Join Pete and Judy on their FIRST World Cruise on the Amsterdam

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Personally, I love Puerto Vallerta and would rather have a day in SF than Santa Barbara so those changes sound good to me. We have wonderful memories of adventures in PV. Thanks for the update!!!!!!! Cherie

 

 

 

I think it was a good swap. Our late departure from PV will allow us to go to "Rhythms off the night" shore excursion which many rave over...

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Huatulco is a beautiful resort type area built for the cruise ships. Once you check out the shops and restaurants (have a beer and get some free wifi), it's a short walk over to La Crucecita. We enjoyed the little town square and beautiful Catholic Church. Enjoy!

 

 

 

We didn't make it to La Crucecita....too hot to walk and we got a late start.

[Fairport]

I think it was a good swap. Our late departure from PV will allow us to go to "Rhythms off the night" shore excursion which many rave over...

 

You will enjoy "Rhythms of the night." If you get a chance check out the Vista Grill Restaurant, for great views of the whole area.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

I think it was a good swap. Our late departure from PV will allow us to go to "Rhythms off the night" shore excursion which many rave over...

 

Rhythms of the night is the best .

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 127, Huatulco, Mexico

 

We arrived pierside in Huatulco, Mexico, around 8am for a short visit. All aboard was scheduled for 1:30 pm with a 2 pm departure. Speaking of all aboard times, we learned that the couple who was semi-famous by almost missing the ship a few days ago was never very far away (using WiFi nearby), but thought that the all aboard time was later than it actually was and instead of being ½ hour early they were actually ½ hour late and were almost left behind. We always take a picture of the all aboard time at the ships exit because this is always the official time. On the world cruise they changed the time that was printed in the program during one port to something earlier – so always check the gang way sign to be sure.

 

 

A little before noon we left the ship which would give us 90 minutes to explore the immediate area around the entrance to the pier. It was quite hot and humid so we walked slowly and browsed a few of the shops looking for post cards and key chains, which we found quickly. We continued to walk down the street toward the very nice, but small beach. Several passengers were taking advantage of the nice sand and inexpensive drinks, and if you were sitting in the shade with an ice cold beer or iced margarita it could actually be pretty pleasant.

 

 

We headed toward the marina to start a big loop back to the ship. We had thought about walking 1 mile to La Crucietta but with the high heat and humidity and our late start, we were not in the mood to walk that far so we headed back to the air conditioned refuge on the Amsterdam.

 

Once back on the ship we went to the Lido to cool off and get a snack before the SailAway party started at 1:30. They still set up a special drink stand near the SeaView pool, but there aren’t any more appetizers being passed around as there was earlier on this cruise.

 

At 2 pm we were underway with the Amsterdam backing completely out of the small harbor before spinning around to continue our cruise to the North.

 

The price for the Texas Hold’em tournament was lowered to $30 and we were able to get a game with 6 people. I had great cards in the beginning and ended up in a showdown with one other person. I didn’t have good cards for the last 3 hands and when the total of the small and big blind represented about ½ the chips in play, it doesn’t take too many hands to get knocked out.

 

Tonight we had Kentucky Fried Chicken on the menu and I couldn’t resist giving them another try. The coating was very good and these were a big improvement over the first time I had the Kentucky Fried Chicken earlier in the cruise.

 

Shayma Tash was the guest entertainer tonight. She is a comedian who has played in Comedy Clubs across the country and for American troops around the world. Her show was VERY adult and was fairly entertaining. This was probably the most adult show I have seen on any cruise ship anywhere – she was not at the Chris Rock level but well along in that direction. I have never been on Carnival and have heard that their ships feature an adult comedy club. The On Location Guide offered no hint that this would be such an adult themed show. Not your typical HAL comedian for sure.

 

 

More on the blog at http://www.theinsidecabin.com

[jig]

I was on a po Australia ship and the comic was like Eddie Murphy. I went up to him and said he could not do his act on a us ship. He said that's true.

In 2002 I was on the Princendam sailing down the coast or west Africa. There was a couple that did some sort of dance routine where they had a telephone and made a call to God. Because of outrage on the ship they were taken off in Accra Ghana and fired from HAL. What upset many of the pax was not the call to God. But that God answered. Playing Gods voice was a no no. Who knew.

 

 

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[The-Inside-Cabin]

I was on a po Australia ship and the comic was like Eddie Murphy. I went up to him and said he could not do his act on a us ship. He said that's true.

In 2002 I was on the Princendam sailing down the coast or west Africa. There was a couple that did some sort of dance routine where they had a telephone and made a call to God. Because of outrage on the ship they were taken off in Accra Ghana and fired from HAL. What upset many of the pax was not the call to God. But that God answered. Playing Gods voice was a no no. Who knew.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

We were at the second show and heard that was toned down after many people walked out of first show. I heard that anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3 of audience left. That seems high, but I haven't spoken to anyone with first hand experience yet.

[jig]

We were at the second show and heard that was toned down after many people walked out of first show. I heard that anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3 of audience left. That seems high, but I haven't spoken to anyone with first hand experience yet.

 

 

Really. That the end of her. Maybe she wanted out of her contract.

 

 

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[The-Inside-Cabin]

Really. That the end of her. Maybe she wanted out of her contract.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

We heard she was on one of her first contracts. I asked if she performed the show she advertised to HAL - in which case HAL got what they asked for - or whether she advertised one style and performed another. I was told "Seattle booked this show...." No further comment

 

One of our friends with experience on Carnival said that this show was more adult than anything Carnival did during their advertised "adult" shows..

Edited May 13, 2016 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Good Morning Puerto Vallarta!

[sppunk]

You can find a 10 minute version of that comic's stand up on

. Judging by what I just watched, someone in Seattle really - really - screwed up BADLY booking her and not forcing a different avenue of comedy.

 

I don't think the ship can be blamed a bit on this one, it's a pure Seattle failure. I hope lots of people write about this in their surveys, it's beyond vulgar (which I don't care about really but to have it without any warnings is bad news).

 

[CI66774]

You can find a 10 minute version of that comic's stand up on

. Judging by what I just watched, someone in Seattle really - really - screwed up BADLY booking her and not forcing a different avenue of comedy.

 

I don't think the ship can be blamed a bit on this one, it's a pure Seattle failure. I hope lots of people write about this in their surveys, it's beyond vulgar (which I don't care about really but to have it without any warnings is bad news).

 

 

Does anyone know if she did the genitalia bit on the ship? If so, then I agree it was a little over the top. A comedy club is one thing but a cruise ship is another. The bit about the Home Shopping Network was innocuous and mostly G-rated. That would be appropriate for a cruise audience, IMHO.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Does anyone know if she did the genitalia bit on the ship? If so, then I agree it was a little over the top. A comedy club is one thing but a cruise ship is another. The bit about the Home Shopping Network was innocuous and mostly G-rated. That would be appropriate for a cruise audience, IMHO.

 

 

 

Yes, she described her sexual techniques and use of adult toys.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Yes, she described her sexual techniques and use of adult toys.

 

And they never mentioned anywhere ahead of time that she would be doing (pornographic) adult comedy? Tasteless and stupid. WOW.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

And they never mentioned anywhere ahead of time that she would be doing (pornographic) adult comedy? Tasteless and stupid. WOW.

 

There is a copy of the "On Location" guide for that day on the blog - Not even a hint. Here is the LINK

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 128, Sailing toward Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

The Mariners Recognition event was held in the Queens Lounge today at 10:30. There were probably about 150 in attendance and it appeared to be limited to people with at least 100 sea days or at the Bronze Level. As we entered the lounge we were greeted by the Captain, Hotel Director and the Cruise Director followed by some other officers, whom I didn’t recognize.

 

We found an open seat and I grabbed a Bloody Mary from a passing waiter. They were also serving some very nice appetizers and offering Champagne, Mimosas or water. You could also order anything else and they would bring it to you from the bar. Judy ordered a Ginger Ale. After about 10 minutes Gene started the presentation by recognizing the members of the Presidents Club followed by those individuals achieving a new level of Platinum, Gold or Silver for the first time. There were only a handful of people called up in these categories. Finally everyone at the Bronze level was recognized as a group. Afterwards, we were invited to have photographs taken with the Captain and Hotel Director if desired. We were sitting close to the front and were able to get our picture taken quickly and then head to the dining room for the Mariners Brunch.

 

The Mariners brunch was open to everyone – 1 star and above – and there was a long line leading down the stairs from deck 5. People who were in the Queens Lounge were allowed to enter the dining room on Deck 5 and then down the curved stairs to Deck 4. We sat at a table for 4 with a very nice couple from Vancouver BC, who were originally from the Netherlands. A couple from Houston sat at a table for 2 that was so close to our table that the 6 of us were able to have a pleasant conversation.

 

We had two choices for starters, Cold Soup or a Seafood Cocktail. Our choices for entrees included, Yellow Sole, Short Ribs or a Vegetable Quiche. The only desert option was a Carmel Crème pie. All the food was very good. Champagne was served along your choice of soft drinks. Gene and the Captain spoke for a few minutes, proposed a toast and then excused themselves to other duties.

 

 

Everyone had different opinions about the show from the night before. A few people walked out after the first dirty joke while most people stayed and enjoyed the show. Shayma got funnier as the show progressed. We heard that the earlier show was even more risqué and that many people got up and left when they realized that she was going to do an adult show. What surprised most people was that there wasn’t any indication that this show was going to have such adult themes. If they indicated in the program that she would be doing an adult show, I don’t think there would have been as much of an issue.

 

This afternoon we finally had enough people for a Texas Hold’em game after they lowered the price to $30. I didn’t get any cards and finished in the middle of the pack.

 

Judy went to the gym for the Pilates class with Jake. She’s done the Pilates machine off and on for years, but this was her first time doing the floor work. With the ship’s movement it was more of a challenge, but she enjoyed the class.

 

Tonight was the last Gala night and our table was hosted by the Spa Manager, Laurissa. She has been on many different cruise lines and we enjoyed hearing her stories about life on different ships and working on ships for such an extended period of time.

 

The menu featured Surf and Turf – Lobster Tails and Filet Mignon – which was ordered by most of us and was very, very good. The menus were back to the foldable square versions where you order everything at the same time.

 

Tonight was “Mexican Casino Night” in the casino with everyone dressed in themed costumes and the casino decorated appropriately.

 

Tonight’s show was encore performances by Ventriloquist Dan Horn and Pianist Juan Pablo Subirana. Dan Horn displayed excellent technique as a ventriloquist, and he introduced new characters. Juan Pablo Subirana followed with an outstanding show which featured one of the HAL dancers as well as a musical tribute to the USA to celebrate his becoming a USA citizen. He is from Cuba but now lives in Miami, which he jokingly called the ‘Capitol of Cuba’.

 

 

More on the blog at http://www.theinsidecabin.com

[TiogaCruiser]

Ah, half spine on a bouncing ship. :eek::D That's a real challenge.

 

By chance does Amsterdam still have her Pilates Reformer?

 

(There was one in 2010, and Veendam had one in 2015. It was gone in 2013.:mad: ). (It was disappointing as I was planning a week of reformer bliss, before I had my own.)

Edited May 13, 2016 by TiogaCruiser
Wrong date. Veendam lost her Reformer before 3-2015.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

By chance does Amsterdam still have her Pilates Reformer?

 

 

 

(There was one in 2010, and Veendam had one in 2013. It was gone in 2013.:mad: ). (It was disappointing as I was planning a week of reformer bliss, before I had my own.)

 

 

 

They still have it. Judy used it this cruise.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Rhythms of the night is the best .

 

 

 

Show was fantastic. More later but worth the trip.

[tonto524]

.Cz . S s

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Show was fantastic. More later but worth the trip.

 

We have done it 3 times .on the 2017 W.C . we plan on going to Pe Pe restaurant for lunch.

[tgetz]

Thank you so much for your thoroughly enjoyable, and so full of hints blog and thread. I have a feeling you and Judy enjoy all of your travels. Did I read somewhere that ya'll are also going on the 2018 world cruise?

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Thank you so much for your thoroughly enjoyable, and so full of hints blog and thread. I have a feeling you and Judy enjoy all of your travels. Did I read somewhere that ya'll are also going on the 2018 world cruise?

 

 

 

We have a deposit on 2018....We should be fully recharged by then. We will likely revisit some of our 2016 ports in 2017 via land to be able to spend more time.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We have done it 3 times .on the 2017 W.C . we plan on going to Pe Pe restaurant for lunch.

 

 

 

Where is the pe pe restaurant?

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Where is the pe pe restaurant?

 

We have been there at least 10 time's, you are more then welcome to join us .we will take the local bus right outside the cruise terminal to down town it is 3 block's off the Malacca which is the concrete walk way by the beach. The address is Guadalupe Sanchez 804 P.V. they have the biggest Margarets ever and the best shrimp fajitas. .