Jim_Iain - 9/5 and 9/17 Equinox B2B - Come along for a Live Blog

[RichYak]

43 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

This report would make me nervous about cruising as a solo during this time. 

Nonsense. You can join my wife and I for dinner or cocktails any time we're on board together. As can anyone else. It's the folks that view others as "disease vectors" that might want to avoid sailing at this time.

[peanut head]

Jim,

 

After looking at the pics of the PH balcony I noticed that there is no full size table.  Is there one that I am missing so that you can eat meals outside, if you want.

[Jim_Iain]

Ship felt like a ghost ship today at 10:30.   No chair hogs at all  

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Walking was a bit warm today.     Love the beautiful views in all directions. 

Not sure where all pax are.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lola2013]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Ship felt like a ghost ship today at 10:30.   No chair hogs at all  

 

 

 

 

That's how Edge looked last week...and I loved it!

Here's hoping Equinox sails at less than 100% capacity in January 50-60% would be good)

[Jim_Iain]

5 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

This report would make me nervous about cruising as a solo during this time.  I love to meet new people, which is one of the reasons I cruise.  As long as people are considering others as disease vectors, that is probably not possible.  Dining alone would not be fun.  I do that most of the time at home.  So, much as I would love one of the Equinox cruises you're doing, I think I'll pass for the moment.

 

Some people are mingling but most are staying in their little bubbles.   I have seen some people inviting single cruisers to join them.    I guess it is how approachable you are. 

[funatseascott]

2 hours ago, ymncruise said:

Nice! How is the wind and water temp? When I was last in Aruba it was in May and the water felt chilly. We rented a car for the day and drove around the island. I’m making a note to go to this beach on our next visit. I love snorkeling and this looks perfect. 

I think this beach is perfect.  Not overcrowded, areas to swim/stand and chat/drink, plenty of great snorkeling in front and to left (favorite spot, it’s actually Catalina Cove area) and to right (more difficult with more currents).  Tons of fish with some corals.  I have multiple salt water aquariums at home (big and small), so I love watching fish.  This didn’t disappoint at all.  We snorkeled for an hour and plan to go back out again after Sophia naps.  For corals, brain and pillar were most abundant but not vibrant colors.  For fish, we saw various tangs/surgeonfish, angelfish (some VERY large), wrasses, damselfish, butterfly, chromis, chub, grunt, herring, pilot, squirrelfish, parrotfish and more.  Water temp was perfect, not any feeling it was cold.  Easy in and out of the water, some areas warm like a bath.  A good breeze but wouldn’t call it windy, was very welcome with the sun above.  If one could freeze time or have Groundhog Day over and over, this would be a day to consider for that.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, peanut head said:

Jim,

 

After looking at the pics of the PH balcony I noticed that there is no full size table.  Is there one that I am missing so that you can eat meals outside, if you want.

 

Only the small one on the balcony but you have a dining table for 8 in the Dining Room.   We never dine on our balcony or our dining room so never even considered it.     We always have breakfast in our cabin and only use the corner of the big table

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

We met up  with our friends for lunch at the Ocean View today.   No crowds and plenty of seating  both inside and out. 

 

After lunch we walked into town for a look around.    Lots of shops are still closed and just the usual port shops you find on all the islands.    Looked like lots of nice places to eat and drink and I noticed 2 Casinos. 

[dani negreanu]

14 hours ago, bloomcruisers said:

Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters

 

Thanks for reminding me, I've read some of them years ago, not in order, before the advent of Kindle.

 

Now I can complete the series 😁

 

 

Yes to Nevada Barr’s National Parks series too.

Edited September 20, 2021 by dani negreanu
Added Nevada Barr

[dani negreanu]

7 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Yesterday my Daughter tested positive even though she is double vaxed and works in medical field.

 

I wish your daughter a speedy and full recovery.

 

In Israel we found out that Pfizer's vaccine's efficacity "evaporates" after 5-6 months. We're all receiving the 3rd shot.

 

When was your daughter vaccinated lately?

 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

I wish your daughter a speedy and full recovery.

 

In Israel we found out that Pfizer's vaccine's efficacity "evaporates" after 5-6 months. We're all receiving the 3rd shot.

 

When was your daughter vaccinated lately?

 

She had Moderna about 5 months ago.   By many reports it is suppose to have a better long term effectiveness.  

 

I had Pfiser back in February and my Doctor just sent me a message that he has us set up for a 3rd shot when we get home.     We have been wearing our masks any time out of our room.   I take  mine off when walking but Iain keeps his on at all times even outside.

 

The U.S. is following Israel very closely and are starting to recommend vaccination to those over 65 at this time.    The problem we have is we have multiple agencies that have to review and then approve the protocol.   In my opinion it is only causing confusion and mistrust in the agencies. 

[hcat]

7 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

These are tough times.    I haven't seen my Grandkids in 18 months since all the kids are not vaxed.  Probably a good thing as I mentioned my Daughter's Mother In Law (an anti-vaxer) was diagnosed with Covid right after my grandson's birthday party.    Yesterday my Daughter tested positive even though she is double vaxed and works in medical field.   I hope none of the kids come down with it.

 

 

Hope your dtr does well. Dbl vax should help. Special good thoughts for the g kids...They are living in a tough world these days.  Hate to see my almost 2 yr old g son wearing a mask all day at daycare three days a week but our new gov has decreed it.( I expect he'll take it off just like his shoes and socks and sometimes his diaper! )  That pvt day care  facility has  had zero cases among kids and staff without a mask rule...no parents were allowed inside..daily temp checks etc, Guess he'll have to wear the mask! Added protection.

 

Our visitors  yesterday  are dbl vaxed  as are we, but our dtr , sil and boys are not. Everyone was spaced appropriately and thankfully respectful.    Both dtr and sil  believe they have med reason not to vax yet.., which I doubt.  Told them to get confirmation from their drs.  Worries me every day but  we have been  babysitting the boys several times a week since March.  Hope luck holds out!

 

 

[Azulann]

24 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I had Pfiser back in February and my Doctor just sent me a message that he has us set up for a 3rd shot when we get home.     We have been wearing our masks any time out of our room. 

I too got my last vaccine in late Feb. Getting my booster tomorrow  and sailing on Viking Venus in Oct in the Western Med. 

 I really enjoy  reading your  live report, and having done many Celebrity cruises I miss the M class ships, my favorites and the sunsets  bar area the most.  

Love reading the  dinner menus you provide. I love the soups ,especially the chilled soups on Celebrity. Glad to see they still offer them. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, hcat said:

Hope your dtr does well. Dbl vax should help. Special good thoughts for the g kids...They are living in a tough world these days.  Hate to see my almost 2 yr old g son wearing a mask all day at daycare three days a week but our new gov has decreed it.( I expect he'll take it off just like his shoes and socks and sometimes his diaper! )  That pvt day care  facility has  had zero cases among kids and staff without a mask rule...no parents were allowed inside..daily temp checks etc, Guess he'll have to wear the mask! Added protection.

 

Our visitors  yesterday  are dbl vaxed  as are we, but our dtr , sil and boys are not. Everyone was spaced appropriately and thankfully respectful.    Both dtr and sil  believe they have med reason not to vax yet.., which I doubt.  Told them to get confirmation from their drs.  Worries me every day but  we have been  babysitting the boys several times a week since March.  Hope luck holds out!

 

 

 

Hope all is well for your family's young ones.    My daughter's son caught Covid a couple month's ago from his day care provider.   He had a mild case but may give him some protection since he is to young to be vaxed.    This new variant really seems to be contagious. 

 

We have 2 more home tests with  us and will probably test a couple days after flying home.   I think I am more concerned of airports and airplanes than I am on the ship. 

 

Knock on wood -   so far no cases have been reported on this cruise and we are on day 3.     Aruba seems to be taking things very serious.    Everyone one we passed when we went ashore were wearing mask outside.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Azulann said:

I too got my last vaccine in late Feb. Getting my booster tomorrow  and sailing on Viking Venus in Oct in the Western Med. 

 I really enjoy  reading your  live report, and having done many Celebrity cruises I miss the M class ships, my favorites and the sunsets  bar area the most.  

Love reading the  dinner menus you provide. I love the soups ,especially the chilled soups on Celebrity. Glad to see they still offer them. 

 

I'm glad the are staring to roll out the 3rd dose to those over 65 and those with medical conditions.   I think we are due for our Flu shot also when we get home.    I haven't yet researched the timing between the two  shots.

 

Iain really loves  the soups  and have been having them often.     Yesterday he asked me why I hadn't made my Squash Soup in a long time.   hmmm....  I forgot about it. 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

[DaKahuna]

6 hours ago, MadisonMom said:

Way back in the early 1980s I worked at Brooks Brothers. You'd be shocked at the number of men I taught to tie a bow tie! 

 

Molly

No I would not.  I have never worn one but once helped a lady google how to tie one so she could time one on her grandson.  I have always thought it was jut a simple overhand knot, like tying your shoelaces. 

 

[hcat]

Airports and airplanes are serious concerns...everyone must be as careful as they can.  I think most of the Islands are taking things seriously..or it will close down again.

 

If cases increase here..I am sure we will all be back in our caves with the kids at home.  They lost alot during the time out but fortunately  most catch up quickly!  We still go out of the house and neighborhood infrequently..  only as needed.

Our garden,  yard and deck has been our  happy place!  Looking forward to Fla and our cruise on Reflection in January.

 

Of course, cruising with kids is a no go for our family!

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

16 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

 

 

Knock on wood -   so far no cases have been reported on this cruise and we are on day 3.     Aruba seems to be taking things very serious.    Everyone one we passed when we went ashore were wearing mask outside.

Interesting.  When we were there in August, it wasn't common.  I'm good with doing it though.

[Jim_Iain]

5 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

No I would not.  I have never worn one but once helped a lady google how to tie one so she could time one on her grandson.  I have always thought it was jut a simple overhand knot, like tying your shoelaces. 

 

Definitely not an s overhand knot.   LOL.   Or I could do it myself. 

[Jim_Iain]

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]