Cruise Getting Closer

TheSkipper · August 24, 2010

Transatlantic Cruise is closing in on us. Have 18 of our Shipmates coming to a "Cast Off Party" at our house on September 11th. Spent part of the day doing the menu planning for that night.

I've also been arranging a bus to pick us up at our Venice hotel to take us to the ship. Chartered a bus which will hold up to 30 folks for that trip.

Made reservations for six of us for a gondola ride followed by dinner at our favorite resturant in Venice.

Beginning to download ebooks into my Nook for the voyage.

Getting my order put together for magnetic door signs.

Other than that I've not even thought about the cruise.

1shipshape · August 27, 2010

Sounds like you are more than ready to take on the challenge of being HOST! Enjoy! Make sure to give us the details when you become a landlubber once again.

hazelson · August 30, 2010

Ed can't you do the same stuff just down the road at the Venetian????? ;o)

Shari2 · August 30, 2010

Ed...what a great cruise this will be...and so fun to spend time with all of your friends. The gondola ride sounds really cool...and just being in Venice.

jacketwatch · September 4, 2010

_{Skipper. The planning and anticipation are so much fun too. Have a great time}

TheSkipper · September 5, 2010

You are right, Jackwatch. The planning sure is part of the fun of cruising.

Having about 20 shipmates to our house next Saturday night for a Sail-Away Party. Should be a blast. I made a DVD of our last visit to Venice and also added shots of the Crown Princess which is the sister to the Ruby. Will just let it run in the background on the TV in the family room to set the mood.

1shipshape · September 6, 2010

Sounds great, Ed! Do you speak Italian? I have been on the gondola ride at the Venetian... nice. I would like to join in on the singing of "O Sole Mio"... I know you are all laughing at my spelling.

Can't wait to hear what you think of the Ruby. We've never done Princess yet. Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival. My friends only take Celebrity.

How long is that flight over there?

TheSkipper · September 7, 2010

No, I don't speak Italian. DW can understand some of it, (her grandparents spoke only Italian).

We will be doing three flights to get from Las Vegas into Venice. First will be to Dallas/Ft. Worth (about 3 hours) where we change planes and Fly to London Heathrow. That's about 10 hours on that leg, then we are one the ground for a couple hours and catch a Britishair flight to Venice which is just over 2 hours. The stops give us a little chance to streatch our legs a bit and I love to stop in London. Lived there for a couple years back in the day. We won't leave the airport but can enjoy some scones and clotted cream.

This will be our 23rd sailing on Princess, so we have some idea of what to expect.

Like your friends we also enjoy Celebrity have sailed with them many times also.