St. Thomas, USVI

This is our first port of call, the beautiful St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Motion Sickness No More

THIS IS FOR CRAIG!!!!!

What Is the Transderm Scop® System?

The Transderm Scop® system helps to prevent the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness for up to 3 days. It is a round adhesive patch that you place behind your ear several hours before you travel.

How the Transderm Scop® System Works

A group of nerve fibers deep inside the ear helps people keep their balance. For some people, the motion of ships, airplanes, trains, automobiles, and buses increases the activity of these nerve fibers. This increased activity causes the dizziness, nausea, and vomiting of motion sickness. People may have one, some, or all of these symptoms.

Transderm Scop® contains the drug scopolamine, which helps reduce the activity of the nerve fibers in the inner ear. When a Transderm Scop® patch is placed on the skin behind one of the ears, scopolamine passes through the skin and into the bloodstream. One patch may be kept in place for 3 days if needed.

Source

Our ship

Decision Time

Okay, so I think everyone has agreed we like the chosen cruise. Now I want commitment. I would like everyone to make up their minds by June 30th, which just happens to be Patty's wedding day! Once we have decided for sure who is going, I will make the reservation. The deposit will be $500 per couple, due when I make the reservation. Costco takes Visa, American Express, and Mastercard. The remaining balance will not be due until April, so there is plenty of time to save up (almost a whole year). I would like each of you to comment on this post if you are in. I can't wait!

Costco Group Rates - Excellent!

Dear Kim,

Thank you for contacting Costco Travel Group Department for your group cruise quotation. The quote you requested is below.

No space is currently being held. Rates are subject to availability and can change without notice. All rates quoted are on a per person basis.

7 Day Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sailing on: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ship: Carnival Destiny

Category 4A - inside $682 for 1st & 2nd passengers (Riviera Deck)
Category 4C - inside $745 for 1st & 2nd passengers (Upper Deck)
$610 for 3rd and 4th passengers

Category 6A - ocean view $817 for 1st & 2nd passengers (Riviera Deck)
$637 for 3rd and 4th passengers

Category 8A - balcony $952 for 1st & 2nd passengers (Upper Deck)
$664 for 3rd and 4th passengers

Please note- group rates include port charges, taxes and fees.
Your group might be eligible to receive $75 onboard credit per cabin.


Group Amenity: For every eight (8) double, triple or quad occupancy cabins one (1) guest is free, excluding port charges and taxes. This credit is applied just prior to final payment..

BerkelyCare Travel Insurance: Is available upon request. For more information, go to http://www.costco.com/ >Travel >General Information >Costco Travel Passenger Protection Program.
Insurance is valid for purchase by US or Canadian residents only.

Minimum Group Size: For sailings of 4 or more days the minimum group size is 8 double occupancy cabins. For sailings of 3 days or less, the minimum group size is 16 double occupancy cabins.

If you would like to request space on a cruise, please advise what category and occupancy is needed for each cabin.

Many thanks for contacting Costco Travel Groups.

Info on Ports of call

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Historic San Juan, once nothing more than cobblestone streets and the distinctive architecture of the Spanish who founded it, is now a modern world capital. Among the peaceful shaded courtyards and commanding colonial fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal, you'll find a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards, lively cafes, highly regarded galleries and designer boutiques. This is where the old world meets the new - and you can enjoy them both.

ST. THOMAS, USVI

Not all of St. Thomas' treasures are buried. Most of them are right in the open on this gorgeous island, home of the infamous Bluebeard's Tower. Whether looking for jewels, crystal, perfume and fine wines in the shops of Charlotte Amalie, or soaking up the sun on the incredible beaches, you'll marvel at the wealth of history on this treasure-filled paradise.

DOMINICA

Set halfway between Guadeloupe and Martinique, you'll find Dominica, the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands. Abundant with rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests, Dominica is a treasure chest of hidden natural wonders. Explore the beauty of this tropical paradise with a bike ride through the Layou River Valley, or a tour through the capital of Roseau. This is one island that is sure to take your breath away.

BARBADOS

High tea and cricket in the afternoons remains a tradition on the very British island of Barbados, also called the "Little England" of the Caribbean. The Bajan landscape, with its breathtaking panoramas of oceans and valleys, and endless pink- and white-sand beaches, is one of the most majestic in the Southern Caribbean. Barbados is the perfect setting for snorkeling in turquoise waters, touring historic sites or taking in a round of golf.

St. Kitts

info coming soon

LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Located in the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic and 60 miles east of Santo Domingo. This city was built by the sugar mills before it started to blossom as a resort area. About 1 mile from the famous Casa de Campo Resort, this small city has some of the finest golf courses found in the Caribbean. White sand beaches in La Romana are also one of the citiy's main attractions.

Source

Cruise Poll

UPDATE:The polls will be closing on Monday so make sure you voted!!!! thanks!

Update #2 The Polls are now closed. Results:

Question 1: Do you like the choice of cruise choosen?

A RESOUNDING 100% YES response! YAHOO!

Question 2: What style of cabin do you perfer?

Looks like we'll be scattered on three levels of the ship.. 33% balcony, 25% oceanview, 42% indoor cabin. Good to know! This will aid Kim when scouting out the best deal for us.

Question 3: What is the optimal length of cruise for you?

Looks like 7 day cruise won out with 69% of the vote. 5 days scored 4 votes.

Okay, so I have done a little homework. I have been researching one of the Carnival cruises (if we decide to go on a cruise). It leaves out of San Juan, Puerto Rico on June 29th and returns on July 6th. It stops at the following places: St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Kitts, and the Dominican Republic. You can see it on the Carnival website: 7 Day Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico . Here is a breakdown of some of the pricing I have found (per couple):

Costco: Balcony (8A) $2,083.74 Oceanview (6A) $1,813.74 Inside Cabin (4A) $1,543.74
Expedia: Balcony (8A) $2,282.74 Oceanview (6A) $1,982.74 Inside Cabin (4A) $1,682.74
Priceline: Balcony (8A) $2,477.69 Oceanview (6A) $2,177.69 Inside Cabin (4A) $1,845.69

These numbers include taxes and port fees. Most require a $500 deposit (per couple) at the time of reservation with full payment due by April 2008.

I haven't had too much time to research group pricing, but from what I have read a party of 8 cabins or more usually counts as a group. Sometimes you can get a deal where one person gets a free trip if 8 or more cabins are reserved, so split over a large group of people, you might save $50 each. I can also find pricing on inside cabins if anyone likes (although I wouldnt' recommend one).

I'll try and work on group pricing tomorrow to see what I can find!

Get Excited!!!

Welcome to our new 30th Birthday Travel Blog. Here you will find information on destinations, expenses, etc etc etc. So start saving those nickels and dimes and get ready for a trip of a lifetime!!!