Liberty – Eastern Caribbean - May 26th – 3 Generations

[CruzinScotty]

So, as we’re in Ron Jon’s, I spot an extra room. Turns out, it’s a connecting store with a special surprise. As we leave the store, I tell DW and SIL we have to keep going even though they are ready to head back to the ship.

 

No, no – you have to come this way. Finally, they see the astronaut under the canopy!

 

I vaguely remember in my researching Grand Turk that there was a NASA presence here. It turns out that in 1962, two of the Mercury missions landed very close to the island. They have set up a great display.

 

 

 

 

 

The Mercury 7 symbol:

 

[CruzinScotty]

We didn’t spend as much time at the Splashdown area as we would have liked. They have a great beach with more chairs on this side of the dock – that’s what next times are for.

 

We decided to get our Grand Turk pictures on the way back on the ship – less crowds you know. And, there was a wonderful breeze walking back to the ship.

 

Everyone has seen this picture of the Grand Turk sign:

 

But, we decided to take a picture from the side of the wall. This is one of my scenary favorite pictures:

 

 

Next – It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

[CruzinScotty]

We had a quick clean up , then it was time to meet again at 5 o’clock at the Alchemy Bar.

 

From left to right - the French Kiss, Martini Reduction and The Remedy:

 

The drinks this evening were just as good. We enjoyed reviewing the menu and speaking with Corina. I was admiring the huge vat with pineapple slices in it (pineapple infused rum). SIL noticed on the menu that there were no drinks with banana in them. We mentioned this to Corina, she said she could make something for us. We told her that her mission was to come up with a drink with banana and pineapple in it for our final drink tomorrow night. She said, “no problem”. :)

 

This evening, the rest of the gang found seating on the Promenade while we had our drinks. This was the first time we weren’t upstairs for a sail away. The view was still pretty great.

 

We headed to dinner exactly at 5:45 with the hope of ordering less courses and making the 7:30 family comedy show. It was the 2nd formal night; DS decided to skip out and got some pizza on his own timeframe.

 

Because we were 8 instead of 9; we had a different table with Maria-an and Tamas. We were along the window – very nice. I had the bing cherry soup and seafood sampler (shrimp, smoked salmon, ahi tuna) for starters. The corn chowder was also popular. For dinner, some had the shrimp, but the Chateaubraind was the winner of the evening. Best…beef….dish…of…the…trip. WOW! They also served these yummy chunky-mashed potatoes beef.

 

We only had the singing/dancing a couple times at dinner. Maria-an was one of the ones dancing on the table top! I like the dining room entertainment more when it’s not too long and not every evening.

 

The most requested dessert choices this evening were Baked Alaska and Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.

 

Next: Comedy Tonight.

Edited June 14, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[crewsweeper]

Seems like Corina is doing a very nice job in th eAlchemy. Glad to see Adri and Ioana found and trained someone who could carry on what they started.:)

[CruzinScotty]

Seems like Corina is doing a very nice job in th eAlchemy. Glad to see Adri and Ioana found and trained someone who could carry on what they started.:)

 

I had seen so many positive comments about Adri and The Alchemy Bar. We really enjoyed it. Plus, with more ships going thru 2.0 updates; they've got to get more people trained for the new Alchemy's on the way.

[CruzinScotty]

We were doing well timing-wise until we hit dessert. The delivery took awhile and left us a little behind. We got to the Victoria Lounge just as the show was starting.

 

It was hard to find seats; very common if you arrived too late. DS came thru for us. He had arrived 30 minutes early and had snagged ½ of a booth. That wasn’t room for all of us, but the next booth was also half empty and there were two last seats at a table.

 

First up is Allyn Ball. He liked to make jokes about the fact that he is quite tall. Joe Bronzi has the 2nd part of this show. He was another improve jokester. I like both guys, but did prefer Joe more.

 

We headed to the Venetian for the show, “Just Rock”. I wasn’t sure the music would fit everyone’s taste; but they did do a good job mixing things up. Another enjoyable show for us. Though I did find it odd that they ended a “Rock” show with Disco music. :eek:

 

Some of us headed back to the comedy shows. We saw two shows, one from each guy. Then, it was up to the Lido for some ice cream.

 

You know the routine: to the room, balcony and bedtime a little after midnite.

 

Next: There’s still a full day at sea to be had

[CruzinScotty]

Don’t cry because it’s almost over, SMILE because of what you did!

 

Regrets and sadness are not allowed – there’s 24 hours of sun and fun to be had!

 

Today is always our tradition of hitting some favorites one last time and squeezing in a few things new as well. For starters, I decided to try a new breakfast from the burrito bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I chose eggs, sausage, cheese, sautéed onions, hash browns, salsa and sour cream. The hash browns added a very delicious crunch! I also added fresh fruit and my last chance at banana bread.

 

Then, we split up with lunch plans in place.

 

Next: Golf anyone

[CruzinScotty]

 

 

.

 

.

[CruzinScotty]

Having your feet in the picture seems to be all the rage:

 

DS being a show off? Or practicing for something else????

 

For the athletically inclined:

Yeah - that wasn't us. ;) You just have to walk thru to get to the golf.

[y7anks3]

where is the Splashdown area where u took these photos.... will be on the same cruise in august....

[CruzinScotty]

where is the Splashdown area where u took these photos.... will be on the same cruise in august....

 

when you exit the dock, you go thru a shop. After that; most people head to the left to the beach in front of the ship and where Margaritaville is.

 

Instead, go to the right. When you see the Ron Jon store, go to the left of that building.

Edited June 15, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

We went back to the room, a few people needed to get changed. In the mean-time, DS couldn't help monkeying-around:

 

 

The change of clothes was because DW talked Ma into going down the water slide.

 

It’s hard getting good pics of people on the slide. This was much easier:

 

I promise, they really did go down the slide. :D

[GuitarPlayer]

Great Pictures! Keep 'em comin!

 

GP

[CruzinScotty]

Next, DW and Pa decided to play pool. The Pool table is in the casino, next to the EA Sports Bar. That is where you get the equipment. I told you on the one putt putt picture that DS might be practicing for something else. ;)

 

I took pics and then left. They said later it was fun/funny to play because – yes – the balls do move on a moving ship!

 

While they were playing, I met DW and Ma who had now moved to the back Lido hot tubs. It was so relaxing. I LOVE the hot tubs at the back of the ship. We don’t have an aft balcony, but kind of got the feel. More feet. :)

 

 

And, another of my favorite pictures of the trip:

 

 

 

Time for a quick warning. I've gotten a notice from Photo bucket that I'm 2/3 of the way thru my free monthly allotment. So, if you don't see the pictures; they will come back soon.

 

Next – Finally – more food porn!

Edited June 15, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[chipq]

This is a great read. Thanks for sharing.

 

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[y7anks3]

thank..... taking notes..... sailing in august

[cruizin*newbie]

What do y’all think about my theory? And, how do you like your WCMC?

Prior to my first cruise in January I came across a review by another cruise critic poster and learned that you can order varying degrees of "doneness"...is that a word? :p It was something the poster picked up during chef's table.

[cinnamonspider]

Hey, you got myself and my family in your picture of the swim up bar at Margaritaville! That's too funny.

[CruzinScotty]

thank..... taking notes..... sailing in august

 

If you have any specfic questions; feel free to ask away!

 

Prior to my first cruise in January I came across a review by another cruise critic poster and learned that you can order varying degrees of "doneness"...is that a word? :p It was something the poster picked up during chef's table.

 

What a great tip! Have to try it next time and see if the wait staff know that I'm talking about. ;)

 

Hey, you got myself and my family in your picture of the swim up bar at Margaritaville! That's too funny.

 

Always happy to oblige a fellow cruiser. :p

[Andoria]

***Applause*** What a great review! I think I have to plan a Liberty cruise.

 

 

ETA I was on the same cruise but in 1980. I'm significantly younger than you though because I was only 9 at the time:) Did you get Carnival to include that cruise in your past cruise history? All I have are a few pictures from the ship photographers but nothing else to prove I was on the ship.

Edited June 15, 2012 by Andoria

[Hndful1]

Oops - my drink was the Deal Closer, not Deal Breaker. Oh well, too late to edit. ;)

 

Dinner was wonderful tonight – too good!

 

I may or may not have had all or part of the following starters: chilled peach soup, smoked duck, spinach salad, and the shark firework roll. :eek:

 

I also got a taste of the thai soup. If you like spicy, you’ll like it. One taste worked for me. :p

 

There used to be a duck entrée; but that has been changed and there is only an appetizer now. It was DS’s favorite last trip, so he just ordered two appetizers tonight.

 

On to the entrées. I couldn’t decide between the lamb and the seafood Newburg; so why not try both! The entrée sizes have overall been fairly small and not really a problem. It figures that tonight, the serving sizes are the full size ones you would expect in your restaurants back home. LOL The lamb was good, the Newburg was…..different. I’m used to a cream sauce and this was different. I think there was a particular unidentified spice that didn’t blend with my taste buds the way it must for the chef.

 

Dessert time already? Might as well. I like my sweets and I LOVE my chocolate. So it’s time for Bitter/Blanc Bread Pudding and Warm Chocolate Melting cake.

 

Bitter/Blanc Bread Pudding – this seems to get either very positive or very negative reviews. I'll give it a tepidly positive rating. LOL The sauce they serve with it was great and was needed because otherwise, it was dry. Though I might have enjoyed it if I hadn’t had such a large meal……

 

Is this the night of the cappuccino pie? Hmmm, if I don’t find it later in my notes – it is. Several people at the other end of the table had this (whichever night it was); it was quite popular.

 

So, let's talk about Warm Chocolate Melting Cake – one of my favorite things!

 

Has anyone noticed that it seems to come out different each night? I’ve come up with my own scale for them. The way I see it: though they are in individual ramekins, they are cooked in mass production. So, it’s still similar to a large cake in the oven.

 

To me, the comparison is like a steak – well done, rare or medium. The ones on the outer part of the baking tray are “well done” - almost or completely cooked in the middle. The ones baking in very center of the oven are “rare”. While quite delicious, these are a little too gooey, even for this chocoholic. I can only eat ½ of a “rare WCMC”.

 

I find the ones cooking around the middle of the baking tray the, “medium” ones, to be perfect – just gooey enough in the middle. The only problem is that unlike a steak - you don’t get to order how “done” it will be on any given night. LOL

 

I had 5 WCMC this trip – one rare, and two each of the medium and well.

 

What do y’all think about my theory? And, how do you like your WCMC?

 

I agree with that theory, as I had, I think, a total of 3 that week, and all three were different. I loved the "medium" one, and handled the "rare" pretty well, just thinking it was like pudding, recently off the stove-top.

[Hndful1]

I enjoyed your review as well as the photos. It REALLY makes me want to take another one next year. My compliments for taking such detailed notes. I think my brain was just on vegitation mode all week trying to take it all in. My daughter also had me busy with excursions. For those of you who were considering the following two, the Power Cat Snorkel in St. Thomas was a lot of fun, but there wasn't a lot of sea life to see. If you're considering the SNUBA in Grand Turk, be aware, they break you down into 2 groups. 1/2 of your time out there is SNUBA while the other group can snorkel. Eventually you switch. It was still a good time, but a bit misleading I thought.

 

By the way, I noticed you didn't mention the "Legends" show on the last night? Did you get a chance to see it, or was it that GP (Garth), I (Elton), and the rest of the group so bad that you were just being polite?? Ha ha ha.

[CruzinScotty]

Did you get Carnival to include that cruise in your past cruise history?

 

I thought it was there in the past; but I don't think so now. It's OK, DW are at the same number of days. It's just barely gold by the new standard; so a long ways to go before Platinum. I do hope with the new changes they will go back to having the Past Guest Party at a convenient time. On this trip, it was during the San Juan sailaway. We didn't want to miss that, and had too many people to try to sneak into it anyways. ;)

 

I agree with that theory, as I had, I think, a total of 3 that week, and all three were different. I loved the "medium" one, and handled the "rare" pretty well, just thinking it was like pudding, recently off the stove-top.

 

If I would only order one dessert, I'm sure I could make it thru the "rare" WCMC more easily. :D

[CruzinScotty]

This if my first cruise with four ports. I loved them all. But, I did miss the extra sea day. There’s too many lunch choices and not enough time.

 

Can you believe that I waited until the very LAST day to finally make my way to Guy’s! I had the Ringer and added sautéed onions and mushrooms. Yeah, it's probably best that I only had one of these things. :p

 

Also today: the Chocolate Extravaganza! Some decided to make this their lunch. Finally a few food pictures. Here's the buffet:

 

 

 

 

Gotta throw in a burger pic, plus some chocolate:

[CruzinScotty]

I heard the cake with the truffle on it was good. I'm sorry I didn't see it when I went thru the buffet.

 

The white chocolate cake was too cakey = dry. The top two items are "chocolate sushi". The one on the right - not good. I thought the one at the top might have coconut instead of rice. Nope, it was rice. This one, however, we pretty good.

 

Mythree favorite things from the "Chocolate Extravaganza": chocolate dipped pineapple/cantaloupe; banana fritter, rice pudding. Notice how only 1 of 3 is chocolate. :p But, they had so many choices; there's no way to try them all. Again - next time!

 

.