IWillGoAnywhere26

I thought I might be able to talk about some of the musicians onboard since we spent 3 weeks on the Reflection in February. The Acoustic Duo, called Time Machine Duo, is excellent. I know they leave sometime in May but I'm not sure of the date. The solo guitarist, Ge, is also wonderful. He may still be there, based on when he started his contract. We spent many hours listening to both. The House Band and the Quartet have both changed so I can't comment on them. We love the lounge acts on Celebrity. Have a wonderful cruise!

So happy to see a new live report from you. Love reading about your adventures and seeing your beautiful pictures. Wishing you smooth sailing!

I know exactly how you feel because I feel the same way. I recognize all those names! The Summit is my favorite ship. Since we live 90 miles south of NYC we've sailed on her many times and are sad to see her gone.

Hi, Charla! I'm so sorry for your family's loss and of, course, your continued problems preventing Jeremy from cruising with you. I have followed several of your trips a few months back, but recently have taken a break from my obsession with Cruise Critic. I checked back 2 days ago since my husband and I are booked on a B2B2B Reflection cruise starting Feb 3. I was so excited to see that you would be sailing on the first leg. I will definitely introduce myself and say hello. You will love Hato Caves. We did it on our last cruise and I actually considered doing it again. Snorkeling in Bonaire is the best, we've done it with Woodwind as someone else mentioned.

Let me add my thanks for taking us along on your recent Bermuda trip. Loved all the pictures and stories you shared so we could travel along. You made it seem like we were onboard with you. Plus, your sense of humor is delightful. ( in addition to your sense of style😉) Wishing you many more peaceful and relaxing days ahead! Mary Ann

Thank you for sharing this very personal moment. I believe there may be other people who benefit from hearing that same message today. God bess both you and Phelesia.

Where is everyone?

Now the relaxation starts! Well, as soon as you walk up that gangway! Hope embarkation goes smoothly. Can't wait to follow along!

Thank you so much! I was so disappointed when I found out we were missing her by one day. We sailed with her for 3 weeks and had so many interesting conversations. Have a great night!

Yes, they are fabulous, too! They sometimes took care of us at breakfast. And Mariana is just the sweetest and handles her role as hostess so well. She seems to be able to keep everyone happy. And Serkan certainly keeps you laughing. I know it's your last night but I was wondering if you encountered an assistant waiter named Jen. We spent lots of time chatting with her 2 cruises ago. Someone told us she was returning the day we got off the ship. Please tell her David and Mary Boyd hope she's well. Enjoy every minute of your last day! It;s always nice to have your next cruise planned before you leave the ship.

Happy Birthday, Beth! Enjoy your day! Can't wait to hear how you celebrated.

I've never had one of key lime martinis so it's going on the list. Thanks!

Also wondering who your waiter is. I know they usually try to sit you with the same one. We had Irwan and Fika taking care of us. Loved them, but the whole staff is great! Enjoy your first day in Bermuda!

Okay, back to the Summit! Wondering if these 2 guys are onboard now. Nandha was our sommelier in October 2022. Viskas served us in May. I'm thinking Viskas may have gone home. Both took such good care of us. Loved our chats!

My husband taught middle school general music for about half his career. He did start 4th graders on instruments for 2 years, though, and thus conducted an elementary band of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. He fondly remembers a group of 4th grade girls he started on the saxaphone. They were so excited and wanted to play all the time. So he would use his lunch hour to give them extra playing time. For the other half of his career he worked as a school psychologist. One day he got a call from one of those little girls, asking if he would mentor her as she pursued her degree in school psychology. She worked as his intern for a year. It was one of the highlights of his career. A career in education has so many challenges but a multitude of rewards. WE both felt very fortunate in our careers. We live in Bucks County. Where are you from in PA?

I must return the compliment to you as an elementary band leader. My 35 years were spent in an elementary public school. The music teachers did an amazing job with the chorus and band. Starting children on instruments seems like a daunting task. We were always so impressed with the holiday concert after only a few months of instruction. My opinion is not biased at all by the fact that my husband is a music teacher!😉

So excited to follow along as you sail the Summit, our favorite ship. We have sailed on her at least a dozen times, most recently April 26th to May 15th, also in Aqua class. The crew makes her extra special and the staff in Blu will spoil you as they make you feel extra special. I must admit, I'm a little jealous. I taught for 35 years, 20 of them as a special education teacher. Love the lavendar lemondrop marrtini, too, but it sounds like you got some wonderful suggestions that I will be adding to my list. All the bartenders are great but make sure to connect with Putu. We've sailed with him numerous times. Amazing how much he's mentioned on social media. I always tell him he's famous. Tell him Mary and David Boyd say hello if you get the chance. Here's a picture of Putu on Cinco de Mayo Mary Ann

Meatloaf was on the Blu menu when we sailed in May.

I know I was late to the party but what a ride! Safe travels to you and Iain. Looking forward to following your next adventure! Mary Ann

You are so right! One quick story. We cruised to French Polynesia on our 2nd cruise. Met a couple at lunch, chatted here and there, and went on our way. The next year we cruised to Alaska and ran into this same couple the first morning. We ended up eating dinner with them each night on that cruise. After that, we traveled with them for years on some of our favorite trips, including a two week safari in Africa and the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. In fact, they helped instill our sense of adventure in traveling around the world. Life circumstances interrupted our ability to travel with them, but they are a part of so many happy memories.

Happy Birthday, Iain! Looks like you're going to have quite the celebration!

Hi, Jim, I've spent the week reading your entire thread after returning from a 19 day voyage on the Summit. Finally caught up. We actually met on the Summit on the first leg of the Iceland cruise last August. I stopped you on the stairs to say hello. It's been fascinating to follow your adventures and all the heartfelt stories you and other shared along the way. And you certainly have an eye for captivating photos, from your doors to flowers to vistas as well as people. Thanks for taking all of us along with you and Iain. When I grow up I want to be like you. Hopefully I'll get the chance to cruise with you again and get the oppurtunity to chat a little more. Mary Ann

Thanks so much! We will definitely do it and I'll report back here. We love anything involving animal encounters. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii!

I also wanted to say thanks for your great review and honest depiction of the present state of cruising. We board the Connie on February 3. I have one question about the Monkeyland Park Adventure. When I googled it for more info, it seemed to suggest that you take a bus ride out to the country to get there. I was under the impression that you could walk there from the port area. Can you clarify that for me? We would love to visit that facility. Thank you!

We've cruised frequently on the Summit in Aqua. Looking forward to hearing your impressions!