Two, seven night, back to back cruises 79-80 and 81-82. Capt Club points 2780; Cabin 6137 RS. San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; St.Kitts; Antigua; St. Lucia; Barbados; Granada; Sea; San Juan; St. Croix; St. Maarten; Dominica; Barbados; Granada; Sea; San Juan.
Master: Captain Ionnis (Yannis) Kasimatis; Hotel Dir.: Arjan Sheepers; GRM.1.: Miguel Cunha; GRM.2.: Jann Ramos; Cruise Dir.: Patrick Leynes; F&B: Oswald Harbrecht; Staff Capt Angelos Baferos; Safety Officer Tsaos; Michael's Club Concierge: Pavel Prycl; Suites Officer: Joana Cunha; Butler: Homer; Room Steward: Jesus; Waiters: Fauzi, Kumar; MaitreD: Luminae: Charles; Somelier: Fabian; Sushi on 5: Charina; Michael’s Club server: Ben, Jensa, Alexa; Bar server: Collin.
Day 1- Puerto Rico
The car from Airbrook arrived at 430am for our Newark to San Juan 730 flight. The flight however was delayed until after 8, so we arrived in Puerto Rico at 1pm.
Michelle and Rob from Rochester, were waiting for us on the pier. They would be traveling with us for the first of two weeks. We were so glad to see them! Check in was a breeze- maybe the best ever.
Next we were off to Michael's Club where we met Pavel, who was now the Michael's Club's concierge. Prior, he was a butler and before that a Michael's Club bartender. We had welcome aboard cocktails and appetizers then went back to the staterooms to unpack. Michelle & Rob were in 6119 and we were in 6137, just down the hall.
After unpacking and completing the muster drill, we went back to Michael's Club and met some past sailing friends, Sue and Rob Brown from Toronto,
Sir Clive and Lise from St Thomas, were also there. Sir Clive was knighted by the Queen for all the wonderful thing he has done.
and Mr. Albert from Boston who stays on the ship 50 weeks a year. Some others we met along the way were Ron Valari, a hairbrush salesman and successful businessman and wife, Jan, a Realtor from Greenwich, CT., and also Carole and Robert.
Next we were off to Luminae for dinner and to see Charles and Fauzi. Tired yet full, we went back to the cabin for a good night sleep.
Later that evening I found that the toilet wasn’t working so since I was up anyway, the plumber came to the cabin and after an hour, fixed the toilet. I was able to get back to sleep after that.
Day 2- St. Thomas
The next day after a nice breakfast we decided to walk into town from Crown Bay. It wasn’t too hot so it was a nice 35-minute walk. The island is in much better shape than the last time we were here in April. Some stores remained closed but all the jewelry stores seemed to be open and Michelle bought some Pandora charms. Since it was late, and we were getting hungry, we took an open air taxi back to the ship for Sushi on five. It was nice lunch that we all seemed to enjoy with some wine.
Afterwards we tried to take a nap at the pool but music started blasting, so that rest period was shortened. After fleshing up we headed to Michael's Club for drinks and then to Luminae where we enjoyed a Halibut dinner except for Michelle who had the veal all served up by one best waiters, Fauzi.
Day 3- St. Kitts
We went on the 830 rain forest tour and had a nice time looking at flowers, old trees and some Tarzan like vines. The walking paths were slippery, but we made it through without any accidents.
Back on board we decided on a pasta lunch in the Oceanview Cafe and joined Sue and Rob on the aft open air deck. After relaxing in the hot tub and pool, we stopped at Michael's Club for some refreshments.
This evening we also stopped at future cruises, and the casino, and saw in the theater, David Austen; an average singer who would have probably had a better show if he would sing only song portions rather than each entire song.
Day 4- Antigua
After a Luminae breakfast, we strolled through the shops looking for earrings again, perfume and an owl but bought only an owl in the flea market. We stopped for a beer then headed back to ship. Maitre’d Vladimir made Randi an onion-less tuna sandwich and fries. We all had wine and the Brown's joined us too.
We slipped to the pool deck for some rest and relaxation but it was again too noisy, so we lounged back on our cabin’s deck.
Day 5- St Lucia
We had an early 745 am breakfast then strolled the terminal's port shops and walked to the Celebrity Reflection which was berthed at the primary dock space.
Along the way Rob found some friendly dogs. Upon returning we headed back to Charina’s station at Sushi on 5. We had a quick pool rest because we had to dress-up early for our “pre-Thanksgiving” party at 530 in our cabin.
I wish I took a picture of the way Homer, our butler set it up, but forgot to. On the dining room table, plates of cheese, fresh fruit, shrimp cocktail and mozzarella and tomatoes with wine and Champagne. Everyone enjoyed!
The last event for the evening was celebrating Michelle’s Birthday at the Tuscan Grille. All four of us enjoyed but there was way too much food.
Day 6- Barbados
All four of us walked through terminal stores then continued our walk to town. Rob found a friendly dog to hang out with and tried to find it some food. Toward the end of our walk it began to rain heavily,
so we cabbed back to the terminal where Michelle finally found the earrings she was looking for. Rob went for another walk to find dogs to feed. He had some leftover steak from the Tuscan grille’s dinner, the night before. We went for Sushi on 5 for lunch and to the pool but there was more rain, so we went back to our deck to rest.
We were fortunate to snap a picture with Captain Ionnis (Yannis) Kasimatis before having dinner with the Brown's in Luminae at 8. We had a nice table for 6. Because it was Thanksgiving, some of us had turkey while others had some other nice choices.
Day 7- Sea-
Today we relaxed by the pool. Rob went early to get us seats around 6 am but the pool area never really got crowded. Randi and I attended lunch in Blu with the Captain, Hotel Director and Chief Engineer. It was delicious and they took care of Randi's food allergy with separate dishes for her.
Later that day, I went the front desk to get back my refundable monies back in cash. Later that evening we said our so-longs to our friends in Michael's Club.
Day 8- San Juan, Turn around day
The wake-up call was 630 then the last breakfast with Rob and Michelle. We all waited in Michael’s Club chatting until they got off around 920, which turned out to be this cruises’ last call. After hugging goodbye, we went up to Revelations to meet with US Customs. Once they arrived, there was bout a 3-minute wait to be cleared for the second half of our journey.
We went up to the pool and were totally alone with the ship, crew and with the other 70 back to backer cruisers.
After a lunch in Luminae with some Ferrari Carano served by our wine steward Fabian, we went back to the veranda of our stateroom.
Day 9- St. Croix
After a nice breakfast we headed off ship to St Patrick’s to go to 10am mass. When we got there we found the church under construction and services were being held in the smaller building and at an earlier than scheduled time. We figured that services probably started around 830, so we arrived somewhere in the middle. It was a very nice, very friendly service. The people were very accepting and seated us right away. Randi seemed to enjoy it. One difference is towards the end, they asked from the pulpit, who was visiting and many were. Then they asked for anybody celebrating, to come forward. The priest laid hands on each of the five who approached the alter and blessed them. We then walked around a small area of shops and stands before heading back to the ship.
Before lunch, we stopped at El Baccio and had a Cafe Shakerato which was espresso, shaken with ice and fresh cream and served in a martini glass. I had the white ginger pear iced tea but did not care for it so, I switched to a Shakerato as well.
Sushi on 5 was next for lunch. We go there often since they cater to Randi's onion allergy. Always good quality food, Randi's standard order is the dumplings and the shrimp tempura roll. My choices usually revolve around one of the four hot dishes/soups. Everything is always so good. Feeling full again, we went back to the Royal Suite to rest and nap.
We invited Sue and Rob to dine with us in Luminae for dinner. It is always fun to share stories and memories with them. They are on board for about 6 or 7 weeks.
Day 10- St. Martin
We decided to walk to town rather than taxi or water taxi so that we could get some exercise during the cool tropical morning. We found a few shirts; one was a tie-dyed tank top for Larry.
Randi stopped at Sam, the perfume man and I got one bottle of bourbon from Gulmohars. We also stopped in Ultimate Jewelers where Randi upgraded her diamond studs and got her rings cleaned. Her wedding band was cleaned so well that it took off the Florentine finish. Sam said he would fix that when we return in April.
Not wanting to walk back, we took a cab back to the ship. That evening, we and three other couples were invited to dinner with the Guest Relations Manager, Jann Ramos and Dave Duran, who heads up the IT department.
It was a great time and was held in Qsine. I believe it was one of the best hosted dinners we have been to yet. Both officers were very personable and the food was extraordinary. Randi too was well taken care of regarding her allergy. It was our first time invited to an officer’s meal hosted in the Qsine venue.
After dinner, we made a stop at Michael's Club. The Club has been much underutilized on both of these cruises. Tonight was no different, so we grabbed a drink and headed to the casino. Randi played slots while I spun the roulette wheel and walked away with the $50 I took off my card as a non-refundable credit, so I pocketed $50 and walked away a winner.
Day 11- Dominica
After breakfast we did not get off, so we enjoyed the pool pretty much by ourselves. Later in Michael's Club we booked three more cruise placeholders with Elisa from Italy, the future cruise assistant manager. Later Randi again tried her luck in the casino but it wasn't to be for her on this cruise.
The Captain's Club repeaters party was tonight hosted by David from Jamaica. He is one of the more professional Captain's Club hosts we have ever had. He also gave us some information on what happens when we reach Zenith status and get our free cruise and celebration dinner.
But tonight’s honor, belonged to the three highest cruisers, some who live on the ship and others who spend many months at a time on the ship. Mr. Albert is always the highest as he remains on board
about 50 weeks a year. Rob and Sue Brown, our friends from Toronto, were the second highest.
Sir Clive and Lady Lise were number three. All are very nice and interesting people. We spent much time with them during the length of our cruise.
Day 12- Barbados-
This was the only repeated island during our two week itinerary. It was a relaxing morning due to a late start. Post breakfast, we were going to walk to the terminal but took the shuttle since it was raining again. Once there, Randi priced some perfumes but they were more expensive than on the ship.
We wound up on deck 12 aft in the area of the Rooftop Terrace where the big TV is. For quiet, we went on the port side to read and do web stuff. Even though we were in the shade, it was warm, so I went down to get Randi a frozen Igloo. I know she likes them.
Day 13- Granada-
As one local put it, it is pronounced gra-NAY-da, not gra-NAUGH-da. The later place is in Spain. It was a short get-off, browsing the shops and realizing that the perfume prices were higher
then other islands. One quick stroll outside the terminal and we were back on our deck relaxing, writing and dozing.
The Brown's joined us for lunch at Sushi on 5 at 1pm. Charina was the best server there! Resting , was next on the schedule, back on the deck outside our stateroom.
Day 14- Sea day 2-
After a nice breakfast we went down to guest relations to get our refundable money back for this cruise. Then was the packing of the suitcases event which has turned into a much easier chore with all the experience we have.
Lunch was the next item on the agenda, as we were invited again to dine in Blu
with the Captain, Hotel Director, Tsaos the Safety Officer, who sat to my right and a few other Officers. It was another wonderful experience.
We strolled and enjoyed the ship once more that afternoon, and were invited to the heliport for sail away. There were many officers present, including Patrick, the cruise director.
It was a nice time. Afterward we popped into Michael’s and enjoyed our farewell dinner in Luminae before putting our bags out in the hallway and turning in for the night.
The morning ran like clockwork. Up, out, breakfast, Michael's, where Pavel asked if we are ready to disembark, and he immediately proceeded to walk us off the ship. After a one-minute stop at US Customs, (there is no card to fill out anymore) we boarded a taxi and were at the airport in no time for our 1130am jet blue flight. We landed at JFK around 230 NY time and were home by 430.
Can’t wait for the next cruise and to see more sunsets like this!
Thoughts for survey
crew- top notch. honorable mention Charles remains in our mind the best Maitre'D ever and Fauzi in Lumanae was simply beyond excellent, Joana and Pavel in Michaels Club always handled our requests quickly. Charina in Sushi on 5 excellent. Homer and Jesus never intruded but got the job done wonderfully.
ship's condition- really starting to show her age and is begging for dry dock, with exterior rust, uneven floors, chipped paint, ripped canvas, nicks and blemishes inside. Even in Michael's Club, the framed artwork is missing pieces of the frame's inlay.
announcements on first disembarkation- should return to silent disembarkation except for the public areas. While having breakfast in Luminae we were disrupted no less than a half dozen times, killing the relaxed mood. Don’t recall this happening on week two.
music at pool- seemed much louder then normal
Check in- smoothest ever.
Great time!!!
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