JW and Jerome's Excellent Adventure on the Celebrity REFLECTION!

[ammo2250]

man i 've been reading this since the being and i have to tell you i think i love you guy's my wife understand it's just the partying in me . keep up the great work . enjoy life for it's all we have .:cool::rolleyes: leave for alasaka at 8 am may 29 yes 12 days of hot toddies and good scotch . bye hope to read the rest when i get home

[mrspaper]

A friend was impressed with your review and sent me a link to read it. Certainly a joy to not only read your review, but to hear the wonderful charities that you support. An amazing gift, to not only decorate, then take down all the deco, but to open your house to others for charity.

 

We will be first timers on Celebrity. We tend to be Princess cruisers. The 1,2,3 got us to book, also. We are doing a really nice itinerary that goes to Panama without going thru; the locks. Looking forward to doing something a bit different.

 

Looking forward to looking out for your future reviews

 

Linda

[cruiseguys2009]

A friend was impressed with your review and sent me a link to read it. Certainly a joy to not only read your review, but to hear the wonderful charities that you support. An amazing gift, to not only decorate, then take down all the deco, but to open your house to others for charity.

 

We will be first timers on Celebrity. We tend to be Princess cruisers. The 1,2,3 got us to book, also. We are doing a really nice itinerary that goes to Panama without going thru; the locks. Looking forward to doing something a bit different.

 

Looking forward to looking out for your future reviews

 

Linda

 

 

Why thank you so much. Yes, we spend seven months of Christmas being put up, on display, or being taken down. We start playing Christmas Carols on July 25 and I get so excited as we start the electrical planning that day. With 56 Christmas Trees this year coming and 50,000 outdoor lights and displays, this year will be our biggest.

 

Our Christmas decorating this year, starts on September 2nd, Labor day and lasts all the way up until we sail on November 16th, this year on the Celebrity Reflection (That is the Lull Before the Storm Vacation, as I work nonstop until Christmas Day hosting thousands of people inside my home)

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

Jerome and I are so happy to bring smiles and wonderment to so many, but then.............that philosophy transcends to real life on vacation.

 

What a shame that some, that briefly display their intolerance of our lovely journey, don't see the wonderful Light of Christmas, EVERYDAY!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

JW

[mrspaper]

Why thank you so much. Yes, we spend seven months of Christmas being put up, on display, or being taken down. We start playing Christmas Carols on July 25 and I get so excited as we start the electrical planning that day. With 56 Christmas Trees this year coming and 50,000 outdoor lights and displays, this year will be our biggest.

 

Our Christmas decorating this year, starts on September 2nd, Labor day and lasts all the way up until we sail on November 16th, this year on the Celebrity Reflection (That is the Lull Before the Storm Vacation, as I work nonstop until Christmas Day hosting thousands of people inside my home)

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

 

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

Jerome and I are so happy to bring smiles and wonderment to so many, but then.............that philosophy transcends to real life on vacation.

 

What a shame that some, that briefly display their intolerance of our lovely journey, don't see the wonderful Light of Christmas, EVERYDAY!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

JW

So glad you've included autism speaks.

Hat's off to both of you

Wish I had a martini in my hand to toast you!

[lizboyle]

Why thank you so much. Yes, we spend seven months of Christmas being put up, on display, or being taken down. We start playing Christmas Carols on July 25 and I get so excited as we start the electrical planning that day. With 56 Christmas Trees this year coming and 50,000 outdoor lights and displays, this year will be our biggest.

 

Our Christmas decorating this year, starts on September 2nd, Labor day and lasts all the way up until we sail on November 16th, this year on the Celebrity Reflection (That is the Lull Before the Storm Vacation, as I work nonstop until Christmas Day hosting thousands of people inside my home)

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

Jerome and I are so happy to bring smiles and wonderment to so many, but then.............that philosophy transcends to real life on vacation.

 

What a shame that some, that briefly display their intolerance of our lovely journey, don't see the wonderful Light of Christmas, EVERYDAY!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

JW

 

May God bless you both. X

[fitters]

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

Jerome and I are so happy to bring smiles and wonderment to so many, but then.............that philosophy transcends to real life on vacation.

 

What a shame that some, that briefly display their intolerance of our lovely journey, don't see the wonderful Light of Christmas, EVERYDAY!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

JW

 

You two are truly ANGELS. God Bless you both for all you do for the children and the animals. The smiles and delightfulness the children experience from things like this is the best gift one can give themselves. I volunteer every weekend for what we call, "Miracle League"....a baseball league where all children who are physically challenged, mentally challenged, etc are able to play the best game in the world...BASEBALL! It's absolutely wonderful! I can't get enough of all the smiles on the kids faces.....They each have a place in my heart.

[lawblond7]

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

 

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

 

How do you pick your charities and it is great you do this and the amount you raised. This year on November 9th my GF and I will be holding our 5th Annual Fall Into A Cure to help raise funds for mitochondrial disease (www.umdf.org) which is what her son and my boys have. We get amazing donations and in 4 years have raised over $200,000.

 

I know raising money for charity makes me happy and I love doing it. Anne and I basically do the whole event by ourselves, invites, solicitations, etc. with a few helpers to pick items up, help us set up the day of the event, etc. We just started to put together this years auction, set up website to buy tickets and working on save the date cards.

 

It gives me such joy so I am sure it gives you immense happiness and joy. You will need to email me lawblond7 at aol dot com with your address so we can stop by when we head down to Boca in December to see my mom

 

Sharon

[BamaD]

"They say our love won't pay the rent..... before its earned our money's all been spent."

[DebbieMacG]

I'm glad you are back :D and so sorry for your loss :(

[cruiseguys2009]

Carambola Beach Club

 

 

We are met by a gorgeous hostess who checks us in saying “Good Morning and Welcome to Carambola Mr. JW and Mr Jerome..“ “We have been expecting you” We are then introduced to Elvis, yes Elvis is alive and well in St Kitts, at Carambola Beach Club! Though this Elvis is much more in shape, has dreadlocks and a much darker “Tan” than the singer, our Elvis greets us with a big smile, and since we are the first to arrive, we get to pick our spot for the day.. Oh geez, it is only 9:45 AM,

 

Reservations for the beach club are required and they sell out quickly. Not so much with the cruise ship passengers, but with vacationers on the island. The Marriott has a shuttle van that comes here, so their guest’s can have a true beach experience as well. Comfortable Padded Beach Loungers are $10.00 each, and with Two you may purchase a Chartreuse Beach Umbrella for an additional $10.00.

 

I chose a trio off to the right near the bar, which was getting ready to open. Elvis arranged the Loungers, retrieved our thick cushioned pads for the chaises, and opened up the umbrella. He filled us in with the surroundings and I gave him $40.00. Thirty for the Lounges and Umbrella and ten spot for a tip. Most graciously he left to attend to his next arriving guests.

 

I was amazed at the view, the calm crystal clear water, the beauty of the mountains, tuning back around, looking back at Carambola, I thought “Boy, was I right on the money for choosing this place!” Beyond Pristine! “OH!” “I have to Tinkle!”, I said to Jerome. “JW real Tinkle, or Excited Tinkle?” See excited Tinkle is just a phrase. Real Tinkle is I GOTTA GO! After that rickety rackety ride down here, I had to go! Where is the Tee Tee Room?

 

“Elvis?” I said as he was escorting guests to their loungers, “Where is the Bathroom?” He pointed and said “Right There Mr JW (He remembered my name, Brownie Points!) he gestured to a white building next to the Main Entrance of the Lobby. “Uh Oh” I thought, here we go.. Here is the big disappointment! Here is “The Bathroom”. You know, so many island experiences have been wonderful up until you have to use “The Bathroom”. And then you find out that “The Bathroom” is a hole in the ground with a rope to balance yourself on while you go, with two foot indentations on the ground for your feet.

 

I entered into the vestibule and was surprised to see “Ladies” and “Gentlemen” signs. “Hmm, I thought, “That’s a good start, one for each and not a one-for-all. Having turned right, venturing into the “Gentlemen's” Bathroom, I could not believe my eyes what I saw! Here was a gorgeous, marble and granite bathroom with marble Johns, Urinals, Sinks and Private Showers and Changing Facilities, just like I was at a Country Club! Complete with Linen Hand towels and Floral Arrangements and Hand Soap and plenty of Soft Velvety Toilet Paper (A welcome change from that awful biodegradable sandpaper we have to use on the ship!!) And it smelled so nice, it was sparkling clean and I forgot what I was doing in there! Oh yeah, I had to Tinkle. Wow, looking around as I was doing my business, it was a joyful, unexpected experience! The Décor, not The Tinkle, silly!

 

I was truly amazed. I checked out the whole bathroom, every stall, every urinal, the shower, the changing facilities. Wow! Then I got mad. Dang! I could have arrived in “Carambola Beach Club Wear”, Changed into “Beach Sand Wear”, then showered and changed into Carambola Beach Club Luncheon Wear” and then would also have had to have brought a suit case with me. Note to self, for next time: There is a Private Marble Shower with a Rain Shower Head and Private Changing Facilities.

 

I walked back to our Waterfront Lounge Site and Jerome said, “What took you so long?” I said, “You will not believe The Bathroom!” Jerome replied “That Bad?” “NO!” I exclaimed, “That Good!” “Wait until you see it!” At this moment, we met our wonderful server Cozel, who would provide us with incredible service throughout the day, in full dress uniform! I was beginning to think that I was in The Land Of Oz after all!

 

Jerome took his camera and began to venture around the area of the Beach Club for photos, and our server promptly brought me, my first of a dozen that day, a Bloody Mary . Fresh made and not a mix, Carambola has a full bar to go along with the 1,000 bottle wine cellar.

 

Just before we went on the cruise, I had to have foot surgery on my heel, and I was still in considerable pain and could not walk on the beach sand very well, let alone climb on rocks as Jerome was doing. I missed out on the walk Jerome took later down to The Ship Wreck Bar, and I am glad I did. More on that later.

 

It was a scrumptious day! Even more, the water of the Caribbean was crystal clear, the temperature of bath water and so very calm. I would not dream of venturing into the water, ANYWHERE, now a days, without wearing professional water shoes. Not only for protection against glass and syringes, but sea urchins, sharp rocks and shells. Sea Urchins abound here and they prick!

 

As the day wore on, the Beach Club filled up. By Noon it was completely full. Only one other couple that we knew from The Reflection was there. They were from Canada, (O! Canada!), and were on our Cruise Critic Roll Call as well. We would later nick name them “The Fig Newton”, more on that later, and we all became fast friends. They enjoyed Carambola as much as Jerome and I did. We just wanted to relax, enjoy the scenery, have cocktails, have a scrumptious luncheon, get some sun, and be pampered. All of these goals were met, and then some!

 

I had an opportunity to meet the Owner of Carambola, Ms Daisy, and talk with her at great length about her vision and the conception of the club. Daisy was so generous and gracious to spend the time with us, I truly Tinkled as she described her Dream to Fruition with such dynamic passion. I felt her passion directly, as I experienced it first hand.

 

Daisy told us that she and her husband had built the Club about a year ago (2011) and it was about ready to open when a Hurricane hit. All encompassing, it was to be a Beach Club, Fine Dining 5 Star Restaurant and there was also a planned Water Park with a Dolphin and Sting Ray Swim, and an Interactive Aquarium in a man made lagoon. Shortly before opening, the hurricane struck and opened up the lagoon and the Dolphins and Stingrays got free. Though that was a minor set back, the Club was not damaged, a testament to the quality construction materials used, and they were able to open as planned, but only as a five star Restaurant, and Beach Club. The construction for the Lagoon will begin again shortly.

 

The quality and service is evident, drawing on both of their life long skills in Guest Relations. Daisy and her husband wanted to be sure to have the best quality in everything they did. Not to skimp. Thus, the expensive and immaculate Wood, Marble, Granite and Glass used throughout the Club. Inside and out, it is a well thought out design of form, function and structure.

 

All that said, anyone can have a beautiful structure, but what you fill it with, well, that is the key to success. And success indeed abounds Carambola. Daisy’s attention to detail is amazing. For example, our lunch was served to us beach side, On MONOGRAMMED FINE CHINA! We opted to enjoy our lunch on the beach, you can of course, eat in the Dining Room or on one of the many porches.

 

Our lunch was perfect. To start, I had The Greek Salad, which was so fresh, I could not believe that the salad I had was better than what I got on the ship or ever made at home. I mentioned to Daisy about the greens and the freshness, and she said “Of Course it was fresh, it was grown here on the island!” That’s rare for the Islands, but the soil is rich on St Kitts so their vegetables do not have to be imported like other islands.

 

Next, Jerome and I shared the Chicken Club. It is quite enough to share as it's so huge that two can share one entree. The server was kind enough to split it for us and gave us two separate plates. The bread was baked on premise and was sooooo delicious. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, very moist and had a wonderful hint of lime. I needed salt and pepper, and what they brought me were monogrammed Wood Salt and Pepper Mills....On The Beach!

 

Jerome drank beer all day, and he was on the 1,2,3, Beer program. The Island Beers were $1, $2, or $3 each, depending on the beer.

 

Jerome had already ventured down South Friars before lunch, and came back with some wild tales, which I will save for later. It was now about two o’clock and the clouds started to roll in over the Volcano. Big, dark clouds. I know those clouds, so Jerome and I packed up our things, and headed into the Club and had a seat at the bar. In about 15 minutes, the gates of Heaven opened up, and a hundred and fifty people came screaming in for shelter due to the torrential tropical rain. See, follow the Floridians, we know when to pack up before the rain!

 

Well, we are at the bar, and our kind Bartender makes me a gigantic Grey Goose Martini! Love it! Jerome and I were sipping our drinks when the Receptionist advised me that the Owner had arrived. I got up from the bar and introduced myself, and as I said before, we had a marvelous time with her.

 

We learned so much about Daisy’s dedication to her staff, and also know that she is truly, one of those special people who takes care of her Guest, by taking care of her Staff. It shows in their Professional Dedication to detail and it’s obvious the love and affection they have for her. Her husband may have built the Carambola Beach Club, but the Heart of Carambola belongs to Daisy. Her dedication and passion is everywhere.

 

Though Carambola in St Kitts is not to be confused with the Carambola Resort in St Croix, these are two different entities. Carambola in St Kitts is not a hotel. It is largely a dining and beach entertainment complex. Although one day, in their grand plan, they plan to build condominium town homes adjacent to the club. All I can say is, tell me when, I’m in!

 

The Carambola Beach Club is a magnificent, majestic, and sophisticated experience. No loud drunks, (I was on my best behavior!), No unruly tourists. No children either. What they are really known for, is not the day time, but their five star dining and entertainment at night. From what I hear, doesn’t matter the night, just try to get a reservation for dinner. Nearly impossible. Miss Daisy is doing something right. She cares with passion about her Guest and it shows.

 

We highly recommend Carambola for a relaxing beach day in St Kitts. No Monkeys, just Martini’s!

 

Counterfeit and Casinos:

 

What a gorgeous day! Even though there was a torrential downpour, it only lasted about 10 minutes. In any event, we said our farewells to the Staff and Miss Daisy, and Barry our driver, came back to get us right on time. Also hitching a ride with us were the “O! Canada!” Fig Newton’s (Later, for why we call them Fig Newton‘s) and we enjoyed reminiscing on the ride back to the port with them, about our wonderful day at Carambola. The ride back was just as bumpy as going, but for some reason seemed quicker. Our carriage arrived back at Port Zante, but we were dropped off on the main street, right outside the entrance, so we were able to shop outside the port a bit before going in. Very charming and very quaint stores line what I think is called The Pelican Shopping Mall. Once through the shops, it then opens into Port Zante.

 

Jerome and I were looking for our standard St Kitts Tee Shirts, and I wanted one especially that was Tie Dyed, because that is what St Kitts is known for. Yeah, I wanted to revert back to being a “Hippie“, Jerome’s words not mine. I was NEVER a Hippie. There are quite a few shops and boutiques selling almost everything, and as we went into one shop, there were Jewelry Cases filled and filled with Watches. Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Longines, Tag Hauer, Gucci, Seiko, Breittling and many other big Designer expensive watches. Each case had boxes and boxes of Rolexes etc, and I said to Jerome, “Gosh Dang, how could they sell anything in these cases, it looks like a Fire Sale!” The Sales Lady heard me and said “These are all Replicas” “Which one you want on your pretty wrist?”

 

I could not believe it. We were in a Counterfeit store!

 

“Jerome!” I said loudly, as he had just picked out the perfect tee shirt for himself, “Oh Jerome!” I said, “We need to leave right now!” Jerome said, with a puzzled grin “What’s the matter with you?” “Are you drunk?” “Sick?” He continued “Are you gonna throw up?” To which the Sales Lady hovering around me said, “If you gonna be sick, you need to be outside.” I said to her, as well as Jerome, “No, I am not sick!” I continued ,”I am not going to be sick, drunk, or nothing!” Jerome asked “Then what is the matter with you?” I stood there, completely dumbfounded, having a Senior Moment because I actually forgot what I was going to say. “I Forgot!” I said, and I turned and then belted out so everyone in the store could hear me “Counterfeits!” “They Sell Counterfeits!” “The whole store is filled with Counterfeits!”

 

I was so proud I remembered! Yeah, I remembered! Whew, no pre-Alzheimer’s here, nosiree, not yet!…..but, uh oh. The Pakistani or Indian Owner comes running up the aisle towards me, and asks me in his accent, “Whatizdeprablim?” “Nothing”, I said, “Nothing at all”, taking a giant swallow. “I was just pointing out to my friend that the Rolex watches were so reasonably priced at $200 dollars!” “Especially THAT one, the Platinum Presidential” I pointed to a particular watch in one of the cases. He says to me “Ah, zat-iz-zay marealous peece”, “High qualtty repleeca”, “Look I show itz to jou” Jerome whispers to me “Are they really all fakes?” Geez, the guy has sonar, he says to Jerome, “We don like to call dem fake, we like Replica!” “Triple A Rated Chinese Replica!” “No one know”

 

“I’ll know”, I said and even though I did briefly think about buying one, they were amazing replicas. I had seen these on line, but never in person. They were certainly the real deal. I am, however, of the deep belief that to acquire a REAL Rolex or Brietling or Patek Phillip, is a Life Milestone. I don’t need to show off to someone else, a false sense of wealth. If I am going to wear a Rolex, then it’s going to be real, even if you can’t tell the difference! Because I’ll Know! Plus, something tells me that the United States Customs Service would know too, and maybe they would not believe it were a fake and then I would be in the Duty Soup! Big Doodie Soup!

 

Nope, I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life, almost like I was doing something illegal. Crap, hold on a minute, if I bought one, it would be ILLEGAL! Oh well, we said our Goodbyes and Jerome bought his $12.00 tee shirt and we moseyed on.

 

We are walking around and we come to Saints Thomas and Patrick and there is St Thomas, running from side to side “I can’t talk, I am so sick, I am going to throw up!” Jerome says to Patrick, “He’s as much a Drama Queen as JW is!” “I’m gonna throw up!” I said to him, “Well dear, you should not have partied so much last night” Thomas shot back “Oh Shut up! Or I’ll barf all over you!” I stepped away quickly. I turned to Patrick and said, “Wanna make him feel better?” “Then come in this shop with me and buy him a Rolex, that will cure him!” I walked him back inside the counterfeit shop and told Mr. Pakistani/Indiani owner that here was a customer for him, and guess what? I guess St Thomas felt better because later that evening. He said he felt great and was sporting a brand new watch that he just had to show off!. Hmmm.

 

Jerome and I headed towards the ship and then I saw it. Bright Red Lights. Jerome was taking a picture of the ship, but there it was…..bright as day! CASINO! Right there at the Port! Hot Damn, I’m in! Jerome says, “Oh No, here we go!” “Trouble, I am going to be right out here at the bar!” “Okay, Whatever“, I said as I waved him over.

 

There it was! I saw the machine from the entrance! BOMBAY! My favorite. Oh Look! There is Wolf Run. Then I heard it. “WHEEL….OF…..FORTUNE” Anyone who plays the slots knows exactly what I am talking about. It’s the recording of the audience at the game show saying “Wheel Of Fortune!”.

 

Music! Music to my ears! I sit down at Wheel Of Fortune and it’s a dollar machine. Oh wait! Do they take American Money? I hear “Cocktails?”,. “Cocktails?” and a wonderful young lady approaches me and says “Cocktails?” I said, “Why yes, of course, and can you tell me, do the machines take American Money?” “Yes sir, they do”, she replied, “and so do I!” I looked at her inquisitively, not knowing just exactly what she meant, and she said “In tips!” “Oh my, I saw the look on your face!” she said, “Tips sir, just tips!” I replied with a laugh, “Then I would love A Grey Goose Martini with three olives please!” Oh, I thought, as she was walking away, are the drinks complimentary while gaming? Answer, Yes! Tips in American Money please.

 

So here I sit at the Grand Ma of Slots. The Wheel Of Fortune Dollar Machine. Come On Wheel! I plunk in twenty dollars and boom! Right off the bat. I hit the Wheel Bonus! “Beep Boop, Beep Boop, Beep Boop” The sound of the ding dongs waiting for me to press the Spin Button. Whoosh! The Wheel bonus is spinning, spinning, slowing, slowing down, almost going to stop, slowing, OH MY GAWD! And…. Here comes my Martini!

 

I tipped my cocktail server, and then she said, “Sir, you just won a jackpot!” I said, “I did, didn’t I?!” One Spin. Three Dollar Bet. One Jackpot. Nice. I hit the Cash Out button, and my ticket spit out with my winnings. I took the slip to the bar where Jerome was nursing a beer with another couple from the ship we had met, and discretely showed it to him. He thought it read $17.00. I said look again. “Holy Ship, JW!” I said, “Would you be quiet!” I went back inside, cashed the ticket in, and went to my favorite machine, Bombay. I change my bet on Bombay using the touch screen, as I bet a certain number of lines and a certain number of coin for each line. I don’t use the pre-selected buttons. I Pressed the spin button and Bing Beep Boop Brrrrring!!!! Holy Cowmoly! I got the bonus! Now the bonus on the Bombay is worth at least a couple of hundred bucks.

 

Here we go…….I went thru the 15 free spins with a substantial win, then got the re-spin bonus. Ten more spins. The Re-spin added more to the pot, and then I then got the Treasure Chest. Pick one of the three, voila! Game ended. I took my ticket to the cashier again. The lady behind the counter said “Again?” I said “Again!” and tipped her too!

 

I met up with Jerome outside the casino and he said to me, I hope you didn’t lose it all! I said, “Don’t be mad at me, I kinda did.” “JW!” He started yelling, “What is the matter with you?” I said “Calm you titties in your britches!” “Kidding!” I barked, “Let’s get on the ship, NOW!”

 

See, on the Bombay machine, I won. Won all the money I lost the first night on the Reflection. Won all the money I lost in San Juan the first go round. Won it all back. I know how to stop when I am that far ahead! We won, that’s all. We came home with the exact amount of money I intended to lose on The Reflection, but didn’t have too, after all.

 

Note To Self: Land Based Casino Slot Machines ONLY, JW! If I want to play Roulette or Black Jack on a ship, then that is what I am going to do. No Slots for me on a ship again! Play at St Kitts Casino at the Port! I had a blast!

 

 

South Friars Beach Clubs Addendum

 

I wanted to also highlight the Adventure of Jerome as he wandered down the beach to see the “Other” Beach Clubs on South Friar’s.

 

Now before you end up thrashing me, I am going to put out a disclaimer. Remember, it’s our Opinion and Our Experience. I am sure that there are many who have had different, more or even less experiences, both positive and negative.

 

That being said, back at Carambola Beach Club we go, for just a minute.

 

I am nursing, well not exactly. As I am Gulping my first Delicious Bloody Mary, Jerome said he wanted to wander down to the Ship Wreck Bar and take pictures. The Ship Wreck is kind of famous, kind of Key Westie in flavor, from what I read.

 

We had also heard a lot about the Drunken Monkey’s at Ship Wreck, real monkey’s that steal your French Fries and Martini Olives (Don’t You Dare! I’ll smack you!) as well as take mega sippies off your Adult Beverages. “Oh How Cute“, until they are all over you, screech at you or worse. I am told that they even know how to untie a string Bikini! Whoops There It Is!

 

So, me having my foot surgery, I could not walk the beach, and that was a bummer. I sent Jerome on his merry little way. Buh Bye! He heard me scream for the waiter after a while walking down the beach “Cozel!” “I need a refill Please!!!”

 

As I was enjoying the Blue Sky, The Serenity of Carambola, the Crystal Clear Calm Caribbean Waters of St Kitts, and most importantly, My Bloody Mary………….Jerome was arriving at The Ship Wreck bar.

 

I could just imagine.

 

“YOUHOOOOOO!!!!” “JEAR-ROME-MEEEEEEEEEE!!!” “YOUHOOOOO! UP HERE MY LITTLE GAYBEE!” Please, Really? Gaybee? In St Kitts of all places? After Jerome told me this part when he returned, I knew, I just knew, that I was really mad that I did not go with him. I would have so enjoyed tormenting Hat Lady and having the Monkeys as my ally in crime.

 

I am sure that in his mind he said to himself “Oh Lord, is she here?” Yep, there she was, in her bright at Heavenly Angel, White String Bikini, letting it all hang out on top and all sag out on the bottom! Either way, it was a Top Heavy Chasse without a Caboose! Thankfully, her Caboose is scheduled for surgery June 15th, she told me on the phone.

 

Like in the movie “Poseidon Adventure”, the ship was all top heavy with no ballast on the bottom to keep her right side up. By the way, my favorite part of The Poseidon Adventure is when Shelly Winters has to climb the Christmas Tree and says “Manny! “I Can’t, I Can’t” Shelly Winters then cries the most classic line in the movie: “I’m too Fat to Climb A Christmas Tree!” Hat Lady, by the way is not called Fat Lady, and I am not making a reference to her, as she is marvelously voluptuous, what with being all nipped and tucked. I should look so good at 73! I am referencing a classic line from a classic movie.

 

Well there is Hat Lady, stoically at table in the Shipwreck Bar, already surrounded by Monkeys. Drinking an assortment of fruity concoctions (Oh that phrase!), a colorful explosion of Monkey Loving Adult Beverages. ”YouHOOOOOOO!” Jear-Rome-MEEE!” Jerome make his way up to where she is.

 

“How are ya my little Gaybee?” Hat Lady says to my Jerome, I can see him now just shaking his head and thinking…..”Oh MY!” “Where is our little Jay Bubble-You?” I suddenly acquired the name Jay-Bubble-You from her, somewhere along the way. I think it was because there was one instance at the Martini Bar, when she was so trashed, that instead of calling me Jay Double You it came out Jay Bubble You. I ignored the slip at the time, but somewhere in her dreamland, it must have stuck and that’s what I was to be called now, for the rest of the journey. JAY-fricking-BUBBLE-YOU. Well what the heck, I answer to everything, and Jay-Bubble-You is actually Highly Appropriate anyway.

 

Here Jerome was, I can just picture it. Standing at her table, and she is by herself with a bunch of different drinks. According to Hat Lady, she ordered multiple drinks so she could “Get The Monkey‘s Drunk“, and as Hat Lady put it “They‘re more fun to party with than people anyway!” Jerome let out a big “Well!” to her. She came back with “Except for you and Jay-Bubbles of course.“ Now, I am shortened to “Jay-Bubbles“. Now with the Monkeys just starting to come around, Jerome wanted to book out of there.

 

Jerome also said that there were lots of other people starting to arrive, as well, and it looked like it was going to be a rowdy kind of place. “But“, he said when he returned, “If one can get past the smell of stale beer, old chaise lounges and drunk monkey's, we probably could have a crazy time”.

 

“JW, believe it or not, you would have fun there”, he said to me after returning, “Because you would have all the Monkey’s around you, you’d be feeding them, drinking with them and they would love you!”

 

One thing I am good with is Kids and Animals. That being said, I asked him “Do the Monkey’s remind you of being at Happy Hour at a Gay Bar?" I don’t know, it kind of reminded me of that Indiana Jones Movie where the monkey ate bad dates. (I’ve had bad dates, never ate them though, pah rum dum) But I digress. It’s not even my story.

 

Jerome already had his fill with Monkey’s back at the entrance to St Kitts at Port Zante, he was not about to endure them again. He told Hat Lady that I was enjoying my cocktails at Carambola down the beach, and that he was just passing thru, wanted to have a beer at each location on the way back.

 

It seemed to him that Hat Lady really didn’t give a Monkey’s Behind what he was saying, as he felt that she was already way past her cocktail hour and it was just noon. Somehow, she did manage to get back to the ship, oh yes, I know she did, and she went shopping too. I will tell you more about THAT, later. Hat Lady hugged Jerome, and Jerome could have sworn that out of the corner of his eye, he had just seen a shiny, new, White Banded Breitling on her dainty wrist. He didn’t think anything of it…..until we were at THAT STORE later in the day! Hmmmmm.

 

Jerome took several pictures, and unfortunately we have size issues that prevent me from posting them. Still having size troubles, JW? That’s funny…..ME having SIZE troubles. Anyway, Jerome said that other than the bar at Ship Wreck, the beach was kind of icky. Half of the water at the beach is filled with sea urchins, and then there is a small area you can swim and maybe, just maybe you will not suffer a prick from one of them. There was a sign posted about where to swim and not, and that I thought odd. Also there was a sign about No Massages on the Chaise Loungers, but said nothing about HAPPY ENDINGS! Pah rum pum!

 

The other clubs and bars Jerome walked past, seemed that they were part of some reminiscent past of a by gone era. There was not a soul at any of them on his walk back to Carambola, and it was about 12:30, lunch time. All these other clubs seemed to, at one time, provide food and libations, but all were shuttered. That was a shame, as I would have loved to be adventurous, and stepped out of the comfort zone of Carambola for a moment, JUST a moment, and explored. I would still come running right back to the serene, gorgeous, comfort of Carambola, but exploring would bring our my inner Monkey. Maybe they were just closed up as it was not the busy season. Carambola was packed though.

 

On second thought, No. I like my chaise at Carambola. I like the ambiance of Carambola. I like my Bloody Mary and Martini at Carambola. I don’t need to see a Drunken Monkey, as I am one! But I did, however, ponder to myself, how does Carambola Beach Club keep the Monkey’s from invading their paradise? A question that I will ask Miss Daisy next year when I see her.

[Tommy3putts]

Thanks JW! Can you repost the pics? Especially the monkeys? They were hilarious!!!

[cruiseguys2009]

Here is a link to a hilarious, albeit scientific, take on the Drunken Monkey's of St Kitts. There are several photos plus the video is very funny. The Monkey's are exactly like what pictured and filmed here.

 

However, the video is fascinating as the monkeys parallel our own Human Habits with a percentage that don't drink alcohol, the percentage that does, and then there is the percentage that really over does it. All in all, its an interesting, entertaining video.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2106827/Meet-vervet-monkeys-St-Kitts-drunk-cocktails.html

[Tommy3putts]

Wow. That video is all most an exact replica of our Friday afternoon happy hours/ patio parties. What a riot!

[akowilm]

Here is a link to a hilarious, albeit scientific, take on the Drunken Monkey's of St Kitts. There are several photos plus the video is very funny. The Monkey's are exactly like what pictured and filmed here.

 

However, the video is fascinating as the monkeys parallel our own Human Habits with a percentage that don't drink alcohol, the percentage that does, and then there is the percentage that really over does it. All in all, its an interesting, entertaining video.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2106827/Meet-vervet-monkeys-St-Kitts-drunk-cocktails.html

 

Video could be named "Angela and PK in St. Kitt's" LOL!!! (OR it could be all of us at the Sunset Bar!!!)

[mvdude111]

Why thank you so much. Yes, we spend seven months of Christmas being put up, on display, or being taken down. We start playing Christmas Carols on July 25 and I get so excited as we start the electrical planning that day. With 56 Christmas Trees this year coming and 50,000 outdoor lights and displays, this year will be our biggest.

 

Our Christmas decorating this year, starts on September 2nd, Labor day and lasts all the way up until we sail on November 16th, this year on the Celebrity Reflection (That is the Lull Before the Storm Vacation, as I work nonstop until Christmas Day hosting thousands of people inside my home)

 

This year, we have chosen our charities to be:

The Love Doctor's Children's Charities, for 9 nights. Thousands of Toys are collected and distributed for children directly in our county.

 

The Boys and Girls Club, for 3 Nights.

 

Dogs and Cats Forever, No Kill Shelter, for 7 Nights.

 

Autism Speaks, for 3 Nights.

 

We raised over $40,000 last year for our selected charities, and this year, our goal is $50,000. We have the support of our County, our City, our Mayor, and both our Police and Sherriff Departments, our Fire Department and our all of our Civic Leaders, as well as our Governor and our Congressman.

 

Jerome and I are so happy to bring smiles and wonderment to so many, but then.............that philosophy transcends to real life on vacation.

 

What a shame that some, that briefly display their intolerance of our lovely journey, don't see the wonderful Light of Christmas, EVERYDAY!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

JW

 

That is so wonderful...and explains your energy. I can only handle one Christmas tree....and you have 56! God bless you two for the great things you are doing for the community and charities. It is no wonder why you like martinis LOL! I would want one too at the thought of all that work. It is worth it though. Hats off to you and Jerome. Where do you keep all of that Christmas stuff and trees?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

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Thanks,

[cruiseguys2009]

Thank you Walt for your reminder for us all. I salute you with my Martini!

 

I thank everyone for their kind remarks and support, and now I am able to continue with the final days of my wonderful story.

 

I just will not be posting anymore of Jerome's Pics as they are not compatible here, too big. I have others to post, no worries, just not the original ones that I posted with the story.

 

And now, since that is all settled, on with the show!

 

Let's Tinkle!

[04acruise]

Oh Good! I seriously can't wait for the rest of your review:). Because of you, Bugsy and Gambee we booked the Silhouette for February 2014 :D

[retafcruiser]

I just will not be posting anymore of Jerome's Pics as they are not compatible here, too big......Let's Tinkle!

 

You can resize the photos to reduce bandwidth, but you may not feel it is worth the trouble. I did like the pictures, but the story is what drives me back to your posts :D

[Minoushka]

So where is the rest of your tale???

[marysb]

Still two more sea days to go ..... can't wait for what is in store!!

[marysb]

I was flipping through a home decorating magazine

and ....oh my goodness what do I see? - Could this be JW and Jerome's house??? ... in the magazine?

 

 

...no Christmas trees, but look what was hanging on the wall of the hallway. CAN YOU SPOT IT? Could there be more than one of those? :eek: ....No, this must be their house.

 

Have a look....... looks pretty good ;)

 

 

 

 

[mvdude111]

Thank you Walt for your reminder for us all. I salute you with my Martini!

 

I thank everyone for their kind remarks and support, and now I am able to continue with the final days of my wonderful story.

 

I just will not be posting anymore of Jerome's Pics as they are not compatible here, too big. I have others to post, no worries, just not the original ones that I posted with the story.

 

And now, since that is all settled, on with the show!

 

Let's Tinkle!

 

I had to have a martini...so where is the balance of your review???? Cheers!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[shoelover536]

Still enjoying your review! I love your style and sense of humor!

 

Thank you for the detailed review of Carambola, also. We went there when we were on Eclipse in January 2012 and did not have a great experience. But - we were dropped off for lunch after our tour of St. Kitts. It was already almost 2 pm. It had been sprinkling on and off all day and had just started raining again right when we got there. As you can imangine, this was NOT the ideal time to try to eat there. We keep being told, another five minutes, another five minutes...for almost an hour. Then we tried to get a drink at the bar and couldn't get their attention either. We left annoyed and went back to the ship early.

 

Your review gives me hope this was just a case of relatively new staff (since they had proabably opened just before we went there given your timeline of the history of the place) overwhelmed by circumstances creating way too many people to accomodate. We will give them another shot next time we are in St. Kitts! But we will get there early and enjoy the beach area as well as the restaurant. I'm glad to hear service was good for you, since it really seemed like a nice place (and the food and drinks looked yummy, even though we were denied, lol!)

[yknot13]

The drama of the earlier part of the evening now over, and after having a stellar service meal in Opus, thanks to the entire staff, plus Toto, the Sommelier, sent me on a Wine Flight at dinner that, as of this point, I am 1,2,3, Really Happy! Whoo Hoo!

 

We meet up with Saint’s Thomas and Patrick at the Martini Bar, and as usual, “Ready, Set, Action!” Andreas was there with my “Loosie Goosie Three Olive Tini” “Thank You Andreas” I said. Jerome opted for a beer instead.

 

Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell you,. Jerome was on a mission all week. See Michael’s Pub has 64 different kinds of International Beers and Jerome’s Mission was hat he wanted to try to sample each one before week’s end. That was roughly 7-8 beers a day. Impossible for him. He is looking for volunteers to join him in the ranks on our November 16th, Part Two sailing of the Reflection, and conquer all the 64 beers in one sailing. He really is a Beer Meister!

 

That being said, St Thomas said that the Cruise Director, Paul Baya, had a show on deck, and I had read a lot about Paul’s singing talents, so I said definitively “I’m In!” “Let’s Go!” So with my martini in hand, we went up to the Pool Deck. I actually have no recollection of getting there, just that I know we did. I just followed the other three, and when we got up there, the show had just started. Oh my golly gee Miss Molly! That boy can sing! Paul is an incredible performer and I was very impressed with his showmanship, his voice and most of all his talent! I would pay money to see him in Vegas! No wonder Celebrity hired him! As my first experience with Celebrity and one of their Cruise Director’s, I was floored. On most of the other lines we have sailed, some CD’s were fun and outgoing, others camped out in their office, other’s tried to perform and missed the mark, but this guy Paul? Paul Baya was a true to form talent, and the best part was, he was humble, not an ounce of ego in him, and he was so approachable. I guess that’s the Celebrity way. Nice!

 

As I had not planed on covering any entertainment on this review, saving that for the Part Two in November, I have to say, if you are on The Reflection, or for that matter, ANY ship that Paul Baya is on, in my opinion, don’t miss his show. Exceptional and Great Fun!

 

The four of us were 1,2,3 Drunk and St Thomas gets the bright idea to grab Jerome and go and start dancing together with him to the high energy songs Paul and his band were performing. St. Patrick and I just stood back, and watched. Now mind you, Are we Gay, yes. To really flaunt it with two guys dancing together in a Straight situation, even I get uncomfortable with that, as it’s out of the mainstream comfort zone, in my opinion, at this time. I get yelled at all the time, with the excuse “Yes, but, Two Girls can dance together, what’s the difference?” “Baby Steps,” I respond, “Baby Steps” It’s been a hell of an “In-Your-Face-Media Year” already for gay people and Mainstream America. I am not one to push the envelope. Well let me tell you. I was dead wrong on this Celebrity Sailing.

 

Jerome and St Thomas were encircled on the dance floor, joyfully surrounded by a Grand Ma and her walker, A Gaggle of Geese in flowing chiffon, Lolly the Man Lover complete with her tongue a wagging at St Thomas, Husbands and Wives and even a couple of kids, and they were heralding their boldness and cheering them on! It was like Soul Train! Paul got even more energized and the crowd went wild. His version of Sweet Home Alabama was outrageous! And to hear a real Southern Song that I would normally run away from, but oh my gosh, “Look!“ Here come the Gay Pilots, all dancing together, then the Three Saints. More guys who we have not even met yet. And quite a few ladies too! This was totally a Mixed Fruit Salad of a crowd of happy, fun, Celebrity Passengers whose majority were in their 60’s. I got into the act and started to dance with Everyone! Wives were making me dance with their husbands, Lolly kept pounding her walker dancing in circles. The only thing that would have made the night better was if Hat Lady were there. But all in all, we were a veritable melting pot of laughter and enjoyment.

 

I credit Paul Baya, the band, and their energetic performance for reading this crowd and creating the environment that Celebrity is going for in the future. It was Real fun, not contrived or over the top. Not crazy, or I should say “Carnival Crazy”. The crowd had a lot of Class, and for that matter, the passengers on Celebrity as a whole, have a lot of Class.

 

Oh, yes, this was a sensational evening. The weather was picture perfect, there was a wonderful breeze, the crowd was behaving nothing like I expected them too, and the Martini’s were flowing! Paul Baya took his many curtain calls, and let me tell you, the boy was sweating from the great performance he just gave. “WOW!”

 

“So what do we do now?” I said to St Thomas, as he seemed to be in the know. I had read many reviews that the Celebrity ships shut down at midnight, but apparently not The Reflection on this sailing. The Sky Lounge was the place to be, and that is where we headed.

 

Packed. Packed to the rafters! It was midnight and the place was jumping. The DJ had a great sound going and gotta tell ya, he was playing current and danceable music that everyone liked. Not those nonsense songs and certainly not The Electric Slide. If I had heard that, I would have left. The crowd on Celebrity was not the Electric Slide crowd at all. So, guess who shows up with a Martini for me? Andreas! Well I then supposed Andreas starts his day at the Sunset Bar, then moves on to the Martini Bar, then finishes up his day at the Sky Observation Lounge. Oh Andreas, you are the best! He was always there, magically!

 

There was a wonderful couple we met on our Roll Call, and they were at the dance party on deck as well. Her husband was sitting on one of the sofa’s and he was reminding me of Senior Frogs and my Weenier Hat, the day before. Somehow, and I really, really have no idea how it started, and me, being 1,2,3 Drunk, decided to give this man a Lap Dance right there with his wife sitting next to us, approving it too boot! She said, “Go for it, less for me to do!“ A crowd began to gather, and it was all of about no more than three minutes, when, “What is that?” “What is that?” Oh my gosh, he was At Attention! OH MY Gawd….now how can that happen? I turned to his wife, as he was proudly showing off that he was wide awake in the netherland, and the only thing she says to me was “Thanks JW!” “Thanks a whole heck of a lot!” “Now I gotta deal with THAT when we get back to the room!” “Thanks a lot!”

 

Every time I saw her the next day, it was “Thanks JW, I got no sleep last night thanks to you!”

 

Her husband told me that I gave the Best Lap Dance Ever. Well that sure was beginners luck, as I had never, ever given one before, and not likely I will again.

 

It was 1:30 AM and I had to get down to the room, get our breakfast ordered, get the outfits ready for our excursion to St Kitts in the morning, a lot to do. We are starting to head out, “Goodbye Andreas!” I said, walking towards the exit, then all of the sudden……”What’s that I hear?” It’s Beyonce! “All The Single Ladies!” “All The Single Ladies!” Well this big ol Lady got right up on the dance floor in the middle of all those Geese and started to flap his wings with the rest of them! I love that song. But when she gets to the part of “If you like it then you better put a ring on it”, I proudly put my hand up and show off my ring. I was doing that and everyone clapped and pulled Jerome on the dance floor and we danced until the song ended.

 

I sang “All The Single Ladies” all the way back to the room. Jerome said to me at the door of the stateroom, “JW, can you believe that he really got Excited when you gave him a Lap Dance?” “Yeah, I know”, I said, “Thank gosh I quit when I did.” “No telling What would have happened!“ “Then I would have to be explaining THAT to the dry cleaners!”

 

JW, loving your review. We have never danced as much before as we did on our Silhoutte cruise in April. It always seemed that the right music was playing at the right time throughout the ship. We enjoyed the interactive dancing especialy at the Masque Party.