Day 5 of 110 – Finally settled in after hectic start. We’ve already had three changes to our Sydney tour. Communicating changes to the 111 passengers we are hosting is problematical. I spent two hours calling the 65 cabins the first time only to find out that some NEVER answer the phone or listen to messages as that is what they went on the cruise to avoid or they are hearing impaired and cannot use the phone. The other option is hand delivering printed material ( the ship charges .50 per piece for delivery) to each cabin after I find a way to get the message into print.
We had our cocktail party which was an unmitigated success. Gina and I greeted 92 guests and received positive feedback from them with respect to the program we are offering. A much younger than expected crowd, all very well-traveled and many frequent world cruisers.
Our first port was Georgetown, Grand Cayman, a spot we have frequently visited. We anchored at Spot’s Bay on the other side of the island from Georgetown due to wind conditions that were creating an unsafe situation for tendering. We spent most of the time in an internet café except for the obligatory visit to the jewelry department at Kirk Freeport. Grand Cayman is always a pleasure to visit and offers varied options for the visitor. Seven Mile Beach, the turtle farm and swimming with the stingrays are the most popular activities. Spot’s Bay is about 5 miles from Georgetown and the ship provided free shuttle service to town. Taxi fare was $5 per person, each way, so this was a well received gesture by the passengers.
The ship is very comfortable in every way. No long lines for anything, a great library/coffee shop, and even our Category E, outside cabin, is fine. More than enough closet space, an 84” couch, suitable for napping/watching TV, decent space for two getting dressed for dinner at the same time.
Last night was the first formal night and the evening’s entertainment was Mitzi Gaynor. She owns up to being 79 but I have to wonder how accurate that is. Still, her show was entertaining if not musically perfect. She did crucify one of my all-time favorite songs, “If I Had You”, which always brings back memories of Intermission between periods at the old Boston Garden Bruin’s games. John Kiley at the keyboard never failed to play this song.
Puerto Limon was enjoyable. The thing to do here is visit nature’s wonders which abound in the area. Having been here before, we opted to walk around the quaint little town and found free internet at a Pizza Hut.
Next post will deal with the expenses onboard and the false economy of the Carnival Corporation.
Joe Wagg
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