Doodle Trip 2016 !!!

[Leslie and Halas]

Who wants to join us in 2016?!!

It started a few years ago as a Doodle Cruise.  Now, we've cruised a couple of times, and gone to an all-inclusive a couple of times.  In 2016, we're going on a cruise again.  

The 2015 trip was in Mexico back in October.  We were missing a few people, but we still had a wonderful time.  Getting together with everyone is definitely one of the highlights of my year.  I'd love to show you lots of pictures and videos, but so many of them are not allowed to be shared under the new, "What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico!" rule that was instituted this year.  Let's just say that some people DON'T want you to watch them whip, whip, watch them nae nae. Or spoon on a giant couch in the lobby.  I did manage to find one appropriate pic. We spent a lot of time doing this:

Giant Jenga (Drunk Giant Jenga for some of us) was very popular.  We played this every night.  The biggest challenge was not getting knocked out by the 2x4s if you toppled the tower.

If anyone else from the trip has some appropriate photos (using Tim's standards of what's appropriate), feel free to post them.

On this trip, we were already talking about the 2016 trip, so we got to planning as soon as we got back.  The details of the 2016 trip are below.  It's in November next year, on Norwegian Cruise Line. They are running a great deal right now, but you have to book (with a down payment that's not too terrible) by 12/31.  So check it out, and join us!

Here's a link to the ship:  http://www.escape.ncl.com/?cid=PS_TSI_USA_SHP_GOO_LEN_SRH_SHIPESC_n...

If you wish to join us, you'll have to contact Todd Langenek at Palmer Vacations.  His phone number is in the text below.  He's the "me" in the "emailing or calling me" sentence.

I think we've already got about 16 - 20 people going (8-10 rooms), and we're hoping for more.  If you don't have a spouse who is willing to come along with you on a trip with "those crazy doodle people," just post in this group, and try to find a roommate. If you come on this trip, I promise you that you will make some lifelong friends.  Or meet in person some that you already consider lifelong friends just from meeting virtually on DK!

DOODLE TRIP 2016 !!!!

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise; November 12-19, 2016; Norwegian Escape (brand new 2015 ship); Departing from Miami

Ports of call in St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Nassau (Bahamas)

Price for double occupancy in balcony stateroom: $1383 per person

Guests can start emailing or calling me (800-627-1208) to make their reservations.  I would price out whatever category (interior, ocean view, balcony or suite) of stateroom that they would like and go from there.  They would need their names as they appear (or will appear) on their passports, dates of birth, address, phone and credit card for deposit ($250 per person) ready.

 

If they would like to take advantage of the promo NCL is offering with 2 free amenities, we have to reserve prior to December 31. 

Here is the offer again:

NCL has a special that if you reserve a balcony or higher category, you can select 2 amenities for free.  The choices are Ultimate Dining Package with allows for guests to dine in specialty restaurants instead of the main dining room.  Ultimate Beverage Package which is their alcohol package so you would have alcohol and soda included.  Next is $50 per port shore excursion credit per person (this cruise has 3 ports so that is a $150 value) and you reserve your excursions onboard and apply the credit towards the cost.  Finally, they can select the WiFi package so guests can surf the net and post photos.  If you select NCL, I would ask each “couple” what two selections they would like from that list.  I say “couple” because both passengers would have to select the same items.

From the NCL website:

Spend a week on our newest ship, Norwegian Escape, as you sail through the islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Depart from sunny Miami to make your way to the U.S. Virgin Islands for vividly colorful snorkeling in St. Thomas. Sip tropical drinks on a pristine beach to the beat of Caribbean music on the British Virgin Island of Tortola. Or go exploring in a 4x4 vehicle when you arrive in Nassau. Whatever you choose, there's no wrong way to relax and let loose on this vacation.

• View All Ports
• Print Itinerary

Date	Cruise Ports	Arrive	Depart
Sat, Nov 12, 2016	Miami, Florida (EMBARK)	---	4:00 pm
Sun, Nov 13, 2016	At Sea	---	---
Mon, Nov 14, 2016	At Sea	---	---
Tue, Nov 15, 2016	St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands	8:00 am	6:00 pm
Wed, Nov 16, 2016	Tortola, British Virgin Islands	7:00 am	3:00 pm
Thu, Nov 17, 2016	At Sea	---	---
Fri, Nov 18, 2016	Nassau, Bahamas	12:00 pm	7:00 pm
Sat, Nov 19, 2016	Miami, Florida (DISEMBARK)	8:00 am	---

Please note: arrival and departure times from Tortola, British Virgin Islands may vary.

Please Note:

• Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.
• Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Yay! Im really looking forward to joining the group this year!!!

[Leslie and Halas]

We're looking forward to meeting you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We can't wait to meet you Lori!

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

And we are looking forward to having you! The Doodle trip is honestly the highlight of my year. Who would have guessed that owning a doodle would result in meeting some of my very best friends from around the world and traveling with them every year?

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

These Doodle Trips are always a highlight of my year.  Kathy (of Kathy and Mahru) and I have gone on every trip so far and we've always had a ton of fun.  Yes, the food, drink, sun, fun, and relaxation are amazing; but getting to really know and love some awesome doodle people is what makes our trips special.  Our group changes a bit from year to year - newcomers are always welcomed into the fold - actually it's kind of like getting sucked into the Doodle Trip Vortex (and I mean that in the best possible way!).  Through our Doodle Trips, I have gained some wonderful friends for life!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sounds wonderful. I'll be with you in spirit. :)

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

[Leslie and Halas]

Those are appropriate!

[Adina P]

I'm super envious of your fun!  Have a great time y'all. 

[Leslie and Halas]

Did you notice our tattoos?  Just another thing to be jealous of.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I can't wait.....this will be my fourth Doodle trip and we have always had THE BEST TIME EVER! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Adina has been planning a romp in the northwest in 2016. Perhaps you could incorporate your trip to be in the northwest so you could attend the romp - with or without your dogs - instead of the Carribbean.