RNSANE

Keep a packing list in your computer - it helps make sure nothing is forgotten.

With at least six syllables

Sailing for free would be nice...but, even if you did, I still think you could write a review....I would think that your servers, the gift shop people, etc, aren't aware of your free status and, therefore, your opinions could be important anyway. Often, you might be cruising free because the company screwed up in some way and a complimentary cruise is a way of atoning for mishaps, etc. Regarless, I like to hear people's views if done fairly.

There's no question that I prefer Royal Caribbean...granted, I haven't done many other cruise lines - about eight cruises on Princss, six or so with the no long existent Royal, one NCL, two on the Stella Solaris, one Celebrity. Being Diamond Plus with 60 RCI cruises, I like the perks I get from being an upper level cruiser with Royal Caribbean and, over the past 12 - almost thirteen - years, I've made so many close crew friends that I never tire of sailing on their ships. I cruise to see them - the ships don't really matter nor do the itineraries so much. I've been most places in the world. I like the Radiance class and would prefer that all my crew buddies were on those ships but, with my limited vacation, I'll go where I have to go to see my dearest friends....true, I may not get to see all the lines but that's not why I'm cruising. At 63, I have limited time and finances ( and vacation time ) left - I choose what will give me the most dividends in terms of the most joy and personal satisfaction.

No need to be shy, lvalle, we are always delighted to have new folks join our group!!!

We're so happy you joined us, sanford....just jump in and speak up!!

I hope you said that with a Suthun' accent.

I do try to write...and as fairly as I can. I feel it is sort of an obligation to my peers - especially if I have found something negative. I also try to fill out comment cards on the ship - though I rarely put something negative that will cost someone their job. I always deal directly with a staff person if I have a complain and point out that I am NOT putting it on the comment card because I know they could lose their job if I did. I explain that some other passenger won't be so kind. I explain that I expect them to change the poor service and, if need be, I speak to their supervisor...as I did on my recent Brilliance cruise.

A lot, for me, depends on who is doing the review. If it is someone who is a frequent cruiser and reviews from an objective perspective, then that may hold more weight for me. In my travels, I also spend a lot of time talking to my fellow travelers so I get some ideas from them about their cruise choices. I take much of what people say with a grain of salt. I'm more a stickler about cleanliness, etc, than I am about many thinks....or safety issues. When I read a review, if I know the hotel director - as I might well do with Royal Caribbean, I will email him directly and ask what's up. I tend to go back to ships I know I like rather than venture out on a new one, especially with a line that I've had questions about in the past. There are some that I won't even consider...based on feedback I've consistently gotten...and I won't say them here.

Good, another reason for a celebratory drink!! As if we need another reason...it will be cruise 77 for me.

bon voyage Canadian Cruiser, have a super time on your cruise!

Chucksta63 - smooth sailing....have a great cruise....

robb, enjoy your cruise...we'll be waiting to hear all about it!

Have a great cruise, The Hammer!

Joey, you do like that sparkly stuff...be sure you bring something glitzy in Mardi Gras colors for Fat Tuesday which will be the Captain's night... xxxxoooo, Carmen

I'm jealous...that would be fun...had a great coastal cruise out of San Francisco in May of 2007 - however, have so many crew friends on the Radiance, if I do Alaska again ( have done it twice ), I guess it would have to be on the RD!

Let us know what crazie's beverage of choice is!!!

Join right in, rghudson51 - you'll love it here!

theAteamsgrandma, have a spectacular cruise,

Ed and Roe, have a fabulous cruise and make sure crazie has a good time, as well!!!!

Sounds like fun...wish it were closer!!!

Hi Jason, I bought two before my cruise on the Brilliance...Rula Lenski aka Sherry and I wore them...and now I got two more. I want them for crew friends on the Monach and I'll be buying more! They were quite the conversation, piece, along with the door sign which I printed out with our cruise crazie names.

rphili, it's great to see you at cruisecrazies....the more, the merrier!!!

rose, I know you'll be really happy you joined the best cruise group around!!!

Hi Adam, I didn't visit Montevideo on a cruise ship but came about fifteen years ago when American Airlines started service into Buenos Aires. They offered frequent flyer tickets for only 30,000 miles and that's all the incentive I needed. I couldn't find anyone to come with me but, since I spoke Spanish reasonably well, I headed south from San Francisco. I indulged myself and played the ultimate tourist - and had a fabulous time. Stayed five days in Buenos Aires, went to a gaucho barbecue, did the tango show, a cruise on the Tigre River, had a bottle of wine every day for lunch and dinner, ate the best beef in the world ( though I must admit Kobe beef is pretty darn good! ), flew to Mendoza for an overnight visit and drank malbec, went to Iguazu Falls - the most spiritual experience of my life - overnighting at the Hotel Internacional, then I headed to Uruguay. I spent one night in Colonia and three in the lovely city of Montevideo. What an outstanding sojourn I had during that brief stay in your part of the world. I saw Punta del Este during your winter - no jet setters cavorting about the beaches but I was so charmed by the beautiful homes. I found the most exquisite amethyst ring - I had read that, except for Siberia, Uruguay has some of the finest amethysts in the world....I wasn't sure my travel plans would ever include Siberia...and I was able to increase my collection of Artesania Rinconada animals from four to twelve! I am still hoping to get back - time is running out - at 63, and having survived that tree falling on me and my van this month, I think it had better be soon. You will hear from me!