Solo on the Grandeur - Semi-live

[CruiseAwesome]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your reviews! Wish I could write like this! Looking forward to more!

[not2old]

Maureen, so you used the bwi station? Did you use a cab to your hotel.

 

Been debating using Amtrak from Richmond, and wondered weather to use the downtown station or the bwi one.

Hi, I'm not Maureen, but, we live in Mechanicsville and use Amtrak to both Bayonne NJ and Baltimore. We board at Staples Mill station and ride to BWI. Our hotel shuttle picks us up and also picks us up @ cruise port and takes us back to BWI Amtrak. Hyatt Place in Linthicum Heights Md. Schedule from Baltimore to Richmond is limited until late afternoon- first train after 6:30a isn't until 1:27pm so the wait is looong in a very small station but when you see the bumper to bumper traffic on I 95, well, it's worth it to ride by and wave :)) We use a car service to and from Staples Mill as there is little or no parking there! Definitely use Amtrak, it is worth it!

[BND]

Hi, I'm not Maureen, but, we live in Mechanicsville and use Amtrak to both Bayonne NJ and Baltimore. We board at Staples Mill station and ride to BWI. Our hotel shuttle picks us up and also picks us up @ cruise port and takes us back to BWI Amtrak. Hyatt Place in Linthicum Heights Md. Schedule from Baltimore to Richmond is limited until late afternoon- first train after 6:30a isn't until 1:27pm so the wait is looong in a very small station but when you see the bumper to bumper traffic on I 95, well, it's worth it to ride by and wave :)) We use a car service to and from Staples Mill as there is little or no parking there! Definitely use Amtrak, it is worth it!

 

I agree about Amtrak. We use Amtrak to Newark for Cape Liberty cruises and stay at the Hilton Penn so we walk to the hotel and then car service to the port. For FL, we use the AutoTrain since we live 45 min from the Lorton Station. For Baltimore, for us it's only an hour drive so we go up day of, with the option of going up the day before if weather warrants it.

[HandE]

After lunch was the last of our scheduled activities until the Slot pull next Thursday. We did a Poker Pub Crawl, organized by Hugo. We each put in $5 then went to 5 different bars, where we pulled one card at each to see who had the best total hand. We started at the R Bar, or Aaaaah Baaaah, as I call it.

 

I had a frozen pink lemonade with vodka, so pretty!

 

Good drinks, Maureen, and a good time! I'm looking forward to the rest of your semi-live! Lovin' the pics!

 

Elayne

[maureencruiser]

Can you confirm if there's ANY sign of the Coke Freestyle machines being onboard anywhere?

They just installed them on Enchantment a week before our sailing so here's hoping for a similar repeat on Grandeur.

 

Oshawa, I know it is too late for you, as you are already onboard, but, here is the answer for everybody else. The next morning, after I told Oshawa I would look, I found this.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, it kinda looked like a Freestyle machine, but, I thought those were red and white, like a can of Coke? This looked more like just an ice machine? It was next to the Ben and Jerrys/Starbucks.

 

Then, I spotted these in the WJ. There are two at each end of the WJ.

 

 

 

They still look more like Ghost machines than Freestyle machines. Then, after Key West, I found a man working on them. If you look closely, they are looking a bit more colorful.

 

I asked him if they were Freestyle machines and he said yes and they would be operational on Saturday, the 14th, the day you boarded!

 

 

 

 

 

Just a quick comment about winning a cruise on Quantum. Only a cruise in 2014? Not many to choose from, if you ask me! Maybe this is their way of not having to actually host a free cruise for someone.

 

Reading skills are very important, boys and girls! Joand is correct, the winners ,and there are three of them, get a cruise in 2015, not 2014. I honestly don't know when the Quantum begins sailing, because I haven't paid much attention to it, because it is out of my price range for the next few years or so. Here is the letter. The fine print on the back says you had to be booked before Nov 30 to qualify, so, don't rush out and book now, you will be wasting your time. Sorry for the misinformation!

 

[maureencruiser]

:eek:

 

We have the same luggage! I'll have to be careful if I ever go on a cruise that you're on. I might end up bringing home an extra nightgown, and a cat :p

 

It sure was easy to spot when I got off my cruise this weekend. One of the cases had been crushed and had a large dent, but it popped back out when I pushed it on the inside.

 

Hi Karen, That is exactly the reason I chose it, too may black suitcases all looking alike. Purple is my favorite color. If you ever do take home my luggage by mistake, no biggy. Just wash and fold the dirty laundry and mail it back to me.

 

BTW - I like Mr. Chompy for the Dino, or jaws, it's those teeth that strike me

 

Hmmm, Mr Chompy? I was thinking about Rusty Nutcracker for a name, now, I'm thinking Chops, last name Grill. :)

[maureencruiser]

Hi Maureen. Nice to see you reporting live from on board a ship again. I look forward to the rest of your review.

 

It is even better to see your acts of kindness. You have made me smile through your acts of kindness which have been paid in the highest cost, the loss of life. If your acts effect the cruisers that you surprised half as much as it would me, you will have accomplished a wonderful thing. :)

 

Wishing you smooth waters, warm weather and great times.

Andrew

 

Andrew, You always say the nicest things! Thank You!!

 

Did you have any trouble with getting your suitcases onto or off the train? That is what would make me think twice about taking Amtrak.

 

Scrap, Don't let that stop you. The lighter you pack, the better , of course. But, at most stations, the conductors are right there, ready to help you. If not, I like to cozy up to a big, brawny, good looking guy and plead for help. What does their looks have to do with how strong they are? Nothing, it's just the kind of man I prefer cozying up to - (shrug) :D

[maureencruiser]

Yes, that's him - I matched his face to other pictures of him online.

 

What's your thoughts on him, Maureen? He's our CD (we're about right after you disembark Saturday!) so I'm curious if he's good or meh. Our last CD was firmly "meh" on Enchantment.

 

He was good, he was funny. He is also from Boston, so, I like that connection. But, he does pale in comparison to Darryl Dyball, the activities manager. Darryl is a force to be reckoned with! I have several pictures of him that I will post later, he is hysterical and so energetic and so much fun! I gave him a WOW card, I hope I get to cruise with him again. I think I am in love! :D

 

How does the $3 an hour internet work at Starbucks? It's the first time I read about it, my two teens would absolutely love that.

 

Hi, You just tell the cashier you want internet and they give you a receipt with a user ID and password on it. At this Starbucks (Nassau) , it was $3 an hour, I can't speak for any other. I did buy something, but, I don't think that is necessary. The only thing I didn't like was after an hour, it just logged you off right in the middle of things. I wished it would pop up, only 5 minutes left or something. I had to keep going back downstairs to buy another hour. FWIW, another girl was in there with her iphone and she was having trouble connecting, I don't know if it was her or the phone? I had my laptop, no problems.

[maureencruiser]

Come on Maureen, post something new! I need to laugh. Loved the toilet/Jets thing.

 

HAHA!! That is sooo funny. When I saw the Jets on the toilet, I thought of you, I said that's York Villain's team! I googled NY Jets at the Starbucks to see their logo and discovered your team was really the Giants. But, when I first saw the toilet and took the picture, I was thinking about you. ;)

 

 

 

I am positive that you will explain to us why you couldn't post to us before because you posted constantly on your last cruise on the Allure

 

Actually, my Allure review was not live, it was posted about 2 weeks after I came back! :D The internet on this ship was very expensive, the cheapest rate was .25 a minute and you had to buy the $400 package to get that! :eek: Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but, that is about 26 hours by my calculations. Now, I understand why everybody loves the $179 plan on the Allure for unlimited access. It is a steal compared to this. In Key West, I ran out of time and stamina before I could make it back out to use the internet. :o

[maureencruiser]

Hi, I'm not Maureen, but, we live in Mechanicsville and use Amtrak to both Bayonne NJ and Baltimore.

 

limited until late afternoon- first train after 6:30a isn't until 1:27pm so the wait is looong in a very small station

 

So, how long does it take to get to Bayonne? Quantum, here I come? :p

 

I don't remember if I mentioned it earlier, but, Turtle and I got day rooms back at the same hotel. We got there around 10am and our train was scheduled to leave at 3pm. It was nice to have a place to stay, she took a nap and I caught up on the news (another school shooting!) and started uploading pictures.

 

Good drinks, Maureen, and a good time! I'm looking forward to the rest of your semi-live! Lovin' the pics!

 

Thanks, Elayne and thanks for letting me take a picture of your drink! And your left breast! :p

[maureencruiser]

OK, I've answered everybody's questions and exalted in all the praise being bestowed on me! :D Now, back to the review. This will be more cutting and pasting, so, forgive me if things go awry.

 

After a good night's sleep, I awoke refreshed and ready for a full day at Universal Orlando. The ship sells transportation to UO for $35 round trip. Step one was a hearty breakfast at the Park Cafe.

 

 

 

 

This was my view as I ate.

 

 

 

 

I had a little time before I had to meet my bus, so, I meandered, noting the artwork along the way.

 

[maureencruiser]

 

 

 

While waiting for the bus, I met a fellow UO enthusiast who had forgotten her camera at home. Basically, the only reason she was going to UO was to get a picture of herself with a Minion. She is Minion crazy! I told her I could take pics of her and email them to her, cause I'm cool like that!

 

An hour's ride and we were there!

 

 

Oh, one of Santa's elves! Not being particularly observant, I didn't notice his tethers, which should have been an indication to me that he would later be part of a parade.

 

 

 

Luckily for us, Minion Mayhem was the first ride. The point of it is the evil guy, Gru needs more minions so we all are volunteers to be minionized.

 

 

 

Here is the anatomy of a minion.

 

[maureencruiser]

 

Oh my! I'm assuming this is from Gru's house?

 

 

The ride was great fun and then it was time to meet a minion!

 

 

I just love running my hands through a man's hair!

 

 

I even found a real life minion.

 

 

 

The Shrek ride was right across the street.

 

 

Shrek, Fiona and Donkey were out doing the meet and greet.

 

 

 

That was the end of the road for my new friend. She was going to shop and get lunch and get ready to head back.

 

So, I soldiered on alone.

 

 

Look at that clear, blue sky!

[maureencruiser]

UO was all ready for Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wait time at the Minions was about a half hour. It was closer to ten minutes for Shrek.

 

I was at UO in 2011 and waited between 45 and 60 minutes for each ride. This was much faster, especially for a Sunday in December.

 

Next stop was my favorite, the Mummy.

 

 

I barely had time to take this picture before I was on the ride.

 

I did the single rider line which moves a little faster than the doubles. Today, there was no line at all, however, the only thing that slowed me down was the 2 and a half flights of stairs. They might have an elevator for the mobility impaired, I don't know. I had to take the steps slowly, but, once I got to the top, I was off on the ride. After it was over, there was still no line, so, I did it again. How often can you ride the Mummy twice in less than ten minutes?

 

So, after that, I don't know if it was the Mummy or having to use those 3-D glasses at Minions and Shrek, but, I was feeling a little sick and had a slight headache. Leave it to me to get seasick once I get off the Ship!

 

Luckily, I had a plan where I could rest for a few minutes. On my way there, I passed these performers. Sorry, I never saw the Blues Brothers, so, I don't know who they are supposed to be. The woman could sing, though!

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

Then, a siren and it was Jake and Elwood Blues, themselves!

 

 

 

 

 

On my way I saw a few cool cars, including an Edsel.

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

 

And a Transformer.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, my destination, the Animal Actor's stage.

 

 

They run a series of animals through some cute tricks, including dogs, cats, birds, otters, pigs, skunks....

 

 

 

Sorry the pictures are blurry, you try getting an otter to stand still!

[maureencruiser]

 

 

 

They brought a couple of kids onstage to help out.

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

My favorite, Frank the Pug from the Men in Black movies.

 

 

 

A bunch of dogs ran wild around the stage and then the pig came out with this sign.

 

 

 

 

 

After it was over, a few of the dogs posed for pictures.

 

 

 

 

Frank was so focused on his trainer, he wouldn't take his eyes off her, even though we were all calling for him to face the camera.

 

[maureencruiser]

 

By now, my stomach had settled and I realized I was hungry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of food, the next stop was the Simpson's ride. There are a lot of places to eat there based on places from the Simpson's show.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 15, 2013 by maureencruiser

[maureencruiser]

Everybody tries to bite the donut!

 

 

 

A lot of people went into Moe's.

 

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

 

I found Waldo!

 

 

Muster!

 

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

After the ride, it was time for the Macy's parade.

 

 

This photo shows two things, confetti and the fact that I was hemmed in by people taller than me. So, basically, I stuck my hand up high in the air and tried to point it at the next float. Hopefully, I got some good pics.

 

 

 

 

Santa's great, but.

 

 

 

Betty Boop.

 

 

 

 

Now, the tall people had kids on their shoulders. Luckily, the Minions were up high.

 

[maureencruiser]

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, I can eek out a picture between the tall people.

 

 

 

 

 

Mother Goose.

 

 

 

The Simpsons rolled by.

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

My friend from earlier.

 

 

 

Dancing snowmen.

 

 

 

 

So, as you can see, they got to where I was and took a left. They made a big loop and here they come again. I could see some things I couldn't see before, especially the street performers. Not to mention, about half the people left, thinking the show was over.

 

[maureencruiser]

 

 

The Grand Marshalls!

 

The Lee High School Marching Generals - I had seen these guys in LHS tee shirts all over the park, at every ride. It never even occurred to me they might be part of the entertainment.

 

 

 

 

I like this photo, the spectator in the back, the girl in the striped shirt looks like she is worried and the girl at the left in the black shirt looks like she has a beef with one of the girls.

 

 

 

I tried to google to see where they are from, but, I got too many possibles, including one right here in Virginia and one that claims to be " da crunkest band outta huntsville, alabama". Does anybody know where they are from?