Cruise in 2010 anyone?

I know, times are lean and very hard for everyone.  I was just wanting to throw this out there.  I am planning on trying to organize a group to go on a cruise in spring of 2010.  If anyone is interested at all, please let me know.  This is the very basic information gathering stages.  I need some idea of number of guests taking the trip to get some figures rolling.  If you want to consider trying to go... please send me a message on my OH profile or email me at [email protected]. 

Things I do know at this point:

The down payment is $200 each at the time of the booking. 
The cruise portion has to be paid in full 90 days before we sail.
Airfare or transportation to the pier will be seperate.
The 7 day trips are usually about $600 per person with double occupancy for a basic room.
If you have 4 people to a room it is even cheaper.
The cruise fare includes, room, food, and most all entertainment.

I thought it would be a blast to get some of our OH family together and see if maybe by April of 2009 we can book a trip and plan it all out.  I am looking for anyone who wants to go.  Everyone is invited from the board.  If you have questions, please contact me.

Can't wait to hear from you.

Tracy....

I'll have to wait & see health-wise. If they have a diagnosis by April, I'll talk with Bill about it...and hopefully can talk him into it.

I think timing-wise, economically, that would be good. At least if they send another stimulus check out, folks can plan to use $400/couple for that..lol! Speaking of that...what do you think about an early summer cruise instead? May maybe so that it is before huricaine season starts? That way, people won't be having to come up with the other $400 per person right at or right after Christmas....?

For 4 people to a room, what kind/how many beds are in there? If I can't Bill to go and my tummy is fixed, this may be an option for me. OMG.it would be a slumber party every night! LOL!

What cruise-line is this?

Thank you for looking into this for us!

Sherri

Hey Tracey,
 I know Floyd & Brenda went with the OH cruise this past yr. & had a blast!!!! I imagine there will be another one this next yr. etc. I just thought  I'd let you know about it, cause it is totally OH folks & set up for the entire cruise to be Bari friendly. You might want to check with them. Just a thought! By then I might be able to go- but nothing next yr-we are going to Hawaii with our friends for their 40th anniversary---Aloha.

Sherri, I always go on Carnival Cruise lines.  They are very laid back and easy going.  The rooms that accomdate 4 people are all twin size beds.  One is the sofa sleeper, the other is a bunk that is a drop down over the sofa sleeper.  Then the normal beds are two twins that can be put together to make a queen size or left apart to be individual.

I was thinking that maybe by the end of April 2009  people might have their tax returns so they could afford the down payment. 

As for the trip date.  It's open for discussion.  I prefer to take spring trips.  I think it is better weather in the Carribean then and not so hot that you fry.  Plus, hurricane season starts June to November so we avoid that.  The rates are lower in April then any other time.  There are fewer kids on the ship at that time but there are some.  My kids actually preferred it with the fewer kids because they got more play time in the arcades and pool without being overcrowded.

Carnival has also started making "Adult only" areas for those who prefer not to deal with kids splashing around the pool.  It's very relaxing and they have their own adult pool away from the waterslide.  If you want to be a kid, that's cool too.  They have a million things to do.  LOL.

Hey...that 'adult only' area is the place for me!!

I love kids..but....I swear I'm 'allergic' to them! LOL! As I told the workers at Ryan's,  if I don't feel comfortable making a kid behave, I'd just as soon not be around them because so many parents don't do it.

So basically, I don't mind my grandkids..but....I don't wanna take a cruise with them either.

Maybe the latest in April that we could get and yet get a good rate? That would still put it the end of January though that people would have to come up with the rest of the money.

Sherri

Sherri, we go most often around April 25 or so.  It is the last week for the lowest rate.  We have also paid it off by Feb. 15th.  Not sure if they do it 60 days prior to sale.  Either way, people can pay as the year goes.  They don't have to wait until 2010 to finish paying.  We paid something each month as we could.  The airlines reservation is the only thing that had to be paid up front.

We typically fly down on Saturday and then say the night at a hotel by the airport that takes us to the pier for free.  They also pick us up from the airport for free.  As long as you are at the pier by 3:00 pm you will make the ship in time to sail.  I just don't like to chance it because of a flight delay so we go down the night before.  It is more relaxing that way too.

I understand about the kids.  I really loved our cruise without them for a change of pace.