JoeyandDavid

I don't either I stick with what I know....and I know the Reds tend to give me indigestion.. and Chardonnay makes me wanna sing! Do we want to hear that? no you don't.......

I don't either I stick with what I know....and I know the eds tend to give me indigestion.. and Chardonnay makes me wanna sing!

Carnival Cruise Lines will move the Carnival Triumph to New Orleans when the smaller Carnival Fantasy moves to Mobile, Ala., in 2009, officials announced Tuesday. The Triumph, which carries 2,758 passengers -- about one-third more than the Fantasy -- also will add two one-week Caribbean cruises a month to the Fantasy's current rotation of four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. "We're very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries," Carnival spokesman Terry Thornton said. "In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we're delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city," he said. Carnival announced Monday that it will move the Fantasy to Mobile, where it has been based since a tanker-barge collision in July temporarily closed the Mississippi River. The 2,056-passenger Fantasy will return to New Orleans on Sept. 1 and use the port for 14 months until the Triumph takes over. "The port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival's decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here," port president Gary LaGrange said in a news release. The announcement is a sign spending is up among cruise ship passengers in New Orleans, which was home port to four cruise ships from three lines when Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. In addition to the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest and the 2,052-passenger Sensation, Norwegian Cruise Lines had the 1,754-passenger Norwegian Dream and Royal Caribbean had the 1,950-passenger Grandeur of the Seas in port as well. Three of those ships moved to New Orleans in the year or so before the storm, and the port had announced plans for a third cruise ship terminal. About 734,000 passengers boarded and departed cruise ships at New Orleans in 2004, the year before Katrina. "Right now we're hitting in the high 400s -- close to 500,000," said port spokesman Chris Bonura. Norwegian returned with a slightly larger ship, the 1,999-passenger Norwegian Spirit. Although Royal Caribbean announced in 2006 it would resume sailing from New Orleans, that never happened. "Royal Caribbean -- they've moved some of their fleet around; they're testing out some markets in the Far East and other markets," said Bonura. "We're still in touch with Royal Caribbean. We think we still have an opportunity with them." Carnival announced plans last year to add a second ship at New Orleans, but that also fell through. "They were filling the Fantasy, but they had to get a higher level of spending from the cruise passengers," Bonura said Tuesday. The decision to bring in the larger Triumph indicates spending per person has risen, he said. The Triumph's 7-day cruises will also test New Orleans' ability to attract air travelers and the drive-in market, he said. "They're interested in getting back to having two dedicated vessels year-round but want to be sure the market's there," Bonura said.

I would think all three ports would serve "real" Mexican food...LOL Seriously though ....no we can't help you there... we tend to shy away from resturants and food establishments in mexico..

wow as you know Celebrity is our favorite (as of now) but that is above the call of duty .. OUTSTANDING!!

cool we will work out the arrangements in september...

if either of you guys decide to drive to the port let me know.. because i would love to have wine shipped to you if I could... save on the luggage weight and all that...

I didn't hear that!!

maybe fun I agree but I am on a time schedule...LOL

Thanks Rat. Cliff divers is something we wanted to see. I hear the ones in Acapulco are really good but this intinery doesn't go that far down. when we did the walking tour the cliff divers were "part" of the tour...

we won't be dog sledding.... what else you have?

our mercury comment card awaits

The policy allows "two bottles per stateroom" I did talk with them yesterday and the told me that this is the policy but they do lax the policy somewhat for European embarkation.. On another note.. they did confirm that NO JEANS in the main or specialty dinning venues in the evening ...however they have backed off of an evening dress code in public areas after six pm...

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM - YEP - GOOD WINES!!! Jackie if I can i am planning to bring a couple of bottles Husch Chardonnay "Reserve" that was so tasty....

for those who stated the Mercury as favorite is there anything or anyone that we should know about ?? like maybe a bartender not to miss.. or a member of the crew you would like us to say hey to?

temptation.. can be good and can be bad... in this case I think it's ______________ it does sound exciting!!

Thanks, Joey. I saw that one offered by our cruise line and thought it looked interesting. The price is reasonable, too. Will look into it again. Appreciate your help. you are very welcome ..

did you get the oak barrel size?

necessities are necessities

what more could a crazie ask for.... oh yeah.. cocktail hour!!

Old town Mazatlan is a must.... we just loved it...There is a walking tour that most cruise lines offer.. if you are so able .. I would suggest it very very highly.. I think it's like 24 dollars a person..

Hey JB I really think any experiences that a young person can expose them-self to in a safe and secure matter can only be a plus...all experiences that your cousin or you for that matter experience now...will help in ways you may not understand until later in your lives.. It is after all only six months... and as long as your cousin is a healthy lad.. and is willing .. I would say go for it.. I must agree with Jacketwatch though unless he really wants this as a career and strives for promotions... it could be a very difficult life .. however with dedication and desire he could very easily have a marvelous career that will enable him to see places he might not get to see otherwise.. Just my thoughts...

and best of all we are all right......

it now looks like that fort Lauderdale/ Miami area will be safe....but the rest of the state... whew!!