One more day to Port Everglades: Fort Luaderdale, Fla.

Ooops I slept in

So I barely made it to services and I had a hard time focusing in the remarks and the service. But I was there!

Women pirates

This was a good one with much lore about Mary Read and Anne Bonney. I went to get something and ran into a sale I could not refuse and got two tops I’ll wear a lot and the prices were a real bargain.

Trivia

OMG we WON! It wasn’t an easy trivia. I think our score was 17 but we weren’t hopeful. I”ll spare you a re run of the questions. Our “prize” was a Pacific Princess post card with a memorial pin attached. It says these sell in the gift shop for $5.95. I don’t see how and some folks have talked of taking it back and asking for a trade for something of equal value. So far, no one has had the cheek to do that. Ha.

Welcome to America brunch

Oscar was dressed as Uncle Sam and all the wait staff were in variations of Red White and blue. The food was very good and included hot dogs and hamburgers in the corner.

Choir farewell concert

It really is quite amazing what David Crathorne is able to forge out of this group of strangers and varyng talents.

Formal night

We got into our glad rags: Ed looking like James Bond, me in my green sequined top which, if I had auctioned it off, probably would have paid for the cruise given the number of compliments it engendered. This ws not spoiled by the fact that I put on a red and a black shoe not realizing I didn’t have a pair. I soldiered on convinced that no one would notice while discretely pointing it out to trusted folks. The photographer assured me it wouldn’t show in the photos.

Special dinner

Dr. chuck invited 10 of us for a small gathering and to get to know different of his new found friends, and some old ones (ed and I and another couple) from previous cruises. It was nicely done in a quiet area of a little known area of the ship.

Tonight’s show

Again the dancers and singers gave us a marvelous show with high lifts and amazing athleticism. We will miss them for so many reasons; I’ve grown quite fond of these kids and feel as if we are almost family. They are off to a larger ship where they will not have as much interaction with the passengers. Quite a different experience. However, they are due to return for next year’s around the world cruise.

Leaving Bermuda

Hamilton Bermuda

We finally got a good night’s sleep last night and the ship is much calmer now. We had activities in the morning and then sailed into reef laden waters around Hamilton, site of many ship wrecks over the centuries.

White elephant sale

Folks brought things they wanted to get rid of and boy you saw everything here. One woman had crocheted many blankets on ship and was selling them. Another had several bottles of wine (bar set up rejects?) and she got rid of them. One couple had some weird hats they had accumulated at various ports and other odds and ends. They were different in that they were giving them away to anyone who would make a donation to the ship’s charity. One lady had zip lock bags with small toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other amenities. Where she got them etc. is anyone’s guess. A lady was selling ½ bottle of nail polish remover. You read that correctly. Another woman (do you get the picture that the guys stood around and watched while the ladies did the work?) hooked her clothing on the security bars over the AV room; merchandising just like you see in the ports we’ve visited. Another lady had some nice Calvin Kline stuff she was selling for $3 to $5. I sold a peacock feather fan I had pondered in Mumbai for the same price I paid originally. The guy wanted a matching pair. Ed pulled back the baseball cap (something he NEVER wears) from the USS Iowa and wouldn’t let me sell it. My dress that doesn’t look as good on me as on the rack, did not sell. Two problems: most of the ladies are not my size and even then the style is rather youngish. Further, our shapes don’t look good in all garments. I wasn’t willing to cut the price too much as I know someone who may enjoy it.

One lady was selling the amenities we (who are elite) get from the spa. I thought this was pretty tacky along with the lady selling the chocolates we get on our pillows at night and the one selling 4 Cokes from her minibar.  I’ll bet the crew had a lot to discuss about the passengers this evening!

Just Sam and I for trivia this am. The Boat Building competition was going on too. Those boats are a riot and so much time, energy and work goes into making them. They have to be able to hold a 6 pack of beer without sinking. The entry that won had a lot of money put into it and there was some pandering that went on. Kind’ve disappointing in a way.

Lunch

In our cabin with Frances and Randy so we could watch the sail in. It’s amazing how little leeway there is for the ship and the shore! I don’t think a larger ship could do it safely. You can almost touch the shore on each side. Eventually we berthed right in the middle of town. I’m not exaggerating. You stepped off the gangway and it was about 10 steps to the busy street that is their main drag.

Drive around to St. George’s the old town

We found a driver and negotiated a price and Frances and Randy, Ed and I were off with a nice older local man named Del. We spent a few minutes exploring the original and first Anglican church in America. The ceiling is like an upside down ship bottom. Then an old wooden ship called Discovery; I must get it’s story some time.

When we returned we checked out the stores along the main street. They were all high priced and so we just looked. But we went into a liquor store so Frances and Ed (they are now drinking buddies while Randy and I roll our eyes) could buy the local drink called Dark Storm made out of ginger beer and rum. Ed snuck the 4 cans on board and they both declared it really good and a concoction they’ll make at home.

We dashed back for dinner and the slow sail away where I spent the whole time trying to download some stuff to listen to.

Connectivity

It is odd that on the way in I could not get a signal. Neither could Ed. Then I got one on my iPad (the one that is the weaker of my two devices) and eventually on my iPhone. Ed’s wasn’t working hardly at all. On the way out, I had good strong signals in both devices but they would switch the power of the signal at times. Now why would that be? They are both the same kind with the same connections?

Geography Trivia

I called Frances and Randy to see if they wanted to go for this. They were already in their “jammies” I was glad that decision was made for me. I did my usual every other day routine of washing out my sleeves and then the usual nighttime rituals that seem to entail more and more minutiae as we age.

We now have two days at sea before Ft. Lauderdale, sailing along the side of the Bermuda triangle. The ship’s photo today has the Bermuda triangle. I thought that was clever. They really try hard to make things special for us.

Hamilton Bermuda tomorrow

A very rocky day

Though it did improve somewhat as the day went on. Tropical storm Arlene meant no one got any sleep last night. The booms as the ship splats into the ocean and the roar of the wind, coupled with the shakes and rattles which catapult one towards the ceiling with regularity. It is impossible to walk easily and if this were to be the majority of the cruise, the ship would be empty.

Not much happened except for the crew talent show which is always fun. The Pillipinos are always singing and some are very good musicians. I was delighted to see SRO in the Lounge as the passengers came out to cheer on these folks who devote so much energy to making our lives fun. It all ended with the classic “If I were not upon the sea, a ____ I would be.” I’ve seen it numerous times and it is always a hoot. I’d have felt cheated if they hadn’t done it on thiscruise.

Whee (I think)

Glasses clanking against each other…

Doors slamming, drawers swinging in and out…and we just had a lecture on Blackbeard and his ghost.

But it was just the seas. In excess of 15 ft waves, 40 knot wind, and this ship was giving us a free test of our balance and quick reflexes. The Captain came on in our cabins (this is highly unusual) at 7am and explained that we were altering our course because of the weather but that this kind of weather would continue for most of the day. What afun: what a challenge.

Bermuda

The lecture on this area was much more interesting and enlightening that I anticipated. We already have a tour booked and I think it will be more interesting now.

Blackbeard

This pirate (he would say privateer) ruled the Caribbean and his men and captives ruthlessly. His treasure is buried somewhere and still has not been found. He as married 14 times (no info on divorces) and so his progeny are many.

Trivia

Really tough! We were elated to get 11!

Lunch

In the buffet with some folks from Iowa who run a farm and haven’t watched TV in 20 yrs. But they read papers and use the internet. The other couple are newyorkers who now live in florida for 35 yrs.

Everyone is hanging for dear life and we look out for each other to prevent falls or embarrassing encounters as the ship sways from side to side.

Later in the day: Captain warned us because he is having to adjust the trajectory of the ship to keep us on course for Hamilton Bermuda. I expect this ship to take flight at any moment. Either that or tip so much it can’t right itself and it sinks. Barf bags are everywhere. So many activities had to be cancelled or changed. We are all grateful for that but the motion of the ship and the weather impacts everyone’s enthusiasm for doing anything. Even goofy golf was cancelled! (but not trivia).

So we decided not to go to the show tonight. On a good note, they have apparently changed the satellite we are using for internet access and it is much better than we’ve had in a long while. Ed defaulted to his TV (no surprise here) and I to my book on Pope Francis (I finished two Isabell Allende novels previously.)

There won’t be much sleep tonight with all the noise and the pitching. And the Captain said we had gone around th storm. I can’t imagine what it would have been like IN the storm. And I can’t imagine how those pirates and others managedsuch storms. Just amazing.

whee (I think)

Glasses clanking against each other…

Doors slamming, drawers swinging in and out…and we just had a lecture on Blackbeard and his ghost.

But it was just the seas. In excess of 15 ft waves, 40 knot wind, and this ship was giving us a free test of our balance and quick reflexes. The Captain came on in our cabins (this is highly unusual) at 7am and explained that we were altering our course because of the weather but that this kind of weather would continue for most of the day. What afun: what a challenge.

Bermuda

The lecture on this area was much more interesting and enlightening that I anticipated. We already have a tour booked and I think it will be more interesting now.

Blackbeard

This pirate (he would say privateer) ruled the Caribbean and his men and captives ruthlessly. His treasure is buried somewhere and still has not been found. He as married 14 times (no info on divorces) and so his progeny are many.

Trivia

Really tough! We were elated to get 11!

Lunch

In the buffet with some folks from Iowa who run a farm and haven’t watched TV in 20 yrs. But they read papers and use the internet. The other couple are newyorkers who now live in florida for 35 yrs.

Everyone is hanging for dear life and we look out for each other to prevent falls or embarrassing encounters as the ship sways from side to side.

Later in the day: Captain warned us because he is having to adjust the trajectory of the ship to keep us on course for Hamilton Bermuda. I expect this ship to take flight at any moment. Either that or tip so much it can’t right itself and it sinks. Barf bags are everywhere. So many activities had to be cancelled or changed. We are all grateful for that but the motion of the ship and the weather impacts everyone’s enthusiasm for doing anything. Even goofy golf was cancelled! (but not trivia).

So we decided not to go to the show tonight. On a good note, they have apparently changed the satellite we are using for internet access and it is much better than we’ve had in a long while. Ed defaulted to his TV (no surprise here) and I to my book on Pope Francis (I finished two Isabell Allende novels previously.)

There won’t be much sleep tonight with all the noise and the pitching. And the Captain said we had gone around th storm. I can’t imagine what it would have been like IN the storm. And I can’t imagine how those pirates and others managedsuch storms. Just amazing.

we get another hour...again

Foggy morning

Lots of rocking in the night but smoother during the day. Wind brisk and absent much of the day. Temperature is warming up.

Captain Kidd

This was fun to learn about this hero/despot we often hear about. It’s possible he got a bad rap.

But the speaker started off showing outhouses of Alaska and some of them are a real how.

Trivia

Ramona, Craig, Sam and I did it! We won mugs that were for ports we didn’t make it to on this cruise. It wasn’t a give away trvia either.

Had a quick snack in the buffet and then put the DVD of Revenant on. Ed stuck with it; I went to listen to my magazines and books. Prepared my meds for the next few weeks. Had a few snack in the afternoon as I knew we weren’t going to dinner.

Captain’s private party

For those in suites. It is a nice smaller gathering with small delicious snacks. It gives you an opportunity to spend one on one time with the officers and crew. Many have their spouses on board and that is a big plus.

Saxophonist

I didn’t stick it out. Ed stayed longer than I did. He was OK but a single instrument of this type doesn’t hold much interest for me. I used to play (well I tried let’s put it that way) a baritone sax in high school.

There was an entertainment trivia this evening but I don’t know much about that area and I preferred to listen to my magazines to catch up.

somewhere on the rocky Atlantic

Time change

Well somehow I got it wrong. Woke up and got ready and headed down to cabaret Lounge for interview with some of the staff. The dancers were practicing some routines. I wasn’t the only one there but after many attempts to get onto the internet (no guarantee on a ship), it dawned on me something was wrong. I asked one of the crew members who told me the time and I was an hour earlier than my devices showed. Perhaps I turned the clocks the wrong way. However, the elevators still have the old time.

Have no problem with the time changes where we gain an hour. It gives me more leeway in the morning but some folks hate going east to west as they are awake at 2 am. Ed and I hate going west to east as you continually lose time. I guess it’s all about biology.

Breakfast

So I called Ed to tell him I’d meet him at Sabatini’s for breakfast, something I rarely do. On the way through the library, I met Sam and invited him to join us. We had a nice visit over breakfast.

Interview with staff

It is interesting to find out about the behind the scenes glitches that occur and which are seamless for those of us who are passengers. Such as the difficulty getting into port in Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, and the difficulties with Indian and Singapore clearing the ship.

Be careful what you say

Ramona and I have been chuckling about the “Santa Fe chili” which is made with chicken and white beans. Santa Fe Chili would be made with beef or pork and definitely not white beans. We thought no more o fit and it wasn’t a complaint.

Last night Ed and I got an apology from the chef with a plate of cookies. We had no idea what this was about. But we think it might have been the discussion about the Santa Fe chili so we discussed it with some of the culinary staff and explained that it wasn’t  complaint.  So we’ll be much more careful about what we say.

World Cruisers photo take two

This time they turned the ship around and I can’t imagine everyone who wanted to be in the photo was not in it. The photo manager again climbed high on the ship in a very precarious location and despite wind and a rocky ship in the seas, got several shots. Just wow.

Hidden Figures

This movie about the “computers” the brilliant black women who did the computations for the NASA launch of John Glenn was shown in the lounge. It is a movie worth seeing. Brought tears to my eyes.

Production show

Again they do a fantastic job with great singing and terrific dancing. Because the ship is pitching so much, they eliminated some of the lifts but I couldn’t tell where they were eliminated. They do such a good job.

70s music trivia

Randy and Frances invited us to join them. We were all complaining as it was all disco music. We were all in school or raising kids, not going to discos. Still we came in one point behind the winners. We were just amazed we did that well! I knew two of them because of my kids playing the music before they left for school each morning. Pretty much Frances knew all the rest.

We have been warned that we are going to have a lot of pitching and yawing of the ship. I was going down the hallway this evening and the ship pitched to one side. The room steward was cleaning a room and the door was open. I came close to flying right through that room and over the balcony.