We had a terrific time when Marisa and Lily came to visit. I was sick the first day so Glenn held down the fort. They went to the Park and played Mario Kart. Our pool was too cold to swim so we made good use of our community pool.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Sunday, March 20, 2022
March 2022: Carnival Freedom
March 12, 2022
We disembarked the Ruby Princess and headed to the testing Guest Services told us would be there. We were denied because the testing was only for foreign passports. We scrambled. We figured out there was free COVID testing at the Port of Miami. We registered and hopped in a taxi. Luckily, we got the nicest taxi driver in Miami because it turned out it was drive thru only testing. We got our test done and headed to the port to wait for the results. The results came quickly and we started the boarding process. When we checked in at the counter, we were flagged for secondary screening. At first, no one would tell us what was going on. Then, a woman explained we had to see the doctor because there was an issue with our health questionnaire. We waited about 45 minutes for the doctor. He asks, "What seems to be problem?" We answer, "We have no idea why we are here." He redid our health questionnaire and we were allowed to board.
We were very happy to get on board. We headed to our ocean view cabin 2312. We were pleasantly surprised by the size. I forgot how big the ocean view cabins are on these older ships.
We have a couch, a chair, and a vanity. We headed up to the Blue Iguana for burritos for lunch. Then, we explored the ship. We stumbled upon the Red Frog Pub half price happy hour so we enjoyed the Parched Pig IPA and a Ting and Gin drink called the Ting-A-Ling. We headed down to the cabin to unpack. Then, we headed up on deck for the Sailaway deck party. It was a little rainy and windy, but it was still a lot of fun. We had dinner in the dining room since it was vegetable lasagna night. We enjoyed the Poblano and Corn Soup, fried calamari, and lasagan. After dinner, we headed back to the cabin.
March 13, 2022 - Half Moon Cay
Yesterday was Half Moon Cay - Carnival's private island in the Bahamas. We had a leisurely start and headed over to the island around 10:30 am. It's a tender port. We walked around the island and had lunch at the BBQ buffet. The jerk chicken was pretty good. We had a beer at the pirate ship bar and swam. It was cool and windy. After we got back, we took a nap. It was formal night. We went to the buffet for dinner. It was nice to have a big salad. We headed down to the Red Frog Pub to try two of the new beers - an Imperial Red Ale and a Golden Ale for Carnival's 50th birthday. The guitar player was great. He played a harmonica while he played guitar. Glenn sang a little. We also went to the Atrium bar to hear the band. They are also good.
March 14, 2022 - Grand Turk
We had a lovely day in Grand Turk. It was warm and slightly windy. We docked later - 11:35 am so I worked in the morning. We walked down to Jack's Shack for jerk chicken and conch fritters. Then, we paid $20 for 2 chairs and an umbrella and enjoyed the beautiful water. 
We came back to happy hour at Red Frog Pub and lost st sports trivia. Dinner was the buffet and we called it an early night after Glenn sang kaoreke.
March 15, 2022 - Sea Day
Easy Sea Day yesterday. I worked most of the morning. The big excitement was the ship rocked and the pool overflowed sending a wave about an inch deep across the pool deck. Glenn and I spent the day on the pool deck playing cribbage. They had a DJ and the steel drum guy play. It was fun.
We had dinner at the buffet. The fried chicken was pretty good. We quickly spent our $25 of free play. We tried to listen to the band, but it was too loud so we headed to bed early.
March 16, 2022 - Aruba
We got back onboard and headed to Red Frog Pub. We love the guitar player. We ended the night peering out our cabin window at the crew and passengers running back to the ship.
We came back to the ship for lunch at the buffet. Then, we headed down to trivia. We won US trivia and Slogans. Since all aboard wasn't until 9:30 pm, we headed back out. Glenn found a sushi restaurant not too far from the airport. Glenn blogged about it.
We got back onboard and headed to Red Frog Pub. We love the guitar player. We ended the night peering out our cabin window at the crew and passengers running back to the ship with our new parrot friend.
We had a great day in Bonaire. At the last minute, we decided to switch our excursion. Carnival was so accommodating. We switched from a larger snorkel tour to one on a sailing boat with only 12 people. It was great. We sailed to a great area with so many fish. It was some of the best snorkeling I've done. A huge angel fish swam right towards my face and turned at the last minute. I saw large parrot fish, trumpet fish, and so many different colors. It was great. Then, we sailed back. I really enjoyed it. Glenn had fun hanging out on the boat with the Captain. We had lunch at Guy's burgers and then lost at trivia. We had a good time sitting outside watching everyone return to port. One lady's hat blew off into the water and a water rescue was executed. The Cruise Director and two Fun Squad staff set up a speaker and waved Welcome back signs. It was fun. We watched sail away and then headed to the Red Frog pub. We had a nice chat with a couple from New York - Tony and Michelle. We lost at Sports trivia. We headed to the buffet for dinner. The ribs were good. We ended the night at Red Frog with our favorite guitar player.
March 18, 2022 - Sea Day
I worked in the morning. We lost at classic TV Shows theme trivia because we missed Starsky and Hutch. We went to Sea Day brunch and then played cribbage on deck. Another couple asked if we wanted to play with them so we learned partners trivia. It was really fun. We had dinner at the buffet. They had turkey which was really good. We hung out at Red Frog Pub.
March 19, 2022 Sea Day
Our last Sea Day was relaxing. We played Mind Games trivia and went to the Platinum Party. James Love is a very fun cruise director. He had live music and made up some awards like Spring Chicken for the youngest platinum cruiser and Most Spontaneous for the person who booked closest to sailing. We tried the deli sandwiches and played games in the Red Frog Pub. Dinner was the buffet and then we went to the deck party. A fun end to the cruise.
March 20, 2022 Heading Home
We had an easy disembarkation - a little line, but they were using facial recognition so it went fast. We headed to the airport to catch the RedCoach and off we went. We hit some traffic on the way home, but make it home safely.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
FEB 2022: Ruby Princess Panama Canal Transit Cruise
February 23, 2022
We decided to try something new and leave 2 nights before the cruise on the evening flight. We usually leave one night before and take an early morning flight. It was a delight especially due to the 3 hour time change. The United flight took off on time. We enjoy first-class first-class service. The entertainment was terrible, but we both had downloaded podcasts. The drive from the airport was easy. It was nice to wake up rested with a full day of exploring ahead of us. We are staying at the Intercontinental San Francisco.
February 24, 2022
I worked for a few hours in the morning. My parents arrived around 10:30 am. We headed out to Pica Pica in the Mission District for lunch. Glenn found it. It was all gluten-free and had yummy arepas. Anchor Steam Brewing Company was our next stop. It's a great spot with really friendly staff and good beer. It was fun to get a preview of beers not on the market yet.
Glenn found a wine bar a few blocks uphill so we got the San Francisco experience of climbing some hills. It was a cute wine shop with a patio built in a parking space.
We headed back to the hotel for an early dinner. Dad found a 2017 Turley Zin on the wine menu so that was exciting. We had a Plays Pinot Noir Rose that was really good. For dinner, Mom and Glenn had burgers. Dad has a burrata appetizer and I had the organic grain bowl. All really good. We called it an early night. It was a fun day exploring new areas of the city.
February 25, 2022 Embarkation
We had a nice breakfast at the Intercontinental. We got a Lyft to the port. We were surprised to find out we had to take a COVID test at the port before boarding. All in, boarding took about an hour. We headed to the dining room for lunch. It was very good. After lunch, we headed to our cabins. Our luggage was there so we unpacked. We met up for a drink with my parents. Then, we watched sail away from our cabin. Going under the Golden Gate bridge was very cool.
Feb 26 - Sea Day
We woke up early to a gorgeous sunrise. We headed down to Deck 7 for a morning walk around the deck. We had breakfast in the buffet. It reminded me of a standard hotel breakfast buffet. We lost at trivia and then enjoyed some time at the Vines bar. We tried the dining room for lunch, but it was way too busy. Service took a long time. After lunch, we headed to the pool deck for pizza and ice cream. I took a nap. Glenn played ring toss and darts. We had happy hour at Skywalker and Vines and then off to dinner. Dinner was tasty. We are shifting to a later time when it will hopefully be less busy. Bernardo made Glenn a napkin duck since he had the duck for dinner. It was quite impressive.
Feb 27 - Sea Day
We followed a similar routine today. We headed to Deck 7 for a walk after we took our COVID test. It was very easy and well organized. We lost at trivia but did better than yesterday. We went to Vines and then lunch at the buffet. We attended a very good lecture about whales. I didn't know that you can identify the species of a whale by the pattern of its spray when it blows out air. I also didn't know there are three types of orca whales. I took a nap. Then, we went to Captain's Circle happy hour, Vines happy hour, the Ventriloquist - Jerry Goodspeed. He was really funny. Dinner was a little delayed because our table wasn't ready, but we had a great meal. After dinner, we listen to the duo in the Wheelhouse Bar.
Feb 28 - Cabo San Lucas
Gorgeous day today. We woke up early to watch the sail into Cabo. I love the scenery. Glenn was a great whale spotter. We were able to see a whale slap her tail numerous times and then a baby breech through our binoculars. Plus a couple spouts and tails. We took the whale watching excursion through the cruise line since we had to tender into Cabo. It was quite a long wait to get the excursion started, but we had a great time. It was a large boat. My Dad spotted some great seats overlooking the front of the boat. We were in prime position for whale watching. We saw dolphins, sea lions, a whale fin, and a whale tail.
March 1 - Sea Day
I worked in the morning. Mom, Dad, and Glenn went to trivia. We spent most of the day by the pool playing cards and enjoying the pizza, grill, and buffet. The show was Stephanie Hodgeson. She is a singer that focused on rock songs. Dinner was very good again. I had a great Moroccan vegetarian dish. Glenn sang Karaoke again. A fun night.
March 2 - Sea Day
We started the day by handing over our passports for review by the Panama authorities in a few days. It took about 20 minutes. We lost at trivia. I set up working by the pool Glenn took his fav seat at the bar and my parents played cards. We had another nice afternoon poolside. The show was a production show - Stardust. My parents said it was good. Glenn and I went to Good Spirits to try some of their signature cocktails. The watermelon one is still a favorite. Dinner was very good. Dan, the Maitre'D for special diets, and our waiter Bernardo surprised my parents with a gorgeous floral arrangement celebrating their 50th anniversary. The fish has been really good onboard, especially the Snapper. After dinner, we went to the 50s and 60s night. It was fun to see all the dancers. We have some really good dancers among the guests.
March 3 - Sea Day
Glenn and I went for a walk on Deck 19. The wifi was challenging most of the day. We had another good game day by the pool. Glenn's medallion fell off in the pool so I had to use my diving skills to get it. We had a nice happy hour in Vines and then went to Jeffery Allen's Elton John show.
It was very good. I loved how he highlighted the Princess band. Dinner was very good again. I got the Steak Diane. The sauce was very good, but I think I like how they prepare fish better. After dinner, we lost at 90s trivia because I got the Backstreet Boys song Everybody wrong AGAIN.
March 4 - Sea Day
Another great day losing at trivia, hanging by the pool, happy hour, and dinner. We got to play craps a little before dinner so that was fun. Dad had a good run.
March 5 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica
We had an early start for a 9-hour tour with six hours of driving. That's just what happens when everything is far from the port. We rode an aerial tram through the rainforest and had a short nature walk. Sebastian, our nature guide, was fantastic. We learned about lobster claws and cow's tongues. We also learned about plants that grow from trees storing water. The animals use these plants as their own private reservoirs during the dry season. Sebastian pointed out an amazing butterfly that evolved to have outer wings that look like an owl eye and a snake mouth.
We got back in time for happy hour. Dinner was a success. Scallops were the favorite main dish. We jammed out with the Supersonics and lost at Classic Rock trivia.
March 6 - Sea Day
Another fun Sea Day. We all slept in due to another hour ahead of the time change. We played games and tried out the Spa pool. It was nice to use a pool with steps going into the pool versus the other pools that require ladders in and out. We had fun at Vines happy sitting at the bar trying wines with Marvin. The show is a Dolly Parton tribute with Donna Campbell. It was fun. Dinner was the least successful so far. The menu was rough. I had the Beef Ramen bowl and it seemed the best option. After dinner, we went to Crooners lounge to hear piano player Gavin Burke. He was really fun and picked great sing-along songs.
March 7 - Fuente Amador
The ship anchored off the coast of Panama City for the day. We decided to stay on board since it was going to be very hot. We had a fun day by the pool playing games.
I worked most of the morning and then had a pedicure. After happy hour, we went to see comedian Carlos Oscar. He was terrific. We laughed so hard. Dinner was decent. After dinner, Glenn and I hung out by the Vines bar.
March 8 - Panama Canal Transit New Locks
We had a great day going through the locks. We started at 6 am. Woke up and turned on the bridge cam to see we were close to the bridge. Watched from the balcony as we went under the bridge and headed to the first lock. Glenn went up to the deck over the Bridge to get a chair for my Mom. I grabbed coffees. At 7 am, I went to get my parents and we headed up to Deck15 Forward to meet Glenn. We had perfect timing. We were just outside the first chamber.
While the ship was in the second chamber, we headed down to breakfast. We watched the third chamber from Deck 8 forward so we could get a good lock inside the chamber doors.
It was so fun. We had happy hour at Vines and dinner in the Dining Room. It was Italian night and the best dinner yet. The eggplant parm appetizer was so good. Mom loved the veal scallopini.
March 9 - Cartagena / Dad's Birthday
We decided to stay on the ship in Cartagena. It was very hot and we'd been there before. We slept in. Dad got a pedicure. We spent the day poolside playing games. We had happy hour at Skywalkers and then Vines. We tried our luck at the casino. We had dinner at Crown Grill. The food was very good especially th,e seabass, scallops, and black and blue onion soup. The ambiance needs some work. It was so hot in the restaurant. Something dripped from the ceiling on my Dad and Glenn sat in a chair with a broken arm
After dinner, Glenn and I went down to the Good Spirits bar. It was quite interesting. A man from Seattle brought the bar to a standstill as he had the bartender make drinks to his exact specifications including cutting up and juicing a grapefruit he bought in Colombia. It was wild.
March 10 - Sea Day
We had a great Sea Day. We planned for this to be our "inside" day since it'd been so hot. My parents found a great spot just outside the Explorer s' Lounge. We listened to the Japanese lesson and the art auction. The big table became available at the wine bar so we headed down there to play games.
Mom, Glenn, and I went to afternoon tea. Everyone went to the casino while I read my book and answered some emails. We had happy hour, played some craps, and then went to dinner. Dinner was decent. After dinner, we listened to the band and then went to Vines. We met a nice couple from Seattle - Norm and Chandra and had. A great time chatting with them.
March 11 - Last Sea Day
We went to the culinary demonstration. It was so funny. Glenn and I had lunch at the buffet while my parents went to the dining room. We spent the afternoon playing games at Vines. We had one last night of happy hour, dinner, and the band.
March 12 - Disembarkation
Both of us had a rocky day - my parent more so. Their flight was cancelled. They got rebooked on a 9 pm flight that was then delayed. They got home at 4 am. We had a little trouble getting our necessary COVID test for the Carnival Freedom cruise.
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