The cruise

THIS IS CATHERINE'S BLOG. JACK HAS BEEN INVITED TO POKE IN COMMENTS THEY WILL BE IN FORM: "JACK SEZ--" See links to pictures to go with blogs

JACK SEZ-- THE ENTOURAGE: JACK AND CATHERINE (Kas) collectively, "Jackas" AND EQUIPAGE: Jack's electric 3-Wheel mobility trike, with handlebar bag. Rolling luggage: 2 (1 large, 1 small) One shoulder bag per person

April 30 - May 14 Departed Tampa on the Brilliance of the Seas under cloudy skies so unable to see much of Skyway bridge on our way out of Tampa Bay. Room was very nice but scooter did not fit through stateroom door.
JACK SEZ-- Balcony stateroom was important to me. Thought of sailing with cigar, drink, good book was luxuriant. That would have been possible up to this sailing, when smoking on balcony was forbidden. Apparently, some ass hung a flammable garment on balcony which was ignited by errant spark. Smoking privileges denied hence and for all.
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Had to leave scooter parked and plugged to charge near elevator/staircase, but it was nearby. Also did not fit in hallways when laundry carts, etc. are in hallways (which is most of the time). Meant taking elevator near us to non-stateroom floor, going across ship and then down the elevator where all the common area things were. The ship decor, furnishings all very nice. Large buffet, smaller snack bar in solarium and little cafe near pool, several bars, 4 specialty restaurants, large theater. Most of the trip, open air deck chairs were stacked away because of wind, etc. but could sit in the covered-over areas around the pool and in the solarium. Lots and lots of windows everywhere so the ship seems open and outdoorsy even when inside. Basically, generally pleased. Schooner bar became our to-go place. Jack found a couple convenient places to smoke. Not generally allowed anywhere outdoors which was kind of surprising.

Eating: We usually had breakfast and lunch at the buffet almost everyday and dinner in the dining room. 8:30 seating with only the 2 of us at table for 12. No one else ever showed up. A little weird but OK by us. Many tables were large parties traveling together and a very strange lady traveling alone at a nearby table that created a rukus at every meal. Waiter said we should stay where we were and enjoy our meals, drinks although maitre'd did offer to move us late in the cruise. Lots of variety in food and everything was nicely presented in both places. I fell in love with the cold fruit soups as my appetizer every evening. Shrimp cocktail also very good. All bread in all places was just wonderful. Typically more food than we could finish. Service was excellent all round. We also ate in the steakhouse one night (veal chop and lamb chops). Very, very good and the Italian restaurant another night. Also very good.
JACK SEZ-- One nice touch of service in group and boat so large-- If we ordered bottle of wine, the unused part would be saved and served at next meal in dining room--even if it had to be carried several decks after we ate in specially restaurants.
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Things to do: Very disappointed that the water color classes were full. Did do napkin folding which was fun. Bingo was $32. Played twice with no luck. Did win door prize-- travel wallet which really is a good thing. Lots of trivia matches -- I don't get it but lots of people into them--tournaments, etc. One problem is the content is American and European so there were lots of questions that out of knowledge base of half the people half the time. Other activities but not very interesting to us. Most passengers Floridians. Many, many experienced cruisers - heard that one couple had gone on over one hundred. Over 30 not unusual. About 400 staying on after London to continue another 2 weeks to Russia.

Went to a couple of photography lectures and the lectures on ports of call. All so-so. Actually don't know where the time went. We weren't that busy doing anything in particular. Not really too much to do outdoors because of wind and a little chilly. I walked decks while Jack smoked. Needed to have sweater or jacket most days. Really strange to us that art auctions were big deal. Very nice shops too. Spa also a big deal but we didn't get into it.

Entertainment: All entertainment was great.
JACK SEZ-- I was surprised at the theater which probably seats 1,200 with one balcony. Exceptional facility disappearing orchestra pit, many variations of stage segment heights & scenery.
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The cruise cast in their "extravaganzas" and shows in the Centrum were just great. Lots of variety in shows, costumes, etc. Also had guest performances from comedy to magic to singers, etc. All very good as well. There is music everywhere, violin trio, great guitarist, dance music, piano bar, etc. Of course, we passed through the casino almost every time we went somewhere. It got to be Jack's "toll" to play a hand of blackjack in order to pass through.
JACK SEZ-- Centrum was 6 story atrium.  One night they had "swoop-on-drape" performers there. Surprising cost in equipment and performers for just one night.
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Ports of call: Boston; Cork,Ireland; Cherbourg, France; Brugges, Belgium. Getting on and off with scooter was challenging because of steepness of ramps and slippery surfaces. But, accommodating and try to be of assistance although some concern by crew if they have to help lift or push. I don't blame them. I am sure they don't want to be hurt.

JACK SEZ-- Sometimes had to take fast "run" at steep slope or juncture. Hit one so hard it sprung the quick disconnect draw latch I had designed to allow easy dis-assembly of scooter to fit in car trunk. Fortunately, we only had to do that 3 times and were able to jigger the sprung latch in place with a few minutes extra patience. Still, I was always apprehensive I'd break in half--especially in rough cobble stone streets such as Brugges. Guide there was surprised to learn that we called such streets "Belguim Block."Was not able to tell what they called them.  Probably, "Roman Blocks."
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Other info: 1711 miles Tampa to Boston. 2790 miles from Boston to Cork, Ireland. Passed where the Titanic sank. Lost an hour of time every day which is a little weird. Daylight until almost 10PM and dawn at 5. Left Boston early to get ahead of front. It's not a straight line across the Atlantic because of protected zones for whales and iceberg areas. 2100 passengers and staff from all over the world which makes it interesting.

JACK SEZ--TV had a channel that gave constant updates of speed, course, weather, depth of ocean --with visual course track.  One night, about 3, when we were due south of Greenland, we did some short maneuvering--obviously to avoid something. First officer was at meet-the-crew lecture next day.  I asked if we were avoiding iceberg. That got rather excited reaction. Think icebergs are no-no for conversation.  He said Captain would not come in 50 miles of ice--other than in drink. He didn't know about the maneuvering, but allowed they would do that routinely to avoid fishing boats.
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Our guys: Kamal from Turkey and Mario from India were waiters in dining room, Catalan from Romania was our bartender in Schooner bar, Alex our cabin attendant was from Nicaragua and Blair from Jamaica was bartender in the theater. Captain of the ship was from Greece. Jack had rash and swelling in his legs so went to MD. $120. We thought bites, MD thought just skin irritation from the swelling so elevating legs. No recliner like at home is part of the problem. By May 11 we were being warned about nano-virus so hand-washing etc even more than we had been.
JACK SEZ --At most meals--instead of usual dispensers--they had greeters offering hand sterilizer like holy water.  Crew everywhere wiping hand rails. Still, almost practical impossibility for me to keep hands, cane and scooter handles clean all at same time while avoid grab rails in restrooms, for example.
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They changed buffets so you pointed and someone served rather than everyone touching spoons etc. Jack and I both with some GI problems as leaving ship-we almost made it. I used patches so no seasickness. I think I would have been without them because there were a few rocky days. We thought captain did great job of avoiding the worst of a major storm by sailing from Boston a few hours early.