spaceguy

I eat a vegan diet and have been on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Princess, and Celebrity.

Normally you need to have your TA inform the cruise line when you book, and perhaps also write and call to the cruise line 4-6 weeks out. Then the first day upon boarding I go to see the head waiter/maitre'd and let them know, and to make sure I am in the system for special meals.

Typically the head waiter will bring you the next day's menu at the evening meal and you can order or adjust what they may have on the vegetarian menu. If you want something else, let them know and they can fix that as well.

I usually ask for Indian food as I don't get it at home and many of the cooks are from India and they make great meals! It helps if you have a mental list of meals or sides you have in mind as they often look to you for guidance for what you want. They can make mushroom dishes, couscous, eggplant, stir fry, tofu items, all kinds of things. I have even asked for pie and had apple and cherry pie made for my table!!

Buffets are a bit more hit and miss. The pizza places in most cases can make a cheeseless veggie pizza. Carnival has veggie sushi in the evening. Ususally the grills have a veggie burger option.

Enjoy your cruise!!

With a bad back and hips... my jogging days are over.. but I do get up early to walk. I see the same problems. Smokers wanting to stand in the way on the jogging track...some people waking v e r y s l o w l y..side by side and being annoyed when you want to pass....Or the really creative ones.. they are moving on the track and then without warning, want to stop and streach...on the track!

Ummmm.....

ANY thing by the Barefoot Man out of Grand Cayman

http://www.barefootman.com/

We are sailing on the Carnival Miracle starting 15 Jan 06. We are not familiar with Tampa at all. There will be 4 of us flying into the Tampa airport on 14 Jan to spend the day, and night before the cruise.

Mrs Spaceguy got us two rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East/Brandon

> 10309 Higland Manor Drive, Tampa, Florida 33610 through Priceline.

We understand Tampa is full that weekend due to the Kennel club convention.

Is the hotel she got a decent one and how is it in relation to the airport and cruise terminal?

Second, is there a rental car company that lets you pick up a car at the airport and turn it in at the cruise terminal? If so which ones?

If not we need a car for Sat and what would some of you experienced CCers recommend if we have to turn the car in someplace else on Sunday and still get to the cruise terminal?

Thanks!!

Okay, I have to say something here.

I think it is great they had matching outfits.

Would I do it, probably not, but then you weren't asking what I would do.

I think it shows a strong committment and degree of affection. Something we all probably need to see more of in this day and age....No doubt the couple was very happy together!

Perhpas the guy (I am making an assumption here, I'm a guy, I can see this happening) isn't very good at selecting clothes or outfits and his wife enjoys doing it. This was a good way to be dressed up. At least they did not violate the dining room dress code, and now they are being criticized here.

It was their cruise and they were enjoying it. Good for them!!