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Thanks Jeff. I can't wait to get started on my series of cruises(hopefully). elaine

Thanks Jeff. I can't wait to get started on my series of cruises(hopefully). elaine

Well, I will cruise on March 20th from Galveston on a 5 day on the Splendour of the Seas..... so I'll write a trip report when I come back. One of the things I am surprised to hear, is about the room service. There was no such thing back in '78. Now, if I understand correctly, at no cost other than tip you can order breakfast in your room..... wow. For years I have gone to Las Vegas with fellow nurses at least once a year. However, you never get to unwind in LV and end up more frazzled and overstimulated by the time you get home. I think cruising will be the way to go unless I want to get in the car for a road trip. The last plane trip I had was a BIG gigantic mess. A "nut case" got on board and stabbed himself with a piece of metal he pulled off the arm rest by his seat. We all then sat on the tarmac for an hour, deplaned and then were shuffled off to another flight 8 hours later. Meanwhile our luggage went to parts unknown. Everyone was in a grumpy mood and had been sweating for our fun hour sitting on the tarmac. Then some really good odors prevailed when we eventually got on a plane again. No thank you. I am lucky enough to live by a port (in Houston) and apparently more ships may be taking up dock there. I am really learning a lot reading everyones postings, thank you, thank you for a great site!!!! Elaine

Well, I will cruise on March 20th from Galveston on a 5 day on the Splendour of the Seas..... so I'll write a trip report when I come back. One of the things I am surprised to hear, is about the room service. There was no such thing back in '78. Now, if I understand correctly, at no cost other than tip you can order breakfast in your room..... wow. For years I have gone to Las Vegas with fellow nurses at least once a year. However, you never get to unwind in LV and end up more frazzled and overstimulated by the time you get home. I think cruising will be the way to go unless I want to get in the car for a road trip. The last plane trip I had was a BIG gigantic mess. A "nut case" got on board and stabbed himself with a piece of metal he pulled off the arm rest by his seat. We all then sat on the tarmac for an hour, deplaned and then were shuffled off to another flight 8 hours later. Meanwhile our luggage went to parts unknown. Everyone was in a grumpy mood and had been sweating for our fun hour sitting on the tarmac. Then some really good odors prevailed when we eventually got on a plane again. No thank you. I am lucky enough to live by a port (in Houston) and apparently more ships may be taking up dock there. I am really learning a lot reading everyones postings, thank you, thank you for a great site!!!! Elaine

My first cruise was in 1978, March 5th, to be exact. My honeymoon with my first husband, (now referred to as "the Virus"). Anyway, we sailed on the Carnival's Carnivale ship. You had to go to a group dressing room to be able to use electricity to plug in your hairdryers and the like. Of course, when you got to the communal dressing room, you had to queue up and WAIT. There was a storm that week, departing from Miami and going to San Juan and the Virgin Islands, we hit it big time. Most folks were holed up in their rooms and very few came to dinner from the 2nd day on. I am NOT bothered by motion sickness and I was having a great time roaming the decks with few people. I was the ONLY person at our 8 placesetting dinner table,(yes the "Virus" was sick in the cabin as well). The waiters loved to see me ordering up lots of food and enjoying it all!!! When we got to San Juan, many people were so upset because of the storm they got off and flew home!!!! I also have to tell you another "Cruise" memory, although it did not take place on a ship. Many, many years ago I was working for a Hospital System (I'm a nurse) that floated their nurses to sister hospitals when the census dictated. Anyway I ended up in an expensive nursing home to work one week. The surroundings were very plush and set up similiarly to a hotel. That is when I met one of my most memorable patients. She was in her 80's and very attractive and physically fit. Unfortunately, she had alzheimers, and was not oriented to time or place. Everyone loved to take care of her. Why? She apparently had spent every vacation "cruising". So every morning she got up and thought she was on a sailing. She was always happy, referring to this deck and that deck, asking when we'd dock and disembark, etc. I learned a lot about cruising and having a good time. If you have to get alzheimers- what a way to go!!!! Anyway, hope everyone is having a good weekend!!!! Elaine

My first cruise was in 1978, March 5th, to be exact. My honeymoon with my first husband, (now referred to as "the Virus"). Anyway, we sailed on the Carnival's Carnivale ship. You had to go to a group dressing room to be able to use electricity to plug in your hairdryers and the like. Of course, when you got to the communal dressing room, you had to queue up and WAIT. There was a storm that week, departing from Miami and going to San Juan and the Virgin Islands, we hit it big time. Most folks were holed up in their rooms and very few came to dinner from the 2nd day on. I am NOT bothered by motion sickness and I was having a great time roaming the decks with few people. I was the ONLY person at our 8 placesetting dinner table,(yes the "Virus" was sick in the cabin as well). The waiters loved to see me ordering up lots of food and enjoying it all!!! When we got to San Juan, many people were so upset because of the storm they got off and flew home!!!! I also have to tell you another "Cruise" memory, although it did not take place on a ship. Many, many years ago I was working for a Hospital System (I'm a nurse) that floated their nurses to sister hospitals when the census dictated. Anyway I ended up in an expensive nursing home to work one week. The surroundings were very plush and set up similiarly to a hotel. That is when I met one of my most memorable patients. She was in her 80's and very attractive and physically fit. Unfortunately, she had alzheimers, and was not oriented to time or place. Everyone loved to take care of her. Why? She apparently had spent every vacation "cruising". So every morning she got up and thought she was on a sailing. She was always happy, referring to this deck and that deck, asking when we'd dock and disembark, etc. I learned a lot about cruising and having a good time. If you have to get alzheimers- what a way to go!!!! Anyway, hope everyone is having a good weekend!!!! Elaine

Thanks, I switched over from the Food Network!!!! Elaine

Thanks, I switched over from the Food Network!!!! Elaine

As to the patch, I've heard that there is a "Watch" that is being sold somewhere on the internet and it works the same as the patch. Apparently it is something electronic. Both my sister-in-law and my husband's boss swear by this thing. My friend who is traveling with me next month NEEDS something. We haven't been able to find a source to buy this thing yet. Anyhow, does anyone else know where you can purchase it and how exactly it works? Thanks, Elaine

As to the patch, I've heard that there is a "Watch" that is being sold somewhere on the internet and it works the same as the patch. Apparently it is something electronic. Both my sister-in-law and my husband's boss swear by this thing. My friend who is traveling with me next month NEEDS something. We haven't been able to find a source to buy this thing yet. Anyhow, does anyone else know where you can purchase it and how exactly it works? Thanks, Elaine

Thank you all for the great input! One thing I forgot to ask, do I have to get my American dollars exchanged for pesos to pay the cab drivers? Boy do I remember Carlos and Charlies. While in Alcupulco, many moons ago, I remember having a wild time there. It was supposedly a SAFE source for margaritas with the ice being from purified water. Is that true still? Does anyone know? The park sounds great and easy to get to, thanks ever so much, all of you!!!!! Elaine

Thank you all for the great input! One thing I forgot to ask, do I have to get my American dollars exchanged for pesos to pay the cab drivers? Boy do I remember Carlos and Charlies. While in Alcupulco, many moons ago, I remember having a wild time there. It was supposedly a SAFE source for margaritas with the ice being from purified water. Is that true still? Does anyone know? The park sounds great and easy to get to, thanks ever so much, all of you!!!!! Elaine

My questions are mainly regarding the shore excursions for Cozumel and Costa Maya. We are mainly interested in the beach or snorkeling. The fees regarding these side trips seem high just for getting transportation to the beach. However, I had noted that the La Playa del Sol in Cozumel it is a private beach club. Does anyone know if that sort of excursion is worth the extra $38 per person., for example. Since I speak enough Spanish to get around, I am wondering if you are not paying for "communications" as I've been to Mexico on numerous vacations and they really take advantage of you if you DON"T know any of the language, and end up paying much more for the same "deal". Also, I don't see anything posted regarding slot machines on board the ships (particularly my ship - Splendor of the Seas.) And......you past RCL vacationers- what is the deal with the "drink card" for alcoholic beverages. This is vacation after all, and my 50th birthday, so a few may be drank, or so. Thanks everyone for the nice welcome. Glad to have your site available! Elaine

My questions are mainly regarding the shore excursions for Cozumel and Costa Maya. We are mainly interested in the beach or snorkeling. The fees regarding these side trips seem high just for getting transportation to the beach. However, I had noted that the La Playa del Sol in Cozumel it is a private beach club. Does anyone know if that sort of excursion is worth the extra $38 per person., for example. Since I speak enough Spanish to get around, I am wondering if you are not paying for "communications" as I've been to Mexico on numerous vacations and they really take advantage of you if you DON"T know any of the language, and end up paying much more for the same "deal". Also, I don't see anything posted regarding slot machines on board the ships (particularly my ship - Splendor of the Seas.) And......you past RCL vacationers- what is the deal with the "drink card" for alcoholic beverages. This is vacation after all, and my 50th birthday, so a few may be drank, or so. Thanks everyone for the nice welcome. Glad to have your site available! Elaine

I am going on this cruise , first time since 1978, and looking forward to having a great time. Going with a good friend, as my husband hates the water. We have a room booked on the level 2, with outside window. Going on the Royal Carribean, Splendor of the Seas, leaving Galveston and continuing to Cozumel and Costa Maya. Any suggestions for side excursions? This trip we don't want to do the busy, busy sightseeing stuff. Just want to relax and have fun. I am from Houston, Texas. mom of 5, son in Iraq, son in business here, son in California (school), one daughter graduated from A@M, one at Univ of Houston, and about to go to law school. I have been a nurse FOREVER, and have a wonderful husband. I am pretty active and enjoy water sports, exercise, etc. Thanks for any help! Elaine