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St. Kitts. Another ship parking lot today. Rob

On another, similar note, on this cruise many of the shore excursions that were on offer for pre-reservations during the check in process, were canceled once onboard due to insufficient pax interest. Just be prepared and have a back-up “plan b” in the event a tour is cancelled due to lack of participation. With the lower pax numbers onboard, this is definitely a possibility. Rob

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On the current cruise ending tomorrow in San Juan, there were insufficient pax with late departing flights to offer a day-of-debarkation airport transfer that included a hospitality venue or a tour enroute to the airport. Only the group transfer, direct from the ship to the airport is offered. It is $50/pp. Since we have a very late afternoon flight tomorrow, we have booked a day room at a nearby hotel. We’ll Uber pier-hotel-airport on our own, and enjoy the hotel’s amenities during the day, prior to going to the airport later in the day. Rob

This reminder that this short 7-day voyage is ending soon. In our room when we returned after dinner. 🥲 Rob

Friday’s (tomorrow) Reflections.

If anyone has a spare $200M, this little 89 meter long gem, anchored near us in Marigot, can be yours. Estimated operating costs $15M-$20M/year. Now back to our regular programming. Rob https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/olivia-o/

If anyone has a spare $200M, this little 89 meter long gem, anchored near us in Marigot, can be yours. Estimated operating costs $15M-$20M/year. Now back to our regular programming. Rob https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/olivia-o/

Today’s snack.

I’ve seen at least three 8-tops in the center of Waterside. Haven’t seen any of them occupied except one evening when each of the 3 larger tables were hosted by an officer. We saw one 8-top in OO last night (unoccupied). I don’t recall seeing an 8-top in Umi Uma. That said, none of the dining tables are permanently attached to the floor. They’re all movable. I believe charger sized tables can be requested for larger groups. They may be just two 4-tops pushed together, rather than a round too, but there’s enough real estate available in all venues to be adjustable and flexible. Rob

Lunch today. Lol

And another.

Marigot. Long tender ride. Rob

Reflections for Thursday.

Random observations for today. 1. If you are ever on a cruise with Annette Manhuyod, run, do not walk to the venue. She has a voice that rivals Whitney, Streisand and Garland. Just saying. 30 minute SRO set in the Palm Court. She could have kept the crowd another hour. 2. James Fox doing Billy Joel is back. Just wow. That’s all. 3. Dined in OO tonite. Between the two of us we shared 6 different starters, 2 different main courses and 3 different sorbets. Some were misses. Three were absolute hits. (Steak tartare, fig tortonelli, lamb chops). Both sorbets were fantastic. 4. The Avenue Saloon was the gayest gay bar we’ve seen at sea in ages. Pianist played Bohemian Rhapsody. We have never heard that live in the Avenue. And “It’s Raining Men” - Weathergirls version. Wow. Totally spontaneous. I’m telling you, Mark Farris or Joel Spire never attracted a crowd like this one tonight. Don’t lecture about gays here. It was the most incredible, inclusive party we’ve seen in years. 5. Dislike #1 - no more self serve in the bistro. This was already explained earlier due to lack of a hand wash sink required by US & Canadian health authorities. 6. Dislike #2 - the nice Italian soap, conditioner, shampoo square bottles are really difficult to dispense. 7. Dislike #3 - the phone system snd the in room tablets remain an unfinished work-in-progress. Fussy annoyances. That’s all for Wednesday. Night. Rob

Today’s snack.

Condiment discussion. Heinz ketchup and mayonnaise. But the Dijon mustard is a French import. (Very tasty, btw.) Rob

Santa’s elves continue their work after midnight.

It is on this cruise. No idea about other sailings. Rob

For those that may be interested how the tender operation works, here are a few pics. Rob

Tortola, BVI

This little invite showed up today. Glad this courtesy has been re-instated, post-Covid. Rob

Todays program.

Santa’s elves are out agsin tonight. Crates of decorations. Will send pics tomorrow with the additional stuff. Crates and crates of stuff. Merry Xmas!! Rob

Wiener schnitzel tonite was world class. Better than any restaurant we’ve experienced in Austria. Just closed down the Avenue again. World class pizza at 11p. Absorbs all those Old Fashions. 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃