Disembarkation and Home.

The ship isn't cleared until almost 7:30. Many passengers have gathered near the gangway. There are about 35 or 40 passengers gathered for wheelchair assist. They take the passengers by order of luggage tag number, not when you get there. Totally makes sense. Being Pinnacle does have its advantage, I am in the first wheelchair to leave the ship.

The disadvantage, the crewmember doesn't know the correct passage to the gangway and makes several wrong turns, but in the end it works.

As we are waiting for the elevator, Alyssa and James walk by.  The elevator is much faster, because the distance is much less. Luggage is quickly spotted. The orange straps help immensely.

We find a spot near the curb and begin our wait.  Soon Alyssa and James arrive. Uber requests keep being canceled by the drivers. Ultimately they decide to walk to the garage to get the cars.

By 9 o'clock or so we are finally on our way. James and Alyssa take Pann and Terry to their hotel in Miami, Lynn and I take Adrienne and Steve home to Clermont, but only after a breakfast stop, a fuel stop, and a few restroom stops.

Home by just after 1:00 I unpack and do laundry. About 10 weeks until our next cruise to Amsterdam for the tulip festival.

Days 9 and 10 Sea Days

We are cruising at about 15 or 16 knots. The Seas are as predicted, about 5 feet for the most part. Occasionally a larger wave hits the hull and you can feel a shudder throughout the ship, but more pronounced in random locations depending on the harmonics of the ship structure.

The Diamond lounge has become the go to for breakfast. Others tell me it is the best coffee on the ship. Since I never drink it I wouldn't know. The pastries are always fresh and "Birdie" does an excellent job of keeping everything stocked.

I don't know his real name, but his nickname comes from the fact he is always making the sounds of birds.

About noon the captain informs us of a slight change in plans. Because of a medical emergency we are running at full power towards Miami. We will arrive Saturday evening instead of Sunday morning. Our speed is now between 21 and 22 knots, and the stabilizers are not being used. This is as fast as this ship can go.

Of course there are no details as to what the emergency is, and likewise there is lots of speculation as to why this is the chosen course of action. We are expecting to be docked by 10 PM Saturday evening, but of course no passengers will be allowed off the ship until the regular scheduled time Sunday Morning.

There are a few showers and it is a little chilly for many, so the pool is not crowded, but the Diamond lounge remains nearly full all day.

Friday night I again choose to go to the Windjammer for dinner. This then allows me to listen to a set at the piano in the Schooner bar, and also catch the late evening production show with the Singers and Dancers.

Kirk, from Norway, has an excellent voice, he is good, but I will still say Kelly Goodrich is a better entertainer.

This was probably the best of the three production shows. "Wild Cool and Swinging" consisted of a number of songs tied to various U.S. cities.

Overnight the temperatures dip into the 60's. The skies are mostly cloudy and there is an occasional shower.

Cuba is visible off the port side of the ship.

No update from the captain other than we are still scheduled to be at the dock by 9:30 PM.

Saturday the weather is about the same. Low 70's, mostly cloudy.

By dinner we are approaching the channel leading into the port of Miami. We are headed to terminal G, quite a ways into the harbor. 

The air is crystal clear and all the city lights sparkle. Actually one of the nearest harbor approaches I have seen in years.  The captains do everything they can to avoid close quarter navigation in the dark. Tonight he has no choice.

Sleeping while docked is strange. No sounds, no motion. I might as well be at home.

I assume the passenger transfer was accomplished without incident. The ship is expected to be cleared by 7:00 AM.

Day 8 - St Croix

We arrive in St Croix mid morning. Our stay here is short, with departure scheduled for 4:30.

As often is the case, I elect to spend the day on the ship. Probably a wise decision as showers pass over every hour or so. Not a heavy rain, but enough to make you wet if you can't find shelter.

The others walk to a bar and restaurant they have visited in the past, and stop at the animal shelter to see the dogs available for adoption.  The shelter is actually quite successful with cruise ship passengers, sending several rescue dogs to the US every day cruise ships are in port. I get it, dog lovers that have been at sea for a week miss their pets and have a weak spot to adopt another.

I have been reading articles and watching videos to learn more about my most recent hobby expansion. I have ordered a 3D printer that I expect to arrive a few days after my return to Florida. I have resisted this for years but decided it is now or never. When I no longer can or want to use it, I have four grand children that will be tickled to have it.

I skip the dining room tonight so I can catch the early headliner show and the big band ballroom dancing set.

Dinner was a hot dog and fries, not something I have very often. Both were delicious and hot.

The head waiter was very upset that we were not with the others for dinner. 

Alyssa had ordered Mac N Cheese. The head waiter seeing this insisted she also have a Chop's Tenderloin  steak, usually a $20 upcharge. It was shared by several and was reported to be good.

The headliner show was excellent. I guess the description should be super fit aerial and acrobatic performers. I have seen them before and am nothing but awed by their strength and physical fitness.

The big band ballroom dance set was also excellent. Some dancers were very good, there were a few others that were not so good, but were having a very good time.

This is our last port of call before returning to Miami in two days early Sunday morning. The next two days will be sea days. Seas are expected to be 5 feet or less.

Day 7 Castries, St Lucia

The seven others have booked a private tour for today. We are docked early, and the gangway is down by 7:30. They meet at 7:45, headed to their van for the day. I remain on the ship.

Snorkeling at the beach was better than the dives of a few days ago. Lots of fish, some lobster, and some unidentified sea life.

A tour inside a volcano was a hit. The alternative was a mud bath, everyone felt they made the right choice.

Lunch at a local restaurant was good. Everyone was happy with the tour.

Always a concern with a private tour, they were brought back to the ship with 30 minutes to spare.

I have tried to avoid writing about bad or strange behavior observed while cruising, but this morning there was an incident that shocked me.

I was sitting in the Diamond lounge. There were many other guests enjoying coffee. A man asked if he could sit in one of the 3 empty chairs around me. I told him sure and continued what I was doing.  About 15 or 30 minutes later his wife came in and they immediately started arguing. "Where have you been?" "Looking for you." "Did you bring my water bottle?" Or something similar. The argument escalated. She turns to leave and he gets up and lands a hard punch on her.

Needless to say I was shocked and unresponsive. They were out the door in seconds. I must add, they both were probably in their 60's. Not exactly out of control teenagers.

Again the lounge is very busy. The staff is checking cards and denying entrance as appropriate. The result of a loyalty program that has become much more successful than ever imagined.

Another attempt at the main dining room. Caribbean spiced chicken was good and actually served warm.

Tomorrow we stop at St Croix.

St John's, Antigua

The Seas remain about 5 to 7 feet. Just enough that you know you are on the water, but not enough motion to bother even the most sensitive.

Again today the temperature peaks just above 80.

No one has specific plans. Lynn and I get off and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. There are 5 ships here, I would expect the shops and bars are doing well, but I make no contribution to the local economy.

I have been good with my PT. I started just 2 weeks before the cruise, and currently have a routine of about half dozen exercises to strengthen my back. I usually do them first thing before the day starts. So far so good. I am optimistic for the long term results.

As has become the normal routine, we gather in the Crown Lounge before dinner. Another area of the ship that needs refreshing. Many of the chair cushions are worn out if not totally broken. The bar service works just fine though.

Food is not hot in the MDR again. The head waiter was standing beside me as I was given a bowl of dried out, room temperature, fettuccine alfredo. It was so cold and congealed that an attempt to remove a few strands resulted in the entire glob being lifted from the bowl.

She took my plate and returned it ten minutes later. The plate was definitely hot, the fettuccine only so so. My guess, she put the dish on a hot plate and made no attempt at a hot serving of food.

In another botched attempt to appease us, she brought Lynn 2 more entrees and an unordered dessert. Nothing more than wasted food.

I suspect it will be the buffet for us for much of the remainder of the cruise.

A production show is the last activity for us for the evening.

Tomorrow we will be in Castries, St Lucia.

Day 5 - St Maarten

I exaggerate a little as I tell people this is the only reason I took this cruise. I need to go back about 2 years when I was last here to give you the beginning.

Somehow I managed to take a minimal amount of cash with me off the ship. I went to the Lazy Lizzard for beverage and lunch, and found myself without cash to tip the water taxi crew.  Nick loaned me $10. I have had a reminder on my calendar since then. Yes it is the longest outstanding reminder on my calendar. I must get back to St Maarten to repay this debt.

Fast forward to today.

Adrienne and Alyssa have a 2 tank dive scheduled with a private operator. Lynn and I  will venture to the Lazy Lizzard to pay my debt. James and Bobo will probably pursue local beer, that seems to be their favorite activity now that Steve is fully recovered. Pann and Terry discussed several hours on the beach.

Since the divers have scheduled plans, they determine that 12:30 would be a good time to meet for lunch at the Lazy Lizzard.

Pann and Terry change plans and head out with Lynn and I. First a shuttle from the ship, then the water taxi followed by a short walk to Nick's place. Before I enter I can hear James's  voice. They have been here for awhile.

Just then there is a message from the girls. First dive completed, everyone is safe, will tell us later.

With another dive to go we  guess it is probably going to be 2 hours before they arrive. We are not waiting for them.

Food was excellent as always, and reasonably priced. We linger over beverages waiting for the girls while being conscious of occupying 3 tables in a small venue.

All except Steve and James decide to move on. We are tired of sitting. The bills are paid, and I repay Nick. Of course he did not remember I owed him, but that is not the point. I had an excuse to cruise.

Just then we hear from the girls. They are on the way.

Long story short, one diver's tank came loose. In working with that, Adrienne, Alyssa and 2 young inexperienced divers became separated from the rest. Following standard safety procedures, after not reestablishing contact within a certain time frame, they returned to the surface, ending the dive after less than 10 minutes. The 13 and 15 year old did just fine on their first dive after certification, and have a story to tell. Eventually everyone is back on the boat.

I catch the water taxi and shuttle back to the ship.

The ice show is scheduled again for this evening. I decide to forgo the dining room, eat in the Windjammer, catch the Ice Show, and then listen to the piano player in the Schooner bar.

The Windjammer is much busier than I expected. Again the food was good, but not very hot. The ice show was much better with a full complement of skaters, and Rick, from Norway had an excellent voice to go with his piano keys.

A good evening. Tomorrow we will be in St. John's, Antigua.

San Juan - Day 4

We arrive about 9:00 AM under partly cloudy skies. Temperatures are supposed to reach about 80, with a chance of showers.

The Rhapsody Of The Seas is at the next pier and we share a dock with the Silver Moon. A 4 year old vessel operated by silverseas, another Royal brand. A NCL ship is a few miles away at another dock. This is currently the home port for the Rhapsody. Later this fall she will be based in Tampa.

Fares on the Silver Moon  are typically $1000.  No, that is not per cruise but per person per day. I think I like other lines just fine. The Silver Moon is currently on a 40 day voyage. You do the math.

Today is the last day of a 5 day celebration in San Juan  marking the end of the holiday season. Many shore excursions were canceled as many streets are closed for the festivities.

Pann and Terry seek out a church to attend Sunday mass. By chance, the church they are in is the final stop for one of the major parades. Just for them, what luck.

Steve and James head to a local brewery for a beer, the rest of us remain on the ship. The report is that beer was basically 3 for $5 throughout the festival.

Strange but true. Midafternoon  a passing shower drenched the starboard side of the ship where Alyssa and Adrienne were enjoying themselves, while our balcony on the port side stayed perfectly dry. Sorry girls.

The dining room is more busy tonight. The noise level where we are located is very high, the service very slow. The flavor of the food is excellent, but the only thing served above room temperature was dessert.

A female vocalist was the headliner show for the evening. An excellent voice, but most of the songs I did not know. That is a personal maturity problem.

As we retire for the evening the moon is just above the horizon with its reflection glistening  in the Caribbean waters.

Tomorrow we will be in Philipsberg, St. Maarten.

The First Few Days

Steve has not felt well since we left home. Often he would drive, but yesterday he slept most of the way. Nothing contagious, we expect he will be feeling better soon.

He milks it as nuch as he can, just watching videos all day and having Adrienne bringing dinner to their cabin.

When we left Miami the temperatures were about 70. Today, a sea day,  not much warmer. The sun comes and goes with only one shower - just as Alyssa was trying to get in a few miles on the walking track. The treadmill would have to suffice.

Being a 10 day cruise there are few children. At top tier we learn there are just over 100 pinnacle loyalty members and about 500 diamond plus. Way too many for the crown lounge. Mario is also on the ship. With well over 10,000 points he is by far Royal's best customer. I get it, if I had a couple million to spend on cruising, I just might do what he has done.

A little too cool and windy for most to be in the pools.

A card is left at our cabin for dining time and table. We'll it should have been one, but we actually had two. Both at the same time but in different dining rooms. The staff shared that they just love the new software - not! But it does help keep them busy sorting things out. We choose to use the card that specifically  indicates a table for 8.

Dinner was sliced beef tenderloin. Again excellent.

We have moved our clocks ahead an hour, so the 7:30  dinner feels like 6:30 on my body, but it also means the only option for evening shows is the late one at 9:15 or 9:30.

The second night, I pass on the headliner, again a comedian, and head to the piano bar. He leaves for break just as I arrive, there are no seats, so I give up and call it a night.

The seas have been the usual 5 to 7 feet. Occasionally you can feel a little motion but not much. Our first port of call is Puerto Plata, Dominion Republic.

I elect to stay on the ship, the other 7 hire an Uber to take them up the mountain to the rain forest.

Alyssa, the youngest and smallest was the designated fare negotiator. On her third negotiation she was happy with the results. Up the mountain they went. A transfer to the back of a truck and then a long walk over very steep and slippery trails and they arrive. Lovely scenery and views was the reward for the mile long walk.

I'm glad I remained on the ship.

The dining room has many empty tables tonight. The service is quick.

We go to the production show with the singers and dancers, sparsely attended with many empty seats. Seemed to lack the energy usually seen, I was told I slept through much of it.

Tomorrow we will be in San Juan.

10 Days on Explorer Of The Seas

The Explorer is about 25 years old. I first cruised on her when she was almost a "new" ship.

A week or so before departure I verify my supply of prescriptions and other essentials. I am good. The rest of packing gets delayed until the last day.

There are 8 of us cruising together. I swap cars with my daughter as 6 of us are leaving Clermont, possible in her minivan, not with my Lexus.

It has been cold in Central Florida with morning temps below 40.

Half way home the "check tire pressure light" comes on. She already had warned me that she had ordered new tires, but they were out of stock.

Probably just the cold weather. I stop and fill all the tires, the warning light goes off.

I check all my ziplocks of supplies, all those things I take just in case and can not rely on being able to purchase on the ship. All is good.

It is the night before departure. We agree to pick up the others at 7:30. This should get us to Miami by our scheduled boarding time of  1:00 PM. I finish my packing, and set the alarm.

In the morning I secure the house and head to Adrienne's to pick up the others. I arrive precisely at 7:30 as planned.

All the luggage is stashed and we head south on the turnpike towards Miami. We plan to meet Alyssa and James in Port St Lucie. A fuel and food stop.

After about an hour on the road, the "tire pressure warning" light comes on. I don't tell the others about the backordered tires, or the fact I had filled the tires 24 hours earlier.

We look for a tire pressure gauge. Don't find one. A call to Alyssa to ask her. If there is one it would be in the glove box.  None there. The next rest area is 20 miles. I take the risk and keep driving. Nothing with car handling seems abnormal.

Are the 5 year old tires worse than they look? Have I picked up a nail? Is a valve core leaking?  No answers, just fears. I manage to keep my questions to myself. We have about 4 extra hours in the schedule. Abandon the car and Uber is always a last resort.

It seems like it takes forever to reach the service plaza, the warning light continually glaring at me.

Finally the exit sign. I quickly spot the tire air fill hoses.

All 4 tires are checked, and all are exactly at the pressure I had filled them to two days ago. Relief. It is not a leak, but a faulty tire pressure sensor. Now I can share the rest of the story with my five passengers.

We meet the others as planned. Refueled and nourished we are on our way.

The plan is to drop most of the passengers and all the luggage at the terminal and then Adrienne and Alyssa will take the cars to the off site parking garage and Uber back to the terminal.

Financial savings? About $500 compared to parking at the port.

Boarding is effortless. There are no lines and no waiting. The cabins were ready at 1:00, we arrived at the terminal at 1:15, and by 1:30 we had checked in at our muster station and are in our cabin.

Alyssa and Adrienne are no more than 20 minutes behind us.

The only other "must do" task is to fix our dining reservations. We are booked at 2 different tables. 

"See me at 7:30 and I will have a table somewhere for you." Later than we had reserved, but OK.

Southern fried chicken was excellent. Too tired to bother hearing a comedian, we are sound asleep before 10.

Tomorrow is a sea day.