OK folks, that it for now, my hand is shot and my days have run together, the BBQ and Character Breakfast was Friday morning. Today is Semi-formal night and its now about 4:15 and I've got a DIS meet at 5 in Studio Sea. I also need to hunt down Christian, need to "ask" for something - he did say whatever I needed just let him know.
Bet he didn't think I'm going to ask him what I'm going to ask. I'll let you all in on it later. For now, got to check this out - bye!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thursday, July 25, 2008
OK so this is our last port. Today was Thursday. Our excursion which was to replace the Canopy Adventure was the Dolphin Signature Swim – they only had 3 spots so Steve and I signed on as observers for $35 each. The actual signature swim (which we signed up for on Tuesday) was $199. They supposedly don’t allow cameras but our experience was in the observation desk they do – you just cannot take them to the actual swim area.
So, Steve and I get off and do some terminal shopping and return back by 1:30. We picked up the girls and got to Rocking Bar D with all the rest. Our original departure time was for 2 pm. At 2:30 we were told that we were waiting on 2 people for the signature swim. So Steve, being Steve, decided to ask the DCL employee if the couple didn’t show up if we could take their place. Her response? No. The rep from the Dolphin Adventure – sure.
So we get on the bus, and to the place. It takes about 20 minutes to get out as its on the outskirts or in the area known as Nuevo Vallerta. So we sit down and they take the “swimmers” right away. Steve gets up and asks one of the reps if we can take the place of the people that did not show up (turns out we were later told that they were already there from an earlier excursion. Pay attn folks, if DCL doesn’t accommodate your whole party, this is what we did. Disney seems to capping out the party at 5 for the signature swim. The Dolphin Encounter however, had no problem accommodating two extra swimmers. We had luckily brought our swimsuits under our clothes so they hurried us off the observation deck and we caught up to the girls. They did ask me what I had paid on the observer ticket which was $35. So then they just charged us the difference. An additional $114. That’s right folks, we ended up paying less than what DCL charges us although they used my DCL room key to forward the charges to the ship – this because they did not want to delay the swimmers. So I gave them the card and we went the swimmers area and joined the girls.
We got assigned to a group of 8 – us 5 and 3 young girls. We had Nacho and Aqua which was a rescued dolphin who beached herself. She was rather shy and took a liking to me. The trainers noticed it and when it came time for the kiss, yours truly got not one dolphin – but the only double kiss with both Aqua and Nacho. The little girls were too squealy for her and I put it off to just having a squimmish dog (Chloe) and not moving fast. I also got to ride Aqua which was a thrill. I ended up getting about $200 worth of pictures from there. Folks, if you thought the excursion price was expensive, the pictures were even more and that is where they sock it to you. However, since I don’t like a lot of pictures of me, I did not like and therefore got them. We ran out of time for the buffet which was supposed to be provided for and for those of you planning on doing this, don’t miss it – the food was actually very good for being a buffet. My downfall to this excursion? The girls handling the pictures were very misinformed and due to one other lady buying pictures and monopolizing the one informed person, there was a big mix-up at the counter – which they only had one register. But the experience and the trainers and the dolphins were worth it for me. They do have a big tip jar for the trainers which they do ask for but not in a pushy way. If you send your kids without you, don’t forget to give them something to drop in the jar. The time they spend on us is small but I got more touching time than I would have in the Bahamas. Course its been about 10 years since I did it there. Here we did not get pushed from behind from the dolphins, we got to “ride” the dolphins, a la boogie board. I’ll post pictures when I get home.
So we get back by 5:30 and we head to the shopping terminal by the Royal Caribbean ship. We managed to spend the rest of the time –all aboard time was at 8 and we needed to souvenir shop. Along the way I managed to snag a couple of “Coach” bags that I liked. They ended up going down to $50 for all the bags (each) but 4 of the 5 were good replicas. Strong zippers, cloth interiors, accompanying paperwork and bag, imprinting bag numbers etc. One was an ok one but I just realized that any decent bag in the states runs about $50 anyway and I really liked them. Megan says that they are either stolen or damn good replicas. Who knows, I’m ok with it for now. Bad Laura – Bad Laura
I did however, leave away feeling good since I made one lady’s day. She was almost in tears and blessed me for spending my money there. She said (and it was almost 7:30 when we left her space) she’d only made about $50 the whole day –for those that have not been there yet – the shops by the ships are all little stalls with nearly identical items in each stall so you really have a great opportunity to haggle – if you don’t like the price – you move on till you find one who will bargain. This lady, I had been in her stall in the morning but didn’t want to carry anything that early in the morning. Well, remember the line that you are meant to be exactly where you are supposed to be? Yeah, well, I was. Turns out that I was standing in front of another man’s stall thinking it was her shop, for some reason, I hesitated to buy it and wandered away looking for Megan and Yesenia. Found them and was returning to buy what I wanted from the man when the lady from the morning came out of her shop and I recognized her. Needless to say she was very happy to see me back. We did our business and she was more than happy to hear that I was returning in August. Her name by the way is Inez and her stall is number 69. She was a very nice lady and gave me a bit of good news.
She was listening to my excuse of not buying any silver (I was buying some pottery) because it turns me green when she told me that was good news. I asked her why. She said that in this region, most ladies and men will adorn themselves with silver. It brings good luck is their belief. So, she told me that the local belief is that if your skin turns green or black it’s because your are envied or jealous. Someone else is envious of you – so that explains all those green necklaces. OK - all you haters out there – stop hating! ROTFL
So we head back to the ship after getting 4 bathing suits – cute – about $25 each – very cute by the way, 5 “Coach” bags and several large fruit bowls and we get back on at about 7:45. We all rush to get dressed as its Pirate night. Not many people dressed. A lot of kids but not a lot of adults. We dressed and when Andrew saw us all dressing – he split. LOL – that’s ok – we were well-prepared for him.
We were not prepared however, for the Gosh-for-saken, demon heathens that ended up on the table next to us. I mentioned a bit on the DIS about the demons. Folks, they really were all that bad.
It started when we showed up and our tablemates looked at me like – thank God. Turns out we were about 8 minutes later. I had to take a shower, the salt water was gross. Anyway, at a table of 8 were 10 kids. Seems there is this big party of 3 tables. I was told they are a large Lebanese Family that is traveling together. Well, the adults all decided to go to Palos and guess who were the lucky recipeients of their demons? Yup – all those around us.
It started with several smaller demons banging the table and getting up and lifting and swaying the draperies covering the windows in Parrot Cay. We were sitting on table 9 they were on table 8, 6, 5 and another one. Well, the kids were all noisy, jumping up and down, climbing the partition wall and circle and jumping from the circle to the floor. Meanwhile, our table is staring at the older girls sitting with the younger ones and they just stare back at us. They never once said anything to the kids. Then the food starting appearing on the table – not theirs – the ones around them. They were getting louder and louder. Our food service team were trying their best but who in tarnation goes to dinner and leaves little ones on their own? I understand one or two but 10 of them? Then the final straw for me was when some of their friends (from the ship) came and started sitting on the table with them, the little ones are getting up and jumping and bumping everyone around. Then, they start leaning up against the other table’s chairs – while people were sitting there. Then I look over at the partition wall and its crawling with 5 kids attempting to sit there. YES FOLKS, there were about 15 kids at this one table. That was it for me, I asked to speak to Javeem and he went over to try and talk with them. Remember, this whole time they are still chattering, throwing stuff and just plain not listening. When I got back, my tablemate tried to ask the older girls to please look after the kids and try to quiet them down. They did not – just got the blank stare. So we started to talk about going up to Palo’s if they didn’t settle down. Remember , we’ve said something, the head server has said something and nothing has happened. Then all of a sudden, the family at table 7 – the father turns around and yells at the little boy who has continued to throw things to knock it off. They don’t. The dinner pirate show comes on and they leave to dance. So I calm down thinking – yeah – they’ll leave now! No such luck, the come back to the table and start back to the same old bedlam. Then all of a sudden, Vern tells me that they have broken the Salt shaker. I thought he was joking. No such thing. They had been slamming their silverware against anything, glasses, table, plates, walls, anything to make noise and this one little heathen just would not stop. He was jumping from the chair to the floor and roughhousing with all the other. His sister, not to be outdone was doing the same thing. When I looked over and saw the mound of salt and broken chards of salt shaker – you all know the one – the yellow thick pottery ones in Parrot Cay. Yeah well, the kids had tried to hid it.
Well, that was it for me. I look at Vern and excused myself and headed off to Palos. When I got there, I had to explain the situation since I didn’t have a room number but once the girl saw how upset I was, she knew exactly who the parents were. So I sat down and waited for one parent to come out. When she did – she looked me up and down and you all read what I wrote on the DIS - she tried the how do you know they were my kids? (1 - I said because they were sitting at the table you were sitting a – I had asked for the parents of those sitting at table 8) , then I tried to find out if she was the adult sitting there and I got the – Why is this important to you? Question and look. I could see where this was going so I tried to explain but I was getting the – not my kids. Along this time, an older gentleman came along and said something in their language. They spoke for a few minutes, and then he tried the same thing. There are several of us – I said, ok – then you’re the parent of the group of kids sitting downstairs on table 8 that range in age from about 15 to 6-7? He nodded and I said. I hope that if anyone came to me and told me that my kids were acting up, I would be mortified to hear that. I was simply acting as a concerned parent because they were extremely rowdy. He then asked which ones and I told him, unfortunately, all of them. By this time, I was getting the cools stares and I can’t rightly blame them, - they are enjoying themselves, they did pay lots of money for them to enjoy themselves and darn it if their kids can’t enjoy themselves too. The problem is that others around them also want to enjoy themselves too. LOL – Vern even took a picture of the floor for proof. I am today really just glossing over their behavior so can you all imagine what it felt like to be going through it?
Friday morning was our character breakfast and Vern and Karen (we couldn’t get up in time) talked to the family that left early. We were all in agreement that we should have spoken up early but were all trying to be Disney about it. However, once yours truly got up to speak with the head server, the dam was broken and we all took panes to try and fix it – I do like the suggestion to kill them with kindness but these heathens would not have understood that and probably would have turned it into some kind of rock concert. LOL
I felt so bad for Jana and Mario when after I returned and explained what happened ( they were not aware of the broken salt peper and glasses) and they looked under the table. It was heartbreaking to see Jana’s face break. She looked like she wanted to cry. Both Mario and Jana apologized for that and we tried to assure them that it wasn’t their fault. But I don’t think they believe us. This morning – for character breakfast – which the characters now come back around to the tables if anyone didn’t know by now, they were again very apologetic according to Vern and Karen.
So that folks was my excitement for the night. Javeem too apologized saying this has been the first cruise that has been sooooo crazy. He has a long time married couple that in the middle of the cruise decided they would not eat together – they fought and now Javeem has to serve the man on deck 9. He said its really weird. The man ordered him to bring the food to him so he’s been playing server to him for the last 2 nights. Some people – demanding! Well I never! ROTFL!!!!!!!!! Ok – I’m not quite there. I did however, feel so much better when he confirmed that this is the strangest cruise of the summer. Very strange were his words. I wholeheartedly agreed with him. LOL I did ask him to please get it straightened out for our August cruise. He said he’ll try.
So today, was our first sea day – semi-formal and also a nice surprise – which some of you might have heard about – they did a BBQ – like they have done on PC day. Turns out they have been doing it for about 3-4 cruises and its always a highlight. I loved the steak that was great. The pineapple upside down cake was good and I got to sit outside for a while. However, the bad things continue to add up – Quiet Cove was open and hot – AC was down and I was regulated to deck 5 to type all this up. I am however done for the moment so off I go to post.
Will update later this evening – I think that Andrew has grown accustomed to his mom and sister dancing and even introduced me to his friends (that are girls) parents last night and so he actually invited me over to introduce me – probably because they wanted to meet me LOL – but then quickly uninvited me to go back to my seat. Becky’s (his friend that’s a girl) dad and I exchanged ideas on how to get Andrew’s lip ring off him but I told “Bob” I preferred that to the tongue ring and would welcome any ideas on how to persuade him to not have one. I just said I settled for the lesser of two evils at the time. It was between an eyebrow piercing or a tattoo and the lip won. Come to find out that his younger daughter – Liz – has one tattoo. So talk about opening mouth and inserting foot. Boy was my face red! ROTFL. Oh well, that’s me for you – little schlep rock.
So folks, that it for now – I will talk to you later.
Laura
OK so this is our last port. Today was Thursday. Our excursion which was to replace the Canopy Adventure was the Dolphin Signature Swim – they only had 3 spots so Steve and I signed on as observers for $35 each. The actual signature swim (which we signed up for on Tuesday) was $199. They supposedly don’t allow cameras but our experience was in the observation desk they do – you just cannot take them to the actual swim area.
So, Steve and I get off and do some terminal shopping and return back by 1:30. We picked up the girls and got to Rocking Bar D with all the rest. Our original departure time was for 2 pm. At 2:30 we were told that we were waiting on 2 people for the signature swim. So Steve, being Steve, decided to ask the DCL employee if the couple didn’t show up if we could take their place. Her response? No. The rep from the Dolphin Adventure – sure.
So we get on the bus, and to the place. It takes about 20 minutes to get out as its on the outskirts or in the area known as Nuevo Vallerta. So we sit down and they take the “swimmers” right away. Steve gets up and asks one of the reps if we can take the place of the people that did not show up (turns out we were later told that they were already there from an earlier excursion. Pay attn folks, if DCL doesn’t accommodate your whole party, this is what we did. Disney seems to capping out the party at 5 for the signature swim. The Dolphin Encounter however, had no problem accommodating two extra swimmers. We had luckily brought our swimsuits under our clothes so they hurried us off the observation deck and we caught up to the girls. They did ask me what I had paid on the observer ticket which was $35. So then they just charged us the difference. An additional $114. That’s right folks, we ended up paying less than what DCL charges us although they used my DCL room key to forward the charges to the ship – this because they did not want to delay the swimmers. So I gave them the card and we went the swimmers area and joined the girls.
We got assigned to a group of 8 – us 5 and 3 young girls. We had Nacho and Aqua which was a rescued dolphin who beached herself. She was rather shy and took a liking to me. The trainers noticed it and when it came time for the kiss, yours truly got not one dolphin – but the only double kiss with both Aqua and Nacho. The little girls were too squealy for her and I put it off to just having a squimmish dog (Chloe) and not moving fast. I also got to ride Aqua which was a thrill. I ended up getting about $200 worth of pictures from there. Folks, if you thought the excursion price was expensive, the pictures were even more and that is where they sock it to you. However, since I don’t like a lot of pictures of me, I did not like and therefore got them. We ran out of time for the buffet which was supposed to be provided for and for those of you planning on doing this, don’t miss it – the food was actually very good for being a buffet. My downfall to this excursion? The girls handling the pictures were very misinformed and due to one other lady buying pictures and monopolizing the one informed person, there was a big mix-up at the counter – which they only had one register. But the experience and the trainers and the dolphins were worth it for me. They do have a big tip jar for the trainers which they do ask for but not in a pushy way. If you send your kids without you, don’t forget to give them something to drop in the jar. The time they spend on us is small but I got more touching time than I would have in the Bahamas. Course its been about 10 years since I did it there. Here we did not get pushed from behind from the dolphins, we got to “ride” the dolphins, a la boogie board. I’ll post pictures when I get home.
So we get back by 5:30 and we head to the shopping terminal by the Royal Caribbean ship. We managed to spend the rest of the time –all aboard time was at 8 and we needed to souvenir shop. Along the way I managed to snag a couple of “Coach” bags that I liked. They ended up going down to $50 for all the bags (each) but 4 of the 5 were good replicas. Strong zippers, cloth interiors, accompanying paperwork and bag, imprinting bag numbers etc. One was an ok one but I just realized that any decent bag in the states runs about $50 anyway and I really liked them. Megan says that they are either stolen or damn good replicas. Who knows, I’m ok with it for now. Bad Laura – Bad Laura
I did however, leave away feeling good since I made one lady’s day. She was almost in tears and blessed me for spending my money there. She said (and it was almost 7:30 when we left her space) she’d only made about $50 the whole day –for those that have not been there yet – the shops by the ships are all little stalls with nearly identical items in each stall so you really have a great opportunity to haggle – if you don’t like the price – you move on till you find one who will bargain. This lady, I had been in her stall in the morning but didn’t want to carry anything that early in the morning. Well, remember the line that you are meant to be exactly where you are supposed to be? Yeah, well, I was. Turns out that I was standing in front of another man’s stall thinking it was her shop, for some reason, I hesitated to buy it and wandered away looking for Megan and Yesenia. Found them and was returning to buy what I wanted from the man when the lady from the morning came out of her shop and I recognized her. Needless to say she was very happy to see me back. We did our business and she was more than happy to hear that I was returning in August. Her name by the way is Inez and her stall is number 69. She was a very nice lady and gave me a bit of good news.
She was listening to my excuse of not buying any silver (I was buying some pottery) because it turns me green when she told me that was good news. I asked her why. She said that in this region, most ladies and men will adorn themselves with silver. It brings good luck is their belief. So, she told me that the local belief is that if your skin turns green or black it’s because your are envied or jealous. Someone else is envious of you – so that explains all those green necklaces. OK - all you haters out there – stop hating! ROTFL
So we head back to the ship after getting 4 bathing suits – cute – about $25 each – very cute by the way, 5 “Coach” bags and several large fruit bowls and we get back on at about 7:45. We all rush to get dressed as its Pirate night. Not many people dressed. A lot of kids but not a lot of adults. We dressed and when Andrew saw us all dressing – he split. LOL – that’s ok – we were well-prepared for him.
We were not prepared however, for the Gosh-for-saken, demon heathens that ended up on the table next to us. I mentioned a bit on the DIS about the demons. Folks, they really were all that bad.
It started when we showed up and our tablemates looked at me like – thank God. Turns out we were about 8 minutes later. I had to take a shower, the salt water was gross. Anyway, at a table of 8 were 10 kids. Seems there is this big party of 3 tables. I was told they are a large Lebanese Family that is traveling together. Well, the adults all decided to go to Palos and guess who were the lucky recipeients of their demons? Yup – all those around us.
It started with several smaller demons banging the table and getting up and lifting and swaying the draperies covering the windows in Parrot Cay. We were sitting on table 9 they were on table 8, 6, 5 and another one. Well, the kids were all noisy, jumping up and down, climbing the partition wall and circle and jumping from the circle to the floor. Meanwhile, our table is staring at the older girls sitting with the younger ones and they just stare back at us. They never once said anything to the kids. Then the food starting appearing on the table – not theirs – the ones around them. They were getting louder and louder. Our food service team were trying their best but who in tarnation goes to dinner and leaves little ones on their own? I understand one or two but 10 of them? Then the final straw for me was when some of their friends (from the ship) came and started sitting on the table with them, the little ones are getting up and jumping and bumping everyone around. Then, they start leaning up against the other table’s chairs – while people were sitting there. Then I look over at the partition wall and its crawling with 5 kids attempting to sit there. YES FOLKS, there were about 15 kids at this one table. That was it for me, I asked to speak to Javeem and he went over to try and talk with them. Remember, this whole time they are still chattering, throwing stuff and just plain not listening. When I got back, my tablemate tried to ask the older girls to please look after the kids and try to quiet them down. They did not – just got the blank stare. So we started to talk about going up to Palo’s if they didn’t settle down. Remember , we’ve said something, the head server has said something and nothing has happened. Then all of a sudden, the family at table 7 – the father turns around and yells at the little boy who has continued to throw things to knock it off. They don’t. The dinner pirate show comes on and they leave to dance. So I calm down thinking – yeah – they’ll leave now! No such luck, the come back to the table and start back to the same old bedlam. Then all of a sudden, Vern tells me that they have broken the Salt shaker. I thought he was joking. No such thing. They had been slamming their silverware against anything, glasses, table, plates, walls, anything to make noise and this one little heathen just would not stop. He was jumping from the chair to the floor and roughhousing with all the other. His sister, not to be outdone was doing the same thing. When I looked over and saw the mound of salt and broken chards of salt shaker – you all know the one – the yellow thick pottery ones in Parrot Cay. Yeah well, the kids had tried to hid it.
Well, that was it for me. I look at Vern and excused myself and headed off to Palos. When I got there, I had to explain the situation since I didn’t have a room number but once the girl saw how upset I was, she knew exactly who the parents were. So I sat down and waited for one parent to come out. When she did – she looked me up and down and you all read what I wrote on the DIS - she tried the how do you know they were my kids? (1 - I said because they were sitting at the table you were sitting a – I had asked for the parents of those sitting at table 8) , then I tried to find out if she was the adult sitting there and I got the – Why is this important to you? Question and look. I could see where this was going so I tried to explain but I was getting the – not my kids. Along this time, an older gentleman came along and said something in their language. They spoke for a few minutes, and then he tried the same thing. There are several of us – I said, ok – then you’re the parent of the group of kids sitting downstairs on table 8 that range in age from about 15 to 6-7? He nodded and I said. I hope that if anyone came to me and told me that my kids were acting up, I would be mortified to hear that. I was simply acting as a concerned parent because they were extremely rowdy. He then asked which ones and I told him, unfortunately, all of them. By this time, I was getting the cools stares and I can’t rightly blame them, - they are enjoying themselves, they did pay lots of money for them to enjoy themselves and darn it if their kids can’t enjoy themselves too. The problem is that others around them also want to enjoy themselves too. LOL – Vern even took a picture of the floor for proof. I am today really just glossing over their behavior so can you all imagine what it felt like to be going through it?
Friday morning was our character breakfast and Vern and Karen (we couldn’t get up in time) talked to the family that left early. We were all in agreement that we should have spoken up early but were all trying to be Disney about it. However, once yours truly got up to speak with the head server, the dam was broken and we all took panes to try and fix it – I do like the suggestion to kill them with kindness but these heathens would not have understood that and probably would have turned it into some kind of rock concert. LOL
I felt so bad for Jana and Mario when after I returned and explained what happened ( they were not aware of the broken salt peper and glasses) and they looked under the table. It was heartbreaking to see Jana’s face break. She looked like she wanted to cry. Both Mario and Jana apologized for that and we tried to assure them that it wasn’t their fault. But I don’t think they believe us. This morning – for character breakfast – which the characters now come back around to the tables if anyone didn’t know by now, they were again very apologetic according to Vern and Karen.
So that folks was my excitement for the night. Javeem too apologized saying this has been the first cruise that has been sooooo crazy. He has a long time married couple that in the middle of the cruise decided they would not eat together – they fought and now Javeem has to serve the man on deck 9. He said its really weird. The man ordered him to bring the food to him so he’s been playing server to him for the last 2 nights. Some people – demanding! Well I never! ROTFL!!!!!!!!! Ok – I’m not quite there. I did however, feel so much better when he confirmed that this is the strangest cruise of the summer. Very strange were his words. I wholeheartedly agreed with him. LOL I did ask him to please get it straightened out for our August cruise. He said he’ll try.
So today, was our first sea day – semi-formal and also a nice surprise – which some of you might have heard about – they did a BBQ – like they have done on PC day. Turns out they have been doing it for about 3-4 cruises and its always a highlight. I loved the steak that was great. The pineapple upside down cake was good and I got to sit outside for a while. However, the bad things continue to add up – Quiet Cove was open and hot – AC was down and I was regulated to deck 5 to type all this up. I am however done for the moment so off I go to post.
Will update later this evening – I think that Andrew has grown accustomed to his mom and sister dancing and even introduced me to his friends (that are girls) parents last night and so he actually invited me over to introduce me – probably because they wanted to meet me LOL – but then quickly uninvited me to go back to my seat. Becky’s (his friend that’s a girl) dad and I exchanged ideas on how to get Andrew’s lip ring off him but I told “Bob” I preferred that to the tongue ring and would welcome any ideas on how to persuade him to not have one. I just said I settled for the lesser of two evils at the time. It was between an eyebrow piercing or a tattoo and the lip won. Come to find out that his younger daughter – Liz – has one tattoo. So talk about opening mouth and inserting foot. Boy was my face red! ROTFL. Oh well, that’s me for you – little schlep rock.
So folks, that it for now – I will talk to you later.
Laura
July 23, 2008, Mazatlan
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
So today was my birthday. It has certainly turned out to be a very interesting and strange cruise. In retrospect, I am going to hit on the highlights as I’m sitting here on Deck 5 since the Quiet Cove Café seems to have lost their AC and all the plugs are taken with fans. I warned you all this has been a strange cruise.
So today was Mazatlan. We ended up getting the Salsa and Salsa Excursion. Our tablemates decided to join us (after he got Christian involved – long story for a later time) Anyway, after much last minute scrambling, it was decided to leave us as we were for by this time, I had made alternate plans. So we end up making salsa and dancing salsa. This was an am excursion and good thing it was – it was too dang hot. We did the salsa, which was a bit rushed but the margaritas were damn good! Yours truly was picked along with our tablemates who were celebrating their 25th anniversary to make margaritas and flavored ones. Which we all shared of course.
Afterwards, you were given an option of enjoying the pool which would have been a nice diversion or the beach which was steps away. It’s a nice excursion but a bit expensive for what it really is – time wasted. The whole thing could have been done in 2 hours but they stretched it out by 1 -2 hrs. Besides, it was so hot, you couldn’t enjoy anything.
So then after, Steve and the girls returned to the ship while Vern, Karen and I went candy shopping and souvenir shopping. But again, it was so hot, we got what we needed and then left. By 2 pm, we were back at the hotel, got a taxi which was our form of transportation from the excursion and then did a bit of terminal shopping. While there, I caught Megan and Yesenia coming from the ship and we wandered the terminal a bit. I got a bit woozy and decided to go to the ship where I promptly fell asleep – which was exactly what Steve did when he returned, instead of coming back to help me candy shop. Needless to say, I was a bit upset. But that was fixed later.
I had an appt at 6:30 and had my hair done. Alex from Turkey got me and managed to make me look like a queen. I was very happy. He was too since I gave him free reign to do what he wanted. I, of course, wore my queen crown which was bigger than my formal crown and got rave reviews.
Dinner was at Animator’s Palette and our tablemates celebrating their 25th anniversary went to Palo’s. Dinner was weird. I did not get sung too – boo hoo! But that’s ok because I got the Palo’s soufflé.
Oh, did I mention that I received a very nice bottle of Korbel Wine package in my room? It was from Nickeisha from Guest Services and she even followed up with a call in the hopes that my cruise was turning from an unhappy experience to a happy one. I even got a call from Christian himself apologizing for all the mishaps we had been experiencing. Told you all this cruise was weird.
Afterwards, Steve and I ended up in Rocking Bar D. The girls and Andrew were there. I mentioned onboard that Andrew was sick coming from the Tequila, Huareches and Saddlemaking or something like that, well, turns out it was becaue of what he ate. He has a condition that he needs to watch what he eats – no starches, corn, etc. Yeah well, he knew better. He did and he ended up on the toilet. He ended up asking for Immodium since his problem was not allowing him to get off the toilet. Steve went down to the shops but they told him he’d have to go to the medical center. He did, they wanted to see him (turns out there was a breakout on the ship last week) due to some earlier problems. This one HOWEVER, was not related to the ship – this was related to his condition. So, folks, things are good from the El Pacifico restaurant. Eat free and be merry. Things are good here.
Anyway, someone, I’m not sure who……….(LOL) requested Footloose and after dancing to it I was able to go to sleep. So on to my next adventure – Puerto Vallerta.
See you on the flip side
Laura
So today was my birthday. It has certainly turned out to be a very interesting and strange cruise. In retrospect, I am going to hit on the highlights as I’m sitting here on Deck 5 since the Quiet Cove Café seems to have lost their AC and all the plugs are taken with fans. I warned you all this has been a strange cruise.
So today was Mazatlan. We ended up getting the Salsa and Salsa Excursion. Our tablemates decided to join us (after he got Christian involved – long story for a later time) Anyway, after much last minute scrambling, it was decided to leave us as we were for by this time, I had made alternate plans. So we end up making salsa and dancing salsa. This was an am excursion and good thing it was – it was too dang hot. We did the salsa, which was a bit rushed but the margaritas were damn good! Yours truly was picked along with our tablemates who were celebrating their 25th anniversary to make margaritas and flavored ones. Which we all shared of course.
Afterwards, you were given an option of enjoying the pool which would have been a nice diversion or the beach which was steps away. It’s a nice excursion but a bit expensive for what it really is – time wasted. The whole thing could have been done in 2 hours but they stretched it out by 1 -2 hrs. Besides, it was so hot, you couldn’t enjoy anything.
So then after, Steve and the girls returned to the ship while Vern, Karen and I went candy shopping and souvenir shopping. But again, it was so hot, we got what we needed and then left. By 2 pm, we were back at the hotel, got a taxi which was our form of transportation from the excursion and then did a bit of terminal shopping. While there, I caught Megan and Yesenia coming from the ship and we wandered the terminal a bit. I got a bit woozy and decided to go to the ship where I promptly fell asleep – which was exactly what Steve did when he returned, instead of coming back to help me candy shop. Needless to say, I was a bit upset. But that was fixed later.
I had an appt at 6:30 and had my hair done. Alex from Turkey got me and managed to make me look like a queen. I was very happy. He was too since I gave him free reign to do what he wanted. I, of course, wore my queen crown which was bigger than my formal crown and got rave reviews.
Dinner was at Animator’s Palette and our tablemates celebrating their 25th anniversary went to Palo’s. Dinner was weird. I did not get sung too – boo hoo! But that’s ok because I got the Palo’s soufflé.
Oh, did I mention that I received a very nice bottle of Korbel Wine package in my room? It was from Nickeisha from Guest Services and she even followed up with a call in the hopes that my cruise was turning from an unhappy experience to a happy one. I even got a call from Christian himself apologizing for all the mishaps we had been experiencing. Told you all this cruise was weird.
Afterwards, Steve and I ended up in Rocking Bar D. The girls and Andrew were there. I mentioned onboard that Andrew was sick coming from the Tequila, Huareches and Saddlemaking or something like that, well, turns out it was becaue of what he ate. He has a condition that he needs to watch what he eats – no starches, corn, etc. Yeah well, he knew better. He did and he ended up on the toilet. He ended up asking for Immodium since his problem was not allowing him to get off the toilet. Steve went down to the shops but they told him he’d have to go to the medical center. He did, they wanted to see him (turns out there was a breakout on the ship last week) due to some earlier problems. This one HOWEVER, was not related to the ship – this was related to his condition. So, folks, things are good from the El Pacifico restaurant. Eat free and be merry. Things are good here.
Anyway, someone, I’m not sure who……….(LOL) requested Footloose and after dancing to it I was able to go to sleep. So on to my next adventure – Puerto Vallerta.
See you on the flip side
Laura
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Cabo
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
OK , so its really Friday, July 25, 2008 but here it goes:
Cabo San Lucas Day – Totally slept through the landing greeting, managed to get up around 10 am and managed to get up and April , Steve and I off the ship. Turns out that Andrew followed us a few minutes later. April lasted all of about ½ hr and she and Andrew managed to go back to the ship. It was too darn hot.
I think I mentioned on the thread that before we left, Steve and I ate at Pluto’s Playhouse. As we were eating, I looked to my left and managed to see a couple parasailing together, well, the boat must have been having problems because they hit the water and went completely under for a split second. They bobbed to the surface because of their life vests but that was so surreal because I told Steve – “Oh Look, there getting their feet wet.” Then WHAM! They got all wet. Turns out it took about 10 minutes for another boat to come rescue them and then they switched everyone on the original boat over to the rescue boat and then hauled the original boat via a rope. It was weird. Just another thing to add to this cruise. They sure are piling up.
Steve and I went shopping and managed to pick up my fish extender gifts. I liked them. Not sure how the people I gave them too will since they have to carry it off! ROTFL
So we finally head back to ship about 5 and made in back in plenty of time so I didn’t have to panic however, I did have on my manuel watch. Turns out that Andrew’s friends had a similar problem with their phone that I had on the May repo. Megan, already aware of what had happened had switched her phone to manual alert before changing time zone. So she just kept it on ship’s time. But the key word here was that she was alert.
Megan and Yesenia decided to do sea and snorkeling and the two Bobbsey Twins said they were rushed. They took 25 minutes to hayak over, they were rushed through the snorkeling area, rushed onto Lover’s Beach for photo ops and then rushed back. They were the last ones everywhere but she said she didn’t get time to enjoy anything but that they had a good time. Yeah – they came back beet red. For both of them being ½ to full Mexican – they sure did burn! LOL
Anyway, the girls decided they wanted to do a miniature bar crawl so Steve took the bowls which we were carrying back to the ship) I took the girls to Giggling Marlin, which was totally dead and I found a critter crawling over my beans, so I returned them but when the guy came back with another same bowl decided to let it go because I wasn’t sure that he didn’t just pour more on top the original bowl. Hey – what’s a little protein right?
So we decided to wander and finally found Cabo Wabo. Steve rejoined us at this time and I sent them into Cabo Wabo for a requisite tequila shot. My plan isn’t working – to ply Megan with drinks till she gets sick. Came close one time but it hasn’t yet. Hm…….makes me wonder if she hasn’t already practiced. ROTFL – yeah right!
Anyway, as I said, uneventful night.
Rest was a bit boring except for some minor griping from all of us about how the service is lacking. This it the 3rd night we’ve gone with out salt and pepper on the table. So if it happens again, we are planning something. More later.
Bye – Laura
OK , so its really Friday, July 25, 2008 but here it goes:
Cabo San Lucas Day – Totally slept through the landing greeting, managed to get up around 10 am and managed to get up and April , Steve and I off the ship. Turns out that Andrew followed us a few minutes later. April lasted all of about ½ hr and she and Andrew managed to go back to the ship. It was too darn hot.
I think I mentioned on the thread that before we left, Steve and I ate at Pluto’s Playhouse. As we were eating, I looked to my left and managed to see a couple parasailing together, well, the boat must have been having problems because they hit the water and went completely under for a split second. They bobbed to the surface because of their life vests but that was so surreal because I told Steve – “Oh Look, there getting their feet wet.” Then WHAM! They got all wet. Turns out it took about 10 minutes for another boat to come rescue them and then they switched everyone on the original boat over to the rescue boat and then hauled the original boat via a rope. It was weird. Just another thing to add to this cruise. They sure are piling up.
Steve and I went shopping and managed to pick up my fish extender gifts. I liked them. Not sure how the people I gave them too will since they have to carry it off! ROTFL
So we finally head back to ship about 5 and made in back in plenty of time so I didn’t have to panic however, I did have on my manuel watch. Turns out that Andrew’s friends had a similar problem with their phone that I had on the May repo. Megan, already aware of what had happened had switched her phone to manual alert before changing time zone. So she just kept it on ship’s time. But the key word here was that she was alert.
Megan and Yesenia decided to do sea and snorkeling and the two Bobbsey Twins said they were rushed. They took 25 minutes to hayak over, they were rushed through the snorkeling area, rushed onto Lover’s Beach for photo ops and then rushed back. They were the last ones everywhere but she said she didn’t get time to enjoy anything but that they had a good time. Yeah – they came back beet red. For both of them being ½ to full Mexican – they sure did burn! LOL
Anyway, the girls decided they wanted to do a miniature bar crawl so Steve took the bowls which we were carrying back to the ship) I took the girls to Giggling Marlin, which was totally dead and I found a critter crawling over my beans, so I returned them but when the guy came back with another same bowl decided to let it go because I wasn’t sure that he didn’t just pour more on top the original bowl. Hey – what’s a little protein right?
So we decided to wander and finally found Cabo Wabo. Steve rejoined us at this time and I sent them into Cabo Wabo for a requisite tequila shot. My plan isn’t working – to ply Megan with drinks till she gets sick. Came close one time but it hasn’t yet. Hm…….makes me wonder if she hasn’t already practiced. ROTFL – yeah right!
Anyway, as I said, uneventful night.
Rest was a bit boring except for some minor griping from all of us about how the service is lacking. This it the 3rd night we’ve gone with out salt and pepper on the table. So if it happens again, we are planning something. More later.
Bye – Laura
Monday, July 21, 2008 Sea Day
Monday, July 21st, 2008
OK so at about 4:30, Megan comes into our dark cave and she’s trembling – her voice is scared. She tells me that the power is off. I wake up to say – huh? Then realize we are utterly still. Seriously, it was the freakiest thing. No engine sound, lights off and Megan is scared. I go what are you doing up? They came in at 3:30. She says that she had gone to bed and woke up to go to the bathroom only to discover that – ok – sorry folks, I’m cracking up here. – Andrew is sitting on the toilet in total darkness. Has been for the last 45 minutes. (Andrew has a condition which requires a bathroom whenever excess eating and drinking has occurred – medical issue – I’m not making this up) anyway, I’m sure he probably had fallen asleep – he tells her to wake me up – yeah me – not dad so she does. I’m dead asleep but instantly I recall a scene from the TV mini-series – The Langoliers, based on a short story by Stephen King, where some people fall asleep on the plane and when they wake up – they are alone in mid-air? Ok if your not familiar with this, flash back to the opening Left Behind series. Yeah it was like that.
So Steve decides to be funny and say – oh wow – I wonder if the crew has disappeared to which, of course, starts Megan whining – that is not funny ( I thought it was but then again – sometimes I have a cruel sense of humor) so I get up, get my ipod and turn on the backlight for a light. There are no lights on at all in the room and having an inside cabin – it is pitch black. So I creak open the hallway door and some tall man comes flopping down the hallway which is only ½ lit – every other light is off. It’s so weird. The quietness is too eerie. Right behind him about 5 feet is a ship’s officer following him. I manage to croak out – what’s going on – he tries to answer me but the officer hurries him off. So I tell Steve and Megan that I was going to send a text message to Pam. I’m thinking ok – its 4:30 am – so its 6:30 Pam’s Time. Forgot we had moved forward one hour. Poor Pam – SORRY Pam! Not sure if I woke her up but I asked her to check to see if anything was going on or was on the news or anything.
So Megan and I get dressed, she’s almost worked herself into a worry state, we go to deck 4, its pitch black and the engines and ½ the deck lights are off too. We stay about 10 minutes – another guys is there too and he mentions that the ship has been still for about ½ hour. We notice one ship on the port side with lights on. We hightail it to the starboard side, have to manually open the door – you all know which one – swing door from the inside then an automatic door which you push a button. Well, I slid them open. Notice another cruise ship on this side. Remember that the Royal Caribbean will be doing the same ports as we are so we will be on the same route. So, I look at my phone – no signal. About 10 more minutes and I catch a land signal. I managed to send it to Pam. Then a couple seconds later – Cingular at Sea comes back on. You can hear the engines trying to turn over. I liken it to a flooded engine in a car. You smelled fuel – gagging and then nothing. So all in all, about another ½ hr and then the engines proceed. What was weird is those crew members working – continue on as though nothing has happened. I didn’t expect an announcement then but I was hoping to get one during early morning update. Nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch.
Then about 1 I go down to Guest services – which was not answering their phones during the engine trouble but go figure – room service did – they told us we were having engine trouble and should be back online soon – if all else fails, find a peon who will more than likely spill the beans. As the saying goes – there’s more than one way to skin a cat – LOL
So I finally go to sleep after catching the sunrise and managed to block out Steve’s snores. I wake up about 12:15. Take a shower, decide that I am going to torture Megan with the Tequila & Margarita tasting seminar. I go and get the tickets and then head to Parrot Cay for the American Buffet. BTW, did I mention that when we were in Topsiders yesterday, we were not allowed to serve ourselves? I told Steve that they probably had a problem on the last cruise and he said it could be CA regulations. Turns out I was right – I dragged it out of our stateroom host – JoJo by the way, that last week, several guests got the stomach flu and it was a precaution – and they weren’t kidding – they chastised Steve and my tablemate for trying to serve themselves. No problem here except when no one is at the station – I’d gone all morning with food there and so I was a bit cranky. LOL
Anyway, we eat at the buffet which had some surprisingly good tacos and then headed off to the Tequlia seminar. Managed to go through that and hopefully introduced Megan to the good types. BTW, I also plied her with my mystery tequila (which I don’t drink – I’m a bit of a tequila snob) and other ones – I did however, drink my Don Julio Reposado, turns out they have a Super Patron which runs $55 DOLLARS a shot. Dang – was it Patron or Don Julio’s? Not sure – ended up having some extra drinks. Then, after Yesenia wanted to try a Naughty School girl but they no longer carry the Parrot Cay Mango Rum so we had to settle for a Mesam’s Original drink. It was actually pretty good – I’ll post the ingredients later if anyone is interested – I’m on deck 9 in Quiet Cove getting some sun for a bit. I’ll get sick if I stay indoors all day. I need some sun or fresh air. So we have around for a bit, shoot the breeze with Mesam and Noella, who will be waiting for the EB PC crew in August – she said – she’ll be ready and waiting for us! I take that as a challenge folks! ;-)
Anyway, the girls totter back to the room along with Steve and I and Steve and I decided to wander the hall from side to side to trick the girls into thinking they are drunk. As Steve said, I thought they were fine until they started to talk. I really think Megan is testing her limits with me – she’s an adult now – told her I would introduce her to Ralph later. She wanted to know who Ralph was. Didn’t give her his last name – Porcelion King. She’ll figure it out later. Anyway, that girls has always been a daredevil from age of 3. She’ll soon figure it out – her headache not mine. Only stipulation is that if you sick – don’t call me. Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out ways to ply her with more alchohol.
Andrew meanwhile has totally disappeared after being stranded on the toilet for an hour this morning he gets up early and meets his female friends. Ok with me – less hassle this way.
By the way, did I mention that the engines stopped again about 1 pm? The Cpt – not sure if its Thor, Tom or John – I can’t hear the intercom system too well came on this time to say we were experiencing engine problems. Well, this time they were only off for about 5 minutes before we were on our way again. But that is just too weird. Twice in one day. Wonder what’s going on? I told Pam, OH No! People are going to think I’m a jinx – I board and the ship breaks. Not my fault folks – she’s aging! LOL
OK – so my battery life is almost gone so I need to wrap this up – tonight is Lumiere’s and formal night so we have to go and get the free drinks they are offering (according to Megan – my little lush – and BFF, Yesenia) so we will be at Lumiere’s tonight and tomorrow. Weird huh? Ok – going to go and juice this up and I will hopefully update later on. I need to figure out another way to further embarrass the boy tonight. I may decide to stay in Rocking Bar D since I have no plans for Cabo tomorrow. Too afraid to get off – in fact, wonder if we will be able to tender? Heard their may be a hurricane going thorugh soon. Thunder storms are forecasted for all three of the ports so I hope not. Although my right hand has been killing me for the last 3 days. That’s usually my barometer. No folks, I’m not crazy, its usually about 2-3 days ahead of bad weather.
So tonight I will be wearing my 40’s style long dress in the hopes I pass as elegant. Won’t know until I get there but I’m hoping if I pray to God, my hair will cooperate. Go figure – both Steve andI did not bring our anniversary gifts – mine because its too big and him because he forgot. Oh well, there’s always Cabo tomorrow. Besides, we renowed our vows in the church on the 22nd so that technically too is my anniversary! ;-) He brought that one up – not me. Stay tuned for my present – I’ll say later.
Gotta go – its getting chilly!
Laura
OK so at about 4:30, Megan comes into our dark cave and she’s trembling – her voice is scared. She tells me that the power is off. I wake up to say – huh? Then realize we are utterly still. Seriously, it was the freakiest thing. No engine sound, lights off and Megan is scared. I go what are you doing up? They came in at 3:30. She says that she had gone to bed and woke up to go to the bathroom only to discover that – ok – sorry folks, I’m cracking up here. – Andrew is sitting on the toilet in total darkness. Has been for the last 45 minutes. (Andrew has a condition which requires a bathroom whenever excess eating and drinking has occurred – medical issue – I’m not making this up) anyway, I’m sure he probably had fallen asleep – he tells her to wake me up – yeah me – not dad so she does. I’m dead asleep but instantly I recall a scene from the TV mini-series – The Langoliers, based on a short story by Stephen King, where some people fall asleep on the plane and when they wake up – they are alone in mid-air? Ok if your not familiar with this, flash back to the opening Left Behind series. Yeah it was like that.
So Steve decides to be funny and say – oh wow – I wonder if the crew has disappeared to which, of course, starts Megan whining – that is not funny ( I thought it was but then again – sometimes I have a cruel sense of humor) so I get up, get my ipod and turn on the backlight for a light. There are no lights on at all in the room and having an inside cabin – it is pitch black. So I creak open the hallway door and some tall man comes flopping down the hallway which is only ½ lit – every other light is off. It’s so weird. The quietness is too eerie. Right behind him about 5 feet is a ship’s officer following him. I manage to croak out – what’s going on – he tries to answer me but the officer hurries him off. So I tell Steve and Megan that I was going to send a text message to Pam. I’m thinking ok – its 4:30 am – so its 6:30 Pam’s Time. Forgot we had moved forward one hour. Poor Pam – SORRY Pam! Not sure if I woke her up but I asked her to check to see if anything was going on or was on the news or anything.
So Megan and I get dressed, she’s almost worked herself into a worry state, we go to deck 4, its pitch black and the engines and ½ the deck lights are off too. We stay about 10 minutes – another guys is there too and he mentions that the ship has been still for about ½ hour. We notice one ship on the port side with lights on. We hightail it to the starboard side, have to manually open the door – you all know which one – swing door from the inside then an automatic door which you push a button. Well, I slid them open. Notice another cruise ship on this side. Remember that the Royal Caribbean will be doing the same ports as we are so we will be on the same route. So, I look at my phone – no signal. About 10 more minutes and I catch a land signal. I managed to send it to Pam. Then a couple seconds later – Cingular at Sea comes back on. You can hear the engines trying to turn over. I liken it to a flooded engine in a car. You smelled fuel – gagging and then nothing. So all in all, about another ½ hr and then the engines proceed. What was weird is those crew members working – continue on as though nothing has happened. I didn’t expect an announcement then but I was hoping to get one during early morning update. Nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch.
Then about 1 I go down to Guest services – which was not answering their phones during the engine trouble but go figure – room service did – they told us we were having engine trouble and should be back online soon – if all else fails, find a peon who will more than likely spill the beans. As the saying goes – there’s more than one way to skin a cat – LOL
So I finally go to sleep after catching the sunrise and managed to block out Steve’s snores. I wake up about 12:15. Take a shower, decide that I am going to torture Megan with the Tequila & Margarita tasting seminar. I go and get the tickets and then head to Parrot Cay for the American Buffet. BTW, did I mention that when we were in Topsiders yesterday, we were not allowed to serve ourselves? I told Steve that they probably had a problem on the last cruise and he said it could be CA regulations. Turns out I was right – I dragged it out of our stateroom host – JoJo by the way, that last week, several guests got the stomach flu and it was a precaution – and they weren’t kidding – they chastised Steve and my tablemate for trying to serve themselves. No problem here except when no one is at the station – I’d gone all morning with food there and so I was a bit cranky. LOL
Anyway, we eat at the buffet which had some surprisingly good tacos and then headed off to the Tequlia seminar. Managed to go through that and hopefully introduced Megan to the good types. BTW, I also plied her with my mystery tequila (which I don’t drink – I’m a bit of a tequila snob) and other ones – I did however, drink my Don Julio Reposado, turns out they have a Super Patron which runs $55 DOLLARS a shot. Dang – was it Patron or Don Julio’s? Not sure – ended up having some extra drinks. Then, after Yesenia wanted to try a Naughty School girl but they no longer carry the Parrot Cay Mango Rum so we had to settle for a Mesam’s Original drink. It was actually pretty good – I’ll post the ingredients later if anyone is interested – I’m on deck 9 in Quiet Cove getting some sun for a bit. I’ll get sick if I stay indoors all day. I need some sun or fresh air. So we have around for a bit, shoot the breeze with Mesam and Noella, who will be waiting for the EB PC crew in August – she said – she’ll be ready and waiting for us! I take that as a challenge folks! ;-)
Anyway, the girls totter back to the room along with Steve and I and Steve and I decided to wander the hall from side to side to trick the girls into thinking they are drunk. As Steve said, I thought they were fine until they started to talk. I really think Megan is testing her limits with me – she’s an adult now – told her I would introduce her to Ralph later. She wanted to know who Ralph was. Didn’t give her his last name – Porcelion King. She’ll figure it out later. Anyway, that girls has always been a daredevil from age of 3. She’ll soon figure it out – her headache not mine. Only stipulation is that if you sick – don’t call me. Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out ways to ply her with more alchohol.
Andrew meanwhile has totally disappeared after being stranded on the toilet for an hour this morning he gets up early and meets his female friends. Ok with me – less hassle this way.
By the way, did I mention that the engines stopped again about 1 pm? The Cpt – not sure if its Thor, Tom or John – I can’t hear the intercom system too well came on this time to say we were experiencing engine problems. Well, this time they were only off for about 5 minutes before we were on our way again. But that is just too weird. Twice in one day. Wonder what’s going on? I told Pam, OH No! People are going to think I’m a jinx – I board and the ship breaks. Not my fault folks – she’s aging! LOL
OK – so my battery life is almost gone so I need to wrap this up – tonight is Lumiere’s and formal night so we have to go and get the free drinks they are offering (according to Megan – my little lush – and BFF, Yesenia) so we will be at Lumiere’s tonight and tomorrow. Weird huh? Ok – going to go and juice this up and I will hopefully update later on. I need to figure out another way to further embarrass the boy tonight. I may decide to stay in Rocking Bar D since I have no plans for Cabo tomorrow. Too afraid to get off – in fact, wonder if we will be able to tender? Heard their may be a hurricane going thorugh soon. Thunder storms are forecasted for all three of the ports so I hope not. Although my right hand has been killing me for the last 3 days. That’s usually my barometer. No folks, I’m not crazy, its usually about 2-3 days ahead of bad weather.
So tonight I will be wearing my 40’s style long dress in the hopes I pass as elegant. Won’t know until I get there but I’m hoping if I pray to God, my hair will cooperate. Go figure – both Steve andI did not bring our anniversary gifts – mine because its too big and him because he forgot. Oh well, there’s always Cabo tomorrow. Besides, we renowed our vows in the church on the 22nd so that technically too is my anniversary! ;-) He brought that one up – not me. Stay tuned for my present – I’ll say later.
Gotta go – its getting chilly!
Laura
Embarkation Day July 20th, 2008
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
OK – here is the recap in a nutshell. Woke up – finished packing, got the groceries to grandma’s, total stressing out job but finally got on the road about 1ish. Got to the port about 1:33. We decided to self-park. A friend said it would cost about $12.50 per day. Figured with the amount of luggage – its better to go this route. So, Steve dropped us off, while we waited for him to arrive.
First let me requaint you all with my son. Remember about this time last year – we were estranged? Well, Andrew and I are exactly alike – but together – we are like fire and ice. Our way of communication is swapping barbs but we know where exactly to stop and don't beyond that. This sometimes causes A LOT OF STRESS on Steve as he thinks we are arguing.
Let me say that while we are not extremely close and loving in nature, like many Italian and Hispanic cultures, we band together in emergencies. Well, that is Andrew and I. So, before we left, he starts explaining on how he had to get “supplies” from Target which, I of course picked up on immediately. So, I proceed to tell him that the cherry oil is disgusting and the strawberry and to definitely stay away from the edible underwear which of course grosses everyone out. I, OF COURSE, have absolutely no idea what I am talking about – but it’s a contest between us two on how best we can embarrass the other. (Keep that in mind for later) So anyway, we continue, totally stressing Steve out. We make it to the port and go up the escalators and go into this section where we go into the non-existent line which I say to myself, goody – we should be on in less than ½ hr. No such luck. “Alice” decided to take ½ hr JUST to check us in. Meanwhile, I’m watching the lady next to us pump out 4-5 parties to our one party. I’m all for equal opportunity employment but come on – get competent people. By this time, even Andrew’s getting on my nerves so I call a time out.
We FINALLY get our go ahead – which Alice managed to screw up by not activating the kids cards – ok they scanned in but wouldn’t let the kids into their cabin. We had the plain blue keys but when we got the kids cards replaced so they can enter their cabin – they got Donald Duck cards. Almost made me want to say – can I have one?
So we our ticket number – I’m thinking when I see 31 that since its almost 2:30 we will get in with plenty of time to eat – no such luck – they were only on 23. Seems, I found out later, that there was trouble in the morning and the whole system went down. They did not allow people to board for about 45 minutes. They were through the line, waiting on the “balcony” to board. They also did not get announced only the “greeters” heard them. By the time we boarded at about 2:45, they were up and running but we almost didn’t make Topsiders. Dropped our bags off and hightailed it to the buffet line where we had about 20 minutes to inhale our food before the lifeboat drill at 3:30.
I debated on telling Andrew, who was really driving me nuts up until the point he disappeared at the cabins –which was nice, but for the lifeboat drill, which is “mandatory” he showed up. So we get in line – we were “those” people holding up the drill, while in line, we saw our old server – Vlado AKA Blado who ran over to the girls and I and hugged us. So after the drill, which really wasn’t bad because it wasn’t that hot, we ran back to the room in all the hassle. Let me remind you all that Megan’s BFF, Yesenia is traveling with us again. She is only about 4’11 (but she tells us she grew an inch so she’s 5’ even) Yeah OK! Well, imagine this image: Andrew hightailing it back among the throng of people, Megan is right behind him, I’m running to keep up with her and I’m assuming everyone else is behind us – Steve, April, Yesenia. So Andrew makes it to the room, strips off his vest , Megan does the same and I enter our cabin expecting April and the rest to be right behind me. 2 minutes later, in comes April, then another 2 minutes comes Steve. 2 minutes later – no Yesenia. So I ask Megan – where’s Yesenia? Her answer? I don’t know – she’s lost. About a minute later I realize she’s not kidding. She’s not back yet so we all head out of the cabin on the hunt for Yesenia. Megan’s in the bathroom so she didn’t come out yet. Well, ½ way down the hall, here’s Yesenia looking for our home away from home. LOL – she got parted from us by the throng of fish – um, people. So that almost made us have accidents. We peeled ourselves off the floor and made it back to the cabin.
Went to see if anyone else was left at the DIS meet and ran into some friends. Took it easy until dinner where we were seated at the 8:30 seating, table 9. Our servers turned out to be Mario from the Phillipines and Jana from somewhere – Czech Republic????? I believe. Not sure. Just what I wanted to be saddled with – a hot, young, tall, blonde cutie with an overly friendly (at least to my son) persona. That’s ok, at least we got our drinks (in the beginning at least). So anyway, dinner proceeds, it was the Let the Magic Begin. BTW, I did not make it to the entertainment show. Got myself situated and unpacked. Figured it was time to “go on vacation.”
Dinner started off a bit strange. Got an iffy feeling from our server until our Head waiter came by, then I had to name drop a bit to get some friendly service and requests granted. Remember, it was Megan’s birthday, our anniversary and my birthday cruise. Mario didn’t want to know about it until the night before so when I got a cool reception, I spoke with our head server which immediately warmed up our servers, especially when the photographers came around and recognized me – OK should I say they recognized my camera from the WB PC? LOL – it was actually very funny. They all came by our table and said hi to me which I then mentioned we would see them again in 3 weeks. They were all superfriendly – better than the wait staff. Let me add a disclaimer here, right after this, the waiter & server started warming up but Jana dropped the ice tea ball but certainly picked up on the alchohol ball from Andrew. He was ordering Flamingos and Banana drinks left and right – about 4 I think along with a shot – which Megan and Yesenia of course had to try too. Oh well, she’s legal now, I think they are just doing it to see if it gets to me. That’s ok, I get even. LOL
So Andrew splits after dinner, which I ordered the spiced rib-eye, double baked potatoes and green beans. I had ordered the crab Martinique but couldn’t stomach the appetizer. Went on to the West Indies Cesar Salad which was delicious by the way, and for desert had the French Toast Banana Pudding – get the theme for this night? Bananas. Yummy!
So we finally get done after I give some special requests – seems the guys at our table LOVE their ice tea. We requested 2 glasses of ice tea to be waiting for us when they get there. Seems they get cranky if they don’t have something to drink. Our tablemates are a couple that we meet on 2005 Mexican Riveria cruise. Andrew also ended up working with Vern so we had that in common too.
After dinner, I decided to deliver my fish gifts which only 16 cabins are participating in – so my gift was those magnetic dry erase boards which you can find now due to school starting soon – they make wonderful gifts. So as I’m finishing up my deliveries, I realize that I’m by Rocking Bar D. I decide to go and see if the girls (Megan and Yesenia) are in there. I go – they are and so is my son – Andrew. Well, those of you that know me – the lightbulb goes on. I tell Megan – lets go dance before Andrfew sees me – he’ll ignore me (he’s with his friends – that are girls - ) well along this time, Flo Rida’s Low comes on. Yeah, well, I like this song so I drag the girls onto the dance stage, Megan balks but Yesenia is right there with me. I knew I liked that girl. I then make a bet with Megan who decided she’s had enough liquid courage to join us – that within 5 minutes of me getting on the stage to dance, Andrew will leave. Well, it didn’t take 5 minutes – just 1. I come on the dance floor – Andrew sees me – eyes go wide and in the middle of the dark bar – he goes red. I introduce myself to his friend who encourages me to dance with her as I tell her I love this song. Andrew sees this, runs his hands through his almost bald head and groans – Oh No! Stays that way for 30 seconds and then JUMPS up to the bar and stays there. I about wanted to pea my pants. I promised Megan I would not freak so I didn’t but I did get low and dirty one time only! LOL - ;-)
So after the song ends, I go to bed. I moved the clocks forward one hour per instructed and then proceeded to finally go to bed about 1:30 to what I thought was going to be a peaceful night’s sleep.
Again, those that know me – nothing ever goes as planned when I’m on the ship. See Monday’s blog for more info.
Gonna end this one right now. Later – Laura
OK – here is the recap in a nutshell. Woke up – finished packing, got the groceries to grandma’s, total stressing out job but finally got on the road about 1ish. Got to the port about 1:33. We decided to self-park. A friend said it would cost about $12.50 per day. Figured with the amount of luggage – its better to go this route. So, Steve dropped us off, while we waited for him to arrive.
First let me requaint you all with my son. Remember about this time last year – we were estranged? Well, Andrew and I are exactly alike – but together – we are like fire and ice. Our way of communication is swapping barbs but we know where exactly to stop and don't beyond that. This sometimes causes A LOT OF STRESS on Steve as he thinks we are arguing.
Let me say that while we are not extremely close and loving in nature, like many Italian and Hispanic cultures, we band together in emergencies. Well, that is Andrew and I. So, before we left, he starts explaining on how he had to get “supplies” from Target which, I of course picked up on immediately. So, I proceed to tell him that the cherry oil is disgusting and the strawberry and to definitely stay away from the edible underwear which of course grosses everyone out. I, OF COURSE, have absolutely no idea what I am talking about – but it’s a contest between us two on how best we can embarrass the other. (Keep that in mind for later) So anyway, we continue, totally stressing Steve out. We make it to the port and go up the escalators and go into this section where we go into the non-existent line which I say to myself, goody – we should be on in less than ½ hr. No such luck. “Alice” decided to take ½ hr JUST to check us in. Meanwhile, I’m watching the lady next to us pump out 4-5 parties to our one party. I’m all for equal opportunity employment but come on – get competent people. By this time, even Andrew’s getting on my nerves so I call a time out.
We FINALLY get our go ahead – which Alice managed to screw up by not activating the kids cards – ok they scanned in but wouldn’t let the kids into their cabin. We had the plain blue keys but when we got the kids cards replaced so they can enter their cabin – they got Donald Duck cards. Almost made me want to say – can I have one?
So we our ticket number – I’m thinking when I see 31 that since its almost 2:30 we will get in with plenty of time to eat – no such luck – they were only on 23. Seems, I found out later, that there was trouble in the morning and the whole system went down. They did not allow people to board for about 45 minutes. They were through the line, waiting on the “balcony” to board. They also did not get announced only the “greeters” heard them. By the time we boarded at about 2:45, they were up and running but we almost didn’t make Topsiders. Dropped our bags off and hightailed it to the buffet line where we had about 20 minutes to inhale our food before the lifeboat drill at 3:30.
I debated on telling Andrew, who was really driving me nuts up until the point he disappeared at the cabins –which was nice, but for the lifeboat drill, which is “mandatory” he showed up. So we get in line – we were “those” people holding up the drill, while in line, we saw our old server – Vlado AKA Blado who ran over to the girls and I and hugged us. So after the drill, which really wasn’t bad because it wasn’t that hot, we ran back to the room in all the hassle. Let me remind you all that Megan’s BFF, Yesenia is traveling with us again. She is only about 4’11 (but she tells us she grew an inch so she’s 5’ even) Yeah OK! Well, imagine this image: Andrew hightailing it back among the throng of people, Megan is right behind him, I’m running to keep up with her and I’m assuming everyone else is behind us – Steve, April, Yesenia. So Andrew makes it to the room, strips off his vest , Megan does the same and I enter our cabin expecting April and the rest to be right behind me. 2 minutes later, in comes April, then another 2 minutes comes Steve. 2 minutes later – no Yesenia. So I ask Megan – where’s Yesenia? Her answer? I don’t know – she’s lost. About a minute later I realize she’s not kidding. She’s not back yet so we all head out of the cabin on the hunt for Yesenia. Megan’s in the bathroom so she didn’t come out yet. Well, ½ way down the hall, here’s Yesenia looking for our home away from home. LOL – she got parted from us by the throng of fish – um, people. So that almost made us have accidents. We peeled ourselves off the floor and made it back to the cabin.
Went to see if anyone else was left at the DIS meet and ran into some friends. Took it easy until dinner where we were seated at the 8:30 seating, table 9. Our servers turned out to be Mario from the Phillipines and Jana from somewhere – Czech Republic????? I believe. Not sure. Just what I wanted to be saddled with – a hot, young, tall, blonde cutie with an overly friendly (at least to my son) persona. That’s ok, at least we got our drinks (in the beginning at least). So anyway, dinner proceeds, it was the Let the Magic Begin. BTW, I did not make it to the entertainment show. Got myself situated and unpacked. Figured it was time to “go on vacation.”
Dinner started off a bit strange. Got an iffy feeling from our server until our Head waiter came by, then I had to name drop a bit to get some friendly service and requests granted. Remember, it was Megan’s birthday, our anniversary and my birthday cruise. Mario didn’t want to know about it until the night before so when I got a cool reception, I spoke with our head server which immediately warmed up our servers, especially when the photographers came around and recognized me – OK should I say they recognized my camera from the WB PC? LOL – it was actually very funny. They all came by our table and said hi to me which I then mentioned we would see them again in 3 weeks. They were all superfriendly – better than the wait staff. Let me add a disclaimer here, right after this, the waiter & server started warming up but Jana dropped the ice tea ball but certainly picked up on the alchohol ball from Andrew. He was ordering Flamingos and Banana drinks left and right – about 4 I think along with a shot – which Megan and Yesenia of course had to try too. Oh well, she’s legal now, I think they are just doing it to see if it gets to me. That’s ok, I get even. LOL
So Andrew splits after dinner, which I ordered the spiced rib-eye, double baked potatoes and green beans. I had ordered the crab Martinique but couldn’t stomach the appetizer. Went on to the West Indies Cesar Salad which was delicious by the way, and for desert had the French Toast Banana Pudding – get the theme for this night? Bananas. Yummy!
So we finally get done after I give some special requests – seems the guys at our table LOVE their ice tea. We requested 2 glasses of ice tea to be waiting for us when they get there. Seems they get cranky if they don’t have something to drink. Our tablemates are a couple that we meet on 2005 Mexican Riveria cruise. Andrew also ended up working with Vern so we had that in common too.
After dinner, I decided to deliver my fish gifts which only 16 cabins are participating in – so my gift was those magnetic dry erase boards which you can find now due to school starting soon – they make wonderful gifts. So as I’m finishing up my deliveries, I realize that I’m by Rocking Bar D. I decide to go and see if the girls (Megan and Yesenia) are in there. I go – they are and so is my son – Andrew. Well, those of you that know me – the lightbulb goes on. I tell Megan – lets go dance before Andrfew sees me – he’ll ignore me (he’s with his friends – that are girls - ) well along this time, Flo Rida’s Low comes on. Yeah, well, I like this song so I drag the girls onto the dance stage, Megan balks but Yesenia is right there with me. I knew I liked that girl. I then make a bet with Megan who decided she’s had enough liquid courage to join us – that within 5 minutes of me getting on the stage to dance, Andrew will leave. Well, it didn’t take 5 minutes – just 1. I come on the dance floor – Andrew sees me – eyes go wide and in the middle of the dark bar – he goes red. I introduce myself to his friend who encourages me to dance with her as I tell her I love this song. Andrew sees this, runs his hands through his almost bald head and groans – Oh No! Stays that way for 30 seconds and then JUMPS up to the bar and stays there. I about wanted to pea my pants. I promised Megan I would not freak so I didn’t but I did get low and dirty one time only! LOL - ;-)
So after the song ends, I go to bed. I moved the clocks forward one hour per instructed and then proceeded to finally go to bed about 1:30 to what I thought was going to be a peaceful night’s sleep.
Again, those that know me – nothing ever goes as planned when I’m on the ship. See Monday’s blog for more info.
Gonna end this one right now. Later – Laura
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