"LIVE" from Enchantment of the Seas / Jan 7, 2012

[megr1125]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise on this ship/itinerary Jan 28th, so thanks for all the great photos!

We are hoping to save money by exploring the ports ourselves as opposed to taking excursions. Folks who have been to Port Canaveral, Key West, Nassau, or Cococay: What are your recommendations for must see [affordable] things? Any advice for getting around without renting a car?

 

Thanks!

karen and mark

 

Coco Cay is a beach day so just relax..

 

Key West and Nassau are walkable...if you want to go to Altantis in Nassau, you can do so by cab (i forget the cost) and you can walk around parts of the resort without paying for a tour...and you can hit the casino....

 

key west..easy to walk around...you can take the conch train

http://www.conchtourtrain.com/index.htm

 

Plenty to do

 

As for port canaveral..unless you rent a car or book an excursion, you'd need a cab.... Radio generally goes to Kennedy Space Center..you could rent a car and do that on your own...

 

HTH

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . I got off of the Ship shortly after my last post. Key West started getting some pretty significant cloud cover almost right away. Luckily it never rained . . . I started to look at some of the maps for places I might go. I decided to do a Google maps search for the Hemmingway House. It turned out to be very easy. It was only a 12 min walk (just a few blocks), and I was there.

 

 

I loved it. I have been here before, but I didn’t stay for long. I could have stayed longer today, but I wanted to do a few other things. The artifacts, and story tellers there make you want to listen and watch forever. I really like the cats that are kept on the premises. There are mini “cat motels/houses” all over the property, and they love humans. It is a little unusual to see their big paws (with 6 toes), and one of the workers said that about 50% of the cats born there have the 6 toes. . .not just 1 paw, but on all fours. . .It was very interesting to hear about the life of the great writer and journalist.

 

 

 

As I walked back to Mallory Square, I couldn’t believe the oasis I saw before my eyes. . .It was on the bottom floor of the Crowne Plaza-Key West. It was a beacon. . .Yes, it was a Starbucks and I had to indulge on one of the things I like a lot. It was nice, and the free internet was OK too. . .

 

 

I passed a lot of shops, and of course I passed by the Hog’s Breath Saloon, and Sloppy Joes. There were shops everywhere. It is easy to get around on foot. I walked for several hours, and I was able to see many stores and shops. The Conch Shells and Key Lime Pie were on sale everywhere. . .

 

 

I stopped for lunch at E Meson de Pepe and had a very good Cuban Sandwich. . .This is a Café/ museum that has been owned by the same family for years. They are proud to have this popular restaurant in Key West, and it really shows.

 

 

I also stopped in the “Key Encounter” This is a Nature Theater and Planetarium that has a lot of tropical birds (that really love people) One of the attendant there suggested that I pet one of the large birds. The tropical bird rolled on her back and started squawking when I stopped. . .They loved it. . . The best thing about Key Encounter is that it is a free exhibit with free shows. They survive on donations only. It is above the small Mall next to the Aquarium.

 

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. . .I will try to get more up later tonight. . .

 

 

Thanks for the nice comments !

 

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

Welcome to Key West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enchantment of the seas under grey skies in Key West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, this was caught off the coast of key West ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a lot of vendors and gifts here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They have a lot of “Shell Phones” here. . .They are everywhere in Key West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe some people prefer Alligator heads ? Is this legal ? Many stores had these too. . .

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more. . .

 

I will try to get more later. . .

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

The Hemmingway house was just a few blocks away

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The grounds were very landscaped

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were several of these “motels” on the property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These kitties have some big feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They were adorable. . .I wanted to take one home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eureka ! I have found it. . .Coffee, snacks, and Internet

 

 

 

 

.

[somebodysdream]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise on this ship/itinerary Jan 28th, so thanks for all the great photos!

We are hoping to save money by exploring the ports ourselves as opposed to taking excursions. Folks who have been to Port Canaveral, Key West, Nassau, or Cococay: What are your recommendations for must see [affordable] things? Any advice for getting around without renting a car?

 

Thanks!

karen and mark

 

Hi Karen. My DH & I will also be on the January 28 cruise. We actually have booked the Airboat excursion in Port Canaveral but may cancel at the last minute & just take a bus to Cocoa Beach if the weather turns out to be warm enough. In Key West we plan on walking around, bar hopping, dining, seeing the sites, & people watching. Cococay is just a beach day for us. Nassau we're planning on taking a water taxi ($6 ea round trip) over to Paradise Island and Atlantis on our own. When our daughter & her husband were there they just walked to the beach right next to it. (no extra fee) We also want to try the casino at Atlantis and do the straw market in Nassau. Wow that sounds like a jam packed day. :D

Again thanks, Radio, for the live reports. It's getting me excited for our cruise.

(Meg, Cheryl, Pattie, and any others we met on our numerous Explorer cruises we're sure going to miss you this time around):(

[Radio]

Just a few more. . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

I don’t think I want to try Alligator meat. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Meson de Pepe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food was very good here. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Shipwreck Tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its time to get back to the ship. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We leave at 3PM sharp for Nassau. . .

 

 

 

.

[PH8]

Oh you must try Gator Meat........its not bad at all..........place here in town has gator chili,gator cheese-steak,gator nugget,etc...you get the idea.

[megr1125]

EN has departed Key West, en route to Nassau.... !

[ryano]

those alligator heads are very much so legal and alligator meat is DELICIOUS! :)

[Buffett fan]

I tried alligator meat one time at Deep Creek Lake. It might have been yummy, but I couldn't make myself get past the thought! Wasn't bad, but I've never ordered it again ;)

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Quietly asking...what does alligator meat taste like? Closest to....?

 

 

CruiseDivaNJ

[Buffett fan]

Quietly asking...what does alligator meat taste like? Closest to....?

 

 

CruiseDivaNJ

 

I had it as a fried appetizer, and what I remember most is that it was salty. I'm not sure if that is typical or if it was a fluke. It wasn't bad, but me and my little mind couldn't quite get over the thought of what I was eating. Look of shame! :o

[jackinav]

Quietly asking...what does alligator meat taste like? Closest to....?

I tasted some in New Orleans. I thought it was chewy ... a little salty. I can't think of an answer to "closest to...?" except perhaps a tough salty chicken! Not something I'd ask for again.

[Buffett fan]

Quietly asking...what does alligator meat taste like? Closest to....?

 

I tasted some in New Orleans. I thought it was chewy ... a little salty. I can't think of an answer to "closest to...?" except perhaps a tough salty chicken! Not something I'd ask for again.

 

You're right - it was chewy!! My selective memory is in full force...

[Sugar*Magnolia]

I had it as a fried appetizer, and what I remember most is that it was salty. I'm not sure if that is typical or if it was a fluke. It wasn't bad, but me and my little mind couldn't quite get over the thought of what I was eating. Look of shame! :o

 

Thank you! :) Trying to imagine this...lol

 

Quietly asking...what does alligator meat taste like? Closest to....?

Thank You jackinlv I tasted some in New Orleans. I thought it was chewy ... a little salty. I can't think of an answer to "closest to...?" except perhaps a tough salty chicken! Not something I'd ask for again.

Thank you for your comments! I guess it wouldn't be something I would run to order then! lol Although we are typically adventurous in trying new foods...maybe not this one so much! :):p

 

CruiseDivaNJ

[ryano]

Gator tail is more tender than chicken and real comparable in taste and not salty at all. If you had "chewy" gator meat, it certainly wasnt the tail you were eating I wouldnt think. The salt must have came from the preparer.

 

I dont eat anything but the tail preferably from smaller gators as they taste better and are not quiet as tough.........its very tasty cut into chunks and deep fried :)

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

My 7 year old son picked up the gator jerky and the head in NOLA last summer. He ate the jerky and said it tastes like beef, which makes sense because there is quite a bit of beef in it, it's not all gator. As for the head, I am careful when I dust it because those teeth are actually sharp!!!!:eek::D

[sculptress]

We were told that David was fired after punching someone. Hard to believe since he was so nice and very efficient. He hasn't been on the ship lately. His wife was very nice too. She worked at the casino as a waitress. We were sorry they were no longer on the ship.

 

I hope that this isn't true and that they are only on vacation. Our friends were told this by fellow crew members.

 

Gwen :)

WOW so sorry to hear this news. Yes, David and his wife were very nice. I hope it's just a rumor and not true. I'll keep you posted when we go next month. :(

 

By any chance would you know if the same director of activities John and his wife are still there? We know them for many years as long as when we first started sailing and met them on Song of America. Thanks Gwen for the info.

Janet

[gram23]

We are on the April 7th sailing, my daughter and her husband and my three grandchildren. They are so excited and I can't wait to share your pictures with them. I have been on the Grandeur out of Baltimore so I am really looking forward to this one!!! Thanks so much again for taking the time to share your experience!!

[Candleonwater]

I don't know what's wrong with me... but I was in KW for Thanksgiving... had dinner at Margaritaville... VERY disappointed. It was my first time visiting one in the states.

 

My obvious suggestion...at least stop by Margaritaville! :D

[debshomespun]

A couple years ago while in Naples, we had "alligator bites" and they were delicious! Tasted alot like chicken bites. Little pieces. Very good.

 

We love Key West. Last February, we spent a couple nights there pre-cruise. Had a wonderful time and got to enjoy all the evening fun at Mallory Square. They had a great show with cats. Was the same guy we saw almost 20 years ago. He has been doing shows with cats at Mallory Square for years. The cats jump through fire rings, walk tightropes, and do all different types of tricks. Very interesting.

 

Radio, loved the pictures of the kitties at the Hemmingway house. They are so adorable!

[OhioCruiserDude]

Ive had gator before I loved it yes it was mostly beef but it was still good. No ware near as good as deer jerky.

 

Radio keep up the good work your making the 94 days till my cruise fly by

[cruzinlady1947]

WOW so sorry to hear this news. Yes, David and his wife were very nice. I hope it's just a rumor and not true. I'll keep you posted when we go next month. :(

 

By any chance would you know if the same director of activities John and his wife are still there? We know them for many years as long as when we first started sailing and met them on Song of America. Thanks Gwen for the info.

Janet

You are welcome Janet. When we were on the Enchantment in Nov., John and his wife were not there. We saw them last March when we were on. Really liked them. In Nov. it was the same one that is on now. (forgot his name) Just remembered, it was Mitch Aerowsmith

 

I am loving this live report from Radio. We are taking this same cruise on March 10. Getting a lot of good ideas as to what we want to do. We may just stay on the ship in Port Canaveral. Don't know for sure. This is just going to be a relaxing vacation for a change and not going to do a lot. I don't even think we will do the formal nights this time.

 

Thanks Radio for the wonderful report and pictures. They are just fantastic. You are so kind to do this.

 

Gwen :)

[Cotswold Eagle]

You are welcome Janet. When we were on the Enchantment in Nov., John and his wife were not there. We saw them last March when we were on. Really liked them. In Nov. it was the same one that is on now. (forgot his name) Just remembered, it was Mitch Aerowsmith

Gwen :)

 

Mitch Merucci - on as vacation relief for the Blairs :)

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . .We have heavy rains and extremely high winds . . . This started as we pulled away from the pier in KW.

 

The forecast is that a gale warning is in effect until 8PM. . . The ship is handling smooth, but the winds out on the decks are very rough.:eek:

 

Tomorrow we should she sunny skies in the afternoon. . .

 

We are scheduled to arrive at 11AM.

 

 

More pics later tonight. . .

 

Radio

;);)

[LBumb]

wishing you calm seas