The Great Escape - Live 5/7/16

[Cruzinbabe06]

Glad to hear you had a good time.:)

[chechas]

Captain’s Log(sortof), Stardate 20160513.1

 

Due to technical difficulties onboard, was unable to keep log updated. Instead will do a quick summary of the last couple of days.

 

Wednesday (Last Captain’s Log): After the failed attempt to explore the Tortola Colony, we had our evening meal in the Taste dining room. I found the attendants to be slow, not engaging and rather rude. The repast, while passable, was nothing to cheer about. Tey had Chicken Parmigiana and I had the Herb-crusted Rotisserie Chicken (which was sadly lacking in the herbs). We both had spring rolls for starters and the misguided Snickerdoodle Pound cake for dessert. I would like to wipe that meal from the memory banks. To be fair, this was the only night we ate in one of the complimentary dining rooms (we had lunch and breakfast in them a couple of days but this was the only dinner)

 

This night was also the night of the open seating Comedy show in the Escape Theater. We chose to attend the one for those over 18 years of age as a good F-bomb always amuses our inner juvenile delinquents. Two comedians and a host entertained the voyagers and the show was very funny. Especially the second one. I did not get my nap this day so after the late show and of course a nightcap or two ( ok maybe three), I went to bed, but ended up staying up reading until about 0300. Surprisingly the fruit of my loins forwent her usual midnight trolling of the vessel and crawled into bed and passed out. I refrained from drawing on her face with a sharpie or dipping her hand in warm water, but barely. The 80s party was also this night, but we did not make it.

 

Thursday: After a very late awakening, Food Republic was the place to go for lunch. This time we tried the Pork Belly and Corn dumplings, Korean Wings, Shi****o Peppers and Moshi (which we get at home and love). The Korean Wings were the winner. While I found all the prices reasonable, the Mochi was a rip-off. If you live near a Trader Joe’s ...save the money…as Food Republic charges $3 per Mochi while I can get a box of 6(the same size) for $2-3. I had to keep myself from side-eyeing them when they brought it out. For the price we thought they were going to be large or fancy or something, anything to make them worth $3/each. LOL shame on us.

 

After lunch we stopped by “home” for a bit. The Commander is trying to make herself like beer as she feels that as a college student she should. LOL. It did not go well. It was pretty empty, which was nice but the view was great. Dinner was at Moderno. Meat lovers unite!! One of the best meals we have had on board. Partly because we had a very engaging server (which has been sadly missing all week). Ricky was da man! We tried the Acai Caipirinha cocktails…very good. The salad bar has a little of everything, from 3 different types of salad base ( i.e. spinach, romaine, mixed greens) to potato salad, to chorizo, to seasoned fish fillet, serrano ham, the list goes on and on. Plus there was thoup(soup)! The filet was very tender and the chicken wrapped in bacon was smoky goodness. We were so full that we also skipped dessert but Ricky convinced us to try his favorite and OMG it was good….Banana-Caramel Meringue Tart with Dulce de Leche. It was sooooo good, my mouth is watering now thinking about it and I am NOT a big banana fan.

 

Next up was the Glow Party in Spice H2O. Man was it packed! And Loud! And Bright! My ailments were still bothering me so we found me somewhere to sit and I proceeded to chair dance like it was nobody’s business. Until a few songs in and I was just over the EDM. I know it was supposed to be a rave like vibe but I couldn’t take that music too long. On the other hand, Silas was great! Very energetic and he talks to people everywhere he goes. Even if it is just a fist bump or a wave. I just wore a red shirt to the party and he saw me when he was coming in and he stopped to tell me that red was my color. I about swooned! LOL. He is like a rock star. Sadly (though not for me) this was his last week on the ship before vacation. I don’t know who is taking over for him but he thanked some people today for making his last week onboard special and that is how I found out this was it. I lasted about an hour and then had to call it quits for the Glow Party. Stopped by to see my usual bartender at O’Sheehans for a Patron & Tonic and then off to bed.

[chechas]

Captain’s Log, Stardate 20160513.2

 

The bridge arose before 0800 to prepare for the day and morning mealtime in the Savor Dining Hall. The USS Escape was due to arrive at the Nassau, Bahamas colony at approximately 1200 hours. This is a colony that we have explored extensively in the past and in another life I joined into a short lived and ill-conceived union on this colony (got married), so neither the Commander nor myself felt the need to re-chart this territory. Instead the last morning liquid refreshment of juice of the orange fruit with fermented sparkling grape extract was had, time was spent in the Atrium battling wills and minds in a rousing tourney of checkers (did I mention how competitive the daughter and I are? We ended up calling a draw after over an hour on one game of checkers lol).

 

We ventured forth to deck 8 and the trade shops for the $10 accessory sale. For the first time in 19 voyages, I was inexplicably sucked into the utter madness (quit similar to the old Filene’s Basement once a year Wedding Dress extravaganza blow out). There were elbows flying and snatching of items out of hands if not held tightly. The Commander and I made it out with life and limbs intact minus 50 credits (hey is was buy 5 and get the 6th free!)

 

Retreated to private outdoor space to read, sip Mai Tais (drink of the day) and partake of cupcakes (Chocolate Strawberry and Raspberry) and stare out at the even more phytoplankton rich waters of the Bahamas Island System. 1530 found the us both deep in REM sleep for the next 2 hours. As the vessel arrives back at Headquarters tomorrow, initial gathering of belongings was conducted before last meal at Teppanyaki at 1900. The chef, Christopher, was highly skilled in both chefery (yes I said chefery) and interaction with the diners. Was a rousing good time. [Note: I have a shell fish allergy, so they cooked all non-seafood meats first and then the seafood to avoid accidental crossing. So they will work with you.] I imbibed in a Shaku-Shaku (Sake cocktail with cucumber…ok I had 2, hey it’s the last night!) We just finished putting all of our belongings into transport containers (luggage) and set them outside of our quarters for collection. Now what to get into for the rest of the evening?

 

Wait – before I close out this log. There appears to be an escapee from a penal colony onboard as the 12 Personal Quarters Location Indicators (12 magnetic butterflies we put on our door to help us find our way late at night and after many elixirs) have dwindled down to only 5 left, with the first 4 taking flight in the first 2 days. Note to the penal colony – Amazon $6, free shipping with Prime membership.

[chechas]

They haven't been any updates in a while. We might need Doug to make an emergency landing on the escape to investigate. And while he is there he can check the leaderboard at "home"

 

LOL that would be awesome!

 

Glad to hear you had a good time.:)

 

Thanks, we did.

[chechas]

I think the Romulans may be involved in their disappearance... That or they used all their minutes.. I will be on the ship in two weeks and look to see if they stowed away.

 

LOL! I think we were caught in a wormhole the last 2 days. My accounts and key card etc have been whonky all week. sigh. I have the "unlimited" internet package but it has been a battle, they owe me a partial refund.

[chechas]

Loving following this review. Great job. Did you have an assigned boarding time? Did they seem to be enforcing these? We have a late boarding time and I'm trying to figure if we can come earlier.

 

They don't even look at assigned boarding time when you get to the port. So don't worry about it.

 

This review is fantastic! Really!!! I love the way you write. Keep it up!

 

Why thank you! (blush)

[chechas]

Did u two ladies went to the 80s music hang out

 

No, but I wish we had. We did make it to the GLOW party though the following night.

 

OUTSTANDING! Love this!

 

Thank you!

[blackwing]

I have greatly enjoyed your review. The bit about the magnetic butterflies and "Amazon, $6" had me in stitches.

[Yorkvillain]

Safe travels home. This has been an outstanding review! Thanks for doing it.

[Cruzinbabe06]

So enjoyed your review!

 

Safe travels home!:)

[chechas]

For some reason I lost the ability to upload pics a few days ago. Seems to be back now that we are in Miami and I am back on good ol AT&T

 

Infamous chandelier

 

 

Tey BEFORE trying beer:

 

 

Tey AFTER trying beer:

 

Only thing we got from Margaritaville (License to Chill and Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot)

 

No place like "home"

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chechas]

Ready for some porn? Food porn that is...get your minds out of the gutter!

 

Le Bistro:

 

Beef Tenderloin

 

Lamb

 

Cagney's:

Pork Belly

 

 

Potato Soup

 

Creme Brulee

 

 

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[chechas]

O'Sheehans:

Wings and fries

 

 

Food Republic:

 

Short rib and corn dumplings

 

Pork Belly

 

Korean beef tacos

 

 

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[chechas]

Food Republic cont...

 

Dates and Chorizo

 

Strawberry and Cream

 

Green Tea Mousse

 

Shi****o peppers

 

Pork belly and scallion dumplings

 

Korean wings

 

 

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[chechas]

Mochi ripoff

 

 

My future home, too bad it is in Nassau, but I will make it work

 

 

A great ship! Farewell

 

 

I will post my summary tonight. Thanks for following along!

 

 

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[billfish]

Mochi ripoff

 

 

My future home, too bad it is in Nassau, but I will make it work

 

 

A great ship! Farewell

 

 

I will post my summary tonight. Thanks for following along!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Enjoyed your Review. A week from today we will be boarding the ESCAPE to begin our Ad

venture with our 21 year old Grandson

[chechas]

Enjoyed your Review. A week from today we will be boarding the ESCAPE to begin our Ad

venture with our 21 year old Grandson

 

Cool. I will also be posting my 21-year old daughter's summary and tips tonight. You will enjoy the ship.

[breezer]

Enjoyed your review. So much fun to follow along! Love you pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[JMsquared]

Really enjoyed your review! We're going on June 4th and I'm coming to grips that he Internet is really bad and to just disconnect that week.

[luvcruzing]

This was very entertaining. Glad you came back to let us know about your trouble with the internet. I was worried about you. Have a safe trip home.

[ancarett]

My sister and my 19 year old daughter were with me on the same cruise. I think there were several other mother/daughter teams onboard. There were some nice mother's day wishes shared, too.

 

I love your review, especially the Star Trek entry. You're a great writer!

 

I'll be posting mine as soon as I'm back to a real keyboard. It was a great ship and a fun trip!

[iceman2a]

Welcome home!

I really enjoyed following you on your cruise.

Thank You!

[chechas]

Ended the 4.5 HR drive home with an immediate trip to the ER for DD due to severe abdominal pain and fever. Sat there over 6 hrs before we even got called back then another 2 plus hours to get kidney infection diagnosis. Just now getting home after leaving Miami at 10:30 am. Needless to say. Will post summaries tomorrow

[luvcruzing]

Ended the 4.5 HR drive home with an immediate trip to the ER for DD due to severe abdominal pain and fever. Sat there over 6 hrs before we even got called back then another 2 plus hours to get kidney infection diagnosis. Just now getting home after leaving Miami at 10:30 am. Needless to say. Will post summaries tomorrow

 

Oh my goodness!

 

Don't worry about the summaries, you have enough on your plate worrying about your daughter. Best wishes to her on a speedy recovery.

 

Hope you were able to get some rest today.

[Dave85]

Ended the 4.5 HR drive home with an immediate trip to the ER for DD due to severe abdominal pain and fever. Sat there over 6 hrs before we even got called back then another 2 plus hours to get kidney infection diagnosis. Just now getting home after leaving Miami at 10:30 am. Needless to say. Will post summaries tomorrow

 

So sorry to hear that! I hope she feels better quickly. :(

 

I really enjoyed reading your review. We were originally booked on this cruise but switched to the Breakaway to Bermuda a few months ago and just got home today (great cruise). I look forward to reading your summaries when your DD is feeling better!