ROLL CALL: 2/25/07 Caribbean Princess

[mikec5426]

Mike, let's just say my parents were ecstatic when I told them I was changing careers and heading to law school... the stories *are* better over drinks, but for many years I produced and directed videos of the more exotic variety... mostly, believe it or not, about wrestling and, yes, super heroes... but also some very mainstream stuff...

 

BTW, you two make a cute couple!

 

I had a fleeting thought of being the plus sized wonder woman, but the one and only time I did drag, I looked like someone's maiden aunt. I also don't like the idea of a wig in that humidity...it would be like wearing wool cap. So I am still very much scratching my head... I may take a ride over to the costume place I told Christopher about this week and see what they have..(Christopher I'll let you know if it's worth it.)

 

Matt,

 

I would LOVE for your to share some of those stories! I am sure you have a few good ones!!

 

Thank you! We have been together since I was 20!! We both turn 30 this year!! ;)

 

A plus sized wonder woman does sound great! hehe I say go for it!

[BucknJeff]

Porn stars? Might be fun for about five minutes just to say you met them but I'd trade them for a Kathy Griffin or a Xtina anyday.

 

I couldn't agree more. I think RSVP is missing the mark with this one. We actually thought of going on Rosies cruise, even though we are not "kids" people. Have you seen that entertainment lineup?

 

I'm not sure what part Planet Out has of this. I know some people there, and will try to chat about it on the cruise.

 

I'm sure we will have fun, but it's a lackluster group IMHO.

 

Thank goodness for Church Bingo!

 

Thing is, it takes a bit more than Church Bingo to make an impression and further repeat business. I'm bringing 4 new couples on this trip, riding the wave of excitement we felt after the mexico trip (and the discount didn't hurt either). I hope they are not turned off and are therefore not repeat customers. That would make less of the potential RSVP has in that discount program. I only hope they have a last minute bombshell to drop!

 

Why don't soapboxes have railings to make it easier to get off of them?

[2cruisinchiks]

Buck

 

Just give the Divine Miss M a call and see if she can do us all a little favor. Hell, she can room with Maria and I. Bette can sleep on the couch......did I say that?

[MattInFLL]

Well Man of the Year was a "serious" film that ended up on the film festival circuit, and on cable tv at a time when there really was no gay product on cable tv... and he was never really thought of as a porno star, since he did nothing more than appear in Playgirl.... but XXX porn stars in the flesh is a very different vibe...and I know from personal experience that usually porn stars are better left on your TV :) It just struck me funny, and I guess I am not the only one...

 

I am excited about Kimberly Locke, I like her voice...

[2seattleguys]

hi guys after reading and reading thought we would say hi< and looking forward to meeting you all! we had a great time on the mexican riviera cruise and were coming back for more!

[dendren]

Max and Steven… my guess would be the ballz t-dance would be most likely the closest thing to sarong t-dance. On the October cruise they didn’t have anything even close, but there was one t-dance were there were a handful of us in sarongs… and a handful of guys in barrels with their dicks out LOL Rare that anyone does sarongs on the sail away party, people are still in the getting to know you mode and it’s too early for that kind of ice-breaker (not to mention it’s often chilly the first day). The underwear or leather party (whichever comes first) generally loosens things up and brings on a friendlier atmosphere for the rest of the trip. I’ll be in my sarong for the ballz dance for sure, and maybe even trashy tourist… always good to maximize ones outfits :)

 

RMS… damn… I was supposed to bring chocolate chip cookies with me when I was a-visiting??? I knew I forgot *something*. Oh, and the porn star in the chapel on the Mexico cruise… I’m SO glad to hear I’m not the only one that was completely perplexed and unimpressed by that.

 

MikeC… the inside cabin accommodated 4 just fine… could prolly squeeze more in if necessary (grin). Costumes and heat… last year I wore a flight suit for the leather party and thought I was going to die in the heat. I might do the flight suit again but I’ve pretty much dropped the whole costume thing at this point and stick with shorts and tank… granted red tank for red party, and super-bear shirt for superhero etc.

 

Buck… thanks for the heads up on entertainment. Interesting lineup. I agree, this feels a bit lacking compared to the Mexico cruise in October. But… it’s still way better than the previous few cruises (Crystal Waters last year… not fun). I enjoyed Kristine W on the Mexico cruise… but two cruises in a row? Not sure about that. In any case, it’s gonna be a great week no matter who entertains tho, can’t go wrong with all the great guys and gals who are on the ship with us :)

[MattInFLL]

Phil - curious... they were wearing barrels? Is that a clothing term I do not know?

 

On the first Westerdam week last year, we had...ummm.. gosh her name just flew out of my head...oh Taylor Dayne. It was more fun to see her around the ship than performing (I loved her music back in the day, though)... I would go see Amy and Freddy over and over... But I would be doing you know what in my jeans if we had Kathy Griffin or similar. I'm much more into comics. But as Phil said, I plan on having a wonderful time no matter what. A couple of friends were on the Mexico cruise, and were not into any of the entertainment ahead of time, and still had a blast. I had a blast last year, and really didn't even think about the entertainment ahead of time.

 

So boys and girls - just one formal night. Are the tux people still in? Personally, I'm feeling a suit or sportcoat/tie in my future. The rental fee is worth it for two formal nights...not sure about one...and frankly reading their letter about it made it seem like an afterthought... kinda like, "well, yeah we'll have one...not required...just remember no tank tops in the dining room.." Life gets more and more casual onboard cruise ships.

 

BTW, Tom - I plan on being there at 10:30ish, too...Ralph will try to push me to 11.

 

Buck - were those parties in order of the days? If so, any idea if red party is a tea dance or a night time thing? (Thinking to plan a CC gathering on Monday.)

 

Welcome to our friends from Seattle!

 

I really should go to bed now. I have to drive Ralph to the airport in 3 1/2 hours :)

[cjswitzerland]

Thanks BucknJeff for the heads up.

 

I should get my envelope from RSVP today as I have follwed the Fed EX tracking to my area at least.

 

Jason Dudey was on the Atlantis Mexican Riviera in 2005. I enjoyed his act but seemed a little fresh at that time. It was his first Gay cruise and I think he may have been a little overwhelmed by the experience and a little overshadowed by some of the comic veterans on board. Still I enjoyed his show and am looking forward to seeing him again. I imagine his act will have grwon over the last year and a half.

 

I wonder if the fact that Atlantis has a sailing in South America at the exact same time as this trip has posed a problem for RSVP to secure entertainment. I know Atlantis tends to have a loyal batch of entertainers that they take with them but there are only so many top name stars to go around that will satisfy a boat full of men and women with high expectations.:p

 

Anyway still struggling with the costume ideas. Anyone want to do a group thing for the superhero party, each can dress up as a sandwich item with two more dress up as bread and then we all hang out together as a super-'hero' (sandwich):rolleyes: Ok, so I had trouble sleeping last night... and my mind began to wander.

 

Christopher

[RMS Olympic]

Soap boxes with railings.....what a great idea!

Well. my take on entertainment considering I am a numbers kind of guy, bidness, bidness, bidness......

Entertainment, big time = $$$$$$

RSVP full pricing for cabins= $$$$$$

Deals+discounts+upgrades= $$$$

Less than fully booked ship=$$$

Bottom line....hold off booking till you see what your balance sheet looks like and then take that $$$, divide by the number of acts you need (number of rooms to put entertainers in and the number of nights). Then look for what you can get for the money.

Makes the right business sense, and I'm happy with the results since its all of the people on board that are the best entertainment. By that I mean I would rather spend great time all week with great passengers than an hour with a great entertainer......thank goodness for that soap box railing! Its gives me something to lean on and go on and on and on.....damn, chipped a nail on it...now I need another pedicure.....pedicure, get it LOL

Christopher....I remember Dudly on the Atlantis cruise.....we actually sailed together.....I thought your face looked familiar.

Matt......we can board together hopefully....are you a Captains Circle member and if so what level? PAst paxs board early ...and if its like it was in October...Princess handles all boarding check in...RSVP does not although they are there in mass to assist.

Off to work.......think I'll take my box to work...there I need more than just railings, but straps to hold on with......no I'm not that kind of guy...shame on you. LOL

[bottlerockit]

love KRISTINE WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[Ftlwill]

Finally got accepted to put a note out on this list ! Have been chatting with Bottlerockit and Christopher for a little while now... I'm also on the RSVP cruisers site with Greg... My travel docs. haven't come yet, but I did get my booking # and was able to schedule the catamaran trip at 8:15 from St. Thomas with everyone! This will be my first RSVP cruise and I'll be "single" for the week !!! :)

[cjswitzerland]

Ok Tom now I am really intrigued.

 

We must have talked at some point on the Radiance of the Seas in October 2005 since you recall a bit of my story and mentioned perhaps our paths had crossed somewhere before. But brain is fuzzy. Can you fill in anymore details on when we may have chatted etc.? This is really cool because people say that they run into people that they know when the travel these charters. But here I have been conversing with some one I knew but didn't know I knew. Is that confusing or what. Any chance you are going on the Atlantis Baltic in July? Probably not if you are doing the RSVP Roman Odyssey in August. Anyway, jolt my memory if you can. If not I guess it will be at the Cubby Hole in Ft Lauderdale that the light goes on.

 

This time around, now that I am not a gay cruise virgin, I will have travel cards to share with people along the way to help keep in touch. If anyone is interested, I found this website: www.gaytravelcards.com

 

Christopher

[Ftlwill]

Atlantis Baltic in July !!!

 

Sails out of Copenhagen and into Stockholm...

 

My partner and I will be there !

[dendren]

Phil - curious... they were wearing barrels? Is that a clothing term I do not know?

 

Matt... they were wearing these giant well... I think they were supposed to be pickle barrels... you know, they looked like wood planks surrounded by metal belts... oh, like a wine cask. hmmm, hard to explain. Not the real thing of course since packing a giant pickle barrel would never fit in a suitcase but they were pretty creative. and they had a well placed hole for people to reach in and grab a pickle. I passed on that part tho.

 

ooooh, and I do remember Taylor Dayne was the featured entertainer the week before our cruise with Crystal Waters. I think I would have preferred Taylor Dayne over the two. I'm just glad that RSVP has dropped the 90's disco diva one hit wonder thing. At least Thelma Houston was a 70's one hit wonder intead LOL

[Tim-n-Rick]

RMS, You are right. It does make good business sense. For a moment there I did feel like Charlie Brown "I gotta rock."

 

Matt, I'm still up in the air about a tux. We were going to do the rental, but you are right, is the one night worth the rental.

 

Buck, we thought about Rosie's Cruise too but decided on RSVP as a happy medium between Rosie and Atlantis. We are a little too old to be circuit boys, but too young to be Uncle Ricky and Tim to a ship full of tots.

 

Christopher, I think the hero sandwich is genius. If we hadn't already purchased our costumes we'd be lettuce and tomato.

[promenadedeck]

Most of what Nick has to say is mere propaganda. A few days ago, he was offering to upgrade me to 4 different cabins.

 

I know. Although Nick is a nice guy, I sometimes question the answers he has for me. Luck you that he offered you an upgrade. He turned my request down when I heard about the 2 for 1 deal, but I finally got it only after complaining heavily to John.

 

Whatever the occupancy rate is at the time of the cruise, it will be too much fun.

 

Steven

[promenadedeck]

Here is what is under contract as of today!

 

Sister Helen will be having her church bingo. (I lobbied heavily for this.)

 

Also, Thelma Houston, Kimberly Locke, Kristin W. Amy and Freddie. In No Particular order.

 

Dc Cowboys, Mike Holms, Jason Duty, Mark Alan Smith, GayCo Comedy Troup, Levi Chris…

 

Princess will be performing Caribbean Caliente and Piano Man.

 

We will be doing the talent show not the Princess Idol.

 

International Waterways Film Festival or Funny Boy Films will be presenting films on the jumbo screen. I will get you the branded name of this tomorrow. (think g/l film fest on the water!)

 

Parties.

 

Tropical Teaser Bon Voyage

Red hot and you Party

Ballz Tease Dance

Underwear Party

Superhero;s Costume Party

Trashy Tourist T Dance

 

I know the parties are not a scoop. Mark Allen Smith is a gas!

 

I weighed heavily on them to get Sister Helen. That was so much fun.

 

These are the unannounced performers. I will have the complete list a few days before its posted on the website.

 

Yay!!! for Sister Helen. I also lobbied heavily for Sister Helen. I enjoyed her church bingo so much on the Mexico cruise.

 

Steven

[monumax]

I agree with Tom. WE are the best entertainers on the cruise. Without our creativity, humor, passion, and exciting & outgoing personalities, this cruise would be a bore no matter who was the entertainment (Well, except for Bette Midler...I agree with you Janet & Maria)

 

Speaking of creativity, that Hero Sandwich idea from Christopher is really funny, but unfortunately we will have to pass because we already procured our costumes. Otherwise I would have volunteered to be the mayonaise (or special sauce).

 

We already have made up our own "business cards" to pass out to new friends with our picture, cabin no., and email addresses. We got the idea last year from Greg.

 

We love Rosie and we love Broadway (we're both amateur actors/singers), but we pass on Rosie's Cruise because our dream vacation does not have a lot of little kids running around in it!

 

Welcome Ftlwill. And glad that you will be joining us on the Catamaran cruise!

[Ftlwill]

Altoona, PA.... I haven't been there in years ! Grew up in Barnesboro, Cambria County... :)

[monumax]

Altoona, PA.... I haven't been there in years ! Grew up in Barnesboro, Cambria County... :)

 

I grew up in Homer City, Indiana County. Graduated from IUP.

[RMS Olympic]

You can be the mayo...but me, I will choose to be the horse radish sauce.....it has more bite.......did I say that?

Pick;e barrels.......I love pickles...bread and butter, dilled, and girkins even if they are small.....size queen I'm not...unlike others on board LOL

Looking at the catamaran excursion, we must get a group foto on the boat. I think a group photo for the entire cruise critic group would be great. Now if we could get a separate site to post cruise critic members photos.....people could associate a face with a post. Maybe a group photo added to the photo board on Cruise Critic would be suficient for future reference.

This cruise is getting so much more special with all of you joining in on the discussions. At this rate we can take over the cubbyhole the night before the cruise and hopefully continue the newly made frienships during boarding rather than just lined up lookin at strangers, or in my case a strange person...hey why should I be normal...I'm on holiday......where are thiose chocolate chip cookies......thast right, I have to wait for room service. LOL

[cjswitzerland]

Monumax, my mother grew up on a farm between Marion Center and Home alon Route 119. My uncle now lives in the house and runs the Pluming and Heating Store in the even older family home next door. My other uncle grew up in Homer City and his mother still lives there. Weird.

 

Well the small world continues in that I got my cruise documents already too. Mail gets across the pond pretty quickly nowadays. I did not expect to receive the whole packet but I did. I even got 6 luggage tags all for me me me, and they are a HOT PINK. How festive.

 

Well I signed up to do the ATV excursion in St Maartin as I figured two excursions on a sailing vessel would be tempting fate and the sea sickness gods to an extreme.

 

One formal night does not warrant renting formal wear in my book. So if space allows, I will bring my own. Otherwise, I can go as a formal Roman and wear the bed sheet...clean ones of course as this is formal night. :D

 

Well I guess this superhero outfit does require some thinking if you want to win the Grand Prize. I would not be able to take that crisehowever as I am directing a show which opens on June 5th. So I shal respectufully refrain from dazzling everyone with a super duper hero costume that wins the prize. :p Nice prize though for someone.

 

Now should I or shouldn't I prepare something for the talent show. Any ideas for a group number. Only problem with that is we would need still another costume. YIKES.

 

Christopher

[MattInFLL]

Welcome ftlwill!

 

Tom, I am just on my second Princess cruise, so not eligible for priority boarding. I am hoping what I have read over and over again on the Princess boards is true: despite the fact it looks like a mad house at that time, the process is fairly smooth. BTW, is your roommate showing up on the cruise personalizer? Maybe he successfully lobbied for the 2 for 1 upgrade to his own cabin? Oh, and be sure to drop me an email before you get here so we can get together for lunch again.

 

Phil - I was wondering how one packed a wooden barrel :) Literally or figuratively. Pickles are good for you! On weight watchers we can eat as many as we like. Hmmm.

 

Formal night - Even more than the rental cost for one night, it's just the way RSVP seems to present it...which is very casually. I just think most will read what it says and think: "oh good, no need to wear a tux or a suit." Hasn't Atlantis pretty much done away with formal night?

 

Christopher - you do theatre? I was a theatre major way back when. I miss doing live shows. Would have been my career if I hadn't discovered film and video (legit stuff back then :))

 

Max - what a great idea (the biz cards).

[mikec5426]

Wow you just leave the board for a few hours and look what happens!!!

 

Welcome to the 'new' guys! :)

 

We are both doing black suits for the formal night(s)- can anyone confirm if there are one or two? I sure with there was just one! I dress up everyday for work (so I prefer casual on the cruise).

 

Hmmm the pickle jar sounds interesting! I don't know it sounds like to many hands would have been in the jar. I prefer many salty. Those sounded like they may have been tainted. ;)

 

We can't wait!!!

 

Still no plans for St. Maarten. I think Orient Beach will be it! I have been there so many times (never to Orient Beach). So no excursions that we are dying to do. So maybe we could share a van over earlier in the day and await the others to join us?

 

We bought a bunch of 'calling cards' from Crane (online) a few months ago when we moved. They are great and were fairly inexpensive. They have names, address, phone and e-mail. No pics though.. hehe

[cjswitzerland]

Yes Matt I am involved in the local English Speaking Theater here in the Lausanne area. I was however a Music Education Major at St.Olaf College (yes its a real place and I can tell you all stories over drinkys).

 

That is what brought me here to Switzerland. I am the music teacher at the International School of Lausanne for ages 3 to 11. This is my 4th school year and I love it here. Teaching internationally offers a better salary than teaching back in the USA therefore I am able to travel on trips lie this one WHEN they happen to fall into a school vacation. Fortunate this time around as it is ski week for the students and their families. Fine they can go freeze their assets in the mountains. As for me I intend to let things heat up in the Caribbean.

 

Is it Max and Bob that are also involved in theater? I recall a couple mentioning white dinner jackets being borrowed from their Dracula performances.

 

So I thought may be I could sing for the talent show but I imagine that alot of people will do that. Of course I am operatically trained as well so that coul be a different twist to the normal. Maye I do need to pack the tux.

 

Side Note: Nice to know that Princess is willing to let me bring 6 bags, now to convince Alitalia of the same.

 

Christopher