ournuthut.net

NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS
APRIL 17, 2004 - APRIL 24, 2004

The Normal Suspects (Kate, Tony and Connor)

04/16/04 Got started at about 3:50 pm, can’t hardly believe that we’re on vacation! We’re heading to JFK with a stop at New Haven for Sally’s Pizza. Of course there was tons of traffic, it took us 3 hours to get to Sally’s. Oh my god are they SLOW!!! Pepe’s was much better run. The pizza was good, but it was not worth 2 1/2 hours for supper. And of course, more traffic after dinner. We finally got to our room at the Mariott Courtyard at 11:30 pm! UGH! What a crappy chunk of travel!

04/17/04 Up at 4:15 am to catch our 6:40 flight to FLL. Flight was uneventful. Driver picked us up at baggage claim. Drive to Miami was pleasant. And now we’re stuck in embarkation HELL!! We were dropped off at 10:30 am, it’s now 12:30 pm and we’re not expected to start boarding until at least 1:00 pm. Apparantly, there was some problem with immigration. They’re still disembarking the boat. Shoulda gone to Disney!! LOL!! Finally got on board at about 1:30 pm amidst much pushing, shoving and carrying on. I can’t believe how tense people get about going on vacation. The ship is BEAUTIFUL and our cabin is huge!! The balcony has four lounge chairs and a small table and still has plenty of space. However, the “aft” balconies really aren’t on the absolute back of the ship…the superstructure of the boat extends out past the balconies. Therefore, you can’t look down off your balcony directly into the water. I have to be honest, as huge as the balcony is, I think I prefer one with a direct view of the water. The ship is VERY large. Connor wanted to go swimming, so I took him up to the pool deck, while Tony explored and made reservations for us at various locales. Enjoyed my first Miami Vice up on deck while Tony found his libations throughout the ship. Connor swam for a few hours then we headed to the Windjammer for some grub. Connor grabbed pizza and I ate at Jade. Of course, next we had to attend the dreaded muster drill. Then Connor and I went to explore the Promenade. WOW, what a beautiful concept. We had a blast poking into all the different nooks and crannies on board. I think it could take six months to really get to know this ship. Dinner was nice, we’re sitting with an older couple from NC and a family from Hingham with an eight year old boy. Of course the boys hit it off and left the dining room to play shuffleboard outside our window in the dining room. After dinner we registered Connor for Adventure Ocean, met up with a bunch of CCers there with their kids (Hi, Susan, Pam and the rest of the gang!). After we dragged Connor away from the PS2’s we headed back to the room for some room service and some much needed sleep.

04/18/04 Nassau, Bahamas Since we’ve been here before, and will be again soon, we decided to stay on the boat. I think this was a good decision since it was actually pretty chilly and VERY windy today. Tony got ready and went up to AO to sign Connor up for dinner. After we were all ready, we hit the Windjammer for breakfast. It’s very nicely laid out with so many different stations that there weren’t any lines. Breakfast was tasty and hot. After we ate we took Connor to AO and I headed out to the spa for my hot stone massage. It was AMAZING!! I got $40 off because it was a port day. When I finished up, Tony was in getting his mani/pedi. He decided to schedule an Ionthermie for tonight, so we decided to bag formal night. I also discovered that they offer special spa services to kids and teens. So, I decided Connor could get one if he wanted. I went to see if Connor wanted to ht the pools (of course he did), so we scheduled his massage and hit the pool deck. It was very chilly! We hung out in the hottubs and Connor met up with some friends. I lounged and had a few drinks. Tony met up with us and we headed to Johnny Rockets for lunch. It was yummy-licious and loads of fun. We used our free Crown and Anchor coupons. After lunch Connor headed back to AO for the afternoon session and Tony and I took a nice, LONG nap. Called Connor back to the room about 4:30 and we strolled along the Promenade. Connor hit Sprinkles and Tony and I had coffee and snacks at Cafe Promenade. There is so MUCH food on this ship the dining room seems superfluous! Connor wanted to hit the arcade so up we went and thanks to a little girl, we figured out how to make the Sign and Sail card work. Hung out there until it was time for Connor’s dinner. There were only four kids signed up. The counselor said that this was unusual, the spots normally fill up. Signed Connor up for late night while we were there. Tony headed to the spa and I hit the steam room, which was great! I had it all to myself. We went to Jade for dinner at about 8:30 pm. It was very empty with basically just us and a bunch of crew. The food was awesome! I had this yummy cream soup and we talked to some very pleasant staff. After dinner we went to karaoke and met up with Pam and Theresa. We had great time, it was like “Average Joe” karaoke. The singers ranged from VERY bad to good with only one woman who was really good. I had a blast, somehow, it was more fun listening to bad singers with a heart than frustrated “American Idol” wanna-bes. Picked Connor up at 12:00 am and hit the sack.

04/19/04 At Sea Started the morning with coffee and journal catch-up. Connor and Tony had pastries and fruit for breakfast. Connor headed up to AO, Tony got a shower and I headed to the Windjammer for some grub. Went to the pool deck for some R&R. Tony joined me in a bit. It started to get very windy and dark, so we headed inside. Went to the Cosmopolitan Lounge for the CC Meet and Mingle. Had a very nice turn-out. About halfway through the get together the skies opened up and it rained like crazy. We could see people scattering from the pool deck, like rats from a sinking ship!! After the Meet and Mingle, and the rain, Connor and I went back to the pool deck, where it still was incredibly windy. Connor met up with his new friend, Will, and they headed to the arcade. I went to the Windjammer for lunch and then back to the room to relax. Tony had just gotten up from his nap so he went to the arcade to get Connor. They went to the in-line skate rink and mini-golf while I napped. Dinner tonight was the Venetian Feast. Connor went to AO after eating and Tony and I went to bingo. We lost (of course), then just hung out in the room until 10:30 when we went for Connor. He was not happy!! We did a last run to Sprinkles then hit the sack. Tomorrow…Jamaica.

04/20/04 Jamaica Got up early to get ready for the day. Connor and I hit the Windjammer, then headed out for his massage. The weather looked promising early, but now that we’re pulling into Jamaica, the island is covered with black storm clouds! After Connor’s massage we got off and headed to Dolphin Cove. By the way, Connor absolutely loved his massage…I think we have a new spa addict on our hands. There was one tour going on when we got to Dolpin Cove, so we were scheduled to be in the second group. While we were waiting the skies opened and we had torrential downpours. Connor, of course, played out in the rain even though he’s got a cold. When it was our turn to get in the water, we were given life vests and fins because we had to swim out to our area and tread water in deep water. While we were swimming out to our spot, our dolphin, Beta, swam next to us the whole way. I think she was watching out for Connor. We got to kiss and pet the dolphin for about 20 minutes while she did tricks and swam around us. IT WAS GREAT!!! Of course we bought the video and photos. After the dolphins we caught a shuttle to the pier and went to Margaritaville. We had a nice lunch and Connor tried out the water slide, but it was raining again so we shopped and headed back to the ship. Connor went off to the kid’s club while Tony and I chilled. I got a snack at the Windjammer and made Connor eat something. Poor bunny, I think he’s feeling pretty crappy. After dinner, Connor went back to AO, Tony and I wandered around a bit. I went and picked Connor up, and we went to Studio B for the Ice Dancing show. It was VERY cool! Especially considering how small the rink is. After the show (Connor fell asleep), we hit the sack for a long nights sleep.

04/21/04 Grand Cayman. Got a leisurely start this morning, and went to the dining room for breakfast. Caught a tender to Georgetown and started wandering. Ended up making some jewelry purchases at Duty Free, LTD. Bought a 4 mm white/yellow reversible Omega chain for me and a Treasure Coin (2000 years old) for Connor. Wandered some more and bought tee shirts at Del Sol. Checked in at Captain Marvins and waited for our bus. Caught the bus to a boat for snorkeling at Coral Gardens (tons and tons of fish), and the stingrays. Of course, my camera died between Coral Gardens and Stingray City. The stingrays were great….Connor was a little afraid of stepping on one because the water was rough and it kept pushing him around. But he had fun feeding and touching them. Of course the tour ran and hour OVER and we had to RUN to catch the last tender to the boat. I probably wouldn’t use Captain Marvins again because of this. Tony RAN and got our stuff from the jewelers while Cnnor and I ran to catch the boat. I was prepared to throw myself in front of the tender if need be for Tony to catch it. Of course, there was some sort of trouble with the tenders and there was a HUGE line waiting to get on. We wouldn’t have had to run at all! Once we finally made it back onboard, Tony went for drinks and Connor and I came back to the room so he could get a bath. Tony came back with alcohol and a white gold slider for me (I LOVE that man!!)!! We ordered from room service and chilled until AO dinner and our reservations at Chops. Dinner at Chops was nice. Not spectacular, but nice. I honestly didn’t feel that the service or the food was significantly better than the dining room. Tony headed to bed and I hit the casino for a quick $20 loss. Strolled the Promenade and ran into Theresa and Pam and their DH’s. We headed to the Ixtapa Lounge for a game sow that was like Family Feud. What a blast. Afterwards, I gathered up Connor and we headed to bed at about 11:30 pm.

04/22/04 Cozumel. Got up at about 7:00 this morning. Connor’s first words were “FOOD!!” We showered and headed to the Windjammer, we’ve been eating there a lot this trip. After fortification, we headed up to play some mini-golf until Tony needed to leave for his all-day trip to Tulum. After Tony left, Connor did the rock climbing wall, he made it ALL the way up!! We slathered ourselves up with sunscreen and headed off for Eagle Ray Divers at Le Calita Marina. Taxi $7 each way for approximately a 5 minute ride. We got there at about 11:10 am, and everyone was there. After a little disgruntlement from a fellow passenger (he was worried Connor’s congestion would interfere with HIS fun…people suck!!), we got started with our on-board lesson. Antonio (the owner) gave us a very thorough instruction and the crew helped us to get fully fitted up…wetsuits, masks, the whole nine yards. Next we went from one inlet to the next inlet over to practice our skills and work on breathing in shallow water (about 5 feet). What a hoot trying to get up and to the edge of the boat with all of the equipment including a loaded down weight belt. Once in the water we practiced breathing on the surface (basically snorkeling). Antonio had one crew member work only with Connor. Next it was time to work with Antonio one-on-one to practice mask clearing, regulator retrieval and clearing and sinus and ear equaliziation. Connor never could get below about 2 feet. He had trouble with not being able to just pop back up to the surface whenever he wanted. Because of this, he headed back to the boat. The rest of us headed for deeper water. I had trouble with wanting to float back to the surface. Antonio kept adding weights to me until I got stuck on the bottom and couldn’t get up. I ended up having to hold onto the buoy rope to maintian my depth until Antonio gave me a breathing lesson to help modulate depth by the amount of air you keep in your lungs. Next we headed to the really deep water. I had trouble equalizing my right ear, so I had to stay at about 25 feet on the buoy. I slowly managed to get myself to about 35 feet. Scuba diving is AMAZING!! I am SO getting certified this winter! After the dive, Connor and I headed back to the peir to shop. After we emptied the bank account some more, we headed back to the ship and to Johnny Rockets for some grub. Connor and I hit the pool deck for about an hour then chilled out in the room for a while. Tony came in about 6:15 after Connor and I showered. He said he had a great time, I’m going to ask him to write an addendum about his day. By the way, the jerk who made a stink about the “extra attention” Connor would need, had two members of his party have to have quick escorts to the surface when they started to freak out under water. I showed admirable restraint and didn’t point out that Connor was back in the boat BEFORE it impacted anyone else’s dive! We ate dinner at the Windjammer. Connor headed off to AO, while Tony headed to the room for a nap. I’m sitting at Vintages people watching an enjoying some great wine with cheese and crackers.

Tony’s Cozumel Addendum: Another beautiful morning. Katy and Connor have a Scuba Dive scheduled so I went back to Tulum. (Katy’s details are in her review)
Tulum, I love this place it is beautiful and relaxing. We were instructed to assemble in the Metropolis Theater at 9:45. Ships clearance was delayed until 10:20, no problem. At 10:30 we were informed that the ferry that was picking us up blew an engine, and they had to send another one, but it wouldn’t be there until about 11. So, the folks that were on the Tulum/Xel-ha tour had a choice, either cancel the whole thing (with a full refund of course) or just do the Tulum Express with a refund of the difference. Since I was already on the express, it was only a departure delay for me. No problem. A few people were extremely upset, but I think they just need to relax, you are on vacation.

Tulum, was the same wonderful place that I had seen 4 years ago. The bus ride was uneventful, with a talk from the tour guide. Jeff, Janet and their kids (CC’ers from the roll call thread) were on the bus with me. Josh (their son) is apparently very much into history. So, when the guide talked about the Mayan Calendars Josh was very interested. Since Katy and I purchased one 4 years ago I could give him some information on it (I hope he liked the calendar). I took over 150 pictures and while I was there (they will be posted in the next couple of days), I had noticed so many more ruins that we had not seen 4 years ago. Apparently Tulum is the second largest Mayan Ruins site on the Yucatan (second only to Chichen-Itza). Next time, Chichen-Itza. Tonight I revisit another love of mine, BLACKJACK! Katy and I started with 10.00 each at the slots, she went through hers fast, I hit 7’s a few times so I was up 100.00 and took that to the tables. I was up some 300.00 at one point and should have stopped but was having so much fun that I kept on going. Finished with 50.00, oh well I spent 2 hours playing and I still was up a total of 30.00, so no loss.

07/03/04 Addendum: I seem to have lost track of finishing my journal in April…very unlike me!! Our vacation ended well, with no problems. All in all, we had a great time, although, Tony and I flet a little bit like the ship was too large.

04/23/04 At Sea (provided by Tony’s post on Cruise Critic) Last day saddness. Spent time at the pool, relaxing in the room, etc. Connor took part in the Family Talent Contest. Katy and I went to the Art auction (had to resist this all week since we purchased 16 pieces on the Nordic Empress in Oct.), Katy bought another Bellet for her office. I went to the tables with my 50.00 from last night and another 100.00, finished at 4 to pack with 100.00 so I played last night and today for only the cose of the slots. Not bad in my book. Had our last night in the dining room and made our goodbye’s. I went back to the tables fro 2 hours and didn’t do as well, but felt it was a cheap 8 hours or so of entertainment. Katy and I were to meet back in the room at 11PM to call it a night, but I had heard about the last night karaoke contest and thought Chuck and Sandy would be singing so I wanted to go. I went looking for Katy in Vintages and our room. Not there, so I went searching all over the ship for her, no go, couldn’t even find the contest. Apparently we were 2 ships passing in the night because Katy was looking for me as well. Of course, I didn’t look in Studio B for it, so I missed it (Sorry Sandy, I heard you did a GREAT job, congrats). We retrieved Connor from AO and said our goodbye’s there as well and went to bed.

04/24/04 Disembarkation (Also provided by my very thorough husband) Well the saddest time of any vacation, the day to go home. Woke up at 6AM to shower and get coffee. Came back and woke Katy and Connor. We got all put together and had breakfast in the Windjammer. Our color (orange) was called at 7:15 (Thank you Pam and Teresa for not holding us up at immigration lol). So we got off at 7:30 and our limo to the airport met us at 8:45.