Dreaming Again Pt. 3

St. Maarten-Day 4

I had a massage planned for this morning. It was the 20-20-20 deal for $99. Six choices, you pick 3 for 20 mins. each. It was actually for the previous day, but he let me have it for that morning since they had not times left that afternoon. I have to say, I’ve never had a bad massage on a cruise and the girl was very good with the back and neck part, but I got a foot and ankle massage as my third and it was kinda bad. I’m sure she was trying to do pressure point relief, but honestly……….I just wanted my feet rubbed. 

Why didn’t I speak up………..”You’re paying for it.” Well, b/c it was the last thing she did and I was relaxed and didn’t want to mess up the mood. Now, I know after the massage they are going to do their “spill” about buying stuff. I don’t want their stuff. I’d rather spend it on another massage and give a good tip. But I know its their jobs so I let them usually give the talk and say no thanks. This girl was a little bit aggressive in her selling. Trying to sell me oils for massage. I’m sitting here thinking, “Maybe you should have asked me if I had a boyfriend or was married before you decided what you were going to try and sell me.” Honestly, I’m single and there isn’t anyone to rub massage oil on me………….so why would I buy it. She also threw in the “I really care about you and your well-being.” Ha. Okay, I have a degree in theatre and I can tell you that acting and selling isn’t that far apart. She took the wrong route on that one. When someone who hasn’t known you but for 60 mins says they care………….lol. She tried though, gotta give her that one.  I simply told her that it was my birthday the next day and I had another massage scheduled and would be in tomr. so I would think about it.

We had a beach day planned through Island Marketing today. My big “oops” was not reading thoroughly enough. They printed the time you needed to be at the check in area on the email, but didn’t print it in “time” format. I was looking for 9:00am. What was printed was 900. Not their fault, I should have read completely instead of skimming for a time.  We got to the desk about 10am. It wasn’t really a problem though. We simply just asked and got a taxi over. We were supposed to have paid for a taxi already, but it was our fault anyway. I have to say. The help desk people were VERY nice, but the taxi area people………NOT SO MUCH. This lady kept telling us to come here to a taxi, then we’d go to walk over and she say, “No No, not you. Stay.” She did this about three times before putting us in a taxi. She also kept giving us rude looks like, “Stupid people.” John Heald would probably attribute this to us being on the French side, lol. 

We made it to the hotel and the directions were pretty good as to where to go, but a little confusing if you aren’t paying attention. The check in area is this little area attached to the under side of the pool area. When we walked in the guy knew who we were and got us settled. Apparently, they had us down to be there last week on the 19^th, but I checked my email and it def. said the correct date.  It wasn’t a problem. We got two free drinks and use of beach toys if we wanted them. 

There are big tented areas there and individual umbrellas and chairs too. I picked the shade b/c of my sunburn from St. Thomas. I was tired from not getting much rest the night before and so I just wanted to sleep. There are ladies there offering massages, but I had a massage before I left the ship that morning……..hints why we were late getting off. 

These ladies were kinda comical. The one lady was giving a guy a massage in front of us and …………. Well, though his wife was right there, she went straight up his swim trunks. WHOA! I was in and out of sleep the whole time we were there, but at one point the ladies got in an argument (mainly in French) about the wife. Something about the other girl was supposed to get the next person who wanted a massage (taking turns I guess) and the wife had requested the same lady who gave her husband a massage. A French language feud went back and forth for a while. Didn’t bother me, I just went back to sleep. The guy who we checked in with came out every once in a while and asked if we needed anything and if we wanted our drinks. We were easy to take care of, we just wanted to relax. The two of us kinda took turns sleeping. We did take a dip in the water when we first got there. However, it’s a steep drop from the beach to the water and you sink in. Also, the sand has lots of coral in it. The view is breathtaking, but it’s a small beach.  But like I said, I just wanted to be on the beach and relax, so I have no complaints.  When we were ready to go, we just went and asked the guy about a taxi. I wanted to hit the gift shop at the hotel (last stop, needed to get some presents), so he said he would go call one for us and meet us in the lobby. We did some quick shopping and up we went. I gave him a nice tip. He didn’t do much for us, but to be honest……..he was really nice and did his job, we just didn’t need anything. He was much nicer than the taxi lady. Our taxi arrived really quickly and off we went. I guess maybe these guys do kick backs or something, or maybe b/c we had paid for our taxi ride over and never got it, when we got dropped off at the port………the taxi guy said, “He took care of it.” He didn’t even want a tip.

This left a better impression than the taxi lady, so I was feeling better about St. Maarten’s people.  We did some port shopping for a few more things then headed back to the ship. Is it any surprise that we hit up the spa, dinner, show, dancing, bed.

Thursday-Day at Sea-My 28^th Birthday!

Its kinda funny that I kept forgetting it was my birthday. My friend said it was b/c no one really knew and was wishing me a happy birthday. She said, she should have brought a sash or something. It was okay though, I was on a cruise……….who cared.  I had a massage that morning again. It was the Ginger scrub. My little friend Luke greeted me with a Happy Birthday and checked me in, then I went to sit on the red couch, which always makes me feel VIP. I was taken to the big room for couples massages with the shower and big window.  Here is where the comedy starts.

I really didn’t think this massage through. I knew it was for exfoliation, but it didn’t occur to me what I may or may not need to where. Once we had done our little “interview”  she gave me instructions. She pulled out a little pouch and placed it on the table. She said, “These are disposal underwear you can slip on.” The look on my face must have said it all. She pulls them out to show them to me. 

These “underwear” are made out of the stuff Dr. mask are made out of with elastic bands on the side……….thong style.  It was like I was in some British comedy sketch. 

Then she looked at me and said, “Well, we use these b/c the oil and scrub can get on your underwear. But you can go without any if you wish.”

Again, the look must have said it all.

“You can wear yours if you like, but they might get dirty.” 

“I’m good with them getting dirty.”

So, after all that. I of course maneuver my way onto the bed and pull the sheet over. I will not go into detail, I think the disposable thong story was enough, but it was a nice massage. The sunburn kinda suffered a bit, but it actually felt better later on. The ginger smells really nice and the oil really helped my skin.  After the exfoliating, you go into the shower room and rinse off and then lay back down for the massage. I have to say this lady was really nice and restored my faith in cruise spas. She also didn’t hassle me too much about the sale items. I looked at her and said, “I’d really rather spend money on another massage.” That kind of ended it.  She actually asked me who was at home who could help me work out some of the muscles in my upper body b/c that’s where I held a lot of tension.  I think from now on, I’m just gonna to start the before session off with, “I know you have to try and sell me stuff at the end, but I would rather save the money for another massage and a bigger tip.” It will be funny to see what happens.

We did breakfast, tried to lay out, but it had gotten hot that day and no breeze, so 30 mins was too much. We did some shopping; they had the Marriage show that afternoon too.  We did karaoke, where I proceeded to embarrass myself by singing without music a song that most people probably hadn’t heard. But I said that it was my birthday, so it was okay to embarrass myself.  I can’t remember the inbetween on this day, but I know it was also elegant night. So, you know we had to go back to get ready early. I think we hit up the marriage show, the spa, got ready for dinner. Got sang to at dinner and had ears made for me, to the show, the punchliners, to the dance club………..drank some rum, used the drink coupons my mom had sent me and then fell into bed knowing it was another sea day and we could sleep in.

Last Sea Day:

After sleeping in longer than we ever had before we barely made it to the late risers breakfast. In fact, they still had it listed as mid-ship (as previous days), but it was on the opposite side of the buffet. A little confusing Carnival, but nothing we couldn’t handle. It was 11:35am, I know b/c I checked, and they had already started taking things down. Now, the Funtimes says that late riser breakfast goes until 12pm. So, I didn’t think 11:35 was too close to 12pm. Not sure what was up with the change in location and the scurry to get the breakfast put away. Still got breakfast, so no big deal.  Today, we wanted to hit the spa up first b/c our favorite T-pool was closed the previous day due to too much rocking.  We knew it would be a bit crowded b/c it was a sea day and the middle of the afternoon, but really? We walked in and there was a group of men and women at one end of the pool.  Now, I must say that this area echoes really badly. I always try to talk softly (though hard over the noise of the water) and not a lot b/c of the echo. These people did NOT care. There were all well into adulthood, but they (the men really) bellowed over sports. I know, “You are on a cruise…….chill out.” I wasn’t freaking out about it, but the purpose of the spa is to relax, right? And its kinda hard when really loud, booming, men voices are going on about their various sports teams. So, my friend and I simply stayed at the other end and figured they wouldn’t stay in there too much longer as they had probably been in there for a while. I think a good 30-40 mins. passed. People came…………..and went b/c of the noise. I think one gentleman mumbled he was going to report them to the spa staff. No one came. One of the women form the group went to get out and in passing said, “Sorry they are being so loud.”

Okay, it was nice of her to say that. I’ll take it. But really, if you knew they were being loud and disturbing other people, could you have not said something to them, instead of apologizing to us? They did eventually get out and leave and we enjoyed some quiet time in the T-pool for a while, knowing that it would probably be our last time in there. 

Another funny story about the T-pool that I forgot was: Me vs. The Old Lady.

I was in the side of the T-pool that didn’t have the lounger area and it was only me, my friend, and one other lady. I was leaning back and kinda letting myself float up a bit, but I pulled my legs in so not to trip anyone or take up too much space (though there was PLENTY). This older lady comes in and comes up right beside me. When I say, right beside me, I mean she literally touches me, she is so close.  I kinda open my eyes and glance and then shift a bit. I closed my eyes back and about this time, she gets my attention. Now, the T-pools have these spouts that release high pressured warm water out. She looks at me and says, I’m going to turn on this spout, is that okay with you? I really wasn’t sure why she asked me, but I nodded and then closed my eyes again. I hear the water come on, but it was her bumping against me and the intense splatter of water that made me open my eyes. I guess it did not register with me that by “turn on” she meant “turn it on and stand right under it, therefore splattering water all over your face.” Well, I shifted a little bit more and figured she wouldn’t stay under it forever. Little splatters of water hit my face, so it was kinda hard to relax and there was the thing of her putting her hands over mine on the railing I was holding on to (the boat was moving so you have to kinda stabilize yourself). I’d move my hand and she’d turn around under the water, bump me, and then place her hand exactly back on top of mine. At some point……….I’m thinking………..”Is this lady purposely doing this, to get me to move?” Nah, grandma wouldn’t do that. Well, the spout went off and she sat down in the water for a min. then…………..Splatter. At this point I wasn’t going to move again. I was trying to relax and she was doing anything but letting me. I had to giggle to myself. It was like the battle of the wills. When my friend finally said she was moving on to another room, I went with her. When we got to the locker room later she said, “What did you do to P*** off the old lady.” I laughed and said, “So it wasn’t just me?”  I like to think I won b/c she left before I did, but she sure did put a cramp in my relaxation, lol. But she gave me some ideas for chair hoggers.

We tried in vain to get a seat in the Serenity section, with no go. But we did find a couple of loungers across the way near the slides. Its not too bad over there. The kids really weren’t a problem. It was our last day and a nice breeze was coming across so laying out felt good. It’s a pretty view from up there too. Plus the bar is right across the way and they have a small lunch menu to choose from too. Too bad we ate a late breakfast.  It was decently peaceful up there until…………the “crier” showed up.

Btw, not saying that any of these stories made my vacation bad. In fact, I do love to have little stories to come back and tell after vacation.

My friend and I had just turned over on our stomachs to get some sun when a little boy called up to his mom on the upper deck. Now my friend had already put in her earphones, but I was unlucky. You can’t help but hear this little boy shouting up to his mom. And by little boy, I mean………….9-10 years old. His mom was about to go up the ladder for the drainpipe slide when he called her. 

B: Where you going mom?

M: On the slide.

B: But mom that slide is dark.

M: Okay, you go on that slide (the racers) and I’ll be done in a little while.

B: No, mom, that slide is dark.

M: Its okay.

B: NO!!!!! MOM, you can’t!!!! That slide is dark!!! (as mom walks up the steps to wait).

M: No answer.

B: In a whining wale……..”NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! MOM!!!!!!!! NOOOO!!!!!!!!

M: No answer (But Dad apparently walks up to the steps with mom.)

B: Dad, its dark, Don’t go………..(getting teary and whining and waling)

D: Gives a look.

B: Melt down………..NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!DAD, MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

M & D: climbing further up the stairs.

B: Stomping, Crying, Whining, Wailing……………

Okay, maybe you get the drift, but this goes on for about 30 mins. as the parents get closer up to the slide it gets worse and he eventually goes to the next level, but still continues. When they eventually go down the slide he runs down the stairs and then down the others to get to them. 

The lady on the other side of my friend had earphones in too, but had noticed me watching the “drama” unfold. We look at each other with shock and I couldn’t help myself……….”That kid needs some Prozac.” To which she giggles and my friend pulls her earphones out and says, “No kidding.”

Any child therapists wanna try and explain that one??????? 

Anyway, the day was relaxing and a breeze. We of course had to pack at some point, but we got it done before dinner so we wouldn’t have to deal with it. Love the way you pack so carefully when you leave for the cruise, but just throw things in when you are leaving, lol. 

Like I said above I was looking forward to the Legends show so that the Kirk could redeem himself. Well, we know how that ended. Alea and I did the last karaoke that night too and watched the Burgundy lounge not even get half full for the farewell party. Since we had enjoyed the free drinks at the past guest party on my birthday and then rum and drink coupons, we didn’t go. I think after dinner and show…….knowing that we had to get up early that morning; we decided to go back to the room. My friend had to finish packing her carry-off bag too.  We took some fun pictures on the balcony (she has those) and we settled down to watch a movie on the tv.

Saturday-Debark

Sad day. We had number 10 to get off the ship and that was supposed to be between 8-8:30am. So we went to breakfast around 7:30am. I actually took her to the MDR for BK since we never made it the whole week, plus it’s never as crowded as the buffet. The aft MDR was open and the elevators are obviously easier to catch too. We had a nice breakfast with some nice people (could have done that with dinner all week, but I guess we made our choice). At least my friend got a taste of what dinner would have been like. When we walked out of the MDR we heard our number being called, great timing. Made our way up the aft elevators to 11 and then just went over across the Lido to our room. We packed our stuff, checked the room, left the room steward another tip, sighed and went down. Didn’t take too long to get off, but as usual people can’t follow directions………poor crew.  Otherwise our debark went smooth, the lines moved a bit more slow than I’m used to, but I’ve always had a bigger debark number, so maybe that is why.  Got a guy to help us with our luggage and I called our hotel for directions on where to find our ride. The lady on the phone told me where to tell the porter to go and he took us there. Now, just fyi: Several of the hotels are owned by the same people, so they share shuttles. We got on the shuttle for the Radisson. But that is what we were instructed to do on the phone. My friend kept looking back and me asking if I was sure. I mean, as sure as the person on the phone who told me what to do. After the next to last stop the shuttle driver told my friend this was the wrong shuttle, (she freaked). It really wasn’t. What happened is they usually send a smaller van to pick up people going to the Shearton b/c it takes them out of the “Loop.” He called his boss to let her know (she was the one who told us where to go btw.) and it was no problem. Left my friend with the luggage and went up and drove the car down. Packed up and went on our way.  This time we actually made sure to take turns sleeping so we wouldn’t have to pull over at 4am to sleep.

Thus ends my Dream adventure…………………..thus begins the countdown to the Liberty Nov. 2012!!!!