Emarking the Royal Princess

We catch an Uber to the port ($20 from Sawgrass area) and even though there are 8 ships in port we are swiftly escorted to Pier 2 and the beautiful Royal Princess.

It is around 11 am and this is not a great time to arrive.  Passengers from the last cruise are filing out and there is a long queue of people waiting to get into the building.

But we are not concerned as our plan is to just leave our bags with the porter to be delivered to our cabin and we head out on foot to the Harbour Shops off 17th Street. It is about a 15 minute walk and there are lots of options for food, some stores and best of all a Total Wine store where we stop and get two bottles of our favorite champagne - Perrier-Jouet thanks for the recommendation Franco.

Sanja and Marty (shopping hosts) are signing off the Royal Princess today as they have family commitments so they will not be on (sad face) but we at least will see them for lunch (happy face) and I can't say how lovely it is to see their beautiful faces when they meet up with us.

We sit and chat for a few hours and hope our paths will cross again soon but I know they will. 

Around 2 pm we slowly start walking back to the pier. When we get there at around 2:30

it is totally deserted. It feels weird, almost ghost like.

We basically walk right thru with short stops for health form and getting key card. No table was set up any more for the wine.  But we are only bringing two on so not an issue.

When we arrive in our cabin our luggage is there but we don't really have time to unpack as we head down to say hi to Michael and spot other friends and catch up with them and then it is time for Muster Drill.

Last Day of the Cruise

Clocks were moved forward last night. This feels weird as for the entire crossing we kept gaining an hour, then we got another hour when we sailed towards Mexico. But we are now on our way back to Florida and we lost an hour. Reality is setting in.

We have our disembarkation information. There was no offer of Easy Check. I am sure it is because it is only a five night cruise which just is not enough time to offer it.

We are assigned Cream 1 for a 720 meeting time and disembarkation shortly after. Most people on board have walk off as most don't have much in the way of luggage for this short voyage.

Bernie has gone down to the Enclave. I did go down the first sea day but I am frustrated there as so many people reserve the heated lounge chairs or leave their towels there when they are done. Really people be respectful!

I will put this in my final survey how I think they should somehow address this problem. It certainly has deterred me from booking the Enclave in the future. 

Today's Patter shows the Most Travelled who have 1396 days with Princess. This voyage we were #11 and #12 Most Travelled - slowly moving up.

Lots happening this final sea day:  Culinary demo, Mardi Gras festivities, line dancing, wine tasting, Bingo, Pub Lunch, Trivia, Cha Cha class, art auction, on deck for the cure, and so much more. 

Something tells me it will be a relaxing day. 

I know it sounds boring to read but there is  nothing better than having no distractions from home. Reading, writing and watching a movie or chatting with friends. 

Life is good!

In the evening (after doing most of the packing) we make the rounds to say goodbye. 

We stop by Facets to say goodbye to Ju Juaq and Valeria.

We enjoy some wine in Vines to say goodbye to Larry and Amy and then we head up to Horizon Court for a quick meal.

We arrange to meet up with Sanja and Marty in Vines later for a last drink. This is hard. We love them both so much and hate to say goodbye. We don't know when we will see them again; hopefully at their wedding but we just don't know.

I feel so sad and I am holding back the tears. This is just too hard.

When we get back to the cabin we pack up our final clothes and put the bags out.

Tomorrow will be a busy day and long flight home. It has been an amazing trip.

Third Sea Day - Crown Grill Here We Come

I am just too lazy to get up early and head out for breakfast.  Bernie does bring me a latte so it is safe for me to venture out and talk to people as I have had my caffeine.

But when I do get up and moving we wander around and sit outside Princess Live for a bit.  Ron Goodman the Cruise Director stops by and sits with us and we catch up. After sailing with him a few times it is great to get to know him better this voyage. He certainly has a great team.

He fills me in on the reason there are so few big production shows. Apparently one of the lead singers (there are four - two males and two females) became very ill and was taken off the first day to head to Rome for medical treatment. There are no understudies for the main singers. They tried to get someone to join the ship before the crossing but it just couldn't find someone. They are working hard to put something together for the passengers. 

There is the big On Board Outlet Sale going on - but I pass on even entering.

We meet up with Ana from the Cruise staff for lunch in Alfredos. It is busy today (as it is a sea day) but the meal is excellent and the company even better.  

Like I mentioned yesterday there are still a lot of external workers on board. It is beginning to be a bit annoying. You can certainly tell they are not Princess employees.  

While in the cabin this morning someone banged at the door. Since I was alone in the cabin I looked thru the peep hole and wasn't sure who it was as they are not wearing uniforms and if they have some kind of ID I certainly did not see it. I ask thru the door "what do you want" and he is seeing if our tv is working. I open the door to him reluctantly and I tell him yes it is working now.  He closes the door and bangs on the cabin next to us.  

Tonight dinner is in the Crown Grill at 8 pm.  We relax at the Wheelhouse Bar for a drink prior to dinner where Sanja and Marty join us. 

We are sat in Pedro's section at a nice table for four.

This was a special dish of Halibut

I had my usual - Beet and Goat Cheese salad, Black and Blue Onion Soup, and then the Filet Mignon! 

Service was excellent. Again this ship has figured it out. The specialty restaurants are well staffed with assistants to clear plates, fill wine/water glass, get condiments and clean tables. I wish all ships did this.

After dinner we sit at the Wheelhouse Bar where we enjoy the Prestige Quartet Players who are amazing!

It was a wonderful day and amazing evening.

\

Livorno - Port Stop for Florence and Pisa

We sleep in.  Oh it feels so nice to know we are settled for a few weeks.  As much as I love to travel the living out of a suitcase and figuring out each destination is exhausting. One reason we love cruising we can unpack once, stop in various places, tour and then come back to a beautiful resort.

We sleep well.  But.... there is this emergency light that keeps flashing. I don't remember them before so not sure if this is new since the drydock or not.

They emit a strobe of three flashes of light then nothing for about a minute then three flashes of light. Needless to say at night when the room is totally dark this light lightens up the entire room and is alarming. We have to wear our sleep masks (thankfully we brought them). We report it tour our steward first thing in the morning.

this is a standard setup

We try to call room service to trade in our mini bar - but we can't get thru. We tried yesterday and for quite a few hours this morning but we have no success. This is an area I feel Princess could improve on. 

As Elites you get a mini bar setup which we love.  You are able to trade off items in the bar for other items or even trade off entire bar for a bottle of wine or two coffee cards. But to do this you have to contact room service which on the first day is impossible and often difficult the second day too. 

My thought is that when you are filling out your cruise personalizer for the voyage you should be prompted to change up your mini bar. This way when they are preparing the mini bars they can customize it the way you want. Sure it may take a bit longer initially but it would save in time with them having to answer the phone, take note of change and then deliver change. Not to mention the frustration we all get trying to get thru to the Room Service Line.

When we finally do get thru to them we find out there is limited supply of some things and we make due with what they have.  This is not surprising since this is the final voyage from the Med. and they will probably be restocking the main things in Florida.

Today breakfast is up in the Horizon Court (HC). We love the HC on the Royal. So many options, spread out, with lots of food stations and lots of places to sit. Plus the food on board is usually very good. Sure there are some items that may be a miss or not hot hot but we certainly did not go hungry.

I head down to Wheelhouse Bar to play Speed Sudoku and win (well there was only two of us). I am given a lanyard as the prize but give it to the gentleman who played with me as I am happy just playing.

We both decided before we went to sleep last night that today we would stay on board. Initially our plan was to catch the train and go to Lucca -- I have always wanted to visit there.

But after a week of touring Italy and then a busy day of travel and boarding the Royal yesterday we agree we need a restful day today.

Sure we are here in Italy and I know we should take advantage of it but I think it is important to do what your body and mind tell you and today for both our sanity we need a day to relax and enjoy the ship.

Lunch is back up in the HC where we run into Michael who is with Captain Craig Street and his wife Leanne.

It is great to see Craig again and this is the first time we meet Leanne. They are also good friends of Bruce and Sharon! 

Michael comments that tomorrow is Thanksgiving and would like to invite us for dinner to celebrate in his cabin.  We are all looking forward to it.  

 

The ship is quiet, many are off exploring Florence, Pisa and Livorno.  

There is an indepdendent shuttle service being offered here in Livorno -- 5E each for roundtrip service to downtown Livorno and 12E each for roundtrip to the train station. To read more about the Port of Livorno and travelling to Pisa or Florence read my past blogs about the port here.

It is overcast and a little cool.  A sweater or light jacket is required.

We are here until 7 pm so people are slow to return.

I seek out the Platinum Elite Lounge but it isn't in Club 6 (I know we received the invitation and menu but I really didn't look at it clearly to see where exactly it is being held.)  My next thought is Vista Lounge and I am right.  Makes sense, with so many Platinum and Elites on board Club 6 would be just way too small.  But Vista Lounge is huge and certainly can accommodate us but it is much more impersonal and not much mingling goes on.

I forgot to mention a lovely lady -- Mary, approached us in the International Cafe.  Mary follows my facebook page (Cruising Princess Cruiseline with Vickie) and blog came to introduce herself. So nice to meet her. It is always great to meet my followers and even better to hear her cruise stories. 

We are meeting Marty and Sanja tonight in Vines but boy it is busy in the Atrium. We head to the Symphony Dining Room and are sat at a table for 4. Tonight's menu is the Mediterranean Dinner.

I get a green salad, fettucini (but no parmesan basket anymore) and then the surf and turf entree.  Everything was excellent.

We get champagne and wine and because of the drink package it is 40% off and a great deal.

After dinner we are back in Vines and enjoying Sicilian Kiss drinks. We end up in Club 6 to dance to Anna who is Dj tonight. She is beautiful, and we give her big hugs. We all dance the night away until 1 am!

But so much is going on.  Kory Simons @ Piano bar in Crooners; John Evans comedian @ 8:15 and 10:15; Yes No Game Show, 70's Night; Tribond Trivia and so much more.

At Sea - February 6 , 2016

We have a sea day but it is a busy one.  But I have to admit I spent the entire morning in the cabin relaxing. 

The Most travelled luncheon is at noon in Sabatinis.  We are honoured to be among the top forty most travelled passengers.  Once again we are sat at Michael Prasse’s -- HGM -- table with two other couples.

Menu consisted of: 

Smoked Salmon, Lobster and Asparagus Terrine with Tomato and Broad Bean Vierge, Micro Leaf Salad

Or

Caramelized Vanilla Orange & Apple Greek Yogurt Parfait with Blueberries

Pan Fried Halibut Fillet, Bacon & Leek Fricassee and Red Pepper Sabayon

Or

Beef Medallions with Confit Baby Shallots with Braised Celeriac Root Spiked with Horseradish Cream, Grilled Asparagus Spears, Pommes Puree, Burgundy Reduction

Or

Caramelized Red Onion & Goat Cheese Tart, Dressed Mesulan Salad, yellow pepper salsa

Warm Berry Compote with Simple Vanilla Syrup, Fraise de Bois and Lemon Thyme Ice Cream

Gourmandize

Tea and Coffee

The meal was amazing.  I had the Caramelized Vanilla Orange and Apple to start then the Red Onion and Cheese Tart.  I loved that tart and would so love it on the regular menu. 

We had a lovely lunch and it is sad to know this is the last one for a while.  Michael mentions that because the next two legs are seven day cruises they will be holding a cocktail party instead as sea days are limited and less time to coordinate.

After lunch we head our separate ways.  I wander and check in with Angelique.  I also roam the ship taking pictures.

Later on when I come back to the cabin Bernie is a bit of a funk.  He is feeling grumpy and sad to say goodbye to all our “family”.  It is also sad to know that this amazing trip is coming to an end.  Where did the time go. 

So I tell him to call our friends Angelique and Simon and crack open the champagne and lets toast a great voyage.  We both share our top five memories and we reflect on the amazing memories we have created.

I believe it is key to reflect and remember the good things.  The friends we have made, the friends we have seen again and have solidified the friendship even further and the family we have grown.

Again there is a reason we didn’t have kids and we have adopted many of the crew as our own. 

Tonight is a formal night, but neither of us has formal so we dress nicely and we try to decide if we really want to head to the Captain Circle Party.  We made plans to meet up with Neil and Meg at the Wheelhouse for 7:30 and then we pop into the Vista Lounge last minute in time for one drink each.

There we meet up with Michael.  Michael was kind enough to invite us to a special dinner.  The Super Tuscan Wine Dinner is something that is featured on the Regal but will be introduced shortly on the Royal (it’s next ten day itinerary). 

me hugging the Super Tuscan Wine Tower - Wonder if i could build one for home

It is a similar concept to the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting but with a full dinner menu.  It is held in Sabatins at a price point of $60 per person.  But you get so much with it. 

I am sorry I really didn’t take notes of the dinner and what was offered.  I really wanted to enjoy it and focus on the food, the wine and the friends I was dining with. 

But I can recall a few things.  First they start out with three different types of breads -- all still warm.  This is Tuscan in nature and bread is at the forefront of all meals.  It is served with oil and vinegar and a wine is served.  Oh my God the bread was to die for! 

Dessert was fabulous - Apple slice fritters with a cinnamon ice cream on a brittle served with Lemocello.

This dinner was a trial run with some passengers and officers.  It will be featured in Sabatinis as a full event where the Maitre D’ will host the event with wine pairing for each course.  I can’t wait.  Being a food and a wine drinker I love this idea. 

We love the wine maker’s dinner and we love this as another option.  The food is as good as at the Chef’s Table but at a lower price point and no souvenirs of cookbook/picture or flower (which we don’t need).

After dinner we head to the 10:30 showing of Spectacular.  

Bernie swears we haven’t seen it before but I remind him we saw it last year.  It is a great show, one of my favorites.

 

After the show we head to Club 6 for drinks - it is also Happy Hour.  We spend the next hour chatting with Sanja and getting all emotional because we know we have to say goodbye tomorrow.

Grenada Afternoon

The sail into the harbour is lovely.  The scenery is lush, mountains rise from the water, and houses dot the sides. It is neat seeing small vines snaking up the mountain sides.  

You can even smell the spices in the air because you are now visiting the Isle of Spice.

Being up on deck the sounds of Tyrone playing the steel pan make the dream a reality.  There is already a ship in port -- RCL Navigator of the Seas.  We wave back and forth and comment on the ship -- as cruisers do.  The balconies seems dark and cut out of the sides of the ship.  They are a bit wider than ours on the Royal but they are just as long and very very dark.  

Later we find out that Michael Prasse the HGM on our ship rolled out that RCL ship when it first came out.  Small world!

Our plans today are to head out and walk around and head over to BBs Crab Shack to meet up with Sanja and Marty.  It is hot out and the wind is strong, in fact a friend mentioned that the water taxi was not running from it’s normal place today because it was too rough; although other friends must of got it at the right time as they went over from there.  So can’t confirm exactly what or where or when the water taxi was running but I know they were shuttling people over from one of the many areas that they can.

We snake our way thru the mall that is right at the pier that we are forced to walk thru.  Feels kind of like salmon swimming upstream as many RCL passengers are coming back to their ship.  

Finally outside we stop in and say hi to our favorite spice lady at stall 21.  She is busy so we continue onwards towards the tunnel.  


To get to BBs turn right outside of the mall, walk one block to the tunnel.  Walk thru the tunnel on the right hand side single file playing attention to the cars.  It looks scary but trust me it is good but pay attention, leave  your phones/cameras alone here.  Once out of the tunnel turn left, go one block, then turn right towards the water/harbour.  

once you leave the tunnel walk towards this building and turn right

This use to be the old harbour that ships would tender into. This is where we first arrived via tender on my first cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy back in the early 90s back before they built the new pier.  Once at the water turn right and walk to the end of the street and BBs is the last building.

this is your view, when you get to the water turn right

Today it is busy, people are still here from the RCL ship and the Princess ship is now arriving.  The place is full and there is a short queue that does get longer.  So make sure to come early for a good table.  We are sat at a table soon thereafter.  Anna -- the owner and also BBs wife is running like crazy.  Apparently some of the staff did not show up today.  Oh my, and BB is not here as he is out of the country at the moment.  Anna manages to call in some friends to help out, including her daughters’ friend who shows up after school in her uniform still and chips in.  

It is nice to spend some time with Sanja and Marty away from work, but as shopping hosts they are still on even when ashore.  I see many people approaching them both with questions and they take time to make sure they are answered and directed to the right place.  They both are welcoming and act as gracious hosts, even offering to assist Anna if she needs anything.  Talk about consummate hosts!  
I know working with the public personally is never easy but the fact that you always have a smile and are helpful is truly something that only a few have and obviously Marty and Sanja have this gift.  

If  you go to BBs make sure to get the rum punch!  Wicked and the crab dish they are known for!  I have pictures of the dishes and menus and will attempt to put up if I have enough wifi but if not will put up once I get home.

BB's Crabback

Callaloo and Okra Soup

We sit there for 2.5 hours and after a few drinks and some great food, and amazing views.  Oh my the view right on the water takes your breath away.  Remember you are on vacation, you are on island time, and so many people would love to be in your shoes right now (or flip flops).

After lunch we make our way back to the ship.  We are both tired.  I haven’t been sleeping well, seems every night at 3:30 I wake up and this morning I stayed up.  So we relax back in the cabin watching a bit of the movie Horrible Bosses 2 (too funny) but we can’t keep our eyes open so we crash for an hour before having to get up and dressed for dinner.

We meet up with Cindy and Dave in Vines before dinner.  

The Runway at Sea Fashion Show is just ending.

For dinner we are sat at our table and we enjoy the rest of our wine from the other night -- remember that you can re cork your wine and store it for another night no matter where you dine.

I start with the pineapple and coconut appetizer which I have had before but this time it is much more flavourful.  I then have a bowl of the pepper pot soup with the small empanada - yum.  For my entrée I had the Shrimp with the hoisin sauce.  I liked the shrimp but there was way too much sauce for me, but Dave who had the same dish had very little sauce.  But I can recommend the dish.

For dessert I decide to enjoy a cheese plate with the rest of my wine.  But I am surprised when I see the cheese plate.  

One small piece of brie and two small pieces of some white cheese.  Four crackers and 3 grapes.  They are very good but I am use to a bit more cheese, at least one other variety.  Hope this is not the norm.  But I guess I could ask for two.

I connect with the Head Waiter to confirm whether we are able to do the Wine Maker's Dinner for the last night of this voyage.  She confirms that it is a go and I add two more to the list.  We will be 11 people now and I am so thankful they are able to do this as it is not normal for them to do a Wine Maker's Dinner the last night.

After dinner we are not sure what to do.  We have seen Hawley Magic before and they are very good - Dave and Cindy saw the early show at 6:45 and liked it.  We hang out in the Atrium for a while listening to the Atomic Party Band.  
The waterfall show is happening so we head up to the pool deck to catch it.  But when we arrive we are told it was cancelled due to the high winds and yes it is windy.  In fact it is hard to even walk up on deck.  

The Stargazing show is happening too but the next one is not until 10:30 and it is around 9:30 now.  

After wandering for a bit we both agree maybe an early night is due and watch the rest of the Horrible Bosses movie.

Monday January 11, 2016 – Sea Day

View from our balcony

We sleep in until 9 am (really 8 as the clocks went forward an hour).  As I write up my blog Bernie heads down to get a latte.

When he returns he says “it has started – the complainers that is”.  A woman at the elevator made sure everyone heard her complain how all the elevators are going up!  
Well they will come down at some time Bernie says.  

We really miss the midship stairs as we are just on deck 8 and we normally would take the stairs.  But fingers are crossed they will put it in during drydock.  (can confirm they are converting the crew only staircase to a public one in Sept).  We try to head forward or aft and use the stairways to access deck 7 but when coming back with coffees you need to take the elevator.

In our mailbox is the invite for the Most Travelled Luncheon which will be held on the last sea day in Sabatinis.  We are honoured to be included and Bernie comments that what a great way to celebrate his birthday but with a luncheon.

We relax in the cabin watching the Wake Show and a few other shows.  We discuss our thoughts for the day and we both agree to just play it by ear.  We are on vacation after all and this trip is all about relaxing.

After a few hours we are down in the Atrium sipping another coffee and reading.  The Atrium is a hub of activities and at noon they are do a tap dance class in the Atrium so we decide to move to the outside deck on Promenade.  I love this area as it is wide with great furniture where we sit for around an hour reading and watching the water.

Weather today is quite warm, but with very strong winds and intermittent clouds which helps keep things comfortable.  But that wind is intense.  

Around one we head up to the Horizon Court for some lunch, we are both hungry.  I didn’t eat any breakfast and Bernie just had fruit and a bowl of cereal.  Have I mentioned how much I love the Horizon Court on this ship.  

There are so many different food areas with so much to choose from.  I see that most people have not realized that there is more food options in the aft section because when I walk closer to the midship buffet area it is packed.  This area tends to serve barbecue, tacos, sandwiches, soup, salads.  Then there is the Pastry Shop with desserts and espresso machine is here.  Then further back is a large buffet that has large selection of food.  A large salad bar is here too!  I especially like the section that is a themed area.  Today it is Asian them and there are dumplings and gingered beef, lemon chicken, spicy noodles! Yummy.

Okay enough about food I am getting hungry again just writing about it.

After lunch we both agree that it is time for our first lay out in the sun this voyage.  We put on our bathing suits, lather on the sunscreen (don’t be fooled, even with the clouds and strong wind that sun is strong), grab books and sunglasses and head up towards the Retreat Pool.  

As soon as we exit outdoors the wind is strong!  It is almost too hard to walk if you are going into the wind.  With a bit of effort we manage to lay out our towels and get comfortable.  I am reading a hardcover book, normally I have a Kindle but a friend gave me this book and I wanted to read it so with the wind wiping the pages I am having trouble.  

People’s items – hats, sunglasses, magazines, towels, bathing suit covers and flip flops are being blown all around.  A crew is walking around collecting many items that have been blow to one end.  He is also collecting towels from lounge chairs that people have put down and there is no one there.  So there were many lounges to grab if you wanted one.

The wind was affecting everyone on all decks at each pool.  

After a half hour I gave up.  Just too hard to read and sit there with my hair slapping my face and holding down the pages of my book.  Bernie stays and I head back to the cabin to sit out on my deck.  We are on the starboard side and it has the sun all day.  This is nice but it is not so nice too.  The sun beats down and makes it very very warm and you need to keep your drapes closed so the sun doesn’t beat in and make the room extra hot.

But out there the wind is at a minimum and I sip my Kiwi infused tea from the International Café and read for around an hour and a half.  Sun is strong and I still had quite a bit of sun – even with 30 SPF.

I should add that when I was down getting my drink they were doing the Festival of the World Steel Pan class.  If you remember last year I took part in these classes and really enjoyed it.  When I did it, it was only the second cruise that they had done them.  It is obvious to see how much more organized the class is now and the group sounds great.

Tonight is a formal night and we have not brought formal wear so we will be dining in the Horizon Court.  But we do want to head down to the Atrium to see some of the festivities from the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Show.  So we dress nicely and head down to Vines.

Remember we bought the wine card, well we tried to use it in Vines tonight but were told we could not use it here.  

This saddened us because last year we used it often here on the Royal in Vines and we also used our Wine Card on the Island in the bars too. I know that they say it is to be used only in the dining rooms but I really don’t like that policy. 

We bought 12 bottles and we shouldn’t be limited on where we can redeem them.  Oh well, we accept it and Bernie heads to the dining room and gets a waiter to get a bottle of wine for us.  He then brings it back and the waiters in Vines open and pour it for us.  Gee seems a little silly to me.

They offer us some tapas which tonight we agree to because we haven’t eaten dinner yet and it is 7:30.  I really wanted to take a picture of the tapas plate but I kept forgetting to take the picture until we had already dug in so here is a picture with a few items missing… sorry.

As I said it is the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Show and the band Atomic is playing – great band!  The Atrium doesn’t seem too busy – I have seen it much more crowded.  

We finally connect with Michael Prasse and we have a bit of time to catch up before the Captain Bob Oliver comes over and we say hi to him and then they are off for their introductions.  

After the introductions Michael comes over and Dylan is with him and we sit in Vines and enjoy some wine and catch up, as it has been a year since we have seen them.  What a joy to not only be on a ship like this but to also get the chance to see so many friends again.

It is late but we head up to the Horizon Court for dinner just after 9 pm.  It is rather quite up here at this hour and we enjoy a light dinner and contemplate what we want to do afterwards.  Colors of the World is the production show tonight and we love this show.  But there is also Remember the Lyrics Trivia at the same time.  We agree we will head to the Production Show but just as we are walking out we see Sanja and Marty at the Crab Shack.

They ask us to sit and we spend over an hour sitting and chatting with them.  We didn’t eat at the Crab Shack tonight but we did enjoy it last year and really loved it. Read all about it here. Make sure to read my blog about that experience and boy what a great deal for $20.  

I tell Marty and Sanja how impressed I was about their shopping talk and how they have the VIP checklist and how they create personalized envelopes for everyone.  

It is so nice to catch up with both of them and it is obvious to see how happy they both are and we couldn’t be happier.

Well so around 11 pm we are heading back to the cabin and we both comment that this was a great night.  Sure it was totally different than what we had planned but sometimes those are the best nights.  It is good advice too.  Sometimes you need to go with the flow and enjoy the moment because you could just be missing the best part of the day.

We put out our breakfast room service menu out for tomorrow.  

We arrive in Aruba at 8 am.  We are meeting up with Dave and Cindy and heading to pick up a rental car and head to the Southern part of the island.

Oh !  Just was reading the next day’s Patter and I am so excited to see the Beatlemaniacs are coming on board for one night!  I can’t wait to see the show, which is probably one of our favorites.

At Sea

As you already know I woke up very early and with a gift, yeah a gift of a hangover!  After relaxing in bed suffering for an hour I got dressed and I head downstairs to the International Café with my computer to write up my blog and post.  After a while the ship starts to come alive and Bernie joins me.

The weather is lovely, it is clear and getting hot and the seas are so very very calm.  Probably some of the calmest we have ever seen.

After two lattes and a small bit of muselix I am feeling a bit better but oh I really don’t want any alcohol.  I am also glad at this moment I did not get the all inclusive drink package because I know I would of overdone it and I would be suffering more often.

We head up to Horizon Court for a small bite to eat.  I love the fact that as soon as I arrive there is someone there to direct us to wash our hands at the sinks.  I love that this ship has sinks that we can use instead of the hand sanitizers cause those sanitizers dry out my hands.

Oh it is so nice to be up in the Horizon Court and enjoy it’s flow.  Even though it is busy it is not too crowded.  Sure there are areas where you may have to wait a minute to get to the food but what I usually do is see someone at the food I want and I just turn around and get something else and come back.

So after picking up some fruit (banana, apple and some watermelon) I am back in the cabin and get ready for the day.

Our Cruise Critic Roll call was very popular with regular posters.  I was especially impressed with Ken who posted often and made sure the group was informed and welcomed.  The group met up in Club 6 and was well attended.  The gentleman (sorry forgot his name) made sure that everyone was introduced and was so nice for him to arrange the invites for the officers.  

Many officers attended including Hotel General Manager Michael Prasse, Cruise Director, Maitre D’ Hotel, Executive Chef, F and B Manager, Customer Services Director, Executive Housekeeper, Bar Manager, gee I hope that is everyone. 

Michael the HGM really shines here, he talks and puts everyone at ease with his sense of humour and friendliness.  He explains about how sorry there are no mid ship staircase for public access but did mention that there will be changes during dry-dock with a possibility of changing the mid ship stairs to public – but a possibility not confirmed.

I get to see Federico the Maitre D finally and it is so nice to see him again.  We have sailed with him many times recently.  He offers to get us a table for every night and we agree that perhaps a table for two for later would be great.  I also asked him about reserving the Wine Maker’s 

Dinner for the last night for Bernie’s Birthday.  I have nine confirmed and possibly more so we have our fingers crossed he can do that.

At 11:30 it is the shopping show and since we are so close to Sanja and her partner Martin Frost.  We promised we would come down and see the show.  We have never been to the shopping show but they are worth it and want to see them. 

Have to say I was very impressed by Martin, he is very at ease with the passengers and it is like we are chatting directly with him he makes it that comfortable.  Having never been I am quite surprised at all the detailed pieces of information we have received.  I especially am impressed with the checklist.  Write your name and cabin number at the top and then check off the things you are interested in, diamonds?  Watches?  Cameras?  And they will prepare a detailed package specifically for your needs and where to buy what items you are interested in.  Wow.  Also the theater is very full. 

We lasted just over 30 minutes but neither of us are into shopping at all.  In fact we are probably the opposite of shoppers we are trying to get rid of things.  When Martin starts to discuss each individual port we leave.

Since I didn’t have very much for breakfast we agree to head to the dining room for lunch.  Concerto is open for lunch and we are sat at a table for two.  I get the Thai soup to start – and I LOVE it, I always love this soup, but today it is extra flavourful.  I have the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with fries and it was also very good.  Service was top notch and the meal hit the spot. 

I need a nap!  After getting up so darn early I need to rest or I won’t make it to the evening activities.  And after a two hour nap we are both rested and feeling refreshed.

Activities today included:  Zumba, Trivia, Clay Pigeon Shooting Simulation, Bible Study, Digital Photo Seminar, Line Dancing, Book Club, Lawn Bowling, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Traditional Pub Lunch, Swim with the Sharks Competition, Knitters and needlepoint get together, Ballroom Blitz, Mardi Gras Dance Class, Wii@Sea Resort Sports Challenge Cycling, Veterans and Military Get Together, Stammtisch table, Culinary Demo, and an afternoon Zumba class.