"LIVE" from Explorer of the Seas -April 7, 2013- Bermuda

[Fisherlady48]

This is for your radio.. You look like you are more than half way home.

 

http://****************************/schiffsposition.php?schiff=Explorer+of+the+Seas

 

I appreciate the thorough review. Bermuda might be calling me from the Granduer. Next up though is Enchantment's last sailing out of Baltimore tomorrow.

 

I am so happy to have your review of the Enchantment. Makes is very helpful!!

 

Safe travels.

 

Kathleen

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . The final day at sea is always the day that makes me want to go down to the Loyalty Ambassador and book a B2B for next week. Since I have to go to work on Monday, I guess that won’t be an option for this Cruise. I am happy to report however, that Casino Royale has been very “Radio Friendly” for my final day onboard. I wish this friendliness would have begun last Sunday . . . Oh well . . . I’ll take it when I can.

We are currently about 400 nm East, of Norfolk, VA and are travelling at about 22kts. We still have about 360nm to get to the Pilot Station for Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. The weather forecast is partly cloudy skies and mild temps (65°) The seas are moderate, but should be picking up later tonight. It seems that I misunderstood Captain Henrik when I reported that there would be a cold front last night. That will be tonight, and will offer cold temps, heavy rain and thunderstorms . . . Nice.

I am looking forward to the RCI announcement next week about the Quantum of the Seas. I have a very reliable source that has suggested that Quantum will be based out of Bayonne, NJ. We all just have to wait a few days, and I will see how reliable my source may be.

I should be packing right now to prepare for debarkation in the morning, but I have to wait until I get finished with my workout. I also need to do a few laps up on Deck 12. More pics later.

Thanks for all the nice comments. . .

Here are a few pics from this morning.

Radio

It wasn’t this morning, but I took this unusual view from our sail away from Bermuda

The seas were very calm early this morning . . . .

The sun came out late morning, and a few passengers got into the pool

This view from the starboard side, heading back to Bayonne

The camera is secured to the monopod. . . As long as I can hang on to this, all is well.

Our current location

.

[MrFunInTheSun]

 

 

I should be packing right now to prepare for debarkation in the morning, but I have to wait until I get finished with my workout. I also need to do a few laps up on Deck 12. More pics later.

 

 

Have a great time "Watching the News", you'll be very refreshed.. :)

 

You can pack in the morning!

[Radio]

Beautiful pictures (as usual), Radio. One quick question - how do you activate the shutter on the "helmet cam" for your stills? Just wondering if you have a remote of sorts, for that.

 

Thanks for the nice comments, dreamer976. . . I can preset my camera to take an image every .5, 1, 2, 5, 15, 30, or 60 seconds. This is usually used for timelapse, but this way I can travel for 10 minutes and have several hundred photos to select from. I have been using the "1 shot per 2 sec mode" for this trip .

 

There is a remote available, but you have to have a free hand to operate it.

 

Radio

;);)

 

.

[Radio]

Have a great time "Watching the News", you'll be very refreshed.. :)

 

You can pack in the morning!

 

You are so right MrFunInTheSun. . . I'm glad that you get my humor.

 

Radio

;);)

 

.

[cheshire cat]

Radio, great review as always. You have made the week go a little faster for me as I get ready to board the Nieuw Amsterdam on Sunday. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[Radio]

>SNIP<

I'm curious about Heritage Wharf. It is a relatively new pier compared to King's Wharf, what exactly are they doing to prepare for Breakaway? Is there any talk of updating King's Wharf for Quantum if it's going to be stopping there?

 

Thanks for the nice comments. . . Breakaway (NCL) will be the largest ship to ever dock at Heritage Wharf Pier. There needs to be some extensions built, and they also need to repair extensive damage of the breakwater fenders from 2 storms. This should have been started long ago, and it seems to be a lot of work to do for the inaugural Breakaway sailing. The was a lot of steel that needs to be welded. We will see.

 

I haven't heard of any updates for Quantum.

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

Radio, great review as always. You have made the week go a little faster for me as I get ready to board the Nieuw Amsterdam on Sunday. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

 

Have a great cruise ! I would love to sail with HAL again. . .:)

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

Mark in your travels around Bermuda do you use a map, GPS, or just wander? Great report as usual.

 

 

 

I use a Map only. . .OK. . .sometimes just wander. I cant get too lost with only 23 square miles.

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

These pictures are absolutely beautiful; I must go to Bermuda soon!

 

 

Wow, thanks for the nice comments. . . The weather really cooperated with my trip this year.

 

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

.

[Mycruises62]

Hello everyone. . . The final day at sea is always the day that makes me want to go down to the Loyalty Ambassador and book a B2B for next week. Since I have to go to work on Monday, I guess that won’t be an option for this Cruise. I am happy to report however, that Casino Royale has been very “Radio Friendly” for my final day onboard. I wish this friendliness would have begun last Sunday . . . Oh well . . . I’ll take it when I can.

 

We are currently about 400 nm East, of Norfolk, VA and are travelling at about 22kts. We still have about 360nm to get to the Pilot Station for Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. The weather forecast is partly cloudy skies and mild temps (65°) The seas are moderate, but should be picking up later tonight. It seems that I misunderstood Captain Henrik when I reported that there would be a cold front last night. That will be tonight, and will offer cold temps, heavy rain and thunderstorms . . . Nice.

 

 

I am looking forward to the RCI announcement next week about the Quantum of the Seas. I have a very reliable source that has suggested that Quantum will be based out of Bayonne, NJ. We all just have to wait a few days, and I will see how reliable my source may be.

 

 

I should be packing right now to prepare for debarkation in the morning, but I have to wait until I get finished with my workout. I also need to do a few laps up on Deck 12. More pics later.

 

 

Thanks for all the nice comments. . .

 

Here are a few pics from this morning.

 

 

Radio

 

 

It wasn’t this morning, but I took this unusual view from our sail away from Bermuda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e seas were very calm early this morning . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun came out late morning, and a few passengers got into the pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This view from the starboard side, heading back to Bayonne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radio I enjoy every live post that you have done. You do an amazing job. great picture. I have never sailed RCI but am thinking about it. I have only sailed Princess, have you sailed Princess? I hope you enjoy your last sea day. looking forward to your next live review, when will this be?

 

Thanks for the great trip.

 

Mike

[gaylemh]

I was just wondering if you know of any secret spots protected from the wind, with lounge chairs, that you could still get some sun on the cooler and windy days.

[luvfamvaca]

Wow, thanks for the nice comments. . . The weather really cooperated with my trip this year.

 

Everyone looks forward to your posts they are always so nice and makes us all feel like we are right there with you! Thank you again! Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

If I may ask about the camera, any negatives on the GP? Does it always make the rounded image or is it something that can be changed? Is it easy to use?

Thanks again!

[maggieq]

Hi Radio,

 

 

Love, love, love your "live from" as always. Counting down the days until we get to see Bermuda. For the first time there, what would be your "must see" spots. With not knowing how warm it will be we definitely want to see horseshoe beach but don't want to pre book anything.

 

Thanks!

[Newbie Cruiser 2010]

Hello everyone. . . The final day at sea is always the day that makes me want to go down to the Loyalty Ambassador and book a B2B for next week. Since I have to go to work on Monday, I guess that won’t be an option for this Cruise. I am happy to report however, that Casino Royale has been very “Radio Friendly” for my final day onboard. I wish this friendliness would have begun last Sunday . . . Oh well . . . I’ll take it when I can.

 

We are currently about 400 nm East, of Norfolk, VA and are travelling at about 22kts. We still have about 360nm to get to the Pilot Station for Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. The weather forecast is partly cloudy skies and mild temps (65°) The seas are moderate, but should be picking up later tonight. It seems that I misunderstood Captain Henrik when I reported that there would be a cold front last night. That will be tonight, and will offer cold temps, heavy rain and thunderstorms . . . Nice.

 

 

I am looking forward to the RCI announcement next week about the Quantum of the Seas. I have a very reliable source that has suggested that Quantum will be based out of Bayonne, NJ. We all just have to wait a few days, and I will see how reliable my source may be.

 

 

I should be packing right now to prepare for debarkation in the morning, but I have to wait until I get finished with my workout. I also need to do a few laps up on Deck 12. More pics later.

 

 

Thanks for all the nice comments. . .

 

Here are a few pics from this morning.

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This view from the starboard side, heading back to Bayonne

 

The camera is secured to the monopod. . . As long as I can hang on to this, all is well.

 

 

 

I have just jumped into this thread so this question may have already been answered. I will go back soon and start from the beginning. I see that you are using a Go Pro Monopod. I have been considering buying the Go Pro Black camera as a new underwater camera, but don't really know much about it. My main concern is that it doesn't have a zoom. Are you using a Go Pro camera or just the monopod? The few photos of yours that I have already looked at are just great. The other underwater camera that I am looking at is the new Olympus TG-2iHS. Any opinions?

The person who asked about how the camera works with a monopod must have been reading my mind as it is always hard to get pictures of my husband and I when we are only 2. So you have to use the timer on your camera, right?

Thanks

Joanne

[GeneD]

There is a snews button on the camera as well!

Great work and thanks again for the dockyard pictures. Hopefully they will get er done.

[Spender Nui]

Great trip Radio, thanks for letting me tag along.

 

A couple questions ... Are the Oceania ships anchoring at the dockyard because the Heritage Pier is not ready? Do they go into hamilton and dock? How about St George?

 

Thanks again for the ride.

[Radio]

Great trip Radio, thanks for letting me tag along.

 

A couple questions ... Are the Oceania ships anchoring at the dockyard because the Heritage Pier is not ready? Do they go into hamilton and dock? How about St George?

 

Thanks again for the ride.

 

Riviera (2012) was scheduled to dock at Kings Wharf on her TA from Miami to Barcelona, and Regatta (ex R2 1998) was scheduled to dock in Hamilton.

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

Hello everyone . . . I was able to make it down to Casino Royale again tonight, and being there is another reason I wish I was on bard next week. Lady Luck was friendly, and much friendlier than my wireless connection has been. (I tried to post an hour ago but no luck)

 

Overall my cruise has been very good . . . I got a fat upgrade that wasn’t expected, and the food and service has been wonderful all week. I was able to go to my favorite port of call, and I am on a ship that I really love. The coffee on board this week was wonderful, and the servers down at “We proudly serve” Starbucks were very nice (and knew how to prepare an Americano)

I really must pack, but I don’t feel like it yet . . . Maybe my energy level will allow me to do what should be done and I won’t have to carry everything off. I am driving home tomorrow so I usually have no requirements to be off the ship first. For this reason, I will try to be the last passenger off. I have only a 3 hr drive south, and I will off on Sunday.

I know right now there are almost 3000 passengers who are waiting with anticipation to be on Explorer of the Seas tomorrow morning. I feel very confident that they will walk on board with a big smile on their face. I am sure that there will be many many happy faces. . .

I will be uploading many more pics and a few short videos over the next few days. My next “LIVE” will be later this summer.

Thanks for all of the very nice comments, and I don’t want you to think that I forgot to say “Thanks for tuning in”

Radio

The sun and mild temps bring out some Volleyball fun !

I spent a lot of time in Royal Caribbean On-Line (Internet Café- Deck 8)

The “Island Frenzy Parade” was held in the Royal Promenade at 5:45PM

The food was fabulous every evening in the MDR, Portofino, and Windjammer . . . . I think I may have gained a pound or two. . .

Explorer of the Seas is just about 12 hrs away from home.

Your Intrepid Reporter says “So long for now”

.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Enjoy your last night Radio! Good luck in Casino Royale. Looking forward to your Summer 2013 "Live" trip report! :)

[Radio]

 

Radio I enjoy every live post that you have done. You do an amazing job. great picture. I have never sailed RCI but am thinking about it. I have only sailed Princess, have you sailed Princess? I hope you enjoy your last sea day. looking forward to your next live review, when will this be?

 

Thanks for the great trip.

 

Mike

 

Thanks so much Mike for the nice comments. . . My next cruise will be later this summer. I will be posting "LIVE" I may be back to Bermuda again, but this will be a different ship.

 

I sailed Grand Princess in 2003. . .I love it !

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

Enjoy your last night Radio! Good luck in Casino Royale. Looking forward to your Summer 2013 "Live" trip report! :)

 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. . . I will be following your "Live" post as well starting tomorrow ! Have a great Cruise. . .

 

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[speakertosuits]

Firstly, Radio, thanks for taking us along on your cruise. I certainly appreciate the time you take to do your posts. Now that Trainman-2 is taking some time off to work on his house and yacht club, you may be our last hope for live posts. Perhaps others may jump in, we can only hope.

 

I do have a question about where you get the map with the ship position on it. Is that part of your GPS setup? Thanks again.

 

 

:rolleyes:Ok, Ok. . .Lets go Explorer of the Seas. . .You need to get into port quickly ! There are 2900 passengers waiting to board this afternoon.

 

The pilot should be boarding by 6AM. . .Time for more coffee

 

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

 

Returning to port at 4AM

 

 

 

.

[itpd2901]

Radio,

 

Like everyone else, I enjoy and look forward to your "live" reports and your pics. I know you sail from Baltimore frequently, where my family and I will be sailing from on the Grandeur in May on back to back cruises, first to the Bahamas, then to Bermuda.

 

I was wondering if you have ever done back to back cruises from Baltimore? I had a question that I haven't been able to find an answer to and thought you might know it. When you park at the Baltimore cruise terminal lot, can you pay for both weeks upon arrival or do they make you disembark on the turnaround day to pay for the second week. Staying on board and avoiding the lines at customs would be great.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give and again for all you share with us while we are between cruises.

 

Bob W.

[DaddyBytes]

Firstly, Radio, thanks for taking us along on your cruise. I certainly appreciate the time you take to do your posts. Now that Trainman-2 is taking some time off to work on his house and yacht club, you may be our last hope for live posts. Perhaps others may jump in, we can only hope.

 

I do have a question about where you get the map with the ship position on it. Is that part of your GPS setup? Thanks again.

 

The map is from the site marinetraffic.com/ais