We returned yesterday from our Mariner, 3 day, fun cruise. We boarded the ship in Ft. Lauderdale in a steady drizzle. We met Mia and Mark in the check in line.(what a delightful couple) They introduced us to their daughter, Mia's dad and friend, who had come on the ship to visit. We confirmed our plans to meet for dinner. We all made our way to Compass Rose for lunch.
The rain continued, unfortunately, and the sail away party was moved inside to the Horizon Lounge. I must say, sail away looses a little when you do it inside! Oh well!
We did meet Mia and Mark and another couple we knew at Signatures for dinner and enjoyed wonderful food, wine, and conversation. Really great! We, pleasently, wound up, the six of us, the next two nights having dinner together in the Compass Rose. Also some dancing in Stars. Lots of fun!
Our day in Nassau, we spent dodging raindrops, but the next, in Key West, was delightful.
As you know, the Mariner was fresh out of dry dock. The visable changes were few. Although, the new coffee/cappuccino machine has been installed, Yeah! I know that some of the work has begun on the installation of showers to replace tubs in some of the staterooms (our's was a tub room). But, all that work continues in many areas of the ship. The main reason, for the dry dock was, of course, to replace the damaged prop, and that was accomplished.(we were told that the thing was massive) If our cruise is any indicator, it could not have been quieter or smoother.
The cruise was great......just waaaay too short!
I am sending a photo, to Karen, of us with Mia and Mark. Hopefully, she will post it for me. I don't yet, know how to do that. Maybe, in the new year, I will learn. LOL

Betty

betty, thanks for the super report, but like your cruise, we want more..r/wes

Welcome home Betty! I am glad to hear you had a good time even if the weather didn't behave. Where to next??

Karen,

Sadly, we have nothing booked until the Navigator in September. I have a feeling that will not hold, as we will most likely have to scratch that cruising itch before then. We did pay a visit to Brian O'Brien and picked up a brochure. I asked him, BTW, about the rumor we'd heard about the Diamond having been sold. He says that it is that....rumor, and although it is for sale, it is still part of the fleet. Also he told us that the contract on the PG has been renewed through 2006. Who knows, I may still get to Tahiti one of these days.

Betty

I read this on the Internet. Karen, as you suggested, I am posting it. Judith

The world's largest SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) ship, the 20,295-ton, 350-passenger RADISSON DIAMOND has reportedly been bought by Stanly Ho for use as an upscale Hong Kong casino ship. The 1992-built ship currently sails for Radisson Seven Seas cruises in Caribbean and Mediterranean service.
Source: Maritime Matters

All I can say is if it is indeed true, it makes me sad. I will see if I can find more mention of it.

Hi and welcome back, Betty!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time on your cruise. So glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves.

Ditto to Betty’s note above on our Mariner Minicruise… what a wonderful little “getaway” before Christmas! Mark and I were looking forward to meeting our LCT “cyberfriends” Betty and Larry; they were both charming, warm, and witty -- and their friends that joined us were delightful as well! As Betty mentioned, the six of us had three terrific meals together: our Friday Signatures' experience was delicious (and both wines were wonderful), we were some of the last to leave the Compass Rose on Saturday, and Sunday night we all shared soufflés and peanut butter ice cream for dessert! Throughout the three days we also appreciated the convenience of the new Cappuccino machine: delicious cappuccino, espresso, or latte 24/7 at the touch of a finger! There really wasn’t time to take in a show, but dancing at Stars was fun and we really enjoyed the Flamenco guitarist at the Observation Lounge. As Betty posted, the Mariner was just coming out of dry dock and some of the construction continued as we sailed. One of the suites on our deck was being retrofitted with the shower, and Mark and I peeked inside the bathroom to catch a glimpse. The entire tub space has been transformed into a shower area and the showerhead itself is a “rain-type” fixture … and is probably 8 inches in diameter. It looks heavenly! Mark and I booked the December 2005 “Chocolate Lovers” cruise onboard and are looking forward to experiencing Voyager! (I really do love the Mariner, though!) Mia

Welcome back Betty and Mia!! Sounds like it was a fun time! Rain showers, huh? Ooooh ...

Masaki

A mini-cruise is better than none. Glad you all had a little slice of cruising happiness during the holiday season. Getting a chance to make new friends was included. Thanks for sharing your fun.

Beth

A photo from our mini cruise.
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SAAPA9MUu9xP*eFDVh2jjgP7AyaN16tV!oEbMyJlwzbVAgLIB9wv5D0OrRQsOYcH9eZyZ57gJYAOvyt016eZ231ZlKkL*PZdfZPPcmhs8LZmAAAAynJhAg/IM000375.jpg?dc=4675502831021019869[/img]

Larry & Betty...Mark & Mia....(Compass Rose)

Betty

Oh My,

What will I do without the Diamond. So sad to hear.


Judith, JPar

So glad to hear the Mariner is fixed.
Would be interesting to see pictures of the damage that was repaired.
Wish we had some.
Glad you had a wonderful but short cruise.
mariner is so cool.

Hi, Betty - We had such a great time Mia & Mark