How Exotic Can A Western (Cruise) Get? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

keishashadow

01-06-2008, 08:03 PM

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Finally, after a 15 month wait since I booked our 1st Carnival Cruise the day arrived!:banana: Our group consisted of self, DH & youngest DS.

We had originally planned to spend a day in Tampa before our “Exotic Western” cruise on the Legend. When we visited MCO in June, the Haunted Mansion had been closed for rehab/update. As a HM geek, I was eager to check out the new version. However, the best laid plans…I decided the BOGO Universal APs were too good to pass up. Unfortunately, our budget didn’t allow for both Disney and Universal APs, so we elected to spend our day at Universal WWWD;) … much to my youngest DSs delight. We booked a standard room at the new AKV using DVC points (surprisingly cheaper than the Values would cost); as it’s difficult to justify the extra $ expense when we have pre-accommodations.

Fate intervened, in my last trip report of the June vacation this year; I expressed our unsatisfactory experience at the Royal Pacific Resort and what I felt was a profound lack of customer service. Many here urged me to contact the management and let them know what had transpired. I must admit I thought it was a waste of time; but proceeded to send them a letter. I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted quickly by the assistant manager and his staff. They validated my concerns and detailed as to how the situation would be addressed to prevent future occurences. Best of all, we were awarded a complimentary night’s stay, that I promptly applied to our night’s stay in December

On a way too early blustery morning (who booked that 7:00 am flight?); we departed for the airport; nearly missing the 1st big snow storm of the season. I was curious as to how the newly implemented Southwest airlines boarding policy would work. I had checked in promptly 24 hours prior and we were in the A group, after business class and preboards. Sure did feel bad for the passengers who were sitting in the waiting area when we got to the gate and were still stuck in the back of the plane; guess they weren’t familiar with the methodology

One person I didn’t feel for was the princess who sashayed up just as the boarding began into the preboard area with an stroller filled with carryons and a group of 8 or 9; the youngest appearing to be in grade school. Despite repetitive (yet oddly entertaining) explanations, complete with pantomines; as to the new process by gate personnel...she tried to pushed their way on first. When denied, she went into meltdown stage, followed by various party members starting to voice loud objections. SW was not swayed. We entered the walkway to the wail of “…it’s not fair…” ringing down to the plane.

Working our way back to find seats we were surprised to discover that 3 of the elderly preboards (evidently flying together) had positioned themselves in the middle seats. Evidently, the strategy de jour in seat saving? They were trying to hold not only the 3 seats, but the ones across & in front & behind; evidently for another large group…bit much imo

When the unfairly treated group did board, she was even more loudly stating her case that she shouldn’t have to ride in the back of the plane. Someone started to snicker and laughter soon spread throughout the plane. I must give the FAs credit for handling things in a calm manner.

<O:p
We had to be de-iced on the tarmac, still arrived @ MCO early. Quickly our luggage arrived and we headed off to find the Dollar Rental Car counter. Once we realized it was at the other end of the terminal, we deposited jr with the luggage and trekked down.

I had decided to try Dollar since they offered a free shuttle in TPA to the port and back to the airport afterwards. Found out that I’m spoiled by the efficiency of QS & EA. I had signed up for the Dollar Express program, which promises a “go to the head of the line” experience; not quite.

We walked past the lengthy regular line, congratulating ourselves on our good fortune reporting to the empty DE line. Figuring we would be served next, I walked up to the 1st available agent. Dismayed to find out that only 1 agent is soley able to process DE ressies, we had to get back in line lol; while I watched the end of the regular line pass us.

The gent in line ahead of us kept wavering as to which vehicle and components he wanted; my head started to spin after 15 min. and DH gave me the 1st look of the the trip (you know “the look”):laughing: . I stuffed a sock in it and finally it was our turn. Not sure if it was the CS rep not having an adequate command of English or whether it was a new system of churning sales; regardless, we had to have the contract rewritten 3 times to over-ride charges we had refused in the first place. Ladies & gentlemen; check your contracts at Dollar before you sign on the dotted line!

We collected jr and hoofed over to the garage to find another line, 15 minutes later found our Jeep Liberty and finally on our way. I admit to having a bad habit of being tense up to and including the time we enter our hotel; not sure why? Believe I received the 2nd “look” in the garage.

Do find it thrilling to pull up to the specific hotel after all the months of planning. Especially, at Universal when they hand you the golden tickets, room keys! FOTL is the best perc, hands down imo. While the room wasn’t ready we easily dropped off our luggage at bell services and headed off to the boat launch.

A large convention was at the hotel, however, it’s spaciousness never made it seem crowded during our brief stay; even when waiting for a launch...off to the parks:goodvibes <O:p

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC017.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC015.jpg

keishashadow

01-06-2008, 08:53 PM

12/1 continued

Once again, DS & DHs APs wouldn't scan:confused3 ; waved us though:thumbsup2

DS spied Spidey swinging around the gift shop on the way into IOA
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC020.jpg
Got our 1st refill on the mugs we bought in June:goodvibes ; headed off to Spiderman. The boys completed their 2 ride thru's quickly. Sun came out, very hot. Noticed quite a few folk with sunburns.

Since the park was closing @ 6:00 p.m.:rolleyes1 (on a Saturday?when the MK is open until midnight?:sad2: ); we were forced to do a commando run thru the parks. Thanks to FOTL we got quite alot accomplished in a little over 6 hours.:yay:

Off to the festively decorated Suessville
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC021.jpg
slick imo
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC040.jpg
Quick spin on Cat in Hat; then Poseiden (jik they mess with it for Harry Potter:sad1: hope not) Tooks somes pics jik, don't worry no flash! This actor was the best we've seen in the role.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC034.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC028.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC035.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC038.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC039.jpg
hope i'm not violating any rule here mods, if so - mea culpa; please remove.

keishashadow

01-06-2008, 09:16 PM

day 1 goes on...

headed over to Studios;http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC023.jpg luv Heros
once again - a no go on the tix

We just missed the start of Terminator, headed off to ET (20 min despite FOTL), got to ride in front:banana: ; yes - i'm afraid i'm a sucker for a great dark ride:)

Finally, DSs highlight of the trip...

The Quickie Mart:yay:
guess the couple in background was excited too
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC031.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC037.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC041.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC033.jpgas apu said, time to go; will be bbl for treasures!
We rode MIB twice, my score was dismal. Enjoyed Jaws, all that seafood made us hungry lol.
Sarting to get the look again, less pics, more hustle!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC043.jpgDecided to hit Finnegans which, we've enjoyed in the past. Sorry to say my fish & chips were off, believe some of the fish wasn't cooked thru? I polished off the soda bread & apple butter-yum.

Caught the Blues Brothers Show on the way out.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC027.jpg
Then 2 spins on The Mummy, best way to top off a great meal!

Walked back to MIB, it was down for an unknown period of time per the TM. Decided to amble over to Terminator, visiting Lucy 1st. I could sit thru it all day, imo the BEST OF THE BEST when it comes to shows-anywhere.

Again treked back to MIB, nada. Stopped @ the Quickie Mart for DSs 3 years worth of souveniers (since he hasn't bought a thing in the last couple years, told him to have @ it;) ). Amazingly, was restained despite the tons of cool stuff he didn't already have in his extensive collection. Check out the look on dad's face @ the cash register when he hears the total:lmao: priceless. He rarely shops & has no idea as to costs of kitsch.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC042.jpg
Feet draggin over to Shrek, waiting in line I spy a walkie talkie on TMs hip; decide to ask her if MIB is operating. She didn't know how to contact, got a supervisor & they called...it was up & running:banana: . Quick dash for 1 more go-around and back to Shrek before the park closed.

loribell

01-06-2008, 10:27 PM

What a great start!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more.

Sharon G

01-06-2008, 10:59 PM

Great job Janet. Loving the pictures, and "the look"! :rotfl2:

keishashadow

01-07-2008, 08:41 AM

day 1 recap:)

We had hoped to catch Jodie & Mike @ the NBA on our way out of the park:woohoo: snuck up on them. So nice to see friends in the box in 3-D. Didn't tell her it was uncanny as to how she reminded both DH & me of friend we hadn't seen in years. I got carded, not by the bartender - Jodie:rotfl: ; I wasn't sure if our room keys had the VIP mark on them; indeedy we were special this trip.:)

Settled in and enjoyed a few cold ones while jr bellied up to the bar like a pro and ordered a pizza with his soda, which he pronounced satisfactory. Coming from our resident pizza snob, high praise. We rarely take him to bars, no problem with family friendliness here.:thumbsup2 One issue was that, sim to NASCAR in June; our room key wouldn't charge here.:confused3

Time to head to the room, DH & I decided we were too tired to stop and eat anywhere so we caught the launch to hotel.
Lobby tree was huge and looked just right. Gingerbread village and train set up was the best we saw during the trip.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC046.jpgRustled up the bellman and I was now fuzzy as to our room assignment:rolleyes1 ; forgot to write it down when we got the call in the afternoon (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). As he figured it out; not sure if the room keys are secretly coded or not or whether he called the desk to check...my spring was winding down at this point. Did check with the assistant to the assistant mgr.;) I had been corresponding with as to room assignment a few days ago; she indicated it was her favorite "wedge room". If anyone can ID it, please let me know.

Lovely room, fantastic view; wish we were staying longer to enjoy it.

here's the room layout, family crashed
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC051.jpg

Now, for the SWAG:banana:
Table full of goodies:
*huge fruit basket!! If this is the size of the standard one they give in the room, i'm changing my designation from beer in a bucket. Other than different types of apples, oranges & my beloved :banana: 's friends not food! (not sure what 1/2 the stuff was...sufficed for a nice breakfast the following am)

*jar of nuts & bottle of chardonany that we smuggled onto cruise...arrgh.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC048.jpg
DS got his own basket even bigger than the other, filled with more candy than you'd find in an Easter basket. Loaded with stuff from the gift shop: a freezer Shrek mug (that has become a fav); light up Shrek ball; soft beach towel (dora?); and...Gingy! notice that the pics are getting blurrier as the evening progresses:rotfl2:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC050.jpg
Okay, I'll cry "uncle"!

Royal Pacific Resort IS Fantastic!

To borrow from the book, def must've been an Unfortunate Series of Events that plagued our trip in June. Again, many thanks to the staff and management for the truly royal treatment. I've already made our ressies for 2 nights in October for our 1st HHN:woohoo: .

After we were done admiring our goods, we unpacked our necessities. Reality encroached when I realized DH didn't pack the phone charger.:eek: Essential for daily lifeline call to elderly ma and DS who was holding down the fort while we were on the cruise. Or as ma put it, galavanting to the far corners of the earth. As it was 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday, the local Cingular store was closed...until 11:00 a.m. on Sunday..about the time I had hoped to be @ The Port of Tampa.

Gave Star Services an SOS call. They looked thru their box of left-behind chargers to no avail; printed up a nice listing of all the electronic stores on our way to I-4 down Universal Drive (no luck the next day) along with directions to the only Cingular store in Tampa (again, thank you very much!).

Time to call it a night and regroup fresh in the morn! Funny thing, none of us can remember what the bathroom looked like or even whether the room had one:lmao: , walking dead we were-way too long of a day; yet worth every minute.

keishashadow

01-07-2008, 08:43 AM

Great job Janet. Loving the pictures, and "the look"! :rotfl2:
thanks guys! wanted to be thorough, know i enjoy all the gory details of other TRs.:goodvibes

glad i'm not the only one familiar with getting "the look":3dglasses

loribell

01-07-2008, 11:24 AM

Loving it!

keishashadow

01-07-2008, 01:48 PM

double post

keishashadow

01-07-2008, 01:53 PM

Up bright and early we headed off to Tampa, trying the various stores along the way that the TMs @ RPR suggested, no go.

I shut my eyes when we passed the gates to WDW:sad1: , 1st time i've ever just waved at it. Quick ride to TPA, little traffic so early on a Sunday. Easily found the Cingular store just as they were opening for business. While they carried our phones; they didn't have the charger in stock; except for a car charger-not much good on a cruise.:eek: Know I was frantic at this point, indicated I'd have to buy another phone and return it after the cruise in accordance with the 30 day money back policy. Clerk said to hang on; went into a back room and 10 minutes later returned with a charger that they evidently use to power up the display models. :banana: Offered to pay him/tip him; whatever:dance3: ; all he asked was that we "have a few drinks on him during our cruise":wizard: FANTASTIC!

Happy that all the stress was behind us we headed back up to the airport to return our rental. Drove past a location outside the gates to TPA; thought it was the correct one (street # off just a bit?). Pulled up & stood in line another 1/2 hour (i'm obsessive, always check my watch lol). Just enough to put us over into the next hour charge? The bulldog was too tired to fight about it; much to DHs delight.

Must say the downtown area is remarkablely clean & well designed, a breeze to navigate. The shuttle quickly got us to the pier and we descended into the madness that is the Port of Tampa. Glad we had a shuttle to drop us off directly in front of a porter, who whisked our bags away. Less than a 1/2 hour later we were onboard the Legend!

My opinion of Carnival was based solely on on-line research and the dire warnings of most peeps I discussed the line with...the bar was set low; i was more than satisfied;) . Actually, I had cancelled a 7 night DCL cruise the same week and would've been able to book 2 additional balcony cabins and had change left over.:thumbsup2

Approximately 1:00 p.m. at this point, Lido deck tables were packed with peeps who had decided to eat then sit it out until they could check out their cabins. Lunch trays in hand I approached an elderly couple at a large table and asked if we could join them...NOPE; old dude said he wanted peace and quiet.popcorn:: Shaking our heads, we walked out to the pool area. Found this the best place to dine for breakfast and lunch to reserve our sanity; just a few more feet and way better vibe.

hey look, i'm an island girl:rotfl: not sure which ear meant "taken"
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC063.jpg
I do have small hands, the perspective of the pic makes it look like Shreks paw lol and the drink even bigger than it was! No weak drinks here, buy a souvie drink of the day & refills for a song:dance3: (i kept adding fruit juice to it for fear i'd get ripped & miss dinner;) ).
here's the boys overlooking the bar area "channelside?" sort of a Citiwalk area.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC059.jpg
Picture of impressive atrium elevators, fun to ride in glass elevators imo
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise016.jpg
theme is "legends", natch; here's the massive mural of Colasus
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC009.jpg
many report getting creeped out by the "urns" in evidence throughout the ship:confused3
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise022.jpg
looking off our aft balcony at the aquarium's research destroyer
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC060.jpg
Sail away time! No on deck party to speak of, so we made our own:woohoo:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC065.jpg
beautiful channelside houses, although across the channel was industry/junk yards lol
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC067.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC068.jpg
idea of balcony size...time to quick taking pics:rolleyes1 cranks lol; settling back in to enjoy the view and get ready to head to the bow of the boat!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC070.jpg

keishashadow

01-07-2008, 02:54 PM

jik anyone doesn't know what the sea sickness patch looks like
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB051.jpg
Once underway on the Legend you've got 2 hours before you pass under the famed Skyway bridge (the one that in 1980 had dire results when hit by a tanker in foggy conditions). The new one is a marvel and the ship must wait for low tide to slip under. I am not kidding you when i state that the top of ship JUST MISSES THE BRIDGE.

Unfortunately, it was being painted and they didn't have the lights on; still was very cool; will post to see if you can catch it I did take a video; if i can figure out how to post on YouTube will get 'er up.

They have plexiglass up around the bow; which i though odd...until the passengers started standing up on the railing to get pictures lol

Here's the bridge in the distance, nearly dark
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB049.jpg
eagerly waiting, camcorder in hand
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB053.jpg
directly underneath, look @ the bottom of bridge deck in picture center in perspective to the guide light on ship - seemed to just fit...crowd gave an sigh of relief lol
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB055.jpg

there she goes
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB056.jpg
whew, made it
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB052.jpg
Quick change into dinner duds
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC079.jpg
waiters seem preoccupied, hope they get more personable:confused:
food was good, chocolate melting cake VERY GOOD! and i'm not fond of chocolate cake:)
We did check our dining assignment, i wanted a table on upper deck (less people, quicker service)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC008.jpg
we had late dinner seating; 8:15 p.m.; thought it would be an issue; worked out fine. Allowed for a leisurely walk to front of ship for theater; time for shoppig on the way. Always bingo 1/2 hour ahead of time to keep jr occupied, no winner - did wait couple times during the week though.
Pretty theater, good sight line in upper balcony; great acoustics; amatuerish dancers & singers...too bad. Chris Brown, had a hysterical bit as comedian:thumbsup2 . The "Legends show" amusing; karoke winners dressed as celebs; cheap way to get a night of entertainment for Carnival I suppose.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC080.jpg
We did catch the end of the Steelers game in the sports bar, jr. lounged while we peeked in the casino. Decided to drop him off & head back down. FYI, unless you use a less circuitous route; you must walk thru a very smokey casino to access the theater. Before you ask, we came home $20 up as i recall; better than losing:) .

glad i booked the cruise:banana:

keishashadow

01-08-2008, 11:02 AM

Our 1st sea day:banana:

Slept in-booya; and thought there'd be not a spot poolside..everyone else must've partied hardier lol; found a 2nd row seat good to hear the band & fun/games poolside. Reminded me of summer camp;) . Afternoon contest had something to do with wrestling a blow up alligator in the pool. Divided ship into red team & blue team based upon even/odd table number; never did find out which team won.

Read reports of being hustled for drinks by roving servers. no problem, they'd ask once or twice; then just make the rounds walking past frequently. DH & DS bought the soda cards; bit of slow service once they found out the tip was already paid when we bought the cards...otherwise a gratuity is automatically added to sign & sail.

I held down the chaises until the boys made it topside; nearly deserted @ 9:30 a.m.:confused3 ; so we ducked into the Lido deck & grabbed breakfast. Decent selection, made to order eggs/omlets seemed to be a fav. Fruit, cereal, bacon, ham, potatoes, toast, muffins...the usual suspects. Tried the bagel & lox; i'm picky - didn't cut it. Only problem thoughout the week was...they never varied the breakfast menu?

By the time we chair hogs made it back out to the main pool area, it was awash in a sea of Blue Carnival towels (that are provided in the stateroom). Glad I brought our own from home, way easier to spot. Their pool is filtered salt water, thought i'd hate it; didn't really notice. Nice temp in hot tub; jr officers kept an eye on them for "hanky panky" and forbidden food drink. There was also a visible security presence thru out the ship; never saw any trouble or out of control guests though.

Enjoyed a nice day, overcast though. Soon time for lunch;) . Many different stations as to offerings: mexican, oriental, etc. Found out that the best tasting was the hamburger/ff stand in pool area & the freshly prepared sandwiches. Good & plain, not fond of mystery food/meat offerings. Left over desserts from dinner. The 24 hour pizzaria is much touted on message boards. rarely will I not finish any pizza, this was tasteless and gummy. Tried it again another day, same thing? Others were waiting in line for it & the calzones? perhaps regional preferences; i will say i don't like the stuff they serve up counter serve @ disney either.

Let me comment here that i was sorely disappointed as to the quality of cheesecake, reminded me of that stuff jello has in a box:confused3 ; how can you mess up cheesecake? Other than the chocolate melting cake, the rest were not appealing to me; a bonus in disguise.:thumbsup2 Of course, 24 hour ice cream took up the slack.

Explored the ship in the afternoon, I lounged on balcony, family napped/ate in cabin & soon it was time for 1st formal night.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC144.jpgnotice the lowes nuts
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC005.jpg
getting more mileage out of my MOG dress. Jr. (who has perfected the look) is sporting quite a mustache. You can see the couch bolsters stacked over to my left; nice sized cabin imo. When i heard it was orange i thought i'd be garish; imo no; just 80's style? If you look even harder you can see the nice color of the wooden cabinets (with my junk thrown on it). More space than we needed!!!! They had 3 full ceiling to floor cabinets; 2 hanging & 1 shelves-held all our clothing & luggage/shoes. We had a problem with the amount of storage in a Cat 8 on DCL; know we had less stuff - shorter cruise.

carnival has a tradition of surf & turf the 1st night, with an emphasis on unlimted surf; despite requested 2 tails; it didn't happen:confused3 . Skimpy 'lil ones anyway lol, starting to think we'd starve;)
Waiters were finally getting engaging...it's showtime everynight before dessert. Our cabin was complete aft/extended balcony; found we didn't have to set our alarm...showtime music did the trick:yay:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise121.jpgHi Roberto (on the right) head waiter & Rinngo (yes, 2 "n's" lol; his assistant)
believe tonight was the comedy show we liked, would've caught the 2nd "adult" show; too tired & early port tomorrow 7:00 a.m.
Will say the steward was a treasure! Excellent service, unobtrusive; left lots of candy/cookies & many towel animals. Found it interesting that the Stewards, while employed by Carnival; hire their own assistants (if they want them).
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise025.jpg
fyi, as to bedding it was upgraded pillowtop recently installed comfort mattress, except for jr - he slept on a rock of a convertible plastic sofa bed. I kept reminding him @ least he had 200 thread count sheets:tilt:

loribell

01-08-2008, 11:57 AM

Your trippie is great. Can't believe the nerve of that old man. Some people!

keishashadow

01-08-2008, 01:09 PM

thanx lori, we christened him "the dirty old man" and took delight in running into him throughout the cruise, looked miserable every single time...life is what you make it! :thumbsup2

ps thanx for reading thru my long-windedness;) good part coming next

loribell

01-08-2008, 04:16 PM

Well I was thinking it was already good. Can't wait to hear more.

AlexandNessa

01-09-2008, 05:19 PM

Hey! I'm finally here!

Don't hate me for carding you ... I card everyone whether they know it or not! :laughing: And call that friend I reminded you of! See, meeting me was just a sign to get in touch with her again. :hippie:

I am glad the RPR made good for you after last visit.

I am really enjoying your cruise TR. I love to experience cruises vicariously thru my friends in a box. I feel like I haven't been on a cruise forever, and they are really among my favorite vacations. Really enjoyed your formal night pics, especially Jr's "look." :goodvibes

Can't wait to read more. xx

keishashadow

01-09-2008, 05:47 PM

thanx jodie, far-out lol, took the day off my rambling; raring to go tomorrow:) ; we'll be swimming with Stingrays - big ones, lots of them

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:22 AM

I'm here! :yay: I'm here! :yay: Sorry took me so long, I hang my head in shame :rolleyes1 ...much forgiveness please :worship:

One person I didn’t feel for was the princess who sashayed up just as the boarding began into the preboard area with an stroller filled with carryons and a group of 8 or 9; the youngest appearing to be in grade school. Despite repetitive (yet oddly entertaining) explanations, complete with pantomines; as to the new process by gate personnel...she tried to pushed their way on first. When denied, she went into meltdown stage, followed by various party members starting to voice loud objections. SW was not swayed. We entered the walkway to the wail of “…it’s not fair…” ringing down to the plane.

When the unfairly treated group did board, she was even more loudly stating her case that she shouldn’t have to ride in the back of the plane. Someone started to snicker and laughter soon spread throughout the plane. I must give the FAs credit for handling things in a calm manner.

:thumbsup2 :lmao: :lmao: good for SW.... oh well lady!!

[I]<O:p
... we deposited jr with the luggage and trekked down.

:lmao:

I had signed up for the Dollar Express program, which promises a “go to the head of the line” experience; not quite.

Sorry :guilty:

I love the way you write...you sense of humor had me laughing out loud...HONEST!!! :laughing:

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:24 AM

Sun came out, very hot. Noticed quite a few folk with sunburns.

hey...you've got quite the tan kickin' yourself sista ;)

Loved all the pix...noticed DS's Spidey shirt....

........lucky to not get yelled at in Poseidon like me :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:29 AM

day 1 goes on...

headed over to Studios .....once again - a no go on the tix

if you have that same problem the next time you go, go to GS and get a new ticket or something..... that is ridiculous to have problems everytime you try to use your ticket/AP :confused3

Starting to get the look again, less pics, more hustle!

:rotfl2:

(dunno this look? :confused3 I actually get my boys (both of them) to find pix of things to take care of :laughing: )

Check out the look on dad's face @ the cash register when he hears the total:lmao: priceless. He rarely shops & has no idea as to costs of kitsch.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC042.jpg

:lmao:

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:45 AM

We had hoped to catch Jodie & Mike @ the NBA on our way out of the park:woohoo: snuck up on them. So nice to see friends in the box in 3-D

:3dglasses :lmao: :rotfl:

......I wasn't sure if our room keys had the VIP mark on them; indeedy we were special this trip.:)

I'll bet you were 'special' :thumbsup2 Way to go.... :banana: (can't wait for our turn ;) )

Lobby tree was huge and looked just right. Gingerbread village and train set up was the best we saw during the trip.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC046.jpg

:goodvibes Looks kewl....someday i get there at the holidays :rolleyes:

here's the room layout, family crashed
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC051.jpg

The only difference i see is the bedspreads :confused3 Is the carpet the same? Will have to look back at my pix..... I believe the wall between the beds and sink area was painted lighter, but it's still dark wood and such (aside from the flat tv's and upgrades of the sorts).... The curtains and lights all look the same.... kind of a cheesy upgrading, dontcha think???

Now, for the SWAG:banana:
Table full of goodies:
*huge fruit basket!! If this is the size of the standard one they give in the room, i'm changing my designation from beer in a bucket.

No...that is not the standard size....it's huger :laughing: ....definately not the 'norm' because we've gotten it twice!

Other than different types of apples, oranges & my beloved :banana: 's friends not food! (not sure what 1/2 the stuff was...sufficed for a nice breakfast the following am)

:lmao: ....wanna bet? :rolleyes1

DS got his own basket even bigger than the other, filled with more candy than you'd find in an Easter basket. Loaded with stuff from the gift shop: a freezer Shrek mug (that has become a fav); light up Shrek ball; soft beach towel (dora?); and...Gingy!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC050.jpg

Where's the Dora towel? :confused3 I wanna see Dora!!! :mad:

:rotfl:

After we were done admiring our goods, we unpacked our necessities. Reality encroached when I realized DH didn't pack the phone charger

uh-oh....that is why we double check what each other has packed..... we are usually good, as i take care of clothes and tolietries and DH takes care of 'electronics' stuff ;) That was so nice (& typical great service) of UO to find you stores to check...heck, someone was probably thrilled to have something 'different' to do for a change! :laughing: Glad you were able to find something.....that mgr. at the store did his good deed for the day.... (can only think he didn't want the 'hassle' of a return after your trip and the paperworks involved :headache: )

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:50 AM

I shut my eyes when we passed the gates to WDW:sad1: , 1st time i've ever just waved at it.

see? You survived :hug:

Actually, I had cancelled a 7 night DCL cruise the same week and would've been able to book 2 additional balcony cabins and had change left over.:thumbsup2

:eek: yikes! (again....Disney and the almighty dollar! :sad2: )

Lunch trays in hand I approached an elderly couple at a large table and asked if we could join them...NOPE; old dude said he wanted peace and quiet.popcorn:: Shaking our heads...

:eek: What an @$$!! Okay, then AT LEAST get up from the BIGGER table and let bigger parties of people sit at them and go find a SMALLER table :headache: How freakin' rude....and I would have said so too! I woulda plopped my big ole butt in a chair anyway and had he said something I would have mentioned he didn't 'own' the ship or chairs and if he didn't like it, HE could move...hey, i can be JUST AS rude buddy :snooty: !!

I do have small hands, the perspective of the pic makes it look like Shreks paw lol and the drink even bigger than it was!

who ya tryin' to convince? :confused3

Didn't want to repost 'em all...but loved all the pix AND DS Simpson's shirt :thumbsup2 ..ship is absolutely gorgeous!!!

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 10:54 AM

Tuesday - Land -Ho, Grand Cayman

View when I opened the curtains
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD004.jpgnote the pirate ship
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD001.jpgtransport boats from another ship, couple others were port; didn't get crowded

Up bright and early to grab some carbs on the Lido deck; no crankin from the troops:thumbsup2

Wanted to grab an early launch since we were on a private tour, no issue; on one of the 1st ones and in port early 7:30...too early; the stores were still closed:rotfl: . Made contact with our tour operator; told to return in 1-1/2 hours, off to explore.

Say hello to my 'lil friend - Sr Frog (is there any cruise port where he doesn't reside?)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC076.jpg
def not overdeloped, check out what runs around the tourist area...think pigeons
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC058.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC062.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC057.jpg
not sure if you can read the small sign he's holdinghttp://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC053.jpg :rolleyes1
DH found a Harley shop opening early & snagged a tshirt.

Time to meet our guide and a nice couple from New York/Jersey area i had met on the cruisecritc board. We were on the same tour with Nativeway, got separated on the bus ride to the marina wound up on different boats. Passed 7 mile beach, etc.; nice ride; funny to count 3 Burger King joints.

Directed to the 2nd boat, got lucky less than a dozen or so peeps; allowed for more interaction/attention from the guide. A good hearted soul, really made the extra effort to ensure we had a great time.

Here's the canal heading out to sea, large expensive looking houses & boats
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC083.jpg
This one is Sylvester Stallone's house. He blocked off the canal; now the boats must take a longer route
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC081.jpg
went thru the mangroves instead
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC086.jpg
ready to explore, do u see the hidden mickeys?
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC089.jpg
At this point I realize that I need to upload all the pics from our water cameras (sorry) which contains most of the "meat" of this day. Will have my better half get to it this week & post a sep. entry-sorry.

Note that we had booked a tour thru an independent (our 1st time). While the price was less expensive pp; the main draw was to get into a smaller boat. The ones from the cruiselines were packed, some a double level. They were practically on top of each other in the water. We, having the advantage of a smaller group had quite a bit of hands on time; def. the way to go IMO.

There were 3 tours i wavered between:
*Stingrays & snorkeling in the Coral Gardens
*'rays & Starfish exploration
#'rays, reef snorkle & Rum Point for leisure time & lunch

Our guide not only provided ALL of the above...while we were dining he set off & brought up several conch shells. When we returned to the boat he explained that he ate it every day he could find it (food being very expensive on the island). He proceeded to clean & prepare it with hot sauce, which must of took care of the cooking process - otherwise we'll call it sushi.

I'll skip to the Rum Point portion of the tour. Food was good, had a reserved picnic table on shaded beach area. This is a resort; was surprised as to the small size of the beach/watersports,etc. Wouldn't have been happy if I had booked the Rum Point only tour.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC091.jpg
big pieces of coral lying about
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC093.jpg

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 10:55 AM

jik anyone doesn't know what the sea sickness patch looks like
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB051.jpg

didn't know you got ss...does the patch work? :confused3

Once underway on the Legend you've got 2 hours before you pass under the famed Skyway bridge (the one that in 1980 had dire results when hit by a tanker in foggy conditions). The new one is a marvel and the ship must wait for low tide to slip under. I am not kidding you when i state that the top of ship JUST MISSES THE BRIDGE.

:eek: :duck: can't believe they JUST make it under WITH low tide! :eek:

Quick change into dinner duds
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC079.jpg

aaawwwww :goodvibes ...what a great pic! :thumbsup2

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 11:08 AM

Tuesday - Land -Ho, Grand Cayman

View when I opened the curtains
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD004.jpg
note the pirate ship

beautiful view :teeth:

not overdeveloped.... not sure if you can read the small sign he's holding
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC053.jpg

nope...not overdeveloped at all...mof, very clean looking...brightly painted houses/buildings... (then again, aren't most caribbean places like that?)

And...NO....I can't read the small sign, but I sure can see where you are standing in front of :thumbsup2 :banana: :banana:

This one is Sylvester Stallone's house. He blocked off the canal; now the boats must take a longer route
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC081.jpg

:eek: what a d*ck!! Really...for the amount of time he proably actually spends there... :sad2:

Sounds like a great day and tour....personally booked sounds like a lot more time :thumbsup2 Was that recommended while researching the cruise?? (We're always afraid and book w/ cruiseline :laughing: )

Sounds like a wonderful day!! :goodvibes

(and yes...I noticed DS's tshirt :rolleyes1 )

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 11:09 AM

see? You survived :hug:

think i was hyperventilating

:eek: yikes! (again....Disney and the almighty dollar! :sad2: )

mouse owns me, universal's rapidly coming in #2 lol

:eek: What an @$$!! Okay, then AT LEAST get up from the BIGGER table and let bigger parties of people sit at them and go find a SMALLER table :headache: How freakin' rude....and I would have said so too! I woulda plopped my big ole butt in a chair anyway and had he said something I would have mentioned he didn't 'own' the ship or chairs and if he didn't like it, HE could move...hey, i can be JUST AS rude buddy :snooty: !!

i would've gotten "the look" way too soon from my family

my mom spied the towel (it really was soft); written in Spanish pink background & some "critter" on it? was happy to give it to her, she liked it better than the jewelry i bought her:rotfl2:

thanx for noticing, my tan is fading fast, need to get myself to the beds this weekend. was afraid even with a base that i'd burn when out & about the islands, no problem though.

i agree as to the stoopid pastel comforters:confused3 Thought it was bad enough last trip; from looking @ the pics the green & teal are distracting & cheap looking imo. Know some peeps thought the rooms were dark; i found them "exotic & luxe looking". Seems as though most of the deluxe resorts are going for a modern or laura ashley/country home vibe:confused: .

your cruise will be here before you know it:wizard: ; really wanted to see the pirate ship. DS has asked for another DCL cruise as a graduation present (this coming from the kid who sez he's so sick of disney);) . Those double dips sound great, do they have them on a regular basis...was wondering how to search for them.

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 11:13 AM

Our 1st sea day:banana:

Let me comment here that i was sorely disappointed as to the quality of cheesecake, reminded me of that stuff jello has in a box:confused3 ; how can you mess up cheesecake?

:confused3

notice the lowes nuts
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC144.jpg

oh yea...i seen them ;)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC005.jpg

again..... 'aaawwwww' :goodvibes great pic! :thumbsup2

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 11:19 AM

beautiful view :teeth:

nope...not overdeveloped at all...mof, very clean looking...brightly painted houses/buildings... (then again, aren't most caribbean places like that?)

And...NO....I can't read the small sign, but I sure can see where you are standing in front of :thumbsup2 :banana: :banana:

:eek: what a d*ck!! Really...for the amount of time he proably actually spends there... :sad2:

Sounds like a great day and tour....personally booked sounds like a lot more time :thumbsup2 Was that recommended while researching the cruise?? (We're always afraid and book w/ cruiseline :laughing: )

Sounds like a wonderful day!! :goodvibes

(and yes...I noticed DS's tshirt :rolleyes1 )
indeed!

clean :sad2: , wait till i get to describing belize:scared:

nativeway was rec. on cruisecritic forum. Guide really knocked himself out to show us a great day. You could tell he took great pride in his country and his work, very refreshing. Look forward to returning here someday.

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 11:23 AM

You could tell he took great pride in his country and his work, very refreshing. Look forward to returning here someday.

good to hear :thumbsup2 People like that always make it much more enjoyable to tour with!

I forgot to ask....were you allowed to bring any of that coral home??? ..... and did you bring any coral home? :rolleyes1

loribell

01-10-2008, 12:02 PM

Can't wait to read more. The kids really want to cruise but it will have to be Disney. I am afraid with their age differences any other cruise just wouldn't give them both enough to keep them occupied.

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 12:12 PM

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 02:29 PM

good to hear :thumbsup2 People like that always make it much more enjoyable to tour with!

I forgot to ask....were you allowed to bring any of that coral home??? ..... and did you bring any coral home? :rolleyes1
black coral is absolutely forbidden
you are not to touch the "live" coral - razor sharp anyway they say
i was afraid to get caught with the piece i found on the beach @ Rum Point; snagged a tiny piece i hid in my towel (gee officer, don't know how it got there lol)

did find interesting shells on beach in Cozumel...sea shells that filled in with coral, etc. will have to take a pic & post.

lori - my DS doesn't like to "hang with strangers":confused3 as he puts it. IMO most kids would jump @ the chance. he just prefers to tag along with us on vacation; is used to being with older bros & socializing with adults. On our DCL he was 12, that in-between age. He wanted to go to the play & climb area (me too; looked fun) couldn't because of the age restrictions. We forced him to attend the club for 1 night so we could spend 2 hours @ the disco; would've thought we abandoned him:rotfl: . Same thing @ kids club @ HRH; must say when he partook of it when he was 11 while we hung out @ Citiwalk for a few hours; i wasn't thrilled either. Believe they were understaffed & used to handling younger kids only. This cruise, by the time we went to gamble after late show it was 11:00 pm or later & he was content to just go back to the cabin, watch some tv & crash.

marciemi

01-10-2008, 07:23 PM

Okay Janet, first of all, you have to give links for us clueless folks to find our way over here! Second, I hadn't even heard you were posting this until today! What's up with that? But I've found it now, so you're stuck with me!

I'm going a bit on memory here, so I'll try to comment on what I can remember or scroll back to, then I'll have to go back through.

First, Lori, I can't imagine going on DCL with a 16 year old! :confused3 Matt especially (at 8!) found it to be too babyish even then. I can see girls of any age enjoying it, but would never take any of mine on it again - particularly not for the huge price markup! I think Royal Caribbean would be a great alternative for both of them (and much cheaper!). I agree that 12 is probably the hardest age on any cruise line, but my guys loved the 9-11 group and it looked like the older teens had a lot of fun. The 12-14 group seemed a bit "too old for scavenger hunts and broom ball" and "too young for dancing and music". I'd think that Carnival would be fun too.

Okay, back to Janet! What were the couch things you were talking about? Were they the cushions you took off to make the couch into a bed?

How was Grand Cayman? Is it pretty much back to normal? We were supposed to go there on our Sept 2004 cruise, and Hurricane Ivan went through about 2 days earlier. My uncle owned a house there and it was completely destroyed and/or looted. They were just relieved they'd gotten out while it was still possible. Is everything back to how it was?

We certainly didn't get anything like your toy/fruit baskets at RPR - don't think we got anything, let alone anything like that! But I guess we're not gold people!

I also am glad that Southwest enforced the rules. Hate it when someone "special" is obnoxious enough to get the rules changed for them! Sorry Dollar wasn't up to speed - we used Alamo with their new "kiosks" and DH was back with the car keys before we'd figured out which luggage claim we were even supposed to be at (let alone had any of the luggage appear yet!).

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 07:27 PM

hee-hee i meant conch not couch...ya know conch (mollusk/sea snail, tastes way better than it sounds)

always hate to announce a TR seems show-offy?

always more afraid no one will read or comment;)

marciemi

01-10-2008, 07:28 PM

keishashadow

01-10-2008, 07:55 PM

Okay, not too much more to say. The guy was a jerk, and like Barb, I would have just sat down anyways! Maybe said something like "I was just asking to be polite, but since you're not, guess it doesn't matter!"

I loved the pics of you and DH at dinner and look forward to reading more about the meals. We've found that no cruise line really does buffet meals well. The made-to-order omelets are really about the most you can hope for. When it was just DH & I, we'd eat all our meals in the dining room because we liked sitting and having food brought to us and meeting people there. When we've gone with kids, we've had to tradeoff time spent there with antsy kids for more mediocre meals!

Can't wait for more!

I had to count to 10; DH was raised by a very southern/proper mother; a true gent in every way. I'm the family bull dog; they have to reign me in - or so they say..."the look" usually does the trick.

Just luv when I hear "... how nice your husband is...how did you wind up marrying him?":rolleyes1 :lmao:

a real turn the other cheek sorta guy, rises above the fray; almost zen-like...easy to do when you have an enforcer on the payroll;) Still, wouldn't trade him for the world, we complement each other well

I wasn't wowed by the DCL food, nor the Carnival food...would give the edge to DCL because they crumbed the table...and their cheesecake was decent.

Carnival had excellent soups! Stawberry & a pumpkin offering were delish! Decent to good appetizers & salads along with well-prepared entrees (although of very small portions, as in most fine restaurants).

The meat dishes (esp. steak/prime rib were great); various chicken preps very good too; other than the shrimp offerings I thought the seafood to be rather uninspired:confused3 . Especially the salmon, both the smoked & fresh had an odd texture - soft?

Didn't care for any of their vegetable offerings at dinner, rather boring. They did have a vegetarian selection available.

It became apparent that the best choice was usually the one inspired by the celeb chef (who's name escapes me). By the end of the week I was sick of the chocolate melting cake; their apple pie one night was fine, just not a wow. Honestly, for me; it's all about the desserts (only tend to indulge when on vacation so I set the bar high lol)

While I understand the logistics of serving so many people and international taste/vs americanized offerings; i still thought something was missing from calling it extraordinary cuisine. As the week progressed I was very glad that the servers "kicked it up a notch" and I started to look forward to the overall experience.

*as per Grand Cayman, our 1st visit; looked fine to us; just not too many trees...as a matter of fact; none of the ports we visited (other than Isla Roatan) had many trees of any size that I noticed near the docks...assume the storms tend to mow them down, especially cozumel. Many peeps complained about the coral formations as to size (storms) and color (global warming?); again i had nothing to base a comparison on; will say the coral was muted but lots of plant & marine life

bubba's mom

01-10-2008, 08:24 PM

We certainly didn't get anything like your toy/fruit baskets at RPR - don't think we got anything, let alone anything like that! But I guess we're not gold people!

She was a VIP so, they got an 'extra good' gift..... ;) If you qualify for your LF bennies, then you would get whatever welcome gift you've chosen and it will be on your profile.

always hate to announce a TR seems show-offy?

always more afraid no one will read or comment;)

Don't you know the homies at all? :confused3

I had to count to 10; DH was raised by a very southern/proper mother; a true gent in every way. I'm the family bull dog; they have to reign me in - or so they say..."the look" usually does the trick.

My DH is both.... he'd been the 'bull' in that certain situation....screw him...move over gramps! :snooty:

marciemi

01-10-2008, 09:07 PM

Just luv when I hear "... how nice your husband is...how did you wind up marrying him?":rolleyes1 :lmao:

Honestly, for me; it's all about the desserts (only tend to indulge when on vacation so I set the bar high lol)

Yeah, when DH and I got engaged, both my younger brothers said at some time to him something along the lines of "You seem like such a nice guy. Why would you want to marry my sister?" :rotfl:

I'm not as much of a dessert person, so actually my favorite part of cruising is all the appetizers. I love trying all the different soups and salads and weird appetizers that I'd never pay $8 apiece for at a nice restaurant, but can try as many of as I want. And I'm not a picky eater, so I usually like most (if not all) of them. Entrees, I'm just like "bring me the basic steak" or whatever because I'm usually so full by then. Also LOVE having the cheese plate for dessert. Man, I need to go on another cruise!

loribell

01-10-2008, 09:38 PM

lori - my DS doesn't like to "hang with strangers":confused3 as he puts it. IMO most kids would jump @ the chance. he just prefers to tag along with us on vacation; is used to being with older bros & socializing with adults. On our DCL he was 12, that in-between age. He wanted to go to the play & climb area (me too; looked fun) couldn't because of the age restrictions. We forced him to attend the club for 1 night so we could spend 2 hours @ the disco; would've thought we abandoned him:rotfl: . Same thing @ kids club @ HRH; must say when he partook of it when he was 11 while we hung out @ Citiwalk for a few hours; i wasn't thrilled either. Believe they were understaffed & used to handling younger kids only. This cruise, by the time we went to gamble after late show it was 11:00 pm or later & he was content to just go back to the cabin, watch some tv & crash.

Mikey's favorite trip ever was when we went to VB for a week. We hardly ever saw him. He was always off with some of the other kids and their families fishing , boogie boarding, playing cards, whatever. I think for him vacations have always been messed up because the little sister is involved. Also he loved being able to sleep until he woke up naturally. Going back to the cabin would be just fine for him.

How old is your youngest?

First, Lori, I can't imagine going on DCL with a 16 year old! :confused3 Matt especially (at 8!) found it to be too babyish even then. I can see girls of any age enjoying it, but would never take any of mine on it again - particularly not for the huge price markup! I think Royal Caribbean would be a great alternative for both of them (and much cheaper!). I agree that 12 is probably the hardest age on any cruise line, but my guys loved the 9-11 group and it looked like the older teens had a lot of fun. The 12-14 group seemed a bit "too old for scavenger hunts and broom ball" and "too young for dancing and music". I'd think that Carnival would be fun too.

Are there not many other teens on the DCL? He wants to cruise so bad he would be happy with any. He would also like having the seperated clubs to go to. I know some of the others would probably be better for him, but if Ally isn't happy, no ones happy!

Yeah, when DH and I got engaged, both my younger brothers said at some time to him something along the lines of "You seem like such a nice guy. Why would you want to marry my sister?" :rotfl:

I'm not as much of a dessert person, so actually my favorite part of cruising is all the appetizers. I love trying all the different soups and salads and weird appetizers that I'd never pay $8 apiece for at a nice restaurant, but can try as many of as I want. And I'm not a picky eater, so I usually like most (if not all) of them. Entrees, I'm just like "bring me the basic steak" or whatever because I'm usually so full by then. Also LOVE having the cheese plate for dessert. Man, I need to go on another cruise!

:scared1: And did you knock them silly?

I would prefer the deserts myself.

marciemi

01-10-2008, 09:44 PM

But I can't believe Ally wouldn't be happy on Royal Caribbean. Unless she's in this "It MUST be Disney" mindset, but I really just don't think it's worth paying twice as much for Disney.

I believe Janet's son is 14 (or at least was at some point on the thread!).

loribell

01-10-2008, 10:03 PM

marciemi

01-10-2008, 10:21 PM

Well, Lori, I'm certainly not an expert - especially about 9 year old girls! :rotfl:

I'm just always surprised at how "cult-like" a following DCL has - similar to how some of the folks on these boards act about Disney versus Universal, you get some of the same from the DCL versus any other cruise line folks. Like it's a sin to admit anyone else might be as good or better than Disney. But we did Big Red Boat (Premier Cruise Lines) with the boys first before they folded, paid less than half what we paid on DCL and had a much better time. Also thought Royal Caribbean was better. But we LOVE Princess and if we did another cruise, would definitely do that. But with kids they'd be more limited as to the number of kids on board and the activities. But I think my kids would enjoy meeting and hanging with 10 kids more than 1000!

On our DCL cruise (in early December!), there were like 2500 people on the ship and 1000 of them were kids! It was just overload. Going to the clubs was a major scene. Yes, my kids were younger (5-8 at the time), but they didn't care for the "scan your wristband" to get in and out. Plus there were a zillion counselors so they never saw familiar faces -either from kids or staff. Seems like on other cruises lines, they got a chance to know everyone more. I don't think there's any time to go on DCL and not have a ton of kids. It was just too much for my guys.

But if you do become serious about a cruise, I really recommend cruisecritic.com. There you can hear the good, the bad and the ugly. Just keep in mind that DCL groupies are a bit more "clique-y" than any of the other boards. Seems like if you're on the RCCI board, people can reasonably express pros and cons of all the cruise lines. If you're on the DCL board and mention something bad about DCL (or something good about another line), well, it's like saying Uni is better than Disney here on the TPA&S boards! :rotfl:

JawsCPA

01-11-2008, 05:34 AM

Janet - enjoying your trippie. Love the pics. So far, it sounds like a nice time. Hope to see the water pics soon.

:)

keishashadow

01-11-2008, 09:25 AM

barb - when DH does "get mad" it's more of a silent treatment (that i hate w/a passion); outside the family get "special treatment":scared: always said it's the quiet ones you need to watch out for when they're angry.

youngest is finally 14 (gave up trying to pass him off as a child on the DP a few years ago:rolleyes1 ; shameful lol)

At the risk of repeating myself, carnival made me an offer I couldn't refuse! This cruise (via a military discount and traveling low season) was

2/3 the price of a lesser-type balcony on DCL, more than made up for the loss of magic:) ; way better port selection too - nassau is not my fav. Hope to just spend the day @ Atlantis area next time.

however, if all things were considered equal (including price); i'd pick DCL for overall quality/customer service.:thumbsup2

Also, hate to admit it; i try to book when most children are IN skool. I hate unsupervised (small) children running amuck (at the buffets, yuk) & especially when water is involved -makes me nervous for their safety and I cannot relax. :confused3

keishashadow

01-11-2008, 09:27 AM

Janet - enjoying your trippie. Love the pics. So far, it sounds like a nice time. Hope to see the water pics soon.

:)

thanx - should've got the CDs; just that mine rarely come out well. This time almost all of them were fine (used all Fuji this time, think they're def. better for us than Kodak)

AlexandNessa

01-11-2008, 01:35 PM

What an old curmudgeon that guy was. Hmpphh. Doesn't he know you are a friendly DISer?!

How did you do with the patch? I think they work very well for motion sickness (and hangovers), but I found that they left my mouth intolerably dry, and I couldn't suck down enough water. Also, since I have a habit of pushing my hair behind my ears and then rubbing my eyes, my pupils dilated to the size of dimes and I couldn't see squat!

Agree with you about the Disney cruise pricing! Mike and I would've canceled had they not made our deposit non-refundable. They are quite expensive!

Upload those water camera pics! Can't wait to see them!

Laurabearz

01-11-2008, 01:50 PM

Great Report! Cant wait to read the rest of it AND see those underwater Camera shots! :thumbsup2

keishashadow

01-11-2008, 06:03 PM

dh has promised this weekend for the pics

jodie - only problem with the patch was when i tried to "stretch" on of them over three days...got a rash to reward my cheapness;)

didn't have a problem with motion sickness until i got a virus of some sort & woke up unable to stay upright; slamming into walls:confused3 . Went to ER; they told me i had vertigo related to said virus; evidently was running rampant thru Pittsburgh area. Some drugs & all was well; until i tried to ride a "spin-ny type" amusement ride, heights makes me woozy too now...patch takes care of all of that for me. Didn't notice a dry mouth...i tend to drink alot any way lol.

i'm thinking of the cat in Shrek w/those big peepers:laughing:

wwessing

01-11-2008, 07:22 PM

a real turn the other cheek sorta guy, rises above the fray;

I got one of those too :love: :love: :love: :lovestruc :love: :love: :love:

keishashadow

01-14-2008, 12:07 PM

As promised here they are:

1st Stop - Coral Gardens

First snorkeling stop was in the Coral Gardens area. The day had turned to heavy overcast & windy, high 60's; yet the water was warm. As mentioned earlier our guide was very helpful & eager to please. Our small group consisted of only us from the Carnival Legend. The rest of our group were 2 woman retirees on a land vacation and 3 groups (single parent mums & their kiddos from DCL cruise). Two pleasant teens were in the one group; the other had hellions:headache: . Would guess their age to be 8? Kept running around the boat screaming & sitting up forward on the bow. The water was choppy; guide kept asking nicely for the kids to sit in the seats; the mothers just ignored him. Figured they must be seasoned water dogs....NOPE.

There were life vests for those who wanted to utilize, good for floating & taking pics. The kids starting screaming as soon as the mothers tried to put them in the water; evidently, couldn't swim. It continued the entire stop with the mums ranting how their "...vacations were ruined". The photographer offered to stay aboard & watch them while the mom's snorkeled. We swam as far away as we could so as not to hear their wails.

coral on a rock & fishies
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0014.jpg

more
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0015.jpg

these weren't the domesticated ones that we met later @ Stingray point; were told to keep our distance as they could get cranky
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0012.jpg
thankfully, they kept on the bottom & we stayed near water surface
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0013.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0009.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0011.jpgthis one was bigger than the others who were all about 2 feet across; he kept coming up higher near the surface; time to head back to the boat lol

keishashadow

01-14-2008, 12:24 PM

2nd Stop Stingrays

back onboard for another 10 min ride to interact with the Rays

was hoping to get lots of "face time"; based on reviews of booking with this operator (Nativeway); we were @ the site for approx 40 mins:banana:

Guide found just the right spot (shallow for the younger kids-who still refused to get off the boat & continued whining; holed up on lower deck in the head lol:headache: ) Glad he did; noticed several of the other groups were neck high.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0001.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW.jpg
This is their tail & stinger - do not grab or touch "gotcha chief":scared: Made sure to do the stingray shuffle to avoid stepping on them & startling them; risking an incident.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0002.jpg

such an experience; they are domesticated (to a point) where they starting hanging around when the fishing boats cleaned their catch. Over the years, the locals started to interact and had the idea of transporting tourists out.

I cannot describe how many Rays were in the area; when the boat pulled in you could see a wave of darkness off the boat. I thought it was a reef until it moved.

On the order of going into a petting zoo & being mobbed lol; way cooler though. They are gentle and incredibly soft. we had fed & snorkeled @ Castaway Cay; cannot compare the two experiences. would say DCLs would be better for squeamish children

photo ops galore! DS holding one, they swim right up to you and luv to swim past you & nuzzle
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0007.jpg
They give great back massages
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0005.jpg
check out his underbelly, looks to be smiling lol
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0004.jpg
Last, but not least; puckering up for that big wet kiss...7 years' good luck baby:wizard:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0006.jpg
DH said it was bad enough to post a pic of his beer belly, promised not to put up the actual deed (here he is swooping in lol)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0003.jpg
btw, check out the throngs in the background; way too many peeps to have much time with the Rays

keishashadow

01-14-2008, 12:37 PM

3rd Stop; Barrier Reef & Starfish

a 15 minute boat ride out further into the ocean & we moored near the barrier reef

could see the water was deeper here, although still clear & you could see the bottoom (approx 20 -30 ft deep).

The guide went down 1st to make sure there weren't any sharks in the area:scared1: and brought up starfish for us to examine; then we were good to go
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0008.jpg
When we got the go ahead I was very confident thinking i'd play jacque c osteau - HA!

We were on the shallow side of the barrier reef; you could see where the deep water began on the other side. I consider myself to be a good swimmer; was shocked by the undertow & strong current. About all i could do to keep being sucked out to the deep water in the breaks of the coral/reef. Was able to swim over about 50 yards to an area full of moray eels; shot didn't come out though - nuts. Way bigger than I thought, about a foot in height (skinny though) and long - about 7 feet. We were offered a chance to hold him (passed lol).

DH & DS followed the guide over across the reef into the deep water; planning to circle back to the boat. Glad DS had flotation device on at this point. I doubled back and dived down to the reef area near the boat.

Fascinating as to how much marine life darted in and out of it...a critter condo of sorts:thumbsup2
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0016.jpg
a couple stingrays were milling about here too
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0010.jpg
got some nerve & swan over the reef (just a bit:rolleyes1 )
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0017.jpg
soon time to leave; the guide kept apologizing that he wished we had more time. I was shivering at this point, glad i had a beach towel. off to Rum Point for grub.

This is on our short list to do again!:worship:

bubba's mom

01-14-2008, 07:31 PM

where's Nemo :confused3

loribell

01-14-2008, 07:32 PM

It looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing.

Sharon G

01-14-2008, 07:46 PM

I'm not sure I would want to get that close to the rays. They are huge! Are they slimey? Looks like you picked the right tourboat!

keishashadow

01-14-2008, 08:50 PM

i think nemo was lunch for the mean looking Ray;)

the rays are more "velvet-like" than slimy; and surprising heavy for their size when the guides wanted us to pick them up in our arms for a photo...course that could've been because they were slippery when wet:rotfl:

bubba's mom

01-14-2008, 09:07 PM

bubba's mom

01-14-2008, 09:10 PM

2nd Stop Stingrays

check out his underbelly, looks to be smiling lol
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/legendW_0004.jpg

That IS his face....he IS smiling!! :goodvibes

keishashadow

01-15-2008, 08:11 AM

I loved all your pix on the rays and such....brought back memories of our stingray snorkel when we traveled on RCI. Took a boat to an island and got to hang out in their pen. It was eatin' time...they were all around us. They do feel slimy and I can believe they are heavy. We would stand with our feet apart (a la 'stingray shuffle') and they would swim in & out of our ankles...like a cat would....and they would curl their tails up around your calves....again, like a cat. Only, THEIR tails were more prickly than a cats :laughing: (think, a sharp toothed comb scratching you)... They would 'bump' into us with the force of a medium size dog...I was really surprised at their weight.....

We plan to do the rays at CC...hope Bubba don't freak :scared:

yep, they'd come up behind us and give us a good nudge:) and then keep prodding us.

funny thing, after handling the squid that they luv to eat; we were cautioned NOT to wipe our hands on our skin...evidently, they will attach themselves to you ala a leech until they are satisfied you aren't a giant squid:laughing: def. could cause a freak-out if you didn't know

barb - if u do the one @ Castaway Cay my rec is to book it early. We had the 2nd one of the day & the sand was already stirred up to the point where you could barely see the bottom...this in 3-1/2 feet of water. This was back when they 1st started the tour; not sure if they've tweaked it since then.

it was sorta cold with the wind blowing so we crouched down in the water to keep warm...they swam right over our shoulders...up against our faces

while they were very calm & gentle; they were strong. DH had a loose fitting pair of board shorts on; rrom the constant nuzzling - they kept pulling his trunks down low ala plumber pants (i posted the lesser of results above lol ).

RVGal

01-17-2008, 07:02 PM

So, what are you saying... that those of us that post links are showoff-y?

Huh?

Is that what you're saying? :snooty:

When you DON'T post, it takes me, what a week or more to remember you mentioned (briefly, with no link) that you started your Trippie. :upsidedow

So, going back to one of your first cruise pics... Did the sign that statue was holding say Big Black... *ahem*... Did it say what I think it said? :rolleyes1

And then the pic of you below that with the coral looked like Little White... *ahem*... nevermind...

bubba's mom

01-17-2008, 07:32 PM

funny thing, after handling the squid that they luv to eat; we were cautioned NOT to wipe our hands on our skin...evidently, they will attach themselves to you ala a leech until they are satisfied you aren't a giant squid:laughing: def. could cause a freak-out if you didn't know

:eek: :rotfl:

barb - if u do the one @ Castaway Cay my rec is to book it early. We had the 2nd one of the day & the sand was already stirred up to the point where you could barely see the bottom...this in 3-1/2 feet of water. This was back when they 1st started the tour; not sure if they've tweaked it since then.

thanks...i think i read that somewhere else :rolleyes1 or maybe you even mentioned it before...but, our intention is to get the first one of the day.... Hopefully the sand won't be too churned up and the little buggers will be hungry ;)

it was sorta cold with the wind blowing so we crouched down in the water to keep warm...they swam right over our shoulders...up against our faces

When you were on THIS trip...or the DCL one?? (we're going in the summer....hopefully be plenty nice and hot!)

while they were very calm & gentle; they were strong. DH had a loose fitting pair of board shorts on; rrom the constant nuzzling - they kept pulling his trunks down low ala plumber pants (i posted the lesser of results above lol ).

:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

When you DON'T post, it takes me, what a week or more to remember you mentioned (briefly, with no link) that you started your Trippie. :upsidedow

So, going back to one of your first cruise pics... Did the sign that statue was holding say Big Black... *ahem*... Did it say what I think it said? :rolleyes1

And then the pic of you below that with the coral looked like Little White... *ahem*... nevermind...

First...i agree...with email notifications down, we need reminders :upsidedow

And...yeah....what DID that sign say? :confused3 Forgot all about that :headache: Thanks T!!

keishashadow

01-17-2008, 08:59 PM

keishashadow

01-17-2008, 09:04 PM

i'm always afraid to post & then no one will come & visit, this way i can rationalize it jik and not have my shy, fragile psyche crushed beyond repair;)

barb - i tend to repeat myself (in my declining years lol); probably did expound on being the 1st to hit the beach.

we were cold @ Grand Cayman. Even in Dec. @ Castaway Cay i thought it was plenty warm. The CMs doing the excursions were shivering, said they couldn't remember it ever being so chilly. I regaled them with tales from the frozen tundra:laughing:

I've got belize, cozumel & a sea day to go:3dglasses , shall give a head's up:thumbsup2

RVGal

01-18-2008, 03:24 PM

why, whatever do u mean?:rotfl:

2 points to tricia:thumbsup2

my son was sooo embarassed by me ;)

I got 2 points! :banana: :banana:

Wait, that's all I get?

Better than nothing, I guess. :woohoo:

bubba's mom

01-18-2008, 06:05 PM

usually getting points is a bad thing.... lucky you.....:wizard:

still waiting on the next day :surfweb: :rolleyes1

RVGal

01-19-2008, 12:26 PM

usually getting points is a bad thing.... lucky you.....:wizard:

Oh, yeah. I didn't get *those* points, did I?:eek:

JawsCPA

01-20-2008, 07:45 AM

Janet - us homies are reading and enjoying. Don't you know we all live via other's trips. Of course, we will read them.

I would give Tricia more than 2 points. As I could read the sign in pic #1, but to think about the coral in pic #2 is priceless. Should be 2 points for pic #1 (good eyes) and 5 points for pic #2 (mind in gutter).:lmao:

Please post next installment as I have nothing else to do but wait . . . .

keishashadow

01-21-2008, 10:26 AM

jennifer - i just noticed your ticker:laughing: very appropo!

must admit we didn't stage the coral pic, didn't even notice it until tricia pointed it out.:rolleyes1 i do see it now though - ha

shall get back to posting in the next day or so, still having issues with new computer despite a factory restore...started next day & lost it when darn thing seized up again

bubba's mom

01-21-2008, 11:43 AM

..started next day & lost it when darn thing seized up again

ALWAYS back up while in progress....copy/paste to notepad and SAVE!! :thumbsup2

RVGal

01-21-2008, 11:52 AM

must admit we didn't stage the coral pic, didn't even notice it until tricia pointed it out.:rolleyes1 i do see it now though - ha

Hey, what are friends for?

shall get back to posting in the next day or so, still having issues with new computer despite a factory restore...started next day & lost it when darn thing seized up again

Ruh roh. I smell a hissy fit on the horizon...

keishashadow

01-21-2008, 12:03 PM

thought yinz guys "had my back";)

i'm too beat down to fight with Dell...it's on my list of things to do this week:cool2:

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 09:59 AM

now that both my bugs seem to have departed (computer & cold thang); i'm raring to go...

Never thought i'd ever visit Central America, let alone Honduras; it was subed for Costa Maya, who took the the brunt of the storm action this season & lost their pier (feel so bad for the folk, know that tourism keeps them fed:sad2: ).

Woke up early & went out to balcony to watch the sun finish rising:cloud9: ; watching land off in the distance (central america)...looked different - taller than the land we observed before??

Passed several oil tankers & what appeared to be platforms; finally hung a left;) and saw Honduras proper (the difference i notice on horizon was due to a major mountain range-ah-ha!).

Roatan looked nearly uninhabited, most pristine place i've ever seen:thumbsup2 DH said it was less techie/developed than haiti was; but much prettier.

The locals seemed very friendly, yet had an air of desperation/worry about them; as in they really needed the business.

Had to walk down a rough dirt/stone topped pier (soon to be updated); past many local policia. Nice thing we were on a ship tour, got to walk down the "secure" side. The tour operators were clustered around the other side ready to "spring". Many vans lined up for 1/2 miles or so on 2 lane road ready to spirt the tourists away.

We met our guide and hopped on the new fancy bus. Turns out he was a local celeb - rapper/hip hop artist who hoped to make it big in NY city. In between his tour info, he burst into song often - a hoot. Had all the gear on too, right proper homie (not exactly what i expected).

The island is a basically moutains surrounded by jungle & tiny strip of flat land where very rustic homes were located; then the 2 lane road right next to the ocean. The homes had no electricity, windows or running water. Only the public buildings, rich retirees had utility service - too expensive for most. The natives considered themselves blessed to be living in paradise. The island has been shut off from the mainland for years, unable to support the tide of refugees; enforced by patrol boats. Only those with a verified job are permitted to visit. No work, so no new residents other than retirees taking advantage of low cost of living.

view from our balcony, note the sole 2 electrical lines (one along the road, one up over the mountain-more about those later)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD006.jpg

band @ the pier
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC049.jpg
we were told this was one of the better dining establishments (because it had electricity)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC061.jpg
starting our ascent up over the mountain (via windy goat path:eek: ) into the rainforest; following the electrical line to the gated retiree enclave.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD016.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD018.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD019.jpg
on top of mt, ready to cross over to other side of island

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC078.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC143.jpghere's the enclave (see the power line lol)
we began our descent, talk about a white knuckel roller coaster ride - evidently they don't do speed limits:scared:

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 10:27 AM

We arrive @ Gumbalimba Park:thumbsup2
http://www.gumbalimbapark.com/
a good choice for us, had a bit of everything; best of all...

secure, only open to cruise ship passengers on port days; keeping facilities easy to navigate/almost an air of having a private facility - no hassles from outside vendors, beach was supposed to be great & free of the dreaded sand fleas...do u see where this is going lol?:rotfl:

1st up, nature lesson re the gumbalimba tree (never heard of it before, many purposes-some rather mystical;) )

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC088.jpg

interesting root (name i forget duh) that is dug up out of the ground (probably 20 X 10 ft or so & 3 feet thick. They just let it sit for a month & it grows beautiful cactus that they export:teacher:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC016.jpg

climbing up the 1st hill (pant-pant, already hot!); we enter Coxen's Cave, a replicated historial info site; covering history of island & it's namesake - Capt John Coxen-arrrgh matey!

here's what the island looks like
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD008.jpg
suffice to say, credited with wiping out the indigenous population, etc. the Spanish Conquistadors don't fare well here; although very PC
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD010.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC084.jpg
Capt Jack wasn't the "worst pirate-although you've heard of him..."; John Coxen gets that honor

evidently, chased out of the more popular pirate ports, into this backwater port. Did battle & stole another pirates treasure, losing his hand in the process & gaining a hook. Kept losing said treasure, since he was a drunk. Had to go & waylay passing ships to regain.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC090.jpg

notice the eye patch, didn't get it in battle:rolleyes1 ; one night while exceedingly wasted; he scratched his eye - with his hook....arrrgh, indeed.

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 10:48 AM

Started hearing, then seeing the zip-liners fly what seemed a foot or so over our heads to the platform. After seeing how hard some them hit the "helper"; DH & DS passed on that adventure. One peep wound up screaming upside down - all the way it appeared lol.

Across the rope bridge:woohoo: :scared1: have i mentioned my fear of heights?
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC098.jpg

Pushed my way to the front of the pack so i could sprint across before it started swaying...all i needed to hear was it only would hold 10 peeps @ a time & they better weight less than 200#. Spoiled the planned fun from DH & DS, was 1/2 way across before they started bouncing - naw-haw!

Explored the bird area, missed the instructions not to take flash pics of them:rolleyes1 . polly wanted to get me, check out those talons

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC094.jpg
on to the tame, nice birdies:laughing:
surpising heavy, sweet things
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC102.jpg
note DH holding his as far away from his neck that he could, was attached by one @ busch gardens williamsburg (evidently, though the mole on his neck was a treat; wound up bleeding like a stuck pig...CMs said not to worry, happens all the time:confused3 )
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC103.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC099.jpg
they kept picking the buttons off baseball hats-would return it to handler for a treat-smart birds.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC100.jpg

loribell

02-04-2008, 11:48 AM

Woo Hoo! Another great installment! You are so making me want to get on a crusie soon!

Now I gotta go back and check out those signs!

loribell

02-04-2008, 11:52 AM

:scared1: :eek: I totally forgot about the sign and never noticed the coral.

RVGal

02-04-2008, 12:14 PM

It is about TIME you got back to your report missy!

Do I detect a sand flea story on the horizon? :rolleyes1

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 12:24 PM

oh yeah...although i'm sure i've already mentioned it on the other thread lol

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 12:26 PM

:scared1: :eek: I totally forgot about the sign and never noticed the coral.

i'm bad to the bone;)

bubba's mom

02-04-2008, 02:33 PM

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC102.jpg

HEY!!! I KNOW you are NOT giving ME the bird http://bestsmileys.com/anxious/4.gif

:rotfl:

Seriously...looks like a good day...lotsa exercise for Janet :thumbsup2 Those countries are beautiful to visit, but DO rely heavily on tourism for $$. :sad2: Glad you are feeling better to do another day......

....when's the next? :rolleyes1

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 03:16 PM

i'm not 1/2 way this this one yet!:banana:

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 03:26 PM

About this time, very deep in the jungle, despite all the DDT we were drenched in - we started getting bit. Another round of the trusty SSS super duper whatever & they backed off - for a bit.

My favorite part:goodvibes monkeys (jr has an aversion to them - face your fears! it worked:thumbsup2 sorta) After we got done convincing him that the natives were friendly, we spotted this guy chained up in a tree. Evidently, that was the time out tree - he had taken a bite out of a tourist:eek:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD012.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC106.jpg
a little too up close & personal
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC115.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC108.jpg
he luved jr, kept trying to sit on his head
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC113.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC112.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC111.jpg
by end of visit, jr was ready to take his friend home...had to peel him off lol
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC114.jpg

bubba's mom

02-04-2008, 03:31 PM

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC115.jpg

gives new meaning to 'kiss my butt' eh? :rotfl2:

wow...didn't know you were swingin' with the monkeys..... how very kewl! Would you do again??

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 03:38 PM

traipsing back across the river & down the hill to the ocean:woohoo:

iguana #1 about 3-4 ft long

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC116.jpg
iguana #2 slightly smaller
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC117.jpg

cannot get this picture to size right - nuts - cool plant though
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC119-1.jpg

cactus, with a lovely cell phone tower in the rain forest:lmao: :confused3 bizzare (was nice to be able to call home on Cingular though lol)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD007.jpg

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 03:39 PM

gives new meaning to 'kiss my butt' eh? :rotfl2:

wow...didn't know you were swingin' with the monkeys..... how very kewl! Would you do again??

i am one with the monkees;)

RVGal

02-04-2008, 04:00 PM

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC115.jpg

Yes, nothing says good vaction time like a little monkey butt in the face. :thumbsup2

keishashadow

02-04-2008, 07:43 PM

hey, it was the 2nd best high-point of my trip (after tomorrow's recap;) )

you haven't lived until you've had a furry monkey butt...in your face (gives new meaning to the taunt lol)

perhaps TMI, but shockingly the monkey didn't smell @ all (i was figuring it'd be like the stinky zoo animals; that general gross smell waifting thru the air; but nooo:thumbsup2 )

he always tried to wrap his tail (with strong force -guess it's a carryover from swinging from the branches:confused3 ) around whatever part of your body he could find (arm, neck, head...) and jumped around very light & gracefully from one peep to the next and back as the mood struck him...very :cool1:

bubba's mom

02-04-2008, 10:57 PM

i am one with the monkees;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/barbpics/monkees66-promoSmall.jpg

:lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl:

bubba's mom

02-04-2008, 10:58 PM

cannot get this picture to size right - nuts - cool plant though
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC119-1.jpg

:eek: that IS a way kewl plant...what is it??

cactus, with a lovely cell phone tower in the rain forest:lmao: :confused3 bizzare (was nice to be able to call home on Cingular though lol)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD007.jpg

:lmao: still pretty lookin tho :thumbsup2

(who'd you call....Ma?) :rolleyes1

loribell

02-04-2008, 11:25 PM

Butt face...I mean monkey butt...oh never mind.

Great pics Janet!

bubba's mom

02-04-2008, 11:40 PM

Butt face...I mean monkey butt...oh never mind.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

RVGal

02-05-2008, 10:28 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/barbpics/monkees66-promoSmall.jpg

:lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Perfect!

I had such a crush on one of those guys when I was young(er). :rolleyes:

bubba's mom

02-05-2008, 11:00 AM

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Perfect!

I had such a crush on one of those guys when I was young(er). :rolleyes:

the one with the hat...right? ;)

loribell

02-05-2008, 11:37 AM

the one with the hat...right? ;)

Oh yeah I want to know which one too!

RVGal

02-05-2008, 12:02 PM

the one with the hat...right? ;)

Yeah. Michael Nesmith. :blush:

How did you know? :scratchin

keishashadow

02-05-2008, 12:30 PM

Yeah. Michael Nesmith. :blush:

How did you know? :scratchin

dija know that he is filthy rich (pre-monkee days); his mom invented white out.:thumbsup2 i kick butt on trivial pursuit:banana:

loribell

02-05-2008, 02:47 PM

dija know that he is filthy rich (pre-monkee days); his mom invented white out.:thumbsup2 i kick butt on trivial pursuit:banana:

Yep, I knew that.

bubba's mom

02-05-2008, 03:32 PM

Yeah. Michael Nesmith. :blush:

How did you know? :scratchin

:confused3 guessed? Went with the 'tallest' one :confused3

dija know that he is filthy rich (pre-monkee days); his mom invented white out.:thumbsup2 i kick butt on trivial pursuit:banana:

Yep, I knew that.

okay...you guys are scarin' me :scared:

loribell

02-05-2008, 04:28 PM

:confused3 guessed? Went with the 'tallest' one :confused3

okay...you guys are scarin' me :scared:

You mean you didn't know that amazing piece of totally useful information?

bubba's mom

02-05-2008, 04:44 PM

You mean you didn't know that amazing piece of totally useful information?

:sad2: why would I? :confused3

keishashadow

02-05-2008, 05:32 PM

:sad2: why would I? :confused3

never know when an amazing piece of trivia will save ur butt:teacher:

i've won money - in bars playing trivia machines

won a prize on the DCL Wonder too in contest (picture frames)

loribell

02-05-2008, 10:09 PM

I actually have no idea how I know it. I just do. You know it is one of those things I could probably wipe from my mind to make room for something more useful.

keishashadow

02-06-2008, 08:06 AM

I actually have no idea how I know it. I just do. You know it is one of those things I could probably wipe from my mind to make room for something more useful.
that's my theory too:rotfl: , only so much space!

keishashadow

02-06-2008, 09:40 AM

Okay, we storm the beach!

nearly deserted:woohoo:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC123.jpg

note the lack of vendors:banana: ; although there was a woman giving foot massages that promised nirvana lol

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC133.jpg

huge fresh water pool, always nice after a dip in the ocean!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC139.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC135.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC137.jpg
we finally found a place where corona's were cheaper than bottled water...DH planted himself (not as much of a waterdog as me); and proceeded to support the local economy.

check out mr scratching (ps you can see the zip line over his right shoulder, final resting place lol)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC126.jpg
Didn't notice it at the time, sure did when he got back to the ship later than night - 52 confirmed bites (sand fleas)...jr-none, me - only 2. One under armpit near where your bathing suit top would hit & one on my foot. I felt very smug, fates punished me for it later:rotfl:

keishashadow

02-06-2008, 09:48 AM

Sad to leave Gumbalimba, nice/secure way to experience the island, via crusing.

As mentioned earlier it was a very poor country; yet the people were kind & pleasant. Even at the shopping area we explored before boarding the ship was there was an air of respectfulness/pride. Non of the clawing, begging business you find at other destinations. I picked up a few well, made local knick-knacks-charming.

will say though that i don't think i'd have slept easy on the island that night, the poverty was so extreme; not sure what people can be driven to in order to survive...sad. Although the people I spoke to all felt blessed to be living on the island, not on the mainland where things are much worse economically.

Hopefully, the island will become a popular attraction & elevate their standard of living; without spoiling it's beauty...tuff balance to achieve.

sat on balcony watching the ship pull away

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC125.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC132.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC124.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC118.jpgjust wanted to post 2 different pics (one sunset mode, one normal) taken on my camera - a fuji finepix that i don't know how i ever lived without lol...sound like an advertisement. DH has one of the hybrid SLR/manual fujis with all the lenses, etc. I just can't be bothered - nor see the small image on the camera without my reading glasses. Picked this up in the summer @ what i thought was a great price (it has dropped over $100 since...anyone looking for a great slim camera under $150, check 'er out)

bubba's mom

02-06-2008, 10:37 AM

LOVE the hair in the ocean and pool! ;) Looks so warm, refreshing and beautiful.... How did your DH get so bitten and you and Jr. not so much?? Is he sweeter than you all?? :rolleyes1 Loved the sunset pix...didn't know cameras came with a 'function' for it :confused3

loribell

02-06-2008, 10:46 AM

bubba's mom

02-06-2008, 10:48 AM

Barb - I would bet it is because theyspent more time in the water and he spent more supporting the local economy.

yeah...good point. When you spend more time on the SAND and not in the water...makes sense...... I'm actually impressed they counted them all :confused3

keishashadow

02-06-2008, 02:16 PM

Great pics Janet. What a beautiful place. Lets hope it can get some help but not get ruined.

Barb - I would bet it is because theyspent more time in the water and he spent more supporting the local economy.
bingo!;)

think he was in the brink for all of 5 minutes, he had to drag us out

barb - oh he def. is the nice one:lovestruc i'm the enforcer as he so loving calls me-ha!

i made a point of counting said bug bites because he wouldn't let me spray him a 2nd time with the anti-flag stuff, just to make my point that he should listen next time...i'm still not hearing the end of it (to be revealed later - i'm such a tease lol)

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 07:15 PM

Finally, the focus of the trip, Xunantunich, Belize:woohoo:

We had originally booked the cruise with the intention of visiting Chacchoben in Costa Maya; unfortunately storm season whiped out their pier so we had to cancel our cave tubing plans in Belize in order to see Mayan ruins.

Not sure why, it's always been on my short list; and DS was studying it and the rainforest in school; so i was a perfect match.

Another tender port, waaaaaay far out; almost 1/2 hour. We were on an 8 hour Carnival excursion and were instructed to meet in the showroom to get our sticker to be 1st off the boat. We were greeted by a mad-house; oh the wails of those without the golden tixs to get ashore:rolleyes1 Felt like we were fighting our way off the titanic...what part of "unless you have a sticker with #3 on it, you cannot board" did they not understand?:confused3 finally, onboard the double decker tender
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise007.jpg
i picked up some sodas while the guys stood in line @ the port. Evidently, Carnival overbooked the excursion:scared1: . Got stuck on the 2nd bus, with a horseback riding excursion; while the main group (complete with cruise director, videographer,etc. pulled away).

On our way driving into town, out that way is the fantastic cays/snorkeling is located. belize mainland doesn't have beaches, just this
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise009.jpg
very unattractive place, oppressive:sad2: ; think the pics you've seen of 3rd world dictatorships & you'll get the gist.

Five minutes into trip, guide is overcome & loses his voice:rolleyes1 ; we get his assistant who had very heavy accent/couldn't understand her. The other guide (horseback riding one, just laughed and said we'd get used to it?)

Ten minutes later, we head back to port; evidently; a large group was left behind...finally, they are located; shopping in the port. Rounded up; they board the bus not contrite at all:headache: ; and away we go again.

Interesting facts about Belize:

1) 3 traffic lights in the whole country, 1 is broke

2) all public & residential buildings have iron gratings over the windows (to keep out the storm damage -ha!)

3) all residences outside the city's checkpoint have 8 foot fences, either electrified or covered in razor wire (to keep the chickens in - ha-ha!)

4) Belize was turned over to the native population by the British after they stripped all natural resources they could, including all the mahogany trees.

5) Many armed checkpoints on the roads, many groups of prisioners escorted by said armed guards.

6) Belize is involved in a long-standing border dispute with Guatemala; we were cautioned not to go near the tree line once @ mayan site; kidnappings for ransom evidently very popular:scared1: ...also, jaguars liked to drag off the tourists too since we weren't armed.:eek: wah! the bus drivers were double wah!

toto, we're not in kansas anymore:upsidedow

loribell

02-11-2008, 07:21 PM

Oh my! You just changed my mind. I no longer want to visit the place.

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 07:37 PM

It was supposed to be a 2 hour drive to the mayan site, we had already lost a good 20 minutes.:headache:

no matter, the replacement guide regaled us with her never ending off color humor. She was challenged by another guest; who was told that it's part of their Cajun/Creole culture?

mts in the distance

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise006.jpg
Horsey-guide started with the vapors, loudly whining she was ready to faint, the bus was too hot WTH? bus was just fine. Amazingly, we found a bar/gift shop to stop at minutes away and "rest" while a replacement bus was summoned...it was called Cheers!

hey, look! i'm happy @ Cheers!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise012.jpg
DH is standing underneath the tshirts left behind...by the garrisons of soilders that guard against someone or something TBD.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise011.jpg
cooled our heels for over an hour, most of the bus started pounding belkian beer...lil early for me when i knew we'd be climing pyramids.

We waited nearly an hour for the replacment bus, finally they radioed as to it's location...it had passed us by and was @ the next bar up the road. Here is it's picture
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise010.jpg

Once settled in the the replacement bus, i questioned our guide as to how we were going to be able to tour Xunantunich for 2 hours (as specified in excursion description) with all these extra stops. She assured me we'd have plenty of time and wouldn't be late back to the ship.:cool2:

After another detour, dropping off the horseback tour peeps, we finally proceeded to the site. Upon arrival, we had a preliminary, unwanted, shopping stop at the onsite gift shops.

here's the hand-cranked ferry that you must cross to start the long climb up the mt (we took a mini van)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise015.jpg

river that claimed one poor guy's camera
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise014.jpg
looked like hard work
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB006.jpg

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 07:38 PM

Oh my! You just changed my mind. I no longer want to visit the place.
you haven't read anything yet lol

however, it was one of the high points of my life:cloud9:

despite the BS

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 07:54 PM

have i mentioned that it was hot, hot, hot & humid...believe they said 110...you could see the rays of the sun (as evidenced in later pics-very strange)

learned to look for shade, waiting for the mini van; checkout the hillside

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB007.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise018.jpg
remember the 4 ft iguanas in Roatan, this once had to be at least 10 feet long & he was red
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB035.jpg
another one, smaller, moved surprisingly fast, up a tree

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise048.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise052.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise046.jpg

it's the rain forest, even the ants know better to try & build nests in the ground (they'd be flooded out); they live in trees - see the nest in upper left quadrant and bottom right (looks like bee hives?)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise071.jpg
ok, our turn to get on the bus, up to...

another gift shop area:mad: (#3 if you're counting)

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 08:11 PM

Okay, 1st minor sighting
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB009.jpg
had our choice of these steps or pathway, took the pathway to site

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB012.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise023.jpg
another shorter set of steps we did take to tabletop of site
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise031.jpg
bit of history here on the site:

Xunantunich is dated to 200 - 900 AD; located 80 miles from Belize City (port). One squre mile in diameter, 6 plazas with 26 temples and palaces. It is still being excavated today. The tallest pyramid is El Castillo, 130 ft; 2nd tallest structure in country; as the site sits upon a mt, it is the highest spot in the country; you can easily see guatemala a mile or so away. Thought to be occupied for 1,500 years, damaged by earthquake; believe it's why the occupants moved away.

our 1st sight of Xunantunich:woohoo: after huffing & puffing up the hill, El Castillo is in the far background.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise024.jpg
funny thing is you could hear the whirring noise of weed wackers & lawn mowers, evidently - they must cut the grass daily or the jungle will reclaim the site.

much more next!

loribell

02-11-2008, 08:19 PM

It is absolutely beautiful. I m so glad you went for me and brought back pics. I can not believe what all you have been through so far!

AlexandNessa

02-11-2008, 08:26 PM

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 08:26 PM

It is absolutely beautiful. I m so glad you went for me and brought back pics. I can not believe what all you have been through so far!
aw, thanks; despite all the hurdles it was amazing...just could've been even more so...the guides reminded me of the worst "city hustlers" you could imagine...so different from people in Roatan we met; ver sad.

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 08:28 PM

I knew I liked your hubby! :thumbsup2

Sorry about the bug bites though ... perhaps some Monkey Butt Juice would've helped his cause since you only had 2 bites?

:rotfl: :lmao: think you're on to something! However, mine was a dinger of one, just got reimbursed by my trip insurance carrier today for the medical bill:rolleyes1 details later - i'm turning into such a teasepopcorn::

ps i'm somewhat of an expert on Coronas...these tasted different, stronger?

AlexandNessa

02-11-2008, 08:33 PM

keishashadow

02-11-2008, 08:38 PM

Goodness! I am surprised Carnival let you guys off the ship ... I have heard of cruiseships canceling ports due to violence. In fact, my folks were on a Carnival cruise where they canceled a stop at Columbia because of an upswing of crimes against Americans there. I am glad you came back safe and sound!

oh, i wouldn't be surprised to think that they were having a spot of fun with us...scare us just enough to keep us in line from bailing from the excursion...as if there was any other transportation to take back to the ship lol.

believe it's why the guides carried visible handguns and a shotgun in the bus, the drivers where very tuff looking dudes, reminded me of professional wrestlers.

most of the other residents were very thin and the mayan people (ferry driver, squat)

RVGal

02-11-2008, 09:32 PM

toto, we're not in kansas anymore:upsidedow

You can say that again!

You get that false sense of security when you are on a "tour"... then they throw that stuff at you. :scared1:

have i mentioned that it was hot, hot, hot & humid...believe they said 110...

ok, our turn to get on the bus, up to...

another gift shop area:mad: (#3 if you're counting)

110 plus humid = :eek: :scared1: :headache:

And, hey, they don't want to miss an opportunity to let you spend some money on souvenirs. Or another opportunity. Or another. :confused3 :headache:

keishashadow

02-12-2008, 11:28 AM

yep, an interesting quote by guide coming up as to buying souvie's:rolleyes:

looking @ all the snow here today, i'd rather be there right now -heat/humidity/vendors;)

JawsCPA

02-13-2008, 06:39 AM

Janet - enjoying your trippie and your pics. Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure.

keishashadow

02-13-2008, 08:54 AM

Janet - enjoying your trippie and your pics. Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure.

yep, feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to do it, despite all my drama;) it was excellent.

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 10:41 AM

okay here we go:banana:
take note, it's not on a hill, they didn't excavate it all yet...ergo the grassy knoll to the left & right
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD031.jpg

as mentioned before very hot, urged to stay in shade as long as possible:confused3 so we hung out under the trees while we got a very quick recap
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD029.jpg
where i am standing, this area is behind me...it's where the people lived...evidently, 4 other plazas & temples to explore (we ran out of time)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD028.jpg
we were standing beside this temple
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD035.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 10:44 AM

how hot was the sun...

art teacher picked this one of DSs for a show
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD037.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD026.jpg
do you see the rainbow above the peeps heads?
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD034.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD033.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD038.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 10:50 AM

Getting ready to climb
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB018.jpg
DH led the way
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise044.jpg

yes, they were steep & narrow
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB019.jpg
2nd level
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB020.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB021.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:07 AM

3rd level
view
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB024.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB022.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise051.jpg
unrestored frieze on next level
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD043.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise054.jpg
i made it past where the ladies were standing, up the steps past where DS is standing on...then you can see that they turn/get smaller...I bailed:rolleyes1
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise057.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:12 AM

the next level, the guys walked thru this door
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD047.jpg
then thru this area
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD041.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD039.jpg

i checked out the restored freize on other side of pyramid

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD046.jpg
not dirt, the unexcavated top of #3 area, evidently; certain areas are fragile & they've been imploding/effectively destroying what's underneath...it seems the pyramid is a series of improvements over centuries - one built ontop of the other.

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:24 AM

view from the top
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB028.jpg
guatemala
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB026.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB030.jpg
no railings
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB027.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:29 AM

my "chicken" footpath:rolleyes1 , it was very narrow-i was hugging the wall something fierce
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise061.jpg
more of unrestored frieze
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise065.jpg
ta-da!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise068.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise069.jpg
back down (yea for the railing)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise074.jpg

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:32 AM

one more temple 1/2 excavated
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise038.jpg
shrine area
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise077.jpg
ballcourt is back around the corner to the right lol (that i was forbidden to waste any time viewing)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise075.jpg

can't bring myself to whine much more about the shortened excursion, especially since i've been fully reimbursed by Chase:thumbsup2

quick recap:

*3 more gift shop stops (one where i was told not to be "selfish...the locals depend on the tourists to survive...":rolleyes1

*turned down meal @ 5* resort...it was their local delicacy...

4 legged chicken...remember the iguanas?popcorn:: :faint:

loribell

02-20-2008, 11:38 AM

ohttp://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise038.jpgne more temple, 1/2 excavated
can't bring myself to whine much more about the shortened excursion, especially since i've been fully reimbursed by Chase:thumbsup2

quick recap:

*3 more gift shop stops (one where i was told not to be "selfish...the locals depend on the tourists to survive...":rolleyes1

*turned down meal @ 5* resort...it was their local delicacy...

4 legged chicken...remember the iguanas?popcorn:: :faint:

Great pics Janet. I saw the rainbow! I would have bailed too and made my babies do the same. Glad you did it so I could see it cause I won't be doing it myself.

Amazing the guides had the nerve to say something like that. And iguana????????????????? YUCK!

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 11:53 AM

Great pics Janet. I saw the rainbow! I would have bailed too and made my babies do the same. Glad you did it so I could see it cause I won't be doing it myself.

Amazing the guides had the nerve to say something like that. And iguana????????????????? YUCK!

thanks, we want to tour the big site in Progresso & Chaccoben (if Playa Mia ever gets their pier fixed)

guides kept saying, it tasted like chicken...the universal lie:rotfl:

those that tried it, didn't get thru more than a bite...then ordered (oop-natch:rolleyes1 ) on the regular menu...hamburgers (probably iguana burgers lol). We had mt. dew; i'm never hungry when it's so hot & humid anyway...add in the large breakfast aboard ship & certainly good to go for hours.

bubba's mom

02-20-2008, 06:47 PM

those are really kewl pix :thumbsup2 Looks like a lot of 'exercising' disguised real well :rolleyes1 Looks like a place that's kewl to see once, but then you're good to go after that..... I would have been freaking out with the narrow path also :eek: Amazing view :goodvibes

I look at your pix and think of the pyramids in Egypt and it amazes me the hands on workmanship of these wonders..... :rolleyes: Built without machines and tools...amazing :rolleyes:

I'm enjoying your report.... oh..and loved the hat! :thumbsup2

keishashadow

02-20-2008, 06:58 PM

barb - that's my jungle hat;) i use it for fishing & amusement parks when it rains (waterproof); thought it would be a good idea in the sun-glad i had it with me...the boys heads were hot by the end of the excursion

only part i had trouble with was the really steep climb up the the plaza/actual site; couple mile hill combined with the humidity (DH took my hand & sorta drug me along the last 100 yards or so lol)...felt like i was breathing thru a sponge. Oddly, easier to breath once out of the jungle & on the open plain:confused3

we're big into history, especially ancient sites, etc....i'll be back:wizard:

RVGal

02-21-2008, 08:38 AM

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise054.jpg
i made it past where the ladies were standing, up the steps past where DS is standing on...then you can see that they turn/get smaller...I bailed:rolleyes1
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise057.jpg

I'm guessing there were no building codes or inspections a few thousand years ago, so I can understand bailing. :rolleyes1

i checked out the restored freize on other side of pyramid

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseD046.jpg
not dirt, the unexcavated top of #3 area, evidently; certain areas are fragile & they've been imploding/effectively destroying what's underneath...it seems the pyramid is a series of improvements over centuries - one built ontop of the other.

I think the freize is lovely. You made a good choice. :thumbsup2

And how sad that some of the areas were destroyed. Of course, you couldn't see any of it if they left it buried.

no railings
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseB027.jpg

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Makes my head spin just to look at that!

shrine area
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise077.jpg

Is he making an offering? :laughing:

quick recap:

*3 more gift shop stops (one where i was told not to be "selfish...the locals depend on the tourists to survive...":rolleyes1

*turned down meal @ 5* resort...it was their local delicacy...

4 legged chicken...remember the iguanas?popcorn:: :faint:

I can understand mentioning, politely, that the local economy depends on tourism for support. Being told I was "selfish" if I didn't buy something at every shop they dragged me to? Uh-uh. I wouldn't have even gotten off the bus and I'd have told them why.

And Iguana? Ewwwww. I believe I would have passed on all meat-related meals. Bring me a sealed bag of mass-produced and inspected potato chips or I'll just skip it, thanks.

keishashadow

02-21-2008, 09:39 AM

glad i wasn't up on the very top, would've grabbed jrs hand to make sure he didn't fall off:scared1: or the base crumble, etc...wonder how many touristas they lose every year?

they have such a low standard of living i guess they think all the tourists are loaded...little do they know we scrimped & saved to be able to visit.

funny thing, i felt positively svelte compared to the other peeps onboard/on excursion:rolleyes1 ; while all the people we saw looked like they could use a good meal. I got something along the line of i was loco refusing the grub since the locals are lucky if they get to eat meat (including the iguana delicacy) once a week.

if i wasn't sure the guide could've whupped my butt (and the fact that she had a weapon) i would've bonked her over the head around the twentieth time she referred to the excursion group as "gringos"

def. treated in a disrespectful manner, another person did challenge & was told it was just their "way of kidding around"...think the key to getting in the right frame of mind was to keep drinking the belkin beer; which i skipped-afraid to fall off the pyramids. I did indulge in a few drinks that evening though.:goodvibes

keishashadow

03-07-2008, 07:02 PM

i shall return;) didn't want to get lost before i finished:goodvibes

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:16 PM

As mentioned earlier, we were surprised by the caliber of food on the Legend in the Dining Room:thumbsup2since we only had Disney Wonder's to compare it to...not quite up to their standard; still edible/above average.

The servers who had not impressed us on the 1st night, def kicked it up a notch as the cruise progressed and kept us entertained. Jr. became part of the nightly show and learned several magic tricks from the assistant. Funny thing is, my son is very quiet & reserved; we were amazed as to his participation and enjoyment of the activities.:goodvibes

doing the macarena
[/IMG]
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC044.jpg
YMCA
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise117.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise112.jpg

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:18 PM

holiday gingerbread village
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise120.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise123.jpg

loribell

04-07-2008, 12:24 PM

A month! You made us wait a month!

Just kidding! Jr. looks like he is having fun! That is great.

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:27 PM

stage shows def. left something to be desired:rolleyes1

cruise director during blues bros show
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise029.jpg

"classical" tunes on the piano (above the bar) in the atrium during cocktail/dinner hour
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise026.jpg
elevators
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruiseC012.jpg

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:27 PM

A month! You made us wait a month!

Just kidding! Jr. looks like he is having fun! That is great.
:guilty: i'm a slacker:lmao:

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:37 PM

starting to lose track of the days:cool1: ; felt flu-ish last night. Figured it was just being worn out from all the activity in Belize, and that fact that i over indulged after dinner:rolleyes1 . Work up today feeling even worse. As I underdressed my bathing suit I discovered an angry looking bug bite low on my arm pit, evidently one of the sand fleas had gotten me after all. Put antibiotic on it and didn't give it another thought.

land-ho:banana: we luved Cozumel:dance3:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise050.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise104.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise109.jpg
other ships in port
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise111.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise115.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise102.jpgdock

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:42 PM

sub tours
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise033.jpg
they pack the ships in tight, we were on the 'overflow/smaller pier' further south from main area...still more shops than you could want
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise095.jpg
check out the dude in construction work boots:confused3
ship next door
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise030.jpg

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:48 PM

DH got to pick the excursion today, 1st time ever we did an all inclusive park your duff on the beach & get loaded:cool1: ; we'll be back!

Settled on Playa Mia, so much to do; we didn't...do it all
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise034.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise043.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise060.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise072.jpg

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:51 PM

sun was shining, drinks weren't watered down:cloud9:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise078.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise037.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise067.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise081.jpgnote DH is backed up on a beer & not 1/2 thru the one in his hand, the waiter hustled!
i will say the seats were had to get into and even harder to get back out of, especially after a few beverages lol

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:55 PM

Lots of room, they only sell X number of passes & did i mention XX beer;) , wonder who bottles that?

rock climbing wall
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise062.jpg

we had a great lunch in giant tent, erected after hurricane swept away one of those nice thatched ones.

while eating, we could hear a weird sort of roar of the crowd...the party boat excursion was arrived for lunch!:scared1: We thought they'd be wild & crazy guys...nope, most so blasted they just slumped down in the 1st empty chair they found & slept:lmao:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise076.jpg

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 12:59 PM

Activities we participated in:

kayak - DS & DH

water trampoline & iceburg climbing

paddle boat, not as easy as it looks in open water/shore line...we went way out to reef
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise089.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise093.jpg
they had an underwater tour of miniature mexican icons; we skipped the snorkeling here-rocky beach in that area

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 01:07 PM

Sadly, soon time to depart with group, would just book ourselves & stay longer; although I was woozy @ this point:confused3 and felt feverish.

Shopped a bit, then back on board; jonesing for ice cream

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise101.jpg
pullling away
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise097.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise099.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise098.jpg
When i changed my bathing suit I found that the bug bite was now the size of a baseball, hot & red...off to the ship's medical i go. So glad we bought trip insurance!!!!!!! Although we had to pay up front since we didn't buy Carnival's insurance, CSA reimbursed me within a month:goodvibes . I was diagnosed with a massive infection & given antibiotics (which they tried to charge me $700 for:sad2: )...i beached; they acquiesed & total bill came to approx $300. I'd like to think it was an honest mistake not an attempt @ a shakedown.:confused3 Came home & felt sick for a week; finally better. Dr. said you never know what sort of bug you'll run into in rain forest & what they may carry. Think it'll def be awhile before we return to visit one; glad it wasn't worse.:thumbsup2

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 01:15 PM

Took it easy the last day, sunning on a rather blustery top deck:goodvibes

misc pics, thanks for reading!

DH after polishing off bottle of wine from RPH
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise134.jpg
gingy helped
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise132.jpg
last night, feeling bleeechy, i could've just slept in the cabin instead of doing dinner; glad i went - fun wrap up
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise124.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise125.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/LegendCruise127.jpgjust monkeying around!

bubba's mom

04-07-2008, 02:40 PM

Cozumel looks absolutley PERFECT!!! I can see why you wouldn't want to leave..... Those chairs on the beach LOOK comfy...I know you said pia to get out of, but once IN them, are they comfy??

I also noticed a lot "white & pink" people there.... :rolleyes1 while YOU look like a bronze goddess :goodvibes

Even I am eyeing up the climbing iceberg and water trampoline :rolleyes1 Too bad DCL doesn't have something like that....all the kids would really have a great time with something like that!!!

Looked like JR was having a ball....future in entertainment maybe :rolleyes1 Who'd thought your quiet little (NOT!) boy would love hammin' it up for the folks?!?!

Did you not have your beds pushed together on the ship? Doesn't look like 1 bed you are sittin' on? :confused3 (Then again, if i could have the bed to myself for just one night.... :scratchin )

Thanks for sharing your pix and your trip....love to live my adventures thru others......

Just think :idea: only 3 months to go till your NEXT trippie! :lmao:

RVGal

04-07-2008, 03:22 PM

Cdn Friends of Pooh

04-07-2008, 04:34 PM

Thoroughly enjoyed your TR ... makes me want to go on a cruise ... or at least be somewhere where I can sit on a beach and have a nice cold beverage!!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/lblambert/DisBoard/beach.gif

keishashadow

04-07-2008, 05:20 PM

What a vacation!

Loved the pic of your DH after the bottle of wine. :rotfl:

Gingy looked like he was having a good time too.

Who knows what gets into our kids. One minute, shy and won't talk to anyone... the next, life of the party. Looks like your DS had a wonderful trip too.

And the chairs? Yeah, I'm thinking anything that involved you getting up off the ground (because, basically, that's where you were) after a few drinks would be a challenge. At my age, I don't even need the drinks for it to be a challenge.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! :goodvibes
i'm sure i was scrambling sideways like a crab:rotfl:

Cozumel looks absolutley PERFECT!!! I can see why you wouldn't want to leave..... Those chairs on the beach LOOK comfy...I know you said pia to get out of, but once IN them, are they comfy??

I also noticed a lot "white & pink" people there.... :rolleyes1 while YOU look like a bronze goddess :goodvibes

Even I am eyeing up the climbing iceberg and water trampoline :rolleyes1 Too bad DCL doesn't have something like that....all the kids would really have a great time with something like that!!!

Looked like JR was having a ball....future in entertainment maybe :rolleyes1 Who'd thought your quiet little (NOT!) boy would love hammin' it up for the folks?!?!

Did you not have your beds pushed together on the ship? Doesn't look like 1 bed you are sittin' on? :confused3 (Then again, if i could have the bed to myself for just one night.... :scratchin )

Thanks for sharing your pix and your trip....love to live my adventures thru others......

Just think :idea: only 3 months to go till your NEXT trippie! :lmao:
note to self - take notes:thumbsup2 the 2 twin beds were pushed together, you just can't see it from all the luggage on it that I was packing

jr is quite the entertainer in a formal setting/chorus, band, etc.; just never figured him for doing the conga line thru the dining room. Of course, my oldest DSs are know for being the life of the party "think lampshade on head"...anything for a joke types.

bonny - it's looking pretty good to me about now:idea:

thanks to all who patiently waited for the end of story.:goodvibes