**Destiny Unknown** HMC, Grand Turk, Nassau 9/5-9/10/2011

[Aussiegrlfl]

Cruise Critic Roll Call Party-

 

I mentioned earlier that we had an awesome Roll Call!

 

We all did a Meet n Greet at 3:00pm on Sailway Day at the Aft bar and had a great turnout!

 

Lee (Aussiegirl) arranged our 1-hour cocktail party held on Day 2-Sea Day in the Piano Bar. It was $11.44/pp and no shortage of drinks at all! Thanks Lee!!

 

We also arranged a gift exchange. Each person brought something from their region, we drew numbers to grab gifts, stealing allowed, etc. It truly was a blast! I brought Blue Diamond Almonds, as the growers and packing plant are headquartered here in Sacramento. Gabby brought "Space Noodles" which was pasta in the shape of the Space Needle.

 

I will say that most nights were spend hanging with my CC friends either in the Casino, Piano Bar or Martini Bar. We had tons of those "had to be there moments", so many that a few of us were hoarse from laughter by the end of the cruise. I wont mention who's hubby it was, but someone there was someone we nicknamed "Mr Busy Hands" :eek::D Hilarious!

 

Here is a link to our Destiny Unknown Album..but I will post some of the pics here too.

http://photobucket.com/Destiny_Unknown_CC_Group

 

 

Lee made us all name tags...Check out the date...Guess someone started with the DOD's a few days early!

 

Group Picture:

 

Drinks!

 

 

Lee handing out the numbers for the gifts:

 

Gotta try and save my arse on this one......I made those tags over several days at different times of days and ALCOHOL was not always a factor........and I came up with 2001 each time.......go figure......loved you guys we had the bestest time.....

[Aussiegrlfl]

Deb great job.........oh dear I am so used to hearing that from my 3 year old granddaughter....that when the wine somelier filled my glass at the chefs table I said to her good job.....we all had a laugh at that.....

 

anyway for anyone going to HMC soon one observation I made was that after Irene and her downgrading our shade to merely some shrubbery....cabana 6 looked like the best pick in the afternoon to have the most shade......we in 10 and many others were forced out of the cabana and looking for much needed shade shortly after lunch.....it was HOT even with a/c and fans.......so all rush for 6.........

 

I hope you all have as GREAT AND I MEAN GREAT roll call on your CC group as we had.......it made a really good cruise FANTASTIC.....thankyou everyone.......and I hope and pray it won't be our last together......

 

Deb Mike thought he posted a smart arse reply tonight to your rolling slot machine post on our CC but it didn't come up......God alone knows what he said but he was chuckling......and now it is in cyber space somewhere.......oh dear.........someone out there may have something to make $$$$millions with and we lost it.......crap.......

[tcw92]

Deb-I enjoyed reading your review and seeing all of the pictures you posted on the site. I can't wait for a reuinion cruise....it will be just Troy and I going this time and we will be joining all of you at the bars and parties!! i promise you that. Would love to keep in touch. i have already been looking at cruises for next year. Troy and I will celebrate our 20 year anniversary next year in September. We are thinking Mexico.:D

Take Care!!

Cindi

[DEBnGAB]

oooo --- this should be good!! I have witnessed a few of Don's attempts at taking the slot tourney prize!! :D

 

Tom

 

 

It was actually me in the tourney this time, but had Don plus most of the Roll Call in the cheering section..He "double-dog dared me" to do something..the whole thing was hilarious!

[DEBnGAB]

Deb great job.........oh dear I am so used to hearing that from my 3 year old granddaughter....that when the wine somelier filled my glass at the chefs table I said to her good job.....we all had a laugh at that.....

 

anyway for anyone going to HMC soon one observation I made was that after Irene and her downgrading our shade to merely some shrubbery....cabana 6 looked like the best pick in the afternoon to have the most shade......we in 10 and many others were forced out of the cabana and looking for much needed shade shortly after lunch.....it was HOT even with a/c and fans.......so all rush for 6.........

 

I hope you all have as GREAT AND I MEAN GREAT roll call on your CC group as we had.......it made a really good cruise FANTASTIC.....thankyou everyone.......and I hope and pray it won't be our last together......

 

Deb Mike thought he posted a smart arse reply tonight to your rolling slot machine post on our CC but it didn't come up......God alone knows what he said but he was chuckling......and now it is in cyber space somewhere.......oh dear.........someone out there may have something to make $$$$millions with and we lost it.......crap.......

 

 

ha ha!!! Well tell Mikey to stop breaking the slot machines! Oh that was just hilarious! Tell him to repost it...I bet it was clever!!

 

Lets start looking at dates for the reunion cruise! post to the roll call. :D

 

EDIT: What happened was Lee's husband Mikey was slumped over almost passed out at a slot machine the last night around 2am...the reels of the slot machine kept spinning and spinning..and wouldnt stop and he turns around and says 'Deb, this machine hates me'. Had to call an attendent over to get it to stop...pretty funny!

[DEBnGAB]

Deb-I enjoyed reading your review and seeing all of the pictures you posted on the site. I can't wait for a reuinion cruise....it will be just Troy and I going this time and we will be joining all of you at the bars and parties!! i promise you that. Would love to keep in touch. i have already been looking at cruises for next year. Troy and I will celebrate our 20 year anniversary next year in September. We are thinking Mexico.:D

Take Care!!

Cindi

 

 

Hey Cindi! Ok, convince Lee to come on over to the West Coast as well!! We can do the Splendor for Labor Day! Wow 20 years...well that is something to celebrate! Keep checking the roll call and if you have dates in mind post them. ;)

[DEBnGAB]

On to Grand Turk!! Snorkel then Jacks Shack!!!

Our port time in Grand Turk was 7am-2:30pm and I flip-flopped over booking the Ultimate Snorkel Excursion for 8:30am :eek: But, why sleep at all the previous night right? Just roll right into the next day..kidding..almost.

Oasis Divers conducted the snorkel tour and they were great! The early risers were me, Erman, Gabby, Cali, Dave and Courtney. Out of the bunch, all were first timers except me, Gabby and Cali and we had our own gear.

I tell you, it was great! My actual underwater pics are being developed at Walgreens right now, so I can post those later.

Our guide from Oasis was helpful with the newbies and helpful enough for the experienced snorklers. The first stop was a nice shallow reef, lots of fish AND the guide attracted 2 nurse sharks to pay us a visit..very cool!

Here are some shots from the trip...

 

Pre-trip briefing...

 

 

 

Love that water!!

 

 

Beach near the pier:

[DEBnGAB]

After the snorkel, we were ready to eat...and have a beverage or two. ;)

The 20-somethings headed over to Margaritaville and the rest of us headed to over to Jack Shack to meet up with some Cruise Critic folks. Jacks is a 5-6 minute walk up the beach. If you arent familiar, Jack Shack is a local beach bar with amazing Jerk Chicken and a creative drink menu. Margaritaville and Jack are all within very close distance to the ship.

I took this pic during our walk to Jacks..it was a beautful day!

Ok this was taken during the snorkel trip..I love the way the pier looks against the blue water.

At Jacks..yay!

 

Jacks Menu..Look no further than the Jerk Chicken!

 

 

Heres the Jerk Chicken and Fries....The sauce was amazing and those fries..they must still use the "good" oil to fry in! The one with trans-fat and possibly beef tallow like the old McD's fries!

[Cricket63]

Great review and pics!! Our DD and her new hubby will be honeymooning on her in October!

Thanks for sharing!!

[DEBnGAB]

(cont.) Met up with my Cruise Critic friends at Jacks and of course ordered a few drinks...see the menu below. The drinks were stong and very good! Cheaper than Margaritaville for sure..and a nice relaxing atmoshphere.

Jack and Janets dog "Topher" was adorable! He would scamp in and out of the water...and when our food came, we became his new best friends!

Drink Menu:

 

[DEBnGAB]

Topher wants Jerk Chicken too!!!

 

 

Topher going in for a dip!

 

Our Cruise Critic group with the "Jack" of Jacks Shack...he was really friendly.

 

[DEBnGAB]

Welp, just got the final reason why I NEED an digital underwater camera....I went to Walgreens to pick up my disposable underwater cameras 15 minutes ago and a roll of film snagged on their machinery. :(:( It was the camera I used and I know I had some really great shots! :( They comped my other film developing, gave me another underwater camera and comped the shampoo and hairspray I was buying at the time. The guy felt really bad...I was understanding but sad about the lost memories.

 

Here are some good pics from the other salvaged cameras...our guide drew a couple of nurse sharks over to our site. Also, we had tons of fish swimming around us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DEBnGAB]

 

[DEBnGAB]

Our final stop was Nassau, Bahamas. Bummed because our original plan was to go to Breezes All Inclusive for the day, but no more day passes until Nov 1 due to Hurricane Irene damage. Other than that, Nassau was pretty much just a lunch stop.

We had a cool view of Atlantis from our Balcony.

[DEBnGAB]

I was really excited about lunch and I love conch!

We went to Goldies at The Fish Fry/Arawak Cay for some conch fritters, conch salad and beer. Took the #10 Jitney for $1.25 each way....when you exit the cruise terminal, head right along the tents..catch the #10 at Georges and Bay St. Some of the signs are missing now so ask any Police Officer...they were very friendly.

Goldies:

 

Row of other restaurants at Fish Fry.

 

[DEBnGAB]

Goldies Conch House had 3 beers for $7...Conch Fritters were $4 and Conch Salad was $10. The portions were BIG and for two people....an order of the fritters and salad are PLENTY for two!

 

 

Conch Fritters and Sands Beer:

 

Conch Salad...it was like ceviche..very good!

 

I'm happy! (and sunburned)

 

[Cruise, J.D.]

Loving your review and pics since I just did the same itinerary this summer!

 

I would also love to be back at Goldie's right now enjoying some conch and beer . . .

[DEBnGAB]

Loving your review and pics since I just did the same itinerary this summer!

 

I would also love to be back at Goldie's right now enjoying some conch and beer . . .

 

Hi J.D.- Yes I remember....and I went to Goldies based on your recommendation ;) Thanks for the tip..it was a good one!

[Jdfireman]

Great review cant wait to drink the Destiny dry in a few weeks with out open bar cruise .. Love the pics and stories

[luv cruising 007]

Thanx so much DEBnGAB for hitting me up on another post & sending me the link to your Destiny pic review, It was crazy getting a new place & moving literally till the sat night before the cruise then going to "the Bank" night club at the Bellagio Then driving to long beach for my Splendor cruise:eek: lots of red bull & no cruise critic time:( & after I came back from the Splendor I didnt see your review in the top like 6 pages! LOVE your fun experiences, pics, & funtimes on the Destiny(Did you have a "big tube TV & were you able to reach the phone hahahahahahahaha, remember that???)! I have had those nights after some "adult beverages" on the Slot machines:p! I'm missing Half Moon Cay again already thanx;):D! I had terrible PCD after the Splendor so I had to book on the Paradise the week after I got back & sailing on Oct 24th! 5 cruises this year at this pace i'll be broke on the street BUT i'll at least be Platinum hehehe! Where is our "very special negative friend" who spins the Destiny as a rust bucket? Hope your review scared her away! Anyhow sorry for being so long-winded but its been forever we cruise chatted lol! I wanna either book the Inspiration around the same time OR the fresh outta drydock Spirit with the austrailian upgrades(so I hear its getting the steepest water slide at sea & more.... again so I hear) chat with you all soon!

[DEBnGAB]

Thanx so much DEBnGAB for hitting me up on another post & sending me the link to your Destiny pic review, It was crazy getting a new place & moving literally till the sat night before the cruise then going to "the Bank" night club at the Bellagio Then driving to long beach for my Splendor cruise:eek: lots of red bull & no cruise critic time:( & after I came back from the Splendor I didnt see your review in the top like 6 pages! LOVE your fun experiences, pics, & funtimes on the Destiny(Did you have a "big tube TV & were you able to reach the phone hahahahahahahaha, remember that???)! I have had those nights after some "adult beverages" on the Slot machines:p! I'm missing Half Moon Cay again already thanx;):D! I had terrible PCD after the Splendor so I had to book on the Paradise the week after I got back & sailing on Oct 24th! 5 cruises this year at this pace i'll be broke on the street BUT i'll at least be Platinum hehehe! Where is our "very special negative friend" who spins the Destiny as a rust bucket? Hope your review scared her away! Anyhow sorry for being so long-winded but its been forever we cruise chatted lol! I wanna either book the Inspiration around the same time OR the fresh outta drydock Spirit with the austrailian upgrades(so I hear its getting the steepest water slide at sea & more.... again so I hear) chat with you all soon!

 

Swimom and I were wondering where you were!!! Good to see you back!

 

Dang moving right up until a cruise?? yikes! You needed a break! Must have felt good to finally set foot on the Splendor!!

 

I loved the Destiny! Not a rust bucket at all...we had an older TV but it was fine lol!!! No chipped tile or broken phones...I havent seen our "friend" around in awhile and I was surprised she didnt jump all over this review. ;)

 

Good for you for hitting up the Paradise again!!!! I know that PCD feeling

I'm booking the Inspiration for Feb 19 and March 9! try to go!

[luv cruising 007]

Swimom and I were wondering where you were!!! Good to see you back!

 

Dang moving right up until a cruise?? yikes! You needed a break! Must have felt good to finally set foot on the Splendor!!

 

I loved the Destiny! Not a rust bucket at all...we had an older TV but it was fine lol!!! No chipped tile or broken phones...I havent seen our "friend" around in awhile and I was surprised she didnt jump all over this review. ;)

 

Good for you for hitting up the Paradise again!!!! I know that PCD feeling

I'm booking the Inspiration for Feb 19 and March 9! try to go!

 

I gotta find swimom as well & say hello! At work now catching on work here lol:eek::D! Isint swimom on the Liberty after the drydock? The Spa access we had from the cabin we had was the answer to all the soars & pains after moving Plus liquer & wine with friends(cruise was planned before the move & friends bday party & it all fell in the same pre cruise week/weekend exhausting) the thermal pool & heated ceramic chairs at diff temps in diff. rooms is amazing & relaxing! you gotta try a spa cabin on a ship that offers it, you wont be dissapointed! I'll have some photobucket pics up soon cause the room looks diff, i'll send you the link when I do! I'll try see how work goes to get one of those dates off! Planning a cruise in Jan but not sure from where? Im thinking maybe Galveston on the Triumph? 11 cruises later I still haven't done Cozumel *****!:eek: OOOHH I forgot have you ever gone through that secret door on the front of the Paradise that adamjoy was talking about in his review? That looks like such a cool area

[DEBnGAB]

I gotta find swimom as well & say hello! At work now catching on work here lol:eek::D! Isint swimom on the Liberty after the drydock? The Spa access we had from the cabin we had was the answer to all the soars & pains after moving Plus liquer & wine with friends(cruise was planned before the move & friends bday party & it all fell in the same pre cruise week/weekend exhausting) the thermal pool & heated ceramic chairs at diff temps in diff. rooms is amazing & relaxing! you gotta try a spa cabin on a ship that offers it, you wont be dissapointed! I'll have some photobucket pics up soon cause the room looks diff, i'll send you the link when I do! I'll try see how work goes to get one of those dates off! Planning a cruise in Jan but not sure from where? Im thinking maybe Galveston on the Triumph? 11 cruises later I still haven't done Cozumel *****!:eek: OOOHH I forgot have you ever gone through that secret door on the front of the Paradise that adamjoy was talking about in his review? That looks like such a cool area

 

Yep she sure is..and I booked the Breeze inagural for next Nov! :D I cant wait!

 

Yea you need to get to Cozumel..I love it!!!! Do post some pics from the Splendor...there are some awesome rates right now Jan-April and I am soooooo tempted to book! I bet the spa was just what you needed!!!!

 

Out of my 8 times on the Paradise, never did the secret door! :o I heard it was a crew area but if the door isnt locked go for it right?!!!!

[luv cruising 007]

Yep she sure is..and I booked the Breeze inagural for next Nov! :D I cant wait!

 

Yea you need to get to Cozumel..I love it!!!! Do post some pics from the Splendor...there are some awesome rates right now Jan-April and I am soooooo tempted to book! I bet the spa was just what you needed!!!!

 

Out of my 8 times on the Paradise, never did the secret door! :o I heard it was a crew area but if the door isnt locked go for it right?!!!!

 

My mind is made i'll do some 007 work & find that door on the Paradise, now im determined!:eek: I cant wait to go on the breeze, I wanna try a transatlantic on her since I missed the Magic's TA! Book the Splendor, come on let me twist your arm too, you wont regret it! I loved every min of it!

[Froufie]

Yep she sure is..and I booked the Breeze inagural for next Nov! :D I cant wait!

Will try to keep the Breeze in tip top shape for you as I CROSS THE ATLANTIC right before you get on! (Hey luv cruising 007 - hop aboard - we already have quite a roll call going for the Breeze TA) :D:D