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Post by doctork on Oct 17, 2006 21:14:37 GMT -5
Today I received an email from GK announcing next summer's cruise July 13 - 23. The email was sent to those who were on one of the previous cruises; I went to Alaska this past summer on Cruise II.
Did any of you all cruise previously? I remember reading your moving story, slb2. Are any of you thinking of going next summer? I have mixed feelings, but am certainly interested.
Is this the correct place for this thread? Am I starting the new thread properly on this new website - I still feel like I'm learning and test driving.
What are your thoughts?
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Post by Tillie on Oct 18, 2006 3:09:05 GMT -5
'Grab your coat and get your hat.....'
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Post by Jane on Oct 18, 2006 7:52:25 GMT -5
It's VERY expensive! I'd love to go, but not at over double the cost of the first cruise.
BTW, Doc; where are you in Western Washington? My brother and his family live in Pullman.
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Post by Thomas Scheuzger on Oct 18, 2006 9:34:32 GMT -5
Did you notice the line "third and final cruise" in the e-mail? Just wondering if that made in into the final edit before the mailing...
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Post by joew on Oct 18, 2006 9:38:57 GMT -5
Well, doc, you can see that you certainly started the thread correctly. As to where it is placed, I wouldn't worry. It could go here, since getting together on the cruise or elsewhere can build up the forum. Or it could be considered part of the Lives of the Chatterboxers, or it could be seen as Show-related. Trusty knows how to shift a thread, if he thinks it fits better somewhere else. The rest of us can just enjoy it wherever it is, and make our best guess when we start one.
I'd love to go on a cruise with the Chatterboxers and the PHC crowd, but if the cost is anything like what it costs to go on the college alumni association cruises (and I suspect it may be even more) it's out of my range of affordability. If somebody wants to say what's the least expensive accomodation, with single supplement added, I can verify that.
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Post by doctork on Oct 18, 2006 10:30:33 GMT -5
joe, jane is right - it's quite expensive, starting at $2,800 per person in the least costly inside cabins, and continuing up to $6,800 in the deluxe suites. The single fare is 160% which is at least a break in comparison to many cruise lines that charge 200%. For those rooms that accomodate 3 or 4 people, their additional cost is $1,900 per person. If four of us were very good friends who didn't mind sharing tight quarters, that could reduce the costs. :-)
The letter commented that since all tips and port charges are included, and it is three days longer than previous cruises, it really is a little less than last summer's Alaska cruise, on a cost per day basis. My own thought: since I'm learning about it in October instead of January, I'll have longer to save up for it.
And yes Thomas, the phrase "final cruise" was in the letter, with the explanation that it wasn't necessarily the final cruise, but that there are no plans for a future cruise. Cross-country train trip was mentioned as another future possibility.
jane, I live in Bellingham, Washington, which is in the far northwest corner of the state, closer to Vancouver, British Columbia than to Seattle. And we are a long way from Pullman, home of "Wazzoo" (WSU, or Washington State University). I am not a native Washingtonian - I've lived here seven years - but I've observed there is a big rivalry between WSU and UW in Seattle. I don't quite get it, really..
For the PHC II cruise, we had no airfare expense since we are 90 miles from Seattle, but for PHC III, West Coast to Copenhagen airfare would be a big hit. But with a name like Kristin, and a grandmother who was born in Sweden, seems like I "ought" to check out Scandanavia. Yesss, a duty to go on this vacation!
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Post by Trusty on Oct 18, 2006 10:51:03 GMT -5
Is this the correct place for this thread? Am I starting the new thread properly on this new website - I still feel like I'm learning and test driving. I had originally included Guests Suggestions, Cruise threads and other topics that were in the old CB, but that would have required more interactive work between APHC and this independent forum. APHC is focusing on PTTH and its Gather site, and I don't want to interfere or be in conflict or "competition" with them in any way, or violate any of their copyrights. Also, this forum would not have been as "independent" as it is. I see it as this: The owners of the little downtown cafe closed up shop and focused on their new restaurant out on the bypass. Then some regulars got together, bought the building and set up a new coffee shop the way it used to be. Everybody's happy and meeting the needs of the customers, which gives everybody options that we didn't have before. Bottom Line: Anyone can start and participate in an APHC-related thread any time we want. I just don't feel comfortable right now in devoting a whole category to APHC-related stuff (except the independent Show Thread) in an "official" capacity, because it may conflict with their plans for their sites. The Links here take you to their site and doesn't conflict; hopefully they will have a link to this site someday.
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Post by doctork on Oct 18, 2006 11:35:40 GMT -5
Thanks Trusty.
So I think this thread is where it belongs, since we are discussing one way to improve our community - by possibly getting together on next year's cruise. Or maybe "Lives of the Chatterboxers." But I agree, it's better not to look like some "official" APHC cruise discussion.
Anyway, I looked at the airfares to Copenhagen. It is $911 if I fly roundtrip from Vancouver, BC, but $1321 from Seattle, even though the start in Canada connects with the same SEA-CPH flight. So I would save over $400 by using the closer airport, even though it happens to be in a different country!
If Dand and Boat Babe (and Tammy and Dahlink?) want to come along on the cruise, we should start at my house.
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Post by joew on Oct 18, 2006 12:24:38 GMT -5
I'm afraid $4,480 plus airfare is something I shouldn't even be thinking longingly about unless I hit Mega-Millions. I know: maybe the last chance, and all that. But as Werner Lechner said, one can't have everything.
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Post by juliastar on Oct 19, 2006 20:03:40 GMT -5
Hi doctork. After the last cruise, I was definite that I would sign up. My boys and husband accused me of joining a cult. I told my husband I'd be glad to go without him if he wanted to give me any lip.
After the abrupt way the CB was closed and the name calling, I knew it would be a problem for me when this was announced, as is listening to the show each week since with this wee, small voice calling myself a dope. I was really glad to know the cruise "invitation" would come in January because by then, maybe something of it would make sense. As it stands, I'm still mad and it's hard to make this sort of commitment mad. Garrison's letter included a line about the host being who he is, that we would just have to make the best of it. That I would make the best of it was a line I believe I used in the emergency forum when I was on my way to the street dance and had read sysop's closed sign. It was before I had read the dopey part. I didn't read that until Sunday morning. I'm sure I would not have gone to the show if it had timed differently.
What does one disgruntled fan mean to the order of the universe? To keep my options open and after visiting Norway.com, I'll probably log on next week and book a cabin. That leaves the option of cancelling before penalty or selling to someone else after. If I don't and they sell out I have few options. But damn it, this should be nothing but joyful.
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Post by doctork on Oct 19, 2006 23:01:08 GMT -5
I also wish the financial commitment did not need to be made while still smarting from the eviction of us dopes (terrible grammar, English majors feel free to edit). And I had the same feeling about GK's comment to "make the best of it" with him as the host. It felt directed to Chatterboxers, and I suppose I was remembering your comment in the emergency forum, which used similar words.
But think about it. Other than chartering the ship and being the drawing card who prompted us to be there, Garrison was a relatively minor player in the overall trip experience. I saw a lot more of the Shoe Band, and the guest performers, and Alaska, not to mention all the adventures with fellow cruisers. I believe the PHC III cruise can still be nothing but joyful. I think I too will be logging on next week, booking my cabin, keeping my options open.
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Post by juliastar on Oct 20, 2006 7:12:18 GMT -5
Here's the link to the cruise information in case there are others who haven't gone before and want to consider it and it does contain the invitation letter so anyone interested can know what k and I are talking about. The APHC staff goes out of their way to make sure it is a great trip for everyone. prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/cruise/2007/
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Post by liriodendron on Oct 20, 2006 7:57:44 GMT -5
Do I detect a theme here?
"Donald Rumsfeld, Donna Summers, Don Everly, Sam Donaldson, Madonna". Why not Ronald McDonald and Donald Duck? Or are they simply too dopey for this cruise?
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Post by slb2 on Oct 20, 2006 9:00:49 GMT -5
Fine. let's run with that detected theme. Who's the Doobie Bros. guy, the MacDonald one? No, it's Michael McDonald. Now I think they'd go a long way bringing along the Doobie Brothers. Taking it to the streets... You don't know me, but I'm your brother... China Grove Black Water Listen to the music And if they're going to go with Michael McDonald, then let's pick up another theme and go with <ahem> (you could see this coming, couldn't you?....) Michael Doucet! And, of course, the rest of his band, David, Jimmy, Tommy, Billy, & Mitchell. But if those Cajun boys are going to go on the cruise, then I'll have to go, too. Hmmmm. I wonder if GK would like someone to run a few poetry workshops for him? (How else am I gonna afford it?)
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Post by liriodendron on Oct 20, 2006 12:16:05 GMT -5
Oh, slb, that is not the Michael I thought you were going to mention!
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Post by doctork on Oct 20, 2006 12:50:35 GMT -5
I wonder if we can write in our requests for additional guest performers we'd like to see on the cruise? I'd second the vote for Beau Soleil, and I loved seeing Robin & Linda Williams and Jearlyn Steele on The Alaska cruise, so a repeat appearance for them would delight me.
As for how to afford it. There appeared to be numerous website discoveries of potential roommates this year, which can reduce the per person cost. My calculator tells me if one shares a triple or quad room, the individual cost can be as low as $2,487 (large inside, quad), $2,787 (large outside, quad), $3,816 (outside verandah, triple) or $4,337 (deluxe suite, quad).
Of course we should investigate the need for poetry workshop instructors and doctors, who would be entitled to free passage! Beyond that, we could collaborate as roommates.
My husband is reluctant on this trip (a little short of accusing me of cultism, not much), but may change his mind. I'm leaning toward booking anyway, even if it's by myself.
doctork
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Post by Thomas Scheuzger on Oct 20, 2006 13:09:42 GMT -5
I've heard about a more classical theme for this one, plus a lot of local talent. Take that with a grain of salt, as the whims of GK flow with the tides... ;-)
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Post by slb2 on Oct 20, 2006 13:34:24 GMT -5
Oh, slb, that is not the Michael I thought you were going to mention! Ootch! My obsession for you-know-who, I must admit, overshadows even our Mikey-chan. But I've known the one you-know-who for almost four years, Mikey-chan for only a couple years at best. Let's give it a little more time and I'm sure Mikey-chan will come first on my List of Michaels. ootch!!
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Post by mike on Oct 20, 2006 20:34:01 GMT -5
I'm on the list This is great' Hey, Brutus, eat yer heart out, buddy!
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Post by ptcaffey on Oct 20, 2006 21:37:07 GMT -5
Before I book passage, I want Keillor to assure me that, during navigation of the Norwegian Inside Passage, I will not be rustled from bed during the dead of night without warning, blindfolded and then led barefoot onto a waiting vessel, "The Gather.com," a Chinese ship sailing under Liberian registration.
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Post by Tillie on Oct 20, 2006 21:48:39 GMT -5
Before I book passage, I want Keillor to assure me that, during navigation of the Norwegian Inside Passage, I will not be rustled from bed during the dead of night without warning, blindfolded and then led barefoot onto a waiting vessel, "The Gather.com," a Chinese ship sailing under Liberian registration. Don't worry, Caff! I'll prolly* be aboard with a mighty, "Ho-ho-ho!!!" *Thanks, Bryson'n'Gramps!
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Post by brutus on Oct 20, 2006 22:25:42 GMT -5
I'm on the list This is great' Hey, Brutus, eat yer heart out, buddy! What list? The sh*t list?? ;D ~B~
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Post by juliastar on Oct 20, 2006 22:49:00 GMT -5
Very funny, PT. Garrison doesn't anyone sleep on these cruises. You sign a waiver and indemnification against suit for sleep deprivation before they let you on. You get to sleep when you get back home and I don't know why I still stick up for him, but I really believe that if you went overboard, he'd go in after you.
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Post by carolion on Oct 20, 2006 23:26:34 GMT -5
And for some of us there's the Raft-Down-The-Mississippi Cruise option - I think I'm getting ready to re-read Tom & Huck.
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Post by Tillie on Oct 20, 2006 23:50:04 GMT -5
Julia*, Thank you for the great link!
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Post by ptcaffey on Oct 21, 2006 0:48:32 GMT -5
Very funny, PT....but I really believe that if you went overboard, he'd go in after you. That's commendable, but not necessarily reassuring. I need to know who would go in after him. I'd prefer someone with Olympic training, or a Navy Seal.
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Post by slb2 on Oct 21, 2006 1:06:55 GMT -5
It's not always the sentiment that counts!
slb2 former lifeguard
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Post by Tillie on Oct 21, 2006 1:18:53 GMT -5
Good Morning, Thomas, and how are you? You say, GK, The Usual Suspects, and Classical Music whilst sailing the Norwegian Fjords? Mmmmmm.....sounds wonderful.....Might this all happen or should we take it with a grin of salt?
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Post by carolion on Oct 21, 2006 8:46:33 GMT -5
Are you adding tequila to that, Miss Till?
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Post by Thomas Scheuzger on Oct 21, 2006 11:25:48 GMT -5
From GK's invitation:
"Our radio show pals will come along, of course, but we’ll also have some Norwegian musicians and an Edvard Grieg contingent—a string quartet from London led by violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved, pianist Aaron Shorr, soprano Maria Jette—so you can enjoy Grieg’s ravishing music as we sail along the coast."
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