Low Carb Cruise 2009

[regandy]

ATTENTION PEOPLE: I have a really sweet lady that really wants to go on the cruise but needs a room-mate. ANYONE? She is a mature woman and seems very personable.

ANYONE?

[pescacat]

Is the list of excursions (and their cost) available? any news from the cruise line about how their facilities fared in the hurricane? I keep reading about how so many things in Galveston were damaged and their services (power, water, medical etc.) are limited. These poor folks-my prayers go out to them. They have to rebuild their lives and homes as well as their business. Just curious if any official news from the cruise line or hotels and such has been released

[regandy]

Originally Posted by pescacat

Is the list of excursions (and their cost) available? any news from the cruise line about how their facilities fared in the hurricane? I keep reading about how so many things in Galveston were damaged and their services (power, water, medical etc.) are limited. These poor folks-my prayers go out to them. They have to rebuild their lives and homes as well as their business. Just curious if any official news from the cruise line or hotels and such has been released

The list for the excursions won't be posted until after November, after all of the fares are paid in full. You will then be notified of a link at Carnival where you can go and book them for this cruise.

The cruise line is having to use a temporary port in Pasadena (out from the Houston Ship Channel) but should have the regular pier ready by January. As for the hotels, you might have to just look online or call them. I know the larger hotels were okay, but some of the smaller ones might have too much damage.

What is interesting is that they are having a MAJOR bike rally on the island in October -- I don't see how, but they assure everyone it will happen.

[Joycelyn]

I wish I could go on this cruise! Sounds wonderful.

[regandy]

SECOND NOTICE:

THERE IS A LADY NAMED MARY-CLARE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A CABIN MATE. SHE REALLY REALLY WANTS TO GO AND NONE OF HER FRIENDS OR FAMILY CAN GO. SHE LIVES IN THE NORTH EAST; Middle Age?; sweet as can be; taking night classes....

SHE NEEDS A CABIN MATE! ANYONE?? [COLOR="Blue"]... is there another member of your family or another friend who would like to go with you that might be able to room with her?[/COLOR]

Let me know ASAP -- she HAS to know something by the first of November.

[regandy]

This year's cruise "theme song" is MAMMA MIA from the recent movie starring Meryl Streep. Learn it for karoke! There is also a really simple group dance to it, but I suppose we have to wait until it comes out on dvd to learn that.

MAMMA MIA!! ;d

[wannabfit]

Wishing there was a Low Carb cruise leaving out of California ( for us West Coasters)

[regandy]

Well, that is a dream of mine. I would like to see this event grow and then rotate around. We are considering some options and destinations for sailing out of other ports in the years to follow. Only time will tell how it goes.

Hope so!!

[regandy]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have over 40 people booked on the cruise. Interest is picking up!

[COLOR="Red"]The final day to book at the CURRENT rate is November 6th. [/COLOR] (after that date it is subject to go up)

If you have any questions, please contact me by email at xregandyx@yahoo.com

[regandy]

************************************************** ****************
FROM AMELIE AT VACATIONSTOGO:

I was able to get Carnival to refare the group. It will take a little time to update the Vacations To Go confirmations, but they will be updated before the Final Payment is due.

The new rate for category 6A is $402.24 pp total. The old rate was $460.19 pp total.

The new rate for category 4A $382.24 pp total. The old rate was $ 400.19 pp total.

[COLOR="Blue"]Do you think anyone else will be booking into the group? We have an additional 5 cabins in category 6A in the allotment. We will need to let those go by Monday, as Carnival is attempting to recall the unsold space.[/COLOR]
************************************************** ******

Everyone, also understand that our rate [COLOR="Red"]INCLUDES [/COLOR]the taxes, port charges, and fuel surcharge. The rate that you see on the internet of $279 does NOT include those items. So we are still getting a really GREAT rate.

Thanks everyone!
Becky

[shmabby]

hi

i am seriously considering considering this

1. if i do i definately would need a cabinmate, and the middle age lady sounds good (since i'm one myself)

2. i would be coming from atlanta, so i have some questions:

drive or fly

if drive, about how many hours would this be to the port?
if fly, to which TX airport would i want to book a flight, and could i still do the shuttle or is it too late for that?

i really need to do some number crunching and see how much $$ it will cost me to get to the port.

Is there anyone else coming from the Atlanta area?

[regandy]

I sent you an email with some of the information on it.

Hmmm... drive or fly? Well, as for me, I would fly Southwest Airlines -- they have some deals that are cheaper than buying gasoline!! You want to fly into Bush Intercontinental to catch the Carnival shuttle to the pier (around $60-$75). BUT if you want to fly in to Hobby Airport, which is on the south part of Houston, closer to Galveston, you would have to take a taxi (don't know the cost of those) -- UNLESS --

If you plan on staying overnight in Galveston, some of the hotels run a shuttle from Hobby Airport. You will have to ask as you make reservations.

Also be SURE to allow a LOT of time. We can start boarding the ship around noon, but it pulls out at 4pm. Allow for traffic, delays, luggage, security, etc. I would plan on being at the docks NO LATER than 2:00pm (earlier is better). GOING HOME is another story! hahaha

The cruise is a BLAST, but getting off the ship is a bad/hard/yucky process. Although we pull into the docks during the early morning hours, they don't start calling for disembarkment until after 10:00 am ... and it can take a couple of hours. You will have time for breakfast and last minute good-byes. THEN add another 2 or 3 hours to get back to the airport... I wouldn't schedule a return flight until after 4:00pm to be on the safe side.

Now about driving:

My son used to live in Savannah and we drove to see him a couple of times. It took I'm thinking -- around 12 hours, give or take an hour! hahahaha We did it as an "overnight" trip - took a day and 1/2. Not much to see going I-10 through Jacksonville and across the panhandle through Mississippi & Louisiana, but it's good highway. (I have another son that lives in Jacksonville)


Hope this helps!

Also remember that the cruise price is "inclusive" -- port charges, taxes, & fuel charge.

[shmabby]

ok here goes

if i can find a decent priced airfare i'm ready to do this i assuming i can find one or two roomates who care to share room and room rates.

[Songwriter]

I have often wondered about having social events built around cooking low carb dishes. Especially since I am single and not a good cook, haha. Your cruise would be even more interesting if it included informal cooking lessons for various people to share how they do day to day stuff. Then you can really pig out with the cruise line meals.

[regandy]

Originally Posted by Songwriter

I have often wondered about having social events built around cooking low carb dishes. Especially since I am single and not a good cook, haha. Your cruise would be even more interesting if it included informal cooking lessons for various people to share how they do day to day stuff. Then you can really pig out with the cruise line meals.

Well, on the one hand, Dana Carpender is going to be there and she is supposed to do some cooking demo's or at least talk about some of her recipes.

BUT as far as pigging out in the cruise line... er.. uh.. well... your conscience has to be your guide! hahahaha

I usually do great for the first several days, but by the end of the cruise I've been as good as I can be for as long as i can stand it! hahaha I have to have the chocolate molten lava cake -- and there is NO sugar free option for that one.

ALTHOUGH -- they do have a sugar free New York Cheesecake that is wonderful.

[Songwriter]

I am at the point that I am able to turn away from cakes and pies and pastries, no problem. I don't think I would succumb to that unless it's that low carb cheesecake. Hey, I might have to save up for that. But knowledge... that is SO helpful... how to cook everyday stuff. I really do think it could make your cruise an even bigger hit. Rather than just going to hang out with people who like low carb. Even though, that is fine and dandy. Cruises are fun, for sure.

I met a dream girl on a cruise. It was literally like the love boat. And then she stomped on my heart. Her sister warned me and I thought no way, this is going great! But the last night, she turned into the devil. I'd bet a c-note that Little Miss Perfect had a man at home. She just used me for my body. Then, dumped me. It was fun for four days anyway, haha.

[shmabby]

1. for our group it would be sweet if they posted carb counts on the menus

2. looks like my roomie and are will be spending sunday night in Houston. So for all you Texans, if we have an afternoon/evening/morning in Houston, what sites do you recommend? So far, i've heard about space center, zoo, aquarium, and natural science museum. If you only had a day and this was your very first trip, what's the best to do?

3. i can't believe i'm finally going on a cruise!!!!! Looking forward to meeting all of you

[regandy]

They do sort of have the menu "detailed" but not with all of the counts. There is a part of it called "Spa Fare" that has some lighter items, BUT those are mostly "low fat".

Houston has SO MUCH to do, especially around Galveston. It would depend upon where you guys are staying as to what we can recommend.

[COLOR="Red"]BY THE WAY -- to everyone:

CARNIVAL IS NOW RUNNING A SHUTTLE FROM BOTH AIRPORTS!! This is good news because some of the less expensive airlines use Hobby Airport instead of Bush International.[/COLOR]

[dgilky]

Hello. I am new to this website and have been looking for something like this for a long time. I love low carbing but working with negative people is very hard on the LC.The cruise is an initiative to work for to stay regular on this. I realize it is to late for me jump aboard this so when next year will it be good for me to find out when the 2010 cruise is?
Diane from Illinois

[regandy]

Originally Posted by dgilky

Hello. I am new to this website and have been looking for something like this for a long time. I love low carbing but working with negative people is very hard on the LC.The cruise is an initiative to work for to stay regular on this. I realize it is to late for me jump aboard this so when next year will it be good for me to find out when the 2010 cruise is?
Diane from Illinois

It is NOT too late on our end. In fact, Carnival dropped the ticket prices! If you are really interested in going with us in January, you can PM me or email me and I'll get you the information.

Becky

[dgilky]

Hello again. Thank you for the reply. Could you please send me information on the cruise. I am going to try and talk my husband on going. Thank you so much!! This helps me motivate to stay on the LC, something to look forward to and work harder at staying on the new life. Low carbing worked for me 31 years ago when the Dr. Atkins revolutionary diet book first came out and I felt great. Many years in between and so much happening in between I never stayed with it but always would go back to it and never felt so much better being on it. I can tell the difference.
Diane

[regandy]

Originally Posted by dgilky

Hello again. Thank you for the reply. Could you please send me information on the cruise. I am going to try and talk my husband on going. Thank you so much!! This helps me motivate to stay on the LC, something to look forward to and work harder at staying on the new life. Low carbing worked for me 31 years ago when the Dr. Atkins revolutionary diet book first came out and I felt great. Many years in between and so much happening in between I never stayed with it but always would go back to it and never felt so much better being on it. I can tell the difference.
Diane

You can get the information that I have posted here OR you can go to Free forum : Low Carb Community Cruise to see some general information (SOME is from last year's cruise, but not much has changed except the date and the price).

AND you can email me at xregandyx@yahoo.com and I'll send you the links to the registration information.

Glad you are considering going! We have a LOT of good speakers lined up.

[regandy]

AND FOR ANYONE ELSE STILL CURIOUS:

The final payment date was last Friday, but there are still cabins available. I cannot guarantee the current rate, BUT I don't think that it will have changed much. The only thing that you need to check on would be airfare from where you live to Houston (either Bush International Airport or William P. Hobby Airport). Everyone is responsible for arranging their own airfare (besides, it's cheaper that way too).

ALSO TELL YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY, that there are other people bringing guests that aren't particularly on a diet. hahaha... We have about 40 people going so far and there are no diet police -- we will just have to let our conscience and our convictions be our guide. BUT in a group, it is easier to help each other make better choices. I learned that last year! hahahaha This is the 3rd year that I have done this and it just keeps getting better.

You probably need to make a decision THIS WEEK, because I am not sure when the last cut-off date is. I will let you know, if I can find that out for sure. Hope this helps! I'll be looking forward to meeting you if you can make the arrangments!

Here is the actual registration page:
https://secure.vacationstogo.com/vtg...=9263&s=872758

Here is the Carnival website where you can see the ship and the types of rooms. Carnival Cruise Lines: cruise ship vacations, cruise deals We will be on the Ecstasy our of Galveston.

The dates are as follows:
Day Date Port or Activity Arrive Depart
Mon Jan 19 Galveston, TX (need to be there at least by 2pm to check in) 4:00pm
Tue Jan 20 At Sea (group meeting in the morning)
Wed Jan 21 Progreso / Merida, Mexico 7:00am 3:00pm
Thu Jan 22 Cozumel, Mexico 8:00am 4:00pm
Fri Jan 23 At Sea (group meeting in the morning)
Sat Jan 24 Galveston, TX 8:00am (but can't disembark until after 10:00am)



AND MORE INFORMATION:

I was able to get Carnival to refare the group.

The new rate for category 6A (window) is $402.24 pp total. The old rate was $460.19 pp total.

The new rate for category 4A (inside) $382.24 pp total. The old rate was $ 400.19 pp total.

We have an additional 5 cabins in category 6A in the allotment.

Everyone, also understand that our rate INCLUDES the taxes, port charges, and fuel surcharge.

HERE ARE THE GUEST SPEAKERS:


First, I wanted to remind you of the special guests we will have on board with us for this cruise:


DR. ERIC WESTMAN
Generally recognized by his scholastic peers as one of the premier researchers on low-carb diets, Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University is a young man forging new ground in the research world by allowing the evidence for the low-carbohydrate nutritional approach speak for itself in his study participants and in the patients he sees each week in his clinic. Unlike many in the research community, Dr. Westman makes the complex issues much more understandable to the layman and he delivers that message in his trademark soft-spoken delivery style that will cause you to lean in and listen to every word he speaks. We are truly privileged to have him join us and share what he has learned over the years studying the healthy low-carb lifestyle.


JACKIE EBERSTEIN
Who better to come with us on a low-carb cruise than someone who worked directly with the late, great Dr. Robert C. Atkins for three decades helping patient after patient lose weight and regain their health? That’s what we’re getting in Jackie Eberstein, a registered nurse who was right there from the very beginning in the 1970s when Dr. Atkins first started taking the arrows for his insistence on promoting a high-fat, low-carb dietary approach. Don’t you know Jackie has some stories to tell about Dr. Atkins and you’ll likely get to hear many of them when you come on the cruise. She’s also arguably the most knowledgeable Atkins diet expert in the world today as you can see on her web site Controlled Carbohydrate Nutrition.


DR. JAMES CARLSON
Although I only met him online just a few short months ago, Dr. James Carlson has already shown himself to be a staunch advocate of low-carb and backs up everything he says with solid research and proof. As he did in his book entitled GENOCIDE!, Dr. Carlson will bring that passion and zeal for sharing the truth about low-carb living when he speaks to us on the cruise.


DANA CARPENDER
If you’ve been around the low-carb community for a little while, then there’s little doubt you’ve already heard of Dana Carpender. She is what I have described as the “Low-Carb Cooking Goddess” as she has authored numerous bestselling low-carb cookbooks over the years. Dana’s latest release is a companion book to Rob Thompson’s Glycemic Load Diet called The Glycemic Load Diet Cookbook with more signature Dana Carpender recipes for low-carbers to enjoy. You won’t want to miss Dana’s special cooking seminar on the cruise! Check out Dana’s fabulous web site HoldTheToast.com.


JUDY BARNES BAKER
One of the sweetest people you will ever meet in your life will be on this cruise and her name is Judy Barnes Baker, author of the fabulous low-carb cookbook that came out last year called CARB WARS: Sugar Is The New Fat. If you need to know anything about low-carb ingredients, including the various sugar alternatives, low-carb flour substitutes, and anything cooking-related, then Judy is your gal! I look forward to meeting her in person for the first time on the cruise and hearing what she has to share with all of us about her joys in the kitchen. Bookmark Judy’s CARB WARS Blog to see what she’s up to nowadays.

[Ace-of-Steak]

Just chiming in to say that Dr. James Carlson is my doc here in New York. You are all in for a treat when you meet him and hear his presentation. Not only is the man brilliant and super kind but he walks the walk. The individual education and support I receive from him has helped me turn my life around.

Have fun on the cruise! Perhaps I'll be able to make next year's event.

[regandy]

Originally Posted by Ace-of-Steak

Just chiming in to say that Dr. James Carlson is my doc here in New York. You are all in for a treat when you meet him and hear his presentation. Not only is the man brilliant and super kind but he walks the walk. The individual education and support I receive from him has helped me turn my life around.

Have fun on the cruise! Perhaps I'll be able to make next year's event.

Thanks so much for letting us know about Dr. Carlson. I am excited about all of our guest speakers. Dana Carpender is going to actually do a cooking DEMO.

I HOPE we can do one next year... my dh is just about ready for me to stay home one year. hahahaha. He cannot understand how I can go on the same boat to the same places year after year. Of course, he doesn't like the water, eating out, or shopping... go figure!

[Toridoll2004]

I really wish I could participate in this (its too late, and I don't have money, I'm wedding planning ) but, maybe if you all do this next year, we can do this for our honeymoon!

[kerri]

I have just spotted this..Sure do hope you do this again...I will surly go...Have a wonderful Low Carb trip....

[regandy]

Hey everyone! ONLY 27 days until we sail. There is STILL room... Carnival is scrambling to fill the Galveston ships. The price has NOT GONE UP.. and it isn't too late to sign up, if you really want to go.

The only obstacle is the FLIGHT to Houston. IF you can overcome THAT, come sail with us!!

[nadi namaki]

I really wish i could come. My only problem is that i cant leave my son alone. Ayayayay....And i live North East.........DH can not take leaves to take care of our son..........

[kerri]

Wish I could go but I have no room mate......Rates are for 2 people....