Solo on the Grandeur - Semi-live

[maureencruiser]

After the Sexy Men, I returned to my cabin to start packing. :(

 

The debris field as I packed.

 

 

 

 

I was able to contain the beasts.

 

 

 

 

I headed to the WJ for lunch.

 

 

 

 

This was my view. I could see a large group of birds hovering right over the surface of the water.

 

 

 

What were they doing? We are well out to sea, how far do they fly?

 

 

 

 

I've come to the conclusion there was a dead whale out there and they were attracted to it. I have ABSOLUTELY no facts to base this on, I just like it.

 

[maureencruiser]

I made myself an ice cream cone and got a lady in the elevator to take a picture.

 

 

 

She said The picture came out good, but, there are 16 of me reflected behind you. I like how her and her husband are both wearing green and there are so many of them. It looks like they are my Minions.

 

 

The husband turned sideways so he wouldn't be so noticeable. Honey, we're in a small room lined with mirrors, we're gonna see you!

 

 

Since it was the last day, I wandered around redeeming all my freebies. My three free spins in the casino netted me this.

 

 

 

 

The man in the cash cage said I could have a key chain :rolleyes: or another free spin. Momma didn't raise no fools (well, she did, but, it's Christmas, so, I don't want to badmouth them), so I spun again.

 

 

 

 

This was for getting three bars. The machine said any three bars, you win a t-shirt. The man said it was a key chain or another free spin. I think he was wrong. Or, he hated me because I was such a winner!

[maureencruiser]

The Thriller performance was that night in the Centrum.

 

 

 

 

The dance floor waiting to be inundated with zombies.

 

 

 

 

The zombies began to gather. They looked great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They kept it dark to add to the ambience, so, pictures really didn't come out.

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

They worked so hard. Thank you, if there any zombies out there reading this.

 

 

 

We had old zombies, young zombies.

 

 

 

 

Tall zombies, short zombies.

 

 

 

 

Even zombies on wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

The big finale, the zombies turned on each other.

 

 

[maureencruiser]

Jeffrey and Darryl had announced on the Morning Show that there would be a surprise performance after Thriller. It was not in the Compass, so, a lot of people left after Thriller. They missed this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was beautiful.

 

 

Went up to the WJ for dinner, took a picture to show the Freestyle machine.

 

 

 

It was going to be operational the day we got off.

 

 

A little fish and chips.

 

 

[maureencruiser]

Followed by a little turkey and mashed potatoes.

 

 

 

 

I hope y'all appreciate how I documented every piece of food I put in my mouth. Now you know the secret to how I maintain my swimmer's physique. :p And to all y'all who saw me in the WJ and said There's that weirdo taking pics of her food, sorry!

 

 

I went up to return my towel to the attendant. You know something's wrong when you are wearing a sundress and the towel attendant is dressed like this.

 

 

 

 

You will notice he is inside as well. He would wait inside by the elevator until he saw people come up with their towels and then he would go outside to scan their Seapass.

 

The Solarium was empty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My magnets were untouched all week.

 

 

[maureencruiser]

Saturday, back in Baltimore. I got dressed in my jeans. :mad:

 

 

 

 

My view.

 

 

 

 

My number getting off was 22, Turtle's was 48. By the time we got off, this is all that was left at my number.

 

 

 

 

We went back to the same hotel for a few hours. When we got to the train station at 3, we found out our train was delayed about an hour due to a storm. While we were there, a train hit a tree and caused more delays. Oh, to be back on the ship.....

 

Finally, they called our train. Here I am pretending I was not cold.

 

 

 

 

It was a sleety, snowy day.

 

 

[maureencruiser]

The train was decorated for Christmas, at least as much as it could be.

 

 

 

The menu at the Cafe Car.

 

 

 

This man had to do a lot of work in a very small space.

 

 

 

 

My last meal of the trip, fresh from New York.

 

 

 

 

The train itself.

 

 

 

 

Finally, home at 10pm. Nutmeg immediately sniffed out and contained the intruders.

 

 

 

I had a great time and I can't wait to go on my next cruise. The Grandeur was beautiful, but, I have to say, I missed the Allure and all its activities. That is part of cruising that I like very much, as you can see. Any questions?

[A&L_Ont]

For anyone interested, here is a picture of Andrew. This should explain why he wants them combined. :p

 

 

 

God Bless You, Andrew, more next year than this! :)

 

I will take all the blessings I can get.;)

 

 

I made myself an ice cream cone and got a lady in the elevator to take a picture.

 

 

 

 

That cone gives a new meaning to "soft serve".

[cruise pup]

Enjoying this report. You even reminded me that I have an unused Universal Studios Orlando pass which I bought years ago. I contacted them and they said it was still valid so I'll book the transfer ($35. r/t isn't bad). The ticket is a 2-day pass but I paid the same price you'd pay for a 1-day pass now, so it works out fine. So thank you. I would never have remembered about it if you didn't post. Just too bad I get there the day after the xmas stuff is over.:(

 

Just remembered I get an obc on the cruise so even the transfer won't cost me. Just the Minion dolls, if you left any for us poor slobs to snatch up.

[maureencruiser]

I will take all the blessings I can get.;)

That cone gives a new meaning to "soft serve".

 

Andrew! :eek: I couldn't post the pic I took myself, because it looked obscene! :o

 

Just remembered I get an obc on the cruise so even the transfer won't cost me. Just the Minion dolls, if you left any for us poor slobs to snatch up.

 

There you go! I have Universal Vouchers from like 15 years ago somewhere, I wonder if I find them, will they let me use them? Have fun! I love Universal. :D

[Yorkvillain]

Excellent review as always.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I love the Oasis and Allure and miss them when I am on a smaller ship. I do want to try a Radiance class ship though at some point.

 

When is your next cruise?

[maureencruiser]

Nothing planned, yet. Maybe Memorial Day with my coworker. She's the one I did the Enchantment on Labor Day with. We can only cruise on monday holidays. Maybe my Bday in September to Alaska? Maybe a t/a?? I'm always looking for a good, solo bargain. Or a good, single man to cruise with. ;)

[maureencruiser]

Here's me and Rhonda in Nassau. The first time she left VA except for one trip to Myrtle Beach with me, last year on Labor Day. Her first time on a plane and a ship!

 

 

OOps, The pic was gigantic!

Edited December 25, 2013 by maureencruiser

[maureencruiser]

Here's a normal sized pic - I hope!

 

 

[KeywestK]

Thank you, Maureen, for another fabulous review. Hope you get to plan another one for '14:)

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Merry Christmas Maureen,

 

Thank you for a wonderful "journey" - I enjoyed every word, picture, etc.

 

Have a wonderful day!

[cruise pup]

Thanks again. Loved the review. One week from Friday I won't just be living vicariously thru your report, I'll be aboard that mutha. I can't think that there's ever been anyone as excited to be going to Baltimore! Yeah, Baltimore.

[bridge&golf]

We're just off the G. Every day, 3 to 5, half price drinks in all bars. never had that before.

Is that true on all RCI sailings?

 

joann

[Clarea]

We're just off the G. Every day, 3 to 5, half price drinks in all bars. never had that before.

Is that true on all RCI sailings?

 

joann

I've seen it a few times recently, but it's not universal.

[maureencruiser]

Thanks again. Loved the review. One week from Friday I won't just be living vicariously thru your report, I'll be aboard that mutha. I can't think that there's ever been anyone as excited to be going to Baltimore! Yeah, Baltimore.

 

 

Thanks! Have a great trip! Say Hi to Darryl for me!

[cruise pup]

Thanks! Have a great trip! Say Hi to Darryl for me!

 

Thanks! Could you give me an idea where the coach dropped you off at Universa lStudios. Was it near the entrance?

[maureencruiser]

There is a bus drop off/pick up area. They drop you there so you know where to come back to. They have people movers to help you move along.