Our "Pearl" of a cruise review. Dec 16 - 23!

[hartsnvt]

Thanks! I seem to have more of the excursion details than the ships! It was a really great cruise and they had started decorating for the Christmas cruise so the ship looked really wonderful! As I have stated we had an aft balcony (cat B1) 10168 which looked like it had a larger balcony than the other decks afts. Our daughters had an inside across the hall 10167 and I will post pics of theirs as well before I am done with this review. It was easy to go up the stairs to 12 with the Garden cafe and the pool. It was easy to run down 3 decks to deck 7 with the Summer Palace and the atrium. I highly recommend this ship and itinerary if you are looking for a port intensive cruise. I wanted my family to see as much as possible as I fear this was my last cruise with my husband as we will not be able to afford another. I know my daughters enjoyed it and they are young , so hopefully this was the first of many cruises for them.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I am not a suite life cruiser so if you go that route other members here have a lot of great info on suites.:)

[dustyroad]

Thanks Dusty. I am still somewhat puzzled by how I am healing and await my surgeon's call about my results. As to the welcoming glass, unfortunately there is no longer that special welcome that I had been accustomed to on my prior cruises in the 90's. Some people report that there are waiters with such refreshments these days but you have to pay for them. I did not see any of that either. It is such a simple gesture and I think they need to bring it back for the weary travelers who have finally made it aboard. Maybe it is just a perk for the suite guests but I do not know as they are usually escorted aboard by their concierge.

 

i hope it is good news from the dr. i am enjoying your reveiw very much. i will be on her again in sept for our alaska cruise. yes, the free drink was a nice perk. it is too bad they have done away with it. have a good day.:)

[Cold2sea]

Thanks! I seem to have more of the excursion details than the ships! It was a really great cruise and they had started decorating for the Christmas cruise so the ship looked really wonderful! As I have stated we had an aft balcony (cat B1) 10168 which looked like it had a larger balcony than the other decks afts. Our daughters had an inside across the hall 10167 and I will post pics of theirs as well before I am done with this review. It was easy to go up the stairs to 12 with the Garden cafe and the pool. It was easy to run down 3 decks to deck 7 with the Summer Palace and the atrium. I highly recommend this ship and itinerary if you are looking for a port intensive cruise. I wanted my family to see as much as possible as I fear this was my last cruise with my husband as we will not be able to afford another. I know my daughters enjoyed it and they are young , so hopefully this was the first of many cruises for them.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I am not a suite life cruiser so if you go that route other members here have a lot of great info on suites.:)

we are not "suite life" cruisers either. We enjoy all the other pleasures of cruising without the big bucks of the room. PLEASE tell me more as our cruise begins in 24 days. Soooo excited!!

[joteacher]

I am enjoying your review and pictures! We leave in just over four weeks for our cruise on the Pearl, so this is really making me excited:) Thanks!

~Joanne

[signora]

Ditto, Joanne! Isn't if fun to read this review (we're on the same Pearl cruise as Joanne)? OP you are a great, entertaining and informative writer! I hope you do get to do many more cruises with your DH. Maybe you can go just the two of you in the off-season (much cheaper). Take care--Amy

[hartsnvt]

Thank you for all of your support and positive comments! I am so jealous of those who will be sailing soon on the Pearl. But by writing this review and viewing all of my pics I get to relive our cruise everyday! I know you will all have a great time as I did!

[SMSACE6]

I enjoyed your review very much. Thanks for sharing. Wish you all the best with your results. Take care.:)

[hartsnvt]

Up bright and early (still dark out) so we could watch our approach to Grand Cayman. I felt like I was coming home even though I had never been here before. (maybe in a previous life, lol). The sunrise was fantastic as always but I was late with the camera so I only got this later shot off of our balcony.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2514243f98b00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

My go to breakfast sitting contentedly in my stomach, we got ready for the day! As with all of the excursions we did, this one was purchased online ahead of time once the 4 of us could agree on one of many options. Unlike the Ocho Rios dock chaos, we were tendered and had a meeting time of 8:30 in the Stardust for our Turtles, Turtles and more Turtles Excursion. This was the easiest tender and excursion process of all of our adventures in port. Topside on the tender was the prime place to be as you got on and off of the top deck. Naturally, we went to the lower deck because it did not make sense to just crowd the top deck like a can of sardines, I, for one do not like getting wrinkled, lol just kidding. I mean we all do get off at the dock at some point, I found it crazy that people were grumbling about having to wait a few minutes more to get off of the tender.

 

The port area is just beautiful with some shops and plenty of shade to wait for your shore excursion guides. It was well managed and very unchaotic. Did I mention that it was HOT? My kind of weather! I also will digress and say that with all of my health issues and constant pain (allergic to painkillers, what a hoot that is), After the 2nd day many of my chronic pain areas were subdued and I almost felt pain free for most of our cruise. Last year my Dr told me that a warm climate would probably benefit my health issues and I should be living in FL right now , but my husband did not want to move. So we bought a money pit of a piece of land (long story) and are still here in VT. I so regret not moving, especially when I actually felt so physically good on the cruise.

 

OK, back to the port... Our bus driver met us and we were escorted to a large AIR CONDITIONED bus. He took the shore route and once again we were well educated about the island. (Gas $5.68/gallon). Very little crime and I swear that every home I saw, from the smallest to the largest was so well maintained, you could really see the pride of the people shining through. Of course they have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean. They also have the most banks for wealthy people to hide their assets and avoid taxes from their home countries. The residents of Grand Cayman pay no taxes at all. (income, property, anything!). It was literally Paradise and when I win Powerball next week, I am there! (lolol)

 

We rode for about 30 minutes with the drool slowly slipping down my chin (sorry, couldn't help it). Next to the window I was able to get glimpses of the sparkling Caribbean sea and the waving palm trees. We passed 7 mile beach and I was bummed that we would not have time to visit and take a quick dip. We arrived at the Turtle Farm and a very nice guide introduced us to the Farm and explained their conservation initiatives. We saw the big breeding pond and many smaller tanks with different breeds of turtles. After explaining their comprehensive breeding program , he led us to the small pools of very young turtles. We had to disinfect our hands before and after ..... handling the turtles! (One of my goals on this cruise was to interact with wildlife that I had never seen before. We got nixed with the stingrays on GSC so I was really looking forward to the turtles!).

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250e8a2d97300000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Me and a turtle!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251da87f90300000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

When you scratch them under their chin they are very relaxed.

 

After that wonderful experience you then could enjoy the rest of the farm by doing.. whatever! There was an aviary, predator tank, restaurant and a snorkel lagoon with fish and turtles. The mask and snorkel were included in the excursion price. ($54.99). Since hubby still did not get the hang of it he did swim but did not see much. My youngest DD decided to explore other areas of the farm, but my oldest and I went to town in the lagoon. She saw 6 turtles but I did not see any. I kept moving forward around the lagoon toward the bridge and glass separation between the lagoon and predator tanks. And that, my friends, is where all of the fish were! Maybe they enjoyed teasing the sharks through the glass! It was unbelievable! I had taken some pics while chasing single fish throughout the lagoon and then I ran into (literally) a wall of fish! It was like shooting fish (pics) in a barrel. (couldn't resist that one, lol). Here they are:

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250b1e0998500000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

One fish

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2514eb3f97d00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Two Fish...

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250b12f187a00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D60/ry%3D60/

 

Lots of yellow and blue fish!!!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251fb1a382600000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Notice shark behind this fish. (it is a nurse shark in the predator tank through the glass partition) Like I said , these fish were teasing the sharks and Barracuda in the other tank!

 

I decided that it was time to shower off and explore the rest of the farm and rejoin my family who had already explored while I was busy finding that wall of fish. Everyone was hungry so we decided to get lunch. We decided to eat lightly and each had a tutti- fruity alcoholic drink. Who needs to pay taxes when a light lunch is $109????. I think I am understanding the economics now, lol. But it was very enjoyable and will last evermore in my memory as the most expensive lunch I have ever had in my 50 years of existence. The food was really tasty and we sat overlooking the lagoon so the scenery was awesome!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25091b118f400000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

DD's Blue lagoon drink $13.

 

The gift shop was large and had many unique things that were outside of my budget as I like to have something more memorable than a T shirt. (of course that is just fine for our relatives who, as you know were going to receive a $5 Tshirt from GSC).

 

We spent many hours at the farm (4?) and it was well worth the price!

On the way back the bus driver took a different route and we made a quick stop in HELL. Hell is an actual town and behind this shop is a blackened coral "field" , hence the name. I decided to send us a postcard from Hell so we would have the postmark. ( A very inexpensive souvenier) . From Hell we went around the backside of the island and were once again the captive audience of our informative driver.

 

We were dropped off at the port area and explored many shops on the main drag. Of course we took pics with us and large pirate figures and signs. I kept looking for the "right" Tshirt or sweatshirt and actually found a great oven mitt.(lol). Colorful and fishfilled and will never be used as an oven mitt because it is too pretty! ( I also do not cook much because I am a terrible cook).

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2507893583a00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Turtle Farm entrance

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2517d2f385000000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D60/ry%3D60/

 

Hell field

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250aaabd95b00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Hell

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25127ffb99d00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Another flipping Margheritaville..we did not go in.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2512e69f99700000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Posing with yet another pirate statue!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25041ed18c000000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Waterfront..Georgetown, Grand Cayman

 

We easily found the tender area and NCL has a tent with water and ice cold towels to greet us before we boarded the tender. (The Carnival ship had nothing for their passengers, lol) Actually, NCL had these tents at all of our stops and I took advantage of every one!

We rode the tender back and were quite spent but decided to go to the pool deck and enjoy some people watching time and the great reggae band that was playing. Hubs bought a bucket of Red stripes (no he did not drink all of them that day, lol). I had 2 mudslides which were small but one of them gave me a smile!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251b6cc784e00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Mudslide

 

DH loved the band so much (or could it have been the 3 beers he drank?), that he bought their CD ($15) and continues to enjoy it at home. Youngest DD had the bird drink (can't remember the name, what else is new?) which was really strong. Oldest DD did not want anything and was grumpy. (jet lag still?) We actually had a great time on the pool deck and should have been here long before our 5th day. After 2 mudslides I decided that the slide looked like fun and proceeded to climb the stairs (I hate stairs) and launch myself down the yellow ,water filled contraption. I got stuck..twice. I was hoping they did not send anyone else after me as I desperately tried to push myself down the darn thing. Maybe it is just for really lightweight people or as I believe, there just wasn't enough water to propel my 145 lb bod down it. Finally I made it to the bottom. DH was worried that I got stuck and he was embarassed cause I was laughing hysterically!

 

As it was nearing 6pm ( we have normally been eating dinner at this time), we showered and decided to buffet (boofay) it as we were drained from the day. We then did trivia in Bliss and headed to Deal or no deal so we could see the comedian in disguise, Maria. She is well worth the $19.99 ticket to play the game. We did not win anything this time but laughed a lot and that is the best form of entertainment for me.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251f8eb784e00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

sunset 12/20/12 after leaving Grand Cayman

 

Next Up: Cozumel 12/21/12 The end of the World.

[dustyroad]

give us more:D

[waverley7]

Your review is awesome! Your doing a great job, very entertaining.

 

We leave next Friday for this cruise, so exciting!!! The Margaritaville in Grand Cayman is not like the one you described in Jamaica, at least not when we were there in 2011.

 

So nice to read that you enjoyed the turtle farm excursion as that's the one we will be doing and I am looking forward to it too, even more now...sounds like a nice day.

 

Deal or no Deal.....I'm going to have to go and check Maria out. Last cruise in 2011 I got to go up on stage and ended up winning 250.00. I was so nervous because I didn't know how the game worked on the ship and didn't even know anyone had to go on stage. (good thing I didn't have my normal amount of wine in me :eek:, but a couple of glasses would have relaxed me a bit, lol :p)

 

I was a bit worried about how cool the water might be at the private island though but maybe it won't be too bad.

 

Sounds like you had a great time so far! You need to convince hubby to move to Florida, then you could afford to cruise because you wouldn't have to pay the airfare. Besides, health is important in life and sounds like you have many yrs to go so why not enjoy it! Hopefully some money falls your way one day so you can do that. :D

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your wonderful review!

 

Cheers!

[hartsnvt]

Thanks! I was so nervous that one of us would be called up to the stage that my youngest DD said that she would be happy to! Alas, our card number wasn't ever called. Congrats on your win! One contestant we watched was pretty inebriated and had to call his grandson up to pick the numbers. Naturally they won about $300. But it was really funny and Maria had a grand time with him. I filled out a hero card for her because she made me laugh so much. I knew that 3 weeks after the cruise I was going to have surgery and I was very nervous about it. She made me forget about it. I hope she will do more things as she is the funniest of the CD crew.

As for water temp on GSC, it was great! For a week before we left I went to weather.com and put in the ports we were going to so before we left I knew what the air temps were going to be and our weather was almost perfect! (Cozumel , which I will review next was the only non perfect weather day.)

 

I think you will enjoy the turtle farm especially if you snorkel as that was the highlight for me!

 

It is ironic that after our cruise my DH said that we probably should have moved.:confused: (Really?) But after we sold our home to downsize because I lost my job in 2011 because of my health, and we purchased this 10 acre property which had tons of issues with the water we had drilled and so many more expenses that we no longer could even consider a move. (now that's what I call a run on sentence!) I would have to have a ton of money drop from the sky in order to do so now.

My review is certainly taking longer than I ever thought it would and I will do Cozumel tomorrow morning as it is easier for me to sit that long when I first get up.

And Thanks everyone for your positive comments, it does mean a lot to me!:)

[hartsnvt]

An somewhat early rise (latest yet!) led to a long reflecting period on our balcony. I wrote more in my journal and then witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. This pic really does not do it justice.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2518518b92b00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

sunrise 12/21/12.

 

As I sat there in wonder I also realized that it was cooler than other mornings and the waves had kicked it up a notch with some winds. (The 1st time we had experienced any breeze on our balcony.) We are supposed to dock at 11am so we are still moving toward the port. I decide to shower and we all go to enjoy our breakfast (my whipped cream pancake delight with strawberries is calling my name, I can really hear it!). YUM!

DH, who never eats breakfast at home comments about how I will have to get up at 4am to be able to cook him breakfast everyday when we get home...what a dreamer! DD's are loving the yogurt to which they add fresh fruit and mix it all up. It does not look appetizing but here is a pic anyway.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251c78638a400000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

We took our time and watched the docking process and snapped one of the patrol boat.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2515092f95300000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Patrol boat bouncing in waves.

 

We headed down to the gangway and there was quite a line to disembark and we found out why very quickly. The key card scanners were acting up and as soon as DH and I got through, they completely shut down. So..we were through and my DD's were the 1st waiting to go through them. LOL. (not funny to oldest DD she was a poutin'). I mean stuff happens, just roll with it honey! They then made the entire line go down a long hallway to another open door and we waited and waited and... oh now the original exit is now open as the scanners are back online. Now we are wondering where they will exit the ship and how crowded it must be. Meanwhile we had our pic taken with a smoking hot girl dressed in a traditional ? skin baring Mexican costume. DH loved it but we did not buy the pic, lol. Then this equally clad man started doing pics but I decided that he was just too young, lol. Finally we see DDs coming out of the ship and while the pouty oldest wanted nothing to do with a port pic with the hot guy, youngest jumped right in and had hers snapped. (it came out great but she decided not to buy it, not sure why, what a wonderful memory to show her Uconn mates when she returned) Heck, if I was her I would have bought it and blown it up to poster size and hung it on my dorm wall!

 

We had an hour or so to explore the shops right at the wonderful mall at the port before our 12:30 Excursion meeting time. You go up the escalator and the 1st store on the left had tons of silver jewelry and neat gifts. However, NOTHING was priced. Since silver fluctuates I could see that I guess. But even the pottery and textiles were not marked. I am not a patient shopper so off we went to the next store. I found a beautiful silver ring with an emerald as a special gift for my Mom , who just went into assisted living. We lost my dad in Nov of 2010 and she lost so much weight, none of her rings fit. She is also Irish and I knew that the emerald would mean alot to her. It was small but very clear (unlike the cheap milky green ones I see in that price range.) He said it was $180 and I just could not do that so we went back and forth and I ended up paying $102 for it. That is more than I ever spend as you all know my story by now, but it has been such a bad time for my Mom over the last 2 years and she has developed alzheimer desease which is devastating to her and her family.

 

We started checking out all of the other stores and keep things in mind for after our excursion as it is meeting time. We had pre-purchased (online) the Dolphin encounter for $89. We were met by a guide and because some latecomers decided to just wander in 20 minutes after the meet time, we did not leave the dock area until 1:10. We all piled in Taxis for the very short (5 minute) ride to Dolphinarius. We all had different colored bracelets signifying the type of excursion we had booked. They also had the swim and ride for $119.99 but I think our cheaper excursion was really great and we could see the swim right next to us. Yes they got to swim in the enclosed area and then the dolphin would swim by and you grabbed the dorsal and it dragged you about 30 feet back to your platform. In our group there were 10 people and we each got to kiss and rub and touch our dolphin, Marina and seemed to have more hands on moments than the more expensive group.

 

We had rented lockers before meeting our guide and learned how we were supposed to act around the dolphins. After quite a bit of confusion we were led to our platform in our dolphins tank. The water was waist high and thank goodness it wasn't deeper as it was only 70 degrees and windy. The water was warm but we were all quite cold where our wet skin was exposed. But Marina warmed our hearts and souls and the experience of being so close to such a beautiful sea creature made me forget any discomfort in a second. Marina and another male who was doing the swim group were just wonderful and our guide was so informative. Marina is also 2 months pregnant (out of 12) and just so amazing!

 

This was my once in a lifetime experience that will last forever in my heart. I can still feel her powerful sleek body under my hands. My memories will have to last as no cameras were allowed and their photographer took all of the pictures. And they took great ones. I wish one of them was in my hand right now, but the prices were OUTRAGEOUS! Mind you there were 4 of us. If only one pic with the 4 of us together was a good one, I would have bought it in a heartbeat. But, no, only the individual ones were the great ones. Here we go...$29.99 for one photo, $69.99 for 3 and the next package was $119.99 for 8. I just could not justify that expense as I would have HAD to buy the 8 pic package to get the 4 great shots of each of us. They are certainly losing A LOT of money by not having a 4 pic package for $80. Sadly we walked away (I was pretty emotional) with no pictures but we did have this wonderful experience in our hearts.

 

*TIP* If you have the patience to split up your group so at least one person can take pics from the balcony overlooking the pools while some of you do the experience . Then they would do the next experience while the 1st group or person takes the pics. That way , at least you would have this wonderful interaction on your film!

 

Here is the only photo I took here:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25041cc99d100000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

We taxi'd back to the pier shops and spent some money on silver jewelry for me and some colorful Mexican pottery. Some of the shop owners were competitive for your business and some just plain nice. The mall had some colorful characters and a mariachi band.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250e828d9f900000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Mariachi Band

 

Many of the stores had the same stuff but we were always able to haggle as we were told that was expected. DH was uncomfortable doing this as he always wanted to pay full price. If I felt something was very reasonably priced I paid the asking price. This was the downtown dock I believe and we did not venture anywhere else.

 

We were getting pretty hungry and although we had to be back on the ship by 6:30 for a 7pm departure, we strolled back slowly and were greeted by the Star and Pearl's crews dancing and welcoming us back to our respective ships. I loved dancing though the crowds to get to our gangway!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25018d1584800000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

DD's and DH heading toward the crowd of dancers.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25171ad38d400000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Pearl colors

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250d8f6d93f00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

NCL Dawn was tendered this day. I felt bad because the waves were a bit rough. Notice the side thrusters in action to keep her in place.

 

We made it through the welcome back and headed straight to the Garden cafe as we had not eaten anything since breakfast. I went through the various stations with a plate in each hand. Once held a giant salad and the other was filled with some mexican fare and other tempting goodies! (I want to add that at the buffet they will have local fare depending on which port you have been to that day). It was all good!!!

The seas were getting rougher while we were still in port. We all had headed to the casino thinking we were already underway. The casino was Closed! (many uptight passengers at this point, lol not us!). So DH went to the cigar Bar to finish the cuban he had bought in Jamaica (he is not a cigar smoker but wanted to be able to say he smoked a cuban, lol)

 

The girls and I sat in the star bar area (champagne bar) on the window seats. I looked out and saw we were still docked. Huh? I thought we had left at 7pm. The gangway was still down. Apparently some 1200 passengers from our ship went to Tulum (mayan temple) on a ferry to the mainland. We considering it was reported that yesterday there were 500,000 people there the day before the "end of the world", I am guessing that there were a wee bit more on the actual day, 12/21/12. With the chop of the water, the ferries had to take at least twice as long to get there and back. Plus it was a mob scene at the ruins. Around 8-8:30pm the stragglers started swaying up the gangplank. Some looked pretty wrecked. Reports of groups of people hanging over the Ferry rails and offering their lunches to the sea gods were rampant. I felt sorry for them all , but I was glad I had dissuaded my DDs from doing this tour on this particular day.

 

AT 9pm we left the dock and started our trip back to Miami. Thank God there was one more full sea day! The seas were moderate (as reported on our TV) 5-7 feet. But as we got further away from land we were a rocking!!

This was really enjoyable for me! It was fun watching everyone trying to walk straight, but it really was not possible. I heard someone exclaim" oh that's why there are so many railings on the ship", lol. Yep!

We went to bed around 10:30pm (LATE night!) AT 1:30am our securely latched balcony slider just flew open with a BANG! Then it banged shut etc etc until I woke up and ran to shut it. That noise scared the crap out of us! We had been having issues latching it when we were on the balcony and told our room steward about it early on but nothing was ever done. (I realize now that I should have gone to his supervisor to report this). We learned to wedge one of our chairs and sit in it to keep the door closed. I am not a fan of the slider and would prefer a regular windowed door which would be easier to latch or bungee while we enjoy the balcony.

 

Anyway, I turned on the TV to the Captain's channel and now the seas were classified as rough (7-12 feet). I loved the motion and slept like a rockin' babe until 5am. (seas 12-15 feet now...whooohoooo!).

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250d38c18e800000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Next up: Day 7 At Sea (or how can the drunks walk so straight?):confused:

[jewels07]

Loving your TR, but surely you are far too young to have grown daughters? Or are you fibbing and the pics you say are of you are really your daughter?

[hartsnvt]

LOL, which pic? I am 50 and have two daughters who are 23 and 20. The further away the camera, the younger I must look , lol. Thanks for the compliment. I do appreciate it! :D

[hartsnvt]

This was taken in Jamaica after our river tubing safari. It is my favorite pic of the 4 of us.

 

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251cebe780000000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

DD Diana (20), DD Kim (23), Me (Allison) (50), DH David (47):)

[waverley7]

Thanks! I was so nervous that one of us would be called up to the stage that my youngest DD said that she would be happy to! Alas, our card number wasn't ever called. Congrats on your win! One contestant we watched was pretty inebriated and had to call his grandson up to pick the numbers. Naturally they won about $300. But it was really funny and Maria had a grand time with him. I filled out a hero card for her because she made me laugh so much. I knew that 3 weeks after the cruise I was going to have surgery and I was very nervous about it. She made me forget about it. I hope she will do more things as she is the funniest of the CD crew.

As for water temp on GSC, it was great! For a week before we left I went to weather.com and put in the ports we were going to so before we left I knew what the air temps were going to be and our weather was almost perfect! (Cozumel , which I will review next was the only non perfect weather day.)

 

I think you will enjoy the turtle farm especially if you snorkel as that was the highlight for me!

 

It is ironic that after our cruise my DH said that we probably should have moved.:confused: (Really?) But after we sold our home to downsize because I lost my job in 2011 because of my health, and we purchased this 10 acre property which had tons of issues with the water we had drilled and so many more expenses that we no longer could even consider a move. (now that's what I call a run on sentence!) I would have to have a ton of money drop from the sky in order to do so now.

My review is certainly taking longer than I ever thought it would and I will do Cozumel tomorrow morning as it is easier for me to sit that long when I first get up.

And Thanks everyone for your positive comments, it does mean a lot to me!:)

 

If I ever win millions I will keep you in mind! You will be one of my random acts of kindness :D I keep trying to win, week by week but it hasn't happend yet, never know though....maybe one day. :eek:

 

Janice

[philly50's]

I've really enjoyed reading your review. You have such a great outlook on life, even when it throws you a curve, very impressive. Keep your chin up and think good thoughts always.

[greatlakesgirl]

Love your review and your attitude is outstanding! Also, the pictures taken from your aft balcony of the wake are wonderful. Nice job, and I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed your cruise.

[tweetylori]

Really enjoying your report. We will be on the Pearl in May for a Pacific Northwest cruise from LA to Vancouver. This will be the first time we have ever splurged on a balcony. We have an aft one as well...did you tell us what cabin number you had?

 

Thanks for sharing!

[hartsnvt]

We were in 10168 as CC members here said that the deck 10 aft balconies were larger than the other decks and I believe they were right! It was 10 x 8 with 2 loungers, 2 chairs and a small table. You will love it!

[NurseLovesVacation]

Just read through your review. We were on the same cruise and also had a great time! I was the most excited about Cozumel, so the weather was a real bummer since all water activities and excursions were canceled. I too was surprised when we left so late! My BIL was on the 2:30 shuttle back from the mainland and said the seas were so rough there were dozens and dozens of people vomiting!

[DMH15]

Just read through your review. We were on the same cruise and also had a great time! I was the most excited about Cozumel, so the weather was a real bummer since all water activities and excursions were canceled. I too was surprised when we left so late! My BIL was on the 2:30 shuttle back from the mainland and said the seas were so rough there were dozens and dozens of people vomiting!

 

So very sorry about the weather on your cruise, bummer. We can plan and plan but the one thing totally out of our control is "mother nature!"

[hartsnvt]

Sorry folks, I have been sick all day and will continue my review tomorrow am!

[dustyroad]

oh no. i hope it is not that nasty flu. take care and come back soon.:)

[hartsnvt]

The ocean is in motion! Per the Tv station, we are still experiencing rough seas and 30 knot winds. We throw on some clothes and go to the Garden buffet which is not open for hot food yet. I grabbed a croissant and apple juice and we head out to the pool deck. It was unbelievable! The pools were covered in nets (to save the idiots that might want to surf in one) and the waves were just crashing right out of the pools and all over the deck. The deck crew were out in force with squeegees pushing the water off of the sides only to turn around and have to do it again. Some chairs were being moved by the water all over the place!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250f095587800000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

 

Pool deck early am.

 

We decided to try to go up a deck from the pool area and I have never had more trouble climbing stairs in my life! The wind was whipping us like a hurricane on the port side of the ship. Hand over hand I crawled up the stairs and was kind of blown toward the starboard side. That was a good thing because once we were in front of the bar there we were blocked from the wind. Whew! It was really fun though! (So that's why there was a menu placard from the Great Outdoors on our balcony this morning!) The starboard side was less windy but still enough to make me glad that I had not showered and styled my hair yet, lol. We climbed one more set of stairs and we found a sheltered corner there. We were able to look forward through the plexiglass and watch the bow moving up and down and side to side while the waves crashed against the ship. (I wish I had even thought to take a pic but I was just trying to keep from losing my camera and it was still dark).

 

It was really fun as so few people were out and about at that hour. One guy was just computing away at a table near the bar seemingly oblivious to the weather and motion. We decided that our hunger was increasing , so down we went through the portside winds and down that awesome staircase which was easier going down as the winds were propelling us down. We went back to the Garden Cafe for the rest of our breakfast now that the entire buffet was open and we could get our hot items. People watching was perfect as people with two full plates were weaving in an attempt to find a table. I cannot stress enough the fun all of it was. The waves and motion were a challenge to walk straight but oh so enjoyable at the same time. I just love cruising!

 

After breakfast we went back to our cabin , showered and started to pack everything so we could enjoy the day. Finally the sun began to rise and once again a great pic!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2518518b92b00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Sunrise 12/22/12 from balcony. Notice the waves.

 

Here are some cabin pics in case you missed them in an earlier post.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251db14383800000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

10 x 8 Aft Balcony. Notice the card on the deck from the Great outdoors 2 decks up. We had no issues of soot or dirt on our balcony.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef2519517381c00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

 

Looking down from balcony

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251a4dd785600000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Looking up from balcony to deck 11 mini suites and deck 12 (great Outdoors and pool deck)

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251363878fa00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D60/ry%3D60/

 

Aft wake. We were really motoring today as they said we were behind schedule due to the sea conditions and we may be late getting in tomorrow.

 

We played relaxed all day and did play Deal or No Deal with Maria (yes we just had to see her one more time!) We also played the last Bingo . Hubby and I decided to just buy the most expensive package of the day ($69) which included a free T shirt and he wears a lot of those and we shared the cards instead of buying 2 smaller packages ($39 each). We at least got to stand up with one number left but others won . So, for the last coverall they offered a 3 card sheet for $20 and my youngest DD decides to buy it. She is now standing with one number left on 2 of the cards along with a person sitting to our left. And.....she wins! The pot was $1580 and she only had to split it with the guy next to us so she won $790! ( I still think these bingo games need to have bigger pots considering how much they rake in on card buys.) We were very happy for her! (no, I forgot to take a pic of the winning moment.:()

 

We also went to the crew talent show and it really is not to be missed. One of the Washy Washy guys should go on one of those reality singing shows..he is THAT talented. Also the statue act with the cruise director and staff is hilarious!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250c6a6585000000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D60/ry%3D60/

 

Stardust Theater Curtain.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef250f8c7582e00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

From our seats.

 

We ate early at Indigo again and requested Estellito as our waiter so we could see him again. He is just the most pleasant man and we enjoyed hearing about his family. I had a pork dish and the girls had the Salmon.

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef25064bd581a00000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Yummy Pork!

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df23b3127ccef251a199388800000030O00CcsWTlmyaNge3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

Salmon. (if you want more , just ask and they will bring it!)

 

After dinner I deposited another $20 to the Casino Gods and after our last walk around to take it all in we retired to our stateroom and balcony to just sit and listen to the sounds of the sea. It was very bittersweet for me as this cruise would be my last and I really enjoyed having my family together and being on a very special vacation with those that I love the most.

 

Next up: Disembarkation Day