The Next Doodle Cruise - POLL - We NEED Your Input

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

The response to the 1st Doodle Cruise has been wonderful. As we look to planning the next one - which needs to start now - Adina & Clark have asked that I gather some information from past cruisers and those that have interest in the next cruise. Please answer the questions and post below.

#1. I would prefer to cruise in

1a.  Oct. 2013

or

1b.  Jan/Feb. 2014

or

1c.  Just tell me when and I'll be there

*weather could be a factor in either choice, Oct. is still hurrican season but on the tail end, Jan/Feb might cause travel problems for those in the north. Oct. is considered more "off season" so would be slightly cheaper

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#2. I would be willing to sail on

2a. Carnival

or

2b. Celebrity

or

2c. Just tell me what ship and I'm on it

**Carnival is a little less expensive, is the party cruise line, more casual, more smoking (we can minimize the effects by booking cabins together)

***Celebrity is a little more money but smoking is WAY less, no Casino or Balcony smoking but it is a bit more upscale - you'd be expected to follow the guidelines for dinner attire (resort chic - slacks and nice shirt for dinner, capris, skirt or dress for women - formal night - suit for men and cocktail dress for ladies)

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#3.  I would prefer to sail out of  (these are possible itineraries and cannot be guaranteed)

3a.  Ft Lauderdale - for a Caribbean destination ( Key West, Grand Cayman & Ochio Rios, Jamaica)

or

3b. I would prefer to sail out of Los Angles for a Mexican Riviera destination (Cabo San Lucas & Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

or

3c. I would prefer to sail out of Miami for a Caribbean destination (Grand Turk, Ochio Rios-Jamaica, Nassua-Bahamas)

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#4.  I would consider a

4a.  5 night cruise

or

4b.  6 night cruise

or

4c.  either

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Thank you for your input

[Adina P]

Although I have to say, I WISHED I'd brought more dress up clothes.  I wore a dress for the "Elegant" night.  But so many people dressed up otherwise, I felt kind of blah next to them.  But for those who really want to be casual, it won't matter to you most likely.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That I could do.  DH - well, you have met him.  His idea of dressed up is a Hawaiian shirt with his shorts and socks with his Berks - fashion police are tailing him as I write! :-}

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

On Carnival, shorts on guys work for every night except the "formal night".  If you don't want to dress for that you can still get dinner on the Lido deck.  My DH and DS did put pants on for the formal night, but wore shorts the other nights.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Several things to pass along

1) In October - Celebrity is not back from its European Sailings and while we might prefer Celebrity for its stricter smoking policies - it is more upscale - and people are expected to "dress up" more for dinner each night - I don't think it would be a great fit for our group

2)Princess which is owned by Carnival and also bans smoking on Balconies is also not back till after October

We could move the cruise back to the earlier weeks of Nov. how would you all feel about that?  Or if we book early and group cabins together I would hope that we wouldn't have any problems on Carnival.

The polling would indicate that Ft Lauderdale - for a Caribbean destination ( Key West, Grand Cayman & Ochio Rios, Jamaica) would be a popular choice. 

If you haven't cruised before what will happen is once set up with our Cruise Planner - then it will be time to make the reservation which does require a deposit (on your credit card).  Most deposits are refundable if change your mind (not those booked un Early Saver).  At that time we will need to people to find cabinmates - we can help with that and that you select your cabin.  Once that is done - we won't be doing anything till Spring - except dreaming of the NEXT DOODLE CRUISE!

 

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

I would say the only drawback to waiting till November is the time change......by Nov. 1 it will be dark at 5:30 and you lose a minute of daylight every day thereafter. Might not bother anyone but it has always annoyed me when we travel to tropical places in the winter and it is dark at 5:00.

What about earlier,say September. Would celebrity or princess be available then? Sorry if I missed this but are these the only cruise lines we are considering?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think we're still considering Carnival in October.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Through the summer and into the early fall Princess and Celebrity are on their European cruises - then it the later fall they head back to do Caribbean routes.  Carnival runs the Caribbean routes - October is an the edge of the "off-season" so it is cheaper to cruise then, ships are less crowed as all the little kids are in school.  While I do prefer Celebrity - Carnival is the best choice for our group as it is less dressy and less cost - which is important to get this as affordable so that everyone can come!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree, Jane.  I think for the price, the service and amenities were great.  If we're all together I don't see the balcony smoking as an issue.  Besides we were so busy that we spent very little time on our own balcony.  We were usually together somewhere on the ship. 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Get EXCITED!!!!!!!!

Itinerary Ft. Lauderdale Known as the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of canals that wind through this waterfront city. With plenty of sun and sand, you'll find the beaches inviting and only minutes from elegant shops and championship golf courses. After dark, the town offers many five-star restaurants and exciting nightclubs, all set in a lush tropical environment. Key West At the end of island pearls known as the Florida Keys is the surprising town of Key West. Many well known writers and artists have made this historic enclave home over the years including Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Robert Frost. Spectacular sunsets splendid Victorian suroundings make for modern day magic on the southernmost island in the U.S. At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. Grand Cayman Discovered by Columbus in 1503, these islands are a popular resort and British Crown Colony that still provides travelers with unspoiled beauty. As a destination known for its superb diving opportunites, the Caymans are home to unforgettable ship- wrecks, brilliantly colored fish and Caribbean-clear water. Ocho Rios "The gem of Jamaica," Ocho Rios is an island bathed in the warmth of Jamaican hospitality. Don't miss Shaw Parks spectacular botanical gardens, the Green Grotto Caves or climbing up the cascading waters of Dunns River Falls. Or shop for anything from handmade baskets and wood carvings to European crystal. At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. Ft. Lauderdale Known as the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of canals that wind through this waterfront city. With plenty of sun and sand, you'll find the beaches inviting and only minutes from elegant shops and championship golf courses. After dark, the town offers many five-star restaurants and exciting nightclubs, all set in a lush tropical environment.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Ship: Carnival Freedom Everyone has their own idea of what a perfect cruise vacation is. That's why Carnival believes in giving our guests a variety of entertaining options -- each more fun than the last. Looking for some quiet time with the other adults? Carnival Freedom is the first Conquest-class ship to feature the Adult-only Serenity Retreat. Prefer to stay close to the spa and still have a personal view of the sea? Eighteen of Carnival Freedom's Spa Deck Ocean view staterooms now feature private balconies. We've also made it easier for your 12-14 year olds to have fun their way by adding their own "chill out" spot; Circle "C." And for the ulitmate in freedom of choice, Carnival Freedom unveiled "Your Time Dining" in early 2010. Remember, it's your choice to do whatever you want -- even if that's nothing at all! Exercise your right to choose.

Year Built	2006	Ship Registry	Panama
Tonnage	110000	Cabins	1150
Handicap Cabins		Capacity	2974
Elevators	14	Restaurants	4
Bars	5	Pools	3
Meeting Room(s)	Y	Casino(s)	Y
Disco/Club(s)	Y	Fitness Center	Y
Childrens Program	Y	Internet Cafe	Y
Shops	Y	Library	Y
Spa	Y

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sounds good.  Are we going to use Todd for this?  I want to get the same type of suite we had this time and I know they book quickly.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

No we sadly will not be using Todd.  He could have booked us as a group and didn't.  We missed out on some group perks - nothing huge but we might get an onboard credit (free money on your sail and sign) or a free bottle to wine - something. 

I will also be booking a suite this time around  :)

Booking will be starting in the next few days!!!!!!!!!

More info is coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I do believe that there is a specialty dining restaurant on this cruise, there is an adult only area - they do offer (any time dining but for a large group this will not work)  This time around I'm going to suggest we all do early dining - more camaraderie that way.  But late dining will remain a choice.