
Tinksmom "bracelet" The bracelets have now been received and shipped. She will bring the rest of them to port.
KayR PC crossing certificates.
This activity is now closed - the Certificates have been received.
SECRET MICKEY The secret Mickey is now closed. Secret Mickeys have been assigned. Happy Planning!
NAME TAGS
Cardidog says
Thanks to Susan and Tom (Cardidog)
PROGRAMS DCLTravler is creating a DIS program of events so you'll always know where to find playmates
Staying Connected on Board UPDATEDDVCinderella has done some work on how to stay connected while on the cruise. If anyone has anything to add to this please pm me and I will add it to this post.
Originally Posted by KayR
VERIZON INFO UPDATE
Here is the link to the 1st thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2287557
Here is the link to the 2nd thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2395939
Here is the link to the 3rd thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2509453
Here's the link to the 4th thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2572275
Here's our Tween/Teen thread!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2299627
Here's our educational resource thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2304047
Here's our weightloss motivation thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2395814
Past PC cruise discussion links
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=828612
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=832010
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=832121
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=827782
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=815319
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=834589
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=561746
PC photo thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1894093
A couple other useful websites from A_Litle_Pixie_Dust
http://visitcastawaycay.com
http://www.justforkidsdcl.com/
__________________
My favorite (so far) guidebook
Panama Canal By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide To Cruising The Panama Canal [Paperback] byAnne Vipond
http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-C...ref=pd_sim_b_1
Our Cruise Website. http://www.wonderpanama2011.com/
I've just added some more pictures and 1 more person. If you *ARE NOT* on the list now, or something is not right, it's because I don't have it, or I lost it, or I forgot and it's so buried that you need to send it again.
PM TigfanJeff or email monorailpilot@gmail.com
FE List . http://wonderpanama2011.com/fish.php[/QUOTE]
Cookie Recipe Exchange Please PM Glindamood with Recipes in the subject line. Include Name and Room number. Details have not yet been worked out. Please comment on your preference for mode of delivery in the thread.
Carmie3377 is keeping a list of who's where the night before the cruise in case anyone wants to plan a pre-cruise meet up. PM Carmie with your information if you'd like to be included.
Excursion Planning Spreadsheet
Originally Posted by DVCinderella
DCL PC Excursions
... I built a quick-reference spreadsheet for excursion planning. . . . Each title is actually a link to the detailed description on the DCL web site (click the cell, and then click "Go to link"). Happy planning!
PHOTO SHARE Carmie3377 Update 12/2010
The smugmug group is now closed. Carmie has sent payment information. Please be sure she gets your share either by paypal now or in cash in an envelope under her door on the ship. Mark your envelope with your dis name.
Non Disney Excursion suggestions
ARUBA:
SCUBA DivingContact TxMermaid1 for more information
UPDATE 12/26/10
Anyone interested in diving in Aruba, here is the information. My DH and I are both scuba diving instructors so you are in good hands. We have made arrangements to dive in Aruba. There are a few spots left on this excursion. This is not a DCL excursion. If you are interested in diving with us please PM me.
This is what the dive operator sent to us.
January 10th will be a Monday. On this day we have a 2 tank dive at 8:30am on the south side of the island of Aruba.
I can do a ship wreck and a beautiful reef for your group.
. Now the divers will all have to be certified and have dove last within the year.
We can pick you all up at the cruise terminal outside the security gate as early as 7:30am no later than 7:50am.
Everybody have to bring with them there c-cards, log book, I.D. and Visa or Master card. No Amex.
After picking you up outside the cruise terminal we will drive to the dive center to do paperwork, get equipment, etc. then we will go to the boat for the trip, we’ll be back at 1:00pm.
The cost for 2 tank dive Own equipment is $70.00 plus Sur charge $5.95 and 1.5% sales Tax. Total $77.09
The cost for 2 tank dive need equipment is $70.00 rental $25.00 plus Sur charge $5.95 and 1.5% sales Tax. Total $102.46
This include: transportation, tanks, weights, mask, fins, boat trip, drinks and fresh fruits.
LindaBabe
The Banana Bushttp://www.bananabusaruba.com/
UPDATED 12/ 29/2010 Burt emailed me this morning to confirm our pickup will be at 9 am at the terminal where we dock. If there is any new news, I will post it on the whiteboard outside stateroom 7063.
Participants:
LindaBabe (3)
Jimmy Martin (2)
TinkRyansmom (8)
DCL_FAN_TAC (3)
AgentJ (3)
KayR (4)
TJFrack (2)
Also in Aruba, Valbob89
The Aruba Sail Snorkel and Fish is now full
Puntearenas, CostaRica
ValBob89 is offering this independant excursion PM valbob89 for more info
PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA
TOURS UPDATE
Quote:
Ride in an air-conditioned spacious vehicle, being driven by an experienced driver, to Costa Rica’s most popular national park, Manuel Antonio, where our knowledgeable nature guide will give us a narrative of the geologic features, national history, local botany, as well as exotic tropical birds, monkeys and sloths we will see.
Than enjoy the Manuel Antonio beach, equally good for snorkeling, swimming and just laying on the beach before a lunch stop at a quality restaurant where we can choose among traditional Costa Rican favorites or more familiar foods, such as burgers and fries or sandwiches.
On the way back to the ship we will have an opportunity, if time permits, to stop at a number of photo opportunities and souvenir shopping spots. These might include Villa Lupas and Santa Lucia, an eco-friendly resort within a tranquil rain-forest preserve for nature lovers.
The cost of this full-day tour, with park entry fee and lunch included is $85 per person plus tip. Children under 8 years old receive 15% off, under age 3 are free. UPDATE: Oddessy Tours can now accept credit card payments.The following families(18 individuals) have indicated they will be joining us on this tour. PM me if you have would like additional info or wish to join us. [/quote]
PUERTE VALLARTA
WeLuvDCL is organizing ziplining in Puerte Vallarta - If you'd like to zipline on a NON-Disney excursion, plese pm WeLuvDCL
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39292675&postcount=331
Cabo San Lucas
Tinkerbel129
There may be additional information in post 3 below.Whale Watching ~ Cabo San Lucas Update Update!
www.pezgato.com
January 19, 2011
Cabo Whale Watching Group
Meet Time ~ 8:30 am (mountain time) The ship should be on land time
Meet Location ~ Route 66 ~ Deck 3
Not sure how long it wil take for all of us to tender to port.
Pez Gato is located on the right hand side at the end of the tender pier
A_Litle_Pixie_Dust
The lanyards have been received and shipped - She will bring the rest of them to port.
Tinksmom "bracelet" The bracelets have now been received and shipped. She will bring the rest of them to port.
KayR PC crossing certificates.
This activity is now closed - the Certificates have been received.
SECRET MICKEY The secret Mickey is now closed. Secret Mickeys have been assigned. Happy Planning!
NAME TAGS
Cardidog says
Here is a sample:We just printed the first sheet of nametags---I hope that you all will like them We'll probably bring some blank ones to the ship----and it isn't too late to request some----right now I have around 100 names linked to the following Disboard names:
sak0526=2
WDW Princess 71=2
bwcb4=2
LindaBabe=4
DCLtravler=2
Disneymoon0909=2
Shoshie=2
Happy Goofy=2
Pixie Dust II=2
Disneyana's Aunt=4
Tami0220=2
Tinkerbel129=2
sumeto=3
A Little Pixie Dust=3
KayR=4
DisneyCruiser83=2
WeLuvDCL=3
glindamood=2
disneylove69=2
Disney Pata=4
unkamike=2
eeyorelvr10=2
WaitingToMeetDumbo=2
MickeyMagic=2
tinkryansmom=8
ChipperMerlin=2
Bookwood=2
goofprincess=4
TxMermain1=2
jsails=4
dolphingirl147=2
granmaz=2
Warbluzki=2
Stephsong=2
tinksmom=3
Tracyvp=4
Wyndi Mother=2
Thanks to Susan and Tom (Cardidog)
PROGRAMS DCLTravler is creating a DIS program of events so you'll always know where to find playmates
I'm checking in to let you know that I have the general template created for the "program." I wanted to run some thoughts by all of you and also get some ideas to create the most useful document for everyone!
Here are my thoughts:
-Include the list of "who is going," "where we are from" and "where we are staying"
-Include a 20-24 hr daily schedule documenting everything "we" have planned as well as space for everyone to write in what they want to do for the day.
-Include a tutor schedule that only has each of us (who volunteer to tutor a topic) tutoring for one hour during the entire trip.
My Questions:
1. What do you think so far?
2. What else do you think we need?
3. There are a lot of runners, should we schedule a meeting time each day on deck 4 for those who want to run together?
4. I have all of the activities from the website, but are there others you want to do?
5. I remember reading something about a "tag" game with a Mickey Mouse Magnet "tagged" on peoples' doors--should we do that? If so, how does it work?
Feel free to answer any or all of ?'s 1-5...any help is most appreciated!
Staying Connected on Board UPDATEDDVCinderella has done some work on how to stay connected while on the cruise. If anyone has anything to add to this please pm me and I will add it to this post.
1) DCL emergency ship-to-shore - I will be leaving this number with family at home. I believe it costs $6.95/minute.
2) Sprint - I contacted their Int'l Help Desk. They enabled our phones for Int'l use. There was no charge for this, and no change to our account or current package (we only have voice/text...no web). Here are the charges I was quoted should we use the phones during the trip:
On the cruise ship:
$2.49/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.05 - Receive text
No data (internet, pictures, etc)
Aruba:
$1.99/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.05 - Receive text
No data (internet, pictures, etc)
Costa Rica:
No service.
Mexico (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas):
$1.69/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.15 - Receive text
No data (internet, pictures, etc)
3) BlackBerry - I have a BlackBerry for work, but it is only for e-mail & web (the web connection is very slow). It does not have voice capabilities. Can I assume this will work for e-mail contact? Or should I check with my employer?
4) iPad - In a previous post, I saw reference to iPads. I am completely naive about iPads & iPhones. But I would seriously consider getting an iPad if it's the best way to stay in touch on this cruise. Other than buying the device, what other costs would this entail? Also, where would you safely store this? I assume the safe is not big enough.
Originally Posted by KayR
I was just sent this by AT&T along with an advert for their international data plan. Anyway, I thought the information inside was worth forwarding on.
AT&T tips for I-phone users
If you want to place calls but not use data:
Turn Data Roaming "OFF". By default, the setting for international data roaming will be in the "OFF" position. Turning "OFF" data roaming blocks email, browsing, visual voicemail and downloads, but it will not block text or picture/video messages.
To turn data roaming "ON/OFF", tap on
Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming
When abroad, international roaming rates apply when you send text or picture/video messages.
To access audible voicemail when data roaming is "OFF", tap on
Phone>Voicemail (International roaming voice rates apply.)
Utilize Wi-Fi instead of 3G/GPRS/EDGE - Wi-Fi is available in many international airports, hotels and restaurants to browse the Web or check email.
If you want to use data but not receive email automatically:
Turn Fetch New Data "OFF" - Check email and sync contacts and calendars manually instead of having the data pushed to your iPhone automatically. This way you can control the flow of data coming to your iPhone.
To turn off the Auto-Check functionality tap on
Settings>Mail, Contacts, Calendars>Fetch New Data, Change Push to "OFF" and select option Fetch Manually
Utilize Wi-Fi instead of 3G/GPRS/EDGE to download and manually check email: Wi-Fi is available in many international airports, hotels and restaurants.
If you want to use data and track your usage while abroad:
Consider Purchasing an International Data Package: Purchasing an international data package can significantly reduce the cost of using data abroad. AT&T now offers four discount international data packages. The 20 MB package is $24.99 per month, the 50 MB package is $59.99 per month, the 100 MB package is $119.99 per month, and the 200 MB package is $199.99 per month. See att.com/worldpackages for details and international roaming rates. To add an international data package, call 1-800-331-0500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting**************1-800-331-0500******end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Reset the usage tracker to zero - When you arrive overseas, access the usage tracker in the general settings menu and select reset statistics. This will enable you to track your estimated data usage while abroad.
To reset Usage Tracker to Zero tap on
Settings>General>Usage>Reset Statistics
VERIZON INFO UPDATE
Johngar said:VERIZON WIRELESS info
No data unless your phone/calling plan allows it.
On the cruise ship:
$2.49/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.05 - Receive text
To dial to the U.S.: 011 + 1 + Number
Aruba:
$1.99/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.05 - Receive text
To dial to the U.S.: 00 + 1 + Number
Costa Rica:
GSM Global phones ONLY:
$2.89/min - Voice
Mexico (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas):
$0.99/min - Voice
$0.50 - Send text
$0.05 - Receive text
To dial to the U.S.: 00 + 1 + Number
JohnGar
Here is the link to the 1st thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2287557
Here is the link to the 2nd thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2395939
Here is the link to the 3rd thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2509453
Here's the link to the 4th thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2572275
Here's our Tween/Teen thread!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2299627
Here's our educational resource thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2304047
Here's our weightloss motivation thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2395814
Past PC cruise discussion links
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=828612
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=832010
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=832121
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=827782
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=815319
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=834589
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=561746
PC photo thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1894093
A couple other useful websites from A_Litle_Pixie_Dust
http://visitcastawaycay.com
http://www.justforkidsdcl.com/
__________________
My favorite (so far) guidebook
Panama Canal By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide To Cruising The Panama Canal [Paperback] byAnne Vipond
http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-C...ref=pd_sim_b_1