Monday, September 10, 2012

Today was a busy day.  We managed to keep going all day with very little rest.

As usual we started the day in Chops for breakfast.  They are used to us by now and we just walk in and sit at our usual table.  There is only one table for 4 at the window so we like to get there at 7:30 am when they open so we get the table before anyone else gets there.  This morning we managed to stay there until almost 9:00 am.

After breakfast we went and made our donation to the casino.  When we were in the casino we could tell the Captain was making an announcement but for whatever reason it could not be heard in the casino.  In the elevator on the way back to our room a lady told us that the Captain had announced that we would not be making our stop at St John's Newfoundland.  Evidently there are quite a few storms in the Atlantic and we are now going South and would wait for the storms to get north of us and then we will turn West.  They said we will be going about 600 miles out of our way to avoid the storms so there is no way we can substitute another port.

We were only back in our room for a short time when we realized that it was time to go to bingo and get good seats.  All these old people on the ship always seem to get places 30 minutes to an hour early so we have to beat them there.  We like to get a table to put our cards on and there are very few tables.  This morning I was lucky enough to get to yell bingo along with 5 other people.  I won $43.13!  WOW!  However, since there were so many of us that had to split, they also gave us a bingo t-shirt which gives us a free bingo card for the last game anytime you wear the bingo t-shirt to a bingo session.  They also gave us a free pack to use for the session later that day.  

It took a while for them to pay everyone for their big win so it was around 12:30 pm before we finished with bingo.  We went back to the room for a brief rest.  We had agreed after breakfast that we would meet at the dining room at 1:00 pm for lunch so it was time to go eat lunch.  We had an enjoyable lunch.  After lunch I had to take the voucher I had gotten for my bingo win to Guest Services to collect my winnings.  I had the choice of having it applied to my account or getting cash.  I got the cash so we could take it back to the casino.

There was another bingo session at 4:00 pm.  We wanted to get there early again for a good seat and when we got there they were having an Art Auction.  We sat and watched what they were doing and made sure we didn't make any movements where they would think we were bidding on anything.  I couldn't believe how high these pictures were and most of them I didn't care for anyway.  At the end of the auction they gave out prizes from drawing tickets that had been given out earlier.  Some of the prizes were pretty good.  We have decided that maybe we need to start going to future art auctions and try for some of the prizes.

We played bingo and weren't lucky this time.  At one time I thought I might win but it didn't happen.  

When bingo was over we took our earlier bingo winnings back to the casino.  It didn't take long before it was gone however it was time for -- Dinner!  By the time we got to the dining room it was open.  I wasn't even hungry but of course I ate.  For dessert Pat ordered the sugar free selection and it was absolutely terrible.  It was some time of mousse that was lime flavored with basil in it.  I don't know who in the world came up with that idea but they had to have been crazy.  I like basil but not in my desserts.

The show tonight was some violin playing woman.  She was born in Poland -- her father was Polish and her mother was French.  However she said that she had a Polish passport and a British passport.  She has homes in Poland, Scotland and Miami (I think I got that right).  I'm sure people that are into that type of music enjoyed it but I was ready for it to be over.

As soon as the show was over we headed straight to our cabin.  We had a busy day.  In fact while I am sitting here typing this, the TV is going, Mary P is acting like she is watching TV (she is laying there wearing her glasses) and I tried to ask her a question about something that we did and she is fast asleep and didn't respond to anything I asked her.

We haven't been to the Solarium yet (adult pool and hot tubs).  It is open 24 hours.  Pat suggested that we all go to the Solarium for a swim at 3:00 am when nobody else will be there.  There is also a Solarium Cafe that is open during the night and we could get a bite to eat (just like we need it).  After a swim she wanted to go work out at 6:00 am and then go eat breakfast at 7:30 am.  Sounds like fun doesn't it………….. I doubt that will happen tonight.

We are setting our clocks back another hour tonight.  I think we will then be 3 hours different than Dallas.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Today was our second day in Iceland.  After having room service for breakfast, our guide picked us up at 8:30 am.  He took us on a tour through a different part of Iceland than yesterday.  The scenery yesterday was full of waterfalls and greenery.  Today we saw lots lava beds, black sand beaches and more sulphur smelling geysers.  One interesting thing that he did show us was where they had lots of fish hanging to dry out.  We stayed inside the car with the windows rolled up and we could still smell the fish.  He said they used it for making fish jerky and also to make fish oil.

They have done several movies here in Iceland.  They said Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe recently were here.  We saw where one of them was filmed.  I believe it was Noah with Russell Crowe.

The main attraction today was a visit to the Blue Lagoon.  When we started planning this cruise and what to do, this was at the top of our list.  We read about the ship excursion to do this and we were afraid there would be too many people to deal with.  We did more research on the internet and found that The Blue Lagoon had an Exclusive Lounge which was more private.  We immediately decided this was what we wanted to do.  When setting up our tour with Eskimo Tour Company we asked if they could arrange this for us and they did.  Our tour guide escorted us in and got us checked in.  We then had an escort assigned to us to show us around and help us out with any special arrangements that we might need.

When we checked in they gave us a special bracelet which was our key to get in different areas.  Our bracelets were green and most others had blue bracelets (general public).  We had private dressing rooms with showers, towels, robes, and slippers.  The dressing rooms were upstairs and when we walked downstairs there was a special lounge with lounge chairs, coffee maker, lemon and lime water, and fresh fruit.  Down more stairs led us to where we would enter the Blue Lagoon.  It was nice and warm and had a special door that led to the outside.  The lounge was special because there were only 8 of us in there with a limit of 12 people.  Of course once we went outside there were 100's of people.  

The claim of the Blue Lagoon is it cures all that ails you and makes you look 10 years younger.  It did make me feel better.  With our entrance we got a special facial mask to put on and 1 free drink.  I opted for a Strawberry Smoothie which was good.  The mask was frozen and they told us to put it in the water for 1 second and then rub it on your face and let it stay on for 15 minutes.  After that we just washed it off.  My face felt like it was burning at first but later it felt ok.  There was another type of mask for the general population and we used that also.  When I finished both masks my face felt smooth.

There were spots of really hot water in the lagoon and none of the water was really deep.  In fact lots of it was only about knee high so we spent a lot of time crouched down in the water because it was really cold outside.  We stayed there about 3 hours and then it was time to go back to the ship.  

All aboard time was 4:30 pm and we got back around 4:15 pm so we were cutting it pretty close.  However, there were lots of other people getting there about the same time because the line to get on board was long.  Just as we got there it started raining.  We have been fortunate with the weather on all of our ports until now.  I think I mentioned in an earlier post that the Captain was monitoring the weather.  Well it seems they are still monitoring it.  He said we were going to have high waves and a lot of rocking of the ship tonight and in the future.  In fact there is a good possibility that we may miss our last port of St John's, Newfoundland.  We have a private tour booked there but we didn't have to pay in advance so that is good.  If we don't make the port, I will just email them and tell them what happened.  

We went to the show tonight and it was a Magic Show.  The magician is from Las Vegas -- Knight Magic (Kyle Knight & Misty).  They were pretty good.  We managed to go to the first show and the place was almost empty.  When we got back to the ship today we hadn't had lunch yet so went to have a snack and ended up eating way too much and weren't hungry for dinner.  However we did go to dinner but didn't eat very much so we could leave early and go to the show.

There are lots of activities planned for tomorrow.  The Captain is supposed to hold a question and answer session and to talk more about the weather and how it will be handled.  It's too bad it will be during Bingo and I won't be able to hear him.  However, I am sure the Rosga's will go so they can fill me in.

We set our clocks back an hour tonight so there will only be 4 hours time difference between the ship and home…………

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Today has been a busy day and I am totally exhausted.  We are in Iceland today and tomorrow.  After waking up early this morning and having room service for breakfast, we met the Rosga's at the Concierge's Lounge at 8:15 am.  We then proceeded to leave the ship that had just been cleared for us to get off the ship.

When we first exited the ship, we didn't find our tour guide waiting for us.  At first we were kind of nervous since this particular tour had required us to pay in full for the tour in advance.  Usually the tours request payment at the end of the tour.  Another guide asked who we were looking for and when we told him, he said that he hadn't seen them yet and where to go wait.  It was just a matter of minutes until he was there.

Our first stop was at a gas station in case we needed to use the restroom or get a snack.  I think our guide was getting his breakfast.  They had told us on the ship that places would take Euros there as well as their own money so we got Euros since the ship didn't have the Icelandic money.  The Rosga's tried to buy a cup of coffee with Euros and they didn't take them so now we have Euros with no place to spend them.  I am sure our tour guide will get them as a tip and he can figure out what to do with them.  

Our tour guide is 26 years old and was born in Connecticut.  His father was studying medicine in the states when he was born.  Both of his parents are from Iceland.  He is 26 years old and is very knowledgeable about what all we are seeing.  Of course I am not like Pat and don't take notes so I don't remember a lot of what we are seeing but I do enjoy it while there.

We saw some geysers erupting, geothermal springs, beautiful waterfalls and wonderful scenery all around.  To top it off we all went snowmobiling on a glacier and it snowed while we were there.

We stopped and had lunch at a cafeteria and I had fish stew which was served with mixed vegetables and rye bread that was cooked in the ground from geothermal heat.

We got back to the ship around 6:00 pm (dinner time).  Pat and I went to our respective cabins to drop our things off while Mary P and Terry went straight to the dining room with orders to get me some bread because I was absolutely starving.  Each night we haven't been eating any bread as a way to try and be good about what we were eating.  Tonight I had to have something until I got my food.  Nothing on the menu sounded good so I just asked the waiter for a recommendation.  I can't even tell you what he recommended, but it tasted good.

Our guide said we might have a chance to see the Northern Lights tonight and that they had seen a pretty good show last night.  The best time to see them is from 11:00 pm - 1:00 am.  I told Pat if they saw they to give us a call.  I doubt I will stay up that long because it is all I can do to stay away to type this.

I think I will sign off for now

Friday, September 7, 2012

Today was a slow day.  We were at sea and the ship was rocking and rolling all day.

This is what we did:

• Breakfast at chops with the Rosga's -- 7:30 am
• Went back to the room and slept
• Bingo at 11:00 am
• Lunch at the dining room with the Rosga's
• Went back to the room and slept
• Went to casino
• Went to dinner in the dining room with the Rosga's at 6:00 pm -- tonight was formal night
• Went to casino
• Went to show at 9:00 pm -- singers and dancers

Now we are back in the room and ready for bed.  Lots of time spent sleeping today and w gain an hour tonight.  We will be in Iceland the next 2 days and we have 2 full days booked.  We are also watching the forecast with 2 hurricanes heading our way.  Hopefully it won't affect the cruise.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Today we are in Faroe Islands and it started out with a bang -- literally.  We were in Chops Grille eating breakfast morning watching out the window as we were getting closer to where we would dock.  All at once the ship started making noises.  Terry explained to us what the ship was doing.  I don't remember the terminology that he used but it was more like they were putting on the brakes or trying to slow down or back up.  I didn't think much about it then someone came on the speaker and said something.  Our waiter said that it was a medical emergency on Deck 13.  We were all speculating what was going on then the Captain came on and said that the ship had hit a power line and a security guard had been injured.  Part of the ship was damaged and they would have to see how bad it was when we got into port.

I don't think we were late docking.  They made an announcement that the ship was cleared and we could get off the ship.  This was about 9:15 am.  This is a very small town and it looks like there isn't much here.  There is a free shuttle into town.  They said that in the center of town the locals had booths set up selling home made items.

Mary P and I didn't have our excursion until Noon so we decided to stay on the ship until then.  We weren't sure if we had time to go into town first.  We were doing a RIB Fast Boat.  Well let me tell you, I am not sure what came over me when I suggested we book this tour.  It did turn out to be fun but it was different.  These boats will hold 12 people.  We had 11 people on the tour.  They picked us up around Noon.  The tour before us got off the  van that we were getting on.  They said it was lots of fun.  Once we got to where the boat was they gave us these warm suits to put on.  They were really hard to move around in because they were so bulky.  

This boat looks like a big long inner tube with 2 seats on each row.  It was hard getting down into the boat because my leg didn't want to bend as much as it needed to.  They man had to bend it for me -- that was the easy part.  Then I had to straddle the seat.  I couldn't hardly get my leg over it -- another man (passenger) helped me hike my leg over the seat.  Once I get seated I was ready to go.  I forgot to tell you the most important part.  They made Mary P and I sit on the first row so of course we would get all the wind and water.  At one part I got a mouth and face full of salt water.  They asked us if we had back problems.  Well if you didn't before you got on it, you probably will afterwards.  There was one wave that he hit so hard I was in pain.

The ride lasted almost an hour which was long enough.  Once back on solid ground we had a choice of staying in town and catching the shuttle or coming back on the van we went in.  We came back to the ship.  I was starving so we went to the Windjammer to get a bite to eat.  It looked like everyone was there and we were lucky enough to find a seat as someone was leaving.

After we finished eating we went back to the room to rest up.  I decided to take a shower and wash my hair since I had a salt water bath today on tour.  After that I went to sleep and didn't wake up until it was time to go to dinner.  Mary P and I were first in line for the dining room.  We were glad they opened it up early.  Service was pretty slow tonight.  I have a new tactic to try and not overeat.  I study the menu and find something that I probably won't like and order it.  That way I won't eat all of it.  However, that doesn't work the the desserts because I like all of them.

After dinner we went to the casino until time for the show.  I was almost out of money and hit $75.  I cashed out and we went to get a seat for the show.  Tonight's entertainment was the comedy and vocals of Hilary O'Neil. She was pretty good.

Now that the show is over, the ship is rocking and rolling again.  I think it will be a rough night.  At least the ship is ok to continue on the trip.  They were outside working on it all day while we were in port.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

This morning we met the Rosga's at Chops Grille for breakfast at 7:30 am.  We were the only ones in there until somebody else came in around 8:40 am.  I guess everybody except for us slept in today because it was a sea day.  

There really isn't much to do on the ship today.  Mary P and I made a visit to the casino and then played Bingo and had no luck at either one.  The ship is rocking and rolling today and they said it may get worse.  Mary P wasn't feeling well so went to lay down.  I went to lunch with the Rosga's in the dining room.  We told them that we wanted a table for just ourselves.  They finally said ok and seated us at a table for 6 by ourselves.  We were happy and then they brought 3 other people to our table.  They didn't want to sit with us any more than we wanted to sit with them.  We just talked among our separate groups.  They weren't there long until they finished their salads and left.

After lunch I went to the Windjammer and found some crackers to take back to Mary P to see if they would help her.  She said she was feeling somewhat better so after resting some I went up to the Windjammer with her so she could get a bite to eat.  We then went back to the casino and had no luck once more.  

We are going on a RIB fast boat tomorrow in the Faroe Islands.  They said to dress warmly.  I don't really have any warm clothes so I went to the shops on board and found a sweatshirt to buy.  They were on sale for 50% off which is still more than it is worth but I didn't have much choice.

There was really nothing else to do.  We just waited until time for dinner.  Dinner was uneventful.  They changed the showtimes and we had to wait until 9:00 pm for the show.  We went back to our room for a bit after dinner and then headed on down to the showroom to get a good seat.  We got there 30 minutes early and there were lots of people there.  The show was good.  The group (man & woman) was Livewire.  They played celtic music.  I think I have seen them before but don't remember where.  

The ship had began rocking and rolling again pretty good as we staggered back to the room.  We had to get to bed because we had another early morning tomorrow.

Sorry this was so boring today.  Maybe the Faroe Islands will be more interesting.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Today we were in Dublin, Ireland.  They say we arrived in port at 5:00 am.   I wouldn't know because I was asleep.  We had room service for breakfast and took our time getting ready.  We watched as all 200 buses loaded up for ship tours.  We opted to see Dublin on our own.  We first had to stop by Guest Services to trade our British Pounds in for Euros since we were running low on Euros and would not need British Pounds at any more ports.  I have no idea if the exchange rate was good or not but it really didn't matter.  

We made our way downstairs around 9:30 am.  We had purchased tickets on a shuttle bus to take us to the center of town.  It took us about 20 minutes to get into town.  Once there we went straight for the Green Hop On Hop Off Bus.  We decided to go around 1 time first to see what there was to see and then go back around and get off at the places we wanted to see.  We got off at Trinity College Dublin to see the Book of Kells and got off at Dublin Castle.  When at Dublin Castle we ate lunch at the Tea Room.  Food was good and we sat outside overlooking the gardens and the Coach House.  It was beautiful weather.  I initially wore my coat in the morning but by the end of the day, I was able to take it off.

We also got off at the Art Museum but not to see art.  There was a grocery store there that I had seen earlier.  It was one of the bigger ones and I just knew that they would have Dr Peppers there.  To our disappointment, there was no Dr Pepper.  Once back on the bus we decided to ride back around and go ahead and take the shuttle back to the ship.  We were lucky that the shuttle was there when we arrived and we didn't have to wait for it.

Once back on the ship, I checked my email and posted my blog for yesterday.  I had tried this morning but for some reason the internet was down.  When checking my e-mail I had an e-mail from Pat telling me where they were in Dublin asking where we were.  That was around 2:30pm or so.  Then I got another one around 4:30 pm saying they were leaving.  I looked at my watch and saw that it was about 4:45 pm so I went back to my cabin and went out on the balcony to see who all was boarding the ship and there Pat and Terry were just getting off the bus.   We yelled at them and they actually heard us.  Pat took our picture.

They have a happy hour from 5:00 - 7:30 or so each night at the Concierge Lounge. The have snacks and free drinks.  We don't usually go to it since we have early dinner but the other day I saw someone coming out of there with canned cokes.  This afternoon Mary P went in there and asked for 2 Diet Cokes to take to the room, then about 30 minutes later I went in there and got 2 Diet Cokes to take to the room.  I can't believe we didn't realize they had canned cokes there.  We always thought you had to get alcoholic drinks in there so never bothered to go.  It is always so crowded in there.  In fact, some people get there an hour early just to get a seat.

Dinner was good tonight.  The table for 6 next to us got into our conversations even more tonight.  In fact at times, it almost got under control with all the talking and laughter between the 2 tables.  I told Pat that I thought maybe her and I should go get a table for 2 somewhere else.  There is a man sitting at a table for 2 on the other side of us and he doesn't have anyone dining with him.  He keeps to himself, drinks his wine, reads a book and eats.  I said I might sit with him!

After dinner there was an Enrichment Lecture in the showroom on Faroe Islands.  This is our next stop on Thursday.  They said that this will be the first time that Royal Caribbean has stopped there.  The guy that did the talk had never been there before and really didn't know much.  We are going on a RIB boat.  Not really sure what that is, but it is supposed to be some kind of fast boat or something.  We were also told that the temperature will be in the 40's and maybe snow on the mountains.  I sure hope I don't freeze to death since I didn't bring a lot of warm clothes.  

We don't leave until 11:15 pm tonight.  They are having another Enrichment Lecture later on tonight about Apollo.  I am going to sit that one out.  They are also having a sail away party at the pool (which is directly about our room) at 11:15 pm.  I don't think I will make that either.  I am tired after spending the day in Dublin and think I will just stay in the room the rest of the night.  I won't even be checking out the casino.  We are meeting the Rosga's at Chops in the morning at 8:00 am for breakfast.