Day Five - Cozumel - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I was awake by 8:00 and on deck nine for my caffeine when my mother texted that they were awake.  By 9, the girls were up and we met to exchange gifts and get ready for our day.  Today, we were scheduled for the “Cozumel Bar Hop.” This would be sweet mamma and my third time hopping - which makes us “FoHo’s.” For the kids and my dad, this is their second time....they are also “FoHo’s.”  This makes us all Former Hoppers!!!

If it’s your first hop, you are a “Ho.”  Short for Hopper!

We met the tour at 11:00 AM at Senor Frog’s.  Tom, the owner of Cozumel Bar Hop, was there to greet us. He introduced us to Sergio, our guide for the day and Jerry, our driver.  We got into the bus and were headed to the east side of the island.  If you’ve never done the Cozumel Bar Hop before, do it now!

The east side of the island is pristine.  It’s all pretty much a turtle sanctuary and nobody is allowed there after 5:00 PM.  And it is downright beautiful!

We pulled up to the first bar, Puento Morena, and I was in shock. The place was crawling with people. I’ve never, ever seen it crowded.  Heck, I’ve only seen the place with around 20 people there!

Two margaritas and a plate of nachos later I could have cared less how many people were there. The hop had officially begun and I was going to have a great time!

The second bar, El Pescador, was also right on the beach. I tried a Miami Vice, yum, and we had some really terrible French fries.  But who cares, we are hopping, and not feeling any pain.

Third stop, Mojito bar.  And oh my goodness yummy HORCHATA!  I’ve now died and gone to liquor heaven.  I know it had Rumchata, and was served in a coconut, and I was sold.  YUMMMMMMMMY!

Forth, and last stop on the hop, Rasta’s. Also known as the “Bob Marley” bar.  Two orders of quesadillas and shots of peanut butter tequila.  We were in heaven!

The ride back to Cozumel was filled with fun, loud music (Jeremiah was a bullfrog, Sweet Home Alabama, YMCA) lots and singing and lots of laughter.  I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas Day!

We arrived back on the ship around 4:30.  Time to shower and rest before happy hour (like we needed anything else to drink today).  

Tonight, was a special holiday menu.  It was on a piece of paper wrapped in a ribbon, this is the best that it gets with the picture:

I started with the Brie, the had the turkey and finished with the spice cake. Other than the spice cake (way too much nutmeg), everything was excellent!

And after dinner, I was done.  Too much sun, food and a little over indulgence of liquor did me in.  

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Thanks for coming along!

Day Four - Grand Cayman

We were awoke at 7:30 this morning by an announcement from the captain. We were t able to stop in Grand Cayman due to weather. Lovely...but...he the. Said he was able to stop at the other area in Spott’e Bay. Bingo. We can get off the ship today!

After proper Caffeine the girls met me on deck for breakfast. We then headed back to the cabin to change into our swimsuits and grab our bags for the day. Thankfully, with The Key, we had priority tender tickets. We headed straight down and on the tender. A short 7 minute ride and we were finally on land!

We met our tour operator, “Captain Marvin” and boarded a bus for the 15 minute ride to Grand Cayman. It because obvious why we weren’t able to port in Grand Cayman. The sea looks angry.

We checked in and paid for the tour and re boarded the mini bus for the trip to the boat. Today, we are swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling and checking out some starfish. 

The bus ride to the boat took about 15 minutes. They were cleaning the boat when we arrived so we waited a few minutes before we were instructed to remove our shoes before we boarded. We’d be barefoot for the day!

The girls are excited to snorkel!

It took about 15 minutes to make it to the coral red where we would snorkel. Tons of beautifully colored fish surrounded us as soon as we got in the water. And we even saw a HUGE stingray!

Back on the boat and a quick 10 minute ride to our next spot..the stingrays. The water was about 3 feet deep and we were surrounded by the rays. And they were GINORMOUS!!!! We got to hold them, pet them and even kiss them. So. Much. Fun!

We spent about 40 minutes with the rays and then back on the boat for our next destination... Star Fish City. The water was only up to my knees and I immediately spotted three starfish. We could pick them up, but had to keep them covered by water. So, so cool!

It was a 20 minute ride back to the dock and them back on the bus to take us to the tender. The tender lines were LONG...but we were on by 2:30 and back on the ship before we knew it. We were STARVING and made a bee line to the buffet. All of that sun, sand and water we needed substance! I don’t know how we will ever been hungry for dinner tonight!

We took turns getting showered and cleaned up then met my folks for happy hour at 6:00. They’d gone into town today and just wandered a bit before getting back on the ship.

Happy hour was u eventful and before we knew it it was time for dinner. Here’s tonight’s menu:

I went with the recommendation from fabulous Sasha: baked potato soup, lasagna and coconut cake. He hit it out of the park last night, so I’m not going to tempt fate. Dinner was mehhh...but I didn’t have to cook or clean!!!

I was exhausted after dinner but the kids dragged me to the casino to watch them win. I finally gave into the exhaustion and called it a night. After all, I have to be sound asleep in order for Santa to come tonight...he can find me in the middle of the Caribbean, can’t he?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Day Three - At Sea

Sleep...I need sleep...a lot of sleep...I didn’t sleep one bit last night!

The alarm went off at 8 and I finally got out of bed. I got some caffeine and at 9:30 I met my folks in the “Shall We Dance” venue for the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. There were maybe 15 folks total who attended. Our Cruise Director, David, was the host. They had coffee, juices and pastries for us and did a raffle. I won a highlighter and sweet mamma walked away with a very cheap bottle of champagne that, quite frankly, I’m terrified to even try and drink.

We stopped and did “50’s and 60’s” trivia in Schooners Bar (terrible location) and finished in a tie with three other teams. Could have won if my brain had been working, but I couldn’t remember the name of the high school in Grease (Rydell High). 

I headed up to the pool on deck 9 to relax and pray that the room was finished soon so I could take a much needed nap. I texted the girls asking if they were alive and the response was: “The question is, are you?”

Funny kids

They got their morning coffee (at 11:00) and I found them in the adult pool area. I grabbed a little nosh and headed back to the cabin around noon. Thankfully, it was finally done.

I showered then watched some TV for a bit before I just couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. Finally, sleep!!!

We met for happy hour at 6:00. I wasn’t even going to try and match what we drank last night. But I was starving!!! A little nosh and a rum punch and I’m ready for the evening.

Dinner at 7:30 at our table with our wonderful waiter Sasha and Christian. Here’s tonight menu:

I started with the wedge and then had some calamari. Followed by the roast beef and finishing with the soufflé and cobbler. Finally, full!! And everything was delicious!

We headed to the casino after dinner and my youngest turned $20 into $76. I’m wondering if this beginners luck is a good thing? She keeps going back...

I was exhausted so I headed back to the cabin to clean up for bed and pack the beach bag for tomorrow’s adventure. Up next...Grand Cayman!

Thanks for coming along...

Day Two - Key West

Last night, thankfully, I slept like the dead. Which was amazing as we weren’t sailing, rather bouncing our way to Key West. I couldn’t believe the movement last night and was thankful that none of us is prone to sea sickness!

I got my caffeine and sat out by the pool. On Princess, they offer morning Zumba. On RCI, they have a morning stretch class. Accompanied by the loudest hip hop music you’ve ever heard...it does wake you up, that’s for sure.

Once sufficiently caffeinated, I joined my parents for breakfast by the adults only pool. Thankful, it’s covered. The weather is less than stellar this morning, windy and, at times, pouring down rain. The food here reminds me a lot of the offerings at the International Cafe, on Princess. Pastries and breakfast sandwiches along with oatmeal, grits, breakfast burritos, fruit and yogurt. Much more civilized than the buffet!

The kids finally woke up and were on their way to join us when the captain came over the PA...the port of Key West is closed. We now have a day at sea. 

To which my daughter then texted me: “Wait, does that mean we’re not going to Key West?”

It amazes me she has a 4.0 GPA

My youngest and I then perused the shops a bit and stopped in to see what the theater looked like. Here’s a pic:

We went back by the casino and found my mother teaching my oldest how to play the slots. She promptly won $40 and cashed out. She’s so much smarter than I am....

Sweet mamma then gave my youngest $20 to play with that then turned into $40 and she lost it all. Live and learn.

I headed back to the cabin only to find it still hadn’t been made up. I headed back to the casino and made my daily donation. I have to stop doing that.

I wandered through the buffet just to see what it looked like. Here are a few pictures:

The girls were were at the adult pool so I went to meet them and grab some lunch. I ordered a roast beef sandwich with au jus and horseradish....and a side of cheese pizza. Then I tried to take a bite of the sandwich...and couldn’t bite through the roast beef. So lunch was a “faux” roast beef sandwich...i.e bread with au jus and horseradish. One thing is for sure...I’m not gaining any weight this cruise. We have reservations for the steak house tonight so I’m holding out hope that we will have a great meal.

I headed back to the cabin and it was FINALLY finished. I worked on this blog then took a much needed nap. This relaxing is exhausting!

We met at 5:00 for happy hour. I should mention, my parents are Diamond Status on Royal. Royal matched their status from Celebrity. We have zero status as this is our first cruise on Royal and we’ve never been on Celebrity. Anyway...when we went to happy hour last night the concierge, Allan, told my parents that we could only join them last night...we wouldn’t be allowed to return.

At the end of happy hour last night, I made sure to stop and thank Allan for letting us join and let him know it really meant a lot to my parents and we were very thankful. He told me to give him a kiss on the cheek (done) then he told me we could come every night. Gotta love a good concierge.

Happy hour in the Diamond Lounge is super nice. Lots of goodies to eat...and lots of goodies to drink...free...yes, free. Like this beautiful chocolate martini

I hung out with the kids for a bit in the adult pool area before all of the rocking and rolling got to me. Geesh....rockiest cruise I can ever remember. I headed back to the cabin and before I knew it I was sound asleep. All of this relaxing...


After getting ready, I stopped in the casino for a cocktail before heading to meet everyone at Happy Hour. Gotta get those free drinks while you can. Allan greatest me like and old friend. Gotta love him. Here’s the Happy Hour free drink menu:

Tonight we had reservations at the specialty restaurant, Chops Steakhouse for dinner. We pre purchased a package that include dinner at Chops and the Italian Restaurant onboard. I had the Wedge salad (good), Filet (excellent) and Red Velvet Cake (not as good as my sweet mamma’s). We finished off a bottle of my favorite Rose and then the girls wanted to head back to the casino for a few cocktails.

My youngest finally won something on the slot machine, my oldest doubled her money...and we drank. I think we staggered back to the cabin around midnight, or maybe later...

Tomorrow is another day at sea!

Thanks for coming along!

CRUISE DAY!!!

Just my luck...a 10:00 bed time meant I’d be wide awake by 4:00 this morning. I just can’t win for losing. I got to get ready in the dark, hoping not to wake the girls!

I don’t know how my kids are able to fall asleep before 10:00 and sleep until almost 9:00 in the morning, but they can, and I may hate them for that...

Once everyone was showered and ready we headed downstairs for the complimentary breakfast. Bagels, toast, yogurt, scrambled eggs, steak fries, bacon, grits and oatmeal were some of the foods served. Once fueled for the day, it was time to head to the port.

We went upstairs and did our final packing then headed back down to order a Lyft. The car was there in 2 minutes and it was a short, 7 minute ride to the port.

Prior to the cruise, I purchased a package through Royal Caribbean called “The Key.” The Key includes:

• Priority Embarkation
• Steak House lunch on Embarkation Day
• Unlimited Internet
• Priority Tender Tickets
• Reserved times for Rock Climbing
• And a few other things I can’t remember right now

Being our first time on Royal Caribbean we have zero status. And as I’ve stated previously, I’m high maintenance. This was a no brainer for me...we’d have “The Key.”

From the time our Lyft dropped us off until the time we were on the ship...less than 10 minutes. Brilliant!

Rooms weren’t going to be ready until 1:30, so we headed up to the pool deck for our first cocktail of the trip!

Shortly after my parents arrived. They’d taken the shuttle from the hotel so were a bit behind us. We cocktailed it for a bit, then the girls and I headed to the dinning room for our “special” Steak House lunch.

We were promptly seated and received the menu:

And then....the service was sooooo sssslllloooowwww....snails pace slow! I ordered the shrimp cocktail, burger an warm chocolate cake. Like who doesn’t like a good chocolate cake???

We waited forever for the appetizer....

And then we waited some more....and finally...our main course came....

And was a complete disappointment....and then we waited...and waited...and waited...and finally...

And Houston...we have lift off...finally...something supremely wonderful!!!

We finished up lunch and headed back up to my parents, by the pool, on deck 9. It was 1:00, and cabins wouldn’t be ready until 1:30.

I started working on my blog as we enjoyed the peace and quiet of the adult only pool area.

At precisely 1:30 they announced the cabins were ready.  We headed to the forward stairs and made our way down to deck 4. Both of our cabins are on deck 4, forward, port side.  We each have an ocean view room.  Here’s a picture of our cabin:

We will have the bed broken into twins and a bunk will drop down from the ceiling.

Unfortunately, when we arrived, we had no luggage.  While luggage was strewn throughout the hallway, none of it belonged to use.

The kids hung in the cabin while I wandered and took a few pictures.

The Centrum:

The casino:

The dinning room:

I headed back to the cabin, and you guessed it...still no luggage.  By this time, they’re starting to make announcements for muster.  We headed up to our muster station on deck 5, outside on the Promenade deck.

Muster was quick, and when we got back to our cabin at 4:00 our luggage had magically appeared.  We made quick work of unpacking.  I was pleasantly surprised at how organized we all were and how we were able to make all of it fit!

I made arrangements to meet my parents at the Schooner Bar on deck 6 or trivia at 5:00.  I arrived about 10 minutes before the start...and it was standing room only.  I mean ridiculous standing room only. Never in my life have I seen a trivia so freaking packed.  When mom and dad arrived, a couple left and we were able to snag two chairs.  The trivia was meh, and when we corrected someone else’s paper, we realized, nobody was there for trivia, they were all there to drink.  Evidenced by 2 correct answers out of 20....the end.

After trivia we met the girls and headed to the Pinnacle, Diamond Plus, Diamond happy hour in the Diamond Lounge on deck 6.  We ended up there until dinner at 7:15. Let’s just say my girls really enjoyed the flow of alcohol tonight.

We had “My Time” dinning and I’d reserved a table for the 5 of us for 7:15 each evening. The ship has only one dinning room that is two stores (Decks 4 & 5). Sasha and Christian are our waiters and we enjoyed them immensely.  Here’s the menu from tonight:

I started with the Crab Cake had the Battered Fish & Seafood as my entree and finished with the Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Cake. I honestly wasn’t terrible impressed with anything (sans the Chocolate Cake) but it wasn’t as bad as lunch.  Plus side, the wait staff was excellent!

We finished dinner around 9 and then it was time for my nightly casino deposit.  That didn’t take long, and exhausted, I headed back to the cabin.  My parents and the girls all went to the show, I was just too tired.  That’s what happens when I go to bed at 10:00.

Up tomorrow: Key West.  Let the good times roll!

Thanks for coming along!

Day One - Travel Day

I was up early to finish packing, get the last of the laundry done, pick up breakfast for the girls and take Piper to the kennel. That dog will probably never forgive me!

By 9:30 everything was done and our Uber arrived for the trip to O’Hare. The news said it was the busiest travel day of the holiday season and I was worried that TSA would take forever. Thankfully, we all had TSA pre-check and it took us a whopping 4 minutes to get through security.

The flying tin can of sardines took off and it was an uneventful flight to Tampa. We landed around 3:45 and my parents and cousin (she’s an air traffic controller at TPA) were all there to greet us! After picking up our bags we made our way to my parents car where Lauren, my cousin, gleefully announced to the girls that we’d be having company on our cruise. Grammy and Poppy would be joining us. The worst kept secret in history was finally, fully, out of the bag.

We were staying at the Holiday Inn, Westshore. A 6 minute ride from the airport and 7 minutes from the port. A Walgreens on the corner and a mall .03 miles away. Location, location, location.

We headed over to the mall to PF Chang’s for happy hour and dinner. There, we were met by our life long friends, CJ and Tommy. We’ve known them since the late 70’s, and hadn’t seen Tommy since 1981. Tommy brought his daughter, Lydia (19) and we had an amazing time. Lots of booze, lots of food, lots of laughs. My favorite place to be is surrounded by those I love the most!

By the time we got back to the hotel, we were toast. I’d been up since 4:30 and was EXHAUSTED. I think I was sound asleep before 10:00.

And tomorrow is CRUISE DAY!!!

Thanks for coming along!

Wait - It's Time to Cruise Again???

Can you believe it?  I've only been home 20 days and here we go again!!!

I decided earlier this year that I wanted to spend the holidays with my girls away from the doom and gloom of Chicago. The holiday isn't just about gifts.  It's also about spending time with those you love the most.  And for me, that's my kiddos!

They've only just finished their final exams Wednesday.  Pretty sure they've both gotten a 4.0 this semester.  And yes, I'm one proud mamma.  They arrived home mid day yesterday and unpacked, only to start packing again.

Oh, and the best part?  My sweet puppy PIPER is home.  Well, at least for a day...this morning I drop her off at the kennel for her holiday away! So, she may not be super happy with me...I'll enjoy the love while I can get it 💓

Uber will get us this morning at 9:30 and we will head for the airport for our flight to Tampa.  This Christmas, for the first time ever, we will be sailing Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas.  I'm anxious to give RCI a try and see how they compare to Princess.

Rhapsody is a MUCH older ship....like it's as old as my oldest daughter, so after having just disembarked the brand new Sky Princess, I'm trying to temper my expectations.

Some may be wondering why we chose such a small ship.  For me, it comes down to itinerary. Yes, there are certain things about the larger ships that my girls may have enjoyed more.  But at this point, in my life, it's about the itinerary more so than the ship.  The fact of the matter is, we can have a good time no matter which ship we are on!

Here's the itinerary for our sailing:

My parents will pick us up at the airport in Tampa and spend the pre-cruise night with us at a hotel. We will also meet a couple of friends from WAY back for dinner.  Should be a great time!

And tomorrow morning we head to the Port of Tampa to board the Rhapsody of the Seas!  Come along, won't you?  Let's see what Christmas brings on the high seas!

Thanks for coming along!

Final Thoughts - Sky Princess

As I look back on this fabulous trip I wanted to share some thoughts on what we loved, what we liked, what we could have passed on and what just didn't work for us!

We booked out flights through Princess EZAir and paid roughly $275 a piece to fly to Barcelona.  Amazing deal...BUT, when they can't get you there, it doesn't matter how much you paid.  I was nicely compensated by United Airlines, but, it really doesn't make up for missing the entire first day of my vacation!

Hotel Lleo in Barcelona is fabulous. Kudos to their team for making sure my sweet mamma was taken care of.  The room was clean, spacious and well appointed.  The staff and location, excellent.  The breakfast buffet is more than adequate.  The location in proximity to the port is wonderful.  It's for sure our go to when staying in Barcelona.

The Barcelona Hop on Hop Off Bus is great if you aren't in a hurry and just want to watch everything at a leisurely pace.  But like most HoHo buses, there's traffic and it takes 75% longer to get where you want to be.  In our case, it worked out fine.  I was exhausted after my all night flight and had zero energy.  I just wish we'd had a tad bit more time to take in the market that day. I bummed that we missed out.

If you find yourself in Barcelona the day of a marathon and have to get to the port, wait until it's over.  That was insane.  What should have taken 7 minutes took 45.  And a lot more Euros! But we had great company for the ride which made everything better!

Embarking the ship with Ocean Medallion is AMAZING!! Never in my life have I had such an easy peasy embarkation.  One swipe of the medallion and we were headed on the ship! Super duper great!  Nice job Princess!

Sky Princess, the good:  Well, our verdict is in.  The Sky Princess (IMHO) is fabulous.  I felt that the things from the Royal and Regal that needed improvement (Princess Live, Vista, Aft Pool) were all improved.  The new Princess Live is outstanding and I loved the layout of Vista with the new bar.  The decor is fabulous, more modern tones of blues and grays.  And we loved the Ocean Medallion.  Loved being able to contact our cruise friends through chat, order cocktails or find each other.  It's a great little gadget! It still has a ways to go, but the functionality will be spectacular!


Sky Princess, the eh, it's okay not great: Location of the new French Restaurant Le Mer is right out in the open. I can't imagine sitting there eating dinner when the show lets out and 800 people walk by.  Prior to the cruise we had made reservations to try it out. After seeing the location, we took a pass.  The retreat pool is another, eh, it's okay, not great.  I don't  understand why they did what they did. It's almost like the pool was an afterthought.  Surrounded by cabins, it just doesn't have that open "I'm on a ship in middle of the ocean" feel to it anymore.

Sky Princess, the yuk, I just don't like it: The seating in the Vista Lounge is some of the MOST uncomfortable that I've ever sat in.  It's made for people who are over 8 feet tall.  EVERYTHING is so DEEP and the cushions were SO hard.  NOT what I consider a good time.

Sky Princess, the SERVICE:  OUTSTANDING Simply some of the best we've ever had.  It seemed like everyone was friendly, welcoming and bending over backwards to make sure we had what we needed.  Kudos to Princess, your staff is amazing!

There just isn't enough time or enough expletives to describe what a great vacation this was.  And the best part?  I got to do it all with my sweet mamma.  I'm very lucky and thankful that I get to take trips like this, but getting to do it with my mom is just icing on the cake.  Everyone should be this fortunate!

Thanks for following along!

The End

All good things must come to and end...and here we are...

Sweet mamma was up at 4:30 which meant I was up at 4:30.  I left to get appropriately caffeinated before I actually spoke with anyone this morning.  When I looked outside, I could see land...for the first time in 7 days.  It also meant that my flip flops were being put away until my next trip.  No need for those in Chicago in December.

I purchased the Princess Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport.  Normally, I don't, but because this was the Sunday after Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel days of the year and because there were 7 other ships in port and I had a 10:00 AM flight, I thought it the wise thing to do.

I had to be in the dining room on deck 5, mid ship at 7:00 this morning. The promptly advised us to head up to deck 6 mid ship to disembark.  We were swiftly off of the ship, through immigrations and on the bus on the way to the airport.  Where did that time go?  Wasn't I just leaving home for Barcelona?  How can you be kicking me off?

I was at the airport with my bags checked by 8:00. Easy Peasy

I spoke with the girls, as they'd left home at 7:00 this morning due to weather to drive back to Iowa.  I was secretly hoping they'd wait until I got home to leave, but that didn't happen.  Oh well, I will see them in three short weeks.

While they boarded my flight on time, they only had one functioning runway so takeoff was delayed.  When we finally did leave, the flight was the best kind; completely uneventful.

Before I knew it it was 2:45 and I was walking in the door at home.  The weather was cold and rainy, a terrible ending to a perfect vacation!

Day Fourteen - At Sea - It's Coming to and End

This morning, we enjoyed what will be our last breakfast together in the dinning room.  Once again, the line was ridiculously long and the service took quite a while.  As soon as we were done with breakfast we ran upstairs for our final progressive trivia of the cruise.

We had a wonderful team that we really enjoyed spending time with; Leslie, Sybil and Bernie were a hoot.  We were lucky to have found each other.  Playing with people you enjoy makes all of the difference in the world.

I asked Steph this morning if I could lead the daily "warm-up" before trivia and she obliged.  I changed it a bit, asked everyone to stand, and we all applauded Steph and thanked her for such a wonderful time.  These cruise staff members spend HOURS each and EVERY day looking up trivia questions to stump and humor us with.  And some people get nasty about their trivia, and Steph handled everyone so well.  We had an amazing time.

Steph told us to come back at 4:30 and the winner of the cruise long trivia would be unveiled!

I headed back to the cabin and began the dreaded task of unpacking. Seriously, you spend days organizing and packing when you leave on your trip.  Going home?  Just shove it in and whatever falls out stays on the ship!  The end.

We had wanted to enjoy a final lunch today at Alfredo's, but the pizza oven wasn't working so we opted for one last meal in the dinning room with Kathy and Mike. We ran into Jane and Ned and they joined us as well. Great food, great service, even better company.  We are blessed!

We wandered, chatted with friends, and generally spent the remainder of the day saying our goodbyes to all of the new friends we'd made along the way.

At 4:30 we were in Princess Live anxiously awaiting the final progressive trivia results.  How would Tequila Mockingbirds make out?  Yes, that's our team name.  Cute, don't you think?

We finished in seventh place out of about 30 teams. Respectable, I'll take it!

One last happy hour tonight (very thankful for Uros, our excellent cocktail waiter who took care of us each and every night) and we headed to the last supper.  Our table mates on both sides this cruise were fun; we will miss the nightly camaraderie.

And now, the funny part.  I found out tonight that I've been calling Diego the wrong name for THE ENTIRE CRUISE.  His name is actually Domingo.  Who the heck knows where I got Diego from??? A LOT of embarrassment on my part (and laughter from everyone else).  Lot of hugs goodbye.  Lot of thank yous for all of the amazing service.  This one is going to be hard to top!

I attended the final music trivia of the cruise (Movie Themes, which I ROCK at) and our team won.  Fitting end to a mostly perfect cruise!

Bed time was early, alarm is set for 5:00 tomorrow morning.  Not ready to say goodbye to the beautiful Sky Princess...

Day Thirteen - At Sea

Yikes. Before I know it they are going to be throwing us off this beautiful ship.  I already want to cry...

Sweet mamma lost her glasses last night and they still haven’t been found!  Say a prayer someone turns them in today.  We have NO idea where she may have left them!

A couple of things I forgot to mention yesterday....

While having breakfast (sweet mamma was walking so I was alone) I was checking email and Facebook when I could tell the table next to me was staring at me.  I started to wonder if I’d spilled eggs on my blouse, or what the problem was.  The gentleman finally asked:

“Where you the judge last night?”

HA! Yes I was...

Later last night, after dinner, on our way to trivia, the guy behind me in the elevator says:

“Hey, are you that judge from last night?”

Me: “Yep, sure was”

Him: “Are you like, famous, am I supposed to know you?”

Oh lord, if I’d only known it would lead to THAT!

Back to our regularly scheduled programming....

The line for the dinning room this morning was crazy long.  We finally got our table and did have to wait a while for our food.  I think the added hour of sleep last night brought out a lot of folks early, today.

My eggs were excellent, the English muffins, not so much!  While trying to cut my English muffin, egg combo, the muffin (hard as a rock) slipped and launched itself towards me.  So I sat, finishing breakfast, with egg all over me.  At least I didn’t have to cook this morning, or clean up!

As always, we headed to trivia after breakfast.  We fared okay, and are getting close to the end. It will be interesting to see how we finish!

We met our dear friend Mike and Kathy for lunch, although I had to scoot quickly and missed out on dessert (that's wrong on so many levels).  The line for the dining room was extra long at lunch today and I had a 1:30 hair appointment!

I ran over to the salon/spa as soon as I was finished with my entree and met sweet Jenny.  She did an excellent job.  I took advantage of a spa special; Shampoo, deep conditioning, eye treatment and styling for $49.  I always like to relax so this worked for me.  Plus I now didn't have to spend an hour plus drying and straightening my hair.  Winning!

Before we knew it it was time for happy hour and dinner. What am I going to do without Diego and Jek every night? How can I possibly put a napkin in my lap BY MYSELF?  The thought is awful!!!

I headed to the nightly music trivia at 7:45 but skipped the 8:45 game show "Nature Calls.".  Instead, I headed back to the cabin for a movie and an early bedtime.

Tomorrow, the awful ritual of packing to leave begins.