CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away

Everyone wants to amaze their friends now and again, making them jealous of your adventure-filled life. You could post photos of you and your parents sitting camelback in front of the pyramids in Egypt, or maybe make your pals sit through a video of you riding a zipline across a tropical canyon somewhere. But hey, we’ve all done that, right? Let's kick it up a notch.

Our experience aboard the Carnival Triumph was quite different than those poor people who are headed back home today from the very same ship.

Sixteen years ago today, January 22nd, 1997, CJ, Debbie Ray & I walked into the studios of 99.9 KTDY and went on the air. It was the beginning of a run that none of us had imagined.

Here to make you jealous, more pictures from the KTDY 2012 cruise.

Each year I save my pennies until I have enough to pay for my most-anticipated vacation, the Cayamo cruise.  This year's cruise sailed from Miami to The Dominion Republic, St. Maarten, and St. Barts, and featured  Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artists alike

The CJ & Debbie Ray Sail Away Pre Cruise Party 2012 is on Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Pavilion at Cypress Bayou Casino from 6pm-10:30pm.

The CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away is only  few weeks away! Whether you want pizza, a gourmet meal, or something in between, the Carnival Magic has something delicious waiting for you! Check out 'The Steakhouse.'

We are counting down the hours till we sail away to Grand Cayman, Montego Bay Jamaica, and Cozumel. But first, let's have a party! FREE BOOZE, FREE FOOD, FREE BAND at the pre cruise party at  Cypress Bayou Casino, Friday Jan 20 at 6pm with live music from Connie G and Creole Soul.

We had a planning meeting today to discuss the details for the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away 2012 and we are all so excited! CJ and Kermit have already been on the ship, the Carnival Magic, for a little preview and Bernie and I can't wait to see it with you for the first time!

This past Sunday afternoon, Carnival Cruise Line presented a private concert featuring Maroon 5.  This is an exclusive performance of  Maroon 5's, 'Moves Like Jagger', live in Galveston, Texas.

Maroon 5 and Carnival Magic arrive in Galveston, Texas Sunday November 13th to quite a reception.  This is Carnival's biggest ship in it's fleet and most modern.  From hot tubs that hang off the side of the ship to the exciting shows in the theater, this ship will dazzle you with her beauty while stimulating your fun side.

Grammy Award Winners Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, official band of the CJ and Debbie Ray Sailaway 2010, will host a benefit concert tonight (7/15) for the Opelousas Boys & Girls Club. The concert will be held at Mojo's Sports Bar inside Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. Chubby plays from 8pm to 10:30pm.

The Carnival Magic made its debut this month in Europe and, boy, are we getting excited after reading the reviews! Gene Sloan of USA Today says the early word is that it's a winner!

Thinking about going on the CJ & Debbie Ray Sailaway 2012 onboard the Carnival Magic?    Carnival's newest ship conducted extensive trials in the Adriatic Sea before preparing for its maiden voyage from Europe. The Ship was constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and it's designed to carry 3,690 passengers.

CJ and Debbie Ray were visited this morning by Chubby Carrier, who joined them on the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away 2011. Chubby brought along his Grammy Award, which, he said, was delivered to his home in a cardboard box via Fed Ex! The Grammy they present at the Awards is just a prop- they take it away after the photo sessions are over...

Coming soon to a port near you... Carnival Magic! Come with us on the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away 2012! A real tree frog in a tiny apron! Shore Excursions to the Moon! Unicorn rides for the kids! This is why we love Carnival! Check out the Video Trailer: Carnival Magic- The Big Reveal...

We are already super-excited about the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away 2012!  We will sail aboard the Carnival Magic on February 26 from Galveston for Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.  This ship, which just conducted trials in the Adriatic Sea, combines a luxury resort with the fun Carnival is so famous for...

The Mad Hatters Martini Party is always a highlight of the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away!  From the crazy, funny themes to the heirlooms and treasures displayed, our group knows how to turn a Tea Party into a Martini Party!

These photos are from the hairy Chest Competition on the Lido Deck, Karaoke in the World's Way Lounge & more from aboard the Carnival Triumph!   Check out the CJ and Debbie Ray Sail Away 2012 HERE.

When we Sail Away, we do it all the way!  The Welcome Aboard Party was held in the Rio Lounge and the drinks and food were all compliments of Travel Machine!  Bernie did the official introductions, then Connie G took the stage, and things just took off from there...