Photo Album

Now we're back, and reality has set back in, here is an album with a select few photos taken during our time aboard the Independence of the Seas.

I think I speak for everyone when I say what a wonderful time we had. It was an experience I won't forget.

When's the next one?


Enjoy the photos

Last Ashore Day

This morning we arrived in Vigo, on the northwest coast of Spain. Interestingly, Spain is one hour ahead of the UK, but we've already changed our clocks (because Portugal shares the same timezone as the UK). Therefore, we were encouraged to remain on ship time whilst here, to avoid any confusion. Talk about docking in the centre of town!! Literally leave the dock, and the shops are there!! We walked around for a while, whilst there was some cloud cover, and this afternoon, we reboarded.
This is our final stop.
Tomorrow is a 'sea' day, before arriving in Southampton early Saturday.
I have admit to not looking forward to this leg of the journey, as last night was extremely rocky, and I suspect the Bay of Biscay will be even less forgiving!!
The suitcases have already been brought out of hiding, and things have been packed away.
I hope you've enjoyed reading about our adventures as virgin cruisers.
When we get home, I'll do one final update so pop back soon.

Lisbon

Yesterday morning we glided under the bridge to dock in Lisbon. At 10am we disembarked and found taxis to take us to the Placa de Comercio. The decision to take a bus tour was abandoned due to the length of the queue.
Instead, we took the Elevator Santa Justa to view the city from above.
We then took taxis to Belem, to see the Monastery of Jeronimo; a very impressive place.
A taxi ride later and we arrived back at Alcantra Mar, and re-boarded the ship.
After a brief rest, it was time to get ready for dinner and entertainment.
Have you noticed the theme that ran generally throughout our holiday? Eat and be entertained.
Tonight it was a Beatles tribute band, and later on was adults only with Graham Seymour - the Cruise Director. He's been very funny and tonight he took his opportunity to shine!! Very rude. Very funny.

Malaga

Ola! Our day at sea was pretty uneventful, unless you count my entry in the belly-flop competition!! It stung a little, but at least I should be on the official DVD of the cruise!!
We are now in Malaga and set sail at 3pm on course for Lisbon.
We decided not to disembark today and take advantage of a quiet morning by the pool.
Last night the headline entertainment was provided by Zoe Tyler (from Loose Women). By all accounts, it was a good show, but Jamie only made it past the first song before he got bored, and I took him to bed.
Tonight it's the turn of the house performers, with a circus theme. Hope it will be good.
Not much else to report. More soon. The picture today is of one of the towel animals that are made by the stateroom attendants.

Cannes and Barcelona

The home of the premiere film festival is a special place, with the sun glinting off the sea, the posh people and fancy shops.
We stayed Cannes, and took a road train tour around the sights and 'old parts' of this famous area of the Riviera.
Farrel, Jane, David and boys all went to Monaco for the day.
A rich persons paradise, with the casino, palace and parts of the famous grand prix circuit experienced by all. Not to mention all the top car marques, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.
It was a long day, and no-one could be bothered to get dressed for dinner in the dining room, so it was buffet, buffet in the Windjammer.
On Sunday morning we stepped out in Barcelona. A city filled with culture.
We took the official tour bus, which went all around the port area, to the home of Gaudi and across to the home of FC Barcelona. We completed our tour wandering down La Rambla, absorbing the sights and sounds along the way.
Farrel, Jane, Ben and Zach did it slightly differently and discovered the shul in the Gothic area of the city. No longer in general use (just Bar-Mitzvahs and weddings) it is has only recently been discovered following the repeal of the law that banned Jews from Spain.
Dinner in the dining room was followed by family karaoke, in which Jamie was the star of the show, when he ended with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Andrea to Ethan and Theo to the midnight buffet, at which ice sculptures were on display.
We leave Barcelona at 1am, for a day at sea (for which read "lazing around the pool"!)

Livorno

Day 7. After a day at sea yesterday, we arrived in Livorno at about 7am. The Igielmans, Blumenows and Coskys (well, 2 of them) departed the ship at 8.20 to go on a pre-arranged tour to Pisa and Florence.
The coach took them first to see Pisa with its leaning tower, followed by a coach journey to Florence, with the Duomo, Uffizi Palace and Ponte Vecchio.
It has been a very hot day, and not easy to schlepp from place to place.
Back on board the ship, Katy remained in club, and Julian stayed with Theo and Jamie, with most of the afternoon by the pool.
By early evening, everyone had returned and showered, ready for dinner and entertainment; this evening provided by Pete Matthews, a comedy juggler.
It has to be said that, on the whole, the entertainment has been first class.
Next stop is Cannes, on the South of France.

All At Sea

Today was a 'sea' day. We awoke about 40 miles off the coast of Africa and headed to Deck 11 to bag a sun lounger or 5!! It was very breezy, which belied the strength of the sun. Suntan lotion was being applied most liberally.
Following lunch, Ben, Zach, Ethan and Theo did the wall-climbing, and then everyone did their own thing before dinner.
It was formal night tonight, and everyone was looking very smart.
More entertainment followed with a song and dance show, before a drink or two in a bar.
Tomorrow - Sardinia.

Cruise Update

Today was Gibraltar. It was hot but The Rock was there for exploring. Each family did their own thing, with personal tours to learn about the history and see the sights, including the famous apes. A stroll through town and then back to the ship.
The amazing thing about Gibraltar is their patriotic pride towards Great Britain. Everywhere there are symbols and statues, not to mention the currency is sterling. Even the Queens birthday is a national holiday.
On returning to the ship, it was almost impossible to find a sun lounger; since this was the first full day of blue skies and very high temperatures.
The boys all dipped into the pool for a while, before Daniel, Josh and Ethan went skating. Ben, Zach and Theo did mini-golf and then we all met for dinner.
Tonight's entertainment, in the Alhambra Theatre, was provided by the comedian David Copperfield. A very funny act, which was totally unexpected.
A full day indeed. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is at sea. I'll post some photos soon, so keep checking back.

Day 2

The first night was event free. We took in the Welcome Aboard show and then wandered through the Royal Promenade before venturing on deck. It was a little breezy, but that didn't deter the boys from helping themselves to frozen yoghurt!! We awoke bright and, too, early and breakfasted in the Windjammer Cafe. Ethan and Theo then tried out the clubs, and seemed to enjoy them, and all the children then stripped and jumped into the H2O Zone... It was formal night, and everyone looked resplendent in dinner dress. After dinner we went to see the show; a musical evening with Darren Day. Another busy day over.

We Are Sailing

I write this as the ship sets sail from Southampton. Having boarded at 11.45, we've tentatively explored, taken part in the muster drill and unpacked most of our luggage. The staterooms are perfect for our needs; hopefully we won't spend too much time in them. I'll report more later, but here's a photo of the ship as we arrived today.

2 Days Until Embarkation

Goodness me, just 2 days to go. Today is the last day of work for me, before heading to Bournemouth for an overnight, prior to the cruise.

The packing is almost complete, just got fingers crossed nothing has been forgotten.

The next time I update we will be on board the Independence of the Seas - can't wait.

The Final Countdown...

It's nearly time - 4 Days To Embarkation.

It's Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, Ethan and Theo are going to Bournemouth for the last few days before we leave. They're excited to be spending some time with their grandparents, and we're excited we get a few days to concentrate on packing!!

Oh the packing. I have a whole suitcase just for me! I'm beside myself!! And it's full - ha! ha!

Anyway - there's little to report now.

Just 4 more sleeps....

8 Days Until Embarkation

It's Friday evening, and I'm sitting in front of the TV, with three suitcases looking at me. We have just 8 days until we get our sea legs. Actually, it's more like 7, as it's the evening!!

The Euros have arrived, as have the EHIC cards. What cards? EHIC - European Health Insurance Cards. They replaced the old E111, reciprical health agreement. I didn't know about them until last week, but I applied on Sunday night, and they arrived here on Thursday.

No plans for the weekend - except, we need to start packing the cases.

10 Days Until Embarkation

It's Wednesday 5th August. In just 10 days time, we'll be boarding the worlds biggest cruise ship (well, one of them!)

That includes 7 days at work - oh, I feel those days will drag!!

I think the countdown will really begin on Saturday, when there is just a week to go; you know the thing - "Just imagine, this time next week...."

Anyway, last night I booked an excursion for Andrea and Ethan. "Florence & Pisa On Your Own" - it's a coach journey to both places, but when there, they can do as they please. They're not the sort of places for Jamie (or a buggy, come to think of it) and so I'll remain on board.

We are planning on the beach in Cannes and Malaga, and definitely getting off in Barcelona. We're still undecided on the other destinations.

I've also purchased one adult and one child soda package. As much coke as we can drink for about £4 / day (slightly less for children)!! We get a souvenir mug as well!!

Our Euros should arrive today, from the bank, and my new dinner jacket was delivered yesterday; it's a perfect fit, and a steal at just £30 from M&S.

I think that's all for now. Stay tuned, and there'll be more soon.

Something For The Children

It was great to meet everyone over the weekend, and, as thought, much of the conversation was cruise oriented.

Who's doing what, where and when. What's being packed. Excursions. How much cash to take. One topic of conversation was what the children will be up to.

We chose, as our first foray into cruising, the Independence of the Seas. Currently the largest cruise ship in the world (along with its sister The Freedom of the Seas).

Importantly, the ship is very family friendly, with entertainment to suit all ages. For the older boys, there is the Voyager programme.

Adventure Science by High Touch High Tech
Conducted by specially trained Adventure Scientists, this programme combines fun and hands-on science experiments. Featured programmes include: Fossil Fever, Volcanoes, Space Mud, The Power of the Sun Meteorology Madness, Buccaneers Bounty and The Mystery of the Motion of the Ocean.

Adventure Art by Crayola®
These activities acquaint children with diverse cultures through art. Voyagers are introduced to the fine art of mask making, pottery, fish kites and porthole dioramas. This is available for the younger kids too.

Adventure Theatre by Camp Broadway
Blending educational activities with on-your-feet fun, Adventure Theatre participants get a first taste of the actor's craft, in which entire worlds are created with just their bodies, voices and imaginations. Using structured theatre games, vocal and physical exercises, and creativity-freeing activities, instructors guide groups through an exploration of the theatre arts.

Other Voyager Games and Theme Activities
The X Games, Rockin' Through the Decades, Reggae Beach Party, Scavenger Hunts, List-O-Rama, Backstage Tour, The Art Walk, Win, Cruise or Draw, Talent Show and Sports Tournaments.

To be quite honest, I don't expect to see much of the boys.

For the younger ones (there are 2 toddlers in our party) there is also an extensive range of activities in the Aquanauts programme. I hope that they'll have as much fun as the older ones.

Adventure Science by High Touch High Tech
Conducted by our specially trained Adventure Scientists, this programme combines fun and hands-on science experiments. Featured programmes include: Wacky Water Workshop, Magnetic Mayhem, Jurassic Jr., Sea Creature Treasures, Gummy Candies and Bubbling Potions.

Sail into Story time
These theme-related story time sessions bring each story to life with activities, discussions on each story and hands-on activities for the children to participate in following each reading.

Other Games and Theme Activities
Nutty Nicknames, Un-Birthday Party, Camp Aquanauts, Ice-Cream Party, Super Hero Afternoon, Face Painting, Pirate Night, Talent Show, Under The Sea Night and Pyjama Rama Movie Night.

So, I have no doubt the kids will enjoy this as much as the grown-ups, and I hope this will be one holiday they'll never forget.

16 Days Until Embarkation

Ooh!! Ooh! Only 16 days to go and the excitement factor is sky-high. Quick, where are the suitcases? No, only joking!
No I'm not!!!

I think everything has been covered - insurance done, tickets printed, gratuities(!!) paid for. Still need to arrange for some euros, for our excursions, but they won't be difficult to obtain.

Looking forward to meeting up with everyone this weekend, and no doubt the conversation will be very one-sided...

The Nation of Why Not?

You may have noticed a new section on the left hand side of the screen.

I've added the blog of the President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. Now, don't go assuming this is all boring stuff. What it includes are the decisions, thoughts and changes that are being made; all based on previous customers' comments.

For example, the one called Bark Blog is all about the changes to the disembarkation process; including the reduction in on-board announcements, to the addition of a specific family zone. More importantly, there's no more "kicking out of the room at 6am"!!

They make for interesting reading.

And finally.... I've not forgotten the second part of the history of cruising, that will be here tomorrow.

19 Days Until Embarkation

I'm so excited - as the song goes, And I just can't hide it.....

Yep - just under 3 weeks until we set sail.

Just 18 days for the pain in Andrea's back to subside completely. We've been considering how she will make the journey from Manchester to Southampton without her back seizing up completely. One idea is for her to take the train.

I had a look today, at thetrainline.com and there is a non-stop journey which takes 4hours and 48 mins; with no changes necessary. The only downside; it costs £89 ONE WAY!!!!
However, for peace of mind, and allowing her to stand up, walk about and keep moving, it may be worth it. We'll continue to discuss it.

Next weekend, we are all getting together (all 14 of us) and it will be lovely to see everyone before we leave. No doubt there will be no room in the conversation for anything but cruising, as we swap ideas and suggestions, thoughts and views, about who will be doing what, where and when.

So much else to think about.

For example; what to take on a 14 night cruise?
A floating hotel, where everything is taken care of.

Here is an extract from the Royal Caribbean website:

Onboard attire...Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
For lounging by the pool, pack two swimsuits (an extra one in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g. flip-flops, sandals, trainers).
You'll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.
If you're planning to visit our onboard fitness centre (yeah, right!!!), make sure you bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in – plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/trainers.

Over the 14 nights there will be:

• 8 casual nights
• 3 smart casual nights
• 3 formal nights

Suggested guidelines for these nights are:
Casual: Polo shirts and trousers for men, sundresses or trousers for women
Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or trouser suits for women
Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

It goes on, but I don't want to bore you here. Not to mention, I need to arrange for a tuxedo!!!

History of Cruising - Part One

As promised, here is the first part of my brief look at the history of cruising.

In the early days, passengers were the less important fare on large merchant vessels, carrying freight.

The first ship built exclusively for passengers was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise, designed by Albert Ballin, general manager of Hamburg-America Line. The ship was completed in 1900.

In the late 19th century, Albert Ballin, director of the Hamburg-America Line, was the first to send his transatlantic ships out on long southern cruises during the worst of the winter season of the North Atlantic. Other companies followed suit. Some of them built specialized ships designed for easy transformation between summer crossings and winter cruising.

The practice of cruising grew gradually out of the transatlantic crossing tradition, which never took less than four days. In the competition for passengers, ocean liners added many luxuries — the Titanic being the most famous example — such as fine dining and well-appointed staterooms.

As jet travel 'took off' in popularity in the 1960s, intercontinental travellers largely switched from ships to planes, sending the ocean liner trade into a slow decline. Eventually, services aimed at passengers ceased in 1986, with the notable exception of transatlantic crossings operated by the Cunard Line, who, to this day, cater to the niche market who enjoy the few days of luxury and enforced idleness that a liner voyage affords.

As liner crossings diminished, cruising voyages started to gain in popularity; slowly at first but at an increased rate from the 1980s onwards.

Initially the fledgling industry was made up of small, redundant, liners, and even the first purpose built cruise ships were small. This changed after the success of the SS Norway as the Caribbean's first "super-ship".

Since then the size of cruise ships has risen dramatically to become the largest passenger ships ever built.

Thank You

I've had some great reaction to this blog, so thank you very much! I just hope that the cruise lives up to every expectation!
******
After much deliberation I have decided to pre-pay the gratuities for the cruise. The price is a bit gratuitous, but if I don't pay now, it'll be added to the bill at the end, priced in US Dollars, which will then be converted at a less than favourable rate, meaning it'll cost even more!!! Well, that's my thinking anyway.
******
And finally... Royal Caribbean told me, this very afternoon, that the cruise is 'almost full'!
That was in response to my question "Is there any chance of upgrading to a family sized suite?"


That's all for now.

31 days until embarkation

Not that I'm excited, or anything, but I love seeing those words when I check on the Royal Caribbean Cruises website.

There's something very romantic about the word 'embarkation'. It evokes memories of a bygone era; an era of cruising that was seen in the early part of the 20th Century.

In a future blog, I'll be looking at the history of cruising, and what the 'fuss is all about'.
For now, though, I am enjoying the anticipation of what is to come, in just 31 days time.

38 Days Until Embarkation

Just over a month to go. Sooo excited!

I mentioned the other day that I would tell you about the excursions we might do. I say "might", because we have decided not to pre-book anything, due to the extortionate cost involved. For example; to see the City of Barcelona, for 4 hours, it costs £26 each (£14 child). So for the princely sum of £80 we can get off the ship and see Barcelona.
Or - for the lower price of... nothing, we can get of the ship and see Barcelona ourselves.

So where have we decided to see? Well, I've not been to Gibraltar before, so intend to do that one. Italy is a preference for Andrea, and then we'll 'jump off' in the South of France and Spain.
I've also never been to Lisbon; so we'll do that too. G-d, we'll need a rest after this holiday!!

We'll be doing the online check-in, and the Guest Documentation packs have arrived. They contain all the vital information we need to ensure we have a good time, not to mention the luggage labels for our suitcases. Somewhere, it mentions an allowance of 200lbs per person - that's a lot of luggage!!!

In due course we'll write lists, and start to pack. I've already done a great deal of shopping, and almost bought a complete wardrobe just for the cruise. See, I told you it was going to cost half again!

That's all for now, and I'll write again soon, to keep you updated on our preparations.

Excursion Exploits

The excitement continues to build, and we recently received the brochure for the on-shore excursions.
Now; I like to consider my self a seasoned traveller, and am not one for the organised tours. I prefer to 'go it alone' and when I saw the prices for the tours, well, the phrase 'daylight robbery' springs to mind.
It costs a small fortune for the privilege of sitting on a coach, and traipsing with other people.
All we need to do is get off the ship, wander (or short taxi ride) to the centre and spend some quality time doing what we want to do. Plus, if the boys don't fancy it, they can stay on board. And we can also return to the ship for lunch, therefore saving more money, and taking advantage of the amazing cuisine we are looking forward to, on board.

Blog Building

I have developed a little more of this blog today. I want to make it as interesting and relevant as possible, without going overboard (excuse the pun!). I would be interested to know what you think. Feel free to post a comment, or two.

I've also worked at setting up this blog so that it can be updated from my mobile. So now, wherever we are, I can send a photo or words, or both, to tell you all about it. It's almost like a living postcard.

The family have been getting increasingly more excited about our cruise, and we've talked to lots of people who have already experienced the Independence.

Words can't describe the time they had - in a positive way. They gush, in different directions, about the different things, the tours, the childrens clubs and activities, the food, the drink, the tours.

You'll be pleased to know that it's now paid for. A year long saving up, and now it's gone; on a holiday of a lifetime. There are very high expectations. I just need to clear the credit card down before we leave!!!

Apparently, I can expect to pay half again on the extras - and I'm led to believe there are lots of those!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about the tours we're thinking about.

The Worlds Largest Cruise Liner

Personally, I blame Farrel and Jane, on the day they announced they had booked a cruise on the worlds largest cruise liner; The Independence Of The Seas.

It dawned on me that it would be a lovely surprise for the family if I were to book the same. It was our 40th birthday year, so it also seemed like an ideal opportunity to do something special, and different.

Before I continue, let me give you the technical facts about the ship:
Guest Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Length: 1,112'
Max Beam: 184'
Draft: 28'
Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots (24.9 mph/40 kmph)

In all, 15 decks of accommodation and entertainment.

I thought long and hard, even checking with Jane if it was OK for us to join them. I know it's a big ship, but it's also an expensive holiday; I didn't want to intrude.

In the middle of May 2008, I called and made enquiries as to cabins (or Staterooms as they're known!) and decks, availability and prices.

What the hell, I thought. To use a well-known phrase; "Life is like a box of chocolates; you have no idea what's next"; or something like that.

So, without too much thought, and without discussing it with anyone, I called back and confirmed the reservation. Two adjoining cabins, on Deck 9, departing on 15th August 2009.
15 months away.
12 months to save up.