New Year's on the Explorer + An Added 5 Nights ~ 12/27 and 1/4 ~ My Diary

[The Big Booper]

Gorgeous deep blue sky on some of the shots. Do you have a polarizing filter? Cir-Pl?

 

I prefer Labadee by far. No tendering. We always take the tram down to Columbus at the very end. Lots of shade and close to the BBQ, soda shack and the bathrooms. Plus a great view of the ship.

 

Keep the review coming. We all appreciate it.

[melk71]

Enjoying your report, great details!

 

We were actually sitting right next to you on Coco Cay!! We were to your right (as you are facing the water). For the most part it was just me, relaxing and reading my book as my 3 daughters went parasailing with my husband. But I recognized the spot...and the picture of the roaming chicken, haha!

 

I agree, it was such a beautiful beach day, just lovely. We stayed in that spot through lunchtime then the kids wanted to explore a bit more so we moved down to Barefoot Beach. But honestly, I enjoyed that original spot we had a lot more.

 

I am now scouring your pictures to see if I can spot any of us!

 

ETA: I don't know if you witnessed this but I wasn't at our chairs but my two teen daughters were there(18 & 17). They ordered Coco Locos from the man walking around with them. He proceeded to pour in the rum, then asked for their cards. He took one look and said "Hey, I can't give you these!" Then gave them some virgin ones. Nice try, girls ;)

Edited January 28, 2015 by melk71

[maxs mom]

Jane - Love your Coco Cay photos. Yes, for this trip the weather and water were terrific. The week prior, the air temp was just a few degrees cooler but the water was TOOOO cold.

 

We must have walked past your chairs several times. Next time I'll look out for the clips.

 

We stopped in at the party but soon after we got there they ran out of Coco Locos, and places to sit. I had a bite to eat because I am not a fan of the standard BBQ. I usually get something back on board later in the day.

 

Fred said the snorkeling was very good. I just took a few dips in the water.

 

Hey - thanks for posting the informal Meet & Great photo.

 

We never bothered visiting the CL in the evening. Looks crowded from your photo. We usually had a drink at the pub. Great people watching there.

 

 

Marci

 

PS - you look lovely in the gold and white dress.

m

 

Thanks, Marci!

 

The CL was just slightly crowded this week. We never had any problems getting a seat. We've met the greatest folks in there over the years......some have become lifelong friends!

 

Even though the food was cold on CC, I still enjoyed it. But they really do need to figure out how to keep things warm.

[maxs mom]

Years ago I loved CocoCay, but now, I prefer Labadee!

We will be there, next Monday, and a friend of our TA Doris, got a Cabana (everybody will share the price) and Bill told me that he would like to go! That will be the first time, in a long, long time!!!

Let's hope so!

Your photo are beautiful, thank you for sharing.... Still waiting for the feet shot:)

PS: are we going to Labadee in Dec? Maybe we can get a Cabana and maybe Bill will go!!! ;)

 

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Franca

 

Oh...that is so great that Bill will go!! He will like it......I know!! Yes....we will definitely do that in December.

[maxs mom]

[/size]]Jane' date='

 

I want to be you when I grow up! :)

 

Thanks for sharing your journeys with us!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

LOL!! You are so welcome!

[maxs mom]

I can't believe how many loungers were empty. The only time we were in Coco Cay it was jammed with people. You couldn't move. After checking out the buffet we headed back to the ship which was so much more relaxing than Coco Cay.

 

Yes.....both private islands were that way.....so very pleasant!! We've been in Labadee with two ships and that was miserable!!

[maxs mom]

Yes, the seagulls on coco cay are really aggressive. Last time e were there two small boys had just sat down to enjoy their hot dog. One turned his head looking I expect for his parents. As gull swooped down and took that hot dog right off his plate and flew away with it.

 

I believe it! It's incredible and was a little bit scary when they were all swarming right next to us!

[maxs mom]

Gorgeous deep blue sky on some of the shots. Do you have a polarizing filter? Cir-Pl?

 

I prefer Labadee by far. No tendering. We always take the tram down to Columbus at the very end. Lots of shade and close to the BBQ, soda shack and the bathrooms. Plus a great view of the ship.

 

Keep the review coming. We all appreciate it.

 

Thanks, Dave!

 

Labadee always wins for me, too, but today was such a perfect beach day. Coco Cay was amazing that day!

[maxs mom]

Enjoying your report, great details!

 

We were actually sitting right next to you on Coco Cay!! We were to your right (as you are facing the water). For the most part it was just me, relaxing and reading my book as my 3 daughters went parasailing with my husband. But I recognized the spot...and the picture of the roaming chicken, haha!

 

I agree, it was such a beautiful beach day, just lovely. We stayed in that spot through lunchtime then the kids wanted to explore a bit more so we moved down to Barefoot Beach. But honestly, I enjoyed that original spot we had a lot more.

 

I am now scouring your pictures to see if I can spot any of us!

 

ETA: I don't know if you witnessed this but I wasn't at our chairs but my two teen daughters were there(18 & 17). They ordered Coco Locos from the man walking around with them. He proceeded to pour in the rum, then asked for their cards. He took one look and said "Hey, I can't give you these!" Then gave them some virgin ones. Nice try, girls ;)

 

That is so cool that you were sitting next to us. It's a shame we didn't know. Good try, girls!!;)

[wallis7219]

Jane your cruise reviews always put smiles on our faces!

 

We NEED to cruise with you guys again sometime! Those New Years Eve pics brought happy Memories back! ;)

 

NOW one thing that I think is missing from this cruise in review!!! Where are your infamous Toes!!!!:eek::eek:

 

Both You and John are looking great, retirement and cruising suits you both!

 

Cheers

Gary

[maxs mom]

Jane your cruise reviews always put smiles on our faces!

 

We NEED to cruise with you guys again sometime! Those New Years Eve pics brought happy Memories back! ;)

 

NOW one thing that I think is missing from this cruise in review!!! Where are your infamous Toes!!!!:eek::eek:

 

Both You and John are looking great, retirement and cruising suits you both!

 

Cheers

Gary

 

Gary!! Another wonderful cruise buddy heard from!!! You are right.....we must cruise together again! And that New Year's Eve a few years back was soooo fun!!! You guys are the best!

 

I thought I had a couple of toe shots already, but I'll see what I can do.

[BillOh]

 

You might just have to someday post a picture of John not smiling, just so we know your not doing a "weekend at Bernie's" thing.

Edited January 28, 2015 by BillOh

[maxs mom]

You might just have to someday post a picture of John not smiling, just so we know your not doing a "weekend at Bernie's" thing.

 

That's hilarious!!!

[maxs mom]

Getting back to the ship fairly early means......a great rest and relaxation time in the afternoon.

 

We met up with everyone in the CL and had some nice conversation. Margaret, our new friend from the UK, always orders a drink called a Peach Bellini......very good. I enjoyed a few of these myself.

 

 

Dinner was in My Time. We were shown to our same table from last cruise where we met up again with Eric and Dwayne......our super wait staff duo! It was Italian night. I did not try anything new. I got what I always do....Insalata Mista and Lasagna. Al ordered the pork entrée and it looked very good.

 

 

For dessert I ordered two of the flourless chocolate cake pieces off the sampler dessert. I didn't want the other stuff, so this was perfect.

 

 

We all headed for the casino after dinner. Al loves to play poker so we lose him at this point. I found a quarter slot that looked interesting so I put $20 in and I hit something that paid out 300 quarters, so I ended up walking out with $91. I was happy. John was not so lucky and lost his evening's allotment BUT....he won a t shirt in the Spin to Win machine. I haven't won anything in that machine in forever.

 

 

Back to the cabin after that.

[maxs mom]

Tuesday ~ January 6, 2015 ` At Sea

 

Very happy to have this sea day today! The CL was very quiet and peaceful this morning and I got some journal writing done while sipping my coffee.

 

Breakfast was crowded and again, very slow. But we weren't in any hurry. We sat with all new people today.....some wanted to talk and others didn't.

 

I was good today and went to the gym after breakfast. It was not busy.

 

I met John in the library and tried to set up an internet account......very frustrating on this ship! I got it set up, but instead of 60 minutes.....I only got 2!!!! I then had to go to Guest Services. They said I would have to buy it and then they would take it off the bill. That was a little annoying! So I just went on to the Promenade, got some tea, and read some more.

 

Lots of shopping going on today.

 

 

Before lunch today we received a call about eating at the Captain's Table with Michael Zubal, the Executive Head of Housekeeping. Dinner would be at 6 o'clock!!!! Do people eat that early???!!!! So we went on to lunch early so that we would be hungry that night.

 

There was a line at the ice cream machine this afternoon!

 

 

We just relaxed in the afternoon. I read a lot and really got into this new book I was reading. Of course that was done on the balcony with a little ice cream. So nice!!

 

 

We had to start getting ready a little earlier for this early dinner. It was formal night. We met in the Aquarium Bar for drinks at 5:45. Michael was absolutely delightful. We knew one Pinnacle couple already from a past cruise. Rose and Carlo also joined us and that was great. Patti Martinez was the other staff member at the table. She was head of Adventure Ocean. I sat next to her and we had a great conversation.

 

 

 

[maxs mom]

They made a picture of our table this week:

 

 

There were so many Pinnacle folks on this sailing that I'm surprised that they had time for us. This was very nice. We both had a delicious filet. I was looking for that big lobster tail, but it wasn't on the menu tonight. The entire table was fun to talk to and we had a nice evening.

 

 

We were done with dinner by 8 o'clock, so we had time to visit with our friends in the CL. Kind of different to eat dinner first THEN go to the Lounge! I joined Margaret in a Peach Bellini this evening. She's turned many a cruiser on to that drink. It IS good!

 

 

We enjoyed the CL tonight even though it was a short amount of time.

 

 

 

This is Gusti....this week's bartender. He was good but very quiet!

 

[maxs mom]

John went to get out of his tux.....then we went to the casino. I played three machines and ended up winning abut $53.00. John hit $100 on a Wheel of Fortune machine. We were happy.....so we headed to the theater thinking we would catch the end of the show and stay for the Love and Marriage Show.

 

It was standing room only. I saw two seats on the end of a row, but a man sitting there wouldn't let us sit down! Well!

 

So we went up to the Schooner Bar and just sat there for a few minutes. The show seemed to be winding down, so we went back to the theater. John wanted me to take a picture of something.....and it was then that I noticed......I didn't have my camera!!! Uh oh! Oh crap! We retraced our steps....through the Schooner Bar and back to those three machines in the casino. I felt sure I had put the camera down while I was playing the slots and it just had to be there. NO! We went back to the cabin, but it wasn't there. Next stop was Guest Services and it wasn't there.

 

I ran into Denzil and he called GS again and told me to go back down there and fill out some kind of form.....which I did. Since Denzil called them.....they gave me some attention. They called the casino and told me to go back there and see the casino manager. But the people in the cash out place wouldn't let me see him. Sooooo.....I traipse back up to GS.....and Rodney.....the guy I had been dealing with.....went back to the casino with me. He found the casino manager who promptly went back over the surveillance tapes. Good idea!! In the meantime John was walking all over the casino looking for someone walking around with it!

 

In about 10 minutes, the CM came out to say he couldn't see anything but me playing the machines. About that time, Rodney from GS came running up to us with the camera in hand. A bar waitress in the Schooner Bar found it and took it to GS when she had a break!! Whew!!! That was a relief!!!! This is a picture of Rodney and a lady that was also playing the machines at the same time and she helped us look for it.

 

 

We were totally spent by this time and went on to bed! We turned the clocks back an hour before going to bed.

 

 

We were very thankful for all the help we finally received in looking for the camera. I had to go to the Schooner Bar and give the waitress that found it a big hug!!

[cruisegirl1]

Jane - glad you found the camera. We use an address label on ours. Of course anyone who wants the camera can take the label off, but if an honest person finds it, you have a good chance of getting it back.

 

One camera has sort of a home screen so I took a photo of our name and cell number and that pops up as soon as the camera is turned on.

 

It was a lucky day for you. Casino win, nice dinner and camera found!

 

Marci

[CRUISEMAMI]

WOW, what a relief that you found your camera!

 

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Franca

[The Big Booper]

The first picture on the memory card should be a title pic - name address tel # etc. Plus if the camera has a small internal memory when no memory card is inserted take a picture of the title card.

 

Good it was found.

[PinnacleRCCL]

Jane

 

My 1st post ever on CC.

We all love remembering our cruise on the Explorer thru your eyes. Matthew pointed out the picture you took of both he and Brian on the Promenade---very nice of you.

 

We are booked on the Adventure for end of March----but after that----I think we'll be sailing on "Freedom Class or bigger" from now on. We enjoy all our cruises....however....the bigger ships are newer/cleaner and have more options for the boys...i.e......the "circle pool" Brian loves on Deck 11. The Explorer was wonderful....but it is in need of some "TLC" to bring it more in line with what we expect from RCCL.

 

Hello to John and let him know that next time they hold our Gatorade on Deck 1.....I'm calling the HD and have him take care of it. Not going to let it ruin my 1st day again.

 

Your Far Hills, NJ Family

[maxs mom]

Jane

 

My 1st post ever on CC.

We all love remembering our cruise on the Explorer thru your eyes. Matthew pointed out the picture you took of both he and Brian on the Promenade---very nice of you.

 

We are booked on the Adventure for end of March----but after that----I think we'll be sailing on "Freedom Class or bigger" from now on. We enjoy all our cruises....however....the bigger ships are newer/cleaner and have more options for the boys...i.e......the "circle pool" Brian loves on Deck 11. The Explorer was wonderful....but it is in need of some "TLC" to bring it more in line with what we expect from RCCL.

 

Hello to John and let him know that next time they hold our Gatorade on Deck 1.....I'm calling the HD and have him take care of it. Not going to let it ruin my 1st day again.

 

Your Far Hills, NJ Family

 

Oh, Joe!!!!! I am so honored that you posted!!! I'm proud of you. You guys are just the best!! Glad to have shared another cruise with you all and hope to again one of these days!

 

I'm sure the refurb will do wonders for the Explorer. Wish we could see her all shined up and looking like new.

 

Again.....so glad you posted. Give my love to Jackie, Matthew, and Brian.

[maxs mom]

Wednesday ~ January 7, 2015 ~ Cozumel

 

Another beautiful day! Up early today and got down to breakfast soon after they opened. We sat with all new people today.....all from Florida. A couple of Carnival ships and the Vision docked with us at the International Pier.

 

 

We got off the ship around 9 and at the end of the pier, we had to walk by a couple of dogs. They said they were looking for fruit......among other things, I'm sure. My bag passed, but they wanted to look through John's for some reason.

 

 

 

We, then went on out to the taxis......there was absolutely no one in line, so I didn't have a chance to find anyone to share with. But they took the two of us right away. Looks like taxi rates have increased here.

 

In Cozumel.....we always go to Nachi Cocom. We've been going here for years and years!! It is an all inclusive that you have to make reservations for. It's $55 per person for all you can eat and drink for the day. They only allow 100 people in on any given day, so that keeps it from getting too crowded. They have a wonderful and large pool, swim up bar, and beautiful beach.

 

 

We got out there fairly quickly and were among the first to arrive. We got a great spot on the beach near the pool and under a palapa. I rented one of their floats for $7 and put it in my chair. That made it nice and comfy....and of course I loved having the float for hanging out in the water.

 

Our spot:

 

 

Great pool!

 

[maxs mom]

It could not have been any nicer!! AND....there were only about 40 people there all day! NICE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph was our waiter for the day. We enjoyed a few Pacificos, our favorite Mexican beer.

 

[maxs mom]

We had some chips and spicy salsa for a morning snack.

 

 

We went out for a swim a few times and the water was perfect.

 

 

 

For lunch, I had some crispy chicken tacos and they were wonderful! I also had a delicious fruit platter. I didn't get dessert today......I drank that later!!

 

 

John had hot dogs!!

 

 

I had a mudslide for dessert!!

 

We met a nice family from Indiana and we shared a taxi back to the ship with them.