I know that it is a little early but here it goes. Anyone else on board May 20th, 2007? We are Windjammer virgins and are very excited to start this new adventure.
See you there,
Ralphie

YAY! I'll be there!

It will be my first WJ, too! I am so excited!

I'll be bringing my 15 year old niece and we'll be arriving on the 19th. I have to keep busy to keep my mind off it or I'd just explode from anticipation.

or should that be darn it... Depends on my mood I guess. I can only dream of having a ship of that size with a crew that caters to my every whim....hehehe.
Welcome aboard. I can't wait. Where are you staying before?after?both?

We're staying at the Hyatt. I think I would have preferred the low-rise beach area, but I wanted to be sure I could entertain an energetic teenager when I was wiped out from travelling. At the Hyatt, I can have a cocktail and watch her parasail, have a cocktail and watch her play on the two-story pool slide, have a cocktail and...you get the picture.

We're arriving a day early (Sat.) and leaving a day later (Sun.).

How about you?

Sorry for not responding sooner. Yes, I understand the teenage thing, the cocktail thing, and the lazying by the pool thing. We are arriving Saturday and spending the first night at Bucuti. Then we jump on the ship and sail away. When we get back, since it is a holiday weekend and we have an extra day off of work, we will go back to Bucuti and stay a few more days. I plan to be so relaxed by that time, that I won't have the energy to come home...hehehe.
Ralph
Tracy, CA

Oh, the Bucuti looks so NICE! From everything I've read about it, I'm sure you'll love it.

Have you planned any activities or do you plan to lounge on the beach?

We're taking a heli-tour right after we land on Aruba Saturday and definitely some snorkeling or a resort course scuba dive on Sunday.

No we don't have too many plans yet. We love to snorkel and will do lots of that, but the rest of the time will be spent exploring the island and lounging around.

If you are looking for info on Aruba there is a great B/B at
http://www.aruba-bb.com
Also, if you get downtown make sure you stop at Iguana Joes for a sandwich and beverage..... Right up over there is a internet access..[/url]

Hey Ralphie,
If you are looking for something that's a lot of fun, do the KuKuKaNuKu party bus. Now, it's definitely more fun if you go with a few people that you know, but the bus is usually full of party animals looking to have a good time. They pick everyone up at their hotels, I suggest that you bring along an adult beverage for this part of the ride. They you go to the lighthouse for a champagne toast and then to the governor's house for dinner. After that, the party really gets going. They take you to about 4 local bars and you get a free drink at each one and learn local dances and just party down. It's a complete blast!

DD

If you are thinking about a Resort Dive, another thing to try is the Snuba Aruba at DePalm Island.

I did this a couple of years ago and it got me hooked on learning to dive. This was booked thru a Carnival ship tour (pre-WJ) and included transportation, lunch (which was excellent), drinks after Snuba and the Snuba. Very cool - lots of fun!

These are all good suggestions. You guys have me itching to go now....How am I going to get any work done for the next 8 weeks...ugh!

Iguana Joe's will be perfect for lunch after shopping for souvenirs the Saturday we return.

Thanks!

I've done the resort dive thing before, but my niece hasn't so I was considering the Snuba thing for her first time. I have reservations about DePalm Island, though, because of the mixed reviews I've read.

On the plus side, it's easier for a first-timer and there's pretty much a guaranteed crowd of parrotfish. On the negative side is crowds and the whole touristy-schtick atmosphere of it all--I've read that it's built up a lot in the last three years.

The problem is differentiating between what I would consider negatives and what she won't mind or even notice. But, dangling the promise of a cocktail in front of me after an activity is as good a way as any to lure me into doing something....

At the time, I didn't feel like it was touristy. However, in retrospect (and after sailing WJ which changes one's perspective), it was touristy. Still fun and a great first experience.

Depending on who your Dive Master is on the ship, the Discover Dives are awesome too. I was so lucky to have Cathy on the Mandalay! What a wonderful, patient, knowledgable and fun instructor. She worked with me even after my weight belt slipped and I was swimming in circles like a 3-legged dog!

Have a blast, whatever you do!

We are confirmed as being all paid and a cabin saved. I am really excited and just can't wait.
Ralphie

I was so psyched to get our papers last week! I'm still busy memorizing every word.

Only 3 more weeks!

I hope we have a Dive Master on board. That would be awesome!

Thanks, I'm sure we will have a blast no matter what.

Hey how are you, Yes you have a Dive mate his name is Ori, and I hear from Chantal the activities mate that he is great. Wel I guess I wll see you and your family there, me and a couple of friends will be arraving on Sat and staying on Aruba until the following tuesday. I cant wait. See ya there Bea

We are official. I received all of my papers and confirmed all reservations. We are arriving the Saturday before after an all nighter plane flight. One night at Bucuti and then running down to the dock. After the cruise we are staying for a few days back at Bucuti before our long trip home.
Ralphie and Shelly

Hi Ralphie and Shelly,
I'm one of the party girls that Bea was referring to in her post.

I can't wait to get on the Poly again and meet all of my shipmates and party with my girls. I've sailed the Poly about 22 times. LOVE IT! Anyway, we are staying at the Renaissance Aruba before and after until the 29th. It's a good location for night life, food and it's very close to where the Poly is docked. Only 18 more days until we are laying on the deck with a cool drink in our hands and a breeze in our hair!

DonnaDonna

Hey girls and the rest of you joinning us, I can wait to see the girls and meet all our new friends. I am wondering if anybody knows who will be in our crew. I know Chantal is our AM, Oury Dive mate, but I dont know who else is going to be there. Is Sherry, Warren, Brandon, Orlando, Bouncy going to be there? I know Capt Cesar is going to be on Vaca. who will be our Captain? I know to many questions, I should just relax and go with the flow, but heck it is me.

Hey Bea, I hope you have a great time! I hear that it will be Captain John as relief Captain, Brandon, Munroe (Bouncy)and Cherry will all be on board, but that Orlando is now on the YC as relief bartender.

Enjoy the ABC's.

Kate

Hi Kate,
It's Donna from the New Year's sail on the Poly! Thanks for the update on the crew for our upcoming sail. I hope you and Caitlin are both doing well!

DonnaDonna

Thank you Kate for the update. DD I can not wait to see you, days are becoming too long for me. Bea

Donna Donna and Bea, I wish I was sailing with you, but I have to wait until Labor Day to sail the Poly. Have a great time in the ABC's! It is a fun itinerary, and give a hug to everyone for me.

Cait, Penny and I are off to CR in a few weeks.

Are you guys doing New Years in 2008?

Bea, I will be in PR for a conference in November, El Conquistador, is that anywhere near you?

Kate