Mandymouse's 'Legend'ary Trip Report

[mandymouse]

Welcome to my latest trippy. This trip is totally different to my previous trips. Normally I can picture my drive up the M6 to Manchester, boarding a Virgin plane, arriving in Orlando and staying at the Pop Century or driving to Port Canaveral to board the Disney Fantasy. Instead our itinerary for this holiday looks like this ..


10th Sept .. Drive to Gatwick, stay at the Sofitel

11th .. Fly to Vancouver, stay at the Moda Hotel

12th .. Day in Vancouver

13th .. Board the Carnival Legend

14th .. Day at Sea

15th .. Day at Sea

16th .. Day at Sea

17th .. Day at Sea

18th .. Day at Sea

19th .. Hilo

20th .. Kona

21st .. Kauai

22nd .. Maui

23rd .. Disembark in Honolulu, stay at Waikiki Beach Resort

24th .. Pearl Harbour & Luau

25th .. Day in Honolulu, late flight to Los Angeles

26th .. LA

27th .. LA

28th .. LA

29th .. LA

30th .. LA, late flight back home

1st Oct .. Land at Gatwick


So other than flying from Gatwick a gazillion years ago, all the above is totally new to us. It was a little scary but very exciting too


So, who were you travelling with? I don't hear you say well there are nine of us this time. There’s me (obs), my hubby Paul and our girls Kerry & Becky. Also coming along was the girls’ friend Bex and her parents Sheila & Pete, and finally another one of Kerry's friends, Rachel, and her boyfriend Steve

(The Hawaii Nine)


Saturday 10th September

When we booked this trip, I had booked 3 weeks off work, but I was supposed to work today, so our holiday wouldn't begin till I had clocked out at 8pm tonight then we’d head to Gatwick. Luckily for me, my lovely colleague at work who works Friday evenings agreed to swap shifts with me, which I was so grateful for


Kerry, Becky and Bex had travelled down to Gatwick the previous evening and were flying to Vancouver at lunchtime


So today began with me getting my nails done and Paul headed off to get his hair cut. When we both got home I made some bacon and egg sandwiches (yum) just to use up the food that was in the fridge, then we finished off our packing. Normally we pay for an extra case when we fly with Virgin, but this holiday involved three different operators .. first Transat with a 23kg allowance .. then Hawaiian Airlines again with 23kg allowance .. and finally Norwegian Airlines with a measly 20kg on the way home .. Eek!!!

Anyway around 1.30pm and after several weigh-ins of our luggage we finally put the suitcases in the car and we were off !!!!!! As we reversed off the drive the radio announced some major delays on the A46, so we took the scenic route and half an hour later joined our original route and joined the M40 towards London. All was going well till we hit pouring rain the other side of the Oxford A34 exit where the traffic slowed down considerably, and occasionally on the M25 we came to a crawl, but we arrived at the APH Gatwick Airport Car Parking near Copthorne around 4.15pm


We dropped the car off then took the shuttle bus to the airport. After dropping off at the South Terminal first, we arrived shortly after at the North Terminal as we were staying at the Sofitel Hotel there. The hotel was busy, and the line for check-in was quite long, but within no time Paul was checked-in


We dropped our bags in our room, which was lovely, then headed out to explore as we needed to find where to take the shuttle over to the South Terminal the next morning. We found the shuttle, then found where our check-in desk would be, then it was time or food !!

After checking out some menus we decided on Giraffe for our dinner. We ordered some drinks, a Mango Colada and a Stella for Paul, then we shared some chicken wings and meatballs (oops, no pic as I was starving and totally forgot, me bad). Next I had Fish & Chips and Paul had a steak sandwich with sweet potato fries. The food was lovely, and Paul had another Stella and I had a Prosecco. The bill came to £58 and it was all worth it

We caught the tram back to the North Terminal and had a couple of drinks in a bar there, then had an early night before our journey tomorrow

Tomorrow ~ Vancouver

 

[mandymouse]

Sunday 11th September


I woke just after 5am, and as I had gone to sleep around 9.30pm the previous evening, I felt like I'd had a good night’s sleep. I got up at 5.15, showered and got ready, and we checked out of The Sofitel around 6am


We took the shuttle over to the South Terminal and checked in at the Transat desk in no time as it was quiet there. We had bought the Premier Check-in for £5 each, but security was quiet and no-one asked to see our paperwork. We were both through security very quickly without any alarms or baggage queried


We wandered through the Duty Free and shops, but I was very disappointed to not see anything I wanted. I had got my eye on a couple of Pandora rings and some perfume, but none of it was there, in fact the Pandora desk was poor compared to the one that is at Manchester Airport


We stopped off at Costa Coffee for a skinny latte for me and a tea for Paul, then we did one last tour of the shops before finding ourselves at The London Bar where we made ourselves comfortable and over the next hour or so enjoyed a few Mimosas each

We were still not particularly hungry so we grabbed a couple of sandwiches from Costa


Around 9am we found which terminal our flight was leaving from (# 34), so we made our way there and sat enjoying our Costa sandwiches as we waited for boarding to begin

Our flight was due to take off at 10.10am, but boarding didn't begin till 9.50, though we still pulled away from the gate at 10.25 (quite impressive). We finally took off at 10.45. The flight was due to take 9hrs 20mins. As usual, I had the window seat (Paul has this on the way home), Paul had the middle seat and luckily no-one sat next to him. We flew over London and inland right through to Scotland and on towards Iceland


An hour into the flight the drinks trolley came round and we were given a small bag of pretzels and we could purchase an alcoholic drink. I had a Prosecco and Paul had a vodka & diet coke which came to Can$15.25 (hmm, not liking this paying for my drink malarkey). Just as we got served an announcement was made that we were about to hit some turbulence. The drinks trolley stopped serving and Paul felt the need to neck his drink before he would be wearing it Luckily my Prosecco came with a screw lid, so I just put it away and finished the small bit I had poured

I settled down to watch a movie. Sadly the movie selection wasn't that great, so I thought I'd give Captain America Civil War a go


Around 1pm lunch was served, we could choose a hot sandwich from the menu. I had the ham & brie and Paul had pulled beef which was also served with a bag of cookies. We could've had a complimentary glass of wine too, but we just had a couple of diet cokes

I really enjoyed my sandwich, but Paul wasn't overly keen. It made a nice change to the usual plane food, and I could understand the airline going this way, there were no trays or cutlery to bother with, and it was all easily cleared away


So the verdict on Captain America wasn't that great, though to be fair I'm not into the Avengers type movies. Next I watched a classic, Disney's Aladdin, and that hour or so flew by


Next I watched X-Men Apocalypse. 1hr 45mins before landing we were served a snack, a slice of cheese & tomato pizza, which was very nice. The bar service came round again, but we just stuck to diet cokes. X-Men finished, and I actually quite enjoyed it

For the last hour I watched an episode of How I Met Your Mother and New Girl, and we were served a delish piece of fudge and just before 12 (Canadian time) we landed at Vancouver Airport after passing over some beautiful scenery of the mountains

Verdict on Transat


Check-in, flawless as they had their own check-in desk out of the way, so no crowds

Seats, a little narrower than Virgin, but leg room was good

Drinks, didn't like having to pay for alcohol

Food, I really enjoyed their easy approach to food, I'm sure they had a lot less waste and there were no trays or cutlery to deal with

Movies, not a great selection


Vancouver Airport looked lovely as we passed through it (shame we wouldn't be flying back from there). Security was so busy, but it turned out that the worst lines were for the joint Canadian/American passengers. Our line moved quite quickly and once reaching the security guard, he asked us what our plans were and what our cruise destination was, then we were on our way, though according to our girls, the previous day they were given a grilling!!!


Anyway, we had a short wait for our luggage to appear at the carousel, and by 1pm we were heading out of the airport for the Canada Line train to Vancouver City Centre (tickets were Can$7.25 ea). The journey took about 20 minutes, and once we disembarked, we had a 5 min walk to our hotel, which was the Moda Hotel on Seymour Street. We checked in, and had room 331, the floor below our girls

The room was ok, it was only for 2 nights,and it did the job


So it was about 2pm (10pm UK time) by now. I had a quick shower, and I heard Kerry, Becky & Bex talking to Paul, so we had a quick catch up, then Paul and I went to explore. We needed to try and stay up till about 8 or 9pm (4am/5am UK time), but we felt fine for now. First stop was the Pacific Centre shopping mall. Very quickly I found a Pandora store and treated myself to the ring I was after at Gatwick Airport. After a wander around the mall we continued down Granville Street towards the Waterfront. There were two ships in port so we strolled around the cruise terminal for a while

I had an idea that a shot of coffee might be just what we needed to keep us going for a while, so we called into Starbucks for a couple of lattes and lemon loaf slices, though I think my accent might have thrown the young girl serving me

After our short pit stop, we wandered on and we found a nice pub, Mahoney & Sons where I had a Magner’s Pear Cider and Paul (or maybe Fall we should call him by now) had a couple of Stellas

Although it had been a lovely warm day today, probably around 20C, the wind was picking up, so I wanted to put something a little warmer to go out for dinner. I had a quick change at the hotel and we decided to eat at the hotels’ sports bar. By now it was around 6.30pm (2.30am UK time), and we were beginning to flag


At the sports bar it was busy, as there was a Sunday Night American Football game on, soooo boring! What's with all the stopping and commercial breaks?? Haha. So I ordered a glass of wine and Spaghetti Bolognaise, and Paul had a Steak sandwich with fries and a Stella. It was all very nice, but by now my eyes were getting heavy. We lasted till just gone 8, which we felt we had done quite well


We were both in bed by 8.30pm and promptly out for count


Tomorrow ~ More Vancouver

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Really looking forward to this report I'm glad you posted you had started on your last trip report. Not sure why, but I can't see your pictures in the 2nd post Mandy?

 

[mandymouse]

Really looking forward to this report I'm glad you posted you had started on your last trip report. Not sure why, but I can't see your pictures in the 2nd post Mandy?

Thanks Samantha

I can see them ok, is anyone else having problems ?

 

[mandymouse]

Monday 12th September


We both slept quite well, with briefly waking at 12 & 4, but being able to drop straight back off again. I woke properly around 5.45am, so caught up with my trip report, FB etc


Paul woke just after 7. We got showered and changed and left the room around 8.30. First stop was McDonalds for a sausage mcmuffin meal for us both. After polishing that off we headed down towards the Waterfront to the Harbour Centre as I had bought some tickets for the Vancouver Lookout. After checking-in we took the elevator up to the lookout. It was pretty cool looking around the city and seeing the mountains in the distance, shame there were no ships at the port to look down at though

We left the Harbour Centre and decided to grab a latte each in Starbucks, thankfully no problems with our names this time and we sat in the sunshine deciding on what we would do today


It was a lovely sunny morning, so we decided to just walk along the Waterfront and see what we would see. We strolled along past the marina amongst the dog walkers, joggers and bike riders and an hour or so later found ourselves at Stanley Park, we continued along the track and I saw a sign for the Totem Poles in 1km, so we carried on

We took a few photos along the way, and after reaching the Totem Poles and taking more pics, we turned around and wandered back. Our legs were noticeably tired by now, so we found a kiosk at the entrance to Stanley Park and sat down to enjoy a lemon Calippo each

We carried on walking and finally ended back at the Irish bar we had visited the night before. After that walk we deserved a few Stellas and Pear Ciders, so enjoyed them while watching the end of the Sunderland v Everton game that was being shown live in the pub


We had some messages from the girls, who had hired a car today and visited the town that Once Upon a Time is filmed at, and they said that the rest of our party had arrived at the hotel


We took a slow stroll back to the hotel (which was now about 4pm) and called in at the girls room to see if there were any plans for this evening, and we left agreeing to meet up with everyone in reception at 6pm before heading to the Sports Bar we had been in the previous evening for dinner


After a quick shower we met up with everyone. The four that had travelled today looked shattered, but we made our way to the Red Card Sports Bar and enjoyed a nice meal and had a laugh for an hour or so

While everyone else made their way back to their rooms, Paul & I headed back down to the Lookout to see the city lit up at night as our tickets were valid for the whole day. It did look impressive. We took a few photos then made our way back to the hotel

Tonight we managed to last out till 9 o'clock, then it was off to beddy byes


Tomorrow ~ Boarding the Carnival Legend

 

[ukintheus]

Great start Mandy! I've been really looking forward to this one. I didn't realize you were having to slog it south to Gatwick, too bad it wasn't Luton, you could have had a Campari. The traffic is such a nightmare it would have been miserable if you'd had to work that entire day and then go, glad you got to leave early. To be honest, I've never even heard of that airline you were on - maybe because you have to pay for the booze I overlooked it!! Ha ha. The seats looked a bit squished, at least it wasn't a night flight where you were trying to get some sleep. Fall (love the new name) took some great photos in Vancouver (I'm assuming it was him?). Everyone's TRs always have such great photos there - it has to be beautiful in person. I am also giving you extra bonus points for staying up that entire day and not flaking out that evening.

This is such a lovely photo of you.

 

[stephensmum]

Great to see your trippie, Mandy. I'm looking forward to this. Off to a great start, you've crammed quite a bit in already. Like the fingers & toes. Photos okay for me. Are all 9 of you doing the full trip?

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Photos all showing today. The night time ones are really nice.

 

[mandymouse]

Great start Mandy! I've been really looking forward to this one. I didn't realize you were having to slog it south to Gatwick, too bad it wasn't Luton, you could have had a Campari. The traffic is such a nightmare it would have been miserable if you'd had to work that entire day and then go, glad you got to leave early. To be honest, I've never even heard of that airline you were on - maybe because you have to pay for the booze I overlooked it!! Ha ha. The seats looked a bit squished, at least it wasn't a night flight where you were trying to get some sleep. Fall (love the new name) took some great photos in Vancouver (I'm assuming it was him?). Everyone's TRs always have such great photos there - it has to be beautiful in person. I am also giving you extra bonus points for staying up that entire day and not flaking out that evening.

This is such a lovely photo of you.

Ahh, the good old Campari ads, those were the days (lol)

Thanks, yes it was Paul who took the photos. Vancouver is lovely, I wish we had longer there to explore, and the airport looked so nice too

Great to see your trippie, Mandy. I'm looking forward to this. Off to a great start, you've crammed quite a bit in already. Like the fingers & toes. Photos okay for me. Are all 9 of you doing the full trip?

Thanks Sharon

Photos all showing today. The night time ones are really nice.

Thanks Samantha, glad all the pics are showing now

 

[mandymouse]

Tuesday 13th September


I slept reasonably well, with just having a quick wake up at 1am and 4am but being able to go back to sleep again. We woke around 6.30am and decided to go and see the ship docked at the port. After showering and getting ready, we left around 7.30am


It was a lovely sunny but cool morning, though warm in the sunshine, but us crazy Brits donned our shorts and set off The Carnival Legend was docked, so we took some photos then headed to Starbucks for a couple is skinny lattes and sat in 'our' seats outside in the sunshine

We walked alongside the ship taking more pics and trying to figure out where our room could be. After our walk we went to McDonalds for some sausage & egg McMuffins then strolled back to our room to pack up the things we had used over the last few days


Check-out was at 11am, but the previous day we had received a letter to inform us that the lift would be out of action today. Luckily some of our group had only one floor to go down, we had two floors, and Kerry, Becky & Bex had 3 floors to contend with, so the hotel staff helped them with their luggage


We all met up at 11, checked out, then arranged for three taxis to take us to the port. It was probably 11.30 when we were on our way. The taxi only cost $10 for all 4 of us (bargain!), and we made our way to the Carnival check-in, which was a breeze, except for Rachel & Steve who hadn't printed off their boarding cards. Once we were altogether again we had US Immigration next which only took a few moments, then we were all herded into the terminal and all sat in rows of seats. Boarding started around 12.30, then rows were called up to have a photo taken and to board the ship. It was all very efficient, just not as much fun as the Disney Cruise Line terminal where you can wander around taking photos and see the ship from the balcony


I think we boarded about 12.45 and once onboard we headed up to Deck 9 for the buffet. All the different food areas looked very nice, but I stuck with some Chinese food for lunch and it was very nice

After lunch we went to see if our rooms were ready, which they were, so we dropped some of our stuff off. The room was really nice and quite spacious. It was classed as an inside room, but in fact it had a window that was obstructed by a lifeboat, so it was nice to have a little natural light coming through

We got changed into our swimwear and spent an hour sunbathing on deck 10 with the rest of our group and enjoyed our first cocktail of the day which I think was Rum Punch, it was very nice

The muster drill was listed as 4pm on the FunTimes (Carnival's version of The Navigator), we all headed back to our rooms shortly before to find our cases waiting for us, so we began to empty a few things out but then went to find our drill station, A, and after standing there for 10 minutes an announcement was made that it would be held in 25 minutes. We went back to our rooms to finish off our unpacking, then the appropriate alarm went off and we went back to our muster station


The drill was chaotic, we had to line up against the wall as close as we could to the people next to us and someone with a clicker counted how many people were there. The next line would begin in front of us till eventually it was 4 or 5 deep. So you can imagine there were all shapes and sizes in front of you and you couldn't see what the drill attendant was doing. But what really got me was how did they know who was missing? Our cards weren't checked, no room keys were swiped, it seemed like a waste of time to me


Anywho, once that was over, it was sail away time. We headed back to deck 9 and the DJ was in full swing playing some party dance songs. I think this lasted about 1/2 an hour

Paul's GoPro timelapse video of leaving Vancouver

After going off for an explore, and still not having a clue where anything was, we got changed for dinner, and we all met outside our room at 7.30pm. Luckily we were all on the same deck, we were room 4111, Sheila & Pete were next door in 4109, Rachel & Steve were a few doors down in 4101 and Kerry, Bek and Bex were further down the other way in 4131


We were doing Anytime Dining, which meant exactly that. Some people had set times for dinner .. early 5.30pm .. late 8pm and we could go anytime. For the first night we decided to all eat together, which was lovely. The main dining room is called Truffles, and it's on two decks. Upstairs for Anytime Dining, and downstairs for those with a set time


We were seated at a large round table, and we all enjoyed a lovely meal. I wasn't planning on taking many food pics this time, so sorry about that, but I started with the spring rolls, had a chicken dish for my main and finished off with a delish creme brûlée. As I sit here typing this up a few days later, the common theme is that the food is all very tasty, but could just do with being a little hotter, we will see how this goes for the rest of the trip

Anyway, after dinner we all split off. Paul & I tried a few of the different bars, and straight away I found somewhere I knew I would be spending a bit of time in, The Red Frog Bar. It has a Jamaican theme about it, it was nice a colourful, and some of the staff were from Jamaica too .. Yeah Mon!!!


Our girls had previously done an Hawaiian cruise and they were always going on about a frozen drink that they used to get, a Kiss on the Lips, which is a peach schnapps based drink, so I tried one of those, Mmm, it's lovely

We tried a few bars and we finished off the night at Medusa's the night club on board. We lasted out till gone 12 and I'm sure I remember doing the Cha Cha Slide at one time haha

It seemed that out of the 9 of us, we had stayed out the latest, bunch of lame-os and we rolled into bed about 12.30am


Tomorrow ~ Day at Sea # 1

 

[mandymouse]

Wednesday 14th September


I was awake around 6am and you could really feel the movement of the ship. I just lay in bed till Paul woke around 8, then we got up and ready for a day at sea. We got to deck 9 and it was really windy. We found the rest of the group and Sheila looked a bit ropey, she had been poorly in the night due to the rocking of the ship, poor thing


We sat near the mid ship pool (I will try and figure out the proper names of these places soon I hope). Anyway the poor crew were fighting a losing battle with the pool water as it lapped all over the deck, I think we're in for a rocky day


Anyway I wasn't bothered about breakfast, I just needed a latte, so found the coffee bar in the buffet area. Paul had some poached eggs on toast and a muffin, and I enjoyed my coffee


We all sat chatting and checked out the Fun Times to see what we would get up to today and agreed to meet up for a Hula lesson at 1pm and afternoon tea at 3pm


It was too windy to sit on the top deck, but on the pool decks it was a lot warmer so we sat in the sun for an hour or so. All but Paul (who wanted to make the most of the good spot he'd found) went off for our Hula class. We were going to have 5 short lessons on our 5 days at sea before we hit the islands. There was a good turn out and it was fun to learn the first verse of our dance


After our class I caught up with Paul and we chilled till our afternoon tea meet up. We met outside Truffles (the main dining room) and it was very popular. We were seated at a large round table for 9, though in the end Rachel & Steve didn't join us due to falling asleep


It was really busy, and although the afternoon tea was free, they were trying to sell you the more exotic teas, though all of us just chose the regular tea. Again this turned out to be a little chaotic. Before we'd been seated there was a pot of hot water each already on the table, which had cooled considerably by the time we had chosen our tea. Then there was no milk, so once that arrived the tea was lukewarm. Next the sandwiches came round, either a cucumber sandwich or an open salmon one. Like I said yesterday, I hadn't planned to take pics, but seeing my lonely, flat cucumber sandwich on the plate made me giggle

To be fair, my sandwich was very tasty, and I should've asked for more than one, but hey-ho. Next the cake trolley came round, I had a small fresh cream scone and a slice of lemon cake, both were very popular on our table. I think afternoon tea will be served most sea days, but I can't see me rushing back, unless we all go again


Everyone was flagging today. Paul & I had a few cocktails in the Red Frog Bar, then we were joined by Kerry, Bek & Bex, then we all decided we were in need of a nap

I don't usually nap in the afternoon, and I'm so jealous that Paul can pretty much switch off at any time and have a quick kip, but today I was tired. Back at the room we put Dawn of the Planet of the Apes on the TV, and I know it played twice while we slept lol


We woke just after 7pm. We hadn't arranged a time to meet up for dinner, and after knocking on Sheila & Pete's door and getting no reply, we just got ready for dinner

It was nice to have a table for two today. We weren't particularly hungry (obviously that cucumber sandwich was more filling than I thought lol). We grabbed a cocktail at the bar outside Truffles and waited for the buzzer we'd been given to go off, which was only 10 minutes

Once again the food was so tasty, and just needed to be a bit warmer. We both started with chicken tenders in a sweet chilli sauce, then I had a turkey dinner and Paul had Lasagna, we didn't bother with a dessert


We went to the Red Frog bar for a couple of cocktails and watched the band playing, we stayed an hour or so, then Paul wanted to have a go in the casino. One thing I noticed about the casino was that even though people were smoking, the smell of smoke didn't hit you as you walked in like I had noticed on the Anthem of the Seas. The mixture of ventilation and air freshener were working well. Anyway Paul brought $40 to play with, and over the next 1/2 hour or so with various degrees of luck, walked away with his $40 to play another day


It was just before midnight, so we had one last drink, then headed off to bed, and yet again we were the last of the group staying out


Tomorrow ~ Day at Sea # 2

 

[mandymouse]

Thursday 15th September


I paid dearly or my nap yesterday, and was wide awake at 4.30am. I finally caught up on the last few days of my trip report


Paul woke just before 6.30, and as it was nearly sunrise, he took off with his camera to take some photos


He wasn't gone long as it was too cloudy to get any good shots. He said that it was a little windy and the sea wasn't too choppy, so we decided to go for a fast walk around deck 10. The conditions were perfect with the breeze preventing us getting too hot and bothered, it looked like it was gearing up to be a nice day. I reckon we did 7 or 8 laps of the deck, with 4 laps being 1 mile. We agreed it was worth making the effort going. We headed down to deck 2 for a coffee after our 1/2 hour of exercise and the deck was starting to get busy with people going for an early morning walk


We both had a large skinny latte each, and just sat in the lounge cooling down, we then went back to the room for a quick shower and to get ready for breakfast


We joined Pete & Sheila on the open deck having breakfast. It was rather cloudy but eventually you could see some small breaks in the cloud


After a breakfast of fruit and a skinny latte and chatting for a good hour, we found some seats by the pool and waited for the sun to appear. Sadly the wind picked up and it got quite chilly. Around 11 I was starting to feel hungry as the fruit hadn't filled me up much, so we headed into the Lido buffet and I chose a toasted ham & cheese sandwich and Paul had a turkey salad panini. Once again I had more fruit (I was trying very hard to eat quite healthily, at least for the first week). We went back out by the pool and there was a lot more sun about, then 10 minutes later it was lovely and warm and we all enjoyed a few hours sunbathing and the odd fruity cocktail

Around 2pm everyone started getting restless. Some people went off to see the latest Independence Day movie at the cinema and a few of us went indoors to find some aircon and a drinkypoo or two


Later in the afternoon Paul & I went back to our room to chill. We put Guardians of the Galaxy on and promptly had a snooze (these sea days are exhausting!! )


It was dress-up night in the restaurants tonight, so we all agreed to get ready and have dinner together. We met up outside our room at 7.30 and proceeded to Truffles. We had to wait 10 minutes while they found a table for 9, then we were called in

One thing that I missed comparing to DCL is that you don't have a designated table and wait staff on here. I get why, we may not all eat together, or we may eat at different times, but I miss not getting to know your wait staff. All the waiters etc seemed very nice, but they had no time for a chat


They also seemed to miss a trick with the way you ordered things. I like to order a drink, it arrives while I'm ordering my food, then maybe while I'm eating my main I can order another drink. Here we ordered our drinks, starters and main, then the drinks arrived one at a time, and Paul wasn't impressed that it took so long for him to get his girly Cosmo till he was eating his main


Once again the food was very nice. I had spring rolls to start and prime rib eye steak, but I just didn't have space for a dessert


Now for the last 2 nights Paul & I have stayed out the latest compared to the youngsters amongst us. When we had booked this cruise, Kerry had made a statement that the young 'uns would out last us err older ones. Once this statement was made it was 'challenge accepted' by myself and Paul


We had teased them all for their early nights, so tonight they were determined to stay out later than us. We all got changed into something a bit more comfortable, especially getting rid of the heels and one by one people arrived in the Red Frog bar


Some of the younger members of our group already looked shattered by 9.30pm , and Becky was the first to give in as she had a stomach ache. Next Sheila & Pete succumbed to their tiredness, and then Bex, Rachel & Steve said their 'Goodnights', leaving me, Paul & Kerry


Paul had brought his casino chips from the night before, so that's where we headed. It wasn't long till he was on a little winning streak, and Kerry was enjoying watching so he exchanged some of his chips so she could play


She was doing quite well and was getting all cocky and clever with her choices, and at one time had quite a few chips before she lost them all. I think it was fun playing with her dad’s money though


I was so busy watching her I didn't notice till we finished for the night, that Paul's $40 had now become $100 (lucky git), so he cashed up to play another night, though I think Kerry is hooked now too


It was now about 12.15am, but the clocks were going back again an hour tonight, so it was 11.15pm. We said goodnight to Kerry, then we all went to bed


I think the oldies are still winning here !!!


Tomorrow ~ Day at Sea # 3

 

[mandymouse]

Friday 16th September


I slept quite well and woke around 5.15am, which is pretty normal for me if I was at home. I caught up with my trip report while Paul snoozed


I got up around 6.30am and got ready for our morning fast walk around deck 10. It was a lovely warm morning and we did our usual 1/2 hour of exercise. We then went back to the room to get showered and changed for a morning in the sun


When we got back out on deck for brekkie it had clouded over again, but thankfully after some fruit for me, an omelette for Paul and a chat with the others, you could see the clouds breaking up in the distance so we all found loungers on deck 10


It was a lovely warm morning, and we all enjoyed a few hours sunbathing. Paul & I also had a couple of refreshing Mimosas and to cap off a fine morning we saw a pod of dolphins swim past


Around 1 we went down to the Lido buffet where I had some chilli con carne and nachos and Paul had a few things from Chopsticks the Chinese buffet, it was all very nice


We headed back to our room around 2.30 to have a nap while watching the film of the day, Mockingjay Part 1 and we arranged to meet up with the gang at 4.15 for a Harry Potter quiz that was organised in the Legends cafe. I wasn't feeling too well, I don't know whether it was due to something I had eaten or whether I'd had too much sun, I just didn't feel right. We did badly on the Harry Potter quiz, but stayed for the Disney music intro movie quiz getting 19/20, though a few people got 20/20, damn you Dumbo music I had a Piña Colada and felt a little better, and had another while Paul, Kerry and Bex had a go at the Roulette wheel table


I decided to give dinner a miss tonight. I had a shower and got changed in hope I'd feel better, and Paul chose to just eat at the buffet on deck 9. Rachel & Steve decided to do the same and the others went to the main dining room


Around 7pm Paul & I took the elevator up to deck 9. There was only 5 areas open for dinner, the deli where they made those delicious toasted sandwiches, the salad bar, the pizza place which I still hadn't got round to trying, the dessert & fruit area and one where you could get various meats and veg. I just grabbed a plate of fruit and Paul got some sliced beef, pork and veggies. It all looked very nice, so when I finished my fruit I just had a baked potato. I felt much better after I'd eaten, so we headed down to the casino to see if anyone was around. Pete was at the card table, so Paul joined him, then they moved onto the roulette table and Kerry joined them. There were no big wins tonight, and Paul walked away with his $100 from the night before still intact


We had a couple of Grey Goose with diet coke and we called it a night. It was still only about 10pm, but as usual we were the last to go to bed. Hopefully everyone will have a bit more staying power tomorrow evening as it's Sheila's birthday ... let's see !!!


By the way, sorry for the lack of photos today, here’s our towel animal of the day

Tomorrow ~ Day at Sea # 4 & Sheila's Birthday

 

[stephensmum]

Yay, 3 days at once. I love an afternoon sleep, but same as Paul Norman will go straight off while I struggle a little. Well done for flying the flag fir us hmmm, older ones. Love your dress up night dress, some lovely photos.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Mandy you always make an effort and dress lovely, just as nice as those delicious tropical cocktails must be

 

[Jets fan]

Loving your report

 

[strawberry blonde]

Really enjoying this Mandy. We're going on our first cruise in Feb 2018 as my son has decided to get married on one. Fly to Barbados and then 9 Caribbean islands.

 

[ukintheus]

Loving it so far Mandy. Lots to comment on. The afternoon tea was doomed with the tepid water and a Liptons tea bag - not a good match! LOL. Your poor cucumber sandwich looked like it definitely needed a friend, but the cakes looked good. Very impressed with your ability to stay up late, you know we are hopeless at that! Glad that you seemed to have got over whatever wasn't making you feel not so great. We almost always get the same way, I really think it's just a combination of diet change and maybe those fruity cocktails. Paul is doing very well with his casino winnings, hopefully the streak continued. It looks like you are having a great time, I think that Disney will always be our favorite cruise line, but you can't beat the price on these others and that can make up for a lot!!

 

[mandymouse]

Yay, 3 days at once. I love an afternoon sleep, but same as Paul Norman will go straight off while I struggle a little. Well done for flying the flag fir us hmmm, older ones. Love your dress up night dress, some lovely photos.

Thanks Sharon, we couldn't believe how useless the young 'uns were

Loving your report

Thanks hun

Really enjoying this Mandy. We're going on our first cruise in Feb 2018 as my son has decided to get married on one. Fly to Barbados and then 9 Caribbean islands.

Thank you Wow, how exciting, sounds like a fab trip !!

Loving it so far Mandy. Lots to comment on. The afternoon tea was doomed with the tepid water and a Liptons tea bag - not a good match! LOL. Your poor cucumber sandwich looked like it definitely needed a friend, but the cakes looked good. Very impressed with your ability to stay up late, you know we are hopeless at that! Glad that you seemed to have got over whatever wasn't making you feel not so great. We almost always get the same way, I really think it's just a combination of diet change and maybe those fruity cocktails. Paul is doing very well with his casino winnings, hopefully the streak continued. It looks like you are having a great time, I think that Disney will always be our favorite cruise line, but you can't beat the price on these others and that can make up for a lot!!

We feel the same Jenny, Disney will always be our favourite but I just can't see us sailing with them anytime soon Aww that poor lonely cucumber sandwich, that photo always makes me smile

 

[mandymouse]

Mandy you always make an effort and dress lovely, just as nice as those delicious tropical cocktails must be

Oops, sorry Samantha I missed your comment .. thanks hun, I must admit I do like making the effort to get dressed up for dinner