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Yeah Shari - unfortunately it seems that higher service charges don't seem to equate to better service.

You are so right Shari - love hearing about everyones lives and travel plans.

Shari, so sorry I haven't congratulated you before today but there was a hiccup in the system that Jason fixed so that I could post here.  Anyway ..... as has been said before - I can't think of anyone more worthy of earning member of the month than you ..... Congratulations sweet friend!!!

Congrats on this cruise Linda!  We have done this twice from San Francisco and loved every minute.  I agree with Shari ..... Maui is the best.  Renting a car would be a fabulous idea then you can be on your own time .... or if you prefer not to drive though, taking a local tour is also a great idea.  We won't be able to cruise in October unfortunately as we will be on safari in Africa for 6 weeks.  Enjoy every moment .... I know you are going to love Hawaii.

Thanks Jackie and Jason!  We board tomorrow...will eat and toast to all of us at Cruise Crazies!

Andi - sounds like a fabulously relaxing cruise.  I can't wait to hear all about the Oosterdam. Bon Voyage!!!!

Just saw on the news evening that the Titanic II which is a replica of the ill-fated ship but with modern technology, will sail from Dubai in 2022 on a 2 week voyage to Southampton. It will then sail on the exact course en route to New York that the original ship took on that fateful last journey.  So how do you all feel about cruising on this cruise ship?  I must say I like the fact that the interior and exterior will be an exact replica ...... your thoughts?

Got to say we try not to take a cruise that goes to Nassau if we can help it.  Awful destination island.  there are so many gorgeous Bahamian Islands but not Nassau. We also stay on the ship. They do not even have decent/interesting shopping either in the stores or in the market. Actually it's the market that's a big thumbs down for us ... we don't do well with surly people following us to sell their wares.  Just saying - and once to Atlantis was enough .....  So I can understand why they want to get rid of the incentives .... now they will be motivated to improve the port of call, which will be a win, win for all.

Got to say we try not to take a cruise that goes to Nassau if we can help it.  Awful destination island.  there are so many gorgeous Bahamian Islands but not Nassau. We also stay on the ship. They do not even have decent/interesting shopping either in the stores or in the market. Actually it's the market that's a big thumbs down for us ... we don't do well with surly people following us to sell their wares.  Just saying - and once to Atlantis was enough .....  So I can understand why they want to get rid of the incentives .... now they will be motivated to improve the port of call, which will be a win, win for all.

Shari - oooh yes maybe a Margarita ... that would be awesome to sit down and meet you, we have been "cyber friends" for so many years!!!  It would truly be a celebration.

shari - you are so kind and always thinking of others.  Love having you as a friend!!  I took your advice by the way and had a glass of wine ..... wine makes everything better, right?

I think it is being built with the British cruisers in mind, and typically they like much more formal and structured cruising ....... not like us uber casual Americans ? So being based out of Southampton I think they have a pretty big niche of British and European cruisers who would support them.  I sailed once on Cunard and found it way too formal for my liking but the UK passengers love it!

Just saw on the news evening that the Titanic II which is a replica of the ill-fated ship but with modern technology, will sail from Dubai in 2022 on a 2 week voyage to Southampton. It will then sail on the exact course en route to New York that the original ship took on that fateful last journey.  So how do you all feel about cruising on this cruise ship?  I must say I like the fact that the interior and exterior will be an exact replica ...... your thoughts?

I think it is being built with the British cruisers in mind, and typically they like much more formal and structured cruising ....... not like us uber casual Americans ? So being based out of Southampton I think they have a pretty big niche of British and European cruisers who would support them.  I sailed once on Cunard and found it way too formal for my liking but the UK passengers love it!

Jeanette, you will get lots of opportunities to have family portraits done on the ship - with numerous wonderful backdrops and then you can choose the best photo or take them all if you want.  The photo's can be a bit pricey though .....

Jeanette, you will get lots of opportunities to have family portraits done on the ship - with numerous wonderful backdrops and then you can choose the best photo or take them all if you want.  The photo's can be a bit pricey though .....

I will find out in March when we sail on Royal...we will become Diamond after that cruise!

Thanks for the heads up Jason.
Shari - Taco omelet sounds delicious - gotta try that.  So sorry about the sciatic nerve, that's the worst pain. Hope you get pain relief soon.
Back to my tax class!
 

Congrats Nancy - my nephew has just got back and they really loved it!!

Congrats Nancy - my nephew has just got back and they really loved it!!

spot remover - Raybans  
(yes I always take a spot remover with me, it seems like Tony always has dripped ice cream on his clothes somewhere)

Praying for all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.  Living through a hurricane and it's never-ending aftermath is not something anyone wants to go through.  At least not too many cruises sail through this area and will be impacted by the changed itineraries.

Andi - you are so right. Cruising time is very important to us as well ... why else would one choose a cruise as the mode of transport, right?  One thing about Europe, is that it is super easy to travel by road and not that expensive to stay in wonderful hotels, B & B's, guesthouses or even castles. So river cruising would have to really have something EXTRA special for us to exceed that wonderful European experience. We've stayed in a castle in Ireland, a Villa in Tuscany, a house on the Seychelles island of Praslin in the indian Ocean, a beautiful B & B in London, an Houseboat on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa and many other awesome stays around the world. All such awesome lifetime experiences!!!    Ocean cruising is so special because nothing can compete with that type of experience, and as many others feel as well - the sea days are so special, especially when one has visited so many different ports already.  Nothing like a Transatlantic or Transpacific for the MOST unrivaled, relaxing vacation.  We are reminded every day (at our age) that life is so short, so new adventures are what we look to do these days. Again thank you for your wonderful review!!!!

Andi - thank you for the perfect review on your river cruise.  You explained all the pertinent details and highlighted the differences ..... it was an excellent insight into river cruising. Thanks for all the time you spent on making it so comprehensive.

Thanks Shari - had a nice quiet day at home cleaning house for the company coming next week, but did get to go out for a celebration dinner of steamed crab legs, shrimp and oysters on the half shell ...... yummy!!!