Welcome to the Wonderful Panama Canal Crossing thread (Part 4)!
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
If you want to be in the
FE exchange, remember to tell Jeff! Participants are cleverly marked on the website both on the main list and the FE list.
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
... 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!
DCL PC Excursions
PHOTO SHARE Carmie3377 Update 10/25/10
Just thought I would mention our photo sharing since we've had a lot of newcomers. Some of us have decided to have an account at SmugMug. Although they do charge, they don't compress photos like the free websites do. Anyway, we'll use this account to upload any photos we take with our own cameras that we want to share with other participants. Some people have stated that they don't like to take pictures/aren't good photographers and that's okay too. If you join our group, you can upload and/or download.
When we first started discussing this, SmugMug billed yearly. However, now they offer monthly billing. I still think we should go with yearly billing and allow our photos to expire in one year. That will be sufficient time to allow everyone to upload/download and everyone will know how much longer they have. Also, you basically get 4 months free going with the yearly billing.
RRBB and I discussed using Power ($60/yr) or Basic ($40/yr)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/photo-sharing-features/ . I think Basic would be fine but if anyone has any objections, let me know. I was also thinking about setting the account up right after we return home so we get the full benefit of the year. I plan to set up folders by the day, then sub-folders for different events, restaurants, ect. Again, I'm open to suggestions.
So, this is who I have so far. If you've signed up, please check the list to make sure you are listed. If you would like to join, please send me a PM.
The cost will be divided up among all members, I will figure out the per/person costs and people can pay me on the cruise or send me payment via paypal after the cruise if we don't get a chance to meet up during the cruise (you can do so before the cruise if you want as well). I won't have the username/password until I set up the account but will pass that along as soon as the account is activated. Since we already have 25 members, each member's cost will be very low (currently at $1.60 for the basic or $2.40 for the pro) and will even get lower as more people join.
This group will close to new members December 1.
Non Disney Excursion suggestions
ARUBA:
SCUBA Diving
Contact
TxMermaid1 for more information
The price is $94 which includes pickup and return to the ship
Rental for BCD & regulator is $26, wetsuit is $13
We will be diving the wreck "Jane sea": Jane Sea has a maximum diving depth of around 27.7 m / 90.9 ft and is suitable for all divers. This gargantuan two hundred and fifty foot wreck rests in ninety feet of water. This former concrete freighter sits upright facing a gorgeous coral reef. You will enjoy exploring the massive cargo holds. There are many brilliantly colored tropical fish schooling near this wreck. Be on the lookout for the beautiful Angelfish that inhabit this area. Barracudas lurk about, waiting to snag an unsuspecting smaller fish. Marine Turtles and Manta Rays may also be seen near this wreck.
http://www.surfacewatch.com/divesite.../jane-sea.html
Barcadera: Barcadera Reef has a maximum diving depth of around 15.2 m / 49.9 ft and is suitable for all divers. From brain corals to parrot fish, Barcadera Reef is a beautiful underwater paradise appealing to both divers and snorkelers. The reef varies in depth from 6-27 meters (20-89 feet), and fans of underwater life will surely enjoy the rich marine life that's visible here. From the sandy sea floor up to the surface, you'll find a spectacular show of species from wrasses, scorpionfish, damselfish, and pink-tipped anemones to name a few. The reef is busy with life and is densely filled with activity around the various number of large corals that grow and live here.
http://www.surfacewatch.com/divesite...dera-reef.html
__________________
LindaBabeOne of my room mates, who has been to Aruba before, recommends the Banana
Bus tour http://www.bananabusaruba.com/ Please note they offer two tours - night time bar hopping and day time sightseeing.
WE ARE LOOKING AT THE DAYTIME SIGHTSEEING TOUR!!!!
The website says they tour Tuesday through Saturday and we'll be in Aruba on Monday. I emailed with them and they say if enough people sign up for a tour on Monday, they will run one. Apparently it is not necessary to pay to sign up - they didn't ask for my CC#. If anyone is interested in this non-Disney excursion option, please visit the Banana Bus website and sign up. In the comment section put "Disboard group" It includes a visit to "baby beach".
We now have enough to make this tour a go - UPDATE 10/18 I spoke with Bert this morning- he wanted to know if we wanted the tour as listed on the website or a shorter tour for less cost. I told him we were going under the assumption it would be the tour on the web site, for that price. At this moment - our tour pick up time is 9 AM and the tour will last approximately 4-5 hours. We can discuss what we'd like - I'm thinking a 'trip meeting' may be in order for one of the sea days prior to Aruba?
There is still space on this excursion.
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
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.
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=37883215&postcount=963
UPDATE http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?t=2572275&postcount=115"
Tinkerbel129
Whale Watching ~ Cabo San Lucas Update Update!
www.pezgato.com
January 19, 2011
Our catamaran is now FULL
When we get a little closer ~ a meet up time & place will be set, so we can keep our group together.
Please check post 3 below for meet up information!
A_Litle_Pixie_Dust lanyard The lanyards have been ordered and received - She will bring them to port. PM her for instructions if you would like them shipped.
Tinksmom is organizing a
"bracelet" group purchase. The bracelets have now been ordered. She *may* have a few extras so if you're late joining - cross your fingers and send Tinksmom a pm.
KayR has volunteering to coordinating a group purchase of PC crossing certificates.
Panama Canal Certificates This activity is now closed to new participants - the Certificates have been ordered.
SECRET MICKEY The secret Mickey is now closed. Secret Mickeys have been assigned. Happy Planning! [/QUOTE]
T-Shirt Link http://www.zazzle.com/monorailpilot
Making a Shirt
To make your own shirt, take the link to zazzle that is posted on Pg 168 (?) of the thread.
Once there, you will notice just below the main model picture a little orange rectangle that says "CUSTOMIZE IT"--Click that.
Look off to the right and you will see a link to "2. CHOOSE STYLE AND COLOR"--Click on "SEE ALL" and it will take you to all of the shirt styles you can choose.
Once you have chosen your shirt style, you can begin to adjust the size of the image.
Begin with the back image (which should already be there) and adjust or keep as is. Then, you will notice below the main (or larger) model picture, there are smaller images of the model at different angles. Click on the image of the model's front.
Look over to the right again and click on "1. CUSTOMIZE IT" Click on "ADD IMAGE" and then search your computer for the image you would like to add (if it is the Mickey one, I attached the pic here--assuming it works. If it doesn't, let me know and I will send it to your email).
Once you have the image on the front, look off to the right again and look for the arrows. Click on the arrows to adjust the location of the photo.
When you have the photo in the correct place, you can adjust the size by clicking it. If you click on the image you will get a box around it that allows you to adjust the size.
When you do that, you will lose the full size picture of the model, so if you want to see that again, look above the big picture of the model and click on the tab "MODEL" (I tell you this only because it took me FOREVER to figure out).
That's it...from there you would order like normal.
Good Luck!
~Melissa
http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/y...k/Picture3.png
For those of you that haven't ordered yet...if your order total is over $50 you can use PRESSPAUSE11 for 10% off. I was able to use it with the free shipping code and with my gift certificate code from groupon.
Linda's note: This code was good 9/26/10. Please let me know if you try to use it and it fails, so I can take this instruction off this page.
NAME TAGS
Cardidog said:
OK---I am willing to print---on cardstock---our logo and your Disboards name and real name to wear on your DCL-provided lanyard. Does this sound like a good idea? If so, please PM me your details and I'll figure out how to get them to you---perhaps at our on-board Dis-meet?
If you'd like a Dis Nametag pm Susan or 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
DVCinderella 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.
5) Laptop - Anyone bringing their laptop?
I'd love to be able to stay in touch via text and/or e-mail with home...voice only in case of emergency. So anyone with advice on the best way to do this, I'd love to hear your suggestions!
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
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 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/
__________________
Disboard member statistics as of 11/15/2010 (per TigFanJeff)
326 people in 125 staterooms, traveling as 101 parties.
This is 13.58% of the normal guest capacity(2400) of the Wonder.
This is 12.07% of the maximum guest capacity (2700) of the Wonder.
This is 14.25% of the available staterooms(877).
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-Cruise-Ship-Complete/dp/0980957311/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Join the battle of the brothers-in-law by pm-ing HeWhoCaves or TigFanJeff for time and location.
I must have missed your first comment but hold on tight to those memories. Grands are very special folks to their grandchildren and hold a spot in our hearts forever.
