Monday, November 29, 2010

Backstreet Boys Cruise Itinerary!

Wow, Cruisers! We are soooo close! Sorry for being MIA over Thanksgiving break. As much as I was thinking about the cruise, I just didn't have any extra time to update.

So, a lot has happened since the last post! We got our itinerary for the cruise! SO exciting! In case you missed it, here's the email:

Dear Cruise Guest,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for participating in the

1ST Annual Backstreet Boys CRUISE aboard CARNIVAL'S DESTINY.

Please review below information necessary to ensure a trouble free, relaxing vacation for all.

You can also find this information on www.carnival.com under the "Manage My Cruises" tab.

Please note - you might need to use Internet Explorer as other browsers may not work properly

Enter in your Booking Number as indicated above, your Last Name, Date of Birth, Name of the Ship
(Carnival Destiny) and the sailing date 12/09/2010 and click the Submit Box. From here you can access your cruise documents and complete your "Fun Pass" which serves as your Carnival boarding-pass. Alternatively, you can access your "Fun Pass/Boarding Pass" directly from the link provided below. You should complete your Fun Pass/Boarding Pass prior to printing out your document information. All guests in cabin must complete the Fun Pass/Boarding Pass in order to print it.

Here is what you will need for everyone in your party:
Personal Information
(full name, home address, phone number, etc.)
Citizenship Information
(passport data, permanent resident card number, etc.)
Travel Plans
Guests with independent travel arrangements will need to provide details regarding pre and post transportation arrangements (arrival and departure flight information, hotel arrangements, etc.)
Onboard Expense Account Information (Sail & Sign)
Method of Payment to set up account
Remember, all guests in your cabin must provide the required information in order to obtain a Fun Pass. Online registration is available until the day before sailing. Taking a few minutes now will let you start enjoying your long-awaited cruise that much sooner.

Enter in your Booking Number, your Last Name, Date of Birth, Name of the Ship, Carnival Destiny and the sailing date, 12/09/2010 then, click the Continue Box. Complete Guest Information then click Continue. Complete Citizenship Information and click Continue. If you are flying home on Monday, Dec. 13th, leave the Ground Transportation Box empty and check the flight box in Air Travel. Be prepared to provide your flight details then click continue (leave the fare basis box blank).

Make sure you click on Setup Onboard Expense Account. Click on I accept the terms and conditions (Step 2 of 4). If you are part of the match program or traveling with friends, you will be able to enter your individual credit card numbers. However, if you are the first passenger listed in the cabin, you will need to select "set up account at a later time" for the 2nd passenger. When the 2nd passenger logs in, they will have the opportunity to add their own credit card information please enter just the last 4 digits of your credit. You will need to present the same credit card that you registered with at the pier. If you are using cash, you will open your cash deposit onboard at the Pursers desk. You can now click View/Add Booking on the Cruise Ticket Contract Acceptance Information (Step 3 of 4). After reviewing the Cruise Ticket Contract, you will need to click on I accept and click on Continue. Then Click - Continue again. After you have reviewed the information and everything is correct, click Continue. All information for all passengers in your cabin must be completed. Under each name it must state Complete in order to print fun pass. If incomplete, click on incomplete to see what needs to be done. After everyone is completed, click - Print Fun Pass. Make sure you Print out your Fun Pass and bring with you.

Everyone must check in at the pier. (IMPORTANT - Please remember to fill out your Fun Pass/Boarding Pass and Bring with you to the pier for Check In)

It is suggested that you put all medication in your carryon bag. Your luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom until a later time.

Once you arrive at the Pier, go to the Reception Area to check in. **Please have your proper identification with your Fun Pass (valid Passport or Birth Certificate with seal and official photo ID) for cruise check-in.

You will receive your Sail & Sign /Cabin Key from Carnival at the pier. Once onboard, please proceed to the Universe Dining Room, Lobby Deck 3, where you will receive your Wristband and Beach Party Ticket.

You must wear the wristbands for the entire cruise. Each passenger will receive one wristband, which is non-transferable and will not be replaced.

BACKSTREET BOYS RULES & OTHER INFORMATION

AUTOGRAPHS:
Please note that due to the number of people attending the cruise, we are not able to provide an official autograph session for everyone. No autographs will be given at the photo sessions.

PHOTO SESSIONS:
We will have groups of 8 passengers pose for each picture with the Backstreet Boys. This way we will be able to see everyone, and no one will be left without a photo. We ask that you please respect this group policy. Black & Blue Wristbands will begin at 12:00PM on Sunday December 12th. Orange, Red, Purple & Green Wristbands will begin at 1:15PM on Sunday December 12th. These sessions will be in the Criterion Lounge on Promenade Deck 5. While in line, you will be given a ticket with a number. You must be present to receive your ticket. We will go in numerical order for photos. If your number is called and you are not present, you will miss your photo opportunity. Please arrive at the Photo Session with your group of 8 passengers!

PERSONAL CAMERAS / VIDEO CAMERAS:
Please feel free to bring your personal camera to all events except for the official photo sessions. We are providing an official photographer for your convenience. They will be circulating at all official events and taking photos. All photos, including those taken at the official photo sessions will be posted after the cruise. Photos will be available on a website and a link will be provided at a later time. If personal cameras are brought to the photo sessions, you will be asked to return the camera to your cabin.

Video cameras are allowed only for your own personal events. They are not allowed at official Backstreet Boys Cruise events.

Please note no cameras are allowed in the Casino.

WRISTBANDS:
You will receive your wristband when you check-in. There are 6 wristband colors Black, Blue, Orange, Red, Purple & Green. These colors represent the zones in the Palladium Lounge. Your wristband will have your exact seat assignment. Wristband color and seat assignment number was determined by time of booking. Please note that these wristbands are required for all events. DO NOT REMOVE these wristbands until the end of the cruise

PERSONAL GIFTS TO BACKSTREET BOYS:
Gifts will NOT be permitted at any Backstreet Boys scheduled events.
Gifts can be left at the hospitality desk during designated hours.
Your gifts will be delivered to The Backstreet Boys.

SEATING:
All seating in the Palladium Lounge will be reserved. Your wristband determines which zone you are in and your Seat Number. Please look at the seating charts you received at check in to see where you will be seated. Please respect the seating policy and do not switch seats during the events. Please be respectful of others when entering the Palladium Lounge and do not wait in the line prior to the show.

DRESS:
Dress during the day is casual (shorts, shirts, skirts, jeans, etc.)
Theme nights are as follows:
Thursday December 9th - INTERNATIONAL LUV NIGHT
Show off your Country pride with flags, T-shirts, Countries colors, etc. Let's see how each country represents!
Friday, December 10th- MASQUERADE NIGHT
Let's dress up and dance the night away at our Masquerade ball “ feathers, beads and lots of fun!
Don't forget to bring your mask!
Sunday, December 12th “BLACK AND BLUE BUBBLE PARTY
Come ready to party on our final night in black and blue attire.

Beach & Swim Wear, Tank Tops, Tennis Shoes, Flip-Flops, etc are Not Allowed in the Dining Room.

DINING ROOMS:
Our group passengers will be eating in the Universe or Galaxy Dining Room.
You will receive dining room assignment at check in. Seating in the Universe Dining Room is
open except for reserved tables. Seating in the Galaxy Dining Room will be assigned. Please
arrive at your assigned dining room with your party, the Maitre Dâ will seat you. Other options
include 24 hour Room Service, Buffet on Lido Deck or the 24-hour Pizzeria.

OTHER PASSENGERS ON BOARD THE SHIP:
Please keep in mind that we are joined on The Carnival Cruise Ship Destiny; with passengers who are not participating in the Backstreet Boys Cruise. We ask that you please be courteous to all the Carnival Cruise guests.

ITINERARY:
Please click here to view the Full Itinerary.

Thanks and See you on board!


It seems so real now! :) I don't think it was fully sink in for me until I'm getting on that ship though! What do you guys think about the itinerary? Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to??

We also received our State Room numbers with that email, and Cinzia over at the fan club put this list together for everybody:

Deck 1 - Riviera
1177 - Jizzlette
1180 - fede85
1194 - Jdub
1217 – patsalvarez
1230 - Erin & Averi (@erinlynn_m)
1235 – NicksLatinLuvR87
1238 - Cinzia and Lydia (Cinzia)
1245 - Caju Garcia
1266 - broksgrl2002
1277 - Cortney (Cort_21)
1279 - Janine
1280 – mawie
1285 - cmduncan

Deck 2 - Main
2126 - LaliePop
2134 - REBECCA
2147 - ilovenickolas
2145 - Jess & Maggie
2149 - Lilly and Bea (Lilly-Marie)
2157 - lisscat
2158 - Sarah and Priscilla
2169 - vettechnikki
2171 - Martz
2174 - Lyndzy_BSBFan09
2177 - Orcagirl_78
2183 - Tostado
2209 - Gissell
2240 - beba716
2221 - Kristen
2227 - brokbabyduck4me
2251 – revolledo
2256 - Ana
2276 - dreamer426 & Janeen
2288 - LauraD
2292 - Lauren M.
2296 - mamacorey23
2298 - Juniela
2310 - lilMomma
2321- RockerHatTeam (brendas boyfriend!)
2340 - Nicole + cousin
Forward Starboard side - kbnhachicky
MooMooSaurus, Lianne, & Shorty

Deck 3 - Lobby (No Rooms)
Deck 4 - Atlantic (No Rooms)
Deck 5 - Promenade (No Rooms)

Deck 6 - Upper
6107 - AmyC
6148 - Olga D.J.
6165 - Mara
6179 - Danyell and Husband
6180 - Anitaxx and Michele
6181 - HalifaxGurl
6187 - Katya
6188 - Cathy
6203 - Melanie & Katelyn (Melmuff)
6207 - tiff (from philly) and savannah (from minnesota)
6210 - Malin and Nathali and Anneli
6215 - Lucy
6225 - totallytaylor + 3 girls
6254 - eMKay
6261 - T.Tati_argentina
6266 - Mrs_Backstreet_was_Miss
6274 - Claire_UK
6279 - Iris
6286 – pharmtechchick
6287 - lxlMUSIClxl, ILoveBSBitsTrue
6289 - Sari + two friends
6291 - Teddystarr
6295 - xxbOnxbOnx
6353 - Backstage Fans Club and Mariol
6365 - Shay (HollywoodKaos)
6367 – Livia L
nicksgurl

Deck 7 - Empress
7125 - Carrie & Nicole
7153 - Stephanie and Silvia (@Krazy_4Kaos)
7155 - Ashlea & Lauren
7170 - LinziLou
7174 - Hot4Nick
7195 – Laura and Abbey (socialcasualty07)
7199 - Judith, Sttefy & Sabela
7227 - Sam & Tina
7249 – Farah87
7268 - Becky
7273 - Irene_88
7296 – Aquarius and Gardenia

Deck 8 - Verandah
8103 - Lauren
8111 - chaechae
8116 – IheartAJ
8148 - Jasmine (aussie_bsb_fan), Kyla (kylairene24), Stacie (smmay1) and Alicia!
8149 - Aida and Quel and Rachel
8161 - Heather28UK
8162 - Yee Yee
8171 - Roxanne & Cassandra
8216 – Zena
8247 – Melissa
8302 – BedtimeDelicious
8306 – Liliana Cepa
8329 - Carole and Jessica from Canada!


Deck 9 - Lido
9174 - Ashley & Cortney
9182 - I.M.
9188- rockerhat team (brenda, lulu and bel)
9195 - nickcarterfan1985
9197 - Mary_Alien
9199 - tracyp1 and husband
9290 - Erin Ali

Deck 10 - Spa (8E Balcony Suites)
1002 – Lisa
1004 – jeshiblah
1005 - YUKA
1006 – Beverly Diehl
Barbm218

Deck 11 - Sun (No Rooms)
Deck 12 - Sky (No Rooms)

Leave a comment if you aren't already on there! :) Thanks, Cinzia!! You rock!

I think that's about it for now! Only NINE days!! :) Let's get ready to party!!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Meeting Up with People

Hey Cruisers!! Only FIFTEEN days!! :) Before the announcement of more NKOTBSB tour dates, we were talking about cell phones on the boat. Since most of you will most likely not be using your cell phones, how will you meet up with other cruisers? Well, Katie laid it all out in her blog entry from the nKoTb Cruise Blog:

So how do you find each other to meet up?

I won't lie. It's not easy. But most of us are old enough to remember life without cell phones. Somehow we managed to get by then, so we can do it now. Unlike when we were kids, though, we probably weren't going on vacation hoping to meet up with people we'd never seen before.

Things that work:
  • Walkie Talkies. This is the first recommendation on any cruise forum. They will work on the ship, but they're limited to at most four people, and most of them are pretty big. So for a small group of roommates this would work, but overall, walkie talkies probably won't get it done.
  • Setting meeting points and times. I did not do this nearly enough last year. "I'll meet you around the pool later" does not really work, particularly when it's white night and searching a crowd knowing your friends are wearing white does not help one bit. Think more like "I'll meet you next to the guest services desk at 9:30." If you are arranging a photo group before the cruise, set the meeting place and time before we get to Miami. Key point to this method: wear a watch.
  • Post its. Throw a cube of post-its in your suitcase so you can leave notes on your friends' doors about when and where to meet. Or leave a note on your own door about where you are in case your friends stop by. Key point to this method: have a list of your friends' room numbers.

Things that don't work:
  • Room-to-room calling. I can't say this absolutely doesn't work, but it involves both parties being in their rooms at the same time, which doesn't happen often. From what I remember, unlike hotels, there was no voice mail. (Confirmed: there is NO voice mail on the in-room phones. Thanks wizbiff!) [EDIT: According to Marie, "I just came back from a cruise on Carnival, and I can assure you, there IS a voice mail in all the rooms. I met friends on the boat that kept leaving us messages."]
  • E-mail or DMs. As I mentioned in my last post, I never once got my e-mail to load using the ship's internet. This was how I was planning to communicate with my husband and it didn't happen. I ended up calling him on my cell from Nassau. That's not going to work this year, since Half Moon Cay supposedly has zero cell coverage. DMs may work if you are able to limit who is DMing you, but if you're not getting texts or e-mails, it would require signing into Twitter to get them, so you'd have to check in fairly often.
Last year, I way underestimated how tough it would be to find people. It hadn't occurred to me that DMs and voicemail would be off the table. This year I'll be setting a lot more meeting times. If you have other tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them! Please share in the comments.


So, there's a few ideas for everybody! How are you guys planning on meeting up with the other cruisers once on board? :)

Monday, November 22, 2010

MORE NKOTBSB Tour Dates!

Hey Cruisers!

Only SIXTEEN days!!

Again, this isn't exactly cruise related, but in case you missed it, MORE NKOTBSB tour dates were announced today:

You've all been waiting for them... More NKOTBSB 2011 tour dates announced!

The Toronto show on JUNE 9 and the Chicago show on JUNE 17 are now SOLD OUT! Second shows for Toronto and Chicago have been added to meet overwhelming demand. Tickets to all other shows are selling out fast!

CURRENT LIST OF SHOW DATES (As of November 22, 2010)

THU 2-JUN
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 12pm EST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

FRI 3-JUN
Washington, DC
Verizon Center
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 12pm EST THURSDAY, DEC 2
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST FRIDAY, DEC 3

SAT 4-JUN
Boston, MA
TD Garden
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 1pm EST THURSDAY, DEC 2
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST FRIDAY, DEC 3

SUN 5-JUN
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 2pm EST THURSDAY, DEC 2
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST FRIDAY, DEC 3

TUE 7-JUN
Montreal, QC
Bell Centre
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE TBD

WED 8-JUN (Previously Announced)
Toronto, ON
Air Canada Center

ON SALE NOW

THU 9-JUN (Previously Announced)
Toronto, ON
Air Canada Center
SOLD OUT! Second show added to meet overwhelming demand!

SAT 11-JUN (Previously Announced)
Uniondale, NY
Nassau Coliseum

ON SALE NOW

SUN 12-JUN (Previously Announced)
East Rutherford, NJ
Izod Center

ON SALE NOW

WED 15-JUN
Pittsburgh, PA
Consol Energy Center
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 1pm EST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

THU 16-JUN
Detroit, MI
The Palace of Auburn Hills
ON-SALE 10am EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 2pm EST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

FRI 17-JUN (Previously Announced)
Chicago, IL
United Center
SOLD OUT! Second show added to meet overwhelming demand!

SAT 18-JUN
Chicago, IL
United Center
ON-SALE 10am CST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE TBD

TUE 21-JUN
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena
ON-SALE 10am CST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE TBD

WED 22-JUN
Atlanta, GA
Philips Arena
ON-SALE 12pm EST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 3pm EST THURSDAY, DEC 2
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am EST FRIDAY, DEC 3

FRI 24-JUN
Lafayette, LA
Cajundome
ON-SALE 10am CST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 6pm CST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am CST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

SAT 25-JUN
Houston, TX
Toyota Center
ON-SALE 10am CST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 2pm CST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am CST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

SUN 26-JUN
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
ON-SALE 10am CST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 3pm CST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am CST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

THU 30-JUN
Phoenix, AZ
US Airways Center
ON-SALE 10am MST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE TBD

FRI 1-JUL (Previously Announced)
Los Angeles, CA
Staples Center

ON SALE NOW

SAT 2-JUL
San Jose, CA
HP Pavilion
ON-SALE 10am PST SATURDAY, DEC 18
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am PST SATURDAY, DEC 11

SUN 3-JUL
Las Vegas, NV
Mandalay Bay Events Center
ON-SALE 12pm PST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 2pm PST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am PST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

FRI 8-JUL
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Dome
ON-SALE 10am PST SATURDAY, DEC 11
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE 3pm PST TUESDAY, DEC 7
AMEX PRE-SALE 10am PST WEDNESDAY, DEC 8

SAT 9-JUL
Vancouver, BC
Rogers Arena
ON-SALE 10am PST MONDAY, DEC 13
FAN CLUB PRE-SALE TBD
AMEX PRE-SALE TBD


SO exciting!! What shows is everybody looking to attend? Multiple shows for anybody?
NKOTBSB were also on the AMAs last night! :) It was an epic performance (I might've been squealing on Twitter!)! Did everybody else catch it? What did you guys think? :)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

More on Cell Phones

Hey Cruisers! Only EIGHTEEN days!! I have a few updates on cells phones on board the ship for everybody!

Mel asked, "Would I come into contact with any pay phone? I have an 800 number which can charge the call on the home phone bill if I use it on a pay phone but maybe it would work on the cruise phone too. Or would they charge me their rate no matter which number number I use? So that's another question. Would 800 numbers be free on a cruise phone?"

And the response I got back from Jeannie at Rose Tours was:

Hi Janine,

Cell phones work on board the ship but you have to check with your carrier to see what your rates and plan covers for ship to sea. The phones in the cabin are charged for numbers that you do call any outgoing calls.

There is a number that people call shore to ship if there is an emergency and they will put them in touch with you.

Thanks and have a great day!


Also, April added that, "I'm with ATT and have a droid. I added the 50MB roaming data plan and a 9.99 plan that gives me 50 roaming texts.

If you're with Verizon and have a smart phone, you can go with the global email plan that will give you unlimited roaming data for 64.99. If you're already paying 29.99 for your data plan, you should go with this, because teh awesome part is that you only have to leave it on for the time you're gone, and change back to your old plan when you get home. It prorates the monthly charge but you'll still have unlimited data.

As someone who works in the wireless industry, I do want to make a slight correction to this article. You aren't being charged like you make a phone call when your phone updates or downloads email. You're being charged data rates as though you were on a pay per kilobyte/megabyte plan, but a higher rate because it's roaming.

I also want to add that while you are in port in Miami or on Key West, to check your roaming indicator! There is a small chance that you will pick up the cruise ship tower instead of American towers."

Hopefully those things were helpful! :) I haven't talked to my cell phone provider (AT&T) yet, so I will let you know what I find out! Anybody else have any tips or advice?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Cell Phones

Hey Cruisers!! I can hardly believe we're only TWENTY days away from being on a ship with the Boys!! SO exciting! But to not get too caught up in the excitement to forget a few key details, such as cell phones on the ship. Thankfully Katie from the nKoTb Cruise blog has laid it all out here in her blog entry (Thanks again, Katie!! You've been so helpful!):

First things first: your cell phone WILL work on the ship. But think twice about using it. Case in point: Cruiser disputes $28,000 bill for wireless session on ship. And I'm not even going to talk about the in-room phones, which are about $10/minute.

While cell phone rates at sea vary by wireless company, they generally reflect international roaming rates, which can be breathtakingly expensive. On the cruise, your only connection is through the ship's provider "Cell at Sea." This on-board tower works with both GSM and CDMA. Once you are a certain distance from port, they will turn it on.

Here's what I found for calling rates, but don't take my word for it. Check with your provider!
  • AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint: $2.49/min
  • T-mobile: $4.99/min
Text messages are generally $0.50/each for outgoing and vary for incoming. When the ship reaches port, pricing will switch to the country-specific roaming rate. (The rate for this should be listed on your wireless company's site.)

The problem is, if you have a BlackBerry or other smart phone that downloads e-mails and texts automatically, every time it scans for incoming messages, you are charged as if you are making a call. And some cruise lines charge extra for attachments or photos due to the extra bandwidth they consume. (There are lots of horror stories out there of $3000 phone bills for week-long cruises.) Some carriers will even charge for incoming calls that aren't answered.

There is usually an option to turn off data/e-mail on smart phones, but if you are sending texts, there's no way to turn off the phone service. So you risk the cost of receiving incoming texts and phone calls while your phone is on for you to send texts. I've also read stories of people who had their phones turned off but were somehow still picking up a signal and getting charged for roaming. That's why last time I left my phone in the room safe with the battery out.

But let's say you are okay with the rates and want to use your phone anyway. It may not be an option everywhere. Many people said last year they were unable to get a signal on the lower decks of the ship. And since Half Moon Cay is a private island, there's no cell service there. There's also no wireless there, so it's going to be a several hour stretch of no tweets for those at home.

There is, however, internet access on board. You can bring your own laptop/iPod/iPad/what-have-you or use the Internet cafe. The rates for both are the same: 75 cents per minute. You can also buy blocks of minutes. Last year I paid $24 for 60 minute blocks. There was a minimum charge of two minutes, which was about a minute and 45 seconds longer than it took me to send a tweet. I did not figure this time minimum out till Sunday night.

Cruise ship internet is . . . not the best. For one, it takes a good minute to get logged in and do anything. Once you're in, you can use it for sending a quick email or tweet, but don't plan to upload a photo album to Flickr or anything. Remember the internet in 1998? It's like that. Last year, I never once successfully got my email to load, even in basic HTML mode. But it's certainly better than nothing, and they do have wireless throughout the ship, which is nice.

What are your plans for phones on board?

[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise blog]

So, what are you guys doing? I haven't talked to my cell phone provider (AT&T) yet, but I plan to soon! I will definitely update with my plans as soon as I find out! :)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Tips for first time cruisers

With TWENTY-FIVE days until the cruise, I thought I'd post one of the entries from the nKoTb Cruise Blog to get everybody excited. So, here ya go! Tips for first time cruisers:

If this is not only your first New Kids cruise but your first cruise period, these tips will help you make the most of the weekend.

Checking In
A couple weeks before we sail, you'll receive a link for online guest registration. Make sure everyone in the room completes these forms at home and print out copies before you go to present at check in. You also print out your luggage/bag tags at home and attach them before you even leave for Miami.

After you go through the x-ray machines (just like at the airport), you bring your paperwork, passport, and credit card to the check-in agent. If you are using cash rather than a credit card, you have to pay a deposit at check-in.

Once you're checked in, you will have your wrist band put on for you by the agent. Not sure if we will have colored zones this year, but it will at least show your dining group. Security was very careful to check that no one from the wrong group was trying to sneak into an extra show. (There was a bit of confusion last year because red and orange looked very similar and meant the difference between row 6 and back of the balcony.)

You will also receive your Sign and Sail card, which is both your room key and onboard credit card. You use this for anything you buy on the ship. They won't accept cash or other credit cards.

If your suitcase is bigger than carry-on size, you leave it with a porter to be delivered to your cabin. Most bags were delivered by dinner time, but make sure you bring a change of clothes and all your toiletries in a carry on if you want to use them before the sail away party.

Chances are, you won't be able to get into your cabin right away. So hang out and have a drink until 2:00 p.m. or so.

Food Tips
Soda and water are not free. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and juices are. There are drink stations around the buffet and pool area. If you are addicted to soda, you can buy an unlimited soda card for something like $25.

On the other hand, room service is free. I highly recommend hanging the order form on your door the night before so you can wake up to toast, fruit, and cereal -- and a pot of coffee.

Don't worry about tipping in the dining room. You pre-paid for tips through Rose Tours. However, the room service waiters will not turn down a few singles.

Seasickness
I don't typically get motion sick, but those that do relied on behind the ear patches on board. I've also heard ginger capsules work well. Sunday morning was especially rocky, and combined with lack of sleep and excessive drinking the night before, I was not feeling great. While we were waiting in the photo op line, I saw one person throw up and one pass out.

What I did not expect was to feel so strange 2-3 days AFTER the cruise. This is called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, and it made me feel like I was on a moving walkway for much of the following week. Eventually it went away.

Excursions
Most cruise articles will recommend you pre-book shore excursions months in advance to avoid waiting in line once on board and to make sure you can get the popular options. But don't do it for this one!

From Sarah in the comments: "I spoke with Jeannie right after we booked about shore excursions. She was quick to advise me NOT to book anything for Half Moon Cay because just about every option on the island will cause us to miss events planned on shore and the NKOTB functions."

Don't leave home without
A watch. There are were very few clocks on deck or around, and you won't want to have your cell phone turned on because of the outrageous roaming charges (even if you're not making calls).

A travel alarm clock. Even though you can request wake up calls, you'll need to make sure you're on time for all the activities. I read on a Carnival website that it needs to be battery powered because the electric ones will run slow.

A power strip. You get one outlet in the room. One.

A night light. The room is so dark at night you could think you've gone blind. Lots of deck party drinking leads to middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, and you don't want to break an arm.

A hair dryer. Unless you're in the penthouse or owner's suite, you won't get one in your room.

Disembarking
On Monday morning, be prepared to be booted from your cabin bright and early (think 8:00 a.m.). There will be lots of porters walking up and down the halls banging on doors and hurrying you out. But you can head up to the Lido deck for coffee and breakfast before you get back to solid ground.


Hope this helps you know what to expect. Experienced cruisers, please add your tips to the comments!

[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise Blog]

Do we have any experienced cruisers on the the Backstreet Boys cruise? Or has anybody heard any other good tips? Leave a comment!! :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Game Show Survey

Hey Cruisers!! :) In less than a month, we will be on a boat with the Boys!! How excited are you guys?? I can hardly wait!! :) In case you missed it, here's the newest email from Rose Tours:

Backstreet Boys Cruise
2010 Game Show Survey

We are going to have a Family Feud Style Game Show on board with the Backstreet Boys! They will be competing against some lucky fans who will get a chance to prove they know the boys better than they know themselves!

To help us get the best answers to all the questions, please fill out the survey with the first answer that comes to your head! We will tally all the answers, and use them to play during our game show!

Survey

Let the COUNTDOWN begin!! :) TWENTY-EIGHT days!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

NKOTBSB Tour Announcement

So, this isn't exactly cruise related, but...

Who's excited for the NKOTBSB tour??! :)

I'm sure you all received this email, but here it is, in case you missed it:

As announced exclusively on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, NKOTB and BSB are making it official. NKOTBSB on ONE STAGE will begin in the summer of 2011. Tickets to this historic event go on sale beginning November 19th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

The NKOTBSB tour, produced by Live Nation includes confirmed dates in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Los Angeles with additional dates to be announced soon.

The public will get their first sneak peak of what’s to come on November 21, 2010 as all nine men perform LIVE at the American Music Awards in their first joint televised appearance.

With over 200 million albums sold between both bands, and smash hit after smash hit, these two pop sensations have dominated the music scene for over three decades.

CURRENT LIST OF SHOW DATES (As of November 8, 2010)

THU 9-JUN
Toronto, CAN
Air Canada Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale TBA
BSB VIP Packages On Sale TBA

SAT 11-JUN
Uniondale, NY
Nassau Coliseum
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST

SUN 12-JUN
East Rutherford, NJ
Izod Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST

FRI 17-JUN
Rosemont, IL
United Center
ON-SALE 10am CT SATURDAY, NOV 20
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST

FRI 1-JUL
Los Angeles, CA
Staples Center
ON- SALE 10am PT MONDAY, NOV 22
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST

For complete ticket, VIP/Fan Club and tour information visit: BackstreetBoys.com, NKOTBSB.com, Ticketmaster.com, and LiveNation.com.

So, we definitely have something to look forward to after the cruise! :) And even more dates to be announced later!! How exciting!! What shows so far is everybody thinking of attending?

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Backstreet Boys Q & A!

Hey Cruisers!! :)

We are so close it's almost ridiculous! How excited are you guys??! I can hardly believe it's almost a month away!!

So, I'm sure all of you received this email today from Rose Tours, but just in case, here it is:

Got a Question for the Backstreet Boys?


During the Q & A session with the boys, we will be randomly selecting from among the questions you give to us.

PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY ONE QUESTION PER PERSON. MULTIPLE ENTRIES WILL RESULT IN ALL QUESTIONS BEING DISREGARDED.

Please submit your question below:

Q & A Survey

How exciting!! :) I can't wait to hear all the questions and, of course, the answers the Boys have!! Only 36 more days!!