Live from the Gem

[PierreMena]

[quote name='SailingDeanna']We are reading!!! Keep posting! We appreciate it very much.

A fellow future Gem rider.[/quote]

Totally off the subject but I just ADORE your signature and picture. ;)
Where can I get one like it :confused: Pretty Please.

Mena

[Tomct]

Baitman:

Great to read your posts, we just got off the Gem as you emabarked. What a great ship and a great time we had.

Judging by the drinks you are enjoying, I'd recommend that you go to the Martini Bar and have Armando make up his special drink for you. He told us about the "Sexy Alligator" at the Martini Clinic, and he's hoping one day he will be famous for it. It's not easy to make, but he will insist on showing you exactly how to do it, as it's a colorful, layered drink that remains layered while you drink it. It's worth the show!! Tell him you heard about it from the last cruise!! He did a great job at the Martini Clinic!!

[Note: my wife is a very conservative drinker, and would normally not even think about drinking anything with Jagermeister in it but this has a small amount of it carefully placed below the rim of the glass to top off the drink. It also includes Madori, Chambord, and a vodka/lemon base.]

[PierreMena]

[quote name='Tomct']Baitman:

Great to read your posts, we just got off the Gem as you emabarked. What a great ship and a great time we had.

Judging by the drinks you are enjoying, I'd recommend that you go to the Martini Bar and have Armando make up his special drink for you. He told us about the "Sexy Alligator" at the Martini Clinic, and he's hoping one day he will be famous for it. It's not easy to make, but he will insist on showing you exactly how to do it, as it's a colorful, layered drink that remains layered while you drink it. It's worth the show!! Tell him you heard about it from the last cruise!! He did a great job at the Martini Clinic!!

[Note: my wife is a very conservative drinker, and would normally not even think about drinking anything with Jagermeister in it but this has a small amount of it carefully placed below the rim of the glass to top off the drink. It also includes Madori, Chambord, and a vodka/lemon base.][/quote]

:D Thank-you for the tip. We'll make sure we get a Sexy Alligator next Wednesday.

[Len3]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. We're next - sailing on February 6th!!

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Wednesday January 30, 2008-Antigua[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s a beautiful sunny day in Antigua, except for a nice stiff breeze. We got up early to have breakfast in the cabin. Our excursions were for 8:20am. We went bottom fishing or should I say for a boat ride. Like I said yesterday fishing and wind don’t mix. It was a rough ride out and the mate was seasick. After a soaking ride to the supposed fishing area, we anchored and Diane caught the first fish (like always). It was the only fish caught there. We moved to across the inlet and anchored in a cove. It was much better and we caught a few more fish (none for me). The catamaran (Whadali Cat) we sailed on two years ago came in to snorkel. Maybe we should have booked her again. The rum punch put Diane under last time. The sun was nice and on the ride back we got soaked. We had worked hard to get dry and then the waves came over the bow and we got soaked again. Make a mental note, so much for fishing when we go on cruises. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]By chance, we met Sharon in a store (doing her favorite thing, shopping) by the pier and then stopped and had a bottle Antiguan beer. It was then time for us to go back and enjoy the ship. The Crown Princess is next to us. Two great looking ships![/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon & Janet had a great time on the 4x4 excursion. They also went swimming, but the current was fast & they had a hard time and cuts to prove it. No lifeguards![/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We had a simple lunch from the buffet. Yes, we get out of the cabin and wait on ourselves! Let’s give Ryan a break today. Yesterday before we left the ship, he said he would have sandwiches in our cabin for our return. We don’t even have to ask now. Pampering is the best!!! And now it’s exotic drink time. For all of you who know us, we do make some exotic drinks in our cabin, don’t we. I have pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew & watermelon. Let’s see rum & those fruits go well together, right. Now mix them in the blender & add a little more rum and we have best smoothie on the Gem. I now have apples, oranges & pears fro tomorrow. I’ll think of something to make with them.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon, Diane & I we’re off to see Carol for a drink. Now it’s time to think about dinner. I guess it’s going to be cabin time. Yes, it’s cabin time. Tex/Mex is fine. We need to get a nap before “White Night” in Bliss. White Night is drinks in ice glasses. Who’s going to stay up to wake us up? Nobody!!! We’ll I woke up at 11:05pm and Sharon & Diane were gone. I went to bed & they came home late. Diane said that everything was in white in Bliss. There were officers dressed up in their whites and waitresses in white. Things were covered in white sheets and the dancers from the show were there. They said there were more crew than passengers in Bliss. Diane & Sharon had two drinks. One in a ice glass and one a bubbling concotion.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]The wind was blowing 45kts ;ast night & no window washing was done. It was probably too windy for safety. The hot tub is a whirlpool again. The sun is coming thru the clouds and it’s 73 degrees and seas are 8.5 feet as we near Barbados.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s going to be a quiet day for us. Just some shopping and sunning. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]I found out yesterday that the casino was open while we were in St. Thomas. Our casino usage has dropped a lot on the cruise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, Grenada[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Happy Cruising,[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Wednesday January 30, 2008-Antigua[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s a beautiful sunny day in Antigua, except for a nice stiff breeze. We got up early to have breakfast in the cabin. Our excursions were for 8:20am. We went bottom fishing or should I say for a boat ride. Like I said yesterday fishing and wind don’t mix. It was a rough ride out and the mate was seasick. After a soaking ride to the supposed fishing area, we anchored and Diane caught the first fish (like always). It was the only fish caught there. We moved to across the inlet and anchored in a cove. It was much better and we caught a few more fish (none for me). The catamaran (Whadali Cat) we sailed on two years ago came in to snorkel. Maybe we should have booked her again. The rum punch put Diane under last time. The sun was nice and on the ride back we got soaked. We had worked hard to get dry and then the waves came over the bow and we got soaked again. Make a mental note, so much for fishing when we go on cruises. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]By chance, we met Sharon in a store (doing her favorite thing, shopping) by the pier and then stopped and had a bottle Antiguan beer. It was then time for us to go back and enjoy the ship. The Crown Princess is next to us. Two great looking ships![/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon & Janet had a great time on the 4x4 excursion. They also went swimming, but the current was fast & they had a hard time and cuts to prove it. No lifeguards![/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]We had a simple lunch from the buffet. Yes, we get out of the cabin and wait on ourselves! Let’s give Ryan a break today. Yesterday before we left the ship, he said he would have sandwiches in our cabin for our return. We don’t even have to ask now. Pampering is the best!!! And now it’s exotic drink time. For all of you who know us, we do make some exotic drinks in our cabin, don’t we. I have pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew & watermelon. Let’s see rum & those fruits go well together, right. Now mix them in the blender & add a little more rum and we have best smoothie on the Gem. I now have apples, oranges & pears fro tomorrow. I’ll think of something to make with them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon, Diane & I we’re off to see Carol for a drink. Now it’s time to think about dinner. I guess it’s going to be cabin time. Yes, it’s cabin time. Tex/Mex is fine. We need to get a nap before “White Night” in Bliss. White Night is drinks in ice glasses. Who’s going to stay up to wake us up? Nobody!!! We’ll I woke up at 11:05pm and Sharon & Diane were gone. I went to bed & they came home late. Diane said that everything was in white in Bliss. There were officers dressed up in their whites and waitresses in white. Things were covered in white sheets and the dancers from the show were there. They said there were more crew than passengers in Bliss. Diane & Sharon had two drinks. One in a ice glass and one a bubbling concotion.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]The wind was blowing 45kts ;ast night & no window washing was done. It was probably too windy for safety. The hot tub is a whirlpool again. The sun is coming thru the clouds and it’s 73 degrees and seas are 8.5 feet as we near Barbados.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s going to be a quiet day for us. Just some shopping and sunning. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I found out yesterday that the casino was open while we were in St. Thomas. Our casino usage has dropped a lot on the cruise.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, Grenada[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Happy Cruising,[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Thursday January 31, 2008- Barbados[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s a cloudy day coming into Barbados with for a very stiff 45kt breeze. The sun is shining thru the clouds on the port side. We have about an hour to go before we dock. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet & Diane & I had breakfast in Cagney’s while Sharon slept. When Sharon got up we went to see Carol and have the coffee of the day. It’s Irish day on the Gem and all drinks have an Irish theme, even green beer. We told Carol the good news that we got permission from the HD for her to have dinner with us in the GV. A very special night for all of us.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]For all of you Eka fans, she’s on the Dream now. We go an e-mail [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]her while we are on the Gem. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]If we thought it was crowded with 5 ships in St. Thomas, then this is even more crowded. The Serenade of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, P & O Oceana, Holiday Dream, Braemar & our Gem. We were berth at the end of the pier and had shuttle bus service to the terminal. Today was just a shopping day. We got everything we needed ashore and came back. I even ran into a salesman I deal with at work in the shopping area. They are on the Legend and will be leaving to go home this afternoon. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We came back & the sun went in. It looks like we will get a little rain sometime today. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & I had lunch in the Blue Lagoon. As comfort food goes it was very good. The ambience is much on the Gem than on the Dawn. Blue Lagoon being part of Tequila. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We went Deck 11 to see the Mermaid and the bridge observation area. It’s really nice.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It was then to meet up with Janet & Sharon in Bliss for some bowling. Diane, Sharon & Janet bowled. It was interesting bowling on a cruise ship. I am nursing a sore knee, but will try my luck later in the cruise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We then went to see Carol and have a few drinks. The ships are starting to leave. It’s funny watching ships back out of their berths. Actually there were dolphins by the Serenade of the Seas as she left. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We met Carol at the Java Café at 8:30pm for dinner in the GV. We ordered from Cagney’s and had a fantastic dinner with her. We then went to the Magnums & Shakers Bar for a Sexy Alligator with Armando. You k now it was very good. At about 11:45, we said our goodnights and headed back to our cabins. Our excursion on Grenada starts at 8:20am. I arranged for a wake-up call at 6:45am. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, Dominica[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[InTheMood]

Great reading Baitman enjoying your day to day update. Hope to get on the Gem someday. Yours neighbors from upstairs Oct. 07.

[elron]

Thanks for the reports!

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Friday February 1, 2008- Grenada[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s a beautiful sunny day coming into Grenada with very little breeze this morning. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet, Sharon & Diane are taking an excursion today. I’ll be on the ship. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]According to Diane, the “Island Drive” thru Grenada was a total experience. The roads were narrow & took sharp turns. At one point the bus almost didn’t make it up the hill. They all thought for a moment they’d have to get out and push. LOL Island locals were hawking the spices at every turn. One tip, you will be asked for money to take a picture with the local people who are dressed up.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]There is a very nice mall by the pier. Much nicer than the one in Barbados.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]The sun was ultra bright and you can really get a quick burn. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet & Diane took a little afternoon nap & Sharon went to the Martini Clinic, (one of 3 attendees) Janet & Diane went to Java to have a Martini with Carol. Not sure what’s on the menu for dinner tonight.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet, Sharon & Diane went to The Pacific Dining Room for dinner. They said it was very good. I sandwiched up in the cabin.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Overall, the cruise is just fantastic. Two more day until our CC cocktail party in the GV.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, Dominica[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[maurick]

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Saturday February 2, 2008- Dominica[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sailing last night was on 1 foot seas, the breeze was up a little but not like the other nights. It’s a beautiful sunny day coming into Dominica. There a Club Med five-masted schooner at anchor next to us. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet, Sharon & Diane are taking an excursion the Hot Springs. The trip on the bus was very nice but like Grenada, very narrow winding roads up hill. The first stop was the waterfall. They gave all the brave souls waist floatation devices. The water was a brisk 67 degrees. The initial plunge was breathtaking but once in you kinda got use to it. There was a swim in water 50 feet deep thru a large rock formation to an opening where the falls was. We are glad we braved it. From there we got onto the bus to the hot springs. The water was a mustardy color. Each spring was a different temperature from hot to warm. They told us there were many minerals in the water that would help any number of aliments. After the hike back up to the buses we were offered a variety of fruit such as coconut, pineapple, watermelon, oranges, bananas & papaya. Back to the dock for some shopping. The entire day was back and forth rain. The tour guide told us it is a rainforest and that’s what happens.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]The drink of the Day is a Dark & Stormy; ginger beer & dark rum. This isn’t Bermuda, is it? I guess its okay we are in the Spice Islands. When they get back, Diane & I will do some shopping. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]I went to see Carol and have a coffee drink and to show her that I am okay. The bar manager came to have an Italian cappuccino and he made me one. Perfectly frothed milk with just a single cup of expresso it. It was really good. I figure I can do that in my cabin now and maybe it will taste the same. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We went shopping on shore but couldn’t find what we wanted. Then it was a dip in the hot tub. Liquid sunshine was the weather for the day. We caught a beautiful rainbow. We saw Carol for a martini and then to the casino for some investing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We ate at Orchid again. It feels like we are on our way back home the ship is rolling and people are walking funny again. No one more port. Don’t let it end so soon.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]There’s a VIP Bon Voyage Party given by Captain Peterstam in the Courtyard at 5:00pm on Sunday after we leave Tortola for all penthouse passengers. Boy, should that be crowded. We’ve been told that it’s the first time it’s being done! We are an hour ahead, so it won’t interfere with the Super Bowl. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It looks like an early night. Liquid sunshine takes it out of you or is it just liquids that do? [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, Tortola[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[griffcass]

Hey Diane and Monty,

Just off the Gem on the 16th - and really enjoyed reading about your week this week. We were 6 women celebrating a 50th birthday, and enjoyed many of Armando's sexy alligators!! We all loved the ship and everything it had to offer, enjoy your last day!

Colleen

[travelgurl]

Monty & Diane,
Thanks so much for posting while you cruise! I have been reading with anticipation. I was wondering, though, if you have been to the Spa. If so, do you know what a Hot Stone Massage is going for? Again, thanks so much and enjoy the rest of your cruise! :)
Mary

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sunday February 3, 2008- Tortola[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We docked early in Tortola. It was still dark and a little cloudy. We had liquid sunshine for a little while, but the sun is out now.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet & Sharon went to the beach. We went to see Carol for a coffee eye-opener. It was then off to get souvenirs for our son and grand-daughter. We found the pins for our hats and got a nice dress for Olyvia and some Bob Marley for our son.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s time to get some sun before our party. Everything is set and ready to go. Ryan is on top of everything. It’s 12:50pm and we’re having a little liquid sunshine. Once we sail at 1:00pm we should be in the sun again. I don’t want to go home.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Let me say we had a very nice party for our fellow CC members, Luv to Go, Coneygirl, Rp200, Poohisme, Lucky Guy, Siljac, EileenN, Red Devil and some late invitees. Thank you all for coming. The only depressing thing to happen today is they brought our luggage tags. Boo! [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]There is a Captain’s VIP party in the Courtyard for ALL the penthouses on the ship at 5:00pm. It should be crowded up her. We told Prem & Claudio that they could give a tour of our GV to the group. Everyone was amazed at the cabin. It was a great selling tool for them. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]And now for the Super Bowl & two cocktail parties later. We ordered cheeseburgers & fries from Ryan because time was running out to get a place to see it. I went around to see Bliss (not my first choice of viewing areas), the Atrium, PACKED. I looked out my window and saw it was on in the Bali Hai bar across the way. Ryan delivered our burgers and Sharon, Diane & I took our dinner & some beer over there to watch. It was very windy getting there, but we found a sheltered area and it was like we were at the game. There were no commercials, but they did show the half-time show. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We made it to half-time, but the day was taking its toll on us. We went back to the villa. Ryan had brought us cake and milk. We used the binoculars to check the game every once in a while. The Big Bad NE Patriots went down in defeat!!! See cheaters lose in the end and when it really counts. Congratulations Giants! The Pack Will Be Back! [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Be back tomorrow, the last sea day![/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[rossbabsy]

Thank you Monte & Diane, I loved your posts and can't wait to get onboard on Wednesday. We have over 100 regidtered for our meet & greet and 50 confirmed. Hopefully all will show up not only the 50. tjis will be the 7th M&G that I have done and I know we always get at leat 50% nand sometimes more.

Say hello to Coney Island Girl (Cynthia & Morth) are neighbors of ours. I'm sure they had a great time. (cruise mouse) Mary Alice and Joe are also friends from previous cruises on the Dawn.

Hope to meet you both.

Barbara

[rossbabsy]

Thank you Monte & Diane, I loved your posts and can't wait to get onboard on Wednesday. We have over 100 regidtered for our meet & greet and 50 confirmed. Hopefully all will show up not only the 50. tjis will be the 7th M&G that I have done and I know we always get at leat 50% nand sometimes more.

Say hello to Coney Island Girl (Cynthia & Morth) are neighbors of ours. I'm sure they had a great time. (cruise mouse) Mary Alice and Joe are also friends from previous cruises on the Dawn.

Hope to meet you both.

Barbara

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Monday February 4, 2008- 1st Sea day back[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We woke up very early today. The sun is going in and out. It’s about 73 out and not so windy. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]After a small breakfast of coffee, juice, fruit & some danish, Diane was off the have an acupuncture treatment for weight loss. We finally found the Library. We have to go back and take some pictures of Sharon & me in the library as we both work in a library. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Janet & Sharon are having breakfast at Cagney’s’. Tonight is the Captain’s Dinner (a night to dress up or not). The menu isn’t that great. The lobster every night hasn’t been instituted on the Gem yet. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane cane back from her appointment and she has little pins in her left ear and follow-up appointment for 8:30am tomorrow. We have been behaving ourselves and not investing in the casino. So the treatment is covered. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s 10:00am & the sun is shining brightly. It might be the last day of sunning. It’s a beautiful smooth ride.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon spent a good time in the casino and just went to the Margarita Clinic to watch, I don’t think so. Nobody can just watch, unless you don’t like Tequila, like me. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s 6:00pm and we are waiting for the sunset. It’s going down over our side of the ship. It’s 6:14pm and it’s just touching the sea. It’s going to make a pretty picture.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & I have decided to go the 7:30pm show. We went to the casino to waste some time until show time. Diane played the .02 slots and hit it for $1,020.00 and I decided to move around and hit a $1.00 slot for $1,440.00 & have the W-2G to prove it. What a way to start off the night. They were still getting my paperwork done when the show started, so we missed it. We asked Ryan to bring some food at 8:45pm for after the show. Now we’ll dine before going to the show. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Sharon is off to the casino and us to the Farewell show & Colorz. We have to hear the Norwegian Family song, it brings tear to our eyes every time we hear it. It also tells us, we’re going home soon. Ryan told us he will be on stage for it. Claudio greeted us and told us how nice it was to see us at the show. Okay, I only made two of them during the cruise. Diane, Sharon & Janet made three. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]After the show we decided to go the Martini Bar for a Sexy Alligator with Armando. He’s a character. He sang a song for a few of his regulars on the cruise with the Arielle at the piano. We then had two Mojitos. I must say a very good Mojito. It was then off to see if we could find Sharon in the casino. We ran into EileenN and she told us where to find Sharon. She was playing a .01 machine and doing well. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]We got up at 6:15am today and we’re off the SE coast, parallel with Bermuda. It looks like a nice day in the low 60’s no wind and calm seas. What more can you ask for. Maybe a few more days! [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Ryan is bringing breakfast at 7:30am & then Diane is off to have Acupuncture at 8:30am. I guess I’ll start packing while she’s gone. Don’t want to waste time, it’s getting short. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Claudio told us we can get off at 10:30am. No need for us to rush off the Gem. We have many crew members that we have to see today to thank for an exceptional cruise. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Last post until we get home on Wednesday afternoon![/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT]

[nyflush]

Thanks so much for your Great post Congrats on the Casino wins!
Do you know if the Gem has any Casino staff from the Dawn?

[rossbabsy]

Glad to hear you did well in the Casino. Sounds like this was your only visit. I am there all the time. Which machines were they. I won $1,200 on a penny machine. People don't realize that it isn't a penny machine its a $2 or $3 machine. They play 30 cents and expect to win a jackkpot, while your waiting to get on the machine.

Sounds like you had a great cruise.

Thanks for taking us with you.

Where to next time??

Barbara

[LOWTYD]

It's been a pleasure virtual crusing with you! It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I can't wait to see the Gem and experieince all there is to do.

Now you can book anotehr crusie with your winnings!:) (and then some!)

Thanks again for taking the time to write all your post.

[Mooder]

[quote name='Baitman19']
[FONT=Times New Roman]After the show we decided to go the Martini Bar for a Sexy Alligator with Armando. He’s a character. He sang a song for a few of his regulars on the cruise with the Arielle at the piano. We then had two Mojitos. I must say a very good Mojito. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Diane & Monty[/FONT][/quote]

I was already planning on meeting Armando for his Sexy Alligator and now to hear he makes a good Mojito is very exciting. I find it hard to find any mojito never mind a good one! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It has been a vicarious pleasure.

[angeljt]

Monte & Diane,
Glad to hear you both won in the casino!!! Now you have a down payment on your next cruise!!! ;)
Hope the rest of your cruise is smooth sailing and mild weather. Enjoy that Villa!!!
Jackie

[winespritzer]

Thank you so much for the wonderful day by day updates. I was wondering how the VIP Bonvoyage party was up in the courtyard? You mentioned it was for the those in penthouse suites, but were Gold and Platinum guests also invited?

[Baitman19]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]Tuesday February 5, 2008- 2nd Sea day back[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We woke up very early today. The sun is out and about 65 degrees. The wind is picking up as we near Cape Hatteras. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]Ryan brought breakfast for us and then Diane was off the have a 2nd acupuncture treatment for weight loss. She now has minerals to take. Every time she wants to eat, I tell it’s working right? [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We went to the casino this morning and held our own. Sharon finally won some good money. Don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We all went to Cagneys for our last lunch on board. We did a little sunning as it was really nice out for a while this afternoon. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We are all dining in Le Bistro tonight at 6:30pm. They still serve Chocolate Fondue & it’s on the menu. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We are packed and going to enjoy our last hours on the Gem. We went to see Armando in the Martini Bar & then off to the casino. Some people are not satisfied enough! The seas came up and it poured late today. When we came back to the cabin, the seas were rough and the wind howling 50kts or better. Our hot tub is a whirlpool and had whitecaps. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]It’s 9:00pm & Diane & Sharon went back to the casino to cash in their points. We have to do everything to get the bill down. Just for all of you, the Garden Villa is rocking and the wind is howling. The wind is whistling thru the sliding door in the living room The couch feels like it has a vibrator in it. Should be a rough ride home. Right now we have 13.5 ft seas and 60kt SW winds, it’s 70 degrees and are doing 21.6 kts. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]Looks like an early night. Carol has been sick for the last two days and the doctor won’t let her work. We hope to see her in the Java tomorrow morning before we leave.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We woke up today at 5:00am. We’re near Long Branch NJ. The seas have come down and the wind also. Now the hot tub is smoking. No bill under the door, not even at 6:00am. Breakfast is coming at 8:00am. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]This will be the last post until we get home. Diane will work on the pics and put them on Webshots. If you have any questions, please ask. Internet is slow & costly on the ship. So, we’ll have time to answer when we get home.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]We had a wonderful cruise and made a lot of new friends.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman]See you all later ,
Diane & Monty[/FONT]