avie

Perhaps by the time you take the TA trip, the line will get its act together. (I did hear from one person that Azamara intends to increase its price structure next year and compete with Oceania. But I thought that was the class that Azamara announced it already was in!!!) Maybe this is the time to book and wait.

Just yesterday we were looking at the Azamara's transatlantic for 2009. Can't beat the price! I want to do it in Dec back to FL.. I am patiently waiting... Hi Joey, Based on the reports I have had from friends who have been on Azamara, I already cancelled the trip on Journey I booked for mid-June, rebooked on the Quest for a trip in mid October, and am about to cancel that one. It seems to me that Azamara is trying to created a "pseudo" place for itself in the cruise industry, and is missing the boat -- so to speak. I hoped that the line would get her act together, but from the reports I have received that does not seem to be the case. The line seems to be engaged in "nickel and diming"-- (I guess the cold towel on returning from excursions is one of the few free benefits aboard. They are even charging a ridiculous amount for the use of the "therapy" pool!!! Ah well, back to the drawing boards. Perhaps it's time for more river cruises. Avie

Hi, Yes, that is the cruise we were on! Since my original post, we had a few scheduling conflicts, and we are now scheduled on the Quest on October 11 from Rome to Athens (with Turkey, Alexandria, Egypt, and other ports in between. Right now we hve been busy cancelling our original arrangements and getting new ones. I believe that Alla tours is the way to go. Avie

Off to st. Petersburg from Copenhagen in June. It's time to give Azamara a try! Avie

Cheryl, Thanks for the info. I guess we'll pass on the Dom Perignon, and concentrate on the local beers! But no decisions on the restaurants as yet! Probably, herring in various forms and pastries sounds like a plan. Our best to Ole. Happy New Year. Avie

Thanks. Yes, we'll be spending a day in Tallinn. And we looking forward to the three days in St. Petes. We just engaged a private tour there. To get the most flexability, I opted to the tour for two. Of course, if another couple wants to join us, we're always open to adding them. We're also spending two days in Copenhagen prior to boarding the ship. We'd welcome any suggestions you have to sghts, restaurants, etc. Have a very happy holiday. Avie

Tried an inside cabin 30 years ago -- I found that I missed the outside world. That trip was the last one!!! I did spend alot of time in public rooms, etc. (At the time there was an abundance of public areas on the ships.) I am anxious to hear about your upcoming experience. Avie

Definitely bottom line. Another else reminds me of the scam artists on the web who quote an attractive price for photo items,but fail to advise that the quoted price does not include a US warranty or the items (battery, battery charger, cables, etc.) that they have stripped from the factory packaging!!! Avie

It varies according to whim! Prefer breakfast in the room (or veranda) when we have a relatively early shore excursion or wish to see a particular point of interest; otherwise, its the dining room. Lunch in various venues throughout the ship with the exception of the main buffet. Dinner in the dining room; also try to hit the specialty or alternative dining venues at least once per trip. Avie

Walked through once -- that was sufficient! Avie

Hi, We're off to Northern Europe on Azamara (Celebrity's new line) in June. The smaller ship (approx. 700 passengers) is most appealing! Hopefully, by the time we leave, the minor glitches aboard will have been corrected. The Journey is one of the R ships that have been been renovated. Is anyone joining us? Avie

Congrats!!! We have to settle for a double stack (also for the first time) -- We've decided to downsize this time. Off to Vienna on the 25th for a Viking river cruise through Germany to Amsterdam (about 150 people max). And then through Scandinavia, 3 days in St. Pete, and back to Copenhagen on Azamara Journey in mid-June (rated 710 passengers). I guess it's time to keep the tux in mothballs for a while. Avie

Congrats on your readiness, Joey. I'll get there -- someday! The hotel sent me an e-mail confirming the reservation (I guess they wanted to remind me where we're staying); I've arranged transportation to Dulles (our daughter is driving us); and I got our suitcases out last night. Wow, we're ready!!! A safe trip to all. See you in Ft. Lauderdale (or aboard Summit).

Thanks for the weather report. It looks wonderful. You really did a fabulous job arranging for good weather. I assume you already have taken care of the weather for the cruise.

Yes, I am bringing a supply with me. I'm glad you understand the important things. (I hope that I don't run afoul of the airport or ship security with all that metal.)

Really, it's not a pretty sight!

Another crazy extended weekend -- estimated income tax to make sure that I am in a safe harbor. Along the same line, with tears in my eyes, wrote the check for the 4th quarter estimate; went to four hockey games and saw my grandson's team win the tournament championship (winning a game alone is a real achievement); and actually did some work! Two hellish days of work ahead of me, and then get ready to leave. I guess that the vacation feeling will begin in Ft. Lauderdale. See you all in a few days.

Actually, LeBrea Bakery multi-grain, and I'll try not to burn it.

Yea, and here's a toast to our cruise week

ok you lost me?>??????? Huh?? Upgraded from interior cabin to ocean view cabin on CruiseCrazies site (I think) -- Congrats Cheryl!

I check the other site from time to time. It is significantly less active than this one. I believe a total of 239 posts since Joey started it!!! I guess everyone is saving their energy for the cruise.

Mornin -- Time to wrap things up so we are ready to leave Friday a.m. Son and grandson are arriving from Conn. noonish as grandson has a hockey tournament in the area. Also have to finish up some work as I will have only two days in the office next week (Monday is a fed. holiday). I guess my weekend is filled up! The suitcases will come out Tuesday or Wednesday, but we probably won't start packing (and finding out what we don't have) until Thursday. And we have to get Corkie to my daughter on Thursday. Yes, we'll need those days at sea!!! Cheryl, don't worry about snow at IAD. It looks as though it will be on the cool side, but no precip. That's about it. Besides, there's not an awful lot we can do about the weather anyway. Hope your upgrades came through. It's chore/work time. Avie

To all our well-wishers -- Thanks. To our cruise captain and leader extraordinaire -- Aye, Aye Sir

The weather in Washington, DC -- like most other things in the District, it is most unpredictable. Or to paraphrase Mark Twain, if you don't like the weather in DC, just wait 5 minutes. From my experience, predictions of major snow storms usually result in little or no snow. Predictions of no snow will result in major storms. Moreover, 1/4" to 1/2" of snow ties up the whole area. Or as most forecasters here say, "It all depends on the path of the storm." Even if you are tuned into WTOP (weather reports on the eights), the forecasts change regularly! Good luck!!!

The answer is yes -- travel in many parts of Mexico is scary -- and has been so for quite a long time. You may want to check out the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html It is the consular information sheet for Mexico. Although it covers many areas, you want to check out the portions on "crime" and "safety". The information is updated regularly, and is considered up to date. After all, these are you tax dollars at work, and represent dollars well-spent. (My friends at State even use these and other State travel databases in planning their own personal and business travel.) I don't believe there are any official "warnings" for Mexico at the present time, but, nevertheless, there are "cautions" about which you should be aware. Avie