avie

Joey, et al You will love the specialty dining room. Have a few bread sticks for me. And the lobster bisque. And the rack of lamb (if it is on the menu). Two and a half hours of excellent service and fine dining should be about right. I guess I'll just have to salivate until the end of January. Avie

In spite of the advice given by my friends at Langley regarding the disguises -- probably.

Good morning, Last night I put on my dark shades, appropriate disguises, took a deep breath, and, in a moment of madness, jumped over to the dark side. I went on to a thread with those on the Summit 11/25/2006 westbound cruise through the PC (similar to ours). I was interested in finding out about the excursions for "Panama Canal (cruising)" that were offered on the 11/25/2006 trip, hoping that I could get a clue about the excursions for ours. (I have been unsuccessful in getting any information from Celebrity other than the excursions are being updated and to check back later!) The only reply I have received so far advised that NO excursions for PC (cruising) have been listed to date, and, further, suggested that there may be none!!! Perhaps, those of you who know persons that have been on X's westbound PC cruises in the near past or are going on one of the trips soon can query them and find out (generally) about the excursions that were, or have been offered. Thanks. Avie

There is an interesting olive oil taste test discussed in the latest issue of Cook's Illustrated. The taste testers scored Spanish extra virgin oils first, Greek second, and Tuscan third. I'd be interested in your opinions as you tour your destinations. Avie

Thanks, Joey -- Now that we're DDM, I guess I had best get serious about shedding the extra pounds -- or at least get down to my ideal cruise eating weight. Avie

It should be online --- www.foodandwine.com But, if the latest issue (November) isn't up yet, let me know and I'll forward it. Avie

Joey, I imagine there are travel agents who will make such arrangements. I am familiar with one that puts together "single" cruises, and then will match up singles to avoid the singles surcharge. Also, I believe some cruise lines will do the same thing, but I am not sure of this. If you want the web site for the "singles" cruises, I can forward it to you. Avie

For those with Princess cruises coming up, the line has announced it will issue electronic docs only in the near future. I guess that will cut down on the necessity for re-soling the dancing shoes. But it's bound to eliminate the anxiety associated with the wait for the paper docs! The other lines will probably follow in short order. Can't wait. Avie

Cheryl, In view of your recent attendance at a Coppola wine event, if you haven't already seen it, there is an interesting article on some of the wines in the current Food & Wine. Avie

Joey, We haven't finalized any table arrangements yet, as we don't know as yet if we will have two others joining us. Regardless, if you and David wish to join us(and possibly a few others), we would like that very much. Or if you prefer the "two top," I understand completely! (We did the two top on our last cruise, and I have to admit that the company was without equal!) Avie

It appears our "friends" are canceling on us....bummer

That's a real bummer. I hope everything works out well for her. Avie

Joey, It does take a sense of humor that's as perverse as mine -- I'm still laughing. Good show! Good luck on your upcoming diet. If your experience is anything like mine, it won't be easy -- especially with your European trip coming up next month. But I'm sure that you will lose the requisite number of lbs. in short order. (I probably will get my marching orders from the md's tomorrow.) Betty continues to progress well- her surgeon wants her to ease into things -- slowly. My boss had given me permission to work from home during her convalesence -- so that has helped, especially with Corkie, our Boston Terrier. I had to go into the office today as I had two meetings, and I will be going in full time (almost) next week or so. Again, good luck. Avie

Been there -- done that!!! Much to the chagrin of a few teachers, we took our two children on a cruise to Alaska. The cruise was at the beginning of the school year. We did suggest that the teachers give some guidance as to the assignments that the kids would miss. Armed with text books, etc, we boarded the ship. During the course of the cruise, the kids did devote some time to keeping up with the work. Additionally, one of the members of the band (a high school math teacher from NY) became interested, and we had one of the best tutors possible!!!Incidentally, the experience of the trip to Alaska far exceeded the few missed days. (Yes, despite the few missed days, they both did extremely well in school! Avie

Joey, I graduated from a small school in Massachusetts -- Amherst. Not much of a football school!!! But when I was in the Pittsburgh area, I went to most of the Pitt games -- and very seldom missed the Pitt-West-by-God Virginia game. It sounds as though you have the troups under control for your upcoming cruise. You are doing a fabulous job -- can we expect some of the same help, or are you and David, et al. just going to have a wonderful time? I'm still whipping Betty into shape, and I am sure that she will be good to go when next year rolls around. Avie

Joey, With 8 minutes to go, it looks as though the Mountaineers have come through again. Raise the record to 3-0. Congrats. Avie

Sounds like a great idea and a wonderful start to the cruise. Of course, we are interested! Avie

Joey, Fabulous!!! Where would we be without all your work? (Probably, back in the dark ages!) Avie

We can book now for all excursions that are listed for our cruise. I don't believe that all the excursions for Costa Rica are available at this time (although several are available); and the Panama Canal (cruising) arfe not up yet. I guess we still have to be patient. Avie

We've done this trip -- eons ago. The trip is fantastic -- however, the weather is cool -- actually, cold. We took winter clothes, and a heavy jacket was most welcome on deck as we cruised glacier bay. And an umbrella is a definite essential. As the natives say, if it isn't raining, it's getting ready to. However, I'd do it again. Avie

I have no problem with cell phones -- only the people that use or abuse them! Cell phone use is appropriate in the confine of one's cabin -- however, not in public or semi-public areas, where use could affect the quiet enjoyment of others. Joey, The Washington, DC area is not much different that LaLaLand! Yes, the area is teeming with cell phone idiots. Indeed, there is little difference with the "professionals' in your present, as well as your former, area. Actually, I am familiar with those who gain many billable hours through cell phone use in cars. So far, I have been able to avoid driving with them! And things are worse on both coasts with the incfreased popularity of Blackberrys. No "drivers" are not restricted to holding cell phones -- they now are reading and sending emails while driving. Avie

Another welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Have a wonderful time, and post often. Avie

Another welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Have a wonderful time, and post often. Avie

Another welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Have a wonderful time, and post often. Avie

Another welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Have a wonderful time, and post often. Avie