Suggestions?

So far I have been writing about my adventures in cruising. I love telling my stories. I do hope that my readers have been enjoying them. I strive in my writings to keep this a fun and interesting place to visit. I have a few ideas running around in my head for future articles. My original plan when I started this was to write stories of my travels and articles about cruising. To write hints and tips to help others with their cruise plans. So readers, if you have ideas as to what you want to see please feel free to tell me about them. Some of the ideas I have are to write about the different ports I have visited.To give cruisers ideas as to what to do and see there. Maybe you want to see articles about beaches at different ports. Maybe you want to see articles about the different tour offerings in different ports. How about questions and answers? If you have a question please ask. I will do my best to answer them for you. This blog is written for your enjoyment. I would like to write what you want to read.

Cruising- It Has Changed My Life

My first cruise back in 1983 was the vacation of a lifetime. Little did I know that this vacation would make such a huge difference in my life. I returned back to reality and went about my life living in New Hampshire and working in a factory. In a few days my traveling friends called. They wondered if I would be interested in going on a cruise the next year. YES!! YES!! YES!! Then she asked me to do the work of researching and finding a ship for us. Oh yes, perhaps I had other friends that might want to go. That was before I had computer and internet service. I rushed out to the travel agency and brought back a stack of brochures.I spent hours every night after work poring over the brochures.
By this time I had driven all my friends crazy with my endless cruise talk. I invited the original ladies back to my home to discuss the possibilities I had come up with. It was also a chance for the ladies I had already traveled with to meet the other ladies. Suddenly, after being somewhat of a loner I had a social life. As winter became spring and then summer the social whirlwind began. Everyone was planning a gathering so we could discuss the endless details of our up coming cruise. We had settled on The Mardi Gras. We were going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica St Maarten and Cozumel, Mexico. The group had grown from the original 6 to 10. We were never tired of this, the conversarion always turned to cruising. No matter where we were or what we were doing. We planned shopping trips to buy formals and summer clothing. Surprisingly the year went fairly fast and we were sailing again.
From then on it fell to me to research and do the planning. The next year we decided to go go Hawaii. For some reason we did not choose to cruise. We did a 10 day tour. Of course It again fell on me to make the plans. I did so eagerly and soon had a ton of brochures in my home. Again the social whirlwind began and then we were off to Hawaii for another great vacation. The next year the travel agent invited us to go on a group cruise his agency was doing. We decided to do this tour with him. The ship was Home Lines brand new Homeric. We sailed from New York to Bermuda. It was a wonderful 7 day cruise aboard a brand new ship. Bermuda is a gorgeous gem of an island to visit. I was sad when I heard that Home Lines was going out of business. That cruise was wonderful and the service and food were superb. Homeric was sold to Holland America to become the Westerdam. Holland America dry docked her and expanded her size by adding a section to her mid section. A few years ago she was replaced by a brand new Westerdam. I do not know where this ship is now.
For me life went on in NH. I was still working in the factory and still planning trips for myself and friends. I planned a trip in 1989 on Carnivals new ship Celebration. My companions were 2 other ladies I had known for years. the 3 of us had a grand time on this trip. Celebration was brand new at that time. We thought she was huge. By todays standards she of course is not. The next year I was invited by one of my original "cruise buddies" on a cruise on the Celebration. I had enjoyed the Celebration the year before so I did not hesitate to accept the invite. We were a group of 6 by the time we sailed.
Here I was 7 years after my first cruise. I was still enchanted by cruising and still eager to do all the research I could to make the next cruise happen. I went on working in the factory. In the early to mid 90's my Mothers health had failed. I suspended traveling to be with her. The owners of the factory had sold out to one of the major stock holders. They were making life difficult for everyone. I stood the new ownership for about 6 years. One night I decided I had enough of that. After 21 years with this company I left. I had planned to retire from there. Part of the truth was that I longed to try something different. I did, I went to work for a grocery chain. It was work that was very different. Along the way I found an ad for a training school to teach me how to sell cruises. I signed up and took the course. I learned a lot from this agency. I contacted a local agency and went to work with them as an "outside agent" I was doing ok with this and building a modest client base. It was never enough to live on but it was an interesting and fun sideline. In 1997 my Mother had passed away and my life changed drastically. About 18 months after her death I moved away to a larger city. I changed jobs again too. I started wotking with the developmentally disabled. Work that I still love to do. At the time I was not selling cruises. Off and on I worked at cruise sales.
In 2002 I was contacted by a friend who asked if I would like to go on a cruise with her.I accepted. We booked Carnival Spirit for an 8 day cruise from Miami in March of 2003. Shortly after my return from that cruise I discovered a website that is devoted to cruising. I joined and have been an active member since. This website is CruiseMates. CruiseMates website is full of fun and interesting cruise information. It is populated by some very nice people many of whom I have met. Some that I have been on a cruise with. Some of the members of this site meet occasionally for dinner around Florida. I have been to 2 of these dinners and have had a wonderful time both times. Another dinner is coming up very soon. we will be welcoming a member from Amsterdam, Holland. One day on the site there was a posting for an upcoming cruise on Carnival Glory in September of 2005. I decided to go along We sailed out of Port Canaveral. It was so much fun to meet the members of this site.
Early in 2007 I made the decision to move to Florida. Most of my family was gone from New Hampshire. I had family in Florida and decided I wanted to be closer to them. So in June of 2007 I packed my car and drove away from New Hampshire. The trip was ike a small vacation that just eneded in a different place.I found a place to live and a job and have settled in happily. I work again with the developmentally disabled. I also work at home part time selling cruises and travel for an agency in Maitland Florida. Most of my social life centers around the people I have met on the cruising websites.
So from the very beginning cruising has made major changes in my life. I was a factory worker in small town NH. I barely had a social life and just a few friends. I discovered cruising and suddenly I was the "cruise planner". I had a social life with my cruising friends. I was going places and doing things I had never dreamed of. The computer introduced me to a whole new world of cruise people. Now that I live in Florida and I am getting to know many people who are interested in cruising.I just returned from a cruise on Carnival Liberty with some cruise friends. This cruise was a group planned by the people at another cruise site, The Mariners Cabin. For me cruising really is the way to go.

Cruising - Restful or Adventurous?

We all take a vacation from time to time. We need to get away from our everyday lives to refresh ourselves. Everyone is different some want to take vacations where relaxing is everything. For others action and adventure is everything. I have done both.I have taken cruises where my shore tours consist of nothing more than a simple walk. Sometimes just to stroll through a port and have lunch or a drink is enough. I purchase a few souvenirs take a few pictures and head back to the ship. In that time on the ship when most everyone is gone ashore. I take advantage of the empty hot tubs and just relax. For my last cruise I spent a lot of time researching shore tours. I had months to wait so I read the cruise lines offerings over and over. Something I had always wanted to do was white water rafting. I had never done it because I could never find anyone to go with me. There it was offered in the cruise lines website for my cruise. The place was Limon, Costa Rica. I kept the idea in my head for a while. then one day I asked my group mates what they thought. To my surprise several people said they were planning to do just that. I decided to book this tour. Finally the day came that we were in Limon, Costa Rica. Off we went to find the bus to take us to the white water tour. I was nervous. What if something happened? Suppose I fell off and hit my head on a rock? All these last minute worries were running rampant through my head. We were taken to the place where we boarded a bus to the river. The bus was a rickety old school bus. The road to the river was steep, bumpy and very narrow. On the way down it looked like we were going to slide off the road and crash on the rocks below. Finally we made it to the river. We got our rafting gear, life jacket, helmet and oar. The guides gave us instructions and we boarded the rafts. We paddled when told to and off we went. we hit the first rapids. Water splashing over us. We were all screaming and laughing. When we got to the bottom of the rapids the water was smoother and we paddled some more. We did this through several rapids. Our guide was very experienced in this and I felt comfortable that he would get us there safely. At the end of every rapid the guide had us raise our oars and clap them together and yell "puta rita", that is what it sounded like to me. It was sort of a white water version fo the "high five". After doing this for a while the rafts all went to the side of the river for a rest period. Back on the river we hit the rapids again and were again all screaming and having fun as we rode down the river. I watched as the raft in front of us disappeared down a narrow passage between high rocks. Our guide was taking us toward the same passage. We missed the passage and bounced off a rock. One of our raft mates went over backward and slid off the raft. He came up and grabbed the rope on the side of the raft. Other raft mates held him. The guide came and got him safely back on the raft. He assured us he was alright. Off we went again into the rapids. We did several more rapids and clapped our oars together yelling "puta rita" after each one. Finally we reached the point in the river where we had to end our adventure. We pulled to the side and got out. We made our way to the bus that was waiting for us on the road above the river. The buss took us back to the place where we could change and dry off. There was a nice lunch of local dishes waiting for us. Black beans and rice and a meat dish and a salad. We could purchase beer and alcoholic beverages if we wanted to. Along the trip down the river the photographer took pictures and we could buy a cd of our trip. Later we were transported back to our ship. Everyone I talked to said that they had a great time. All said they would do it again in a heart beat. I have to agree, it was fun and I really had a good time that day. I have to agree with the others. I would also do this again. I highly reccommend this tour. It was fun and energetic. Definately worth the price.

One Of My Favorite Places

In the course of my day I visit many websites. A lot of those sites are cruise related. One of my favorites is a site called The Mariners Cabin. www.themarinerscabin.com This website is in its infancy and has a small membership. The members communicate daily on the message boards. In the short time this site has been in existence the members have bonded and become friends. Recently we had our first group cruise together. We sailed on Carnival Liberty for a wonderful 8 day cruise. Some of us had met on cruises before and at local dinners around Florida. We all came together at a restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale the night before we sailed. What a joyful evening that was. Meeting for the first time,hugging one another. It was a time for joy and laughter and yes, a few tears. The next day we sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale on our way to Cozumel Mexico, Limon Costa Rica and Colon Panama. We had the most amazing journey. We consider that our first ever group cruise was a smashing success. Already we are making plans for another cruise. Members of the site are voting on cruise lines, itineraries and dates for our next cruise. C'mon over join up and get in on the fun. We usually manage to get good rates on the cruise package along with a few fun and interesting "perks". If you are looking for a friendly website that offers good advice on cruising and friendship then come on over and meet us. Everyone is welcome. You wont find a lot of advertising here, just friendly people waiting to say "Welcome Aboard"

I just heard............Florida Cruise Port Parking Rates On The Rise

Miami...Those of you that are planning to drive to the ports be aware of the changes in parking fees. Miami is raising it's fees to $20 a day. This is up from $15 a day.

Ft. Lauderdale...I recently cruised from Ft Lauderdale and the fee was $12 a day. I have not heard of it going up but I would not be surprised if it did.

Port Canaveral...$12 a day and full payment must be made at check in.

JaxPort...$12 a day

Port of Tampa...$12 a day must be paid upon entering. Rates subject to change at any time.

How It All Began!

Working in a factory in cold wintery New Hampshire in 1982 I thought often of warm tropical places. I would dream of living somewhere warm. One early spring day I overheard a conversation that changed those dreams into reality. The conversation was about a Caribbean cruise. Ladies that I worked with were discussing going on a cruise. I commented that it sounded like fun. One of the women, Jenny L. asked if I would like to go. I told her yes, and asked for more information. She invited me to her home for the next Saturday afternoon. A local travel agent was coming to speak to them about cruising.
Saturday afternoon I arrived at the home of Jenny L. There were women there, some I knew and some I was meeting for the first time. We had coffee and discussed where we would like to go. None of us really knew much about the Caribbean. None of us had ever been there. Tom, the travel agent arrived. He was loaded down with brochures for us to look over. Eagerly we pored over the brochures. We were excited and ready to go. Tom spoke to us of different ships and cruise lines. He spoke of the warm places with soft sandy beaches. We were all picturing ourselves sitting on those beaches sipping tropical drinks and enjoying the sun. Our winter break from the cruel cold climate in NH. Eventually we narrowed the brochures down to one. Now to choose the ship and itinerary. We decided on Carnival Cruise Lines TSS Festivale. The Festivale sailed to Nassau, Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
At that time Festivale was the flagship of the Carnival fleet. At 38,000 tons Festivale was the largest of the Carnival fleet. Carnivals fleet at that time consisted of four ships. TSS Festivale,TSS Mardi Gras, TSS Carnivale and Tropicale. A far cry from Carnivals fleet of today. At last count it was around 22 ships.
We booked the trip for February 25, 1983, we had nearly a year to wait. What would we do to make the time pass? How could we stand the wait? I took home a brochure and put it on my bedside table. I pored over that brochure nightly. I think I could recite every word in it. By the time I cruised the brochure was worn and dog eared. Spring slowly came to NH and we thawed out. We made plans to get together often to discuss our upcoming cruise. We had cook outs at each others homes. we planned shopping trips and outings just for lunches. Of course we all carried our worn brochures with us. We discussed "shore excursions" and what we would like to do in each port. Eventually the weather turned cool then cold and the snow began. I think it was the first time I did not mind the snow and cold. Winter meant that my cruise was coming soon.
February 24th 1983, today we were flying to Miami for our cruise. We were all traveling to Logan Airport in Boston together in a van. One of the ladies husbands was taking us. We arrived in Miami all excited and found our way to our hotel. We spent the after noon exploring the area around the hotel. It was the first time any of us had ever been to Miami. We had dinner that night in our hotel restaurant. Too excited to sleep we spent most of the night in our rooms talking.
Finally!! The big day arrives. We were up early and dressed and ready to go. We went to breakfast and took our time as we watched the hands of our watches crawl along. Finally it was time to go. We found the busses to transport us to the ship. Excitedly we looked out the windows taking in the sights of Miami. We arrived at the port and looked for our ship. There she was!! I was so excited tears were forming in my eyes. At that point I was addicted to cruising. To this day I still get weepy when I see "my" ship for the first time. We piled out of the bus and claimed our luggage which we promptly turned over to the porter. We watched as they loaded out suitcases on to the conveyor belt. In those days the ships had conveyors from the pier to the belly of the ship. If you were lucky your luggage made it in to the hold. some luggage fell off into the water. That system seems to be gone now and luggage is loaded in to containers then transported by forklift into the ship. Knowing our luggage was safely in the ship we went up the stairs to Carnival check in.
Check in was a huge room with a few chairs here and there. We were given forms to fill out for immigration. This done we made our way to the check in lines. I got into the line for people with last names begining with A-C. surprisingly this did not take very long. Soon we were all crossing the gangway to the ship. We finally made it! We stepped on to the ship and were welcomed aboard then we got in line for our boarding pictures.
We were here finally, after the months of anticipation and waiting. It was cloudy that day in Miami. We stood on deck and watched everything. The Goodyear blimp was up floating around over the port. Sail away came and we had brought confetti which we tossed as the ship slid away from the pier. Music was playing, people all around us were laughing and dancing. It was everything and more than I had imagined all those months I had waited.
Dinner that first night was fun for us. I was enchanted by the ice sculptures in the dining room. Every night was an adventure in dining for us. All those new and exciting foods we tried. To this day I do not think I ever chose anything that I did not like. We ate most of our meals in the dining room that cruise. Back then the Lido was not as it is today. They would just set up tables on the deck and put out salads and sandwiches and desserts. Very lite fare on deck back then.
Nassau. It was a rainy day in Nassau the day we were there. We took a city tour and toured a fort. I do not remember the name of the fort after all these years. On the way back to the port the driver offered to let us off to shop the famous "Straw Market" If we left the cab we would have to get back to the ship on our own. We elected to get out and shop. One of the group protested that we would get lost and be late for sail away. We could plainly see the ship from where we were. We spent time in the Straw Market and browsing the other stores. Finally in the rain we walked back to the ship.
San Juan Puerto Rico. I again took a city tour and saw the sights of San Juan from a bus. We stopped to tour the fort again. I really enjoyed this tour. It was a sunny day and there were places in the fort to explore on our own. Again on the way back to the ship we were given the option to leave the tour or be taken back to the ship. We opted to shop. We were dropped in "Old San Juan" We toured many shops and were offered complimentary cocktails. The ship would be in port until 2:00 AM. Some of our group went to a show at one of the hotels that evening. I decided to explore the shops in the port building. Alone I went off the ship and down the stairs to the shops. I looked around and bought some souvenirs and gifts for friends. As I left the shops and walked back to the stairs a man was walking behind me. I began walking faster and faster. Still this man was behind me. by the time I reached the stairs I was nearly running. I went up the stairs and was relieved when the I spotted the crew by the gangway to the ship. The man behind me turned back and ran down the stairs. I boarded the ship. I learned a lesson that night. I will never again leave a ship alone to go walking in a strange area.
St Thomas. Charlotte Amalie is a busy place. full of the visitors from the 3 ships that were in port that day. We went into town in the morning and shopped. So many wonderful stores. There were beautiful courtyards between the buildings. Many cool shady places to sit and relax a while. We went back to the ship for lunch and then off to the "Kon Tiki" tour. We were taken to an isolated beach where we swam and relaxed in the sun. I spotted a woman that looked familiar. I realised that she was Mamie Van Doren, an actress that was famous in the 50's. She sat there talking to her son. Finally I asked her if she would mind if I took her picture. she was gracious and posed for me and gave me her autograph also. On the way back to the ship they offered free rum punch. Many people took advantage of the offfer and the party began. Lots of lively caribbean music and limbo contests. I quietly watched. It was a fun afternoon.
Back on the ship we prepared for sail away. It was a sad time for me as I knew we were headed back towards Miami and home. To this day I still get sad leaving the last port of the cruise. We still had 2 lovely fun filled days at sea. We participated in deck games by the pool and went to shows and other events around the ship. Back in Miami we prepared to leave the ship and make our way to the airport for our flight back to Boston.
That is where it all began, my first cruise. I fell head over heels in love with the cruise vacation. Within a week of getting home I was booked for the same week the next year on Carnivals Mardi Gras.
Over the years I have seen many changes in the cruise industry. Carnival which focused on partying in those days has turned around and now focuses on a family vacation with lots of fun things to do. I remember in the early days there were a lot of pool contests that centered around drinking, all that is changed now. There used to be waiters pushing alcoholic beverages. Not so much anymore. To be sure, alcohlic beverages are always available for those that want them. I love the turns this company has taken. I am finding the cruises to be more relaxing and offering something for everyone. From the sedate shore tours to the adventurous ones. The lido has expanded over the years to feature menus to suit every taste. everything from a burger and fries to ethnic varieties of food. If you are looking for a great vacation that has it all, try a cruise. Everything is there for you. Food and room all included in the price. Lots of fun activities and great shows. For me that first cruise aboard Carnivals TSS Festivale opened up a whole new world for me. That cruise was where I became an incurable cruise addict. I have not cruised as many times as I want but I cruise every chance I get. I now live in Florida. I moved here to be near family. I am also near the ports and can drive there when I cruise. Many of my cruising friends that I got to know on cruise related websites live here. Some I have met at various dinners. some I have met when we cruised together in groups. They are all good friends.