My name is Dan Schmier and I am 4 years post-op (-154lbs) AND I am the owner/manager of a large travel agency in Michigan. I have been in the travel business for 14 years and specialize in groups. As I read the many posts about travel, I grow more and more concerned as to who you are booking your travel with...?!? I spend a good part of my week "cleaning up" peoples vacations...meaning the trip has gone arye for some reason. So...please be careful! He's how NOT to get yourself in a bad travel situation! Only buy travel from agencies with ALL of the following accreditations...if someone tells you they don't need these accreditations...RUN the other way!!! 1) ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation) 2) CLIA (Cruise Line International Association 3) IATAN (International Association of Travel Agent Network) 4) ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) If you have any questions or would like to read more about buying travel, please visit my website at www.DanTheTravelMan.com or call me on my nationwide toll free number 800-818-3739! Thanks and embrass the new you! Dan Schmier

Hey Fellow Cruisers! I have been on 3 cruises as well. I live 20 minutes from Port Canaveral in Florida. I usually have someone from here drive and pick us up so we don't have the "parking the car" ($10 a day) expense. The first cruise was Royal Carribean Sovereign of the Seas to the Bahamas...small rooms but great service. Had never been before and got a great deal in Nov 01. My sister and I went for just $169/person total for the 4 day cruise. Then in Dec 02, went on Carnival's Fantasy. Rooms were bigger, but didn't like it as much. This year in Jan 05 went on Eastern Carribean on the Royal Carribean Marierner of the Seas...Wow!! what a great ship. Mini-golf was fun to do, watched the rock wall climbing, the ice show was astounding, and the crew, spa & fitness facility were excellent. Our room was a promenade room which was lovely. The only probably was the beds faced the width instead of lenth of room and since I haven't had WLS yet, it was tight getting around the bed and TV unit. Only complaint. St. Thomas was beautiful as was St. Maarten. Would recommend Royal Carribbean to anyone. They are outstanding. This particular cruise ship goes to Western Carribbean as well and I'm looking forward to taking that trip as well. The captain is very friendly and gives a report every noon along with a tip from his "friend for China". He is a blast!! I think everyone should sail with Captian "Johnny" at some time in their life. I found out on this trip that you will begin to need a passport on all cruises starting in June 2005. So make sure you apply for yours if you are planning a trip and haven't got your's yet. Happy Sailing to All! Cruises are the only way to travel! Lori

Hi Joe, I have been on many cruises and my favorite lines are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Last June we did the northern Carribbean from Baltimore. It was wonderful not to have to fly anywhere. I live about 45 minutes north of Baltimore. This June we are doing the same ship, same port, but going to Bermuda. Already in the works is a 10-14 day to the Panama Canal in April 06. Still looking for something after hurricane season - about Nov. 05. Love to travel and cruising is just so decadent! Cheryl

I've booked a Cruise to Alaska in July. I need a roomate to share cabin expenses.

I've booked the cruise to Alaska for July 30, 2005 -August 6, 2005, but I need a roomate.