bwood,
No problem. That's what this forum is all about.

Please, at least try to disembark at Cabo. Cabo, to me, was nicer than Mazatlan. Cabo has more of an American feel to it. Even if you just get off of the ship and go to Cabo Wabo and get yourself a drink. Sammy Hagar owns the establishment.

If you do decide to not get off, the ship will tender into Cabo. There is no pier. Although, where the ship is anchored, you can see beautifully... Lover's Beach, The Arch, and the general "facade", if you will, of Cabo. Make sure to bring binoculars to see the sea lions perched on the rocks at The Arch. As Pride departs Cabo in the evening, you should, basically, glide out. You will be able to hear the sea lions "barking".

A'ndrea

Thanks Andrea, I am sure I will, I was just feeling tired when I wrote that post, plus, it's knowing that I don't HAVE to do anything.

I probably will go to Hagar's place and have a drink. Look around a little, just don't want the pressure of a scheduled excursion, but knowing my family, I may end doing that anyway.

I have the binoculars in the bag, just left them off the post... oops, (in fact, that is the ONLY thing DH has packed himself.)

getting so excited.

Someone PLEASE sneak me in a suitcase and take me with you! I need to be on a cruise TODAY!!!

Let's see...FIL is STILL in the hospital (3 wks now) ...my Mother fell at Safeway last Friday and broke her ankle in 3 places -had surgery yesterday -and will spend the next 2/3 weeks in a rehab/conv.hospital ....so I am trying to figure out what bills need to be paid-what hasn't been paid, etc. all with her being in a Morphine daze ... DH is SOOOOO pissy this week and that word is being way too nice! (ANd yes A'ndrea I meant to use the guy with the middle finger on that one!!!) -and oh yes...my Mother was my transportation for my son who starts 8th grade on Monday. Hummmm is 8 miles too far to walk to school for a 13 yr. old It's not uphill, nor in the snow...and I will buy him some shoes!

Ok done venting...but I really do wish I was going with one of you on your cruise!
Cynthia you are closer...only 10 days - WOW...better make some room for me - I'm jumping into one of those carryons! I can't wait to hear what you think of the Pride. So far it's all thumbs up from A'ndrea and Diana It's fun to hear everyones reviews. Each one just gets better and better!

Diana - I hope you are feeling better. I have had my share of hospitals, doctors & nurses this past week - I really couldn't take much more! Sooooo GET BETTER!!!!

bwood - I REALLY can't wait for your cruise, because that means I am almost on mine! And thanks for a reminder on that list - I need to start one soon. Too hard to find those summer items in nearly October! But great tip on eBay - never thought of that...and I am always on there!!!

Well better get back to work - thank you all for letting me blow of some steam. (I'll be back soon - it doesn't take too long for it to build back up again!)
Michele

We have lots of luggage - if you all fit the weight limits I'd be HAPPY to bring you!!!

I think cruising is perfect for people with stressful lives (even though I'm pretty stressed trying to make sure I have everything ). Two years ago I had the year from hell. I'm a single mother, full time worker, full time student. That May (2005) my father unexpectedly died (during finals, too!). Two months later my significant other, a very fit, 45 year old kung fu instructor had to have a double hip replacement. After his first surgery while I was trying to care for him, my 60 year old mother was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. The month after my SO's second surgery my mom very unexpectedly died. All this happened in less than five months! After that was a year of more working, mothering, and studying all while trying to sell my parents' house and taking care of their estate.

Life is definitely tough sometimes. We should all feel very very lucky that we have the ability to take these breaks and go on these wonderful vacations, because so many people do not.

On a happier note, I once bought a beautiful long dress from eBay, size 12. When it arrived I pulled it out of the box... and it was about 2-1/2 feet long!!! It was a size 12 in GIRLS!!! Luckily, it fit my daughter perfectly at the time, and I am much more careful when checking the sizes on eBay!

Ebay purchases.... I am a very very particular buyer on ebay. I ask for measurements if they are not there already, and I mean all the measurements, bust, waist, hips, length, inseam if applicable, etc. And I do not buy from anyone with less than 99% positive feedback. Out of over 30 garment purchases, I only have one where the legs were too big and it was an easy one to seam up a little.

very lucky...

And another plus is that my mail lady and I are getting to be very good friends. She is so sweet and anxious to hear about all my treasures.

I have bought quite a lot on eBay in past years. I am a comic book collector and my collection grew quite drastically through eBay . I have had very few problems, but learned a lesson from each one. I even bought a car, a convertible LeBaron, and it was a great deal. If only you could get cruise tickets on eBay! Actually... maybe I should go check...

WOW!
My life is a complete and total bore compared to you guys!

I'm just not that interesting.

Michele, I can't believe your schools are going back already. You must get out much earlier than we do on the east coast. My daughter goes back after labor day. Her classes end at the end of June.

Is there anyway you can work out a carpool with a school friend for awhile?

My gosh. I guess it's true. When it rains, it pours.

I'm sorry you've been through so much lately. And, Cynthia, you've had your fair share as well.


I know what you all need.

A LONG, RELAXING CRUISE.
A'ndrea

Hi All - well today is much better...I can actually focus. The "rehab" center they put my mom in is actually a all out convalescent home-which kindof shocked me when I walked in. They have a rehab section too. It's hard to see her there. Anyway...it will all work out and she will just have to work hard to get home....and THANK GOD I got that trip insurance for the cruise!!!! Who knows what will happen by October...I'm on a bad luck streak lately!!!

Speaking of bad luck and eBay...I lost my wedding ring about 2 months ago and it's been killing me. Unsure if the 3yr old decided to flush it or the 10 mo. old Golden Retriever ate it...it just vanished! Got to work and I only had 2 rings on my hands instead of 3 - Anyway I found the exact ring (granted I got married 15 years ago!) on eBay. It even has the "bridal" part I guess you call it that we never got. It's a great deal, the guy has been wonderful, and I even get the upgrade with the extra part. I am hoping to get it next week. I CAN'T WAIT to see it!!! Of course I know the minute it arrives at the house I will find mine...but to actually find my exact ring I couldn't pass this up!

The kids here are on a "modified traditional" school year. They start the last week July or first week in August and get out beginning of June. The have approx. 7 weeks of summer vacation...but they have 2 weeks of vacation for their breaks during the school year. 2 weeks in October (thus the cruise at that time), in December and in March for Spring break. It works out nice...not soooo long during the summer and then they get mini vacations throughout the school year. Nice for family vacations!

Well back to work! Have a great weekend everyone!

I thought of another question! I've been hearing a lot about rain in port recently. All of our excursions are booked through Carnival. If the weather gets really bad and cancels one of our excursions, would we get our money back? We do not have travel insurance.

In good news, I bought a cruise magazine today and when I showed it to my boyfriend he got a very happy, excited glimmer in his eye. I am taking him on the Spirit in January for our 5 year anniversary. The first glimpse of excitement about the cruise that I've seen from him so far! Not that he didn't want to go, but he's pretty used to me dragging him on all kinds of adventures, some which turn out well and some which do not. But now I think he is really looking forward to our cruise and that makes me happy!

Cynthia that I don't have the experience for. Maybe Andrea would have the answer for you. I am glad that your boyfriend is getting excited. My husband gets dragged around to all of our vacations. I just let him know which days he needs off. I am the planner of ALL vacations and excursions too. He was still asking me the week before the cruise. Which cruise is this the Mexican or Caribbean! AAHHHHH. Sometimes I feel like I am talking to myself!

Hey Michele, I am glad your mom is doing better. I have been here at my dad's house cooking and cleaning and trying to get him to be a little more independent. My mom baby's him so much. I took him out for a drive today. He seemed so much better. I told him he just needs some sun and fresh air. I will be praying for your mom's quick recovery.

Your son's school schedule sounds like mine. I have july, oct, 2 weeks in december and march off. I start next Monday.

I feel as if all i have done is KAISER KAISER KAISER. I was very fortunate to have my cruise in between. I was watching the video of it the other day and wish I was on it.

Sorry about the rambling but it has been a loooonnng day.

So is everyone ready for their cruise? How is the weather in NY Andrea?

Another question!
I know we tender into Cabo. I keep hearing that you get your tender ticket by order that you stand in line for it - but if I have a Carnival booked excursion set for 9:30am, do I still stand in line? Or will we get priority? I am nervous about this but can't believe they would let us miss our excursion time since we booked through the cruise. Anyone know?

Hi Cynthia.

First question. Yes. If Carnival cancels due to inclement weather or any other reason, your money is refunded. If you are sick or you cancel, you eat the ticket cost.


Second question. We booked our snorkeling in Chileno Bay excursion through Carnival before we left home. Our tickets were in our cabin when we embarked Pride. Your tickets should state where to meet on the morning of your excursion. The ship is also very good about making P.A. announcements regarding excursion debarkation.

My advice would be to eat in the dining room early, order room service, or grab an early breakfast on the Lido Deck.

A'ndrea

Thank you! And yes, we're planning on room service breakfast on port days, as they will all be early mornings. I can't believe that this time next week I'll be on the ship!

You are going to love Pride. I'll be interested to see if the Maitre'd snubs you in the Normandie Dining Room. He'll be your best friend on Saturday evening (last night at sea).

Have a wonderful, exciting, family adventure cruise.
A'ndrea

cynthia, I am just so very excited for you. I will be anxiously awaiting your wonderful posts once you get home.

We will be on the Pride Sep 2 and I am just about to go nuts with excitement.

I have tried on all my clothes at least three times and my evening gown 4 times. LOL

Already packing some but I know that there will still be last minute stuff.

If you get a chance to check out Upper Deck, port side, that's where our cabins will be, right near the Atrium... 5202, 5206 and 5208...

Whoever is in 5204 is probably going to get an earfull as my sis and I and our DH's are in 06 and 08 and our brother is in 5202 so we will have to holler around the 5204 balcony to get his attention. lol

I wish you the very best cruise ever and can't wait to hear all about it.

Hi Cynthia
I am sorry I didn't answer your question sooner. We do tender at Cabo but there was no ticket required. When we got off at 8:00 we walked right up to the tender. Also, if you have excursions booked through carnival, they will give you a place to meet. Trust me they have it all taken care of.

Cynthia, in case I don't get a chance again before you leave,


BON VOYAGE !!!

Have a great cruise and be sure and let us know how wonderful it is.

brenda

cynthia
Enjoy your cruise! Can't wait to read your review.

Thanks all! I'm still here. My frenzy of excitement has risen to a level of extreme calm now, haha. I think I am as prepared as I can possibly be, now I'm just trying to not have a stroke before Sunday morning. I will definitely post a goodbye late Saturday night. The taxi will arrive at 6am Sunday and we'll board our plane around 8am. I lived in Long Beach in the late 80's and I'm happy even to just see my old city. All I have to do now is get some cash from the bank. Does anyone know how easy it is to cash travelers checks at the Pursar's desk, and will they have lots of small bills for me? I'm debating if I should just take a lot of cash with me. Other than that I'm just trying to remain calm until Sunday morning. I'll definitely be thinking of you all as I board, and just know that I am really grateful for all the advice you've given me!