ATG

We just got off Mariner in Port Canaveral last Thursday. The crew were looking forward to some partying! We enjoyed the cruise. The ship was in good shape, a few signs of age in our stateroom. We thought the food was quite good.

They moved about 90% of them (including the queen) but some didn’t make it. it was scary. I had picked up my 2 small children (about 1 & 3) and was juggling them when I opened the door to a strange buzzing noise. Slammed the door shut and went to the neighbors. Luckily, he wasn’t afraid of bees and went in and got diapers and a few other things for me. Dave was on a business trip and flying in that night. In the days before cell phones, I called Delta and had them relay a message. I also left a note on the door. I’m not sure he really believed me until he went to the house and opened the door. I’ve never been stung by a bee but several relatives are allergic, so I was freaked out!

I came home from work one Friday to find our house filled with bees. We ended up at a hotel that night calling to find a beekeeper. He came out on Saturday and got them out by smoking the house. For weeks I found dead bees, including some in the ceiling lights. We had to have some drywall replaced where they had been building a hive. Not an experience I want to repeat.

On Mariner last week there was a bird in the Viking Crown Lounge. It was flying up around the ceiling and passengers and staff just looked at it. It flew upstairs, I guess it wanted to try the escape room.

We have inflatable pads and a small plug in blower(?). It’s pretty small and lightweight. I inflate it and slide it under the mattress pad. I believe the brand is klymet, I got them on Amazon. We’re on Mariner now and the bed is fine without it, but I’d rather have it packed and not use it than not have it and not be able to sleep.

Wow, sorry I missed this last night. I has been an interesting cruise. There is a large group of Dungeons and Dragons aboard. The costumes have been…..interesting. One young lady who has a dinner table nearby has been a cat and either a cow or a fawn. There was a group that were dressed as riverboat gamblers. It’s been fun to watch them.

We’re on Mariner, Captain announced we were docking at a different location so that another ship could use our spot. We saw Harmony leaving, I don’t remember when but thought it was a strange time to be leaving.

We’re also doing the b2b Norway and the Med on Anthem this July. Yes, it will be hot, but it’s hot in SC then too. We’re spending a couple of days in Portsmouth before since Dave is a big naval history buff. He was excited to learn we would be close to where the battle of Trafalgar was fought while we’re in the Med. We did an eastern Mediterranean cruise in 2013 and spent several days in Rome before.

Just got the same one for our September sailing on Adventure.

They eat and drink more/differently than they normally do. Not a virus or bacteria illness but overindulgence. Too much sun, booze and rich food.

There’s a big difference between watching the laggers run down the pier when you can see the gangway still out and laughing when someone actually misses the ship. I’ve chuckled at pier runners who can easily get back onboard. They usually just are panicking, maybe they’ll try to be earlier next time. I could never laugh at someone missing the ship, especially a family with children.

On Symphony now. Went to Falmouth instead of Labadee. No credit on our account.

We did our focus group today on Symphony. We had to sign an NDA, so I can’t really tell you what we discussed. (I want my $150!) I think I can say it was regarding a specialty dining idea for a future ship. I have seen mention of it in various articles, so I don’t think it’s a big secret. There were 12 of us and he mentioned he had other groups. This is the first time I have ever heard of them.

On symphony this week. Muster stations E1,2,3&4 were right by guest services. But there are LOTS of crew members who are happy to direct you.

Falmouth is not my favorite port, so I didn’t look at excursions. But I have heard people talking about what they were going to do, so there may have been some offered. I was just surprised by how many people stayed onboard. This cruise has been great so far, but I’m not sure I have ever seen so many teenagers. Not as many small children, but lots of teens. And in general, they have been quite well behaved.