Low Carb Cruise 2009

[lowcarbkiwi]

I am in!!! Both me and my hubby. I will sign up when I get back from vacation. Having this date in my calendar will be incentive to drop some more weight.

Raewyn

[regandy]

RAEWYN... great! I look forward to meeting you! Just off the top of my head I think we have at least a dozen people who have said they are going ... and this is just the first week that we've announced it. I actually have to wait until next week to put my money down, but we'll have fun whether we are 20 or 200.

[pescacat]

I'm interested. When does the ship leave port and when does irt return (I'll probably plan to fly into Houston and fly out so the time of arrival and departure is important) Does the ship stay in the port when we get to cozumel and progreso and if so, for how long or are we sailing most of the time? What kind of excursions do they have...
--Laura

[LChottie07]

Originally Posted by pescacat

I'm interested. When does the ship leave port and when does irt return (I'll probably plan to fly into Houston and fly out so the time of arrival and departure is important) Does the ship stay in the port when we get to cozumel and progreso and if so, for how long or are we sailing most of the time? What kind of excursions do they have...
--Laura

Hi Laura,

This year the ship will leave port on Monday, January 19 at 4:00PM and return on Saturday, January 24 at 8:00AM. It may behoove you to fly in to Houston a day early. The reason that I suggest this, is that this last trip, unfortunately, we had a member of our group who flew in on the day the cruise was to depart and due to bad weather her flight was delayed and she missed the boat. She caught up with us in Cozumel, but sadly missed our formal dinner and 2 days worth of activities. For departing flights, late afternoon/early evening is best due to the length of time it takes to debark and get through customs (at least a 2hr process).

The ship stays ported in Cozumel and and Progresso so you can come and go from the ship if you like. We will spend one full day in each port and 2 full days at sea. So it would go like this....

Monday - Galveston, leaving at about 4PM and sailing through the night.
Tuesday - Full day at sea
Wednesday - Porting in Progresso from 7AM - 3PM (this would mean that you MUST be back on the ship by 3PM)
Thursday - Porting in Cozumel from 8AM - 4PM (MUST be back on ship at 4PM)
Friday - Full day at sea
Saturday - Port back in Galveston to debark starting at 8AM

The excursions at both ports are incredible and the shopping is amazing too! The excursions can be anything from snorkling, to visiting the Myan ruins, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding on the beach, dune buggies, parasailing (I did that this last trip! ), a day trip to a resort beach, or even just plain old shopping!

I hope that answers your question, and believe me.... it is WELL worth it... the price is phenominal for the quality of service and experience! Hope to see you there!!!

[behind_the_mask]

[COLOR="Purple"]This is such a great idea! I'm going to mark my spot on this thread and talk to my hubby about this!!![/COLOR]

[regandy]

Also... the ship pulls out at 4pm BUT they start boarding passengers around noon.

You have to go through the check-in lines. They take your luggage, check your passport, hand you instructions, take your pictures, etc.

My first cruise I got to the port at 1:00pm and it took a little over an hour to get on board. THIS year I got there a little before noon and was through the check-in gate in less than 30 minutes. When you get on the ship there are things to do before we set sail -- they serve lunch on the Lido deck. You can wander around and check out the ship before the crowds hit. It's pretty cool.

I hope you can join us! Whe RARE exceptions, cruising is the BEST vacation for you BUCKS!!

[Amyb1569]

You know what...
I am looking for something to do with Philip for his 18th bday.
I may do this...
It would be wonderful.

[regandy]

Originally Posted by Amyb1569

You know what...
I am looking for something to do with Philip for his 18th bday.
I may do this...
It would be wonderful.

Oh Amyb... I would be thrilled to meet you and Phillip!! Let me know if you have any questions or special needs. We are hoping to have at least 100 people... we have some big plans (sort of like a Low Carb Convention of sorts).

[regandy]

Originally Posted by behind_the_mask

[COLOR="Purple"]This is such a great idea! I'm going to mark my spot on this thread and talk to my hubby about this!!![/COLOR]

Hey Heather... hope it works out. Last year it was really cool to meet face to face ... it was as if had always known each other! hahaha... can't wait.

[blessedtamekia]

Hmmm? Seriously thinking about this! I would love to go. Gonna check time at work!

Tamekia

[Amy Lynn]

hmmm....this looks very tempting...

[teri f]

I am going to check my schedule and talk to DH about this. This sounds like SO much fun! He has been on cruises before but I have not. If he doesn't want to go or can't get the time off, I may see if my DD or BFF would like to go. It would be great to meet some of you after all these years!

[scandalouslyglam]

Oh goodness. I so will need a Vacation! I graduate Nursing school the 15th of January...I am amazed at how affordable this cruise is!! Meals and beverages are included??? Wow! I am going to discuss with my Fiance and Daughter....I think with a little belt tightening, penny pinching and what-not it could be doable.

[LChottie07]

Originally Posted by scandalouslyglam

Oh goodness. I so will need a Vacation! I graduate Nursing school the 15th of January...I am amazed at how affordable this cruise is!! Meals and beverages are included??? Wow! I am going to discuss with my Fiance and Daughter....I think with a little belt tightening, penny pinching and what-not it could be doable.

Slight correction Meals are included yes... and they are (especially at the dinner meal) 5 Star Quality. I think on one evening we had to make a choice between Chateu Briand (an INCREDIBLE steak dish) and Lobster... we also had Escargot for one of our appetizers (seriously not as bad as you would think! Tasted like sauteed mushrooms!) Each dinner meal is a 4 Course experience! So the meals are almost worth it! Drinks are extra that you pay for using your on board account. On the first day on the ship you will have the option of purchasing a "drink card" which will allow you unlimited soda (for all us diet coke fans). Alcohol is separate... but not that unreasonable .

I am so excited about all who are considering joining us!!!! Oh... BTW, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christin and I am your On-Board Cruise Director. I will be working with a few others in setting up some incredible activities and fun times for this amazing adventure! Regandy who set this whole thing up is a dear friend of mine and is your LC Cruising Capitan, she is your Pre-Cruise Coordinator Extrodinaire .

Anyways.... soooo glad to see so many of you and please let us know if you have ANY questions. It promises to be a GREAT vacation!!

[4blessings]

I haven't posted in a long time because I'm having lots of trouble staying on plan. I usually just lurk to get motivation, but I'd [I]love[I] to go on this cruise with everyone. It might just be the motivation I've been needing.

[regandy]

Hey guys. If I could, I would give you a money back guarantee that you would enjoy yourself. I CAN'T.... but it is that much fun!

I hope it works out for you all. Like Christin said, we are working on plans to make it sort of like a "Low Carb Convention". NOTHING is final yet -- but we are looking at some group activities, guest speakers, vendor displays, etc.

Some things to consider:

.... maybe you can carpool or split expenses to get here with other low carber's from your area... ?

..... maybe you can ask for the cruise ticket as your Christmas present .... ?

..... maybe you can find a cabin mate online here ... ? (2 ladies did that this last cruise and now they are VERY good friends... if it hadn't been for the cruise they wouldn't have met face to face -- AndiPandi & JunkInTheTrunk)

If you really really want to do something, there are ways to work around obstacles. Granted there are SOME mountains that aren't moved as easily, such as finances, but you never know what can happen!!

Hope to meet you ALL!!

[MomToEli]

Originally Posted by regandy

Slide shows of the cruise (click on the pictures to view)

Great pics, Becky! Makes me want to go. I think I'll make a deal with dh ... I get to goal, we go.

[Erica L. Butler]

Y'know, I think I'm going on my very first cruise!

This is even affordable!

[jgw]

This sounds great! I will look into this cruise. Thanks for the info.

[Sparkys Girl]

Hey everyone! DH and I are going on this cruise! We are so excited! I can't wait to meet everyone, and this give me another reason to finish losing the rest of this weight!

[jeepifer]

I'm putting a deposit down on a cabin when I get my next paycheck in 2 weeks. I'll probably need a roomie. I was trying to get my BF to join me, but she doesn't think she'll be able to go.

But HEY, I'll have tons of fun hanging around with all of you!!!

And I'm leaving DH and the kids home.

[LChottie07]

Originally Posted by jeepifer

And I'm leaving DH and the kids home.

NO prob there... that's what I did last time too! DH is coming with me this time though cause he thought it sounded like I had TOO MUCH fun without him!! LOL

Amy!!! I'm so glad you'll be joining us!

Everyone else.... so glad to see all the interest here. We're going to have so much fun!

[austintam]

sounds like a ton of fun. I hope to work my way around my financial "mountains" and be able to go as well. I will probably bring my daughter who will just have to miss school.

[trvlpk]

Hi all,

This sounds like a GREAT deal...however could someone explain the price to me. Is it $400 per person or $400 for a double cabin...or $400 for 2 ppl. I just want to make sure I have it correct before I tell the hubby about this.

Sarah

[LChottie07]

Hi Sarah,

It is $400 per person... so it is $800 for a double occupancy cabin. Hope that explains things for ya!

Keep in mind everyone... the deposit ($50 per person so $100 for a cabin) is due on May 6. This is COMPLETELY refundable if you decide that it will not be feasable to go.... but at least you'll secure your spot!!

[jada]

I WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT-IF I COULD SAIL FROM AFRICA TO TEXAS I WOULD............................................. ............

[pescacat]

umm Just a question-does the ship return to Galveston on Jan 23rd or Jan 24th? There are two different dates posted as the return date.

[LChottie07]

It docks back in Galveston on Saturday, January 24. Sorry for the confusion!

[realityjunkee]

I bought my airline ticket to Houston yesterday! I'm very excited!

[LChottie07]

WOOOHOOO!!!! So glad you'll be joining us!!! Bringing a significant other or do you have a roomy yet?