Anyone Going on Costa Magica 3/19?????

[Elaine515]

ok now on to more serious stuff....ok what are you doing to lose weight before the cruise. c'mon I know you are, i'm sure I'm not the only one! give it up and share. i'm not drinking until the cruise. i was going to go the gym today, but I bashed by toe into a chair on Sunday and it's badly bruised can hardly walk on it. it's all black & blue and swollen. figures....just when i got myself motivated to go and work out! i'm going tomorrow no matter what, i'll do some time on the bike.

 

 

Nancy,

 

I am embarrassed to admit that as much as I have said I will, said I'm ready to and said I NEED TO.... I haven't done a thing yet to lose weight!!! Does thinking about it count????

[Elaine515]

Enjoy your cruise on the Magica, the ship truly lives up to its name. I did post a brief review yesterday about our cruise on the Magica last week. It truly is a spectacular floating masterpiece, in all respects. If we can find cheap enough airfares (from Southern California) for next week's sailing, we'd go again, in a heartbeat!

 

 

 

Thanks soooooo much... I read your review and thought it was quite good. I like the way you "talked" about the cruise only and didn't blame the ports, etc. The way you "broke it down" and gave details was wonderful. It's because of posts like yours and Andy's, and the people on this thread, that I know we're going to have a gr8t time.... Keep looking for those cheap airfares and join us!!!

[jlittle]

The majority of passengers will be Americans. Most of us do speak English, some Spanish too! LOL! The staff speak English as well. I just got off the Mediterranea. I overheard a family with 2 boys saying how much fun they had and can't wait to go on a Costa cruise again! Wait till they get a load of that waterslide! There are some good reviews posted on this board as well as the bad ones.

Nancy, if you can spare the time would you please answer some questions? background first; husband & i in our 50's. our 3rd cruise. two daughters in college, their 1st cruise. have cabin on deck 6 forward area. My daughter & I get asthma attacks from exposure to second-hand smoke. Is it really in the restaurants, bars, main atrium, deck bathrooms, buffet, deck eating areas, and pool? Even the smoke doesn't have a "brain" to know to onloy stay above the person who is blowing the smoke into everyone's air. I don't want to be sick again.

Also, did you try any shore excursions on your own instead of booking thru the cruise staff? What excursions did you take you liked? We are active, don't care to shop, and I have enough jewelery so don't need those bargains. Our ports are; SanJuan, St. Thomas, Catalina Is., Casa de Campo, Nassau. Our e-mails are: jlittle@ci.lawrence.ks.us or jerrylittle@sunflower.com 0r blittle@sunflower.com.

Thank you for your help,

Jerry & Brenda Little Lawrence, ks.

[jlittle]

The majority of passengers will be Americans. Most of us do speak English, some Spanish too! LOL! The staff speak English as well. I just got off the Mediterranea. I overheard a family with 2 boys saying how much fun they had and can't wait to go on a Costa cruise again! Wait till they get a load of that waterslide! There are some good reviews posted on this board as well as the bad ones.

Nancy, this is my second request, if you can. What's this Toga thing i have been reading about? :confused: I have two college daughters going with me and they will have only 2 hrs. to pack before leaving for airport. So.. can you help me with what I need know to get for this before?

thanks! blittle@sunflower.com or jerrylittle@sunflower.com.

[llgator]

I was hoping to maybe start an Italian diet on 3/19! Other than that I'm pretty hopeless! LL:D

[rikki racer]

This is so great I can't wait to meet everyone. Our whole group of seven families are at Early dinner. Do not know which dining room yet.

 

Did just receive my docs yesterday I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!

 

I am trying to diet but it is so hard.

 

Most of us our on Deck 2 with I family on deck 6, and a few are still waiting to be assigned.

 

My cabin #'s 2329 and 2325.

 

Working hard on those Toga's I think most of us are going to do it. The others will feel so left out when they don't.

[rikki racer]

I found the website for toga's it is so funny some of the pictures.

 

www.ron-turner/howtomakeatoga.html

[rikki racer]

Sorry the correct address is :(

 

www.ron-turner.com/howtomakeatoga.html

[llgator]

Anyone by any chance in 6371,75, 0r 79? Interested in switching to 6389? I know my chances are low, but we're 5 cabins down from what we wanted to be our kids cabin. They didn't have 2 closer together when we booked, and now everything's booked, so I guess one adult will have to sleep in each cabin. Too far away!:eek:

[OneL815]

Nancy,

 

I too am on a mission to lose 15 pounds before the cruise. Not sure I'm gonna do it, but 10 will do. I have been doing Weight Watchers for a while and also go the the gym 3-5 times a week. Unfortunatley I have been sick for the past week and haven't gone to the gym. I'm really bummed but will try to start tomorrow and not get too sweated up. I am planning to use the gym on board as not to go too overboard with eating and drinking. Whatever you do, good luck.

[taszmom]

jlittle,

I was a 1 night preview, so I only got a little sampler on the Magica...

 

I didn't notice any smoking actually...and I can't stand it myself. If I smell it, I move. There is one non-smoking bar...I was thrilled when I found out...it's the Ballo Spoleto Jazz Lounge. I don't think you can smoke the the Urbino Theatre either. There is no smoking in the dining rooms. Now whether or not people smoke in their staterooms, is a whole other story. It always seems to filter out into the hallway, doesn't it. That's why I love balconies, I can open the door and get fresh air. I'm sure you can smoke in the casino and a few of the other lounges.

 

IN regards to shore excursions, I have not been to San Juan or Casa de Campo yet...new for me. If you want to do shore excursions out side of what the ship has to offer, there are plenty of private tour operators. I'm not sure if I am allowed to say them here, but certainly you can do a search and find one. They usually cost less. HOWEVER, just be aware that the ship will not know where you are and they will not wait for you if you encounter any problems. Once I have visited a port a few times and know my way around, how long it takes to get to places, etc, then I will venture out on my own. New places, I stick with the cruise lines' excursions, but that's just my feeling about it. We're not into shopping either...we love going to the beach or doing some more adventurous stuff. I've been to St. Thomas, so this time I'm taking the ferry over to St. John which is supposed to be gorgeous. I've been doing a little research about the island...sounds wonderful. San Juan I'm not sure about, my DH wants to do the Bacardi tour, I'm sort of thinking the Ruma Flamenco...I like the cultural things.

 

Toga : last night is toga night. They give you bedsheets to wrap and a diagram/pictures wshowing some ways to wrap it. I've been doing some poking around looking for some ideas how to wrap it and lookin for some accessories to go with (and going to need something to wear underneath just in case!). It should be a blast!

[lawyerrose]

Hey, Elaine, looks like we'll be together at early seating. We are with a travel group and have early seating in the Costa Smerelda restaurant. Our cabin is 8300. We're all getting SO EXCITED!!! :D

 

 

'Does this mean that there will be lots of Boynton Beach passengers or is this travel group a bunch of people from all over?

 

Funny thing is I met a woman last night who will be on the ship with her husband and 13 year old son. (But has no desire to join our thread)...Her Mom is also going to be on this cruise but her Mom (who lives in Palm Beach County) actually booked with a large group down in Sunrise!! She will drive to their development on Sunday morning and they have a bus transporting them to the Port.... This woman that Ellen & I met is actually doing the "Park & Sail". She briefly said that she parks somewhere and that a shuttle will then take them to the Port. It's $3. a day cheaper or a difference of $21. For that amount, we figured it's worth parking right at the Port....that way no waiting for a shuttle at the end of the cruise.

 

And, I think this question has been asked before, but I too, am curious....how do you know which dining room you'll be assigned to? Or does that come with the travel group that you all eat together in a preassigned dining room/table assignments???

 

My travel agent told us where the group would be eating. We still get to pick the table size. I think I asked for a table for 6 or 8. Wanted to meet other people.

The group is made up of people from all over. I have no idea who they are. Guess I'll find out.

Meeting up at the top of the ship sounds like a plan. The only thing I worry about regarding the time is whether that will be the same time they do the lifeboat drill?? We're planning on getting to ship about 2pm. We're getting a ride there from a friend who will also be picking us up.

 

I wonder who your friend was? Mom and I went on the Golden Princess on a park and sail thing. It worked out all right, but I'd rather have a friend drive me down. It's quicker and easier.

 

I'm on my diet trying to get ready for the cruise!!! We're telling ourselves we won't "blow it" on the cruise, but I know that's a lie!! lol. PASTA PASTA PASTA!!! Canoli's!! I can almost taste it now! :p

[cronestein]

Sorry the correct address is :(

 

www.ron-turner.com/howtomakeatoga.html

 

 

Thanks what a site.!!!!! I had googled allready but this is the one !

Sent the site all over our country !

Have a good -toga-night and a gentle breeze !

[crusingfun]

hi everyone-every year i get yelled at elaine to get on the thread-this year im not waiting here i am--in francine her sister--im traveling with my husband scott & two boys landon 11 & adam 8--i;m so glad to see so many other kids on this cruise to keep them away from me-- im still deciding on putting on a toga im just not sure--however if its up to you guys seems like i have no choice---my husband on the other hand, you'll have to get him out of the casino first (NOT)

 

i also having been on a diet cause pasta is my weakness & i havent had any since jan 3rd--but on march 9th my SEEFOOD diet starts--any thing i see is gonna be mine--i've been going to the gmy 3-4 times a week & cutting the carbs & snacks---this usally works for me for 5-7 pounds a month--just so i can put it all back on in 7 days---but worth it--

 

cant wait to meet you all--we are gonna have alot of fun cause i need some

fun--anything away from work is fun---ohh well enough said for now-just wanted to get my 2 cents in before i got yelled at by elaine & ellen--

 

see ya soon! FRANCNE :)

[taszmom]

boy are you guys (me too) in trouble....wait til you taste their pastas. I said I was just going to have 2 bites, I ate the whole course! the bolognese sauce was fantastic, my DH had a champagne risotto (i know it's not pasta, but heck it's carbs), and another was seafood marinara with a hunk of lobster & crab adorn on top. try and resist that!

 

meet n greet : from other posters they are saying no muster until the next day. strange. hope we dont' sink before then...LOL! just kidding folks. i can swim, can you? or you just have to wear your life jacket until you know where to muster to. speaking of sinking, Royal caribbean just announced their new ship for 2009 : 5400-6000 passengers!!!!!!! and 40% larger than the newest Freedom of the Seas, like over 200K ton! (Magica is measly 105K ton) Imagine those buffet lines! Plus I wouldn't want to be at the same port of call as that ship...those poor little islands.

 

i just submitted our dining requests. table for 10, table for 8 i'm going to call and see what dining room the 8:30 is at.

 

i've been doing some homework on St. john and the more i read the more i am thinking about skipping costa's excursion and renting a jeep on our own and taking the ferry over to do some beach hopping. the beaches look amazing : Trunk Bay & Cinnamon Bay. plus the national park sounds really nice.

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

Hi everyone:

 

I am new to the Board and my hubby and I are booked for the 3/19 cruise from Ft. Lauderdale.

 

I am so excited that others in the area are booked.

 

I live in Ft. Lauderdale

 

I haven't read this forum yet, but will do so by tomorrow.

 

Anything I need to know, please let me know

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

Allright - I have read all the posts. How exciting. Toga night sounds like fun and by that time we'll need the extra room in our clothes :D

 

We have late seating right now but are waitlisted for early. Don't know if it will come thru or not

 

We are in Stateroom 9291 -

 

We might be a little bit older than some of you - but we are young at heart and love to have a good time. I will be 62 on March 1st and DH is 82 - picture Dick Van Dyke. He looks like him......... LOL

 

Has anyone talked about trying to hook up with someone for dining at the same table??

 

We also are excited about meeting other cruisers who live close to us.

 

I am in No. Ft. Lauderdale about 1 block from US #1. (at the Pompano Beach line) It will take us about 15 minutes to get to the port

 

Anyone coming in the day before, perhaps we can get together - I welcome you at my house

 

If anyone wants to e-mail me for anything that I need to know, please do so at

 

Mimibaboon@yahoo.com

 

 

we have 37 days and 2 hours before cruise time

[Elaine515]

Hi there LETSGOCRUSIN (what's your names???!!!).... Let me know and I'll add you to our Roll Call...

 

Francine & I work on Federal & McNab in the Bellsouth building... Are you near there? How many cruises have you been on? If you have any questions, please ask... I think most of us here should be able to answer them for you.

 

Also, once on-board the ship, go right to the Maitre'd and he should be able to get you a table @ early seating. We are definitely planning a meet & greet but haven't decided on a definite place & time as of yet..

 

 

 

Nancy, I too have read different versions of the Lifeboat Drill time. One review said sailing day and another one said the next day. I say 4:30 is good or right after the Lifeboat Drill if it is the Sunday.

 

 

 

 

We reserved two spots in the Park & Fly tonight. It's $53 on Costa's website which is a savings of $31. I just went along with everyone else....not such a big deal to me.... They say that when we're ready to get off the ship, just give them a call and they should have a shuttle for us within 15 minutes....

 

 

Elaine :)

[taszmom]

elaine, We did the park n fly for a HAL cruise and it was ok. We just had a little trouble when we got off the ship. there were more people than mini-vans...we had to wait for the 3rd go around. that was not fun with a 5 yrd old. then they tried to charge us overtime rates because we came in after the scheduled time...I had to argue with them that I would have been on time, if you had picked me up earlier! argh! they shut up and waived the overtime fee.

 

letsgo cruisin...my MIL is 76 and her sister is 69. My mom is 66 and my step dad is 70....all will be cruisin'. My Mom & StepDad will be @ the 6:15pm dining....they didn't want the late seatng with rest of my gang @ 8:30pm, though I have space for them if they want to join us one night. I lived in Pompano many moons ago when I first came down from jersey...I lived @ Atlantic Blvd just west of Federal. I love Pompano....my DH worked at the old Waterbed City (now City Furniture) right off I-95 there by Cypress Creek.

I used to work right on SE 17th St down in FLL about 3 min from the pier.

 

llgator, i saw your post looking for hotel in FLL or along I-95....I did some checking for you, but everything is like $150+ per night. I even looked in Boynton Beach & West Palm, even more $.

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

Good Morning everyone:

 

Thanks for the welcome, Elaine.

 

My name is Kay and DH's name is Harry

 

We were booked for a Disney June criuse - same ports and same length of cruise - at a price of over 2,000 more than this one. Since I'm not in the habit of driving I-95 and throwing $$'s out the window, I decided to cancel and schedule this one. Not driving to Port Canaveral and driving back.

 

You work at Federal and McNab???? I live around the corner. Could walk to your work. We'll have to have lunch and meet. I would love that. I do not work right now and could have lunch any day.

 

I am right behind Outback off Federal and Cypress Creek Road. I'll send you a PM with my phone number.

 

I'm sure early dining will work out fine. But then again, late would be OK also.

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

Elaine

 

Tried to IM you on AOL. Don't think you were signed on.

 

E-mail me at Harrywillima@bellsouth.net and I'll give you my number

 

K

[Elaine515]

Good Morning Kay.... most times I'm on line after 6:00 at night but usually (except when I'm cruising!!) in bed by 10pm... Because I'm at work by 7AM I have to get to bed early.... I leave my house every morning at 6AM....I really like the meeting for lunch part but I have to tell you the truth... I only get 1/2 hour for lunch and even more importantly, I hate driving I-95 so thats why I get to work soooooo early....so I can leave at 4 or 4:30 and try to avoid the rush hour traffic....

 

Now I've never been on a Disney cruise (and you will never find me on one---they don't have gambling!!!) but I think you will enjoy a Costa cruise much more. Yes, there will be kids, but I don't believe as many as a Disney cruise would have. And, why drive to Pt Canaveral when you're right around the corner from the Port.... Plus, you have all of us on this great Roll Call....!!!!

 

Now I've noticed on the other hand, that Nancy is our Night Person!! I'll be right there with her on the cruise... I help close the casino along with Scott and sometimes Ellen & Sam!!! 3 Card Poker is my favorite...anyone else gonna join us in the casino???

 

Nancy...I was concerned about the "waiting around" with this Park N Fly thing too but, like I mentioned, I'm just going along for the ride and did what everyone else wanted to... I also figure that Doug & Scott can go pick up the cars and we'll wait at the Port for them to come back so its only 2 people waiting for the van and not 10....

 

And I'm beginning to think that the "mature adults" (as they call themselves in Boca!!!) are outnumbering us... My dad is 76 and mom is 71 BUTTTTTT PLEASEEEEEEEE don't tell them that I told!!!! :) They will be married 51 years on February 19th (Lauren's 12th birthday)....

 

I'll try to update our Roll Call again this weekend.....anyone else wanna join us????

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

I know where you are coming from about work. I worked for lawyers in Ft. Lauderdale all my life and it is very demanding and lunch time is "lunch time". LOL Not a problem at all - even with you leaving at 4 pm, I know you get in that rush traffic and I sure don't envy you.

 

I had to go out to Hiatus Road and 595 last week and I thought I was going to go crazy until I got there. For 2-1/2 years I haven't been able to work due to illness and I sure don't miss the traffic.

 

Am so looking forward to this cruise. I have two other families that I have to report back to. We are planning on a Costa Christmas with them either this year or next. We do a lot of crusiing with each other. AM SO EXCITED ABOUT cruising. And more excited about meeting new friends.

 

I will probably ask my daughter to drop us off at the Port. I checked on the parking thru Costa and it was only $54 for the 7 days and that is a pretty good rate. I have a little time to consider it.

 

We don't have any excursions booked - I have been in a cast for five months due to an ankle fusion so I can't do much walking for any distance. FINALLY got it off yesterday. Now, that is exciting. LOL

 

My scooter isn't assessible for all tours. THAT's OK - we still have a wonderful time and enjoy the cruise.

 

Is anyone else on Deck 9???

[Elaine515]

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We're Doing The Doc Dance......YUP.....Got Them Today......

 

 

Yahoooooooooooooooooo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[LETSGOCRUSIN]

Yea for you, Elaine. Ours came on Monday. Was really surprised that they came so early.

 

I also went on line today and filled them out on the Costa site and sent them in through their site also. Now I don't know if I have to give them the ones that are in our packet or not. I'll have them with me just in case.

 

Looking forward to the latest rolll call list Thanks, Elaine.

 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend.