Jan 18 - At sea

Sadly, our week in the Western Caribbean is coming to an end!  Now Dianne can check this off her bucket list!

✅  Go on a cruise! 

For Mary and me it was a very different experience - so short!  LOL. I think it gave Dianne an idea of what we rave about when we return from our trips; she did say she should have started doing this 5 years ago!

Today was relaxing, but we seemed to be eating all day long!  Breakfast, lunch, gelato, dinner!  By the time we finished our dinner we were all sighing, trying to get our breath!  And I think the laundry shrank the waistbands on our pants ??!!!  😂

We’re back in our comfortable mini suite, ready to put our suitcases out for pick up.  Dianne is enjoying the balcony one last time, Mary is finalizing her suitcase contents, and I am writing the last blog from the ship.

We’ll need to brace ourselves for the winter weather that awaits us tomorrow.  We’re fortunate to have had a reprieve for the past week.

Thanks for travelling along with us!

The three amigas!

Jan 17 - Cozumel, Mexico

Hola from our last port of call, Cozumel!

It hardly seems possible that we are at our final port of call!  The week has gone quickly, even though we didn’t do everything we had planned.

We have all enjoyed the warm, sunny days and feel badly even talking about the weather when we hear about the mountains of snow and freezing temps at home!  It will be a shock when we arrive on Sunday!

Today Mary went off in search of Mayan ruins while Dianne and I had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room, a bit of balcony time before heading to the International Cafe for some sustenance at noon. Somehow little treats made their way to our table??? What a mystery!!

From the top - fruit tartlet, peanut butter and oatmeal cookie, apple cranberry pie!

We decided to go up to Deck 16 to watch people coming and going on the long pier!  There is another big Princess Ship docked beside us plus 4 other big ships so it is busy in port!

Just after 2 PM it was time for Gelato!  So back down to Deck 5!

Pistachio and Hazelnut with fudge drizzle!!

We are waiting for Mary to return and tell us all about her day!   Mary came back about 4 reporting that she had a good day seeing a Mayan village, and a chocolate factory. Hopefully she will post some photos on her Facebook page when she returns home.

After dinner we were all feeling ‘stuffed’, so rather than hanging out around the Piazza, we came back to our room for an early night!

Day at sea tomorrow and last chance to be well fed and pampered!

🥱💤😴

Jan 16 - Grand Cayman

 Cayman Islands!  Just a short distance from Jamaica.

Change of plans today!  Last night Dianne had acute pain in her hip/ back and Nurses Mary and Dorothy swung into action!  Got Ruben, our cabin attendant, to get us a bag of ice, and we got out the Advil to start a regimen to try and reduce inflammation and give Dianne some relief.  

By morning it was a bit better, but Dianne could not really put much weight on her leg without pain / discomfort.  So Mary went on the excursion on her own and the two lame dames stayed behind, taking the day to rest and try and settle Dianne’s hip down.

Mary returned by noon and we all went to the International Cafe for a sandwich and coffee while we waited for the Gelato shop to open!  I know for a fact that ice cream is medicinal!!  While we waited we watched 6 people play Jenga!  It was fun to see how many blocks they could remove before rumbling the tower!!  That was followed by a Music Trivia game. 

By this time the gelato shop was open and Dianne and I had a little dish today ( not the huge sundae glasses with all the cookies, candies, whipped cream etc like we did yesterday) Dianne had mango sorbet and pistachio gelato and Dorothy had pistachio and amaretto gelato. YUM! YUM!

Back to our cabin for a bit of time on the balcony or a nap  before getting ready for dinner.  Tonight we had shrimp cocktail, shrimp & crab bisque, and salad for starters.  The main course was Lobster and Tenderloin for Dorothy and Mary, and Dianne chose a pasta dish with that delicious white sauce.  We each had a different dessert - gelato with strawberry sauce, Crepes with raspberry sauce, and strawberry cheesecake!  

We decided to watch the dancing from our perch overlooking the Piazza on Deck 5 for a while before returning to our comfy quarters.

Another day is done!  Although it wasn’t what we had planned, and not seeing the sea turtles was a big disappointment to Dianne, it was a good day; Mary got to go on the excursion while D & D enjoyed some sunshine on the balcony, and I think the restful day is having a positive effect.

Tomorrow is our last port of call - Cozumel, Mexico.  Mary is going off on her own again as the physical demands of going to see the Mayan ruins is not advisable for the gals with walkers!

Until tomorrow….

Jan 15 - Ocho Rios

 

When we woke up we were still docked at Ocho Rios!  Hopefully the passenger got the medical attention they needed last night.

We took our time getting started as we had decided not to do a tour.  The only tour of interest was to Dunns River Falls, and although it is the most interesting thing to see in the area, none of us liked the idea of climbing up slippery rocks to the top!!!

We had a leisurely breakfast and then headed out to the market stalls at the end of the pier.  They all had the same wares, but Dianne managed to spot a lovely sundress and after a bit of bargaining, decided to buy it. We strolled around a bit more and then returned to the ship for lunch.

Our eating fest continued in the afternoon as that darn Gelato place kept calling!!  Incredible as it may seem, even Mary succumbed!  

 We checked in with the shore excursion people about our Thursday tour and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

It’s Italian Night in the dining room!  Mangia! Mangia!

Mary had Tuscany Strip Loin

Dorothy had Veal Marsala

                                                           Dianne had Shrimp and Scallops

After dinner we went to the Piazza to listen to the music and watch some people dancing!  Another early night as we need to be ready to meet up for our tour tomorrow at 7:15 AM!!! 😱

We’ll give you the highlights of our Grand Cayman Tour tomorrow.

Jan 14 - At sea

Today is a sea day as we head to our first actual port of call, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  

We really don’t have a big update as it was to be a lazy day!  Dianne and I went to breakfast in the dining room, while Mary grabbed a quick breakfast upstairs and went to a 9 AM presentation in the theatre.

We browsed a bit in one of the shops, wandered around, and then went back to our room where Mary was waiting to join us for lunch.  The lido always has lots of choices - so that’s where we went.  

The captain came on with an announcement that there was a medical emergency and we would be picking up speed to get to Ocho Rios tonight.  No one is allowed off the ship, but the patient will be able to get medical attention.  Crossing our fingers that it all works out for that family. 🤞🤞

In the afternoon we heard voices calling our names from Deck 5! So of course we had to answer the call!  

Donatello and DaVinci!!

Look at that smile! Dianne had Donatello, and guess who had DaVinci? 

Dinner time came all too soon! Oink! Oink!  But we managed to eat our full meals!  And an extra chocolate dessert!!  

We sat in the Piazza for a while after dinner and then came back to our balcony to watch the arrival into Ocho Rios.  We also saw Venus, the moon, Mars, Pollux and Castor in the sky.

So that was our day!  We’ll sleep well tonight in preparation for our stop in Jamaica tomorrow.

Stay tuned!

Jan 13 - Princess Cays

Our first stop was Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas.   We have two short excursions booked for today.

We went up for breakfast in the lido.  This was a new experience for all of us - for Dianne because it is her first time on any ship, and for Mary and me because it is a design we’ve not been on before.  The food is set out in different areas - the first two areas for  fruit, breads and continental style items, and a third for hot items.

After breakfast we returned to our room to get our stuff for the day and then headed to the meeting point for the first tour.  When we were taken to the tendering point we had to sit on the sidelines and wait for a boat without stairs that could accommodate the walkers.  We finally were able to board the third tender that came along.

Because we had to wait so long, we arrived for our tour at the very last minute - a few seconds later and the boat would have left!!  This was a Glass Bottom Boat Tour that went out a short distance to three different reefs.    On the way the guide gave us a bit of information about the Bahamas, and talked about the different types of coral and the fish we might see.  This was not a photographer’s dream!  We were looking down through tinted glass so all the photos were blue!  

We enjoyed the experience and when we arrived back at the Marina we decided to go in search of lunch.

It was a L O N G walk.  Mary and Dianne were up to the task but, after sizing up the distance, this lame dame found a shady spot and waited for them to return.  

Thank goodness walkers have built in seats! People watching is a great way to pass the time!  It would not have been appropriate for me to take photos of the passing parade, but ‘oh my!’  People come in all different shapes and sizes,  some who should never don a bathing suit, much less a bikini, and others who you had to look twice to see if they were even wearing one!  As I said, ‘Oh my!’  

My kind friends returned with a burger for me.

We walked back to the information booth where we had to meet for the afternoon tour.

The afternoon boat ride, called Coastal Cruise, was not worth the time or money! It was on the same glass bottom boat, with the same skipper and guide, who gave a lot of the same information!  On our way out to the ‘coast’ we passed a Disney ship, with Dumbo hanging on for dear life!

There really wasn’t much to see, except the interesting rock formations.  

The guide did pass around some photos, some samples of Bahamian money, and a conch shell to keep us ‘entertained’ for the short ride back to the Marina.

When we returned there was a long line to board the tender, and once again, we had to wait for one that could accommodate our walkers.  We ended up on the last boat and a new experience!  - the one with all the crew, gear, supplies etc that they have to take ashore whenever they come to Princess Cays!

By the time we got to our cabin, we were exhausted with all the walking along with the heat of the day.  After a short rest, we went in search of dinner in the Estrella Dining Room.  We don’t have a set reservation so each night we are at a different table with different wait staff.

After dinner we sat in the Atrium for a bit and then returned to our cabin.  It will be another early night for at least two of us!!!

Sea day tomorrow!  YAY!  Time to recharge for our next port! ( I sure hope our chargers keep working! ) 🤣

Jan 12 - Embarkation Day

What a difference a day makes!!  After the hassles and delays of yesterday, everything went perfectly today!😊

We had a light breakfast at the hotel and when the shuttle ( a huge van that seated 14) came to pick us us at 11, we were the only people going to the Princess ship, so we rode in comfort for the short drive to Pier 2.

After dropping off our suitcases with the stevedore we were directed to a seat to wait for a wheelchair.  About one minute later the wheelchair arrived and we were being whisked in to the check-in desk to get our medallions - which are room key, credit card for the ship, ID etc.

We had a bit of a wait for the next wheelchair pusher, but then we were on our way up to the buffet ( yes, another meal!) around 11:30.

We found a table and ordered a drink to keep us company while we sat and relaxed!  We each found something to eat from the dozens of options!

Next stop - our beautiful cabin! We have a ‘mini suite’!   La-de-dah!! There is plenty of space with twin beds and a single bed sofa with a real mattress, a nice long counter/desk, washroom with a tub/shower, two TVs, and a nice sized balcony.

Mary and Dianne each have a twin bed and I have the area with the sofa bed and the second TV.

We watched the mandatory safety video on one of the TVs and then went to our muster station to be checked in.  

Following that we went up to Deck 16 for the Sailaway Party! 

We had a drink and watched from the sidelines as the Singers and Dancers led dancing to that ‘boom boom’ music! ( am I getting old??). We left the dock around 3:15 and we’re on our way!!

It was time to go back to the cabin and unpack before dinner. 

Time to eat again!!  We had a table for three.  We forgot to take photos!!!

We had starters and then main courses - Pork Tenderloin, Yankee Pot Roast, and Mahi Mahi!  Desserts were Crème Brulé, New York Cheesecake, and Lemon Tart!That should hold us until breakfast!!!  

🐷🐷🐷

We decided to skip the show and we’re all settled back in our room for the night.  Tomorrow we’ll be at Princess’ private island Princess Cays, where we have two short tours booked.

Until then,

Night night!

Jan 11 - Ft Lauderdale, FL

Departure day - Jan 11

Here  is a glimpse into the life of three senior ladies - two who have mobility challenges, and the other gets to look after us!!  Thank God for Mary!

Our wake up call came at 5:30 AM and when we got to the lobby to wait for the shuttle about 25 min later it was FULL!!!!!  So we got a spot to stand near the door and as the shuttle approached we went outside to be ready ( under the scornful glare of a couple of people who had been waiting at the door for a few minutes!  Ooops!)  The helpful driver took our bags and Dianne’s walker and we found the last three seats on the bus!

At the airport the shuttle dropped us off at a basement door and the driver was kind enough to take our suitcases to an elevator that took us up to the departures level.

As it happened, an Air Canada employee got on the same elevator, sized up our situation and when we got off the elevator she took us to another employee and asked him to get us wheelchairs and a luggage cart as it was a very long walk to the check-in counter we had to use for Special Assistance.

When we reached the line up for the check in counter it was 6:30 AM and there were many people with wheelchairs, strollers, dog crates, walkers, canes, etc already in line.  Our two attendants took us right to the waiting area and we got checked in.  They even put our luggage on the drop off place for us!

At 8:00 AM we were taken to Immigration and Security, and then to a waiting spot for the electric cart which would take us to the gate.  Hurry up and wait! We had to wait there for a domestic flight to deplane as our gate was in an area where they use the halls for both domestic and US flights - and the two cannot mix!!!

Finally we were at our gate in time for our 8:30 boarding time.  Bad news - no coffee shop and no washrooms!!  8:30 became 9:30 as the very cheerful agent at the gate explained that there was another domestic flight deplaning and we had to stay in the waiting area until they cleared AND there was a mechanical issue with our plane!!   They had to replace a tire!   LOL.   Boarding finally began - there were about 4 electric wheelchairs or scooters, and at least 6 wheelchairs, plus some of us with canes in the Pre- boarding group.

So at 10:30 here we sit on the plane waiting for luggage to be loaded and for clearance to leave.  Oh - but before we actually take off we need to go through de-icing!!!  Oh!! Wait!!  Another announcement!  IT WILL BE ANOTHER 25 min before they finish loading everything!!  Still no coffee!!  and no breakfast!!!

11:45. We are finally in the air!

2:30 PM we are about to land in Ft Lauderdale.  Yay!  We were among the last to leave the plane  because of needing the wheelchairs, and since there were so many people requesting Special Assistance it took a while to get wheeled out .  When we got to the gate, there must have been 500 people waiting to board our plane, and a West Jet flight!  We were taken there in the wheelchairs but Dianne and Mary ended up being ‘plunked’ in one area, but I was ‘plunked’ in a different area around the corner from them to wait for an attendant to get us to Baggage Claim.

I flagged down one of the attendants and said the three of us needed to stay together, and finally he came back and took me to join them.  🧑‍🦽‍➡️👩🏽‍🦽👨‍🦼. After waiting about 45 minutes I tossed my patience over my shoulder and marched up to the Air Canada desk to see what was happening!  The Air Canada agent apologized and explained that the company handling the wheelchairs was ‘very short staffed’ (understatement of the year!) and she spoke to a supervisor who said he would get someone.  Very soon after, one guy came back and when we said the three of us were together he said ‘Oh God! And tried to figure out what he could do!!!  LOL

So he decided to take Dianne and me to baggage claim and go back for Mary.   When we arrived, we saw the three suitcases which had been taken off the carousel  and placed beside the unclaimed luggage office!!!  BUT - no walker!!!!  OMG!  So I explained our situation to the guy on duty and he made a couple of phone calls and said he would be back!  By this time Mary had arrived and the only other Special Assistance attendant came along!  Then the agent who had made the calls came over to us with Dianne’s walker safely in its plastic bag!!!  I figured it had come to Baggage Claim by another route, and not with all the suitcases, so was being held in a different area!!  Phew!!   The two guys divided up the ‘cargo’ - one of them pushed   me and my suitcase, the other took Mary and two suitcases, and Dianne walked with her walker to the taxi stand!!

It was an uneventful trip to the Best Western Oceanside, thankfully, and we got to our room just before 5 PM!!!!  Exhausted after a very long day!!!  

                                       Proof of Life! - Barely!

Dinner at the little restaurant in the hotel and we are back in our room for an early night!!!

We are safely settled and looking forward to a slow start to the day tomorrow - breakfast here, and then a shuttle will take us to our home for the next week - Sky Princess!

Amen and good night!!

Three tired dames

😱😵‍💫🥱