I hope the meet and greet is workable. I will fly down for that without a doubt.

Dave : do we have a list of confirmed cruisers yet?
Im in.... paid in full and saving for Sail N Sign as we speak

Michael,

Actually I think you are the only one paid in full! Even I am still under deposit. It is still a small list, no change from what Jan posted last. Many are waiting until school schedules, work schedules, etc., are fleshed out later this fall. But no matter - I think we are going with this even if it is just a handful of us. More rum and beer to go around too!

This will be my first time in a 1A cabin. I am traveling solo this cruise.

I doubt we'll see many more booking until January or so. Don't get discouraged!

BTW, do you have a video of "Under My Skin"?

I will most likely book after the first of the year. I have three cruises before then to take all my expendable cash. lol. I will be on the Riviera going it solo.

No Dave No Video of Under my skin But Its a great song.

Is this what you guys are looking for? under my skin video

We were on an RCI cruise a few years ago and at karaoke this passenger - who was obviously auditioning in his mind - sang Got You Under My Skin and it was fabulous. Standing O and the audience demanded he do another song. The CD later told me that RCI was going to offer the guy a contract but I don't know what happened after that.

The Inspiration now is the lead ship in the installation of the adults-only Serenity area. Here is the press release.

Dave, that sounds great! I would expect a lot of kids on a four-day Carnival cruise in summer, and that's O.K.; but it's nice to know there will be a place to lose them, if need be.

Bad news, all -- at least for me. We won't be able to make this cruise as my husband's school year begins Monday the 25th at 7:00 am. I know you'll all have a super time, and I wish we could join you. I look forward to reading about the planning, though.

Lisa,

That is too bad, although I figured it would turn out this way for you and your family. Since we are so close to the teaching profession we know how it is for teachers without tenure.

But hope springs eternal, and there will be a time when you, "N", and "M", and my family, will cruise together.

This thought just occured to me:

Will we all sit together at the same table during dinner? If so, will we all have to decide which seating time? And will we have to coordinate it with the Maitre D's?

I'd say once we get a solid number for the people going that we'll finalize dining seatings. We don't want to push anyone into a seating time they don't like, but perhaps the group will reach a consensus so we can all be there together. Early or late - it doesn't matter to me personally.

anytime is good for me

We'll probably have to do early because my tummy needs at least 3 hours before I go to bed, plus the video poker machines will be calling my name

I think dining together will be one of the highights of the cruise. I'm with Mr. O; anytime is good.

Actually early seating has it's advantages since we get dinner out of the way and have the evenings to carouse and otherwise makes ourselves memorable to the crew.

I vote early. I would like to update everyone that I have not charged anyone yet the extra $20 for the charity contribution. Carnival requires a form be sent in with some information about the charity. Since the cruise is so far off I didn't see a rush. But I don't think it has totally been decided which charity we wish to donate to has it?

We tossed the charity ball around a while back. I personally have an appreciation for charities which have opened their doors to me in the past. The USO being one. The United Seaman's Service being another.

And I guess it is decided.....we'll go with early seating? But perhaps the "later" early seating and not the "early" early seating? That extra 30 minutes would be nice for getting ready for dinner.