Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chris' voyage by B
Being on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic ocean is an experience I will never forget! As I sat by on deck 12 of our massive cruise ship the voyager of the seas, I could have sworn I could hear the spanish songs that Chris Columbus and his crew sung as they made their way across this crazy stretch of sea for the first time. We are tracing his voyage only in reverse and in a slightly different boat. Life on board our ship can get a little dull but I'm sure it's a lot more lively than Chris's ship. There are shows and dinners rock climbing and ice skating gambling drinking and eating lots and lots of eating. If I even see another coconut cookie I may projectile vomit. The time changes every day at noon and jumps forward one hour as a result Jess and I woke up today at 3. And we went completely nuts last night complete with running around our room and screaming about how much we wanted some potato chips or good Mexican food this was also due to the time change as we couldn't sleep and the boat was rocking like crazy. But we are having a great time and deff looking forward to solid ground!
- B
Lost at sea: Day who cares
So someone somewhere neglected to tell us that five days at sea really means five rough days at sea. As soon as we left Nassau, we left nice calm Caribbean waters and entered yucky stormy Atlantic twenty foot swells. Proof?
That was the first day of the five day at sea stretch. here's day four
Our captain puts it as "there's a little motion in the ocean". Yea, a little motion in the ocean my ass! Everyone on board has adopted the Jack Sparrow walk. Well the rum consumed could be helping with that. It's so bad I can only describe it as like sitting on a teeter totter 24/7.
Also Everyday included a lovely time change (1 hr forward) to mess with our minds just a bit more. So The days pretty much blended into one long day. One day, heeaven knows which day, we slept until 3 in the afternoon. This could have been because we lost our minds the night before, I don't know. We couldn't fall asleep and it was 4 in the morning. I remember doing jumping jacks, wanting chips desperately, (not Indian chips which are readily available on board but junk food chips - pringles, doritos, cheetos, CHEETOS) threatening to play ding dong ditch, and watching Julie & Julia for the 5th time on board.
Eventually we fell into a routine on one of the days - up by 11, breakfast, nap or if we didn't feel like puking some activities, watercolor class, cards, snack, work out, swim, dinner, sleep. And if you're wondering, I believe massive upchuck found me on the 6th night - the beginning of 20 ft swell waters. Even B felt nauseous. All these old people really have their sea legs. Ah yes, old people.
I believe we are in the 20% that is under 50, except for the crew they seem to all be our age. And there's only a handful of 50-65. It's a sea of gray! We made one friend, this little bird is a world away from home and found solice in this tree. He was on board for days. See him?
Anyways, We have met our old people quota. Most are friendly, few want us the heck outta their way, and some ignore us. They are entertaining though, especially when they are "partying". This is the ship where the old feel young again I'm sure. The crew has done an excellent job of keeping us all busy. All of the amentities are a blast.
Can you spot B?
Even the ice show was really good despite some performers falling because of the motion. Very impressive considering the conditions.
One of our favorite daily treats have been our towel friends customized by our stateroom attendant. Usually we get cute bunnies, dogs or elephants.
But one night we walked into this
B had his arms full and was so startled he almost dropped it all. We were both hysterical. Fine not that funny but you had to be there. A bat towel, it's just not normal!
Our actual favorite thing is eating. The food, which is plentiful in unnatural quantities, is great. Dinner dining is quite the experience and we will miss it dearly.
The captain just warned us that we may not make the Azores port of call because swells are very high in the port. If we don't see land we are going to lose our minds!!! Seriously. Not kidding. We are prepared to jump.
J
That was the first day of the five day at sea stretch. here's day four
Our captain puts it as "there's a little motion in the ocean". Yea, a little motion in the ocean my ass! Everyone on board has adopted the Jack Sparrow walk. Well the rum consumed could be helping with that. It's so bad I can only describe it as like sitting on a teeter totter 24/7.
Also Everyday included a lovely time change (1 hr forward) to mess with our minds just a bit more. So The days pretty much blended into one long day. One day, heeaven knows which day, we slept until 3 in the afternoon. This could have been because we lost our minds the night before, I don't know. We couldn't fall asleep and it was 4 in the morning. I remember doing jumping jacks, wanting chips desperately, (not Indian chips which are readily available on board but junk food chips - pringles, doritos, cheetos, CHEETOS) threatening to play ding dong ditch, and watching Julie & Julia for the 5th time on board.
Eventually we fell into a routine on one of the days - up by 11, breakfast, nap or if we didn't feel like puking some activities, watercolor class, cards, snack, work out, swim, dinner, sleep. And if you're wondering, I believe massive upchuck found me on the 6th night - the beginning of 20 ft swell waters. Even B felt nauseous. All these old people really have their sea legs. Ah yes, old people.
I believe we are in the 20% that is under 50, except for the crew they seem to all be our age. And there's only a handful of 50-65. It's a sea of gray! We made one friend, this little bird is a world away from home and found solice in this tree. He was on board for days. See him?
Anyways, We have met our old people quota. Most are friendly, few want us the heck outta their way, and some ignore us. They are entertaining though, especially when they are "partying". This is the ship where the old feel young again I'm sure. The crew has done an excellent job of keeping us all busy. All of the amentities are a blast.
Can you spot B?
Even the ice show was really good despite some performers falling because of the motion. Very impressive considering the conditions.
One of our favorite daily treats have been our towel friends customized by our stateroom attendant. Usually we get cute bunnies, dogs or elephants.
But one night we walked into this
B had his arms full and was so startled he almost dropped it all. We were both hysterical. Fine not that funny but you had to be there. A bat towel, it's just not normal!
Our actual favorite thing is eating. The food, which is plentiful in unnatural quantities, is great. Dinner dining is quite the experience and we will miss it dearly.
The captain just warned us that we may not make the Azores port of call because swells are very high in the port. If we don't see land we are going to lose our minds!!! Seriously. Not kidding. We are prepared to jump.
J
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 11: Nassau, Bahamas
So posts are going to be out of order but if you really want to know, Days 7-10 were sea days. Therefore, we slept, ate, siesta'ed, swam, napped, ate, napped, repeated as needed.
Right now we are in Nassau Bahamas. We didn't get a chance to take any pics as we had our underwater camera. So this is our view while lunching. Pics will have to be posted later.
This morning we snorkled. We saw so many fish-more than anywhere we've gone before. At the last stop we snorkled with sharks. Yes! I went in but I stayed by the ladder. B was the first in, last out of course.
We only had a few hours to shop and I was in desperate need of shorts so we hightailed it back to our ship (1 of 4 in port and the biggest, pic to come). We bypassed all the free food on board and opted for a local lunch. Conch fritters were wildly offered but us budgeters did the fixed menu at a tourist filled place. What do u get in the Bahamas for lunch? BBQ ribs of course w/ spiced seasoned fries. I gotta tell you, best BBQ sauce I've had in a while.
Best $10 we've spent in a week (only $10 we've spent in a week.
Back to sea for FIVE whole days. @),?!$?)$
Right now we are in Nassau Bahamas. We didn't get a chance to take any pics as we had our underwater camera. So this is our view while lunching. Pics will have to be posted later.
This morning we snorkled. We saw so many fish-more than anywhere we've gone before. At the last stop we snorkled with sharks. Yes! I went in but I stayed by the ladder. B was the first in, last out of course.
We only had a few hours to shop and I was in desperate need of shorts so we hightailed it back to our ship (1 of 4 in port and the biggest, pic to come). We bypassed all the free food on board and opted for a local lunch. Conch fritters were wildly offered but us budgeters did the fixed menu at a tourist filled place. What do u get in the Bahamas for lunch? BBQ ribs of course w/ spiced seasoned fries. I gotta tell you, best BBQ sauce I've had in a while.
Best $10 we've spent in a week (only $10 we've spent in a week.
Back to sea for FIVE whole days. @),?!$?)$
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 6-7: Cruise launch
After we got into Texas city on Saturday evening, we took a drive down to Galveston and drove around. It was nice to see the beach again and we saw some incredible buildings - some you could see were heavily damaged by hurricane Ike.
We strolled around the Strand - like a main street. Some people were lazy.
After eating ourselves into a food coma via olive garden we hit the hay. However, due to not realizing that we had retractable shades on our hotel window, sleep was eh, sporadic, atleast for me.
We arrived at the Galveston port terminal about 11:30 am. There was another ship in port, Carnival Conquest.
I was unable to snap a shot of our ship but believe it or not, ours seemed double in size.
Embarkment was super easy and fast. Security, check in, and that's it.
We couldn't get into our rooms until later so we checked out our floating hotel.
Up first, the main attraction, the Royal Promenade. Our room is actually one of the bad boys in the shot. I think it's better than an oceanview room - more centrally located, includes a bay window, and you can people watch.
Welcome buffet!
Ship-cuzzi 5790753/fitness center. The fitness center is crazy by the way- humongous!
B is very disappointed that Johnny rockets is onboard. He doesn't want to go there at all.
Mini golf course, inline skating track, and rock climbing wall
Main pool area
Formal dining room. Shhh I had major titanic vibes.
Crazy big movie and entertainment theater
Some time in our running around we got to get into our rooms. It is actually pretty roomy (more room pics on Bs facebook) and has a cute little couch area with bay window and desk. Psst-look at the mini couch! It's Gavin size.
We are minutes away from departing. Goodbye Galveston, onward to the Bahamas.
We strolled around the Strand - like a main street. Some people were lazy.
After eating ourselves into a food coma via olive garden we hit the hay. However, due to not realizing that we had retractable shades on our hotel window, sleep was eh, sporadic, atleast for me.
We arrived at the Galveston port terminal about 11:30 am. There was another ship in port, Carnival Conquest.
I was unable to snap a shot of our ship but believe it or not, ours seemed double in size.
Embarkment was super easy and fast. Security, check in, and that's it.
We couldn't get into our rooms until later so we checked out our floating hotel.
Up first, the main attraction, the Royal Promenade. Our room is actually one of the bad boys in the shot. I think it's better than an oceanview room - more centrally located, includes a bay window, and you can people watch.
Welcome buffet!
Ship-cuzzi 5790753/fitness center. The fitness center is crazy by the way- humongous!
B is very disappointed that Johnny rockets is onboard. He doesn't want to go there at all.
Mini golf course, inline skating track, and rock climbing wall
Main pool area
Formal dining room. Shhh I had major titanic vibes.
Crazy big movie and entertainment theater
Some time in our running around we got to get into our rooms. It is actually pretty roomy (more room pics on Bs facebook) and has a cute little couch area with bay window and desk. Psst-look at the mini couch! It's Gavin size.
We are minutes away from departing. Goodbye Galveston, onward to the Bahamas.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Darn spaces
I see that this iPhone app for blogging is creating some huge gaps between pictures and paragraphs when I post. I tried to fix it and possibly created more spaces on my last post so ya... I'm just going to apologize for that now, for the next 7 weeks. It'll give you a workout. Enjoy gettin' your scroll on!
Day 1-6: Cali to Texas
So this week just flew by! I am so glad that for the next 7 weeks - no more riding in cars. Granted we will be spending ridiculous amounts of time in planes, trains, and automobiles (buses only). Atleast neither of us will have to drive.
Our week started off with an uneventful 2 day drive from Cali to Dallas.
We enjoyed some California landscapes until we hit Arizona.
Can you guess what we saw between Arizona and Texas? A while lotta nothing - oh, and new Mexico. So much nothing in fact I didn't take one pic. That couldve been because I was asleep for most of it.
We arrived real late in El Paso, grabbed some Taco C (with a side of the craps for later), and hit the hay.
Hung out with our good friend J in the AM and then hit the road again. Oh, waved to Juarez Mexico on the way out. Again, saw nothing.
Except, we passed through this k-gnarly storm cloud. Had some serious Twister paranoia.
After 12 long hours, a Sonic run complete with Dueling Cats - the show, we finally made it to B's moms house.
Day 3 through 5 were spent hanging out with fam, shopping for last minute stuff for our trip, chasing/looking for dogs, laughing, and very importantly, a trip to mcallisters for my favourite sweet tea.
Day 6 - in a car...again.
This time on route to Galveston. This drive was very pretty with lots of pastures, blue bonnet and Indian paintbrush flowers, and ominous solo trees.
We had a great pitstop lunch with family friends of B and his mom in the city of.....I don't know, where Texas A & M is.
Passed through Houston
And then made it to Galveston.
Tomorrow begins cruising time. It's going to be just grueling.
Our week started off with an uneventful 2 day drive from Cali to Dallas.
We enjoyed some California landscapes until we hit Arizona.
Can you guess what we saw between Arizona and Texas? A while lotta nothing - oh, and new Mexico. So much nothing in fact I didn't take one pic. That couldve been because I was asleep for most of it.
We arrived real late in El Paso, grabbed some Taco C (with a side of the craps for later), and hit the hay.
Hung out with our good friend J in the AM and then hit the road again. Oh, waved to Juarez Mexico on the way out. Again, saw nothing.
Except, we passed through this k-gnarly storm cloud. Had some serious Twister paranoia.
After 12 long hours, a Sonic run complete with Dueling Cats - the show, we finally made it to B's moms house.
Day 3 through 5 were spent hanging out with fam, shopping for last minute stuff for our trip, chasing/looking for dogs, laughing, and very importantly, a trip to mcallisters for my favourite sweet tea.
Day 6 - in a car...again.
This time on route to Galveston. This drive was very pretty with lots of pastures, blue bonnet and Indian paintbrush flowers, and ominous solo trees.
We had a great pitstop lunch with family friends of B and his mom in the city of.....I don't know, where Texas A & M is.
Passed through Houston
And then made it to Galveston.
Tomorrow begins cruising time. It's going to be just grueling.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Itty bitty space
So we are about 36 hours away from hitting the road for our trip to Europe!
While we have been diligently prepping, we still actually have to pack. Since we're only taking one backpack each, you'd think it'd be easy because there's not alot to pack. Wrong! Not a lot to pack but Everything gets scrutinized. We don't put anything in that we are not sure we'll wear or use atleast 5 times.
See what we have to work with?only the essentials (expertly rolled and stuffed) is going in these bad boys. This concept reminds me of a genie and his lamp. What do we know about packing for a 7 week trip that includes a cruise w/ formal nights? Pack for a week. Easier said then done.
Amazingly, Ellie fits just right. She's essential right?
I think she thinks she's essential too.
While we have been diligently prepping, we still actually have to pack. Since we're only taking one backpack each, you'd think it'd be easy because there's not alot to pack. Wrong! Not a lot to pack but Everything gets scrutinized. We don't put anything in that we are not sure we'll wear or use atleast 5 times.
See what we have to work with?only the essentials (expertly rolled and stuffed) is going in these bad boys. This concept reminds me of a genie and his lamp. What do we know about packing for a 7 week trip that includes a cruise w/ formal nights? Pack for a week. Easier said then done.
Amazingly, Ellie fits just right. She's essential right?
I think she thinks she's essential too.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Easter fun
A happy late Easter to all! We had a great day with lots of food, candy, laughter, and fun! Also, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversay. I hope that my husband and I Are lucky enough to celebrate a 25th down the road.
Psst! 5 days until Europalozza!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)