My first cruise was a 3 day "deadhead" from Vancouver B.C. to San Diego, where the Cunard Princess was moving from Alaska, to her winter Mexican itinerary. I was young (22) and travelled alone, and I'd always wanted to cruise. The British Officers on board treated me like Royalty, and I was hooked on cruising.

My second cruise was also on the Cunard Princess, the next summer, when I went on board for a day "visit" with my British Officer friends. I had brought two girlfriends on with me, and they plied us with enough wine in the Officers lounge that we thought it would be a good idea to stay on board, once they'd gone to work prior to sailing. Yes, we stowed away. Threw streamers and everything once we set sail (they did that back then!) The Officers probably should have walked us to the gangway to see us safely off, that did become standard Cunard procedure after our little adventure!!

We were caught shortly thereafter (it really was just staff and geriatric passengers in those days of Alaska cruises, we were easy to spot) but the Captain eventually let us out of "the hole" and gave us the run of the ship for the night. All the (mainly senior) passengers were absolutely delighted to hear we were "The Stowaways", I think they were living vicariously through us. They bought us drinks, took pictures with us, it was grand fun.

Cunard tendered us off on an Indian Reserve in a remote area of British Columbia the following day(enroute to Alaska), and we had a hard time getting home (it took 36 hours - and we were hungover to boot). All in all, though, it was an experience!! Oh, to be young and adventurous again.

I have cruised many times since (paying every time) on Carnival, then Royal Caribbean, then Celebrity, and now I'm hooked on Radisson.

I married Mike (we're 45 and 47) 6 years ago, we have two 17 year olds from previous relationships, and now I have him cruising as well! Most of my friends, too, at this point! 14 of us went on the PG together last September, and 12 of us are going on the Diamond in September.

Happy Sailing (and remember, always pay....)

Charlene