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