December 4 2016
At Sea
Enroute to Cozumel, Mexico
Didn't have a great nights sleep for some reason, and woke up about 7:20. Which is late for me for a sea day!! I lept out of bed and jumped into my bathing suit (I always get my things ready the night before) and grabbed my beach bag and was out the door. Laurie was going for a walk on the track and said she would be up soon. I thought I was late, but apparently this group of passengers aren't early birds. So I got us great seats right next to the pool and it was glorious!
Spent the whole day at the pool, soaking up the sun, in and put of the pool, sipping frosty beverages and having afternoon siestas! They have a big screen at the pool so they put on the games, although it wasn't The Giants or Jets game, but still cool. Nothing like watching football while sitting in the sun at the pool.
Headed back to the cabin sometime after 4 (when I realized the 4pm game was also not going to be a NY game) to relax and shower. It is exhausting doing nothing all day! The night before, Laurie had noticed that they had a "free gift" for appts made by Day 2 at the Next Cruise desk. So we had an appt for 7pm; leaving plenty of time for our nightly pre-dinner drinks at Boleros. Since we had already looked through the book, we knew what we wanted to book, so why not? We booked an 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise for Feb 5 2018. And it includes St Lucia, which is only 1 of 3 islands I haven't been to! (Artemis missed St Lucia on a delayed crossing once) We were very excited
Headed to Boleros and they still didn't have Moscato! Olga tried her best to mix and match some things to try to get a drink close, and she did a great job! We ended up with St Germain and Champagne - which was pretty yummy.
Off to dinner, which normally is uneventful but enjoyable. However, I found a piece of plastic (like a plastic steamer bag the veggies might be cooked in) in my stuffing. I let our waiter Agnelo know and he immediately got the Head Waiter. They apologized profusely, making sure I was ok. I told them I was ok, had not eaten it and was not wanting to make a big deal, just to make them aware. He asked for my cabin # and said he would let the Head Chef know. Well not more than 10 minutes later, one of the Head Chef's came out to personally apologize. He also asked for my cabin #. Laurie and I laughed and said we know there will be something in the cabin tomorrow! They really fawned over me. It was nice to see, but not necessary in my opinion. However, thinking about it now, I am SURE some passengers just go freaking ape-shit and cry wolf over nothing. So I get it
After dinner we headed to the show. It was called An Invitation to Dance and was choreographed by one of the pro's from Dancing With The Stars. It started off good, but slowly got boring. Again, it was making us sleepy so we were outta there and off to bed!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Independence of the Seas - Dec 2016 - Day 1
December 3 2016
Fort Lauderdale, FL
We made it! The flight was early but easy. During the flight, every time the pilot turned off the seat belt sign, it got bumpy. Every time he turned it back on, it smoothed out. This went on for most of the flight LOL Laurie and I did some 'future cruise planning' as I had the current cruise book in my carry-on. Here is the current "Wish List"
2017 - Back to Back (Check!)
2018 - Southern Caribbean
2019 - Mediterranean
2020 - Re-positioning/Transatlantic
Once we landed it was off to collect our bags and head to the port. We were at Pier 25 and was glad to see its now covered more than it had been in 2015 (when the luggage carts were out in the rain and a lot of our stuff got wet!) From getting in the cab at the airport, to sitting in the Windjammer, it was 56 mins! Not bad at all! Once we finished lunch, the cabins were open and luggage was already being delivered! Our stuff was outside the cabin so we brought it in and just relaxed.
After we got settled it was time to head down to the muster drill. We figured we would go early to get a seat. Sadly, this one is still held outside! (I got spoiled on Oasis class, sitting in the Champagne Bar!) We made friends though and chatted to pass the time. When it was over, we headed up to the Pool Bar to meet up with the Cruise Critic group for sailaway. We met Debra (who organized the group) Wendy and Shelley along with several others. As we started to depart, everyone started to scatter to the rails to watch us sail out of the harbor. I had sent Mom, Ash and Mark the link to the Port Everglades Webs cam and we waved as we left. Once we were on our way, we headed back to the cabin to unpack. Our cabin attendant, Moula, came by to say hello - we gave him our requests (separated beds, ice each night, more towels, etc)
We showered and relaxed a bit before we headed out to Boleros for pre-dinner drinks! I couldn't wait to have a glass of Moscato! Unfortunately, they didn't have any that night but the bartenders, Olga and Charie, said they expected to have some the next night. Music was on in the hour before dinner (unlike Oasis class that has nothing at that time!) and the band was great.
We headed to dinner and were seated at a table of 8 .. 4 ladies from Chile, 2 from Chicago. There was a bit of a language barrier with the ladies from Chile, but we managed ok. The youngest women spoke fairly good English so she worked as translator. The other 2 ladies, Sandy and Marsha, were from Chicago and were sisters. All seemed nice.
After dinner, they were holding the Love & Marriage show. We were a little late, but that was ok. We got seats and watched a bit, but it was not one of the best we've seen and therefore Laurie and I were falling asleep! Decided to bail and just head to bed. Tomorrow was going to be an early day since we were at sea. (and we both had been up since around 4am) So off to sleep we went!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
We made it! The flight was early but easy. During the flight, every time the pilot turned off the seat belt sign, it got bumpy. Every time he turned it back on, it smoothed out. This went on for most of the flight LOL Laurie and I did some 'future cruise planning' as I had the current cruise book in my carry-on. Here is the current "Wish List"
2017 - Back to Back (Check!)
2018 - Southern Caribbean
2019 - Mediterranean
2020 - Re-positioning/Transatlantic
Once we landed it was off to collect our bags and head to the port. We were at Pier 25 and was glad to see its now covered more than it had been in 2015 (when the luggage carts were out in the rain and a lot of our stuff got wet!) From getting in the cab at the airport, to sitting in the Windjammer, it was 56 mins! Not bad at all! Once we finished lunch, the cabins were open and luggage was already being delivered! Our stuff was outside the cabin so we brought it in and just relaxed.
After we got settled it was time to head down to the muster drill. We figured we would go early to get a seat. Sadly, this one is still held outside! (I got spoiled on Oasis class, sitting in the Champagne Bar!) We made friends though and chatted to pass the time. When it was over, we headed up to the Pool Bar to meet up with the Cruise Critic group for sailaway. We met Debra (who organized the group) Wendy and Shelley along with several others. As we started to depart, everyone started to scatter to the rails to watch us sail out of the harbor. I had sent Mom, Ash and Mark the link to the Port Everglades Webs cam and we waved as we left. Once we were on our way, we headed back to the cabin to unpack. Our cabin attendant, Moula, came by to say hello - we gave him our requests (separated beds, ice each night, more towels, etc)
We showered and relaxed a bit before we headed out to Boleros for pre-dinner drinks! I couldn't wait to have a glass of Moscato! Unfortunately, they didn't have any that night but the bartenders, Olga and Charie, said they expected to have some the next night. Music was on in the hour before dinner (unlike Oasis class that has nothing at that time!) and the band was great.
We headed to dinner and were seated at a table of 8 .. 4 ladies from Chile, 2 from Chicago. There was a bit of a language barrier with the ladies from Chile, but we managed ok. The youngest women spoke fairly good English so she worked as translator. The other 2 ladies, Sandy and Marsha, were from Chicago and were sisters. All seemed nice.
After dinner, they were holding the Love & Marriage show. We were a little late, but that was ok. We got seats and watched a bit, but it was not one of the best we've seen and therefore Laurie and I were falling asleep! Decided to bail and just head to bed. Tomorrow was going to be an early day since we were at sea. (and we both had been up since around 4am) So off to sleep we went!
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Allure of the Seas - Take 2 - Day 8
August 7 2016
Fort Lauderdale, FL
For some reason, Mom got up at 5.30am and looked out the balcony door. Since we were pulling into port, she went outside. So that woke me up and I joined her. We watched us come in while it was dark.
Went back to sleep for another hour or so and then got up to get dressed and get out of the cabin. Went for breakfast - it was really crowded! After breakfast, we found a quiet shady spot on the pool deck to hang out at since we had a later disembarking time
Since we all had phone service, we were all on our phones. I sent Facebook requests to Stacy and Dee Dee and Kristin. And caught up with the world :)
Our # was called about 10.30 and we headed off. When we got into the terminal it was mobbed!! So I grabbed a porter as there was no way we were dragging our luggage through these lines! Turns out they only had 3 Customs Agents working. Ummm, what?? There are over 6000 people who have to get off this ship. Are they serious! We spent forever on line and it really was a shitshow. We even started getting nervous about having enough time at the airport for our flights!
We didn't get to the airport till 12.15 (flight was 1.45!) Thank goodness we were TSA Precheck and there was not a line for security. We had enough time to wee, grab a slice of pizza and board the plane. The flight was good and on time and we found Uncle Andy pretty quickly (considering LGA is a zoo!) We got back to Mom's around 6.
Great vacation! Mom is hooked and can't wait to go on another cruise.
Stay tuned ... Independence of the Seas in Dec 2016 is next :)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
For some reason, Mom got up at 5.30am and looked out the balcony door. Since we were pulling into port, she went outside. So that woke me up and I joined her. We watched us come in while it was dark.
Went back to sleep for another hour or so and then got up to get dressed and get out of the cabin. Went for breakfast - it was really crowded! After breakfast, we found a quiet shady spot on the pool deck to hang out at since we had a later disembarking time
Since we all had phone service, we were all on our phones. I sent Facebook requests to Stacy and Dee Dee and Kristin. And caught up with the world :)
Our # was called about 10.30 and we headed off. When we got into the terminal it was mobbed!! So I grabbed a porter as there was no way we were dragging our luggage through these lines! Turns out they only had 3 Customs Agents working. Ummm, what?? There are over 6000 people who have to get off this ship. Are they serious! We spent forever on line and it really was a shitshow. We even started getting nervous about having enough time at the airport for our flights!
We didn't get to the airport till 12.15 (flight was 1.45!) Thank goodness we were TSA Precheck and there was not a line for security. We had enough time to wee, grab a slice of pizza and board the plane. The flight was good and on time and we found Uncle Andy pretty quickly (considering LGA is a zoo!) We got back to Mom's around 6.
Great vacation! Mom is hooked and can't wait to go on another cruise.
Stay tuned ... Independence of the Seas in Dec 2016 is next :)
Allure of the Seas - Take 2 - Day 7
August 6 2016
At Sea
Pool all day long with our new friends! We all got up early so we could all save seats together. Was a great day of sun and fun in the pool. (with frosty beverages of course!)
Lots of discussion of Next Cruise - Stacy and family are doing the Harmony in late June, but we weren't sure we could go then b/c of Ash's school schedule. We agreed to meet that night after dinner at On Air to exchange names for friending each other on Facebook.
New Friends - Kristin and her parents and brother - from Bethpage, NY
Sometime around 2pm the Captain comes on the PA. Since it wasn't his noon report, my crew training kicked in immediately ... something was up! Turns out we had passed a boat that was not responding to calls over the radio and it seemed adrift. So the Captain was going to turn back and do a pass to make sure there is no distress. Even try to "turn around" a 245,000 ton vessel? Yeah, me neither. But it was one hell of a wide turn. So we got out of the pool and dried off and walked along to see where we were headed. Ash and I ended up in the Solarium as we came about behind it so we would cross its path and could get a close look. Pretty interesting! As it got closer and closer, I knew it would pass on the starboard side so we moved back to the pool deck so we could get a spot by the railing and see it for ourselves. It was a make shift sail boat, that they think came from Cuba (we were in the straights between Cuba and Florida) but had already been marked by the Coast Guard as clear. (the use spray paint to mark it)
By about 4pm we all started heading back to the cabins as we had to pack :( Boo!
#ThrowItAllIn
Pre-dinner drinks ensued as usual. Dinner was great. We brought envelopes for our wait staff as they deserved more than we had pre-paid. They were very appreciative! Went to On Air to meet up with the Stacy and Dee Dee clans, and say goodbye :( Stayed for a bit of karaoke as it was really good!
Headed back to the cabins to finish packing and put our luggage out
At Sea
Pool all day long with our new friends! We all got up early so we could all save seats together. Was a great day of sun and fun in the pool. (with frosty beverages of course!)
Lots of discussion of Next Cruise - Stacy and family are doing the Harmony in late June, but we weren't sure we could go then b/c of Ash's school schedule. We agreed to meet that night after dinner at On Air to exchange names for friending each other on Facebook.
New Friends - Kristin and her parents and brother - from Bethpage, NY
Sometime around 2pm the Captain comes on the PA. Since it wasn't his noon report, my crew training kicked in immediately ... something was up! Turns out we had passed a boat that was not responding to calls over the radio and it seemed adrift. So the Captain was going to turn back and do a pass to make sure there is no distress. Even try to "turn around" a 245,000 ton vessel? Yeah, me neither. But it was one hell of a wide turn. So we got out of the pool and dried off and walked along to see where we were headed. Ash and I ended up in the Solarium as we came about behind it so we would cross its path and could get a close look. Pretty interesting! As it got closer and closer, I knew it would pass on the starboard side so we moved back to the pool deck so we could get a spot by the railing and see it for ourselves. It was a make shift sail boat, that they think came from Cuba (we were in the straights between Cuba and Florida) but had already been marked by the Coast Guard as clear. (the use spray paint to mark it)
By about 4pm we all started heading back to the cabins as we had to pack :( Boo!
#ThrowItAllIn
Pre-dinner drinks ensued as usual. Dinner was great. We brought envelopes for our wait staff as they deserved more than we had pre-paid. They were very appreciative! Went to On Air to meet up with the Stacy and Dee Dee clans, and say goodbye :( Stayed for a bit of karaoke as it was really good!
Headed back to the cabins to finish packing and put our luggage out
Allure of the Seas - Take 2 - Day 6
August 5 2016
Cozumel, Mexico
They day before in the pool, Stacy and Dee Dee had told us about a place they were going in Cozumel called Mr Sancho's. It was an all-inclusive beach club about 15 mins from the port. They said it was $55 per person for full use of the beach, swim up pool and included all food and drinks. Since I had planned to take everyone to Channakabb, which is beautiful but doesn't have much of a beach (you walk into the ocean via stairs that go over the rocks), nor is anything included, it sounded like a good deal.
I knew I would have AT&T cell service in port, so I brought my phone to breakfast. While we ate, I went online and booked us for Mr Sancho's. It didn't open till 10am local time, so we didn't have to rush. We finished breakfast and then headed to the cabins to get dressed for the day. We were probably off the ship by 9.30 and then walked through the port to head to a cab. We got caught up in one jewelry store (my fault this time!) as I was in love with this ring that had this awesome turquoise opal on the sides. I wasn't crazy about the sunburst stone (bright orange) but it was also very different and cool. I told the guy we had to think about it and after we had to pull his fingers off me (I'm kidding! But they are very pushy there) we headed to the taxi stand.
We got to Mr Sanchos just after 10am and seemed to be among the first there. We got checked in and picked a table (covered with an umbrella) as well as our beach loungers. Miguel was our waiter and was awesome. Started us off with some frozen drinks and was always around for whatever we needed. A woman was walking around with a massage menu and the other 3 jumped on it. While they did that, I laid on my beach chair and read and kept an eye on the bags at the table. Everyone came back looking relaxed and really liked it! The Mom's said there was some good shopping so I sent them off. While Ash and I were laying on the chairs, talking to a newlywed couple from our ship, someone came by offering the pedicure where the fish nip your feet. She always wanted to try it. So off she went. There was no way anything was nipping on my feet so I stayed put.
When everyone came back we started ordering food. We were several drinks in by then and needed to eat! We saw Stacy, Dee Dee and their clans but they were over by the Aquapark - which was a little further down the beach from us - so they had tables down that way. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the swim up pool. Mom liked that - she sat on a stool at the bar, in the pool with a frosty beverage! (the ocean had gotten a bit seaweedy as the tide changed)
We headed back to the ship around 3. The place starts to clear out so you get the idea that its time to go. Besides, the Mom's wanted to shop some and I wanted to look at that ring again. When we got back to the port, we stopped at the silver store I often go to and then we walked by a jeweler on the corner and Mom pointed out the same ring only with a tanzanite stone in it. Well I was in love! I had always wanted a tanzanite ring and it had the same turquoise opals on the side. So after a bit of haggling, and getting to a cash price we all liked, I bought it. I needed to borrow cash from Mom as she had more than me on her. (I had more on the ship) As we walked away, she said "Happy Birthday honey" She would give me the cash I used and as she was paying for the ring for my upcoming birthday :) Thanks Mom!
The Mom's and Ash wanted to keep shopping but I needed to wee, so I left them to get earrings on their own (Mom wanted silver hoops) and went back to the ship. I waited on the balcony to watch them come back .. jeez, they were taking forever! Finally I gave up and went in the shower.
Ash and I had an appointment with Next Cruise before dinner, so we sent the Mom's to wander the Promenade before we headed to get drinks before dinner. We booked the Adventure for Aug 2017 for a Southern Caribbean cruise (however, as of the time of this being published, we have switched to Harmony in July 2017 to join the Mihalik family)
Went for drinks and then dinner in the main dining room as usual, and as always was great! We had tickets for Blue Planet that night after dinner. I really liked this show in Feb and knew everyone else would too. It was a combination of singing, acrobatics and dancing (basically the cruise staff from Mamma Mia and Ocean Aria) While we waited for the show, we had a cocktail and they kept coming on saying they were delayed due to a technical issue. Unfortunately it ended up being canceled due to the issue. Was disappointed, but hey, it happens.
The next day was a sea day so an early night was ok with all.
Cozumel, Mexico
They day before in the pool, Stacy and Dee Dee had told us about a place they were going in Cozumel called Mr Sancho's. It was an all-inclusive beach club about 15 mins from the port. They said it was $55 per person for full use of the beach, swim up pool and included all food and drinks. Since I had planned to take everyone to Channakabb, which is beautiful but doesn't have much of a beach (you walk into the ocean via stairs that go over the rocks), nor is anything included, it sounded like a good deal.
I knew I would have AT&T cell service in port, so I brought my phone to breakfast. While we ate, I went online and booked us for Mr Sancho's. It didn't open till 10am local time, so we didn't have to rush. We finished breakfast and then headed to the cabins to get dressed for the day. We were probably off the ship by 9.30 and then walked through the port to head to a cab. We got caught up in one jewelry store (my fault this time!) as I was in love with this ring that had this awesome turquoise opal on the sides. I wasn't crazy about the sunburst stone (bright orange) but it was also very different and cool. I told the guy we had to think about it and after we had to pull his fingers off me (I'm kidding! But they are very pushy there) we headed to the taxi stand.
We got to Mr Sanchos just after 10am and seemed to be among the first there. We got checked in and picked a table (covered with an umbrella) as well as our beach loungers. Miguel was our waiter and was awesome. Started us off with some frozen drinks and was always around for whatever we needed. A woman was walking around with a massage menu and the other 3 jumped on it. While they did that, I laid on my beach chair and read and kept an eye on the bags at the table. Everyone came back looking relaxed and really liked it! The Mom's said there was some good shopping so I sent them off. While Ash and I were laying on the chairs, talking to a newlywed couple from our ship, someone came by offering the pedicure where the fish nip your feet. She always wanted to try it. So off she went. There was no way anything was nipping on my feet so I stayed put.
When everyone came back we started ordering food. We were several drinks in by then and needed to eat! We saw Stacy, Dee Dee and their clans but they were over by the Aquapark - which was a little further down the beach from us - so they had tables down that way. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the swim up pool. Mom liked that - she sat on a stool at the bar, in the pool with a frosty beverage! (the ocean had gotten a bit seaweedy as the tide changed)
We headed back to the ship around 3. The place starts to clear out so you get the idea that its time to go. Besides, the Mom's wanted to shop some and I wanted to look at that ring again. When we got back to the port, we stopped at the silver store I often go to and then we walked by a jeweler on the corner and Mom pointed out the same ring only with a tanzanite stone in it. Well I was in love! I had always wanted a tanzanite ring and it had the same turquoise opals on the side. So after a bit of haggling, and getting to a cash price we all liked, I bought it. I needed to borrow cash from Mom as she had more than me on her. (I had more on the ship) As we walked away, she said "Happy Birthday honey" She would give me the cash I used and as she was paying for the ring for my upcoming birthday :) Thanks Mom!
The Mom's and Ash wanted to keep shopping but I needed to wee, so I left them to get earrings on their own (Mom wanted silver hoops) and went back to the ship. I waited on the balcony to watch them come back .. jeez, they were taking forever! Finally I gave up and went in the shower.
Ash and I had an appointment with Next Cruise before dinner, so we sent the Mom's to wander the Promenade before we headed to get drinks before dinner. We booked the Adventure for Aug 2017 for a Southern Caribbean cruise (however, as of the time of this being published, we have switched to Harmony in July 2017 to join the Mihalik family)
Went for drinks and then dinner in the main dining room as usual, and as always was great! We had tickets for Blue Planet that night after dinner. I really liked this show in Feb and knew everyone else would too. It was a combination of singing, acrobatics and dancing (basically the cruise staff from Mamma Mia and Ocean Aria) While we waited for the show, we had a cocktail and they kept coming on saying they were delayed due to a technical issue. Unfortunately it ended up being canceled due to the issue. Was disappointed, but hey, it happens.
The next day was a sea day so an early night was ok with all.
Allure of the Seas - Take 2 - Day 5
August 4 2016
At Sea
I set my alarm for 7am but it never went off. Luckily, my internal alarm was working and I woke up just after 7.10am anyway. Raced to get dressed and was still up at the pool at 7.15 LOL When I got up there, there was no one. Like NOBODY. I didn't know if my clock was wrong, or everyone was sleeping in today or what, but I was glad to get up there and get my spot :)
Ash came up around 8 or so and Aunt Ginny a little later. Mom finally came up at 9 and we all made a big deal to say "Happy Birthday!!" (it was a big # for her, which is how this cruise came about in the first place)
We planned to stay at the pool all day; since it was a sea day, where else would I be?? At one point early on I told AG to keep Mom busy and I went to decorate our cabin with Ashley. I bought streamers and banners for the cabin and cabin door. We were done in under 15 mins. We went back up to the pool and she was none the wiser :) It was a gorgeous day, even if it was hot. (I'm not complaining!!) Just meant you needed more frosty beverages and to get in the pool! Hung out in the pool a lot with our drinks. Perfect day if you ask me!
New friends - Stacy and Jeff (and kids) from Delaware. And Dee Dee and Anthony (and kids) from Ohio. Love them!! Such awesome families! I particularly loved Stacy's youngest daughter --- that kid was a riot!!
After enough sun for the day, we headed back to the cabins to relax and shower. Ash and AG came to our cabin at 7am and we had a little party for Mom. Gifts for her and she was loving the attention. (she says she never wants anyone to fuss, but who doesn't love to be spoiled a little?)
We had tickets for the Ice Show at 7.30. While I wasn't crazy about it when I saw it in February, the rest of the gang hadn't seen it. And the Mom's were so easily impressed by this ship, we couldn't skip it. So we had our pre-dinner cocktails at the show and then headed to dinner. It was Lobster Night in the dining room and we weren't missing that for anything!!
Dinner was fantastic. Mom was thrilled she could get more than one lobster tail and impressed that the waiter would take it out of the shell for her. She's cute! #FirstTimeCruiser I had pre-ordered a chocolate cake the day before to come out and they could all sing to her. It was great! She really lapped it up. The cake was yummy too! And we brought the leftovers back to the cabin.
On the way back to the cabin, we stopped in Dazzles as they were doing the Battle of the Sexes. We stayed for a bit, but when Ash caught me dozing off, it was time to go!
At Sea
I set my alarm for 7am but it never went off. Luckily, my internal alarm was working and I woke up just after 7.10am anyway. Raced to get dressed and was still up at the pool at 7.15 LOL When I got up there, there was no one. Like NOBODY. I didn't know if my clock was wrong, or everyone was sleeping in today or what, but I was glad to get up there and get my spot :)
Ash came up around 8 or so and Aunt Ginny a little later. Mom finally came up at 9 and we all made a big deal to say "Happy Birthday!!" (it was a big # for her, which is how this cruise came about in the first place)
We planned to stay at the pool all day; since it was a sea day, where else would I be?? At one point early on I told AG to keep Mom busy and I went to decorate our cabin with Ashley. I bought streamers and banners for the cabin and cabin door. We were done in under 15 mins. We went back up to the pool and she was none the wiser :) It was a gorgeous day, even if it was hot. (I'm not complaining!!) Just meant you needed more frosty beverages and to get in the pool! Hung out in the pool a lot with our drinks. Perfect day if you ask me!
New friends - Stacy and Jeff (and kids) from Delaware. And Dee Dee and Anthony (and kids) from Ohio. Love them!! Such awesome families! I particularly loved Stacy's youngest daughter --- that kid was a riot!!
After enough sun for the day, we headed back to the cabins to relax and shower. Ash and AG came to our cabin at 7am and we had a little party for Mom. Gifts for her and she was loving the attention. (she says she never wants anyone to fuss, but who doesn't love to be spoiled a little?)
We had tickets for the Ice Show at 7.30. While I wasn't crazy about it when I saw it in February, the rest of the gang hadn't seen it. And the Mom's were so easily impressed by this ship, we couldn't skip it. So we had our pre-dinner cocktails at the show and then headed to dinner. It was Lobster Night in the dining room and we weren't missing that for anything!!
Dinner was fantastic. Mom was thrilled she could get more than one lobster tail and impressed that the waiter would take it out of the shell for her. She's cute! #FirstTimeCruiser I had pre-ordered a chocolate cake the day before to come out and they could all sing to her. It was great! She really lapped it up. The cake was yummy too! And we brought the leftovers back to the cabin.
On the way back to the cabin, we stopped in Dazzles as they were doing the Battle of the Sexes. We stayed for a bit, but when Ash caught me dozing off, it was time to go!
Allure of the Seas - Take 2 - Day 4
August 3 2016
Falmouth, Jamaica
We had a late docking in Jamaica, so we said we would all sleep in a bit. Mom had coffee delivered around 8.30am and then we went and sat on the balcony for a bit. I think Mom really enjoyed that. Once Ash and Aunt Ginny (AG for short) were up we decided to try Johnny Rockets for breakfast instead. Wasn't too bad of a wait and breakfast was a change of pace from the Windjammer. By then we were docking, so after breakfast we went back to the cabins to watch and then get ready to get off the ship. I didn't make a plan for a beach - it was midweek and knew the Mom's might be 1) a little crispy from 3 days in the sun and 2) wanted to do some major shopping. Falmouth's port is excellent for shopping of every kind.
We got off the ship around 11am and Ash and I decided we would stay with them for a while and then go back on the ship for some pool time later. The first store we were in, they looked at everything. Every. Single. Thing. We went and sat outside and decided we would NOT be staying with them all that long LOL She wanted to pick up a few souvenirs for the girls at work, as did I, and I always get my hair braided on a cruise and I like the girls in Jamaica, so I wanted to do that. We went with them to the 2nd store, Del Sol, and then told them we were going to go do our own stuff and then catch up with them in a bit.
We walked around a little, picked up a few souvenirs and then went to get my hair braided. Ash then went to go find the Mom's to see where they were and would come back to where I was in about 15. She came back - she had found them in only the 4th store. They were seriously slow shoppers! When I was done, we went to look for them and could not find them anywhere. We looked in every store and no dice. We knew they couldn't get lost (the ship looms largely over the port) so we knew we could leave them. We went back on board by about 2 and then went up to the pool. We had a nice day but every so often we wondered where the Mom's were! Ash even called the rooms a few times, but nothing.
At 5pm the Mom's come strolling up, packages in hand and looking relaxed! Turns out they went to Margaritaville for drinks and lunch around the time we were looking for them. Then did more shopping. AG was in love with a ring, but was on the fence about it so Ash went back with her to look at it. Mom stayed with me for a few minutes to relax and put her feet up. They came back about 20 mins later and AG was wearing the ring :) Everyone was ooh'ing over it. Chocolate diamonds in a rose gold setting. Very pretty!
New friends: Ruth and Charlie. Older couple from Pittsburgh area - but now in FL. So fun!
I stayed at the pool till about 6.30 just relaxing and reading. Everyone else had left by then to nap, shower, etc. Sail away was at 7 so I figured I would shower and watch from the balcony. There was a medical emergency and a family was off loaded :( Looks like the Dad broke his leg pretty badly. Sad when that happens and the whole cruise is ruined, and now you are in a foreign country going to the hospital. I know the cruise line does everything they can to get you set up and the port agent takes care good care of you until you leave, but still.
We all got dressed for dinner and met for drinks at the Champagne bar before dinner. Dinner was good as always and our wait staff was finally warming up to us and really starting to have fun! After dinner we had the headliner show, but as we walked to the Promenade there was a Disco Party. The Mom's were so happy to watch and dance along that we stayed. It ended in time to go to the Headliner show anyway. The show was only "Eh". (as I write this, I can't remember who it was and I didn't put it in my journal - if and when I remember, I will come back and edit)
Falmouth, Jamaica
We had a late docking in Jamaica, so we said we would all sleep in a bit. Mom had coffee delivered around 8.30am and then we went and sat on the balcony for a bit. I think Mom really enjoyed that. Once Ash and Aunt Ginny (AG for short) were up we decided to try Johnny Rockets for breakfast instead. Wasn't too bad of a wait and breakfast was a change of pace from the Windjammer. By then we were docking, so after breakfast we went back to the cabins to watch and then get ready to get off the ship. I didn't make a plan for a beach - it was midweek and knew the Mom's might be 1) a little crispy from 3 days in the sun and 2) wanted to do some major shopping. Falmouth's port is excellent for shopping of every kind.
We got off the ship around 11am and Ash and I decided we would stay with them for a while and then go back on the ship for some pool time later. The first store we were in, they looked at everything. Every. Single. Thing. We went and sat outside and decided we would NOT be staying with them all that long LOL She wanted to pick up a few souvenirs for the girls at work, as did I, and I always get my hair braided on a cruise and I like the girls in Jamaica, so I wanted to do that. We went with them to the 2nd store, Del Sol, and then told them we were going to go do our own stuff and then catch up with them in a bit.
We walked around a little, picked up a few souvenirs and then went to get my hair braided. Ash then went to go find the Mom's to see where they were and would come back to where I was in about 15. She came back - she had found them in only the 4th store. They were seriously slow shoppers! When I was done, we went to look for them and could not find them anywhere. We looked in every store and no dice. We knew they couldn't get lost (the ship looms largely over the port) so we knew we could leave them. We went back on board by about 2 and then went up to the pool. We had a nice day but every so often we wondered where the Mom's were! Ash even called the rooms a few times, but nothing.
At 5pm the Mom's come strolling up, packages in hand and looking relaxed! Turns out they went to Margaritaville for drinks and lunch around the time we were looking for them. Then did more shopping. AG was in love with a ring, but was on the fence about it so Ash went back with her to look at it. Mom stayed with me for a few minutes to relax and put her feet up. They came back about 20 mins later and AG was wearing the ring :) Everyone was ooh'ing over it. Chocolate diamonds in a rose gold setting. Very pretty!
New friends: Ruth and Charlie. Older couple from Pittsburgh area - but now in FL. So fun!
I stayed at the pool till about 6.30 just relaxing and reading. Everyone else had left by then to nap, shower, etc. Sail away was at 7 so I figured I would shower and watch from the balcony. There was a medical emergency and a family was off loaded :( Looks like the Dad broke his leg pretty badly. Sad when that happens and the whole cruise is ruined, and now you are in a foreign country going to the hospital. I know the cruise line does everything they can to get you set up and the port agent takes care good care of you until you leave, but still.
We all got dressed for dinner and met for drinks at the Champagne bar before dinner. Dinner was good as always and our wait staff was finally warming up to us and really starting to have fun! After dinner we had the headliner show, but as we walked to the Promenade there was a Disco Party. The Mom's were so happy to watch and dance along that we stayed. It ended in time to go to the Headliner show anyway. The show was only "Eh". (as I write this, I can't remember who it was and I didn't put it in my journal - if and when I remember, I will come back and edit)
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