Blogs from Oceans and Seas - page 95

Can’t believe it – I slept till noon – tried an inside cabin this time and don’t like it. Can’t tell day from night so I don’t know when to get up and there is no fresh air. I didn’t even hear Roxie leave this morning and when she came back, I asked the time – she said noon. WOW, guess my body wants to sleep. Went to the spa and made quite a few spa appointments starting today with an oxygenating/microdermabrasion facial. My face feels like a baby’s face. Went to dinner and then the show – Motor City. I’ve seen it before on the Baltic cruise – I really enjoyed it and I believe some of the dancers and singers were even the same. Now in bed trying to catch up on my blogs. ... read more

This morning we docked in Ravenna in Italy about 7.30am and Col and I were off the ship by about 8.30am for our tour. We were off to San Marino a medieval township which is an independant Republic and sits on the top of a mountain top. It was about 1.5hrs drive by bus from the township of Ravenna, it was wonderful as we drove up the hillside to see the turrets of the township sitting on top of the mountain. It was like walking around a town that was in a timewarp, I loved every moment of it, this little republic is the 3rd smallest in the world and has their own coins and holds elections every four years to appoint their political decisionmakers, and if they dont like what they do they can change ... read more

There is no question that people have strong political convictions. Even on holiday. And when there is a presidential election happening, those feelings get escalated. Not a good combination, especially when you are at sea for a five day run and alcohol is abundant. Things are getting very heated. I have tried to steer clear of those conversations but somehow I end up getting sucked in. I feel there is nothing more I can do except wait for the results. I have cast my vote and mailed it in, as my shipmates have. Even if you change your mind, your vote is cast, so arguing is a moot point. It is my impression that Americans are in the minority on this ship. The English, Kiwis and Aussies are very interested in our election and ask many ... read more

Polliwog to Shellback One of the reason we decided to choose this cruise itinerary is because we will become "Shellbacks". When I was becoming certified as a cruise agent through CLIA I learned about it and said that, that was for me. So some of you maybe asking, "what is a Shellback"? A Shellback is a person that sails over the equator. There is a ceremony, "The Court of Neptune". It is held by every ship on the high seas whenever they cross the equator. One of the attributes I love most is, it does not matter where you rank, if you are but a Pollywog you must participate. From meek young ensign to admiral of the fleet. I have read about the different types of ceremonies. Some of the hard core naval ones consisted of ... read more

Relaxing day at sea today. Slept in till about 11 and went & had lunch. In the afternoon went to the movies and saw “Arbitrage” with Richard Gere, Tim Roth and Susan Sarandon. Quite interesting story about the rich and the financial industry. Went to dinner and Moises surprised Barb with a birthday cake for her 65th birthday. It was his last night on board. Went to the 8:30 show and saw “The MacDonald Brothers,” a duo from Scotland. They sang Scottish, Irish and American pop songs. Was strange when they sang the American pop, they lost their Scottish accents. Very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed them.... read more