Just looking for a shoulder to cry on!!!

[want2seaitall]

I am so upset...I was hit with the news this morning at work...that I can't take the week of 4/16/05 off at work...after already being told it was ok...and having booked my cruise...someone with more seniority already has it and the dentists will only allow 1 hygienist out at a time. Understandable. But it still doesn't sooth my depression. As some of you know I was soooo excited about the Serenade...I'd already read about the ship and the ports. And now I've had to move my vacation to Feb where my same cruise is not affordable...have to go when kids have time off too. Anyhow...I'm now looking at the Vision of the Seas out of LA...but I feel like I'm settling. Am I??? Anybody have anything that could cheer me up? It goes to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta on a 7 night. Never been to the West Coast...so that is kind of neat. I figure I can't go wrong with RCCL...but I can't help but be a little upset.

 

I booked through cruisequick.com...and it says that you are allowed one cancellation...and then they'll charge $25 per person. Is this going to count as a cancellation...since I plan to book another cruise in its place??

 

My first balcony on the Serenade - 4/16/05!!!

 

RCCL Majesty of the Seas - April 2004

Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

 

 

[alexkrn46]

HI,

I can understand about getting time off, how about December - we are looking for cruises out of San Juan and they are cheap

[D4]

I feel so bad for you. It doesn't seem right that a person with more seniority can bump you after your time off has been approved.

 

The good news is that you get to take your vacation 2 months earlier! We did that route about 7 years ago and we're going on it again this summer. It's not our favorite route but it's still fun. Cabo is beautiful!!!

 

Check with CruiseQuick. Maybe you can rebook the cruise for the different date/ship and keep the booking number and not have this count as a cancellation.

[superjerryw]

The key is to keep a positive attitude. If you keep believing that you are "settling" you will never have a good time. You have to go on your vacation with a positive attitude. Besides, you're still going on a cruise on a cruise line that you like. There's no reason for you not to have a great time.

 

 

Donuts, is there anything they can't do....

[want2seaitall]

You are right...I did give some thought to the fact that now I get to get away from the Northeast winter...and I'm getting to go 2 months in advance now. But I was just bummed for a bit.

 

I had wanted to go this week in the first place...because it is my son's birthday that week...turning 16...but the prices are much higher in Feb then April. So I went to plan B...well here I am back at plan A....LOL. Happy cruising all!

 

My first balcony on the Vision!!! 2/20/05

RCCL Majesty of the Seas - April 2004

Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

 

 

[jstducky]

dentalchic:

 

now there's the spirit! that's the epitome of "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"

 

you'll like the west coast. and in february its a bit on a chilly side - mid to high 60's here in Los Angeles and a bit warmer down in Mexico, but definitely a lot better than I imagine it is in MA!

 

and as D4 said, Cabo is gorgeous!

 

enjoy!

 

jstducky!

-----------------

...til 9/04 - Jewel of the Seas - Canada / New England

 

====================================

...til 7/04 - Zuiderdam - Western Caribbean

 

=====================================

7/03 - Zaandam - Alaska

4/03 - Norweigan Star - Hawaii

7/96 - Noordam - Alaska

7/96 - Golden Princess - Alaska

8/95 - Jubilee - Mexican Riviera

 

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[lmmn]

Have you considered quitting?

 

Explorer of the Seas ~ 10/02

Majesty of the Seas ~ 1/03

Majesty of the Seas ~ 8/11/03

Navigator of the Seas ~ 10/11/03

Serenade of the Seas ~ 1/31/04

Caribbean Princess ~ 8/14/04

Adventure of the Seas ~ 1/30/05

[dougp26364]

We sailed Vision to Alaska last summre. It's a great ship and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Plus, as you mentioned, while all your coworkers are freezing they back sides off in the NW Winter cold, you'll be sipping drinks with umbrella's in them, sitting by the pool enjoying the warm weather.

 

We love warm weather vacations in the winter. In fact, we have a short 3 night cruise planned on Monarch in January. I'm looking forward to getting rid of the heavy coat and get out of the cold wind, even if it's only for 3 days. Sort of re-energizes the batteries to get over cabin fever and get through the rest of the winter.

 

You may just find a new favorite time to cruise!

 

Future cruises

Monarch OTS - Mexico Baja 1/05

Explorer OTS - Eastern Caribbean 11/04

 

Past cruises

Vision OTS - Alaska 7/03

Legend OTS - Alaska 7/02

[billylen]

We sailed the Vision last December and had a GREAT time! It is a wonderful ship, GREAT crew and the Ports were fun too.

 

You will have a good cruise....but is there ever a bad cruise?

 

Bill in Monrovia

 

"Everyone has some good in them. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it..."

 

6/27 Serenade of the Seas

[miketam520]

dentalchic,

 

I am sorry. I hope that you get things worked out.

 

4/25/05 Sovereign Rocks!

09/14/03 Sovereign of the Seas

[Family of 14]

That's so terrible!

I have never known the prices to be higher in February than they are in mid April (Spring Break and Easter time). You might consider waiting a while and see what kind of pricing will be released for February.

If cruising in the winter, do go to a warmer climate.

 

<MARQUEE>Are you sailing on the Mariner 7/18/04?...Click here!

or HERE!

 

</MARQUEE>

 

Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[pcur]

The Vision is a gorgeous ship! She's got tons of windows (hence the name), so it's wonderful walking around on her.

 

Keep an eye on the bargains; you might still get one in the Carib in Feb for the price you want. I have a list of cruise web sites that you can sign up for all their email newsletters. It's fun to read them and see who's charging what. Email me at pcur@pacbell.net.

 

Catalina Island is fun, too. So unique!

 

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[justcruzin85374]

sorry dentalchic......BUT....you'll love the Vision! It is one of my fondest cruising memories, great layout, plenaty of glass, open area's, great solarium and outdoor pools and just overall great ship!

I remember you wanted a balcony cabin on the Majesty and couln't get one, do you have one for the Vision? That cruise is pretty afordable so maybe that will work out for you.

And you are going earlier so that too is a plus, keep your eyes and ears tuned for deals on the Serenade, never know what could come up.

Good luck...and remember your cc friends are always here when needed

 

Soveriegn 92 E. Caribbean

Majesty 95 W. Caribbean

Granduer 97 E. Caribbean

Rhapsody 00 Mexico

Vision 02 Alaska

Radiance 03 Panama Canal

Brilliance 3/29/04

 

 

 

Radiance of the Seas/Panama Canal 10/18/2003

Are we there yet?

 

My bags are always packed!

Brilliance 3/29/2004

[kc320]

Sorry to hear about you having to change your cruise plans. Cruisequick is very good about not charging fees, I've had to cancel 2 cruises with them & they never charged me. If you are sure about your dates & the ship you want I think I would just switch like you said & keep the booking #.

Like other's have said, the good news is your countdown clock will be 2 months shorter!

 

Halloween on the Serenade

[yarlenna]

What happened to you sure doesn't sound fair to me. How about suggesting a vacation request deadline and allow the people with seniority to have first choice at THAT point. This way, you would be able to make plans with the time you COULD get with confidence. Making you change your plans at this point is cruel.

 

Work like a dog. Live like a pauper. Save all your money. Then Cruise!

[GaryWT]

Cry away. I am positive that any cruise is better than non at all. My first thought when I read it was are there an other dentists in the area that are hiring? Something to think about. On the other hand, if Feb will work for you then go for it.

 

Good luck

 

3/98 Grandeur of the Seas

4/00 Grandeur of the Seas

2/02 Enchantment of the Seas

04/16/05 Navigator of the Seas

[mconthehighseas]

Keep your eye on the price of your cruise. Right after the final payment, some prices drop. If they do, call your TA, and see if they can arrange a refund (least likely), shipboard credit, or an UPGRADE!!!!

 

Then make sure you take LOTS of pictures, and bring them into work to show to the person who will take a vacation in April.

 

Just think, you will have an opportunity to go on a ship you would have missed out on otherwise. (I know people who prefer smaller ships - they feel they get more intimate service.) And you can still look forward to going on the Serenade, just not this soon

 

Counting down to the Rhapsody OTS - 12/05/04

[PhoenixCruiser]

So sorry to read that

 

Can you talk to the person who outranked you? Perhaps they don't have any big plans and just picked a week out of the blue. If that's the case, they may be willing to work with you.

 

Sending positive vibes your way And, as others have said, keep your positive attitude!

 

Navigator of the Seas 6/26/04

 

 

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[iluvcruzin]

Sorry to hear about you having to cancel your cruise and rebook. The Vision is a very nice ship. My Hawaii cruise was on the Vision.

 

April is a crazy time to cruise since it's spring break. If there's any consulation, you will be able to use more of the ships amenities in February than in April where the kids rule the ship. (I've been on a couple of them - on RCCL & Carnival). I would prefer February personally.

 

I would think flying to LA would be higher than to FL for you. As someone mentioned, it's a bit chilly in Febuary in LA. Since you had your heart set on a voyager class ship, you may want to look at all your options. Think it over before you rebook to get the exact cruise you want.

 

Keep in mind that the carribean and the west-coast mexican rivera/baja cruises are not the same. For me I tried it once. Once was enough. There's nothing like the clear water of the carribean.

 

Maureen

 

Princess Sun 2/27/2005

Mariner of the Seas 10/16/2005

 

[want2seaitall]

Thanks everyone...the woman who took the week...I guess she takes that week every year...and she doesn't do ANYTHING...she just stays home with her kids because she doesn't have anybody to watch them. I know for sure...that she hadn't given the week to the hygiene coordinator yet...because when I gave her the week last week...she said I'm blocking it for you right now...and did. Then yesterday morning...when I walked in I was greeted with..."you've got a big problem". NICE!!! I'm not going to make waves...I just roll with them. I've only been a hygienist for 1 year...and this is my second job...after having left one already. So I'm not going to let this be a reason to leave. Honestly...now that I'm being forced into the only other week my kids have off...the Vision is a good 2nd...she is very affordable and I am able to stay in my D1 category...I really wanted a balcony...my 15 year old...is usually kicked out of the cabin while I'm getting ready for dinner...and now he'll be able to sit out of the balcony...order a pre-dinner snack from room service. It will be nice. I sure will miss the clear caribbean waters for sure. But we'll make the best of it...it is a cruise after all. I like the fact that there are 3 days at sea too...very relaxing.

 

Only major concern...how cold are the ports on this itinerary: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta. I was assuming that they'd be warm .

 

My first balcony on the Vision!!! 2/20/05

RCCL Majesty of the Seas - April 2004

Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

 

 

[cruzinpsycharnp]

That is seriously poor management. My boss told me one day after I could canel without penalty that I could not have time off as scheduled 2 1/2 months before. I quit! Then I thought, I must be crazy to quit a high paying job in a field where there are no jobs...but I got another one with a $12,000 increase!! Had a great cruise too. It's not making waves, it's standing up for yourself. Won't she change it especially since she has no plans?

 

till Mariner

Queen Elizabeth 1963

Florida 1966

Mardi Gras 1980

Holiday 1982

Tropicale 1999

Pride 2002

Grand Princess 2003

Mariner 2004

[want2seaitall]

Funny...I told my husband that some of you were saying to quit...and he said "I was thinking the same thing...but didn't want to get you upset"...lol. I'm home on my lunchbreak...wow it is hot up here in MA...85 or something...I'm lovin it!!! Well...I'm not going to quit...for this anyway...but it is upsetting...I wish I'd known when I took the job...hell I'd like to take both of my kids vacation weeks off...they are only young once...and I've been in college part time and working for 5 years now where my college vacations didn't coincide with my kids...when I finished I though...great we'll finally be able to take time off together. UGH! But anyway...enough wah wahing. I'll get over it.

 

My first balcony on the Vision!!! 2/20/05

RCCL Majesty of the Seas - April 2004

Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

 

 

[mconthehighseas]

Well, dentalchic, it certainly sounds like you have your act together much more than the woman who "stole" your April vacation. You have a supportive husband, you got yourself thru college while WORKING and being a MOTHER (Yowza), and you can find a place for your kids while you work. The other woman either has money problems or is just unable to plan ahead. Just be glad you aren't her!

 

Counting down to the Rhapsody OTS - 12/05/04

[QueensChick]

Getting away on a beautiful warm weather cruise in February and having a wonderful time on the high seas with your family is the BEST revenge. Im sure it'll work out and you'll have a great cruise.

 

(Of course, you can always fall back on this fantasy: winning the lottery and buying out the dental practice, thereby controlling everyone else's vacation schedules.)

 

 

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

-Marcus Aurelius Antonius

 

1. June 2001 Celebrity ZENITH (Bermuda)

2. July 2002 Celebrity MILLENNIUM (Southern Caribbean)

3. January 2003 Carnival CONQUEST (Western Caribbean)

4. August 2003 Celebrity GALAXY (Western Caribbean)

5. September 2004 Royal Caribbean ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS (Southern Caribbean)

6. May 2005 Celebrity INFINITY ()

 

'til my Adventure

 

 

 

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[bartelbee]

I live here in Southern California and I've done the Mexican cruise (on the Grandeur.) Yes, it can be chillier here in February than in Florida in April but we've also been known to have gorgeous weather. The ports themselves should be nice--you won't have the oppressive heat of the summer. And I just love the Vision class ships--big enough so you never feel crowded, yet intimate enough so you always feel at home.