“Suite!” Just Retired to be a pirate at sea with Sea Dog and Polly The Pirate Semi Live Explorer Nov. 7th

[perfect match]

@Sea Dog, how crowded we’re the ship’s excursions you took on this cruise? It looked like a rather large group boarding your tour boat in St Lucia. I think you said they were all bubble excursions, so I was just wondering how that was working out.

[oddly excitered]

Thanks for the awesome pictures, I have been prepping for my own return to sailing next week and you are definitely adding to the pre cruise experience!

Great to see Norver straight on shot where you can see he is wearing a button of his picture so he is recognizable with his mask on.

Always love to see the crews smiling faces.

[Sea Dog]

7 hours ago, perfect match said:

@Sea Dog, how crowded we’re the ship’s excursions you took on this cruise? It looked like a rather large group boarding your tour boat in St Lucia. I think you said they were all bubble excursions, so I was just wondering how that was working out.

 

I'm sure there was a limit to how many on each excursion. Even with the larger crowd on the Coastal Cruise to the Pitons, it was a double decker boat so everyone spread out and it wasn't bad at all.

 

There wasn't one excursion where I felt uncomfortable or felt this is too many people. Also see all the green vaccinated wrist bands helped too. The protocols were so good that I never worried once.

 

1 hour ago, oddly excitered said:

Thanks for the awesome pictures, I have been prepping for my own return to sailing next week and you are definitely adding to the pre cruise experience!

Great to see Norver straight on shot where you can see he is wearing a button of his picture so he is recognizable with his mask on.

Always love to see the crews smiling faces.

 

If you happen to see Norver please say hi from Greg the Sea Dog and ask him to make you Baton Rouge 2.0.

[QueensChick]

What a wonderful review! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us.

 

Felicitations on your retirement. 
 

Wishing you good health, calm seas and many more cruises with your lovely family.

 

 

Edited November 17, 2021 by QueensChick
typo

[Sea Dog]

The "Curse of the Black Pearl" Is plaguing this pirate again. Home internet is down due to outage in the area. Hope to be back online soon but it has been 4 days. I still have so much much stuff to share with you. Stay tuned and I am sorry.

[Ocean Boy]

6 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

The "Curse of the Black Pearl" Is plaguing this pirate again. Home internet is down due to outage in the area. Hope to be back online soon but it has been 4 days. I still have so much much stuff to share with you. Stay tuned and I am sorry.

No worries. We will all be here when you are able to post.

[Ozark_Kid]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

The "Curse of the Black Pearl" Is plaguing this pirate again. Home internet is down due to outage in the area. Hope to be back online soon but it has been 4 days. I still have so much much stuff to share with you. Stay tuned and I am sorry.

All of this would be so frustrating to me. You seem to be handling it better than I would.  Take your time, enjoy life, it will be a great story down the road when you hear someone talking about their internet not working allllll morning.  You will laugh and say, you think that’s bad, one time…………..

[davekathy]

15 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Yes I know nothing about wine. I'm curious what other expert wine drinkers think. I know they had Caymus in Chops but I don't think they would serve a real expensive bottle at the Chef's table. What I need is a six course bourbon tasting dinner.

All I know about wine is for me, I drink what wine I want with what I'm eating. Sauvignon Blanc is my go to wine. The  sommelier or whoever is pouring my wine gets to know that by the second evening. 

 

 

[George C]

16 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Let me know if you you do and what you think. I love that dessert especially the warmth of it combined with the cold vanilla ice cream.

 

 

Yes I know nothing about wine. I'm curious what other expert wine drinkers think. I know they had Caymus in Chops but I don't think they would serve a real expensive bottle at the Chef's table. What I need is a six course bourbon tasting dinner.

We order caymus at our local restaurant, they charge 30 a glass but we normally get a very good pour, wife gets that a lot I rather have gin and tonic for about 12 a glass .

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, Ozark_Kid said:

All of this would be so frustrating to me. You seem to be handling it better than I would.  Take your time, enjoy life, it will be a great story down the road when you hear someone talking about their internet not working allllll morning.  You will laugh and say, you think that’s bad, one time…………..

 

I am ready to laugh about it. At least while the internet is down I can start on Christmas decorating. I've got 9 tree's to put up.

 

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

All I know about wine is for me, I drink what wine I want with what I'm eating. Sauvignon Blanc is my go to wine. The  sommelier or whoever is pouring my wine gets to know that by the second evening. 

 

 

 

You have good taste. I like a good Sauvignon Blanc.

 

 

20 minutes ago, George C said:

We order caymus at our local restaurant, they charge 30 a glass but we normally get a very good pour, wife gets that a lot I rather have gin and tonic for about 12 a glass .

 

I have never had Caymus but have heard the hype. Is it that good? What is it that makes it very popular right now?

[Ocean Boy]

17 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Yes I know nothing about wine. I'm curious what other expert wine drinkers think. 

 

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

All I know about wine is for me, I drink what wine I want with what I'm eating. 

 

This is all that I know about wine... I either like what I am drinking or I don't. I'm not sure any more than that matters to me.

[Sea Dog]

50 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

 

This is all that I know about wine... I either like what I am drinking or I don't. I'm not sure any more than that matters to me.

I don't think I've ever had a bad wine, well maybe Boone's Farm (Is that wine?) but most taste pretty good. I do like blends like Shiraz or Malbec's the best.

[Sea Dog]

BARBADOS

 

 

 

I had never been to Barbados. I really would like to go back to see more of the island. Since this was an excursions only in order to get off the ship, Jonathan and I booked the Atlantis Submarine and Linda Booked a shopping and beach day in Barbados.

 

Linda decided to cancel her excursion since her feet were killing her and thought all the walking would agitate it further. So Johnathan AND I headed to the submarine.

 

 

I have done this in Aruba but thought Jonathan would enjoy it. They took health and safety very seriously. We had to sanitize our hands several times and our temperature was checked and logged before we could board.

 

 

We were each given a complimentary KN_95 mask that was aquatic safe (meaning it could withstand getting wet) and was required to be worn at all times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I must say the aquatic life that I saw in Barbados was better than what I saw in Aruba. We did see a shop wreck like one I saw in Aruba. Not sure of circumstance of the ship.

 

 

I did not see Nemo but got some good pictures of some of the other fish.

 

 

 

 

I started feeling a little guilty at this point. Tonight we will be eating at Izumi. I am sorry fish.

Edited November 17, 2021 by Sea Dog

[mcgore83]

Loving the review and pictures!  Thank you for sharing!

 

[Sea Dog]

Izzumi

 

 

I love sushi. I was eating sushi long before it was considered “trendy.” I started in the early 80’s introduced by my great friend and guitar player in a band I was playing in. There was only one sushi restaurant in Kansas City. He taught me slowly, getting used to the texture with just a cucumber roll and then a shrimp roll then graduating to big stuff like Uni (sea urchin) and other delicacies. 

 

When Jonathan was born I hatched a plan in my brain to teach him how to love sushi. It could be our bonding time. A lot of fathers bond with their sons in different ways. For some it’s scouting, for others it’s sports. Jonathan and I bond over our love of film making and sushi.

 

I’ll never forget the time a month ago he and I got together for sushi and he picked up the he tab. He said "all those years you took me out and taught me. Now that I’m working a good job it’s my turn". I was overjoyed and filled with tears. As a father you hope you raise your kids right. So far I’m a winner.

 

 

The firecracker spring roll was a big hit. Anything with cream cheese is alright by me,

 

 

We tried the cold sake, Tozai Bossom of Peace Plum.  I am not a fan of hot sake or much rice wine in general but this plum sake was so good. Sweet and went down so good.

 

 

I always have to have a Sapporo beer when I eat sushi.

 

 

The rolls, excellent. 

 

 

A Seared Tuna Takaki Roll

 

 

Baked Snow Crab & Salmon Dynamite Roll

 

 

Truffled Creamy Lobster Tempura Roll. I loved this roll but did not care how it was constructed. The Tempura lobster was laid on top of the roll and not inside with the rice wrapped around it. This caused the tempura part to fall off when picked up by chopsticks. I ended up eating the tempura part first then the rest of roll. Very tasty just bad execution.

 

 

And finally some nigiri 

 

 

There is a part of me conflicted. The sea and sea life that I absolutely love, should I really be eating it?  I’ll ponder that after my next bite. So good, so good.

 

 

Desert was really spectacular. we had Crispy Sesame Balls which were filled with red bean paste and garnished with a tart strawberry sauce and assorted Mocha Ice Cream with flavors like strawberry, Mango, green tea and chocolate. These were cool, refreshing and really tasted wonderful.

 

What a wonderful meal and as you you can tell we ate every last bite

 

Edited November 17, 2021 by Sea Dog

[Ocean Boy]

Love that opening picture for the Barbados section. 

 

I know this may not appeal to a lot of cruisers as it has nothing to do with water, however, Harrison's Cave on this island is really spectacular. I am really glad that we went there.

[Ocean Boy]

4 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

I’ll never forget the time a month ago he and I got together for sushi and he picked up the he tab. He said all those years you took me out and taught me. Now that I’m working a good job it’s my turn. I was overjoyed and filled with tears. As a father you hope you raise your kids right. So far I’m a winner.

 

 

This was the most awesome part of your entire thread.🙂

[Sea Dog]

A RETIREMENT GIFT TO MY SELF

 

I love good french Cognac. For years I’ve kidded my wife about buying a bottle of LOUIS XIII. At the time you could buy it for around $1000, 25 years ago. Now it’s over $3000 a bottle.

 

 This Cognac is often considered the most unique and special spirit in the entire world. Made with a blend of up to 1,200 different eaux-de-vie ranging in age from 40 years to over 100 years old. And yes you pay for it. Part of it is the beautiful Baccarat crystal decanter. It is a work of art.

 

So what do you do to celebrate your retirement you ask?

I did this and it was oh so grand.

 

 

Yes it was expensive with tip for a 1.5 ounce was $160.00. It was incredibly smooth and rich. Its aroma and taste are light and complex. This is probably the first and last time I will taste my friend Louie. Thank you it was well worth it.

 

[Sea Dog]

Oh Crap, I lost at Craps

 

 

I hardly ever play in the casino on a ship. Partly because we have casinos back home and more importantly I want to do other things.

 

Since this was Jonathan’s first cruise we decided to go to the casino because he wanted me to teach him craps.

 

Oh how I long for the good ole days in Las Vegas where you could play a 25 cent craps table downtown or $1 or $5 table on the strip. Not here, the one table was a $10 minimum.

 

So armed with $100 each we figured we would play till the money ran out or we could win our initial investment.

 

Well that did not last long. We played for about 10 minutes and then it was all gone. I should have betted no pass and I would have had a good night. I am a optimist and hopeful that the dice will go in favor eventually for a shooter. Not tonight. Oh well consider it the price of entertainment. Time to go to schooner bar.

 

 

[cruisingpeople]

17 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

A RETIREMENT GIFT TO MY SELF

Yes it was expensive with tip for a 1.5 ounce was $160.00. It was incredibly smooth and rich. Its aroma and taste are light and complex. This is probably the first and last time I will taste my friend Louie. Thank you it was well worth it.

 

 

A well deserved retirement gift for all your years of hard and dedicated work.

[Sea Dog]

So after my amazing taste of Louie it was time to go back and see my favorite bartender Nover. So in staying with Cognac, I decided to try a "Brandy Alexander."

 

 

A Brandy Alexander is a brandy-based dessert cocktail consisting of cognac, in this case Remy Martin VSOP and crème de cacao, and cream. It was a cocktail that became popular during the early 20th century. Rich and creamy it was delightful.

 

 

 

Thanks Nover you are the best!

[Ocean Boy]

14 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

So after my amazing taste of Louie it was time to go back and see my favorite bartender Nover. So in staying with Cognac, I decided to try a "Brandy Alexander."

 

 

A Brandy Alexander is a brandy-based dessert cocktail consisting of cognac, in this case Remy Martin VSOP and crème de cacao, and cream. It was a cocktail that became popular during the early 20th century. Rich and creamy it was delightful.

 

 

 

Thanks Nover you are the best!

Is that sweet like a chocolate martini? You might be starting to realize that I am not all that alcohol knowledgable.😐

[Sea Dog]

29 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Is that sweet like a chocolate martini? You might be starting to realize that I am not all that alcohol knowledgable.😐

Yes it tastes similar to a Chocolate Martini. The main differences are in a Brandy Alexander the key alcohol component is Cognac or Brandy where as in a Chocolate Martini it's vodka. They both have Creme de Cacao and heavy cream. Very good.

[Sea Dog]

ST. KITTS

 

Another perfect morning for a sunrise sail into St. Kitts.

 

 

First I have to get another Indian Breakfast at the Windjammer

 

 

For a day at St. Kitts, it requires everyone to do a Royal Excursion (I hear that's changed now) if you want to get off the ship. The port area was even fenced off so to not let people in and keep people from the ship venturing out.

 

Originally we were booked on the 4x4 Rain Forrest and Beach. We did this tour with Greg’s Tours 4 years ago and loved it. It combined a great tour, history, rum tasting and then some beach time.

 

We got notified a week before the cruise that the excursion had been cancelled due to once again, “Operational Issues.” We decided on booking the Carambola Beach Day.

 

A bus picked up is at the port area and then took us to soak up St. Kitts' sun, sand and surf with a 3.5-hour getaway to the upscale Carambola Beach Club,  along South Friars Beach.

 

 

 

Our bus ride  took us across the mountainous Southeast Peninsula, including a photo stop atop Timothy Hill. 

 

 

What a beautiful view. The 360-degree panoramas of the island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, and the island of Nevis in the distance.

 

 

 

We then arrived at the Carambola Beach Club where we got a complimentary beach chair and bottled water to  welcome you.

 

 

 

 

One note: Umbrella’s are extra. For 3 it was $30. In hindsight I did not really use the beach chair that much and probably could of done with out the umbrella. We also had access to the bar and restaurant. 

 

 

Polly the Pirate loved this place it's all she could squawk about.

 

 

 

if you choose to buy tropical cocktails, I recommend the “Dirty Banana.” Oh boy was this tasty.  The day was so relaxing. Very nice sandy beach with warm water and gentle waves to move you around. I love that. A perfect seaside serenity.

 

 

Once our 3.5 hours were up we boarded our bus back to the port area where you could shop, eat or drink inside their fence enclosed area. It's sad to think this would be our last day. I say we go out in style. Tonight it's Chops again.

Edited November 17, 2021 by Sea Dog

[Arzeena]

Great pictures Geg!

And what a lovely family!