Jim_Iain

The slots have been good to me. Took the photo last night then realized I still had the final cash out of $700 still in my pocket. Slots on Solstice have been really tight. You are immediately locked out when pull cash off room charge until you play (not win or loose) 50% of the withdrawal. To make it easy. plus’s the amount I skimmed off for my pocket. Shhh don’t tell Iain. Must be my commission.

What a beautiful morning. I'm up sipping a a cup of coffee.... I'm going to miss the coffee machine in our room next week. We will be in a Celebrity Suite next cruise. Luckily Iain will be able to take his Tea Kettle with him. By the way the Royal on Solstice only has a Coffee Maker but we had requested a tea kettle and our every wish has been granted. The sun is up and the seas are as smooth as glass. I was surprised when I went out to take a picture that the temperatures are already are already HOT. We are approaching the equator and tomorrow, well at least we are having the Neptune Party tomorrow. Time for all newbies to Kiss the Fish. We are currently at -.3.75339 S / -166.73630 W sailing on a north westerly course

I agree ---- I've been a real 6itch complaining about little things ----- Back to Glass 3/4 full instead of 1/4 empty.

Yes --- Yesterday became today.....

LOL --- OK Bill... I was think they were treating you well Upstairs in the Penthouse and felt like we were downstairs in the service area like Downton Abbey. At least you revealed that the beautiful chocolate selection was fro SilverSea - What a treat. Looking forward to our first SilverSea experience. I would say that is more that a small difference between the two cruise line. I have a feeling they may just get consumed at sea instead of bringing them home for baking.

I have to say that Solstice has has brought back the joy of cruising with Celebrity. While many things have changed the ship the staff and the officers are outstanding. I was thinking this morning of how many things we are grateful for and the joy I have to spend such quality time with Iain while at sea. Even though I was noting things like Spread instead of butter and less expensive chocolates ---it really doesn't matter. I should have added --- at home we eat Canola Spread instead of butter and we never eat the chocolates anyway. Iain always brings them home and uses them for cooking or for treats for the kids. I also have to add that we have met so many nice people on this cruise. So many from Cruise Critics have come up to us and introduced themselves. It is so much fun to put a face and a real name against a handle.

Celebrity continues to advertise as a PREMIUM CRUISE LINE then replaces butter in OVC with a spread and cut pillow chocolates to 50% size - 4.5 grams. Really how do they dream thing up like this.

Today we were honored with a wonder Zenit Lunch. There are 26 aboard this cruise. Mario is the perfect host and had a Trivia competition. Each Zenith introduced themselves and they you had to answer a Yes / No question about Solstice. IF WRONG you temporary had to give up your Zenith card. team Iain - Jim and Val - Amy won and were presented with Metals.

Had a birthday dinner with Bill and Linda. Sine Linda’s birthday was the 19th she got 2 Birthdays this year.

More sunsets for our departure.

The market was pretty quiet when we visited. IMG_4209.mov

We decided to skip taking a tour and just did a bit of touring on our own. Pago Pago is full of Governmental building but we may have just not found much of interest. The majority of the shopping was in a small market and covered stall area. The currency of American Samoa is the US Dollar.

Yesterday we arrived in American Samoa. We were awaken around 7:00 AM by loud drumming and chanting. The port put on a big welcome.

The lay down business class seats have really made a huge difference. However I can remember back in time when First Class International seats were only slightly larger than domestic first class.

Finished up a short video of Apia -

It was really nice to wander around the ship at twilight.

Last night had incredible sunsets. The sunset bar was packed. Love how it changes constantly.

Not the biggest on visiting the obligatory church stops of most tours. But did find some good photo ops. While beautiful the temps were in the 90’s and 100% humidity in the equatorial intense sun. Definitely staying hydrated is important.

We started out in small busses with about 20 per bus. They had a convoy of about 12 busses that arrived at each place at the same time. Would have been less chaotic had they staggered the busses

Today’s tour. Let’s see how accurate the description is. Indulge your senses with the pristine natural beauty of Upolu during this scenic, half-day tour of the island's northeast coast. Depart the pier for a picturesque drive along the northeast coast of Upolu. Along the way, you will pass through local villages that still observe a traditional lifestyle. Your first stop is at Falefa Village for photo stop at the Cathedral. Continuing on to the Falefa Waterfall and Estuary, a former trading post for locals and whalers in the early 1800s. The return trip will be made via the same coastal road. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Maalaauli Gardens, which features an abundance of native and tropical plants, flowers and fruits. Included are specimens found in the bird of paradise family, along with ginger, axoria heliconia, ylangylang, papaya, guava, star fruit, pineapple and mang. During your visit, you will be served local fruit, bottled water and coconuts and see demonstrations of coconut tree climbing, husking, grating and preparing fresh coconut cream. Afterward, you will rejoin your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Thanks... it is a great cruise... It is nice to visits new cultures you have only heard of. It makes you appreciate the diversity of the world and at times grateful for how well we have it ourselves.