Live From The Carnival Freedom: Crossing the Atlantic for a New Whale Tail

[jam19872016]

Those dark clouds are getting more ominous. 

 

 

Heading to the room to make some plans for the Azores while I've got some down time.

[Calnev1]

14 hours ago, jam19872016 said:

I know in the end it will beat the heck out of jet lag especially when I get those hours back on the return, plus one for daylight savings.

 

[Calnev1]

Yes, beating jet lag is now the number one reason we prefer transatlantic cruises.  We currently have two TAs booked, one in the spring of 2024 on the Glory, and the other in the spring of 2025 on the Spirit.  In both cases, the ships are going "the wrong way," meaning they are crossing the Atlantic East to West (i.e., from Europe) when most cruise ships are headed West to East (i.e., from the USA to Europe).   As our cruise dates approach, we plan to find and book an additional TA that will take us to Europe and thus we avoid jet lag (and those lousy overnight flights) both coming and going.  Yay!

Edited September 26, 2023 by Calnev1

[jam19872016]

In line for the vifp party....along with the rest of the ship.

[jam19872016]

Wonderwall 🎶 

 

[jam19872016]

23 minutes ago, Calnev1 said:

Yes, beating jet lag is now the number one reason we prefer transatlantic cruises.  We currently have two TAs booked, one in the spring of 2024 on the Glory, and the other in the spring of 2025 on the Spirit.  In both cases, the ships are going "the wrong way," meaning they are crossing the Atlantic East to West (i.e., from Europe) when most cruise ships are headed West to East (i.e., from the USA to Europe).   As our cruise dates approach, we plan to find and book an additional TA that will take us to Europe and thus we avoid jet lag (and those lousy overnight flights) both coming and going.  Yay!

That's what I would like to do at least once a year. I tried to make Glory work but I couldn't find anything that ended in Barcelona in time. One HAL ship came close but requires disembarking a day early and traveling from one port in Spain to another.

 

In the end I decided against it. Royal has a pair of TAs in November 2024 that I'm also eyeing but I really want to do the Panorama transpacifc during that time if I can make the costs work.

[jam19872016]

Nothing in Azores is really jumping out at me. I might just wing it. Sete cuidades looks the most interesting I may do that if I do anything. It is very weather dependent though and the forecast is calling for clouds and a 90% chance of rain.

[jam19872016]

Some stats:

 

249 diamonds

951 platinum 

196891 days sailed between all p and d on-board 

 

Youngest d and p is 3, yes 3

 

Most seasoned is 94

 

Most days 739

[five.]

5 minutes ago, jam19872016 said:

Youngest d and p is 3, yes 3

Wow! That's crazy. I have 3 year old nephews and I just can't imagine.

[jam19872016]

8 minutes ago, five. said:

Wow! That's crazy. I have 3 year old nephews and I just can't imagine.

Yes and just judging by the way she walked onstage, I would say she does beauty pagents. 

[jam19872016]

Checked in for dinner at 617 with a 10-20 minute wait.

[jam19872016]

Tonight's dinner menu is a unique one.

 

[jam19872016]

Table assigned at 638...and again at 640 at the different dining room than I showed up at but this is also where mom's waiter is so that is probably the reason for the change.

[jam19872016]

Seafood quiche 710.

 

[jam19872016]

Quiche was very nice. Nice and flakey with a nice seafood flavor.

 

Mains have arrived 726.

 

Pecan crusted tofu.

 

 

Grilled Japanese sea bass.

 

 

[jam19872016]

I didn't know what to think about either dish but both ended up being very good especially the tofu. Surprising i know.

 

Dessert at 743.

 

Lemon meringue pie and black forest cheesecake. 

 

 

[jam19872016]

Lemon meringue at first bite was good. Had a great flavor but the texture ruined it. Very gelatinous. 

 

Black forest Cheesecake was not as described but tasted good anyway. 

 

Gonna head out now and finish my walk. 

[jam19872016]

Gonna work on clearing out the fridge tonight.

 

[jam19872016]

Liars club.

 

 

I doubt anyone will ever outdo Calvin's routine from Celebration but I'm here for it.

[jam19872016]

Calling it early tonight. I'm back in the room after a nice relaxing day at sea.

 

Tomorrow will be our third day at sea traveling from Bermuda to the Azores. Thanks for continuing to read along. See everyone tomorrow. 

[MLB1828]

That last menu looked like my favorite so far! 
 

I hope the weather behaves itself for your stop in the Azores. 

[Calnev1]

8 hours ago, jam19872016 said:

That's what I would like to do at least once a year. I tried to make Glory work but I couldn't find anything that ended in Barcelona in time. One HAL ship came close but requires disembarking a day early and traveling from one port in Spain to another.

 

In the end I decided against it. Royal has a pair of TAs in November 2024 that I'm also eyeing but I really want to do the Panorama transpacifc during that time if I can make the costs work.

Yup, we may have to fly over to Europe before taking the Glory back in the Spring of 2024.  However, in 2025 the Majestic Princess TA cruises into Barcelona exactly two weeks before the Spirit leaves Barcelona for the States.  So we will likely book the Majestic.  Also, we booked the Panorama transpac from Singapore to LA in the fall of 2024 (same as you??), and I wanted desperately to find a transpac in the other direction that made sense but couldn't find one, so will likely cancel the Panoram transpac.  I mean, the flights to Europe are tiring, but the flights to eastern Asia are really long and uncomfortable. 

[Haljo1935]

12 hours ago, jam19872016 said:

Nothing in Azores is really jumping out at me. I might just wing it. Sete cuidades looks the most interesting I may do that if I do anything. It is very weather dependent though and the forecast is calling for clouds and a 90% chance of rain.

We have that booked w/independent company and crossing fingers & toes it happens. We've read the port frequently gets canceled due to weather. I hope you're able to stop & post fab pictures. 

[jam19872016]

Good morning. 

 

My body is trying to reject these time changes. I had a heck of a time falling asleep last night but once I did I slept well.

 

I've missed dining room breakfast so I may start my walk first today and then go in search of food.

[jam19872016]

8 hours ago, MLB1828 said:

That last menu looked like my favorite so far! 
 

I hope the weather behaves itself for your stop in the Azores. 

Me too but 90% chance or rain doesn't sound ideal.

 

 

4 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

We have that booked w/independent company and crossing fingers & toes it happens. We've read the port frequently gets canceled due to weather. I hope you're able to stop & post fab pictures. 

Yea if I book it or will be third party. Cost is $47 and the ship wants $90. No thanks. But like you said, it gets canceled a lot. I may just hire a taxi to take me if the weather is nice.