HI, we are VERY new at these boards and perhaps I should wait and lurk for a spell until I understand the jargon, but y'all are so welcoming that I find myself typing while my DH is watching TV. We are Jessie and Jay (I'm Jessie)from SC. We are relative newbies to cruising---in 2002 ? we attended a family gathering cruise (Celebrity) in Alaska. I had not been on a cruise---in my snootiness I thought the cruise would be too "unreal" or whatever. Plus my idea of a vacation was white sand, clear waters and a drink with a umbrella in it---not Alaska. Needless to say, my jaw was in a state of disrepair after the cruise as it had dropped for the entire 7 days. What an awesome experience! What a beautiful dream come true! You mean I only have to unpack and pack the kids things once?? You mean our surly teenager could leave us and we don't have to worry? You mean I didn't have to suffer throught planned family meals? Wow! Oh, and BTW, Alaska was not bad. :) (ie., I want to go back!)

We booked our next cruise on that trip --they do know how to get you, don't they? We went to the Western Carribean and left from Charleston, SC--nearby so we drove to the boat. Dive, dive, dive. :)

My DH has always wanted to see Tahiti, so after 50+ years we are finally going on the PG for his b-day. He is originally from the mid-west and I am originally from good old Santa Monica, CA. We both work in the medical field.--We have been married 11 years and have a 9y/o and "his"(my stepson) teen is going on 18. We also have a couple of dogs and when we return from Tahiti, I will get a couple of kittens as my b-day present. :) In about a year, I will be celebrating my 50th and want to go to the Galapagoes--my dream. It's kinda weird being "older" parents and I often feel self-conscious but I hope the PG will be everything Jay has dreamed of.

Okay, sorry this was so long---hope I didn't totally embarass myself but thanks everyone for being so nice.