TheSkipper

All the 7 day cruises we have ever taken have had two formal nights.

When we did our first Transatlantic we were somewhat concerned about the number of sea days, but discovered we loved them. All of our ports on this one are concentrated in the first week then all those sea days allow us to kick back and just relax so that when we arrive in Ft. Lauderdale everyone should be relaxed and feel that they had a real vacation.

GYM??? Do some cruise ships have gyms??

Jobowl: I also take a very short extension cord with multi-outlets, a travel clock and duct tape. But, I never leave without my Swiss Army knife. A big one with every tool known to man.

we have been to all 54 of them. No big deal.

Yep, found them to be excellent. No problems.

Just got word that another couple have joined our little band. We now stand a 14 folks deposited and it is still well over a year away. For a cruise that just started as a solo cruise for Roe and I, it has been growing by leaps and bounds. Want to join us??

Two crewmembers on Celebrity Equinox, the brand-new ship scheduled to debut 31 July in Southampton, have fallen ill with measles. Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez tells us that 11 other crewmembers -- close contacts with those who are infected with the highly contagious respiratory disease -- are currently in quarantine. No other crewmembers have tested positive (by blood test) or show symptoms of the virus, which include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. As a hedge against the spread, the line has ordered 1,000 doses of measles vaccines, which will be distributed to crewmembers who either haven't been or can't remember being vaccinated. People from many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, receive MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines in early childhood. The international nature of a crew means that there are those from countries that don't require the vaccinations.

Larger dance floors.

Card and game rooms are becoming a thing of the past.

Using your criteria, Jenn sure cuts down on my cruise ship picture purchases.

PatJud: See my earlier post in this thread. Would go back on Uniworld in a New York Minute. Happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

Wrong again. It was her sister ship the Valor, I just sailed. The Glory was about 18 months ago, but she appeared in good shape to me.

We just got off the Glory 6 weeks ago and she was fine. Not to worry. OOOPS, just noticed your are sailing in 2010 the upgrades will already be in place whatever they are. They did not say anything about drydock, but I think all the older Carnival ships have been undergoing renovation in drydock.

Hope the legislation goes through. It would be good for all us cruisers.

That's not bad advice, Keith.

Carol, I usually try and set up shore excursions on our own. Use the net a lot to search out possibilities. Once in awhile we will do a ship's shore excursion. But, I can usually find something better and less expensive on my own. This site is a good place to find info. I posted yesterday for suggestions for a tour agency in Italy and got two responses recommending the same agency. That's good enough for me!!

A man after my own heart. Let's see if I start now, I might be able to beat his record. But, I don't live near a port, at least until California falls into the ocean.

Since my original we have found the "Perfect Transatlantic" that we were looking for. 16 days from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale sailing October 8, 2010. MaryLou: We will be bringing the Ruby Princess back to the USA prior to your November cruise. So far, 10 of our friends have also booked on this sailing. Just too good a deal to pass up. Sixteen days in an outside stateroom for $1,270 per person, do the math.

Cheryl: You made me count and I found we are 89 days out!! So we have made DD status as well. Got 32 folks going on this one, but expect a few more to sign us in the coming days and weeks.

Way to go Girl!

Makes sense to me. Sometimes it's nice to get off for an hour or so just to stretch your legs. Sounds like a fun way to ring in the new year.

Way to go!!! Same ports on both legs or different??

We enjoyed to too. Loved Captain Johnny leaving this ship on his Harley.

Travel Channel tonight will be featuring the Mariner of the Seas. 10PM EDT and 7PM for those of us on the West Coast.