Gaylean,
No need to stop talking because of new people I sure as hell won't! I liken it to people showing up really late to a party, they walk in and don't know who to talk to or where to go. Doesn't mean you gotta change the theme of the party for them. I like the new people who post and say hi I am so and so and jump in. If they are flat out too scared to post we can't help them with anything.
So if you are new (and lurking) and just now looking for info on your cruise that is in two weeks POST! You have tons to catch up on and no time like the present to start.
This thread has helped me get to know people who will be cruising with me and I like it. I now know who I will get along with best and whom I might just avoid on the ship. That would not have happened if this thread was all business and no play. I know we all have our little cliques day/night East/West sandwich eaters/Vegetarians so be it I like the thread and they will have to drag me away......
Now a bunch of people might not read this since I posted it but maybe someone else will respond thus reposting it under their name and trick others into reading it.