MAASDAM 10/30/04

[red stripe]

well, we are also looking at that.. that is if I am let on the ship :lol

as for shore excursions...... Einstein has the flying up in the sky thingee on the Cay, he also has a clamshell... and he now has the Golden eagle tour...

I have nothing... HAL is miffed because I have not sailed with them since 1997... and refuses to recognise me..

 

[Anonymous User]

Red good luck with your ordeal. I will fight you in my suitcase. Anyway, I was under the impression that one clamshell works for 2 people/chairs.

Edited to add, lets hope that Frances does not enjoy HMC or destroy I should say !!!!!

 

[red stripe]

thanks .. yes, I was also thinking the same thing..... clamshells and huts may be out to sea :lol

Suer, this uncertainty is just dreadful.. they are driving me nuts!

I told the lady that I wanted to make sure they had me down again and she said that as I booked through a TA that they would not tell me.. I told her that the TA was not the one continuing to bump me .. she said that she was sorry but she was sure that HAL had not done this on purpose.... to which I said that this would be no consolation if I got there and found they would not let me on the ship :lol She really was nice.. but I was not yelling at her either.. just normal conversation.

I think I will go back to sewing on that tux shirt that I might not need after all :grin

 

[iluvcruzin]

I hope they get you straightened out Red. Hopefully this is the only bad experience you will have on the sailing. Get it all over with now before we sail.

The clamshell can be booked by just one person. Thats how I did it. For $9.00 it's like buying a drink. This red-head freckled face doesn't like to burn.

What's everyone thinking of doing in San Juan? We are only there for a few hours. Since it's our last stop I'm thinking of doing a ship tour. I asked Kelly which one - Barcardi & old San Juan tour or the Rainforest tour? She said she'd be more interested in culture than nature. I said - I bet it doesn't hurt the tour has samples of rum. She informed me that this wasn't a concern of hers and that for my information she knows what Bacardi tastes like. Spoken like a 20 yr old. LOL.

 

[Orcrone]

If we do a tour on San Juan, it will be a ship tour because of the short time in port. Probably Old San Juan for us too, but we haven't looked through them yet. I'll try to get DW to sit down at the computer with me this weekend so we can start planning.

Maureen, How about that Antigua tour you got info on?

 

[maw]

Paw and I have have had a little deck party this afternoon and I really enjoyedthe Margritas. He finally looked over the crusie excursions. Are there any I really should book ahead or take our chances when we get to port. I really really would like to do one catamarin excurison. Red do you think I can handle the one you have booked? Sounds like I need to be booking a clam shell too-as a little bit of sun goes a long way for me or is there a place at a bar Paw and I can set in shade and enjoy a cold drink. Thinking waiting to port ot book a Coral World excusion. Advice is very welcome and needed.The 4X4 excursions sound like fun but not sure whether I am up to them(would want one they drive you on). Help!

 

[JOHN(NJ)]

I hope there is still a place to place clamshells after Frances !!!!!!

 

[red stripe]

Maw, I would book the Golden Eagle now while there is space.
we have booked it.
We have time to make sure that it is OK for you.
I think it will be, as all the others I have been on had a regular place for sitting up around the wheelhouse..

Einstein is also doing the parasailing thing .. NOT me :lol

As for shade.
My worry with the shells is that it would be stuffy under them.
I am almost sure that there is a real nice bar there with plenty of shade..
I will confirm that and get back to you.

 

[Anonymous User]

Yes there IS or maybe WAS a bar that provided shade. But at this point the main question at hand is......Is there a HMC still ?

 

[red stripe]

ah yes.. I wonder what is left there.
But as I said somewhere else.. I heard on the weather TV that "a reliable source" had called from Eluthera and said that the damage there was less than they expected.. so perhaps all those islands will luck out.

 

[Anonymous User]

Between 9/11 and 10/17 HAL has around 15 scheduled stops at HMC before we sail. If the obvious itinerary changes aren't posted on the web sight hopefully if an addict is on one of those sailings they will report back at what is remaining of the island.

 

[Anonymous User]

http://www.cdera.org/cunews/publish/article_446.shtml

CDERA Situation Report #3 - Hurricane Frances kills one in The Bahamas
By CDERA
Sep 3, 2004, 18:00 pm

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ISSUED BY: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
DATE: September 3, 2004
TIME: 6:00 pm

The Event: At 5:00pm Eastern Caribbean Time Hurricane Frances was approximately 90 miles East southeast of Freeport, Grand Bahama. . The north western Bahamas continues to be under a Hurricane Warning as Frances slowly travels west northwestward.

The Prognosis: Frances has been affecting the central and north western Bahamas for the past 24 hours and is not expected to clear the area for another 24 hours. The Central Bahamas will gradually clear this evening into tonight as the hurricane warning for that area has been discontinued by the National Hurricane Centre.

The Situation - BAHAMAS

Several islands of The Bahamas are still experiencing hurricane force and tropical storm force winds at 5:00 pm.

Nassau – one person is confirmed dead. An 18-year old was outside in the height of the hurricane attempting to service a standby generator and was electrocuted. Roof of shelter at Bethsheda United Missionary Baptist Church caved in. People safely moved to neighbours.

San Salvador – Hurricane Frances battered this island with 140 mph winds for 30 hours. 15 to 20 per cent of the housing stock has been damaged. Population is 1,000 people. Widespread environmental damage with fallen trees, power lines and utility poles – much of which was cleared for initial damage assessment. Health care facility is in good condition. A doctor, nurse, and official of the Bahamian Defence Force were pre-positioned and are assisting residents. All tourists at Club Med were evacuated and the hotel, which is empty, sustained roofing damage.

Eleuthera – Winds in excess of 100 mph affected the island. Storm force conditions still affecting the island. Power is out.

North Eleuthera - Winds reported in excess of 100 mph. Power out. Fibre optic cable from North and South Eleuthera broken– no land-based contact with Spanish Wells.

Central Eleuthera – No electricity and telecommunications down. No contact with the island.

South Eleuthera – Tropical storm force conditions still exist. Damage assessment not possible at this time.

Nassau International Airport - Heavy winds. Bahamasair Holdings Office roof and front portion was torn off making it accessible to the public. Airport Security is stationed at the site.

East Grand Bahama – Winds becoming stronger. About 130 persons in public shelters.

West Grand Bahama – Weather is good. 240 persons in public shelters.

Freeport Grand Bahama - Winds are picking up, continues to rain. 700 persons in public shelters.

Old news but...

 

[red stripe]

Maw.. Yes there is a nice bar on the beach that is covered.. I thought that I had seen a picture posted by Judi some time ago, so I asked her. she said that there would get beck to us with more details later on.

 

[red stripe]

Maw, I went and looked for more info, and found this in different posts on the board.. it might help a few of us.
------------------------\

On the island are several souvenir shops, water rental equipment places, cabana or umbrella rentals, and two outdoor bars. Many people just find a chair and relax for hours. The water and sand are beautiful and worth the trip. There are some hammocks on the beach. Any time I've gone, there are plenty of chairs in the shade. Near the main bar is a covered area with table and chairs. It's nice to relax in the shade and listen to the small band play music.

HAL offers two special Half Moon Cay beverage packages. Unlimited HMC Rum Punch, domestic beers, soft drinks and bottled water, $19.95. Unlimited soft drinks, $14.95. These are available through the Shore Excursion Office and at the Information Booth and bars on the island. There are also 2 for 1 drinks from 1:30 to 3:30 on the island.
Check with the Shore Excursion Office to be safe as this may change from ship to ship depending on times of arrival and length of stay.
This information was affective as of April 14th.

1) No sticker (sticker is for when you purchase an 'on board' soft drinks package. For HMC you receive a card.
2) The package includes; Rum punch, beer, soda and water.

 

[maw]

I did reserve a clam shell just in case we need it $9 is not that much. I really do not handle lounge chairs well. Off to check out the Golden Eagle catamaran

 

[red stripe]

Maw, Einstein also says that he thinks you can do this too.

and here is a picture of Half Moon Cay, taken by Bruce.

<img src=http://a1.cpimg.com/image/B3/DC/38940851-292f-02000180-.jpg>

 

[red stripe]

ABOUT THE PINNACLE GRILL on the FIRST NIGHT

I know there was some talk about doing this, as not only is it half price :grin.. but it then frees up some of you to actually see the sailaway.

I know that Orcrone was thinking about it, and I am sure that is what we are doing..and also Surfergirl.. so is there any more out there that are doing this? and if so, what times are you looking at? perhaps if we are down there at the same time we could form a table or tables?

 

[maw]

Sounds like a good way to kick off the cruise to me Red . Just tell me what need to do to be in on a first night dinner at Pinnicle. I have the Golden Eagle booked for St Maartin is that the right one? I really thought that looked like fun when I saw you all go out last time and and it sounded like a really fun time to me. I think I have the clam shell but if not maybe we will find a shady chair near a bar. Paw came by a little while ago and said oh oh she has creedit card out and is drinking at same time. These are only things we are booking ahead thought maybe on St Thomas would try to get a taxi to Coral world and other wise go with flow. REally looking forward to this cruise.

 

[Orcrone]

To book the Pinnacle the first night you have to call ship services. I'm not sure what the number is, but their general info number is (877) SAIL - HAL.

I'll speak to DW about the first night Pinnacle. I don't think she sees the need to spend extra at a specialty restaurant, but $10.00 per person is pretty cheap (like us) :grin.

 

[surfergirl]

Well well well guess who has arrived?? Not enough hours in a day for me to check all the boards, but just wanted all of you to know we WILL be there.
We have booked nothing except the clamshell after reading about them on that other board. The bar area sounds delightful, however, it might be quite a walk and very crowded. The reports I have read is there is very little shade at the HMC location-might be a mute point after this past storm. The WHG has booked parasailing at HMC-talked E into it. We have made no arrangements for any excursions as I live in my own "little" world so don't have any worries. Guess The WHG better take a look at the ports and make some decisions. We did the Golden Eagle on CH@OS and it was a ton of fun, but maybe we will do something different this time. One thing that concerns me after reading the above posts is the catamaran isn't allowed by law to drop passengers right on the beach so everyone has to swim a few-very few-feet to the beach. They did provide "noddles" for everyone that couldn't make the swim or the crew helped them. Just a thought.