This was a typical scene from our vacation last week. Notice the large crowds and the presence of the beach patrol.
Unfortunately, the picture doesn't show the cooler of Coronas. (Behind Bea)

 

Bea is looking good, and so relaxed. I'm so happy for you both getting away like that. I think they should use you two in a Corona commercial.

 

Vacations are a strange thing for me. I use all my vacation time in 1 to 3 day increments; I'm the master of taking combinations of Thursdays, Fridays, Monday and Tuesdays. I can't remember the last time I went away for a straight week...

I'm so busy in the summer with driving schools, road trips, going to the races and working on the house that I have found this type of "vacation" is the best for me. I will admit it is nice to get away for a while, but I don't do well when I'm gone for a week straight, there are too many things I enjoy to do near me and after a few days I just want to be home getting things done.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by grannyrod
Bea is looking good, and so relaxed.

 

Lucky to be married (for 31 years as of May 5) to a Travel Agent, so we just got back Sunday from our glorious week on Maui (Kapalua Bay Hotel and Kaanapali Alii each half of the week).

I agree with the above comments on cruises, we just got to sample the new Diamond Princess for a 2-day agent trip to Ensenada and it is a great ship. We have been fortunate to have cruised to Alaska on Celebrity and done the Panama Canal on the Crystal Harmony and I must admit I am a fan of this form of travel.

In August it will be Sedona and then off to the Monterey Historics to honor The Scuderia!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bob Moss
I agree with the above comments on cruises, we just got to sample the new Diamond Princess for a 2-day agent trip to Ensenada and it is a great ship.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bob Moss
Lucky to be married (for 31 years as of May 5) to a Travel Agent.....

 

I did the Dragon with the S-2000 in April; really a great weekend, everyone should go at least one time. Eleven miles with approx 318 turns up and down the sides of mountains. It will test you and the car.

Going to Richmond VA for a British car Show/Rallye Jun 14-18, 2004 and also I will traveling in Alaska starting July 29th for 2 weeks, a land, cruise package. Hope everyone is planning a great summer. Vic

PEACE and safe

 

Hi, all! I'm 60, so I should fit in here.

We are avid cruisers. Just got back from two weeks through the Panama Canal.

What to expect on a cruise for first timers depends greatly on what line you are taking. On most lines, expect most beverages to cost extra, and tips of around $10 to $12 per day pp are expected. For dinner, there will generally be two seatings, early and late. You get to chose. At dinner, there will generally be three dress codes interspersed among the days. Formal (Tux or dark suit and tie), informal (jacket, tie optional), and casual (slacks and sports shirt.) As it is your first cruise, I know you will enjoy it.

As we have cruised more, it seems that the "little things" like crowds and lines and paying extra for so much began to bother us. Then we discovered cruising on the luxury lines like Radisson, which has so many specials they are hard to pass up. And there, you get most beverages and all tips included, along with open seating dinner, which means you eat when you want between designated hours. And their suites are bigger, and the ships hold fewer guests for their size -- meaning no crowds or lines ever. I've done the math on this, and if you get a good special on one of these lines, your FINAL cost will be about the same as on as so called "mass market line".

My justification for cruising the luxury lines is the math, plus I didn't buy a "mass market car" did I?

Thanks,
Richard

 

We have not been on the Star but on the Diamond they are getting away from the 2-seating thing and you have the choice of 4 different restaurants. You can make reservations or drop in any time and take a table if available.
Dress was pretty casual but it was a 2-day travel agent "fam trip" so there wouldn't have been a formal night anyway.

I agree keep in mind there are drinks, tips and shore excursions to consider. And I totally concur about the cruise lines like radisson that are pricey but include everything (I believe including gratuities) in those prices. We have not been on Radisson or Silver Seas but have heard great things. Princess is a great way to start and I think is better than Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.