50 Years, 9 Nights, 5 Beds and 1 Big Fat Mistake

[jmaul 65]

How convenient.  Your back gives out a week earlier so you don't try the bungee........

 

Loving the updates.

[HappyRedhead......Betsy 16]

Just caught up! I'm riding Hurricane Authur out at Ocean Isle Beach NC so this is a great diversion to the wind and rain outside.

We have been to Nassau....once. I won't get off the ship again. We took the "Historical" tour. It was really awkward. Our tour guide drove us through his neighborhood and had us wave at all his friends. The whole time he was announcing "this is how we do the getto in the caribbeans".

I would rather spend time on the ship.

I love the pictures of your family. Everyone looks like they are having a great time.

Great report so far....thanks!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

How convenient.  Your back gives out a week earlier so you don't try the bungee........

 

Loving the updates.

 

That worked out pretty well for me, don't you think?

 

Just caught up! I'm riding Hurricane Authur out at Ocean Isle Beach NC so this is a great diversion to the wind and rain outside.

We have been to Nassau....once. I won't get off the ship again. We took the "Historical" tour. It was really awkward. Our tour guide drove us through his neighborhood and had us wave at all his friends. The whole time he was announcing "this is how we do the getto in the caribbeans".

I would rather spend time on the ship.

I love the pictures of your family. Everyone looks like they are having a great time.

Great report so far....thanks!

 

Stay safe from the hurricane!  

 

Your story about the tour guide is hilarious!  

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

If there were tour guides bringing tourists through the seedy neighborhoods in my state, the last thing you would have to worry about is the tour guide's friends waving back to you. Not happenin'.

The story is awesome though Betsy.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

When we left off, Stella had finished on the bungee jump and wanted to do the rock climbing wall.  We had some time yet before needing to get ready for dinner, so we walked along Deck 10 to the back of the ship where the climbing wall is.  

 

From back there, we had a great view of Atlantis.

 

 

Atlantis is certainly impressive, and is a cool concept, but I just can't help thinking that Disney would do a better job of it.  

 

A look to the right showed us some of Nassau.

 

 

Down below on the pier the Bahamian army was preparing for their invasion of Miami.  I guess the joke's on them....they'll have to fight Cuba for it.

 

 

INC and Emma.

 

 

At about this time, we heard what sounded like someone calling our names from far away.  We looked down to the pier and finally saw where it was coming from....INC's brother and SIL.

 

 

There was a bit of a line at the climbing wall, but before too long they were preparing Stella for her climb.

 

 

 

She's never done a rock climb before, so she was a little nervous.  But soon it was her turn to go face the wall.  The instructors were great with her....encouraging and helpful.

 

Here she goes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She climbed and she climbed and she climbed some more.  

 

Eventually, she reached a point so high that the oxygen level was diminished.  I don't know why RCCL doesn't provide oxygen packs for these poor kids.  It was a struggle, and finally she had to give up and come down.  

 

 

 

Ok, in reality she didn't get very far up the wall.  Maybe 1/4 of the way.....maybe.  But when she came down, she asked INC "was I close to the top, Mama??".  And INC said Yes, sweetie, you were SO close!  She was beaming.  Man, I love the innocence of kids.  

 

So in a short time, Stella had done both the bungee jump and the climbing wall.  We could now check those things off our list.  And even better, it was time to get ready for dinner.  

 

After meeting up in the atrium again to listen to the evening's band, Emma wanted a fruity beverage so I got her a non-alcoholic daiquiri.  

 

 

The menus came around and the first appetizer that spoke to me was the arrancini.  I typically like these at places like Via Napoli and local Italian places....but the ones on the ship were the best I've ever had.  SO good!

 

 

I also ordered a Caprese salad.  This was like no caprese I've ever seen....and it was pretty awful.  I only had a couple bites.

 

 

INC's salad was better....but it was a bit heavy on the dressing.  Still tasty though.

 

 

Tonight I opted for the pasta with pomodora sauce.  

 

 

It was quite tasty!

 

INC had the eggplant.  

 

 

Most of INC's family had steak again if I recall.  Then it was time for dessert.  

 

Someone ordered the tiramisu.

 

 

I was full but did decide to try a dessert tonight.  I opted for the bread pudding.  It was pretty good, but I was too full to eat more than a few bites.

 

 

This was a ricotta pie that a couple of people tried and it was unanimously named horrible.  LOL.

 

 

Some people ordered a dessert trio.  Not sure what this stuff is.  

 

 

It seemed that each night we pretty much closed down the restaurant.  I think it was all the talking between the eating....we just took a long time to finish.  Our servers were very gracious and never made us feel rushed....and we weren't so slow that they needed to begin the 2nd seating so we were ok.  

 

 

I'll continue with the rest of evening #3 in the next update.....including the ever popular MIDNIGHT BUFFET!!!!

[HappyRedhead......Betsy 16]

Stay safe from the hurricane!

Your story about the tour guide is hilarious!

Hurricane Schmurricane.....I've sat through worse at my house 200 miles inland. It's passing us right on by.

The island did have a bit of "excitement" (not sure that is the proper word but I can't think of another). My house is on the 2nd row, meaning the main drag goes between the ocean front houses and mine. About an hour ago we hear sirens and see the water rescue team drive on the beach from the public access we use. Yes, we walked out there. We don't know what happened, but they left and the ambulance never went on the beach, hopefully it was a false alarm. Anyway, and this is what shocked me, we saw 2 kids probably the age of 12 boogie boarding in the surf. It has been all over the TV and radio to stay out of the water and these idiot parents let their kids out there apparently unsupervised. The swift water rescue team was probably 100 yards up the beach and these idiots are letting their kids swim. Is the presence of these rescue workers not a clue that the surf and waves are unsafe??? They will probably sue the town for not blocking their access if something happens. I still get amazed at the stupidity of some people.

Rant over...

The Nassau excursion wasn't so funny at the time but looking back on it cracks me up....it's all I remember from that island.

[Beckers 1,136]

People are so stupid when it comes to water. A kid up here just drowned swimming after the guards were off and during rip current warnings.

When we were camping the place had a nice pool, zero depth entry into a kids section that went to 2 feet and then snakes around into the main pool. A 4 yr old was playîng with Adam in the pool and his mother was laying on her stomach sun bathing totally oblivious to what he was doing. I guess she figured Adam had 3 adults watching him and we would watch her kid?

[LONE-STAR 370]

Midnight buffet sounds Dangerous and Great. Maybe Disney should take notes. Chief Mickeys Midnight Buffet.

[disney4dan 68]

The Caprese salad looks like zero effort put into the presentation.  I mean, the ingredients are there, but unsliced tomatoes and lumps of cheese?  I guess you can take comfort that nobody had their hands all over that - probably dumped out of a bowl!

 

Just wanted to chime in on the excellent number of pood forn photos.  Considering french toast for breakfast today after seeing that pic.

 

First did Nassau on our honeymoon in 1989 - still enough for "been there, done that",

 

Glad to hear your back is better.  Looking forward to race photos from this summer.  You inspired me to get off my butt and get back out running again.  Time to work off the vacation pounds!

[lklasing 16]

INC and Emma.

 

So cute!

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

When we were camping the place had a nice pool, zero depth entry into a kids section that went to 2 feet and then snakes around into the main pool. A 4 yr old was playîng with Adam in the pool and his mother was laying on her stomach sun bathing totally oblivious to what he was doing. I guess she figured Adam had 3 adults watching him and we would watch her kid?

 

And she would be the first to file a lawsuit against someone if anything had happened to her child.

 

The Caprese salad looks like zero effort put into the presentation.  I mean, the ingredients are there, but unsliced tomatoes and lumps of cheese?  I guess you can take comfort that nobody had their hands all over that - probably dumped out of a bowl!

 

I love a good Caprese salad.  Maybe this one was "deconstructed"?  (I watch the Food Network too much.)

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Hurricane Schmurricane.....I've sat through worse at my house 200 miles inland. It's passing us right on by.

The island did have a bit of "excitement" (not sure that is the proper word but I can't think of another). My house is on the 2nd row, meaning the main drag goes between the ocean front houses and mine. About an hour ago we hear sirens and see the water rescue team drive on the beach from the public access we use. Yes, we walked out there. We don't know what happened, but they left and the ambulance never went on the beach, hopefully it was a false alarm. Anyway, and this is what shocked me, we saw 2 kids probably the age of 12 boogie boarding in the surf. It has been all over the TV and radio to stay out of the water and these idiot parents let their kids out there apparently unsupervised. The swift water rescue team was probably 100 yards up the beach and these idiots are letting their kids swim. Is the presence of these rescue workers not a clue that the surf and waves are unsafe??? They will probably sue the town for not blocking their access if something happens. I still get amazed at the stupidity of some people.

Rant over...

The Nassau excursion wasn't so funny at the time but looking back on it cracks me up....it's all I remember from that island.

 

Glad you all fared well.  And I can't believe how stupid people can be.  

 

People are so stupid when it comes to water. A kid up here just drowned swimming after the guards were off and during rip current warnings.

When we were camping the place had a nice pool, zero depth entry into a kids section that went to 2 feet and then snakes around into the main pool. A 4 yr old was playîng with Adam in the pool and his mother was laying on her stomach sun bathing totally oblivious to what he was doing. I guess she figured Adam had 3 adults watching him and we would watch her kid?

 

Did she at least get a nice tan?

 

 

Midnight buffet sounds Dangerous and Great. Maybe Disney should take notes. Chief Mickeys Midnight Buffet.

 

Not a terrible idea....rather than waste food from the various buffets on property, they could slash the prices and offer a cheap midnight buffet to get rid of all the leftovers.  They would have a bar set up to sell alcohol too.  

 

The Caprese salad looks like zero effort put into the presentation.  I mean, the ingredients are there, but unsliced tomatoes and lumps of cheese?  I guess you can take comfort that nobody had their hands all over that - probably dumped out of a bowl!

 

Just wanted to chime in on the excellent number of pood forn photos.  Considering french toast for breakfast today after seeing that pic.

 

First did Nassau on our honeymoon in 1989 - still enough for "been there, done that",

 

Glad to hear your back is better.  Looking forward to race photos from this summer.  You inspired me to get off my butt and get back out running again.  Time to work off the vacation pounds!

 

I understand the mozzarella being in lumps...it was like those curds or whatever.  But the entire thing was tasteless.  I like a little balsamic on mine.  

 

Hope you got your french toast!

 

Unfortunately I'm not doing any summer races....but am deciding on fall races now.

 

So cute!

 

Aren't they though?

 

 

And she would be the first to file a lawsuit against someone if anything had happened to her child.

 

 

I love a good Caprese salad.  Maybe this one was "deconstructed"?  (I watch the Food Network too much.)

 

I don't care for the whole deconstructed trend.  Keep my food together please.  

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

What if you just want a burger, fries, and a beer? Can you get that?

Good job Stella!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

What if you just want a burger, fries, and a beer? Can you get that?

Good job Stella!

 

Yes you can.  

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Yes you can.

That's good to know. Thanks.

[LONE-STAR 370]

Where's the update? Do you think it's a holiday or somthing.

[EnchantedSurprise 2]

Love all these pictures.  I had started multi quoting to reference all the cute ones but there were just too many.

I've only cruised Disney before and am really interested in your final reviews.  You mentioned the entertainment being better at Disney, what about the food overall?

 

I would not get off at Nassau when I went (I only had my birth cert and was nervous lol) glad I didn't miss anything

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Where's the update? Do you think it's a holiday or somthing.

 

I know.  What was I thinking?

 

Love all these pictures.  I had started multi quoting to reference all the cute ones but there were just too many.

I've only cruised Disney before and am really interested in your final reviews.  You mentioned the entertainment being better at Disney, what about the food overall?

 

I would not get off at Nassau when I went (I only had my birth cert and was nervous lol) glad I didn't miss anything

 

I'll give my final thoughts when I get to the end of the cruise.....but I will tell you that I think the food was pretty comparable.  Although my DD14 would disagree.  RCCL had NO crab legs, whereas on Disney she had crablegs every day.  

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I Can't Eat No Mo!!

 

Ok, after a brief delay in this trip report due to the Independence Day holiday as well as my family's private party at the Fort....let's get this back on track.  

 

When we left off, we had just finished dinner on Day 3 in the My Fair Lady dining room.  Anna went to spend a little time playing in the Kids Club, and the rest of the kids were off having fun, so INC and I had a bit of alone time.  That never happens.  

 

So what did we do with ourselves??  

 

Get your minds out of the gutter.  

 

We went to the Casino.  

 

Yes, I know.  Waste of money.  But like I said before....I'm cheap.  So I played the 2 cent slots.  Yes, they really do have 2 cent slots.  Of course, you can ramp up your betting with a simple push of a button.  But I had some fun.  And I turned $1 into $32.  Not bad!  BAM!  That's how DIT does it.  

 

We didn't stay in the casino for long.  It was a BEAUTIFUL evening at sea, so we went for a walk outside along Deck 5, which nearly circles the ship.  This is the deck where the lifeboat stations are.  Up toward the front of the ship, the walkway goes around the area where all the chains and anchors are.  

 

Those chains are HUGE up close.  

 

 

 

 

 

We had some wine in our room so we refilled our glasses and went back to the atrium to sit and listen to some music.  This time we sat upstairs looking down toward the stage.  

 

 

 

 

Around this time we went to get Anna from the club.  It was getting toward 9:00 and she'd be getting tired.  Fortunately our oldest DD was ready to call it a night, so she took Anna back to the room for bed, and we went to one of the shows they had that evening....the Marriage Game.  It was like the Newleywed Game, only they pick 3 couples married different times.  The newest marriage....there was a couple celebrating their honeymoon onboard so they were selected.  They also looked for the couple married the longest.  My inlaws were celebrating their 50th, but there was a couple married 58 years in the audience so  they were selected.  

 

For the 3rd couple, they asked anyone married between 15-25 years to come up.  INC and I went up, along with around 20 other couples.  They had us all kiss (our spouses....not strangers), and then the audience voted by their applause and yelling.  INC and I get some good response but there was one couple who was onboard with a big dance troup that was performing so they had a huge contingent cheering for them and got picked.  

 

I wish I had pics....no one in my family thought to take any pictures when we were up there.   :banghead: 

 

Anyways....the dance couple lost terribly because they were obnoxious idiots.  The young couple was "gag me" annoying.  But the old couple was freaking awesome.  Absolutely hilarious.  It was a good time.

 

So....that brings us to the next item on our agenda.  

 

The Midnight Buffet!!!!

 

The problem was, INC and I weren't hungry and I couldn't imagine eating anything else.  But her family all wanted to check it out so we all went up to Deck 9 where the pools are, as that's where the buffet was set up.  

 

I struggled a bit with the camera in the dark lighting, but here's some pictures to give you an idea.

 

 

 

 

 

You can tell in this picture that it had rained a bit that evening.  Fortunately it had stopped by this point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a decent selection off foods....mostly what I'd call finger foods.  Pastries, small sandwiches, fruit, some hot horse ovaries (or hors d'oeuvres....my family has always called it horse ovaries) like taquitoes, egg rolls, etc.  

 

We sat a bit and ran our mouths again like a Fiend GG.  

 

And then it was time to call it a night.  

 

When it's after midnight, these hallways seem even longer than usual.

 

 

We turned in and I had another wonderful night's sleep.  Man those beds were comfortable!  

 

Coming up in the next update....we move on to our final day, which is our day at sea.  

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

2 cent slots?  I've only played nickel slots.  2 cents is more appealing.  Congrats on your win!

 

I love midnight buffets. 

 

Atrium -- you still can't call it the Centrum?

 

The Marriage Game is hilarious.  Sorry you didn't make it onto the stage.  Did you attend Quest?  It's even funnier, and it's so much better on a smaller ship.

[disney4dan 68]

I vaguely remember trying to stay awake for the midnight buffet on our honeymoon. I'm more of a morning person and like my sleep!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Beckers 1,136]

Couple of things.

I'm glad there are no pics of you and a bunch of other middle age people making out with their spouses...

The old couples are always the best. Brian and I still talk about the couple we saw on our honeymoon. Their stories were funny. The young couples usually just make me never want to take the elevator again...

When we went on a cruise when I was like 15 we were going up to the pool side midnight buffet, we were smushed in the elevator and people would just keep squeezing in and wouldn't wait for the next one. Well the doors wouldn't shut and it was beeping because it was overweight! And people were refusing to get off! I would have love to gotten off but at that point we were trapped in the back. Fun times.

[LONE-STAR 370]

Good thing you got this going again. I was starting to think a thread hijack was in order but I guess we can call it off. So nobody hijack this thread.

[alexwyattmommy 181]

Cinnamon Rolls

[LONE-STAR 370]

Cinnamon Rolls

Oh that sounds good. Do they sell them on Main Street?