January 29, 2022 - Having successfully passed our COVID tests, we finally got excited about our cruise! We took Lyft ($45) to the airport, easily boarded our "upgraded" Delta flight to FLL. After arrival in FL, we took the Crowne Plaza shuttle (had to wait almost 45 minutes) to the hotel which was just a couple of miles away. After checking in, Rob took a nap while I worked out at the gum. We had a fabulous dinner at the hotel restaurant, Kikis! Slept great!
January 30, 2022 - We enjoyed an amazing breakfast at the hotel, ordering off the menu! (a first) We then took Lyft ($7.91) to Port Everglades. After a speedy check-in, we quickly went to our Concierge Stateroom, #1122 (10th floor) - thank you very much, Michael! It was a lovely "cut out" room with a large balcony in a fabulous location near the beautiful library.
We went to lunch, then checked in at our Muster Station after watching the video on the app. While at lunch on the 14th deck, we sipped delicious Lavazza coffee while watching two HUGE manatees swim along with the ship. Next, I unpacked, then went to the gym while Rob napped.
We were assigned a table for six, but we were the only people who showed. Grace and Dennis were our servers, and Webster, our Matre'D. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and turned in after a wonderful first day.
January 31, 2022 Day at Sea
After a relaxing breakfast in the dining room, we went to Cafe Bocio so Rob could have his cappuccino. I went to the Destinations talk and won a day pass for two at the Persian Garden. A gemstone briefing followed the first presentation. So, by the time it was over, it was lunchtime! We returned to our balcony for reading and needlework. Once again, I went to the gym while Rob napped. After my shower, I attended a lively sing-along presented by Canadian Tommy Green, Jr. Once over, Rob and I had another great dinner at Table #145.
February 1, 2022 - Happy Birthday, Jim Rhoden!
Day #3 - sunny and warm. After breakfast in the Ocean View Cafe after a time mishap, I attended a Green Sea Turtle Talk at Celebrity's Beyond the Podium while Rob enjoyed several cappuccinos at the Cafe Bacio. We returned to the room so the safe that I messed up could get fixed. Lunch and reading followed on the balcony. Once again, Celebrity provided a fabulous show with the ship's dancers and singers entitled Topper, followed by a delicious dinner.
February 2, 2022
Happy Ground Hog Day in St. Croix! Absolutely beautiful day. We walked around the small shopping area, purchased a few t-shirts, then returned to the ship.
While hanging out on our balcony, we booked a Viking Portugal Cruise for our upcoming anniversary! Needlework and listening to the "Three Muskateers" on our balcony were the activities we enjoyed. Later, I went to the gym. After a refreshing shower, I went to the evening's show - Greta Salome - a fabulous violinist from Iceland. After dinner, we went to the late show featuring Eric Sage, which was a HUGE disappointment. The performers were lip-syncing and frequently exiting the stage for who knows what!!!
February 3, 2022 - St Kitts
Rob and I walked around the shops at the Port Terminal. I bought some water shoes, then we returned to the ship,
After lunch, I visited the gym, while Rob enjoyed his cappuccino. After the gym, I enjoyed a fabulous Comospolitan at the pool. The show was John Joseph, a fabulous comedian! Another fabulous day on a cruise ends.
February 4, 2022, Barbados
I enjoyed every moment with the Swim with the Turtles excursion with Foster & Ince Cruise Company. I had the most amazing encounter with an adorable baby Green Sea Turtle.
I dashed back to the ship for a quick shower and wardrobe change before attending Sabbath Services. I met several lovely couples before attending the ship's singers performing in Elysium, a truly great show. After yet another fabulous dinner, Rob and I attended the late-night show featuring John Joseph for another hysterical comedian performance.
February 5, 2022 - St Lucia
While we were technically NOT supposed to be off the ship, except on a Celebrity excursion, everyone left the terminal area to explore. Soooooo, I quickly walked down to the Spice Market to purchase Banana Ketchup.
Back on the ship, we booked a Celebrity cruise with the Stewarts for next year - Feb 24, 2023, sailing out of Tampa. I had won a day pass for the Persian Garden, so I grabbed my book to go relax on the heated tiles lounge in the Persian Garden. Apparently, it is very relaxing, because I fell asleep! After another relaxing day on our balcony, a workout at the gym, and several coffees, I showered and went to the evening's performance, a fabulous Ray Charles tribute by Michael Washington. Little did I know, that Ray Charles ended every performance with "G-d Bless America" and at the conclusion of this tribute, the performer asked all the military to stand for recognition. Great, inspirational evening.
Feb 6, 2022 - Grenada
As I walked off the ship, down the pier, I noticed the dark clouds. Then, as I approached the Excursion Clerk, I noticed just a handful of folks instead of the crowd I anticipated for the glass-bottom kayak excursion I had signed up for. The sweet Celebrity Excursion Clerk explained that the water was cloudy, the seas choppy, and visibility was limited, so if I wanted to back out of the excursion, my money would be refunded. I walked around for a few minutes contemplating my decision but decided that it was a two-person kayak, and it would only be me, that I should cancel. Drats! So, I strolled into the terminal shops to help the local economy by purchasing t-shirts, Christmas ornaments, and a puzzle for Mom.
Earlier, during breakfast, Rob and I noticed an unusual tree on the top of a hill. While on the dock, I zoomed in on the very cool tree. Back on the ship, I read, worked on Sudoku, needlework and listened to "The Three Muskateers" before going to the gym. Tonight's entertainment was an amazing pianist, Roy Tam. He was simply captivating, especially to this very novice piano student!
February 7, 2022 - Dominica
I had room service for breakfast because of my VERY early (8:15) excursion. Rob opted to go to the restaurant by himself (yay, very proud of him). I was off to enjoy a morning of Dolphin and Whale watching. Our group had a police escort as we walked to the boat dock. Once on the water, the dolphins immediately started following the boat and jumping around like crazy! Lily would have been so happy! Shortly, thereafter, we started spotting Sperm Whales - so many that I truly lost count. One came charging at our boat to the point that I was a bit frightened, and could swear that I hear the theme from Jaws playing. Then, it abruptly stopped, and circled around the boat like it was checking us out! The environmentalist said that the whales love to interact with humans because they don't perceive us as a threat. Next, we saw a mother whale nursing her calf! The weather was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect excursion. Like my friend, Joan, said, "It was a National Geographic kind of day!"
After lunch, we were off to Cafe Bacio, then the gym, and back to the room for clean-up before the show. Tonight's entertainment was Caberet featuring the Equinox singers and dancers. As always, we enjoyed a delicious dinner.
February 8, 2022 - Antiqua - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDY!
7:00 AM wake up - breakfast early - because we had an early excursion "Amazing Antiqua" with the only mini-bus on the island that did not have working air conditioning. Luckily, there was a nice ocean breeze, as we drove to Shirley Heights to see the spectacular views. We could see the large coastal home of Eric Clapton. Several celebrities own homes on this island including Robert Deniro, who donated large amounts of money to assist those in need after Hurricane Irma struck. The students on this island receive free books and one uniform per year. Socialized medicine is offered. Gasoline was $5.00 per gallon. We then went to Nelson's Stockyard, a Unesco Site where Queen Elizabeth planted a palm tree over 50 years ago. The beautiful scenery was everywhere on this impoverished island.
Back on the ship, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and Cafe Bacio. As always, I visited the gym. Tonight's show was the Shamrock Tenors, who I must admit were my absolute favorite. Only three of the quartet performed because one of the singers was back in Florida with Covid. Luckily, the pianist, Roy Tam, and the violinist, Greta Salome, filled in - magnificently, I must add, for a truly spectacular show!
February 9, 2022 - Day at Sea
Oh, how I love the days at sea. We set an alarm for 8:00 and enjoyed a leisurely, delightful breakfast in the dining room. Afterward, we had coffee at Cafe Bacio, and then I attended another "Beyond the Podium" lecture on Dolphins.
Then, I worked out at the amazing Fitness Center.
Since I hadn't actually spent any time at the pool, after lunch I decided to read on the upper deck. After a while, I happened to notice that several of the entertainers were sitting across from me. So, I because their paparazzi. :)
People always ask, "What do you do on a sea day?" - plenty - read, needlework, relax, rest in the sun, wander around the ship looking at all the beautiful facilities - like the gorgeous card room.
Or, sip coffee or drink wine on your balcony.
To me, the day flies by!!!
February 10, 2022 Day at Sea
Our last day on this gorgeous ship so we have to enjoy every moment! Breakfast was extra delicious this morning. I especially enjoy the mixed berries with cottage cheese, egg-white omelet, and chicken/apple sausage. We visited the Cafe Bacio so Rob could tip the sweet gals who took such good care of him during the cruise. After working out, I spent most of the afternoon on the balcony. I wanted to soak up the beautiful sun and enjoy the gorgeous water. Before I knew it, it was time to get ready for the show. The Equinox dancers and singers presented "Life" - a very upbeat performance. Dinner was amazing! Back to the room to pack (sob) and get a good night's rest for tomorrow's journey.
February 11, 2022
Luckily, with our Concierge status, we were able to stay on the ship until 0900 hours. By the time we got to the dock, our luggage was waiting (all alone) for us. We took Lyft to the airport, waited a couple of hours, and had an uneventful, but an upgraded trip back home. Our Lyft driver was a sweet Jamaican, but we must have taken the most circuitous trip back home. We saw places (think ghetto) in Atlanta that I never want to see again!!!! Eventually, we reached home. Home Sweet Home.
