IM BACK FROM THE FANTASY

S

Sara Lee

Guest
Dear ALL

I must say and I will write a total review of the trip from beginning to end , but Carnival exceeded itself on this short trip ..

We arrived at Port Canveral about 1045..am thursday . dropped off the luggage with a porter and then parked the car .. 30 bucks .. and we went thru the tunnel to the embarkadation , went right thru the line , got our sign and sail cards .. Got in line in the chairs , we were second row in the line of chairs and we sat down .. Immediately we noticed that this was going to be a GREAT CRUISE

Very few of the wild wild party crowd of April and lots of different types of people and I must say very few kids .. not that I dont like kids but there were not very many on this cruise ..

We boarded at 1130 am on the dot and went to the purser and gave them our shipboard credit letters for 100 and then we went to the room M30 Porthole view which to me was just as good as a window and YES YOU CAN SIT UP THERE QUITE COMFORTABLY and I brought the binoculars

so to spy on the other ships and watch .. We went to the Lido deck after reading everything in the room and seeing our TWO BOXES OF CHOCOLATES They gave us in the room

and we went and got some apple juice and punch and some pizza and hamburgars and hotdogs and sat down and watched .. It began to get very WINDY .. We wandered around the ship and I will say . THEY REPAIRED A LOT OF THINGS .. it rained a little
but not that much ..

Some of the people came up and asked the reggie people why werent they playing and we were like . YOU KNOW ELECTRICITY and WATER DONT MIX and the guys in the band were laughing but they started playing about 15 minutes later.. and everyone was dancing ... and having a good time already and it was like 130... pm

So we went to Paul the cruise directors talk about tours and shopping and you know Paul Stanley the cruise director is a really FUNNY GUY . he is hilarious .. He was in a much better mood this cruise ...

and so we didnt win anything at the raffle and then it was time for the LIFESAVOR DRILL AND WE MET IN THE UNIVERSAL LOUNGE with OUR LIFE JACKETS ON and got our picture made to prove we went ...

IT was great fun trying to BE QUIET FOR A HALF HOUR ... We had a band guy on our side and he was so laid back and the girls came around and said .. NOW FASTEN YOUR LIFESAVORS and he was like .. MY GOSH , some of this people are so uptight . He said if we were sinking I think we would have time to fix them.. He was a cool guy and just started playing on the ship two weeks ago .. He was a trumpet player .. He said it was a tough gig but it was fun....

Then we went up to set sail and this time WE WENT FIRST . past the DIsNEY WONDER AND PAST THE SOVERIEGN OF THE SEAS

and we sailed right out of the harbor ON TIME .. and it got really windy and you had to hang on and the coast quard boat was jumping in and out of the waves .. it was a rough sea and the captain when he had to jump aboard as the pilot the ship out , it was funny , it was like watching a reality show .. He had to JUMP into the coast guard boat and we all cheered because he made it..
AND WE SAW THREE DOLPHINS JUMPING OUT OF THE WATER RIGHT NEXT TO OUR BOAT FOLLOWING US . it WAS AMAZING ..

So we were off... and it was a little rocky .. it didnt stop anyone from having fun up on board tho .. Wind blowing , people dancing to the reggie music on Lido deck and then it seemed like it was time for dinner.....

and we went and MY HUSBAND met his match although my husband is a skinny guy and our table mates who were so nice ,

HE and my HUSBAND ORDERED EACH TWO LOBSTERS A PIECE and PRIME RIB and then we all started ordering everything . trying it all and the waiters knew we were going to be a piece of work all the cruise and so every night at dinner we all ordered two of everything including desserts trying it all and they were so great , bringing it ON ...

and then the first night we went to the casino and I played my nickle machine , didnt win didnt lose , then went to karoake and it was fun and then we went back to the casino , played in there etc and wandered around in between sitting here and there and had some tea and coffee at the bistro and those desserts looked so good I thought I will have one of those later in the cruise and never made it back there ..

Ordered room service every morning for coffee and danish and then went to breakfast in the dining room and had omelets and all the stuff ..

and room service at night with vegatable sticks and BROWNIES and COOKIES AND TEA and HOT CHOCOLATE

and then the next day ..

THE BOAT LANDED AND WE WENT TO THE AQUARIUM and you know GOD HAS OUT DONE HIM SELF with all those creatures in the sea


the beauty , the spendor of those fish and those creatures .. SHARKS AND ONE STINGRAY WAS SO HUGE HE WAS LIKE 6 feet across and all the beautiful fish , so beautiful and we got to pet a stingray and touch a starfish ..

and we walked all around the atlantis .. it cost us 25 dollars a piece to get an armband and I would say DO THAT INSTEAD OF THE TOUR .. we wandered around all day , and could go in and out into the digs and to the casino and to the beach .. YOu cant use the pools or waterslides but it is so big , we watched all the people using them..
and walked across the suspension bridge where the sharks were but they were cleaning that part and had the hammer heads in a small area and OH THEY WERE MAD .. they were swimming to and fro looking so MAD ..

so we went there and then went back to the ship about 4pm and rested in the hottub

NO kids at all in the adult hottub and they had a security person watching this time .. and they kept it under control . so I got water logged while my husband read a book for a little while up on deck ..

then to dinner again and then to the show , beautiful and the casino and then to bed

and then the next morning the day at sea ..
I thought hey Im going to join the Passenger TALENT SHOW . so I signed up and at 12 went to try out there and sang with the orchestra and then I wandered around deck for a few hours trying to memorize lines to

DONT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME

and then 4 oo came and we went to the talent show and I SANG AND PAUL PRESENTED us with an award and my husband loved it and the crowd loved it too and I did pretty good .. so I felt ok.. and during the show , Paul asked all the guys to stand up who loved thier wives and so you know all the guys stood up

and then Paul said.. YOU LOVE YOUR WIVES SO MUCH YOU WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR THEM IN THE WORLD and then some of them SAT DOWN

and Paul said.. OK ANYTHING AT ALL
and he picked out our table mate.. one other conservative guy and one old man
and then he had them go back stage and after the talent show , he said..

Ok now the wives come on stage and he had those guys come out .. with shorts on

and they danced around .. The one guy who was conservative our new friends at our table said.. he didnt want to do it but he did and he sat on his wifes lap and you could tell she was LIKE OH MY GOSH I CANT BELIEVE HE IS DOING THIS ..

Then our table mate who was a great guy anyway did his dance and you know he was a wild and crazy guy anyway and then the old man did it and his wife looked MORTIFIED

and they tell the guys to say what they do and they make them make up things like what they do for a living .. Our tablemate had to say he was a state trooper
BUT THE FUNNY THING IS THE OLD GUY

REALLY WAS A DEACON AT A CHURCH HERE IN NASHVILLE GEORGIA just up the road from us . A little tiny town ..

and Paul said .. what do you do and he said .. Well Im going to have to be looking for a new church because they are going to kick me out and Paul said .. what do you do and he said.. IM A DEACon at a baptist church and he REALLY IS

and so we went up and met them at dinner and I told him WE HAVE PICTURES and we might visit your church and HIS WIFE WAS LIKE OH PLEASE DONT
and I told her OH NO WE NEVER WOULD but we might visit them at church some time and they thought that was great ... so you met all kinds of people on the ships
SO THEN AT DINNER ON THE LAST NIGHT . , THIS TIME WE ALL ORDERED DOUBLES OF EVERYTHING AND HAD A TASTING PARTY AT OUR TABLE ......BAKED ALASKA and two of all the desserts apiece .. and tea and cappachino and coffee and had a blast as they danced the hot hot hot song .. ..

and then we went to the casino and then the boardway show and then the casino and then walked around , and finally on the last night about 3 am we went to bed..

It was GREAT . the only thing is I KNOW HOW MUCH WE MISSED ON THE LAST CRUISE AND HOW IT WAS NOT THE SAME ..

This was entirely different ...
the iternary and the fun things to do and the attitude ot all the people and the crew was so different .. and so nice and so fun ..

Everything was cleaned up on the ship .. they replaced the broken glass in the elevator and remember it was only a month and 2 weeks since we were last on the ship and it was in great shape .. GREAT SHAPE .. THEY GOT the FANTASY IN SHIP SHAPE ..
and I only got to sit in the recliner for 1 dollars worth as I just didnt have time the rest of the cruise .. NOT ENOUGH TIME ..


So it was great great great .. and then we drove to winter Park Florida and my poor son had been living going to school in his apartment without even a chair and a SPOON so we went out and got him a futon and I brought all the stuff for him and he was in hog heaven . when we left..

He now can write me email again and talk instant message and has a TV and some silverware

God is Good and my son even said that ........

He said Thanks to the LORD


and then our DOG MR MO WHEN WE GOT HOME WAS SO GLAD TO SEE US BUT NOW I THINK HE IS SHOWING A LITTLE OF HIS ANGER AT US LEAVING HIM BUT BY BEDTIME HE WILL SNUGGLE UP TO US AND

Thank you all and anything else you want to know.. I have lots of pictures .. I will get them developed and then maybe some one can help me post them ..

HAD A GREAT TIME ...
 
D

Don

Guest
Wow! What a great review. Think you said it in about 3 sentences. Felt I was there with you.
 
Y

YoRay

Guest
Yo! Sara Lee!

Welcome back!

I just knew this trip was gonna be better for you. Glad you enjoyed yourselves and that Carnival came through for you.

Talk more tomorrow.
Yo! to Mo!

.



Post Edited (05-25-03 23:48)
 
J

joebat1

Guest
<img src=http://www.gifanimations.com/Image/Animations/Messages/Welcome/welcome_003.gif>.... HOME....SARA ~~!!~~

I am soooo glad this cruise was much nicer. It sounds as if you and your hubby really enjoyed this time around.... I remember reading your review about your last cruise which you did not like .
<img src=http://members.lycos.co.uk/anisigs1/images1/JoeKDTWtransp.gif>
 
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luv2travel2

Guest
WoooHooo, Glad to hear you had a fantastic time. And it sounds like your vacation was a success! Congrats!:) Can't wait to see your pictures!
 
J

John

Guest
Great review and great time.. I'm officialy jealous.. but, you made me want to cruise. :)
 
1

1stcmez

Guest
Welcome back Sara Lee!

I'm glad to hear that this cruise was so much better than your last cruise!! In reading your review, it looks like you had a great time! It sounds like the guest's talent show was hysterical!

We're going to Nassau in September, and are planning to visit Atlantis. Is there a water taxi that takes you there? If so, how much does it cost? And where do you get the arm bands for $25?

I cant wait to see your photos! Let us know when you get them posted!
 
S

Sara Lee

Guest
Hey I had to take a nap today and my poor husband is working on the computer on Memorial day getting payrolls ready for tommorrow and we are both vets...but we had our trip ..

So I invited him into take a nap.. he went easily with me and , now back up and having to get ready for our weekly trip to Atlanta ..

Cruising is great but not having a roomservice phone at home sucks.. I picked mine up and dialed 8000 and nothing happened ....

and our dog wont go get anything for us ... I dont know why he wont ...

About Nassau and the Atlantis ... You can take the water Taxi and after we went into the straw market there , where they sell STRAW and other goods and fun things and T shirts ,

we went to look at the water taxi method verses the taxi method to get to the atlantis .

It was hot in Nassau , and the water taxi leaves about every 30 minutes till 6.00 and we asked the ticket guy , well when does the water taxi leave and he said every 30 minutes and we said .. Well .. then how long is it till the water taxi leaves then.... and he said 30 minutes....

ANd we tried to ask him , do you wait until the ferry fills up and then leave and he didnt really answer so it looked like it could be a while so we went to the taxi people and they are ALL OVER THE PLACE and asked how much to go to the aquarium and they immediately said 4 dollars apiece if we can find another couple and of course they had like 8 couples so we went right away and it was fun and we went over the bridge , and PASSED ONE OF THE WATER TAXIS but the water taxis LET YOU OFF WAY ON THE OTHER SIDE and they were having to walk a LONG DISTANCE to get to the Atlantis ,

so we zooomed past them and the guy took us right to the building where you go in and go downstairs and buy the tickets ... It is 25 bucks a piece.. and they give you an armband to wear .. No one is allowed outside the Atlantis complex without an armband .. you can go into the casino etc but not around the hotel outside to see the aquarium and walk across the suspension bridge etc... where the sharks are and the tunnel of predetors are ..
and you get into the Digs which is on the other side of the hotel by the casino


You can go all thru the whole atlantis hotel without one and there is a large restaurant where you can see some fish swimming around .. but no sharks ..

.. It cost us 4 dollars to get back to the ship .. apiece

so that is 70 dollars total for both of us and we tipped the taxi drivers 2 bucks each so that was 74.....

You can sign up for the tour on the ship and you get the water taxi ride ----------and you have to walk to the hotel -------and you have to follow the tour guide who goes REAL FAST and talks a lot .. you have to keep up with them and what if you want to watch a FISH for a long time or sit down or just look look look at them all for longer than the rest of the people , YOU CANT ..

and they charge you 47 piece which is 94 dollars for both people if you buy the tour tickets.. I wouldnt do it ...

if you have kids , they cost too.....

and you have to drag them along as fast as the tour guide wants to get back to tour some other people ...... so go by your selves .. and the water taxi ride is only 6 dollars a piece and that pays for both ways .. you pay it up front but you have to be back by 530 or 545 because they close those taxis at 6.00 pm.. and they go on BAHAMA TIME ... ..

and you dont need to ride a boat , you are on one .. Ha ha ha ... so it is cheaper , but it is also longer and you have to walk a long distance ..

and that is what comes with the tour ... so you are walking in the hot sun seeing buildings and hotels and its not interesting really , you can see them as you drive by in the air conditioned van .. and the taxi drivers will talk to you .. we had one who told us all about his family , the island , the heritage , we all asked questions and he answered them and it was very interesting and he said , he did that because he wanted to have people come back

as they make thier money from the tourist ... They are nice people , the bahama people
but I would suggest you shave your head before going there ...

HONESTLY IT WILL GROW BACK and then you wont be asked to have your hair braided ..
 
1

1stcmez

Guest
Thanks for the info about Atlantis... This will be my third trip to the Bahamas... The last time I was in Nassau, Atlantis was still under construction, and I've always wanted to see what it was like.

I know what you mean about the women who want to braid your hair!! Also the peddlers with their jewelry!! You cant get by them without them wanting to try something on you. I dont have much to worry about the hair braiders, as my hair is always short.

Last year we went to Freeport, and my daughter wanted her hair braided. I think we paid $40-$50 getting her hair braided, and it didnt even last a week! I told her, never again!!

She's not going with me this time, it will be myself and my two best friends! No kids, no husbands, no chores for a week!! lol! I'm looking foward to it!
 
R

RogerD

Guest
Sure was quite around here with you off having such a good time.
I mean that in a good way! :)
 
H

heidi1

Guest
Sara,

So glad this cruise was better than your last one. sSunds like you had a great time.

Heidi
 
S

Sara Lee

Guest
A long poem for the cruise ??????????

but my spell checker is broke
but this will work for us southern folk

I use q's for g's and that spell checker dont work
so if I misspell a word , just put up with my quirk

Well we drove from the country and got on the road
we delieverved some furniture so we had a load
We drove and stopped only to go pee
there really wasnt a whole lot to see

But we drove over the bridge and saw our great ship
we drove in and parked ready for the trip
The porter he took our bag for a buck
then we parked real close , man we had some luck

We went thru the scanner and we didnt bleep
got our cokes thru because we are so cheap
We didnt have to pay for them on the cruise
Hey at 2.50 a pop , thats a lot to lose

So we got on board about 11 thirty
went to our room feeling kind of flirty
but decided that we could do that at home
and so we decided the ship decks to roam

So we went to the lido deck and had some food
feeling so stuffed got us out of the mood

So we wandered around and went to the cruise talk
about when in Nassau of where to walk
and how to shop and what there to see
and then it was about a quarter to three
so we went to the Bistro and had coffee and tea
for that you pay , it isnt free
but it was good and boy you should try
one of those desserts , they might make you cry

Cakes were so lovely and chocolate covered
and strawberrys in chocolate were smothered

and then it was time for the mustard save all
We got our lifejackets and made it to the ball
no one was dancing with those jackets on
we stayed for a few minutes and then we were gone


and then it was time to set off the sail
So we went up to see the carnival tail
and the wind was blowing and the people were dancing
and the carnival mascot was prancing and prancing

So the wind blew and the waves how they tossed
but no one fell off and nothing was lost

So then we went down to the dinner and met
our tablemates and the table was set
so we ordered lobster , and steak and dessert
and when we got up oh boy did we hurt
so we had to go to the bed and lay down
but then we got up , no time to frown

So we went to the show and saw almost naked girls
they danced to the music with skirts and brave twirls
The music they played and the band trumpets blew
and time oh my time it didnt stop it just flew

and then kareoake and watching them sing
some would howl and others would ring
and then to the casino to feed it our money
some kissed the dice and said hey hit it honey

but we had fun and we enjoyed that first night
the stars were out and the lights shined real bright

we went to our cabin to call for room service
it was free so we werent very nervous
and ordered everything that we could
probably more than we really should

but it was good and we tried it all
and then we feel asleep till morning call

and then we got up and went to the diner
the breakfast was great , there was nothing finer

then off to see all the baskets and straw
and to the aquarium , they had it all
fish and more fish and then some that ate those

then we had to get dressed all dressed in our clothes
it was fancy night back on the boat
and we had steak for dinner but you could have had goat
You could have had snails and you could have had fish
you could have had duck served up in a dish

they served and they served and then they served some more
until we could hardly make it out of the door

So we went to yet one more broadway show
it was quite funny and wouldnt you know
that as soon as that was all over and done
we went to the casino and this time we won

Oh I cant even say what all we did
it was too fun and down the slide we slid
into the pool and then into the tub
bubbling and bubbling rub a dub dub

then I sang and won an award
it was made of plastic , all they could afford
and I could say more but why should I say
get a ticket yourself and sail away
 
Y

YoRay

Guest
<img src=http://www.pulitzer.org/images/banners/PulitWinners.gif>

And the winner is.....Sara Lee - for 2003!

<img src=http://libinfo.uark.edu/specialcollections/images/JGFmedal%20recto.JPG>

Yay!..... (Loud applause, Standing ovations, Praise, Commendations, International Media...etc.)

.



Post Edited (05-30-03 21:59)
 
L

lizardstew

Guest
OOOH MYYYY GOOOODNEEESSSS!

I am just dying laughing! What a great poem!

I am so glad you had a better trip this time around, Sara!

Thanks for the chuckle........I needed it today! :)
 
E

Elaine515

Guest
Sara Lee,

I have to tell you that I am totally impressed by your review. After reading your previous posts on the other cruise board, you absolutely amazed me with this.

I am so glad you guys had a great time and thank you for the great review you posted...


Elaine :)
 
I

ITCHIN2CRUISE

Guest
SARA,I'M VERY GLAD YOU HAD A GOOD CRUISE THIS TIME,AND I APPRECIATE YOUR DELIGHTFUL WIT.BY THE WAY ,I STILL LOVE YOUR POUND CAKE
 
S

Sara Lee

Guest
Thank you Thank you
Yoray

Yet another paper award .....
Your'e tooooooo kind......
and TOOOOOOO FUNNY
 
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