Splendor to Bermuda 10-23-15 Review

[NCTribeFan]

We had a full first day in Bermuda. Besides our full island tour, some of us had also booked a sunset Swizzle sail with Restless Native. They also provide this tour for Carnival (at a significantly higher cost) but not on this night, so we were able to book directly. We met back out between the two piers and were escorted to the pink and white catamaran. It was rather choppy and with my history of motion sickness, I was a little concerned. But I grabbed a spot on the back bench as well as my first Rum Swizzle and told myself I'd be fine. I'd taken 1/2 meclizine before leaving the ship and had been taking my Ginger Root since the day prior to sailing. And, I was right. I didn't have any issues. I'm ok as long as we're moving. It's the sitting and bobbing up and down and up and down that gets to me.

 

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Calico Jack's ship bar

 

Many people moved up and sat up front on the net, where the young man gave his talk (IFRC, he's part of the Dill Family (Kirk Douglas' wife and Michael's mother was Diana Dill) and went to College of Charleston for it's sailing program), but since I had information overload from the island tour, I stayed where I was and had another drink. I was mildly concerned about consuming a lot of rum prior to dinner. I'm not much of a hard liquor drinker and didn't want to be one of "those" people who shows up to the MDR drunk.

 

Another America's Cup training boat. For those who aren't aware, Bermuda just hosted qualifying and will host the race in June 2017.

 

Dawn and Splendor

 

So, we sailed around and over toward Hamilton then turned and headed back.

 

 

We were lucky enough to get both a full moon rising and the sunset!

 

 

 

It was an OK excursion. I probably would've enjoyed it more if I hadn't spent all day in a van and had sat up front and listened. And if the Rum Swizzles had been a little more potent. Oh, one of the crew members did bake cookies! That was a nice treat!

 

No idea what we did later other than went to dinner. Probably just hit the casino for a little Roulette.

[ALWAYZCRUISEN]

I'm loving your review so far! Thank you for taking the time to write it. Great pictures too!

[NCTribeFan]

I was hoping to get Day 2 in Bermuda posted this morning but we're having a "team building" excursion today at work. Oh boy! At least it's not a ropes course! And we get to go home after lunch, so I should be able to get a lot posted this afternoon (unless I decide to go shopping; realized that I have almost no cold-weather clothes and it's turning cold here).

 

Thanks for reading!

[DONDON55]

so glad you enjoyed Ralph and Julie......we took the same tour 2 years ago and I have been going to Bermuda since 1977 and learned new things about Bermuda and saw things I had never seen before..........Oh and Julie is my husbands niece ! Isn't she a doll !

[cruiser fanatic]

Thanks for taking the time to do a review. I have heard many complaints that on this cruise the safety drill took forever. I agree that if those can't be on time for the drill, they should be put off the ship and no refund given.

Edited November 5, 2015 by cruiser fanatic

[NCTribeFan]

OK, so I've been distracted. And who needs to read another Bermuda review, right? I mean, we've all been there a million times and you can get a port day there on just about every East Coast sailing. No? Oh. Right. If you want Carnival, your choices for Bermuda are slim. There will be more next summer, but be careful in picking your sailing. You really need a minimum of two full days and you don't want a Sunday. And you don't want to plan your day to St George for a Tuesday, as we discovered.

[NCTribeFan]

As we were walking back to the ship Monday evening after our catamaran sail, we were talking to two others about heading to St George in the morning. Now, I hadn't made it over there on my Glory cruise, and although we'd stopped there on our tour, I wanted to return. The ferry schedule was more limited on Tuesday, and there were just two in the morning, 9:15 and 11:15. The other three though 9:15 was too early. Not me! I'm usually up before 6 on workdays, and rarely sleep until 7 on the weekend. I do NOT go on a cruise to sleep in. But I was out-voted, so I agreed to the 11:15 ferry time.

 

I'm not a fan of the MDR for breakfast. Takes entirely too long. I don't mind a leisurely dinner, but I always feel like I'm wasting valuable vacation time by having a breakfast that takes an hour! But since we weren't going anywhere early, I agreed to that, too. We were seated at an 8-top with some folks, one of whom was a very loud, exuberant woman. Nice, but just a bit much for me before I'd had my tea! Then a couple they knew showed up and although there was only one place left, they said, "oh, we can all squeeze together! They'll bring another place setting and chair!!!!" So we ate elbow-to-elbow.

 

Back to the cabin and gathered up our few things to take ashore. We could see people already in line waiting for the ferry. We headed to the Visitor's Center and decided to just purchase a 1-day pass. Too bad they don't sell the ticket books in the Dockyard area. Unless you plan on many back-and-forth bus/ferry trips, the passes actually cost you more (it's too much of a hassle to use cash).

 

It's a pretty long ride over to St George, and the high-speed ferry was zipping and bouncing alone. Unfortunately, I was riding backward and began to get a little concerned about the motion. But I'd taken my Ginger Root that morning and made it without any problems. We headed from the ferry dock into St George, just wandering the side streets. I'm not a shopper at any time and I had no interest in browsing the stores. They were just about to begin the dunking when we reached the square. I was ready for some caffeine, but the coffee/pastry shop where people had purchased cookies on Monday was shut. Hmmmm. That seemed odd!

 

We walked up the street and around back to the gardens we'd passed on Monday. Ralph had told us the story of Bermuda's discovery and of Admiral Somers. We strolled around the gardens and had a look at the plaque placed near where Admiral Somers' heart is supposed to be buried. The plaque is white marble and difficult to read, so I'm not posting the photo.

 

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I'd read about Art Mel's Spicy Dicy restaurant on the Bermuda board and was looking forward to having The World's Best Fish Sandwich.

 

And...

 

it was closed. Sigh.

 

Many places were only open until 1 or 2 (for the tourists who come for the dunking, I suppose). I guess this is why there's a different ferry schedule, with the last leaving St George back to Dockyard at 2:15. Same schedule for Thursday, so folks need to check on the Bermuda board or online for times when things are open in St George if they're planning a visit.

 

We did have a look around a small grocery. I love grocery stores in foreign places! Having lived with an Englishman for several years and having visited England many times, there weren't too many things I hadn't seen before. I did check their prices for Marmite and PG Tips tea bags, but I can get those cheaper around the corner at our local World Market. I can even get PG Tips tea at my Kroger store.

 

We wandered back and decided to head to the bus stop. We just missed one, so popped into a bakery (that was just about to close) where Melody bought a red velvet cupcake. Must remember to ask her how it was as we didn't eat it on the ship. Hope it wasn't too stale by the time she tried it! We sat on a bench with a woman and her daughter, but when the bus arrived, they apparently didn't like the driver and decided to wait. We showed our transport passes and took a seat.

 

The bus filled and was SRO after a bit. I think it took about 40 minutes to get to Hamilton. We got off at the stop before the ferry and decided it was time for lunch and an adult beverage. We headed back up the street to Flanagan's Irish Pub. We climbed the stairs and sat out on the balcony seating. It was hot, even out of the sun as there wasn't much of a breeze getting under the awning.

 

Melody ordered a Bermuda Triangle and I opted for my first Dark & Stormy. Yum. And I ordered a fish sandwich which may not be The Best in the World, but was really, really good!

 

 

We then hiked up the hill, down the street, up to Church Street, then to the cathedral. The bell tower is closed, but my knees wouldn't have wanted me to climb the steps anyway. I took some interior photos when I was there last time, so didn't this time.

 

 

We were rather hot and tired by then, so headed back down to Front Street and the ferry dock. We arrived just before departure time and walked straight on and found seats (facing forward this time). It's a much shorter ride between Dockyard and Hamilton than between Dockyard and St George so we were back in no time.

 

I imagine I needed some tea after the sun, food and drink. I think I finally got around to sitting on the balcony and reading for a bit. I typically read at least two books when I cruise, but bet I didn't read 30 pages this time.

 

Dinner and casino was probably all we did. Pretty sure we didn't go to any more shows. Didn't watch any movies on deck. Didn't go to the dance club. Or comedy. Sounds pretty boring but it seemed like we were always doing something!

[NCTribeFan]

Last day in Bermuda. We had plans to meet someone that was arriving on Pride at about 1:30 at the Frog and Onion. Before that, we were going to either go to one of the beaches or just wander around the Dockyard area.

 

The weather did not cooperate. It alternated between raining rather hard and looking like the sun might come out any second, but it was mostly rain.

 

So we headed back to the spa since we wouldn't have to deal with waves in the Thalasso pool while docked! We soaked in there for a while then headed to the wonderful heated ceramic loungers again. The aroma steam room actually had scent this time (lemon) but was still way too hot to tolerate more than a couple of lungfuls! The Laconium was empty, thankfully. No more Party Central!

 

We decided to go ahead and have lunch on the ship before heading out. There was no sign of Pride at all and we were beginning to worry that she might not make it into port. With all the confusion over the time change, we were also wondering whether the 1 pm arrival that was shown on their itinerary actually mean she was arriving at 2 pm. Since we were sailing at 4 and had to be back on board by 3:30, that meant we would have a very small window to meet up. I finally saw her way on the horizon.

 

It had stopped raining by the time we headed over to the pub, but Melody wanted to do a little shopping for something specific. I turned around at one point and she'd vanished! So I walked around in circles, through the pub outdoor seating area, through the Craft market, through the Arts Center, through the Victualling Yard and back again. Suddenly, she reappeared behind me. She'd hoofed down to the Clocktower Mall and back.

 

So we headed inside and requested a table for 4 and ordered a Dark & Stormy each. And we waited. It finally looked like some new arrivals were wandering the area, but our people didn't show. With the weather (and high winds), they had a difficult time docking, then, of course, they had to be cleared to disembark, then everyone wanted off immediately. They were only in port for about 24 hours (I would never recommend anyone ever do this cruise if they're actually going for Bermuda). We waited until 3 and headed back to the ship.

 

It was still raining on and off. The sky looked gloomy but the water looked gorgeous! The building you see is the Commissioner's House, where the port webcam is located on the roof.

 

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And then we had a rainbow. I'm afraid I didn't get the end but it was right down below us where we were tied up.

 

 

Last look back at the Dockyard. Just out of the photo to the left is Pride at King's Wharf.

 

They're dredging so the Behemoths of the Seas can dock. For a port that isn't courting the cruise industry, they're really going out of their way to do this. Personally, I'd hate to be in Bermuda when one of the megaships is in port. In fact, I'd hate to be ON one of them on a call to Bermuda. Most people rely totally on public transportation. I think it will be a logistics nightmare!

 

We couldn't see this from our cabin (1106 portside), so I took a photo of the tv bow cam!

 

Second elegant night tonight. Again, no idea what we did other than dinner and a visit to the casino. I had worried about there being rough seas (and there were barf bags out both on our way there and back), but I really had no problem at all.

 

I'd gotten a bit spoiled with my prior four cruises being 8 nights, so I was feeling glum knowing tomorrow was the last day.

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Enjoying the review and the pics!

 

 

Kim

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks Kim. I really meant to wrap this up over the weekend. I mean, we've been back for 10 days. But considering that I still have stuff in my bags that I haven't unpacked, I think I've done well to get this much written. And I am supposed to be working.

 

But now I'm trying to finalize plans for Sunshine at the end of the month. And need to book my air to Europe and back for Vista.

 

I know. Such problems!

[NCTribeFan]

Our last day! I headed around the corner to the Spa and booked the earliest available appointment from the pick 2 or 3 menu. I selected the facial and back/neck/shoulder massage with an upgrade to hot stones ($99 + $25). The earliest she had was 10:45.

 

We decided to do brunch again. The line was ridiculously long. Problem is, the line was back past the elevators yet people would get off and just sort of merge instead of going to the back. Well, these two women (who looked like they belonged on Housewives of Orange County) get off the elevator and march straight to the front and to the desk where they have a little convo with one of the gals and then step to the side. Just before it was time for us to be seated, another 6 or 7 people walked up and the girl starts off to seat them all.

 

HOLD ON! Yes, I spoke up! Wait a minute! These women totally jumped the line, and you let them! "Oh no! They had someone already here." No they didn't! They were first and the rest just arrived. I was ignored. Of course. You see, part of the problem (and this is everywhere) is that no one ever looks UP to see anything/anyone other than the ones right in front of them so they never have any idea whether someone is line jumping or has been patiently waiting their turn!

 

Anyway, we were seated at a large, round table and, yes, I ordered the same thing. This time I ordered a glass of milk rather than ask for milk with my hot tea. It's amazing how that simple request seems to really throw servers. Yes, I drink hot tea with milk and sugar. Milk, not cream.

 

Food was good. Service was slow. Again, felt like I was wasting a big chunk of my last day by first standing in line, then sitting and waiting, then sitting and chatting with tablemates.

 

Off to the spa, which was very pleasant.

 

And then it was time for lunch! Was it the deli or burrito bar? I think it was a shrimp and chicken burrito. We may have stopped at the casino, although I tend to not play during the day. Never have any luck (which is silly; the Roulette wheel doesn't know what time of day it is!). And I think I may have gone ahead and packed most of my stuff.

 

We did go to trivia, not realizing it was some Final Round of Something (Super Trivia?). Since we were sitting with a bunch of other folks, we were automatically in their group. And we won!!! I declined the offer of a Ship on a Stick (I have one; that's enough) or the medals (I've won them before and given them away to kids).

 

While sitting in the lobby, I decided to take a couple of photos. It really is pretty hideous, but I just don't mind any more. What I dislike about Farcus is not the outlandishness of his decor, it's the completely over-the-top use of features. He doesn't use a feature, he saturates the entire area with it. Over and over and over. Yes, overkill. That's the word I'm looking for!

 

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Sitting just to the side of the glass elevators, looking straight up.

 

Looking up toward the Promenade from the Lobby.

 

No photos of the pink zebra donut thingies. Plenty of those on the interwebs already. ;)

 

Waiting to be seated for dinner, we were behind a couple from our Roll Call and they invited us to dine with them, so we had a table for four. I had a wine coupon left over, so got an unopened bottle to take home.

 

Off to the casino for one last attempt. A couple who we'd seen repeatedly in the casino (husband played Roulette) arrived dressed in pirate costumes. Carnival had said that we'd be celebrating Halloween on our sailing, then said we weren't, then said we were, but we didn't. How's that for being able to plan ahead? :rolleyes:

 

I didn't win, so cashed out my few dollars on my card from the slots and my chips and headed back to put out our bags. I decided to keep my rolling duffle, just in case, so packed as much as I possibly could into the case I was putting out.

 

And so it ends.

[NCTribeFan]

Except we still had to get home, right? Mel had a mid-afternoon flight, and I'd volunteered to take her to the airport, so we took our time having our Last Breakfast and additional caffeine. I think we finally decided to head off when they were calling numbers in the mid-teens. I have no idea what time it was.

 

By the time we got to the #1 bag area, there were only about 6 bags there, which made finding our 3 rather easy. So we got them and got behind some porters when we were stopped and told to go to the end of the line (apparently porters have their own line and everyone else has another). Well, this line was all the way back down the terminal, and while we're trying to get there, others are just merging in from their luggage sections. Once again, there was virtually no direction and no supervision. We were finally in line and a couple just moves the barrier and merges next to us. Of course, we pointed out that the line was way back there. And we were ignored. Again.

 

Once outside, there was absolutely no one directing anyone anywhere. The taxis and traffic picking up people was all in one area and there was no one to tell you where the taxi line should be. We finally fought our way through the mob and got in line. As the couple in front of us were talking to the traffic cop, the line moved up a little. Naturally, some people walked right past us and got in that space. Hold up there! The line is back there! Yes, there's a space, but we're not moving someone else's luggage, so just back on up.

 

Really, Norfolk needs to step up their game with both boarding and disembarkation. They just need more people involved.

 

Finally got a taxi, apologized for the short ride (really, it was only a few blocks) and we were back at the hotel in no time. Gave the drive a nice tip, then gave the valet parking ticket to the guy to retrieve my car. He pulls up, we load the luggage in, and then he says, "Oh, you've got a flat tire up here!" Seriously? :mad:

 

He told me to pull up over to the side and he'd get someone from maintenance to come help. Unloaded the luggage and surprise! A full-size spare! Now, the car is a 2007 but has only about 42,000 miles. No, I don't go anywhere except to work and back (other than my cruises). The tire had a huge nail right smack in the middle, and the spare was low on air, but it would make it for a while. Hopefully! Gave the guy $20 for his help and he seemed really grateful, saying he'd take the wife out for a drink with that cash.

 

We navigate our way over to the airport, drop of Melody, and then I headed back, trying to find my way over to I-64 to I-264 to US 58. I did a bit of driving in circles, hoping to find a tire store. I did find a couple of places, but closer looks convinced me that I didn't want to venture in. Just didn't get a good "feel" for it. I didn't even have any quarters for the air machines!

 

I ended up getting mildly lost, but not terribly, and eventually decided to just head home and hope for the best. I was going to need gas, so once I was away from downtown, I stopped and, luckily, the air machine took plastic! So I filled both the front tires (left front was low, too), and off I went. I drove rather sedately and arrived in downtown Durham at about 4:30, which wasn't ideal as traffic is always bad on Fridays. Not far from home, I realized I was in front of a repair shop that I'd used for oil changes and inspections in the past, so I pulled in to see if they could repair the tire. To my surprise, there was a young woman behind the desk. Yay! There was actually a time in my life that I considered going to mechanics school (probably should've done that rather than become a CPA - less stress and probably could've made more money!).

 

They were able to patch the tire and put it back on the car for $25. I was home right at about 5 pm. I didn't even start to unpack. I was so tired. I know that meclizine is "less drowsy" than the old Dramamine formula, and I don't notice it while I'm sailing, but once I'm off the ship, I can tell I've taken drugs. I was in bed before 10 and slept until nearly 9 the next morning, which is totally not like me!

 

I still have my duffle bag sitting in the floor, but it's waiting to be repacked for it's trip to Orlando on Black Friday, then on to Port Canaveral to board Sunshine on Saturday for our 11-night Journeys sailing. :D

[NCTribeFan]

Here are a few more Bermuda photos that didn't fit in my other posts...

 

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And the link to the entire album (although I've posted most of the photos here)...

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nctribefan/albums/72157660194889320/with/22657479441/

[NCTribeFan]

Let me post some final, random thoughts about the cruise and the ship, and then I'll let this slip away. I'm beginning to wonder whether I should bother with a review of our upcoming Sunshine Journeys. It's a lot of work to write these things and it seems no one has much interest in my reviews these days. Too dry, I guess. Not enough photos of booze? :p

 

Anyway, this was my second sailing on Splendor. I'd sailed her 11/1/14 (on the 2nd leg of her repositioning) from San Juan to Miami. I like the open aft area (compared to Conquest class), but don't care for the claustrophic feeling in the main pool area. But as I don't spend my time around the pools, it isn't a big deal.

 

Turns out I didn't miss having Guys or Blue Iguana or Fish & Chips. I don't have any problem at all finding plenty to eat, and I don't even eat at the regular buffet.

 

I'm just not a fan of Anytime dining. I do seriously believe that it's brought down the overall quality and service across the fleet. I think having two set dining times made it a little easier for both the galley and the servers. Yes, it was extremely hectic while going on all at once, but at least they had some idea of what to expect. With people dining through the entire evening, it has to be more difficult to keep running smoothly.

 

Still, saying that, the food was not bad. It wasn't great, and the service wasn't great, but as already pointed out, we certainly didn't go hungry. And they do work so hard. Still, a steak ordered rare should never, ever come out well done.

 

If the steakhouse dinner isn't better on Sunshine, I'm not doing it again. That "free" bottle of wine certainly isn't worth 2x$35! And I miss my Creme Brulee on the first night! ;)

 

Plenty has been said about the decor. If you want to see more, there are probably thousands of photos out there on the web.

 

CD Kevin - I'm not one of those people who cares much about who is CD when I sail. I usually return home not even knowing who it was since I rarely attend any of the activities where the CD appears. I tend to only notice them when they're really intrusive. I thought Kevin had more announcements than usual, but maybe not. He was great at the music trivia and seemed truly entertained by our "elevator dancers." But he was a tad too enthusiastic for me. I know others love that, but it just wears me out.

 

Spa cabin - it was very nice, but not something I feel compelled to have. I'm not a balcony snob. We're going from a Spa Balcony to an interior on Deck 1 in a couple of weeks. And it will be fine. In fact, I love my nice, dark interior cabins. I didn't really feel the amount of time spent using the included spa facilities justified the additional cost. But I'm glad I got to try one, just to add to my cruising experience.

 

There were places on the ship that were too warm (like in the casino, which is the one place they really need the a/c blasting). Others were cold (like along the promenade outside the casino). The cabin was pretty cold. I had to turn the dial way back when I got up. I like it cold while I sleep, but not the rest of the time. I hate being cold.

 

Bermuda - it's beautiful and everyone should visit at least once. As I noted, I wouldn't bother with any of those itineraries offered unless they give you 3 days there. Cruises to Bermuda are expensive and, to me, there's no point in spending all that money to get there and then not having time to see and do things. Other cruiselines sail there regularly all summer. Seriously, I'd consider one of those rather than some of the itineraries Carnival is offering.

 

Norfolk - it's so convenient, but they need to get their act together if they want to attract regular sailings. The port is right downtown, so getting people in and out is difficult, but they could do better. Problem with sailing from Norfolk is the same as other East Coast ports - you can only go "so far" in a week. But if you want to sail just to be on board, then it would be a nice port to have regular sailings. I'd personally rather drive the extra couple of hours and sail from Charleston. Yes, even on a Fantasy-class ship. But then, I sail for the ports, not the ship experience (and I love the Fantasy-class).

 

That's about it. It was a good cruise. I'm glad I got to return to Bermuda and see more of it although I still didn't see and do everything I'd like to see and do.

[waywyrd]

I loved your review, thank you for taking the time to write it! Your pictures and comments have helped me decide on a few things we want to do when we hit Bermuda next year. :)

[Travel Bear]

We have been to Bermuda many times and really love that stop. Thank you for taking the time to write this review and bringing back many memories and the chance to revisit it again through your eyes. Really enjoyed your pictures. Thank you

[NCTribeFan]

Thank you both.

 

Really, I write the reviews as much for myself as for anyone here. If I don't put it all down in writing, I forget so much! I already forgot many things because I didn't take any notes. After several cruises, it all becomes a bit of a blur after a little time has passed. I often go back and refer to my reviews when a thread comes up about a certain ship or port. I confess to going back and re-reading my entire Glory to Bermuda review before we sailed this time, just to refresh my memory of what that experience was like and how it might compare.

 

And I've already started remembering things I'd meant to include...

 

The Platinum gift was the journal. About 5x7, looked nice, but neither of us opened the plastic. Mel took them down to the service desk to see if there was any alternatives available, but there weren't, so she just turned them in.

[bluemarie2]

Great review! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this, and please don't stop. I was on the Conquest and Splendor repo cruises with you and enjoyed both of those reviews also. Looking forward to the next one!

[Florings]

I appreciated reading your review - I didn't find it dry at all. Much information that I found useful - I will be sailing her to Southern Caribbean next October. A long time to wait and I love reading every scrap of information I can get from first-hand accounts, so thanks for that!

 

I had booked a spa balcony originally, but after careful consideration and comparing some of the comments - and of course the overall cost -, I have changed to an OV port-aft. Husband and I will at least get a one day pass to the spa so we can try the therapy pool and some of the steam/heat rooms. It will still be more cost effective than the spa balcony.

 

I'm one who enjoys sitting on the back of deck 9 or 10, in the open during the evenings, so the balcony would almost be a waste for us. It is much more open and fresh on the public decks than in the little closed-off balcony - though that is just my opinion.

 

Thanks again for all the invaluable information in your review!

[greatdanemom]

I really enjoyed reading your review since we were supposed to be on this cruise. :( Thanks very much for taking the time to write it.

[KroozFoolz]

Enjoyed your review and pictures, Joan, as always.

Thanks for taking the time to post the review.

I look forward to a report and pictures from your Sunshine cruise.

[NCTribeFan]

I appreciate the kind comments. I do rather feel as though I'm talking to myself at times. Of course, I've been known to do that, so the feeling isn't that uncommon! :p

 

Naturally, since I was offline all day yesterday (did two 4-hour CPE courses), I kept thinking of things I'd meant to post and now I've already forgotten what they were. My memory isn't what it used to be. I really must make more of an effort to take a few minutes daily while on Sunshine to make notes. If I don't, it will all be a total blur by Day 5, and I know there are people interested in these Journey sailings. Yikes! I leave two weeks from today! I still have stuff in the floor. No point in putting things away now, is there?

 

And, I ordered some new luggage that I didn't need. It's really for the Vista trip. I've gotten spoiled by flying Southwest mostly, but with baggage fees and stricter size/weight restrictions to Europe, I was looking for something lighter weight. Mel had a couple of Delsey bags, which I liked. So, I found a couple on clearance Wednesday at Macy's online, which also had an additional Veterans Day discount. So I ordered a 21" and 25" hardside, expandable, spinners (in RED!). Total was <$200. The original price for the 21" alone was $200, so I think I got a good deal. I've give them a try on Sunshine, since packing for 12 nights is a little more of a challenge than a week to Bermuda.

 

Also on the way to me is a CellGrasp. While on Conquest in early June, I met a couple on our Roll Call (and turned out we had a mutual friend we'd both sailed with on different cruises). He has this little device that attaches to your cell phone so you can hold it securely with your fingers on the back and use your thumb on the front. Those of you who are familiar with my PHONE OVERBOARD experience of a few years ago know why I might be interested in such a device! :o

[SooNet]

I always look forward to your reviews. I will be especially looking forward to your Journey's review as I am booked on one exactly one year from today. That trip will be exclusively for the Journey's experience and the new Carnival Vista as I have been to 3 of the 4 ports we are visiting. This is the first cruise that I will be doing where it wasn't the ports that enticed me to book.

 

Have a great trip on the Sunshine and I do hope you write a review on that.

[Wndrwomn]

Great review, thank you!

A tip for the steam rooms I learned by mistake: a cup of ice.

Once I brought a cup of ice water into the steam room. When I was finished with the water, I noticed when I breathed in and out of the cup, the cold air from the ice helped to limit the "scorchiness" of the steamy steam room air. Breathing the cool air from the ice let's your body really sweat it out without being overcome by the heat, it feels great :)

[l2f]

NCTribeFan

 

Thanks for the review. I read all your reviews.