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

[coka]

(SnorklinBarb, maybe they did stop the trolly tray. When we arrived to the table it was already set up with the trolly treats. I thought it was that way because one of my secrets to Karan when he sent me the invitation was that I did not want to miss Sharkbait. Everyone knew what to order ahead of time so it all worked out)!

 

(CaryT, the balcony is huge! 208 square feet.. Not all forward balconies are that size though).

 

(Sounds like a date Jimswims and Cube chick!)

 

 

Thursday! A Full Day At Sea

 

Rain! I love rainy days at sea especially when I already have a great tan . Perfect for staying in pajamas and walking around the ship all day long. My pj’s were silk black pants with lots of pockets that tie at the bottom, a skanky white t-shirt, and flat white bicycle sneakers. Different to be 5’10,” I viewed the day from a different perspective. Before catholic mass with Father Jim Sheridan, I dined with Tony the Tiger inside the Garden Buffet. Frosted Flakes before church brought back fond memories growing up. Being late for church again did too.

 

A jazz brunch was offered in Le Bistro (fee) and the free cruise bingo giveaway was offered in Spinnakers. Other late morning options included a Texas Hold Em tournament, gem presentations, pathway to yoga (fee), Chinese herbal remedy seminar, trivia with the cruise staff, and a virtual look at the perfect Pearl hosted by Captain Lars. I received a special invitation to tour the bridge as a VIP suite guest, but I declined due to a conflicting schedule with the Behind The Scenes Tour (BTST) at 10:00am which ended at the bridge anyways.

 

If interested in a BTST, the cost is 55 dollars per person. As a platinum latitudes repeat passenger, it was complimentary. Jessica Ferrari, the Group Services Coordinator wrote an excellent invitation that included the 2.5 hour itinerary, the caution that guests must be able to stand and walk unaided, and a request to wear closed toed shoes. You can take pictures but not video.

 

The galley tour with the Executive Chef from Jamaica was very cool! We learned how and when the food is prepared along with all the precautionary measures of feeding massive amounts of people daily. We saw the preparations of pastries, meats, fish, soups, and other desserts for the day including all the yummy treats for the chocoholic buffet later that evening. The provision area tour by the new Food and Beverage Director Stephen Knott was also very interesting. A cutie from Australia, he taught us about first in first out and we got to see where all the supplies come from. I asked if we passengers were doing a good job drinking all week that either met or exceeded the target. Yes we were by XX percent.

 

The Environmental Officer, Matilda from Bulgaria, was extremely informative and knowledgeable. We learned how the trash is separated, crushed, and organized for the on shore haulers. She was gracious and spoke eloquent English. I very much wanted to ask her how she became an Environmental Officer from Bulgaria. Instead, I asked if I could get the formerly lost pair of white capris spotted in a giant tied up bundle of trash back. She also has a great laugh.

 

I ran down I-95, the straight long bow to stern hallway to catch up with the tour due to reading the crew commendation boards, the crew reminder boards, and all other interesting things that assist the Pearl in remaining perfect.

 

In the laundry area, I asked if I could meet PR-34. Since my last Pearl cruise, reminders of PR-34 crept up in strange places visiting me from time to time. Startling me or scratching me from inside my pants or from inside my shirts, PR-34 always brought a smile to my face during my non-cruising months. Finding his or her little sticker inside my textiles reminded me of fun times cruising. The sticker might as well have read “Washed with love…thinking of you and missing you on the Pearl.” I was a bit disappointed to find out PR-34 is not a person at all. PR-34 was just one of many random codes assigned to the passenger articles so nothing gets lost.

 

The laundry master demonstrated dry cleaning, pressing, and how the monstrous washers and dryers worked. When we watched the workers place the towels, napkins, and sheets into the massive folding machines, I entered the fifth stage of grief and wondered what happens to them when they do not feel like washing, drying, and folding. I knew a little girl back home who lost her life recently over laundry. Later in the day I sent a large gift of chocolate and maple treats for all the workers who tediously work long shifts down there. Regarding the laundry specials, on previous sailings they were offered twice per week. On this sailing, it could be done any time of week, which makes more sense. Platinum latitudes get this as a perk but I did not use it. The laundry bag and checklist hangs in the closet whenever you need it.

 

The theater backstage tour was brief and we heard from the JAR manager in the dressing room. So was my sixth stage.

 

The bridge tour was a highlight for many. Having been there and done that on previous sailings, I was more interested in making my way to the windows. I saw portions of my balcony from the middle and from the port and starboard sides. The bridge guys never pointed, whispered or laughed at me, nor did they offer to sell me a spa brush to rid the cellulite from my thighs. Back at the starboard side control panel I noticed a door in the glass window panel. I asked Captain Lars if that was an escape route for him if ever needed. He said something I did not understand and gave a demonstration of what it is for. I missed it as I stood in fear thinking he was showing me the exit for being such a smarty-pants.

 

Having worked up an appetite, I dined in Cagney’s for lunch the first and only time since boarding. Dang! I should have put that in my schedule more often! I had jumbo shrimp, scallops and rice, garlic mashed potatoes, and a small order of Cagney’s fries. Having had Cagney’s fries once before because everyone on cruise critic loves and raves about them, I found I am probably the only cruise critic who can take them or leave them. Maybe it has something to do with being raised on fries cooked in Crisco grease.

 

Skipping dessert, I gazed out to the pool deck and saw all the passengers swimming in the rain, soaking in the hot-tubs, and hanging out beneath the Sky High Bar. Overall, this week’s passengers were a wonderful group of people. I was going to join the rain soaked swimmers in the pool because it looked like they were all having a blast splashing about as the perfect Pearl picked up pace to the Bahamas. The crew talent show diverted my thoughts. Well attended, the crew talent show is definitely a highlight for me. How fun to see them demonstrate cultural dances, amazing voices, and to let loose. Be sure to stay through to the end for the funny no matter how many times you see it “fountains” performance.

 

I met up with Jillie afterwards and we found out left over champagne retains its fizz again. With only another day to go, we sat in the balcony doorway of 9500, sipping while filling out S.T.Y.L.E. cards, thank you notes, checking onboard accounts, submitting the easy to do paperwork to purchase a future cruise deposit (hey, you get 100 dollars onboard credit for putting down 250 on a future NCL cruise…you can take up to four years to book). I then got envelopes together for Garry, Karan, Gian, and the Cagney’s wait staff. Often discussed on the boards is what to tip them. My belief is you tip whether you use their services or not. I calculated 15% of the preliminary 200% total cost of 9500 and divided it up further into approximations of 35%, 35%, 20%, and 10%. They also got chocolate fish.

 

Fifteen minutes prior to the silver, gold, and platinum latitudes party in Spinnakers, we knew we could get ready for the dress up or not night and have 5 minutes to spare. I talked Jillie into “not” for the party. Why rush. We’ll get dolled up after the gathering. So Jillie in her sweats and me in my pajamas, we went as we were to answer another common question on cruise critic and from Jillie…do you really have to dress up for such events? Naw, the invitation said it was an informal gathering. Although passengers, officers and managers still talked to us, Jillie and I have an ongoing debate as to whether we crawled out of Spinnaker’s due to our embarrassing outfits or due to the free flowing wine. I still hold to the wear what you want answer. My sneakers came in handy to grip the carpet as the ship swayed left and right. Or was it just me?

 

I called to see if Le Bistro had an opening for dinner. Eight O’Clock and we were in. I wore my shabu shabu dress. The tea green silk one in which I was supposed to dine alone in. Jillie was not interested in shabu shabu so I hope Lu will be. If not winning champagne and if not eating shabu shabu are my crosses to bear, then I am one lucky gal. Dinner in Le Bistro was absolutely fantastic. I had the duck appetizer, the escargot, the lamb, and the crème brulee. Complimentary as a platinum latitudes member, it all went down wonderfully with the also complimentary bottle of wine. The atmosphere was the icing on the brulee as there were other cruise critics dining around the same and they were great company.

 

Afterwards, I missed what I told some critics new to NCL what not to miss. The farewell performance after JAR’s Garden of the Geisha show. Jillie and I were in the cigar bar talking to passengers and to others who did not have to be on stage. Suddenly…HE entered. Nooooo, not my 6’3” Romanian god to give me a massage guy, but the passenger others had talked about guy. Wife still ill in the cabin, he made his way around the comfy leather chairs and interacted with all. A small room, he proclaimed out loud his admirations to me. As he headed towards the door, I smiled and waved goodbye. My bad. He thought I called him over to sit and to drivel on my bare right shoulder. I did the best I could given the situation which meant making up a story to answer his personal questions. This meant the twenty-something year old cruise staff member to my left was my former step-son now husband. My husband’s/his father’s dying wish was for his son and I to marry and to continue his legacy after his death. For good measure I threw in, “and doesn’t he look like a combination of Prince William and Prince Harry?” He really did.

 

I took my former step-son now my husband’s hand and he took mine. We both agreed out loud that daddy was a very good man and may he rest in peace. Dazed and confused, the passenger exclaimed his pain. Pain not that I was married to a cute young thing, but pain as he showed me from his shorts down his purple-ish swollen legs and ankles. His feet donned slippers. I have seen this before. Something kicked in to me. I stood and told him to stand. He needed to leave. He would not budge. I coaxed him to give me his hand and to come with me. After escorting him out of the room to the piano bar, I emphatically told him he needed to stop drinking immediately, to put his legs up in his cabin, or he was going to be paying a visit to the infirmary. Upon my return to the cigar lounge, I was given a round of applause for the farewell performance. Maybe I was the cigar bar lounge hero for a brief moment but I sure did not feel like one.

 

Jillie and I continued the evening onward watching the very funny and not to miss Liar’s Club passenger interaction show and the always hilarious not to miss passenger interaction Quest show. To the cruise critics who played Quest, I saw your underwear! Afterwards, we changed into our dancing gear for the late night Toga Party in Bliss Lounge. On this sixth evening I finally met the late night passengers of all ages on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. Since the weather was wet and damp on 9500 balcony, it was a perfect option and DJ Patrick did not disappoint. I was finally back to my old self.

 

coka

[coka]

Yes, that is the same Julie on the Pearl!

 

coka

[irishfive]

Coka~

 

Thank you for all the information, and the stories, in your review!! I can't wait to go on our Pearl cruise in a couple of weeks. You have mentioned that there was a Mass on board on the Sunday day at sea, and also the other full sea day. Is that always the case, or was it only on this sailing?

[coka]

Irish, it varies depending whether or not a priest is cruising as a passenger. There is no official employee on the ships. Therefore, I have been on sailings that have a priest who says mass, or a minister, or a reverend. No matter the faith or denomination, they tend to be spiritual. More so when the shades are open and the sea is a backdrop.

 

The Pearl has a chapel so if that is required, one can enter there for private reflections.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

coka

[irishfive]

Irish, it varies depending whether or not a priest is cruising as a passenger. There is no official employee on the ships. Therefore, I have been on sailings that have a priest who says mass, or a minister, or a reverend. No matter the faith or denomination, they tend to be spiritual. More so when the shades are open and the sea is a backdrop.

 

The Pearl has a chapel so if that is required, one can enter there for private reflections.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

coka

Thanks for the info...we did think that it was because a priest was cruising! This will be our first time on the Pearl, so we are gleaning as much info as we can from those who are Pearl "vets"!!:D

[coka]

(Ask away Irish! I have two other Pearl reviews somewhere in the cruise critic history pages. Even so, there are many of us who can answer more immediately on the threads or on an individual posting. I think this particular review is benefitting me more than anyone else! Even so, questions are good...they get to things I forget to mention. Thanks for reading).

 

Friday: Great Stirrup Cay or Not!

 

Land! I see land! Pointing and shouting in my head to the bridge guys, I began to question whether or not we would make it to Great Stirrup Cay. Ooooooh, I do not know Captain, bring her in a little more and see if the wind dies down some. Put everyone on call for the moment. Julie, get Freestyle Daily plan B ready just in case. Coka, hurry to breakfast and we will let you know what we decide. You might not get your freshly caught lobster lunch from the GSC native worker with the gold tooth as promised last Dawn cruise visit. Leaving binoculars behind on my forward balcony chair, I went to Cagney’s in my pajamas; a white pinstriped t-shirt dress and flip-flops.

 

Cagney’s crab cakes eggs benedict always sounded gaggy to me when reading how the suite cruise critics raved about them. I ordered them knowing if they were, I could always order something else. Just in case, smoked salmon, chocolate chip pastry puffs, fresh fruit, and the best cucumber/cream cheese concoction/caper on top at the self serve section would suffice. The only cucumber in the morning I ever see are the ones I put on my puffy eyes so I enjoyed eating them instead. My hubby loves crab cakes and I thought of him as I took my first bite with the expectation to re-order. My, my, my. Pure surprise at how well an undeveloped poultry embryo paired with a mashed crustacean from the sea on top an English muffin could taste! Yummy!

 

From behind I heard, “May I dine with you this morning?” asked by a debonair Greek gentleman interrupting my private crab critique. Turning, I replied, “Huh?…Me? Um, (thinking don’t know why you want to eat with me) sure.” Two crab cakes benedicts later he concluded correctly I was catholic and did not get out much. Must have been my evasive answers. Even so, he made me laugh out loud so much that one included a snort. An open book and an owner of a Southwest steak house, he said I could quote him that he was very impressed with the food onboard the Pearl. He gave me his card and I bid an adieu. Upon my walk across the pool deck to check on passengers who found out we were having another day at sea, everyone remained happy and in good spirits. Not one that I talked to was disappointed. Some planned not to get off the ship anyways. Little kids said they loved days at sea anyways.

 

If your sailing makes it to Great Stirrup Cay, know that the cruise staff plans all sorts of activities on the beach including family sand castle building, family relay races, golf chipping, ping pong, yoga on the beach, volleyball and ping pong. A giant barbecue is cooked and the pool bands play music. For water sports, you can rent snorkel gear, kayaks, water floats, go parasailing, or lounge in chairs with umbrellas. When I go there, I usually tend to walk the 2 mile trail to the lighthouse and beyond for the secret quiet spots, the secret trails in the woods, to the secret beaches.

 

Further along my lido deck walk, I was ecstatic to find some spa gals selling products at a discount beneath the lido overhang. They had plenty of my favorite California Sun Bronzers and brushes at a very good discount. It made up for the times on other ships this past year when they ran out. Back in the cabin I discovered my t-shirt dress was inside out prominently displaying a “Horny Toad” label and my size. Laughing out loud so hard at myself, I counted four snorts.

 

Packing for home is never sad when you know you are cruising NCL again. Packing is also not sad when you actually look forward for home…and for work. All three happy thoughts assisted me. Having spent this cruise on the balcony along with few late night sweaty dancing, I discovered all my used clothing fit in a Ziploc baggie. Prior to packing all the unused items, I heard a beautiful angelic voice accompanied by wonderful instrumental music coming from somewhere below. Following the mesmerizing sounds that led to the closed doors Stardust Theater, I went in using the same secret skills used to drop off luggage before 2pm embarkation day. Hiding in the back row, I watched and listened to cabaret artist Tatiana Alekseeva and the Pearl show band rehearse for their one show only event that evening. Continue packing now and possibly miss her show later or stay hiding, observing, enjoying, and pack later? I packed later. Her jazz and international songs relaxed me and helped prepare my head for travel and for the following Monday morning. I left before I got caught and before rehearsal ended. Returning to open luggage on the queen sized bliss bed, I went to my lounger on the bow. The sun warmed my heart, the gentle breeze soothed my body, and the faintly heard sounds of Tatiana renewed my soul as I fell asleep peacefully and securely protected between the steel arms of my 9500 balcony.

 

coka

[cabincop]

Hi Coka your review was amazing, I have been on 36 cruises and never forward facing. I love the idea of moving around the furniture. I also travel solo and love it. I can't wait to see my balcony now I am very excited. As far as privacy on those balconies I am a lillte to old to need that. I seem to now like a real nice bathroom like on AB suites more than balconies, but we shall see. I am so glad you were takin care of by the staff. Anyway I loved you review thank you, maria

[Whippets]

Just bringing this back up on the first page. I'm certain that Coka has another story about going back home....... :>)

 

Diane

[coka]

(Thank you Cabincop! Whippets, you know me very well!)

 

Friday Afternoon/Evening/Debarkation: Going Home!

 

Waking up, my shadow dance sundial told me it was probably mid afternoon. Time to find Jillie and time to actually meet and mingle with people by the pool area. Upon arrival, the band was playing and the passengers were vegging out sunning. Finding Jillie with a few elderly gals at a table on deck 12, I sat in time to witness the crew staff distribute hundreds and hundreds of polyethylene cups filled with alcohol made from Caribbean sugar cane. Many unaware the distribution of rum being a very symbolic gesture in global history of exploration. Often, a rum cask was pierced open by the ship’s Captain and distributed to the crew under sail for various reasons. A few include to reward a crew for a job well done in difficult circumstances or to take the sailor’s minds off their current conditions. The Pearl’s rum punch was welcomed by all. It went on for a whenever amount of time it seemed! Passengers began to dance to the band, passengers danced in the hot tubs, and passengers danced around the pool. Everyone also received an onboard credit equaling the tax/port charges of missing GSC. Kudos to the NCL team of officers who understand and who know their world history! Our table welcomed each round.

 

As the sun reached the other side of the ship, I concluded it was good karma to have left my balcony earlier forsaking packing for later. Meant to meet the two gals at Jillie’s table, both became my super heroes of the week. Two whom I could share all my secrets to. Two of few who can ever imagine loving a certain type of job and why we continue it when happier jobs in the same field are available. One retired after 37 years and the other after 34, I told them why I booked this particular time of year. Both understood as they had the same duties years ago. Everything about them and myself were one of the same with a few exceptions. I told them my blackberry news. One told me five worse scenarios in one month during her tenure. I told them what I was most frightened of in life. The other told me it already happened to her and how she got through it. They reminded me of all the wonderful things previously forgotten about acceptance. My hope was restored as I concluded if these two women could go through all that and still be sane, gorgeous, young at heart, and funny, then so too could I!

 

No idea how many rum punches and no idea how many laughs later, two of us decided to go down the slide. The Pearl slide is the same type of slide on the Jewel I vowed never to go back down again years ago. Like meeting my super heroes, I was destined to break the vow. Having been told to curl in a ball because you go faster, I found myself spun upside down head first before the first turn where I got stuck. Legs in air straight up, I used my arms to push me back around. I sat there and started laughing. One push nothing. Another push a little movement. Using both hands and the slide edge, I shoved with all my might to go down like a bullet. I made it to the next turn and got stuck again. I screamed. I hollered up through my laughter not to send the next person down yet. Inch by inch I maneuvered to the next turn. I then table-walked my way to the last turn laughing all the way.

 

Jumping into the final plunge area, TJBarney and her husband were sitting in full view laughing their hineys off at me. I suppose at the time my noticeable loud exclamation of “that sucks!“ regarded what I thought about the Pearl slide. I think it regarded something else. Either way, I felt great afterwards! I then waited for the retiree to make her way down. We laughed all the way back to our chairs and remained until time for dinner. While 9500 balcony helped restore my mind, body, and spirit throughout the week, I left any remnant or inkling of sadness on the Pearl slide. I also left a little piece of my back skin. More important, it was the two superhero elderly gals who ended up restoring faith in myself. I am glad I told them so prior to never seeing them again.

 

Back in the cabin I packed. Balcony door open as dusk approached, I danced. I took my time enjoying my last moments with my 9500. The perfect Pearl headed to Miami as a balmy breeze swirled throughout causing me to move, sway, and prance about to Michael Buble’, the Canadian artist‘s cover songs. Pausing during the good parts, I snapped my fingers to the rhythmic sounds of “Fever,” “Summer Wind,” “Come Fly With Me,” “For Once In My Life,” “Sway,” and “That’s All.” Any time catching my reflection in the mirror, I finally saw me looking back and this was a good thing.

 

In a moment of time between songs, the wind stopped blowing. The breezes suddenly gone from her imaginary sails, the Pearl felt motionless. I looked up from my luggage and out the window. Silence. Excited, I knew what could be approaching. The slight detectable perturbation in the wind field could only mean a calm occurring before a storm. Running outside to the railings, I saw it from afar. Dark ominous nimbostratus clouds steadfastly coming our way. I stayed to welcome it with open arms. Not really. Peering around the steel arms of my balcony as the dark sheets of rain from afar got closer, I wanted to call hubby and tell him about the awesome storm approaching. Maybe I would include a picture. When I turned on the blackberry to a get a connection, the number of bars did not display. When the storm’s wind, rain, and clouds hit my balcony, the perfect Pearl jumped a bit as her starboard side fought off the attack. I closed my steel hatch door and then the balcony door and watched from the window. Looking at my blackberry once more, I swear on the bible a red SOS signal was showing in the location where the connection bars are supposed to be. If anyone knows what the you know what that was, I would love to know!

 

Jillie took me out for our goodbye until our next travel adventure dinner. We walked into the Lotus Garden in outfits easy to hand carry in a bag the next morning and had a wonderful table for two that overlooked bar central. The sounds of the piano player could be heard from below which always adds to the dining ambiance. I had the lettuce wraps, the hot and sour soup, pork fried rice, and an entrée I did not write down afterwards and therefore have forgotten. I do remember three desserts and one vanilla ice cream afterwards. We concluded this dinner was the most fun due to the wonderful upbeat personalities of our servers. Anytime they stopped by or checked in always ended in laughs. The laughs continued with Sharkbait and David Naster’s variety show time. I had tears from laughter rolling down my face and that my laughs had the same pitch, tone, and longevity just like my nana’s whenever she peed her panties laughing so hard. After the show I thanked comedian David Naster for including my profession along with the others in his “You Just Have To Laugh” books and routine.

 

While finishing packing, I planned on watching one of the new release movies Star Trek on channel 35. Below is a list of new releases and featured movies shown onboard the Pearl on your stateroom television and sometimes on the big screen in the atrium:

 

New Releases: Angels and Demons, Ghost of Girlfriend’s Past, Star Trek, The Proposal, Fast & Furious, Earth

 

Feature Movies: Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, Vantage Point, The Bucket List, The Forbidden Kingdom, I am Legend, August Rush, Michael Clayton, 21, Fools Gold, Iron Man, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bella, The Spiderwick Chronicles, PS I Love You, The Holiday, Definitely/Maybe, Enchanted, I Am Legend, Kung Fu Panda

 

Since the storm ended and the stars and moon were visible, I bypassed the movie for a last time serenade with my balcony. Saving one of my favorite songs for after my luggage was out and there was no possibility of last minute exits from 9500, I shut out the lights, opened the curtains, opened the balcony door, and listened to “Well, It’s a marvelous night for a moon dance, with the stars up above in your eyes…A fantabulous night to make romance, ’neat the cover of October skies…Can I just have one more moon dance with you, my love?…Can I just make some more romance with you, my love?” While searching you tube, this was the closest version I could find to provide a visual about how I said goodbye to my balcony, my love for the week. It also cracked me up because the guy is a pretty good singer and it is the closest way to visually demonstrate through someone else's words my coka-mania pearl-mania last night with 9500 balcony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wvG5STbG-s

 

I awoke in time to help the bridge guys bring the perfect Pearl into Miami port. Having seen it from the stern balcony handicapped cabin last February, viewing it from the forward balcony was just as if not more interesting. If you have never gotten up early to see the ship come in, then I consider it a must do. I watched while phoning hubby and checking in on the blackberry that now had bars from my Captain‘s chair. Then I saw all the other ships pass by during the dawn hour and maneuver into their slips.

 

Once the Pearl was secured and cleared, I met up with Jillie in Cagney’s for our farewell until our next adventure breakfast which was eggs benedict. Having later flights that afternoon, we basically walked off the ship unescorted by choice around 10:00am with no issues, no crowd, and no long waits. Others might report differently depending on the time they exited earlier as there was a brief hold up that sometime occurs due to immigrations or customs. For us, it was wonderful to have a leisurely breakfast, a leisurely wait in 9500, and a leisurely debarkation without worrying about catching an early flight. “What are you going put in your review?” she asked while waiting for our flights. I told her I would just tell a story maybe two, or maybe none at all. “None at all?” she asked for clarification. Well, not really. At one point throughout the week I was not going to write anything about the cruise or about best dancer in the school…until I remembered her nickname to some was CC. And that was my signal to start writing.

 

coka

[*Wink*]

As always, Coka, Thank You.

[lambs2]

So moving... As a former teacher in a high-school-of-last-resort I can so relate... Thank you for letting us share your joys and pain during your wonderful week in suite 9500 on the Pearl. I am awed by what you wrote and the glimpses you gave us all.

[karen327]

Coka, Enjoyed your review. One question, how early do we need to get up to see the ship sail by Samana. Sounds like a gorgous island. We will be on the Pearl next week.

 

Day 3: Samana (A tender port)!

 

You might read reports from other cruisers that nothing is in Samana or that it is a terrible cruise ship stop. Hey, just because Christopher Columbus did not stay there after his attack from Ciguayo natives at the Gulf of Arrows, does not mean it is such a bad place. The United States almost bought this lush peninsula for 2 million dollars after the Civil War until we got the idea to annex the whole Dominican Republic. The U.S. Senate killed that idea by 10 votes in 1871.

 

The perfect Pearl slowly sailed by lush tropical mountainous forests while most passengers were still asleep. Through my binoculars, I saw what Columbus and the bridge guys saw. In my Captain’s chair, I spotted and island with a beautiful beach. I could not find any migratory humpback whales as they had not arrived yet. From afar, I could see tiny boats with a few natives paddling and it looked like they were coming our way. Get ready to sound the alarm! I scanned for flying arrows. Although seeing none, I remained steady and armed with my ham and cheese omelet and croissants from which to make a peace offering. If that did not work, I was prepared to get them all buzzed up with the Lavazza coffee or Mott’s champagne should they board and attempt a piracy. The mighty Pearl anchor was enough to scare them away and everyone’s day safely began.

 

I finally met my suite neighbors. A friendly group ready and waiting for their adventurous ATV tour, their discover Samana tour, their cave explorations, and their sun/snorkel/scuba tours, and visits to Playa Rincon and Cayo Levanto, I told them JillieNY and I were going to protect the ship while they went ashore. Upon their return, they found us with sunburned shoulders, tears rolling down our faces, champagne coming out our noses, singing yo ho ho and a bottle of rum as we dined on melting chocolate treats delivered by Gian by sail-away. We hardly ever saw them again out on their balconies. In case they missed us, or in case any of the other Pearl passengers missed us, we made it a point to stand in the far right corner railing and wave to everyone. Our biggest discovery in Samana was that a little forward right corner balcony section of suite 9500 can be viewed on channel 24 in every stateroom and to anyone in the world logging on to view the Pearl bridge cam. I called and left a message for my neighbors to the right that the world could see them even more.

 

Before dinner I stopped by and watched some of the JAR show titled “Sea Legs: A Showgirl Revue” in the Stardust Theater. Third time on the Pearl, I made it a point to see events previously missed. This show ‘combines traditional showgirl glamour with modern day finesse.’ I did not stay once the Beyonce’ song was sung and danced to even though all the Pearl entertainers are fantastic! Many say and I agree, they are the best on the seas. I met up with JillieNY in the Star Bar to enjoy the music of Michelle Page. Below is a list of featured entertainers onboard the Pearl:

 

JAR shows: South Beach Rave, Sea Legs: A Showgirl Revue, Garden of the Geisha

Comedy: Second City, David Naster, Sharkbait

Pool Band/Night themes Band: Roots Link, Calypso Band True Life

Piano/Vocals/Guitar: Michelle Page, Amaury Figueredo, Jimmy Lovullo, Ronald

Brown, David Ricci,

Instrumentals: The Pearl ShowBand, The Strolling Manila Trio (they walked

around Indigo and Summer Palace restaurants playing…very cool!)

Karaoke: Available various times throughout the ship…sometimes early or later

DJ: Patrick

 

We dined in Indigo restaurant as we walked on in without a reservation and sat at a booth. I had the yummy cold soup and the “always available” steak and mashed potatoes. After reading a review from a critic regarding their sliver width cut, I am happy to report mine came out at least a ¾ inch cut if not more. For fun (and I admit a little ritual of mine), I even cut it with the butter knife dahling! I went wild for dessert and ordered vanilla ice cream with butterscotch sauce. The sauce was on the bottom of the parfait dish and I could not reach it with my spoon due to the thinner dish bottom. Had I been home, I would have drank it out. Instead, I tilted the glass, warmed it with my hand, and poured the melted vanilla and butterscotch into the spoon never spilling a drop.

 

Some people have a lot of expectations when they cruise. My only one was for an awesome white hot party. Passengers wear white freestyle dress (or not!) and everyone gathers in Spinnaker’s to see the ice sculptures, to wear glo sticks, to dance until whenever, and to see the white hot dancers along with beautiful CD Julie in her white angel wings assisted by her cruise staff. Bring your cameras! I arrived a little late because I could not decide my outfit. I showed up in my favorite white cotton sailor pants with buttons in the front and a tie-up in the back, my favorite white cotton sleeveless v-neck top with frills all around and a tie up in the back, and my white dress sandals I never wear at home. Although some thought I looked like a beautiful Canadian snow goose, I felt like a 6’2” maxi-pad.

 

The party was not disappointing at all although I may have disappointed a few hopeful gentleman I declined a dance to. The persistent one won although he will never know it was I who ended up benefiting. Standing nearby when Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies” song came on, I had another decision. Stand at the bar and cry or go out and do all the moves as seen in her video and in her concert tour. “Do you dare to dance with me to this song?” I asked him. Bravery was his middle name. He was a hero for we went out and did the moves. Hips turning out left left left and right right right, two slow steps forward, three fast while arms punch out, throw your head back, pause and do it again. Snap your head left and right and move your shoulders as you display an awaiting hand pointing to your ring finger with the other…he will never know someone else was on the dance floor with us in spirit. Only two weeks prior I had shared the same moment on a high school homecoming gym dance floor with the best dancer in the school along with her brother and best friend as we wowed the other teenagers to the same song. Getting out there this evening, I uh-uh-ooohed in her honor silently praying she was now flying with the migratory geese or currently dancing on a white hot cloud.

 

Coka

[coka]

Thank you for your replies!

 

Karen, sunrise last week was at 6:33am. Usually 30 to 45 to 60 minutes prior to any port arrival. A wonderful way to arrive at any port is eating breakfast al fresco on the Great Outdoors Cafe (aft deck 11) if you are in an inside/oceanview cabin. Starboard side balcony will see the mainland and port side balcony will see the few pretty islands around. Another secret inside spot is Spinnaker's deck 13 forward in cool comfy chair loungers...if the shades are open. Have a wonderful cruise!

 

coka

[BarbCT605]

Thanks for sharing your dance in the moonlight.

[crew mom]

Thank you again Coka for sharing your wonderful writing talent with us! Like others, I always enjoy your reviews.

[tjbarney]

Great review Coka, as usual! May I remind you, it wasn't me who spilled the beans! ROFLMAO :D That was classic!

[sparks1093]

{{{{{Coka}}}}}, I am sure she is smiling where ever she is, knowing that she is so fondly remembered by someone who no doubt was special to her. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[sjbdtz]

When I turned on the blackberry to a get a connection, the number of bars did not display. When the storm’s wind, rain, and clouds hit my balcony, the perfect Pearl jumped a bit as her starboard side fought off the attack. I closed my steel hatch door and then the balcony door and watched from the window. Looking at my blackberry once more, I swear on the bible a red SOS signal was showing in the location where the connection bars are supposed to be. If anyone knows what the you know what that was, I would love to know!

 

 

Providers broadcast a wider signal which is only capable of emergency calls (the signal isn't strong enough for regular communications). That's the SOS only mode.

 

So you have

 

- No signal

- SOS

- Searching for network

- 1 bar, 2 bars, 3 bars....floor.

[LorriSG]

Coka

 

Thank you seems so inadequate for sharing a week in your life on the "perfect" Pearl. You have a gift of touching people whether in RL or here on CC. I felt as though I should be giving you a standing ovation when I finished reading your review.

 

We will be sharing your aft cabin in a little over a month and I thank you for that info which helped me book that cabin several months ago. I too travel without my husband (he will not go on a cruise,doesn't know what he is missing). So I cruise with my parents and my sister.

 

Thanks again for taking the time

[BikerAl]

I almost never shed a tear at a movie, or have the immediate need to share something that made me laugh, but I did both over the course of your review.

Thank you.

 

Al

[coka]

BarbCT605, I love that song and that guy’s video! I wonder who was moondancing on 9500 balcony last night with the full moon shining bright!

 

Crewmom, someday I am going to meet your son.

 

TJBarney, I know…more oil needed on that slide. Hope I did not injure Tony!

 

Thanks for the hugs Sparks. I hope to meet you at the best dairy festival in the U.S.! My sis and mom live in your neck of the woods.

 

Sjbdtz, thank you for the information. I had feared my blackberry was picking up signals from the Pearl’s bridge control panels. LOL! Does the SOS signal mean that I could have made a phone call?

 

LorriSG, that aft will be wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

Wow, BikerAl, wow! I am now at a loss for words. Sometimes that is a good thing.

 

A big thank you to you and to others who encouraged me along the way. Not only is cruising excellent therapy, but so too is writing I suppose!

 

coka

[sparks1093]

If you come to the Dairy Festival stop by the Butterflied Potato booth and I'll fry you up the best butterflied potato this side of the Mississippi, no charge :D. DW and I run that booth so we spend most of our time there.

[karen327]

Thank you for your replies!

 

Karen, sunrise last week was at 6:33am. Usually 30 to 45 to 60 minutes prior to any port arrival. A wonderful way to arrive at any port is eating breakfast al fresco on the Great Outdoors Cafe (aft deck 11) if you are in an inside/oceanview cabin. Starboard side balcony will see the mainland and port side balcony will see the few pretty islands around. Another secret inside spot is Spinnaker's deck 13 forward in cool comfy chair loungers...if the shades are open. Have a wonderful cruise!

 

coka

 

 

coka, thanks for your excellent, entertining, informative review. We have a starboard window room, I will have myself an early breakfast at the great outdoors, love watching the ship enter port . Thanks for the advice.

[Sooners]

I think this particular review is benefitting me more than anyone else!

coka

 

Your reviews are always so much fun to read. You helped me get even more excited for my upcoming Thanksgiving cruise.

 

Thanks for sharing, coka!:)

[mbisson]

Your reviews are always so much fun to read. You helped me get even more excited for my upcoming Thanksgiving cruise.

 

Thanks for sharing, coka!:)

 

Jeff,

Did you know that if coka hadn't been on this cruise, she would have probably been on ours? Maybe next time I'll keep my trap shut and she won't change just to escape!

 

It's all my fault ;)