14 nights around the CaribCabin 7202, our 1st Family Veranda;
The Master, Captain Gerry Larsson-Feede; Guest Rel. Mgr., Janet David; Hotel Dir., Ryan Kingston; F&B Mgr., Duarte deSilva; Cruise Director, Rich Clesen; Capt Club Host, switched out; Room Steward, Melvin & asst.; Waiter, Hasan; Asst Waiter, Mary; Future Cruises, Wes Savery (not very friendly)
Ports: FLL, St. Martin, Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, Granada, Curasou, Aruba, Bonaire, which was a new one for us, plus 5 sea days.
Our driver to the PHL airport was 1/2 hour late because of his "dead GPS." He finally got to the house via a "paper" map. He made up the time by flying to the airport.
We even beat Al & Joan, our sailing mates, there.
Southwest is such a pleasure to fly. The crew is great. Flight 1844 left on time at 8 AM and we even got to FLL early.
We decided to ask the driver to stop at Publix for wine, beer and coffee creamers. Unfortunately he decided to go to the farther store and the more expensive $70 ride. We arrived at the ship. just before noon with our goodies in the sack.
Here's where it got a little wacky. We didn't board until after 3pm. It was a little chaotic, waiting, sitting, moving, only to wait and sit more. We heard many stories like the elevators weren't working, to the Coast Guard was doing a full inspection. Either way we finally made it on and went right to our room which was ready.
The family veranda was not a suite, but it could have been.
You walked into a long hallway where we were able to store our bags.
Beyond that was one room with the bed and there was a vanity that ran the full length of the wall.
The next room had 2 fold out couches. Both rooms had flat screen TVs.
Then, you stepped on to probably the longest balcony on the Millennium class, at about 25' long.
Relaxing was the nickname of this cruise as we both slept most days ‘til 9am, a unusual thing for me. We also fit in many afternoon naps, to fully recharge.
We walked around the islands by day. Randi found 2 watches and I got a pocket camera which will probably become standard equipment for future cruises.
Many an evening was spent in Michael's club enjoying the entertainment of Perry Grant. He had a packed room nightly.
We would join our table mates at table 539 for late seating. Joan & Al were there, as was Tom & Bunny from Charleston, Audrey & Dan from New Mexico and Trisha & Larry from AZ.
Hasan, our waiter from India, had to be one of the best, ever! He worked so well with Mary, his assistant.
We also met some friends from a previous cruise. We again very much enjoyed the company of Frank & Gerry from Belaire, FL.
The Captain was one of the most outgoing Masters we have sailed with. From hosting lectures to scooping ice-cream to playing volleyball with the passengers; he was one of the most visible Captain’s yet.
One negative, the food quality seems to be slipping. While portions were scaled down, I would take that as long as the quality would not suffer. We hope it regains its premier status.
See you next time.
If you would like to see all the pictures, click below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/markdegennaro/Connie112010?authkey=Gv1sRgCLKHi_ew3PO6Xg
