Another Crusinmama and Girls Adventure Begins Today - RCI Enchantment 8/3

[celle]

Celle...absolutely not for a moment did I think that the staff did anything to hurt my son. She was dismissed because there was a previous incident with another child who was not supervised.

 

I felt that there was no supervision and apparently so did the director, that is why she was let go.

 

Ah, OK. Thank you for coming back to clarify so quickly.

 

I guess if there was no supervision, then the dismissal was justified.

 

Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on possible child abuse, so the hospital staff were correct in asking what they did.

 

This same boy of mine had a series of accidents - as well as being adventurous and a little headstrong, he was blessed with being a bit clumsy! He broke an arm once at school (chasing a friend across a playground and tripping), once at gym classes (came off the high bar) and once at home (fell out of a tree). It got to the stage where he would tell a new house surgeon what had to be done to set his arm!

 

He's grown up to be still adventurous (does scuba diving) but is very focused on safety (has just passed his Rescue Diver certification).

[reallyitsmema]

Ah, OK. Thank you for coming back to clarify so quickly.

 

I guess if there was no supervision, then the dismissal was justified.

 

Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on possible child abuse, so the hospital staff were correct in asking what they did.

 

This same boy of mine had a series of accidents - as well as being adventurous and a little headstrong, he was blessed with being a bit clumsy! He broke an arm once at school (chasing a friend across a playground and tripping), once at gym classes (came off the high bar) and once at home (fell out of a tree). It got to the stage where he would tell a new house surgeon what had to be done to set his arm!

 

He's grown up to be still adventurous (does scuba diving) but is very focused on safety (has just passed his Rescue Diver certification).

You want to be questioned by hospital staff, take your child to the ER at 8:30 at night for stitches in their head because they split their head open brushing their teeth.:eek::D

 

Michele, I am glad she is doing better. Love the sunglass idea.

[crusinmama06]

shorbr - Yikes! The hospital staff did that to me last night as well. Started questioning my daughter

 

"How did this happen to you?"

 

She answered "On a cruise ship - a boy headbutted me"

 

Doctor said "Did he hit you with his elbow?"

 

She responds "Nooo, with his HEAD!" :rolleyes::eek:

 

I guess they have to be cautious that we didn't do this to them. But it's not fun to go through that kind of line of questioning.

 

celle - Oh geesh so the "clumsy child" grows up to be "adventurous"? Because she's already had stitches. And more bumps than I can count. So when she's older I get a sky/scuba diving, paragliding, parachuting daughter?

 

reallyitsmema - um, brushing their teeth? I need to start watching my daughter with that one.

 

 

#1TravelMom - yep, I can imagine that happening here. I cringe at the thought but I can see it happening.

[reallyitsmema]

Just have her be careful when she spits. My son was a little too exhuberant and slammed his forehead into the faucet handle that was shaped like an X. He got a nice clean gash in his forehead that bled and bled. Off to the ER for stitches. Triage nurse asked what happened. We all went to an exam room and Doctor had us stand in the hallway as she questioned our son. She then came out and talked to us and said she needed to see that our stories matched up since it was so bizarre.

 

If you don't have pointy faucet knobs on your bathroom sink, you should be all set. Otherwise, maybe a hockey helmet.;):p

[crusinmama06]

Day 3 - Welcome to Bermuda!

 

We arrive at Bermuda at 3:00 p.m. Just enough time to get off and do a little shopping in the Dockyard. For every trip to Bermuda, we have to do a few things - like hug a palm tree...

 

 

We go to the Clocktower mall (anchor is in front of it)

 

 

And then back to the ship...

 

 

Because it's "YUMMY YUMMY TIME!" -- I am not making this up. That's what our "Dream Team" wait staff called it. "YUMMY YUMMY TIME!" and we were not going to miss it!

 

 

 

And after dinner, the best place to grab a wonderful sunset shot - Deck 5

 

 

Evening Events for the Night

 

Teen Club

8:00 p.m. - Battle of the Sexes - The boys get 10 questions about girls. The girls get 10 questions about boys. The boys questions sample "What is the nail style called that has regular nail color and a white line on the tip?" -- Girls sample question "What do you use to check the oil in a car?"

Prize - Royal Caribbean Black Backpack

 

9:00 p.m. Crew Autograph Hunt - The teens were given a list of crew members to get autographs from (Captain, Cruise Director, Cruise Director Staff, Person in Blue Jump Suit, Youth Staff, Musician, Person with 3 Stripes on Shirt, Pool Attendant, Pool Manager)

Prize - Royal Caribbean Prizes

 

10:00 Pool Party - Swimming Under the Stars. The pool was not completly shut down so the families could join and keep an eye on the kids. Or in my case, the little sister could go night swimming too. There was a "Total Request Party" to start at 11:00 p.m. but most teens chose to stay in the pool and keep on swimming well after midnight.

 

ADVENTURE OCEAN Ages 3 - 11 Pajamarama!

The kids come in PJ's! They create their own Adventure Ocean Pillowcase. Play freeze tag. Watch a movie. And HAVE A PILLOW FIGHT! OHHH NOOOOO! There will be nooo pillow fighting for my prize winning champion! I had them make her a PILLOW FIGHT JUDGE! Her response "But I have another eye!" Mom is such a spoil sport!

[crusinmama06]

Day 4 - Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

http://www.buei.org/

 

Being the 3rd time to Bermuda, we wanted to try something different. Thanks to one suggestion I received on this Family board (thank you bluesharpie!) - we tried the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute this time and I have to say it was a total hit with my girls!

 

Getting there --

 

Our intentions were to take the FERRY to Hamilton and then walk to BUEI by going up Front Street.

 

Well, on this day. The 11:30 and 12:00 ferry was cancelled, so we would have to wait until 12:30 - in the hot sun. So I decided to jump on one of the crazy Bermuda buses. NORMALLY this would not be a problem. But this driver was living up to the t-shirt "I survived a Bermuda bus ride". He didn't wait until anyone sat down before flooring the gas and he tried to steer for a teen crossing the street. The teen dove for the curve. Even a group of ladies in the front row were yelling at the driver -- asking his name or badge number. The driver just ignored them and kept right on speeding.

 

The bus finally arrived in Hamilton -- 50 minutes later -- as I fell to my knees and kissed the sidewalk, grateful to be alive, we started the walk to BUEI. I am sure if I wasn't watching my life flash before my eyes I could have stopped the driver sooner -- because I am pretty positive that the bus drove pretty close to BUEI. I know we didn't have to walk as far as we did. The walk was about a mile. Someone else said to get a taxi. But we did walk it. And I would probably do it again.

 

Once there -- it is a really amazing place. It is very high tech and interactive. You move through sections -- going from one room to another.

 

This is just in the first room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[crusinmama06]

Buei Continued

 

There was so many different things that anyone could find something to interest them.

 

 

They had the Titanic Exhibit (only until November)

 

 

Shells from every part of the world (some are really freaky...lol)

 

 

The interactive science displays like this one -- how water funnnels are formed were really cool

 

 

My BRAVE children would NOT stay in the shark cage. When you step into it -- the shark attacks and shakes the cage. LOL!

 

 

Lots and lots of buried treasure that had been uncovered on ships.

 

[crusinmama06]

Some final pics and thoughts on BUEI

 

I have to say, it took a little bit to get there. The road was a little narrow at the end walking from Front Street to the road that it was located on and it was a little hidden (we stopped in a little tikki torch shop and asked for directions - and a wonderful woman came out of her shop and showed us that we were just about 2 blocks away). But it was so worth it. The prices were good. Adults $12.50, Children $6.00, Ages 6 and Under Free.

 

It was a great place to spend a couple of hours before the beach. Which is exactly what we did.

 

 

 

 

 

[celle]

celle - Oh geesh so the "clumsy child" grows up to be "adventurous"? Because she's already had stitches. And more bumps than I can count. So when she's older I get a sky/scuba diving, paragliding, parachuting daughter?

 

Hi Michele,

I always enjoy your posts. Your daughters are lovely.

 

No, it's not inevitable. Your darling daughter could grow up to be cautious and careful - you really can't tell.

 

While he was a child (and teenager) I frequently felt like giving that boy away. ;) What I felt was equal parts of exasperation and affection. He was fast and fearless. In today's climate, I would have been suspected of child abuse, for sure!

 

While he had his two black eyes and broken nose, his older brother climbed on a table and then fell out the open window. He had a big scrape and bruise on his forehead. I took them to the supermarket with a label round their necks, which said: "No, my Mum did not do this to me!" :D

 

Surprisingly, although he was "hell on wheels" as a child and he is still into sports (diving, swimming, soccer, half-marathons) he is emotionally the calmest and most well-balanced of my three kids. (I'm glad now that I kept him - lol)

 

He is a caring and almost over-protective father to 2 lovely daughters - he takes no chances with his babies. His elder daughter is (like he was) very active and has no fear whatsoever. She's already (at 2+) had one visit to the ER. I suspect that Karma is about to visit him soon!

[jimswims]

I am enjoying your review. Sorry to hear about your daughter and I am glad she is healing. We were docked next to you last week since we were on the NCL Dawn. We almost went to that museum as well but my 14 and 17 year old wanted to go shopping instead. My least favorite thing to do on a cruise. This was our 7th trip to Bermuda and I successfully avoided all the other times so I gave in. It was not that bad either :)

 

We had the smoothest seas in 17 cruises and just perfect weather. It was amazing! I am looking forward to reading the rest of your adventure.

[Gatrcruzer]

Hoping your daughter heals quickly! So sad this happened on your cruise. :(

 

It's a bit scary to have a medical accident on a cruise ship. Once on a cruise I woke up in the middle of the night to tend to my crying infant. We were in a cabin at the front of the ship, with the slanty windows, and my daughter's Pack and Play was right next to the front. After tending to her, I quickly turned around to go back to bed, but it being dark I couldn't tell exactly where I was in space and really whacked my forehead badly on the sharp part of the window where it juts out in a slant. It was 2am, and my husband was sleeping, and I had finally gotten my daughter back to sleep. Did not know what to do! Would have loved some ice, or to call someone to examine it, but wasn't sure what was available at 2am, and did not want to wake my family. We were in transit between Labadee (RCI private island) and Miami, so would not be going to port that day. I realized then how bad it could be to have a medical emergency on a ship. As you say, good to have that trip insurance! Went down to the medical center when they opened and the staff were so rude. Turns out that medical services (kind of like the spa) are contracted out so they are not RCI employees? Thankfully they did not charge me, because this was considered to be an OSHA type incident, but it was not a good experience.

 

Glad you and your girls were still able to have a good time, despite the shiner! And glad to hear that AO staff were so nice and on top of things.

[crusinmama06]

celle - I am glad there's hope! And yes, I am hoping for a little karma. lol

 

jimswims - Yes, wasn't that the perfect weather? I bet your cruise on Dawn was awesome! I did miss the Blue Lagoon chicken wings. Oh and the first thing my youngest said when we opened the door on this cruise "Do we have a butler?" - um, no -- wrong cruise dear.

 

gatrcruzer - Yes we were very lucky to have a caring medical team. And we woke up the poor doctor to see her. So he could have been very iritable if he wanted to be. Sorry that your experience wasn't as pleasant.

 

From BUEI we wanted to run over to Horseshoe Bay for a little beach time. So we jumped back on the #7 bus and arrived at the beach.

 

If you want to go to a more quiet, private beach - then if you look at this picture below - right in the middle, you can see the a sand path where it looks like it ends at the rocks -- it doesn't. It leads to other smaller beaches/coves. We followed that path on the last 2 cruises. We were simply too hot and tired to do it on this one.

 

 

 

Worshipping the sun....

 

 

She was actually screaming "BERMUDAAAAAAAA!" in this one. She is a funny kid.

 

 

 

Death defying rock climb. You can climb to the top of these cliffs. We did this last time. But I promised Crusindaddy that we would stay off of them this time since he wasn't here.

 

 

After a long day we couldn't bring ourselves to walk back up the hill at Horseshoe...so, we paid the "Best $2.00"

 

[jimswims]

You are right, the weather was awesome! We were at Horseshoe Bay on Sunday, 8/5 for most of the day. Were you there on the same day? We always go over to the left when facing the water. It is a bit further to walk but worth it. Exploring the small coves and rock caves a bit is fun. I found a new one this time that I never noticed before. It was a perfect beach day for us and by the looks of it for you as well!

 

We went economical this time and stayed in the Family Suites on Deck 12. We have a 20 minute drive to the port of Boston so the Dawn was a no-brainer for our summer cruise! This was our 3rd time on the Dawn with both previous cruises in the 2 bedroom/2 bath suites. Our Butler, Mark, was the best that we have ever had. He was super. The suite worked out well for us. Plenty of space and down the hall from the pool.

[crusinmama06]

jimswims - We arrived in Bermuda late on Sunday (3pm) - so that was our Dockyard shopping day. Our Horseshoe Day was Monday. That's what I loved about being on Gem - MUCH more time in Bermuda. And having that beautiful bathroom from the 2 bedroom suite didn't hurt either. The girls had to lower their cabin size expectations but this was an unexpected - booked 3 weeks out - cruise. I said "You could be AT HOME!" They got used to the small cabin pretty quickly lol.

 

Dinner 4 - Time for Yummy Yummy

 

Yes, she changed the sunglasses to match the outfits.

 

 

 

Key Lime Pie was YUM!

 

 

RCI had a cut back on towel animals (yes I know, this is odd). They only make them on certain days now. I had read about it before we left and it was certainly true for us. We did not receive them every night. We received them on Nights 2, 4 and 5.

 

 

Teen Program for Tonight

 

Dressy Scavenger Hunt 8:00 p.m. - The teens are given a list of items to go grab and get dressed in. Items on the list are "Baggy Jeans", Suit Jacket, Bandana, etc.

 

G.I.T.D. Crazy Tag - 9:00 p.m. Wear WHITE to be seen in this game. The kids loved this and it always seemed to be one of the more packed events.

 

Dancing Under The Stars - Pre-Party in Fuel 10:30 - Practice all of the line dances for the big party to be held on the pool deck

 

Pool Deck Dance Party -- 11:00 p.m. - This was for the entire ship. They had a buffet as well until midnight. Some kids swam. Others danced. It was a packed event.

 

 

For Adventure Ocean - Ages 3-11 - PIRATE NIGHT

Sign the kids into AO by 8pm and then the kids "Take over the ship" -- they marched through the Shops, Casino and Ended in the Atrium. They also had their pictures taken by the professional photographers. The best place to catch them is the Centrum at about 8:30.

 

[talia-co]

I'm really enjoying your report as we have two daughters similar in age. It's nice to read about the teen club and activities. Glad to hear that your DD is on the mend without a more serious eye problem. Well done in her choice of sunglasses! Very cool!

[Julienatul]

We had a medical emergency on our last cruise too. DH was stung by an insect in Costa Maya and was peppered with hives by the time we got back to the ship. We lwft the kids at home this cruise since we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and so I also left most of the meds at home and of course no benadryl. The medical center was closed for lunch and immeidiately openend for us where we were greated promptly by the nurse who applied first aid to the bite and gave us benadryl. We were there for about 45 minutes while DH soaked his hand in warm water. Better yet, we were only charged $6 total!! They were amazingly nice. I was prepared to pay a full visit especially since they opened just for us.

[teach3571]

Night 2 - "Steal The Bacon" Becomes Grudge Match

 

So if you have ever doubted the need for a passport. Or the need for cruise insurance. My gorgeous, fabulous and wonderful 8 year old has been to the Ship's Medical Center not once, but TWICE. The first time was 8 years ago, Disney Magic, she was 7 months old, seized, stopped breathing (many know this story).

 

So what are the odds that the SAME child would have another trip to the Medical Center?

 

I just happened to head to the cabin after dinner to change from Formal Night and the phone rang. They said that she was playing a game, "Steal the Bacon" - her and another boy went for the "bacon" and the boy headbutted her in the eye. She needed me.

 

I ran to the club and there she was - her face looked like she had gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. She was crying and this child does NOT cry. The AO Supervisor "Bed Head Brett" jumped into action and said "I already called the Medical Center, she is having x-rays. (Thank God! Because it looked to me like her cheek was broken. But I am no doctor).

 

One funny side note in all this -- during the elevator ride as the doors open on other floors, Brett said "No, sorry, we have a medical emergency, please take the next elevator". And on one floor this elderly gentleman tries to get on and Brett says the same thing and his wife says "He's a doctor!" and I said "WAIT, maybe we want him!" ;)

 

So down to Deck 1, we explain to the nurse what happened and she assured us that a broken cheek bone would be dented and concave (good to know). And that the doctor was on his way. Brett was really sweet with my daughter, he was really very concerned for her. He kept promising her a prize for being so brave.

 

The doctor came in and said again, didn't think it was broken but would confirm with x-rays - which he did right on the spot. He showed her (and us) that she "looked like an alien on the inside". We were directed to us ice it up for the next few days and that she would be VERY bruised and swollen. And of course, she was (and still is bruised).

 

The next morning her eye was swollen shut. She cried that she "was ugly" and she didn't want to leave the cabin anymore. :( So I told her that she was going to be an "Undercover Movie Star" for the rest of the cruise and she was going to wear sunglasses. She is going to be "too cool" to remove her sunglasses -- just like the celebrities do. So that's exactly what she did. And it worked! The dining room staff and the cabin attendant played to it. They all commented on her "sunglasses to match every outfit" and some kept calling her "Hollywood"

 

WARNING - she is pretty banged up in the first photo - so don't scan down if you get easily upset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Hollywood!

 

 

Oh my! Glad that Bed Head Brett jumped in and called the Medical Center. Sounds like he took good care of you guys!

[teach3571]

jimswims - We arrived in Bermuda late on Sunday (3pm) - so that was our Dockyard shopping day. Our Horseshoe Day was Monday. That's what I loved about being on Gem - MUCH more time in Bermuda. And having that beautiful bathroom from the 2 bedroom suite didn't hurt either. The girls had to lower their cabin size expectations but this was an unexpected - booked 3 weeks out - cruise. I said "You could be AT HOME!" They got used to the small cabin pretty quickly lol.

 

Dinner 4 - Time for Yummy Yummy

 

Yes, she changed the sunglasses to match the outfits.

 

 

 

Key Lime Pie was YUM!

 

 

RCI had a cut back on towel animals (yes I know, this is odd). They only make them on certain days now. I had read about it before we left and it was certainly true for us. We did not receive them every night. We received them on Nights 2, 4 and 5.

 

 

Teen Program for Tonight

 

Dressy Scavenger Hunt 8:00 p.m. - The teens are given a list of items to go grab and get dressed in. Items on the list are "Baggy Jeans", Suit Jacket, Bandana, etc.

 

G.I.T.D. Crazy Tag - 9:00 p.m. Wear WHITE to be seen in this game. The kids loved this and it always seemed to be one of the more packed events.

 

Dancing Under The Stars - Pre-Party in Fuel 10:30 - Practice all of the line dances for the big party to be held on the pool deck

 

Pool Deck Dance Party -- 11:00 p.m. - This was for the entire ship. They had a buffet as well until midnight. Some kids swam. Others danced. It was a packed event.

 

 

For Adventure Ocean - Ages 3-11 - PIRATE NIGHT

Sign the kids into AO by 8pm and then the kids "Take over the ship" -- they marched through the Shops, Casino and Ended in the Atrium. They also had their pictures taken by the professional photographers. The best place to catch them is the Centrum at about 8:30.

 

 

Love your picture of pirate parade!!! I forgot my camera that day! The professional photographer did a great job and of course we had to buy it!

[crusinmama06]

Hey Teach! Sadly, we didn't get the professional pirate picture because her eye looked REALLY bad in that one. And it was such a cute picture overall too. It took everything for me not to buy it - but I didn't want to remind her of the injury. I guess you could say she looked like a real pirate.

 

Day 5 Saying Goodbye to Bermuda

 

On our last day, all aboard is at 11:30, so we knew we had to stay close. We did a little shopping in the Dockyard and then made the walk back to the ship.

 

 

Stopped and made a wish in front of Norwegian Dawn

 

 

One last shot of Enchantment before we board

 

 

At 11:30, we head to deck 5 for the best show on the ship. To watch for "dock runners". This was the amount of people lined up when the horns started blowing for "All Aboard". In the end, we were waiting for 4 people, who arrived by taxi. Why anyone would risk missing a ship is beyond me.

 

 

One last shot over Bermuda

 

 

And away we go....

 

[crusinmama06]

Time for a Little Adventure

 

On embarkation day, we had signed the waivers for the Jump Zone but we had never had the chance to do it..until now.

 

The Jump Zone line looks like it is not moving - but really they take 10 people from the line and move them up to the top deck. Then those people are rotated into the harnesses in 2 minute intervals. No parents are allowed to stay and watch so don't try to argue. The pictures are better from the deck below anyway.

 

If the wind is too strong, the will close it no matter how many people are in line.

 

The rules:

--you must have socks

--you must be 6 years of age

--you must be DRY - no swimsuits

--parent must be present

--child (jumper) must have their sea pass on them to be marked

 

Let's get suited up

 

 

And we are flying...video here...

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/cruisinmama08/?action=view&current=35210905.mp4

 

 

And now for the older one

 

 

 

And her video here...

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/cruisinmama08/?action=view&current=a733a6ba.mp4

[crusinmama06]

Rock Wall

 

Again - the rules for the rock wall

-- parents must be present

-- kids must be at least 6 years old

-- dry clothes

-- socks and they provide the climbing shoes

-- kids must have their sea passes

 

My girls did not make it to the top this time - must have been tired from all of that jumping ;)

 

 

 

[crusinmama06]

Night 5 - oh what a night!

 

Tonight is a special night - for the teens - its PROM. Who knew? Luckily we had a formal gown onboard.

 

I like my family to dine together so we had our own MTD at 6:00 pm where my youngest ordered every dessert on the menu. (actually she ordered the sampler and they topped it off with coffee ice cream, her favorite, and a cookie - yes they spoiled her)

 

 

For the teen program:

Dinner in the Windjammer - 8:00 pm - Yes my 12 year old went to this as well. She said that the older teens stayed in their own group. And the 12-14's stayed with each other.

 

Prom Picture - 8:45pm - They did a GROUP picture of all of the 12-14's together. Then you could buy the picture the next day (yes I bought it)

 

Viking Club Teen Hour - 9:00 pm the teens take over the Adult Viking Club - dancing

 

Prom Night - 10:30 - Fuel - King and Queen competition. The teens had to walk down the red carpet. There was a panel of 3 teen boys and 3 teen girls who judged. They went through a few rounds.

 

They crowned one Queen and one King in the 12 - 17 Teen Club and guess who won????!?

 

 

At midnight (our appointed meeting time) I hear screams coming from one very excited little 12 year old. She was name Prom Queen of Enchantment of the Seas 8/3 sailing. :D

 

All she wants to know is - where is her sash? Oh geesh! A prom queenzilla! ;)

[B_Mc]

First, off your poor baby! So glad to hear she's ok!

 

Second, WHOA PROM QUEEN! So glam! I love it!

 

Love crusin' along with you and your girls - never a dull moment!

[travelhound]

Thanks for sharing all of your great pictures. I can't wait to go to Bermuda again and this time with a child. Congrats on the prom queen! Not sure how I feel about prom on board (protective mommy getting used to having a little girl), but how exciting for your dd to win. The girls look like they had a great time, despite the early injury. It didn't seem to damper the fun.

[Joules1111]

I haven't even read the entire review yet. I just got to the picture of your youngest daughters injury. I immediately started tearing up (I should have taken your warning too heart). Now that I have my little guy (3 y/o boy) I am really sensitive to bad things happening to other people's babies.

 

She must have been very brave, because that just looks like a painful injury. (And good on you for making a bad situation somewhat into a game.)

 

Looking forward to meeting you all on the Nov. Epic cruise!