Ok so for those of you who have had experience on the Tiger Cruise with Sons/Daughters or Husbands that are working in the Cafeteria. My son started on the Deck Crew but now they put him in the Cafeteria. His words to us were sorry this is going to mess up the Tiger Cruise. He said Christmas he worked from morning to night and he has rarly been on email. I am taking this as we won't really see him if we are on the Tiger Cruise. It's a big delimia for us should we go on the Cruise or not go on the Cruise and simply show up at Homecoming? We are in Texas so the tickets are bought and hotel booked. Can he get a refund if we don't go on the cruise? Any advice would be great!
We're staying at this Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...our son said the CMC had gotten info on Homecoming Rates...they have a $54 rate available for those that mention USS BATAAN ARG Homecoming...that includes breakfast. My husband just called back and changed it to a suite (king bed + sleeper sofa) for only $10 more. In case anyone else is interested, their number is 757-465-2222. On the downside, it is about 35 minutes in no traffic to the base, but, once he gets off the ship, we don't care where we'll be as long as he is in are arms! We'll be near his apartment in the Portsmouth area. Look forward to meeting you all at the night before party!
Is that $71 rate for a standard room Or for a suite? Do you know? Also, do you know if breakfast is included? We got a regular room for our daughter at $54 and for only $64, a suite for us. Plus full breakfast included. I just spoke with Christy, their General Manager (Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake at 757-465-2222) and she still has some rooms available at the group rate. We want our son to stay with us --- he smokes...a nasty habit he picked up since his enlistment --- and they also have smoking rooms.
For people willing to stay a little further away and wrestle with traffic, there are several beachfront hotels in Virginia Beach for well under $100/night... I paid $50/night for mine and it's an oceanview suite. Just do an Orbitz.com or Hotels.com search for VA Beach if you're interested. :)
To those looking at Oceanfront Hotels (Virginia Beach)...there are certainly some good quality hotels (the Hilton, Springhill Suites, Courtyard)...but be careful: some of the "independent" brands (NOT the chain hotels) are not the cleanest...some have had bed bug issues...and several of the hotels on Pacific Avenue (one block off the oceanfront) take in some very shady folks during their off season just to fill some rooms...use your imagination. Check out TripAdvisor for comments if you are unsure.
@ achesapeakeguy - thanks for the head's up. I had already booked with a hotel chain that I was familiar with and have had good experiences with and got a great deal... But when I went to TripAdvisor and read the reviews on that particular hotel, they were horrifying!! I know some people will just complain about anything, but this was page after page of bad reviews... really bad... even the good reviews were only 'it was a place to sleep'. yikes... good thing I went for the free cancellation policy. I'll be canceling today and pay just a little extra to stay at a nicer hotel on the beach -I've found some with great reviews. Thanks so much for the warning.
At the time when we were suppose to order Home Coming Shirts my Bataan shirts havn't arrived yet So I was to scared to order Home Coming Shirts. The Bataan shirts took months to get.
I'm not going to change hotels, I've stayed at Hampton Inn before and had really good service. My husband and I are going, so hope we can get together.
Is this party the night before the cruse or the homecoming? And does anyone know what time we have to be on the base the day of the cruse. I'm guessing we will get info on all that soon.
I'm hoping I get the bottom rack so I can just roll out of it when I get up . . . I am also bring slick PJ's and a slick sleeping bag to aid in my rolling . . . I know the width of the rack is narrow but I am also concerned about the space in between . . . if I roll over am I going to eject the person above me with my hip? . . . My son is giving my gal sponsor a video camera so he can see all the shenanigans and make fun of me later . . . what a sweetheart . . . lol
I was wondering too, if someone knows how to do it, to put up a "link" (or what ever it is called) so we can all put down where we are staying so we can maybe share a ride or even to get together to say "Hi". It would be a shame if 2 or 3 of us were at the same hotel and didn't spend some time together before the cruse . . . any thoughts?
ohh ok cool. thanks for the update at least I know whats up? on there end I haven't heard from my sailor since Thursday and I hope he is doing alright and enjoying himself.
I did my reservations on line at first, till Barbara told me to call Hampton Inn direct and tell them your there for the homecoming. I paid 107.00 on line and when I called the hotel I got it for 89.00 for 1 room with king size bed.
We got you all beat! $54 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...upgrading us to a suite! Includes full breakfast. Yeah, it's 30 minutes to the base with traffic. but we can stay almost twice as long at those rates! See you all at the Night B4 Party! Can't wait!
That is really special to all the ones that have new babies. What a neat idea to have a tent for them. Boy what an emotional time that would be to meet your new son or daughter for the first time. That just brings tears on and just can't wait to see and hug my son even more!!
It's sad that some of those "new" babies could be 10 months old before they get to meet there dad. I hope I'm not in that tent after the next deployment... But that is sort of my luck.
@ Sandra AM Mom we are staying at the Quality Inn as well it will just be my husband and I the Big Homecoming will be waiting for him here. Already got most of it ready. hope to meet you.
Question: My Son is doing the "mess cranking" for 90 days so we are not going on the cruise. So if he is only an E2 and is doing that job for now does that mean he can't stand on the ship when it comes in like you see in the videos and pictures? This is my first deployment experience with him. Any answers would be great! Did someone say if he can't get off the ship the first day we can tour it after everyone is off?
I thought the tiger cruise was from nc to norfolk? Why would they take
him off the ship if he is working in the cafe on the ship? I guess he is so busy he has hardly written so I can't ask.
Oh I see so we may be able to say hello before he has to board it? Sorry so confused at this point. Can't wait to finally get an email or something!! Hope the night before party is helpful as well.
"My Son is doing the "mess cranking" for 90 days so we are not going on the cruise."
My son is also mess cranking. I don't understand how that would impact the tiger cruise. Does that mean he can't spend any time with his Dad and Uncle? He is an OS3. (petty officer third class if that means anything). Thanks for any information.
So I guess I am still confused. I thought the bus goes from norfolk to NC to drop off the TC people and then the ship comes back to Norfolk with theTC people on board? So I am trying to figure out how the sailors ride the bus back to Norfolk with the TC people two days before if the TC people get on the ship 2 days before they are to return to Norfolk? I will be there no matter what the day before so if he is somehow there then hopefully I will know. Sorry for the questions. Someday I will be an expert!! Does the Bataan deploy every year? My Son was saying we can go on the cruise next year when he returns.
milwife2
can I just say...... YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 10, 2012
chandlersmom
Ok so for those of you who have had experience on the Tiger Cruise with Sons/Daughters or Husbands that are working in the Cafeteria. My son started on the Deck Crew but now they put him in the Cafeteria. His words to us were sorry this is going to mess up the Tiger Cruise. He said Christmas he worked from morning to night and he has rarly been on email. I am taking this as we won't really see him if we are on the Tiger Cruise. It's a big delimia for us should we go on the Cruise or not go on the Cruise and simply show up at Homecoming? We are in Texas so the tickets are bought and hotel booked. Can he get a refund if we don't go on the cruise? Any advice would be great!
Jan 10, 2012
ckmom
LongIsland, I made reservations at Hampton Inn, Can't wait to meet you all!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
We're staying at this Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...our son said the CMC had gotten info on Homecoming Rates...they have a $54 rate available for those that mention USS BATAAN ARG Homecoming...that includes breakfast. My husband just called back and changed it to a suite (king bed + sleeper sofa) for only $10 more. In case anyone else is interested, their number is 757-465-2222. On the downside, it is about 35 minutes in no traffic to the base, but, once he gets off the ship, we don't care where we'll be as long as he is in are arms! We'll be near his apartment in the Portsmouth area. Look forward to meeting you all at the night before party!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Jan 11, 2012
lalagoe
For people willing to stay a little further away and wrestle with traffic, there are several beachfront hotels in Virginia Beach for well under $100/night... I paid $50/night for mine and it's an oceanview suite. Just do an Orbitz.com or Hotels.com search for VA Beach if you're interested. :)
Jan 11, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 11, 2012
joanne ko
I will be at the Holiday Inn Express - I fly in 2 days before the cruse.
Jan 11, 2012
Cancel Account
I'll be at the LaQuinta on Military Hwy, anyone going to be staying there? I didn't hear of the cruise until too late...drat!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
To those looking at Oceanfront Hotels (Virginia Beach)...there are certainly some good quality hotels (the Hilton, Springhill Suites, Courtyard)...but be careful: some of the "independent" brands (NOT the chain hotels) are not the cleanest...some have had bed bug issues...and several of the hotels on Pacific Avenue (one block off the oceanfront) take in some very shady folks during their off season just to fill some rooms...use your imagination. Check out TripAdvisor for comments if you are unsure.
Jan 12, 2012
lalagoe
@ achesapeakeguy - thanks for the head's up. I had already booked with a hotel chain that I was familiar with and have had good experiences with and got a great deal... But when I went to TripAdvisor and read the reviews on that particular hotel, they were horrifying!! I know some people will just complain about anything, but this was page after page of bad reviews... really bad... even the good reviews were only 'it was a place to sleep'. yikes... good thing I went for the free cancellation policy. I'll be canceling today and pay just a little extra to stay at a nicer hotel on the beach -I've found some with great reviews. Thanks so much for the warning.
Jan 12, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 12, 2012
ckmom
At the time when we were suppose to order Home Coming Shirts my Bataan shirts havn't arrived yet So I was to scared to order Home Coming Shirts. The Bataan shirts took months to get.
Jan 12, 2012
ckmom
Barbara with tax and my AAA discount it was 123.02. For 1 king size room.
Jan 12, 2012
chandlersmom
Marriott Waterfront downtown is 88.00 per night.
at the night before party will there be a way we can all meet at some point? It would be nice to see you in person.
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
I'm not going to change hotels, I've stayed at Hampton Inn before and had really good service. My husband and I are going, so hope we can get together.
Barb
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
Barbara Oh I see, Thanks for the information and I will call tomorrow, Saving money sounds good. and again thanks!
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
Ok Thanks
Jan 14, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 14, 2012
ckmom
Good question, I wanted to know the same thing.
Jan 14, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 14, 2012
joanne ko
Is this party the night before the cruse or the homecoming? And does anyone know what time we have to be on the base the day of the cruse. I'm guessing we will get info on all that soon.
Jan 15, 2012
joanne ko
I'm hoping I get the bottom rack so I can just roll out of it when I get up . . . I am also bring slick PJ's and a slick sleeping bag to aid in my rolling . . . I know the width of the rack is narrow but I am also concerned about the space in between . . . if I roll over am I going to eject the person above me with my hip? . . . My son is giving my gal sponsor a video camera so he can see all the shenanigans and make fun of me later . . . what a sweetheart . . . lol
I was wondering too, if someone knows how to do it, to put up a "link" (or what ever it is called) so we can all put down where we are staying so we can maybe share a ride or even to get together to say "Hi". It would be a shame if 2 or 3 of us were at the same hotel and didn't spend some time together before the cruse . . . any thoughts?
Jan 15, 2012
ckmom
Barbara Thanks for the info on the Hampton Inn you saved me over 20 $.
I appreciate it very much!!
Jan 16, 2012
JustinsMom175
Jan 16, 2012
ckmom
Thats Great!!
Jan 16, 2012
ckmom
So does that mean we can text them?
Jan 16, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
Oh My gosh!! I hope I get a text!! Havent heard from him in 10 days!! Killin me!
Jan 16, 2012
joanne ko
I have Ben's phone turned off, I wonder if I should turn it on now, I was going to wait till he got home, but maybe I should do it sooner
Jan 16, 2012
Stephanie
Jan 16, 2012
VCabana523
I haven't heard from my sailor in four days. Does anyone know if they are ported yet?
Jan 16, 2012
VCabana523
Thanks Mirca23 do you know that time difference?
Jan 16, 2012
VCabana523
yeah...when did they hit port? Is this their last port?
Jan 16, 2012
VCabana523
ohh ok cool. thanks for the update at least I know whats up? on there end I haven't heard from my sailor since Thursday and I hope he is doing alright and enjoying himself.
Jan 16, 2012
JustinsMom175
Jan 16, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
No phone call, no text, no email in 10 days 8(
Jan 16, 2012
joanne ko
My son has always used those "ship to shore" cards but he won't tell me how much they cost.
Jan 16, 2012
ckmom
I did my reservations on line at first, till Barbara told me to call Hampton Inn direct and tell them your there for the homecoming. I paid 107.00 on line and when I called the hotel I got it for 89.00 for 1 room with king size bed.
Jan 16, 2012
achesapeakeguy
We got you all beat! $54 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...upgrading us to a suite! Includes full breakfast. Yeah, it's 30 minutes to the base with traffic. but we can stay almost twice as long at those rates! See you all at the Night B4 Party! Can't wait!
Jan 16, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
I got a text, I got a text, I got text, Hey hey hey hey!!
Jan 17, 2012
ckmom
That is really special to all the ones that have new babies. What a neat idea to have a tent for them. Boy what an emotional time that would be to meet your new son or daughter for the first time. That just brings tears on and just can't wait to see and hug my son even more!!
Jan 17, 2012
Stephanie
Jan 17, 2012
Robyn
Jan 17, 2012
ckmom
thanks
Jan 17, 2012
chandlersmom
Question: My Son is doing the "mess cranking" for 90 days so we are not going on the cruise. So if he is only an E2 and is doing that job for now does that mean he can't stand on the ship when it comes in like you see in the videos and pictures? This is my first deployment experience with him. Any answers would be great! Did someone say if he can't get off the ship the first day we can tour it after everyone is off?
Jan 18, 2012
chandlersmom
him off the ship if he is working in the cafe on the ship? I guess he is so busy he has hardly written so I can't ask.
Jan 18, 2012
chandlersmom
Oh I see so we may be able to say hello before he has to board it? Sorry so confused at this point. Can't wait to finally get an email or something!! Hope the night before party is helpful as well.
Jan 18, 2012
Whodamom
"My Son is doing the "mess cranking" for 90 days so we are not going on the cruise."
My son is also mess cranking. I don't understand how that would impact the tiger cruise. Does that mean he can't spend any time with his Dad and Uncle? He is an OS3. (petty officer third class if that means anything). Thanks for any information.
Jan 18, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 18, 2012
chandlersmom
So I guess I am still confused. I thought the bus goes from norfolk to NC to drop off the TC people and then the ship comes back to Norfolk with theTC people on board? So I am trying to figure out how the sailors ride the bus back to Norfolk with the TC people two days before if the TC people get on the ship 2 days before they are to return to Norfolk? I will be there no matter what the day before so if he is somehow there then hopefully I will know. Sorry for the questions. Someday I will be an expert!! Does the Bataan deploy every year? My Son was saying we can go on the cruise next year when he returns.
Jan 18, 2012