Thanks Ngaire for that info. We will definitely keep that in mind. As always, you are a great source of information.

LeeAnne - why don't you and Mom consider doing the "grand crossing" where you would start in Monte Carlo and cruise all the way to FLL???? That is what we are thinking about doing.

Well, because we did virtually the exact same cruise last year, only in the opposite direction (and we didn't do the crossing portion). We'd like to try something different. We do want to do the crossing, but would love to do something a bit different afterwards. If Voyager is heading to the Caribbean immediately after the crossing, that's something we'll consider!

LeeAnne

LeeAnne,

If you continue after the crossing, you'd be a way over Thanksgiving. The Crossing is 11/11-11/19 and Thanksgiving is the following week.

Uh oh now a reason to take RSSC air - Thanksgiving travelers!

Oh right...oops, there goes that idea. Hubby and kids would NOT be happy with me if I missed T-day! (Nor would my in-laws -- I always bring the pies.) So...darn. I do want to do the crossing -- the price sure is right! And the idea of doing a crossing with a group of LCT'ers is mighty compelling.

Mom and I were talking about doing something in '07 with a little more of a land-based portion -- perhaps we'll pick a place in Europe and go stay there for a little while, then jet on over to Funchal and board for the crossing. Hmmmm...now THAT'S an idea!

LeeAnne,

Then why don't you consider flying from the US into Portugal or Spain, staying there for a few days and then connect with a flight to Funchal. I guess there are probably flights into Funchal from other places in Europe. I just thought that since Madeira is portuguese there will be more connections from Portugal or western Spain.

Or look at the Spring Crossing - that may be an escorted sailing. Fly to Florida and hang out in Europe for a few days. You could spend time in France, Spain, Portugal...

So many choices! LOL! Life is tough, huh? :D

I kinda like the idea of not having to fly HOME from Europe. Certainly the shorter flight from Florida is far more palatable at the end of the vacation. On the other hand, the weather is nicer in Europe in the Spring...on the other hand, I like going to Europe in the off season, I've done it a few times before and it's an entirely different experience...

Decisions decisions!

or you can just do the British Isles cruise. If you do, I'll be sure to explain the difference between creme fraiche and sour cream. ;)

Denise,
I am definitely interested in the Med! I will have to go look at the itineraries. I wonder if we can talk some more, including Ngaire, into that?? :)
Sheri

Yes Arlene, but if the Nov '07 TA is like this years crossing they will have Le Cordon Bleu workshops and I am sure that they can point out le difference!!! Especially with caviar!!! ;) LOL

This morning we booked the 14 night June 23, 2007 Captain Dag's Homecoming cruise from Copenhagen to Copenhagen (with great stops in between!) Anyone else going?????

Marcie, my husband and I booked this trip Friday afternoon. We're also trying to get two of our friends to consider it. We are very excited. It will be great to meet you "in the lounge, perhaps". Marilyn

We are interested in the April crossing if this is escorted and other folks want to do it.

Marcie - we booked Norway also.

Boy that Dag's cruise June 23, 2007 Norway is very very busy. All deck 6 G cabins are gone now it is going to be a sellout. The bookings on the ships are going crazy, I was told it was 20 deep to book this cruise on the Voyager. Anyone "thinking" book now and then decide later. I have 28 going so far.

British Isles, September 1, 2007 is selling too I have 14 people for that one also.

I think we picked the two hot cruises of the year so far.

Ngaire
According to Debbie's journal, they are really pushing the Dag Norway cruise on the WC. This might be why the cabins are going so fast.

We are now firm on our 10 night June 2-12 MC to Dover cruise!

Denise, what a great itinerary! Almost like VJ7! You will love the ports!

I'm not surprised about the heavy booking from those on the WC for Norway on the Voyager Ngaire mentioned. Those WC'ers would follow Dag anywhere, and this really is a special cruise! Scenery to die for. Just glad we won't have time in Longbearyen (sp?) for another excursion from hell in the rockfields!

Denise,

We will give you a full on, live trip report on our return from this year's sailing, including the guides we used. Too bad our timing is off by a year, we'd have loved to sail with you!

Great to get all the information we can, Kathy! Thanks! I am especially interested in your experiences with the guides you've selected. We would prefer to do private touring, if at all possible. We will have two days in Bordeaux - how great is that?

Priscilla was kind enough to forward her guide information for Provence. We hope to spend 2-3 full days there before we embark in MC. Beautiful way to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary and Alan's birthday! I can't wait to visit Provence! I want to find a great B&B in the area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Olivia, I think this itinerary is wonderful and the pricing excellent. We've not been to any of the ports, with the exception of Honfleur, which we will see during our river cruise this June.

Yea, Denise! Your itinerary is lovely, and what a great way to celebrate an anniversary and birthday. Couldn't be better.

I will post our Provence guide's information in the private guide section. She was marvelous. I'll be happy to answer any questions anyone may have about her services.

Denise,

That's a fantastic cruise with all those Spain ports which I LOVE!! and then Honfleur, you can do the D Day beaches!!

Oh yes! This is a "public announcement" for those doing the Dag Norway cruise:heed Olivia's advice and stay away from the "rockfield" excursion. Although I can't believe they would dare take a group there again after that fiasco.

Well, since the ship is only there from 7 a.m.-noon, maybe that is not possible? Well, there WERE others not so wimpy as me! I know Ken & Ron, my daughter Joanna, and Maria's Bob made it to the top. Ngaire was the smart one, she took a walk into town and really enjoyed it. Only part I enjoyed was getting to the bottom and going to the "husky farm".

SOMEBODY has been sneaking and peeking over on the "other side"! LOL!

Truth be told, that British Isles cruise looks very interesting to me. These are places I haven't yet been. This year we were torn between doing a land-based Ireland B&B tour, vs. this Windstar Costa Rica cruise, and we ended up choosing the cruise. But the British Isles is still a place I very much want to see, and I would LOVE to do it on a Radisson cruise! And yes, clearly my uneducated palate needs some training in the difference between the various white stuff served with caviar... ;)

Great itinerary Denise! You and Alan will love it!

Re: Capt. Dag's Homecoming Cruise....CC Brian on board here (Mariner) said he could book the entire Deck 6 just from our ship alone. There are many many passengers onboard now from last year's WC who know Capt. Dag so between bookings from current WC and current SA passengers, I'm not at all surprised it will sell out very quickly!

We're in #655.....YIPPEE!!! Thanks Ngaire!! Love those onboard booking discounts and $1,000 p.p. credit (we opted for credit instead of free economy air).

Yes Olivia, maybe in that short amount of time they won't be able to do too much "damage". If I was going on this cruise I would just sleep in that morning! :)
When I was researching that port I remember finding out about an outfit which organized dog sledding excursions. I though that would be a lot of fun but we didn't have enough time for it. Too bad, as it would have been better( and less money) that what we paid for the rockfield excursion.

Marcie, We're booked in Cabin #648....it will be good getting out of Az. that time of the year,to the cooler weather there, we have never been there so we don't know what to expect,but it sounds wonderful!!

:) :)

Sandy,

You're in for a treat. It is wonderful!!!! My best cruise to date.

I'm in there! Hell-o Captain Dag ;) My sister and two friends booked today.
Cabin 712.

HOT DAG

Homecoming on time Dag and gang!

WOW - Anne, Marcie, Donna, Olivia, Sandy, Michele, Marsha...we knew after being with Ken and Ngaire on SA we would book Norway - I so look forward to old friends and new but Gary looking for you!!! Joanna

We're going to Norway too and we're thrilled.

We're in 654.

We're right with you! - booked 746 this morning.
:) - Michele

Oh Michele and Marsha you have made MY night- editing last post - Joanna

I think we are 653 - next to Matassas - trouble but great trouble - Joanna

We love your kind of trouble - the 6th floor should be hoppin'! - Michele

Visit 6th deck anytime you desire Michele - J

Oh man I'm dyin here...I SO want to go on this cruise...but this is one I just can't swing. Oh well, I'll just have to live vicariously!

I have somewhere in the mid to high thirties booked now. I know Linda and Susan have booked some people but since the office is closed I dont know how many they have booked.