Thanks to you both for your advice. I'll get the 2006 brochure when available. Hopefully, they might have the 2 for 1 offer which would help tremendously (maybe they're too popular for that offer).

A couple of other questions I'd like to ask.

We're in 'E' category for our first cruise. What would correspond with that on Mariner?

How big was that float plane? Sounds awfully small to me - don't know if I'd be able to open my eyes while in the air! I don't know if I could get on anything that didn't have four engines! The zodiac sounds like fun though.

The small ships are wonderful for getting up close but I think the cost is prohibitive. From memory when I last looked into it, they cost more than double the larger ships. I just think I would prefer the size of the Mariner.

If I've already cruised on RSSC by then, does that mean both my other half would be entitled to a discount on the second cruise, even though it's my son coming with me this time?

Kathy, I just noticed amongst your 'credentials' that you've done the NYC to Montreal cruise which is what my son and I will be doing next year. Any hints on port excursions? I've been to Boston and travelled by car through New England up to Mount Washington and loved it. My son works in New York and I know he's been to Montreal. He will no doubt do some research but I was wondering what the RSSC excursions are like or is it just as easy for us to 'do our own thing'?