Coka-mania or Pearl-mania? Semi-solo, Stressed, Suite and in STYLE 10/17/09 Sailing!

[coka]

Wednesday Day: Tortola! (docked at the pier)

 

Thankful to awaken in a dry bliss bed, I peered outside to see if last night was just a dream. A sunny cloudless sky had me doubting like I did in St. Thomas until I saw puddle remnants on the deck and the lounge cushions squished. As I picked up wet plates and napkins and emptied glasses ½ filled with whatever fell last night, I reminisced how I felt when William Shatner got off the Twilight Zone plane ride and discovered a gremlin really did tamper with the wing. I wondered what goblins were out and about the night prior?

 

Too late for Cagney’s, I went to the Great Outdoors breakfast buffet and fell in love with the omelet man. A long time had passed since eating something of substance. The perfect Pearl’s stern was just as immaculate as the bow and the view of where we had been was just as gorgeous. Although…I did not see any puddle remnants on the stern balconies when I peered below.

 

Jillie left a message she was already on shore so maybe I too should venture out. Tortola, the island with no building taller than a palm tree, no fast food restaurants, and no stop lights, is known for its beautiful beaches, tourist industry, and offshore banking. Some believe the name came from a misinterpretation of Columbus’ 1493 map and other historians writings as he had named it after St. Ursula and 11,000 virgins for all the islands in the area. My original thought prior to cruising was to visit the Virgin Gorda baths, a place highly recommended on cruise critic. Having a bath already the night before, and Virginia in my pocket, I was okay with not going. Besides, Lu and I are going next February.

 

On my walk to the pier of yachts across the bay, I stopped in the jewelry stores. The sole watch that caught my eye was just a mere ten grand. You can see it all locked up at the Colombian Emeralds International. Ceramic, light pearly pink, with rows of diamonds down the outside clock area, I continued my journey to the yachts thinking maybe I would find a young good looking 6’ 3” wealthy sugar daddy who would fall in love with me immediately and kidnap me and force me to live the next decade sailing the seas with him after he bought me that watch.

 

Somehow the security guard from the Tortolan bank just wasn’t making the cut as he walked with me. Neither did the drivers who honked as they drove by. Those who hooted had no idea what I meant when I jerked my head left then right, held one arm out, pointed to my wrist, and sang like Beyonce’ “If you like it then you need to put a watch on it.”

 

Forty-five minutes before final boarding found me in Little Switzerland, the only air conditioned jewelry store closest to the perfect Pearl. The first thing I saw was the same brand similar ceramic light pearly pink watch with less diamonds. Only three grand on display at the entrance. Thirty minutes before final boarding it was down to 1500 and I could pay within a year. I left with the intention to come back with cash and offer even less to seal the deal with only ten minutes before final boarding. I still can run fast.

 

Running back to the ship the devil on my left shoulder debated with the angel on my right shoulder. “Angel, that watch would look fantabulous with Coka’s red Fendi shoes.” “Devil, she should have booked a flight home with that money.” “Angel, there are no clocks in her connecting airport…what if she misses the currently scheduled flight…let her get the watch!” “Devil, Coka can turn on her blackberry for you know it too has a clock.” “Angel, Coka has hardly spent a dime thus far…you know she has it…she will probably blow it in the casino last night anyways.” “Devil, you know the balcony of 9500 was her splurge.” “Angel, you are not making her feel better.” “Devil, she‘s half French…with the way she talks and with the way she dances, that watch is going to fly off her wrist the first time she wears it.” “Stop it, stop it, both of you!” I panted as I pushed the coded buttons to the stateroom safe holding the secret stash of cash. Flicking both devil and angel off my shoulders, I turned and stared myself in the mirror and came up with my own solution by following my own advice so freely given to others.

 

Hot, sweaty, and a tad tired, I went to the spa and got a ginger-mint scrub manicure. Believe it or not, it was better than my favorite place back home. My gal from Jamaica was a sweetheart and she was friendly to talk to. While I enjoyed learning about a brush that circulates the skin to get rid of thigh cellulite, I enjoyed more the elderly gentleman’s moans and groans behind me as he got a head, neck, and shoulder massage from the hairstylist. Spa specials are always offered while in port as they are more expensive than days at sea prices. In my last four cruises, I have seen more men enjoying the spa as they seem to outnumber the women in there! Good for them! As my gal finished, I held my hands out and smiled knowing the only ceramic pearly pink color flashing before the officers that early evening was going to come from my nails and not from my wrist.

 

coka

[JoeCanadian]

Coka, this is, by a nautical mile, the best cruise review/adventure that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

 

Thank-you for taking the time to write this most outstanding account of your time aboard the Pearl!

 

Dean

 

~Boarding the Pearl Jan 23/10~

[sparks1093]

One of these days I'll sail on the Pearl. Your review will tide me over until then (and I am also dying to know where the secret shower came from:)).

[Cary T]

Coka, I don't want to burst anyones bubble, but, your balcony was almost completely visible from the windows of the mens side of the spa. If it makes you feel better I didn't see any Monty .

[Maryfrei]

ROFL from the watch story!:D

 

Never apologize for making us cry, it's part of the ride and we're sharing it with you because you have touched us. I believe that last dance you had with her was a gift to both of you!

 

PS: Have you and Virginia reunited?;)

[k4btzs]

Oh my gosh, I am loving this! I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I read this -

 

Somehow the security guard from the Tortolan bank just wasn’t making the cut as he walked with me. Neither did the drivers who honked as they drove by. Those who hooted had no idea what I meant when I jerked my head left then right, held one arm out, pointed to my wrist, and sang like Beyonce’ “If you like it then you need to put a watch on it.”

 

You definitely have a way with words Coka. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I look forward to reading the rest!!!

[BikerAl]

One of these days I'll sail on the Pearl. Your review will tide me over until then (and I am also dying to know where the secret shower came from:)).

 

I am betting they pushed the button for the windshield wipers on the bridge, and the spray got her. I speak from experience...one gets a bath if out there when the sadist up on the bridge does that:D

 

Al

[gottacruisemore]

I am betting they pushed the button for the windshield wipers on the bridge, and the spray got her. I speak from experience...one gets a bath if out there when the sadist up on the bridge does that:D

 

Al

 

you ruined the surprise ;)

 

i wondered if it was that, but i didn't really think there was such a thing.

[mbisson]

Hummm-wet tee shirts anyone? ;)

[karen327]

Can't wait to hear more. We will be on that cruise in 8 days, leaving Nov. 7th. Would love to hear more about entertainers especially.

[coka]

(CaryT, Yes, there are areas on the balcony that can be seen…there are also areas that cannot. Could you see my entire balcony…door and window included? If yes, then I suppose that explains the crowd of men in the spa! Oh…the times I was looking up from railing…what do you suppose I was checking out up there? Hahaha

 

Okay, so going as Lady Di “after” is poor taste. I will just go as her spirit for Halloween…)

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

Wednesday: Tortola Evening

 

When I researched the watch online back home, the ceramic pearly pink accessory was actually representative of the pink ribbon “time to fight” breast cancer. Rado is a proud sponsor of the Susan G. Koman fight for the cure. Designed as a tribute to the heroes who courageously battle cancer every day, the minimum bid is ten grand. Other ceramic pearly pink watches are available for less and Rado donates 100 dollars for each one purchased which is a very nice heroic gesture indeed. In the Galleria shops Pearl jewelry store, check out their Rado watches. Although they did not have the pink one, they did have the black one and others that are sleek and very gorgeous dahling. Me? I am glad I found out all this after my trip for I would have been displaying the watch on my wrist at the officer dinner, er, I mean the dinner with my NCL relatives.

 

Staying true to their farewell song, having dinner in La Cucina was a home away from home experience. We broke bread, ate trolley treats, and conversed through our yummy entrees (I had the veal marsela). I found out the bridge guys have a secret cleaning weapon. One press of a button and a built in sprayer all across the bridge overhang magically washes off the built up salt. And here I had thought they either did not like the signature chocolate bon bons I sent up or they had figured it was time to get the wounded bird off balcony 9500! We had some good laughs and I enjoyed catching up with Brother D, Niece J, Cousin D, and the newest member of the NCL family Cousin S since last seeing them on various ships. I also felt right at work for they are “always on 24/7.” Always busy even when it looks like they are not. I pondered how everyone fared back in the day before technological improvements of communication devices. Having promised Jillie I would not use the old method (talking) too much, I held to my word. Practicing listening skills was sometimes a challenge. Since I could not use my fingers to dig in my ears to search for broken Q-Tip tops, I at times just raised my pinky finger with the ceramic pearly pink nail color as I sipped, nodded, winked, and smiled.

 

After dinner, my old BFF from the Gem Concierge Karan saved a spot for us who wanted to watch the comedy jugglers Sharkbait. Everyone at the table who has seen their show told me not to worry one bit after requesting a little too out loud to sit us in the back in case they were not very good. So, Jillie and I had fun sitting with the big boys in the big-wig section and proceeded to finally understand why everyone on cruise critic reports they are a NOT TO MISS show. Oh my goodness, I laughed out loud and planned the rest of week around where they would be. I most appreciate entertainment that considers all age groups, is very clean, unique, innovative, and delivers! By their last show on the last night, along with David Naster, it was standing room only and even those of us who could not see, stayed until the very end. Everyone left this night's show in good spirits as music by the pulsating Black Eyed Peas song played "Tonight is going to be a good night.”

 

A new cruise staff event is called “Dancing with the Pearl Stars” which we attended after Sharkbait show. A spin off from the television show, Cruise Director Julie and her staff do it with a twist. Funnier than the television show, and more entertaining than the television show, it was hilarious. Passengers team up with staff members and a competition begins. David Naster, Julie, Sharkbait, and Second City cast members rotate being the judges as many elimination rounds and audience participation segments are full of surprises. Another not to miss venue, Julie mentioned some cruise directors/staff are now having this event on other ships. I think she started it when on the Jade. The show can vary from week to week depending on the passengers of course. Overall, this one is a keeper!

 

Standing room only in the Bliss Lounge afterwards, the Jean Ann Ryan dancers put on a burlesque show. Title anything burlesque and you will get a good turnout. Maybe NCL should consider Bingo Burlesque to bring them all in! Until they do, they can continue to rely on the Garden Villa Give-Away Bingo in the meantime.

 

Later, er, early the next morning, I foiled the bridge guys’ tricks, pranks, and antics. Awake and not asleep on the balcony lounger during star-gazing and future planning, I heard a “Kaklump!” A machine sounded like it was turned on. After quickly moving my balcony lounge furniture to maintain its dryness in the morning, I went to the forward bow and area and watched the water misters gently yet faintly spray their windows down. Before any sheets of water hit me, I was safely in my bliss bed secured under the dry 300 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. I wanted to call the bridge and leave a “Hahahahahaha” message. Get me once shame on you. Get me twice shame on me! As I fell asleep content, I concluded the officers, staff, crew, and yes, even the bridge guys were my heroes. Tonight indeed, was a good night!

 

coka

 

Terry...HAVE AN AWESOME CRUISE ON THE DAWN! I see you are still on here...have you packed yet?

[Maryfrei]

I love Julie!

[coka]

Julie is a sweetheart! She began with NCL around ten years as a youth counselor. She need not rely on any "schtick" that other CD's do. She has brains, an upbeat personality, extremely knowledgeable, interpersonal with the passengers, and highly visible. She is also very beautiful, graceful, and puts on a highly entertaining "fountains!"

 

coka

[sparks1093]

Julie is a sweetheart! She began with NCL around ten years as a youth counselor. She need not rely on any "schtick" that other CD's do. She has brains, an upbeat personality, extremely knowledgeable, interpersonal with the passengers, and highly visible. She is also very beautiful, graceful, and puts on a highly entertaining "fountains!"

 

coka

 

So she's the exact opposite of Julie McCoy from the Love Boat.:cool:

[BarbCT605]

Thanks for sharing your latest experiences, bittersweet and all. NCL is home away from home, so you were in very good hands.:)

[terrymtex01]

Hey Coka... Thank you so much for posting this latest installment. If I had gone to NYC without knowing I would have been insane asking every one at the M&G if they had read where the water was coming from. LOL..

 

YES.. finally packed. After packing my two pieces of luggage FULL I noticed one of the pieces had a problem with the zipper. It was usable but I was fearful that it might break while on our trip.. so I was about to head out to the mall to buy more luggage. Doug reminded me that I had a single piece that I used before the set I have now. It is working perfectly and actually has more room than the one with the bad zipper.. so it worked out ok. Just hope no one makes fun of me at the M&G if they notice I checked in with mismatched luggage.. 8-)

 

Believe me... when I get home I will find your posting and make sure and read the rest of your wonderful adventure. You really should consider writing. I literally can't stop reading your review. I can't imagine a book writen by you.

 

Chat with you when we get back..

 

T

[peg013]

As always Coka, your adventures are captivating. We laugh and cry with you and love every minute of it. Thank You!:)

[Cary T]

No, you couldn't see the whole balcony - how big is that deck? I do remember seeing a guy, who looked a lot like Prince Charles, parading back and forth at the mens spa windows-hmmmm?

[snorklinbarb]

Hi again Coka,

 

Glad you had fun with your NCL "relatives.":D

 

You mentioned that La Cucina had the antipasto trolley. Though we didn't go to Impressions on the Dawn, folks who did said the trolley had been discontinued. Instead an antipasto plate was offered as an appetizer. I just really liked the variety on the trolley and thought it added a bit of panache to the whole experience.

 

On the Jade in June (perhaps thanks to Julie!) they had the "Dancing with the Jade Stars." For some reason we missed it but I did catch it on TV the next day. What a good fun activity. Two of the CD staff are talented dancers (and give all the dance lessons). Lots of laughs. I hope they have it on the Gem in Nov. as I surely don't want to miss it this time.

 

I'll be paying a visit to the It-Girl mermaid to see how she's doing.;):)

 

What's your next cruise?

[jimswims]

Thank you coka! I love your adventures and your ability to see life and make the most out if it!

 

There are so many things that I am looking forward to when we go on the Pearl in August. Thank you for taking the time to highlight all the special things that NCL continues to provide for passenger's enjoyment.

 

Thank you for also recognizing Julie. We had the pleasure of being on the Spirit in 2006 when Julie was the CD. We thought that she was gracious, kind, and attentive. She was not over the top with personality and I for one appreciated that. I will never forget her for taking the time to bring my DD, who was 8 at the time, backstage to see the dressing rooms, costumes, and the all the things that you do not see. My DD was even allowed to sitting at the make-up mirror with the lights! Julie just noticed that my DD was at the shows and always wanted to talk to the singers and dancers after each performance. Julie just came up to her (and my DW) and offered this. We are forever grateful for her for "noticing" and making a little girl's cruise extra special.

 

I hope that my scheule allows me to be on a "coka" cruise again in the future. Getting soaked on your balcony is one thing but we still have to jump into the pool fully clothed at the on-deck late night party!

[Cubechick]

Thanks as always, Coka for bringing us along on your journey.

 

You made me definitely miss the Pearl and all of the wonderful people who we met while on board.

 

Can't wait to read more! (And like Jim, hope we have the pleasure of sailing with you again!)

[Whippets]

Thanks for sharing your great cruise story with us. You do such a wonderful job of writing out each detail.

 

Do hope that Terry and Doug have a great cruise tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing about their adventures too.

 

We all love our NCL "relatives"!

 

Diane

[lambs2]

Julie is a sweetheart! She began with NCL around ten years as a youth counselor. She need not rely on any "schtick" that other CD's do. She has brains, an upbeat personality, extremely knowledgeable, interpersonal with the passengers, and highly visible. She is also very beautiful, graceful, and puts on a highly entertaining "fountains!"

 

coka

 

Is this the tall willowy brunette Julie Valerian that is also a dancer? She was our "temp" CD on one of the legs of our B2B Jade cruise in Jan/Feb. Loved her!

[time2cruise1]

Is this the tall willowy brunette Julie Valerian that is also a dancer? She was our "temp" CD on one of the legs of our B2B Jade cruise in Jan/Feb.

 

This is Julie Valeriote on the Jade last year. I have cruised with her when she was an ACD and in fact her first cruise as a CD.

 

[lambs2]

THAT'S HER! I spelled her last name wrong in my notes, but she is GREAT!! She was our Cruise Director AND activities director, plus a featured dancer one night on the Jade when we we really ROCKIN' and ROLLIN' where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic off of Morocco - WHAT A PRO!!!