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Calamity Jane's Carnival Freedom 12-13-14; Shrimp, Seuss and Say It Isn't So

Delta Dear

By Delta Dear,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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Here we go again. Those who know me know that the nickname Calamity Jane means there is always an adventure on our cruises. We are Jane, 72, and Morgan, (Captain Morgan,) 76, from near Dover, Delaware. This is our 6th cruise since our first cruise in 2008, our fifth on Carnival. It occurred to me that some of my review may not be something you quite relate to, but it may provide some insight for if and when you cruise with parents or grandparents. No matter what our age and stage, we continue to love Carnival, All For Fun and Fun For All. This cruise was no exception.

 

There is lots of background for you before we get into the heart of the cruise itself. After returning from out last cruise in March, 2013 on the Breeze, Morgan said he was finished with cruising and never wanted to cruise again. He was just not feeling well on that cruise. It was only one week before the scheduled removal of his thyroid, so I think he was physically worn out due to the condition. The surgery was successful; they only had to remove one side of his thyroid so all was well.

 

I love cruising and was broken hearted to hear he did not want to cruise again. But wait, not so fast my friend, let’s fast forward to winter, 2014 in Delaware. We didn’t have a lot of snow, but was it ever cold. As luck would have it, Morgan uttered the, “C,” word twice in January; One day he said, “I sure would like to be on a cruise right now.” Another day he said something about how relaxing cruising is. That was all my little ears, hearing aids and all, needed to hear.

 

I immediately emailed my trusty travel agent and told her I wanted to book a cruise right away before the $50.00 deposit sale ended on 1/30/14. YES, cruise booked for the Freedom, 12-13-14 sailing. Did I share the good news, NO I DID NOT, at least not until Valentine’s Day.

 

I decided that Morgan might object to the idea if I told him right away so instead I made up a Power Point Presentation to break it to him in a way he couldn’t resist. Pictures are worth a thousand words, you know. On Valentine’s evening, I gave him a sweet card about our wonderful journey through life. (We have been married for 46 years.) I underlined the word, JOURNEY. Then, I gave him a card with a ship on the sea that said, “Bon Voyage.” As soon as he saw the ship, he said, “OK, where are we going ?” I handed him my iPad with the Power Point all cued up. He watched and said, “Ok, we’ll go.” YES !!! Go, Jane, GO !

 

Hold down the Control and click to see the Power Point. Jane's Top 10 Freedom.pptx

Edited by Help@
removed agent info
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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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If anyone can tell me how to include my Power Point, I would appreciate it.

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch. WARNING: If you are prone to whiplash, be very careful. This review will be filled with things that will make you just want to share your head and say, "Mmm, Mmm, Mmm."

 

There were so many challenges before the actual cruise I began to worry that we might not go after all. Morgan had a series of problems with his legs due to the poor circulation issues he has. There were numerous visits to doctors, emergency rooms, and so forth. But, he had no problems the weeks before the trip.

 

We were packed and on our way to Fort Lauderdale on Thurs. Dec. 11. At our ages, we need a little down time between modes of transportation. We allowed a day and a half just to rest and relax. We stayed at the Hyatt Place near the port. Somehow, our extra day turned out to be anything other than relaxing.

 

You see, Morgan who, is an insulin-dependent diabetic did not pack as many insulin pens as he had out on the table when I saw him gathering his supplies. I discovered that on Friday when I handed him his things. He packed only two insulin pens.

 

We spent most of Friday on the telephone with Walgreens in DE and various Walgreens in FLL in order to get an emergency refill of insulin pens. After lots of frustration with Walgreens and with taxi cabs, we finally obtained the two boxes with five pens in each box about 5 hours after our discovery that we needed them.

 

Let me just add that in Dec., 2012, this same husband and I had to cut a visit with his cousin who lives in Belize. a WEEK short because he did not take enough of his injectable insulin that trip. Can you say, FLASHBACK ?

 

A head shake or two go here.

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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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We met my good friend and sorority sister, Dona (from Albany, NY,) on Friday night for a Pre-Cruise dinner at Bimini Boatyard, then Saturday we were up bright and early for our trip to the port. Our son, John who lives in Hollywood, FL had been out of town was back just in time to take us to the port.

 

IMG_0624_zpsf59cf9d4.jpg

 

IMG_0640_zpsf711292a.jpg

 

This is the close up view of the shirts that Morgan, Dona and I wore that day. My crazy capris are a tradition. I've worn them on every Carnival Embarkation Day, I think.

 

cruiseshirtcountonus_zps302051b0.jpg

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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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Since our TA had advised us that Faster To The Fun would be a good plan for us, we were at the port by 10:30. Lynn and her husband were already onboard because they were doing a Back 2 Back.

 

Lynn texted us to tell us that customs was extremely slow in clearing the ship so we might have quite a wait. We did. Just as we arrived at the lounge area for Diamond, Platinum and FTTF, they moved us to a boarding area where we waited and waited and waited. Finally, about 11:50, we were on board. YAY.

 

We were greeted at the entrance to the Atrium by Lynn and Dennis. (Lynn accidently blew her surprise that they were cruising with us about a week before the cruise when she told a Facebook friend they were doing a B2B on the Freedom.)

 

IMG_0625_zps0726f2c9.jpg

 

It worked out well, however because when they boarded on 12-6-14, she called me to advise me that the gangway was so steep, my arthritic knees would appreciate using a wheel chair just as Morgan always does.

 

We went right to our cabin, 9279 which was wonderful. Now, I am not only a balcony snob, but now I have become a Lido Deck snob and a FTTF snob. I hope to always have that triple treat whenever I cruise.

 

Captain Morgan always strikes this pose the minute our cabin door opens. Let the cruise begin.

 

IMG_0135_zps0c101d34.jpg

 

That's it for tonight, folks. I'll be back tomorrow with more.

Edited by Help@
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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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I love it when I figure out some techie solutions on my own. I converted the Power Point slides to jpeg, then uploaded them in Photobucket. I hope you will enjoy the slides. When I gave this to Morgan it was a slideshow of course.

 

Slide1_zpsc2f57a9c.jpg

 

Slide2_zpsb002e4ec.jpg

 

Slide3_zps69166227.jpg

 

Slide4_zps5684fa44.jpg

 

Slide5_zps2c0b730a.jpg

 

Slide6_zpsffac9a37.jpg

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Delta Dear

Delta Dear

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Finally, the last three slides. Yes, I know, this is dragging out the review, but I thought I was pretty convincing with this little trick up my sleeve. I was making Morgan an offer he could NOT refuse.

 

Slide22_zpsd08e53db.jpg

 

Slide21_zps3dff7d82.jpg

 

Slide23_zpsb58af5f0.jpg

 

And as they say, "The rest is history!"

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NCTribeFan

NCTribeFan

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Jane! This is great. I guess I really should get busy and actually finish my review, since I sailed two weeks before you!! I've just had a lot to do since I got back (work and home and now the holidays).

 

Looking forward to reading your thoughts of the ship. We had different itineraries but I want to see what you thought of your ports.

 

I'll keep writing as I wait for you to keep posting! :D

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Kacot

Kacot

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Looking forward to more. Tell the Captain I can relate to thyroid issues. I had TT in winter of 2012, resulting in long term damage. That winter was sooooo long and swore to myself to never spend another whole winter in northern NH without a sunny break to somewhere warm. Last year we went on a NCL cruise to western Caribbean and even though I was very tired and drained we loved it. Booked on Freedom for 1/18. Can't wait.

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jbhcw

jbhcw

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Your Power Point was awesome...I also have a reluctant husband who has decided he'd rather stay home:) I have talked him into a shortie this winter...5 days on the Fascination....close to us...he also won't fly...

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review:)

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petesweet

petesweet

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Finally, the last three slides. Yes, I know, this is dragging out the review, but I thought I was pretty convincing with this little trick up my sleeve. I was making Morgan an offer he could NOT refuse.

 

 

And as they say, "The rest is history!"

 

Absolutely delightful! What a neat couple you are!!

 

Kathy

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