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

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

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often Avie

Hi and welcome to the CruiseCrazies. Join the fun and post often.

Joey, Let's throw another iron into the fire -- have you considered Regent (formerly Raddisson). I was very close to signing up with them for a 2005 trip, but had to scrub the trip because of a work-related conflict. I believe Regent has a no-tipping policy which it enforces! And, depending on the stateroom, they have more amenities. Also, I believe I read that the rooms are among the largest in the industry and the ships are small to mid-sized. I also believe their pricing can be competitive. When I checked they have a Transatlantic that is reasonably priced. At least worth looking into. I have a neighbor who went on Oceanana this spring, but I can't go on their say-so alone (they always tend to have the "best" -- at least in their own minds. They did say that reservations in the alternative dining rooms was limited according to cabin category. And the food was "good" but not "great." However, I cannot vouch for their assessment. As I prefer to bring my tux out of moth balls occasionally, I like a few formal evenings that X or Regent or many others offer, rather than all casual. Of course, these are just my views and 3d-hand impressions, and I cannot voice a first-hand opinion on some of the alternatives. Good luck on your planning. Avie

Congrats -- You are hooked now!!! not only for breakfast, but especially in the evening -- just enjoying the stars and the aroma of the seas -- with or without your bathrobe. Avie

Sorry for coining a new word -- it should have read "a monumental occasion" or "a momentous occasion."

Hi, I believe Cheryl did the same thing I did when I thought the Panama excursions had been released -- I didn't go far enough. If I recall, I was able to put in the info and the entire list came up; however, when I tried to purchase tickets, the red death threat appeared and announced that there were no excursions available. I guess we'll just have to bide our time. As to the birthdays, Betty's is 01/29 -- And this cruise is in honor of this momental occasion. (I passed this milestone eons ago!) Perhaps a little joint celebration is in order -- maybe on the 28th -- or better yet, on the 27th, 28th, and 29th! Avie

just lurking. I believe Connie is the newest.

I have to agree with all of you -- the requested improvements are all nice and would add significantly to a cruise. However, all of these items are presently available -- for a price!!! I guess I will still have to decide what I want to pay, and then seek out the ships or cruise lines that offer the features that I deem most desireable (including itinerary). In short, "ya gets what ya pays fer." Perhaps I'm too cynical. Avie

Betty is doing great!!!! In fact, the insurance company will put her on the catapult tomorrow and fling her out the door. Thanks for checking on her. Avie