Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

LIVE from the FREEDOM of the SEAS, Sailing 5 Sep 2010

Trainman-2

By Trainman-2,
in Royal Caribbean International

 Share

Recommended Posts

herhona

herhona

Posted
Posted

Dear Trainman-2...

 

Although most of us do not know you, we certainly can feel your love for Carol and are sending out our hearts to you today. Revel in your love and memories, celebrating all your wonderful years together. Carol will always be with you. I will be on Freedom in 2 weeks celebrating my 7 year wedding anniversary. I will think of you and Carol and cherish the love I too have!

 

Strength to you today!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Trainman-2

Trainman-2

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Another excellent lunch in the Windjammer today...

 

DSCN0516.jpg

 

I went up there in a Cheese Burger mood but when I saw the carved turkey (one of my favorites) I changed my mind.

 

We all king that they are not carving "real" turkeys. They are some sort of "machine made" turkey breasts. But RCI has this offering right! They are always tender and moist! Always! Excellent gravy too!

 

RCI's Greek Salad is enough of a reason to cruise by itself. Carol and I both loved them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MelissaE1

MelissaE1

Posted
Posted

Never before have I read a thread that so touched my heart AND made me hungry at the same time! ;)

 

Thank you for choosing to include us in your journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you commemorate Carol in what seems such a fitting way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jillybabes

jillybabes

Posted
Posted

Jim: So good to see your live post...Our thoughts will be with you as you scatter Carol's ashes at 4PM...

Will look forward to seeing your pics and reading your posts this week...

We have some friends on board Freedom this week (it's their first RCI cruise, but not their first cruise)...If you see a tall, red haired late 40's fella, his name is Scott and his wife's name is Jill...Tell him Dave & Jill say hey...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ariel's Mum

Ariel's Mum

Posted
Posted

Trainman-2, Jim

 

Hi from Scotland :)

 

This has had tears streaming down my face. I feel for you. I loved that you wrapped Carol's ashes in the robe - such a touching photograph.

 

I'm glad that you have met lots of nice people on board and I'm looking forward to reading more of your trippie.

 

Hope all goes well at 4pm. I'll be thinking about you.

 

xxx

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wolfcathorse

wolfcathorse

Posted
Posted

Trainman - Capt Tor did not make his decision lightly, I'm sure he's making sure you are able to accomplish your tribute to Carol. He just lost his father this spring so he knows a little of what you are going through. I'm glad to see Freedom still has the Greek Salad, my favorite also and believe it or not I've been unable to find it on my last 3 cruises!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Buffett fan

Buffett fan

Posted
Posted

Trainman - as so many others have said, I feel like I know you personally. I have followed your posts, mourned with you and sent you warm, positive and healing thoughts when Carol passed. I can't think of a more touching and appropriate way for you to pay tribute to Carol - God bless both you and her. My thoughts will be with you all week, and I will check cruisecritic.com at least once every hour in anticipation of your updates!

 

As always, safe travels!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Coralc

Coralc

Posted
Posted (edited)
My heart goes out to you as you make this bittersweet journey........we're all here for you.......maybe not in person,but in spirit!:)

 

Truly we are Kathy. We always enjoyed Jim's reports of their cruises, and we are enjoying Carol's final one. I had subscribed to this thread, but not posted. It does sort of feel like we are attending her service. Best wishes Jim.

Edited by Coralc
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ChaylaT

ChaylaT

Posted
Posted

This is an amazing thread. What a great tribute and it says a lot about a cruise line that let's one do that.

I have been on 2 Carnival cruises that were great and now am planning a family journey on the FOS. Cannot wait until my hubby and I approve of a date and we make the arrangements for next year. Sounds like I will be wowed by this ship!

Cannot wait to hear more and hugs to you!, :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Trainman-2

Trainman-2

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Scattering Carol's Ashes Went Well This Afternoon...

 

Here's the story...

 

I arrived at the Guest Relations desk at 10 minutes to 4:00 with Carol's ashes in a special carrier that the Funeral Home gave me. The carrier held a cardboard box which I had never opened.

 

The Guest Relations Girl I have been dealing with told me to wait at the Champaign Bar that the people were on their way. She must have noticed that I was starting to tear up so one of the other girls came over and two female Officers that I have chatted with a few times showed up to keep me company.

 

The Guest Relations Manager and two Security Guys showed up and walked me to the stern of the ship on Deck 2. We went through the Crew Area and the Security Guy was there to unlock all of the doors and hatches.

 

We went into the area on the stern where the crew normally handles the large ropes and cables used to tie the ship to a pier. The Environmental Officer met us there and explained that all that I could toss over were Carol's ashes. The carrier and the card board box and the inner plastic bag had to stay on the ship.

 

The Guest Relations Manager had a pair of scissors which he handed me so I could open the box and the plastic bag. Then we went out onto a "little balcony" that hangs of the side of the ship right at the stern that they use for throwing ropes and so on.

 

He said we were going to do a "little ceremony" and he handed me the sheet of paper (below) which we read together and then I slowly poured Carol's ashes into the sea and it was over.

 

DSCN0523.jpg

 

They escorted me to the rear elevator bank and from there I went up to the Olive or Twist on Deck 14. This was our favorite spot to hang out in the afternoon before dinner. We could go into the Diamond Lounge for free wine and snacks and come out to smoke. I ordered a Bahama Mama and Diet Coke for me and a Glass of White Zinfandel to honor Carol.

 

DSCN0517.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
QTMichele

QTMichele

Posted
Posted

That was so beautiful. I have tears running down my face as I think about the wonderful way you must have loved Carol, and how you are honoring her memory. Thank you again for sharing such a personal time with all of us. We are with you, Trainman!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Trainman-2

Trainman-2

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

I logged off after the above post and went out onto the balcony for a smoke break. The ship has apparently increased its speed because the sound of the waves is much louder and the amount of white froth from the ship cutting through the water is more prominent.

There are thunderstorms off in the distance and lightening flashing from cloud to cloud and cloud to the ocean.

If Carol were here with me, she would be sitting right next to the railing looking down. She always told me that she could see Angels in the froth of the waves and in the clouds.

It is almost as if the Sea knows that Carol has come home...

Edited by Trainman-2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...