Cruise Chat....

[tncruiseman]

A holiday cruise over Thanksgiving would also be very affordable, and odds are any school breaks would coincide as well. I haven't checked yet, but in the past Carnival Triumph and Caribbean Princess have had great specials for that period. I am sure there are others as well. Personally, I would prefer a 4 or 5 day "quickie" cruise as to not upset any future cruising budget! Like Dave, we also were very impressed with the Holiday and the Port of Mobile. There isn't a more "convenient" cruise out there in my mind, but then again we're only 6 hrs driving from the port!

[Jim C.]

Sure, Thanksgiving is another option but I wouldn't say its a cheap time to cruise. I just checked into it last week and while the cost of the cruises themsleves was not that bad, the airfares were out of site. A flight into Miami was $550 a head and Orlando about the same.

Pricing on the "drivable" ports (at least for us) was higher than normal making up for the money I would save in not flying. They get you either way. But, if a deal came up, Turkey week is an option. Although you will get many people not willing to cruise instead of visiting family.

[tncruiseman]

Last Thanksgiving, we took the whole family (well, all that wanted to go anyway) on Triumph, with balcony cabins in the $700 p/p range. Surprisingly, Southwest into FLL was reasonable-under $300 p/p round trip. Family cruising on the holidays is really catching on now, so higher fares are not surprising. Thanksgiving used to be an "off week" for cruises and seems to be changing.

[Dwayne]

Dave and Jan, Yea I know the difference in Jan and Carol. I wasn't wearing my glasses

Well I hope we can get something figured out, it would be fun. Is true alot of people already have plans for this year. But I would do whatever I could to get to do this.

[retcwby]

whst sbout early may 2008??

[LisaP]

Originally posted by Jim C.:
So, it would have to be a summer cruise (not just for the kids, but having a school teacher wife, we are doomed to be have the school schedule dictate the vacation schedule.) As late as mid August for us.

Ditto for us (only I have a school teacher husband). But, as we have just booked a 2-week cruise for summer 2008, we would have to bow out...this time.

[Chef Ken]

I would feel bad to have Lisa miss out but I know that whoever said scheduling it would be most difficult, is correct!

Whatever works for the largest group of those who will really follow through is what will fly. Also, I think it would be pretty essential to have it at a time when Dave could be there.

Hopefully those who can not attend will not be offended by a majority based decision. I know full well, I could be one whose timing doesn't fit.

If it is pulled off at all this could take a while. It will be interesting to see what develops.

[choochella]

Now for my two cents worth. I had mentioned this to Dave about two months ago. I though it would be great to have a cruise-chat cruise. Don't the cruise critics do the same thing? I have been on cruises where we've seen many of them with little badges on. Heck with the badges. Let's get neon t-shirts!!! We're in!!

[raffles]

First rule: No tacky ID's

[Dwayne]

I agree with that, maybe we all could wear t-shirts like choochella said for one day for a group pic or something.

We have got to find something that is a compromise for one's that have kids and those that don't price wise and with school breaks.

It would be good for everyone to get to go. I am thinking with so many people already having plans we may be looking to next year.