I'VE been tentatively sharing this news in real life so here we go.
I've been invited to go on a cruise to the Bahamas. My partner and my daughters are coming with me.
There I said it.
It's a press trip and it's for Have a Lovely Time. It follows our bloggers' trip to Walt Disney World back in April and the buzz this created. This time, we are going to also produce podcasts and (pretty homespun) video content.
So now operation wetsuit is under way. How much weight can one woman lose with the prospect of donning a second skin to swim with dolphins looming, um, large?
I've no idea but am about to find out. And if that video camera comes anywhere near me, so will some of you.
You'll have the best time ever. I took my son on the Disney cruise (on a press trip) when he was younger and I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays of our life. They take you to their own island 'Castaway Cay', where the sea is jade green, clear (and very warm) and the sand is caster sugar soft. And Oh my goodness the rum cocktails are fabulous. The restaurants on board are fabulous - one of them changes colour with every course. The cabins are gorgeous. The entertainment is amazing - basically condensed versions of the Disney Broadway/West End shows. And I had the best nights' sleep I've ever had in my entire life. I am emerald green with envy. (I was disappointed though to discover you can't stand on the bridge and do a Titanic. S'against some shipping/nautical rule. You've been warned!)
Posted by: Liz (LivingwithKids) | October 06, 2009 at 05:36 PM
It sounds AMAZING! I swam with wild dolphins in an XXXL wetsuit. They didn't care and neither did I. Have a lovely time (as they say) xxx
Posted by: SandyCalico | October 06, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Superb, that's excellent, I am sure you'll have a 'swell' time (sincere apologies for that). I really enjoyed the one cruise I've been on - while my wife was pregnant. And we honeymooned in the Bahamas, a lovely, lovely place, and check out how many people are called Newbold. I think I must be part Bahaman.
Posted by: SingleParentDad | October 06, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Wow! Just WOW!
You are gonna have the best time EVER!
:)
Posted by: Insomniac Mummy | October 06, 2009 at 06:41 PM
wow - fantastic news!!! really pleased for you!!!
Posted by: Julie | October 06, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Can't wait to see the vids, podcasts and pics :-)
Posted by: Craig | October 06, 2009 at 07:00 PM
OMG! Your girls will love that trip! I know mine would - any room for stowaways?
Posted by: notSupermum via Twitter | October 06, 2009 at 07:03 PM
I've already said it in private, but this is absolutely amazing news and you so deserve it! Have a wondrous time, take lots of pics and please, please, please take a wetsuit pic. Oh just one. Go on...
...it's for my private collection...
Posted by: English Mum | October 06, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Thanks everyone - Liz that was one of my first thoughts about the romantic cuddling at the front of the deck thingummajig.
Becky, how could you ignore the one you already have? I pursed my lips just for you..Sandy, thank you what a lovely comment and I know you know where I am coming from...
Posted by: Linda | October 06, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Oh my goodness! How fantastic!!
And well deserved too - I will enjoy living vicariously through your photos and podcasts!
You know we're going to need to see photos of you in that wetsuit FOR REAL now right?!)
xx
Posted by: Josie @Sleep is for the Weak | October 06, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Hi Ian - thank you - please can you adopt me then?
Hi Josie - thank you - you can imagine how we are all feeling..re the wetsuit, I think the chances of that happening are about as high as well them there twins winning the X Factor...
Posted by: Linda | October 06, 2009 at 07:32 PM
Ooh darling - sounds amazing. Can't wait to see all the pics. When are you off??
Posted by: Maternal Tales | October 06, 2009 at 08:00 PM
Hi Emily - not long at all...do you think it was my Butlins review wot swung it? x
Posted by: Linda | October 06, 2009 at 08:07 PM
That's fantastic news and very well-deserved. You'll have such a brilliant time. I'm envious! x
Posted by: Keris | October 06, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I am green...GREEEN! with envy. Can't wait to read all the details here.
And good luck with the wetsuit challenge. Don't forget to wee in it as soon as you get in the water (although perhaps that only applies if you're swimming in the North Sea...?)
Posted by: Jo Payton | October 06, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Oh that is just brilliant. BRILLIANT. And like Sandy says, the dolphin won't cae, but I know you will so go for it. x
Posted by: Jo Beaufoix | October 06, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Bloody hell, Linda, I'm definitely blogging on the wrong subjects! It sounds fantastic - we swam with dolphins in Florida this year and it was just amazing - your girls will love it! (And so will you!)
Posted by: Amber | October 06, 2009 at 09:00 PM
OMG how jealous am I? The answer's very. Congratulations. Have a fantabulous time and let us know every detail x
Posted by: Victoria | October 06, 2009 at 09:07 PM
jealous? moi?
Posted by: Katie via facebook | October 06, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Cracking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have a belting trip. You deserve it.
Posted by: Marie via facebook | October 06, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Double lucky so-and-so!
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 06, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Hi Linda, I just wanted to say this is a great trip but it is well deserved. You have been a real help to me and you know why. Look forward to seeing how you all get on, I see you have finally worked out how to use pictures.
Posted by: Kathy | October 06, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Can you do cake reviews, please Linda??
Posted by: Dan Slee | October 06, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Thanks again all, course i can Dan but don't know about curry! x
Posted by: Linda | October 06, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Very jealous here, well done how exciting! Following up on your reply to Josie: if those twins win X Factor can we see a wetsuit photo? (I think they'll be so unpopular, they'll be popular).
Posted by: Whistlejacket | October 06, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Thank you :) here is my current wetsuit pic in case you missed it: http://www.twitpic.com/kcv3b
Posted by: Linda | October 06, 2009 at 10:37 PM
You are going to have the most amazing time...Lx
Posted by: Lulu Campbell | October 06, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Can I stow away in your luggage, if theres a woman that needs a holiday its me! Have fun, well done xx
Posted by: Zooarchaelogist | October 06, 2009 at 11:31 PM
You lucky thing! You deserve it so much. and I'm not jealous. No, not at all... OK, maybe a little envious x
Posted by: Jayne Howarth | October 07, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Wow, what a wonderful trip - and even better that your family can go too. Hope you all have a fantastic time!
Posted by: Rachel B | October 07, 2009 at 06:58 AM
oh my lord! Congratulations!
Posted by: Kate | October 07, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Jammy jammy jammy jammy jammy jammy sod.
Posted by: Tara @Stickyfingers | October 07, 2009 at 07:08 AM
This is going to be amazing, please take photos of the food, yeah?
Posted by: Littlemummy | October 07, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Hi Erica, thank you. I certainly will, but not the Slimfasts I am eating before I go :)
Posted by: Linda | October 07, 2009 at 07:52 AM
You'll have a ball! I have 'swimming with dolphins' on my list of things to do before I snuff it, but hadn't considered the wetsuit wearing! I will follow your lead, so lots of tips and photos please :) I look forward to reading all about it.
Posted by: Caroline | October 07, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Dearest Linda, you so deserve this. Have a fabulous time with your family and I hope the dolphins are sprucing themselves up for your arrival! Look forward to hearing all about it xxx
Posted by: Dulwich divorcee | October 07, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Have a lovely time (see what I did there?)
Posted by: Patricia | October 07, 2009 at 09:04 AM
This sounds AWESOME! My god, swimming with dolphins is just the best thing ever, I hope you love every second of it. Woooo!!!
Posted by: Tamsini | October 07, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Aw, that is nice news. Well done.
Posted by: Kelly innit | October 07, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Fantastic Linda, and well deserved. Hard works does pay off doesn't it?
Posted by: amf | October 07, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Weeping with envy.... but they've picked the right gal! Yup, I'd like the wetsuit pic too.... ;)
Posted by: exmoorjane | October 07, 2009 at 10:42 AM
sounds fab! Well done, you deserve it. Hope you all have a great time and look forward to reading all about it :)
Posted by: Jo Wildman | October 07, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Wow, thanks everyone, Jane, how come you haven't seen this? http://www.twitpic.com/kcv3b
Posted by: Linda | October 07, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Fantastic news - well deserved!
Posted by: Tattie Weasle | October 07, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Now you are all going to have to stop it else I will cry. I was scared people would be miserable old buggers about it so you can imagine it is very heartening to see such lovely comments. Thanks a million.
Posted by: Linda | October 07, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Aaaaah (screams excitedly). Wow - have a fantastic time!!
Posted by: Ellen Heaney | October 07, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Wow!! Have a fabby time xxx
Posted by: Liz@VioletPosy | October 07, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Had such a fantastic time on a press trip to Disney when we were literally treated like royalty - but that's another story!
Have a great trip Linda and don't for a minute think about us back here working our backsides off whilst you are lounging under palm trees...
Posted by: Helen | October 07, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Have a fab time!
Posted by: New Mummy | October 07, 2009 at 04:01 PM
result! hope it's 99% fun and 1% work :) Although you could argue that having fun is essential research...
Posted by: Sharon | October 07, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Have a wonderful time darling.
DISNEY I WANT TO GO!
Posted by: A Modern Mother | October 07, 2009 at 07:41 PM
You swine!
Posted by: Dan | October 07, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Thank you again to everyone for their good wishes...
Posted by: Linda | October 07, 2009 at 10:57 PM
You mean good wishes and turning green with envy!! Have a lovely time lol! xx
Posted by: Rachael | October 07, 2009 at 11:01 PM
So pleased for you Linda - have an amazing time!
Posted by: Catherine | October 08, 2009 at 10:35 AM
how fab!!!! I think it's just what you need hun xxx have a great time :-)
Posted by: Francisca | October 08, 2009 at 10:37 AM
This sounds AWESOME! My god, swimming with dolphins is just the best thing ever, I hope you love every second of it. Woooo!!!
Posted by: Tamsini | October 08, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Woo-hooo, well done. And much deserved.
Posted by: Louise | October 08, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Can't fail but be very pleased for you (OK, more than a mite jealous too) - much deserved. Well done!
Posted by: Olivia H | October 08, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Fab!
Posted by: Camilla | October 08, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Really pleased for you, Linda. Well done.
Posted by: Olivia Greenway | October 08, 2009 at 10:45 AM
How amazing is that you lucky thing. Although i know luck has nothing to do with it as you work so hard..well deserved! Soooo jelous and the fact that you get to take along your family too thats fab, enjoy and i can't wait to read all about it!
Posted by: Wife of Bold | October 08, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Wow Linda - that's amazing, and well deserved. Enjoy every moment!
Posted by: Potty Mummy | October 08, 2009 at 12:10 PM
That's fantastic!! I'm very jealous x
Posted by: clareybabble | October 08, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Wow, I am begiining to see how much fun blogging can me - I am a newbie and was using it as a place to record my days with my boys.
I really love your blog and would second the thanks to Susanna.
I hope you enjoy your opportunity!!
Posted by: The MadHouse via Britishmummybloggers.co.uk | October 08, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Nice one! Have a lovely time!
Posted by: Karen via British Mummy Bloggers | October 13, 2009 at 11:49 AM
wow! now that is a trip and a half! i hope you have a fab time you deserve it!
Posted by: Amy via British Mummy Bloggers | October 13, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Linda - while I think of it, it gets very hot on Castaway Cay (there isn't much shade) so make sure you have lots of strong SPF for the girls (and yourself)and hats, obv for all of you. Also remember to have some spare USD handy for tipping your cabin steward when you leave xxx
Posted by: Liz (LivingwithKids) | October 18, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Very well deserved....will think of you swimming with dolphins, sipping rum cocktails. Oh and blogging about it. Obviously :) x
Posted by: gigi (MUMSROCK) | November 08, 2009 at 07:39 PM