Friday 25th The biggest worry I had about coming on this trip (other than the missus being pregnant) was going from the freezing cold of New York to the scorching sun of the Caribbean. Well my fears for the REAL cold of NY didn't materialise with the lowest temperature being hit today of -2c. Last time I was here with the missus it was -16c so as you can imagine it was t-shirt weather today! Today we board the ship Explorer of the Seas and what a mighty impressive ship it is. Having been lucky enough to have been on the other two Ladbrokes poker cruises -well they had a lot to live up to and my first impressions are they may well just pull it off. First off the boarding process was painless and was done very quickly which from my experiences makes a pleasant change. Then there's the staterooms all the Ladbrokes guests have (unless you are called Kevin O'Connell and you can afford to upgrade to the Royal suit with its own grand piano and TWO yes TWO Jacuzzis!!!). Well there nice, very nice and each one as its own private balcony. Next the food - I like my food, I eat nothing else and I eat alot, sometimes everyday (I know.... stick to poker...comedy isn't my strong point) well on first impressions the food is not just good its very good. I don't give very good compliments very easy, i'm shocked myself by this high rating on my first visit - well I do reserve the right to change my mind. I don't really need to mention the good company - anyone who's ever been on a Ladbrokes trip will know that it is still the best group of poker players you will ever meet. Seriously, i've yet to meet a tosser on one of these trips. This goes for the Ladbrokes crew too - still the hardest working and friendly to a fault even if most of the faces have changed since the last trip (naturally the man in charge Nigel Blower is still here, but with possibly the best job on earth I think he would need killing to get him out of Ladbrokes). Of course, the most important part of the trip and the main event starts tomorrow and looking at the table draw i'm going to have to play good to get through day one - the table of death its been called and with virtually everyone at my table being a good'un....I can see why. Anyway bed now...i'm knackered - free drink and jet lag possibly not the best preparation for a major tourney, but hey that's Ladbrokes for you.