Cheap Cruises and Vacations To Go....

[floydpink]

Originally Posted by Blueface

Just got back from my RC Navigator of the Seas cruise.
What fun.
Got an invite from the captain himself to join him on the bridge to see Cuba as we were near it.
Sat on his chair.
Photos to come once I upload them to Photobucket.
My internet is down and I am tapping a neighbor's signal that is not secure.
Wonder how long that will last.

That bridge experience was AMAZING!!!

What's it like up there Carlos?

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by floydpink

What's it like up there Carlos?

AMAZING!!!

What a view to a kill.
We got the full tour. They had us over the section that extends out from the ship that they use when docking, then took us around the bridge and told us of all the equipment, then got to sit at the captain's chair.
We were over the barrier islands that are on the northern part of Cuba, between Holguin and Camaguay.
What a breathtaking view and experience.
I will post pictures on a separate thread once I can upload them.

[yourchoice]

My wife and I got back from our 3-day Bahamas cruise earlier this week and all I can say is I loved cruising! I am glad we went on a short trip to see what we thought of the concept, and boy were we pleased.

We only ate at the buffet one time during the cruise...I would say the buffet was below expectations by a lot, and probably below average. Breakfast in the dining rooms was definitely a great tip. Eggs Benedict in the AM really hit the spot. We elected to pay extra and dine in the "special" restaurants each evening, and the food was outstanding. I was very pleased.

We spent the day Saturday in Nassau, taking in the sites at Atlantis, and hopping on a taxi to visit Greycliff. I wish I scheduled, or made someone aware of my visit, but still, it was cool to visit there. Unfortunately, due to rough seas, we did not have the day at their private island on Sunday, but we enjoyed the day at sea on the pool deck all the same.

I was glad we got the balcony, even though once we were out we didn't go back to the room. But it takes me only about 15 minutes to get ready, and my wife about 3 times that. The 30+ minutes on the deck during that time, along with the nightcap on the balcony made it well worth the upgrade we paid. On Sunday there was a meteor shower that, being on the balcony, we were able to enjoy. 15-20 "shooting stars" over a couple of 30 minute segments.

I only had a couple of cigars while on board (one on the top aft deck, one on the balcony). The pool deck was quite full on Sunday since we missed the excursion and I didn't feel smoking a cigar would have been well received. Besides, there was some confusion with the staff as to where I could smoke one, so I just decided not to. If (who am I kidding? - WHEN) I go on my next cruise I will probably make a point to get clear definition for when and where it's cool.

Overall, a great experience which I hope to enjoy again. A couple days longer in duration would be sweet too.

Oh yeah, kind of neat side story...We ate at the steakhouse on Friday night and I decided to order Oyster Rockefeller as an appetizer. Lo and behold, I found a small pearl in the first oyster I tried. We had the several people from the staff come to the table to verify the story. lol

[floydpink]

Too bad about the rough seas. I have been held back from the private island more times than I have been on it due to the seas.

Once a storm made the trip back on the tender so rough, they showed it on the videos all night and navigating the plank blitzed on rum was a real treat as it bobbed up and down.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

If (who am I kidding? - WHEN) I go on my next cruise I will probably make a point to get clear definition for when and where it's cool.

All cruise lines have it well defined on their website.
RC as an example allows cigar smoking either in cigar lounge or on the smoking side of the pool deck.

Sounds like you will now be a regular cruiser. Welcome to the club. You did well in trying out the 3 day as that is the best way to go for a first timer. Now for a 5 or more as you will enjoy it much more having a day at sea on the way out and a day at sea on the way in, at minimum depending on how many days beyond 5 your cruise is.