Caribbean Archives - Page 2 of 3

Day at sea and wine-tasting musical Wine Lovers

Day 3, Monday, September 12, 2016

Mom at the wine-tasting musical, Wine Lovers — Mom at the wine-tasting musical, **Wine Lovers**

This was another day at sea. For lunch, Mom and I attended the wine-tasting musical Wine Lovers. We learned to “See, swirl, smell, sip, and savor” five different wines (Estancia Pinot Grigio, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, and North & South, Norwegian’s proprietary Red Blend from California) and a glass of champagne. Though I am not partial to white wines, I did like the light flavor of the Pinot Grigio. And the Red Blend paired well with the Mochacchino cake, with banana caramel sauce.

Afterward, I was ready for a three-hour nap, even though I did not finish most of the white wines or the champagne. Poor mom spent the afternoon alone with solitaire and word games. That evening we visited the Comedy Club. It was a shame that the comedian used most of his best jokes in the preview on Sunday. His saving grace was creating spontaneous songs about movies and in the genre suggested by the audience.

After sleeping all afternoon, I couldn’t get to sleep. It was a long night and I realized how inconsiderate people can be while walking the halls, especially after a few drinks.

Day at sea with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Day 2, Sunday, September 11, 2011

We started the day with a moment of silence in honor of 9-11. It’s hard to believe that it has been 15 years since that fateful day. I can still recall how I felt watching the destruction of the Twin Towers and the subsequent attack on the Pentagon and the hijacking of Flight 93.

This was a day at sea. Mom and I worked out, she on the bicycle and I on the Nordic walker. Afterward, it was such a luxury to sit on the balcony, read a book, and relax.

For the first time cruisers, there are all sorts of activities about the ship. There are port and tour presentations to help them decide which tour to take and where to spend their money. Since mom is a seasoned traveler, she was not interested, and I wasn’t disappointed by her choice. We did attend the Mr. Sexy Legs Competition and laughed at the participants’ antics.

That night, we went to the Supper Club to see a production Oh What a Night! A tribute to Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. We enjoyed both the food and the show. The singers amazingly sounded like the Four Seasons, and mom and I were transported back to the 60’s.

Smash hit musical, After Midnight — Smash hit musical, **After Midnight**

After that show, we saw the musical production After Midnight, a show set in Harlem in the 1920s. Sensational jazz and tap-dancing by the 18-member cast. Very sexy with heart-pounding Jazz-age music.

Mom is usually in bed by 10 PM, and tonight was no exception. Even though this is early for me, I think I was asleep before she was.

2016 Eastern Caribbean Cruise

NCL Escape: On our way to the Eastern Caribbean — NCL **Escape**: On our way to the Eastern Caribbean

Day 1, Saturday, September 10, 2016

Mom and I left Sarasota for the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Escape on a Cruise Connection bus. The bus was about 45 minutes late picking us up. Listening to the people already on the bus, we found out that this was the first time this particular driver made this run and had already gotten lost a few times. Incredible in this age of GPS! As we continued south, the driver kept making wrong turns and getting lost. We arrived at the ship about 2 hours later than plan. Since the Escape was setting out at 7 PM, mom and I were not too concerned. The majority of the passengers was on another cruise line that sailed at 4 PM. Some of those passengers were not understanding, reminding the bus driver about the deadline and thus adding to his pressure. I can understand their concern, but voicing it repeatedly did no one any good. A sympathetic passenger seated behind the driver communicated directions he received on the phone from the bus line. Somehow it all worked out with two hours to spare. I wish people could relax and enjoy the adventure instead of gripping and making everyone’s experience less than enjoyable.

Sailing the Eastern Caribbean in style in this NCL <strong>Escape</strong> mini-suite — Sailing the Eastern Caribbean in style in this NCL **Escape** mini-suite

Boarding was simple and took only a short time. Before we knew it, we were having a snack and checking out our mini-suite upgrade. The room has a balcony and an extra-large bathroom with a double sink and a shower with jets like a car wash. Because I am a gold level traveler, I had a complimentary four-piece box of Godiva chocolates waiting for us in our room.

Saying goodbye to Miami and hello to the Caribbean

After settling in, we toured the ship, found the fitness center, the spas (10 different rooms offering a myriad of pampering experiences (with boarding day deals, naturally). There are four are complimentary dining rooms and 21 specialty restaurants. This is the largest ship I have been in with capacity for 3,963 guest and 1,646 crew.

At sail time, we went poolside to say farewell to Miami. Following a prime rib dinner, we went to the theater to see a preview of the upcoming shows. It looks like we will be having lots to see and do.

Caribbean Cruise: Day 6: Day at sea

On our final day at sea, we took advantage of the last-day on board sales, watched the crew talent show, played the slot machines (first time for Elizabeth), and packed our bags. The weather was too windy for mom to walk on deck, so we spent most of the time in our cabin or in the O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill. This eatery was only a few steps from our room and served breakfast and light fare, in addition to drinks.

O'Sheehan Bar and Grill — O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill

The last crew performance was the best, visually and musically. We tried to get to the comedian-magician show, but there was no room.

Hurricane Patricia was pummeling the Pacific side of Mexico as we skedaddled to Tampa. Instead of arriving at 7:00 AM, we docked five hours early. Kleig lights on the dock shinned in our room awakening me, and then the smell of diesel fuel and the yelling of the shore crew kept me awake. Mom and I were up early, preparing to leave.

We breakfasted in the Versailles dinning room, then sat in the cafe until it was time to disembark. Dennis was waiting for us, so once we passed through customs, he was there to drive us home.

Caribbean Cruise: Day 5: Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the neater coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This popular cruise ship destination became famous in 1961 when Jacques Cousteau declared Cozumel one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world. Since then, Cozumel has become an underwater marine park to protect the delicate balance of the coral reefs and abundant variety of tropical fish.

Off snorkeling (Left to right, Jane, Doris, and Elizabeth.)

This is where I first snorkeled and looked forward to the experience. I had initially planned to take a local taxi to Playa Carona. As we left the pier, we talked to several tour guide operators and learned that the 2008 hurricane had changed the coast and the flow of fish. Instead of going on our own, we took an excursion with a local dive shop, which turned out fantastic. We visited three sites, had an attentive marine tour guide, saw plenty of fish, coral, and aquatic plants in crystal-clear waters. The snorkeling leader fed the fish, which meant we were surrounded with colorful Sargent Majors, deep blue parrot fish, and other vibrant fish of various sizes. He dove down for a sea cucumber and I held the strange sea worm in my hand. This excursion was by far better than the one we had on Roatan.

Once we landed we went to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville to buy souvenirs, and then we returned to the cruise ship. Mom had a lucky streak in the casino; she played for more than a half hour on $5.00 before loosing it all.

The entertainment was a comedian named Fred Bevill. His jokes were funny, but the true story of his first date at age nine was hilarious.

Caribbean Cruise: Day 4: Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, Honduras is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. It is about 77 k long and less that 8 k across at its widest point. Roatan’s history traces back to the Maya civilization. It has seen the arrival of the Conquistadors, the Garifuna, and the fishing industry.

In 1990, about 19,000 English-speaking people inhabited this little island. Now it is known for its diving and snorkeling. Doris and I took the underwater museum and reef tour. Twenty-three people crowded into a small bus to head out to the world’s second largest barrier reef. The last four people to board the bus had to sit in jump seats in the aisle.

On the coach ride to the museum, the tour guide told us about the sleepy community. Most of the houses are built on stilts because the islands sees more than 150 inches of rain each year. The public school children wear uniforms in the color of the state flag, blue and white. The younger children attend classes in the morning while the older ones use the same classrooms in the afternoon.

The bus arrived at a recently opened center. Our snorkeling guide divided us into two groups. Luckily my sister and I were in the second group because this gave us an opportunity to swim in the shallow waters off the beach and try the snorkeling gear. The snorkel broke off my mask so I had used one provided by the tour. Doris had to get help fitting her new mask. By the time the first group returned, we were ready for the tour. The water near the “museum” was not pristine, the statues were ketch,and the marine life was not abundant nor colorful. In spite of this, we shared a wonderful adventure.

The town where we ported is colorful, but poor. I wonder if the natives see the tourist as a blessing or a curse, with the thousands of foreigners descending on their little island each day.

Instead of snorkeling, Elizabeth set off on her own to explore the town. She loved the colorful buildings and enticing local shops and eateries. She felt sorry for the dogs wandering through the town, but decided against giving them water, thinking that they had been surviving without her help. After withdrawing money from the local ATM, she realized that the machine currency was not US dollars, but Honduran. The exchange rate for US dollar to the Honduran Lempira is about a 22:1. She laughed as she realized the withdrawal fees were higher than the amount she took out.

Back on the ship, Mom and I decided against ordering a Moscow Mule, the drink of the day, and ordered the Painkiller instead. This rum-coconut-pineapple concoction has become her favorite cocktail. Since on vacation, sipping on a fruity drink has replace our afternoon tea.

The evening’s performance was “The Look of Love,” a Burt Bacharach review. The story was lame, but the singing and performance was entertaining.

Caribbean Cruise: Day 3: Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is in the only state of Mexico bounded by the Caribbean on its east. Although the official language is Spanish, many speak Mayan. As a linguist, I would love to hear Mayan.

The Mayans were predominate in the area from 200 B.C to 900 A.D. There are many ancient ruins such as Chacchoben, which was built in the 4^th century and includes a magnificent stone structures and a pyramid, and Kohunlich.

We changed our clocks back, so it was only 5:30 when mom and I awakened. We took advantage to see the sunrise, so pretty on the horizon.

We spent the morning in the gym, the hot tub, and reading. After lunch, Doris, Elizabeth, and I disembarked to explore Costa Maya. This port town is still being developed after Hurricane Dean on October 31, 2008

The area around the pier is nothing but a tourist trap. All the same blitzy stores and island ware available at all the cruise stops throughout Caribbean. Doris bought herself a bracelet and a few souvenirs, but Elizabeth and I saw nothing appealing.

Back on the ship, Elizabeth and I swam in the saltwater pool, and then mom joined us in the hot tub as we enjoyed today’s bar special, the Pisco Punch. Yesterday’s drink was much better.

Caribbean Cruise: Day 2: Day at sea

Ship's wake in choppy seas — Ship’s wake in choppy seas

To make up for the lost time, the captain sped over the large swells and whitecaps and altered the itinerary. Instead of stopping first at Roatan, Honduras, we will first visit Costa Maya, Mexico.

On our first day at sea, mom and I walked about two miles on the promenade deck. She spent 20 minutes on the exercise bike (pretty good for someone who is eight-eight years old), while Elizabeth and I used the elliptical machines. It felt great doing a workout.

Mom enjoys the slot machines, but limits her daily expenditure. It only took her about twenty minutes to reach her spending cap, as we watched and cheered her on. The last time I had been at sea, people used the boarding/charge cards to play in the casino. Now, the machines use paper money and give a credit slip for winnings, which can then be redeemed at the casino cashiers. With all the changes, we had to get an attendant to help us figure out the process.

The drink of the day is “The Painkiller.” Mom and I enjoyed this rum-coconut concoction similar to a pina collada while we sat on the Lido deck and enjoyed the afternoon.

Promenade deck (Left to Right: Doris, Mom, Elizabeth)

After dinner in the Agua dinning we strolled the Promenade Deck. Then, Elizabeth went to Karaoke to “party like a Norwegian” and we old fogies went to our rooms

Caribbean Cruise: Day 1: Welcome to the Norwegian Star

This trip is a 6-day Western Caribbean cruise out of Tampa, FL, exploring Roatan, Bay Islands (Honduras), Costa Maya (Mexico), and Cozumel (Mexico). I am traveling with my mother, sister Doris, and friend Elizabeth. I hope you will enjoy our adventure.

We left Sarasota around 10 AM. Dennis made lattes for Elizabeth and me to sip on as we drove to the Tampa pier. Once Dennis dropped us off and we gave the porter our bags, it took roughly two hours before we finally embarked. Lots of mazed-lines to register and receive our boarding passes.

Exploring the ship (Front to back: Mom, Elizabeth, and Doris)

Hungry and thirsty, we bee-lined to the Lido deck. While we quenched our thirst and stuffed our bellies, the captain announced that the staterooms were prepared. I was surprised to see that most of our luggage was in our rooms. Mom and I are sharing a mid-ship room with a porthole, Elizabeth and Doris are sharing a balcony room at the other end of the ship.

We spent the latter part of the day exploring the ship. Mom and I enjoyed a “Rebellious Fish,” the cocktail of the day and then we all went for supper. We decided to skip the Welcome Aboard shore and retired to our rooms.

Enjoying dinner in the Aqua dining room (Left to right: Me and mom in back, Doris and Elizabeth in front)

We learned that we would not be leaving on time because of a propulsion problem. The departure was rescheduled to 10 PM, but we did not leave until 3 AM. Elizabeth and Doris went up to the Lido deck to join other jubilant passengers. They then got up at 5 AM to see the ship go under the Skyway Bridge, and then see the sunrise. The joy of being on sea made the night fun, but being up all night made them ravenous.

Friday, December 10: Nassau, Bahamas

Thursday, December 9: Day at sea

This morning’s server did bring me a bran muffin, but not toasted. As the Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want.”

We attended the luncheon dinner theater Presumed Innocent, an improv comedy show about a murder aboard the ship. This was a lot of fun and the audience participation is what made it so.

We were able to reschedule the show we missed the night before. Contrary to the one we say in April, this Legends performance featured Steven Tyler, Katy Perry, and Elvis. This high-energy show kept the audience hopping and clapping to the music. I commend the impersonators; not only did they sound like the originals, but looked and moved like them as well.

I finished reading Nada, A historical thriller by Arthur J. Penn. I learned a lot about Fascism in Italy and Spain, something I knew very little about. This is a good read, which I recommend.

Friday, December 10: Nassau, capital and largest city of the Bahamas

We docked at noon and took off for another snorkeling adventure, the Seashore Sail and Snorkel, that promised visiting two reefs and unlimited rum punch on the return trip. Even though we only went to one reef and had inferior drinks, it was a wonderful excursion. The moment I put my face mask into the water, I was in a colorful undersea world surrounded by a school of Sergeant Majors and other tropical sea life. There were cyan-colored fish with golden-yellow spines, stained-glass looking aquatic animals, blue tangs, huge angel fish, tube worms, fan coral, brain coral, and a coral that look like giant cauldrons. At the reef, there are poisonous or toxic marine life, and we saw the stinging wasp, the Touch-Me-Not Sponge, branching coral, bearded fireworm, and black urchins.

The water was choppy, but we floated easily with the life vests. We were glad we took our personal snorkeling gear with us. The float tubes on the snorkel prevented saltwater from getting into our mouths; those using the gear provided by the crew found it more difficult to peer into the underwater world. After an hour, I was shivering and glad to board the catamaran.

After dinner, we packed our bags and I won our tie-breaking Scrabble game. After a week at sea, both of us look forward to returning home, eager to start writing and preparing presentations.