Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Blog Building

I have developed a little more of this blog today. I want to make it as interesting and relevant as possible, without going overboard (excuse the pun!). I would be interested to know what you think. Feel free to post a comment, or two.

I've also worked at setting up this blog so that it can be updated from my mobile. So now, wherever we are, I can send a photo or words, or both, to tell you all about it. It's almost like a living postcard.

The family have been getting increasingly more excited about our cruise, and we've talked to lots of people who have already experienced the Independence.

Words can't describe the time they had - in a positive way. They gush, in different directions, about the different things, the tours, the childrens clubs and activities, the food, the drink, the tours.

You'll be pleased to know that it's now paid for. A year long saving up, and now it's gone; on a holiday of a lifetime. There are very high expectations. I just need to clear the credit card down before we leave!!!

Apparently, I can expect to pay half again on the extras - and I'm led to believe there are lots of those!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about the tours we're thinking about.

Monday, 29 June 2009

The Worlds Largest Cruise Liner

Personally, I blame Farrel and Jane, on the day they announced they had booked a cruise on the worlds largest cruise liner; The Independence Of The Seas.

It dawned on me that it would be a lovely surprise for the family if I were to book the same. It was our 40th birthday year, so it also seemed like an ideal opportunity to do something special, and different.

Before I continue, let me give you the technical facts about the ship:
Guest Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Length: 1,112'
Max Beam: 184'
Draft: 28'
Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots (24.9 mph/40 kmph)

In all, 15 decks of accommodation and entertainment.

I thought long and hard, even checking with Jane if it was OK for us to join them. I know it's a big ship, but it's also an expensive holiday; I didn't want to intrude.

In the middle of May 2008, I called and made enquiries as to cabins (or Staterooms as they're known!) and decks, availability and prices.

What the hell, I thought. To use a well-known phrase; "Life is like a box of chocolates; you have no idea what's next"; or something like that.

So, without too much thought, and without discussing it with anyone, I called back and confirmed the reservation. Two adjoining cabins, on Deck 9, departing on 15th August 2009.
15 months away.
12 months to save up.