Greetings from the Caribbean

[Lou-ah-vull]

Many of you know I am taking my first cruise ever to the Southern Caribbean.  We are now on the eighth day of our ten day voyage and are at sea today and tomorrow for an early return to Ft. Lauderdale.  I am on a Holland America cruise ship (and have been encouraged all along by Mike "Bocker."  It has exceeded my expectations in every way...and if we can ever swing it, would be a wonderful way to do an AMG.  I have missed the boards (internet is slow and expensive at sea) but will be back on again regularly on Tuesday.  Greetings to all from the high seas...and thanks to Mike and Sid who inspired me to try this.

Gary   

[WillyWump]

So jealous 

Enjoy your cruise Gary! You deserve it

Maybe a couple pictures when you get back???

Hugs,
Will

[Jeff G]

Have a great time Gary ! . I am warming to idea of a cruise , never been fond of the idea of checking into a hotel that I cant leave immediately if I am not liking it and that is what happens when you board a ship . Cant wait to hear more details . 

[wolfter]

Awesome.  Hope you're enjoying it all.

Wolfie

[bocker3]

Glad you are enjoying it Gary!  We've done close too 20 cruises and I knew his would be for you.  I'd love to see an AMG at sea.

Jeff -fear not.  A cruise ship is nothing like a hotel - there is plenty to do.

Mike

[Lou-ah-vull]

Hard as it is to believe, it is perfect for anyone with mobility problems.  Tons of elevators, handrails everywhere...of course, while at sea it can be a bit rocky.  The drinks are not cheap, but everything is nearby.  Just about everything you want is onboard...great food, great pools, great lounging, great shows, shopping, ports of call if you wish, or just relaxing.  I certainly understand the allure now... and if we could make it affordable (perhaps a three night, four day one) it would really suit the AMG format.  Food for thought.

Gary

[phildinftlaudy]

Hard as it is to believe, it is perfect for anyone with mobility problems.  Tons of elevators, handrails everywhere...of course, while at sea it can be a bit rocky.  The drinks are not cheap, but everything is nearby.  Just about everything you want is onboard...great food, great pools, great lounging, great shows, shopping, ports of call if you wish, or just relaxing.  I certainly understand the allure now... and if we could make it affordable (perhaps a three night, four day one) it would really suit the AMG format.  Food for thought.

Gary

Glad you are enjoying the cruise Gary!
I agree that a cruise would make for a wonderful AMG.

I have taken two cruises in the past - one was a 3-day (Bahamas) and the other a 4-day (Key West, Cozumel, Mexico) - and loved both.

There is so much to do and see. Also, so much to eat --- you can literally eat 24 hours a day - anything from a simple sandwich, to omelettes, and 5-star meals. And the best thing is that most of the onboard activities and all meals are included in the price.

The drinks do get a little expensive (and the casino) -
The ports of call allow for sight-seeing as well as various special activities (at a cost) -- we did parasailing while in the Bahamas - it was awesome.

I wish I had known you were going to be debarking in Fort Lauderdale - I would have made my way over to the port or town and met up with you all.

With two of the largest ports each within 10 miles of my home, there is always a good selection of cruises to go on.

I definitely would recommend that a cruise be further considered for future AMGs as it gives the opportunity for people to spend a day or two at the port city (i.e. Miami, Fort Lauderdale) and then the opportunity to see places such as the Bahamas, Mexico, San Juan, Jamaica, St. Croix, or other areas.

Probably a 3 or 4 day would be most cost affordable for the majority - to make it worth the airfare and keep the actual cost of the cruise down.  There are some good sites to check out reasonable cruise prices, with deep discounts. I used vacationstogo.com to book both mine and two cruises for my parents; cruise.com is also a good one from what I have heard.

Once again, glad you got your "sea legs" and that you had such an enjoyable time!

-Phil

[Lou-ah-vull]

Wish I had thought of that and posted a lot sooner.  I don't leave FLL until tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 and will camp out at the airport.  I was afraid of booking an earlier flight..now I know I will be off the boat no later than 9:30 and most likely earlier.  I am taking my own luggage off so I won't even be waiting for that.  I travel enough during the year that it never hurts to post in here and see if there is a "local" that I can meet for coffee or a quick meal. 

We will all be mulling over the idea of making an AMG cruise a reality...we have talked about it for years it seems!

Gary

[phildinftlaudy]

Wish I had thought of that and posted a lot sooner.  I don't leave FLL until tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 and will camp out at the airport.  I was afraid of booking an earlier flight..now I know I will be off the boat no later than 9:30 and most likely earlier.  I am taking my own luggage off so I won't even be waiting for that.  I travel enough during the year that it never hurts to post in here and see if there is a "local" that I can meet for coffee or a quick meal. 

We will all be mulling over the idea of making an AMG cruise a reality...we have talked about it for years it seems!

Gary

Hi Gary:
I sent you a PM with my number - so, give me a call, if you want - I am only about 10 miles from the Fort Lauderdale airport - if that is where you will be going -

-Phil