Idea for a time and place to meet everyone

I was back and forth on the Bahamas. I just went and it was fun but the ports were more shopping than anything else, I guess thats true with all cruises. Ok, heres what we will do, where does everyone want to go? August and September are good cruise months, I will review what Royal has sent me and see what kind of price we can get down to for the Sept. Mexico cruise in the meantime.

I really like the idea of a Cali. cruise. I've been to the Bahamas 3 times now. Enjoyed it, but would rather try something different.  I was looking forward to showing my wife Hollywood, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot / San Diego. It's been decades since I've seen either. But, again, whatever the majority decides, works for us. DD

I've never been to the Bahamas, nor cruised California. I'm game for both. Our past cruises have been to western carribbean. DD, what ages are your kids? Why don't you bring them along? It's not like this thing is going to be too formal for the kids. I'm sure others have kids they would like to bring along as well.  Wouldn't it be awesome for us all to dress up and have dinner on the ship. Maybe even snap a photo or two all dressed up.  What a great idea Ben.

Bring the kids? That's a thought. They're 8 and 11, boy and a girl. As much as I like the idea, I see the costs spiraling out of control. 4 airline tickets. 4 cruises. 1 very cramped cabin, and babysitting instead of socializing.  We did a 3 day Bahamas cruise in 2005 with the kids. They were underwhelmed. We spent the rest of the week at Disney and Universal in Florida. That was much more up there alley. But, yeah, we did get some nice family portraits on that trip. DD  

I have two boys, 12& 9. It does double the cost to take the kids along. It would be much more financially feasable not to take them. We have great grandparents in place for situations like that. We've only taken them on one cruise, I know what you mean about them being underwhelmed. My youngest was 7 during our last cruise. He wanted to go home when we were in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico; we were heading south. His reasoning was to get home and play his playstation. Of course we had a not so uplifting father/son chat and he ended up crying. Went something like you'll need to jump and swim real fast.... I'm usually cool headed, but I spent an extra grand to take the boys. OK, now I'm not sure about taking them.  Ronnie

Maybe even offer this up to the Cali boards as well just to get the numbers up and the price down. Thats smack in the middle of MLS season. I would need to check schedulae and finances as the date approaches

I am going to set it up with Royal to hold some rooms for anyone that wants to book. I am going to see if there is a link I can guide everyone to so you can book there. If we all book under my agancy i can definetly get discounts. Royal told me I can use my points to get $100 off each room booked for everyone. I will try to get as many rooms as I can held, I know I can get them to hold at least 15 rooms. They might want at least 4 booked before they count it as a start to a group. I will get the agents name and number to post so you guys can book without worry about card numbers and stuff. You can email me your flight/hotel/car needs at my email  [email protected]   I can also get tickets to SeaWorld, the Zoo and stuff if you want to do things in San Diego while we are there. You can also take a look at my website   www.protravelnetwork.com/benstravel for booking options. i will see if I can put the link there as well. I will keep you all posted from here. After tomorrow I will officially post an invitation specifically for this reason. I am getting really excited that I might get to meet some of you! I think I can even set up a group session on the boat, you reserve one of the conference rooms and have a group meeting. This is going to be great! 

Ben,  Thanks for all the leg work. I sure hope we can fill 15 rooms. What a blast. I don't care who you are. Here's your chance fellas. Do something nice for the wife and hang out with your buddies at the same time. You don't get too many opportunities like that. DD

I'll drink to that!  

Would love to go........ especially on Royal...always use Royal when I cruise... but, as a teacher...my time is really limitted....  bummer!!!!!!!!!!!!