Saturday, December 12, 2009

161 more days...

The Saturday Finance Report




Or, if your dear, sweet, old mother gave you EUR5.76 as payment for the New York Yankees beating the Philadelphia Sillies in the World Series, today it would be worth $8.52 ($0.06 less...)


EURO TRACKER / FORECAST:

 
The forecast for the USD vs EUR looks favorable over the coming months.  This would equate to a $3 to $4 ROI on a $100 investment! (source: /forecasts.org)





As some of you may have noticed, The Sunday Finance Report has moved to Saturdays.  This has been done in order to provide me with three contiguous days for other content. 


Looking forward to hanging out on deck 13!
Mike

Friday, December 11, 2009

162 more days ...

Cruising with Cyn
Collection of useless information circuitous to the OPERATION: Poisson Rouge Adventure.




O Sole Mio! Naples

We will be arriving in Naples, Capri ITALY! on Tuesday May 25, 2010 the first of five ports of call.


Fun Facts
  • Naples currently has a higher birth rate than other parts of Italy with 10.46 births per 1,000 inhabitants compared to the Italian average of 9.45 births.[cb says More about this later.]
  • ‘Santa Lucia’, ‘O Sole Mio’ and ‘Funiculi Funicla’ have their roots in a festival hosted in the Festival of Piedigrotta, which began in 1830, in Naples, Italy.
  • Pizza was invented in Naples and is v-e-r-y serious business.

  • Web Bites

  • Naples is ranked fourth in Italy, for economic strength, after Rome, Milan and Turin.
  • Naples has over 440 churches.
  • Underneath Naples there is a series of caves and structures created by centuries of mining, which is in part of an underground geothermal zone.
  • ITALY HAS WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE CONDOMS - read about it here [cb says This may be contributing to the baby boom?!]

  • Just * The * Facts
    Elevation: 289 feet
    Latitude: 40 53N Longitude: 014 18E
    Avg Temp: 64
    Avg High: 72
    Avg Low: 55
    Avg Precipitation: 2
    Naples is the third largest city in Italy, with a population of over 1.5 million.

    See you next week on Deck 13 when we travel to the highly anticipated capital of Italy - Rome Baby Rome!

    Thursday, December 10, 2009

    163 more days...

    Mo's Travel Tips

    Checked Baggage:
    Continental Airlines will accept up to two pieces of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and a maximum outside dimension of 62 inches in exchange for the applicable service fees set forth below. Outside dimension of a bag is equal to the width + height + depth of the bag added together. The fees are discounted for bags that are checked and pre-paid at continental.com. You may continue to check your bags at the airport or curbside for a higher fee.
    Baggage Fees:
    Travel from US to Europe
    1st bag $0 Online or Airport
    2nd bag $45/$50 Online/airport

    (Looks like one checked bag and one carry-on for me -- Ooh! That's 90lbs of stuff!)


    Tips for checking Your Baggage in for a Flight
    Continental recommends that you carry valuable items such as electronic equipment, cameras, film, cash, jewelry, medication, prescriptions and keys with you on board the aircraft.

    Place your name and address on the outside of your baggage. Nametags are available at all airport baggage check-in locations. We also recommend that you place your name and address on the inside of the bag.


    For domestic and international flights (excluding certain flights departing for Guam), baggage will not be accepted for check-in more than 4 hours prior to scheduled flight departure. (Darn! I wanted to pretend to be Tom Hanks for a few hours.)



    Allow enough time for your checked baggage to be accepted. International Flights to and from the U.S., customers must complete baggage check-in at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.


    Claim your baggage immediately upon arrival at your destination. (I think the airport should know about that one.)



    Be aware of what items are restricted to be in checked baggage. If you are not sure, review the list of items permitted and prohibited shown on the Transportation Security Administration Web site.

    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

    Which item will you miss bringing?


    Tah!

    Wednesday, December 9, 2009

    164 more days...

    ~A Divine Dining Experience~


    The dining room on Voyager of the Seas will amaze you when you walk in at dinner. It's three levels, all centered around the grand staircase and brilliant chandelier. All staff are quite friendly, you can't walk by someone that doesn't greet you. Every night there is a different menu to choose from...unique salads, entrees, desserts, anything you can imagine. And if you're thinking of a stiff, formal dining room every night of the cruise, well, you're wrong.....




    On the two formal nights, the Captain dines in the dining room at a table of special guests. Men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses. A dark suit is just as appropriate.



    Don't be surprised if I bring a date to dinner; you never know who you might meet...^_~

    Cruise along and enjoy~

    Karen

    Tuesday, December 8, 2009

    165 more days...

    The exploration of Deck 13 continues...



    Gee, Nana and Pop-pop...  It looks as if those torsos haven't seen the light of day in quite a while.  You might want to use some sunblock, at least until you get used to this.

    Maybe we're seeing too much of each other on Deck 13...
    M&M

    Monday, December 7, 2009

    166 more days...

    The truth comes out...





    Looking forward to "seeing all of you" on Deck 13!
    M&M

    Sunday, December 6, 2009

    167 more days...

    The Sunday Finance Report:




    Or, if your dear, sweet, old mother gave you EUR5.76 as payment for the New York Yankees beating the Philadelphia Sillies in the World Series, today it would be worth this much more:

    $0.12

    Then again, it isn't really about the money... 
    It's really about taking the money from the old woman.






    Deck 13 - The Reveal - Coming soon!

    Saturday, December 5, 2009

    168 more days...


    Wow!  It feels strange to be back at the keyboard.  But the blog has taken a great new direction with the addition of Wednesdays with Karen, Cruzing with Cyn, and Mo's Travel Tips.  Great job ladies!!! 


    So, we were talking about the safety of ships, etc.  Let's hope that our cruise ends up a little different than this one...  Right??  At least Ken is keeping an eye out.  




    ICEBERG, RIGHT AHEAD!!!

    See you on deck 13 (details to follow next week!),
    M&M

    Friday, December 4, 2009

    169 more days...

    Cruising with Cyn
    Collection of useless information circuitous to the OPERATION: Poisson Rouge Adventure.

    Ah Barcelona

    While not officially our first port, we will be able to proudly claim that WE have been to Barcelona Spain as it will serve as our arrival and departure point. We will be arriving in Barcelona on Sunday May 23, 2010. [cb says Wow 2010!]

    Fun Facts
  • Barcelona and Spanish drivers in general are one of the worst, according to recent statistics an accident occurs on average every nineteen seconds weekdays Monday to Thursday but this rises to one every sixteen on Fridays.
  • FC Barcelona is the biggest privately owned stadium in the world (seating 100,000 people) and is also one of Barcelona's most visited tourist attractions.
  • Barcelona Wax Museum, officially known as Museu de Cera, is the Spain's answer to the Madame Tussaud's in London.

  • Web Bites
  • Today it's a year-round destination, although the most pleasant weather is in May [cb says Yeah Baby] and June, when outdoor festivals herald the arrival of summer.
  • Barcelona is a perfect walking city...
  • Public transport is likewise excellent...

  • Just * The * Facts
    Elevation: 20 feet
    Latitude: 41 17N Longitude: 002 04E
    Avg Temp: 61
    Avg High: 68
    Avg Low: 53
    Avg Precipitation: 1.3
    Population ~ 3 million Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and largest on the Mediterranean coast.

    See you next week on Deck 13 when we travel to Naples and have pizza?!

    Thursday, December 3, 2009

    170 more days...



    Mo's Travel Tips

    Carry-on Bags:
    Continental will permit one bag plus one personal item (see below), per customer to be carried on the aircraft.

    The maximum combined linear measurement (L + W + H) of the carry-on bag is 45 inches (115 cm)up to 14 in x 9 in x 22 in. The maximum weight of the carry-on bag is 40 pounds (18 kg).


    Personal items
    In addition to the one carry-on item, you may bring free-of-charge the below items:


    one small personal article such as a briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item

    Effective Aug. 16, 2008, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new “checkpoint friendly” standards. For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly, it should meet the following standards:


    -A designated laptop-only section
    -The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
    -No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
    -No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
    -Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.


    CPAP breathing machines (must be removed from carrying case and submitted separately for x-ray screening)


    Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.

    Note: Most knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-Acto knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, Leatherman or Swiss Army Knives). Plastic and round-bladed butter knives are permitted in carry-on baggage. (Oh good, toast for everyone!!)

    Wow! This is fun to do. Now I know why Mike has enjoyed making this blog. See you all next week!

    Tah!

    Wednesday, December 2, 2009

    171 more days...


    While you can no longer go inside the bridge, you can go up to the "Peek-a-Boo Bridge" on Deck 11 and look down on this massive ship's version of a cockpit-at once bigger in space you would imagine, and smaller, more compact than you would expect, considering the 142,000 tons under the helm, and its size, 1,021 feet (imagine the Empire State Building floating on the ocean, that is how big Voyager is), and 15 decks.





    Looks like Ken bribed the Captain for a private tour...
    HEY...Watch where you're going!!!





    I will now be contributing to the blog every Wednesday. (...how did that happen?)
    Looking forward to injecting some humor and facts leading up to the VOTS vacation extraordinaire at the end of May 2010...

    Cruise along and enjoy!

    Karen

    Tuesday, December 1, 2009

    172 more days...

    Safety First!

    While problems at sea are a rarity, please keep your wits about you onboard VOTS. 

    However, if something does go wrong, remember your safety training, and stay calm knowing that there are plenty of capable lifeboats and willing passengers available to help out out in times of trouble.  (Funny how it always comes back to Nana, eh?)





    DON'T FORGET!  Tomorrow starts, "Wednesdays with Karen" on the O:PR Blog.  Who knows what she has in store for us!  Then Mo's Travel Tips, and Cruisin with Cyn!


    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Monday, November 30, 2009

    173 more days...

    FRENCH 101:

    Here are some common phrases translated into French that you may find useful during your trip.

    ENG: Where is the bathroom?
    FR: Oui, oui?

    ENG: Howwwwlllllll
    FR: Ow-oooooooollllll!

    ENG: I would like some breakfast.
    FR: deux bacon, s'il vous plait (accompanied by a guesture with three fingers)

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Reminder: "Wednesdays with Karen" , "Crusing with Cindy", and "Mo's Travel Tips" all begin this week!

    Sunday, November 29, 2009

    174 more days...

    The Sunday Finance Report:


    ANOTHER NEWS FLASH!
    Yesterday we announced that Karen has signed up to host the blog each Wednesday with her own brand of humor.  Well, now Cynthia Beck (THE Cynthia Beck) has opted to take on Fridays, starting December 4th.

    Cindy was kind enough to give me a sneak peek at a few of her ideas, and all I will say is that you will be wowed.  Really wild stuff, and different than anything that you have seen here so far.  In fact, this is the content that might take us from family and friends to national exposure!  WE'RE GONNA GO VIRAL!!!


    YET ANOTHER NEWS FLASH!!!
    And since Cindy's announcement, Mo has also announced that she too would like to host a day per week here on the blog.  The topic will be 'Travel Tips', and it will appear every Thursday! 

    There are still more days of the week available for anyone with the interest and desire to contribute.  Stake your claim on the blog, and lets countdown together!   (Wow!  I might have to start a spinoff blog soon!)





    Saturday, November 28, 2009

    175 more days...

    What post could be more appropriate for Nana's birthday?  (HBD Nana!)

    Among the largest gaming areas at sea, Voyager’s casino are slots, roulette, dice, blackjack and poker, plus frequent bingo and trivia games.

    Gaming Machines - 325 total
    Table and Poker Games - 17 total
    American Roulette, 3 tables
    Blackjack, 9 tables
    Caribbean Stud Poker, 4 tables
    Craps, 1 table


     



    Karen sent the following picture for inclusion in the blog.  I guess we think alike! 



    NEWS FLASH: As a result, we now have a new feature on the Blog: "Wednesdays with Karen".  Karen will be posting her own material every Wednesday here on the blog. Her first entry will be "171 more days..." on Decemeber 2nd.  Look forward to it! 

    If you would also like to get in on the fun and host a day each week, just let me know!  (I know that Ken says he has some ideas...  Let's all cheer him on, too!)




    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Friday, November 27, 2009

    176 more days...

    And about all of that food...  If you eat to much, not to worry.  They have you covered.




    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    177 more days...

    Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    Which reminds me, the food on VOTS is reported to be exceptional! 




    Even if you want nothing for dessert, it is something to be remembered.



    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Wednesday, November 25, 2009

    178 more days...

    There is plenty to do on VOTS, including mini-golf!

    The wager is $0.25 per hole, $1 per hole-in-one, and $5 for the game.  Who's in?




    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Tuesday, November 24, 2009

    179 more days...

    Ahhh, the magic of ice skating...



    The ice skating rink on Voyager of the Seas is the only ice skating rink at sea which also converts into a 900-seat arena used for rock concerts, games shows, professional ice shows, and fashion shows during the cruise.

    VOTS's Godmother is Katarina Witt, world champion figure skater.  (but you already knew that...)


    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Monday, November 23, 2009

    180 more days...

    It's finally starting to sink in...

    I believe that most of us had the same feeling when our Cruisemaster and Cruisemistress, Ken and Cindy, announced this grand idea... 

    "Wow!  Is this for real?  It sounds great!!!  But at the same time, its not really sinking in yet..."

    Well, for me, it is finally sinking in.  It really hit me a couple of days ago when I saw some of the room pictures, and the incredible views from the balconies.   Originally I had thought, "Ah, who cares about the room.  We won't be doing much but changing and sleeping there."  And while that is still true to some degree, I am pretty excited about the room now, including the balcony.

    Also setting in is the length of this adventure.  While I have taken a week off from work for vacation in the past, it was usually broken up into a series of small adventures.  A day trip here, a few days there.  But this is different.  Again, once in a lifetime.

    Yep, its really sinking in.  And much like how Mom and Dad got to enjoy the anticipation of OPERATION: Goldfish for some time, we are all getting to enjoy the anticipation of OPERATION: Poisson Rouge.  That's what this blog is really all about for me.  An excuse to immerse myself in the thought of this adventure as it unfolds.  Getting to enjoy it many times over before even pulling out of the driveway for the first leg of the trip. 

    180 more days.  I can hardly wait.

    Now, more than ever, looking forward to seeing all of you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Sunday, November 22, 2009

    Saturday, November 21, 2009

    182 more days...

    Happy birthday to you!
    Happy birthday to you!
    Happy birthday dear VOTS...
    Happy birthday to you!

    VOTS is 10 years old today!








    SHIP FACTS:

    Maiden Voyage: November 21, 1999
    Passenger Capacity: 3,114
    Godmother: Katarina Witt
    Gross Tonnage: 138,000
    Length: 1020'
    Max Beam: 156'
    Draft: 29'
    Cruising Speed: 23.7 knots

    Cruisemaster: Kenneth Lang
    Cruisemistress: Cynthia Beck

    Friday, November 20, 2009

    183 more days...

    Rock climbing anyone?



    The fun's never done on VOTS!  Why not try your hands (and feet) at the rock climbing wall!  Located outdoors on Deck 14, it challenges passengers of all ages and skill levels.

    See you on deck 13!

    M&M

    Thursday, November 19, 2009

    184 more days...

    A slight change in the blog-plans for today....  Due to circumstances beyond my control (the Cruisemaster objected to the picture used in the previous posting and suggested that I might get left in NJ if I was not careful, and I don't even live in NJ...), so I have decide to re-post the internet information.

    Internet anyone?





    You can access the Internet 24 hour a day via VOTS's two-story Library / Internet Cafe. Internet connecton charges are 50 cents per minute.

    Or, if you plan to use more than 3 -hours of online time, you may want to consider in-cabin Internet access for the low-low price of $100 per cruise.

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Wednesday, November 18, 2009

    185 more days...

    Internet anyone?




    You can access the Internet 24 hour a day via VOTS's  two-story Library / Internet Cafe.  Internet connecton charges are 50 cents per minute.

    Or, if you plan to use more than 3 -hours of online time, you may want to consider in-cabin Internet access for the low-low price of $100 per cruise.

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Tuesday, November 17, 2009

    Monday, November 16, 2009

    187 more days...

    Notes to self...  Sharing space with your sister will be just like old times when we all lived together under one roof.  Good times... Good times...  But, to ensure that things go smoothly, be sure to remind Karen that...

    1) A tie on the door means that the big people are "talking".  She shouldn't disturb them when they are talking.  Just come back in an hour, or so. 

    2) The CPAP machine is not a toy...  No Darth Vader impressions please.

    3) Mike doesn't say much in the morning.  It does not mean that he is sad, mad, angry, nor in a mood.  In fact, if he is quiet, it means that things are good, and he is happy.  The only known way to change this is to repeatedly ask him, "What's YOUR problem?"  Let him enjoy the voices in his head.  He's making friends.

    4) Don't forget the tie rule.  Go have a smoke.

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Sunday, November 15, 2009

    Saturday, November 14, 2009

    189 more days...


    Mo found this online. 

    The urinals (please don't stop reading...  this is true...) on Voyager of the Seas are world class, and famous in their own right.  This actual urinal is a granite structure with plants sitting atop it. It is a motion activated "waterfall" urinal! Upon entering the restroom, guys approach the ceiling to floor window before which stands a granite wall. Immediately upon sensing their movement, water begins flowing over the wall, transforming it into a plant framed waterfall.

    Where else is it possible for a guy to "attend to business" while looking out at the sea 11 stories below all the while moving along at 22 knots? This is the most talked about restroom at sea!

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Friday, November 13, 2009

    190 more days...

    What to pack? What to pack? (continued)

    The 10 things that the kids would be taking on this trip, if they were going:


       Kev                           Andy                   Sam
    1 Good amount of $      Camera               Clothing
    2 Clothes for x days      Cell Phone           Sunglasses
    3 Credit Card                Laptop                Suntan Lotion
    4 Sun Tan Lotion           Laptop charger    Towels
    5 Laptop                       Money                Camera / charger
    6 Emrgncy Cellphone     Luggage              Toothbrush / Paste
    7 Life Ring                    Phone charger     Shower supplies
    8 Translation book        Camera charger   Extra shoes
    9 Siteseeing book          iPod                    Backpacks
    10 Shampoo, soap        iPod Charger       Money/Wallet

    Andy's list follows mine; Sam's list follows Mo's.  Kev's list is in some ways better than any of our lists.

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Thursday, November 12, 2009

    191 more days...

    What to pack? What to pack?

    The Langs played a little game today.  List the first 10 things that come to your mind that you want to take on this trip (or would be taking on this trip, kids...).  No cheating, no peeking.  1, 2, 3...  Go!

        Mike                    Mo
    1  Mo                       Mike
    2  Tickets                 Good walking shoes
    3  Wallet                   Notes
    4  Clothing                Camera
    5  Camera                2 special dresses
    6  iPod                     Suntan lotion
    7  Laptop                 Bathing suit
    8  Sneakers              New cover-up (this is a hint)
    9  Index Cards         Make-up (maybe this should be higher...)
    10 Pocket Knife       Headband

    For me, it's what I take almost everywhere.  I'll just have to remember to stow the knife during the flights, but that's really not a big deal. 

    Tomorrow, we will post the kids lists.

    See you on deck 13!
    M&M

    Wednesday, November 11, 2009

    192 more days...

    This is the certificate that Ken and Cindy gave to me for the cruise.  Believe it or not, this was all created using Microsoft PAINT, which is comparable to creating the Mona Lisa with a box of Crayola 64 crayons.
    (Notice my reference to things French? Nice, eh?)





    PLEASE, do not make copies, as this would immediately void the offer, which would really stink for me...
    You can click on the photos to enlarge them.

    Tuesday, November 10, 2009

    193 more days...




     Meet the masterminds behind this adventure,
    Ken and Cindy.

    Monday, November 9, 2009

    194 more days...

    The shock has still not worn off. I mean, think about it...

    o We are going to Europe.

    o We are going to Europe on a 7-day cruise.

    o We are going to Europe on a 7-day, once-in-a-lifetime cruise along with my mom and dad, Ken and Cindy, and Karen.

    o Ken and Cindy are footing the lion's share of the bill.

    Mo and I had plans to go to Europe for Mo's 40th, but the economy, 9/11, and other distractions caused us to put those plans off indefinitely. Caused us? Became excuses? Was it ever really feasible? Who knows... The fact is, we didn't do it.

    But who can pass up this opportunity? To do something this momentous with your family, as adults. Wow. Thanks again Ken and Cindy. This is big.

    Sunday, November 8, 2009

    OPERATION: Poisson Rouge

    The 50th Wedding Anniversary of Janet and Andy Lang played itself out like a Hollywood blockbuster movie.

    50 years in the making, 'OPERATION: Goldfish' had suspense, drama, comedy, an incredible cast, and a sizable production budget.

    To make things even better, before the day had ended, Ken and Cindy laid the groundwork for the sequel; 'Operation: Poisson Rouge'.

    We hope that you will follow along as the events unfold.

    The countdown to May 23, 2010 now begins: 195 more days