Through the powers of the Internet and poetic license, we discovered this snippet from one NR cruiser’s daily journal.

Sound night’s sleep. Woke up refreshed and had a hankering for some french toast and bacon and coffee so I headed off (quietly – Jane was still sleeping) to the Lido Restaurant. I was carrying my tray by a table and sitting there was Tony Blankley. I’m a big fan so I said howdy and asked if he wouldn’t mind answering a question. He said ask away and before you know it he said “join me” and before you know that 40 minutes had passed and we were still in the thick of a great great conversation. Anyway, later at the morning seminar Tony was one of the panelists, along with Cal Thomas and John Sununu and Ralph Reed and they dissected the upcoming Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. They were all funny and sharp and I came away from the seminar feeling I really knew what the heck was happening on the campaign trail. Had a super afternoon (reading – man I hardly ever have time to just relax and read! It was therapeutic!) then before dinner there was a fantastic NR cocktail reception. Everyone was happy and friendly – I felt like I was at a reunion of good friends. Anyway, Jane and I met this wonderful couple from Ohio, the Willeys — we noticed they were also carrying Mark Steyn’s new book so together we approached him and he kinfdly signed and personalized our copies, and then we talked to him about what it was like to sub for Rush – he is so funny and charming. Couldn’t have been friendlier. Well, before you knew it we had pictures taken with Mark and also with Andy McCarthy and then Andrew Klavan. What a nice guy! (McCarthy too – turns out he lives down the block from my cousin and their kids are friends; small world). Anyway, the reception ended and then we headed to dinner and who is at our table – the Willeys! And also the Paganos, a really nice couple from Florida (celebrating their 25th). And – Andrew Klavan and his wife! The conversation was marvelous and we had a lot of laughs and after dinner (it was delicious — I especially like the soups and desserts the Eurodam chefs whip up) we all decided to continue the fun at the Crow’s Nest Lounge. What a day. Just one day! Tomorrow: two seminars and a “Night Owl” with Mark, Jonah, and Rob Long. Can’t wait for that!

Back to the Past — or is it the present? Anyway, that is precisely the kind of day you can expect on the National Review 2011 Caribbean Cruise, scheduled for November 12-19 on Holland America Line’s glorious Eurodam. Cabins are going fast, so sign up now at www.nrcruise.com, which has complete information about this trip of a lifetime. And just because we thought you’d like it, here’s our cruise ad that’s now running on Fox: