bubba's mom's annual trip report to Univ...wait! WHAT?! NO Universal?!?!?!?!

[bubba's mom]

Awesome update!

... what type of camera did you guys use for the underwater pictures??

It was the best day

I used my underwater Fuji digital camera.

DH used the Kodak Playsport Waterproof videocamera we got him for Father's Day. I thought it would be cool to use in the BVI next year, so we got it for him this year figuring he could play with it and get used to what it can do before we get to the BVI and use it when it counts most!

 

[natebenma]

Just caught up on your Jamaica day.

We have spent a lot of time in Ocho Rios. Mark and I spent a week at Enchanted Garden- awesome, we took the boys for a week at the Sunset Jamaica Grande in 2008- near where the ships dock and we did a one day cruise stop in 2006. But we have never been to Falmouth, so it was cool seeing your pictures at the port.

I liked your dining spot with a view for lunch. LOVED the picture at the helipad looking back.

OMG- so scary about the lost boy. Or lost parents. They must have been so frantic!!! I'm sure they didn't have phones with them.

The ice show looked amazing. We saw the ice show during our 2006 cruise. It was ok. The set was not nearly as beautiful as what I saw in your pics.

Whoa, GORGEOUS sunset shots! I love that you got a bunch of great family pictures. Did you notice the guitar that night or when you were looking at the pictures? I can't decide if the cloud to the right of it looks like an anteater, and elephant or an alligator.

Dinner- thanks for pictures. The lasagna and the surf and turf are both making me drool. And I'll take the coconut creme brulee AND the passion-berry mousse, please!

My boys did the pirate night. I miss those days! Sometimes.


Well, I've got to get some work done around here, so I will save up the Cayman update for later. Can't wait though! I snorkeling and I know that Grand Cayman is one of the best places to do it.

 

[keishashadow]

Grand Cayman is on our list to revist too, didn't get to see everything we wanted since we had one of those all day excursions.

as others have said, great picsseems as though you're all taking to snorkling. i agree w/bubba, semi-scary to get really close over reef as it can cut u and the ramdom weird rip tides, keeps u on ur toes (or would that be flippers).

 

[natebenma]

All caught up on your Cayman day. I can see why it was your favorite!

From sun-up (loved your pics) to the end of the night comedy show, your day was packed with FUN!

Snorkeling is one of my all-time favorite activities, so I loved seeing your pictures and videos from this. We didn't go snorkeling on our cruise stop in GC because the kids were too young. We went to Hell and the Turtle Farm. Mark and I wanted to go snorkeling in the afternoon while the kids were in the kids club, but all the tours were booked.

Fantastic pictures of the shipwreck. Also loved the pictures from the shallow reef snorkel. Beautiful fish. Two comments, though. I think picture 11 is Also, if you go snorkeling for a long time next year in the BVI, please wear a long shirt. The first time I snorkeled, I was out there for hours and my back, and more importantly my a$$ burned to a crisp and it was not comfortable sitting. Bubba's skull and crossbones swim shirt is great!

You got some super photos of the port from the upperdeck and what a cool sighting of the flying fish.

And finally- Dinner! Everything looked seriously de.li.cious! MMMMMMMmmmmmm!

 

[bubba's mom]

Grand Cayman is on our list to revist too, didn't get to see everything we wanted since we had one of those all day excursions.

1 week (at least). July. 2013. oh yeeeaaahhhh A DAY is just not enuf to see/do everything there. That's why I suggested we skip the cruise and just go there. Um, yeah...there was NO arguements from DH

as others have said, great picsseems as though you're all taking to snorkling. i agree w/bubba, semi-scary to get really close over reef as it can cut u and the ramdom weird rip tides, keeps u on ur toes (or would that be flippers).

We first snorkeled on our honeymoon...that was it. DH loved it from the start and we do it every chance we get. One reason we taught Bubba in Dad's pool...can't leave him behind ya know

 

[bubba's mom]

Snorkeling is one of my all-time favorite activities, so I loved seeing your pictures and videos from this. We didn't go snorkeling on our cruise stop in GC because the kids were too young. We went to Hell and the Turtle Farm. Mark and I wanted to go snorkeling in the afternoon while the kids were in the kids club, but all the tours were booked.

You can walk up the road and snorkel off the beach. Cemetary Beach isn't far and it's one of the better spots. I woulda left the kids in the club and headed out on foot, or via taxi to any beach. That's the nice thing about GC..you don't NEED a tour (altho, it IS easier when cruising). Maybe someday you get back?

Fantastic pictures of the shipwreck. Also loved the pictures from the shallow reef snorkel. Beautiful fish. Two comments, though. I think picture 11 is Also, if you go snorkeling for a long time next year in the BVI, please wear a long shirt. The first time I snorkeled, I was out there for hours and my back, and more importantly my a$$ burned to a crisp and it was not comfortable sitting.

Thanx for the heads up on the photo...I looked at so many, musta missed that one...altho, not even sure how it got upsidedown in the firstplace? The wreck was great...unlike the Cali the year before. I wouldn't recommend the Cali to anyone, it was a waste of time .

We already have most of what we need for next year's trip. Long sleeve shirts, gloves, booties, dry bag, etc... We have already gotten the low-down from BIL, as it is NOT he and SIL's first time there. (she unfortunately has had the burned backside ) We are lucky to be sailing with 'experts'

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 15 -- Friday, July 15

Cruise Day 6 -- Cozumel, Mexico

Today's Compass.

This morning was another day we could sleep in. This was not by choice, as we had an excursion booked. However, when we returned to our cabin yesterday after our snorkeling trip, we had a message on our phone. The message informed us that our Segway/Snorkeling excursion we had scheduled for today, that we had booked and paid for prior to the cruise, was canceled. The reason given to us was that the vendor had not renewed their insurance policy in time. Now, I'm not sure what "in time" means? Does that mean that it is renewed but not by RCI's deadline and they were canceling? Or, does that mean that they didn't have any insurance at all? Regardless, we find it hard to believe that RCI did not know this sooner than 24 hours prior to us doing this excursion!

After we found this out yesterday, we tried to book another snorkel excursion, but the ones we wanted were sold out. The other excursion that we had a slight interest in would have cost us about $300. More than what our canceled excursion was. We decided for that money, we weren't all that gung-ho on it and skipped it. Looking back, we should've done it. It absolutely sucked to be in port on a beautiful, sunny day and have nothing to do. (Unlike last year when we stopped in Cozumel there was a tropical depression over the area and it poured rain the whole time we were there.) So the score is: Cozumel-2. Us-0.

I also do not like RCI's policy when the canceled the excursion. I had purchased (& paid it off) weeks before the cruise using a different credit card than I was using on the ship. They would not credit back the same card, but instead gave it back to us in on board credit. I didn't want that because now I wasn't getting rewards back on everything we were charging on the ship. And of course, when I went to Guest Relations to find out how much we had spent onboard up to this point, all they kept saying was we had a credit of $xxx.xx. NOT what I wanted to know! Finally, they printed me a statement itemizing all our purchases, something I could have seen on our account on the tv in our cabin. We were annoyed with the whole situation and how RCI handled it. So, we decided to try and make the best of the day.

We figured we'd at least go ashore. So after grabbing some late breakfast in the Windjammer, we just walked into port. Pic of Freedom. We ended up walking down to the Puerta Maya pier, where we docked last year. We strolled around the shops there. I wasn't looking to buy anything, we just strolled around and looked in the stores. Very different vibe when it's not pouring rain out.

Here are some of the pictures I took from the Puerta Maya pier: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the one picture my son took.

We left there and saw them offering carriage rides. Bubba said he didn't want to go on one, so we didn't. We started walking back toward the pier we were docked at, and walked a little past it. There really wasn't much around there.

More scenic pictures from Cozumel: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Back at the pier, they seem to be building a new shopping area across the street.

After taking some video and a couple pictures, we went back to the ship. We were really annoyed about our excursion being cancelled last minute. It was a wasted day in port. More pix on the way to the ship: 1, 2 and 3.

As soon as we got back onboard, I took a picture of Deck 1...a/k/a I-95. It truly is a busy hallway!

And, as we've been doing each day, we went up to the top deck to take some pictures. We could see across the water to the mainland this year. We couldn't do that last year when we were here because of all the rain. We took our pictures and then decided to go to the pool. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we figured the ship would be relatively empty, so we got swim duds on and headed to the pool.

Cozumel from the top deck: the two Carnival ships Conquest & Valor were in port with us, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, there was also a Norwegian cruiseship docked at the next pier, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and looking down at the dock.

I'd never been in a pool on a cruise ship yet. Today was the day. I found one chair in the shade and the rest in the sun. We put our towels and stuff on our chairs and went to Sprinkles for some ice cream. Sprinkles was right behind our chairs, while the self-serve soda machine was on the opposite side of the pool.

We hung out at the pool for awhile. DH took a lil nap in his chair in the shade. Bubba swam in the pool. I laid in the sun on my chair and in the pool. I was surprised the water was so warm! I had read it wasn't sea water, but didn't make the connection it'd be warm and not chilly because of that. It was refreshing and not crowded at all! Bubba had a good time. While I was sitting at the pool and he was in the pool, he asked me if I thought the rock climbing wall was open. I said I didn't know and then thought about it for a second. I asked him, "Why?" He said to me, "I don't know. I was thinking of trying it." This surprised me. Only because he is deathly afraid of heights. He LOVES rollercoasters but does not like heights otherwise. As a matter of fact, he went to a classmate's birthday party back in the fall at the local rockclimbing place here at home, and he never got more than 3 foot off the ground! I was shocked he wanted to give it a try...but I would certainly support his decision. DH swam in the pool too and hung out with Bubba for awhile.

Some pool pix: 1, 2, 3, us hangin' out with 4 Bubba and 5.

It was probably 3:30-4:00 and DH said he was hungry. He suggested we go to Johnny Rockets for a late lunch. I was surprised because he said he wasn't going to pay to eat at any of the specialty places while we were there. I asked him if he was sure and he told me he was craving a real beef hamburger. I wasn't going to argue because I wanted to try their milkshakes and we don't live near a Johnny Rockets at home. So we gathered our stuff and went to the cabin to change and went back up to Johnny Rockets.

Along the way, I took pictures of the Promenade and Vintages. And, the one picture of Ben & Jerry's...again. (And, I loved the colors the bridge changed.) We promised Grumpy we'd take lots of pictures of Vintages for him. Since nobody was in Vintages, this was a good time to get pictures of the inside: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

After changing, we got to Johnny Rockets about 5pm. They seated us right away and brought out our menus. Menu pix: Beverages, Appetizers, Burgers and the rest.

Right away we ordered 2 milkshakes and Bubba's soda using his soda card. They explained it was unlimited appetizers and an entree and dessert. I don't know how anyone could eat much more than that... THAT was filling enough! He brought out my vanilla shake and DH's strawberry. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was nothing special. I could get the same shake at home. He then brought out our unlimited onion rings and fries. The guys ordered burgers and I ordered the chicken sandwich. Our server was nice enough to offer to take our picture.

We had finished off the fries and onion rings, and our server brought out more without asking. I didn't have any more as I wanted to save room for my lunch. Our burgers and chicken club sandwich came not too long after the second round of appetizers. They thought their burgers were good, my chicken sandwich was pretty good too. We had a nice view of port while eating, and made sure to take our pictures: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

They offered two desserts: apple pie a la mode and oreo sundae. I ordered the apple pie (even though I was full, I wanted to try it) and Bubba ordered the Oreo sundae. Both were pretty good and we all sampled both.

We had a leisurely lunch. We were here about 45 minutes. The service was great and prompt! We used our Crown & Anchor coupon (B1G1F) for the milkshakes and cover charge was $4.95pp, which brought our total bill to $20.03. It included $.68 gratuity on the $4.50 milkshake, and he did such a good job, we left him $5 extra.

We were getting ready to find our next adventure when we heard a ship's horn sound. We went to the other ship of the ship and realized one of the Carnival ships was preparing to leave. We were going to stay over there to watch it leave, but it started raining! Ahhh....now THAT is the Cozumel we know!

We stayed outside on that side of the ship to wait the rain out. We found a checkerboard and tic-tac-toe, but the cabinet containing the pieces to play was locked. Oh well, I wasn't going out in the rain to the sports deck to ask for the key!

We just started walking...with no particular place to go. We just wanted to avoid getting wet in the rain. It wasn't raining long and before we knew it, it stopped. It maybe rained 10 minutes?? Not long at all.

We must have gone by the casino some part of the afternoon, because I have these pictures from it: 1, 2, 3, the beloved 3 card poker table that our family pretty much confiscated on last year's cruise and I had to take a picture of the floor. I don't know why, but I just loved this floor!

Eventually, we found ourselves on the Sports Deck, now that the rain had stopped. We checked the rock climbing Wall, but it was closed due to the rain. Bummer. Oh well...we're up here, let's play a round of golf: here and Bubba's shot. We played our round of golf, and now the rockwall was open! Of course! But, the line was pretty long and it was getting close to time to get ready for dinner. We decided to skip it and try tomorrow.

Walking around, we came across an empty pingpong table. We found a set of paddles and DH and Bubba played. Or, tried. It was super windy and that little ball would just fly anywhere! It was quite funny to watch them try and play. It wasn't a serious game...more of a 'fun time spent together' thing.

By now, it was time for us to depart Cozumel. We went over to the side to watch us leave. Apparently there was an excursion running late coming back, and we watched all the people walk from the boat they returned on, back to our ship. None of them in a hurry, of course. We stayed to watch push off from the pier in Cozumel. It didn't take long for the Captain to get us to cruisin' speed.

After we left and were on our way, I decided to go back to the cabin and get ready for dinner. I told the guys to give me a half an hour before they got back to the room to get ready themselves. Turns out, while I went back to get showered, they had gone to the helipad while we were sailing out of Cozumel. Wouldn't you know, I missed a fabulous sight! They saw dolphins jumping in the water at the front of the ship. Not just swimming around and showing a fin, but literally jumping up out of the water! With the sun it was hard for DH to get video of it, but the important thing was that they got to see it. How cool. These were the only decent pictures he could grab off the video: here and here.

Back in the cabin, I got showered and ready for dinner. It was casual night. About a half an hour later, the guys returned and I sent Bubba into the shower first. It didn't take too long to get ready tonight. Matter of fact, we had some time beforehand, so we went up to the Windjammer to check out the Jade offerings. Some pictures (of course) on our way up to Windjammer: looking up in the elevator, looking down on the Promenade: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Grumpy had inquired specifically about the sushi offered. We told him we'd check for him. Since the sushi offerings weren't many, I took some pictures for him. There were other offerings, but not a whole lot. Kind of disappointing if you're looking for oriental food.

After our quick stop at Jade, it was back down to the dining room for dinner. Tonight's menu was: Vitality, Appetizers, Entrees, Pairing Recommendations and Desserts.

We ordered: the caprese salad, creamy roasted garlic soup and minestrone to start. Everything was delicious as usual.

I also ordered a Fruity Friday drink-of-the-day with dinner tonight. It was very good and I liked the souvenir glass.

For dinner we ordered: garlic tiger shrimp, black angus top sirloin and chicken marsala. Bubba got mashed potatoes every night with his dinner also. Weird, I had no idea he liked them that much? We don't have them at home...which would explain why he ordered them every night. As usual, everything was delicious. The head waiter even came by and shelled the shrimp for us. That had to be the first time the head waiter has ever done anything for us except to drop by one night and introduce himself!

After dinner, we ordered dessert: the chocolate mint cake (which wasn't bad considering it was sugar-free), low-fat angel food cake and the warm chocolate cake. All not bad, but the warm chocolate cake does not hold a candle to the warm chocolate cake on Carnival. (Probably one of the only things I think Carnival did better!)

We went to the photo gallery after dinner tonight to check out our photos. We lingered here a bit and then went to Studio B (ice rink) for the 80's Dance Party. It wasn't really a dance-as-you-please thing. Some staff were on a stage and dancing certain moves, which everyone would then copy. The whole thing was only supposed to last about 45 minutes, then the Quest show was going to be starting. The played some old 80's stuff. Madonna, Wham! and a few good rock songs by Def Leppard, AC/DC..... We didn't dance, just watched.

But, we were there for one another reason. After the dance party was over, but before the Quest game started, was going to be the flash mob dance. Remember I went yesterday afternoon for the rehearsal? We were told what song to listen for to get on the dance floor. We were given all our instructions the afternoon before. I wasn't 100% perfect on the moves, I always had trouble with the end parts...but, for only learning it and practicing it for 40 minutes, we didn't look too bad as a group. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I did it. Crossed it off my bucket list. Here would be that video.

Now what to do? We chose to go to the arcade to have some fun with Bubba again. We took turns playing him at air hockey. The kid puts up a good game! First he played against me, then he played against his Dad. Then he showed us this game he played a few times during the cruise. He was very good at it. But, he plays games like that at home online, so I would expect him to be a good shot.

After being at the arcade for awhile, and finishing up his credits, we went outside to check out the moon. It was a beautiful night out and we sat up at the helipad for awhile.

After we oohed and ahhhed at the moonbeams reflecting off the ocean, we headed down to the Promenade to stop by the Cafe for cookies and milk for bedtime snack. We each got one cookie (Bubba got two)...just enough for a snack. We took it back to our cabin where Bubba climbed up into bed and enjoyed his snack while watching truTv.

It was about 1am when we called it a night.

Tomorrow is our last day. A sea day. No need to get up early tomorrow. We can sleep in.

 

[natebenma]

Enjoyed reading your post about Cozumel, but boy, the cruise line really did screw up! You would think that there was more that could have been done to either get you into another excursion or to offer you suggestions about other onshore options. But of course, then they don't get comissions that way.

It is also ridiculous that you couldn't get the refund the way you wanted it!

Mark and I spent a week in Cozumel back in 1996 and it was one of our cruise stops in 2006. This was the same cruise when we didn't snorkel in Grand Cayman, so we ended up booking a snorkel excursion on our Coz morning. Just Mark and me. The boys stayed back on the boat in the kids club. It turned out to be a LOOONNNGG excursion, we sailed out pretty far and we snorkeled in water that was very deep. The water was clear, but you see so much more in shallow water. Then after we returned to the ship, we collected the boys and took a cab to the Paradise Beach Club for about an hour. You pay a small cover (maybe $10) and can enjoy the beach, lounge chairs and some of the inflatable water toys, slides, etc.

Seems like you thought the meal at Johnny Rockets was worthwhile. I remember being very confused about the menu both on our cruise ship and when we tried one at Atlantis. It was very misleading what was included and not included. We paid an upcharge for some onion rings on one of the kids meal- I think there were 4 rings for $2. Fifty cents a ring? Really?

You made the most of a day that started our really disappointing. Some really nice time by the pool and with family around the ship. Cool that DH and Bubba saw the dolphins. Too bad you missed it.

The Flash Mob looked fun!

Another fantastic looking meal. YUMMMMMMM!

I can see why you love that light up bridge. It's beautiful. The color-changing reminds me of a certain castle at night.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

That really sucks about the excursion .... but it looks like you guys made the most of your day

That flash mob looked like a lot of fun!

 

[jenseib]

Just catching up again. I just read through your Grand Cayman day. What a beautiful island. I hope to make it there some day.
It's made me think of possibly doing the snorkling excursion next trip. I have done it a couple of times in the pastm but it's been at least 9 years now. Maybe I can talk Paige into it, and when we go on our family cruise next fall, her, Claire and I can all do it.
The food looks so good. I was drooling over the pictures. I would have a hard time deciding what to ffer because there were so many great choices on the menu. And I was hoping someone got the dessert trio so I could see it. It looked delish!
I loved the video too. What a fun day.
I also watched the falsh mob video. That cracked me up. There were a couple of guys there who "REALLY" had the moves down. I don't know if they were experts or not, but they could really move!
It looked really fun.

Now for my shamelss plug. I did start my next trip report. The link is in my signature...the first one. I hope you can join me over there too!

Now off to read about your next days adventures. I hate getting behind on your TR, but when I read yours, I really want to sit down and just take it all in and not rush through.

 

[jenseib]

All cuaght up now. You made the best of the day, but I would be mad too. I can't imagine they "just" found out that it was canceled. What if this was a once in a lifetime trip for you? That would really irk me. But then like you, you do just go on and find other stuff to do.
We stopped at Cozumel in 1998 (I think). The port looked different then. I had heard since we went a hurricane blew through and they had to rebuild. I know Senior Frogs was right there at the end of the pirr. You could actually walk right off the pier to it. It looks like it's a little further over now.
I also remember not a lot to do right in that area. A few huts for shops and then you had to walk a few streets over to find anything. We ate at some restaurant and I swear my "chicken" wasn't really chicken in my quesidilla.

You dinner again looks great. I have heard the Carnival has one of the best warm chocolate cakes too.

Those cookies for a snack look darn good too.

I can't beleive we are already coming up the last sea day.

 

[bubba's mom]

I also watched the falsh mob video. That cracked me up. There were a couple of guys there who "REALLY" had the moves down. I don't know if they were experts or not, but they could really move!

It was fun, but the end was hard to 'get down'. I can at least say I've done one now. The guys who really had the moves down, were staff that worked on the ship. The staff were in plain clothes and they actually start with a 3 song-clip dance...that is our cue to get ready. By a certain song-clip, we are to be 'ready'.

Now for my shamelss plug. I did start my next trip report. The link is in my signature...the first one. I hope you can join me over there too!

No shame I will get there, but right now I'm trying to fix my house. We were one of the people who "never got water, but did this time" when hurricane Irene & TD Lee went thru our area. Not a lot, but we've had to reseal outside and replace some mortar and drywall. HOPING to finish this weekend so I can paint the wall, get new padding under the carpet (cuz we saw what is there now, sux) and get the carpet retacked down and finally get the carpet shampooed. THEN, hoping to have my family room back together by next weekend.

 

[bubba's mom]

We stopped at Cozumel in 1998 (I think). The port looked different then. I had heard since we went a hurricane blew through and they had to rebuild. I know Senior Frogs was right there at the end of the pirr. You could actually walk right off the pier to it. It looks like it's a little further over now.

yep...I believe they rebuilt the Punta Maya pier (the one Carnival docks at). While we were down there, and I took that picture of the building along the pier cuz they were just finishing building that when we were there last year. It looks nice since they finished.

I don't think Senor Frog's is right there. I think it's a 'connection'..like you go there, and they have transportation to it for you? I'm not 100% certain because we were too annoyed to find out.

We just think that snorkeling in Coz for us is just not meant to be

 

[jenseib]

It was fun, but the end was hard to 'get down'. I can at least say I've done one now. The guys who really had the moves down, were staff that worked on the ship. The staff were in plain clothes and they actually start with a 3 song-clip dance...that is our cue to get ready. By a certain song-clip, we are to be 'ready'.



No shame I will get there, but right now I'm trying to fix my house. We were one of the people who "never got water, but did this time" when hurricane Irene & TD Lee went thru our area. Not a lot, but we've had to reseal outside and replace some mortar and drywall. HOPING to finish this weekend so I can paint the wall, get new padding under the carpet (cuz we saw what is there now, sux) and get the carpet retacked down and finally get the carpet shampooed. THEN, hoping to have my family room back together by next weekend.

OH NO! What a pain. We have had our basement flood a couple of times from excessive rain. It's awful. It was as high as my upper shins. Complete mess, so I understand your woes. Our basement is where I spend a lot of time, and I was just doing a lot of crying. After the third time I told my husband that if he didn't get it fixed there could be a divorce in his future. Hopefully it's better now as we haven't flooded for a few years...knock on wood. But I think it has the potential to if we're not watching it.

 

[natebenma]

Barb- sorry to hear about your water damage!

This has been such a destructive weather year. My DH likes to say "Mother Nature is not FN around!"

Hope you are able to get it all fixed up.

 

[bubba's mom]

I couldn't imagine that much water!

Luckily ours isn't bad. Our family room is above ground (no basement and no part of our house is under ground). Just over the 41 yrs the house has been here, it's settled and the concrete patios have settled, unfortunately toward the house.

So, we are sealed, now to just repair...ugh...

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 15 -- Saturday, July 16

Cruise Day 7 -- Sea Day

Today's Compass.

Our last day on the cruise and of course we slept in!!

We watched Graham's morning show as we got up and got ready to go to breakfast . We got to the Windjammer around 10am. Being a sea day, it was a bit more crowded today. But, we managed to find a table and eat.

Already a late, leisurely morning, after breakfast I went back to the cabin to start packing, while DH took Bubba to the aerobics room to practice his karate forms. I was surprised that they were back by the time I had done most of the packing. Bubba said he couldn't do too many for too long because the hard floor was hurting his hips. Made sense after I thought about it...at school they have the mats. I told him I didn't even think to tell him to try and use the boxing ring if nobody was in it. Not sure if he'd been allowed, but would have been worth a shot. He at least got a little practice in.

After I'd finished packing, I noticed Freedom Fest was happening on the Promenade and I suggested we go check it out.

Pictures: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

LOTSA food during the fest. They also had a food carving demo, napkin folding, towel folding and drink specials. In typical fashion, lots of pictures....

Food carving station: flowers, a monkey, chef carving, mice under a tree, birds, watermelon and the artist.

Food to sample: 1, 2, desserts, more desserts, logo glassware, 2, 3 and more flowers. Desserts are a big thing: 1, 2, chocolate covered bananas and strawberries, 3 and 4. They did have some http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/barbpics/Vacation 2011/Cruise Day 7 - Sea/DSCN7423.jpgsandwiches and healthy options, but it seemed it was more desserts.

I found the guys and we decided on getting a cookie. These carmel cookies were delicious, but not always offered. Figured I'd have one last one.

Today was also a popular day for cupcake decorating classes. In the short time we were here, I saw two different classes. Every class decorated this cupcake.

While we were on the Promenade, we decided now would be a good time to buy our souvenirs. We didn't buy anything in port (hadn't planned to) and we usually buy: the boy a t-shirt, a Christmas ornament and we get a shotglass for our collection. I think we got a postcard of the ship too. We used our Crown & Anchor coupon for our discount and still spent about $50.

After this purchase, I suggested we stop by the Photo Gallery (next deck down on our way to our cabin) to purchase the photos we wanted. I didn't think we had our picture taken that often, but there seemed so many to choose from! DH & I each had a Crown & Anchor coupon book. So we were each going to use our photo coupon for the buy 1 get 1 half off. We spread all our photos out and discussed which ones to get. Since we couldn't decide between two, I just said we'll pay full price and get that one too. So, DH bought the 8x10s with his coupon, and I bought three 5x7s with mine. Even with coupons it was still about $55...but worth it! While we were sorting through our photos, a lady at the other end of the counter we were at, overheard us discussing the coupon. She asked where to get them and I told her if she'd sailed with Royal Caribbean before, you should have gotten a coupon book. She said she HAD sailed with Royal Caribbean before, but not gotten a coupon book. I asked her if she signed up for the Crown & Anchor Society (past guests) and she said she did not. I told her she needed to have done that. By her reaction, I think she was pissed at herself! Can't say I blame her. Ours saved us $15!

We purchased our photos and went to the cabin to put all the stuff we just bought there. No sense it dragging it all over the ship.

While back in the cabin, we checked the Compass and decided to check out the rock climbing Wall. Bubba was ready to conquer it (and his fear of heights). So, we headed up to the Sports Deck next.

I was going to climb the Wall until my wonderful husband reminded me if I wanted to keep my fingernails, I'd better not. Oh crud...I'd forgotten. Probably NOT a good idea for someone with nails. Bummer.

So, I got to videotape and take the pictures of them climbing. Here they are getting ready to go. Looks pretty high! Of course they would not be next to each other...noooo...why would they? So, I mainly focused on Bubba. Up he went. There was a point I didn't think he was going to make it because he swung around the side, but he went back and continued up. I don't know if he wanted to quit or the gal holding his line wouldn't let him? But, up he went. I'm watching him the whole time thinking "wouldn't it be crazy if he got to the top and rang the bell?" I didn't care how high he got, I was just proud of him for trying.

Before I knew it, he was closer and closer and then..... He RANG THE BELL!!!! WOOHOO!!! I couldn't believe it. It was one of those "Proud Mom on the verge of tears here" moment!

Right after Bubba rang the bell, DH rang his! At first, his line-holder didn't hear/notice it because he was talking to someone, so he rang it again and he came down.

Back down on the ground Bubba told his Dad of his accomplishment and we all celebrated! Lookin' where he's been.... And feeling good about ringing the bell. Dad was SO proud of him too! A happy moment!

After they got their gear off, we tried to come up with a next plan of action. We checked the Compass and decided to go for one last ice skating session. We changed into our jeans (Bubba & I grabbed our jackets) and headed to Studio B for the 3:30 session. When we got there, we were told that session was already full. We asked if we could sign up for the next (and last) one at 4:15, and they said no problem. We were even allowed to leave and come back closer to our session time. So, we registered for that and decided to kill time with a light lunch. Besides, we were getting a little hungry anyway.

We did the usual Sorrentos for pizza and the Cafe for cookies. We didn't sit inside Sorrentos, we sat at a little cafe table out on the Promenade. Bubba got his pizza and a slice for me, while DH got his own. DH also got some dessert cups today too. I had a taste, they were good, not bad. I also took some more pictures of the Promenade area: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and a picture of Bubba outside Vintages. We stopped in the Cafe for a cookie and I took pictures of the new cupcakes while I was at that end of the Promenade (of course). Not sure about this flavor but the german chocolate probably wouldn't have been bad.

By the time we were finished eating, and hitting the restroom, it was time for our session. My husband admiring the video editing room while waiting for me.

I gathered them up and we went to our session. Another great time...and crowded as it was the last offered for this cruise. Our pix: DH & Bubba, Bubba improving, but DH can still lap him! My son and I skating in for our picture.

After our skating session, we went back to the cabin to get ready for dinner, while DH went to the Promenade for the Dreamworks parade. He had planned to be on the floor this time (unlike the first night aboard when we were up on a higher floor) and edit the two parades together. Bubba said he wasn't interested in seeing the parade again, so he stayed in the cabin with me. ...And after I was finished in the shower, I told him to get in there. I had hoped to pack up the tolietries and the rest of what we wouldn't be needing before heading to dinner...since our luggage had to be out by 10pm.

DH got back just after 6pm and he got showered. It doesn't take him long to get ready and in no time, we were ready to leave for the 7pm Farewell show in the Arcadia Theater. Even though our dinner was 8:30 seating, if we wanted to see the show, that was around 7pm, we had to be ready for dinner before the show so we could see it because we wouldn't have time to get ready for dinner after the show.

We were early for the show and got seats in the 3rd or 4th row. It was a good show with introductions of some of the staff. Some staff from each department were on hand to applaud. Chefs, the captain and some crew from the bridge, housekeeping, Guest Services desk, shore explorations desk, cruise director staff, etc... Graham sang a song...and really well I might add! You'd think he was the entertainment, not the cruise director! The comedian they had was also very funny! He got a HUGE applause when he was talking about stupid people and his observation of them on the ship. The popular one was: "don't try to get ON an elevator before the people on it get OFF!" He got an applause for that from about 75% of the crowd! He was very funny and I wish he would've had his own show...I'll bet that would have been a great show! (or maybe he did and we just didn't notice it?)

They also brought back Laetitia & Artur for their aeriel silk show. I had hoped they would have done the acrobatics they did the first night (because Bubba was with us this time and I wanted him to see them do that), but they didn't do that, they went with the aerial acrobatics. Their pix: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. They were great, but I preferred the regular acrobatics show they did the first night on board.

Graham Seymour is a really good cruise director. You will have a great cruise if you sail with him. I never remember having such a good cruise director before. He really added something to the whole cruising experience.

It was a good (hour long) show and even Bubba had told me so. I told him we don't go to dumb and boring shows...we may be your parents, but we ARE fun! Even after a nice, long wait to exit the theater, we still had time to kill before dinner. We found ourselves at the Photo Gallery and saw a mob of people trying to figure out which pictures to buy. I was glad we had already done this, as this place was absolutely crazy! I had a feeling it would be crowded the last night aboard. While here, we watched some of the Cruise in Review dvd they had put together and were trying to sell. We didn't buy one because we had plenty of our own video (7-8 hrs) and pictures (1800+).

While in this area, I ran upstairs to the Guest Service area to drop our surveys in the box while the guys watched the video playing. I told them to wait there, I'd be right back. We had a survey for the cruise and one for the Kid's Club. I quickly deposited both of them in the survey box. The cruiseline must read them, because our waiter and our cabin attendant made sure we knew their name and to give them a good review. Not that I had anything to complain about with them, they got their wish. After I dropped them in the box, I went back downstairs to meet the guys to go to dinner.

I realized I never took a picture of the staircase in the dining room, so I did tonight.

Tonight's dinner menu was: Vitality, Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts.

Here is a picture of Rojda our assistant server with Bubba. She knew she didn't have to ask him IF he wanted bread, he always did. Tonight DH & I were going to order the same appetizer, so I switched my order to the onion soup and he got the spinach dip (which I ate half of anyway because it was so good!) and we also got the shrimp cocktail. Bubba was happy with his shrimp when DH wanted him to try the spinach dip. He did try it, but didn't like it. He finished his shrimp and ate his cornmuffin.

For dinner we ordered: potato gnocchi, grilled NY strip steak and the tomato basil mozzarella calzone. Everything was good and I was surprised Bubba liked the gnocchi. It was the first time he'd ever had it. I got the token "pepper?" picture of DH with our server, Chetan.

For dessert, we ordered: the chocolate brownie sandwich and the banana and crunchy nut parfait. Both were pretty good, but I only had a taste...as usual, full from dinner. After dinner, we thanked Chetan and thanked him for a week of wonderful service. I asked if he could come home with us, and he only had a laugh. Guessing not?

After dinner, I needed to finish packing so we headed back to the cabin. Picture of Boleros on the way. (and I did notice the Photo Gallery a bit emptier at this time of the evening. I think they were open till midnight on the last day?)

Back at the cabin, we changed into the clothes we planned to wear tomorrow and I packed the rest of what we didn't need for the night while they went to the 'Majority Rules' show at Pharoh's Place. It was something for them to do together while I finished up packing.

When they got back, DH & I went outside to the helipad...one last time. We noticed a storm brewing in the distance. We guessed it was off the Florida coast between Ft. Lauderdale & Canaveral....but it wasn't. We were further south than we thought. We just sat and watched the storm...it was cool to sit and watch.

We took only a couple pictures before the batteries died in the camera. Not a big deal...the pictures weren't turning out real great anyway. With dead batteries, we just sat and enjoyed the little bit of our last evening at sea.

We weren't gone too long. We returned back to the cabin and tucked Bubba in for bed. We headed there ourselves knowing we'd have to be up early tomorrow. Because if you want breakfast before they kick you off the ship, you'd better get there before they stop serving it!

 

[bubba's mom]

So, we are sealed, now to just repair...ugh...

Outside is sealed, drywall is up and drying.... Hopefully I can sand & primer tomorrow...maybe even paint? That'd be

Then get carpet taken care of this week and hopefully by next weekend, have my family room back to 'functioning'!

 

[jenseib]

What a fun last day. That fiesta thing with all the food looked wonderful! I would've been nibbling my way through it. I couldn't beleive all you got was a cookie. I would've had at least half the plate of chocolate cover strawberries myself!

this ship is just beautiful, I hope to get a chance to see it myself someday.

I'm glad to hear the repairs are coming along. What a pain that is to do.

 

[natebenma]

Just read through your last cruise day. You certainly made a full day of it- enjoying a lot of what the ship offered.

The Freedom Fest looked like a lot of fun. The ice scultpures and the beautiful food art are amazing. It also must have been fun to watch the towel animals and napkin folding.

Did people get to eat the cupcake they decorated?

Yeah for Bubba for climbing the rock wall! My kids were younger when we were on our cruises and they didn't have any interest.

Pretty cool (get it) that you are able to ice skate on a cruise ship!

Once again, loved seeing the menus and the food from dinner! YUM!!! I am a very enthusiastic eater and it would be hard me to choose. I know you can get more than 1 choice, but then you run into the too full to enjoy issue.

I appreciate your pictures and descriptions from the shows. We never seem to get to those.

I have enjoyed reading about your great vacation with your families followed by the cruise. You guys know how to have a great time!!!