Translation

Although mazel tov literally translates to "good luck", the phrase is not used in the way that the expression "good luck" is used in English (typically as "I wish you good luck"). It rather means "good luck has occurred" or "your fortune has been good" and is an acknowledgement of this. The phrase "mazel tov!" parallels the use of the phrase "congratulations!" and conveys roughly that "I am pleased this good thing has happened to you!".
The phrase for wishing good luck to occur in Hebrew, in the way "good luck" does in English, is b'hatzlacha (בהצלחה), literally meaning "with success".[3]

Thanks, Suzie, and I must say we're really looking forward to this good fortune of a cruise even though the only thing we have packed so far are Euros. But that's a good start.

See ya'll soon!

Cheers! Ray & Penny