I hit a Royal Flush on a poker machine. $1000. Yep. One thousand. Dollars. U.S. Just had to get that out of the way.
Okay, I finished yesterday by saying we had to turn around in the middle of the night and drop someone in Ensenada for medical attention. Consequently, no Cabo today. Someone needs to drill ship officers on basic P.R. techniques. In a fashion typical of most, in my experience, the Captain made his announcement over the public address system, in the public areas of the ship, but not in the cabins. I am not sure what time it was, but it was pretty early, and I only heard it because I was out on deck typing this up. And I can tell you that the area was desserted. A pretty huge number of passengers were still in their cabins, and did not hear the announcement. Of course, rumours flew around all day until the Cruise Director, in the afternoon, repeated the announcement to the entire ship, including in the cabins. In my experience , it's best to just get the bad news out there, to everyone, fast. Most people are going to understand a medical emergency, and those who don't, won't. Leaving it up to the cruise director to step up, hours later to explain the situation is just weak.
But, hey, I wasn't getting off in Cabo anyway, so...
Had breakfast at Cagneys. Good Eggs Benedict. Then back for the morning routine, and finally to Bingo at 11. Not so good. The only thing I won was in a raffle. I got a lotto entry. In order to claim that, I had to go to the Casino Hostess. But first, lunch at Versailles, the larger of the two main dining rooms. A little note here about wheelchairs and accessible cruising. I have yet to see the designated Access Manager. NCL has a person on each ship who is supposed to be the "go to guy" on accessibility. I expressed an interest in meeting with this person, and was assured at the corporate level that she, among other duties, meets wth all guests with disabilities. So far, nothing. And this repeats a pattern I have seen at NCL, where there is a severe disconnect between the Corporate Office and the Shipboard personnel. I did get a note and a key to operate the elevator to Versailles. Fortunately, I was aware of the keyed elevator to get to the accessible entrance, as it's the same setup as on the Pride of Hawaii/Jade, which I only discovered THEN because the Maitre'd explained it the first time we tried to get in there on our Hawaii cruise. Anyway...back to the story. Lunch was good, we had a table towards the back. looking out the huge windows,at the wake of the ship. Too far north for any whale or dolphin sightings. I had the fish and chips. Better than the fish and chips at the Blue Lagood, if memory serves. After lunch we sat by the pool and listened to Xcite for a while. We actually found a table in the sun, so it was nice, and not quite as chilly as the day before, though I expect it will be even nicer today, as we have gotten a little farther south.
After a bit, we checked the casino to see if the hostess was there to give me my lotto ticket. She was not. So I wheeled Steve up to a poker machine, sat down next to him, put $20 in each machine. Just to kill some time til the hostess came back from her break, right. About five hands in, BADDA BING, BADDA BOOM!!! The Royal Flush. Awesome! Nothing like winning early in the week. Certainly upgrades my dining and shopping plans. So, we played out the $20, cashed in the $1000 and went back to the pool deck for a while, then to the room to rest up for dinner. Back in the room was another plate of chocolate strawberries. No more wine.
Dinner was at La Cucina, the premium Italian eatery. Most excellent. The service was awesome (we were there early, and the waitstaff outnumbered the customers). The bread was to die for. The antipasto was interesting, and the Pasta e Fagioli well done. I also had the Carpaccio to start, and the Saltimbocca was a huge portion, tender and tasty, if just a tad over-saged. Mom and Steve both had the vegetable lasagna, and it was, likewise, huge and filled with all manner of healthy vegetables. Finished with the ricotta cheesecake, and I might have to go back for some more. It was the best!
After dinner we went the the Captain's Cocktail Party, nibbled and drank and met the officers, as well as a few of our fellow guests. It was then time to drop mom and Steve off (they really are party poopers) at the cabin for the night.
Afterwards, I went across the hall to get a book at the Library. The Star really does have a nice library. Decided I had gone long enough without Blue Lagoon hot wings, so I headed down, rectified that situation whilst reading, and then at 10:30 to the Spinnaker for the 70's party. The Village People (actually a bunch of drunk guys from the Pub Crawl, aided and abetted by the Cruise Staff) showed up for the YMCA. That was cool. I hung out, discoing with Maria until 11:30 when they do the lotto drawing at the casino. I didn't win. Hard to feel too bad about it, though. I did hang out and play a little roullete, but that didn't go so well, either, so I decided to call it a night.
One note about this Family Suite on Deck 12. It is directly below the jogging track on 13. Most of the early morning joggers are actually light on their feet, and not at all disturbing. But from the sound of it, some extremely large person has decided to take up jogging in clogs today.
So, that's all for now. Stay tuned tomorrow for further adventures of one more Day at Sea.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Norwegian STAR, 2011, Boarding Day
BOARDING DAY - We got to the port just before noon, went thru security, walked right up to the VIP check-in line, took ten minutes there, then about 10 minutes in the Concierge lounge waiting for our butler, Andrew, to escort us onboard. We were in the stateroom by 12:30. Doesn't get much quicker than that.
There was a bottle of champagne and some chocolate strawberries waiting for us. The room is awesome. Basically, a little less than 500sf, all open, except the bathroom, with curtains to divide the bed from the couch/bed, and both from the dining area/desk/vanity/closet area. I have a bunch of pictures, but I probably won't post them til I get home, satellite internet being so slow and expensive. The bathroom is very large, with roll-in shower, large sink, plenty of grab bars and a fold down shower seat. There are also two sets of closets (for a total of 4), half a dozen night stands, and a Lavazza coffee maker. Very cool, that: pop in the pod, hit the button,out comes coffee (or espresso, depending on the button). And it just eats the pods, so, nothing to throw away.
After checking out the digs we went up to Cagney's for lunch. One of the nicer perks of a suite is breakfast and lunch at Cagneys. Better food, AND no lines. We all had the pan-seared scallops, mom and Steve started with the shrimp cocktail (the shrimp are simply HUGE). I went with the crab cakes. Oh, and some Cagney's Fries. I have been missing those. It was all very good.
When we got back to the room, there was another bottle of sparkling waiting for us, along with some canapes, and an invite to the Lattitudes Party at 1 tomorrow, and the Captain's Cocktail Party at 7. We chilled in the room, figuring out the light switches and coffee maker til 4, when we went to the Sailaway party and BBQ. Based on the weather reports all week, I didn't think it would happen (The mighty SoCal Blizzard of '11 was a complete bust, by the way). It was cold and a tad windy, but no rain, so we listened to XCite, the pool band that's been here since the last time I was here (or maybe they left and came back, I don't know). It was fun, if a bit cool. We did finally decide to have a bite to eat in the buffet, rather than continue to brave the chill, though. As soon as the casino was open we went down, at mom's insistence. (My gambling Jones doesn't come from nowhere, you know). Bloody awful for all of us. 'Nuff said.
After dinner and casino it was back to the room. Busy time. First, Patrick, the Concierge came in, then the two stewards (whose names escape me at the moment), and then Andrew again to see if I was going to be in the room for a while, as the Hotel Director, Filipo wanted to drop by. So, got Steve ready for bed, watched an episode of HOUSE, and waited. Filipo finally called and asked where I was having dinner, I told him I was heading to AQUA, one of the main dining rooms. He said he would meet me there. So I ditched the family and went to dinner.
When I walked up to the desk at Aqua, the restaurant manager. Sawant, greeted me by name. He said he had just been looking at my picture. I love how they do that. lol. Anyway, he seated me and called Filipo. I started with the Smoked Salmon appetizer. Excellent. About a pound of salmon, and three leaves of greenery...the perfect ratio. Then the beef broth with ravioli thing. Also good. Just as my Mahi-Mahi showed up, so did Filipo. We talked for a few minutes. He apologized for not getting to me sooner. Poor guy - first day on the job, and a bunch of trucks didn't show up, etc. I assured him I understood what a hassle boarding day is for everyone on the staff. Anyway, I finished my meal, virtuously eschewing dessert, and went up to the showroom to check out the Welcome Aboard show.
Good News! My favorite cruise staffer, ever, is onboard. Maria, the Transylvanian Princess Herself. We talked for a bit before the show, but she had to go be introduced and stuff.
After the show, I ran up to the room to get the strawberries, then down to the Spinnaker Lounge for the 80's party. I have to say, as much as I love the suite complex they put here on Deck 12, (replacing, along with some other stuff, the Spinnaker Lounge up front with glass all around), I do not like the new lounge. The ceilings are too low, and the seating is terribly boring. Just several lines of cocktail tables, and a few boothy things along the wall. I understand they have to try to accomodate a bingo parlor by day/nightclub by night in the same area, but, especially after partying at the Bliss Ultra Lounge on EPIC, this just doesn't get it. However, I did talk to Maria a while, caught up on what we've been doing the last year, and she introduced me to all the cruise staff and dancers, while sharing out the strawberries.
About 11 I was done in - boarding day, with the drive and all, is always tiring. So, off to bed. And, as I type this, the Captain is announcing that we have turned around and are heading to Ensenada to drop of an injured passenger. Which explains why I woke up with a view of ocean, instead of land. Anyway...TTFN.
There was a bottle of champagne and some chocolate strawberries waiting for us. The room is awesome. Basically, a little less than 500sf, all open, except the bathroom, with curtains to divide the bed from the couch/bed, and both from the dining area/desk/vanity/closet area. I have a bunch of pictures, but I probably won't post them til I get home, satellite internet being so slow and expensive. The bathroom is very large, with roll-in shower, large sink, plenty of grab bars and a fold down shower seat. There are also two sets of closets (for a total of 4), half a dozen night stands, and a Lavazza coffee maker. Very cool, that: pop in the pod, hit the button,out comes coffee (or espresso, depending on the button). And it just eats the pods, so, nothing to throw away.
After checking out the digs we went up to Cagney's for lunch. One of the nicer perks of a suite is breakfast and lunch at Cagneys. Better food, AND no lines. We all had the pan-seared scallops, mom and Steve started with the shrimp cocktail (the shrimp are simply HUGE). I went with the crab cakes. Oh, and some Cagney's Fries. I have been missing those. It was all very good.
When we got back to the room, there was another bottle of sparkling waiting for us, along with some canapes, and an invite to the Lattitudes Party at 1 tomorrow, and the Captain's Cocktail Party at 7. We chilled in the room, figuring out the light switches and coffee maker til 4, when we went to the Sailaway party and BBQ. Based on the weather reports all week, I didn't think it would happen (The mighty SoCal Blizzard of '11 was a complete bust, by the way). It was cold and a tad windy, but no rain, so we listened to XCite, the pool band that's been here since the last time I was here (or maybe they left and came back, I don't know). It was fun, if a bit cool. We did finally decide to have a bite to eat in the buffet, rather than continue to brave the chill, though. As soon as the casino was open we went down, at mom's insistence. (My gambling Jones doesn't come from nowhere, you know). Bloody awful for all of us. 'Nuff said.
After dinner and casino it was back to the room. Busy time. First, Patrick, the Concierge came in, then the two stewards (whose names escape me at the moment), and then Andrew again to see if I was going to be in the room for a while, as the Hotel Director, Filipo wanted to drop by. So, got Steve ready for bed, watched an episode of HOUSE, and waited. Filipo finally called and asked where I was having dinner, I told him I was heading to AQUA, one of the main dining rooms. He said he would meet me there. So I ditched the family and went to dinner.
When I walked up to the desk at Aqua, the restaurant manager. Sawant, greeted me by name. He said he had just been looking at my picture. I love how they do that. lol. Anyway, he seated me and called Filipo. I started with the Smoked Salmon appetizer. Excellent. About a pound of salmon, and three leaves of greenery...the perfect ratio. Then the beef broth with ravioli thing. Also good. Just as my Mahi-Mahi showed up, so did Filipo. We talked for a few minutes. He apologized for not getting to me sooner. Poor guy - first day on the job, and a bunch of trucks didn't show up, etc. I assured him I understood what a hassle boarding day is for everyone on the staff. Anyway, I finished my meal, virtuously eschewing dessert, and went up to the showroom to check out the Welcome Aboard show.
Good News! My favorite cruise staffer, ever, is onboard. Maria, the Transylvanian Princess Herself. We talked for a bit before the show, but she had to go be introduced and stuff.
After the show, I ran up to the room to get the strawberries, then down to the Spinnaker Lounge for the 80's party. I have to say, as much as I love the suite complex they put here on Deck 12, (replacing, along with some other stuff, the Spinnaker Lounge up front with glass all around), I do not like the new lounge. The ceilings are too low, and the seating is terribly boring. Just several lines of cocktail tables, and a few boothy things along the wall. I understand they have to try to accomodate a bingo parlor by day/nightclub by night in the same area, but, especially after partying at the Bliss Ultra Lounge on EPIC, this just doesn't get it. However, I did talk to Maria a while, caught up on what we've been doing the last year, and she introduced me to all the cruise staff and dancers, while sharing out the strawberries.
About 11 I was done in - boarding day, with the drive and all, is always tiring. So, off to bed. And, as I type this, the Captain is announcing that we have turned around and are heading to Ensenada to drop of an injured passenger. Which explains why I woke up with a view of ocean, instead of land. Anyway...TTFN.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Norwegian STAR. Manana.
Well, they've cancelled Mazatlan. Not a big surprise. Other lines have pulled out of Mazatlan lately, too. I was looking forward to it, because there's a nice trolley excursion that is wheelchair accessible. But instead of a different port (Manzanillo, for instance), NCL has decided to spend two days in Cabo San Lucas. Were it just me, I would be more than happy to spend an extra day in Cabo. It is my favorite port on the Mex Riviera. BUT, it's a tender port. And NCL, like most but not all cruise lines, won't take wheelchairs on tenders. So, we're kinda stuck on the ship an extra day. I have always maintained, though, that if you have to be "stuck" somewhere, a cruise ship is the first choice.
So, maybe the extra day on board I'll get Steve a nice massage in the room or something. Whatever. It will all work out. It always does.
On the major plus side, since I posted about the disappointing cancellation, I have received messages from "the powers that be" at NCL. I am impressed with how seriously they take customer service, from the CEO all the way down the line. And their commitment to their travel partners is unmatched in the industry.
Anyway. it's almost time to go. I am almost packed, and the most awesome thing is we are waiting for snow. Should be here tonite.
NOTHING is more gratifying than starting a tropical vacation by driving thru snow.
So, maybe the extra day on board I'll get Steve a nice massage in the room or something. Whatever. It will all work out. It always does.
On the major plus side, since I posted about the disappointing cancellation, I have received messages from "the powers that be" at NCL. I am impressed with how seriously they take customer service, from the CEO all the way down the line. And their commitment to their travel partners is unmatched in the industry.
Anyway. it's almost time to go. I am almost packed, and the most awesome thing is we are waiting for snow. Should be here tonite.
NOTHING is more gratifying than starting a tropical vacation by driving thru snow.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Norwegian STAR In Two Days
And, while I wait for my ship to sail, I thought I might share some background. The Norwegian STAR was originally launched in 2001. Since then, she has undergone several remodel/renovation/updates. But just this last year she had a pretty major overhaul, which included the addition of a whole section of suites on Deck 12, which necessitated the relocation of the Spinnaker Lounge and the meeting space that was there formerly. And moving the Spinnaker forced the relocation of the shops. By all accounts all these changes are hugely successful, and NCL announced just recently that the Star's sister-ship, Norwegian Dawn was getting pretty much the same makeover before this summer. They also turned the Soho restaurant into an Italian eatery. That last was a mistake, IMHO. Soho was one of my faves.
I last sailed on the STAR in November of 2009, before all these changes. The last time I was onboard was for a ship inspection in mid-2010. They were in the middle of all this, then. I don't know if I like them moving the Spinnaker Lounge, as I really like that room, with all the windows. On the other hand, all those windows are now in my Deck 12 Family Suite, so maybe it's a wash.
Anyway, as well as undergoing all these changes, which I shall be reporting on first-hand all next week, NCL has decided to abandon the West Coast, at least for a while. When the STAR finishes her program of 7-day Mexican Riviera Cruises this spring, and heads to Alaska, she won't be coming back. I also think that's a mistake, but with any luck NCL will be back. But when they do come back, it's not likely to be the STAR.
So, we have a ship I love, that just had an extreme makeover, and is leaving me soon. When the opportunity came up, with a great deal on a suite, I just had to jump all over it.
Stay tuned, starting Saturday, for my Live From the Norwegian EPIC, 2/11 series.
I last sailed on the STAR in November of 2009, before all these changes. The last time I was onboard was for a ship inspection in mid-2010. They were in the middle of all this, then. I don't know if I like them moving the Spinnaker Lounge, as I really like that room, with all the windows. On the other hand, all those windows are now in my Deck 12 Family Suite, so maybe it's a wash.
Anyway, as well as undergoing all these changes, which I shall be reporting on first-hand all next week, NCL has decided to abandon the West Coast, at least for a while. When the STAR finishes her program of 7-day Mexican Riviera Cruises this spring, and heads to Alaska, she won't be coming back. I also think that's a mistake, but with any luck NCL will be back. But when they do come back, it's not likely to be the STAR.
So, we have a ship I love, that just had an extreme makeover, and is leaving me soon. When the opportunity came up, with a great deal on a suite, I just had to jump all over it.
Stay tuned, starting Saturday, for my Live From the Norwegian EPIC, 2/11 series.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
3 Days til Norwegian Star
While waiting, I thought I would share with you all. Just watched a webinar with the NCL team. Among other things, we were told the Norwegian Dawn will be getting basically the same Deck 12 Suite additions, during it's dry dock in May, that were done to the Star last year.
Apparently the Penthouse and Family Suite additions have been a pretty huge success. And since the Dawn and the Star were built as sister-ships, it makes sense to keep them the same.
Also, they talked about what a huge success the Churrascaria has been on the Norwegian Sun. Not surprised, as I think it's the best restaurant at sea, ever. But did not get an answer about introducing it fleet-wide. Personally, I wish they would. I am sure it could replace either the TexMex or the Italian restaurants.
Anyway...Three days from now, I'll be setting sail on the Norwegian Star in a wheelchair accessible AJ Family Suite. Looks like rain on sailaway, which might cancel one of my favorite NCL activities, the Deck BBQ. However, after the rain in LA, it looks to be somewhere between 78 and 80 degrees and sunshine at all the ports.
So, I am looking forward to a great cruise - join me in my daily "Live From the Norwegian Star" posts starting Saturday. It's the next best thing to being there.
Apparently the Penthouse and Family Suite additions have been a pretty huge success. And since the Dawn and the Star were built as sister-ships, it makes sense to keep them the same.
Also, they talked about what a huge success the Churrascaria has been on the Norwegian Sun. Not surprised, as I think it's the best restaurant at sea, ever. But did not get an answer about introducing it fleet-wide. Personally, I wish they would. I am sure it could replace either the TexMex or the Italian restaurants.
Anyway...Three days from now, I'll be setting sail on the Norwegian Star in a wheelchair accessible AJ Family Suite. Looks like rain on sailaway, which might cancel one of my favorite NCL activities, the Deck BBQ. However, after the rain in LA, it looks to be somewhere between 78 and 80 degrees and sunshine at all the ports.
So, I am looking forward to a great cruise - join me in my daily "Live From the Norwegian Star" posts starting Saturday. It's the next best thing to being there.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Carnival Splendor Returns - As Good As New
And I was on it, when it was new, so I should know.
Went yesterday to Carnival Cruise Lines' Splendorous Occasion. From what I could see, a good time was had by all.
I got to the port real early, and had to sit around for a bit, but they finally let us on at 1:30. After checking out my room, and dropping my bag, I took a walking tour, bottom to top. While I didn't expect any changes, since the fire and damage were all down in the engineering spaces, I confirmed that, indeed, nothing has changed. She looks exactly like she did last year.
Finishing the tour up on the Lido Deck, I went to the Deli and got a pastrami sandwich. Then down to the lobby to see who all was with me, after a quick stop at the Coffee Bar. Talked to a few agents I know. Paul and his girlfriend Kelly showed up, and we all headed up to the Lido for some Mongolian BBQ and Indian stuff from the buffet. Delicious. Another stop at the Coffee Bar, then back to the room to change for dinner. There was a cocktail party by the pool. Gerry Cahill, Carnival CEO, said a few words, and I did get a chance, afterwards to talk to him and to John Heald. When I told John that my friends and I were seriously hoping to see SPAM on the menu, at least as an appetizer, he got a chuckle, but stated flat out: NO SPAM! I really think Carnival missed an opportunity here. With all the negative press they got back in November, including the "spam allegations" in the WSJ, I would totally have come up with a dish with Spam and some kind of garnish, maybe drizzle a Miracle Whip-based sauce around it, called it "SPAM a la Splendor" and shoved it down every reporters throat. But that's just me....
Anyway, after the little cocktail party, dinner was served in the Gold Pearl main dining room. Open seating, cattle call. Me and my friends grabbed a table for 10, and then invited everyone who walked by to join us. Filled the table, and it was a nice little group. Dinner was a formal night menu. Guess they didn't really have time to prepare anything special. I had some of my favorite old stand-bys - the Roasted Pumpkin Soup, White Mushroom thingie, and two entrees, because I can never decide between the Roast Duck and the Lobster/Shrimp combo.
Skipped dessert and headed up for more Coffee from Yulya, the Belarussian Barista. Stuck my head in the theater where VROOM was playing...seen it...didn't like it all that much...So I went down the hall, looked in the Disco, which was not happening, yet, and then, of course, to the Piano Bar. A brand new Piano Man, on the first night of his first gig with Carnival. In fact, until last week when he caught the Splendor in San Francisco, he'd never been on a cruise ship at all. Chris Novak, from PA. Good guy, affable, and a damn fine piano player, HOWEVER, he seriously needs to expand his repertoire. I am not sure how you can be a Carnival Piano guy and NOT know a single Neil Diamond tune. And only one Frank Sinatra. I defend a piano players right to mostly play what he likes, and to ocassionally tell a customer he does not know a particular song, but it really does get annoying after a while to hear him respond to EVERY request with "I don't know that song" or "I can play it, but I don't have the lyrics" or whatever...again, once in a while, cool. No one can know every song. But we're talking some real "piano bar standards" here. Anyway, I hung out, because, as always on a Carnival ship, the best bunch is at the piano bar. Wandered over to Karaoke for a minute, and a couple times to the Disco, but kept ending up where I always do.
At about 12:45 someone reminded us that the Coffee/Dessert bar closed at 1am, so a few of us headed down. Got my final coffee and a hunk of cheesecake the size of a small car. Awesome! Then back for one more round at the Piano Bar, and finally gave it up around 2 and headed back to the stateroom for a solid 4 hours sleep before heading home.
All in all, a nice evening of friends and food and fun. THANKS, CARNIVAL!
Went yesterday to Carnival Cruise Lines' Splendorous Occasion. From what I could see, a good time was had by all.
I got to the port real early, and had to sit around for a bit, but they finally let us on at 1:30. After checking out my room, and dropping my bag, I took a walking tour, bottom to top. While I didn't expect any changes, since the fire and damage were all down in the engineering spaces, I confirmed that, indeed, nothing has changed. She looks exactly like she did last year.
Finishing the tour up on the Lido Deck, I went to the Deli and got a pastrami sandwich. Then down to the lobby to see who all was with me, after a quick stop at the Coffee Bar. Talked to a few agents I know. Paul and his girlfriend Kelly showed up, and we all headed up to the Lido for some Mongolian BBQ and Indian stuff from the buffet. Delicious. Another stop at the Coffee Bar, then back to the room to change for dinner. There was a cocktail party by the pool. Gerry Cahill, Carnival CEO, said a few words, and I did get a chance, afterwards to talk to him and to John Heald. When I told John that my friends and I were seriously hoping to see SPAM on the menu, at least as an appetizer, he got a chuckle, but stated flat out: NO SPAM! I really think Carnival missed an opportunity here. With all the negative press they got back in November, including the "spam allegations" in the WSJ, I would totally have come up with a dish with Spam and some kind of garnish, maybe drizzle a Miracle Whip-based sauce around it, called it "SPAM a la Splendor" and shoved it down every reporters throat. But that's just me....
Anyway, after the little cocktail party, dinner was served in the Gold Pearl main dining room. Open seating, cattle call. Me and my friends grabbed a table for 10, and then invited everyone who walked by to join us. Filled the table, and it was a nice little group. Dinner was a formal night menu. Guess they didn't really have time to prepare anything special. I had some of my favorite old stand-bys - the Roasted Pumpkin Soup, White Mushroom thingie, and two entrees, because I can never decide between the Roast Duck and the Lobster/Shrimp combo.
Skipped dessert and headed up for more Coffee from Yulya, the Belarussian Barista. Stuck my head in the theater where VROOM was playing...seen it...didn't like it all that much...So I went down the hall, looked in the Disco, which was not happening, yet, and then, of course, to the Piano Bar. A brand new Piano Man, on the first night of his first gig with Carnival. In fact, until last week when he caught the Splendor in San Francisco, he'd never been on a cruise ship at all. Chris Novak, from PA. Good guy, affable, and a damn fine piano player, HOWEVER, he seriously needs to expand his repertoire. I am not sure how you can be a Carnival Piano guy and NOT know a single Neil Diamond tune. And only one Frank Sinatra. I defend a piano players right to mostly play what he likes, and to ocassionally tell a customer he does not know a particular song, but it really does get annoying after a while to hear him respond to EVERY request with "I don't know that song" or "I can play it, but I don't have the lyrics" or whatever...again, once in a while, cool. No one can know every song. But we're talking some real "piano bar standards" here. Anyway, I hung out, because, as always on a Carnival ship, the best bunch is at the piano bar. Wandered over to Karaoke for a minute, and a couple times to the Disco, but kept ending up where I always do.
At about 12:45 someone reminded us that the Coffee/Dessert bar closed at 1am, so a few of us headed down. Got my final coffee and a hunk of cheesecake the size of a small car. Awesome! Then back for one more round at the Piano Bar, and finally gave it up around 2 and headed back to the stateroom for a solid 4 hours sleep before heading home.
All in all, a nice evening of friends and food and fun. THANKS, CARNIVAL!
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Splendorous Occasion Is Almost Here
Tomorrow, it's down to the Port of Long Beach to get onboard the Carnival Splendor for a one night Splendorous Occasion.
While I didn't hear from anyone about bringing a guest, somewhat to my dismay, I do have plans to meet a fellow agent, Paul Cathcart from Virginia. We first met on the pre-Inaugural of the Ruby Princess several years ago. He is now starting up his own Host Agency. That should be good.
Also, I hope to get a chance to talk with Gerry Cahill, Carnival's CEO. His rousing talk during the 2 day West Coast Inaugural in March of 2009 had a lot to do with me staying in the business. If you all recall, at the time, the economy was in free fall, and no one was really sure where it might end. I wasn't at all sure I could make a go of the travel business, frankly. His optimism, and stated commitment to getting his cruise line and all us agents thru it helped me, and I suspect, a few other jittery TA's.
While the economy is still dragging along, and by no means "good", it does appear stable and seems maybe the worst is behind us. And he was right - we did survive (well some of us did, anyway). In fact, I not only survived, I am making plans right now to expand, add agents, and finally go "bricks and mortar". That is, quit being home-based and open an office.
Should be some exciting news on that front in the next few weeks. The biggest obstacle right now is that commercial property owners apparently haven't got the memo that there is a vast oversupply of vacant commercial space, and rents are nowhere near rational. But, like I said, hopefully some news on that front soon.
Anyway, as I said, I owe Mr. Cahill a "Thank You", and hope to get a chance to deliver it tomorrow.
Any of you that are ready to book a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Carnival Splendor, give me a call at 760.265.3687. As a couple other ships are leaving the West Coast, the Splendor's pricing is only going to gu UP...so BOOK NOW!
While I didn't hear from anyone about bringing a guest, somewhat to my dismay, I do have plans to meet a fellow agent, Paul Cathcart from Virginia. We first met on the pre-Inaugural of the Ruby Princess several years ago. He is now starting up his own Host Agency. That should be good.
Also, I hope to get a chance to talk with Gerry Cahill, Carnival's CEO. His rousing talk during the 2 day West Coast Inaugural in March of 2009 had a lot to do with me staying in the business. If you all recall, at the time, the economy was in free fall, and no one was really sure where it might end. I wasn't at all sure I could make a go of the travel business, frankly. His optimism, and stated commitment to getting his cruise line and all us agents thru it helped me, and I suspect, a few other jittery TA's.
While the economy is still dragging along, and by no means "good", it does appear stable and seems maybe the worst is behind us. And he was right - we did survive (well some of us did, anyway). In fact, I not only survived, I am making plans right now to expand, add agents, and finally go "bricks and mortar". That is, quit being home-based and open an office.
Should be some exciting news on that front in the next few weeks. The biggest obstacle right now is that commercial property owners apparently haven't got the memo that there is a vast oversupply of vacant commercial space, and rents are nowhere near rational. But, like I said, hopefully some news on that front soon.
Anyway, as I said, I owe Mr. Cahill a "Thank You", and hope to get a chance to deliver it tomorrow.
Any of you that are ready to book a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Carnival Splendor, give me a call at 760.265.3687. As a couple other ships are leaving the West Coast, the Splendor's pricing is only going to gu UP...so BOOK NOW!
Just made a reservation for the Norwegian Star on Feb 26th. The last minute deal, combined with the Dash Event OBC's were just too good to resist. Plus I really wanted to check out the new suites added to the Star when she was refurbished last year. Since she is leaving the West Coast soon, I just kind of had to jump on it.
I am taking my brother, who is in a wheelchair, and my 78 year old mom (for those of you who don't know, I specialize in Accessible Travel). I know that NCL has had some issues about accessibility, but my personal experience doesn't bear it out. In fact, one of my strongest memories of the Pride of Hawaii is when my brother's wheelchair had a tire blowout in Maui. The Engineering Dept lent me tools, and helped me take off the tire, while the front desk people located and got directions to a medical supply store so I could get a replacement. All in all, the service was way above and beyond.
I have also received excellent service on the Star in the past. On the other hand, the service and attention I received on my recent EPIC cruise has raised the bar, so, I guess we'll see if those Suite perks are really all they are cracked up to be.
I will, of course, be doing a daily "Live From the Norwegian Star" post at http://daveholmanstravelblog.blogspot.com and at http://www.facebook.com/HolmanTravel
If you are interested in trying out NCL's Suite Life, give us a call at Dave Holman Travel Services, 760.265.3687
I am taking my brother, who is in a wheelchair, and my 78 year old mom (for those of you who don't know, I specialize in Accessible Travel). I know that NCL has had some issues about accessibility, but my personal experience doesn't bear it out. In fact, one of my strongest memories of the Pride of Hawaii is when my brother's wheelchair had a tire blowout in Maui. The Engineering Dept lent me tools, and helped me take off the tire, while the front desk people located and got directions to a medical supply store so I could get a replacement. All in all, the service was way above and beyond.
I have also received excellent service on the Star in the past. On the other hand, the service and attention I received on my recent EPIC cruise has raised the bar, so, I guess we'll see if those Suite perks are really all they are cracked up to be.
I will, of course, be doing a daily "Live From the Norwegian Star" post at http://daveholmanstravelblog.blogspot.com and at http://www.facebook.com/HolmanTravel
If you are interested in trying out NCL's Suite Life, give us a call at Dave Holman Travel Services, 760.265.3687
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Discovery Channel on Norwegian EPIC - UPDATE
I asked an NCL VP about this last week, and he said if he told me, he'd have to kill me. My latest info is that they are doing a show about "MEGA-SHIPS", scheduled to air in July or August. So, I am guessing they are, or have been, aboard the Royal Caribbean Oasis OTS and/or Allure OTS, and the Cunard Queen Mary 2...can't think what else, right now.
The funny part of this is I remember my very first cruise on the Carnival Tropicale. It was billed as a MEGA-LINER, in those days. It was all of 46,000 tons. At the time the largest ship in service was Norwegian Cruise Lines SS NORWAY (which I sailed on in 1987), which I believe tipped the scales at 70,000tons. Nowadays you have to get to 150,000 to be considered a contender. lol
The funny part of this is I remember my very first cruise on the Carnival Tropicale. It was billed as a MEGA-LINER, in those days. It was all of 46,000 tons. At the time the largest ship in service was Norwegian Cruise Lines SS NORWAY (which I sailed on in 1987), which I believe tipped the scales at 70,000tons. Nowadays you have to get to 150,000 to be considered a contender. lol
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Splendorous Ocassion 2/19/11
Got my confirmation today. Sadly, for some reason, they don't want to let me take a guest. So, I zipped a message to John Heald, Carnival's Cruise Director Extraordinnaire. He is forwarding it to The Beards, to see if he can fix it. Since, you know, me and John go way back to that 42 seconds we spoke on the West Coast Inaugural of the Carnival Splendor. It's good to have friends.
Oh, well, however it turns out, it should be a fun night. The Splendor is one of my favorite ships, and for a while there, nearly a second home. When they brought her to the West Coast, towards the end of March 09, I was on the 2-day Inaugural, as I said, earlier. And then, towards the end of May the whole Swine Flu in Mexico panic happened, and they changed to a Canada run, and prices dropped thru the floor, so I took my brother up to Canada. A couple weeks later, in early June of that year, I was scheduled to take my neice and nephews on a 4 day to Mexico, and they let me opt out of that, because of the Swine Flu - and it turns out it only cost me another $100 to turn a 4 day into a 7 day on the Splendor...so off I went again. Canada twice in one summer!
And the Carnival Splendor 3 times in 10 weeks.
I also had clients on her last cruise, the one with the engine room fire. I must say, Carnival handled that very well, and my clients were satisfied with the response from Carnival. And, now, after several months in the yard, she is coming back into service. YAY!
So, I can't wait to get on, and check her out, and see if everything is still as pink and delicious as she was before!
Stay tuned, and I will let you know.
And, if you are ready to book your Carnival Splendor cruise, or any other cruise, give a call at 760.265.3687. We here at Dave Holman Travel Services are standing by.
Oh, well, however it turns out, it should be a fun night. The Splendor is one of my favorite ships, and for a while there, nearly a second home. When they brought her to the West Coast, towards the end of March 09, I was on the 2-day Inaugural, as I said, earlier. And then, towards the end of May the whole Swine Flu in Mexico panic happened, and they changed to a Canada run, and prices dropped thru the floor, so I took my brother up to Canada. A couple weeks later, in early June of that year, I was scheduled to take my neice and nephews on a 4 day to Mexico, and they let me opt out of that, because of the Swine Flu - and it turns out it only cost me another $100 to turn a 4 day into a 7 day on the Splendor...so off I went again. Canada twice in one summer!
And the Carnival Splendor 3 times in 10 weeks.
I also had clients on her last cruise, the one with the engine room fire. I must say, Carnival handled that very well, and my clients were satisfied with the response from Carnival. And, now, after several months in the yard, she is coming back into service. YAY!
So, I can't wait to get on, and check her out, and see if everything is still as pink and delicious as she was before!
Stay tuned, and I will let you know.
And, if you are ready to book your Carnival Splendor cruise, or any other cruise, give a call at 760.265.3687. We here at Dave Holman Travel Services are standing by.
Monday, February 7, 2011
DISCOVERY Channel on Norwegian EPIC
Just heard from a friend the Discovery Channel is onboard NCL's Norwegian EPIC this week. Not sure what they are taping for, but I will keep you posted as I find out.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Splendor Affair, FEB 19th
Just got an invitation to join the good folks from Carnival on the Carnival Splendor, Feb 19th for a big bash to celebrate her return to service.
As most of you know, the Splendor had an engine fire late last year, and was dead in the water for several days, before being towed in to port in San Diego.
But, now, the repairs have been made, and she is good to go, and will be returning to her regular Mexican Riviera schedule on Sunday, Feb 20th. But with an extra day to kill after she gets to her home port in Long Beach, Carnival decided to have a kind of "grand re-opening".
She won't be leaving the dock for our little party, but, hey, any day on a cruise ship is better than a day on land, I say.
As some of you may recall, I was on the 2day West Coast Inaugural of the Carnival Splendor, and shortly thereafter, when the whole Swine Flu thing hit, I sailed her up to Canada twice in 5 weeks. She is my favorite West Coast based ship,and the one I book clients on most.
So, I am happy she is returning to service, and I'll report back here, to let you know how it goes!
As most of you know, the Splendor had an engine fire late last year, and was dead in the water for several days, before being towed in to port in San Diego.
But, now, the repairs have been made, and she is good to go, and will be returning to her regular Mexican Riviera schedule on Sunday, Feb 20th. But with an extra day to kill after she gets to her home port in Long Beach, Carnival decided to have a kind of "grand re-opening".
She won't be leaving the dock for our little party, but, hey, any day on a cruise ship is better than a day on land, I say.
As some of you may recall, I was on the 2day West Coast Inaugural of the Carnival Splendor, and shortly thereafter, when the whole Swine Flu thing hit, I sailed her up to Canada twice in 5 weeks. She is my favorite West Coast based ship,and the one I book clients on most.
So, I am happy she is returning to service, and I'll report back here, to let you know how it goes!
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