dulcimergirl

If it was me, I'd have a shadow box built to fit, put in photo's enlarged, luggage tags, and anything else I could find. Wouldn't a menu be cool?

Also include photo of your first cruise, something to think about.

Wow, thanks for those terrific pictures and info on the Queen Mary, I remember her very well. I wish some pictures would surface of one of the Bars aboard, I remember the terrific wrap-around bar stool/chairs. Spent alot of time in them I guess..lol

Love this thread, am really enjoying reading about all the fine cruise ships.

My first "ship" was back in 1974-75. My hubs was stationed in Long Beach. I spent many, many days and nights aboard the Queen Mary. Never went anywhere, but they have wonderful dining, drinking, dancing places aboard. I never tired of exploring every inch of her. Saw one state room when a door was left open..lol

Finally got to "float" on one, back in 2004, the Mariner of the Seas, then Independence, next year is Monarch.. Love the ocean love the ships, and for me the ship is the destination! I will, however, enjoy a beach now and then..

Growing up in a family of 5 we took many vacations. Trips to the mountains, trips to the lake.

Then we grew up and the three siblings moved away. Now we live quite a ways apart, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Georgia and from mostly Arizona to now Florida. For 40 years most have been apart, visiting ocassionally but, mostly keeping in touch by phone.

This year, the year of my parents 60th we are all going on a cruise. Alas my sister and I have to leave our hubbys at home in order to afford to go, but have a cabin together. So all of us together (with the addition of my other sisters DH) will be enjoying this cruise of a lifetime.

My parents are 80 and we don't know how much time is left to us.. we intend enjoying every minute.

Everyone has cruised before, and my parents many times, but its a first for us all together...

24 days and counting... can't wait.

Loved this thread, and prayers to all who have lost loved ones, and cudo's to all who moved on and learned how precious, and fragile our lives are.

nope, don't know how to post a picture.. sorry

That's very cute, but it looks more "country" than "nautical". I use a zip top, large L.L.Bean boat bag in my favorite colors with my name on it. I have the long straps and can use it for a book bag, tote, it can even hold my laptop after the cruise.

I bought each one of the ladies in our family one for our up coming anniversary cruise. They will hold a book, bottle of water, and towel for visits to the pool...

Cute, and the wallet is cute too. Enjoy

Ok, a couple from my first cruise about 4 years ago. My DH and I, and my DS, her hubby and 2 daughters. We boarded, and were checking out the ship after a drink or two? Anyway it was getting later and we wanted to drop off our carryons and check out our rooms.

We got sidetracked down the hall from our rooms, everyone was standing and talking, I figured I would run down the hall and check out our room. I opend the door, found someone standing there and talking. I quickly slammed the door, and ran back near hysterical to my hubby about someone being in our room. DH and BIL went to check it out. Much to my chagrin they both came back laughing, carrying the Tux I had rented for hubby that they'd hung on the closet door, and the talking was the tv..lol

Same cruise, one of my nieces was 12 at the time, and we showed her around to the kids place, complete with dozens of video/arcade games. My sister showed her how to use the room card, and told her not to go overboard.

Several days later, my sister checks her onboard acct from the tv, and there's over 400$ from the arcade on it...lol After blasting her daughter, my niece says, with a straight face, guess I should have gone overboard after all, huh?

Turned out ok, as my sister later that day won 1000 at the casino,,, :rolleyes: good thing,,

Thanks for the photo's, I am avidly seeking reviews, photos, and any info on the Independence, and I can't wait to call her mine!

DG

Don't leave home without 'em

1. My nicest manners

2. My best posture

3. Senses of adventure, humor, and gratitude

4. Extra smiles for people who have misplaced theirs

5. Wads of cash for everything else

Caro

__________________

I love this! I would recommend

clothespins for hanging wet swimsuit in shower, never take less than 3

Over the door shoe holder for just everything

Dr Scholl's blister pads, (a must, you really do walk alot) in first aid kit

safety pins in case your favorite bra collapses (:rolleyes: don't ask)

worldwide phone cards for crew gifts

Just a few of the extra's I take along with the 2 million other things jammed in my suitcase