Live From IOS Transatlantic April 12-25!!!!

[isdoo]

it was a fire on one of the diesel engines.

 

we are now back at 20 knots. following a high pressure hopefully all the way to the azores.

[isdoo]

it was a fire on one of the diesel engines.

 

now back at 20 knots following hire pressure towards the azores.

[mjldvlks]

Day 1: Our hotel arranged for our entire cruise critic group staying at the same hotel to be taken to the port. We arrived around 10:30. There were no porters right where our shuttle stopped and after a few confusing minutes we finally found out that we needed to take our luggage to the porters closer to the building which was disappointing. Once we got there though a nice porter promptly took everything for the group. Check-in was painless and we only ending up waiting in a priority room for about 30 minutes before the ship was ready to be boarded (around 11:15). We headed right to the Windjammer which is at the aft of the ship and sat by the windows. The food was great, especially the Honey Stung Chicken. There was a great variety and the staff were very attentive.

Next on to get ready for our first group meeting. We went by our cabin and dropped off a few things and headed to the Labryinth Disco. Several group members assisted in hiding Easter Eggs for the kids. Once 2:45 hit it was mass chaos. It was actually nice though to get some of these administrative activities over with for the group early. By 3:45 we had an Easter Egg Hunt, had the majority of the money collected, passed our Mardi Gras beads and copies of the itineraries.

I wanted to mention a friend of mine designed a shirt for us which many wore to the first meeting. Many have made comments about them. I used Café Press to sell them – marking them up about 5% (approx. 1.00 per shirt) to pay my friend for doing the design. This is a great way to get shirts made for the group, without all the hassle of having shirts made for 100-200 people!! They order directly from that website. I found them very easy to use.

After Muster Drill we headed up to the Sky Bar for sailaway. Someone in the group suggested bubbles so a couple from our group brought bottles for everyone. We blew bubbles as the ship pulled out of port.

The Welcome Show was great and Graham Seymour is very funny. We enjoyed the show.

Our first dinner was really great. The speciality tonight was Pork Medallions and mashed potatoes with a brown sauce and it was delicious. Of course they started out the cruise with the Vedalia Onion Tart which is always delicious. Our dining room staff is very attentive – we have Maria and Betty Jo from the Phillipines. They made sure we were done and out before 10:00 to go to 10:00 trivia in the Pyramid Lounge. After a 15 minute trivia session (which we won!) the band Rock the Boat played. They play a lot of 70’s era music mainly – (or at least so far) so I’ll keep you posted on them as the cruise progresses. Everyone agreed they are a great band and we enjoyed sitting and listening, as well as singing along!

Short time in the casino before bed – lots of penny slots. We are exhausted – more tomorrow!!

Day 2: Up at 8:30 this morning to get to Meet and Mingle at 10:00 am. There are nearly 250 signed up. We met in the Pyramid Lounge and the room was full. Amazing participation this cruise. RCI was very generous and had a lot of nice gifts for the raffle, including three internet packages – two $50 and a $75 one. There was also a mini facial along with the usual RCI merchandise.

After Meet and Mingle we had group announcements and took that time to have a gift exchange. We had everyone bring a $10 or under gift from the area where they live. We were short on time so brought all the gifts to the front and had one rep. from each family come up and pick a present. We then started at one side and have one family member come up and open their gift and try to guess who it was fun. We showed the group the gift and I believe everyone had a great time seeing the things from all over the world.

Lunch was a quick dash through Sorrentos Pizza on Deck 5 on the Promenade. I wasn’t crazy about the pizza but the rest of the group loved it. At 1:00 we headed down to a conference room where we made beaded sea pass holders. We ended up having a great time but if I had to do this over again – I would not do it. It takes too much pre-cruise, time, had to presend all the materials to have someone bring to me in Ft. Lauderdale that was driving, and it is a lot of work. We did not leave the conference room until 4:00. The ladies made beautiful necklaces and absolutely loved them – but just too much work for a cruise.

Balanced money we had collected and locked it up – then headed to the Promenade for a quick small sandwich at the Café which are great. They have a good selection of cookies and cakes also.

The Captain’s reception was tonight on the promenade. Really very, very crowded and difficult to walk around. They set up a band right on the promenade with singers up above. Fun to listen to if there was a place to sit and enjoy – but that isn’t possible. We went down and had our pictures taken with the captain and visited briefly with him.

At formal night I saw quite an assortment – tuxes, suits, short and long dresses. Dinner was delicious – filets, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and of course Grand Marnier Souffle. Note to Merion Mom: yes, they have Coffee Ice Cream!!

Went to a quick game of Millionaire in the Pyramid Lounge, followed by the production show Once Upon a Time. RCI does a great job at this with elaborate costumes and in my opinion very talented young people.

Well, we made it through all the activities of the first 24 hours – we are glad the money is collected, and the busier activities are completed and now we can just sit back and relax and enjoy the cruise! First time change is at noon tomorrow so will be interested. We have an RCI sponsored lunch for just Cruise Critic tomorrow with a special menu just for us – so will let you all know tomorrow how that goes. Back soon! Mary

[mjldvlks]

I read all the posts and questions - will compose something off line later so stay tuned!! Having an awesome time - great weather - in the 60's. Blue sky, smooth sailing!! Bye for now = Mary

 

Also have a pic of stripper pole in 1700 we'll post later!! ha.ha.

[emmy]

When you do the cabin crawl make sure Lorna shows you all how the "stripper pole" in her room works:p:p:p:p

 

 

I knew I would be sorry I canceled this cruise:( LOL Love ya Lorna:)

[djmutters]

Day 1: Our hotel arranged for our entire cruise critic group staying at the same hotel to be taken to the port. We arrived around 10:30. There were no porters right where our shuttle stopped and after a few confusing minutes we finally found out that we needed to take our luggage to the porters closer to the building which was disappointing. Once we got there though a nice porter promptly took everything for the group. Check-in was painless and we only ending up waiting in a priority room for about 30 minutes before the ship was ready to be boarded (around 11:15). We headed right to the Windjammer which is at the aft of the ship and sat by the windows. The food was great, especially the Honey Stung Chicken. There was a great variety and the staff were very attentive.

 

Next on to get ready for our first group meeting. We went by our cabin and dropped off a few things and headed to the Labryinth Disco. Several group members assisted in hiding Easter Eggs for the kids. Once 2:45 hit it was mass chaos. It was actually nice though to get some of these administrative activities over with for the group early. By 3:45 we had an Easter Egg Hunt, had the majority of the money collected, passed our Mardi Gras beads and copies of the itineraries.

 

I wanted to mention a friend of mine designed a shirt for us which many wore to the first meeting. Many have made comments about them. I used Café Press to sell them – marking them up about 5% (approx. 1.00 per shirt) to pay my friend for doing the design. This is a great way to get shirts made for the group, without all the hassle of having shirts made for 100-200 people!! They order directly from that website. I found them very easy to use.

 

After Muster Drill we headed up to the Sky Bar for sailaway. Someone in the group suggested bubbles so a couple from our group brought bottles for everyone. We blew bubbles as the ship pulled out of port.

 

The Welcome Show was great and Graham Seymour is very funny. We enjoyed the show.

 

Our first dinner was really great. The speciality tonight was Pork Medallions and mashed potatoes with a brown sauce and it was delicious. Of course they started out the cruise with the Vedalia Onion Tart which is always delicious. Our dining room staff is very attentive – we have Maria and Betty Jo from the Phillipines. They made sure we were done and out before 10:00 to go to 10:00 trivia in the Pyramid Lounge. After a 15 minute trivia session (which we won!) the band Rock the Boat played. They play a lot of 70’s era music mainly – (or at least so far) so I’ll keep you posted on them as the cruise progresses. Everyone agreed they are a great band and we enjoyed sitting and listening, as well as singing along!

 

Short time in the casino before bed – lots of penny slots. We are exhausted – more tomorrow!!

 

Day 2: Up at 8:30 this morning to get to Meet and Mingle at 10:00 am. There are nearly 250 signed up. We met in the Pyramid Lounge and the room was full. Amazing participation this cruise. RCI was very generous and had a lot of nice gifts for the raffle, including three internet packages – two $50 and a $75 one. There was also a mini facial along with the usual RCI merchandise.

 

After Meet and Mingle we had group announcements and took that time to have a gift exchange. We had everyone bring a $10 or under gift from the area where they live. We were short on time so brought all the gifts to the front and had one rep. from each family come up and pick a present. We then started at one side and have one family member come up and open their gift and try to guess who it was fun. We showed the group the gift and I believe everyone had a great time seeing the things from all over the world.

 

Lunch was a quick dash through Sorrentos Pizza on Deck 5 on the Promenade. I wasn’t crazy about the pizza but the rest of the group loved it. At 1:00 we headed down to a conference room where we made beaded sea pass holders. We ended up having a great time but if I had to do this over again – I would not do it. It takes too much pre-cruise, time, had to presend all the materials to have someone bring to me in Ft. Lauderdale that was driving, and it is a lot of work. We did not leave the conference room until 4:00. The ladies made beautiful necklaces and absolutely loved them – but just too much work for a cruise.

 

Balanced money we had collected and locked it up – then headed to the Promenade for a quick small sandwich at the Café which are great. They have a good selection of cookies and cakes also.

 

The Captain’s reception was tonight on the promenade. Really very, very crowded and difficult to walk around. They set up a band right on the promenade with singers up above. Fun to listen to if there was a place to sit and enjoy – but that isn’t possible. We went down and had our pictures taken with the captain and visited briefly with him.

 

At formal night I saw quite an assortment – tuxes, suits, short and long dresses. Dinner was delicious – filets, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and of course Grand Marnier Souffle. Note to Merion Mom: yes, they have Coffee Ice Cream!!

 

Went to a quick game of Millionaire in the Pyramid Lounge, followed by the production show Once Upon a Time. RCI does a great job at this with elaborate costumes and in my opinion very talented young people.

 

Well, we made it through all the activities of the first 24 hours – we are glad the money is collected, and the busier activities are completed and now we can just sit back and relax and enjoy the cruise! First time change is at noon tomorrow so will be interested. We have an RCI sponsored lunch for just Cruise Critic tomorrow with a special menu just for us – so will let you all know tomorrow how that goes. Back soon! Mary

 

mjldvlks,

 

Thank you for your review and so early :) you a star!!!

 

We shall be sailing on the 25th from Southampton.

 

Can you give us any more infomation about the fire onboard please :confused:

 

Thank you

 

Nigel & Rob UK

[nannyspice]

Looking forward to reading all your reports, as we board Independence on 25th April in Southampton. Really looking forward to being back on board again!!:)

[isdoo]

I think the fire was very minor - all I heard was the bravo, bravo, bravo announcement, whilst sitting on my balcony.

 

Unfortunately the announcement channel in the cabins do not play announcements, which makes it a music channel only - totally pointless!!

 

It is worth mentioning that if anyone is sailing on IOS bring a european adapter (especially if from the UK) as you can then have 230v in your cabin, rather than running on the 120v using a USA adapter.

 

There is no UK socket (despite reading that there are), so come prepared.

 

Another nice morning here, we are moving the clocks forward another hour today (currently on Atlantic Time).

 

Will update my blog today (promise!) as I have got behind.

 

As we have missed a few gatherings, we have not really met anyone else from the group :( :( , but hopefully will meet one or two soon.

[jillybabes]

Will be following you all on this wonderful cruise...

[flames]

I read all the posts and questions - will compose something off line later so stay tuned!! Having an awesome time - great weather - in the 60's. Blue sky, smooth sailing!! Bye for now = Mary

 

Also have a pic of stripper pole in 1700 we'll post later!! ha.ha.

 

Hi Mary, now does that stripper pole have Lorna doing a demo on it for us? LOL:D

 

Did anyone take MTD? and if so how is it going:)

 

I know I will have lots of questions because it is our turn next year:cool:

 

Carol:)

[mjldvlks]

Please forgive us for not posting more sooner! The internet has been up and down during last couple of days. I will compose updates off line tomorrow and get them posted - along with promised picture of stripper pole in ladylawyer's room!!

 

The weather has been incredible - seas so calm there are NO whitecaps today! Our group played miniature golf - and loved it. I'm sure once we head north weather will change but until then we are loving this weather!!

 

I promise I will get all questions answered. We are scanning all compasses and will post once we get back. Thanks to everyone following the thread - will have very detailed information once we get back also. Have a great day everyone from the Transatlantic Fanatics!! Mary

[flames]

Thanks Mary, where is the sun? are you better with Port or Starboard to get sun on your balcony? and if you have an aft balcony do you get any sun at all?

 

Carol:)

[isdoo]

had a leak in our honeymoon suite :( Had maintenance here until 1am this morning and all this morning taking half the room apart.....

 

We now have the company of a large fan all day :(

 

Slot pull currently in progress :)

[flames]

had a leak in our honeymoon suite :( Had maintenance here until 1am this morning and all this morning taking half the room apart.....

 

We now have the company of a large fan all day :(

 

Slot pull currently in progress :)

 

WOW!! you are not having to much good luck with your honeymoon suite, hope you have better luck with the slop pull:rolleyes:

 

Carol:)

[trolleydolly]

I read all the posts and questions - will compose something off line later so stay tuned!! Having an awesome time - great weather - in the 60's. Blue sky, smooth sailing!! Bye for now = Mary

 

Also have a pic of stripper pole in 1700 we'll post later!! ha.ha.

 

We had the stripper pole last year!! Love it!! Just wondered, do you know if Rock the Boat are staying on for the summer. Great band, and we are sailing the Indy in May and August and hope they will still be there! Have a great cruise:)

[isdoo]

WOW!! you are not having to much good luck with your honeymoon suite, hope you have better luck with the slop pull:rolleyes:

 

Carol:)

 

nope lost on that! LOL

 

I have offered our owners suite in the cabin crawl as a special, but it was turned down..... maybe Mary & co doesn't wish to jinx us any more!! LOL

[ladylawyer]

Ian! So good to read your message ... as we haven't met yet, on board. I think that Mary didn't want to disturb the Honeymooners. However, I'll mention that you're offering your nice big cabin to her.

 

Our cabin (the one with the Stripper Pole) isn't on the Crawl either, but I'm making it available to anyone who would like to have a look!

 

We are having SUCH as great time. True ... the slot pull was not a big money maker (we got back 2/3rds of our initial investment), but fun, nonetheless!

 

DH and I cut out early, for a quick lunch (slept thru breakfast) and Afternoon Pub Trivia. We won!!! It was a lot of geography. Shockingly ... we won Pub Trivia - beer and spirits - yesterday. I don't drink beer, so I was not a great contributor. My "haul" thus far: RCI rubber keychain; Crampon key chain (something new and I might have spelled Crampon... but it definitely isn't spelled w/ a "T"); and today was a gold medal! :D

 

For all these "lazy sea days," we sure have been busy! Hope everyone had a Happy Fill in the Blank!!! I'll check in later, too!!!

 

I miss the Panamaniacs! ~ Lorna

[Lynnees]

You have a couple with your M&M group from St. Catharines Canada. Tell them I said "hi" from home!!!

[flames]

nope lost on that! LOL

 

I have offered our owners suite in the cabin crawl as a special, but it was turned down..... maybe Mary & co doesn't wish to jinx us any more!! LOL

 

Ian, I know I should have went, you need some good luck:D You should try this again next year I will be there and you might have better luck:eek: LOL

 

Carol:)

[flames]

Ian! So good to read your message ... as we haven't met yet, on board. I think that Mary didn't want to disturb the Honeymooners. However, I'll mention that you're offering your nice big cabin to her.

 

Our cabin (the one with the Stripper Pole) isn't on the Crawl either, but I'm making it available to anyone who would like to have a look!

 

We are having SUCH as great time. True ... the slot pull was not a big money maker (we got back 2/3rds of our initial investment), but fun, nonetheless!

 

DH and I cut out early, for a quick lunch (slept thru breakfast) and Afternoon Pub Trivia. We won!!! It was a lot of geography. Shockingly ... we won Pub Trivia - beer and spirits - yesterday. I don't drink beer, so I was not a great contributor. My "haul" thus far: RCI rubber keychain; Crampon key chain (something new and I might have spelled Crampon... but it definitely isn't spelled w/ a "T"); and today was a gold medal! :D

 

For all these "lazy sea days," we sure have been busy! Hope everyone had a Happy Fill in the Blank!!! I'll check in later, too!!!

 

I miss the Panamaniacs! ~ Lorna

 

Lorna, how is the wind on your balcony, and I will be in 1404 so can you go check it out for me please, and I want to see pictures when I see you in Oct:D

 

I think you and Mary better go help Ian out, bring some luck to him:eek:

 

Glad you are having a great time, wish I was there but I am being Nurse Carol to Bob:(

 

Carol:)

[wrp96]

Lorna sounds like you are having fun with your pole!!

[ladylawyer]

You have a couple with your M&M group from St. Catharines Canada. Tell them I said "hi" from home!!!

 

Lynnees, you're going to have to give me a bigger hint than that. We have over 225 in our group! :eek::D

[ladylawyer]

Lorna sounds like you are having fun with your pole!!

 

Wrona ... waaaaaaay too much fun!!! ;) :p :D

[ladylawyer]

Lorna, how is the wind on your balcony, and I will be in 1404 so can you go check it out for me please, and I want to see pictures when I see you in Oct:D

 

I think you and Mary better go help Ian out, bring some luck to him:eek:

 

Glad you are having a great time, wish I was there but I am being Nurse Carol to Bob:(

 

Carol:)

 

Carol, I woke up about 3AM this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I went out to the balcony and laid down on one of the loungers and fell asleep ... with just my robe over me. It was so nice. If you stand next to the railing, you feel the wind. Otherwise, back nearer to the cabin, it's nice and peaceful!

 

I just can't recommend these cabins enough. Plus, we're having the best weather. Part of the reason I couldn't get back to sleep is because I was too warm in the cabin (we had the balcony door open). It was perfect sleeping weather on the balcony.

 

I'm sure it will get cooler, once we start heading North.

 

We won "Name That Tune" trivia tonight. Progressive trivia continues. Lots of disputes. Karen, the Trivia Master, will have her work cut out for her with the Internet checking she is doing.

 

TTYL! ~ Lorna

[ladylawyer]

had a leak in our honeymoon suite :( Had maintenance here until 1am this morning and all this morning taking half the room apart.....

 

We now have the company of a large fan all day :(

 

Slot pull currently in progress :)

 

Ian, sorry to hear about the leak! :eek: