CruzinScotty

I spoke about the Alcohol check, but didn't discuss the x-ray/body scan check. That's because it was a bit of a mess for us. Alcohol is supposed to be 2nd; but with our group, it ended up in the middle with security on both ends because of a delay.......

Pop has trouble getting thru the security screening every year – 3 years in a row……

One year, it was his baseball cap which has pins in it. He’s quite proud of it. He’s a WWII vet and quite often is thanked for his service by people that notice it. Last year, it was his belt buckle.

This year, the security scanner just kept going off. It wasn’t the hat. Is it his belt? Nope, the guy said it was “below the knee”. So, they took my Pop and pulled him out of line and wanded him. The first guy was decent, but the guy doing the wand was a real piece of work. After he was done and finding “nothing”; he made no effort what-so-ever to open the divider so he could get back in line, Pop had to asked to be let back in. Then, when I asked, “what did you find with the wand?”. His response was, “How the heck do I know, I wasn’t at the scanner”. That’s right, but you just wanded him, Mr. RUDE. ;)

Let’s go Pop, we’ve got a ship to get on anyways!

Later, at lunch, EC2 told us what set off the security scanner; his tennis shoes. Some tennis shoes have mettle in the eyelets. Geez, a family member knows what sets off the scanner, but the guy getting up close and personal with his wand does not. Though not Carnival employees; among the many crew members that will get GLOWING remarks, certain Port Canaveral staff will be reported. Maybe, I need to contact the port directly. But, that can wait – we’ve got a whole LOT of fun to have!

Next: Faster to the Fun – worth it or not?

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Enjoying your review, looking forward to the rest!

THANKS!

And, speaking of the rest; another quick note. I'm waiting on a response about the music info I've already posted. Hopefully all is OK. I won't post any more until I know for sure.

But, if this thread happens to be closed; I WILL start a new one. I have everything saved. So, if you're subscribed and don't see anything for awhile - look for the new one.

Again, hopefully; things will be OK here.

So, back to our story.

I drank a LOT of ship's water last week on the Liberty. The water from the buffet area, dining room, the water fountains and ice/melted ice water from my ice bucket all looked and tasted just fine.

No smells or coloring.

oh boy...loved those old photos. You rocked the outfit, no doubt.

 

I liked the ship on the side decks - you could go in form that side? I saw Boutique, Spa Services, Gift Shop? Could you go in from that side and then exit into the interior the ship? Did you have fun on that trip? Did you bring your own games from home like Monopoly, Trouble, Clue, Payday, etc. Were Atari systems out yet to play Pong? Did they have the kids clubs? Would love to see the capers from back then too.

 

Thank you....interesting.

Thanks for bringing this thread back to life. :)

The Carnivale, like other ships of that era; had not yet discovered the "open concept" idea used in ships and homes alike now-a-days. So, yes, you went into each area separately.

We didn't do any board games, etc. on this trip. We did go to the Cinema. I can't believe you jogged my memory. I actually remember the name of the movie, "Papillon", starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. It was a prison break movie.

This movie was 5 years old at the time. So, the complaints today about showing old movies - don't really hold up compared to the olden days. LOL. I will say though - if I forget on my current trip report; please remind me to list the movies of the week. I didn't watch any of them; but walked thru the Lido one night when one was playing. I found it to be a rather odd choice; but it is a current movie from this year.

I had a BLAST on this trip. It was a month before my 17th birthday. Way back before the internet. So, there was just pamplets to look at. This was a 7 day trip out of Miami going to San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

My parents played a little trick on me. There was a listing in the pamphlet that specifically said that "kids under 17 are free". For MONTHS, they didn't tell me they had booked me on the trip. It was a "parents only trip". :eek:

I think they let me know I was going about 6 weeks ahead of time.

This was in the days of 3 meals a day in the MDR. If you didn't eat then - you DID go hungry. Although, this was also the day of the Midnight Buffets. They use to let you walk thru the line first, just to take picture of the presentation and the ice sculptures. Then, like the Comedy Club shows of today - you had to exit and wait until it was midnight before they would let you eat.

We were at a table that had a few other teenagers that I spent time with. They corrupted me. :eek: This was back before sign/sail cards. You paid cash for things on the ship and left your tips in cash as well. Sailing the open seas, the international wait staff didn't card you. I had my first alcoholic drink (a Slow Gin Fizz) on that trip. I was coerced into going to get that drink with them. ;) My parents never knew. :)

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When I started my 2012 report; I let people know that we knew that a group of 9 then (and 11 now) would not always want to do the same thing.

So, often, I will say how many people joined in on a particular event. Other times it will just be "we". How many of us it is - well - we'll just say we're mischevious and that Thing 1 and 2 didn't fall far from the tree. ;)

Before we go any further; I need to make a statement.

I asked earlier in the thread if it was OK for me to post a link to a you-tube video because I hadn't read the Copyright infringement thread close enough. I have re-read that one and believe it is OK if I do so.

But, what I'm not clear on is the other songs I've mentioned, or plan to mention. It says that you can't post portions of text from other places on the internet. Or, if you do; you need to post a link to the entire "article/web page".

I'm not sure how this effects music. I'm posting this info as a separate thread in the hopes a Mod will post and clear things up.

So far, I've only posted songs that I have changed the lyrics to.

Lyric information is available in many, many places on the web; and it's not cruise related info that would take away from info learned here.

But, in the interest of following the rules (unless I hear otherwise); I want to post links to the particular places I got the lyrics for the two songs I've mentioned so far:

I Left My Heart in San Francisco (by Tony Bennett):

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tonybennett/ileftmyheartinsanfrancisco227436.html

Rude (by Magic!):

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/magic/rude.html

If you happen to know the answer for sure to this question; please post here as well.

And, if the Mods say I really can't do this at all; I will abide. I was trying to set the mood for the day/thread; but that may not be something people are enjoying anyways. Let me know your thoughts on that as well.

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I was on this cruise as well and am looking forward to reliving it through your pictures and review.

Blarko; welcome aboard. Please join in if we crossed paths. Or, if we've gotten to a show/event I didn't attend, please share.

Hey get me some of that chocolate cake would ya? I need a snack :)

You might just see a few more chocolate pictures this cruise. :D'

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Next, at the terminal, I met the Parking Police. I stopped where I was instructed and was yelled at by this young guy. I’m not allowed to park there, yada, yada, yada. Yea, but I was TOLD to park here, I’ll be here for 30 seconds. He points to his watch and says, “30 seconds”. Geez…. Once he saw Pop and his cane, his expression changed, but not his attitude. I told Pop/W'ma to wait right where I dropped them off, over in the shade. Parking Policy guy tried to make them move. Pop said no; my son needs to know where to find me!

“Why you gotta be so RUDE, don’t you know he’s human, too. Why you gotta be so RUDE, he’s gonna get on that ship anyway. Get on that ship, get on it anyway. Get on that ship, get on it anyway. Yea, no matter what you say, he’s gonna get on that ship anyway!”

So, it takes a while to park our 4 cars; the parking attendant makes it sound like the garage is almost full. Up on level 3; it was just fine. Time to start the check in procedure.

The Alcohol Police: There was a lady that checked each case of water DB had with him (he was carrying for 6 of us). After she finished, she just walked away and the rest of us sailed on thru. I heard later on the trip from someone that they had every single bottle of water opened up…. No consistency.

Tomorrow: DON’T “Hop on Pop”, and another chorus of “Rude”……

The Best Western has a free buffet breakfast. A nice start to the day. They’ve added a new pancake maker since last year. No pic, but it looks like a photo copier. You push a button and place your plate on the counter at the end. In a minute, you have two piping hot pancakes ready to douse in syrup! I didn’t have any, but they looked good.

You can see them here with all those nice healthy bananas and yogurt:

But, no banana bread. LOL

Now, its’ time to head to the terminal. With the cruise discount, you have to go to check out in the lobby to obtain your certificate with a receipt attached.

Last year, we were on the Dream; leaving from Terminal 10. Now, the Sunshine and Liberty are both in Port Canaveral and as luck would have it (not); both are in port today. Because the Destiny-stretched-Sunshine is considered the newest ship in the fleet; it gets priority. So, we go to a different terminal. Terminal 6 is the Royal Caribbean Terminal, buy they have no ship in, so the Liberty is there. This means for us drivers, we park at one terminal; but when we debark, it’s at the other one. This also means the Carnival staff are out of sorts because they are not in their home terminal. I spoke to a very nice person directing traffic. I told him we had a caravan of 4 cars; but he said they were only unloading 2 cars at a time, with a walk to the terminal for those getting out. I also spoke to a very nice man who took our luggage. Pop and W’ma were with me now. When he saw Pop’s cane, he told me to drive further up to let them off so they didn’t have to walk too far.

Coming up: a very modern song, with the words changed again. ;)

Saturday, September 13th: EMBARKATION DAY!!

Your initial review has me all excited for what comes next. I love detail and food porn pictures.

We sailed out of Port Canaveral several times and love the port. Also we have stayed at the Best Western and were upgraded to a suite with a balcony overlooking pool #2. WE LOVED IT!..The people working there are SO friendly. We had a small problem with the door and it was fixed immediatley . Don't forget the great breakfast they provide with HOME MADE banana bread. We complimented the kitchen staff and they gave us a plate full to take to our room. YUM! We will be sailing on the FOS in Nov. and have booked the BW (and hoping for anotheer upgrade, lol!) On with the show!!!!!!!!

You're in the right place and I'm glad to see you liked the BW as well. Sometimes, I hate to recommend something and then have others not share my enthusiasm. ;)

Breakfast is coming soon, I do have one picture.

BUT, did you say BANANA BREAD? Oh no - we missed it!!! I'll just have to make sure we don't miss it next time.

So, that gives me reason to start planning another cruise, right? The banana bread at the Cocoa Beach, BW - right? :D

Thanks for doing the review on the Liberty. Definitely one of my favorite ships out of the ones I have sailed. Considering a sailing in March 2015 again, so looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

 

Also - you said that you were on a cruise in 1974? Would you happen to have any pictures of that trip? Can you remember details? I love hearing about cruises and seeing photos from the 70's or before!

Thanks!

You said you were considering a March sailing on the Liberty next year? You DO know she's being repositioned next year to San Juan some time in March, right?

I'll have to look for pics from the 1974 cruise. But, until then; if you go back to my 2012 report; when we got to St. Thomas, I took a "trip back in time" and showed pictures of St. Thomas taken in 1978 when I was on the Carnivale. It's fun to see me in a "Fun Ship" t-shirt. :D

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So, here are the things we like about the Best Western, Cocoa Beach: it’s ocean front, so even without a view, it’s a short walk to the shore. They have a pool. It’s directly across the street from Publix – you can walk or drive depending on how much you need. It’s a block from the Cocoa Beach Pier. And, there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts a block away as well. ;)

Ma and Pa were the only ones in town and hungry for dinner. In fact,Ma/Pa arrived before me. I had requested rooms near each other; so they got a free upgrade to an ocean view room as well. SCORE!

We headed over to the Cocoa Beach Pier, where we ate at Pelican's Bar and Grill. This is one of 3 restaurants at the Pier. One is on land, two are over the water. The Atlantic Ocean Grille is a little fancy for us tonight - we've got Formal nights on the ship. ;)

Sorry, I wasn’t in FOOD PORN mode yet. I ordered shrimp tacos (delish!) while Ma/Pa shared the “Bait Pail”. There was fried: fish, clams, oysters and gator; along with fries. The 2 of them couldn’t finish it; I even helped with the gator.

Gator – taste like chicken? That’s always the comparison meat, right? Well, it’s closer to chicken than beef or pork; but it was stronger/gamier. 2-3 pieces were good; but it’s better as an appetizer than an entrée.

Afterwards, it’s time for more pictures. I just love the colors (and not just of my shirt!)

And, here is the ocean front building from the pier. We had rooms on the side - facing the pier.

When we got back at the hotel, everyone had arrived. The EC’s came to visit, we were all here except for Thing 1 or 2. She lives 45 minutes away; no need for a hotel tonight.

Something new for me: I went with DB/DSIL/Thing 1 to Publix for drinks. I had some water with me; but they were getting wine as well. I don’t drink much and haven’t done the wine thing before. I bought 2 bottles. Ma/Pa were gracious enough to carry one on as their own.

Next, it’s CRUISE Day!

I'm enjoying your review and photos of my favorite ship. Looking forward to the rest, and thanks so much for taking the time and effort to do a photo review:)

Be careful what you ask for. :D

She's my favorite ship and I have some pics to post that I've taken all three times I've sailed her.

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We are staying there next week. How did the shuttle work for you? Couldn't find out a lot of information about the BW on here! Thanks!

We didn't use the shuttle, so I can't help you with that.

We were all within driving distance. In addition to the shuttle service, the Best Western has a "discount parking at the cruise terminal" deal. If you stay at least one night, they will give you a certificate for 40% off of the cost of parking at the terminal. Nice deal.

I will say that if you drive; you have to sign up for one deal or the other when you do your booking. Because we had so many vehicles, we asked if we could leave one there and car pool back for it later; they said no because of how we booked.

BUT...... KUDOS to the Best Western with our reservations. When DW was trying her best to come, we had a 2 night reservation, The national number couldn't credit/change our ressie to 1 night (in the hopes we all traveled); they said it was too late; I would be charged for the 1st night. They also said to call the hotel directly to make sure when we didn't show up that they didn't cancel the 2nd night. When I called directly, they very nicely changed my reservation so I didn't get charged for the first night. That, PLUS an upgraded room gives them an "A" in my book. I hope you enjoy your stay. We're almost to breakfast there. :)

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So, DW was sounding a little stuffy, but I could tell she was doing better now that I had made the drive safely. This gave me great comfort and allowed me to start looking forward to the cruise a little more.

So, now, I can finally settle in and enjoy the fact that I’m a SOLO cruiser for the first time! Well, a solo cruise amongst a group of 11. :)

This changed what I did. I did a lot of things that are “new to me”. To help fill my time, I have more pictures than ever before.

This is also why I have so much FOOD PORN. I have pictures of EVERY time I ate. I also have FOOD PORN from the family as well. So as not to interrupt others meals; I just asked whomever was seated to my immediate left and right if I could take pics of what they ordered. Occasionally someone at the other end of the table would offer to take a pic of something that presented well. I’m not going to critique every item; obviously, I didn’t try every food or drink I’ll be posting. I will point out things that were particularly good and the few things I would pass on next time.

For example:

This is Shrimp Cocktail. It used to be on the Menu Daily; but was removed. Due to customer complaints, it's on the menu every day again. I personally didn't order it once. But, it was ordered often at our table; so my assumption is that it's as good as it looks.

It is all due to my DW’s generous insistence that I make this trip alone that I’m able to post this trip report in this format.

THANK YOU, honey; you really ARE the wind beneath my wings. We ALL owe you a great debt of gratitude. I’m also happy to report that in our current “real world”, she is finally well.

Next, let’s take a look at Cocoa Beach.

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I *do* have a scanner, so I will try very hard to remember to post at least the Funtimes from the 8-day Eastern in November. For posterity, if nothing else ;)

Duly noted. :)

And, I guess I should say that if you have any questions about events or shows; I can try to answer if they occurred on our sailing. So, ask away.

Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. I haven’t looked at a ton of trip reports departing from Port Canaveral. But, of those I have; I don’t recall notes of anyone staying at the Best Western. This is our hotel of choice. It’s an older hotel that added a newer, taller ocean front building. We stayed in that building once and it’s great; but the regular rooms are just fine.

There was no line at check in and my room has been upgraded to an ocean view room! For free! Now, this is a good upgrade!

These pics aren’t good, but they are representative of a normal room. What was different was that there was a balcony with an ocean view.

After settling in, I checked in with DW. She said Carnival called and offered us a suite for only $900 more. She informed them that I was actually traveling solo and that I surely didn’t need a suite to myself. :)

Carnival insisted that I needed to call a special Carnival number to let them know about this. I decided there was no way I was going to do that. I have FTTF and there’s NO WAY I’m going to do anything that could in any possible way cause that to be changed/cancelled.

DB/DSIL also got a call from the Upsell Fairy. They were offered the Grand Suite for a mere $1300. Now, they have 4 in their room, so I could forgive the fact they were offered the larger suite. LOL In both cases it’s: thanks, but no thanks.

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We’re gonna start this music thing off with an oldie but goodie; and with a twist. You have to change the title to, “I left my heart in Carolina”.

“I left my heart, in Carolina. So far from home, I long for her. My love waits there, in Carolina; her heart of gold will shine for me.”

You see, my wife has put up with me for 30+ years. SHE. IS. A. SAINT. :D We’ve been on 8 cruises together.

But, she had a nagging bug that she just couldn’t shake. We planned to travel to Florida a day early on Thursday; but it just didn’t work. She insisted that I come by myself. I just couldn’t, she wasn’t well enough. After a better night’s sleep; she had a talk with my 19 yo son. He was 50/50 on the cruise – he wanted to see family; but he gets a little sea sick. They twisted both of my arms enough and convinced me that, together; they would make sure DW was OK. You see, I haven’t seen most of my family since our Dream cruise in June of last year and DW knew there was a special celebration this cruise. They said I had to go. So with a VERY heavy heart; I headed to Cocoa Beach on my own.

I guess it’s finally time to meet “the family”. We’re 11 now instead of 13; but DW and DS (dearest wife and son) are with me in spirit. The other 10 live in Florida, I’ve got to represent the South Carolina contingent!

Here we are:

Cruzin’Scotty – that’s me!

Returning from 2012 and 2013:

Pop – my Dad

W’ma – Dad’s significant other

DB and DSIL – my middle brother and his better half. They were DB and DSIL in 2012, I wanted to keep them the same.

Ma and Pa – my in-laws. Yep, you read that right. I went on a cruise with my mother-in-law and left my wife at home. :eek: It’s OK to laugh; we really do get along just fine. We shared this info a few times on the ship which people found amusing. It’s not the “normal” family reunion gathering. But, that’s how we roll.

New additions from 2013 (no trip report) and returning this year include:

The “EC’s” (EC1 and EC2) – this is my oldest brother and his better half. I couldn’t demote DB/DSIL to “2” status; those names are claimed. The EC stands for “expert cruisers” and is quite fitting. They’ve cruised the Seven Seas; frequently on Carnival. This includes the Glory in April with the new menus. Or make that – the newest menus at that point in time.

Thing 1 and Thing 2: these are DB/DSIL’s grown daughters. They are close together in age. You can’t really tell them apart because Thing 1 and 2 are quite mischievous, if you remember the book. You just never know what they’ll do, so you’ll never know which one is which. :p There’s also a couple of other tie-ins to these names as well. (Remember – no spoilers for those who know what I mean. ;) )

So, the trip down was uneventful for a while. There were some love-bugs to contend with; but nothing like I’ve seen in the past where you can’t see out of your windshield at all. Then, somewhere past St. Augustine; there was this car that was passing me. But, it was just going so slow – it wouldn’t do it. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Welllll, finally I looked over and……..it’s the EC’s. They found me! What a joy it was to have a 2 car caravan the last 50 miles to Cocoa Beach. They were staying in a different hotel than I, so we stopped to get gas just after we passed the cruise terminals. How many times do you see people hugging each other like they haven’t seen each other in a year – in a gas station? Again – that’s just how we roll.

I do need to mention that DW is the photographer in the family. I’m low-tech. That means no I-phone, I-pad, Kindle, or fancy camera. I have a small Kodak with disposable batteries. Some pictures may be a little blurry, but they are posted for some important reason. IE, you may be able to read the items on a menu, but not the description. On the other hand, you will see some beautiful pictures that you wouldn't think would come from such a camera.

Like maybe this one?

Coming Up: Upgrades – there’s two kinds: the good ones, and the other ones.

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Mimosa at sea day brunch?

You're close Dixie. I was tricky on purpose. This was from a Sea Day Brunch. I don't believe it is on the menu; but it might be for the port day breakfast menu.

Helpful hint: sometimes you can ask for things that may not be on the menu.

The beautifully orange-ish drink I enjoyed that morning was....... pineapple juice.

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Following review.

Since you mentioned love to help, can you post any particulars or trouble shooting you had to do with photobucket.

Thanks, want to try them again as photo hosting service.

Hey, Buffettfan225; LOVE your screen name - you're gonna like some of my song choices. :D

Glad you're following and happy to help. Photobucket has been updated since I last used it (big surprise - it's been 2 years).

On the main Cruise Critic Board page, look for the Digitial Photography Category and click on the Photos and Camera Discussions Board.

Towards the top, you'll see a "how to post pictures" thread. The 2nd post gives general details. I opened a new photobucket account because I knew I had a lot of photos for this report.

Have your account open, but have Windows small enough that you can see it, and then where your photos are downloaded on your PC. Left click on the photo you want to move to photobucket and "drag" it there (it will show you where). Then, on the right of the photo, you'll see a "IMG" link. Just left click that, you will see it says "copied". Then in your post on the boards, you right click to paste.

Try it out on the testing thread, then you're set to go. There are ways to play with sizes, etc; but I haven't gotten that far. My pictures come out bigger than some people may want; but that just what I do. Use the "preview post" function to make sure your pick is there and then submit.

I'm still sorting thru pictures. There is a way to move an "album" to photobucket. I'm guessing it's the same "drag" method; but I'm not there yet.

So, to give everyone a little taste of island life. Let's take a look at a boat from the beach in Grand Turk:

You see, it really is a boat; the Liberty is a ship. ;)

Quite a nice way to start the day, don't you think?

I posted my drink photo late last night? Anyone care to make a guess?

I've got some errands today. Soon, I'll we'll be back to "The Trip that almost wasn't" and we get to "Meet the Family".

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Now we're cooking. Before we get back to our story, let's try this.

What is this and where can you get it?

It's never too early to see this:

:D

yes!

Hope this works:

Yes?