Sandra Coschigano's Page

That really BITES about the cruise....I think it's an overreaction, but what can you do but hope for another chance at something like that down the road!

Aloha Sandra,
Sorry I didn't respond earlier but I've been at a managers conference and didn't have access to my computer.

The USO will probably handle all the shuttling for you, they will pick you up at the airport the day of the Tiger Cruise and transport you through the gate and on to the ship. If your lucky enough you'll get to see the ship come in. If they tell you to be at the airport at a praticular time be there at least hour or more earlier, you won't regret it. After your on the ship that's it I don't think they'll let you off until the end so if you want to see Hawaii come over earlier. It looks as though Paul(admin) has covered everything else for you. It truly is the most exciting thing I've ever done, I know you enjoy it as well.
Like Paul says it's not a Princess Cruise for sure but you won't even notice, you'll be to excited

Welcome to NavyDads too, and have fun

My son is with the Valion's Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-15, he's in airframes as a mechanic. As you know he was on the USS Roosevelt and from what he tells me is their next deployment will be on the new USS Bush. So maybe I'll get to do another TC.
Take care and if you need anything from here let me know. Also make sure you keep watching the ships web site. They should also have a telephone care line set up that you can call to get weekly info from the captain. Of course all date and times are confidential so don't expect to get it, that has to come from your sailor.
Take Care,
Rich

I see you have to emabrk the night before cruise....any issues with the change?

what ship is your son on? I assume you're checking the ship's webpage all the time for updated Tiger Cruise info.....if not start because that is where you'll find much of the info you'll need.

you'll want to touch base with Richard (Click for his page)....he is from Hawaii and can probaly answer some of your questions. You should get some more info from your sailor about the cruise. Usually they run shuttles/busses from the USO at the nearest major airport to the base....we met the busses at the Jacksonville airport USO and rode to Mayport where we met the carrier.

when it comes to packing for the cruise- please remember that you'll be on a warship and not a Princess cruise.....many of the areas I was in were workspaces with machinery, oil, and grease here and there. Anyway- it will be an adventure for you for sure....hope you've had a chance to ready my series of blogs about the cruise (Click for Link)

There is virtually no space to store a hard shell suitcase. I've seen duffle bags with wheels....check out REI.COM and CABELLAS.COM. I got mine from REI (called the Weekender) and it has a ton of space inside it, but you'd have to carry it or wear as a backpack. All your "goodies" have to fit under the rack and there is about 7" of space vertically. The area is divided into compartments, but you'll never fit a suitcase there. Verify with your sailor to make plans- they may have a locker next to the berthing, but again, not big enough for a suitcase.

check out either the Tiger Cruise group or Theodore Roosevelt group as I have a bunch of blogs and slide shows/videos posted there of my Tiger Cruise--- give you a little preview of things you may experience on your Tiger.