Jan115

A police office pulls a car over driven by a Reverend.
Police Officer: Reverend have you been drinking?
Reverend: Just water officer.
Police Officer: then why do I smell wine?
Reverend: Good Lord He’s done it again!

1 - Carnival Pride (2008) out of Long Beach
1 - Royal Caribbean (2006) out of Los Angeles
1 - Carnival Sunshine (2014) out of New Orleans
I am hooked as a cruiser.

I agree - if they're trying to fix their tarnished reputation, this kind for news isn't going to help. They seem to be rushing things in an effort to make themselves look good.

I agree - if they're trying to fix their tarnished reputation, this kind for news isn't going to help. They seem to be rushing things in an effort to make themselves look good.

Good advice Jan. As long as you’re alert and aware of your surroundings any potential wrongdoers will likely move on to an easier target. But alert and aware of your surroundings also makes for good, observant sightseeing – don’t ever let fear detract from enjoying your vacation!

Great advice! The thieves are always waiting for someone to let their guard down.

Congratulations, Tim. It's now your turn to shine!

I suffer from the same ailment, Tim. PCD. Post Cruise Depression. It should be recognized by the Health Department as a real disorder. There should be group therapy sessions - on a cruise ship, of course!

I suffer from the same ailment, Tim. PCD. Post Cruise Depression. It should be recognized by the Health Department as a real disorder. There should be group therapy sessions - on a cruise ship, of course!

Thanks for an excellent review, Tim. I hope some of the problems you mention will not be an issue on our 7-day cruise on Brilliance to Canada in October. For one thing, Brilliance will have had a nice facelift by the time you and I sail her!
I enjoyed chatting Saturday. Thanks for sharing an hour of your vacation with us!

Welcome to the BEST of the best! You'll find lots of info and so many friendly people here! Hope to see you often.

Thanks for the interesting info on whales in Alaska. As a native New Englander, we've had the privilege of enjoying many whale sightings including humpbacks, finbacks, minke, pilot and right whales off Cape Cod, but we've never met an orca. I hope we get to see one in Glacier Bay this summer!

Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Ship Name: "Wind Surf"
Destination: Caribbean
Nights: 7
Departure Port: St Maarten
Cruise ID: 5017
From $1,499/pp
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: St Maarten
Day 2: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
Day 3: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
Day 4: Sopers Hole, British Virgin Islands
Day 5: Jost Van Great Harbour, BVI
Day 6: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Day 7: Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Day 8: St Maarten
This Cruise Sails On:
12-07-2013
12-14-2013
Description: On any day, our 312-guest flagship, Wind Surf, draws admiring glances as she glides majestically into port with her tall sails billowing. Starting with all new finishes and furnishings in suites and staterooms, Wind Surf renovation now brings you some of the most beautiful public spaces at sea and lovely new reception area. When you return to your stateroom, the luxury gets personal. Windstar's signature bowls of flowers and fresh fruit will still be waiting for you, along with rich tufted headboards, soft seascape colors, beautiful new upholstery, and fine count Egyptian cotton linens welcome you to an oasis of relaxing indulgence. Experience the Caribbean on a more intimate journey, ask us about pre cruise hotel nights.
Rates are per person, double occupancy for cruise and port only, unless specified otherwise. Subject to change and government taxes are additional.
Be sure to go to CruiseBrothers.com for all your cruise vacation needs or Contact me today!

It's good news, the media wants no part of it. If it scored low - Carnival would have been in the headlines again. It just might have made Top News for the Day.

^^^
This! Plus, the evac coverage in travel insurance will pay to transfer you from whatever closest facility they initially take you to, to someplace more appropriate for your injury/illness.
But it's the smaller, more common little "everyday" incidents that might be considered a Saturday-ruiner back home, but can be a Very Big Deal indeed when you're at sea and near nothing. Take something like appendicitis, for instance -- practically as routine and uncomplicated as having a tooth pulled these days, but that is not the sort of thing that could be treated in a ship's medical center. And even the things that can be treated there -- we once saw a young girl slip on a wet deck and break her arm -- can end up costing a LOT.
One very helpful website is www.insuremytrip.com. You can compare different policies by different companies, and choose which one is just right for you, your needs, and your budget. The policy I usually get costs me around $80 for both my teenage son and I, for a week-long cruise. Small price for peace of mind!!
-gina-

CruiseBrothers.com Featured Cruise ~ Royal Caribbean aboard "Navigator of the Seas"

Cruise Brothers' Price from: $559
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship Name: "Navigator of the Seas"
Destination: Caribbean
Nights: 7
Departure Port: Galveston
Cruise ID: 5025
This Cruise Sails On:
12-01-2013
12-08-2013
12-15-2013
Description: Gear up for adventure, right onboard-with plenty of time left for relaxation, fine dining, and beautiful ocean views. The incredible Navigator of the Seas is home to an array of innovations that give you whatever type of vacation you desire. Climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or challenge yourself on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. Achieve perfect zen, poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa. Liven up your nights on the Royal Promenade, with parades, dancing, and duty-free shopping deals. And bring along some friends-with spacious public areas, enhanced staterooms, and a spectacular three-story dining room, this ship has room for your whole crew. Call our Cruise Specialists today for your cruise vacation!
Rates are per person, double occupancy for cruise and port only, unless specified otherwise. Subject to change and government taxes are additional.
Contact me today to book this or any other cruise vacation!
Browse & Book On Line 24/7: http://sevenseajourneys.cruisebrothers.com

I've always wanted to visit Galveston - maybe this will get me there!

I have uploaded photos to my recent blog entry "The Good, The Bad & the Ugly - Mexico 1990". Take a look at our accommodations - you will be so jealous - LOL!

I don't know Tim - can you hold a drink in each hand and type at the same time?
I've marked my calendar and looking forward to it! So come on everybody - be there or be square!

Okay, I can't put it on Facebook yet, and I will explode if I don't tell more friends ... I'M A GRANDMA! Kristin had her baby tonight, 15 days early. He doesn't even have a name yet, but Mom, Dad and baby are all great, and we are going to meet our grandson tomorrow morning. I am so excited, I can't sit still!

Sarge,
Words with Friends and Scrabble are my games of choice these days. Because they need an internet connection, I have a few oldies but goodies on reserve just in case: Hangman, Solitaire and Skeeball. I also have a cool one - I think it's called Waterslide (your goal is to stay on track while avoiding obstacles). Another is Paper Toss - throwing crumpled up paper into wastebasket, and Angry Birds. I have an iPhone, and I don't know if any of these are available on Android. You could always go electronics free with Crosswords and Word Search.

Okay, I can't put it on Facebook yet, and I will explode if I don't tell more friends ... I'M A GRANDMA! Kristin had her baby tonight, 15 days early. He doesn't even have a name yet, but Mom, Dad and baby are all great, and we are going to meet our grandson tomorrow morning. I am so excited, I can't sit still!

Thanks for sharing. These are great tips.
As with any vacation, I think you have to decide beforehand what you are willing to spend and what you are willing to splurge on. But that boils down to communication!

We've become a little more conservative over the years and cruises and your advise on avoiding being nickel and dimed is spot on. Maybe with age we're just a little wiser. We no longer take money we intend to lose in the casino and we seldom book ship excursions. We kicked the bingo habit many cruises ago and we haven't bought art for a long time. I must admit we do indulge in the over priced spirits and Rita still loves the gift shops and the spa. So we are adding to the cruise line's bottom line.

The anticipation of visting a new city every day (or every other day)