dramaqueen4lyfe

We will be on board for the 53 day repositioning in May and so anything you post will be of great interest to us. We will be sure to check in every day for your pics tips and opinions.

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thank you to all who are reporting live. We have enjoyed every post. It just makes us all the more I excited for our 53 day repositioning cruise next May.

Re: the WOW cards. Like Gina we received them at the pier in Sydney on the first leg of our BtoBtoB but since we didn't have to check in on the nest 2 legs, it was difficult to get them. We did go to the check-in desk in Honolulu on our way back on to the ship and they were happy to give us as many as we wanted. Our suggeston to the GSM was to include them in the BtoB package they gave us each time. She did say that they were only available shore-side and would ask if she could have a supply to give BtoB passengers.

We were happy to hand ours out to many of our favorite crew members.

We saw it being used a bit on our cruise over Christmas but not much.The weather was lovely and warm but still most people sat inside the CL.

We used the outside seating area very frequently on our recent 42 days on board. Of course the weather in the S. Pacific was wonderful and we saw many lovely sunsets out there. It was also much quieter and you could have a conversation. The CL tends to be a bit noisy. We were only driven indoors on the third sea day back to Vancouver when the weather changed.

I think I actually prefer the Diamond Lounge for indoor seating. It is bigger and the views are wonderful. Not quite so noisy as well. There was a discussion while we were on board about the possibility of putting in more insulation and rugs in the CL to try to dampen the sound.

We did try the Dog House once. Not really a fan. Izumi was pretty busy each time we were there. There is a huge design flaw with Rita's in that the back end is open and it's drafty. I can't imagine it will be well attended in Alaska. We really enjoyed it and went back twice. It's the least used venue at this point such a shame because the servers are wonderful and so are the Margarita's. :D

I felt bad finding out that Capt. Claus has been transferred although we all knew he was due since this past March made 4 years on board RD for him. Even in early April he seemed certain he'd be on board to relieve Capt. Sindre for their extended rotations - what seemed to be for about 13 weeks since Sindre doesn't plan to return until very late October. I wonder if that will change with a new captain in the picture.

 

But the good news is that Kelly Goodrich will be rejoining RD on May 25 as the piano player in the Schooner Bar. He always puts on a good show and everyone has a good time when he's there. Not only that, he can sing! :) The one who is there now annoyed me so much that I couldn't wait to get out of Giovanni's just so I didn't have to hear him through the doors. He about ruined our entire meal. The truth is that I never heard anyone worse. I hate saying that but I didn't even want to walk through the Schooner bar when he was in there making all that racket. :(

 

Gina

I totally agree. I cringed every time I walked through the Schooner Bar.:eek:

Hi ...can I chime in here......just back from 42 wonderful days on Radiance. Yes, the crew did a great job with the oil leak repair and fortunately for all of us we were stopped in calm seas so a lot of people probably didn't even notice until the Captain made his announcement!

 

We tried all of the specialty restaurants and loved them all. The Chef's Table is a fantastic experience....14 diners, good food, good wine, good service. However, as Karen noted....it is a long evening! We started at 6:30 with champagne and walked out at 10:30!

We were also lucky enough to spend 42 wonderful days on board. We tried them all and went back twice and three times in some cases.

I thought the Chef's Table was a wonderful experience. We were treated like royalty. Knowing it was going to be a long dinner we just settled in for the long haul and enjoyed every minute.

Uh oh....Juan Diego has just found out he is departing the ship on April 5 - following the members cruise. He wasn't extended for as long as expected.

 

Make that only a half smile for me. At least we will have him in the CL for 1 of our 2 cruises. Steven will relieve him. OK, I"ll give Steven the other half of that smile. :)

 

At least itpd2901 will get to enjoy having JD in the lounge, too.

 

Gina

Guess we Woo Hoo'd too soon Gina. Can only hope things change again. At least I'll get to meet the elusive Steven. I guess he is being unearthed from his position in GR after all.

That info has made many happy esp 2 very special posters on here.:D

Woo Hoo!!!!!! Just got the word Kathy. It'll be so nice to have him there when we board. He's hoping to stay til Vancouver and we're hoping the same thing. :D

Au contraire Sheila...your comments are most welcome ...

This I do know, In 31 days I leave home to cruise for 42 days.:D Woo Hoo!!!!!

Anyone else with recent info about any of the ships??:)

I wouldn't dare hazard a guess.;)

Thanks.......I'll wait for official word from either you or Gina.......in case we dont find out sooner,Sheila,you can report back first hand!:)

Can't wait til I do Kathy. Both Gina and I will board on the 24th March and you can believe that one of us will get the skinny. That's how we roll. :-)

Sorry Martha,I don't know.....I'm trying to find out for you though..:)

Kathy and Martha, Not absolutely certain but I think his name is Stephen. Juan Diego comes back on board on April 5th and I think Stephen goes back to the Diamond Lounge.

Or so he says. :) He wanted this shared with you and he claims these lambs, born on Jan 30, as his grandchildren.

 

 

The father is white. The mother is his favorite sheep. He wishes he could be there with them. They will not end up as dinner in his sister's restaurant.

 

Gina

Such lovely grandchildren.

I'll be in touch Libby:D

Hope all is well with you. We'll be on the EN for her March 19th sailing. Any chance you could join us?

Hi Libby, would love to see you and Bob and Reyno but we will be winging our way to LA to spend a couple days before we fly to Sydney and start our 6 weeks on Radiance. I should pick your brain as we will be doing the reverse of what you guys did in the Fall.

Patti and Jim. Passing by your area on the Ohio Turnpike. Waving as we go.

Kathy don't want to nit pick but for Radiance it's Juan Diego Miranda-Allen.

Frank so sorry to read about your problems. Hope you are doing better now. I agree that the Resolutions Dept should address your concerns. Please keep us abreast of that situation.

Will be waiting to hear the stories of the NZ health officials and their encounter with the passengers.

I was just thinking that it reminded me of our adventure with the Peruvian officials.

Give my regards to Norm and here's hoping for a quick recovery for you.

Very happy about Captain Liz. We were on the Jewel when she took over control of the TA and she was very efficient and personable. She did get married and declined a Captaincy for a while. She deserves the promotion.:D

Thank you for such a well written anthology.

We were on the Brilliance during a storm in the med where windows were broken and we really did take on water but it pales in comparison to your experience. We had up until that time a wonderful cruise and we love the Brilliance.:D

I have so enjoyed the journey with you this week. The good times and the not so good times. I especially was touched by your moving farewell to Carol. I have already told my husband and kids that that's the way I want to go too. I hope we get to cruise together at some point and I will fight for the pleasure of having you at my table.

I would love to stay on another week but I have two small Dachshunds in the kennel near my home who will go crazy when I pick them up Sunday morning.

 

"What? Its my bed too!"

 

 

Searching for Lizards!

 

I know what you mean. I have 2 as well. A smooth red and an English Cream long hair.

I enjoying reading all your posts, and wish you well. My family are travelling from Scotland to board Freedom on the 3rd October (western). You will need to visit Scotland where Black Pudding is everywhere, usually served with bacon,sausage,tattie scone,fried eggs,etc. Personally my husband and I hate it!

Trainman thanks for the beautiful pics.

I'm a Scot too and Balck Pudding is a staple. I was going to tell you what was in it but I see you found out. I like a little of it occasionally but I really love Tattie Scones.:D

I had a small sandwich & an apple :o

 

Pat

I had a Slimfast bar:(

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to Carol. So glad that RCI makes such special provisions for such a special time.