Getaway Oct 22-Nov 19 Too long or never enough? Transatlantic and Southern Caribbean

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Do not know how the many live reviewers remember all those daily details.  That is a power I don’t possess.

Yesterday was our first sea day.  Had breakfast again in taste which has become our habit. Important info here *** the coffee is good in taste.  I’m not a coffee snob but have never found any cruise coffee good, including the haven pressed, except from the machine in the haven lounges.  Which is usually exceptional.  Had asked room steward for coffee maker and supplies first day and have never used it.  

 

Went to my first ever slot pull.  Thank you Ray for organizing.  I’ve never played any machine so learned a lot.  I think 17 showed up with $20.  Ended with $3 more each than we put in.   Went back later that day to play that $3 on same machine since Lori (met there) told me the odds were better since so much $$ had gone into it.   Ended up with zilch but still even. Lol. 

 

Next we had to choose between latitudes cocktail party or progressive Trivia.  Lots usually show up for latitudes so I decided not to let our partner Tracy down.  What would she do without our vast knowledge?   Probably way better than we did…but we did have fun.  Need to get to the atrium early if you want a seat!

 

Back to taste for lunch. Loved the fish tacos.  Tip of the day*** if you need condiments ask for them when placing order, not after your food arrives.  We’ve heard the servers berated quite a few times for not bringing them or bringing them too late.  Just let it go… it will save you a few calories.

 

Dinner was moderno which, being a vegetarian, was just for the different experience.  Pineapple is always a winner with me. 

Then to the theater for magician Gleason.  Arrived at 7:30 picked up wine at the bar and headed in.  Could not believe how packed it already was.  Full house…wonder how full the later show was.  He was quite entertaining. 

 

We learned earlier that we would be arriving three hours late in ponta delgada.  Asked what would become of our 9:30 am excursion.  Was told they would put new tickets on your mail slot if it’s rescheduled.  Did not hear that announced anywhere so glad I asked.  They were there this morning!  So happy I don’t have to come up with plan B and the ship has to wait for us if we are late returning.

[CruisnHallelujahs]

What a wonderful time in the Azores we had.   Our shore excursion was absolutely fantastic.  Having never been there, Island views, Tastes & Horses, touched on a little bit of everything.  A very scenic bus ride to Fogo Crater Lake.  A lake inside of a volcano. Breathtakingly beautiful.  

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Stopped at Caldeira Velha thermal baths and waterfall, then onto the town of Ribeira Grande for a walkabout.  Being Sunday, not much opened. 

[CruisnHallelujahs]

[CruisnHallelujahs]

[CruisnHallelujahs]

 Lusitano horses were next.  Bus was escorted down long beautiful driveway by rider on horse.  Did some prancing for us before a short talk on the family, horses and farm.  Then on to the wine and cheese tasting room.  Cheese and wine phenomenal.  Estate was gorgeous.   

 

Then onto the pineapple farm.  I’ve never seen pineapples growing so very interesting to me.  Free shot of pineapple liquor.

The guide was very informative and kept everyone on track.  

 

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Back to the boat where we then went straight into town and bought a few things.

Were not really hungry after all the bread and cheese so just snacked at osheehans.

Went to sunset bar for my rye and rum and decided to check out the daily.

Cameo Rascale (acrobats and juggling) starts in 30 minutes at the illusionarium.  Good thing we went right away, because again it was packed. And such a fantastic show.  Love the way this married couple interact with each other.

Went to the latitudes behind the scenes tour this morning and learned that in dry dock illusionarium will be replaced with Q bbq.  I love Q but not as much as I love the illusionarium venue and shows.  

Also learned that laundry is separated by type and processed accordingly.

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

What a wonderful time in the Azores we had.   Our shore excursion was absolutely fantastic.  Having never been there, Island views, Tastes & Horses, touched on a little bit of everything.  A very scenic bus ride to Fogo Crater Lake.  A lake inside of a volcano. Breathtakingly beautiful.  

I'M GOING TO BE THERE IN LIKE FOUR WEEKS!!!!!

 

Yea, I'm shouting, because I'm excited!! Look at that lake photo. Holy sh!!!!t it looks like just a touch of land goes away and the whole lake will just loudly rush down the mountainside. 

 

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm excited. As if you couldn't tell. 

Edited October 30, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[CruisnHallelujahs]

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

Edited October 30, 2023 by CruisnHallelujahs

[CruisnHallelujahs]

It is extraordinary.  Don’t forget to put your camera down and just take it all in.  ❤️ @cruiseny4life

Edited October 30, 2023 by CruisnHallelujahs
At@

[cruiseny4life]

20 hours ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

It is extraordinary.  Don’t forget to put your camera down and just take it all in.  ❤️ @cruiseny4life

Thank you. Yes! Absolutely have to put the phone away and just enjoy the views and experience. I do forget this some times, then am like wait a minute! I'm just clicking away...not even appreciating where I am. Your reminder is a wonderful one!

[PatJim]

Really enjoying your review and photos.  Can’t wait to meet you Sunday at the M & G!

[CruisnHallelujahs]

9 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Thank you. Yes! Absolutely have to put the phone away and just enjoy the views and experience. I do forget this some times, then am like wait a minute! I'm just clicking away...not even appreciating where I am. Your reminder is a wonderful one!

I’m pretty sure I said it out loud while standing there. “I just need to take this in” . And did thankfully. 😊

[CruisnHallelujahs]

8 hours ago, PatJim said:

Really enjoying your review and photos.  Can’t wait to meet you Sunday at the M & G!

It is coming up quickly.  Looking forward to meeting you!  Thank you.

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Another great day. Started with a beautiful sunrise and breakfast at taste.  Time for recipe secrets with Gina.   I love oatmeal but it is always bland on the road.  To make this a tasty breakfast you get all the condiments, raisins, sugar and cinnamon.  Ask for a side of granola.  Mix this all into the oatmeal with a pinch of salt, they don’t add salt when cooking, and it is a delicious hearty breakfast.   You are welcome. Lol.    

Read on the balcony today.  Was 78 degrees in the middle of the ocean oct 31.  Crazy.  Could have laid out getting your tan.   Glad I didn’t pack my parka.  Wish I didn’t pack so much winter clothes.  

 

Went to play progressive trivia with cc friends and then off to canvas by u painting.  We really enjoyed it all.  

Dinner at Tropicana was very good tonight.   Had the Hake, very good, but had told server I wish the skewers were just swordfish since I don’t eat shellfish.  He surprised me with skewers so I could just get the swordfish off them.  So sweet of him.  Then went to million dollar quartet.  Arrive early for this one.  Thought we were early…were luck to get two seats together.  Fantastic…needed a potty break in the middle…so sorry to those around me. Ugh…then off to the haunted house in the illusionarium.   Such a fun day.  And yes, we did dress up.  What were we?

[bluesea777]

5 minutes ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

  

then off to the haunted house in the illusionarium.   Such a fun day.  And yes, we did dress up.  What were we?

 

Pumpkin Pie !!

 

 

Edited November 1, 2023 by bluesea777

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Just now, bluesea777 said:

Pumpkin Pie !!

 

 

Smarty pants! Lol 😘 

[cruiseny4life]

12 hours ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

 And yes, we did dress up.  What were we?

The only acceptable use for pumpkin spice!! 😁

[Red-Sol]

Boarding Saturday! Should be in the 60's in NYC for sailaway....Cold with snow looking out my window this morning...so Caribbean is sounding better and better!

[Laszlo]

1 hour ago, Red-Sol said:

Boarding Saturday! Should be in the 60's in NYC for sailaway....Cold with snow looking out my window this morning...so Caribbean is sounding better and better!

Will be following

[CruisnHallelujahs]

On 11/1/2023 at 8:44 AM, Red-Sol said:

Boarding Saturday! Should be in the 60's in NYC for sailaway....Cold with snow looking out my window this morning...so Caribbean is sounding better and better!

59* today and sun is shining brightly.  Sun is very warm on the balcony.  See you soon!

[CruisnHallelujahs]

These sea days have gone very quickly for us.  Can not believe all our new friends leave tmro.  So many friendly people on this cruise.  Just a few curmudgeons who have seen and done it all and nothing is good enough.  Hope they find what they are looking for. 

Another beautiful sunrise and quite warm on the balcony this morning.

Enjoyed our daily progressive trivia with our cc friends and always made a few new ones around us.  Today was the first day we made it to sudoku challenge.  Caught the tail end of turkey origami…if you’d like to give it a go. 
 

Yesterday it was a bit feisty in the atrium with arguments over seats.  Everyone wanted to see the million dollar quartet question and answer session.  

Peter voiced my favorite comment to “Elvis”.  Said he was a huge Elvis fan and had seen many impersonators and that he was the absolute best he’d ever seen.  Elvis then posed for pictures with Peter and his wife Bernadette, who had joined us for trivia. 

 

Went to wines around the world.  No German which is usually my favorite.  This French one was best for me. 
 

Yesterday was the first chilly day.  The waves were high so pools were closed including the thermal spa pools.  Disappointing but it was splashing hard in there.  At least there were plenty of heated stone lounge chairs.  

Had dinner at Tropicana with our lovely new friends Tracy and Hal.  Will miss them on the next leg.  Hope to meet them again.  ❤️

[CruisnHallelujahs]

Good morning from New York City!   Looking forward to making new cruise friends and seeing excited faces.  People a little grumpy (rude) this morning on exiting.  

[mking8288]

Welcome to NY ... been following.  Thank you for taking the time to write, upload & post photos and reply to questions.  What's the B2B procedure for arrival & reboarding ... and what is all abroad time if guests go ashore and do tours, etc. ?  

 

We have never been fans of NCL holding those "live" events with folding chairs for a big crowd to gather, overcrowding and standing room only ... #couch #cough with all that invisible airborne stuff.  

[CruisnHallelujahs]

6 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Welcome to NY ... been following.  Thank you for taking the time to write, upload & post photos and reply to questions.  What's the B2B procedure for arrival & reboarding ... and what is all abroad time if guests go ashore and do tours, etc. ?  

 

We have never been fans of NCL holding those "live" events with folding chairs for a big crowd to gather, overcrowding and standing room only ... #couch #cough with all that invisible airborne stuff.  

Thank you.  Will post instructions and some commentary.  Let me know if you have any other questions.   The theater would definitely be better for size but the atrium does give it a much more person feel for the q&a… maybe offer at different times and book it?  No idea how to achieve this.