I have not been keeping up with this blog. The internet is slow but really, there is not much to tell. In St. John's Virgin Island, I did not get off the ship. My hip and right leg has really been bothering me. Bob thinks that my water exercises are to blame. At any rate, each day has been like the others.
We did meet a very nice couple from South Carolina. They live in The Cliffs. We had lunch with them the last two days of the cruise. Bill orders these seafood plates. So he and Bob each had one on Thursday. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab claws and legs. All cold but very good. He also ordered one for Friday lunch but only one this time. We ate in the Restaurant and the couple at the table next to us, said she did not see that on the menu. You can order just about anything you want and if possible, you will get it.
Friday evening they had a gathering on the pool deck. It was a farewell to us. A nice affair. The entire service staff rimmed the upper deck of the pool and waved good bye to us.
Saturday we docked in Ft. Lauderdale where there were seven other ships docked. The airport was probably a zoo. But we were off the ship and on the road by 9am. The drive home was uneventful. We finished listening to the book on CD and arrived at the house around 3pm.
Now to send our passports and pictures off to get our VISA's for the next cruise. We need Visa's for China, India, and Australia.
Till then.
Eileen
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
St. Johns, Antigua
Today we docked in St. John's, Antigua. We have been here several times in the past.
Breakfast on the aft deck. We both had the special omelet which turned out to be dry. Oh well. Then back to the suite until it was time to swim. We swam for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. Then we sat on the deck to dry and enjoy a club soda.
We returned to the suite and dressed for lunch. Again on the aft deck where we watched the MSC Musica arrive. They are docked right next to us. We had our nap. I decided to sit on the deck lounge chair and read. Well nap and read. Not the most comfortable but I did get some sleep. Then we decided to walk into town. Barbara joined us for the beginning of our walk. Bob wanted to go up to the church so we left Barbara in the town. The church turned out to be locked up tight. So we returned to the port. The Regent Navigator was also docked here but at a different dock so we could not visit it.
We returned to the ship and sat on the balcony to read. Lots of shade for me and a nice breeze. I am reading "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo. Almost finished.
We dressed for dinner and headed to the Club for our cocktails. I had an Old Fashioned and Bob had his martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Dinner in the Restaurant at the same table we had the other night. It is a round table but set for only two persons. And in a nice location. It is funny how people want to sit by the window when it is dark out and you can see nothing.
Back to the cabin to look for Monday Night Football but no good. We read and lights out instead. At 3:45 am there was an announcement "Code Alpha" deck 9 forward. Will try and find out what that is about. We think medical but not sure.
Breakfast on the aft deck. We both had the special omelet which turned out to be dry. Oh well. Then back to the suite until it was time to swim. We swam for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. Then we sat on the deck to dry and enjoy a club soda.
We returned to the suite and dressed for lunch. Again on the aft deck where we watched the MSC Musica arrive. They are docked right next to us. We had our nap. I decided to sit on the deck lounge chair and read. Well nap and read. Not the most comfortable but I did get some sleep. Then we decided to walk into town. Barbara joined us for the beginning of our walk. Bob wanted to go up to the church so we left Barbara in the town. The church turned out to be locked up tight. So we returned to the port. The Regent Navigator was also docked here but at a different dock so we could not visit it.
We returned to the ship and sat on the balcony to read. Lots of shade for me and a nice breeze. I am reading "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo. Almost finished.
We dressed for dinner and headed to the Club for our cocktails. I had an Old Fashioned and Bob had his martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Dinner in the Restaurant at the same table we had the other night. It is a round table but set for only two persons. And in a nice location. It is funny how people want to sit by the window when it is dark out and you can see nothing.
Back to the cabin to look for Monday Night Football but no good. We read and lights out instead. At 3:45 am there was an announcement "Code Alpha" deck 9 forward. Will try and find out what that is about. We think medical but not sure.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Today we are docked in Basseterre, St. Kits. Along side our ship is the Silver Whisper. We docked here around 9:30am and we are staying until 11pm. Not that there is that much to do here, just so close to the next port.
Had breakfast on the aft deck and then back to the suite to work on cross stitch until our breakfast settled. Then we headed to the pool. While doing our exercises, June (met her at needlepoint) and her husband came into the pool. I spoke with the husband. They live in New Hampshire and he is a retired professor from UNH. But before Katie's time there. By the time Katie was a student, he had retired. They have been married 69 years. We did our exercises for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. We stayed up on deck for a bit and spoke with Barbara from Long Boat Cay about the football games yesterday. She has a second home in St. Louis so was wondering about Missouri's score. He husband is in a motorize scooter. His name is Chris and we spoke with him as we were leaving the deck.
Today the weather is why you come to the islands. Warm and sunny. A perfect day. We plan to walk in town this afternoon but might change our minds as it is Sunday and most of the stores are closed.
So we had lunch on the aft deck and then our nap. I decided to sit on the balcony for a bit but did go inside to take a decent nap. Then we dressed and headed out. We walked about the town. Not much open but then again, we were not shopping. Back on board we did sit out on our balcony for a bit.
We had out cocktails in the Club and then dinner on the aft deck. Tonight was Tuscan Market. The aft deck was quite windy. My white wine glass was blown over due to Bob's place mat and so I got covered in white wine. Thanks goodness it was not red. Dinner was okay. The mussels were probably the best part of the dinner except for the wine.
Back in the suite where we learned the Jackssonville won. What is up with that? Now looking for a late football game but if not, read and lights out.
Had breakfast on the aft deck and then back to the suite to work on cross stitch until our breakfast settled. Then we headed to the pool. While doing our exercises, June (met her at needlepoint) and her husband came into the pool. I spoke with the husband. They live in New Hampshire and he is a retired professor from UNH. But before Katie's time there. By the time Katie was a student, he had retired. They have been married 69 years. We did our exercises for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. We stayed up on deck for a bit and spoke with Barbara from Long Boat Cay about the football games yesterday. She has a second home in St. Louis so was wondering about Missouri's score. He husband is in a motorize scooter. His name is Chris and we spoke with him as we were leaving the deck.
Today the weather is why you come to the islands. Warm and sunny. A perfect day. We plan to walk in town this afternoon but might change our minds as it is Sunday and most of the stores are closed.
So we had lunch on the aft deck and then our nap. I decided to sit on the balcony for a bit but did go inside to take a decent nap. Then we dressed and headed out. We walked about the town. Not much open but then again, we were not shopping. Back on board we did sit out on our balcony for a bit.
We had out cocktails in the Club and then dinner on the aft deck. Tonight was Tuscan Market. The aft deck was quite windy. My white wine glass was blown over due to Bob's place mat and so I got covered in white wine. Thanks goodness it was not red. Dinner was okay. The mussels were probably the best part of the dinner except for the wine.
Back in the suite where we learned the Jackssonville won. What is up with that? Now looking for a late football game but if not, read and lights out.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Saturday finds us docked in San Juan. We were up early and watched us come into port. There are two ships already here but they are on the other side of the harbor. Celebrity Summit and Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Sea. We are docked right down town. But the weather is not so good. Rain and clouds.
Aft deck for breakfast. Bob had an omelet this morning while I had yogurt fruit and an English Muffin. After breakfast we headed back to the cabin. Then down to the Square for tea and reading. While we were returning to the cabin, they announced that the crew will be having a drill. We changed into our swim suits and headed out to the pool right before they closed the fire doors. This would mean you could not pass from one area to another. So we made it with the cabin girls telling us to hurry.
It was raining but not too heavy so we swam anyway. You are already wet so why not. We did 45 minutes and then into the hot tub. The pool water is at 84 degrees so very pleasant. At the end of our swim, a lady joined us. By this time the rain had stopped.
We changed for lunch which we ate inside. Today was Mexican and not my favorite. Then back to the suite for our nap. After the nap we decided to try the tea up in the Observation Lounge. Bob and I both enjoyed the African Amber tea. All quite good and tasty. The weather continues to be raining off and on. Not a good day to walk about the city so we did not even get off the ship.
Back to the suite to get cleaned up for dinner. We went back up to the Observation Lounge and this time asked for Makers Old Fashioned. Not as good as mine are but okay. We then went down to the Club and asked for the Old Fashioned and these were better, I think. After a full one, who can really tell. We spoke with Annabelle (cruise director) and asked about Barry Hopkins. We have sailed with Barry a few times and really care about him. Last we heard he was battling kidney cancer. Now we learn it is lung and bone. Not a good report.
Dinner in the restaurant. I again had tomato soup and lamb chops. No dessert. Back to the cabin to watch the end of the football game and then lights out.
Aft deck for breakfast. Bob had an omelet this morning while I had yogurt fruit and an English Muffin. After breakfast we headed back to the cabin. Then down to the Square for tea and reading. While we were returning to the cabin, they announced that the crew will be having a drill. We changed into our swim suits and headed out to the pool right before they closed the fire doors. This would mean you could not pass from one area to another. So we made it with the cabin girls telling us to hurry.
It was raining but not too heavy so we swam anyway. You are already wet so why not. We did 45 minutes and then into the hot tub. The pool water is at 84 degrees so very pleasant. At the end of our swim, a lady joined us. By this time the rain had stopped.
We changed for lunch which we ate inside. Today was Mexican and not my favorite. Then back to the suite for our nap. After the nap we decided to try the tea up in the Observation Lounge. Bob and I both enjoyed the African Amber tea. All quite good and tasty. The weather continues to be raining off and on. Not a good day to walk about the city so we did not even get off the ship.
Back to the suite to get cleaned up for dinner. We went back up to the Observation Lounge and this time asked for Makers Old Fashioned. Not as good as mine are but okay. We then went down to the Club and asked for the Old Fashioned and these were better, I think. After a full one, who can really tell. We spoke with Annabelle (cruise director) and asked about Barry Hopkins. We have sailed with Barry a few times and really care about him. Last we heard he was battling kidney cancer. Now we learn it is lung and bone. Not a good report.
Dinner in the restaurant. I again had tomato soup and lamb chops. No dessert. Back to the cabin to watch the end of the football game and then lights out.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Sea Day #2
Friday was our second sea day. This time the weather was much better. Still windy but at least the sun is shinning.
We had breakfast on the aft deck. I had an egg white omelet with mushrooms and tomatoes. Bob had a plate of sausages and mustard. When we came back to the suite, Mila was cleaning it so we went to the Square for coffee and read some. While doing some cross stitch, Barbara from Long Boat Cay came over to talk.
We decided to try and swim so we changed and headed out to the pool. There were two others in the pool. The water was not bad. Lots of motion and the pool is deep that I cannot touch the bottom. Makes you work harder. But we did out exercises for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. Lots of people were sunning themselves.
I cleaned up and hurried to needlepoint. I had promised Rose I would give her a needlepoint kit I had brought from home but when I got there, no Rose. I stayed and talked with the ladies for a bit and then returned to the suite.
Lunch on the aft deck and then our nap.
We were invited by the chef for a tour of the galley. This was very interesting. There were about 12 of us that were on the tour. We had been in the galley before as they used to have a galley lunch and the galley was like a buffet line. They do not do that sort of thing if they have caviar in the surf.
Dressed for dinner and then up to the Club for cocktails. Bob ordered his caviar. Then down to dinner where we had a nice table for two. Tonight was lobster night. I started with a beet salad and then the lobster. My lobster was slightly mushy. Then I enjoyed a cheese plate while Bob had a soufflé. Back to the cabin to read and then lights out.
Tomorrow is our first port of call - San Juan.
We had breakfast on the aft deck. I had an egg white omelet with mushrooms and tomatoes. Bob had a plate of sausages and mustard. When we came back to the suite, Mila was cleaning it so we went to the Square for coffee and read some. While doing some cross stitch, Barbara from Long Boat Cay came over to talk.
We decided to try and swim so we changed and headed out to the pool. There were two others in the pool. The water was not bad. Lots of motion and the pool is deep that I cannot touch the bottom. Makes you work harder. But we did out exercises for 45 minutes and then the hot tub. Lots of people were sunning themselves.
I cleaned up and hurried to needlepoint. I had promised Rose I would give her a needlepoint kit I had brought from home but when I got there, no Rose. I stayed and talked with the ladies for a bit and then returned to the suite.
Lunch on the aft deck and then our nap.
We were invited by the chef for a tour of the galley. This was very interesting. There were about 12 of us that were on the tour. We had been in the galley before as they used to have a galley lunch and the galley was like a buffet line. They do not do that sort of thing if they have caviar in the surf.
Dressed for dinner and then up to the Club for cocktails. Bob ordered his caviar. Then down to dinner where we had a nice table for two. Tonight was lobster night. I started with a beet salad and then the lobster. My lobster was slightly mushy. Then I enjoyed a cheese plate while Bob had a soufflé. Back to the cabin to read and then lights out.
Tomorrow is our first port of call - San Juan.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sea Day #1
Today is Thanksgiving. So Happy Thanksgiving to all who decide to read this blog.
We are at sea today. The winds are high and the sea are sort of strong. One of the disadvantages of a suite at the front of the ship, you cannot go out on the deck or you will be blown away. There is some motion of the ship but not enough to bother me.
We were up for breakfast in the aft deck. We did sit outside. The winds were not as bad back here. Bob had eggs benedict and lamb chops while I had fruit and cheerios.
For those who did not know, when we booked this cruise we did a guarantee balcony. And then we were offered an upgrade to a penthouse and we took that. And again, we were offered an upgrade to the Owners Suite. We figured this is a once in a lifetime chance so we took it. So when we opened the door, this is what we found. A large room across the entire width of the ship which included a dining table for four and a couch and chair plus a desk.
The there is also a bar area and a kitchen with a coffee maker and a refrigerator. Plus our Scotch which we ordered. Like we need more to drink. The hallway is to the door to enter the suite. There is a powder room on the left as you enter.
The bedroom is separate from the living area. A nice king size bed but not much space between the bed and the wall. Our luggage was in the suite when we arrived which was nice.
The sofa is the most uncomfortable we have ever had. So I sit at the table and Bob sits at the desk.
This is the desk where Bob sits at his computer.
The entrance hallway again.
The balcony goes from the middle of the ship around to the side. A disadvantage when the winds are blowing. But there is a table out there that we can use when we are in port.
This is the area on the side but again, while sailing it is very windy as there is no wind barrier.
So today while at sea, we had terrible weather. Rain and wind all day. I did go to the needlepoint gathering but it was not like on Regent or Oceania. But met some very nice ladies. And some not so nice ones too.
Tonight was the block party where we met some of our neighbors. Very similar to what Regent does. Met three bothers and their wives who are from Michigan and Gainsville. At least one is from Gainsville. Plus some other folks. A nice way to get to know each other.
Dinner was in the Restaurant. We had a nice table for two by the window. A family of four who we sat next to last night were seated next to us again tonight. A young couple from Ft. Lauderdale and her mother and grandfather. They all are from Turkey originally. Mother and Grandfather still live in Turkey. They are just visiting the couple. He is in IT and gets to work from home two days a week.
Back to the suite to work on blog and the bed.
We are at sea today. The winds are high and the sea are sort of strong. One of the disadvantages of a suite at the front of the ship, you cannot go out on the deck or you will be blown away. There is some motion of the ship but not enough to bother me.
We were up for breakfast in the aft deck. We did sit outside. The winds were not as bad back here. Bob had eggs benedict and lamb chops while I had fruit and cheerios.
For those who did not know, when we booked this cruise we did a guarantee balcony. And then we were offered an upgrade to a penthouse and we took that. And again, we were offered an upgrade to the Owners Suite. We figured this is a once in a lifetime chance so we took it. So when we opened the door, this is what we found. A large room across the entire width of the ship which included a dining table for four and a couch and chair plus a desk.
The there is also a bar area and a kitchen with a coffee maker and a refrigerator. Plus our Scotch which we ordered. Like we need more to drink. The hallway is to the door to enter the suite. There is a powder room on the left as you enter.
The sofa is the most uncomfortable we have ever had. So I sit at the table and Bob sits at the desk.
This is the desk where Bob sits at his computer.
The entrance hallway again.
The balcony goes from the middle of the ship around to the side. A disadvantage when the winds are blowing. But there is a table out there that we can use when we are in port.
So today while at sea, we had terrible weather. Rain and wind all day. I did go to the needlepoint gathering but it was not like on Regent or Oceania. But met some very nice ladies. And some not so nice ones too.
Tonight was the block party where we met some of our neighbors. Very similar to what Regent does. Met three bothers and their wives who are from Michigan and Gainsville. At least one is from Gainsville. Plus some other folks. A nice way to get to know each other.
Dinner was in the Restaurant. We had a nice table for two by the window. A family of four who we sat next to last night were seated next to us again tonight. A young couple from Ft. Lauderdale and her mother and grandfather. They all are from Turkey originally. Mother and Grandfather still live in Turkey. They are just visiting the couple. He is in IT and gets to work from home two days a week.
Back to the suite to work on blog and the bed.
Thanksgiving Cruise
I was not going to blog this trip but, this is a way for me to remember so here goes.
Monday we got a call from our TA telling us that the ship was going to be delayed coming to Ft. Lauderdale. It appears the Captain got ill and had to be off loaded by tender to Dominican Republic. His wife was with him. He was to start his holiday when the ship arrived in Ft. Lauderdale. When something like a Captain taking sick, they have a Staff Captain on board who is qualified to take over.
So we headed to Boca like we planned on Tuesday and when we reached the hotel, we asked for a late check out time as now boarding was no until 6pm. We got to stay at the hotel until 1pm. Oh well. We went up to our room and rested until it was time for the Managers Cocktail hour. We had dinner at the hotel and then back up to our room. I watched some of Dancing with the Stars but went to bed instead.
Wednesday we had breakfast in the hotel and then back to the room where I watched the internet Dancing with the Stars. You can not fast forward through the ads but they are not as long as regular TV. We checked out of the hotel and headed to the Boca Town Center. What a place. We bought Bob and new iPad cover and then had a nice salad for lunch at the Grand Lux Cafe. We continued walking the mall, this town center is all indoors, and stopped at Neiman Marcus (I know it is spelled wrong) and walked through it. We stopped at a handbag and I asked Bob how much he thought it was. He said $500.00 and it was really $2095.00. I passed on buying it.
We headed to the port and dropped off the luggage at around 3:30 pm. After parking the car, we were able to enter the terminal and wait for embarkation. After about 45 minutes, we were on the ship. We are in the owners suite. Quite a beautiful suite but the bad part, it is in the front of the ship so you do get movement. We had a muster drill and then back to the suite to dress for dinner.
Cocktails in the Club where no blue cheese stuffed olives until tomorrow. They promise they will have them in all the Lounges. Just two but a nice way to be treated.
Dinner was quite good. I had the tomato soup and lamb chops which were wonderful, small but tasty. No dessert. Back to the suite and bed. A long day but a good day.
Monday we got a call from our TA telling us that the ship was going to be delayed coming to Ft. Lauderdale. It appears the Captain got ill and had to be off loaded by tender to Dominican Republic. His wife was with him. He was to start his holiday when the ship arrived in Ft. Lauderdale. When something like a Captain taking sick, they have a Staff Captain on board who is qualified to take over.
So we headed to Boca like we planned on Tuesday and when we reached the hotel, we asked for a late check out time as now boarding was no until 6pm. We got to stay at the hotel until 1pm. Oh well. We went up to our room and rested until it was time for the Managers Cocktail hour. We had dinner at the hotel and then back up to our room. I watched some of Dancing with the Stars but went to bed instead.
Wednesday we had breakfast in the hotel and then back to the room where I watched the internet Dancing with the Stars. You can not fast forward through the ads but they are not as long as regular TV. We checked out of the hotel and headed to the Boca Town Center. What a place. We bought Bob and new iPad cover and then had a nice salad for lunch at the Grand Lux Cafe. We continued walking the mall, this town center is all indoors, and stopped at Neiman Marcus (I know it is spelled wrong) and walked through it. We stopped at a handbag and I asked Bob how much he thought it was. He said $500.00 and it was really $2095.00. I passed on buying it.
We headed to the port and dropped off the luggage at around 3:30 pm. After parking the car, we were able to enter the terminal and wait for embarkation. After about 45 minutes, we were on the ship. We are in the owners suite. Quite a beautiful suite but the bad part, it is in the front of the ship so you do get movement. We had a muster drill and then back to the suite to dress for dinner.
Cocktails in the Club where no blue cheese stuffed olives until tomorrow. They promise they will have them in all the Lounges. Just two but a nice way to be treated.
Dinner was quite good. I had the tomato soup and lamb chops which were wonderful, small but tasty. No dessert. Back to the suite and bed. A long day but a good day.
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