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Pepper reporting live from the Dawn!

WaldosPepper

By WaldosPepper,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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chris sea

chris sea

Posted
Posted
Tortola! We arrived here this morning as the sun was rising. Enjoying the early morning on our balcony we were serenaded by the sound of roosters crowing all over the island. A few of them must be late risers, as their crowing continues even now, an hour and half later.

 

St. Thomas yesterday – weather was lovely. DS enjoyed the Atlantis excursion with his Aunt and Uncle, while DH and I wandered the shops. Both of us are presently suffering with severely puffy feet and ankles – we’re not sure whether blame lies with the rich foods, or the booze. I did speak with a young woman yesterday who actually claims the Caribbean is to blame, and that it’s quite common. I dunno what causes it, but I sure hope it goes away soon!

 

Yesterday we enjoyed a very brief visit to Blackbeard’s Castle (they were closed) followed by a trip to Mountaintop. Met some locals and chatted, enjoyed the scenery, and experienced an exceptional cab ride back to the ship. Our driver was a retired Police Officer who knows every inch of the island, all of it’s history, and every variety of plant and wildlife. He performed a running narrative which we found to be not only informative, but delightfully fun and funny as well. I’ll post his name and contact information when we return.

 

Today we look forward to the natural beauty of Tortola, as opposed to the commercialism of St. Thomas. I’m delighted to see an abundance of birds here, and am excited to do some spotting! Yesterday I managed to see a mockingbird, and nothing else – how truly boring for me. Already this morning I spotted an enormous seabird with a very long tail and can’t wait to find out what it was and hopefully see it again.

 

Dinner last night at Aqua for Italian night. Meal was perfectly prepared, very nicely presented, and the service was excellent. The atmosphere in Aqua is unique, and we enjoyed it very much. Fellow CCer’s were a few tables away celebrating a birthday and engagement all at the same time. Turns out the birthday boy proposed to his fiancé yesterday morning, as a birthday gift to himself. How truly romantic! There were smiles all around that table.

 

Didn’t hit a single bar or the casino last night. We took advantage of the slow pace of travel and enjoyed a few hours on the balcony with a bottle of Grand Marnier. DS enjoyed a few games of basketball, and then stayed for the deck party. We all went to bed just after midnight, and woke early enough to enjoy sunrise and docking.

 

Hoping all is well with all of you!!!!!!!!!

 

Pepper,

 

Happy you are having a good time. Love your islands. They are some of our favorites.

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NormanW

NormanW

Posted
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Have fun with this one.

 

Reminder: This is streaming video summed to all the concurrent users. The SprintLink connection is limited so if too many folks hog the bandwidth things go downhill...

 

http://208.0.229.84/ViewerFrame?Mode=Motion&Resolution=320x240&Quality=Standard&Interval=15&Size=STD&PresetOperation=Move&Language=0

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

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greenie

greenie

Posted
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Pepper--

 

thanks so much for taking the time to post while you're enjoying a cruise! I am soo envious. Why oh why can't I cruise every couple of months instead of only ONCE A YEAR. *sob*

 

Have fun, be safe, and savor the moments! We're all there with you in spirit.:)

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MermaidMomma

MermaidMomma

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I take it you still remember how to do the Daily Seven? Have a great cruise and time.

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave (Jetskier)

 

What are the Daily Seven? (...fitness, bar, or cabin activity? LoL!:) ) Inquiring minds want to know...well maybe just mine does.

 

Hi Pepper,

 

Thanks for the live dailies! I really appreciate your time!

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swoosh2005

swoosh2005

Posted
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Hey Pepper and Posse

 

Sounds like you are having a great time. Wow a CC member in the Garden Villa and you are going there for a party. Now that is COOL :cool:

 

We were with the generous hosts last year-2 cruises ago-when they previously had the GV and they threw a fantastic party then too-that time a Red Sox Victory Party-Our CD (a Yankee fan) dressed as Johnny Damon...great memories! *****Terry bought us all red socks in Barbados for the party*****

Wish we were there with you!

 

Pepper-Please deliver our message below

 

Laissez les bon temps rouler

 

Pass a Good Time

Denise

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haras

haras

Posted
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Have fun with this one.

 

Reminder: This is streaming video summed to all the concurrent users. The SprintLink connection is limited so if too many folks hog the bandwidth things go downhill...

 

http://208.0.229.84/ViewerFrame?Mode=Motion&Resolution=320x240&Quality=Standard&Interval=15&Size=STD&PresetOperation=Move&Language=0

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

 

You're pretty cool, you always have cool links of neat pictures, but sometimes I feel like you're speaking in a foreign language!

 

I'm also a computer dummy, though.

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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St. Maarten! Docked as dawn was breaking this morning. Butler arrived with breakfast and I enjoyed my coffee once again on the balcony as we slipped into the harbor. This is truly THE life.

Yesterday on Tortola we hopped an open-air tour bus for $20.00 pp. Absolutely, positively the best tour we’ve ever been on! Our guide, “Wolf” took us to places most tours never go, and what was supposed to be a 2 ½ hour tour became a 5 hour tour, as he allowed us an additional hour at Cane Bay. This was particularly nice, as it allowed me time to do something I’ve never done before – have my hair braided. I’m delighted to have finally discovered a way to tame the wild mane on my head.

Tortola is remarkably beautiful, and we particularly enjoyed touring the rugged mountains with wildlife running everywhere. We’ve seen goats, sheep, chickens and roosters (some with children in tow) and even a wandering cow! I nearly used up the 250 image limit on the memory card in my camera, as we could not stop photographing. It will be difficult for another day on this trip to be more wonderful than yesterday.

Tonight is the Fat Tuesday party in the GV, hosted by Boston Banker and Juried. Everyone’s got their masks ready, and we’re all looking forward to a wild time tonight.

Alex and Putu continue to amaze us with the service they provide. We’ve also discovered that not only does Alex have a terrific sense of humor, he also has a tendency to blush if the joke’s on him. Last night we dined at Salsa, and Alex was at the next table with several other crewmembers. After our meals were finished, we began chatting and ended up in a ten-minute laughing riot. With the assistance of the other crewmembers, we twice managed to cause Alex to blush furiously, which of course made everyone laugh twice as hard.

In case you can’t tell, we’re having the time of our lives, and enjoying every single moment of this cruise. We feel as though we’ve been onboard twice as long as we actually have, and are stunned to discover that the fun is only half over! Please, Lord, may the next five days go as slowly as the first five have!

We understand that it was 4 degrees in Central NH yesterday, and the temp at 7am today was 10. Yeah, we’re really glad it’s 81 here in St. Maarten at the moment!

Stay warm!!!!!

BigAl - it was indeed a frigate bird!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!:D

Denise - message will be delivered precisely as written! ;)

Have a great day everyone! ;)

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NormanW

NormanW

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One of my favorite (if not my favorite) stops! Definitely enjoy the stay. It's never long enough! And I'm a sea day dog! :eek:

 

I see that you're also a witness of the apparent paradox that occurs on cruises. You have absolutely the time of your life, yet it seems longer than it really is while you're enjoying it. Amazing stuff.

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

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awesome

awesome

Posted
Posted

Hi Pepper:

Re: Your posting about open air tour bus on Tortola. We are going to be on the 4/16 Dawn sailing and would love to go on this tour as we are not beach and water people .

May we please know where you found this tour and if you know how to contact "Wolf".

Thanks

Awesome:)

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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Good morning from San Juan, Puerto Rico!

We sailed into the harbor before dawn this morning, following directly behind Holland America’s Noordam. The city emerged from darkness as we made our way into port. Rain showers this morning, so nobody minds taking the extra time for Immigration checks before heading out. I just learned that sadly I missed hearing Revile being played at the U.S. Coast Guard base here, as we were down on deck 6 in line to pass immigration. It’s probably just as well because I surely would have gotten teary-eyed after all these years.

St. Maarten was fabulous yesterday! We rented a car and enjoyed a number of different locations on the island, with the highlight being a stop at the airport beach for a margarita while watching the afternoon flights arrive and depart. It’s hard to believe those huge jets can manage to clear the hills at the end of the runway. Downtown Phillipsburg is lovely with all the shops and quaint little alleyways. We did some last-minute duty free shopping at the Wharf Mall before boarding and enjoying a nap on the sunny balcony.

Last night’s Fat Tuesday party in the Villa was a GRAND AFFAIR and I would estimate some 200 people attended, including the Captain and Hotel Director. Juried and Boston Banker are the consummate host and hostess. They arranged for a huge buffet out in the garden area, with full bar. The food and beverage staff outdid themselves and the food was fabulous. The entire Villa was decorated for Mardi Gras, including all the statuary sporting colorful masks and Mardi Gras beads. The ship’s photographers were in attendance and I can’t wait to view the photos this afternoon! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we thank our host and hostess for their gracious hospitality.

The sun is shining again already and we’re looking forward to a quiet day ashore walking downtown and perhaps a trip out to the fort. Both of us continue to suffer with “fat feet” so we’re really hoping today’s walking will be therapeutic!

This morning we chatted again with the Captain, and he has invited DH and I to join him for dinner this evening, along with PiratesoftheCaribbean and her DH. We are deeply honored, and I will probably spend a good portion of the day worrying about what to wear. I have twelve hours to make up my mind, so hopefully I won’t stress about it too much.

Hope the weather is warming up north, and all of you are having a wonderful day!

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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Hi Pepper:

Re: Your posting about open air tour bus on Tortola. We are going to be on the 4/16 Dawn sailing and would love to go on this tour as we are not beach and water people .

May we please know where you found this tour and if you know how to contact "Wolf".

Thanks

Awesome:)

 

So easy you won't believe it! Exit the ship and walk to the base of the wharf. See the gentleman dressed in black pants and white shirt, wearing a bright pink whistle around his neck. Wolf works for a large company, so there's a chance he could be out on tour when you're ready, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to ask the coordinator if Wolf is available.

 

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Special note to Ada - just checked email last evening, so I missed your suggestion, but did manage to get some fabulous bargains nonetheless. :D :D Diana68 remembered your suggestion though, and made out like a bandit!!!!! :eek:

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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Hi Pepper' date='

You make me remember why we love the Dawn out of NYC!

 

Have you found a Tabasco machine yet and has it been good to you?;)

 

Love reading your reports. Continue to enjoy![/quote']

 

A thorough search of the casino reveals that the tabasco machine is no more. :( Have enjoyed a number of others though! :D

 

BTW - still have not located Theresa, but will ask Alex this afternoon, since my own searching has been fruitless.

 

We're enjoying every second, and especially enjoying this suite! I'm still not convinced that I haven't died and gone to heaven. ;)

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