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14-night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise (May 14-28, 2011) Lots of pics! COMPLETED 9/8
- Thread starter KevieKev05
- Start date
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 8 - May 21st, 2011 - Day At Sea #6
I look at the clock and its about 11:00. Wow! Another day of sleeping in fairly late! I crawl out of bed and start to get ready for the day. Unfortunately my scratchy throat got worse, so I knew it was time for me to pop pills every 4 hours! I wasnt going to let it get the best of me!
As we were getting ready, I decided to snap a picture of our voyage across the Atlantic! Were almost there!!!
At about 12:15, the four of us head up to Topsider for lunch. The theme today was Tex-Mex. We actually didnt know that until pretty much after we ate. As we were eating, we werent too excited about the meal though. (I guess we learned our lesson...check the board outside to see the theme before going inside!) Anyway, heres my scrumptious plate of food:
I just HAD to take a picture of this section of the dessert area:
I was amused by the fact that for the Jell-O it said Jelly and then the brownie wasnt just any ol brownie...it was an American Brownie! Hahaha...its the little things in life that amuse me I guess!
After spending 30 minutes in Topsider, we went down to the Promenade Lounge for...wait for it...more Phase 10! While in there, they were having a tote bag making session and a Spanish class. After a few hands of Phase 10, we decided to get the drink of the day! Todays drink? Land Ahoy! How fitting...we would be on land again the next day! We werent sure what was in the drink, so we asked before getting it. The drink consisted of tequila, Chambord, orange juice, pineapple juice, and Sprite. I dont enjoy tequila, so Im not sure why I got this drink, haha.
At about 3:15, Mom and James head to Rockin Bar D for Mega Jackpot Bingo (oh boy...knowing our streak, Im not sure if this was going to be a good idea...) and Dad and I go to our rooms to drop stuff off before our beer tasting! (Happy Belated Birthday, Dad!)
On our way to Diversions for the tasting, we stop by Rockin Bar D to wish Mom and James luck. At 3:45, we entered Diversions and grabbed a seat. There were only 8 place settings! At 4:00, the bartenders begin, and invite us to come up to the bar for a more intimate experience (since there were truly only 8 of us in the tasting, and after we started, 2 more joined). The tasting consisted of 5 different beers: Stella Artois, Sam Adams Boston Lager, New Castle, Blue Moon, and Guinness. I really enjoyed this tasting, and Dad did too. I hadnt experienced much beer before this, so I was loving deciding what was more my cup of tea by doing this tasting. I hadnt had this much beer before, so I was definitely feeling quite good by the end. And, though I really didnt enjoy some of the beers, I sure did drink every last drop! At the end, they were refilling glasses from the left over open cans they used. So, I got a refill of the Sam Adams (dont remember what extra one Dad got). Ok...enough description of the tasting...how about some pictures!
The bartender showed how you could do half and half with beers! This is Guinness on the bottom and dont remember whats on top. Im also sure this had a term or name, but of course I dont remember that either:
The whole tasting lasted about 45 minutes. Once again, I REALLY enjoyed this tasting. The bartenders were phenomenal and I learned a lot of fun information! As were were finishing up, I was definitely feeling REALLY good (I mean, I had 6 glasses full in that time frame) and Mom and James entered as their Bingo fun had ended. Guess what? They didnt win a thing. Boo!
Standing up from the bar to leave was quite humorous. We decided getting some food in our system would be wise. So, up to the top deck we went! We got pizza, burgers, and chicken fingers, and kinda just ate a culmination of that to help soak up the alcohol. Afterwards, we go to our favorite spot: the Promenade Lounge! At this point, its about 5:30. We play some Phase 10, listen to Midtown, and spend a few minutes on the Internet checking our e-mail. Once 6:45 rolls around, we decide to head back to the room to start getting ready for tonights semi-formal dinner!
At 8:10, were on our way downstairs to Parrot Cay for the Transatlantic dinner. Just before 8:30, the doors open up and off to our table we go!
The menu:
Cheese and bacon tartlet:
Crab legs:
James Asian salad:
Marianne posing for us:
Mushroom pasta with chicken:
LOBSTER!:
Pork:
Dessert menu:
Mom didnt like the dessert choices, so Marianne brought out a Mickey Bar!:
Dads butter pecan sundae:
My cannoli (YUM!):
James trio:
At about 9:45, we were leaving the restaurant and heading back to the room.
Tomorrow, we would be in Funchal, Madeira! LAND! So, we needed to make sure we were well rested (especially since we were going to be up early)! By 11:00, the TV was off, our breakfast room service selection was hanging on the door, and the lights were off! We were all VERY excited for our first European port! Just a fair warning before the next installment: there will be LOTS and LOTS of pictures! I apologize in advance. I just wanted you to be prepared! I mean, come on...how could I not take a bazillion pictures?! You have been warned...
I look at the clock and its about 11:00. Wow! Another day of sleeping in fairly late! I crawl out of bed and start to get ready for the day. Unfortunately my scratchy throat got worse, so I knew it was time for me to pop pills every 4 hours! I wasnt going to let it get the best of me!
As we were getting ready, I decided to snap a picture of our voyage across the Atlantic! Were almost there!!!
At about 12:15, the four of us head up to Topsider for lunch. The theme today was Tex-Mex. We actually didnt know that until pretty much after we ate. As we were eating, we werent too excited about the meal though. (I guess we learned our lesson...check the board outside to see the theme before going inside!) Anyway, heres my scrumptious plate of food:
I just HAD to take a picture of this section of the dessert area:
I was amused by the fact that for the Jell-O it said Jelly and then the brownie wasnt just any ol brownie...it was an American Brownie! Hahaha...its the little things in life that amuse me I guess!
After spending 30 minutes in Topsider, we went down to the Promenade Lounge for...wait for it...more Phase 10! While in there, they were having a tote bag making session and a Spanish class. After a few hands of Phase 10, we decided to get the drink of the day! Todays drink? Land Ahoy! How fitting...we would be on land again the next day! We werent sure what was in the drink, so we asked before getting it. The drink consisted of tequila, Chambord, orange juice, pineapple juice, and Sprite. I dont enjoy tequila, so Im not sure why I got this drink, haha.
At about 3:15, Mom and James head to Rockin Bar D for Mega Jackpot Bingo (oh boy...knowing our streak, Im not sure if this was going to be a good idea...) and Dad and I go to our rooms to drop stuff off before our beer tasting! (Happy Belated Birthday, Dad!)
On our way to Diversions for the tasting, we stop by Rockin Bar D to wish Mom and James luck. At 3:45, we entered Diversions and grabbed a seat. There were only 8 place settings! At 4:00, the bartenders begin, and invite us to come up to the bar for a more intimate experience (since there were truly only 8 of us in the tasting, and after we started, 2 more joined). The tasting consisted of 5 different beers: Stella Artois, Sam Adams Boston Lager, New Castle, Blue Moon, and Guinness. I really enjoyed this tasting, and Dad did too. I hadnt experienced much beer before this, so I was loving deciding what was more my cup of tea by doing this tasting. I hadnt had this much beer before, so I was definitely feeling quite good by the end. And, though I really didnt enjoy some of the beers, I sure did drink every last drop! At the end, they were refilling glasses from the left over open cans they used. So, I got a refill of the Sam Adams (dont remember what extra one Dad got). Ok...enough description of the tasting...how about some pictures!
The bartender showed how you could do half and half with beers! This is Guinness on the bottom and dont remember whats on top. Im also sure this had a term or name, but of course I dont remember that either:
The whole tasting lasted about 45 minutes. Once again, I REALLY enjoyed this tasting. The bartenders were phenomenal and I learned a lot of fun information! As were were finishing up, I was definitely feeling REALLY good (I mean, I had 6 glasses full in that time frame) and Mom and James entered as their Bingo fun had ended. Guess what? They didnt win a thing. Boo!
Standing up from the bar to leave was quite humorous. We decided getting some food in our system would be wise. So, up to the top deck we went! We got pizza, burgers, and chicken fingers, and kinda just ate a culmination of that to help soak up the alcohol. Afterwards, we go to our favorite spot: the Promenade Lounge! At this point, its about 5:30. We play some Phase 10, listen to Midtown, and spend a few minutes on the Internet checking our e-mail. Once 6:45 rolls around, we decide to head back to the room to start getting ready for tonights semi-formal dinner!
At 8:10, were on our way downstairs to Parrot Cay for the Transatlantic dinner. Just before 8:30, the doors open up and off to our table we go!
The menu:
Cheese and bacon tartlet:
Crab legs:
James Asian salad:
Marianne posing for us:
Mushroom pasta with chicken:
LOBSTER!:
Pork:
Dessert menu:
Mom didnt like the dessert choices, so Marianne brought out a Mickey Bar!:
Dads butter pecan sundae:
My cannoli (YUM!):
James trio:
At about 9:45, we were leaving the restaurant and heading back to the room.
Tomorrow, we would be in Funchal, Madeira! LAND! So, we needed to make sure we were well rested (especially since we were going to be up early)! By 11:00, the TV was off, our breakfast room service selection was hanging on the door, and the lights were off! We were all VERY excited for our first European port! Just a fair warning before the next installment: there will be LOTS and LOTS of pictures! I apologize in advance. I just wanted you to be prepared! I mean, come on...how could I not take a bazillion pictures?! You have been warned...
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
The mixed beer is called a Black and Tan.
the dark beer is Guinness and the light beer is a lighter ale like Bass or something.
the dark beer is Guinness and the light beer is a lighter ale like Bass or something.
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
Ahhh! Thank you! That definitely rings a bell. They had us try to create that, and mine turned into a mixed mess. So, I took a picture of the one the bartender did, haha. I believe the light beer was Blue Moon. If I remember correctly, they only had us drink half of that one so that we could use the other half to try and create the "Black and Tan."
mrp4352
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2002
You know - there were a few people here and there, more out on the verandahs than up top, and since this was my first time at Jetty Park, I just assumed the Sail-away party was still going on! If I had thought about it, I would have known better - it just didn't sink in that first seating would be starting right about then...
Still, she's a stunning sight sailing by!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
Order one at the Rose and Crown... they'll get it right... just don't mix it together...
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
We really had NO interest in seeing it. We much prefer seeing the Mainstage shows.
The only variety act we *almost* went to see was Alfred and Seymour.Ah yes. I probably would've snuck out on my verandah too if we had one! When we tried to go out on the open deck up top, they were guarding the doors trying to prevent people from going out. They were letting people get drinks from the soda fountain though. It was just so weird hearing the announcement that no one was to go outside or open doors to the outside! And oh yes...I'm sure she's QUITE stunning! I should go to Jetty Park one day to witness it for myself!
Order one at the Rose and Crown... they'll get it right... just don't mix it together...
Hahahaha...I actually didn't really enjoy the Guinness, so I don't imagine I will be ordering it anytime soon. Glad I was able to get a taste of it, though!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
My old boyfriend used to love guinness..
To me it tastes sort of like the drippings from a good roast beef...
To me it tastes sort of like the drippings from a good roast beef...
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 1)
I was woken up by the phone ringing at 7:40. It was room service saying that our order was on the way. I like that they call and give you warning! It looks like we can now use this as our wake up call from now on...not too bad! Within 5 minutes, there was a knock on our door and our food was dropped off!
Unfortunately, our toast was missing, but thats okay. I started getting ready as soon as I finished eating. James (who is NOT a morning person) slept a little while longer. At about 8:30, I noticed on the View from the Bridge channel, that LAND was in sight! I was so overjoyed and I really dont know why. I think it just all hit me that I had crossed the Atlantic Ocean and was approaching Europe! It was so exciting to me! I decided that I MUST go upstairs and witness our approach with my own eyes!
When I made it up top, I couldnt believe what I was seeing. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! I had a permanent smile on my face the whole time I was up there. A crowd was definitely forming. It looks like everyone had the same idea I did. And, lets face it. It was the first time in 6 days that we were all seeing land!
I would switch back and forth from my normal lens and zoom lens capturing as much of the beauty as I could. By 9:00, James had joined me upstairs to witness this amazing sight for himself. The cherry on top of this already awesome experience? Mickey and his friends came up to partake in all the fun and see the sights! I couldnt believe it! Alright...here they are! The first batch of pictures!
One of my most favorite pictures from the whole cruise!:
I was woken up by the phone ringing at 7:40. It was room service saying that our order was on the way. I like that they call and give you warning! It looks like we can now use this as our wake up call from now on...not too bad! Within 5 minutes, there was a knock on our door and our food was dropped off!
Unfortunately, our toast was missing, but thats okay. I started getting ready as soon as I finished eating. James (who is NOT a morning person) slept a little while longer. At about 8:30, I noticed on the View from the Bridge channel, that LAND was in sight! I was so overjoyed and I really dont know why. I think it just all hit me that I had crossed the Atlantic Ocean and was approaching Europe! It was so exciting to me! I decided that I MUST go upstairs and witness our approach with my own eyes!
When I made it up top, I couldnt believe what I was seeing. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! I had a permanent smile on my face the whole time I was up there. A crowd was definitely forming. It looks like everyone had the same idea I did. And, lets face it. It was the first time in 6 days that we were all seeing land!
I would switch back and forth from my normal lens and zoom lens capturing as much of the beauty as I could. By 9:00, James had joined me upstairs to witness this amazing sight for himself. The cherry on top of this already awesome experience? Mickey and his friends came up to partake in all the fun and see the sights! I couldnt believe it! Alright...here they are! The first batch of pictures!
One of my most favorite pictures from the whole cruise!:
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 2)
At about 9:25, we head back to the room to wait for Mom and Dad to be ready. Just 10 minutes later, after telling them about the AMAZING sight, we were all heading back up top to witness the ship docking.
Looks like Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Seas has docked here!:
At roughly 10:10, the ship was cleared, so we went down to deck 3 to disembark. Within 15 minutes, we were off the ship and walking on LAND! I had reserved a 4.5 hour taxi tour of the island through Daniel Madeira Taxis. We quickly found our driver and cringed a wee bit at the same time. I was thinking we would have a foreign smaller van type taxi. Nope. We had a car that was even smaller than American taxis. Eeeeeks! We later learned why the car was smaller...navigating the roads of the island definitely requires smaller cars. Lots of tight, winding roads with little wiggle room. Alas, I might be getting ahead of myself. As I said, we located our driver and he appeared to be quite nice. We literally crammed ourselves in and off we went! Now, I apologize for not knowing the names of the locations of some of these pictures. I wasnt able to write stuff down in the taxi and at times it was hard to understand the driver. All I cared about was seeing pretty places, though, so it was all good, haha. According to their website, our tour was supposed to include the following stops: Pico dos Barcelos, Curral das Freiras, Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, and Monte. So, here we go!
STOP 1:
Our glorious ride for 4.5 hours (with 4 full sized adults plus the driver):
At about 9:25, we head back to the room to wait for Mom and Dad to be ready. Just 10 minutes later, after telling them about the AMAZING sight, we were all heading back up top to witness the ship docking.
Looks like Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Seas has docked here!:
At roughly 10:10, the ship was cleared, so we went down to deck 3 to disembark. Within 15 minutes, we were off the ship and walking on LAND! I had reserved a 4.5 hour taxi tour of the island through Daniel Madeira Taxis. We quickly found our driver and cringed a wee bit at the same time. I was thinking we would have a foreign smaller van type taxi. Nope. We had a car that was even smaller than American taxis. Eeeeeks! We later learned why the car was smaller...navigating the roads of the island definitely requires smaller cars. Lots of tight, winding roads with little wiggle room. Alas, I might be getting ahead of myself. As I said, we located our driver and he appeared to be quite nice. We literally crammed ourselves in and off we went! Now, I apologize for not knowing the names of the locations of some of these pictures. I wasnt able to write stuff down in the taxi and at times it was hard to understand the driver. All I cared about was seeing pretty places, though, so it was all good, haha. According to their website, our tour was supposed to include the following stops: Pico dos Barcelos, Curral das Freiras, Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, and Monte. So, here we go!
STOP 1:
Our glorious ride for 4.5 hours (with 4 full sized adults plus the driver):
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 3)
STOP 2 (I know this stop was Monte!):
You could take a toboggan ride down the mountain:
STOP 2 (I know this stop was Monte!):
You could take a toboggan ride down the mountain:
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 4)
STOP 3:
STOP 4:
STOP 3:
STOP 4:
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 5)
Now, we really wanted to buy Madeira wine, but we didnt have Euros at this point. Naturally, we stopped at an ATM after visiting this place and never found a place to buy it again (plus, it was Sunday, so a lot of places werent open). Boo!:
STOP 5:
I dont know why, but I just love this picture! Local leaning against the wall reading the paper!:
Now, we really wanted to buy Madeira wine, but we didnt have Euros at this point. Naturally, we stopped at an ATM after visiting this place and never found a place to buy it again (plus, it was Sunday, so a lot of places werent open). Boo!:
STOP 5:
I dont know why, but I just love this picture! Local leaning against the wall reading the paper!:
KevieKev05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
DAY 9 - May 22nd, 2011 - Funchal, Madeira (Part 6)
(BRIEF) STOP 6:
STOP 7 (apparently the 2nd highest cliff in Europe):
Looking straight down:
What the lookout area will look like after the construction (notice the glass underneath your feet!):
After the final stop, we made our way all the way back to the ship via the more touristy area. At about 2:00, we were back. It didnt last the 4.5 hours, but we were quite alright with that. It was exhausting and a lot to take in! There were some roads (mainly around Stop 4) where they wound and weaved SO much and had such steep inclines that we were starting to get a little nauseous! Also, we would have to stop and let cars by because the road wasnt wide enough. We saw busses up in that area and they were struggling to get through on these roads! It was insane!
Anyway, once we were back on the ship, we went straight up to Plutos (we were HUNGRY) and took it back to the room to eat.
The day is only HALF done, but I feel this is quite a big update so Ill stop here for now. Theres still show and dinner pictures to come (tonight was Pirate Night)! I hope youve enjoyed all these photos...Madeira is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Stay tuned!
(BRIEF) STOP 6:
STOP 7 (apparently the 2nd highest cliff in Europe):
Looking straight down:
What the lookout area will look like after the construction (notice the glass underneath your feet!):
After the final stop, we made our way all the way back to the ship via the more touristy area. At about 2:00, we were back. It didnt last the 4.5 hours, but we were quite alright with that. It was exhausting and a lot to take in! There were some roads (mainly around Stop 4) where they wound and weaved SO much and had such steep inclines that we were starting to get a little nauseous! Also, we would have to stop and let cars by because the road wasnt wide enough. We saw busses up in that area and they were struggling to get through on these roads! It was insane!
Anyway, once we were back on the ship, we went straight up to Plutos (we were HUNGRY) and took it back to the room to eat.
The day is only HALF done, but I feel this is quite a big update so Ill stop here for now. Theres still show and dinner pictures to come (tonight was Pirate Night)! I hope youve enjoyed all these photos...Madeira is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Stay tuned!
Pinkocto
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2011
Kevin, you have outdone yourself! Your pictures are breathtaking! Looks a little dizzying up there on those cliffs
Now, I must ask some brutal honesty from you if I may. You have been on all three ships, and I know you were on the Magic and Wonder before the Dream, but are they at all a little, I hate to say it, disappointing, after the Dream? My first trip will be on the Dream, but I'm planning on booking in 2013 a two weeker. Any thoughts? I know from everyones' pictures that all three are amazing, I just want to ask someone who has been on them all, and recently, what your thoughts are.
Thanks! -Pam
Now, I must ask some brutal honesty from you if I may. You have been on all three ships, and I know you were on the Magic and Wonder before the Dream, but are they at all a little, I hate to say it, disappointing, after the Dream? My first trip will be on the Dream, but I'm planning on booking in 2013 a two weeker. Any thoughts? I know from everyones' pictures that all three are amazing, I just want to ask someone who has been on them all, and recently, what your thoughts are.
Thanks! -Pam
I would've been tempted to ship him home..he's so cute!!iluvwdw4ever
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2007
Those pictures are AMAZING!! What a gorgeous place!!
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