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

[cruzinlady1947]

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

 

Thanks for the correction. I think that the Aerowsmith guy was on the Explorer last October. I had a senior or blond moment. Maybe even both. ;)

 

Gwen :)

[MedicKen]

Thanks for the correction. I think that the Aerowsmith guy was on the Explorer last October. I had a senior or blond moment. Maybe even both. ;)

 

Gwen :)

Luke Aerosmith was the CD on Explorer for our November cruise. Someone mentioned that he may be a "fill-in" CD.

[jmf123]

I decided to do a Google maps search for the Hemmingway House.

 

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

.

lol! Happy for you to have located a Starbucks! :cool:

 

I am so glad you went to the Hemingway House (and shared the adorable polydactyl kitty pics!). I was there years ago and really enjoyed everything. Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat by a ship's captain, its name was Snowball. Some cats living at HH are descendants of this original cat, and ALL the kitties living there carry the polydactyl gene in their DNA.

 

Sounds like you left Key West just in time! I look forward to more 'LIVE' from the beautiful Enchantment and your wonderful photos! Thank you, Radio! :)

[sculptress]

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 :)

Darn I'm sorry to hear that John and his wife aren't directing anymore. I guess I'll be meeting more new people on the Enchantment. Thanks for keeping us informed.

 

With the bad knees and all DH and I will be taking it easy too on this next cruise. We usually go to Cocoa beach in Port Canavaral via the local bus which stops right outside of the ship. We are also going to try doing the water taxi to Atlantis since we were never there. And probably take the open trolly tour through Key West. Heard that there's a great Coach bag factory outlet shop in Key West with great prices. Hopefully the trolley will stop there too.

 

Yes, Radio is definitely making us anxious to travel there! Can't wait! Will keep you posted of our experience as we will be on the one before yours. Thanks again Gwen.:D

[Penguin66]

Shops and Casinos will be closed the entire time the ship is docked in Bermuda.

 

I don't know if anybody else posted this, but the Bermuda papers are carrying stories that they are considering allowing the casinos to stay open while in port, at least on a limited basis.

[sculptress]

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

;);)

 

Glad to hear that you lucked out with the weather for Key West and just made it onboard before the storm. I am thoroughly enjoying your beautiful pics (need a pic of you too in them) and info on the ports. Can't wait to hopefully go to Key West for the first time! Will you be going to Atlantis tomorrow? Was never there but am thinking about taking the water taxi there. Have a safe and fun trip Radio! :D

[sculptress]

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

That's good news if they're just on vacation now and will be back onboard next month. Thanks for keeping me posted.

Janet:)

[Gummie]

Radio,

 

Great as always. We seem to be following you, not only on these boards, but in sailing also. We followed you in September on Can/NE cruise, only you were on the Enchantment and we did it this time on the Explorer. Looks like we are some of the many who will be taking this same cruise 1/18.

[will773]

Thanks for your updates, Radio! Hope the seas don't get too rough, they've been so smooth! Great pics from Key West btw, I would love to go there some day!

[beachbuddy]

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.

 

I kind of felt the same way when we were in Key West. We walked by Margaritaville but I didn't think it compared to the ones on other islands. We ended up eating lunch at Sloppy Joes and had a great time in there! Food was good too!

[beachbuddy]

Radio,

 

Hope the seas aren't to bad tonight. Hopefully, you'll sail right out of the bad weather and into smooth seas and sunny skys for tomorrow. Enjoy!!

 

Patty

[counsdr]

Radio, I hope the skies and the seas clear for you and that you have a good evening.

I loved your pictures from Hemingway's House and especially the cats!!

 

Hi Carole!!! I hope you enjoy the cruise, say hi to the "gang" for me!!

 

Cheryl

[crazybus]

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 and Mark. Key West is very walkable. You dock at Mallory Square and it is 1 mile down Duval St. to the other side of the Island. You should walk down Duval St and then back up Whitehead St. There is a fabulous restaurant called Blue Heaven that is about in the middle of your walk. This place is not to be missed. There are many stores and bars right around Mallory Square to keep you busy. Mel Fisher museum is near there too!

Nassau, is very walkable too! The straw market is very close to the ship. I personally avoid that place because they are very aggressive in there. You can walk around the town and see the sights though.

 

Have fun! I will be on the Enchantment the end of February but it is a different itinerary! Key West is one of my favorite ports!

[Buffett fan]

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.

 

That stinks!! As much as I am a Jimmy Buffett fan and LOVE Margaritaville...I can also admit that the restaurants really aren't know for the great cuisine ;)

[Shar27]

Hi all!

 

Radio ~ thanks for taking us along!;) How's your DB liking the cruise?

I just want to thank you for mentionning Chankanaab on another of your threads. DS & I went there in Nov. & thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

Shar27 ~ my biggest disappointment on Oasis was that the Sorrentos had no antipasti or desserts, just pizza!:( There was nice food at the Cafe Promenade so that helped!

 

Ciao

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Another reason for me not to sail on the Oasis.:rolleyes:

[Cruiser 1998]

Pattie, I don't think they were any smaller. I would say they were about the same size. One year we had a handicap cabin as we brought my Mom along and it was huge! I just looked on line for you and the cabins are actually bigger than the Explorer (191 ft vs 164 ft) but the balconies are smaller (39 ft vs 51 ft). It's still a balcony though and you can sit out!!!

Wish I were cruising with you!!!!!

 

Cheryl

 

We wish you were going with us too (((HUGS))).

 

Sue & Del

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . We are sailing off the coast of the Florida Keys as we make our way to Nassau, Bahamas. The journey takes a little time as we will travel for 20 hrs to reach Nassau at the scheduled time of 11AM. We will be joined by Carnival Magic from Galveston and Carnival Pride (who also homeports in Baltimore)

 

 

The weather outside seems extremely rough, but the Officers I spoke to really don’t seem that alarmed or concerned. Maybe I am just spoiled by the perfect weather we have had over the last 5 days.

 

The CD announced that tomorrow there will be lots of rain. . .before we arrive. The forecast for Nassau tomorrow is sunny and warm in the afternoon. That sound perfect to me. I am thinking of heading over to the British Colonial Hilton. It is within walking distance, and I believe there is a Starbucks (possibly?) on the way.

 

 

I think I may need to get another Internet package. . .I want to post a few more times this cruise. I have to head down to Deck 6 and make a visit to Lady Luck (Casino Royale has been very “Radio Friendly” this cruise)

 

 

I have many more pics from Key west, and I will post many more when I return home.

Here are a few pics from our (rainy and windy) Sail Away. . .More pics tomorrow.

 

 

Thanks for the nice comments. . .

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas pulls away from the pier slowly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s hard to see here, but the rain started hard as we pulled away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The winds were very rough too. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mitch Merucci is a very funny Cruise Director, with alot of energy and is loved by the Passengers onboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Sideshow was very funny. . .and his stunts were good too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uh Oh. . .The Ooops, I’m feel sick bags are out. It will all be better tomorrow.

 

 

 

.

[megr1125]

LOVE LOVE the pix of the KITTIES!!! Thanks.....;)

 

And did you pick up a new shell phone?? I think i need a new one!

 

Hope the seas are kind to the ship and you guys aren't bouncing too much..that would not be fun.....

 

Any exciting plans for Nassau??? I am sure that Starbucks and the Hilton are on Radio's Radar??

 

ETA: HOLY COW!! The "bags" have been deployed??:eek:

 

Yes, starbucks IS on the way...IIRC it's actually upstairs.....on the way.....enjoy!

 

Glad it's been a radio friendly casino......

[Radio]

LOVE LOVE the pix of the KITTIES!!! Thanks.....;)

 

And did you pick up a new shell phone?? I think i need a new one!

 

Hope the seas are kind to the ship and you guys aren't bouncing too much..that would not be fun.....

 

Any exciting plans for Nassau??? I am sure that Starbucks and the Hilton are on Radio's Radar??

 

They had alot of Coch Shells, athat were the size of a deck of cards. . .Maybe the batteries will last longer in a smaller "Shellphone"

 

I like the larger version myself. . .

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

Very Small "Shellphones"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like this one much better. . .

 

 

 

 

.

[megr1125]

Must hurt if you pocket dial on a shell phone....;):p

 

I am sure you do like royal's 3 Sea version...they have a very creative and talented Ad team...:D

[smooth_toaster]

Radio, Thank you for taking us along with you on this trip. I can't wait for more pics of Key West after your return home. Safe travels.

[PH8]

As soon as you go thru the tourist building at the pier,you walk out to Woodes Rogers Walke(outside the gated area)......go to the right to Charlotte St....turn left and you will see it on your right........also a few locations at Atlantis,if you wind up over there...

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Shellphone...I didnt like the immediate release of the new campaign, but it only took less than a day & I started to love it! Now... I just keep dreaming about the Shellphone! I need some Shellphone therapy..I think it is called booking a

Cruise!

 

 

[sorry to ramble on your thread Radio! Its the Shellphones fault.]

[counsdr]

LOL on the bags being out!!!!

What a great way to be rocked to sleep, i'd love it!!!!

Sue and Del, i'll miss you too!!!! If only there was room on board for me!!!!

Hope it doesn't get any rougher for you Radio and that the sun will shine on you tomorrow!

 

Cheryl

[Cruiser 1998]

LOL on the bags being out!!!!

What a great way to be rocked to sleep, i'd love it!!!!

Sue and Del, i'll miss you too!!!! If only there was room on board for me!!!!

Hope it doesn't get any rougher for you Radio and that the sun will shine on you tomorrow!

 

Cheryl

 

When is Maddy's BD? If it's not when we're going, did you see if there were any cabins left?

 

~s