Travel catch-up: From the beginning

Got an email today from NCL advertising Western Mediterranean itineraries on the latest/greatest ship, the Epic. There was even a special rate including airfare for $1,799/pp. Even better, the ports included Livorno, Civitivecchia and Naples, plus Barcelona and Mallorca. I mentioned it to John over dinner and he said "Let's go!", so as soon as we got home from dinner I went online and attempted to book the trip. I had a problem with the site so I wound up calling. I wanted a cabin with a balcony but had no preference where on the ship it was located. So right now we have a booking o. The October 16, 2011 sailing out of Barcelona. We will spend our 24th anniversary in Palma Mallorca. The only thing we won't know, probably until we leave, is where our cabin is located. And $1,799 became $4,637 for both of us. We will be contacted regarding our flight information but will be flying out on October 15th from JFK.  So, now I'm getting excited.