"LIVE" from the Mariner 01-16-05

[over the edge]

Radio, thank you SO much for the wonderful pictures and day by day review. I wake up every morning anticipating what news you will give us of your day. I can't wait to get to the computer to see what you have for us! I hope you are feeling better tonight! You can be sure that we are all sending good thoughts your way. I have one favour to ask when you are feeling like getting up and around. Would you please inquire about the wine package for the week. I am interested in the price of the 7 bottle package, one for each night. I look forward to reading your next post and I hope that it tells us that you are back on your feet and enjoying every minute of your cruise. Thanks again for adding enjoyment and warmth to our very cold days at home!! :)

[Radio]

Hello Everyone ! We left Ocho Rios today at about 5Pm and are on our way to Georgetown, Grand Cayman (262 mi). The weather today stayed pleasant, with no rain, calm wind and about 80f and Partly cloudy.

 

I really hope that whatever hit me yesterday never hits again ! I was in bad shape. I didn't eat from noon yesterday until about 2PM today. The captain has announced that there have been many complaints of stomach/ gastrointestinal concerns this week and has suggested that any passenger with a concern of there own should go to the infirmary on Deck1 for complimentary treatment. There are many announcements throughout the day suggesting that everyone wash, wash, wash their hands often. They have install several hand sanitizers at the entrance to the Windjammer for entering passengers to use.

 

I left the ship today at about 9AM and walked over to Island Village. I know, I know its not thr real Jamaica, but it Has 3 things about that I like...Very Clean, Very freindly, and close to the ship..... I love going to Margaritaville, and I picked up a local paper at the News Stand. It's intresting for me to read how the locals see the world. The casino that used to be in Island Village has moved downtown. There was live music in several areas of Island village. The price of Jamaican Blue Mtn coffee varies greatly between $12 and $20/LB. ialso went over to the Ocean Village resort Beach, east of the ship. It was very clean, and the folks there were friendly, The admission was $1.

The Taj Mahal shopping area is only a few blocks away, there are many deals in there, but I didn't like the pressure for the reps

I'm thinking that next time I might try to rent a car and explore on my own...

 

Tonight there is alot going on...The Love and Marriage Show, The Ice Show(Ice Under The Big Top starring Dmitry Kalinin), a Caribbean Summer Breeze beach Party, another movie in the ScreeningRoom (Hildalgo).

 

We should be in Grand Cayman tomorrow at about 8AM...there should be alot of other ships there as well. Today HAL's Westerdam was also in Ocho Rios, tied up at the James Bond Pier.

 

Thanks to all of the encouragement in regard to my sickness yesterday.( I'm feeling much better now, but it's still there. If it's not gone by tomorrow, I will go to the infirmary as suggested. Thanks Again to all ;)

 

Captain Johnny will be on Mariner until June. I will try to find out about the wine and dine package also... I've put dozens of pics on my Cruise Photo Page.....But here are a few from today.

 

Radio

 

 

Mariner in Ocho Rios

 

Margaritaville

 

 

 

Island Village

 

 

 

Westerdam

 

[Jacquelyn11]

Maybe you got to spend some time on your balcony! I'm not sure if you answered this or not but which cabin number are you in?

 

I hope you find GC in good shape. Let us know how they have recovered or not after last Sept storms.

 

Looking forward to your next installment!

 

Jacquelyn :D

[Radio]

Maybe you got to spend some time on your balcony! I'm not sure if you answered this or not but which cabin number are you in?

I hope you find GC in good shape. Let us know how they have recovered or not after last Sept storms.

Looking forward to your next installment!

Jacquelyn :D

 

Thanks Jacquelyn, I'm in Cabin 7240....Great location...right near the elevator and steps.

 

Radio

;) ;)

[Jacquelyn11]

We have D1 Cabin 9320 for our 5/22 Western sailing of the Mariner. How is the traffic/noise being near the elevator? I love this location and have never had problems with it before, but just wanted to know what your experience with this has been.

 

Also, don't know if you do the Bingo or not, but I've read they do an "Upgrade your Cabin" bingo as one of the first ones, that gets you into a suite. Did you notice when this was?

 

Hope you are enjoying your evening!!

 

Jacquelyn :D

[nixxhome]

Radio...keep up the great work! hope you are feeling better. Can you tell me if the butterfly farm on cayman is back up and running yet...Ivan caused a shut down...Thank you! nick

[jblair]

Pamssanity-There is a specific thread for the 1/30 sailing of the MOS. If you are interested let me know and I will give you the link. There seem to be a lot of fun people corresponding on it so far and it just keeps picking up steam!

[KathieKata]

RADIO********** RADIO********** RADIO**********

If it's not gone by tomorrow, I will go to the infirmary as suggested

You might think twice about going to the INFIRMARY!! They might quarantine you to your CABIN! Go to the gift shop and see if they have something for your stomach. Pepto Bismol or Imodium AD.

 

Good luck.

[ziggydaddy]

Hey Radio

 

We where on the Mariner two weeks ago she is great. It was our second time on her. Who is your waiter?

[jblair]

KathyKata-IS THAT TRUE????? Do they do that? If that's the case, I would error on the side of caution and visit the on-ship pharmacy. That's the last thing I would want when sailing, to be confined to my room! Thanks for the warning.

[Radio]

Hello everyone ! Last night, they had the Crown and Anchor repeaters party, I was able to speak with Captain Johnny before the party...and he was pleasant as ever. He announced that the pool area on the Freedom of the Seas, would be very big, like a Water Park...however he has not seen the plans or drawings yet.

 

The Ice Show in Studio B was excellent as usual. This continues to be the "Don't Miss" event of the cruise. I've learned that Simeon Baker (CD) has been very sick, and that is why he hasn't been seen or heard this week. His assistant, has been handling his responsibilities. The Loyalty Ambassador, Lynn Ngo is also the future cruise consultant has been seen throughout the ship and is very knowlegable. She was also at our Meet and Mingle party on Monday.

 

The Love and Marriage show was also held last night...The participants were very funny, however the Host was't the best.

 

Tonight will be the last night of Ice Under the Big Top at Studio B. The production Show will be "Pure Energy" and 80's tribute. 70's Disco hour will be in the Dragon's Lair at 1AM, and the second Formal Night is being held tonight.

 

Today's in room movies will be "Miracle" on ch20 and "Raising Helen" on Ch 21. The movie in the Screening room will be "Cold Mountain"

 

We should leave Grand Cayman today for a short trip to Cozumel (330 mi)

 

Here are a few pics from yesterday....

 

Radio

;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ocean Boy]

The best part about the picture of Westerdam is it reminds me how pretty RCI ships are in comparison! :)

[emmy]

Good Morning Radio.... as usual great pictures and commentary. Loved the picture of you and Captain Johnny... did he mention if he was going to be the Captain of the new Freedom?

 

Enjoy the rest of the cruise....your post is ALMOST like being back on Mariner.

 

Great work!!!

 

Emmy

[pamssanity]

Jblair-- thanks for the info-- please let me know where the thread is-- only 11 days til sailing-- I'm so excited.

[pamssanity]

Radio--Thanks againb for the great pictures. I am living in anticipation of my 1/30 cruise-- first ever and your pictures are making the Mariner feel like an old friend. Hope the "bug" has left you-- just wnet out and bouth a month's supply of Imodium, just in case and everything else there was to possibly need LOL.

 

Keep the pictures coming-- love seeing them. Hope you're enjoying the day--Pamssanity from NJ

[N.FL Cruisers]

Jblair-- thanks for the info-- please let me know where the thread is-- only 11 days til sailing-- I'm so excited.

 

Hello - here is the link that Jblair told you about. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=15866&page=20&pp=25\

 

 

Come on over everyones welcome!

[SHELLLEYS]

Radio,

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to send all the wonderful pictures and sending us all the info on the Mariner. We are sailing on her in April and your pictures are getting me so excited. I really anticipate your daily posts!! Thank you so much! Hope you are feeling better, prayers are with you. Did you ever hear or see anything about the $50/day alcohol package??

[MackMasterson]

Radio,

 

Awesome Job!! Can't wait to sail the Mariner in May!!!

[Radio]

Radio,

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to send all the wonderful pictures and sending us all the info on the Mariner. We are sailing on her in April and your pictures are getting me so excited. I really anticipate your daily posts!! Thank you so much! Hope you are feeling better, prayers are with you. Did you ever hear or see anything about the $50/day alcohol package??

 

I asked at several bars and at the Guest Services desk, and they said they have never heard of it. Maybe it has only started on one ship for now...I will try and check with the F/B manager at the Diamond Party....tonight.

 

Thanks...

 

Radio

;) ;)

[pmfan]

Could you please tell us about the menus for lunch and dinner in the dining room? I have been hearing a lot about the "new menus". Did they change the menus? If so, could you post the new one? Thank for for your time

[pinkrosesdeb]

Radio, so jealous you are onboard again. We have 79 days to wait! Thanks for letting us live vicariously thru you. We love that ship! Did you find embarkation to be easier this time as far as traffic? Deb

[joand452]

Radio, Thank you so much for your reports and the pictures. We'll be on her in April (along with PinkRosesDeb) and can't wait.

[kruz]

Hey Pinkroses!!! I get back on board this Sunday and then again in April!

You must be sailing out the week before us? Oh no...we still have 90 something days so you must be at the beginning of the month!

Have a wonderful time!

[ArcticZ]

Radio thanks for the reports!! I look forward to ready your posting, i'm going on mariner at the end of february and can't wait.

One question, i thought i've read before that they stated closing off the the very front of the bow at night?? Is this true? On EOS i like going to the front where all the benchs are around sit there late at night. I hope there not tieing it off when it gets really dark out. Thought that area is very dark. thxs again keep the post coming...

[Radio]

Radio, so jealous you are onboard again. We have 79 days to wait! Thanks for letting us live vicariously thru you. We love that ship! Did you find embarkation to be easier this time as far as traffic? Deb

 

The traffic was not bad at all this time...I arrived at the port at about 9:45AM and parked my car ...I checked my luggage and went in to the terminal at about 10AM.

 

You will have a great cruise !

 

Radio

;) ;)