I agree with you, Julie. I have had cokes/diet cokes in Asia, Central America and parts of Europe that just don't taste the same.

Susan, let me get this straight. Your husband drinks 24 cans a week? Assuming your cruise will last a week, are bringing a case with you? I'm glad I'm not carrying your luggage. I hope he never takes a two or three-week trip!

You are all missing the point. I take my Diet Coke with me becuase it can taste VERY different depending on where in the world it was bottled. In Australia, for some reason, it tastes saltier; in Japan, it's bubblier and not as sweet. Maybe has to do with the water, the same way that New York pizza supposedly gets its unique identity from the NYC water used to make the dough.

I drank tons of coke also, and guess what? I ended up with diabetes!! Now I inject insulin, and believe me it ain't fun! My doctor told me coke is one of the worst things to drink! So to all you coke fanatics, I hope you don't end up like me!!

Sorry about your condition, George, but your doctor was shading the truth a bit. It is more likely that diabetes is caused by poor lifestyle (lack of exercise and too much food) and/or bad luck. But if anyone wants to blame it on soft drinks, I guess that might be easier to swallow (no pun intended).

Hey XXXXman-Anyone who drinks a case or more of Coke away definitely has a poor lifesyle.

No Cokehead, you're missing the point. Anyone who drinks a case of cola a week sure isn't doing himself any good, healthwise. And, anyone who drinks that much is addicted to it. Maybe it's not as bad as cigarettes, alcohol or drugs, but that much cola's not good for you.

This probably won't help much, but . . . I once phoned customer service at an airline (I think it was Aer Lingus) to ask whether an aerosol can of saline solution would explode in the cargo hold. Their official word: "It could, depending on the temperature." My stupid follow-up question: "Would that pose a danger to the plane?" Their reply: "No, only to the inside of your luggage." (Yes, I am a paranoid flyer.) They suggested I store the can in my carry-on case. <BR> <BR>Guess you just take your chances with the cargo hold.

Thanks, everyone -- I've had fun following this thread! <BR> <BR>Yes, my husband is addicted to Diet Pepsi (please stop blaspheming with "Coke" here!), as well as to coffee (a pot a day). Fortunately, these are the worst vices he has, so I'm not complaining. He's been checked for diabetes twice already (he's only 38), and so far, so good. His lifestyle could definitely use some straightening out, but whose couldn't? <BR> <BR>As for the case-a-week issue, I'm only taking a 12-pack because it's lighter. He does have enough self-control to limit himself to that and enjoy the other beverages offered on the ship. <BR> <BR>We leave for Miami tomorrow and sail on Sunday, so this is the last time I'll be online for awhile. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for all the input!