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DougMetzger - Posted - 07/29/2009: 19:07:56
Boy howdy I sure wish I could but I dont think I can spare that kind of cash currently. That looks like great fun!
Doug
fixdent - Posted - 07/30/2009: 17:10:58
It would be nice if a few BHO members could get together on this one....
axsis - Posted - 07/31/2009: 05:09:25
Gordon, I would love to get together on this one but I am booked elsewhere in Florida.
Cheers!
Don
fixdent - Posted - 07/31/2009: 16:28:28
Hey Don...
Where, and when are you going to be in Florida. Wife and I will be spending a few days there.
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Gordon
axsis - Posted - 08/01/2009: 05:07:51
Gordon, We are still working out dates but I will e-mail you once the airfares are set. We will be in Venice (halfway between Naples and Sarasota) on the Gulf for about 12 days.
Cheers!
Don
fixdent - Posted - 08/03/2009: 16:42:19
Well, maybe you should work the dates so you can go on the cruise also. Getting to florida is the expensive part...the cruise is the cheap part.
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gordon
fixdent - Posted - 09/10/2009: 05:23:33
Wel, I just signed up today....just gotta wait and pack my suitcase now...
Anybody else planning on going...??
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Gordon
fixdent - Posted - 11/01/2009: 10:51:39
Hi Rick...
Have you heard at all on how the bookings have gone....??
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Gordon
fixdent - Posted - 11/04/2009: 20:07:27
Hey....maybe we should all book at the same hotel in Fort Lauderdale the night(s) prior to the cruise.
I'm going to be there on Thursday...and enjoying some of the sun.
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Gordon
imac50 - Posted - 11/05/2009: 01:16:42
Sorry put this on the wrong thread!
We'll be coming in late on Friday. I'm hoping Helen has booked us a hotel for the night but I don't know what or where at the moment. Still trying to decide whether to bring my own banjo or go for a rental. Seems a shame to leave it at home on this occasion.
Hope I don't get on the wrong cruise!
Iain
iainmaclachlan.com
fixdent - Posted - 12/14/2009: 05:34:07
Well, it's -27 here today. I'm counting down the days.....can't wait.
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Gordon
imac50 - Posted - 12/14/2009: 12:36:52
Have the coast guard been informed? 41 days to go..........
Iain
maryzcox - Posted - 12/14/2009: 14:26:52
Be sure and sign up for the excursion to go out and swim with the rays when you are in port in Grand Cayman. It is really awesome--the rays are wild and not Disney World. 
imac50 - Posted - 12/16/2009: 05:50:58
Well, I think I've filled in the forms ok. I'm in Deck 2, 2312 Port. Any neighbour banjo players or will I be able to get some sleep!
39 days........
Edited by - imac50 on 12/16/2009 05:51:32
fixdent - Posted - 12/26/2009: 16:03:19
I'm in 8316....whatever that means.
28 days to go.....
imac50 - Posted - 01/07/2010: 14:15:57
Hi to everyone going on the cruise. A plea from my wife - are there any other wives booked on the cruise? Christine isn't a banjo player so is more interested in what to wear! Any sensible suggestions? Not long to go now.
Iain
fixdent - Posted - 01/07/2010: 18:05:34
My wife will be there.....and she's not crazy about the banjo....LOL (she wonders if a banjo will float)
We are in -30c temps right now....so I know what I won't be wearing.
Right now, it's also getting freezing temps in Florida, so I hope that changes soon.
Grand Caman is showing 25c
My wifes not a sun bather....so there won't be any bikini. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket. Ive been on a cool weather cruise before.
And elastic waistbands.....LOL
I would say be prepared for 10c - 25c temperatures....it's easy to take clothes off.
Ps....maybe our wives can keep themselves company...
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Gordon
Edited by - fixdent on 01/08/2010 05:29:48
imac50 - Posted - 01/08/2010: 00:06:52
quote:
Originally posted by fixdent
My wife will be there.....and she's not crazy about the banjo....LOL (she wonders if a banjo will float)
We are in -30c temps right now....so I know what I won't be wearing.
Right now, it's also getting freezing temps in Florida, so I hope that changes soon.
Grand Caman is showing 25c
My wifes not a sun bather....so there won't be any bikini. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket. Ive been on a cool weather cruise before.
And elastic waitbands.....LOL
I would say be prepared for 10c - 25c temperatures....it's easy to take clothes off.
Ps....maybe our wives can keep themselves company...
--
Gordon
We are only at -8C so much warmer here! I'd noticed that Florida is "cool" at the moment. Still there are 2 weeks for the temperature to rise. Christine is concerned about evening wear. No bib and braces for her! The last cruise we were on was quite formal at times. Iain
banjoken - Posted - 01/08/2010: 03:31:31
quote:
Originally posted by imac50
Hi to everyone going on the cruise. A plea from my wife - are there any other wives booked on the cruise?
Okay... NOW I get it! Banjo cruise, bluegrass cruise, never understood why the two went together. It is a way for a banjo/bluegrass lover to get to go while taking the spouse on something that they would do. Genius.
fixdent - Posted - 01/08/2010: 05:26:32
This is my third Carnival Cruise.
Carnival is known for a 'fun' cruise, and not a formal type of one.
There is another bluegrass cruise on at the same time....Bell Buckle Cruise. (also on Carnvial cruise lines) My wife and I went on that 2 years ago. It was great. It was all bluegrass bands playing....2 concerts a day. A little too much music for the wife.
I'm hoping for more of a learning cruise for me on this one, and more time to spend with my wife.
I think the only 'formal' dinner is the Captains Dinner, which because it is formal, I have never participated in. I'm not a formal guy. Getting out of work clothes and into jeans is 'dressed up' for me.
I do bring dressier pants and shirt to wear for the dinner sittings.
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Gordon
imac50 - Posted - 01/08/2010: 11:24:58
Thanks, Gordon. Don't expect we'll be dining with the Captain. It's going to be fun. I'm sure we'll learn a lot.
cjanak - Posted - 01/09/2010: 07:27:40
Oh great!!!!! Please tell me there is at least one other Banjo widower on this cruise. or I may have to stick my husband with a video camera to record the whole thing to keep him busy!!!!
Two more weeks - I can't wait!!!! Just yesterday, I got the go ahead from my Dr, as I spent Christmas week in the hospital. Now I only have to worry about a nasty weekend snow storm that will close down Bradley airport.
Has anyone got some of the side trips lined up?? I want to snorkel at least once and I was hoping to do the canopy tour, but I may not have the strength for that one.
Looking forward to meeting all of you.
Carol
imac50 - Posted - 01/10/2010: 12:09:26
quote:
Originally posted by cjanak
Oh great!!!!! Please tell me there is at least one other Banjo widower on this cruise. or I may have to stick my husband with a video camera to record the whole thing to keep him busy!!!!
Two more weeks - I can't wait!!!! Just yesterday, I got the go ahead from my Dr, as I spent Christmas week in the hospital. Now I only have to worry about a nasty weekend snow storm that will close down Bradley airport.
Has anyone got some of the side trips lined up?? I want to snorkel at least once and I was hoping to do the canopy tour, but I may not have the strength for that one.
Looking forward to meeting all of you.
Carol
We've been looking at side trips but haven't decided on anything. The canopy tour looks fun but too strenuous for us! Sitting on the beach will do me! Iain
Heavy Duty - Posted - 01/20/2010: 11:36:35
Hi All Fellow Cruisers;
My wife and I will be there. My wife isn't banjo crazy either. She will be looking for people to pal around with while I'm learning how not to make noise. We will be in on Saturday afternoon staying at the hotel the travel agent recommended. Hope to meet you all there.
This is my first cruise. I'm looking forward to it for many reasons. My wife and I are hoping to have lots of fun.
Key West - Pub Crawl - Hope this is not literal
Grand Cayman - Scuba Diving
Ocho Rios - Canapy Zipline & River Tubing
I'll have Advil with me....
See you all this weekend. Safe travels!
HD
quote:
Originally posted by imac50
Hi to everyone going on the cruise. A plea from my wife - are there any other wives booked on the cruise? Christine isn't a banjo player so is more interested in what to wear! Any sensible suggestions? Not long to go now.
Iain
Edited by - Heavy Duty on 01/20/2010 11:49:41
banjo2k - Posted - 01/20/2010: 16:16:48
You can't imagine how much we are all looking forward to this trip. The only bad thing about getting ready for a trip like this is 'getting ready for a trip like this". ...............I hate laundry!! The 27th is our 19th wedding anniversary.......is that an 'at sea day'??
Looking forward to meeting you all there!
Rick
--------------------------------------------
Rick Briggs
banjoteacher.com
rickbriggs.com
banjo2k - Posted - 01/31/2010: 10:07:53
So did everyone have a great time or just me?!!!
Now for a few days on dry land and then an 11 hour drive to Nashville for SPBGMA on Friday - gotta love it!
Rick
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Rick Briggs
banjoteacher.com
rickbriggs.com
jimmybowen.com
vmarkant - Posted - 01/31/2010: 15:56:56
Yes, we did have a wonderful time. Lots of jamming, learning and even private lessons. Cruising and sessions with Ross Nickerson and Tony Trischka, and listening to The Carter Brothers and Rick Briggs. What more could you ask for? I'm in for next year. So much to pick, so little time.
imac50 - Posted - 01/31/2010: 18:10:22
Christine and I had a great time. Thanks to all who helped organise the cruise and to all the instructors. Thanks also to all the fellow banjo players and families who were so friendly to us. Hope you all had safe trips home. We're still in Florida for another week. I'll maybe get round to all those things I was supposed to practice! Great cruise. Great people. Great music.
Iain
cjanak - Posted - 02/01/2010: 12:27:41
We too, had a wonderful time. It will take months for me to digest all that I learned. An event that well organized and planned took many people to put together and my thanks go out to all of them. It was such a pleasure to meet everyone and be able to put faces to some of the names here on BHO. If anyone has some pictures they would like to share, I would love to see them.
Now it's back to reality - not only laundry, but end of the month accounting, income tax and cold -Lord I can't get warm today!
Carol
fixdent - Posted - 02/01/2010: 17:09:15
I had a good time also....
Tim Carter and his brother were excellent. I'm glad Ross had a couple of guitar pickers along.
What was the guys name that was doing all the singing along with his wife playing banjo and guitar (and an excellent job of the spoons) during the jams. I introduced myself to them, but have forgotten their names.
Also thanks to Reed, for keeping the jams organized, and somewhat under control. 30 banjos all getting tuned up and warming up.....whew.
Mr. McScruggs, (Iain Maclachlan ) was a real treat, listening to some of his celtic banjo playing.
--
Gordon
windbreaker - Posted - 02/02/2010: 07:54:32
I agree. Couldn't have met a nicer bunch of folks. I'll be back.
Bobby
Newsome - Posted - 02/04/2010: 12:34:17
Sounds like a great time. Too bad I seen it much to late to work things out, BUT.............next year. I'm going to try my darnest to make. If someone would make a few pointers what and what-not to take. Very leary about my banjo and the airplane moneys thou! Got a year to plan, just need some help.
ling09 - Posted - 02/06/2010: 10:58:33
How many were in the group this year? Could someone summarize the jamming/class schedule for those of us considering going next year? Was it an all-day session while the ship was at sea? Did the group meet on the days the ship was in port, after everyone was back on the ship in the evening? Did anyone fly with their banjo and check it as luggage? I'm considering buying the case recommended by Ross Nickerson for flying.
imac50 - Posted - 02/07/2010: 12:10:48
quote:
Originally posted by ling09
How many were in the group this year? Could someone summarize the jamming/class schedule for those of us considering going next year? Was it an all-day session while the ship was at sea? Did the group meet on the days the ship was in port, after everyone was back on the ship in the evening? Did anyone fly with their banjo and check it as luggage? I'm considering buying the case recommended by Ross Nickerson for flying.
Well folks, I finally made it back to Edinburgh this morning! Still jet lagged from the overnight flight but I'll try to answer your questions. I didn't manage to count how many were there but I did hear that the whole group numbered about 70. At least half of those were banjo players I think. We were organised into three levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced. Each of the instructors took at least one class for each group. There were also 2 one on one lessons for each player. The schedule for the days at sea was usually three sessions. The shore days usually had one get together after we were back on board. In the evening from around 7.30 - 9 there was also a get together of various kinds. The first and last nights were concerts by the instructors. From 9 there were jam sessions going on in various places until the last to leave went to bed. Some were more dedicated than others at staying up late. All in all it was a busy schedule but a lot of fun. As for taking your banjo, a number of people rented a banjo and others brought their own. One guy had his finger picks taken from him at the airport while someone else came through with pliers with no problem. I took my banjo with me and had no trouble at all with Continental. The banjo went into the overhead locker on all four flights. I was only once asked to open it up (in Edinburgh) and when leaving Tampa, I was chosen for a full body scan. Such excitement! The cruise was well organised and though Ross was a nervous wreck, the rest of us had it easy. I'd do it again, if I'm allowed! Iain I've just uploaded some photos of the cruise. banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=4132
Edited by - imac50 on 02/07/2010 12:31:45
ling09 - Posted - 02/07/2010: 13:15:22
quote:
Originally posted by imac50
[quote]Originally posted by ling09
The cruise was well organised and though Ross was a nervous wreck, the rest of us had it easy. I'd do it again, if I'm allowed!
Iain
Iain, thanks for the informative report! I've been trying to cajole my husband into doing this cruise, and think he is about talked into it for next year. I've heard in the past that Ross does an excellent job organizing this trip. It has to be stressful to make sure that many people are all *happy campers*!
Heavy Duty - Posted - 02/07/2010: 16:23:34
No matter what teh playing level, I highly recommedn the cruise. You will get plenty of playing time, no pressure and helpful assistance is always available. This was my first cruise and banjo workshop and loved it. You will meet a lot of very nice people to hang around with and players will find they are not alone with the struggles they are having playing the banjo.
Any spouse who plays an instrument should bring it. Teh jam sessions alway can use other instruments. Doesn't matter what it is, sax, guitar, bass, mandolin, jug, washboard, whatever. I found the crew in mostly international and invited a crew member to grabs some spoons and join our jam session.....she had no idea what I meant.
Ross's workshop has something some everyone.
ling09 - Posted - 02/09/2010: 20:23:15
quote:
[i]
Any spouse who plays an instrument should bring it. Teh jam sessions alway can use other instruments. Doesn't matter what it is, sax, guitar, bass, mandolin, jug, washboard, whatever. I found the crew in mostly international and invited a crew member to grabs some spoons and join our jam session.....she had no idea what I meant.
Ross's workshop has something some everyone.
Unfortunately, my spouse doesn't play any musical instrument, and can't hold a tune either. (He'd be the first to admit that, too!) You know, maybe he can practice the washboard this year...should be proficient by next January!
vmarkant - Posted - 02/15/2010: 05:26:29
Ling09- My husband doesn't play a lick either - nor does he particularly like Bluegrass but with the hot tub, pool, casino, work out area, etc. he keeps himself busy on the days at sea. And if your husband likes reading, there's a quiet area reserved for adults so he wouldn't be bothered by children. You'd be together for each meal, all the days in ports of call and he can join us for the evening jamming session if he likes. This was our second banjo cruise and we hope to make it again next year.
fixdent - Posted - 02/15/2010: 06:38:04
Hi Vicky, it was nice meeting you on the cruise. You play the banjo very well... I need alot of work in my 'jammin' area.
--
Gordon
stillearning - Posted - 03/26/2010: 14:59:29
This was my second cruise with Ross and and it was great. great Teachers, great music and especially great people. Would do it again.
Dave Olmsted
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