I used to post at cruise critic but stopped visiting more than once every few months because I didn't have a cruise planned and reading about them just made me want to go so bad I was driving my DH nuts. Well, now I do have a cruise in the works. I'll be on the Voyager over Christmas and New Years thru the Panama Canal. I've been reading these boards but didn't want to post until I actually had proof in my hands that I was going on the cruise.

This will be our second cruise with Radisson and both hubby and I are really looking forward to a 17 day vacation. He's a college professor and the cruise will come between semesters for him. Our families are trying to get used to the idea of us not being around for the holidays but they have 9 months to work that out.

Anyway, I will be eagerly reading anything anyone has to say about the Voyager or about any ports on the Panama Canal cruise (any ship) so we can decide on shore excursions.

So, thanks in advance for sharing your info.

Welcome aboard!
I was on the Voyager over Thanksgiving and loved it! The ship is beautiful, food great, service great! I don't know if they do a big bunch of decorations for the holidays but would imagine they do - nothing drastic for T-giving, probably because it's primarily a US holiday, but I'm sure there will be something for Hannakwanzmas <img border="0" alt="[bang]" title="" src="graemlins/banghead.gif" /> .
If the family doesn't like the fact that you'll be gone for the holidays, tell them to come along!!! <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />

Phil, Did you get the term "Ramahannakwanzmas" from the Glenn Beck Show?

Nope - just made it up... forgot about the "Rama" sect....

Phil, I hadn't thought far enough ahead to be wondering what type of decorations they'll have yet. I do know we are supposed to be watching fireworks at midnight on New Years as we pull out of Acapulco.

As for having the family come along, well, now, that would be interesting. Maybe too interesting.

Off topic, but can anyone see my picture? I see everyone else's but not mine. It's in my profile as my avatar (sp?) but I can't see it in my post.

Hi Coleen! Welcome - did you sign on the introductions thread?

R

Wecome Colleen! I can't see your avitar, I think the problem is that you can't from Snapfish to here. If you would like, you can send the picture you would like to use to me and I will install it for you.

Welcome, Colleen!

Welcome Colleen to LCT!

Masaki

Colleen:

Your holiday cruise sounds wonderful. I think Marc did the same dates last year - I remember discussions about a special gift and decorations. What ever it is, I know you'll have a great time.

We've left our families a few times during the holiday - they seem to manage without us and are always glad when we show up again (I think :rolleyes: )

There's a large group doing the canal cruise soon so watch for their posts - I'm sure there will be lots of excursion feedback.

Colleen,
My husband and I did this same cruise this past New Years, and our family were none too happy about us not being home for the holidays, our daughter is 40 and our son is 36.....But they managed to survive, and we had a wonderful time. Totally a non -stress season for us.
We will be with our kids and grandkids this year, but not for Thanksgiving....... :) :) :) Guess Mom and Dad are slowly leaving the nest. Have a great trip, I know you will. Sandy

I'm looking forward to whatever anyone posts about the Voyager and about the Panama Canal cruises and various ports. I realize that some are going this month and I sure am hoping they come back with loads of info to share.

We generally don't like to travel at the holidays because of the crowds and everyone schlepping everything as carryons but this year we'll make an exception. We will have to visit my family most likely at Thanksgiving and hubby's family in early or mid January after we return. But the cruise should make up for all the hassle.

Hey Colleen:

If they post to this board, rest asured they will come back with many tales to tell and much info will be shared. Don't worry about not posting or not posting and not having a cruise scheduled. I recently cxled a cruise but I don't care (but I do)...I will continue hanging out here and this is my 500th post! Just don't tell my boss... :)

Hey Colleen! Welcome!

Robert, The reason I stopped posting was not EXACTLY because I didn't have a cruise scheduled but rather it was kind of frustrating to read about everyone else's cruise and not know I would have one soon. I'm not explaining that correctly. I certainly wouldn't want to deny anyone their cruise, I guess I was a little jealous, no, that's not exactly right either. It's like a dieter craving chocolate cake. That's the best I can do for an explanation.

I hear ya Colleen. But here, unlike other places to post on this topic, I think it's more than just cruising. It is more, well, almost familial. Even after my recent canacellation I knew I wanted to keep coming back here and see what was going on. Sure I sometimes feel a twinge of the cake thing, but I know my time will come. I hope to see you all over the boards, Colleen - this is a very convivial bunch.

Convivial, just looked that up...yeah, in my mind companionship...enjoying feasting and drinking fits perfectly...LOL...

So welcome to the family