JUST BACK! Explorer to Bermuda 08.09.08

[beachbuddy]

Ann,

 

I never really caught a guitar player in the Aquarium Lounge (which is at one entrance to the casino), but the latin trio that played in the evening on our last 2 cruises were excellent. I love latin music and love to just sit at the bar and watch people dance. DH doesn't dance latin style so I have no one to practice with........but wish I could dance it - that music just makes you want to move!!! LOL

 

Piano players in the Schooner (at the other entrance to the casino) have always been different the 3 times we were on the Explorer. We had one piano player who was so much fun on the Mariner that we spent a few nights there with him. He was sort of a comedian and had everyone singing along with him and then he'd have people dress up with boas and sing......... He was just a lot of fun! He's from Hawaii and if I remember right his name is Matt Yee. He has a website if you want to look him up. Actually I believe he was on the Explorer's 12 night cruise this past March. I used to read that post because Helen, (who I met on another cruise) was on that cruise and she is also cruising with us in March as well so I wanted to see how she liked the cruise. I remember everyone talking about Matt Yee and that's when I remembered that he was on our Mariner cruise.

 

Patty

[Caliber1]

Great review Pete, and awesome pics too. Thanks for sharing.

[sea-cruise]

Super job on the photos Pete!

[attitudeda]

Pete who was the Cruise Director.

[CaroleV]

Any 5 day Compasses, please..........................

[MrPete]

Pete who was the Cruise Director.

 

Dave Chapman

[Cruzwthme]

Hi Mr. Pete,

Thanks for the email informing me of your recent cruise. Great photos! I read all the postings and love hearing from you from time-to-time. Cruising hopefully in June on Carnival again. Still not sure which ship......or port.......probably Western Caribbean.

Happy sailing!

Tootsie :)

[MrPete]

Hi Mr. Pete,

 

Hey Tootsie!

 

Hard to believe it's been three years! :eek:

[MrPete]

OK. I’m gonna wrap this up before someone brings out the hook.

Final full day came fast, as DD pulled out the Compass to plan our day.

I think we missed most of what she circled, but we got a rock wall climb in, a hoola hoop contest (where she came in first place), and then finally the Ice Skating show.

At night, we went to the farewell show, which always puts a lump in my throat during all the video clips from the “week”.

And then, early the next morning, as fast as it began, we approached the VNB.

Once through, we spun around to back into dock.

[MrPete]

 

 

 

Due to the fact we are idiots, we chose EXPRESS DEBARKATION.

 

NEVER AGAIN!

 

But once we made it out to the car, I took my final two pix of the ship,

 

 

 

 

punch HOME into the GPS, and listened attentively to the nice lady.

 

I needed a vacation.

 

 

Thanks for tuning in. Full slideshow of pix being built here:

 

http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/565517138rPAPQE;jsessionid=abcU4Zd8BcWB7791QxyVr

[halos]

 

FTLOG I'm feeling a little PCD just looking at the last of your pictures.

[attitudeda]

Pete can you go into more detail as why you won't. Due to the fact we are idiots, we chose EXPRESS DEBARKATION.

 

NEVER AGAIN!

[MrPete]

Pete can you go into more detail as why you won't. Due to the fact we are idiots, we chose EXPRESS DEBARKATION.

 

NEVER AGAIN!

 

I invite you to read my other post, as it's just to painful to relive

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=827393

[attitudeda]

Thanks Pete since we are Platinum we will pass on EXPRESS DEBARKATION with the luggage. After our October cruise we will be Diamond members.

[joeandmaria]

Pete,

 

Despite express being a horrible and frustrating option, it will still be my best option if I have to get off the ship as soon as possible for an 11:30 flight right?

[MrPete]

Pete,

 

Despite express being a horrible and frustrating option, it will still be my best option if I have to get off the ship as soon as possible for an 11:30 flight right?

 

Quite possibly yes. But they do ask that anyone with a flight before 12:30 make themselves known as well. There are also a limited amount of express slots open.

 

I was in my car at 9, and home before 10.

[MrPete]

 

We have not sailed on either Carnival or NCL, but NCL sounds like it would fit our personalities better. Can you tell me more about why you prefer Carnival over NCL?

 

Thanks.

 

Overall, it's a better experience for us.

 

However, my experience with NCL is almost 20 years old, and probably doesn't reflect the product they put out today.

[halos]

Overall, it's a better experience for us.

 

However, my experience with NCL is almost 20 years old, and probably doesn't reflect the product they put out today.

 

My first experience with CCL wasn't that great. Back in 1991 the food was horrid. It didn't stop me from giving them a second chance.

I'm glad I did. :)

[webfoot3]

Thanks so much Mr. Pete (when my kids were little they called my best friend Mr. Pete).

Great review and great Photos. Coming into New York at dawn is such a special time.

Will be on the Explorer 9/11 for a 9 day Canadian, hope to do as good a job as you when we come back.

Be Well

Ron

[halos]

Thanks so much Mr. Pete (when my kids were little they called my best friend Mr. Pete).

Great review and great Photos. Coming into New York at dawn is such a special time.

Will be on the Explorer 9/11 for a 9 day Canadian, hope to do as good a job as you when we come back.

Be Well

Ron

 

You'll be getting on as I'm debarking. :( I hate debarking.

I wish you good weather on your cruise!! :)

[MrPete]

Pix all loaded, with a slideshow:

 

http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/565517138rPAPQE;jsessionid=abcvDY1bm2S9WcHc-_JWr

 

ENJOY!

[maryln]

Well, while DUH boat was going under DUH bridge, I looked back and saw an NCL ship (it was floating) coming down the Hudson.

 

 

It was looking really nice, and then behind that, I noticed the Victory pulling out from its berth. So it was the three of us in a line. Victory, of course, was heading north, we were heading south, but I never knew which NCL ship that was, and have no idea where it was going. Never saw her again, so it wasn't ber MUD a.

That's the NCL Spirit. I'm enjoying your photos. Thanks for posting them.

[petesweet]

Somewhere in between I dropped on DW our room location and type. I thought it would come to fist to cuffs (whatever that means), but it passed quickly, especially when we opened the door......

 

Stay tuned......

 

Since you asked :D , here is the definition you are looking for. I tried to find a more complete etymology, but my reference book decided not to help me with that.

 

fisticuffs

 

One entry found.

 

fisticuffs

 

Main Entry: fist·i·cuffs Pronunciation: \ˈfis-ti-ˌkəfs\ Function: noun plural Etymology: alteration of fisty cuff, from fisty fistic + cuff Date: 1605 : a fight with the fists

[jmf123]

From Wikipedia:

 

Bare-knuckle boxing (also known as bare-knuckle, prizefighting, or fisticuffs) is the original form of boxing closely related to ancient combat sports. It involves two individuals fighting without any boxing gloves or other form of padding on their hands.

 

Great photos MrPete!

[DNineMoons]

Great review Mr. Pete :). I loved your pictures, especially of the sunset - I don't know where I was but I totally missed that one! Now I am depressed ;). It's something about this cruise, I have no idea what I was doing most of the time but I know I was always busy! For example, I can not for the life of me remember what I did on the first at-sea day. No clue. My first full day of being married and I can't even remember it ;).

 

Anyways, thanks for the blow-by-blow!

 

Until next time!