welovedis

Thank you for the responses. I'm sorry I didn't provide more clarity in my original post or my response. I didn't use a TA or any type of certificate. Our booking was done, by us, entirely online, so I shall be sure to cancel within the time frame if necessary. Many thanks & may you all enjoy a blessed holiday season.

Thank you, both, for your kind words and information. We are still trying to see if we can make the trip work but, if not, there is always another time!

Hi-

My family is booked on EOS 2/16/14, I have paid our deposit but not yet made final payment. At about 81 days out now & I may have to cancel this cruise due to an unforeseen circumstances. :(

I did not purchase trip insurance. In looking at the RCCL site it appears as though I would be eligible to receive our deposit back ($750.00) as long as I cancel 75 days prior to the cruise. Since I'm in a bit of an emotional state right now I just want to be certain I'm reading the information correctly. Would it be best to call and cancel or can I do so online?

Just wanted to say hi from another Rochesterian (well, Hamlin, but close!) :)

I, too, heard about getting the free tixs to KSC via my congressperson. I emailed his office with our date, the number in our party and was contacted back within a few days with confirmation of the free tixs.

I just sent my renewal package in. Nowhere in the directions does it mention this, nor did I see any place on the form to request. Can you share why you believe this to be the case?

 

Theron

I don't know why someone would have to ask, mine was returned 2 days after my renewal came.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/faq/faq_1741.html

Sent in my son's new application for his Passport book on Fri 8/23, we received it in the mail (not expedited) on Sat 9/8. That's 2 weeks, 1 day and that included the Labor Day holiday week!

DH sent his new application for his book on Monday 8/26 and we received it today, still just over 2 weeks. Awesome turnaround time!

More money than you think you'll need.

Less clothing that you think you'll need.

Manners.

We will be cruising with RCCL on Explorer of the Seas on 2/16/14. I've contacted the Access Staff at the cruise line to inform them of my husband's hearing issues. He was born profoundly deaf but has never used sign language as his primary means of communication. He has always worn hearing aids and learned to lip read extremely well at a young age. Now he has bilateral cochlear implants but does still rely heavily on lip-reading and some interpreting for things like church services, concerts, etc..

RCCL said they would supply interpreters for any deaf guests on board so he will be able to utilize them for shows, etc.. I'm curious if there is special seating that we would need to be aware of ahead of time if we attend the nightly shows/acts? Do guests sign up for specific things they need interpreters for---like for a certain activity? I'm a planner & knowing these things ahead of time will help us to be better prepared.

Has anyone utilized on onboard interpreter & asked if they could mouth the words they are signing? The interpreters locally know my hubby & automatically do this but I know he asks when it is someone he doesn't know. If they can, he appreciates it but if they can't he understands that as well.

Wondering if anyone has any experiences to share...thanks!

My husband and I are going to renew our vows for our 20th anniversary in French Polynesia next year. The ceremony will likely be on a beach.

 

I want to find a white dress, preferably linen or cotton to wear. Something casual but not a bathing suit cover up. Something that will work with flat sandals. Lined is OK, partially lined is better--keep in mind it's going to be in the 90's and very humid where we'll be doing this.

 

Mid-calf or longer or above the knee, but not too short. Nothing on or just below the knee, as it's not flattering on me.

 

I need to be able to wear a bra under it--not a strapless one, but regular, crisscross, or racer back are all fine.

 

No V-neck. Prefer a scoop, princess, or sweetheart neckline. I'm curvy, so it has to have a defined waist or I'll look pregnant--which at my age is pretty funny to think about. Fitted or even clingy works well with my figure.

 

I wear a size 6 in dresses. I'll spend $300 or so for the perfect dress, but would love to keep it under $150. (Of course less is better!)

 

I'd love links to dresses that you might see in your travels around the Interwebs.

 

Thanks ladies!

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20874866

I love this dress, not sure if the lace is your liking but the price is pretty darn good!

Or this one:

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20874806&cp=1760782.4332103&view=99&pg=2&parentPage=family

In my opinion a fanny pack marks you as both a tourist and not one who is particularly savvy as well. A smart cross body bag is a better choice, and traveling light is the best choice. Use an under clothing money wallet for your ID, credit card, and cash (keeping a small amount in a zippered, deep, or snapped pocket for incidental purchases) and you're all set.

I was going to make the same (or at least similar!) remark but read yours first. Then I recognized your name from the DIS boards! :) When we were going there regularly you always had such great advice, I remember seeing pics of your home that you were building in FL. Great to "see" you here as I learn about cruising!:)

I love the Hampton!Just stayed in April.We just let them know when we check in that we are leaving our car there.I always ask if there is some place special I should park it and they tell me near the front so they can keep an eye on it.At the front desk they have menus of places that will deliver and can give you directions to restaurants.There is a steakhouse down the road from them that looks good but never never eaten there so don't know.Very friendly front desk and the shuttle we used last year and that worked out great.We stay here and get a car service to either Manhatten or Brooklyn when we cruise from those ports.More expensive for the car service from there but that is how much we like the Hampton and Hilton there.Very easy to get to when you are not used to driving in the city and I feel safe leaving the car there.

 

Laura

Thanks Laura, great to hear that it worked out so nicely for you! We have visited NYS often enough that we will probably just check in & crash there for the evening. I appreciate the tip about the menus, we may just check out the steakhouse & see. Thanks again!

Thank you for the response, we will go ahead & book the Hampton. Nice to hear that the Hilton offers a tasty dinner as well.

For those who have parked at the Hampton, did you notify them ahead of arrival that you'd be leaving your car or just mention it at check in?

Hello!

Our first time cruising out of Cape Liberty, we are booked on EOS 2/16/14. My family will be driving to the area from Rochester on Sat 2/15, leaving bright & early to be sure to give us plenty of time to get to our hotel.

At this point we are looking at Hampton Inn on Staten Island so we can leave our vehicle while we're gone. The rate we're seeing for 2 adults, 1 child (our teenager) is $151 + tax. I understand there is no restaurant in the hotel but we could either have dinner at the nearby Hilton or drive elsewhere.

Is it correct that we would be arranging the shuttle to the port with the Hilton & not the Hampton? How early do they begin port shuttles & what would be a good time to set this up for? In an email I got from RCCL it states that we will have priority boarding so I'm unsure what this means, time-wise.

Do we need to indicate anywhere on our Hampton reservation that we will be leaving our vehicle on site?