At long last we're going to see the first episode; here's when it is and what it's about:

Jun. 19 10:00PM ET
Samantha Brown: Great Cruise Weekend

This weekend Samantha wants a real break - a place to kick back, chill out and get as far away from the daily grind as possible. That's why she's spending a long weekend aboard Carnival's Inspiration.

Cruiseluver will think she's died and gone to heaven.

Ha ha.

I'll be watching it later though, because I won't be home the 19th and 20th (bad timing... I'll miss the premiere of this and Get Smart).

Hmm the Inspiration. Isn't that the really pretty one with designs and such on the side? I'm pretty sure I've seen it at port somewhere. Or at least watched something about it... hmm well I guess I'll find out! It'll be a good show. Carnival is my favorite line (so far... but I've only been on Carnival, Holland America, and Celebrity).

It looks like the much awaited "ramping up" for the new series has begun. I just saw the first promo on the Travel Channel, which says Passport to Great Weekends will premiere on June 26th.
Perhaps the Cruise show on the 19th is not actually part of the new series??? Whatever. I'll be watching.

I am very impressed this evening by the new look of the home page, new features, pictures, news links and Sam's message. Someone has been very busy with updating. Quite a big change and some unexpected new content. I am assuming, from the new information on the crew, that Pine Ridge did not produce this new series, and that saddens me enormously. After bringing home three Daytime Emmy nominations for the Travel Channel this year, they deserve much credit for the programs we have enjoyed so much over the past eight years. Even if they don't win Emmy statues tomorrow as they have in the past, I hope they know that many of us appreciate the high quality of work they have done.

Mother O.

What? No PineRidge? Noooooo!!! I don't know how I feel about this. I'm sure the new team is fine, but... well, we'll see. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Stan and Jerry and everyone. *sniff* I miss them already.

But the message from Sam was nice. Has it only been 8 years? It feels like I've been watching Sam my whole life. And she was completely right about being excited about traveling the U.S. instead of other countries. It is very very important to learn as much as you can about the world outside, but don't forget to explore your own country. I'm starting to realize that (even though there is so much left for me to see overseas... I'll get there eventually).

And I noticed the section "What is Sam wearing?" That will be very helpful as many people post on here asking about her wardrobe (which sometimes works, in the case of her heart necklace and her pink and brown J. Crew bag).

In the photo for “What’s Sam Wearing?” it appears she has an awful tattoo on her back. I have to say I’m profoundly disappointed.

I have a hard time believing that's real (it could be airbrush or henna, for all we know) but if it is real, so what? If she wants a tattoo, why not? It's not going to make other people go out and get one. I'm personally not opposed to tattoos, but I know I won't get one just because I couldn't do something that permanent, because what if I don't like it when I'm like, 40? I won't even dye my hair!

But if Sam has a tattoo that's no reason to judge her, and it doesn't mean she's a bad influence.

But I don't really think it's real. I think it was put there for the sake of style for the photo shoot. After all, they're going with the whole "Sam's got a new look" thing. It's probably air brushed. Besides, it looks too vibrant and black, like it was just put there.

I hope you’re right about it being airbrushed.

I can't wait to see your new shows, They all look like so much fun. You are so special.God bless you. Love Mary.

loved the show last night Sam! loved hearing you sing...very cute.

seems you were quite popular aboard the ship. has it gotten harder to shoot now that you are more recognizable?

I got home late last night, so I only saw the last 15 minutes of the show, but I liked what I saw.

I've never been on a cruise and I really hve little interest in ever going on one. But, Samantha actually makes it look like it would be fun. She is great at what she does.

Love all of the new episodes Samantha.

Everything in this episode was amazing; I'm quite jealous.

Will you marry me?

I really hope someday, Sam will do a show on an Alaskan cruise! That would be so wonderful! I'm thinking of doing a cruise to Alaska.
Has anyone here been on an Alaskan cruise?
I sure would love to know if you have!

Well, as Cruiseluver, I've decided to do a sort of stream-of-consciousness post while I watch the Great Cruise Weekend episode. Let PTGW begin!

Yay Carnival!

Tampa is a lovely port. I remember going under that bridge! And that big cylinder-looking thing with the manatee mural on it.

Sam is absolutely right about the balcony. I can't imagine a cruise without a private balcony. I love being able to just step outside my room to a panorama of blue sea. It's also nice to leave the door open and hear the sound of the sea when you're falling asleep.
...Yes, I know I'm spoiled.

I must admit, Sam, I'd be one of the people to bug you if I saw you somewhere.

I agree--one of the best parts about a cruise is seeing where all the crew are from! (cue the excellent accents)

How did you fit Sam AND a camera person, maybe a sound person as well, in that bathroom???? Now that is impressive. And without the reflection of the camera in the mirror! Wow.

Some might think "Oh, Sam gets to sit with the head crew members... how unrealistic! No one gets to do that!" Well, I agree, but I'm kinda glad she did, because the crew deserves a lot more attention than most people give them.

Oh Sam, don't be embarrassed, you have a lovely singing voice! Better than mine, anyway.

Cozumel! I love Cozumel! Beautiful, beautiful island. Amazingly crystal-clear water, gorgeous beaches... it's simply scrumtrulescent.

Yeah, no way I'd drive a stick in Cozumel. I'd be deported after the first mile.

Way to go Sam! Thanks for always making an effort to speak the language. Even though, yes, Cozumel generally = tourism. [...] Ooh I've walked there!

The midnight buffet. Oh. Yesss. The night is young!

How did you do the camera on the water slide? How many times did Sam go down the slide to get the feet view and the face view? And the ending shot? Because I have a feeling Sam was holding the camera for the inside-the-slide bit.

Ok. I must also one day become a seaweed burrito.

All in all, a lovely episode. I'm looking forward to the other Great Weekends.

Though I still miss you, PineRidge

I finally got to see the entire episode last night and I really enjoyed it. I also thought Samantha’s singing was fine. If anyone should be embarrassed by the singing segment it’s the piano player, he was the one hitting the sour notes and he’s a professional musician.