catlib55
December 14th, 2004, 08:42 PM
We had a wonderful cruise. Our embarkation experience was totally different from Localady's, though, since we did not have a suite. We waited in the terminal for an hour before we could get processed and board the ship. We almost missed the buffet lunch in the Lido. Our cabin steward was very efficient, but I don't even know his name since he never introduced himself to us. There were two of them roaming around the hallway, and I think I know which one cleaned our cabin!
Our dining stewards were wonderful!! They were friendly and efficient, and we had excellent meals every night. One unusual thing, though. We did not request a table for two, but that is what we got. The first night, it was just the two of us, but the second night and on, there was another table for two right next to ours, and another couple were seated there. They said they had requested a table for two, and the first night, they were seated at a table for six. They spoke with the maitre d and said they wanted a table for two. The next night, they were reassigned originally to a table for eight!! When they complained again, they were give the table for two next to ours. We enjoyed getting to know them. It was almost like being at a table for four, but there was a column separating the two tables.
Half Moon Cay was absolutely beautiful!! We thoroughly enjoyed the beach and the water. Surprisingly, it wasn't that crowded even though there were two ships there. It was a little interesting finding a table for lunch, but we persisted and shared a table with a couple on the Zaandam.
In Aruba we did the De Palm Island snorkeling excursion and saw the most beautiful fish I have ever seen -- the bright blue Parrot Fish. Plus some other gorgeous varieties. The weather was perfect and the beach was beautiful.
In Curacao we did the highlights tour and folkloric show. It was a very nice tour. Curacao is beautiful!! The pontoon bridge is fascinating. It was fun watching the big huge tankers going in and out of the port there.
Since this was our first time in the Panama Canal, we were fascinated by the workings of it. What a magnificent piece of engineering. It was wonderful to learn all about it.
I'll write more later since this is getting very long.
Mary Ellen
Our dining stewards were wonderful!! They were friendly and efficient, and we had excellent meals every night. One unusual thing, though. We did not request a table for two, but that is what we got. The first night, it was just the two of us, but the second night and on, there was another table for two right next to ours, and another couple were seated there. They said they had requested a table for two, and the first night, they were seated at a table for six. They spoke with the maitre d and said they wanted a table for two. The next night, they were reassigned originally to a table for eight!! When they complained again, they were give the table for two next to ours. We enjoyed getting to know them. It was almost like being at a table for four, but there was a column separating the two tables.
Half Moon Cay was absolutely beautiful!! We thoroughly enjoyed the beach and the water. Surprisingly, it wasn't that crowded even though there were two ships there. It was a little interesting finding a table for lunch, but we persisted and shared a table with a couple on the Zaandam.
In Aruba we did the De Palm Island snorkeling excursion and saw the most beautiful fish I have ever seen -- the bright blue Parrot Fish. Plus some other gorgeous varieties. The weather was perfect and the beach was beautiful.
In Curacao we did the highlights tour and folkloric show. It was a very nice tour. Curacao is beautiful!! The pontoon bridge is fascinating. It was fun watching the big huge tankers going in and out of the port there.
Since this was our first time in the Panama Canal, we were fascinated by the workings of it. What a magnificent piece of engineering. It was wonderful to learn all about it.
I'll write more later since this is getting very long.
Mary Ellen