RNSANE

bloominCruisin, Hope you'll post often!

lflily, great to see you here!

johnfegan, Good to see you here....I've been absent for awhile but it's always great coming home.

I, too, think that's a great idea...balconies on opposite sides of the ship. Perfect. Carmen

I often comment directly to the maitre d, bar manager, head housekeeper and f & b manager. It sounds like we should put our positive comments in writing, however. Right? Carmen Henesy

I was told that the comment cards are sent to the Miami office ( at least by Royal Caribbean ) - the comments typed up and then returned to the ship and posted. I know that crew have emailed me and thanked me for my comments. Trudy Julius, guest services manager on the Monarch, emailed after the last cruise and said, "they couldn't make it out but you said something about ' my wonderful smile." Once, on the Radiance of the Seas, I didn't complete the comment card ( the only time ever ). I got an email from Patrick Olin, who was the Hotel Director, at the time, asking why I hadn't done a comment card. I couldn't believe it. He said he had been sent to the Radiance because the ship, at the time had not been up to par and he was interested in what I thought. I've never failed to complete my comment card since. Carmen Henesy

I always bring gifts for guest services - big bags of pistachio nuts, candy, biscotti for their morning coffee - and it is clearly labeled: For the guest services STAFF, the workers, not management... I give management their own gifts. I always wait in line and go up to them and say, " I have a complaint" - they look at me, in surprise, and say, "What is it, Miss Carmen?" "The sun isn't shining bright enough today." or some other such silly thing. I know they listen to nonstop complaints. Theirs has to be a difficult job. I was so surprised late one night when I stopped by to chat with the night person. There was only ONE person on duty and the phone kept ringing non stop. Carmen Henesy

I think it's fun to be on the pool deck for sailaway...and if they're playing "Hot, Hot, Hot" ( my favorite Caribbean song, even better ). For our Navigator transatlantic out of Ft. Lauderdale, we'd been writing on a forum for about two months, had a photo and guest list and had arranged to meet up at the pool bar for sailaway. That was so much fun - already were acquainted with about 150 people through our ongoing correspondence before we even got to the ship. At the sailaway party, we met face to face and hung out together the rest of the cruise. There were so many platinum, diamond and diamond plus passengers, they opened up the Ixtapa Lounge as our nightly concierge lounge so every night was a party and a continuation of sail away. Carmen

I like the cruise ads better than ads for most things...I actually would prefer seeing more about destinations.

I always have a book with me, everywhere I go...but how much I read, especially on a cruise, is minimal. Thank heavens for audiobooks...one is on the minute the key is in the ignition when I'm driving...as long as they are unabridged. I feel cheated, otherwise. I prefer all the crime writers like Jeffrey Deaver, Ann Rule, James Patterson, etc....though, one in awhile, I'll do Maeve Binchey or someone else since, this forensic nurse needs a break from that stuff.

For me, price is the biggest consideration. I am on a strict budget since it's just me paying for it all and my income depends on call, etc. I prefer Royal Caribbean and will rarely consider any other cruise line. As for itinerary, I've actually been just about everywhere, between air travel and my 77 cruises so that isn't even of the greatest importance. It's more about who will be going along, what crew friends might be on the ship, etc.

Thank you, guys, for all the great wishes! I'm sorry I haven't been around. Overwhelmed at work, sad to say...can't wait to get on the ship. xxxxoooo - wish all of you would be on board with me and Sherry.

Boarding pictures? Not often - depends on with whom I'm boarding. In ports, unless it's a new exotic place, like VietNam, I usually skip those. Sometimes I do the captain photos, especially if they are with ones who have become personal friends. But, then, they're usually in the same outfits and so am I!!!

jketchmark, it's great having you join our group!!

Of course, since I'm Diamond Plus, I'd prefer Royal Caribbean - I usually do an October cruise since my birthday falls that month - as my age increases ( will be 64 this next one ), I tend to make a bigger deal out of them - nicer cruises, maybe two trips over two months ( after all, time is running out!!! ). I might consider another company to sail with the crazies but I would NOT do Carnival or Norwegian even to be with the gang.

Charisse4, have a great time!!!

I book what I can afford at the time - I don't mind an inside cabin - sleeping is certainly better in one but, if the budget allows, a balcony is nice - love sleeping with the door ajar and the sound of the sea, lulling me.

I am an early riser so, depending on how long we're in port and what is planned, I might leave early. My travel buddy could sleep all day so I like to get out and about. I'm Diamond plus so I get priority tender tickets if it's a tender port. I seldom do excursion unless it's a place I've never been or won't get back to on a land visit - I really hate being crammed in on rushed ship's excursions, preferring a leisurely land visit to do my sightseeing of a place. If it's a place I've been many times, sometimes I don't even leave the ship.

My favorite ship - the Monarch of the Seas - she was my first Royal Caribbean ship - 13 years ago. My anniversary date is coming up. I sailed on her April 16, 1995 out of San Juan when she was doing 7 day cruises - I've been on her 17 times. On my RCI anniversary, I'll be doing a transatlantic on the Navigator...but will toast the Monarch.

I would like to go around South America.

Since I don't have a partner, I often cruise alone but I have a whole gang with whom I often cruise...forensic nurses, cops, and related types. Four of us in that group - all forensic nurses - call ourselves "the queens" and we have our own beautiful wine glasses with crowns, special medallions, crowns, matching aloha shirts, etc. The largest group of "forensic friends" - eighteen of us - was for my 62nd birthday. It's fun having a crowd...there's always someone to do something with, someone with your interests - no one gets bored and it's nice that we all are friends and enjoy rendevousing together.

I think I would spend my credit on several really wonderful bottles of wine - maybe have them delivered to the cabin so I could sip it with a friend, on the balcony, as the sun sets into the sea. For me, good wine is such a joy and I don't often have the luxury or leisure to enjoy it at home, because I'm on call so much of the time.

TINKERIFIC - I'm sure you'll find this a great place to hang out...glad you joined us...

Hope you will post often and become a familiar person here, jellybelly 33594!!!

rmclemensen - it's great seeing you here at cruisecrazies!!!