Documenting the dream western caribbean 01/21-28/2012; the money monkey goes cruising

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[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]Riviera Deck Forward and Portside Features:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]This wide composite “mural” was on the forward wall facing the forward elevator lobby:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-006-P1030542.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Portside forward cargo hold with luggage carts:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-007-P1030548.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]This is something you don’t see on other decks, there was a slight rise in the floor:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-008-P1030552.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Portside crew-only hallway:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-009-P1030554.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Portside aft hold with luggage carts:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-010-P1030556.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Decorated stateroom door:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-011-P1030577.jpg[/IMG][/B][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][/FONT]

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[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]Riviera Deck Amidships Elevator Lobby and Ironing Room:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Port view of amidships elevator lobby:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-012-P1030580.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Portside amidships elevator lobby deck plan plaque:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-013-P1030664.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Aft and upward view of whimsical art on amidships staircase:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-014-P1030627.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE] [/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Aft view of amidships staircase:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-015-P1030575.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Inside the ironing room, starboard side aft across the hall from room 1411. The next ironing room is five decks up:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-016-P1030636.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Sink inside the ironing room:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-017-P1030637.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

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[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]Riviera Deck Aft Areas:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Starboard side hallway far aft; Crew-only exit:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-018-P1030639.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Crew-only exit above:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-019-P1030640.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward and upward view of the aft elevator lobby staircase:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-020-P1030633.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Port view of the aft elevator lobby:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-021-P1030643.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Far Aft side hall leading to a crew-only exit:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-022-P1030647.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]OUR FINAL HALLWAY SHOT? Forward view from the far aft port side:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-023-P1030674.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE] [/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I explored the Main and Riviera Decks Tuesday afternoon (Jan 24) and early evening when the ship was sailing at cruising speed. I did not feel any more or different motion on these decks than on the higher decks.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][/FONT]

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[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Final Shots on the Riviera Deck:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Mini-Towel Animal Art on the Carts[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]While exploring Deck 1, just after dinner on Tuesday the 24th, I noticed that a number of room steward carts had miniature versions of towel animal art on them. So I decided to take one more look around and get pictures of the mini-critters.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]A real cute mini-lambie:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-024-P1030656.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]A trunk-less elephant?[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-025-P1030660.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]A google-eyed elephant or an ape?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-026-P1030665.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]A mini-frog?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/Riviera%20Deck%2001/01-027-P1030673.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]


[CENTER][B][B][FONT=Arial][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]This concludes the Public Access Decks on the [I]Dream[/I]. The final chapter of Documenting the Ship will be the Behind the Fun Tour.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][/CENTER]
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[CENTER][B][FONT=Arial][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]NEXT: [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][/CENTER]


[CENTER][B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]DOCUMENTING THE TRIP: CHAPTER 7: [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B][/CENTER]


[CENTER][B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2012[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B][/CENTER]


[CENTER][B][B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6][B][COLOR=blue]SUNRISE[/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue] ON THE LAST DAY AT SEA[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/CENTER]

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[CENTER][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]DOCUMENTING THE TRIP: CHAPTER 7: [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/CENTER]
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[SIZE=6][/SIZE][CENTER][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2012[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/CENTER]


[FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/B][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][B][COLOR=blue]SUNRISE[/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue] ON THE LAST DAY AT SEA[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=5] [/SIZE]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]First: The Final Fun Times of the Voyage: Friday January 27, 2012[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/FT01272012PG1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/FT01272012PG2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/FT01272012PG3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/FT01272012PG4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/FT01272012PG5.jpg[/IMG]

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[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]In The Room Before Going Forward...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A small correction before we move on: Fran bought the Aztec Calendar t-shirt for me at Costa Maya.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]According to the Fun Times, sunrise was at 7:21, so I again had a 6:30 AM wake up call. In due course after that we would have to catch breakfast and then go to the Song Lounge (portside of the Upper Dream Street Promenade) on the Promenade Deck just forward of the Burgundy Lounge.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]On one of the info channels, the cruise director was giving a canned presentation on how to get ready for the next days debarkation. This was on a continuous loop.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Gary Brierly – Get ready to Move Along Presentation. 6:53AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050518.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Another screen shot from the presentation. 6:58AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050521.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Speaking of Sail and Sign Card, here’s ours after 7 days of use. 7:00 AM:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050523.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Our position has us “flying over” Cuba. Looks like a distance of 15 miles at this point. The speed is near 22 knots; just zipping along…[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Our position. 7:01 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050524.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I head forward to my usual perch on the forward observation deck.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward hall, the light is coming through the porthole. 7:03 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050533.jpg[/IMG][/B][/B][/FONT][/FONT]

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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue][B]Pre-Sunrise:[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=#0000ff][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]First view, forward and to the east in the pre-sunrise light. 7:03 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[SIZE=5][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050534.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Great colors a few minutes later. 7:07 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050547.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]View to Starboard of CUBA. 7:12 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050555.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Sunrise is just minutes away. 7:13 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050556.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]This is with a different camera setting (low light)[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Sunrise is just a minute away. 7:20 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050564.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Sunrise is just seconds away. 7:21 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050567.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
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[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]SUNRISE![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]SUNRISE! 7:21 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050568.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7:21 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050570.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]7:21 AM:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050572.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7:22 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050576.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Telephoto shot. 7:22 AM:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050580.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Telephoto shot. 7:23 AM:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050588.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
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[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]The Sun is Up...And we have a neighbor...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7:24 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050592.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7:26 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050598.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7:28 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050603.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]The sun is up. 7:40 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050617.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]We had a neighbor, a cargo ship. 7:42 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050622.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Close-up of the cargo ship. 7:42 AM:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Last%20Sea%20Day/P1050619.jpg[/IMG][/B][/B]


[B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Shortly after 8:00 I was back in the room. Our position was a few miles east of the last time I looked.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B]

[B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Fran was ready. We had to be in the Song by 8:45. We decided to go to the Scarlett Dining room for breakfast. We could not have any cameras or recording devices on the Tour, therefore, I have no pictures taken during the rest of the morning. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B]

[B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We were seated at a six-top, but only had time to get some fruit and our drinks by the time we had to leave for the tour. At 8:40 we left the Scarlet and went upstairs to the Song.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B]

[CENTER][B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]WE INTERUPT THIS CHAPTER OF DOCUMENTING THE TRIP TO BRING YOU THE FINAL CHAPTER OF DOCUMENTING THE SHIP![/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B][/CENTER]


[CENTER][B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]TOMORROW: DOCUMENTING THE SHIP: THE FINAL CHAPTER (18):[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/CENTER]
[/B]

[CENTER][B][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]THE BEHIND THE FUN TOUR![/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/B][/CENTER]

[/FONT][/FONT]

[Pennyscandy]

Picture postcards of the sunrise. Just beautiful. Loved getting a peek of Cuba. Your teaser about the ambulance, you promised an answer in the Behind the Scenes Tour.

[sabhoy]

Ray,
What ya gonna do with all of your upcoming free time?

[radrayjax]

[quote name='sabhoy']Ray,
What ya gonna do with all of your upcoming free time?[/quote]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]I have a 3-hour eco-cruise this Saturday on the St. Johns River about 100 miles SW from Jax.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Next week I'm going to a large coin show in Baltimore and when I come home I have to do my taxes.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]I have to start research for my next numismatic presentation later this year.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Then...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[radrayjax]

[quote name='Pennyscandy']Picture postcards of the sunrise. Just beautiful. Loved getting a peek of Cuba. Your teaser about the ambulance, you promised an answer in the Behind the Scenes Tour.[/quote]


[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][B]Thanks again. [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][B]I haven't forgotten. The tour has been written up, I just have to insert appropriate photos in the appropriate places....[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[radrayjax]

[CENTER][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]DOCUMENTING THE SHIP: CHAPTER 18:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/CENTER]


[CENTER][B][U][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]BEHIND THE FUN TOUR:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/B][/CENTER]


[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Because cameras weren’t allowed I took extensive notes. 21 pages of notes. Don’t get too excited. Here is a typical page:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/NOTESPAGE.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]


[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]I can’t get too much on a page when I’m writing while standing up and walking…Don’t worry about reading the above scan; it’s all in here.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[COLOR=blue][B][FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]Since we couldn’t have cameras, this will be the most text-heavy chapter; but, not to fear, I still have plenty of photos to incorporated, even if they weren’t taken during the tour. The timing of this chapter, and the need to get all of the prior chapters in DOCUMENTING THE SHIP out of the way was no coincidence. I said early on that by the time I discuss the tour, we would have already travelled through all of the public areas of the ship and that I would use photos of those areas whenever we traversed through them as part of the tour.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]For other areas, such as crew stairwells, or areas near the life boats, I will use photos SIMILAR too the actual places. If you’ve seen one white and blue crew stair well, you’ve seen them all.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]Here is a tour description flyer given to us earlier in the week:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B]
[/COLOR]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/TOURDESCRIPTION.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]


[B][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff][B][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue]Pre-Tour Briefing and Breakfast:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]

[COLOR=#0000ff][B][FONT=Times New Roman][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]From the Scarlet Restaurant we went up two flights of stairs to the Song and arrived about 8:50. [/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Entrance to the Song Lounge:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-001-P1050818.jpg[/IMG][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B][B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4]We turned in our tour tickets. [/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/B][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-004-P1010920.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]


[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]They had a set up of coffee, hot water for tea, water, juice and Danish and muffins. The tables were set up in front of the band stand.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]

[B][SIZE=3][B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Bandstand in the Song Lounge. Refreshments set up in front of bandstand:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]
[B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-002-P1040601.jpg[/IMG][/B]

[B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I had two chocolate muffins. Fran had a cheese Danish. We sat in the chairs on the right above, near the bandstand[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]

[B][B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Sixteen people were present. They gave us a lanyard with a hard plastic Behind the Scene Fun Pass. We would be allowed to keep the lanyard. They also gave us a flyer of Fun Facts about the ship.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][/B]
[/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT]
[/FONT][/COLOR]

[radrayjax]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue][B]Behind the Fun Tour Handout:[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/TOURHANDOUTPG1.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/TOURHANDOUTPG2.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/TOURHANDOUTPG3.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/TOURHANDOUTPG4.jpg[/IMG]

[radrayjax]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=blue][B]Pre-tour Briefing Continued...[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=#0000ff][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Most of the people sat in these chairs in front of the bar:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-003-P1050805.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Our tour guides were Monica from Romania and Estina from Zimbabwe, who were lead trainers. We would be going to the main galley first, which connects the Crimson and Scarlet Dining rooms on the Lobby Deck (3). Over 100 people work in the galley. On deck 0 there is a separate crew galley, crew mess, and staff mess.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Monica noted that the [I]Dream[/I] has a crew complement of 1350. About 60-90 people (about 5%) rotate off every week. Later during the tour someone asked if the crew complement has changed since the ship went into service about three years ago. She said that the complement has been the same.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]There are 63 nationalities working on the [I]Dream[/I] and more than 90 nationalities represented fleet wide. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]She noted that we would not be going to the engine room, we would be going to the engine [I]control[/I] room. We also would not be seeing a crew cabin.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 9:05 we were wanded by security, looking for cameras and cell phones. One jamoke had a cell phone and it was placed in Monica’s backpack.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[SIZE=4][/SIZE][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]The Tour Begins:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 9:09 we started walking, down one flight of stairs to the Scarlet dining room upper tier on the Atlantic Deck (04). [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Aft staircase from the Promenade Deck:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-005-P1040606.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Aft view of upper tier of the Scarlet Restaurant:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-006-P1030838.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Then we went through a set of double doors and down an escalator into the main galley. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward Starboard corner prep area in the Scarlet. Escalators to the left of this area:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-007-P1030843.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Escalator leading to main galley. This escalator was in the Crimson forward, but is identical to the escalator in the Scarlet, aft:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-008-CRIMSONESCALATOR.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We went past the cooking and line area and into a room with five large 60-gallon soup pots. We were met by chief cook Rahal Kharnat who described the workings of the galley.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We went to a melon carving station, where a cook was carving a watermelon. It takes about 15-20 minutes to carve a melon. At 9:20 we posed for a group photo in the galley.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Group shot in galley. Fran and I are 2nd and 3rd from left in the front row (not counting the melon). Chief Cook Rahal Kharnat is to the right of the middle melon:[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/GALLEY.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]


[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]145 people work in the main galley. At a pick-up line there were photos of meat preparations so the servers would know which pick-up station to use for which meat course. The kitchen crew works 10-hour shifts.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We then proceeded to the dessert area and there were trays of snacks set up: Croissants, Danish, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate covered strawberries (CCS). Needless to say the CCS were a big hit. At the dessert prep area one crew member was icing a yellow cake. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]

[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Chocolate Covered Strawberry. Shot taken later in the day:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]
[B][B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-009-P1050704.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B][/B]


[/FONT][/B]

[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]

[/FONT]

[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Deck 0 and I-95...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]We then went through a fast-revolving steel door and past the entrance to the Scarlett Dining Room. We then went down five flights of stairs to Deck 0. [/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Bottom of stairs on Deck 0:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-010-P1030545.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]On Deck 0, view towards bottom of stairs:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-011-P1020713.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 9:30 we went to the main store room located in the aft of the ship. We were at I-95, the longest hallway, connecting the ships services the full length of the ship. Deck 0 is still just above sea level.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]On Deck 0, a portion of I-95:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-012-P1050115.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 9:32 we were met by Elton from the Philippines, the manager of the storage area. The [I]Dream[/I] takes on between $1.3M and $1.6M of deliveries a week. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We then went slightly forward to a chilled room, the Bar Stores: Alcohol and sodas. The bar stores contain up to 17 containers, each container equals 21 pallets. If the ship has to purchase bar goods outside the US, it MUST use them or dispose of them before making port in the US. If not, USDA inspectors will charge the ship $5000.00 per CASE of liquor purchased outside the US.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue]At 9:45 we proceeded slightly forward to the frozen food and ice cream freezer. I wish I could say this was my favorite part of the ship but the room is kept at -10[/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman Bold]o[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue] Fahrenheit. We don’t do -10[/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman Bold]o[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue] Fahrenheit in Florida. EVER. There were two ice sculptures in the freezer, one looked like the Indian Chief that was carved a few days earlier. Forty-nine 3-gallon tubs of vanilla were kept in the freezer.[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]After only a couple of CHILLY minutes, we proceeded forward to the Potato Prep Room. It is a very tiny room manned by only one crew member. He processes 1900-3000 lbs/day of potatoes. He uses two machines to peel the potatoes, but he must do the various sliced, carved preparations by hand.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Next we saw the vegetable and fruit prep room, where three people were at work.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue]At 9:50 we went to the meat prep freezer. This was maintained at an even colder -20[/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman Bold]o[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue] Fahrenheit. Sixty percent of the meat taken on board is pre-cut.[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Immediately after the meat prep room we went to the environmental, recycling room. Contrary to what you might expect where waste water was being converted the room was CLEAN and had NO smell. Slightly forward in this area were large shredders for card board. I noticed on the wall behind one of the crewmen a calendar from FOO HO Chinese Restaurant in St. Maarten.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 9:55 we arrived at the Engine Control Room. This is located approximately at amidships (midpoint between the fore an aft sections of the ship). This room had 9 large 42” screens to monitor ships functions. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]The Ship has six engines capable of 42,000 HP each. Most of the time, only five engines are engaged. Each engine consumes 650 gal of fuel per hour – 3250 for five engines. The ship has a 4 million gallon capacity or about 2 weeks under full power.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]The ship has two 70 foot-diameter props, each with three blades. The ship uses 240,000 gallons of distilled water per day in the boilers. The ship has 15’ stabilizers. It can achieve 24knts max speed with an average of 20-22 knots cruising speed. [On Friday we were pushing beyond 22konts to get back to Port Canaveral.]. The boilers operate at 1100C. The ECR is on the port side of the ship.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]The Engineers rotate 4 month on and 2 months off.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 10:11 we went just forward of the Engine Control Room to the marshalling area for luggage. This is the widest area in the ship. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 10:13 we were forward a little more to the crew lounge, which included a bar. There were three port holes in this room and I could see just how [U]close[/U] to sea level we appeared. We took a break here for refreshments and juice. The lounge is on the starboard side of the ship.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Monica told us that the trainers rotated six months on and six weeks off. She also gave us a small break down on some of the crew/staff complement: 25 Canadians, 42 Romanians, 40 South Africans, and 35 Americans. Most of the Americans work in the entertainment division.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:22: We arrived in the staff mess which was just forward of the crew lounge. The staff mess is also on the starboard side of the ship. It has an internet hub (not free). [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:27: We saw the crew mess and 10:30 we walked through the crew galley, considerably smaller than the main galley above.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:31: We were at the staff mess (this serves officers and department heads) which has seating for 150-200 people. This room had mostly 6-top round tables.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:35-10:50: We went forward to the training room/learning center. We sat here for a few minutes and had a Q&A session with Monica.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: Entertainment, stage crew, and comedians eat in the staff dining room. Staff are considered officers or crew with guest area privileges. Crew are people in operations, housekeeping, maintenance.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Junior officers eat in the Staff Dining room. Examples of junior officers include: Senior Joiner, 1st Boson, Chief of Security, Fire Chief, chiefs of technical departments.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: All crew are paid in US Dollars.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: Crew shifts are a maximum of 10 hours. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: 100% of the crew must speak English.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: The typical learning curve for a new crew member to learn his/her way around the ship is about a week.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Crew member must pay their own way to and from home. Carnival will pay for managements’ travel to and from home.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]More on crew complement breakdown: 260 Indonesians, 199 Filipinos, 150 Indians.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Q: Why are the top engineers and bridge crew always Italian? A: The first Carnival Ship, the [I]Mardi Gras[/I] (1972), was an Italian ship. Many of the top officers also come from Croatia.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: Monica travels (not by boat!) during her vacations. Besides going home to Romania, she likes to visit France and more of Europe.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: 1/3 of the crew rotates breaks at each port.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: All drinking water is filtered.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A: Many crew are married (spouse on board) or are couples.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Someone mentioned the recent TV show expose’ that said the crew were engaged in wild abandoned parties below decks. Monica’s eye brows shot up at that one and she laughed. Essentially: NOT HERE![/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]
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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Deck B and the Laundry Areas....[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:50: We started forward and the down two flights of stairs to Deck B to the main laundry. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Typical Crew Stairs:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-013-P1010903.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]10:52: At the laundry we were introduced to the manager, Nanan, from Indonesia. There are 25 laundry personnel, ALL from Indonesia. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]In the main washing and pressing area there were seven 450-lb capacity washers with three 150-lb capacity compartments. There were five dryers with 250-lb capacity. The dryers had a fast 25-min cycle because they ran on steam from the engine room.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]There were two 3-meter wide (approx. 10 foot) linen presses. Each press requires two men to feed it and at maximum speed they can feed up to 700 sheets per hour. It was exhausting just to watch them work that fast! The presses cost about $1M each. On the other side of the presses was a folding machine that creates five folds.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:00: We arrived at the dry cleaning room. This has smaller capacity machines (similar to a neighborhood dry cleaning store since) this handles clothing and everything is more delicate. There were three 15-lb capacity dry cleaning machines, three 60-lb capacity washers, and 3 15-lb capacity dryers. There were four custom pressing machines that were hand operated.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Nanan demonstrated a vertical pants presser that puts in creases and applies steam. There was also a vertical jacket pressing machine. He allowed Fran to step on a pedal of the jacket pressing machine.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:05: We continued forward past the medical center, through a set of wide vertical “shades”.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward view of I-95 on Deck 0, the Medical Center is on the left (portside):[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-014-P1020563.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Port view of the Medical Center, Deck 0 forward:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-015-P1020564.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward view: Vertical shades leading to crew-only area, Deck 0 forward:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-016-P1020565.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]This was also forward of the forward elevators and hatch where passengers debark on port excursions. We went to the morgue and brig, which were on the starboard side down a fairly narrow hallway. The morgue has only three shelves. The brig can only hold one passenger at a time. For most cases a passenger will be confined to his/her cabin under “house arrest.” [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Immediately forward and around a corner was the crew laundry which was fairly small. Around the corner from the crew laundry, now on the port side was the crew gym[/SIZE]. [/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Narrow crew hallway, similar to the one from the morgue to the laundry, Deck 0 forward:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-017-P1030546.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:12: There was a brief discussion of crew’s quarters. Typical cabin has two bunk beds with storage under the beds. They have there own bathroom and small fridge. The TV’s include DVD players and DVD rentals are available on board.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]
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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Lobby Deck, Behind the Stage...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:15: We went three flights up on the forward stairs to the Lobby Deck (3). Behind the stage in the Encore Lounge we met Cory, the dance captain.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward view of stage in the Encore Lounge:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-018-P1050421.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]


[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Cory is from the US. He is in charge of all of the shows. We were in the girl’s dressing room. There were 750 different costumes, 150 hats and wigs, 300 pairs of shoes. All told the costumes cost $1M. Each item was numbered to the user so that a specific performer could quickly match up to her or his costume on the fly. Individual dancers are responsible for their own costume maintenance and repair. The dancers must dress themselves.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Carnival has invested $5M in new dancing/entertainment fleet wide. Some of the shows are heading more toward the Cirque du Solei type of entertainment.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Cory noted that one dancer was injured yesterday (at while the ship was at port at Costa Maya) and left on an ambulance. [Mystery of the ambulance solved.][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Q&A: Dancers must practice for two hours everyday. The Encore is closed from 12:00-2:00PM[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Shows rotate and sets are customized to fit each ship’s stage.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]The dance captain stays with a ship for two-three years.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]11:28: We went up to the Encore Lounge stage and met with Ramsey, the technical manager.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Aft view from the stage in the Encore Lounge:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=blue]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-019-P1050425.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]


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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Atlantic Deck, Beyond the Lifeboats...To the BOW...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:30: We exited the encore just to the aft and port and went upstairs to the Atlantic deck. We then exited the through the port-side crew-only doors to the life boat exterior deck. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Exit doors just aft of the Encore Lounge:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-020-P1010520.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward lifeboats on the Atlantic Deck:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-021-P1010522.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Area forward of the lifeboats, near the bow of the ship:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial]
[/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-022-P1010525.jpg[/IMG][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]We went forward and around a bend to the very bow of the ship.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]Here was the ships bell itself.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]The bow of the ship, as seen from the Promenade Deck (5):[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-023-P1050869.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]The ship’s bell, as seen from the Promenade Deck (5):[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-024-P1050871.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Close-up of the ship’s bell, as seen from the Promenade Deck (5):[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[/COLOR][/FONT][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-025-P1050872.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]On the way to the Bridge...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:31: We could look straight up to the navigation bridge on the Verandah Deck (8).[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]The bridge as seen from the Upper Deck (6):[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-026-P1040309.jpg[/IMG]


[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:35: The group went back inside to forward elevators. In two groups of 8 we went up to the Verandah Deck. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward elevator lobby on the Verandah Deck:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-027-1010229.jpg[/IMG]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:40: Everybody was now on the Verandah Deck and we walked forward along the starboard side (odd numbered rooms) to the door leading to the navigation bridge. We entered and made a right turn and were on the bridge![/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Forward view of starboard hallway on the Verandah Deck:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-028-P1010226.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Starboard side doorway leading to the bridge:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-029-P1010235.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]View through porthole above on the starboard side doorway leading to the bridge:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-030-P1010234.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial]
[B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]View of detailed charts on the forward wall of the hallway behind the Bridge:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-031-P1010240.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]We’re on the Bridge...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:41: We’re on the bridge and introduced to Luigi the 2nd Officer in charge of navigation. He showed us the tiny physical lever and controls. The steering joystick for the giant ship in not much larger than a joystick for a video console. He also showed us the two radars.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][SIZE=4][FONT=Times New Roman]11:45: On the radar he pointed out a nearby ship, the [I]Tropic Allure[/I], that was going to the Cayman Islands. He then pointed out the communications station on the port side of the bridge and the starboard navigation/control station. Far to port was the pilot/mooring station. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Starboard Navigation/Control Station:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-032-P1040339.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Arial]
[B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Port Pilot Navigation/Mooring Station:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-033-P1030074.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][SIZE=3][SIZE=4][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]11:50: Luigi discussed the use of the thruster propeller and in the lateral mode through the joy stick. Below, on the floor was a window to see directly below the bridge and see the docks. [/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman]At this station they also use two large screen monitors to see the sides of the ship.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Upward view of the Port Pilot Navigation/Mooring Station; window in floor:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-034-P1050873.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:52: Captain Massimo Marino arrives. He was born in 1958, joined Carnival in 1983, and achieved the rank of Captain in 1997.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]We had a Q&A:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I tried to pin him down on an exact number of docking in Roatan in the last year. Of the 26 bi-weekly attempts to dock, how many did the ship actually make. He wouldn’t give me a direct answer. He only said that from May to December (hurricane season) we are able to doc fairly often. From December to May, we get more easterly winds over 20 knots and can not dock. This seemed counter-intuitive to me. I would think that hurricane season would be worse.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I also asked him how close do we get to Cuba and the answer was that we don’t approach closer than 12 miles.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]Someone asked about a 20 inch gong on the rear wall. It was a fog gong.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]11:57: We posed for the group shot with the captain by the port pilot station. The photographer took three shots.[/SIZE] [/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=black]Group shot on the bridge with the captain:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BRIDGEWITHCAPTAIN.jpg[/IMG][/B]
[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I then asked the captain, reminding him of my request to get a shot down the length of the bridge and he said okay. I briefly instructed the photographer how to line it up and he took the shot.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]A little aside on this “Money Shot:” The other two posed shots were delivered to our cabin that afternoon. The BRIDGE shot was not among them. I was disappointed. However, Monica personally delivered this shot to us at 7:00PM. NO ONE else got this photo! [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]I confirmed that the next day when I met one of the other “tourists” in the Gathering during the final breakfast. He can be seen in the above photo behind and between Fran and the captain. We talked about the photo and he confirmed that no one else got one.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=black]The unique “Money Shot” of the bridge:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BRIDGE.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]The Chefs Art Steakhouse...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:03: We leave the bridge and walked all the way aft down the starboard hallway to the aft elevators.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman]

[B][COLOR=blue][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Aft view of the starboard hallway after leaving the bridge:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=blue]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-035-P1010233.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:07: We’re at the aft elevators and in two groups of 8 we ascend to the Spa Deck (12) to the Chef’s Art Steak house. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Starboard entrance to the Chef’s Art Steakhouse:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-036-P1010685.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]
[B][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:09: We enter the Chefs Art and go forward to the galley.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward view of counter, outer grill area at the Steakhouse:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-037-P1010639.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial]
[B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward view of the Galley of the Chef’s Art Steakhouse:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]
[B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-038-P1010653-CHEFGALLEY.jpg[/IMG][/B]

[B][FONT=Arial]
[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:11: In the galley, Augustine, the assistant head talks about the Chef’s Art. There are 144 cooks on the [I]Dream[/I] but only six in the steakhouse. Meat is cut and vacuum packed so it is wet aged. The meat is aged for 14-28 days. Only USDA Prime is used but only 2% is from Canada and the U.S.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]The meat is fast to cook and is juicy and tender according to Augustine. The Chef’s Art uses 1400 pounds a week [I thought that number sounded very low.].[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At the end of his presentation he gave us soap carvings of a Pegasus.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Pegasus soap carving:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-039-P1050696.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:18: We left the galley and sat at tables on the port side. They gave us juice and champagne.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]
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[B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Forward view of portside tables. I sat near where the man is standing:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]
[B][B][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-040-P1010642.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/B]


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[radrayjax]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]A survey and Gifts...End of Tour...[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]12:20: We were given a short survey to fill out. At this time they presented up with other gifts:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]


[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]A sling bag/backpack:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-041-P1050694.jpg[/IMG]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]And a Behind the FUN hat: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[B][FONT=Arial][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-042-P1050698.jpg[/IMG][/FONT][/B]


[B][FONT=Arial][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]BTW, where I come from FUN stands for Florida United Numismatists and I’ve been a member for over 40 years. In early February I went to a coin show in Ocala (about a 5 hour round trip from Jacksonville) and I KNEW someone would comment on the hat. One of the dealers at the show and his wife are on the board of FUN. In fact, he is the editor of the quarterly magazine, [I]Fun Topics[/I]. He asked where I got the hat and said he could use TEN of them.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Arial][B][B][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]We kept the lanyard and also got a ALL for Fun wrist band: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][/B][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][B][IMG]http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg621/Radrayjax/01-27-2012%20Behind%20the%20Fun%20Tour/BFT-043-P1050700.jpg[/IMG][/B][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]At 12:28 we returned to the room and I spent the next few minutes photographing the loot.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=5]Tour Summation:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4]As cheap as I am I felt that the tour was a good value (including the photos and other goodies) because it was an effective summation to my intensive study of the ship. If someone had approached this tour as a casual “just something to do to blow away half of the last sea day” kind of thing, then it might not be as worth while.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B]


[CENTER][B][B][COLOR=blue][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=6]NEXT: CONTINUING DOCUMENTING THE TRIP CHAPTER 7[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/B][/CENTER]

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