Havana Daydreamin Back 2 Back on Serenade NOLA "LIVE"

[pranay]

Great Review!! I should be joining you on Saturday, however, I'm debating even flying to NO if my cabin is impacted. Has guest services or anyone informed passengers about the damaged cabins or which ones they might be? I know many CC posters have mentioned forward cabins, but I just read a CC poster who had a mid-ship room that was denied boarding. If you haven't heard anything, do you by any chance know someone on the boat currently I can contact by phone/email? Any help is appreciated - Thanks! Hopefully I get to see you typing away next week :/

Edited January 27, 2015 by pranay

[Havana Daydreamin]

You certainly will! :D. Thank you very much!

 

One possible glitch that may have already been addressed or rectified depending on the itinerary reversal, but if you are first porting in Nassau, then to Coco Cay, you may find that upon return to Key West you will first have to clear customs and immigration. :eek: I'm writing because you're live blogging and thought you should plan on potential delays debarking in Key West. Hopefully, the itinerary will extend the time in port to compensate (we're on the same itinerary on 7-14 March as you were supposed to have prior to the difficulties and we port in Key West at 1100 but must be on board NLT 1630). Good luck!

 

VR,

 

T Lex

 

Yup, that is pretty standard action. One time we actually had immigration on board the ship that we had to see first before ever leaving the ship.

 

Last time, but that was a few years back....we are currently reviewing how long it might have been.....we just had to go past immigration before getting off the dock and then back onto the dock before getting on the ship.

 

It was rather painless at that time except for those who were not ready to have documentation to return to the ship.

 

Thanks for the heads up....AND maybe a reminder to be extra ready.

 

Just checking in before heading to dinner.

 

Will be posting tonight live from the balcony of our cabin. We have a great view to watch excitement coming back to the ships.

 

Disney Magic just left. I believe that Carnival Sensation is gone as well.

 

So the pier belongs exclusively to Royal Caribbean at the moment.

 

We were pleased to have the surprise to dock beside Enchantment of the Seas as that was not listed on the Cruise Time Table events.

 

We had and enjoyable afternoon and look forward to a relaxing evening as wel.

 

Later all!

[Havana Daydreamin]

Today, Nassau prepared to give us its best greeting. Well, I don't know if it was really the best as there were several other ships who also hoped for the best greeting.

 

We did have a surprise in that Enchantment of the Seas was in port also.

 

As usually the lighthouse on the point stood sentinel and watched as the captain and pilot expertly avoided any undo contact with other objects.

 

 

As eager as each passenger was to get onto the Serenade last Saturday, I would appear that there are also many eager to explore what Nassau has to offer or at least to observe the goings on.

 

 

We were one of the eager ones to get onto land, as we had a three-fold agenda on the plate for the afternoon. We decided it would be a nice time to get a picture of the balcony to our cabin. As I was going to take a picture, it sure looks like someone must know us as they were waving fondly!

 

 

I know that some are not fond of walking into the terminal. It is a long walk. It is easy to intimidated by the eager tour operators and carriage ride operators and taxis and "Braid your hair lady?" and come in and see my things for sale/they are real cheap and whatever else you have encounter.

 

These did not deter us in our mission as we smoothly navigated through it all.

 

We did note the remodeling of the terminal as well as many stores in the waterfront businesses.

 

Someone asked about the free wifi in the terminal. I did not see anything that gave indication of it at this time. I did see many places into the port area that had wifi available.

 

Once through we walked the few blocks to Graycliff where we observed their chocolate shop and eventually their cigar shop and factory. They had really changed things up since the last time we were there and the changes were met with approval by both Barbara and myself.

 

Upon successful selections of several sticks to be placed in my humidor for later, we ventured back down the hill pleased to have accomplished our 1st agenda item.

 

We had our first cracked conch in Nassau years ago, when food vendors would be set up along the pier. We did not choose to go to the Fish Fry and were figuring that we would not enjoy cracked conch.

 

To our surprise, at Nassau's only downtown Hookah Lounch we saw a menu board with cracked conch. The outdoor dining was clean and pleasant so we took a seat and enjoyed some Kalik while we waited for our cracked conch snack serving.

 

 

This was a bonus on the day!

 

Agenda item #2 that we had planned on was to brave the straw market. This we did, walking up one side quickly and down the other as quickly feeling a bit overwhelmed. We were not disappointed because this is just not a place for us but satisfied that we had gone through just a part of it.

 

We then went on to Agenda item #3 - Table side prepared conch salad. That is up next.

[Havana Daydreamin]

We went from the Straw Market to a more familiar surrounding than the straw market or even a Hookah Lounge.

 

"What is a Hookah?", you may ask. I gave my best explanation that I would think of is that it was a waterpipe. That did not seem to help much either. So we decided to look it up later, which we did. While I connect the Hookah to drug usage, it can be used for other legitimate items.

 

Still, we found plenty to stand against the use of such a device. You may do what we did and refer to a CDC back sheet. YES -- Can you believe it!!!?? - The CDC has a fact sheet on Hookahs - Smoking & Tobacco Use.

 

I think I will just stick with my cigars.

 

We ventured to a more familiar chain known as Señor Frogs where a couple or so years ago we learned of conch salad with my Sister and her husband.

 

This is ordered off the menu and a cart is pushed to your table where an individual prepares the conch....removing it from its shell, preparing it for consumption by a person, and then it is served ceviche style. It is very delightful! We highly recommend it. We did not use much of the chips as it seemed to overpower the conch salad.

 

I include a few prep pictures and the finished product. YUMMO!!!! Try it next time you are at Señor Frogs in Nassau.

 

 



 

 



 

[Havana Daydreamin]

As you can tell, I like to take pictures. I do enjoy the walk toward the town from the pier and especially like the tower and terminal buildings. They seem iconic of Nassau from a ships passenger perspective. So I thought I would throw them out for fun.

 

Day & Night....you can see what I mean.

 



 

[Havana Daydreamin]

With that, I think I will call it a day

 

AND

 

Turn in for the night.

 

Even as much as I would like to stay awake for "pier runners" I think I would like some nice shuteye better.

 

Later all! Thanks for checking in and virtually sailing with us.

[Ander026]

Thanks for the review. My guess is that Enchantment missed Coco Cay today and went straight to Nassau and will be there till Wednesday 1130pm.

 

Glad that you are having a great time on the cruise. I will be on the Serenade in December when it comes to FLL.

[janabelle61]

As I say on pretty much a daily basis......

 

YAHOO!!!!

 

The beautiful Serenade of the Seas has come into port!

 

Enjoy the sights as I did.

 

 

My heart just stopped! Counting the 73 days until we see the site you so kindly shared :)

 

Having never sailed on the Serenade, I'll be following along. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us!

[Havana Daydreamin]

An early morning view out our cabin window was our sailing partner, the Majesty of the Seas. We fondly remember Majesty as our very first cruise and also the ship upon which we returned to become Diamond Crown & Anchor Society level. We also sailed on her with my sister and brother in law and had an exceptional time doing this very same itinerary during what I seem to remember as Tropical Storm Paula (Maybe it was a different named storm, but this seems to be what I remember at the moment.)

 

 

Once again, Cafe Latte-tudes has been our friend as both Barbara and I had a double espresso. I think it is time for another.

 

 

We are going ashore for a bit today. Temp forecast is 69. With a breeze it might be a bit chilly. But I expect there may be a little toes in the water and (well you know what) in the sand.

 

Our agenda besides exquisite relaxation and views is to check out jet ski information for our youngest daughter and her new husband as they hope to make this stop on their honeymoon cruise next month. Of course, there may just be a moment for some daydreamin once again.

[Havana Daydreamin]

 



 



 

[Havana Daydreamin]

As can happen with regularity at Coco Cay, we just were notified that the winds from the north combined with the swells toward the island make it impossible to tender today. Hence, Coco Cay stop is cancelled and we will have a sea day.

 

I have always known that the water is shallow thus making any bounce in the ship not a good thing. Also, it becomes dangerous for tendering.

 

Majesty has to deliver emergency parts to the island and is having a very difficult time maintaining position according to the Hotel Director who indicated she had been on the bridge for the last couple of hours.

 

I did learn today that the winds from the north make this more so on this particular island stop.

[Havana Daydreamin]

The Hotel Director indicated her hopes that all would be ready for the ship to be full next week. That said, hopes and realities are two different things as we all know.

 

The crew has been working hard to make this possible.

 

Hoping all the new guests will be able to make it aboard on Saturday! Keep your contact for RCL available for breaking news for next week.

[stones902]

The Hotel Director indicated her hopes that all would be ready for the ship to be full next week. That said, hopes and realities are two different things as we all know.

 

 

 

The crew has been working hard to make this possible.

 

 

 

Hoping all the new guests will be able to make it aboard on Saturday! Keep your contact for RCL available for breaking news for next week.

 

 

That's good to know. We are booked on the Feb 14 sailing with a group occupying 5 cabins. Hoping plans are not scuttled. Thanks for the update and sorry you are missing Coco Cay today.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[NightOne]

Do you ever go to the casino? I was wondering how those slot, poker, and blackjack tournaments worked and what your experience (if any) was with any of those? (or casino in general)

 

Thanks

[armadillo]

Do you ever go to the casino? I was wondering how those slot, poker, and blackjack tournaments worked and what your experience (if any) was with any of those? (or casino in general)

 

Thanks

 

I live in the casino. I play craps most the time, but do all the slot tournaments and will play slots to pass the time. For tournaments you pay a flat fee, roughly $25 and you take a turn with others at a bank of slot machines, the highest scores move on to the next round until a winner is announced. Usually takes less than an hour, but fun!

 

In the passed I ah e gotten groups together to do a slot pull also. Where everyone puts in a set amt, $15 or $20 and we pick a machine and take turns pulling the handle, pushing the button, whatever. There's usually a lot of cheering and maybe a little drinking going on too. Lots of fun for a group!

[Kay C]

The Hotel Director indicated her hopes that all would be ready for the ship to be full next week. That said, hopes and realities are two different things as we all know.

 

The crew has been working hard to make this possible.

 

Hoping all the new guests will be able to make it aboard on Saturday! Keep your contact for RCL available for breaking news for next week.

 

Got a little wave of panic when I read this....Don't we all hope the sailing on Jan 31 is full!:eek:

[Havana Daydreamin]

Do you ever go to the casino? I was wondering how those slot, poker, and blackjack tournaments worked and what your experience (if any) was with any of those? (or casino in general)

 

Thanks

 

I am sorry, I do not have any experience in the casino. That just is not my cup of tea, so to speak.

 

So, I cannot help much in that regard.:confused:

[Havana Daydreamin]

Got a little wave of panic when I read this....Don't we all hope the sailing on Jan 31 is full!:eek:

 

 

Sorry!:D

 

I would not be surprised to have all the cabins functional for the 31st. I just repeated what she said with the proviso that we have learned what "hope to" and reality has been this week.

 

All in all this has been a very enjoyable cruise. It is our very first time missing Coco Cay. It is the reason that Enchantment was in Nassau as the wind has been unfavorable for the last several days.

 

I guess that explains a bit of the chill that is in the air with a northerly wind. If in the wind, with temps at 66- 68 F, a light jacket feels quite comfy. Still, we are on the balcony enjoying Jimmy Buffet tunes and the sight of the sea.

 

The sea is rather calm, with Captain Anders reporting 3 - 6 feet on the seas. We have slowed to a crawl this afternoon. At noon, we were around 245 miles from Key West.

 

Arrival to Key West tomorrow is projected to be around 7 AM. I don't know how long we will be in port or where we will actually be docking tomorrow with the change of schedule.

 

You can check the Key West webcams for that I guess tomorrow morning and know about as much as I will at that time.

 

Easy plans for us tomorrow. A little wandering around again. Revisiting the end of A1A at mile marker 0, enjoying some local flavors chief among which will be the Conch Republic Seafood Co. where we will enjoy what is likely the last oysters on our vacation. We enjoy the ambiance watching the fishing boats. Probably some Key Lime pie at Kermits. Maybe some beverages at Capt. Tony's and of course a brief visit to Margaritaville and browse the T Shirts.

 

The rest we will leave up to mood and opportunity.

 

Later all! Hope your day is good wherever you may be!

[stones902]

Sorry!:D

 

 

 

I would not be surprised to have all the cabins functional for the 31st. I just repeated what she said with the proviso that we have learned what "hope to" and reality has been this week.

 

 

 

All in all this has been a very enjoyable cruise. It is our very first time missing Coco Cay. It is the reason that Enchantment was in Nassau as the wind has been unfavorable for the last several days.

 

 

 

I guess that explains a bit of the chill that is in the air with a northerly wind. If in the wind, with temps at 66- 68 F, a light jacket feels quite comfy. Still, we are on the balcony enjoying Jimmy Buffet tunes and the sight of the sea.

 

 

 

The sea is rather calm, with Captain Anders reporting 3 - 6 feet on the seas. We have slowed to a crawl this afternoon. At noon, we were around 245 miles from Key West.

 

 

 

Arrival to Key West tomorrow is projected to be around 7 AM. I don't know how long we will be in port or where we will actually be docking tomorrow with the change of schedule.

 

 

 

You can check the Key West webcams for that I guess tomorrow morning and know about as much as I will at that time.

 

 

 

Easy plans for us tomorrow. A little wandering around again. Revisiting the end of A1A at mile marker 0, enjoying some local flavors chief among which will be the Conch Republic Seafood Co. where we will enjoy what is likely the last oysters on our vacation. We enjoy the ambiance watching the fishing boats. Probably some Key Lime pie at Kermits. Maybe some beverages at Capt. Tony's and of course a brief visit to Margaritaville and browse the T Shirts.

 

 

 

The rest we will leave up to mood and opportunity.

 

 

 

Later all! Hope your day is good wherever you may be!

 

 

Sorry you weren't able to make CoCo Cay. We've had the same situation several times. A couple of years ago we had to evacuate after an hour or so on the island because the wind picked up. It took over 2 hrs to get everyone back on board.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Havana Daydreamin]

We did not mind missing Coco Cay so very much. We have been there. We truly enjoy sea days for their relaxation. So all in all it was very good for us, though it would have been nice to check out things for our daughter. I did hear a bit of grumbling about "how the captain should have known we were not going to be able to stop and done something different". For the life of me, I don't know what people really are thinking when they say something like that.

 

I am sure with even today, there will be grumblings that we cannot just walk off the ship not Key West as we are docking at the farthest away pier. We have never docked there and I cannot recall what it is named. I do know shuttles will be provided. That said, I have run into just enough grumpy types that I do know I will hear those today.

 

But, you will not hear it from me!!!:D I do wish we had more time, but that is the way it is. We are scheduled for all aboard at 2:30 PM.

 

KEY WEST U.S. IMMIGRATION INSPECTION

 

This is today and is as been done other times for us, that we appear in the dining room with our SeaPass and ID. We are scheduled to show up at 7:45 - 8:15. It is a pretty painless process in the past.

 

Non U.S. Citizens are directed to a different area.

 

Looking to enjoy the day and the time we have together!

 

Blessings to all and especially on those traveling for next week's itinerary!

[Cindy]

We did not mind missing Coco Cay so very much. We have been there. We truly enjoy sea days for their relaxation. So all in all it was very good for us, though it would have been nice to check out things for our daughter. I did hear a bit of grumbling about "how the captain should have known we were not going to be able to stop and done something different". For the life of me, I don't know what people really are thinking when they say something like that.

 

I am sure with even today, there will be grumblings that we cannot just walk off the ship not Key West as we are docking at the farthest away pier. We have never docked there and I cannot recall what it is named. I do know shuttles will be provided. That said, I have run into just enough grumpy types that I do know I will hear those today.

 

But, you will not hear it from me!!!:D I do wish we had more time, but that is the way it is. We are scheduled for all aboard at 2:30 PM.

 

KEY WEST U.S. IMMIGRATION INSPECTION

 

This is today and is as been done other times for us, that we appear in the dining room with our SeaPass and ID. We are scheduled to show up at 7:45 - 8:15. It is a pretty painless process in the past.

 

Non U.S. Citizens are directed to a different area.

 

Looking to enjoy the day and the time we have together!

 

Blessings to all and especially on those traveling for next week's itinerary!

 

On the Key West schedule, they have you in at Outer Mole from 7:00-17:00...I was hopeful you'd get lots of extra time, but it doesn't look like that's the case. I hope you have a great day...and ignore the grumpy types!:)

[carumba7]

I have been on Deck 10 starboard by the tables and on Deck 5 starboard.

 

Thank you for your wonderful review! We will be back on Serenade in about 4 weeks and was curious about your post about smoking on Deck 10. I'm not aware of any public space on this deck, has something changed? If so, I'm just hoping that it's aft of the hump? Any information you can give would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Karen

[Bamagirl_gina]

We did not mind missing Coco Cay so very much. We have been there. We truly enjoy sea days for their relaxation. So all in all it was very good for us, though it would have been nice to check out things for our daughter. I did hear a bit of grumbling about "how the captain should have known we were not going to be able to stop and done something different". For the life of me, I don't know what people really are thinking when they say something like that.

 

I am sure with even today, there will be grumblings that we cannot just walk off the ship not Key West as we are docking at the farthest away pier. We have never docked there and I cannot recall what it is named. I do know shuttles will be provided. That said, I have run into just enough grumpy types that I do know I will hear those today.

 

But, you will not hear it from me!!!:D I do wish we had more time, but that is the way it is. We are scheduled for all aboard at 2:30 PM.

 

KEY WEST U.S. IMMIGRATION INSPECTION

 

This is today and is as been done other times for us, that we appear in the dining room with our SeaPass and ID. We are scheduled to show up at 7:45 - 8:15. It is a pretty painless process in the past.

 

Non U.S. Citizens are directed to a different area.

 

Looking to enjoy the day and the time we have together!

 

Blessings to all and especially on those traveling for next week's itinerary!

 

You review has now become part of my morning coffee ritual. We were on Serenade in February and will be back in April the week before repositioning. Had to sail her one more time before she leaves NOLA, which is only about 4 hours from home so easy for us. Noticed in Key West you plan on going to Capt. Tony's. We haven't been there before and had already thought about going after reading the history. Since you mentioned going, now I feel certain it must be a "not to be missed" place. Thanks for this review. It's great!

[cricketts]

You review has now become part of my morning coffee ritual. We were on Serenade in February and will be back in April the week before repositioning. Had to sail her one more time before she leaves NOLA, which is only about 4 hours from home so easy for us. Noticed in Key West you plan on going to Capt. Tony's. We haven't been there before and had already thought about going after reading the history. Since you mentioned going, now I feel certain it must be a "not to be missed" place. Thanks for this review. It's great!

Reading this review has become a morning ritual for a lot of us!

Thank you very much Havana Daydreamin... I really appreciate your positive attitude!

[Havana Daydreamin]

Thank you for your wonderful review! We will be back on Serenade in about 4 weeks and was curious about your post about smoking on Deck 10. I'm not aware of any public space on this deck, has something changed? If so, I'm just hoping that it's aft of the hump? Any information you can give would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Karen

 

It was a typo!

 

Deck 11 Starboard. Maybe I had a cigar buzz going?! :D

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

We are on deck 10 for our cabin but we cannot smoke there, of course.