deb1220

only while we sail.... Very funny, Joey! I think we'll still dress for dinner as we always have - we enjoy getting all "dolled up"!

Congrats Joey! I'm dancing too (with a little bit of jealousy )

AMEN!!! I'm speaking for my DH also!!!

Again, I love these discussions! It's so great to be able to agree to disagree and sometimes even, maybe, alter your views and opinions a little by taking into consideration other peoples situations, etc... Thanks again, Joey!

If they really do enforce it - fine - but it's been my experience with the lines I've sailed with - they don't!

Debbie made some wonderful suggestions - "It's better to give than to receive!" I'm sure your daughter will have a great time on the cruise. Norwegian has a good program of activities for teens. When we went on our first cruise (on the Norwegian Sky) my son was almost 13. He had a fantastic time - both on the excursions with us and with his "new friends" on the ship.

It is true that school districts that have a lot of parental involvement, on the whole, are better but it takes much more than that. Unfortunately, some school districts (and states) mis-manage their money for the schools and have a hard time sustaining healthy schools. I am a strong advocate for public education but, as I said before, you have to do what you feel is best for you and your children.

My son is 19 and we've only taken him out of school once - for a trip to Disney World when he was in 2nd Grade. We never found it inconvenient to wait for school breaks to take a trip or a cruise. We may have paid a little more because of it but then he was able to have perfect attendance in High School (and good grades) and supplement his education with all the wonderful trips we've been on! Believe me, I'm not blasting anyone who decides to take their children out of school for a cruise - it's a personal choice - what you feel is right for your child(ren). I can also understand where Jud is coming from, being from a family of 3 teachers - brother, sister-in-law and niece.

We always book with the hope of an upgrade but have never gotten one. Probably because we always go at prime times and don't book far enough in advance.

That would be a great idea! I can remember watching "The Love Boat" and thinking how cool all the confetti and streamers were. I have not gone to any sail-aways but I would if they had the confetti...

I wouldn't want to do it at embarkation - too cumbersome but I considered it last cruise on debarkation but the DH wouldnt go for it....but wished he had after we had hassles trying to find which "truck" had our luggage in San Juan - language barrier and all.

Of course !

I totally agree with that, Howard! Now, we have taken 6 cruises - 2 each on NCL, Royal Caribbean and Princess and if I were to rank the 3 it would be: 1.) Princess; 2.) NCL and 3.) Royal Caribbean. It's just my personal preferences. You may be on the same cruise with "John Doe" and he's going to have a totally different experience because his cruise experience expectations may be different than yours!

Thanks, Keith - had no idea !

We do, but don't always enjoy them especially when they're too amateurish.

I was wondering the same thing, Andrea! Jenn - We've been to all those places (via mini-van) except NYC. We LOVE Atlantic Canada!

I just wonder why Hugh shaved his mustache off ? Joey, you're terrible !!!

My DH does not like to wear a Tux but he does have a very nice suit - same with my DS. I have never worn a gown but have a few very nice cocktail dresses of which I take 2 of them on a cruise. I like Jenn and Hugh's attire much better, though !

Congrats, Jenn! What is your itinerary?

We didn't have any trouble stowing luggage or getting into the bed either. I found out that having a sofa in your room depends on whether or not you are in connecting stateroom. If you are no sofa, just a chair. I think the closet is smaller than other cruise lines too.

No, never been to one. I don't want to waste my time. I think I've caught glimpses of them on the stateroom TV but never in person.

1. Lounging by the pool, reading and sipping a cocktail. 2. Shows - singers, comedians, magicians and (some) large production shows. 3. Sail-away parties and pool BBQ's. 4. Watching the pool games. 5. Formal nights - portraits. I could go on and on..............but I won't

I do like to eat dinner in the dining rooms - not the buffet! When I'm on a ship with Anytime Dining I choose that as my dining choice just for convenience sake. If I'm on a ship with Traditional only I happily dine that way. I do enjoy meeting other people at our assigned table but also enjoy meeting different people each night. I guess that makes me 60/40 for Anytime/Traditional

Definitely St. Maarten

I have to agree about Ocho Rios. Although Isla Margarita is a close second - nothing there (at least at that time - 2005). We were supposed to go to Curacas (sp?) but it was deemed unsafe.