Roll Call Magica April 29 Whos Going?

[Stormlover]

No new cruisers lately. :confused: I think the Rc Boards are much more active, Maybe Coasta cruisers dont know about cruise critic. :eek: I know this sailing is getting pretty full, you can price check and check room catagories, the cheapest is Ocean View as of yesterday. :o Some folks are worried there will be lots of kids, that just makes more room at the bar for me. LOL:p Looking to have a good time with or without lots of kids.

 

By the way our Girls Basketball Just won Districts and are 25-1 heading into regionals next week. :D Way to go PALM BAY LADY PIRATES.

[Stormlover]

Wonder where everyone is? Havent had any new posters lately.

[Stormlover]

Well doesn't seem there are many cruisers that are cruise critic junkies :eek: like me. I really enjoy chating with the ones that I will be cruising with soon. The mariner sailing in Sept, is more active than this one and it is just a couple months away. :o Lets hope more folks jump aboard. :D

[shipaddict]

We will be going on the Magica on 4/29. We have not been on this ship but are looking forward to it. We have been to all of the ports many times so my husband plans on reading a book while I go off shopping in the ports. I like the Grand Cayman Island the best for window shopping and there is a small store off a side street that sells food, beer, sandwichs and spices for a fair price. One of the threads reads taxi to the beach is 5.00 per person. Cozumel has a lot of shops at both piers. I like the light house tour. There was a nude beach outside of town but I cannot remember the name of it. Key West is fun just walking up and down the streets. I hope we dock at the Mallory Square pier instead of the Navy pier. It saves so much time just to walk off the ship and be downtown. There is a man on Duvalle street that poses for pics for money with his snake. He is across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel. Anyway we live about two hours way so we will drive down that day. Hope to meet a lot of you. After thought:We are renting togas in Orlando instead of wearing the ship's sheets that they provide for the semi formal toga night.

[CaptainEdwardJohnSmith]

The Captain wishes that you all get hooked on the Costa Magica :)

She is truly MAGICAL :cool:

Happy cruising & Arrivederci :D

[Stormlover]

Shipaddict, we have also been to all the ports several times, we will most likely, just walk around Key West may do a little shoppng. :D

We have wave runners booked for GC, an will probably just shop around in Cozumel.

 

I have never known a Captain to post on here , anyone know if he really is the Captain of the Magica? :rolleyes: That is very cool if he is. If so I think I would like to meet him. Sounds pretty down to earth. ;) I clicked on his profile, dont think he is our Captain he may have been a Captain he is 94 years young.

[joetrizeo]

I have never known a Captain to post on here , anyone know if he really is the Captain of the Magica? :rolleyes: That is very cool if he is. If so I think I would like to meet him. Sounds pretty down to earth. ;) I clicked on his profile, dont think he is our Captain he may have been a Captain he is 94 years young.

 

Doubtful. If he is, then it is his ghost.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Smith

 

Then again, if he is, would you want to sail with him? :)

[packercruising]

Good grief you guys. If someone has a picture of JFK as an avatar and quotes him in the signature, are you going to think JFK is posting?:confused:

 

Youth is wasted on the young.

 

Welcome aboard Captain Smith! I completely agree!:cool:

[CaptainEdwardJohnSmith]

Welcome aboard Captain Smith! I completely agree!:cool:

 

Packercruising,

The Captain thanks you for your warm welcome. Just trying to bring some

much-needed humor to these forums coupled with occassional factual info.

Once again, thanks.

[Stormlover]

Well, it is possible that a Captain could post here,When I first read the post it Kind of reminded me of Captain Johney (from the Mariner )I would not put this past him he really likes to joke an kid around.:p

How are you really supposed to know when someone is serious or joking around, its not like we really know one another.;)

Maybe I was just hoping we had a cool Captain. :D

I had already posted when I read the profile, then I edited it rather than deleting it. Next time Ill read the profile before posting as to not upset anyone.:)

 

Welcome aboard Captain

[shawnonrev]

We paid our balance on Wednesday and I asked again about how many rooms were left. The Costa Rep told me that they are 150 doubles left. That's all. I think this sailing will sell-out. I also expect to see hundreds of kids. Has anyone been on a cruise this full? Any advice to avoid the over crowded areas? I don't hate crowds, but I would like to maximize our fun by avoiding waiting in a crowd or line.

 

Shawn

[packercruising]

You should like the Magica. It was full when we sailed last year but didn't seem that crowded. If you want some solitude and it's a nice day, go to deck 9 forward and you can go out on the balcony there. I think most people believe it is for the cabins, but it is not.

[Stormlover]

shawnonrev, I wouldn't be to concerned about the ship being overcrowded, We have sailed the Mariner 3 times an it was sold out all 3, the Cruise directors do a good job of scheduling different activities throughout the days (especially sea days) so it does not seen to crowded in any particular area. ;) You always have the adult only area to go if kids become a problem. :D The only time I would see a problem is if we encounter any bad weather :mad: which I hope we do not. This is not spring break for Fl. most of Fl is the week of March 26 Up north it is Easter Week, but we all saw the cheap prices, some cruisers will take there kids out of school for a week, esp, if they havent missed many days or are good students. :rolleyes: It would be hard to resist .

[Stormlover]

Boy these boards are running very slow here lately, :( no wonder noone wants to take the time to post. :rolleyes: I am so ready for April.

[Stormlover]

YEA! the boards are finally working again. :D Now is everyone READY for a VACATION. :)

[shawnonrev]

No worries. I am just waiting for our passports to come next week. Then go online @costacruise.com and fill out Passenger Declaration Form. Has anone gotten their documents? I expect to receive ours in April, hopefully not at the last minute! Ginny (my wife) is going over our packing list now and doing some shopping, we are ready especially with the rain and snow here lately.

[Becky & Val]

<P>SOOOOOOO excited, we FINALLY  booked yesterday for the 29th.</P>

<P>So happy to see someone post they talked to the cruise line</P>

<P>and there WILL be a toga party!!  </P>

<P>Would have LOVED to have gone to the Eastern Carribbean but</P>

<P>it just isn't going to happen this time.</P>

<P>First time on Costa, but it really caught our eye.  </P>

<P>First time in over 20 years the two of us have </P>

<P>vacationed together!!!!  We may NOT go home! </P>

<P>We LOVE to dance and sun and plan to snorkel and</P>

<P>just have a fun time.  </P>

<P>Great to hear all about the trips in advance here on the board!!</P>

<P> </P>

<P>Question: Does anyone know if there are one or two formal nights on this trip?  Just want to be prepared.  Dont' think we could were the toga</P>

<P>on a formal night! <IMG alt=0 src="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/smile.gif" border=0 smilieid="1"> </P>

[Becky & Val]

Saw you were from Missouri....and you are waiting for passports...

:confused: Went to the US government website... says passports aren't needed this year for sea travel.... Is that correct? NEED to know for sure ASAP.

IF there is some reason I need on, NEED to get on that... Please advise.

 

Also: Passenger Declaration form?? Curious and concerned... will

go to their website and check it out to find possible info there.

 

Sorry if this stuff has been answered and I just haven't gotten to that post yet...

appreciate any guidance :rolleyes:

 

Becky;)

 

No worries. I am just waiting for our passports to come next week. Then go online @costacruise.com and fill out Passenger Declaration Form. Has anone gotten their documents? I expect to receive ours in April, hopefully not at the last minute! Ginny (my wife) is going over our packing list now and doing some shopping, we are ready especially with the rain and snow here lately.

[Stormlover]

Becky I am not sure about the passport, you will get different answers to this but this is what the Costa Web page says. You may want to call Your TA or Costa.

 

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with Customs and Immigration requirements. Guests without proper travel documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation.

Travel documents

You will receive a travel pack containing the following documents:

• Cruise ticket

• Boarding form

• Baggage tags

• Flight tickets (where applicable)

• Vouchers for ground services (where applicable)

In the travel pack you will also find personalised information on your cruise and related services such as how to get to the embarkation port, car parking and garage services and the ship’s telephone numbers. There will also be details on the onboard services you can book prior to departure, and a full list of the excursions with descriptions and prices. You will be sent your travel documents about three weeks before departure as long as your final payment has been made. If payment is not made within the deadlines stated in the contract between you and Costa, or if the booking is made within two weeks of departure, Costa Cruises will send you or the travel agency a booking summary by fax or e-mail, in place of the travel documents.

 

Passports & Visas

In order to avoid problems at departure, we kindly ask you to carefully check the validity of your documents and to be in possession of what is required for the cruise. If any guest does not possess the required documentation they will be denied boarding their flight/cruise and cancellation penalties will be applied.

• Passports - You must be in possession of a valid passport and any visas (if required). British citizens must be in possession of a 10-year passport (five years for children) valid for at least six months after the date of your return to the UK. Each child (including infants) must be in possession of its own passport. Passengers applying for a new passport, or renewing an expired one, should allow at least two months for the application to be processed and up to three months if applying between February and June. It is also important that name changes for newlywed wives must be notified to us immediately so that the name stated on the passport matches the name on the ticket. The names on cruise and airline documents must be the same as those shown on passports. Any discrepancies (including nicknames and abbreviated names) may prevent travel and also make insurance policies invalid. If any guest does not possess the required documentation they will be denied boarding their flight/cruise and cancellation penalties will be applied.

• Other Nationals - It is strongly recommended that other nationals contact their local Consular Authority in order to ascertain passport and visa requirements. If any guest does not possess the required documentation they will be denied boarding their flight/cruise and cancellation penalties will be applied. We recommend that you check your visa requirements with your travel agent or the appropriate embassy at least two months prior to travel. Alternatively, for full passport and visa requirements you can contact Benmar Passport and Visa Service on 020 7836 5638 for advice. In addition to the cost of any visa you will be charged an administration fee to use this service.

• Please note – Passports may be retained by Costa staff on embarkation and withheld for the entire duration of the cruise so they can be presented to the various port authorities. Passports are then made available only when guests require them to go ashore.

• USA - To avoid any inconveniences at departure, please check the expiry date of your passport and that it is compliant with the new entry procedure for the United States. If you require assistance please contact your travel agency.

You must be in possession of a machine readable passport.

Each child must have their own machine readable passport: registration in the parents’ passport will not be considered valid.

According to the rules provided by the “US Department of Homeland Security", which refer to the regulations of the Visa Waiver Program, Costa Cruises reminds you that:

1) Visitors who have a machine readable passport, which was issued or renewed before 26 October 2005, may enter the United States of America without a visa.

2) Visitors who have a machine readable passport, which was issued or renewed on or after 26 October 2005 and which has a digital photograph printed directly on the passport, may enter the United States of America without a visa.

3) Visitors who have a machine readable passport, which was issued or renewed on or after 26 October 2006, require integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport). Visitors whose passports do not meet these requirements will be required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States

All guests who are in possession of a valid passport that was issued prior to the introduction of the machine-readable passports, or passports that do no meet the above requirements, require a non-immigrant entry visa for the United States. This requirement is also applicable to children.

In any case, all guests who are already in possession of a passport are requested to check their documentation with their travel agent or national authorities.

[shawnonrev]

Here is how we look at it:

 

The US government has stated that all persons traveling by air are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the country. If you break your leg in Cozumel and need to fly home early, you will need your passport. Additionally, if the cruise line requires a passport, you will need one. If I were you, I would run right out to the passport office and get on that, today. There is much more delays with the law changing this year. We applied in January and are still waiting to recieve ours.:eek:

[jcbaz]

Hello- we will also be on this cruise. Me and husband and 3 kids (3, 11, 13). This will be our 2nd cruise and the kids first. We are wondering if there is a formal night? Also, having a 3 year old we are limited on the excursions that we can do. Anyone have any ideas for all of us?

 

We are so excited!! Can't wait to get out of this snow!

[shawnonrev]

Hello- we will also be on this cruise. Me and husband and 3 kids (3, 11, 13). This will be our 2nd cruise and the kids first. We are wondering if there is a formal night? Also, having a 3 year old we are limited on the excursions that we can do. Anyone have any ideas for all of us?

 

We are so excited!! Can't wait to get out of this snow!

 

Our kids (7 & 5) don't know which excursions we are planning, in case weather cancels them. This way they won't be disappointed, kids tend to fixate on a detail and if things change, can get upset. This is our first cruise with them and they are excited after looking at pictures from our first cruise (w/o them). They know that they will be on a big boat, get to fly in a plane for the first time, and eat fancy meals. That is enough for them. I can guarantee that we will do those things.

 

The excursions that we are planning are:

 

Key West Aquarium (http://www.keywestaquarium.com/)

Paradise Beach Club (http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/)

Stingray City Sandbar (http://www.mobydicktours.com/)

 

The aquarium is cheap and doesn't take too long (Only 5 hours in Key West). Paradise Beach seems very family friendly (see other thread - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=454500) and swimming with the stingrays seems to be a must do when in Grand Cayman. We booked all our excursions ourselves as this saves us lots of $$.

[shawnonrev]

Saw you were from Missouri....and you are waiting for passports...

:confused: Went to the US government website... says passports aren't needed this year for sea travel.... Is that correct? NEED to know for sure ASAP.

IF there is some reason I need on, NEED to get on that... Please advise.

 

Also: Passenger Declaration form?? Curious and concerned... will

go to their website and check it out to find possible info there.

 

Sorry if this stuff has been answered and I just haven't gotten to that post yet...

appreciate any guidance :rolleyes:

 

Becky;)

 

When I called about the status of our passports, the recording mentioned among other things:

 

-Additional staff has been added and overtime is being worked in all passport offices nationwide.

 

Our passport delivery date shown online (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html)

 

has been changed three times. It also states-

 

"Currently, it is taking up to 7 days for Expedited Applications and up to 3 weeks for Routine Applications to be tracked online. Please allow at least that time before checking the status of your application."

There are passport offices in 13 US cities that can process by appointment, see list-

 

(http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html)

 

If you are in a hurry, this may be your best bet.

 

You can also expedite for an additional fee (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html)

 

Good luck!:)

[jcbaz]

Those were very helpful links. Anyone else planning any other excursions? Any other tips for us?

[Becky & Val]

Thanks for info... plan to get an expedited one for sure as Costa online

says you need one for what I gathered. Good luck with yours!

Becky

 

Here is how we look at it:

 

The US government has stated that all persons traveling by air are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the country. If you break your leg in Cozumel and need to fly home early, you will need your passport. Additionally, if the cruise line requires a passport, you will need one. If I were you, I would run right out to the passport office and get on that, today. There is much more delays with the law changing this year. We applied in January and are still waiting to recieve ours.:eek: