LIVE From the Ruby Princess - Our European Adventure - July 4th to 16th

[Cruz-OR]

Hey Ukestrummer, we are on the same cruise as you. Are you bringing your Uke?

[Lovincruisin1321]

Hi Kimmer17,

 

We're hoping you will post your adventures from Paris. You have fans here.

 

Lovincruisin and Lovin your posts!

[Kimmer17]

Paris - Day 14-18

 

 

AAAHHHHH......Gay Paris (pronounced....Pa-reee). Little did we know that we were not gay enough.....more to come.

 

With the memories and sleep deprivation of our wonderful twelve days on the Ruby Princess behind us, it was a quick transfer and flight to Paris for our final stop on our European Adventure. I last left you all sitting in the airport in Barcelona awaiting our flight, which was painless.

 

We had our transport waiting for us as we got out of the airport, and we took our hour long drive through Paris to our amazing hotel, Esprit St. Germain, which is located on Rue Saint Suplice in St. Germain. While the hotel looks like nothing from the outside, inside it is wonderful. We were invited to sit in the lounge to have a glass of champagne while the front desk brought our bags up. After relaxing there for a bit, we were told that the bar is always open for us, which included all drinks. Wonderful. As well, they have a laptop with internet set up there for us to check all our kind responses on CC.

 

It was then that we were told we had to be upgraded to one of the two terraced balcony rooms (which would have cost a difference of 400 Euros a night...woohoo). We settled into our room, where I hooked up my laptop only to have the video card die on my. Despite my efforts, I was unable to find anywhere to fix it in Paris. We decided to have a quick nap, and head out for some dinner around 8.

 

Little did we know that people in Paris don't eat at 8. We went to a great restaurant near the hotel called Allards, where I had some awesome Escargot, and a nice steak, while Kim had some seafood. We were the only one's in the restaurant to start. We were a little surprised (and put off a bit) that the waiter seemed to hurry us through the meal. I know a little bit of the history of the class system in France through the ages, but I would suggest that, to some extent, the bottom class in Paris is the tourist class. This, unfortunately, was to be a bit of a theme for our days in Paris.

 

We walked around the area a bit, stopping at a cafe to sit and watch the busy streets over a Cafe and crepe. We were both very tired, so we decided to just head to bed around midnight. The hotel had movies to borrow, so, fittingly, we decided to fall asleep to Ratatouie (one of my fav's).

 

We woke up around 11 and headed down to breakfast (also included with the room). We had a great breakfast of croissants, eggs and bacon. We decided to buy a three day pass on L'Open Tour, which included 4 lines of HOHO bus, as well as a HOHO bus. While it ended up being worth it, it moves very slow through the Paris traffic. We ended up walking a lot, and cabbing longer distances. We did take it 5 or 6 times through our visit, although we never got on the boat.

 

For our first day, we figured we would hop on the bus and look around.

We took the Green Line which took us along the Seine, through La Louvre and over to the Arc de Triumphe and around the Eiffel Tower. It was a great ride that took us about an hour and half. We got off relatively close to our hotel, and sat out at a cafe to eat and watch. We slowly walked back towards our hotel, stopping and shopping along the way. We had a drink in the lounge and went up to have another nap.

 

Now Kim likes to dance, and it was Saturday night. We asked at the front desk, and the girl there suggested we check out the area around Bastille, which is full of clubs. She told us about Le Bario Latino, so we, again, stopped for a quick bite, and went there.

 

 

What a great place. It was twenty Euro each to get in, which included a drink. We hang out, had some drinks, and danced with the huge crowd. We had a great time there, and would recommend it to anyone. Between this night, and our nights at Skywalkers, I think we have developed more of an appreciation for Latin Music.

 

Now Kim and I both know a little French from school. We found out that what we actually knew was very little. Nowhere on our European Adventure did I find the language such a barrier as I did in Paris. First of all, by speaking English anywhere, you were immediately identified as a tourist, which placed us in tourist class. It was almost like we were tolerated as a necessary evil....."We know we want your money, but we're certainly not going to be happy about it..." sort of thing. Secondly, while almost all of the shopkeepers we talked to were very nice and receptive, the waiters, for the most part, were not very helpful, which made eating and ordering food a challenge. With me being somewhat of a picky eater, this made dining to be difficult. Anyways, enough of that.

 

 

The next day, after another glorious sleep in, we headed down for breakfast and picked up our two day museum passes, which where also included with the hotel. We dedided to get to our most looked forward to site....La Musee D'Orsay. Kim and I both love Impressionist Art, and Orsay is the ultimate in regards to viewing this art. It certainly did not dissappoint. The passes took us right past the lines. We spent the better part of 3 hours looking and admiring the very historical and beuatiful pieces in the museum. The set up is wonderful, situated in an old train station.

 

We walked back along the Seine, stopping at Les Deux Magots for a late lunch/early dinner at around 5. At the hotel, we had the front desk arrange tickets for us to go see a Cabaret show at the Crazy Horse Theatre called Desirs. We had a nap, relaxed, and headed out to our 10:45 show. While expensive (130 Euro each), we sat down in our VIP section, with Champagne and drinks included.

 

We didn't really know what we were in for. Even now, I don't really know how to explain it. It was something of a cross between Austin Powers, James Bond and Benny Hill, with half naked cookie-cutter women. It was classier than a strip joint, but not anywhere near a musical. If nothing, it was interesting, and a memorable experience.

 

After the show, we decided to go dancing at a club in the area called Queens. Now, Queens is known as a gay dance club, but it is a popular spot for all people, we were told. When we made our way to the door, seeing all kinds of people going in, we were told by the doorman that it was for gays only tonight. I asked him how he know we weren't gay, and he didn't find that funny. The next group of people got in (and yes....two couples). I'm not sure whethere our problem was our apparent non-gayness, or our tourist labels. Oh well....they were mean looking and much bigger than me, so we headed back to the hotel.

 

Are you bored yet? I apologize about the blandness of the post. My recollection is being challenged and impeding on my creativity.

 

Over the last couple of days of our time in Paris, we hit the Louvre (way too busy for my taste, but worth it to see the David, Gericault and Delacroix paintings) where we only spend a couple of hours. We checked out the section of town where the Moulin Rouge was, where someone tried to pickpocket me, and we were blessed with seeing someone relieve themself on tree right beside us.....NOT an area we need to ever see again. It gives red-light districts a bad name...lol. We shopped around and enjoyed a host of cafe's.

 

While we had a great time in Paris, we probably could have done everything we wanted to do in three or four days. Towards the end of our stay we were really looking forward to getting home and seeing our kids.

 

Our flight home was dreaded for us. We certainly didn't want a repeat of the flight here. We asked what the upgrade would cost to business class, and were told about 5500 Euro each.....ok...that wasn't going to happen. We were delighted that the nice lady at the counter found us two seats together at one of the exits, with ample leg room. This little thing made our trip home painless. We are still very appreciative.

 

So there we are.....our European Adventure completed.

 

As we look back at our time in Europe, we smile and are bombarded by wonderful memories, of wonderful places and equally wonderful people. It is difficult to pick out the highlights, as there were so very many. Our time at Paradise Beach in Mykonos stands out as the most relaxing point on the trip...Our tour of the Amalfi Coast with Vittorio stands out as the most beautiful......Our tour of Ephesus with John stands out as the most impactful....Our visits to the House of Mary, and the incredible Vatican stands out as the most spiritual.....Our lining up to get in to the Acropolis stands out as the most painful......Our time together playing three card poker brings back great memories of my friends at the Casino.....and our last night dinner with some of the great friends we made on the cruise will forever stay with us as a reminder of our great time on the Ruby Princess.

 

Thank you all for your kind comments these past three weeks. My only advice to cuisers around the world is to keep it all in perspective. Don't sweat the small stuff. Understand that travel is about experiencing something different, and don't try to make everything like it is at home. Home will be there when you return.

 

Ciao........Au Revior......Take care.

[Clutterlady]

Thank you so much for your final impressions, great read:)

[Woobstr112G]

Paris - Day 14-18

 

 

AAAHHHHH......Gay Paris (pronounced....Pa-reee). Little did we know that we were not gay enough.....more to come.

 

With the memories and sleep deprivation of our wonderful twelve days on the Ruby Princess behind us, it was a quick transfer and flight to Paris for our final stop on our European Adventure. I last left you all sitting in the airport in Barcelona awaiting our flight, which was painless.

 

We had our transport waiting for us as we got out of the airport, and we took our hour long drive through Paris to our amazing hotel, Esprit St. Germain, which is located on Rue Saint Suplice in St. Germain. While the hotel looks like nothing from the outside, inside it is wonderful. We were invited to sit in the lounge to have a glass of champagne while the front desk brought our bags up. After relaxing there for a bit, we were told that the bar is always open for us, which included all drinks. Wonderful. As well, they have a laptop with internet set up there for us to check all our kind responses on CC.

 

It was then that we were told we had to be upgraded to one of the two terraced balcony rooms (which would have cost a difference of 400 Euros a night...woohoo). We settled into our room, where I hooked up my laptop only to have the video card die on my. Despite my efforts, I was unable to find anywhere to fix it in Paris. We decided to have a quick nap, and head out for some dinner around 8.

 

Little did we know that people in Paris don't eat at 8. We went to a great restaurant near the hotel called Allards, where I had some awesome Escargot, and a nice steak, while Kim had some seafood. We were the only one's in the restaurant to start. We were a little surprised (and put off a bit) that the waiter seemed to hurry us through the meal. I know a little bit of the history of the class system in France through the ages, but I would suggest that, to some extent, the bottom class in Paris is the tourist class. This, unfortunately, was to be a bit of a theme for our days in Paris.

 

We walked around the area a bit, stopping at a cafe to sit and watch the busy streets over a Cafe and crepe. We were both very tired, so we decided to just head to bed around midnight. The hotel had movies to borrow, so, fittingly, we decided to fall asleep to Ratatouie (one of my fav's).

 

We woke up around 11 and headed down to breakfast (also included with the room). We had a great breakfast of croissants, eggs and bacon. We decided to buy a three day pass on L'Open Tour, which included 4 lines of HOHO bus, as well as a HOHO bus. While it ended up being worth it, it moves very slow through the Paris traffic. We ended up walking a lot, and cabbing longer distances. We did take it 5 or 6 times through our visit, although we never got on the boat.

 

For our first day, we figured we would hop on the bus and look around.

We took the Green Line which took us along the Seine, through La Louvre and over to the Arc de Triumphe and around the Eiffel Tower. It was a great ride that took us about an hour and half. We got off relatively close to our hotel, and sat out at a cafe to eat and watch. We slowly walked back towards our hotel, stopping and shopping along the way. We had a drink in the lounge and went up to have another nap.

 

Now Kim likes to dance, and it was Saturday night. We asked at the front desk, and the girl there suggested we check out the area around Bastille, which is full of clubs. She told us about Le Bario Latino, so we, again, stopped for a quick bite, and went there.

 

 

What a great place. It was twenty Euro each to get in, which included a drink. We hang out, had some drinks, and danced with the huge crowd. We had a great time there, and would recommend it to anyone. Between this night, and our nights at Skywalkers, I think we have developed more of an appreciation for Latin Music.

 

Now Kim and I both know a little French from school. We found out that what we actually knew was very little. Nowhere on our European Adventure did I find the language such a barrier as I did in Paris. First of all, by speaking English anywhere, you were immediately identified as a tourist, which placed us in tourist class. It was almost like we were tolerated as a necessary evil....."We know we want your money, but we're certainly not going to be happy about it..." sort of thing. Secondly, while almost all of the shopkeepers we talked to were very nice and receptive, the waiters, for the most part, were not very helpful, which made eating and ordering food a challenge. With me being somewhat of a picky eater, this made dining to be difficult. Anyways, enough of that.

 

 

The next day, after another glorious sleep in, we headed down for breakfast and picked up our two day museum passes, which where also included with the hotel. We dedided to get to our most looked forward to site....La Musee D'Orsay. Kim and I both love Impressionist Art, and Orsay is the ultimate in regards to viewing this art. It certainly did not dissappoint. The passes took us right past the lines. We spent the better part of 3 hours looking and admiring the very historical and beuatiful pieces in the museum. The set up is wonderful, situated in an old train station.

 

We walked back along the Seine, stopping at Les Deux Magots for a late lunch/early dinner at around 5. At the hotel, we had the front desk arrange tickets for us to go see a Cabaret show at the Crazy Horse Theatre called Desirs. We had a nap, relaxed, and headed out to our 10:45 show. While expensive (130 Euro each), we sat down in our VIP section, with Champagne and drinks included.

 

We didn't really know what we were in for. Even now, I don't really know how to explain it. It was something of a cross between Austin Powers, James Bond and Benny Hill, with half naked cookie-cutter women. It was classier than a strip joint, but not anywhere near a musical. If nothing, it was interesting, and a memorable experience.

 

After the show, we decided to go dancing at a club in the area called Queens. Now, Queens is known as a gay dance club, but it is a popular spot for all people, we were told. When we made our way to the door, seeing all kinds of people going in, we were told by the doorman that it was for gays only tonight. I asked him how he know we weren't gay, and he didn't find that funny. The next group of people got in (and yes....two couples). I'm not sure whethere our problem was our apparent non-gayness, or our tourist labels. Oh well....they were mean looking and much bigger than me, so we headed back to the hotel.

 

Are you bored yet? I apologize about the blandness of the post. My recollection is being challenged and impeding on my creativity.

 

Over the last couple of days of our time in Paris, we hit the Louvre (way too busy for my taste, but worth it to see the David, Gericault and Delacroix paintings) where we only spend a couple of hours. We checked out the section of town where the Moulin Rouge was, where someone tried to pickpocket me, and we were blessed with seeing someone relieve themself on tree right beside us.....NOT an area we need to ever see again. It gives red-light districts a bad name...lol. We shopped around and enjoyed a host of cafe's.

 

While we had a great time in Paris, we probably could have done everything we wanted to do in three or four days. Towards the end of our stay we were really looking forward to getting home and seeing our kids.

 

Our flight home was dreaded for us. We certainly didn't want a repeat of the flight here. We asked what the upgrade would cost to business class, and were told about 5500 Euro each.....ok...that wasn't going to happen. We were delighted that the nice lady at the counter found us two seats together at one of the exits, with ample leg room. This little thing made our trip home painless. We are still very appreciative.

 

So there we are.....our European Adventure completed.

 

As we look back at our time in Europe, we smile and are bombarded by wonderful memories, of wonderful places and equally wonderful people. It is difficult to pick out the highlights, as there were so very many. Our time at Paradise Beach in Mykonos stands out as the most relaxing point on the trip...Our tour of the Amalfi Coast with Vittorio stands out as the most beautiful......Our tour of Ephesus with John stands out as the most impactful....Our visits to the House of Mary, and the incredible Vatican stands out as the most spiritual.....Our lining up to get in to the Acropolis stands out as the most painful......Our time together playing three card poker brings back great memories of my friends at the Casino.....and our last night dinner with some of the great friends we made on the cruise will forever stay with us as a reminder of our great time on the Ruby Princess.

 

Thank you all for your kind comments these past three weeks. My only advice to cuisers around the world is to keep it all in perspective. Don't sweat the small stuff. Understand that travel is about experiencing something different, and don't try to make everything like it is at home. Home will be there when you return.

 

Ciao........Au Revior......Take care.

 

Sounds like you had a great time in Paris. Glad you made it home in one piece. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your live from thread.

 

Thanks Again.....:):):)

 

Bob

[ukestrummer]

YES I am bringing TWO ukes, soprano Kala travel uke for OFF the ship and one of my Concert ukes, can't decide which one yet. I have a dOUBLE GIG CONCERT bag for travel. My email is perep@aol.com because I don't read cruise critic all the time. Wonder how many ukers are on this ship, if you want to get together & play email me

Our room is E623

[Lovincruisin1321]

Thanks Kimmer, great post. So sorry about your experience with parisian waiters. My husband and I were there two years ago and never experienced that in any restaurants at all. In fact, they were extremely nice when I would ask how to pronounce something on the menu or ask for "How Do You Say..."

 

Glad you're home safe!

[somogirl]

I just printed out all your posts for my husband to read and now I have a small novel for bedside reading. Thank you again, your posts have been very helpful and entertaining.:)

[spingal]

Thank you so much! Your thread was wonderful! :D:D:D

[jodi58]

thanks Kimmer,

 

great Paris review, I guess we were lucky , all the waiters and everyone else in the city were very polite and helpful even though we spoke with a very Quebecois accent! though I agree the Moulin Rouge district was not so great.

 

Jo.

[boiledham]

Kimmer,

Thanks to your precious wife for encouraging you to share y'all's journey. My mom, son (15yr.) and I, did this trip last year and it's been great reliving our trip thru your eyes. Next year you'll be doing what we did..."this time last year"!! Or, you'll find someone who's wife has encouraged him to journal and you'll read his words!

 

Thanks for the memories!

Becky

[shepcookie]

Thank you so much for your review of this cruise. My friend and I have book the same cruise for next Summer, and we have been thinking of leaving early and spending a couple of days in Paris. While it's still a ways off, your comments have given us a lot to think about. While I hate to see time fly, I can't wait for our cruise!

 

Thanks again!

 

Tammy

[Lynda90]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for taking us with you on your fabulous journey. :p

[seafoam33]

Kimmer,

 

I have LOVED all of your stories and most enjoyable is your perspective, sense of adventure and genuineness. We are honeymooning on the Ruby mid-Sept, and I am certainly disappointed you won't be on board to entertain, but hoping to have as much fun as the two of you. As for Paris, I felt the exact same way you did and have no desire to head back any time soon.

 

I will really miss your entries and should you plan on writing a novel about your life experiences, you can count me in to buy it!

 

I plan for my new husband to have as much fun reading your musings on our flight to Venice. Have a wonderful rest of the summer with your family and thank you again for the most enjoyable late night reading!

 

Marnie

[seamwoman]

'Enjoyed your post so much because we were on the Ruby in May. I too loved the Amafi coast and Esphesus is my favorite memory. We also like Paris. I think you just have to go there with low expectations and be happy when people are nice. We love impressionistic art and spent a whole afternoon in the D'Orsay. Did you go to Sacre Coure? The view of Paris from the steps is amazing. I had my most spiritual moment there and I'm not Catholic. Thank you for taking all of us along with you.

Karen

[kath00]

thanks Kimmer,

 

great Paris review, I guess we were lucky , all the waiters and everyone else in the city were very polite and helpful even though we spoke with a very Quebecois accent! though I agree the Moulin Rouge district was not so great.

 

Jo.

 

Same here. I spoke in a very Californian accent but I think people were appreciative that at least we tried! I think the French just hate pretentious American tourists. We are a self-righteous bunch. :)

 

Thanks again Kimmer and family for all the time you put into this live from report!

 

Katherine

[margord]

Great trip, great review. Thanks for taking us with you.

[Kimmer17]

Just thought I would put this back to the top for anyone who missed it.

[suzyed]

We're sailing on the Ruby on Oct. 8th for the Med cruise with a TA tacked on at the end!

Your audience is growing...certainly more than the two you expected, and we are all waiting to hear all the details!

Thanks for sharing!

[suzyed]

To busy screaming to cry...:p...please keep up the comments...you're hysterical. :D:D:D

I WAS in tears!! We were at the game...and as Crosby skated down the ice , My DH, says "Oh no, not %@$ Crosby!!"(no, he didn't refer to him by his given name, Sidney). Crosby did NOTHING the entire Olympics and then skates in and takes it!! Yeah, this New Yawker cried!! LOL!

Susan

[Kimmer17]

Just thought I would bring this up into the group again. For those who enjoyed it, I will be doing another LIVE posting this summer from July 9th-21st on the Carnival Breeze in the Meditteranean...this time with the kids.

[snookymom]

Just thought I would bring this up into the group again. For those who enjoyed it, I will be doing another LIVE posting this summer from July 9th-21st on the Carnival Breeze in the Meditteranean...this time with the kids.

Good- I'll be tagging along.

[happy tink]

Dear Kim, hate to say this, but I'm addicted to Joe, can't help it, his writing is magnificent, enjoyed every word. You made me laugh and cry.

 

What a blessing you two and kids on the Breeze. Cannot wait to read, I am sailing on the Breeze Aug 2. I think this trip will be a little different with children in tow. Enjoy & thank you both, for sharing! :D

[suzyed]

We did the Ruby TA from Venice in October 2010...loved loved loved it! Of course Venice is one of our favorite cities!

[travelinmama]

Sorry, but your dear lady is correct.. We will follow your posts as well. We are trying to decide on a Medit. Cruise next year and are undecided between Celebrity Silhouette and Princess (Ruby).. so, your post will definitely help..thanks so much and enjoy your trip