KGSB11

Okay, lets kick off day 5!

Okay...so we have three days left of cruising to go over and 6 days left before I look ridiculous stretching this thing out into October...Okay so it ended up being much more work than I originally anticipated :eek:. But it has been fun reviewing this fantastic cruise along with all of you -- We will review St. Maarten today and then the last two sea days by the end of the week for sure!!!

Thank you all for your support and patience!

:D

i should change my screen name to trivia-holic!!!

That would certainly be fitting...I am pretty sure that you had a reserved table by the end of the cruise! :D

The last thing that I wanted to do was have a drink at Crown Bay…we did this in 2010 and it was a fun way to both end a fun day ashore and admire the ship. At this time, DW also got her first taste of a Bushwacker – to which she was an instant fan - just disappointed that it was at the end of the day and not earlier.

Once back onboard we both headed for the room to sit down and rest for a bit before dinner. I took the opportunity to watch the Coast Guard boat troll around in the water ensuring our safe departure; also found out through their brief fun-spirited conversation with a group of guys onboard that the gun on the bow of the their boat is a .308 versus the .50 which the machismo guys had hoped for.

It was also at this time that my newly discovered book-worm of a wife, had not only finished her book, but informed me that she could not possibly go the rest of the cruise without knowing what happens next -- soooo, the awesome and understanding DH that I am, offered to let her use my Kindle to which she quickly downloaded E.L James book part 2.

Tonight’s dinner was lamb and it was good but the main-course was the drama ensuing at the table next to us. So DW ordered a champagne Bellini and I a very Long Island Tea and we people watched and gossiped with the other table beside us.

Enter the ‘Snorting dad’ and his girls from breakfast a few days ago…and his entire family, or part of them…that is whichever part of the family wasn’t in the process of yelling at each other, a waiter, or storming out…or chasing after said member who stormed out. Or other members who would storm-IN and then out. In short, it was entertaining, and they never made it past the bread appetizer before they all left upset and the fine waiters of Royal Caribbean International prepared their table for the next diners.

After dinner and a quick tour of Entertainment Place which included a very brief stop in Studio B for the Battle of the Sexes game, we were seated second row for the comedy show. We enjoyed ourselves very much, there were times I was nervous that my drink would spill completely out we were laughing so much. The RCI host (Rita?) from New Zealand was pretty funny, the opener, Phil Tag, was hysterical, and the second comedian, Rondell Sheridan, was okay.

On our way back to our balcony where our evenings usually ended, DW wanted to enjoy the Caribbean air – this entailed a quick stop at the Trellis Bar in Central Park; A really nice layout and location for a night-cap. I headed to Vintages to get a glass of vino and got sucked in to the vortex.

Now, I’m guessing that they were very slow this entire cruise as I never saw more than a few people in there at a time – and anytime I was in there, it seemed as if they were dying and anxious to strike up a conversation with someone, as if they were puppies at a pet store trying to impress their potential new friends.

This ended up being very good for me, as every time I stopped in, I was tasting at least one or two wines before I made a decision - something that I am only accustomed to at a small, “Ma n’ Pa” wineshop near me; needless to say it was a nice extra touch which really played to the overall experience of this cruise. So after my two free tastes and some conversation about tomorrow’s port, St. Maarten (which according to Rumen, is the favorite stop of most staff – look for them at Sharky’s Bar just off the pier), I was on my way back to the Trellis Bar with my selection in my hand, Belle Glos Pinot Noir.

It was quite nice conversing and enjoying the sounds of Central Park, but pretty soon we were both empty and I in need of a refill for the balcony; this time DW came with me to Vintages – I think to keep an eye on me since I always took too long :rolleyes: – but this time, she too was drawn in. This turned into about a 30 minute time-warp of free tastings for her and I, and conversations with Rumen the winetender, before my balcony beverage selection was made, an Italian Toscana called Lucente.

And it was time to sit back and wait for Maho Beach to steam closer!

Up Next: Day 5, St. Maarten – Maho Beach and Johnnie Walker

Emerald Beach was very nice…lots of families, clean, and plenty of space. It isn’t dead-quiet as there is some background noise as there is a nearby industrial area/airport, but trust me, you don’t notice it over the general “beach noise” (i.e. kids, waves, & neighboring chit-chat).

There are two hotels on the beach which rent beach chairs and watersports equipment – so there is plenty to do if you are active. DW and I chose to read, swim leisurely, and enjoy adult beverages for a couple of hours.

At 2:45pm, we decided to head into town and there was zero wait for a taxi, so we were quickly on our way. A decision was made by our looming hunger to make a quick stop at the ALLURE for a quick bite at the Park Café and to drop off our beach items in the room.

After a Turkey Avocado Panini and a Grilled Cheese Panini, we were in a cab heading for downtown Charlotte Amalie. Spent the remaining time on the island just strolling through the shops; DW looked at jewelry and I fine timepieces.

We did come across one salesman who was selling this ring so hard to DW that at one point I swear he had ME convinced that I needed to buy one for myself. Eventually we were able to release ourselves from the ring’s tractor-beam and make our way back to Crown Bay.

This building that caught my eye on the way back to Crown Bay -- look for it while downtown, it is on Hassel Island (one closer to downtown)

Land Ho!

Today started like most of the other days I have described – I woke up whist we were still underway into St. Thomas, however our destination was within sight. I ventured out to Park Café for the most important beverage of the day and I picked up some bagels and fruit as well; on an aside, Park Café has quite a nice assortment of shmear for the bagels.

DW also woke about the same time and we enjoyed breakfast on the balcony as the island grew larger. After we were docked successfully, DW and I got ready to head ashore; our plans for today were simple – lounge around at the beach and do some shopping (DW’s request :cool:)

Lots of these guys flying around, showing the captain and pilot the way!

On our way out, we hit up Sorrento’s for an early lunch so we wouldn’t need grab something while we were out (read: spend money). The usual staff must have been ashore because they definitely had the B-Crew working. We got our pizza no problem, but DW ordered a diet coke and I a beer. The gentleman, who could barely say “hello” in English, stared at us like we asked him to recite the Magna Carta from memory! He eventually got DW her diet (which it wasn’t) and tried to get me my beer, but tried to use the small plastic soda cups instead – then he wasn’t really sure how to work the tap…so I waved him off and figured I’d grab one “across the street” at Bow & Stern. Also he couldn’t figure out why DW was handing him her SeaPass card for the soda, and waved her off. #facepalm

He was probably new, didn’t bother us, so we progressed unimpeded with the rest of our day.

We took a quick 2 minute taxi ride to Emerald Beach; we picked Emerald Beach for our day because of the close proximity of it to Crown Bay; it also isn’t crowded and does not have an entrance fee like other ‘big-name’ beaches do on the island. We knew that we could both spend a lot of time at the beach and go downtown with plenty of time so long as we went to a nearby beach

But we also call the Viking Crown Lounge the "crotch bar"- but that's a story for another day!:eek:

 

Inquiring minds want to know!! I promise not to share it with anyone else.;)

Familygoboston,

Ahh, yes, the Crotch Bar...I do remember you mentioning that in your Oasis review!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=31883843#post31883843 :D

Noticed this page didn't get displayed properly:

What day was the Mojito/ margarita class?? Looks like fun, we already ordered the all inclusive drink package.. So it would only be $4.00 ??

The "Mojito Clinic" was on the first sea day (Tuesday) for the Eastern itinerary.

If you have purchased a drink package as you have stated, than Yes, the price would be only $4, which is mainly for the....wait for it...

TRAVEL ALERT: SHAME ON ME...I forgot to mention that the 'Hurricane' GLASS in the picture (center w/ lime) is yours to keep and take home if you wish (not plastic like the Drink 'o Day) - it is included with the price paid ($12 or $4 with drink pkg)

I will get around to posting St. Thomas this afternoon, but in the meantime, here is the "trailer" for today -- rather a teaser! :D -- Also one of my favorite pictures of the vacation

The D.O.'s

Great pictures....great review....thanks for sharing

 

Question on the walking app-Accupedo: Does that app work if you have your Android on Airport Mode?

 

Thanks and looking forward to more. My trip is coming up shortly. :)

Thanks for the compliment.

Accupedo works perfectly in airplane mode - all data is stored on the phone so there is never a need to synchronize. You just need enough battery to last as long as you'll be walking for ;)

Oh man, I'm so taking the Mojito class! :p

I highly recommend it!!! Just please do not go on an empty stomach -- as I will not be able to guarantee your enjoyment :cool:

As an aside -- I can appreciate your screen-name; as I am assuming it stands for your master's degree. You see, mine also stands for MBA, albeit in a roundabout way!

Totally loving this review as I just booked a cruise last night on the Allure!

Congratulations!!! :D

You will love it!

Awesome review from one planner to another! Thanks for taking the time and adding the pictures.

Not a problem...thanks for following along!

Wow, great review, and can't wait to see how it ends! We're sailing on the Allure on 11/24 and will definitely reread this entire thread before we leave.

 

Thank you for all of your efforts in putting this together!

Your very welcome.

I'm just paying it forward to those who came before me and those who will come after!

Great review! Do away with the spreadsheet planning, check out Tripit.com - it'll change your holiday planning life!

I actually have tried Tripit many a time...in fact every vacation I give it another try (including this one). I'll admit there are conveniences to using it, but I always end up using the paper-copies more.

WOW What did the other guy look like?

The 'other-guy' that was hit was my wallet :rolleyes:, and he didn't fare too bad... I took advantage of an available upgrade on my family account.

Oh, the humanity!!!!

Yea...just when I thought that I got everything organized the way I like it :eek: #OfCourseMe #CruiseCriticShouldUseHashtags

Fabulous Review!! Totally loving it - I leave on Allure on Sunday, wooohooo! love your writing style want to keep reading but on my 3rd glass of wine and can barely stay awake! Should be working, anyway looking forward to the rest....:):D:cool:

Thanks for the compliments....I like the way you read; wine always enhances the experience :D

Other Photos which I thought should have been included earlier:

A.M Walk

Multi-Deck Pre Parade

Up Next: Day 4, St Thomas – Emerald beach and Downtown

We attempted to take an evening stroll on deck 16 after dinner, but were stopped by the sight of teenagers being whipped around like ragdolls by the wind – of course, my superior adult reasoning told me that they were overreacting – in short, No…they…were…not!

In fact, a few of us started a human chain to assist some of the other ‘far-flug’ people – okay, maybe I used my creative license on that one a bit, but it was pretty windy. So to Central Park we headed (a protected area with a sky view) and took in some live string music before the start of the Love & Marriage Show.

In case you were wondering...yes they do take bluegrass requests!

The L&M show was, as usual, funny and hysterical. I will skip the fine details as I’m sure most of us are versed well in the questions and various responses which are given – although to summarize the three couples: Honeymooners (CC D4nigirl was not selected), 20yrs+ couple who like to do it on the beach, and Abe (named such by Ken Rush for his likeness to Abe Lincoln).

The Asst. Cruise director from the Meet & Mingle is Stage Left behind the podium.

We then retired to our balcony with wine in-hand to rest ourselves for St. Thomas.

Day 3: 2.37mi walked -- Alas, I have found my kryptonite...of the items in the category "Things Not Recovered from my Phone" was my walking data. This will be my last step count for the cruise.

For those curious...throughout the entire cruise, I was never again over 3 miles, yet never below 2.25 miles

More Flowrider observing before heading to On-Air for Movie Soundtrack Trivia.

Trivia was more fun because of the rather loud group we sat next to…again Alaska_Planner, looking in your direction. DW or I didn’t get many correct, but it was fun to see a few more CC people again.

A short time later, and a few minutes before our reservation at Samba Grill, I made my way to Vintages to get a wine recommendation for the evening…

I initially only expected to see if they perhaps had my Robert Mondavi wine I was hoping for the previous night, but instead found myself tasting a few samples and ultimately with the night's recommendation specific for Samba – the Arboleda Carmenere.

This dinner ended up being one of our favorites of the cruise. The concept wasn’t new to us as we have many similar restaurants around the Chicagoland area, but the food was just so good and of equal quality! There were two types of Top-Sirloin which were served and those were my two favorites (Picanha&Alcarta) and the lamb was slightly better than what I would eventually have in the MDR.

FOODIE ALERT:

I can’t recall what DW had for dessert, but I had the flan which was pretty tasty – they also convinced me to buy their nifty Royal Caribbean “made in Italy” wine decanter!

This may also be a good point to mention that the specialty 'dinner' restaurants (Samba and Chops for example) allow you to take the fancy Stolzle brand wine glasses with you when you leave for later consumption -- Vintages, however requested that the glass stay there.

The "Menu"

The Mojito/Caipirinha class is in Boleros and takes place on the dance-floor (no dancing involved, it just isn’t up at the bar)…the bartender who taught our class was the casino bartender, so he incorporated some humor and magic tricks into the class which was quite entertaining.

Now here is where the drink lovers pay attention – for $12 –or- $4 if you have the drink package, you get to learn how to make four (4) drinks and in return you get to drink...I reapeat...drink...four (4) full-size pours of said drinks (Mojito, Caipirinha, Margarita, and Cosmopolitan) – This is NOT a 'participation required' session, it is more of an instructional class - volunteers will be requested periodically, but most people just sat, watched and drank the adult-beverages provided.

The drink with the napkin wrapped around it was DW's Blue Hurricane (she did not take part in the class, but just watched)

Now when you are given 4 drinks in a 45 minute window…food will be of utmost importance when you leave – also required is the assistance of a DW – who will be known henceforth as Designated Walker.

It may also be pointed out that no one said you had to drink all four beverages before you left…but I accepted the challenge anyways :rolleyes:

We had reservations for Samba Grill that night (specialty #4), so we grabbed a quick bite at the Boardwalk Dog House to soak up the limes and mint leaves which were probably coating my tongue green by now. This would be the only time we ate here – I say that in a remorseful sense, as we enjoyed it very much and never found time to return. DW had her usual classic frank with ketchup (her being originally from Chicago, I don’t know how she gets away with it :eek:) and I had the bratwurst with loads of sauerkraut and mustard (paying homage to my German roots).

The CruiseCritic Meet & Mingle was at 9:30am so we had about an hour to kill beforehand; I wanted to explore more of the near empty ship so we found ourselves exploring the Boardwalk area and ended up at the Donut-Shop (as I write this, I am just now realizing how much we ate before 10am – and I’m not even TO 10am yet). We perused around the AquaTheater for a bit and watched a SCUBA course in-progress as well as sat down for a hypnotic session of "wake-watching"!

Soon enough it was time to head to Dazzles for the CC meet-up where more fruit, cheese, coffee, and juices were had. After a few nice words by the Asst. Cruise Director (can’t remember name, but he was from S. Africa), he told a quick history of RCI while also integrating some RCI History Trivia to which hats were given for correct answers – the raffle was also quite fun, I can’t remember all the winners, but I think I recall Razman10, FamilyOreoTreats, and CanadianCruiser38 being among the winners. After the raffle a few of us stuck around and chatted for a while before we went off to enjoy the first sea day. Everyone was really nice and it was quite a lot of fun to finally meet the people that had been on the roll-call for so long – even if it took them FOREEEEVER to decide on which cruise, looking in your direction Alaska_Planner. :-)

Before heading to our normal residence at 001 Solarium Drive, Allure of the Seas Blvd (that's the actual address BTW :p), we took a quick stroll on deck 5 to get a glimpse of the waves breaking as the ALLURE hit them (remember the clouds and impending storm) and quickly found ourselves getting trapped by the Move It! Move It! Parade...turned out, we enjoyed it a lot and were glad we stumbled upon it.

After the parade, we heard a loud rumble and after realizing no one else seemed to be bothered by it, we determined it must have been our stomachs! So we decided to try Izumi for lunch – DW LOVES sushi and she can thank her DH (that’s me ) for that. Also, for those of you keeping track, this would be specialty restaurant #2 that slipped its way into our schedule :cool:. This was good; pretty much exactly what I’d expect from any place on-shore – quality, well-made, & fresh sushi! DW was able to get her custom California Rolls (no cucumber) without any fuss so she was happy - a diet coke for the misses and a cold beer for me so I too was also happy. It was at this point that I noticed through the windows, the pool deck was uncharacteristically empty…then I noticed the windy downpour that was currently in-progress – this lasted pretty much our entire lunch, but cleared up by the time we made it to the Solarium.