AndiD

I also have dealt with smoke while on my balcony; the last time....I found him - one balcony down and over from us and I purposely pointed to him and said loudly "there he is"! He immediately snuffed it out and went back inside; I don't know if he thought I had a crew member with me or not, but he did not do it again. I, too, am a former smoker...quit in 1991...and it is unreal how much the smoke bothers me now. I am fine with smokers having a place on an open deck, but on the balcony I do worry about fire...and it has happened!

Good question!!

Yes - you must come back and tell us - I am especially interested in the restaurants and the infinity-edge cabins....did you book one?

This all sounds wonderful! They say the breakfast at Le Chateau is worth it - maybe we should take a look for one of the mornings! And I love the sound of sidewalk cafes and restaurants and art walks and cable cars and everything! ?

Yes yes yes! ?

Well - I've always wanted to stay at the Fairmont...depending on the price comparisons, I guess - what do you think?

I am the President of the Board of Directors for Mutual Ground, Inc., a county domestic violence sexual assault agency that is part of the state coalitions, which are part of the national coalitions of service providers. I also read that about the husband...very strange situation...

Larry, On average 3 (mostly women) are killed each day in this country by a spouse or significant other, so I guess we have added an additional "arena" in which the abuse occurs... It IS hard to comprehend for those of us who know what a loving relationship should be. Thank heavens for agencies like the one I work with that provide shelter and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence or there would be even more deaths.

I plan to take my Surface and figure out how to post pictures, etc. while onboard - I am so excited!

Thanks Jackie and Jason! We board tomorrow...will eat and toast to all of us at Cruise Crazies!

Yay - Shari! Much deserved - you keep things moving around here and are so faithful with your responses and postings! ?

Thanks Shari and Jan! We are really looking forward to just a relaxing, beachy week. I am bringing 5 books with me! ?

Great Review, Jan! Alfredo's is my absolute favorite pizza at sea and a good excuse for me to book a cruise on the Regal (or another one on the Royal...) Did they also have the ice cream parlor? And did the MDR still have fettucine alfredo as an everyday option? Can't wait for our group cruise to this same area!

Awww - why don't you come along - that would be so fun!

I can't wait to get on the Edge on February 17th. I will have to practice posting pictures on here so I can send some from the ship! It is supposed to be simply stunning.

Jeanette, Congrats on your booking and your upcoming cruise; Alaska is my absolute favorite destination! We have done three cruises on three different lines with both land and sea and sea-only trips, visiting many different ports. I am happy to share my experiences if you have any questions or need some help deciding between things!

I would probably have to sail in third class so I think I'll pass, lol! Jackie - you make a good point - much too formal and very class-segregated...

I will find out in March when we sail on Royal...we will become Diamond after that cruise!

Princess, Celebrity, and HAL also still put them out and fill them.

Bon Voyage and Aloha to Hawaii! Enjoy every minute of your wonderful trip!

Here's to good cruisin' down the river - hope you have a wonderful time!

Which of the cruise lines doesn't put out ice buckets anymore? That is a "must" for us!

I AGREE re Princess - I have the fettuccini alfredo as my entree at least 3 times in a week-long cruise!!

I DO love Bon Jovi!! ?

Bon Voyage, Jan and Dave! Come back and tell us all what you learned for our group cruise next year!