Leaving for Gladiator shortly
#241668
06/13/14 10:03 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Off to the Mariner for the back to back Med cruise. Some new ports for me as well that is always fun.
Fly DFW - ATLANTA - LHR - ROME. Frequent flyer miles - got to love them, but we were able to get first class all the way. I think I can handle the connections. I really love being on a plane if I am in first or business. I really relax, watch movies, play scrabble in my mini Ipad, Ken had to listen to me he has nowhere to go! Even the food seems to be getting better than it used to be. I have a rule on travel days - I eat whatever I like, no rules. Got to love that too, a brilliant idea of mine. Sleeping not so much but that is okay I recover fast. Now COACH a whole different story, it is never fun!
On the second leg June 22nd, my daughter Cindy and her husband Mark will be joining the cruise. We seldom get to travel together she is as busy as I am so it is hard. Her daughter is at camp so it will be nice to spend some quality time together.
So I am a happy camper as I prepare for another trip on the Mariner, Captain Felice is on board and his presence always makes things better! CIAO!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241669
06/13/14 12:13 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991 |
Have a great time -- and say hi to Felice for us.
Peggy
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241670
06/13/14 12:50 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084 |
Have a fabulous time....hope you can send us pictures and seamail.
Love your itinerary and so happy Cindy & Mark can join you on the 2nd leg. Hi to Felice from Tom & me too and you get to go to his home town!
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241672
06/13/14 02:54 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761 |
Ngaire, I'm sure you and Ken are looking forward to relaxing on the flights. I hope all go smoothly. I'm looking forward to the sea mail and hearing about the new ports.
PLEASE, give our very best regards to Capt Felice from Alice and me!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241675
06/14/14 11:59 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
See you soon. We did TUL-ORD-LHR-FCO with an overnight at LHR which is a bonus as we love London. FF miles of course, in business on AA to London then BA to Rome. Taxes are so much less on AA for award tickets, but going home will be on BA because that is all could get for my dates in business or first.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241676
06/15/14 08:48 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
We are now onboard the Mariner.
We saw most of the updates in January but more has been done since then. The thing we like the MOST is there is an extra plug outlet on both sides of the bed. There are NEVER enough plugs so this gives two more outlets! We carry an outlet strip but having two plugs in a separate location is very nice.
Seeing many old friends in the crew as soon as we got on board always feels like coming home. Nice to be back!
Had lunch with Ken and Sheila we met them waiting to board the ship and saw Rachel and George at lunch as well. We will catch up with everyone to night at the pre dinner get together.
We have reservations tonight at Prime 7 what a way to start!!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241677
06/15/14 10:17 AM
|
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
Moderator
|
Moderator
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171 |
That really IS good news about the outlets! What a great way to start your night in Prime 7!
Karen Live long and prosper
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241682
06/16/14 06:55 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Glad you are all safely aboard. Andrea Bocelli's PBS program last set in Portofino was fabulous. The city was lit up in the background - stoked our interesting knowing we'll be there in one short week Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241684
06/16/14 10:05 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
Seaday today as the wind whipped up right after we dropped anchor in sorrento . Later it poured rain for a while. Internet is terrible in our suite. I am blogging over on the cruise critic site, and with the terrible connection can only manage one spot ( if that). Dinner with Ngaire and ken tonight.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241686
06/16/14 03:31 PM
|
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
Moderator
|
Moderator
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171 |
Rachel, are you using an ipad in your cabin? I have heard so many bad wifi connection horror stories from people with ipads. I have never had a problem using my Android tablet in the cabin or at the pool deck on any of my cruises.
Karen Live long and prosper
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241687
06/17/14 08:08 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Having a wonderful time. Our dinner in Prime 7 was great, the same menu as I always have, crab cake, crab legs, and Dover sole. Fantastic. Also enjoyed catching up with Ken and Sheila although we were together just three weeks ago in South Africa. A lot can happen in three weeks.
We ended up with a sea day as we had to bypass Sorrento. A great port but so often difficult to tender because of wind and currents. Nice relaxing day with some cards in the afternoon.
Last night we had dinner with George and Rachel. We had a great time those two have some super stories! We talked constantly and dinner seemed to be over very quickly. Again Dover Sole for dinner, I can be so boring I can eat the same thing again and again.
Today eight of us went on the same tour ERICE by Cable Car. We did this last year and loved it so we booked it again. Lovely little town on the top of a hill with great views. As we were leaving we ran into Captain Felice with his wife Anna and daughter Josephine. The captain had to stay on board but the girls joined our group. It was nice to see Josephine we met her when she was 10 and is so grown up now at 15. We have met Anna a few times before and her English is getting better all the time. The weather was perfect, nice temperature not hot or cold. Could not have been better. It was a delightful morning maybe Ken can post some pictures. We had lunch in Compass Rose with Jim and Mary Ellen and caught up since we saw each other late last year.
Tonight is the BK cocktail party and the preliminary drawing for the free cruise.
The ship looks great. Both the Voyager and Mariner look good after the refurbishments and many things are similar. I like the way the Mariner looks better than the Voyager. The promenade on deck 6 is terrific and now Park West is gone they are going to add more chairs and table down the side where all those paintings used to hang. Also the Horizon Lounge is different and easier to get together for trivia than I remember the Voyager being. Or maybe I am just getting used to the new layout.
BIG DIFFERENCE ON THIS SHIP IS THE DEMOGRAPHICS. It is a short cruise and the ages of the passengers is so much younger. Lots of 40's and also many families. The guests change the mood of the ship and it is a very upbeat feeling on board. There are seats in the coffee corner all the time and not as many playing trivia (we may stand a chance but we did terrible yesterday it was hard).
Okay off to catch up on emails and see what is happening in the BK world at the office.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241688
06/17/14 03:11 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
Yes, Karen, using an iPad which I have used on this very ship with no problems at all 2 different times. The computer guys are working diligently, and have figured out that it has to do with the VPN I have to use for work which is a new thing. Anyway, situation is better as I figured out where to sit--right by reception- to get an adequate signal and speed.
Fun time with ngaire and all the LCT crew in Erice. I have not made it to trivia yet as I have been too tired and/or preoccupied with the computer thing.
They have just brought me a laptop to use so we will see how that goes.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241690
06/17/14 03:22 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084 |
Love reading seamail....we had so much fun in Erice, brings back great memories from B2B MARINER . Anna just needs to keep building her confidence, she's such a doll.
Good luck with Trivia guys, you can do it !
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241692
06/18/14 05:14 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369
Beth
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369 |
So nice to read seamail. Thanks to Ngaire and Rachel for posting!!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: RachelG]
#241695
06/18/14 10:13 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967 |
Yes, Karen, using an iPad which I have used on this very ship with no problems at all 2 different times. The computer guys are working diligently, and have figured out that it has to do with the VPN I have to use for work which is a new thing. Anyway, situation is better as I figured out where to sit--right by reception- to get an adequate signal and speed.
Fun time with ngaire and all the LCT crew in Erice. I have not made it to trivia yet as I have been too tired and/or preoccupied with the computer thing.
They have just brought me a laptop to use so we will see how that goes. I agree, Rachel. I've had my iPad for maybe 2-3 years. It is not always the best, but sometimes very good in places like the pool deck that Karen mentioned. You just never know when you are in the right place at the right time. Sometimes I go down to the main computer area on the ships and find no one is getting a signal. Just depends on the geography, and apparently, certain placements on the ships for cabins are not good. I am so glad you loved Erice, we had a wonderful time there with Ngaire and Ken and many other BK cruisers last year. The more I cruise, the more I love places like this, that are new to me, small. not crowded, and time to walk around (this was a little climb) just sit and chat in a little cafe under cover of sun, but outside. I hope that laptop is working for you.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241696
06/19/14 05:46 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Nice day in a new port for us Cagliari (Sicily) The tour was a little long but there were some good highlights. The old town, an overview of the area and a seaside area. The best things are noted below.
One was seeing flamingos that frequent the shallow pools for quite some distance. They are so cute to watch they do a little "dance" with their feet to stir up the shallows for food. Unfortunately there was no place to stop and get out for a closer look but they were great to see. Not all clustered together as I expected but spread out over a large area.
The other event of the day that was fun was our free time where our guide told us about the best ice cream store. It was unbelievable, Three huge islands of ice cream, more flavors than you can imagine, probably about 50 flavors.. All swirled into big mounds and beautifully displayed and the flavors were very powerful in all the flavors we tried. The lemon was really lemon, the berry very berry etc. Ken will have to post some pictures!
We had a wonderful dinner with Mary Ellen and Jim in Signatures.
Other than the windy day in Sorrento the weather has been perfect, not hot or cold and calm seas.
Trivia yesterday we were SO close. Only four of us Ken, me, Nikon Ken and Sheila. We have not even been close before, the questions are hard. But if we had not changed two answers at the very end we would have won. I take the blame I always say "do not change an answer unless you are sure' " and I had the power, I was holding the pencil. Still time we have to win at least once.
Just finished a wonderful lunch. The buffet had giant shrimp, lobster cocktails just full of lump lobster, green lipped mussels and then a nice fish on the buffet and New Zealand style roast potatoes. It cannot get better than that!
Off for a wine tasting in Palma de Mallorca!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241697
06/19/14 08:25 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 961
Anna B.
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 961 |
There's just no better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and new sea mail! Thanks for the posts and looking forward to some pictures - especially people pics! I hope they have re-stocked the Pirate TreasuRed for this cruise.
Kathy
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241699
06/19/14 11:44 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79
carman
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79 |
I, too, love the seamail.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241701
06/19/14 02:25 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Great afternoon! We had wine tour and a visit to pretty local harbor.
The drive from the port everything was so clean with flowers, trees and lovely small stores and restaurants. The winery was at the top of a big hill with a windy narrow road. The scenery was breathtaking, hills, green fields, attractive villas with tiled roofs and lots of flowering trees. . Some "hairy" moments on the road with cars having to back up going up and down the hill.
The winery was in a lovely setting with a terrific guide at the winery who went through the history of wines and items of interest specific to Palma de Mallorca. The first wine was a muscat but not overly sweet it was excellent everyone appeared to really like that and it was very inexpensive. There were four wines tasted and served with bread, their own olive oil, sea salt, olives and cheese. Great afternoon. Jim bought four bottles of wine and a tin of olive oil. Total cost 27 euros!!
We finished the tour at a scenic quaint harbor with lots of boats and complete with swans. It was a very nice tour.
However, not been drinking much wine recently and I drank all four glasses at the winery so now I am REALLY sleepy. So off to bed now. Tomorrow Barcelona we have not booked any tours just may walk into town for a little while.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241702
06/19/14 04:31 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761 |
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241705
06/20/14 07:13 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658 |
sounds beautiful Ngaire.
If you want some tapas in Barcelona, walk along Las Rambles to the Boqueria and stand in front, right to the left is a tapa's bar that has a huge variety of tapas. We have gone there twice. We usuallly sit at the big bar inside, but if you walk all the way thru after ordering your selections, there are some tables right outside which are actually inside the boqueria, but we like the people watching inside better.
JoAnn
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241706
06/20/14 08:27 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Photos From Trapani, Sicily: Nice walking street. Nice Italian Shoes. This nice lady was followed down this alley by these cats. She stopped and put out food for them. As you can see they were very happy. So many choices. A view from the top of Erice, outside of Trapani, Sicily. B&K cocktail party . Captain Felice and Ngaire do a preliminary drawing for the Free Cruise drawn at the last escorted cruise this year, which is Dubai to Cape Town. Thanks for the reminder Ted.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ken]
#241707
06/20/14 09:55 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558 |
Don't forget Dubai to Cape Town THIS November - that would be final escorted adventure for 2014!!
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: TedC]
#241709
06/20/14 01:42 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558 |
Don't forget Dubai to Cape Town THIS November - that would be final escorted adventure for 2014!! When you get to a certain age memory seems to go first! ( Don't ask what goes next!)
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241710
06/20/14 07:42 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761 |
Thanks for posting the pix, Ken! Love them! And that's my favorite Capt Felice pose. :-))
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241712
06/20/14 10:33 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967 |
I really enjoy Felice as well. After having cruised with him before several times, and learning he is quite the expert in safety procedures and good with fuel costs, among other things when I have cruised with him before. I think first time was in South America, on the Amazon, he was SO busy that cruise. That river is so difficult to maneuver, as the charts are not always up to date with depths, etc., and he is so diligent.
Met his wife for the first time last cruise. She is so lovely. Felice, you are one lucky man! Ngaire, may be too late to ask, as you may be off the ship now .but do you think Felice will be on board for the Jan 20 cruise, 2 legs before your escorted cruise in the South Pacific from Sydney on the Mariner? I know the Wolfs and I would love to hear that he is.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241713
06/20/14 11:57 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Photos from Cagliari, Sardinia: Offering free rides to his restaurant. Nikon Ken ready for action. Brad is loving the Gelato. The main street in Cagliari.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241714
06/21/14 12:07 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Photos from Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Our excursion went to the Santa Caterina Winery. The wine tasting was great, four wines, bread, olives, olive oil, and a mixture of dried black olives and salt was very interesting. Sailing from Palma de Mallorca at 9:00pm that night.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241715
06/21/14 12:34 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Photos taken by a Nikon Camera not Ken's Canon Camera: Sheila, Rachel, and George. Mary Ellen having some fun at my expense. Jim enjoying his wine. Mindy enjoying a photo opp.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241716
06/21/14 08:37 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Lovely day again today. Sunny, warm (not hot) and calm seas again. Today we went to "Charming Castellet" a medieval village on a hill about one hour from Marseilles. We were the only bus there and just a few local tourists. It was so lovely and I am sure much nicer than it would be packed with tourists. Delightful picture opportunities all over the place. The white rock buildings, flowering trees and shrubs quaint cafes and interesting shops. The overview of all the vineyards and small wineries was really "charming".
A truly delightful day EXCEPT for my bathroom adventure! There was a toilet with an automatic lock but when I tried to get out NO LUCK. Even though it said GREEN OPEN it would not open. I tried doing the button fast and pushing and pulling. I tried doing it slow nothing would work. Every time you pushed the green open button it would also flush the toilet, sure wasted a lot of water. Fortunately Sheila was outside and went to get help and another lady was there as well. I just kept trying and trying and FINALLY it opened. So from that point we never let the door close again and just stood guard for each other. Just another fun adventure for conversation.
To celebrate my release from the clutches of the automatic toilet I enjoyed two scoops of ice cream, passion fruit and black currant. Both flavors were really yummy!
Tomorrow the next segment starts and my daughter comes onboard. In the morning we are going to St.Paul de Vence I always like to visit that lovely little town. We have to say goodbye to George and Rachel but at least we know we will see them in September on the Japanese Islands trip. Also saying goodbye to two wonderful "newbies" Brad and Mindy who we had so much fun with and so glad we got to meet. Looking forward to seeing them again.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241718
06/21/14 10:25 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,511
Ms Understood
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,511 |
Ahh, St Paul de Vence. I love it there. Colombe D'Or was one of the best most charming restaurants I have had the pleasure of dining in! ----------------- Helen
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241720
06/21/14 01:43 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
Hate that we are having to leave, but alas, work!
Had wonderful pizza today at La Cantina in St. Remy. The owner, Claud, is a jewel.
And hate that we are missing St. Paul de Vence. Love that place.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241721
06/21/14 07:51 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Hang in there, Ngaire, we are also on our way. Cooling our heels in the BA lounge awaiting departure. First time we've tried "eat on the ground so you go right to sleep" option. Benefit? You can try everything on the menu. Downside? Buffet self-serve. Difficult to find an outlet to charge up the puter and phone that is smarter than a fifth grader. Not to worry ... she says hopefully .. seat outlets should do the trick. Originally scheduled for 787, actual aircraft 767. What difference does it make? we'll be there in no time & be hoofing it for our connecting flight to Nice.
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241726
06/23/14 08:27 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Portofino from the tender taken with a Nikon:
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241727
06/23/14 09:10 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Sad to say goodbye to George, Rachel, Brad and Mindy, but nice to welcome Cindy,Mark, Gary and Anne.
A beautiful day welcomed us in Portofino this morning. Some of us just walked into town and others went on a tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita. Lunch on the back of the Verandah Restaurant finished off a perfect morning. Portofino is a really beautiful spot.
Anne has joined us so we hope our success at trivia will improve she is REALLY good at trivia.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241728
06/23/14 12:39 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
PaulM
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69 |
Did the ship carry the US World Cup game Sunday? Soooooo exciting. The Super Bowl party in December on Mariner was so much fun (especially for Seahawks fans).
Italy plays tomorrow (Wednesday, early morning for you, noon here on the east coast) so you may encounter rabid fans and closures, and if Italy wins, joy in the streets.
Paul & Maddy
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241730
06/23/14 04:36 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
Yes, sadly we are headed home, via a somewhat circuitous route due to using FF miles. We had a wonderful time, but the cruise was just too short, and I am jealous of you all at portofino, one of my favorite places in the world.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241731
06/24/14 01:00 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Ken needs to post some pictures again. We decided against the tour and cancelled and just wandered in Portofino. It is such a charming spot. Hopefully Ken will post some pictures today.
Yesterday in trivia we tied for the win, then we found out one of our answers WAS correct so we consider it a complete win yesterday. There was a new dish on Regent last week, lobster thermidor. Absolutely yummy, a half of a lobster in a very light lobster cream sauce with mushrooms. Better than any other lobster thermidor I have had anywhere else. So we special ordered that tonight and I am looking forward to dinner. Food has been very good on this trip particularly in Compass Rose.
Today a bright sunny morning again with a very calm sea for our tender into Cannes. Certainly been blessed with the weather this trip. We are on a tour this morning so have to dash now.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241733
06/24/14 08:18 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868 |
Ngaire, I could not agree more. Portofino is my favorite port of all. It's like sailing into a picture postcard. Congrats on the trivia win. Cannes is a fun port also. Keep having fun.
Betty
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241734
06/24/14 09:56 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
A couple of photos, more to come later: This is the type of French Automatic Toilet that Ngaire was locked in. Only costs 1 Euro for the experience, what a deal!! Coffee break in Saint Raphael, France outside of Cannes.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241735
06/24/14 10:17 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658 |
What fun pictures Ken. I'm sure Ngaire won't forget that toilet experience anytime soon.
JoAnn
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241736
06/24/14 10:37 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241738
06/24/14 05:19 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369
Beth
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369 |
What lovely pictures. Everything looks so quaint. Now the cat on the bar looks interesting! Was she the bartender?
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241739
06/25/14 04:46 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
funny you should ask about the World Cup coverage ... as in 'nyet', 'nada' and 'non'. Mark and I are a little more hepped up about the world cup. We're just down the hall from each other on Port side of Deck 8. I was up at 2 am, locked in the closet, trying to get info on the US-Portugal match. Mark was reduced to reading blog posts. A draw. What an outcome. Then, topic of discussion this morning was just how badly Uruguay's striker is going to get penalized for biting into an Italian. then there's wimbledon coverage ... see comments under World Cup coverage. Glad to see Rafa went through along with Federer.
I made my second shot at walk with the fitness director at 7 am sharp. Yesterday one of us showed up ... so I just walked for half an hour figuring I got the required mile in within that time frame. This morning, rain significant enough to daunt even my attempt at disciplined exercise. Came back down to the room with the blast of an intercom announcement. It could only be one thing .. sea day vs. visiting Antibes. 42 knot winds and swells mean tenders are a no go. Dialed up the Grand Budapest hotel on the on-demand channel, clicked the volume down to 3 and enjoyed a two hour nap.
We chose an 8:15 departure yesterday to get a look at Provence again. that was the good news - a very scenic drive. We arrived at Chateau St. Martin and were treated to a wine tasting. Just couldn't manage it at 9:30 am. after that, we went to the equivalent of the Var area wine appellation chamber of commerce to learn how to taste wine. This area of france produces largely light rose wine varietals. So ... off we trooped, figuring we could tune out the wine tasting directions and see what was on offer.
Instead, the wiine tasting instruction was quite good. We learned a new wrinkly - identifying the 'glint' of the wine color. Their contention is the glint will allow you to gauge the age of the wine. Personally, the vintage on the label generally does it for me, but hey! A new party trick? Why not? The fun part was when we got to the red wine. The instructor was convincing us the glint indicated a more mature wine. Accented english did not do much to enlighten the audience, but we eventually got the point - glint was the color of roof tiles.
another lovely drive back to Cannes. All in all, a much better excursion than I expected.
Have not been back on Mariner since probably 2011. the redo is beautiful. My favorite change is the chairs on the balcony. They are rattan with cushions and a stick shift to recline. Easy enough to grab a pillow, put the back down and take a nap. We are at anchor during the day so it's feasible. They also took a page form Sea Dream and added balinese beds on either side of the bow area on deck 12. Me likey! The executive chef is very good. We've had him on a prior cruise. The company is most amiable and it's a relaxing visit.
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241741
06/25/14 07:12 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658 |
Love the pictures of St Paul De Vence....we loved it there when we took a tour.
Enjoying your commentary Anne.
JoAnn
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ken]
#241744
06/25/14 01:42 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558 |
Some trivia:
Rex Harrison had a villa in Portofino called San Genesius, patron saint of actors. But Rex was no saint, married SIX times!
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241745
06/25/14 04:57 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761 |
Thanks for the reports and pix! So glad that it looks like you are all having a great cruise!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241748
06/25/14 08:25 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
Tell Mary Ellen the kitty on the bar looks just like my Missy ( who is currently being annoying wanting attention since we have been away so is nipping at my toes). Love St. Paul de Vence!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241749
06/26/14 01:56 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Hello everyone, a bit behind on my posts.
We did a scenic trip to St.Raphael and the highlight was the drive back. Stunning scenery part of it looked like UTAH, and actually some western movies were shot here. Lots of very expensive homes and a beautiful coastline. In the town the tour guide pointed out a toilet similar to "my toilet" and said that she advised we should not use this toilet as people often get stuck inside for a long time! Big hoots and hollers from our group! Guess I was lucky with just a few minutes in the toilet prison. Overall it was a great tour.
The next day it was too rough to tender so we had a much appreciated day at sea.
Today we cannot tender again at Sanary Sur Mer so we are docked in Toulon and all the tours planned can still operate from here so that was a good solution. It sunny and calm but we are in a protected bay so it may not be so good out in the ocean. We are taking a local ferry to Toulon and just walking around. While we have had some really good tours on this trip we have tours the next two days so decided to relax more today.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241751
06/26/14 10:57 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Last night's show, "Dancing In The Streets", was simply wonderful. There's an incentive group on board who is younger and - gasp - flooded the Constellation Theater. Lots of fun.
Had a lot of fun at Prime 7 last night. split a lobster for the table as a starter; left little appetite for the 2 lbs of alaskan king crab. A first for me - asked for a doggy bag. Without missing a beat, room service was summoned to take the extra to our room. The spare ziploc came in handy. Enjoyed crab with eggs for breakfast this morning.
One should see the actual routes of our passage. The distances between some of the ports are very short. therefore, we are paced to allow for stabilizers and to arrive at or near our expected arrival. The result is a very smooth ride. We have just cleared the breakwater in Toulon (french for "naval base and where old French naval ships go to die") and the pilot boat is nudging up to grab the pilot. Tricky business as the swells are picking up, but the pilot skinnied down the ladder with aplomb.
Port seems to be the correct side for this particular sailing. we are told the starboard side is likely to get some wind buffeting overnight whilst we carry on to Minorca, and the southernly route means some ocean swells.
It was - at last - a validated trivia win for the Ngaire team. Nikon Ken was the MVP as everyone grabbed certain rabbits out of certain hats to chip in correct answers - and clever, if not so correct, answers to other questions.
It doesn't get much better than this.
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241752
06/26/14 10:57 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Last night's show, "Dancing In The Streets", was simply wonderful. There's an incentive group on board who is younger and - gasp - flooded the Constellation Theater. Lots of fun.
Had a lot of fun at Prime 7 last night. split a lobster for the table as a starter; left little appetite for the 2 lbs of alaskan king crab. A first for me - asked for a doggy bag. Without missing a beat, room service was summoned to take the extra to our room. The spare ziploc came in handy. Enjoyed crab with eggs for breakfast this morning.
One should see the actual routes of our passage. The distances between some of the ports are very short. therefore, we are paced to allow for stabilizers and to arrive at or near our expected arrival. The result is a very smooth ride. We have just cleared the breakwater in Toulon (french for "naval base and where old French naval ships go to die") and the pilot boat is nudging up to grab the pilot. Tricky business as the swells are picking up, but the pilot skinnied down the ladder with aplomb.
Port seems to be the correct side for this particular sailing. we are told the starboard side is likely to get some wind buffeting overnight whilst we carry on to Minorca, and the southernly route means some ocean swells.
It was - at last - a validated trivia win for the Ngaire team. Nikon Ken was the MVP as everyone grabbed certain rabbits out of certain hats to chip in correct answers - and clever, if not so correct, answers to other questions.
It doesn't get much better than this.
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241757
06/26/14 06:59 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,569
Mrs. Marc
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,569 |
Loving the reports Ngaire and Anne. Sounds like a nice relaxing cruise with interesting ports.
Arlene Adventure before Dementia!
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241762
06/27/14 09:32 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Photos from Toulon, France:
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241763
06/27/14 10:51 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
As you can see from Ken's pictures we visited Toulon as the port of Sanary Sur Mer was not accessible by tender. Toulon is only 10 minutes from Sanary Sur Mer so we docked in Toulon and all the tours ran as originally planned.
Not a tourist town like our other ports but fun to walk a really local old town it was interesting. Ken bought me some cherries at the market that I have been really enjoying. Again a stunning day, not too hot and sunny,
Today we went to Minorca what a nice island. Laid back with white houses, old rock walls, green fields and lots of trees. Crystal blue water to top off the scenery. A nice tour with three stops with free time so the boys went nuts with the photography. Lots of old farm houses that can be modernized inside but must retain the original exterior. This island is really protecting their heritage and not allowing huge high rise hotels. A must slower pace than most of the areas we have visited.
Enjoying trivia with the Simpsons, Anne, Gary and Cindy and Mark. We have held our own with a lot of second places and an substantial win as well. They now give tokens for first, second and third place.
This has been a great trip. I have been on tours that I was not thrilled with and happy to be back at the ship. But this trip they have all been pretty good and very enjoyable. This area of the world is wonderful and every port has not disappointed. The food has been good too, fantastic seafood on the lunch buffet each day in La Verandah.
Last day tomorrow - off to a wine tasting at 9.30 am in the morning. It has passed so quickly.
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241766
06/27/14 04:08 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084 |
Ngaire & Anne, Thanks so much for your postings. You know how much we all love seamail, especially with photos, and you haven't disappointed. So happy you're doing well at Trivia ! GO TEAM LCT
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241768
06/27/14 05:00 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
PaulM
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69 |
Pics by Ken, narrative by Anne & Ngaire; enticing, wish we were there. Missing Europe, hearts and trivia.
The expanded description of the US v Germany WC match is this; Germany has the ball, US defends, repeat. So strange to be excited for a close US loss.
Looking forward to US v Belgium Tuesday. We'll be cheering in the crowd at City Hall in San Francisco.
Safe travels all,
Maddy & Paul
Maddy & Paul
_ ____________ _
"You miss 100% of the shots you never take" - Wayne Gretzky
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: PaulM]
#241775
06/28/14 08:43 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Good to hear from all of you. Maybe we are NOT doing quite so well. I've been puzzling as to why I can't reply for a good 10 minutes. Duh ... log in required.
All righty then
I'm hoping USA can take Belgium on Tuesday. Our friends have already forewarned us NOT to bring up football as part of conversation. They are beyond despair with England's early exit.
Yesterday was all about finding as many places as possible to fall asleep. First up was our highlights of minorca tour. 3 separate naps in the space of 4 hours. Grabbed the back row of seats and stretched out. Back to Home Base Mariner. Time to change up my exercise routine to include water workout. It was like playing dodgeball with parents bouncing about with children wearing water wings, interspersed with people jumping in head first on the deep end. I've never seen the pool that busy. No matter - this is what hot tubs are for. Dry off, then find an empty balinese bed off Deck 12. Conk out for another hour. Time to speed change into suitable attire and report for trivia. Yesterday we scored very high in the 'close but no cigar' category.
gold, plat and titanium party yesterday off the Horizon Lounge. Sushi and tempura shrimp. We got there with about 10 minutes to spare. Enjoyed a conversation with Michael, the general manager. Also managed to get future cruise deposit info to the other Canadian Michael. Sweet!
Dinner at compass rose. Thinking of you, marcie, as featured entree was wiener schnitzel. After dinner, we relaxed to the piano music in mariner lounge. Jim and Mary Ellen joined and we chatted until the pianist packed up for the Observation Lounge. I left the suite for dinner with 2 earrings and 2 earring backs. I came back with 2 earrings and one earring back. Gary hit the floor looking for the missing equipment. I hit the mattress. He actually found the missing back this morning buried in the upholstery at Mariner Lounge. Good thing - I'd figured it had a new home in a vacuum cleaner bag.
Tour did not depart til 9:30 am; breakfast in compass rose for swedish pancakes was in order. more wine tasting opportunities. The guide today said hello and nothing more til we arrived at the winery. Charming proprietor and a nice set up. Nice introduction to the wine process, complete with all kinds of engineering details, held Gary's interest. Then it was on to the tasting area. Four wines to taste, a selection of cheese, sausage, bread and olives. In no time, the house dogs (old labrador and not so old shepard/rotweiler mix) joined the party. Both dogs look like they bat clean up for uneaten snacks offered to tourists. Extremely relaxing atmosphere.
Ibiza not as charming as minorca; livelier atmosphere.
Packing is mostly complete. Flight is checked in online. Time to print off boarding pass. trivia will be underway in about 50 minutes. signatures for dinner tonight. Compass rose menu also outstanding. It may be time for a progressive dinner for us.
Cheers, Anne
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241776
06/28/14 09:25 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241777
06/28/14 09:31 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241778
06/28/14 11:20 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084 |
Bravo ! Everyone and ever place looks fabulous.
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Leaving for Gladiator shortly
[Re: Ngaire]
#241779
06/28/14 02:28 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
You guys are making me sad that we had to cancel this week of the trip!!
But new computer system at the hospital made another week off impossible.
I am jealous though!
|
|
|
|
|
|