Someone reminded me that cruise photos were only $5 when we first cruised. Now that I’ve thought about it, I believe that is correct. I just remember that it seemed high back then when we had our own camera with us and that would be much cheaper!
Someone also questioned that soft drinks were an extra charge 28 years ago. I am pretty sure they weren’t free on that first Carnival cruise we were on. But if they were free then, then it wasn’t long after that they always demanded an extra charge. We used to “hide” them in our suitcases because we weren’t sure whether that was a no-no. However, on this cruise we saw many people bringing in bottled water and soft drinks openly by the case as they boarded. It seems now – and perhaps always – that the rule was no alcoholic beverages were to be carried on. They do search. We had friends who accidentally forgot they had a bottle of wine in their suitcase, from a previous stay at a casino, and it was found and “stored” for them until they could pick it up when the cruise was back in home port.
Another question was about our playing blackjack and whether we counted cards. Although at one time we were fairly expert at doing this, we haven’t kept up this skill since we switched to video poker, playing blackjack only rarely, like when we have a coupon or are on a cruise and looking purely for recreational play.
Today we are picking up a rental car and leaving New Orleans after a profitable stay here for three days. We are heading for Destin, Florida and the very happy occasion of our grandson’s wedding there on Saturday.
Both Sharon my wife and myself wish you and Brad a Very Mery Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We were in Vegas around Veteran’s Day. Thanks to you and VPfree2, I won $1,000 in VP (Deuces Wild) at our first free 2-night stay at the Freemont. I was really hoping to run into you while there. I read your original book for the first time. I didn’t have to dip into further funds. I asked for my first comped buffet. We love to play craps, but this time I spent part of the morning playing VP. First time ever that my machine spit out a cashout voucher, b/c I won another $125.I’d love to buy an original book and have you sign it sometime, or meet you. I’ve signed up for LVA subscription beginning in January 2013, in an effort to extend our now long-ago vacation.
Enjoy the wedding. Destin is almost home to us, since we lived in Ft Walton Beach for my first USAF assignment in 1966-69. Our own grandson got married this October. Best wishes to you and your family, and have a Merry Christmas!
Jean:
You’re about two weeks in front of us. We arrive in Destin on the 29th for the winter.
It’s a great town (with no casinos). Have fun.
Don
I always take a case of water with me on a cruise. Place a tag on it with my name and cabin number. I reinforce the plastice wrap with duct tape. It has
always arrived intact.