Day 6 - Discovering the Ship!

Day 6

Highlights of the Day:

Meeting George (even though we were introduced to him before)

Being delivered chilled berry soup at lunch

High Tea

South American Dinner

The Help Movie

The Long Summary of My Day:

Up early to go for a run on the top deck, then a trip to the gym, to breakfast,  which always turns into sitting there for a while and spend time talking.  Today we sat with George, who is extremely funny, he had us laughing hysterically.  To say the least, he is very comical with many stories about his adventures, as well as some crazy things he has done.  He is from Pittsburgh and he make funny voices that he uses to mimic others.  Since we were sitting for so long, we decided to go to see Chef Bernie make a crab and avocado fitter and salad with a coriander vinaigrette. Not only to I get to learn how to make the food but the best thing about watching them make the food is we get to eat it when we are done! Since George was with us and we made him go to the food demonstration, we went with him to the Acupuncture seminar.  It was very informative and I would like to try Acupuncture sometime!  The nice thing about going from one thing to another is when walking through the cafe's, there is always something set out to eat, such as little sandwiches or desserts and everything is always so tempting.  Today seemed to be filled with eating because we somehow ended up at the Lido for lunch, then meet Brad and Jeff, also known as Tan Man, who I discussed blogging with, which that turned sitting around for a while. Oh surprise, 2:00pm became 3:00pm and it was time to go to Tea. This time it was at the La Fontaine and the presentation of food was crazy!  There were more mini desserts and little sandwiches than I could even imagine!  Plus they had carved watermelons and this amazing statue made out of chocolate!  It was the most intricate thing I have ever seen.  Way to much food today and it is only a little after 4! 

We stopped by the Arts and Crafts station a little late, but they were making a bracelet and therefore we decided not to do that!  We took some time to relax by the pool and soon it was time to get ready for the South American Dinner! I wasn't sure how this would turn out, but after doing it, I am so glad we did! It was so much fun!  We started dinner by having a south american drink. We were seated with Brad, Gloria, Erma and Bernard.  The room was decorated with South American colors and the wait staff was dressed in attire to match the theme!  We were served a six course meal and each meal had paired a drink with it! Everything was so good! Chips, salsa, guacamole, potato soup, steak, more stuff, some meat that was cooked table side and this really good dessert!!

Everyone at dinner seemed to have so much fun! Everyone got along well. Bernard and my mom had the longest conversation about white asparagus!  I never knew you had to peel white asparagus!   At the end of the night, we were given pan flutes and everyone tried very hard to play them, although most people were unsuccessful!  

After dinner we went to see the movie The Help!  I read the book and the movie was really good!  

So Far My Impression of Sea Days:

Time flys 

Food, food and more food - you seem to be eating all the time!  

You spend a lot of time talking with people

Relaxing 

It is impossible to do everything on the ship

Day 5 - Bridgetown, Barbados

Day 5

Highlights of the Day:

The boulders on the beach

St. John's Church

Sunbury Plantation House

Finding chocolate at the lounge

Science Class:

Erosion of the boulders at the beach

The island is made of coral, sandstone and clay

Various fruit plants grown on the island 

Overall Impression of the City:

A much wealthier city with really great places to stay! Beautiful beaches and great lookout spots!  Relaxing environment but also fun adventurous things to do, such as zip-lining. 

The Long Summary of My Day:

An early morning start in Barbados!  We were up early, ate breakfast - banana bread french toast - then we where on our way around the island.  We docked in Bridgetown but we saw so much of the island.  We went through the different PARISHES, which was another name for towns. As we drove, the landscape changed dramatically - at first tall trees, then farming areas of corn and sugar cane, then there was the citrus trees and banana trees, then it was small villages here and there, then of course, the beach.   The water was a beautiful crystal deep blue. Out of the water rose these humungous rock boulders that lined the beaches.  Also along the water was these amazing hotels and private villas. One of the places to stay range from $10,000 to $25.000 A NIGHT!! We drove by colorful houses, goats and horses roaming around the land and people farming the land.  

We stopped at the beach to get a closer view of the gigantic boulders!  I am sure I read why they were there but I forget!  We also saw a man walking around with a monkey! Apparently they are all over the island and eat the bananas! We saw pointsetta bushes - I didn't know they grew like that!  There was a small, colorful house that stood atop the mountain overlooking the ocean and it would be a perfect vacation spot!  

Next we stopped at St. John's Church. It was the coolest looking church that overlooked the ocean! I was most impressed with the outside of the church - so pretty as well as the views!  Around the back of the church, there were giant tombs for entire families and a captain's grave. When the captain died, he wanted to be buried standing up facing east, so to get to his grave there are steps down into the ground.  

Then we went to Sunbury Plantation House.  It is an actual planation house, although parts were restored after a fire. Inside was set up to display antique furniture and other items.  In the cellar, they had tons of old buggies, saddles, tools, utensils as well as old camera's, optometry equipment, and many other really neat findings! We had drinks and lunch outside the planation house and it was all very good!  I especially liked the coconut bread! After we went to the main shopping street in Bridgetown, then to a crafters village where local artists have shops displaying their work such as pottery and art!  

Before I boarded the ship, I found some free wifi!! Always a good thing!  Back on board the ship, we sat by the Lido pool and then moved to the Explorers Lounge, which is an area of the boat that has a pretty significant library, a puzzle room, artwork, computers, and really comfy chairs that look out the windows!  This is where I am now typing this and my mom is reading her Kindle.  

Bridgetown, Barbados

Geography:  Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the small island nation of Barbados, which is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela.

Currency:  Bardabian Dollar (BBD)

National Symbol:  Neptunes Trident

National Anthem:  "The National Anthem of Barbados"

Language:  English

Area Comparison:  2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Distance from Pittsburgh: 3635 km or 2259 miles

Terrain:  Relatively flat, but rises gently to central highland region

Highest Point: Mount Hillaby 336m

Weather You Should Expect:  A tropical climate, with wet and dry seasons

Average Temperature in January: Low of 70 and High of 82

What You Must See: Barbados Parliament Buildings, Caribbean Cigar Co., National Heroes Square, War Memorial, Fountain Gardens, Mount Gay Rum Refinery (the oldest in the world), St. Mary's Anglican Church and Pelican Village for craft shopping  

Historical Fact: Bridgetown was originally named "Indian Bridge" for the rude bridge which had been constructed over the river by the Indians. It was later called the "Town of Saint Michael" in official documents, before finally being named Bridgetown.  On 6/25/11, Historic Bridgetown became a UNESCO World Heritage Site (a place listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as of special cultural or physical significance)

Science Trivia: Bridgetown's centre was originally composed of a swamp, which was quickly drained and filled-in to make way for the city's early development

Interesting Fact: Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean Island

Fun Fact: The furry little creatures that run out in front of your tire as you travel the country roads of Barbados are mongooses. Originally they were brought to the island from India to control the rat population in the cane fields. Being nocturnal, the rats never came into contact with the mongooses  – instead they demolished the snake population who actually did eat the rats.

Everything You Need to Know About the Flag:

There are three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band. The band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of the beaches. The trident head represents independence and a break with the past.

 

Day 4 - Roseau, Dominica

Day 4

Highlights of the Day:

First port - Roseau, Dominica

Trafalgar Falls

Emerald Pool

Taking Photos

Chilled Watermelon Soup

Science Class:

Volcanic island

Reflection of the plants in the Emerald Pool 

Formation of Trafalgar Falls

Overall Impression of the City:

A beachy, tropical city with colorful buildings although it seems like a poorer city.  Lots of outdoor adventures to do! Fun place to visit and the people were extremely nice. 

The Long Summary of My Day:

Today we arrive in Dominica although we do not get off the ship until noon. Therefore I had time to go for a run on the top deck and eat some breakfast - zucchini bread french toast.  We had a great day in Dominica.  We docked in Roseau and off the ship there were vendors of all kinds on the dock. Our day was filled with many events. First we went to the top of Morne Bruce. Although to get there the streets were very narrow and extremely steep.  Adopting the British custom of driving on the opposite side of the road than the US, it was very interesting approaching intersections on the side of the mountain. The solution seems to be beeping the horn as you go around a bend.  We winding our way up the mountain to the Botanical Gardens where we saw many different species of plants and flowers including a native bamboo grove, a giant palm tree and some sausage plant.  Apparently there was a giant wind storm that knocked down a tree and it fell lengthwise on the bus! 

We then drove around the island seeing the colorful houses to a  lookout point high atop the mountain where you could see down to our ship.  We arrived at Trafalgar Falls and took a 20 minute hike into the rainforest to reach the falls.  The hike in was pretty rocky and steep, but you passed tons of vanilla orchids and ginger plants along the way.  Eventually you reached two giant falls  cascading down the mountain that formed in deep gorges that were carved out of the hill. You could climb down more and actually go swimming in the waters below them. 

After hiking out of the rainforest we stopped at some local craft vendors then made our way to a stop along the road where some native people were dancing and playing music. We stopped to watch and got some kind of really sweet pop. My was purple and my mom's was red and we didn't drink too much of it! We then went to the UNESCO World Hertigage site in Trois Pitons National Park to see the Emerald Pool. Although this hike was not bad at all. You could view the emerald pool from above or again walk down the mountainside to get into the water!  You could see the green color of the water due to the reflection of the overhead canopy of plants.  Walking back from the pool, you could feel the mist shaking of the trees as the wind blew and then if you looked closely you could see the water beading on the moss that covered the trees. We again stopped to see some local vendors and artists who sold handmade baskets and masks made out of coconuts.  We tried some fresh coconut before we headed back to the ship.  

Today was filled with many great things to see. When we got back, I walked around the top deck then went to the pool. I finally meet some people around my age. One of the performers, Melissa Manchester, brought her family onboard while she performed on the ship, although they leave the ship tomorrow!  Again we went to dinner - I had chilled apricot soup tonight and a really good chocolate dessert thing - it was like chocolate covered cereal of some kind and dinner food! The boat is on its way to Barbados and when we wake up in the morning, we will be there!

Roseau, Dominica

Geography: Dominica is an island, located in the Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago

Currency:  East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

National Symbol: Sisserou Parrot

National Anthem:  "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Slendor"

Language: English

Area Comparison: Dominica is slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Distance from Pittsburgh:  3,327km or 2068 miles

Weather You Should Expect: Tropical rainforest and monsoon 

Terrain: Rugged mountains of volcanic origin


Highest Point: Morne Diabiotins 1,447m

Weather You Should Expect: A tropical climate with heavy rainfall, moderated by Northeast Trade Winds

Average Temperature in January: Low of 68 and High of 84 

What You Must See: Trafalgar Falls, Sisserou Parrot, Botanical Gardens

Historical Fact: Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs.

Science Trivia: Roseau sits on an alluvial fan formed hundreds of years ago.  The river meandered across the area from Newtown to its current location.

Interesting Fact:  Dominica is known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. Also it is the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world!

Fun Fact: Scenes for "Pirates of the Caribbean" 2 and 3 were shot on Dominica

Everything You Need to Know About the Flag:

It's green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white. Superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou parrot, unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow. The 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes). Green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation. The triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity. The yellow color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the native Carib Indians. Black is for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens. Whereas, white signifies rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations. Finally, the red disc stands for social justice.

Day 3 - First Formal Dinner!

Day 3

Highlights of the Day:

No more sea movement uneasiness

The ocean presentation

Being invited to the Murder Mystery Dinner

First formal night

Chilled Apricot soup

Fun gifts delivered to our room

Science Class:

Swells are the wave motion caused by a meteorological disturbance, which persists after the disturbance has died

They travel for a considerable distance, maintaining direction in deep water

The Long Summary of My Day:

Room service woke me up, but today the tray was too heavy for me to carry so he had to bring it into our pitch black room!  Today I I tried going without sea medication, still the bands, but no pills...so far, so good - crossing my fingers!  We decided to eat up at the Lido  and there was so many breakfast items to chose from!  Then we went to our first meet and greet with cruise critic and there was alot of people who showed up!  The director of activities spoke and someone else, which was pretty interesting because it is surprising how much impact a group has on a ship!  

After the meeting, I met with Brad who helped me figure out a few things on my camera.  My mom went see Guest Chef Darin Leonardson who demonstrated various types of cooking. I went to see a speaker, Denny Whitford - an oceanographer and retired US Navy captain speak about Ocean Waves, swells, breaking waves, storm waves and many other cool sea topics.  It was really cool!  

I found my mom, somehow, and decided to meet Sondra and Bill for lunch. Then we went to a Introduction to Crafts class!!!  It was interesting - paperclip earrings and hand stitched sewing kits!  Luckily we sat with Gloria and Brad, who were very entertaining! Gloria does knitting so I am going to try once again to learn this!  I have tried to knit again and I am determined to make a scarf!   Brad and Gloria actually invited us to the sold out Murder Mystery dinner as well as the South American dinner at the PInnacle Grill.  So exciting!  I am very thankful they invited us. We then went to tea in the Crow's nest and I wasn't sure how this was going to be, but it was really nice. They bring you tiny sandwiches, desserts and scones with cream along with a huge selection of teas!  

We talked to Art, as well as some other people then I went to the gym.

Tonight was the first formal dinner -The Captains Dinner where you have to get all dressed up!  They gathered us together for a Champagne and Hor's Devours reception where they introduced the crew.  After that it was time for dinner where we had filet and lobster and a chocolate soufflé with chocolate chip ice cream!  After dinner they had a show, but I didn't attend. When we got back to our room, we had fun gifts in our room - a duffle bag, a world cruise leather journal, a leather id holder, and a small tote bag. 

Day 2 - First Day At Sea!

Day 2

Highlights of the Day:

Room service

Running on the deck

Sitting at the pool

Meeting more people

Chilled pear soup

The Long Summary of My Day:

If room service is offered, you have to take advantage of it!  Especially when it is included!  So we decided to start our day with fresh squeezed oj, tea and fresh fruit - berries, grapefruit, mango, pineapple!  I started my day by going to the top deck to run - yikes it is windy!  Talk about resistance training!  But you couldn't beat the view - water and waves everywhere you looked and blue skies.  

We were asked to go to a welcome party where we went a few people who also booked through the same company - it was short and nice. Still a little unsure of the movement of the ship, we took some more sea calm pills but they make you extremely tired so it was back to the lounge chairs at the pool to sleep!  As we were sitting their the clocks changed from 2:00pm to 3:00pm - they decided to change the clocks in the middle of the day so that you do not lose an hour of sleep.  If you look at a map - we are sailing farther east so that we have to change the clocks forward that is at least until we get around the top part of south america so actually we will be gaining hours as well move westward!!! which can mean extra hours of sleep each night!! That is the benefit of circumnavigating the globe in a westward direction - always turning the clocks back!

We decided to go to the main dining room for lunch today and if you would like can get seated with anyone you would like, so therefore we were placed with this woman who was very knowledgable about traveling and she told us stories about when she worked for the red cross over sees.  At lunch, they had chilled pear soup and macaroni and cheese!

Another relaxing day - still trying to find our way around the ship!  It is very easy to get lost, especially when it trying to find your room.  There is also many things that I still am finding - the Kings Room (although I don't know what that is), new places to sit and relax or read, as well as more places to eat! My mom decides to go watch the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love and I decide to go to the gym.  The gym is nice with all the standard equipment, treadmills and ellipticals line the windows to give you an view of the water or you can watch the tv mounted in front of you!  

Just by luck we meet a couple of other people I have been talking with over cruise critic.  Everyone is so very nice and they all have a wealth of information.  By accident we met Gloria at the safety meeting and I was talking about my camera and she introduced us to her husband, Brad, who knows alot about cameras, cruising, and pretty much everything else you want to know! We actually ran into them again at the pool later in the day, and they introduced us to Pauline and Mike, also very experienced world cruisers.  These people know all the tricks - such as bringing non damaging hooks to hang on the wall to hold there coats and other items, and here I thought I was good with my shoe organizer! I also finally got to meet Sondra! Binder in hand, she said we had to see her room in which she somehow managed to unpack 24 suitcases plus about 20 cases of pop and water - I think she has everything, including a bowling ball!

We had another very nice dinner and the painting experts where seated at our table, so they informed us about all the different things they do on board.  There was a band playing for the entertainment for the night, but we decided to skip it.  When we got back to our room, a towel made sting-ray greeted us!

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins!

 Here is my life so far!!!  I hope to add more pictures ASAP!!!

Day 1

Highlights of the Day:  

Seeing the ship

A quick check in

Meeting people I have been corresponding with on Cruise Critic

Touring the ship

All our bags arrived 

The berry soup at dinner

The Long Summary of My Day:

So to begin, we got up early the morning we were to board the ship, had a nice breakfast then we thought we should leave for the shuttle. The only problem was the luggage, so I borrowed a cart from the bell boy and loaded it up, but I could only fit 3 bags on it out of 5. Then I couldn't move the thing at all!  I couldn't even fit the cart out the room door! So therefore I had to rearrange the luggage and after several failed attempts to catch the elevator without people on it, I finally was able to maneuver the cart onto the lift with the help of some very nice people!  Although I still had to suitcases back in the room. I decided moving them without the cart would be the best idea!  Finally we were on our way!  We meet the first of our Cruise Critic friends, Alan and Annie on the shuttle over to Port Everglades.  I was fearing the worst when we reached the port - that my mom and I would have to carry the bags ourselves! But, thankfully, this was not the case, the were whisked out of the shuttle, put on carts and we were on our way!  After a few holding rooms, where we were served cookies and lemonade, we were taken upstairs to have our first formal picture taken (which probably costs alot) and then it was onto the ship!  

It was about noon, just in time for lunch! To help prevent the spread of disease they serve you the food, desserts, and drinks at the  Lido - which I think is to be similar to a buffet.  They have each area roped off so that you can't even get close to the food!  I didn't really understand why they did this until I talked to Barry and Jane at dinner who informed me that on a previous cruise and ones they have heard about, the entire ship was quarantined because everyone was sick! So to prevent this, there are hand sanitizer stations everywhere and the greeter at the door for dinner actually sprays your hands when you walk in!  

I got aquatinted with the ship after lunch, waiting for our luggage to arrive. Went to the exploration lounge which is filled with comfy charms and loungers and ottomans to read, write, get on the computer.  Everywhere nook and cranny on the ship has some sort of cozy couch to sit in.  We explored the pools, the outdoor areas, the restaurants, the theater areas, the culinary areas, the technology spots, the gym, the spa, and some many other places.  Not seeing everywhere we went back to our room, our luggage arrived - all pieces - and so we started the task of unpacking!  Amazingly there are drawers everywhere - under the bed, in the nightstand, in the desk, storage in the ottoman - so it was easy to put everything into place and everything fits with room to spare!

After unpacking it was time to relax at the pool and at 5:00 there was the send off party on the deck!  It was really time to leave! The boat blew its whistle and we were off!  We decided to eat Main Dining, which means we eat at 8 pm every night in the main dining room. Now you can eat anytime you want if you go to the Lido or the Canettlo.  At dinner we have a table for 8, but at the first dinner, there is only 5 of us - Art, Barry, Jane, Mom and Me!  Dinner was great - they had chilled berry soup! I love chilled fruit soup and I have only had it on cruises!  So every time i see it, I must get it!  

After dinner, we went to the Queens Lounge to hear about upcoming events for our cruise!  That was enough for one day!

Ball Gowns???

The only gown I own is my wedding dress but Holland America has 18, yes I said eighteen, formal nights and I did not bring any gowns! I brought some dresses, but they are cocktail dresses at best!  I am hoping they work!  So when packing, I had to consider the following list of formal nights:

January 8^th: Captain’s Welcome Reception

Not sure what I have to wear here!

January 14^th: Black & Silver Ball (the 1^st Grand Ball in the Queen’s Lounge)

Got this one covered!

January 21^st: Copacabana Samba

What does this mean? Not a clue!

January 26^th: Viva Las Vegas

Blue dress??

January 31^st: Ice Blue Winter Ball 

Another Blue Dress??

February 7^th: Captain Bligh’s Dinner

Huh???

February 14^th: Valentine’s Day Hearts & Flowers Ball 

A red dress 

February 21^st or 23^rd: Mardi Gras

Maybe a fun dress

February 27^th: Many Leagues Under the Sea Ball 

Not sure here either

March 7^th: Theme unknown

To be determined!

March 9^th: Indonesian Formal Night (colonial style formal)

Huh???

March 17^th: St. Patrick’s Day

Got it...Green!

March 22^nd: Oriental Night

Yikes... maybe I can pick up something in Hong Kong!

March 31^st: Maharadja & Maharani Night

What???

April 7^th: 1,001 Arabian Nights 

Really???

April 14^th: Classic Formal Night (dress in "near-bygone style")

What does that mean?

April 22^nd: Celebration Night & Dessert Extravaganza (Pastry Chef’s sweetest Grand Buffet ever imaginable)

I don't care what I wear, it is a dessert extravaganza!

April 26^th: Black & Gold Masked Ball 

Black again with a mask!!! I will be sure to pick one up along the way!

Just in case that is not enough they also have the following:

January 29^th: Sommelier Dinner (gourmet food and wine pairings)

Again no clue! 

February 5^th: Superbowl XLVI party 

I brought a Steelers shirt!

February 6^th: Murder Mystery Dinner I 

February 16^th: French Dinner 

March 4^th: Chef’s Dinner - in the La Fontaine Dining Room

          

March 7^th: Indonesian Dinner 

March 8^th: King Neptune Ceremony to commemorate a sailor’s first crossing of the equator

March 13^th: Murder Mystery Dinner II

March 15^th: Lumpia Dinner and Sateh BBQ (Vietnamese spread)

March 30^th: Indian Dinner (dahl, roti, rice, naan, etc.)

April 17^th: Murder Mystery Dinner III

April 18^th: Paella Fiesta 

Wait there is more.... 

You can also dine at the Chef's Table which is a gourmet tasting dinner with the Executive Chef.  

Now don't forget....

"An Evening at Le Cirque" 

Here the dining room is turned into the legendary eatery's whimsical ambiance and award winning dining!  From serving the cuisine on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant's famous creme brûlée!

SO... as you can see there is a lot of dress wearing to be going on!!!