We anchored in the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas at about 9:30 this morning. My tender boat didn't leave the ship until 11:30, then it took me another 30 minutes to find an internet cafe. Cabo is gorgeous! Very rocky hills with houses and condos perched precariously on the sides. We saw the Arch and Lover's Beach. I doubt I'll have time to take a tour as the last tender leaves the dock at 5:30 and I'll need to go back to the ship for my snorkel gear.
The temperature is in the mid 90s and there is not a cloud in the sky.
I'll write more at our next port, Acapulco, on April 3.
Hope you all are having fun! We sure are!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sea Day
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sea Day
I started out with a breakfast of fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The fruit is so fresh here, it actually tastes like fruit!
After breakfast I went to the therapy pool. This is going to be a daily (maybe hourly) event for me. It’s way different than our hot tub at home.
Lunch was a cheeseburger in paradise, with fries and all the trimmings, more fresh fruit also.
Then I put on my bathing suit and headed to Deck 14. There were two couples on the deck. It was so quiet and peaceful. It felt great with the breeze blowing, the sun shining, and the ship’s gentle rolling motion.
We are on deck 12 so we get a lot of motion and creaking. I’m pretty used to it now. I wonder if I will be able to walk when we dock at Cabo San Lucas tomorrow.
After I was the color of a freshly cooked lobster, then walked the ship and found several other areas, including the crew area, in which I was not allowed and very politely escorted to the elevator.
Before I knew it it was time for dinner. Tonight was formal night and I wore my navy blue sequin dress. Everyone who came to dinner was dressed to the nines. Men wore tuxedos and women wore formal gowns. I had Crab Louie, baby spinach salad with crumbled bacon and hard boiled egg, New York steak, and cherries jubilee for dessert. I decided to try Celebrity Cellarmasters Cabernet tonight. It was good, but not as good as the Kendall Jackson I had last night.
I finished the night by having my picture taken and another visit to the spa.
Sea Day
I started out with a breakfast of fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The fruit is so fresh here, it actually tastes like fruit!
After breakfast I went to the therapy pool. This is going to be a daily (maybe hourly) event for me. It’s way different than our hot tub at home.
Lunch was a cheeseburger in paradise, with fries and all the trimmings, more fresh fruit also.
Then I put on my bathing suit and headed to Deck 14. There were two couples on the deck. It was so quiet and peaceful. It felt great with the breeze blowing, the sun shining, and the ship’s gentle rolling motion.
We are on deck 12 so we get a lot of motion and creaking. I’m pretty used to it now. I wonder if I will be able to walk when we dock at Cabo San Lucas tomorrow.
After I was the color of a freshly cooked lobster, then walked the ship and found several other areas, including the crew area, in which I was not allowed and very politely escorted to the elevator.
Before I knew it it was time for dinner. Tonight was formal night and I wore my navy blue sequin dress. Everyone who came to dinner was dressed to the nines. Men wore tuxedos and women wore formal gowns. I had Crab Louie, baby spinach salad with crumbled bacon and hard boiled egg, New York steak, and cherries jubilee for dessert. I decided to try Celebrity Cellarmasters Cabernet tonight. It was good, but not as good as the Kendall Jackson I had last night.
I finished the night by having my picture taken and another visit to the spa.
Embarkation Day
Monday, March 30, 2009
I awoke to an empty hotel room. Katie had left early that morning in search of some magical face something. I showered and packed (again). Katie returned and we loaded the car and took off for the pier. Driving through downtown San Diego was very interesting. Not just the crazy drivers but the energy and excitement of the city.
We got to the pier and there she was in all her splendor, The Celebrity Mercury! Katie dropped me off and the luggage off, then returned the car. I waited at the pier just itching to get on the ship. I met several other people that were cruising with us while I was waiting. We were all soooo excited!
Katie came back and we checked in for the cruise. A few minutes later they called our number and before we knew it we were on board. That was at about 11:30. We were immediately directed to the Palm Springs Café for lunch. Yes, it’s true, any food that you could ever want is available 24/7. Our room was ready at about 1:30, so we unpacked, then I explored the ship. I took a tour of the Spa and bought a pass to the Thalassotherapy Pool. It’s a huge hot tub-looking thing that’s filled with mineral water. It has many jets at different locations for all parts of your body. The cruise pass costs $165 for a singe and $150 for a couple, that’s $150 for both. So, Katie and I immediately became a couple. We can enjoy the pool anytime between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. I didn’t buy any of the other spa services because I need some spending money LOL!
Then at about 5:00 the ship blew it's horn 3 times and we backed out of the pier. There were 2 whales behind the ship wishing us farewell and safe tavels!
The ship is older, but in beautiful condition. Katie said it’s not as ornate as the Carnival ship she was on a couple of years ago. There are decks everywhere, even a topless sun tanning deck, many bars and dining areas, an auditorium, a theater, and of course a casino (I’d forgotten how quickly I can spend $20!). The main dining room is two stories with an atrium staircase. Very beautiful.
The crew on this ship are very friendly and will help you with anything you need or want. During the lifeboat drill, the locator beacon fell off of my life jacket, I was immediately swarmed by six crewmembers and they did not leave my side until it was back on securely.
We dressed for dinner. I had a shrimp cocktail, roasted tomato and garlic soup, prime rib, and crème brule for dessert. I also had an excellent Kendal l and Jackson cabernet with my meal. Recommended by the somalier and very good. Just a quick note, I’m not a red wine drinker, but this complemented the meal so well, and it wasn’t very dry.
After dinner I went to the therapy pool again, then explored the ship. I fell asleep at about 3:00am then was up at 8:00 the next day.
I awoke to an empty hotel room. Katie had left early that morning in search of some magical face something. I showered and packed (again). Katie returned and we loaded the car and took off for the pier. Driving through downtown San Diego was very interesting. Not just the crazy drivers but the energy and excitement of the city.
We got to the pier and there she was in all her splendor, The Celebrity Mercury! Katie dropped me off and the luggage off, then returned the car. I waited at the pier just itching to get on the ship. I met several other people that were cruising with us while I was waiting. We were all soooo excited!
Katie came back and we checked in for the cruise. A few minutes later they called our number and before we knew it we were on board. That was at about 11:30. We were immediately directed to the Palm Springs Café for lunch. Yes, it’s true, any food that you could ever want is available 24/7. Our room was ready at about 1:30, so we unpacked, then I explored the ship. I took a tour of the Spa and bought a pass to the Thalassotherapy Pool. It’s a huge hot tub-looking thing that’s filled with mineral water. It has many jets at different locations for all parts of your body. The cruise pass costs $165 for a singe and $150 for a couple, that’s $150 for both. So, Katie and I immediately became a couple. We can enjoy the pool anytime between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. I didn’t buy any of the other spa services because I need some spending money LOL!
Then at about 5:00 the ship blew it's horn 3 times and we backed out of the pier. There were 2 whales behind the ship wishing us farewell and safe tavels!
The ship is older, but in beautiful condition. Katie said it’s not as ornate as the Carnival ship she was on a couple of years ago. There are decks everywhere, even a topless sun tanning deck, many bars and dining areas, an auditorium, a theater, and of course a casino (I’d forgotten how quickly I can spend $20!). The main dining room is two stories with an atrium staircase. Very beautiful.
The crew on this ship are very friendly and will help you with anything you need or want. During the lifeboat drill, the locator beacon fell off of my life jacket, I was immediately swarmed by six crewmembers and they did not leave my side until it was back on securely.
We dressed for dinner. I had a shrimp cocktail, roasted tomato and garlic soup, prime rib, and crème brule for dessert. I also had an excellent Kendal l and Jackson cabernet with my meal. Recommended by the somalier and very good. Just a quick note, I’m not a red wine drinker, but this complemented the meal so well, and it wasn’t very dry.
After dinner I went to the therapy pool again, then explored the ship. I fell asleep at about 3:00am then was up at 8:00 the next day.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Our Ship Came In!!!
The ship is at the pier and we are ready to go!
Last night we went to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Scotty and Carl. There were no parking spots on the street so we had to go around the block to get back to the parking garage. When we went to turn left there was a sign that said "no left turn." Well, Carl turned anyway, and then one of San Diego's finest was paying us a visit. Carl schmoozed his way out of the ticket and we had a great dinner. It was Katie's first time at a Hard Rock. She got a t-shirt.
We are off an running. Will catch up within the next couple of days!
Last night we went to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Scotty and Carl. There were no parking spots on the street so we had to go around the block to get back to the parking garage. When we went to turn left there was a sign that said "no left turn." Well, Carl turned anyway, and then one of San Diego's finest was paying us a visit. Carl schmoozed his way out of the ticket and we had a great dinner. It was Katie's first time at a Hard Rock. She got a t-shirt.
We are off an running. Will catch up within the next couple of days!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
We're Here!!!
Finally made it in to San Diego at about 3:30 pm Saturday. Our flight left Fairbanks at 3:30 am, 2 hours late. Apparently, ours was the last flight to leave Fairbanks this weekend. Special thanks to the anonymous Virgin who sacrificed herself for us!
Some dip took my carry-on bag instead of his when we landed in San Jose. He returned it and Alaska Airlines flew it down here, via Southwest Airlines, then I picked it up at United Airlines. Talk about teamwork! I was very impressed with Alaska Airlines and their willingness to help when it wasn't even their fault! At least the guy gave it back. I can just imagine his wife opening it, then asking him why his bag has womens shoes and underwear in it!
It's beautiful here in San Diego, flowers are blooming (even Bird of Paradise, my favorite!) and palm trees are swaying in the breeze. Most of the buildings are adobe-looking mission style with arches and decorative touches. Just gorgeous! The people are very friendly here, also.
We had dinner at Olive Garden last night. OMG!!! That's the best dinner I've had out in a long time! We hassled the manager about getting one in Fairbanks. He said he couldn't do it because all his staff would want to work at that one. Probably his standard answer when anyone tells him to open one in their town. It was excellent though and so was the staff.
We ended up renting a car (Katie's driving because I drive like her mother!) because it was $20 one way to the airport and the rental car is $22 per day. We got a GPS with it and it's really cool. We haven't gotten lost yet! We just type in the name of the place we want to go and it tells us where the nearest one is, we select that and then it shows and tells us how to get there turn by turn!
We met two guys who are going on our cruise, Scotty and Carl, travel agents from Florida. They're staying in our hotel. They flew into Vancouver BC at the beginning of March and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway until they got here.
Tomorrow is the big day! We're turing the car in at 11 am, then going to the pier. When we landed yesterday, there was a Carnival ship in port.
We are so excited we can hardly make spit!
Some dip took my carry-on bag instead of his when we landed in San Jose. He returned it and Alaska Airlines flew it down here, via Southwest Airlines, then I picked it up at United Airlines. Talk about teamwork! I was very impressed with Alaska Airlines and their willingness to help when it wasn't even their fault! At least the guy gave it back. I can just imagine his wife opening it, then asking him why his bag has womens shoes and underwear in it!
It's beautiful here in San Diego, flowers are blooming (even Bird of Paradise, my favorite!) and palm trees are swaying in the breeze. Most of the buildings are adobe-looking mission style with arches and decorative touches. Just gorgeous! The people are very friendly here, also.
We had dinner at Olive Garden last night. OMG!!! That's the best dinner I've had out in a long time! We hassled the manager about getting one in Fairbanks. He said he couldn't do it because all his staff would want to work at that one. Probably his standard answer when anyone tells him to open one in their town. It was excellent though and so was the staff.
We ended up renting a car (Katie's driving because I drive like her mother!) because it was $20 one way to the airport and the rental car is $22 per day. We got a GPS with it and it's really cool. We haven't gotten lost yet! We just type in the name of the place we want to go and it tells us where the nearest one is, we select that and then it shows and tells us how to get there turn by turn!
We met two guys who are going on our cruise, Scotty and Carl, travel agents from Florida. They're staying in our hotel. They flew into Vancouver BC at the beginning of March and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway until they got here.
Tomorrow is the big day! We're turing the car in at 11 am, then going to the pier. When we landed yesterday, there was a Carnival ship in port.
We are so excited we can hardly make spit!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Dam The Volcano!!!
"I don't know where I'm a gonna go when the volcano blows!" (But it better be San Diego!)
We desperately need at least ONE Sacrificial Virgin! Mt Redoubt is NOT happy, and we need to get out of here! Post a comment if you are a Virgin (proof must be provided) and are willing to sacrifice yourself, and I'll get you to the mountain ASAP!
We desperately need at least ONE Sacrificial Virgin! Mt Redoubt is NOT happy, and we need to get out of here! Post a comment if you are a Virgin (proof must be provided) and are willing to sacrifice yourself, and I'll get you to the mountain ASAP!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cruisin' !!!!
I'm so excited I can hardly make spit! My dear friend, Katie, and I have been best friends for 20 years! Last summer we decided that we needed to take a "BFF" trip.
It started out being a long weekend riding roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. Then , last summer I watched the Boston Pops Orchestra playing to fireworks on TV. Since Katie is from Rhode Island, we decided that we would go to Boston on July 4, 2009, and watch the fireworks and the orchestra. A few weeks after that, Katie sent me an email from a friend of hers with information about a cruise through the Panama Canal.
Well, I've wanted to see the Canal since I was in 7th grade! I emailed Katie back and said "I"M IN!" So one thing lead to another and now we will be boarding the Celebrity Mercury in San Diego on March 30, 2009! The cruise is 2 weeks long and ends up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on April 13, 2009.
Our itinerary is San Diego, Sea Day, Cabo San Lucas Mexico, Sea Day, Alcapulco Mexico, Huatulco Mexico, Sea Day, Puntarenas Costa Rica, Sea Day, Canal Transit then a stop a Cristobal Pier Panama, Sea Day, Cartagena Columbia, 2 Sea Days, Ft. Lauderdale. We are flying back home out of Orlando on April 14, 2009. Katie booked us a hotel 1 mile away from Universal Studios Amusement Park, so we will get our roller coaster riding in on this trip too!
I'm planning on using Internet Cafes when we are in the various ports and I will update this blog along the way! Keep checking back for cruise updates!
As of today, we are 3 days away from leaving Alaska and 5 days away from boarding the ship! I have the privilege of working with Katie, and I can honestly say it is VERY HARD trying to get anything done this week! But we are slaving away because, in our office, if our work isn't reasonably caught up, they won't let us go!
On Sunday, Mt. Redoubt erupted. It is roughly 100 miles south of Anchorage. The ash cloud headed north, of course, and Alaska Airlines cancelled all flights north of Anchorage. They were hoping to return to a full schedule today, but I have only heard one jet and it was landing. That is the only thing that can ruin our trip. But we did plan on being in San Diego a couple of days before the ship leaves, so even if we are delayed here, I have full confidence that we will board the ship as planned.
So, my next post will be from San Diego right before we board the ship! Until then......
It started out being a long weekend riding roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. Then , last summer I watched the Boston Pops Orchestra playing to fireworks on TV. Since Katie is from Rhode Island, we decided that we would go to Boston on July 4, 2009, and watch the fireworks and the orchestra. A few weeks after that, Katie sent me an email from a friend of hers with information about a cruise through the Panama Canal.
Well, I've wanted to see the Canal since I was in 7th grade! I emailed Katie back and said "I"M IN!" So one thing lead to another and now we will be boarding the Celebrity Mercury in San Diego on March 30, 2009! The cruise is 2 weeks long and ends up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on April 13, 2009.
Our itinerary is San Diego, Sea Day, Cabo San Lucas Mexico, Sea Day, Alcapulco Mexico, Huatulco Mexico, Sea Day, Puntarenas Costa Rica, Sea Day, Canal Transit then a stop a Cristobal Pier Panama, Sea Day, Cartagena Columbia, 2 Sea Days, Ft. Lauderdale. We are flying back home out of Orlando on April 14, 2009. Katie booked us a hotel 1 mile away from Universal Studios Amusement Park, so we will get our roller coaster riding in on this trip too!
I'm planning on using Internet Cafes when we are in the various ports and I will update this blog along the way! Keep checking back for cruise updates!
As of today, we are 3 days away from leaving Alaska and 5 days away from boarding the ship! I have the privilege of working with Katie, and I can honestly say it is VERY HARD trying to get anything done this week! But we are slaving away because, in our office, if our work isn't reasonably caught up, they won't let us go!
On Sunday, Mt. Redoubt erupted. It is roughly 100 miles south of Anchorage. The ash cloud headed north, of course, and Alaska Airlines cancelled all flights north of Anchorage. They were hoping to return to a full schedule today, but I have only heard one jet and it was landing. That is the only thing that can ruin our trip. But we did plan on being in San Diego a couple of days before the ship leaves, so even if we are delayed here, I have full confidence that we will board the ship as planned.
So, my next post will be from San Diego right before we board the ship! Until then......
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