bigred

We cruised on the Star Princess in Jan. of 07. We had been on her before to Alaska when "regular" seating was the order of the day. We like traditional seating SO after reading all the opinions - good and bad - about anytime dining AND there being a wait list for traditional seating . . . we made a standing reservation for every night at 6PM at a table for 6 in front of a window. We did this as soon as we found our cabin and it worked perfectly. There were six of us but 2 weren't sure they wanted a fixed time. Well, they wound up with us 5 of the 7 nights. We loved our waiter and assistant and the food was awesome (especially the chilled soups and the warm dessert soufflets (sp?)). We are doing Hawaii on the P of Am in Jan 09 and plan on trying to do the exact same thing cause Freestyle is not OUR style. Bigred

We sailed on the Costa Atlantica her first season in the Caribbean. We loved, loved , loved Costa. The ship is the exact same model as the Carnival Spirit which we booked to Mexico specifically because we loved the Atlantica so much. We immersed ourselves in the European culture on board. My mother was from Germany and I speak fluent German so I met many cruisers that I could converse in German with. My husband's mother was from Sicily so we took Italian lessons to brush up on our Italian and conversed with the crew. The food was right up our alley . . . Italian cuisine. Excellent. I give Costa an A+ for ambiance, service, style and food. Meanwhile, I just got an e-mail from our dear traveling partners who are on the Costa Med. as we write this. They said the ship was gorgeous, the food terrific, and the ports of call great. I second the vote for the Toga Party and the great Caesar with the thumbs up/thumbs down talent show. How many of the guests were carted off to be fed to the lions? I don't know but I was laughing too hard to keep count! What a fabulous time! Bigred

OK. First, our best moment in Alaska will be hard. Loved whale watching in Juneau, train into the mountains in Skagway, the orcas that shadowed our ship one day for miles, the baby seals just born and floating on the icebergs, the calving iceberg, etc. but my personal favorite was a private moment I had at 4 AM (still fairly light out in July). I was standing on our balcony, all alone, just me and Alaska, when down below I spotted a huge sea otter frolicing in the ocean. He stayed there for at least 20 minutes and it was such a magical moment. Second, we love sea days. After 10 cruises, we have really learned to appreciate and enjoy our ship and our balcony. That being said, our next cruise is in Hawaii which will be port intensive. But we've just gotta go! Bigred

We have booked our Hawaiian cruise for next January on NCL Pride of America. We are experienced cruisers but have never been to Hawaii. We are cruising for a week and then staying on either Kauai or Maui for a week. So, has anyone taken this cruise? I have been doing a lot of research and I have some definite ideas but would like to hear your opinions. Definitely interested in whale watching, dolphin watching, luau, botanical gardens, waterfalls, rain forest, anything nature. However, a little leery of anything to do with volcanoes. We are pretty adventurous . . . whitewater kayaking and such. I would do the ziplines but Paul is scared of heights. We are traveling with two other couples. We like the unusual and off the beaten path. I am always digging around until I find something no one else has ever done before. We would rent a car and go on our own as a definite possibility. Let me hear from you all. Thanks in advance. Bigred

I don't know if this still works or not but when we sailed on the Pride, we did the pre-check in at the QM (we also stayed on board the night before - loved it). Then we had the most spectacular brunch on the QM and then walked over at our leisure to boarding. Even then we were a little early so had to wait in line until the doors opened but then everything moved swiftly. There were a lot of people who got in our line (which was shorter) until they got to the front and found out it was for the pre-check-in people and then had to go all the way to the end of the other line. Oh, forgot to mention that the QM staff took our bags directly to the ship for us and we never saw them again until they appeared in our cabin. If the QM is still a hotel, it is an experience not to be missed.

Oops! Sorry about the previous post. Hit the wrong button. Anyway, I want to second the info about the whale watching out of Juneau. It was awesome to say the least. We saw lots of whales and some very close to the boat even tho we were supposed to stay a certain # of feet away. But no one apparently told the whales! They send planes out to locate the whale pods and then radio their position to the boat. They even guaranteed that we would see whales and we sure did. Would do this one again in a heart beat. Also we took the train in Skagway up into the mountains and back. Spectacular vistas and lots of wildlife. Bear right next to the tracks and bighorn sheep in big herds. Took a ton of pictures of both of these excursions. We also just explored Ketchican by ourselves and found it to be very easy to navigate on foot. Found some interesting shops including a quilt shop (for us quilters) and bought some carved fossilized walrus bone. But hope you have a balcony cause the wildlife along the way is to die for. We saw orcas along side, seals with new babies, walrus, eagles, sea otters right below our balcony in the harbor, and much, much more. This is definitely the trip of a lifetime. Have a ball! We did!

Sorry about the typos. I guess I'm rushing. That should read on sea days, not one sea days. Ta Ta for now.

Sorry about the typos. I guess I'm rushing. That should read on sea days, not one sea days. Ta Ta for now.

This is my final farewell ans Bon Voyage to Cruisefreak and Princessone! We have to be at the airport tomorrow morning at 8AM so this will be my last post before sailing. It would be lovely to run into you both on the ship . . . who knows! Anything can happen. Wish I had one of those cruisecrazies pins to waer but alas no time left to get it. Just a hint, in case you're interested in saying hi, I go to tea one sea days in the afternoon. Check your Patter. Guess that's it. Course, if you see some redhead with Flat Stanley it's probably me! Red sky at night, sailor's delight! Wishing you only red sunsets! Marianne

This is my final farewell ans Bon Voyage to Cruisefreak and Princessone! We have to be at the airport tomorrow morning at 8AM so this will be my last post before sailing. It would be lovely to run into you both on the ship . . . who knows! Anything can happen. Wish I had one of those cruisecrazies pins to waer but alas no time left to get it. Just a hint, in case you're interested in saying hi, I go to tea one sea days in the afternoon. Check your Patter. Guess that's it. Course, if you see some redhead with Flat Stanley it's probably me! Red sky at night, sailor's delight! Wishing you only red sunsets! Marianne

Dearest Joey and David, I know that I already wished you all the best on our roll call but thought I would add my 2 cents worth here again. I don't know how to make all those fancy cartoons to wave goodbye so you will just have to imagine my salute as you sail away! Actually I will try to do that for real but you'll never see me. Can't wait to share our adventures with each other here on our favorite boards. BON VOYAGE! AUF WIEDERSEHN! ADIOS MUCHACHOS! As my mother always used to say (but in German): When angels take a vacation, the heavens smile! May the heavens smile on you both! Marianne

Hi Joey and David . . . Yup, I think this Flat Stanley thing is right up my alley. I already took his picture "packing" the suitcases. And when he's not busy (LOL) I took a picture of him on the refrigerator with the caption, "When everyone is running around, I just hang out in the kitchen!" Have a great cruise yourselves, OK? Bye for now!

I can handle any problem at sea or in port but I can not handle GOING HOME! One year we sailed Costa Atlantica and the day we docked in Florida, they were sailing for Italy and we came THAT CLOSE to staying on and heading out. My husband knows that one day I will refuse to return to Wisconsin. That is why he has promised that we will move to Florida ASAP. Anyone want to but a law firm in Wisconsin? LOL Anyway, that is why, when everyone else runs off the ship to make their plane, we take our time getting off and stay in Fl. for a few more days. I HATE WINTER!

Well, we had quite a different experience on Costa. We sailed the Costa Atlantica shortly after her maiden voyage. We had a balcony cabin ( and FYI it is the same ship basically as the Carnival Pride ). We loved EVERYTHING about this cruise ship and line. Here are some highlights. Cabin has sofa and table area so nice like a little suite. Ship was absolutely gorgeous. I took pictures of all the decor as it was so beautiful. Took Italian lessons . . . an officer taught this class everyday and whenever we saw him on board, spoke Italian to us. It was great. It is totally European service and style. If you loved Europe, you'll love Costa. The food was to die for! Yes, mostly Italian ( well, since I married Italian it was exactly what we love ) but they also have the traditional steaks, prime rib and seafood. They also had a great cigar bar that pleased my husband no end. Some people complained but we really enjoyed that all the announcements were in six languages. Since I speak 4 of them it was fun to hear! Wow, what a great mix of people from all over the world. Not the glut of Americans like most ships. So, you really met so many interesting people and learned so many new things. We enjoyed all of the entertainment BUT the high point was the last night. Our cruise director did an excellent job all week . . . a real gentleman! But the last night he let it all hang out. On Costa, the last night is Toga Party night. They give you sheets and pins to make a toga over your clothes. Then, Caesar (our CD), and his entourage march through the dining room in regal manner and lead everyone to the theater where the talent show is held. The audience gets to vote on the talent but Caesar has the final say. . . thumbs up or thumbs down. It became riotous when the audience would not allow Caesar to throw a little old white haired granny to the lions. There were scantily clad Roman girls, streamers, balloons, noisemakers, confetti and exotic drinks. What a blast. Laughed so hard my sides ached all night. This cruise was fun, exciting, beautiful, delicious and all around perfect. We have been on 9 cruises with #10 this weekend, on 5 cruise lines. This was by far the best ship and best cruise line. Our favorite cruise though was to Alaska. Hope this gives you some idea. If you have any other questions, post them here and I will look up my cruise journal and try to answer them. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks Joey and David! Wish we could meet you both too. Some day our ships will meet in the night. Hope the group has a fun meet. Say hello to everyone there from Bigred and her DH. I'm just trying to make 100 posts so that I get out of this darned inside cabin! I started posting too late to beat you guys at any contest. You both have a terrific time on the Summit (right ship?). Promise to tell us all about it. My great niece has given me a paper doll named Flat Stanley that is part of a school project. I must take him with me on all of our adventures and then send him back to her teacher by Jan. 31st. I will be taking pictures of him the whole cruise and keeping a journal. Then on the 28th when we return home I will make a little scrapbook about him and send it off. The mail only takes one day from here so I should make the deadline. This could be quite a lot of fun. I usually take at least 600 pictures in 10 days of vacation so what's a few more? Will fill you all in on Flat Stanley's adventures when we return. Bon Voyage guys. Marianne

Well, we have two best friend couples. We have traveled with both of these couples but never all three couples together. Yahoo, on Jan. 20th we all set sail on the Star Princess. We are all so excited we don't care where we go or what we do just so that we are together. Actually, we have one main rule. No one gets mad if anyone doesn't want to do what the others do. It is a hard and fast rule and has worked for us thru 2 cruises with them and umpteen trips. This trip we will eat at 6PM every night with one couple and the other couple will eat later. However, we will all eat together on the night of my husband's birthday. Two couples will do river kayaking in Ocho Rios, two couples will do Sting Rays in GC, my husband and one of the men will go deep sea fishing in Cozumel while the two wives have the Ultimate Balcony breakfast and hit the spa. We will all meet at the Ruins for lunch in Ocho Rios, lunch at Margaritaville in GC, and all go to the barbeque on Princess Cay. We are also having a sail away party in our cabin after muster. Everything just fell into place. I am usually the tour guide and plan everything and then those not interested bow out. This works well especially when we travel with the grown kids. With the kids, we have only one rule; that we all must have dinner together. You would be surprised how many things wind up being done together with your friends. One of my girlfriends always goes to tea with me and we all like to go to the shows depending on the times. It will work out for you to as long as no one takes any offense for any decisions anyone makes. Have a ball! I know we sure will.

OOps, forgot to add that you can get your passport faster if you pay extra money or you can go to a major federal office (ie. Chicago) and get it immediately. This might be difficult if you are not near one of the main offices. Think that's all I forgot to say.

If you send your renewal in, you must send the original along with the application. It will be returned to you marked canceled. You can renew at the courthouse or the post office as well. But they still say 6 - 8 weeks for your new one to arrive. However, I mailed mine in and it came back in 5 weeks. As far as expiration, look on your passport. It will give you your expiration date right on the main page. Plus your passport must be good for 6 months past your return travel date in most countries so that if the unexpected happens, you can still return home on a later date. Just thought you'd like to know.

OK, just like I thought, the long range forecast for up here is a long shot at best. Already have gone from sunny forecast to partly cloudy, in one day, for Fri. Jan 19th. It says snow showers for Sat. Hope that doesn't move in earlier. Just get us to Atlanta . . . bad weather there at least gives us more options for getting out. Well, where is everyone? The days are ticking and we are SDM. See ya later!

Just an update on Cozumel. We are definitely scheduled to dock. However, the ship list may be different than I first reported. Now looks like 4 ships. We still get in before them at 7AM. Two ships in at 8 and one at 9. Let's hope this is right now. Sure will be nice to just walk off right downtown for an afternoon of shopping. Oh, yes, all ships are scheduled to leave at the same time. Good thing no tender. Still trying to find out the correct dock in Ocho Rios. Will keep you posted!

Hey, great idea! Although it might be too sedate for us as the show I watched about The World says that they don't have all the activities like a true cruise ship. However, having said that I guess I could get by with a little entertainment in every port EVERYWHERE! Add ownership to my list. Thanks.

I agree totally. When do we get to have a balcony? How many posts are required? I would never sail without a balcony (OK, maybe if it was FREE!) so how can I possibly post without a balcony? LOL

We have four cruises we dream about but are planning on making them come true, God willing. Princess to Alaska (our second time) but including the lodges in Denali, Rhine River cruise, Costa in the Med. Sea, and a South American cruise on a large ship, preferably Carnival. M-m-m, around the world on Cunard now there's a new dream to work on.

Hello everyone! So glad I checked the long range forecast. Am feeling a little better about our weather. It actually says sunny for the 19th. That leaves alot of room for change and still getting out of here on time. Anything short of snow or ice is great so I'll definitely take SUNNY. PrincessOne - Glad to hear your shorts fit. That is always a morale booster in the middle of winter. I will be wearing a yellow jacket with navy pants that have little anchors all over them. No laughing, they're actually tasteful. But their different , like me. More than that you will recognize my very short RED hair and I am 5'10" tall . . . hence the moniker BIGRED. Oh, yes, and as if you don't think I'm weird enough I just got new glasses to match my hair. Well, they're ME. I will also be carrying a red tote with my initials on it (MEC). We plan to check in a little after 11AM and we are in E206. Anything I can look out for to see you? Joey - we would love to join you for dinner at the Quarterdeck and meet all you nice folks out there in cyberland. I was sure Paul would go for it since they have such a deal on their famous rack of ribs however we already have agreed to have dinner with some friends and their parents so I must take a pass this time. Sorry! All packed and ready to go except for Paul's suit. Have been drooling over Star Princess menus on another sight. Don't know if I'm allowed to say but it sure is fun seeing what's coming up for us. Yes, 7 ships in Grand Cayman but the good news is that we are one of the first 3 at 7AM. The rest arrive at 8AM. So it should be easy tendering in the first hour. However, tendering BACK may be a different story as 5 ships leave at 4PM. Well, we'll do what we always do. Go to the dock at 3PM and sit down and wait for the people to all leave and then get on one of the last much emptier tenders. 5 ships in Cozumel. Again we are the only one in at 7AM the next 2 are at 8, then one at 11 and one at 11:30. We will be at the the Downtown pier - Punta Lagosta position Band. Ext. (which might just be at the pier from what I can make out - does anyone know what this Band. Ext. means?). However, if we must still tender, then our timing is good again. Don't know when the other ships leave so don't know about tendering back. Only 2 ships in Ocho Rios. And we definitely dock there but couldn't pull up which dock. Hope it's the one right by the shopping village with Margaritaville in it. We are taking the river kayaking tour and then plan to go to the Ruins for lunch (sounds absolutely gorgeous). In GC we are going to swim with the stingrays and then do lunch at brand new Margaritaville there. Cozumel, men are going deep sea fishing and the girls are having the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast and doing the spa. Then shopping after lunch. Guess I've jabbered enough. Time to take the dog to the vet for his shots. Have a great evening everyone. Bye!