May 23, 2009 (5/23/09) E. Caribbean w/Tortola

[TDC Nala]

Would you be referring to Magic Quest in Rockin Bar D??? Cuz I am pretty sure I saw you there;)

Probably a lot of you.

[JOANNEL]

Probably a lot of you.

We were there also, interesting bunch:rotfl:

[JOANNEL]

Just a quick check in...haven't had a chance to read what all everyone is talking about.
No baby yet...but we're finally seeing some progress.

Good luck and keep us inthe loop!!!! How is your daughter?

[mom_rules]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

[CajunGirl2]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

Not us ... but we didn't fly either.

Ang

[Amy7979]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

Not us!

[winotracy]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

I had sinus issues at the end of the May 10 cruise and at the start of the May 23 cruise, but it cleared up before we got off the ship. I used to always get sick when we cruised due to the cold and dry air conditioning, but it's been better since we figured that out and watch it now.

[Mel0215]

Hi all! No cold/ flu. Just missing DCL! Everything was so amazing. I still am in shock. DH says the cruise was to him what the wedding meant to me; so that was good. We booked onboard for October 10!!!! I'm so excited. We've put a "navigator" on the fridge, with the days events and a countdown till the next one! Hope you are all doing well!

[justmestace]

No cold or flu for us.

Still no baby...Megan is doing really well. She has more patience than I do!

[itdjbw]

Not us ... but we didn't fly either.

Ang

None of us, but we didn't fly either:wizard:

[itdjbw]

No cold or flu for us.

Still no baby...Megan is doing really well. She has more patience than I do!

Keep us posted - looking forward to hearing about baby and pics too.

[tripodjw]

We're both ok, no colds or anything untoward.

Same as everyone else though the post-cruise/vacation blues. Though boy am i glad its the weekend!

[Disneyelf10]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

we didn't- thank goodness!!!

[JMTStone]

Just blue... and I'm really wishing I would have been there for the Rockin Bar thing.... was this what Brent was referring to in his last chat at the Farewell performance, the thing he was embarrassed to say out loud? I can't believe I didn't get to see the kilt!

Anyway... tomorrow is the day I'll be putting together the pictures of the Vow Renewal for anyone who is interested. That should lift my blues a bit.

Jon asked me if we could do two weeks in a row.. western and eastern. I said "go win the lottery and I'll book it tomorrow". Imagine...

[ehagerty]

We arrived early for Match Your Mate and caught the end of Magic Quest - where one guy mooned the audience....

[ehagerty]

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p804268288-4.jpg




... reading your book

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p864183139-4.jpg



... or staring up at the clouds

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p704647869-4.jpg




... or dreaming of heading for the hot tub

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1053436782-4.jpg




.

[CajunGirl2]

Just blue... and I'm really wishing I would have been there for the Rockin Bar thing.... was this what Brent was referring to in his last chat at the Farewell performance, the thing he was embarrassed to say out loud? I can't believe I didn't get to see the kilt!

Anyway... tomorrow is the day I'll be putting together the pictures of the Vow Renewal for anyone who is interested. That should lift my blues a bit.

Jon asked me if we could do two weeks in a row.. western and eastern. I said "go win the lottery and I'll book it tomorrow". Imagine...

We missed all of the late night fun. Since we have little ones, we tend to go to bed when they do.

I'd love to see your vow renewal pics once you get them together. I'll have to load all of our pics somewhere.

Ang

[wmjivey]

You missed the kilt? I brought four of them and wore one everyday, sorry you missed them, and no even though I was one of men wearing a ladies bra and shakin my booty, I did not flip the kilt up at Rockin Bar D. :thumbsup2

The Man

[Poppins2000]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?

I came back with borderline pnuemonia! I came down with cold like symptoms in St. Thomas and wasn't too bad until we came back on Saturday. I went to the doc on Tuesday, got placed on four meds and got a shot in the butt! I went back yesterday for a follow up, if my lungs hadn't cleared they were going to admit me to the hospital! I'm still a little wheezy but I am feeling much,much better....

[churchlady]

Me, too. Chest congestion. Started with funny feeling Tuesday, now chest tight, coughing, head hurts, glands swollen. I might visit the Walgreen's clinic later! Also one of the kids,too. I hate this! We washed our hands sooo much. Maybe my body just let down after all the excitement.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey guys, I didn't participate here much but I followed along a bit. We had a great cruise and my mom and I met a few of you by chance. :goodvibes

I too got sick. I started feeling ill in Tortola, just a sore throat and a head ache and it didn't progress much further than that while on the ship. The last night though I was definitely starting to lose my voice. Saturday I could barely speak, sounded like an old lady! Also very congested and lots of build-up in my throat. Luckily for me I am now all better although now Mom has come down with it!

[msmith07101]

You missed the kilt? I brought four of them and wore one everyday, sorry you missed them, and no even though I was one of men wearing a ladies bra and shakin my booty, I did not flip the kilt up at Rockin Bar D. :thumbsup2

The Man

That night at Rockin Bar D was hysterical! The guys up there in the bras...:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[ehagerty]

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p814418975-4.jpg



.

[JOANNEL]

Not us!

Out of the three of us I did, started Thursday was really bad driving home. But it's almost gone now. Just a cold, cough and sore throat.

[JOANNEL]

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p804268288-4.jpg




... reading your book

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p864183139-4.jpg



... or staring up at the clouds

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p704647869-4.jpg




... or dreaming of heading for the hot tub

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1053436782-4.jpg




.

you were sneaky.... I am still reading that book.

[JOANNEL]

You missed the kilt? I brought four of them and wore one everyday, sorry you missed them, and no even though I was one of men wearing a ladies bra and shakin my booty, I did not flip the kilt up at Rockin Bar D. :thumbsup2

The Man

We saw you every where and I believe there was a little flipping:rotfl2:

[JOANNEL]

I came back with borderline pnuemonia! I came down with cold like symptoms in St. Thomas and wasn't too bad until we came back on Saturday. I went to the doc on Tuesday, got placed on four meds and got a shot in the butt! I went back yesterday for a follow up, if my lungs hadn't cleared they were going to admit me to the hospital! I'm still a little wheezy but I am feeling much,much better....

Wow Becky I hope you fell better. I had such a nice tie talking to you guys, if you are ever up here please let me know.

[ehagerty]

you were sneaky.... I am still reading that book.

We were trying out the D10 in as many water situations as we could in order to get a better understanding of the camera's capabilities, including the adult pool. More pictures to come.

[ehagerty]

We flew (traveled on airplanes - notorious for recycled, germy air), scuba, snorkeled, hot tubbed, shared a category 11 with 4 adults in close quarters, didn't ALWAYS take the disinfectant wipe at the restaurant door, and were all over the ship - except the kid areas. None of us are sick. Count us "No flu, just blue," too.

[sklimuck]

Nobody sick here, either. Just working too much. Had to jump back into it the day after we got back, and haven't slowed down yet.

[TiggStitch]

Nope, we lucked out, we didn't get sick....just depressed being back from that spectacular week! :thumbsup2

I hate to say we missed that first night at the Rockin' Bar D with Match Your Mate and all. The ship was doing a little bit too much rocking for me to go there. So at dinner I excused myself and went back to the stateroom. I was bummed because the D is our nighttime hang out on our cruises. We are depressed having left David, DJ Mike, Oscar (our favorite tennis player!!), Ari, Max, etc.....everything from the food, the staff, characters, being with friends again, OMG and that HYPNOSIS show in the D!! One of my personal faves!!! It was great!! :banana:

Thanks DCL, see ya June 2010!!! :cloud9: :lovestruc

:hippie:

[acomasdiaz]

Just curious-how many of you came home with a cold/flu?


My kids got it on the last day and we didn't fly. So, needless to say, I got it a couple of days laters.

[ehagerty]

Pictures first, details later...

This was the second martini tasking - the first involved gin - I didn't even know there were two different ones (not that it would have mattered - I don't really like gin any more than vodka). I did this more for the experience than from any love of vodka or martinis - as a matter of fact, they taste smell like the alcohol we used to keep under the bathroom sink to clean blemishes - made me want to find a rag and start cleaning paint off the floor.

The CM conducting the tasting..... very proud of her Polish heritage and vodka!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p437745900-4.jpg




The complement of martinis, shakers etc.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p65738199-4.jpg




First martini - classic, with olive - one sip was enough for me (no offense, just personal taste)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p26160905-4.jpg




Cosmo martini - this I could drink

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p63642958-4.jpg




The remaining two - one was a "toblerone" martini, including Baileys, Kahlua, Godiva (this was most edible) and the other was citrusy, contained lemoncella (sp?) - pretty good.

In short, I enjoyed the experience, but am not a martini convert (would never choose one over wine).

My once-every-30-years luck broke through the barrier this day - I won two things. In my left hand, a tropical martini (at that point, without a place mat to provide cues, I couldn't tell you what was in it) - which I WON - by answering this question - "What is the best martini?". The presumed correct answer (for all the tastings) is "The one you like." I prefer my answer, which was "THAT ONE!!".

In left hand (on the right side of the picture) is one of 4 promotional backpacks given out during a presentation by the directing animator of "Up" (Dave Mullins - different, upcoming thread). I walked in during the last 5 minutes of the presentation (had gone to one earlier in the week), received a raffle ticket, won, got it signed by Dave and made it to the martini tasting only a couple of minutes late!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p336487008-4.jpg


There, now you know what the person behind the camera looks like - a tad overweight, slightly inebriated!!


The experience was fun, reasonable, I recommend it is if fits into your interests and schedule. $12

[sklimuck]

Your whole review of the martini tasting made me laugh. I think it is just so funny. Congrats on the 2 winnings! Wish I had been there. Saw that they were happening, but just did not sign up for them. I had an appletini twice- (my 1st ever) and every night at dinner I would try one of their special drinks. My favorite was the appletini cosmo. Much more appealing than just the appletini (which I did manage to choke down lol.)

[CajunGirl2]

My once-every-30-years luck broke through the barrier this day - I won two things. In my left hand, a tropical martini (at that point, without a place mat to provide cues, I couldn't tell you what was in it) - which I WON - by answering this question - "What is the best martini?". The presumed correct answer (for all the tastings) is "The one you like." I prefer my answer, which was "THAT ONE!!".

In left hand (on the right side of the picture) is one of 4 promotional backpacks given out during a presentation by the directing animator of "Up" (Dave Mullins - different, upcoming thread). I walked in during the last 5 minutes of the presentation (had gone to one earlier in the week), received a raffle ticket, one, got it sign by Dave and made it to the martini tasting only a couple of minutes late!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p336487008-4.jpg


There, now you know what the person behind the camera looks like - a tad overweight, slightly inebriated!!


The experience was fun, reasonable, I recommend it is if fits into your interests and schedule. $12

We were at that martini tasting! I guess we never met, so I didn't realize that was you that won. Bruce & I were at a table in the middle of the room not far from you. Congrats on the wins that day!

Is it ok if I "steal" a few of your martini tasting pics? Mine didn't come out so well.

Ang

[CajunGirl2]

Anyone else with a kid in the 5-7 year old group get a surprise in the mail???? We got one today.

Ang

[ehagerty]

We were at that martini tasting! I guess we never met, so I didn't realize that was you that won. Bruce & I were at a table in the middle of the room not far from you. Congrats on the wins that day!

Is it ok if I "steal" a few of your martini tasting pics? Mine didn't come out so well.

Ang

... I have no proprietary instincts when it comes to pictures - help yourself, I'll just take more!!!

If you cannot get the resolution you want downloading from disboards, let me know and I can send link to originals on host site.....

Sorry we did not connect more - I tend to "focus on family" when we are together - not that I think we HAVE to, it is just that DS21 and DS19 are so darn funny right now..... (they each have their own unique blend of 30 years of you-tube at their disposal - kind of comes across as part Monthy Python, part SNL, and the random, silly, funny duo from HBO - which I've only seen small parts, since we don't get HBO.... - needless to say, they both really enjoyed Heath Hyche, Kevin Johnson and John Charles)

[WiscBill]

... I have no proprietary instincts when it comes to pictures - help yourself, I'll just take more!!!

If you cannot get the resolution you want downloading from disboards, let me know and I can send link to originals on host site.....

Mo swears this is a picture of your son diving in Tortolla. I don't see any resemblance.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/025_0A.jpg

[WiscBill]

Anyone else with a kid in the 5-7 year old group get a surprise in the mail???? We got one today.

Ang

I didn't pick up mail today, but will check tomorrow. We live in one of the few areas of the US with no home delivery, have to go to the post office.

Here is Dug visiting Palo. He also went to the cognac tasting.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/IMG_2977.jpg

[ehagerty]

Mo swears this is a picture of your son diving in Tortolla. I don't see any resemblance.

All I know for sure is that he was wearing these flippers:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p598862265-3.jpg

and no wet suit (although I think he had a surf shirt on) - the hair seems about right!


I do have more pictures - but here is a sample (this is you - right?)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p232737226-4.jpg




.

[TDC Nala]

My Dug had way too good a time at pub night. No photos survive so he can't be blackmailed. I do have one of him in his own chair at dinner (chair and napkin provided by our lovely server Jelena)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0448.jpg

no way could I have seen that movie and not buy a talking Dug.

Did lots of tastings over all the sea days

Teeny martinis (different ones than ehagerty had and the gin one was gone by the time the chocolate one appeared)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0055.jpg

Tequila & margaritas
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0065.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0066.jpg

Whiskey
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0070-1.jpg

Wine plus extra bonus - Rosa Regale and Japanese vodka
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0348.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0350-1.jpg

Cognac
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/cathlam/CIMG0357.jpg

I didn't take pictures of the beer. But that was fun!

[Poppins2000]

Wow Becky I hope you fell better. I had such a nice tie talking to you guys, if you are ever up here please let me know.

Hey Joanne!

It was great meeting you too! I'll be sure to let you know if we head up to FWB. I am much better, still a slight nagging cough but that's it. Only made it to work two days last week so I feel like I've been on an extended vacation, haha. Tell you what though, this is the most rested I have felt in YEARS! Glad to hear your cold didn't get worse!

[mommybunnyof2]

Hi Everyone -- I just wanted to say thanks to all those that did the FE's. We finally had a chance to go through our bag of goodies yesterday and WOW -- thank you.

CajunGirl2 -- yes, we got a surprise in the mail yesterday too. DD totally forgot that she did that. It was so cute too.

Finally been getting all my pics loaded onto my computer -- over 1000 pictures. That's the most we've ever taken on a vacation. Can't wait to start scrapbooking about our trip.

[itdjbw]

Anyone else with a kid in the 5-7 year old group get a surprise in the mail???? We got one today.

Ang

Nope nothing received here but my kids are older :)

[ehagerty]

Presented by Jelena in Diversions, 4 different brands / types (Stella Artois, Sam Adams, New Castle, Guiness - thank you CajunGirl2):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p456944332-3.jpg





Participants enjoying the fun:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p71984303-3.jpg




Three samples, in various stages of consumption (the right one is definitely Guiness):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p522480333-4.jpg




Brian turned 21 - he'll drink to that!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p34234948-3.jpg




As mentioned by TDC_Nala, the beer tasting was quite fun - I think it naturally attracts a more boisterous crowd.....

.

[CajunGirl2]

Presented by Jelena in Diversions, 5 different brands / types (I usually keep the placemat with the desriptions - if I find one, when I actually go through my DCL box, I'll update at that time):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p456944332-3.jpg





As mentioned by TDC_Nala, the beer tasting was quite fun - I think it naturally attracts a more boisterous crowd.....

.

Not sure if we were at the same beer tasting too, but seems like we probably were. We had Stella Artois, Sam Adams, New Castle & Guiness. I think we only had 4 beers. At the end we made a car bomb out of the Guiness.

Ang

[justmestace]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

[JOANNEL]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Congrats!!!! Your poor daughter 31 hours ugh. Tell her to rest and let grandma help!!!!! Have fun and spoil that little boy. Can't wait for pictures.

[winotracy]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Congratulations!!!!

[beachbratt]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

congrat's I know exactly how she feels ...19 yrs ago mine was a girl 9lbs 9oz and 22 inches no newborn clothes for her...lol... enjoy him....:)

[tripodjw]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Congratulations to you and your family Stacey. Fab news!

I hear Brent is a good name for a little boy :rotfl2: I'm sure you can convince your daughter :lmao:

[WiscBill]

I do have more pictures - but here is a sample (this is you - right?)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p232737226-4.jpg




.


Yes, thanks its a great picture. We had such fun on the St. John trip I really wished we had a done similar one on Tortolla, especially the one that went to the Baths. I also liked the one of Jelena. She was the CM in charge of what turned out to be my private whiskey tasting.

[WiscBill]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Congratulations!

Unfortunately, no member of my entourage is allowed to cruise without me. I was thinking about January however.

[itdjbw]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Yikes - 31 hours :)
Congrats on you new grandson:wizard:to you and all your family.
Looking forward to pictures.

[JOANNEL]

What excusions did every one do on St Thomas and would you do it again? I am going in October and want something water/ snorkle/ beach related and was it worth it?

[Disneyelf10]

Well....after 31 long hours of labor, the midwife finally called in an OB and my grandson was delivered by C-Section at 4:16 this afternoon.
He's a whopper.....9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long.
Have to wait to post a picture tomorrow when I can use the hospital WiFi...my parents only have dial-up and Photobucket is not cooperating.


NOW CAN I GO BACK ON THE SHIP??? I need the rest!

Best wishes for your grandson!!! Wow!! such a long labor...hope your daughter gets plenty of rest. Can't wait to see pcitures.

Yes, I may want to join you on the ship....I'm still having withdrawals and wish I was still there!

[ehagerty]

Yes, thanks its a great picture. We had such fun on the St. John trip I really wished we had a done similar one on Tortolla, especially the one that went to the Baths. I also liked the one of Jelena. She was the CM in charge of what turned out to be my private whiskey tasting.

If / When there is a "next time" for Tortola, we would also sail to the Baths and swim to shore......

We probably would have signed up for the whiskey tasting, but it wasn't offered when I checked the tasting schedule (before sailaway). They probably added shortly thereafter. Saved me from myself - I don't like whiskey any more than vodka - but would have tried it for the experience!!

You're welcome for the picture, I have more - stay tuned!!

[TiggStitch]

Who went to Ricky Kalmon's hypnosis shows? We were there, she got hypnotized, I just watched. popcorn::

So, to whom ever went, what did you think of him?
We thought he was fabulous! We roared and had a great time, especially when it became personal.....and weird....but awesome!:thumbsup2

:hippie:

[TiggStitch]

I didn't pick up mail today, but will check tomorrow. We live in one of the few areas of the US with no home delivery, have to go to the post office.

Here is Dug visiting Palo. He also went to the cognac tasting.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/IMG_2977.jpg

That is a great picture of Dug and PJ!!!

I loooove that guy! Dug is great too...SQUIRREL!!!

:hippie:

[ehagerty]

This was the last of our beverage tastings for this cruise. It was held at the Cafe Cove, hosted by Rodolfo. In this picture, you can see Rodolfo, his map, his swirling technique, along with fellow disboarders. We met the fellow on the right at a Tables in Wonderland dinner at The Wave (Contemporary) on May 21st. We discovered, sitting across from him, that he, his wife and a couple friends would be on the same cruise a couple of days later. After that, we saw quite a bit of them. He seemed to know as much - or more - than Rodolfo about the cognac.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p371868853-4.jpg




We learned that whoever orders that last drink from the bottle at a bar gets to keep the bottle. Apparently, there are people who seek out the bottle wherever they go, because this bottle, empty, is worth $300. In that light, the $109 per shot charge would be a no-brainer. I think. Unfortunately, there were still 6 shots left in THIS bottle. We did not buy.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p61017346-4.jpg




In this cozy setting, there wasn't much room to maneuver - it isn't artistic, but you get the picture. Four "shots".

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p51127894-4.jpg




Closing thoughts:

Would I do it again? Probably. I've lost my taste for stuff this strong a little. But I really liked it at one time.

Would I recommend it? - definitely, IF you like cognac

Is it worth it? - there are multiple way of analyzing "value for the dollar". This is my random thought for the moment:
The wine tasting was $12, and you got about DCLBar$10 in wine.
The beer tasting was $12, and you got about DCLBar$6 in beer
The martini tasting was $15 (pretty sure), and you about - I don't know, I don't drink martini's - break even, maybe?
The cognac tasting was $20, and I estimate was got about $50 in cognac (if you bought 4 shots at the DCL bar). I hope that doesn't ruin everything and result in higher prices for the next guy, but that's how I saw it.

Anyone else have an opinion?

Did anyone keep a placemat? Have the "listing"?

[JOANNEL]

Who went to Ricky Kalmon's hypnosis shows? We were there, she got hypnotized, I just watched. popcorn::

So, to whom ever went, what did you think of him?
We thought he was fabulous! We roared and had a great time, especially when it became personal.....and weird....but awesome!:thumbsup2

:hippie:

We loved him, thought his first family show in the WD theater was the best. The adult one was funny, but some was in a little bad taste for me. The guys singing were the best.

[TDC Nala]

cognac tasting - That's fun too!

[justmestace]

Bill, how silly of me to not realize that the entourage cannot cruise alone!! :worship:


Here's me and my new boyfriend.....only one of about 200 pics so far. ;)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/007.jpg


My shirt says "Too hot to be a grandma" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Yeah, right....

[beachbratt]

He's beautiful...congrats again

[winotracy]

Bill, how silly of me to not realize that the entourage cannot cruise alone!! :worship:


Here's me and my new boyfriend.....only one of about 200 pics so far. ;)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/007.jpg


My shirt says "Too hot to be a grandma" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Yeah, right....

Great picture Stace!

[itdjbw]

Bill, how silly of me to not realize that the entourage cannot cruise alone!! :worship:


Here's me and my new boyfriend.....only one of about 200 pics so far. ;)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/007.jpg


My shirt says "Too hot to be a grandma" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Yeah, right....

He is so adorable - have fun and enjoy him plenty :)

[tripodjw]

Gorgeous grandson you have there! Congrats again.

All this talk of Dug reminded me. Last weekend we were sitting in our living room watching tv and i spotted our friendly neighbourhood squirrel running towards the french windows (he likes to sit on the step by the french windows eating for some reason).

So i call out "Squirrel" to DH, which is what i have always done when the squirrel is in the garden. Normally, DH just kind of says oh yeah and carries on watching tv.

This time, DH had the quickness of thought to do a very exaggerated Dug style "squirrel" headturn towards the windows. It was really funny :lmao::rotfl::lmao:

[JOANNEL]

Bill, how silly of me to not realize that the entourage cannot cruise alone!! :worship:


Here's me and my new boyfriend.....only one of about 200 pics so far. ;)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/007.jpg


My shirt says "Too hot to be a grandma" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Yeah, right....

He is beautiful, enjoy and spoil away!!!!!!

[Amy7979]

What excusions did every one do on St Thomas and would you do it again? I am going in October and want something water/ snorkle/ beach related and was it worth it?

We did the Kayak, Hike, and Snorkel excursion. Overall, we thought it was pretty good. Kayaking really isn't my favorite thing, but the location was pretty and the experience was fine... the hike, again, not my favorite thing, but we walked to this really neat rocky area with some marine life and a blowhole and nice photo opportunities. The snorkeling was great - lots of fish, including a 5 foot barracuda! Then we kayaked back to where we started and took open-air vehicles back to the ship. I'd say that if you like all of those activities it would be a great excursion for you - a little of everything. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

[Amy7979]

Who went to Ricky Kalmon's hypnosis shows? We were there, she got hypnotized, I just watched. popcorn::

So, to whom ever went, what did you think of him?
We thought he was fabulous! We roared and had a great time, especially when it became personal.....and weird....but awesome!:thumbsup2

:hippie:

We thought he was pretty funny... although I can't help but be a TINY bit skeptical that some of the people up there aren't just good actors???

[Amy7979]

Gorgeous grandson you have there! Congrats again.

All this talk of Dug reminded me. Last weekend we were sitting in our living room watching tv and i spotted our friendly neighbourhood squirrel running towards the french windows (he likes to sit on the step by the french windows eating for some reason).

So i call out "Squirrel" to DH, which is what i have always done when the squirrel is in the garden. Normally, DH just kind of says oh yeah and carries on watching tv.

This time, DH had the quickness of thought to do a very exaggerated Dug style "squirrel" headturn towards the windows. It was really funny :lmao::rotfl::lmao:

:rotfl:

[msmith07101]

Bill, how silly of me to not realize that the entourage cannot cruise alone!! :worship:


Here's me and my new boyfriend.....only one of about 200 pics so far. ;)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/007.jpg


My shirt says "Too hot to be a grandma" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Yeah, right....

BEAUTIFUL baby!!! Congrats!

[msmith07101]

Who went to Ricky Kalmon's hypnosis shows? We were there, she got hypnotized, I just watched. popcorn::

So, to whom ever went, what did you think of him?
We thought he was fabulous! We roared and had a great time, especially when it became personal.....and weird....but awesome!:thumbsup2

:hippie:

I only saw him in the WD theater. I thought what he had people on stage doing was funny, but I am skeptical. I feel like too many people looked like they were laughing while they were supposd to be "sleeping". Not saying that I don't believe in hypnosis at all, or that he can't put people under...just skeptical of his "show".

[itdjbw]

I only saw him in the WD theater. I thought what he had people on stage doing was funny, but I am skeptical. I feel like too many people looked like they were laughing while they were supposd to be "sleeping". Not saying that I don't believe in hypnosis at all, or that he can't put people under...just skeptical of his "show".

We went to see both his shows - I enjoyed them but have been to hypnosis shows before so knew what to expect - I have been to a couple of Max Collie's shows where I had friends who went up and got hypnotized and who had no idea what they were doing up on stage :).
Those shows were hysterical :rotfl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw70MNzoB2M

[TiggStitch]

We thought he was pretty funny... although I can't help but be a TINY bit skeptical that some of the people up there aren't just good actors???

I hear you, believe me...especially where I am not able to get hypnotized. But, my partner did, and she told me how it felt, what she experienced, all very weird and yet amazing. There would be no reason for her to make it up...so I dunno. The Rockin' Bar D night was my favorite.

:hippie:

[ehagerty]

I have plenty of food pictures - soon.

In the meantime, this one made me laugh - a lovely CM explaining what a salad is to 4 people who could probably write a book about food and wine.....

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p1029101896-4.jpg

[Amy7979]

I hear you, believe me...especially where I am not able to get hypnotized. But, my partner did, and she told me how it felt, what she experienced, all very weird and yet amazing. There would be no reason for her to make it up...so I dunno. The Rockin' Bar D night was my favorite.

:hippie:

I definitely believe it more when we hear from people like you that know the participants... :)

[ehagerty]

I am making up narrative to accompany these pictures, which were shot by DS19, using the Canon D10. Once posted, he may be able to provide more commentary....

This tour is very convenient - you walk off the ship, a short way down the pier, and board a boat. There were two tours on May 29 at 10:30 (for those who might be able to find themselves in the pictures).

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p605708410-3.jpg




You take a short ride - one boat stays on the beach side, the other goes around the Magic and uses the space on the "other" side (where your can see a construction crane doing something - forgot to ask what - presume it has to do with the new requirements for the Dream / Fantasy). While in transit, you can get cool, one-of-a-kind shots that you cannot get from any other vantage:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p919519673-4.jpg





Parasailors are launched, and retrieved, from the boat. No getting wet, if you don't want to. You are offered the option to get a little "dunked" on your way back into the boat - toes, legs, not sure what the third option was. I left the crew members' arm on the left so that you have some sense of perspective:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p878920329-3.jpg




and here is someone getting "dipped"

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p901495426-4.jpg





This is the view, from the boat, of another parasailor. You can see the Magic in the lower left corner (for scale / perspective):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p996748206-3.jpg




Another view:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p876545759-4.jpg






http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p833894690-3.jpg





Perspective from the air - check out the fuzzy - I mean, FUNNY legs!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p957537455-4.jpg





More opportunities to get unique photos:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p970489068-4.jpg





This looks like "maximum height", based on the taut-ness of the rope:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p926666068-4.jpg





This contains a little of everything - the ship, the height, the weather, the apparatus, the person:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1017415635-4.jpg





Miscellaneous unique shots:

Magic, from the water, from the front:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p988775626-3.jpg





The Magic

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p999144075-4.jpg







The Magic, looking like it is trying to pull away from the dock (like a horse...)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p735414325-4.jpg




.

[Disneyelf10]

[QUOTE=ehagerty;32256377]I am making up narrative to accompany these pictures, which were shot by DS19, using the Canon D10. Once posted, he may be able to provide more commentary....

This tour is very convenient - you walk off the ship, a short way down the pier, and board a boat. There were two tours on May 29 at 10:30 (for those who might be able to find themselves in the pictures).

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p605708410-3.jpg




You take a short ride - one boat stays on the beach side, the other goes around the Magic and uses the space on the "other" side (where your can see a construction crane doing something - forgot to ask what - presume it has to do with the new requirements for the Dream / Fantasy). While in transit, you can get cool, one-of-a-kind shots that you cannot get from any other vantage:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p919519673-4.jpg

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p970489068-4.jpg
http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1017415635-4.jpg
[img]http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p988775626-3.jpg[/img

Hi, I have to say- awesome pictures!! Defintely great views of the Magic! Thanks for sharing!

[JOANNEL]

great pictures, it sure started out a pretty day.

[justmestace]

Just checking in. Baby had severe jaundice and finally got to go home last night....with the promise of testing him Monday at the Ped's office.
Been a long week.
I can't wait until I have enough time to read the thread and really check out everyone's pictures and maybe post a few of my own!!

I am so glad everyone is still talking. Promise not to go away until I can catch back up!!

[ehagerty]

It was a dark and gloomy day - wait - Florida's days of rain and gloom followed us to the Caribbean?

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1020008167-3.jpg




Yes, it followed us on our ferry ride from Tortola to the Baths. Ferry ride was pleasant enough.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p646634720-3.jpg




And remained with us through the "open air taxi" ride, stopping for pictures before heading to the Baths. Here is the islands landing strip (a miniature of La Guida.....). It looks like a driveway slightly left of center of the picture.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p919964465-3.jpg





A scenic beach on the Caribbean side

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p1040089435-3.jpg





The Atlantic side (more "wind-swept" and barren, with cactus) - across the street:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p623834284-3.jpg






The Baths

You disembark the open air taxi at the top of the hill, and walk down the trail and steps. Once at the bottom, there is a bathroom where you can change. There are only two stalls for the women. My recommendation is to wear your bathing suit so that you don't have to occupy a stall trying to change (and if the plumbing jams like it did on our excursion, it will be a very odoriferous 5 minutes). I also recommend a two piece if you are a two-piece suit person, so that it is easy to use the facilities.

Anyway, once at the bottom, you begin to explore the beach and boulders.

Everyone in these pictures is from the DCL first excursion of that day. There are interesting descriptions and explanations for the geology of the Baths (google). Pictures here are for scale and wonder.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p980602611-3.jpg





Lots of people climbing on rocks (still no sunshine):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p821585104-3.jpg





Catamarans visible through boulders - another way to get to the Baths:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p817751832-3.jpg





Nice beach - posted the picture mostly so that people who were on the excursion may be able to have a picture of themselves:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p929751395-3.jpg





DS19 on the boulders

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p771458910-3.jpg





Snorkelers

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p648410516-3.jpg





The most interesting part of the excursion, the self-directed walkthough the path of boulders - very interesting, unique

It starts out easy - walking on sand, sufficient head clearance.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p876183117-4.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p708549666-4.jpg





Sometimes you walk through water

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p869670675-4.jpg





Sometimes you walk on rock (with the aid of a rope)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p610211471-4.jpg





Sometimes you get a beautifully framed view

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p743204244-4.jpg




and finally, you make it to Devil's Beach

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p561149259-4.jpg






From Devil's Beach, we walked through this opening to see what was on the other side:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p779457013-4.jpg




...another, small beach - clearly someone was here before us (not today):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p722608829-3.jpg





On our return, another nice view

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p826692182-3.jpg





We took the long way back, arriving shortly after the buffet was scheduled to start:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p901717972-3.jpg




Name of the facility:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p695569915-3.jpg




Picture of "freshwater pool" referenced in sign

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p778887444-3.jpg




View from the top

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p902032064-3.jpg






==============================================

Summary - copied from my original commentary. I thought about "integrating" the text with the pictures above, but prefer to move onto another thread.

Simply, Tortola is new to the whole tourism-destination on a cruise-scale thing - and it shows in many ways. Random thoughts, to be followed with a separate thread of MANY pictures (in process of uploading) at a later date:

1. DS21 did SCUBA on both Tortola and St Thomas. He thought St Thomas scuba was infinitely superior and Tortola "not worth it." He said the St Thomas dive team was very professional, that Tortola was not as friendly, informative, safety-oriented. He also thought the "view" (visibility, variety of marine life) and short dive (mentioned by WiscBill) on the Tortola dive not as interesting. I have pictures of Tortola dive - he didn't take the camera on the ST dive.

2. DH, DS19 and I took ferry / taxi / baths / lunch excursion $89/pp

2a. Ferry ride was OK, but after experiencing a sail to St John the next day, I would not ferry again.

2b. Delay - waiting for ferry return to return us to the Magic - our designated ferry wasn't working and a replacement one was sent. It couldn't dock, so they tethered them together and helped us cross two rocking boats (not bad, but not exactly smooth). I did not mind this, I am just describing EVERYTHING so the reader - especially the readers with arthritis (which I do not have - actually, I have good balance, as I am a black belt in karate - but a black belt carrying an expensive camera in one hand at all times - which makes me more conscious of balance issues - you'll see this theme throughout this post)

2c. While waiting for replacement ferry, another ferry arrives with passengers. The boat is a good 1.5 to 2 feet BELOW the dock. Two excursion people LIFT every single person out of the boat by their arms (I took pictures because I couldn't believe it at first). I'm saying to my family - "Wow, that couldn't be a Disney boat - they would never contract with an excursion company that can't even dock right" - then I started seeing the Castaway Cay lanyards...... I have to believe some of them had comments on THAT - not that anyone was visibly upset, but that had to be uncomfortable for most of them.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p997372628-3.jpg





2d. Aside - when debriefing with a fellow passenger that evening, he noted that the natives were pleasantly puzzled by the Disney passengers - they said "what does Disney do that their passengers are so nice".....

3. Taxi ride - open air, per excursion description. Pleasant enough. Enjoyed view of Atlantic side and beach shot (you'll see), but not sure it was worth the time. You do have to climb UP into the taxi - again, no big deal but worth knowing if you have mobility limitations.

4. The Baths - truly a unique and enjoyable site / beach (the pictures will save a thousand words) ABOVE

4a. Path DOWN to the Baths - not a problem - stairs, uneven surfaces, but no steep grades. HOWEVER, you need to PAY ATTENTION to where you are stepping. I consider this not terribly physically taxing if you use stairs often. And still, I scrapped my shin on one of the steps... No big deal, just reporting the facts.

4b. Path UP to the Bath - we took the long way up from Devils Bay - and really enjoyed the experience. However, it did require stepping down from rocks to sand. In my attempt to avoid a rock buried in the sand while stepping down (about 24 inches) and protect my camera, I landed on one knee in the sand - which scraped a 1 inch by .5 inch swath on the center of my knee (still weeping today). This would not have happened if I had taken more precautions (hand off the camera, put it away, etc.) - but I can't imagine my mother, with one arthritic knee, doing any of this. Just FYI - this does take longer than the main path - we were rushing a little to return in time for lunch. Turns out, we were in good shape time-wise, but we couldn't tell how far away we were to pace ourselves. You're not at risk for getting lost - but you don't know where you are exactly, either.

4c. Path from beach to beach - we crossed from main beach to Devils and whatever the beach beyond Devils was. It was all fascinating, but challenging for someone with mobility issues - you have to duck, crouch, climb, wade through narrow passages, use rope (one), etc.

5. Toilets on the beach - two stalls for women - some blockage while we were waiting to use it - horrible smell - but unclogged just as we were walking away.

6. Excursion description promised "delicious lunch". It wasn't bad, but it wasn't delicious either.

6a. One drink - rum punch (served by scooping punch from an open air container - if there was rum in it, I couldn't tell), can of Coors lite, cup of soft drink.

6b. Buffet - fish, macaroni, similar to picnic fare - I didn't study it or take pictures.

6c. Top of the Baths restaurant - was cute, had a little pool that some of the kids were enjoying, pleasant surroundings, lovely grounds, beautiful view.

7. Snorkeling - the description said snorkeling was available. I thought, for $89, it was included. DS19 was a little disappointed, but it wasn't a huge deal.


In summary, applying what I learned and am reading from others, IF I were to return to Tortola:
(a) it would be to see the Baths again
(b) I would like to snorkel (another family brought their own equipment - $29 at Target - and were pleased with the fish they saw in the caves; easier to do if you are driving than flying)
(c) I would avoid the ferry and the up/down hike, and SAIL to/from the island, swimming to shore
(d) I would try to be back on board for lunch.

AND it is worth knowing that Tortola is not a seamless, end-to-end Disney experience (yet). I suspect Disney will either get the experience in line with their cruise "brand" or cease to port there.....

8. The Town - we walked through town after our return. We are not shoppers, but we wanted to see what it was like. They have basically set up a "tent city" to sell stuff to tourists. I suspect it will be more like St Thomas over time - permanent stores, nicer walk to it, etc.

[msmith07101]

Lots of people climbing on rocks (still no sunshine):
http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p821585104-3.jpg


My son is in this picture!! He's the one on top of the big boulder...the tallest one in the back. He had a blast climbing and exploring. We did the baths on our own...not through DCL. It really is an amazing place. Pictures simply do not do it justice! You have some great shots...love them!

[itdjbw]

Great pictures of the baths. It was a stunning place and so peaceful even with all the people there. We had a great day.
Thanks for sharing.

[msmith07101]

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af157/msmith07101/DCLMay2009058.jpg

Just testing how to post photos...

[justmestace]

The pictures are WONDERFUL....and they are killing me!! I want to go back now. NOW. I'm beat. I must already be too old to be a live-in Grammy. I wish I lived close enough to come over in the a.m. and go home in the p.m.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!

[msmith07101]

The pictures are WONDERFUL....and they are killing me!! I want to go back now. NOW. I'm beat. I must already be too old to be a live-in Grammy. I wish I lived close enough to come over in the a.m. and go home in the p.m.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!

I want to go back too...I keep trying to think of a way to get back on that ship...no brilliant ideas yet!

Hang in there!! You'll miss that baby when you go home!

[tripodjw]

I want to go back too...I keep trying to think of a way to get back on that ship...no brilliant ideas yet!

Hang in there!! You'll miss that baby when you go home!

I think there are only 2 ways - pay Disney more money or offer to wash dishes :rotfl:.

Hope you've got some good washing up gloves ;)

[ehagerty]

We took an open air taxi to the marina

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p308841436-3.jpg




where we boarded the Adventuress

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p524489439-3.jpg





The skipper, talking through safety instructions

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p168437597-3.jpg





A nice, relaxing sail (helped that there was, finally, some sunshine)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p21686007-3.jpg





Putting smiles on sailors

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p78864372-3.jpg





Gilligan (Joe), Ginger (Andrea) and Skipper

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p156544554-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p47380234-3.jpg





We didn't take pictures snorkeling - thought DS21 was going to take the D10 scuba diving.


Still, we enjoyed this excursion. Once we arrived at Honeymoon Beach, the boat dropped anchor. Most of us snorkled off the back of the boat. Some elected to take the dinghy to the beach. The snorkeling hour passed very quickly. Currents are strong and you can drift from the boat without realizing it. I had to kick my swimming up a notch to get back to the boat (moral of the story - swim up-current, then drift toward the boat).

On the return trip, Andrea brought out fresh fruit, cheese and poured a whole, large bottle of rum in each gallon of rum punch that she made. It was very good and everyone was laughing it up in no time.

Happy customers - and fellow passengers

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p232737226-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p283658970-3.jpg






Returning to the ship

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p479927044-3.jpg





Sailing away from St Thomas

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p375457439-4.jpg




.

[JOANNEL]

Yeah more pictures, was this a dcl excursion?

Stacy where are the baby pictures?????

[ehagerty]

Yeah more pictures, was this a dcl excursion?

I usually take "sponsored" tours the first time, until I get my bearings and courage.

[msmith07101]

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af157/msmith07101/DCLMay2009198.jpg

[ehagerty]

I was motivated to try this experience by podsnel trip report (will include link when I find the specific, spa post). I am not a regular at any spa and rarely get a massage, even though I like them.

You start with the reservation and checking in - this report will start with walking down the hall from the check in desk to the spa room:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p974374863-3.jpg





... a quick turn to the right, Kelly leads me down the hall to HER spa room

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p708991959-3.jpg





... entering into your room for the next 100 minutes. I am standing here in the middle of the interior room, with some sort of hydrobed on my right (don't know how it was used, just reporting) and the massage table on the left. Looking stright ahead, the exterior veranda includes the hot tub (right), chair, and day bed (left - more on that later).

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p987164664-3.jpg





Next, Kelly sits down and discusses - briefly - allergies, preferences, etc.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p926294504-3.jpg





Here is your robing, decoratively hung up and waiting for you, flowers (silk) on your pillow

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1060114562-4.jpg





A dish of Elemis products, unobstrusive advertising (no sales push at all)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p1061598101-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p744456675-3.jpg







A view of the daybed

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p606370068-3.jpg





...with the tea cart ready, your towels below (my own sandals)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p598559334-3.jpg





After checking for your scent preferences, Kelly adds something to the hot tub.....

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p589668563-3.jpg




... then provided you with a choice of lemon water or cucumber water. Obviously, I choose lemon here. Later, I past the larger containers of water and tried the cucumber water - very refreshing - would get that next time, only because I get lemon water at every restaurant I go to. I'm sure you could ask for a sample of both, and then choose, if you are not sure!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p936119475-3.jpg





Finally, IN the tub - here is your view:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p880027360-4.jpg





You can see where a second person could fit in the tub at the same time - "black rectangle" would be his / her backrest.



Scooting over to the "other" position - this would be that view:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p858931963-4.jpg





What a nice little towel-rug laid down for you to walk on!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p802553971-3.jpg




After your massage, you can either return to the hot tub, choose to sit on the daybed, or mix it up any way you want for the remaining time. I chose the daybed, because, unlike Kramer, I don't like eating in the tub.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p861249477-4.jpg





The tea is from tealeaves.com - the supplier for the Gardenview Tea (Grand Floridian) and Palo's. You also get a dish of fresh fruit and two chocolate covered strawberries.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p923600880-3.jpg




Othe random thoughts:
1. The quality of the massage - very good. My husband is a certified licensed massage therapist. He doesn' t practice, but I've been exposed to more than you might think, given my opening paragraph - that I am not a spa person. I'd like to be, I just haven't brought myself to spend the money on it.
2. You get $30 off a future massage on the same cruise, with the same person, should you decide to return. I scoffed - what could possibly be more self-indulgent than the Spa Villa Experience? Turns out, Spa +1. Later the next day, I booked.
3. We had an inside cabin - I am sure that made the veranda experience more special than if we had one attached to our room.
4. My classic "test" for myself:
4a. Would I repeat the experience? I would LIKE to, but I think I would go for 2 massages, before one Spa Villa experience.
4b. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

[ehagerty]

Yeah more pictures

I may have enough pictures to keep me busy posting right up through the member cruise....

[WiscBill]

[/Quote]We didn't take pictures snorkeling - thought DS21 was going to take the D10 scuba diving.



.[/QUOTE]

Some snorkeling photos from our camera, along with a picture of Tracy and Bill

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/StJohns/PICT0237.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/StJohns/PICT0238.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/StJohns/PICT0252.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/StJohns/PICT0243.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/WHorakNY/StJohns/PICT0267.jpg

[winotracy]

Thanks Bill! We don't have very many pictures of the two of us. We loved that snorkeling trip. I've got to go through my photos and post some.

[ehagerty]

Joanne L and her sister

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p657869785-3.jpg




Melody & John (I still have your FE gift - if you PM your address, I'll send it)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p505129932-3.jpg




Dis Gathering

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p56757712-3.jpg




Family next to us for sailaway party (not sure they are Dissers - but just in case)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p499807869-3.jpg




Enjoying sailaway (DS21 and DS19 were last on the 2000 Magic sailing - they were VERY happy to be here)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p250066553-3.jpg




DS19

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p310558435-3.jpg




Good Wishes from people on shore

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p53604921-3.jpg




DS21, DS19

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p133498433-3.jpg





.

[ehagerty]

Let me summarize our Castaway Cay day:

10:40 am, on the way TO the beach:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p430591199-3.jpg




12:40 pm, on the way TO the ship

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p126695603-3.jpg




In those two short hours, DS19 parasailed, the rest of us snorkeled....

DH in the foreground

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p267909297-3.jpg




Already posted elsewhere, but CGI couldn't have done better a better job at creating threatening clouds.....

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p343370303-3.jpg




Fortunately, this was not my first - or last - opportunity to experience CC and get pictures.

[JOANNEL]

Ellen,

Those are great pictures, can you send me the one of me & Pat please? I would love the two wit the clouds from CC also if you don't mind sharing.

Thanks so much.

[WiscBill]

I wish we would have gone back to ship when you did. We stuck it out till around 3:30 before giving up. Maureen missed seeing UP! as a result; Kay and I had done the morning sho. Also, I think lunch would have been better and drier on board.

That night, Mo and I went to the Cove Cafe for a fancy coffee. All of the senior officers were there, as Captain Tom was leaving the ship the next day. We ran into Bret and asked him if the reason he kept reminding us to wear sunscreen was to make the rain slide off our bodies easier.

[ehagerty]

Can you send me the one of me & Pat please? I would love the two with the clouds from CC also if you don't mind sharing.
Thanks so much.

Happy to share - just not sure of easiest / quickest way to do so. Some options:
1. I think you can download (save image as) from the disboards (probably limited to posted size)
2. You could PM me with your private email - presumes you have enough room in your mailbox of 2 mega-pixal pictures (I do, with gmail, but not all hosts are so generous)
3. I could copy them into a special folder on my picture host site (zenfolio) and email you the link.

Open to any other ideas.

I wish we would have gone back to ship when you did. We stuck it out till around 3:30 before giving up. Maureen missed seeing UP! as a result; Kay and I had done the morning sho. Also, I think lunch would have been better and drier on board.

That night, Mo and I went to the Cove Cafe for a fancy coffee. All of the senior officers were there, as Captain Tom was leaving the ship the next day. We ran into Bret and asked him if the reason he kept reminding us to wear sunscreen was to make the rain slide off our bodies easier.

DSs and I saw UP the night before (Prem-ear). DH and I saw it again after lunch. Worked out well.

Fancy coffee - I LOVE fancy coffee. I'll have to remember that for a "last night" event on a future cruise.

[ehagerty]

Of course, for the safety of the performers, no flash. This means that I have to push up the ISO (to 1600 - looking forward to newer cameras in a couple of years with even higher ISOs). A the light is low. And the performers, moving. In all, I don't get very many decent shots. But I will share what I have, because we will recall the performances!

Night #1 - stage show (will look up names in Navigators, later)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p171011183-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p85183426-3.jpg




Heath Hyche - a particularly washed out picture, which I am posting anyway, because his dad sat next to us and did not get a picture.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p420911674-3.jpg

I REALLY enjoyed this entertainer. He had a broad range of "styles" (props, imitations, homage to Red Skelton (explicit) and Jackie Gleason (my thoughts), extremely creative (not aging variations on a theme). Yea, the audience didn't click with every single one of his skits, but the sheer unique-ness of his humor has really stuck with me.

More to come. DS needs to use computer for awhile. Laptop too slow, with WiFi and mega-pixal pictures. Tomorrow, then.

[ehagerty]

I did not take quite as many pictures this time as I did in 2008 - no need to repeat what I already have, unless it is different, or the people are different, etc.

To see the pictures from 2008, click on these links:

Click on this link for 2008 - Part 1 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28013741&postcount=14)

Click on this link for 2008 - Part 2 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28013666&postcount=15)



Getting started - a toast to vacation

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p7215-4.jpg




The food is arranged in 5-6 "stations", grouped by theme - seafood, dessert, pastries, cheese, etc.





Flowers, in the middle of the station area:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p351808196-3.jpg





This station was centered around an ice-carved basket containing fresh flowers. Below the flowers, slightly washed out by the camera's flash, is a unique "pegboard" - metal, curved, with slots for spoon handles. Each spoon contains the same tantalizing tidbit. In 2008, it was a very thin slice of ahi tuna with lemon and caper. I forget what it was this time, but I might have a closeup further down the thread.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p62847524-3.jpg




Appetizers

Melon and Prosciutto

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p252540547-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p483617759-3.jpg




Tomato and fresh mozzarella

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p389048211-3.jpg




Marinated Scallops

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p252677221-3.jpg





Shrimp

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p877076419-3.jpg




Stone Crab Claws

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p563693896-3.jpg






Ham and Asparagus

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p297834653-3.jpg




Grilled Vegetables

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p318562925-3.jpg




DH's appetizer plate, with shrimp arranged for me!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p774734676-3.jpg





Various cheeses from the cheese station:

Brie

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p304174168-3.jpg




The cheese with no name - rather, the cheese I forgot to photograph its name

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p384309621-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p31128959-3.jpg




Pretty sure this was a Stilton

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p127174114-3.jpg




Breads

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p105435058-3.jpg




Pastries

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p225672422-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p331254633-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p81271512-3.jpg




Entrees

You can preview, near the kitchen. Here are representative plates, so that you can observe them before you order. On this side of the kitchen, the traditional breakfast options - eggs, pancakes

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p15051691-3.jpg





Close-up of the pancake, which appealed to me because of the description of the filling (something to do with whipped cream and orange). DS21 ordered it, I tasted it - and decided to get it next time. Others on the disboards have not been as enthusiastic about the pancakes (I think the word "gritty" was used), but I really enjoyed the one bite I had

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p140926840-3.jpg


To the right of the kitchen is the day's offering for fish, veal, etc.:

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p847303961-3.jpg




.

[ehagerty]

Dessert

Chocholate pots

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p226656221-3.jpg




I-forget-the-name, in Palo china (looks like a creme brulee, but doesn't make sense because they wouldn't be able to caramalize the sugar)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p123850290-3.jpg




Tira Misu

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p81798670-3.jpg




Looks like mini-triffle

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p60009395-3.jpg




Petit fours

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p213376903-3.jpg





....with a close up of what looks like a caramalized sugar decoration

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p464812323-4.jpg




Items we ordered

Someone ordered a variation on Eggs Benedict - looks like spinach and asiago

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1026037629-3.jpg




Strawberry flatbread

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p960407146-3.jpg




Grape and blue cheese flatbread

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p772235685-3.jpg





Fish

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p777564089-3.jpg





The Dis-famous Stollen (toasted) with whipped cream and berries

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p753185272-3.jpg






People we met

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p947722233-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p942153309-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p849352887-3.jpg





Bruce, Chef (Gordon?) and PJ (Maitre d')

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p772471970-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1045805637-3.jpg






.

[ehagerty]

I did not do justice, pictorially, to this meal. I still think that Palo is "somewhere between the California Grill and Victoria & Alberts. I have no menu notes. Next time, I'll ask for a menu copy!

Just a word - we like small portions and a lot of variety - after a couple of dishes, we started asking for half portions so we could try more dishes. They were very accommodating, but it was a challenge for poor chef in the middle of the dinner rush. We didn't realize it until our waiter appeared a little flustered - then we changed gears. My point - besides the great food and customer service - is that some of the portions you see here may not be representative of a normal portion. That's all

Waiting for DS21

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p964102983-3.jpg





Walking by the open kitchen - I think his name was Chef Gordon ...

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p964753116-3.jpg





... but I didn't capture the name tag

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p841338645-3.jpg





The view from our table

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p928701572-3.jpg





The menu and table flower

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p559264843-3.jpg





Frederick - our wine steward from the 2008 DVC cruise - was on duty again here. The bottle = "Purple Angel" ...

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p752578736-3.jpg





... poured from this lovely decanter ...

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p831285304-3.jpg






... and a toast to DS21's birthday (again) and our good fortune to be here ...

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p645113690-3.jpg






Bread Dips ... Mayo-something, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper....

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p569241882-3.jpg





Antipasto

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p841283241-3.jpg





Ahi Tuna (thin slices)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p854738572-3.jpg





Portobella Mushroom something (Risotto? Mousse?)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p585351755-3.jpg





Calamari

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p824615080-3.jpg





Gnocchi

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p892842603-3.jpg





Ravioli so good, we ordered another

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p921047598-3.jpg





Linguini with seafood something (tasted better than it photographed)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p966626487-3.jpg




Something rigatoni

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p953578586-3.jpg




Mushroom risotto

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p1032592058-3.jpg




Ravioli?

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p808320794-3.jpg





Click here to continue on to Palo - Entree & Dessert (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32523393#post32523393)


.

[ehagerty]

Click here if you want to view Part 1 - Appetizers
(http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2218709)

Fish

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p819235754-3.jpg





.. and a different fish, with polenta

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p904857118-3.jpg





Palette cleanser - lemon ice

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p607767469-3.jpg





Lamb

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p742873298-3.jpg




http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p585077408-3.jpg





Filet

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p916848763-3.jpg





Veal

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p802560419-3.jpg





Chocolate Souffle

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p723447600-3.jpg






Pane Cotta

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p864744670-3.jpg




Tira Misu

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p713123619-3.jpg




Limoncella chasers

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1039965901-3.jpg




.

[jlawall]

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:Wow, you're report couldn't come at a better time.......we're sailling in two weeks!!!!!!:cool1:

[ehagerty]

This was my first time participating in either activity. One of the fun parts of delivering FE gifts is the opportunity to see how everyone decorates their door. I realize, at the end of my distribution run, that I might want a picture of my own door, however plain it might be. It would appear from the ones I saw that some others have been evolving their "door decoration collection" over time - kind of like Christmas Tree ornaments (dates of prior cruises, etc)

Anyway, here is my plain door, with cruise line logo magnets (thanks to fellow disser) for each of us, along with a couple of 8.5x11 magnet prints of my pictures (used to test the magnetic paper print in preparation for creating FE gifts):

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p120012793-3.jpg




The FE was bought on ebay - reasonable price ($2) with relatively unreasonable shipping ($8?). Turns out "granny" something on ebay is shipping from Hong Kong. No surprise there, eh?


.

[justmestace]

Well, I'm back in Arizona...roasting after being in Nebraska for over a month!
And sooooooo sad to leave that baby behind! :sad::sad:


BUT.....how AWESOME to come back and see all these great pictures!!!
WOW......I don't feel half bad now, reliving a great cruise!!!!
:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[justmestace]

What excusions did every one do on St Thomas and would you do it again? I am going in October and want something water/ snorkle/ beach related and was it worth it?


We've been to St Thomas 3 or 4 times. Once we hired a private sailboat and did an excursion much like our Tortola one. But our favorite is to sail with Captain Nautica. They have faster boats that take you to snorkel over by St John. They get you out there fast, and back fast, so that you have more time to actually snorkel and enjoy, and also more time in St Thomas to shop or do the Sky Ride.

This is part of what we saw near St John:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5270110.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5270136.jpg

[justmestace]

A few random shots:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5230028.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/099.jpg


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/072.jpg


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/110.jpg

[justmestace]

My pictures, by the way, are nowhere near as good as some of the rest of you....sorry.

Tortola:


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/045-1.jpg


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/060.jpg


View of the beach at Jost Van D.y.k.e. home of the Soggy Dollar Bar:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5260102.jpg

Fishie shot in Tortola

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5260071.jpg

[justmestace]

What an honor it was to be able to witness this:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/P5280171.jpg


Before the storm:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/116.jpg


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/117.jpg


A rare shot:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/130.jpg

[justmestace]

And of course my day wouldn't be complete without posting a picture or two of my little man.

What a sack of potatoes!!
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/14.jpg





http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/RoRo.jpg

[msmith07101]

Good pictures, Stace!! That is one cute baby! I am reading a book and it made mention of Cave Creek, Arizona...I thought that was funny! I had never heard of it before seeing that you are from there!

[justmestace]

Good pictures, Stace!! That is one cute baby! I am reading a book and it made mention of Cave Creek, Arizona...I thought that was funny! I had never heard of it before seeing that you are from there!


Cave Creek made national news last month. We had Town Council elections and there was a tie between two men. Arizona State law hasn't been revised in ages.....the tie had to be broken by either a duel or a game of chance. Seriously. So they decided to each draw one card from a deck. The young guy that I'd voted for won with a queen. And it seems all the more fitting, since Cave Creek is a western tourist town.

[ehagerty]

We sat across from Bruce, Marta and Amy at The Wave a couple of nights before the cruise (at a special dinner we heard about - even in remote Western NY - through the Tables in Wonderland program - click here (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2200542) if you want to know more about that). Bruce was directly across from me, and I was very interested in his interests, so when I saw them on the cruise, I tended to take extra pictures.

We got to know Kathy at the various "tastings". Here are all their pictures in one place (to make it easier for Kathy to share with others).

Bruce and Marta at the Wave

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p13942398-3.jpg





Palo's Brunch

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p1029101896-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p942153309-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p849352887-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p772471970-3.jpg





http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1045805637-3.jpg





Beer Tasting

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p71984303-3.jpg





Walk-by shot at lunch (have camera, will snap)

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p173142638-3.jpg





Cognac Tasting

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p371868853-3.jpg




.

[ehagerty]

Thought I would post this here. The pictures are not the greatest, but it is worth noting that - at least on the 7 night cruise - they organize fun stuff, like this 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Also thought that you might recognize one of your own from the cruise in the pictures.

The ref providing rules

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p55995318-3.jpg




My crew (two of whom rarely play b-ball) playing against a b-ball couch and his two sons. Guess who won!!

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p448509762-3.jpg




.

[ehagerty]

Normally, I would not be attracted to something called Pub Night, but people on the DIS recommended trying it, so we did.

The first song was fairly "traditional" - something they said was sung in Irish pubs.

I don't recall how many they did, but they became progressively funnier, including David's rendition of the Beer Song, captured here, in crib note style, for those who didn't take notes, but want to impress their friends, sung to the tune of "Do, a deer...." from "The Sound of Music."

Do - what I buy beer with.....
Ra - the guy I buy my beer from
Me - the guy I buy my beer for
Fa - the distance to the store
So - hmm, hmm, hmm (meaning, he was sticking with the tune, but didn't have a beer lyric - I'm sure if you can supply one, they will use it!!)
La - hmm, hmm, hmm (same as above)
Ti - No, I'll have a beer
Do - what I ran out of


The finale was very amusing - I can't recall the lyrics, but the execution was very funny, especially the tennis guy.

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p928527436-3.jpg




David, the house manager for Rockin' D, in his pink tutu

http://ehagerty.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p934204431-3.jpg




He was very good, by the way. If his career goal is Cruise Director, he is definitely earning his stripes.


p.s., Pictures are "clarity challenged" because we are not allowed to use flash....
.

[msmith07101]

Cave Creek made national news last month. We had Town Council elections and there was a tie between two men. Arizona State law hasn't been revised in ages.....the tie had to be broken by either a duel or a game of chance. Seriously. So they decided to each draw one card from a deck. The young guy that I'd voted for won with a queen. And it seems all the more fitting, since Cave Creek is a western tourist town.

Now that is funny! And also pretty cool:)

[justmestace]

Normally, I would not be attracted to something called Pub Night, but people on the DIS recommended trying it, so we did.

The first song was fairly "traditional" - something they said was sung in Irish pubs.

I don't recall how many they did, but they became progressively funnier, including David's rendition of the Beer Song, captured here, in crib note style, for those who didn't take notes, but want to impress their friends, sung to the tune of "Do, a deer...." from "The Sound of Music."

Do - what I buy beer with.....
Ra - the guy I buy my beer from
Me - the guy I buy my beer for
Fa - the distance to the store
So - hmm, hmm, hmm (meaning, he was sticking with the tune, but didn't have a beer lyric - I'm sure if you can supply one, they will use it!!)
La - hmm, hmm, hmm (same as above)
Ti - No, I'll have a beer
Do - what I ran out of

.


Ahhh yes....one of my all time favorite and not-to-miss shows.
We saw DCL do it for the first time ever on the 11 Night Southern...on the Walt Disney Theater stage. Brent was in the tu-tu then, and it was hysterical!!!

Here's the fill in the blanks....and sadly, even my kids know the words to it (not one of my more proud Mom moments)

SO.....let's have another beer
La....la la la la la beeeer
Ti....No, I'll have another beer....
And that brings us back to beer, beer, beer, beer........

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[justmestace]

Now that is funny! And also pretty cool:)


And we seriously do have horses tied to hitching posts outside the bars. :confused3

[justmestace]

Wow...I'm a thread-killer! :sad1::sad2::sad1:

[WiscBill]

Wow...I'm a thread-killer! :sad1::sad2::sad1:

No member of my entourage can kill a thread.

I'm still posting up pictures to photobucket and am trying to link properly to the short movie clip from the vow renewal.

We've been working on our next vacation. Because of my operation, we wound up with a lot of DVC points we have to use by January. I don't have time to trade or sell them, so we working on an Eastern cruise over Martin Luther King day. We just didn't feel right about taking Kay out for four days without checking with teacher first. It was very tempting since the "secret veranda" room was available. We still might do that, so the entourage should be prepared to travel.

For now, we've decided to do Hilton Head at the end of August. We've been there three times before, but only in January. My use year ends in February and you can always get a reservation at HH in January.

[justmestace]

Is it just me...or is there a plethora of food & beverage pictures with this group??

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/Snarfle.gif

[JOANNEL]

Great pictures every one.

That is one cute baby!!

[msmith07101]

Is it just me...or is there a plethora of food & beverage pictures with this group??

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/justmestace/Snarfle.gif

So we like to eat & drink...right? I have tons of food photos...my family thinks I am goofy, but I always take food pics on vacation. Clearly...I am NOT the only one!!

[msmith07101]

Pirate night!

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af157/msmith07101/DCLMay2009225.jpg

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af157/msmith07101/DCLMay2009223.jpg

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af157/msmith07101/DCLMay2009200.jpg

[WiscBill]

Thanks for posting these. I have to say that after three cruises I've actually never been to Pirate night. On our first cruise, it was cancelled because of rain and moved indoors to the atrium. We finally had the fireworks on the last sea day. On the second cruise, it was 40 degrees outside and just too cold. This time, DD crashed early after a busy day. DW and I took turns going up on deck, but we spent most of our time at the Quiet Cove. The waiters were attentive also, although it was a bit confusing for them seeing two drinks but only one person at a time.

[justmestace]

Thanks for posting these. I have to say that after three cruises I've actually never been to Pirate night. On our first cruise, it was cancelled because of rain and moved indoors to the atrium. We finally had the fireworks on the last sea day. On the second cruise, it was 40 degrees outside and just too cold. This time, DD crashed early after a busy day. DW and I took turns going up on deck, but we spent most of our time at the Quiet Cove. The waiters were attentive also, although it was a bit confusing for them seeing two drinks but only one person at a time.


I don't go up for Pirate Night any more. We always have the late dinner, and by the time we get there, it's too crowded anyway.
We usually get a drink and sit on Deck 9 and wait for the fireworks. Then I'll go up and get some pictures.

[msmith07101]

Well, I have to say that if I am ever fortunate enough to cruise on DCL again, I don't think I would have to watch the "show" on pirate night. I thought it was OK...it was the sail away party with a pirate theme in my opinion. I love the whole pirate theme, but the highlight for me was Mickey on the zipline and the fireworks. But I loved the excitement that seemed to fill the ship on pirate night and seeing all the characters and cruisers all dressed in the pirate garb. We watched from deck 10. So maybe it is more fun down on deck 9 if you dance and get a little more involved??

[wdwgoose]

Happy new year 2012