CHICAGOPAUL - LIVE!!!!!! CRUISE BLOG - The EDGE February 24th!

[hcat]

Thanks for the great pics and excellent writing style. So enjoyable to read.

 

  Glad we are sailing EDGE again in Nov...so many things we just did not get to in one week.

 

Hope they still have Bohemian Rhapsody and the music groups you are highlighting....

 

Spa prices seem ok for a cruise ship. Yesterday I had 2 hrs of facial and massage bliss  at our local spa in Florida for $120..but it's expected that it costs more on the ship.. I still enjoy it on  cruise and the EDGE spa is very nice!

[maggie.1008]

Thanks Paul for the great review. Sorry to say I am not a fan of outdoor movies on a ship. I wish X would leave that to Princess. 

How loud was the movie ? Do you think it would be heard in any cabins ? 

We had a AQ cabin on the Infinity and could not enjoy our balcony because of the loud movies day and night. 

[bkbarrym]

Enjoying your blog Paul. I would appreciate your feedback regarding available shaded areas around the main pool and how it would compare to S or M class ships. Thanks.

[chicagopaul]

It’s been a busy day at the pool today prior to officer and guest volleyball.


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[chicagopaul]

 
Is there a bar in the OC?
 
- BZ

Yes there is! Coffee and liquor but it’s just a walk up bar. Not a bar to sit at.


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[chicagopaul]

So for those of you who have read my blogs before you know that I have the occasional mushy or “ah ha” moment. While I sit around, whether it be at a bar, grabbing coffee, or at a show I love nothing more than observing people and the environment around me.

So here is my little moment from last night.

Edward and I were seated at the martini bar, at the head of the bar overlooking the lights and glass sculpture behind the bar. We had just ordered our second drink, the flair bartenders had just put on a show, and we were listening the group Reckless Charms play a unique version of one of John Mayer’s hits. I took a sip of my drink and just casually scanned the decks above. I saw a couple, likely in their mid 60s, holding hands and swinging their grasped palms back and forth. The husband was teasing her, pulling her in as if to kiss her and then gently push her away. They looked like school kids at a dance. They had smiles that made them look as if it was a first date but I’m sure they were together for decades.

I looked down to the dance floor and I saw a woman on her iPhone using FaceTime and I could see two young kids on the screen. She was clearly showing her grandchildren her cruise and she was pointing out the band and the piano. I’m sure she wishes thy were there at that moment. I then scan to the bartenders. I see Igor flipping a couple bottles practicing his juggling, I Made and Peter are shaking cocktails and joking with guests. Everyone has a big smile, at this point no one has a care in the world.

While everything I mentioned above I’m sure happens everyday not just on a cruise but anywhere, there was something so peaceful and magical about that moment. It’s moments like this that I remember from a cruise. It’s moments like this that I have a difficult time putting into words. But most importantly it’s moments like this that make you fall in love with travel and people all over again. It’s moments like this that make you fall in love with life.

So as I sit here back in my cabin, taking a little break out from the pool area, I thought I’d share this with you. Hopefully it helps brighten your day even as simple as the story may be.


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[maggie.1008]

Thanks for sharing, I felt like I was there.

[GACrusin]

Paul, thank you so much for your review, and particularly your sharing of experiences like the ones above.  There is so much value in occasionally sitting back, taking in, and appreciating one's surroundings and those moments!  

Edited March 1, 2019 by GACrusin

[Beachlover1989]

6 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

 

Yes autocorrect took over. As Bo mentioned I just meant “inside” bar. Though if they could have a bar where they could stick all the idiots that would be a great concept!
 

 

🤣😜

[Texed]

Mr. Paul,

 

Thanks for posting.  😊

[Provence55always]

Paul love your observation on moments with people you observe. That is why I love cruising/holiday with my husband......getting away together and remembering why we fell in love❤️

 

 

 

[Dr. Cocktail]

On 2/28/2019 at 8:37 AM, chicagopaul said:

Good Morning from the Retreat per the usual. Let’s start with the Daily.

 

Another wonderful blog/review of yours .... as always!!!

 

I must say that my partner and I have about 25 years on you on your morning Greyhound.

 

In fact,  last week we would always pass through the Topsail Lounge on Seaside  on our way to breakfast. As we're early risers, this is usually at around 7:45. It didn't matter which bartender was on duty ... as soon as we entered, someone would call out "the usual?" and reach for the Grey Goose. Quite fabulous and embarrassing at the same time.....

 

With my years of experience, might I suggest that the bartender tomorrow morning add a  true "splash" of St. Germain? It will transform your experience ....

 

Continue to have a fabulous cruise!


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Edited March 1, 2019 by Dr. Cocktail

[doubled]

Paul....If you make it to the Casino Bar could you find out if the built-in poker machines have a blackjack option.  Thanks and enjoy you the remainder of your cruise.

 

Art

[Schmoe38]

Paul

 

I know you are in the final stages of your cruise and we are sending positive vibes your way for the remainder of your cruise.

 

From one Ketel One plus grapefruit to another, can you check with Priscilla in the Retreat (hopefully Priscilla Schmidt) to see if she will be on Edge Nov 15/19?

 

I promise not to bug you again...till next cruise.

 

Thank you so much

 

Randy and Connie

[bandp407]

6 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

So for those of you who have read my blogs before you know that I have the occasional mushy or “ah ha” moment. While I sit around, whether it be at a bar, grabbing coffee, or at a show I love nothing more than observing people and the environment around me.

So here is my little moment from last night.

Edward and I were seated at the martini bar, at the head of the bar overlooking the lights and glass sculpture behind the bar. We had just ordered our second drink, the flair bartenders had just put on a show, and we were listening the group Reckless Charms play a unique version of one of John Mayer’s hits. I took a sip of my drink and just casually scanned the decks above. I saw a couple, likely in their mid 60s, holding hands and swinging their grasped palms back and forth. The husband was teasing her, pulling her in as if to kiss her and then gently push her away. They looked like school kids at a dance. They had smiles that made them look as if it was a first date but I’m sure they were together for decades.

I looked down to the dance floor and I saw a woman on her iPhone using FaceTime and I could see two young kids on the screen. She was clearly showing her grandchildren her cruise and she was pointing out the band and the piano. I’m sure she wishes thy were there at that moment. I then scan to the bartenders. I see Igor flipping a couple bottles practicing his juggling, I Made and Peter are shaking cocktails and joking with guests. Everyone has a big smile, at this point no one has a care in the world.

While everything I mentioned above I’m sure happens everyday not just on a cruise but anywhere, there was something so peaceful and magical about that moment. It’s moments like this that I remember from a cruise. It’s moments like this that I have a difficult time putting into words. But most importantly it’s moments like this that make you fall in love with travel and people all over again. It’s moments like this that make you fall in love with life.

So as I sit here back in my cabin, taking a little break out from the pool area, I thought I’d share this with you. Hopefully it helps brighten your day even as simple as the story may be.


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Paul-  thank you once again for taking us along on your journey. You touched my heart today with your "mushy" moments from last night. You brought me to tears while reading about the couple you saw on the deck above the Martini Bar. It could have been my husband & I . If there was dance music you would have seen us dancing which we love. By the way is there any  dancing on the ship? Enjoy EVERY moment of tomorrow & tomorrow evening. 

Happy Birthday!

Paula

 

                     

[cheeseheads4ever]

Paul,

Thank you for the great ongoing report. You do a stellar job. We feel like we are there with you.

Hopefully we see you on a cruise someday..

 

Larry

[pa-annie]

21 hours ago, hcat said:

 Yesterday I had 2 hrs of facial and massage bliss  at our local spa in Florida for $120..but it's expected that it costs more on the ship.. I still enjoy it on  cruise and the EDGE spa is very nice!

 

Did you see Robert Kraft?

[mn1111]

Hi Paul,

 

Just saw this, wanted to let you know for future reference that if you book the ritz (any ritz carlton) through a virtuoso agent you can get free breakfast, a $100 food and beverage credit and a free upgrade if available.  Some of the hotels will give a spa credit instead of F&B, but it is usually food.   If that agent is also STARZ you usually get some sort of amenity as well (fruit platter, chocolates etc.)  You can google the hotel name along with virtuoso amenities for more info.  Glad you enjoyed the trip!

 

Neda

[chicagopaul]

Paul....If you make it to the Casino Bar could you find out if the built-in poker machines have a blackjack option.  Thanks and enjoy you the remainder of your cruise.
 
Art

One of the first things I checked haha. Unfortunately the answer is no.


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[chicagopaul]

Good Morning - Ah the sad last day. Before I start answering some questions let’s start with the Daily.










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[chicagopaul]

Music - I think the music has been great throughout the ship. It seemed like the first couple of days there was not a lot of live music in the foyer around 7 to 8:30 but that could’ve just been me still trying to get my bearings on things and not paying attention. All the groups we’ve recently heard are excellent and the house band Impulse is a lot of fun. With regard to style of music I must say I don’t think I’ve heard a more eclectic mix. There is no focus on just one genre but across everything so I think most will be happy. I haven’t been by the main pool much when music was playing so I cannot speak to music there. I can only speak to it in the grand foyer and Eden.

Some people were giving one of the piano players requests in the foyer and he was more than happy to accommodate.

Dancing - I’ve seen a good handful of couples use the dance floor in the grand foyer.

The club will have the DJ and that music of course will be more contemporary. The club had a good crowd last night. Picture below.




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[BridgeMates]

Paul:  don't miss Capt D's lecture on the ship naviagation.

It's not all technical.  He will make you laugh and laugh.

If you haven't seen it, don't miss it.

[C-Dragons]

17 hours ago, Texed said:

Mr. Paul,

 

Thanks for posting.  😊

Ditto! 

[chicagopaul]

We ate in Ocean View Cafe yesterday. I have to say I really like the new layout and design. It is much more “user friendly” in the fact that it doesn’t feel that crowded. The pizza and pasta area has changed as I’m sure you know. It has been placed in the back of the ship.

The tall ceilings and windows in Ocean View make it feel much more like a fine restaurant than a Buffett.

We ate light there. Only a little pizza, some chicken and I tried some Indian food. All was very good and cooked well. Ingredients all seemed very good quality. I was most impressed with the pizza crust which seems much better than I previously remember.



Above are the famous hand washing stations in the Buffett!

Here is the drink menu





Here are the floor to ceiling windows.




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[C-Dragons]

14 hours ago, Schmoe38 said:

Paul

 

I know you are in the final stages of your cruise and we are sending positive vibes your way for the remainder of your cruise.

 

From one Ketel One plus grapefruit to another, can you check with Priscilla in the Retreat (hopefully Priscilla Schmidt) to see if she will be on Edge Nov 15/19?

 

I promise not to bug you again...till next cruise.

 

Thank you so much

 

Randy and Connie

Paul thank you for sharing your time on the Edge with everyone. Reading this blog has made the dreary weather here a little more bearable. 😊

We were wondering if Priscilla would be staying on the Edge for the April crossing.