Christmas 2009

A warm welcome home to our leader! I am very much enjoying your reports Nina but, am concerned that you are taking the time rest up after your incident. We all want you well!

Thanks for the welcome and, I guess welcome home goes back to you Nina. We're having some wild weather in NYC - heavy, heavy rain and believe it or not a tornado warning. Good night to stay in and .

My parents are discussing the Christmas cruise, they like the idea. Fingers crossed, you seem like a fun group! Anyone at all in my age range?

It's been a while since I've been on here but, I received the email about Bob and was very sorry to read that news. Anyhow, I hate to admit this but, I forgot I even registered on this site!

I'm still debating this Christmas sailing but, it's looking more and more likely. So, I figured I'd take the opportunity, while I was thinking about to come on and say hello again.

AmbianceTraveler wrote:

Because we are loads of fun and have our own group comedians
You want to experience a change of seasons for at least a couple days and see the decorations with real snow. You want to wonderful food but not clean up after the feast. But most importantly because you know you really want to because you would it and us.


(did it work?)

It's working! Now a question, does anyone have a photo of an "in hull" balcony - meaning a photo actually taken on the balcony. I have a feeling that's going to be the better choice for this sailing.

Here's what the hull cabins look like from the outside

Oh well, as long as we're sharing Holiday photos - these are from 2005-06

Dining Room



Deck Party


Champagne


New Year's Eve in the Queen's Room

These photos are great! I'm still trying to talk the family into the idea - these photos and the ones on the website will help.

Anyone have more photos of NYC during Christmas?

Nice photos Rita! Thanks for posting them. I was on that 2005-2006 sailing!

Nigel, welcome to the boards! I don't know how old you are exactly but I think you will find plenty of companions. I for one am bringing my very cute, very single baby sister who will be 20 on this sailing.

Thanks for the welcome home Todd, I do feel fine now after taking most the weekend to just rest.

Wonderful pictures everyone thanks for sharing! Pictures say so much

Oh come on, not even a hint?!?! You're killing me here! Thanks for the very details reports Nina, it's now VERY understandable why you fainted, I'm just very thankful you and the baby are ok! I'm enjoying your photos and video too. I swear, no matter how many times I sail QM2 or how many times I've sailed under the Verrazano - neither lose their thrill So glad you're home and doing so much better!

Did you guys see the size of Oasis? WOW, what a ship! I'm not going on the inaugural but, if the charity Halloween cruise is on Oasis, that one I will go on.

Nina, a question for you. My parents and I are just about ready to book and given this new incentive of pricing and the pre-cruise stay that's really good incentive for us. Here is the question: We plan on arriving in New York for a few days prior - at least 3 days in advance - how will the complimentary part vs what we will have to pay work. In other words, we won't have to change rooms or anything at the hotel if we keep the same room level, is that correct?

Derek,

If you keep the same room category then you would not need to change rooms, just pay for any of the nights beyond the 1 in advance to my agency. I will then combine the payments to the hotel. You will still check in with your CC for incidentals.

Nick, I had to be very careful not to give away any due date hints in the blog because the number of weeks along I am was the determining factor in whether I went to the maternity ward vs. the emergency room. (Hmmm that would make a good clue for this week!)

Fantastic photos guys!

Start spreading the news, We're leaving in 487 days
I want to be a part of it - new york, new york and qm2
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it - new york, new york

Ok I'll keep my day job!


Nina - Sold! I'll be in touch sometime over the weekend and no later than Monday. We're expecting a foal any minute, so, that's why I'm not pinpointing date or time for contact. I'll fax you, that will be easiest.

Hmmmm, I'll have to work with what Patrick started and improve it...

Nina - do you realize the can of worms you opened up with the pre-cruise package deal? Are you trying to get the entire Natale family to book 4th of July AND Christmas?! One thing for sure, you can count on Leanna and Me and both sets of parents to take advantage of the hotel package. I know it's actually easier to get to Brooklyn from Staten Island but, we want to be part of the fun the night before and I can't see running back and forth between Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Nina, as you know I booked directly with Cunard UK ~ something I will refrain from doing in the future. Anyhow, if I'd like to purchase the pre-cruise package since I don't qualify - how do I go about doing that?

Nick Needs To Know wrote:

Hmmmm, I'll have to work with what Patrick started and improve it...

Nina - do you realize the can of worms you opened up with the pre-cruise package deal? Are you trying to get the entire Natale family to book 4th of July AND Christmas?! One thing for sure, you can count on Leanna and Me and both sets of parents to take advantage of the hotel package. I know it's actually easier to get to Brooklyn from Staten Island but, we want to be part of the fun the night before and I can't see running back and forth between Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Nick, I can't picture you "running" for anything

Todd,

For the pre-cruise package you can go here:

http://ambiancetc.com/CFprepackage.aspx

You can purchase it right online.

As a reminder note to all NON- US CITIZENS...if you book in your own Country I CAN NOT get the booking transferred into the group or my agency. You MUST either book directly with the Cunard US office or directly with me (less hassle for both of us if you just book direct through me)

Down The Shore Guy wrote:

Nick Needs To Know wrote:

Hmmmm, I'll have to work with what Patrick started and improve it...

Nina - do you realize the can of worms you opened up with the pre-cruise package deal? Are you trying to get the entire Natale family to book 4th of July AND Christmas?! One thing for sure, you can count on Leanna and Me and both sets of parents to take advantage of the hotel package. I know it's actually easier to get to Brooklyn from Staten Island but, we want to be part of the fun the night before and I can't see running back and forth between Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Nick, I can't picture you "running" for anything

EXCEPT when food is involved!

Wow, I don't sign in for a few weeks and new members join us! Hi everyone! I'm Vic ~ umm, make that Vic the Cop ~ we have two Vic's in here so I'm Vic the Cop. I'll be traveling in the boiler room for this sailing!

Nina, sorry I missed the last sale, naturally, just when I had extra cash, my car needed work! Anyhow, I do want to take advantage of the pre-cruise package too. I mean I'm coming in from so far away...all the way from...Queens!

Looking forward to 15 nights of fun with this group!

Likewise, I'm Andy - AKA - Andy the Grump, right Nina? A warm to our newest members!

OH Andy, I know you might be a little crusty on the outside but you have a soft middle

You know it!