Just read a post by ChatKata regarding our May 16th cruise. She mentioned that there "is a group sailing by a local Ventura County Travel Agency and the local newpaper. It's an annual cruise and sells out because of the group - they even expanded to so it goes from Fort Lauderdale to the pick up in Port Hueneme for the second half of back to back and then up the Coast for the initial Alaska. Heavily promoted here."

Since this is an annual event, is anyone aware of how large this group is? It sounds as if travel agents and people from a local newspaper will be on board. . . could be an interesting group.

We aren't overly concerned and know that the Mariner can handle a full load just fine. Just curious. . . .

Sorry ChatKat for the misspelling of your name:-)

Travelcat, I don't know the answer to your question but had to tell you how I love the photo you posted....she/he must be my Mousie's twin! ;)

There is a regular group of cruisers on that sailing and maybe the newpaper's publisher (The Ventura County Star) and it's cruise columnist, David Loe who owns Radio Cruises. Whenever you see a port stop at Port Hueneme - a Naval Base - be assured that the paper/columnist arranged for that stop with Regent because that is what they promote. Regent gets lots of publicity and the TA specializes in Regent. I thought I read in one of his columns it was a few hundred people.

Thanks ChatKat -- it sounds like, although there will be many people on board, they aren't from the same company. . . just other cruisers like us.