ROLL CALL: 2/25/07 Caribbean Princess

[RMS Olympic]

I see your fav cruise line is Crystal.....I will need to discuss with you...I am taking my inaugural Crystal cruise next year...transatlantic on the Serenity.l want to hear all about this cruise line regardless of the ship you have sailed on. By the way you have a sexy head.

Hobie...forget the 20 pounds......you will be expected on board! Remember there was a time the weight of a man depicted his wealth....gee I will look lpretty wealthy.... LOL

Christopher.......I can see who is going to be busy on this cruise......you multi tongued you. Now if I could only find someone who could speak or moan in Italian.......but maybe on the Rome cruise........ciao bella. Ah, Italians,,,think of Sophia Loren, only hairy........I'm movin to Roma!!!!!!!!!

Costumes......wish I had a knack for that......guess I will be an observer. Are many bringing pajamas? Something not in my wardrobe...guess I need to go shopping if most are going to wear them.

[Boytjie]

Are many bringing pajamas? Something not in my wardrobe...guess I need to go shopping if most are going to wear them.

 

According to RSVP:

"Movies Under the Stars Pajama Party

Yes, we said PJ's. Or whatever you wear to bed."

 

I am taking a pair of pj bottoms which I use as lounge wear at home, but I always take that off when I go to bed... :p

 

There could be a lot of naked men on deck for the movie!

[dendren]

Dendren,

 

We know how you feel about St Martin. We were just there on the Atlantis cruise and did'nt have any issues or bad feelings. In fact the ship stayed from 8:00 am-1:30 am the next morning so we really got around. We shopped, zip line tour and in the evening we took a cab to the Atlantis casino and had dinner at Dare to be Rare. Everyone was cordial but we never put ourselves in situations where we were in shady venues or where there was not many people. We had a wonderful conversation with the cab driver who was respectful of our relationship and we wished him well with his upcomming marraige.

 

Jim & Terry

 

I *do* always hate saying something as all emcompassing as all caribbean islands are homophobic... truth is you can find homophobes anywhere. However, I do know some caribbean islands have been labeled as downright hostile to gays in the past (Cayman Islands and Jamaica come to mind). Still, everywhere you go, some will be tolerant, some won't. I highly doubt there will be any issues in St Martin but am glad to hear there were no issues on the Atlantis cruise recently. Hopefully we will all get off the ship, and they will see the $$$ that inevitably comes from 3000 gays and lesbians (we are known for our spending after all) and all will be a very fun day :)

[Hogthrob]

I still don't know how to actually sign up for any champagne catamaran or any excursion like this. what web site am i supposed to go to? You guys have mostly all done this before and I am kind of a slow canadian eh.

[Tim-n-Rick]

Honestly I haven't slept in anything since Ricky and I got together 12 years ago, but we did buy night shirts just for the pj party.

 

Church hats are expensive! The thrift stores were a no go here so I browsed the internet today and WOW! It costs a lot to look cheap in church!

 

So unless I can make something last minute I doubt I'll invest $60 or $80 in a church hat. Granted the price may have something to do with the hats I like but none the less.

[pjfunny1]

Honestly I haven't slept in anything since Ricky and I got together 12 years ago, but we did buy night shirts just for the pj party.

 

Church hats are expensive! The thrift stores were a no go here so I browsed the internet today and WOW! It costs a lot to look cheap in church!

 

So unless I can make something last minute I doubt I'll invest $60 or $80 in a church hat. Granted the price may have something to do with the hats I like but none the less.

 

Have you tried Goodwill or Salvation Army? That's usually where I get good costume stuff.

 

Paul

[Boytjie]

I still don't know how to actually sign up for any champagne catamaran or any excursion like this. what web site am i supposed to go to? You guys have mostly all done this before and I am kind of a slow canadian eh.

 

Go to the Princess site and click on: "Access Cruise Personalizer"

 

Complete your critical immigration information and print your boarding pass • Pre- Reserve

SHORE EXCURSIONS

• Pre-Reserve

SPA APPOINTMENTS

 

There you will have to put in your Princess booking number which you should have gotten from your travel agent or RSVP.

[Boytjie]

Honestly I haven't slept in anything since Ricky and I got together 12 years ago, but we did buy night shirts just for the pj party.

 

I was just thinking: you can request a robe for your cabin. Presto, another costume! (And one you don't have to pack)

[Tim-n-Rick]

Have you tried Goodwill or Salvation Army? That's usually where I get good costume stuff.

 

Hi Paul! We got our first Goodwill store just two months ago and I have been shopping there like crazy but no church hats yet.

 

I'm going to be in a larger city tomorrow so I'll look there. Worse case I'll go to Michael's and make something.

 

I can't show up out of uniform. I understand Sister Helen can be quite the disciplinarian.

[RMS Olympic]

Well if someone will promise to get me to join in on the bingo with the Church lady I will provide a way to get a hat.....

I just ordered a womens folding sun hat with a 18" brim

I picked up a second if someone needs one.

Price is right and as a sun hat....can be used by the pool!

I searched under sun hat folding....web site was

http://www.ifactoryoutlet.com/products/twist_hats

I chose the dark colored flower job that was discontinued and the orange mum.

These are so inexspensive...you creative types could accessorize.

Christopher......if you need one....you got it.

In expensive, folding and useable by the pool.......just like me!

I never play bingo...this time get me involved! Paleeeze!

Tom aka bertha aka RMS

[MattInFLL]

Are we there yet?

 

Anyone looking for hats might try:

http://www.e4hats.com/_e/dept/36-004/velvet_pimp_hats.htm

 

They have a lot more than just "pimp hats" - but thought those were particularly humorous - and not expensive. Tim you might find something to "dress up" at Michael's.

 

I forget who asked about towels, but no need to bring them... like Dave said, it's an orgy of towels on the ship, and they always have them by the gangway on port days.

 

Hogthrob, call Princess for your booking number, if you don't have it already. If you get someone who says they can't give it to you, just call back. It makes check in much faster if you use Cruise Personalizer ahead of time to take care of your immigration forms and other information. Plus it's probably coming down to the end for pre booking stuff like the spa and the shore excursions.

 

And anyone wanting to eat at Sabatini's or Sterling Steak house should make reservations as soon as we board... FYI, Friday night is lobster night in the main dining rooms. Monday night is "Beef Tenderloin"

[BucknJeff]

I dare you not to click it!

 

http://www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com/theship.html

 

Then from the drop down menu, you can view copies of recent Princess Patters, and RECENT MENUS form all over the ship! (even the extra charge places!)

 

Not to mention a dearth of other information.

 

Just the kind of hit to get us through a cold night!

 

More information that even *I* need!

 

Enjoy!

 

Buck

[txfab]

Hi folks,

CC has been slow tonight....but here goes.

 

Paul J. thanks for the great show the other night. Kenth59 and I will try to make it to your next show at Watertower. "Hair" starts this weekend downtown and we hope to see it before we leave. (Texas stuff...sorry folks).

 

We will be wearing our church hats...I thought we would look in Fort Lauderdale before hand. Thanks for the websites; some of those hats could fit in our luggage.

 

Red outfits: I thought maybe we would this weekend after V. Day for something....or for silk boxers for the pj party. I saw a great daddy mack hat in the mall today; just not sure if I will have enough room.

 

Door decorations: Thanks chicks for the noteboard idea we will do that. We printed Wizard of Oz pics on the magnet paper many cruises ago to decorate our cabin door. They are now well worn but maybe we can add to what we have....look for our door.

 

Crutches: Thanks for kind words and sympathy; it will be easy to spot me at 6'4 and on crutches. Kenth59 and I are quite and reserved guys....but don't be shy come up and say hi we love meeting new people.

 

We will be flying in on the 22nd and I hope we get to the nude beach south of Fort Lauderdale. I also want to go to Sawgrass Mills Mall; my company....Saks Outlet is having a huge mens sale that weekend. Let me know if I can hook anyone up...I have a couple of 25% off entire mens purchase coupons.

 

Fort Lauderdale folks: There is a great French bakery on Federal and near NE 12street. It is set back in a strip mall and the name was something....thyme or time. Let me know what it is called. Fort Lauderdale is so cool. I also plan on going back to a sub shop called I think monster sub. Last time we went to the Peter Pan diner & that old Southern Fish House (what ever it was called); they were a hoot. Gang if there is any other funky less pricey places to try let us know.

 

Enough rambling,

txfab Andy Barten

[pjfunny1]

Hi folks,

CC has been slow tonight....but here goes.

 

Saks Outlet is having a huge mens sale that weekend. Let me know if I can hook anyone up...I have a couple of 25% off entire mens purchase coupons.

 

 

 

 

Oh honey, save a coupon for me!!!

[pjfunny1]

Hi Paul! We got our first Goodwill store just two months ago and I have been shopping there like crazy but no church hats yet.

 

I'm going to be in a larger city tomorrow so I'll look there. Worse case I'll go to Michael's and make something.

 

I can't show up out of uniform. I understand Sister Helen can be quite the disciplinarian.

 

 

I've been known to beat sinners with my Bible..........

 

Sister Helen

[MattInFLL]

Andy, you're thinking of Croissant Time...it's on Federal just after Federal turns north again from Sunrise. It's right next to what I think is the best italian restaurant: Casa de Angelo (although it is neither funky nor cheap).

 

Peter Pan is always fun late at night, but the Floridian Diner on Las Olas (across from the now closed Cathode Ray) is a local favorite. Hamburger Mary's on Wilton Drive is now called Rosie's, and is always fun.

 

Andy - please send me an email mattla90069@ hotmail.com - I have some other info you may want for Sawgrass (and someone who may put a certifiicate to good use :) )

 

If you really want to overdose on Caribbean Princess info (BTW, she is known as CB in Princess's internal ship shorthand) go to:

http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/caribbeanprincess.htm

 

There's a picture link on there to this sight - which has great detailed ship photos so you know your way around before you even board :)

http://www.thepreismans.com/Caribbean_Princess.htm

 

Also recent CB cruisers confirm that there are two beach/pool towels in your cabin and you can ask for more from your cabin steward - and he changes them out as needed.

[jimnbillnpa]

txfab-We're not Fort Lauderdale locals, but always hit the Floridian on Las Olas for breakfast before the cruise. It's the next best thing to a gay and lesbian community center. Monte Cristos all around!!!

 

Tim-thanks SO MUCH for the directory-please send me an upate when everyone is on line.

 

Dave-thanks for the schedule.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the great links, taken me an hour to catch up on all the posts, so not sure who posted what.

 

Matt & Tom-great job on coordinating CC get-togethers. Looking forward to seeing/meeting all of you!

 

Christopher-thanks for that post (#666 ouch!) with our group highlights. I was hoping someone would do something like that, I was starting to lose track of everything.

 

Now a bit of bad news-Bill will not be making the trip. He just got out of the hospital today and needs to take it easy. The gallstones really tore him up. This is kind of a bummer for me, since our first cruise was our 10th anniversary 4 years ago. But he insists I go. So I'll be there for both of us. On the good side, a very good friend of ours is joining me. His name is Bill also (no need to make changes Tim). Our friend Bill has spent a year putting together a 3 day conference happening this weekend. So he is grateful to have the cruise to look forward to next week and it wil be his first gay cruise (but he's freaking about the underwear and sarong! I told him he HAD to wear a thong to the red party to get in.)

 

I gotta admit guys-I've been really busy with everything that's been going on and haven't spent any time working on costumes so forgive me if I haven't been participating. It's just been good to see all your posts the past couple weeks. They've really kept me going. Not sure when I'll be in here again-probably Wednesday. Just keep me up to date on everything, okay?

 

Actually Tim-I think I have a picture of my buddy Bill-will send to you now-he'll be with me in C731

[jimnbillnpa]

Matt-you beat me to it! ;-)

[NYCBri]

So, I'm booked to join ya'll -- only change of plan is that I am no longer going alone... a friend of mine decided to join me -- despite having just gotten off a cruise 2 weeks ago (or 3 weeks.. who's counting).

 

I liked waiting till the last minute to book. Only ended up costing $833.50 each including port fees and gratuities. nice.

 

Of course, now we must do a bit of shopping for theme parties... although I don't go overboard (so to speak).

 

See ya in less than 2 weeks...

[txfab]

Y'all are so quick with the info back. Mat, Jim, Paul super thanks. That Croissant Time Bakery is to die for. My husband also loves Monte Cristos so another stop will be made there. Last Oct. we tried to get into Hamburger Mary's but they had just switched to Rosie's and we could not even find a parking spot, so we had to keep going.

 

Two coupons saved. Job news...today I will be sending out 500 letters to my top spenders plus another whole day sending faxes to Corporations...who says retail is not exciting.... L.Y. I took my hubby to Wilton Manors and showed him the price on Antiks and then I took him to my company's store there. We didn't feel so bad dropping a few bucks $$$ there.

 

Guy's is the nude beach South of FLL worth going to? I am interested in a friendly/family style not a cruising style. Y'all know similiar to Orient beach.

 

Also, what about taking a riverfront cruise in Fort Lauderdale? Do we just show up at the Galleria or make reservations?

 

Thanks,

Andy Barten

[Tim-n-Rick]

I need to be in Florida NOW! One of my users tried to fix a problem herself and totally screwed our AS/400 print queues! Do you think RSVP has any openings for slightly used IT Managers? Go to my happy place, go to my happy place.

 

Tom - You WILL join in on the bingo or I will ask Sister Helen to strike you with her Bible. Then again you may enjoy that too much.

 

Jim - Sorry to hear about Bill but glad you can still join us. I will get the changes made to the directory.

 

Matt, Tom, Paul, etc... - Thanks for the hat ideas. I'm going to look at Michael's today and if I don't find anything I'll resort to the internet.

 

I know you all are sick of hearing this, but if you are new to the board and want to be included in our directory / yearbook / catalog then send me an email with your photo, name, and cabin number to timhyatt@bellsouth.net or if you would like only your name and email included pass that along as well. We are at 11 pages now so that means about 33 of us are listed so far.

[gigand]

I need to be in Florida NOW! One of my users tried to fix a problem herself and totally screwed our AS/400 print queues! Do you think RSVP has any openings for slightly used IT Managers? Go to my happy place, go to my happy place.

 

Tom - You WILL join in on the bingo or I will ask Sister Helen to strike you with her Bible. Then again you may enjoy that too much.

 

Jim - Sorry to hear about Bill but glad you can still join us. I will get the changes made to the directory.

 

Matt, Tom, Paul, etc... - Thanks for the hat ideas. I'm going to look at Michael's today and if I don't find anything I'll resort to the internet.

 

I know you all are sick of hearing this, but if you are new to the board and want to be included in our directory / yearbook / catalog then send me an email with your photo, name, and cabin number to timhyatt@bellsouth.net or if you would like only your name and email included pass that along as well. We are at 11 pages now so that means about 33 of us are listed so far.

 

 

Tim,

 

I noticed that you and Rick will be going on the 2/24/07 Princess cruise according to your countdown box. I'm so sorry you guys won't be joining us on the 2/25 voyage. We'll send you a postcard.:D :D :D Jim

[spav01]

I have been jealously reading your thread, and just wanted to give Andy some info on Haulover Beach, the nude beach south of Fort Lauderdale.

 

My partner and I go there all the time. As far as family vs. cruisy, I would say it, like a cruise, is what you make of it. There are guys who fool around (fondle one another) in the water, but there is no sexual activity on the beach. And given that the water is in the low 70s right now, not many locals are in the water. The group that sort of monitors the place, South Florida Free Beaches, sorta makes sure there's no hanky panky on the weekends. That said, I am sure that people hook up there and go home with one another or whatever. But in my 7 years of going there, I can honestly say I have never felt it to be very cruisy. There are a few people walking around for "the view", but mosts are nudists just looking to enjoy a clothing optional day. And it is just clothing optional...there are some people who do wear bathing suits...

 

We have made some very good nudist friends there, and there has never been any sort of sexual activity between us.

 

Hope this helps :-) Can't wait to tell my partner about the Saks sale...we will DEFINITELY be there that weekend!

[MattInFLL]

Andy - Haulover Beach is a nice beach...I've been there once with some friends and found it very laid back. The "gay" section is to the left after you enter the beach. Of course any time there are naked men together there is going to be -some- cruising, but it is not prevalent. I find the Sebastian beach on the main strip of Fort Lauderdale beach far cruisier.

 

Obviously a weekend day attracts a larger, and therefore more diverse crowd.

 

Also, as far I know, you just show up to take the water taxi, but you can google "water taxi" and get all the info. There are - I believe - more formal tours available from various companies that operate out of the Las Olas river front area.

 

Jim - also very sorry to hear about Bill...but glad you will still be able to join us!

 

NYCBri - it's great you will have a built in cruise companion.

[Tim-n-Rick]

I noticed that you and Rick will be going on the 2/24/07 Princess cruise according to your countdown box. I'm so sorry you guys won't be joining us on the 2/25 voyage. We'll send you a postcard.:D :D :D Jim

 

Oh Jim, I am counting down the days until I am free from the shackles of Information Technology for a religious non-profit! Even if only for a week.

 

Trust me, I'll be on that cruise if I have to borrow a canoe and paddle to catch up!