Rags1

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

We all submitted the end of cruise survey and commended many crew members. I just felt compelled to single out these two.  

Somehow after a very late night I actually made it to the cupcake decorating class at 10 am.  (None of the other hard partiers answered the bell😂). Lusi taught us how to make a dog.  I actually could have used the hair of the dog!  Here’s my cupcake dog next to Lusi’s.  Not hard to guess who’s is who’s!
After class I met Stacy at, sit down now @Lovetocruise2002, the Windjammer for a bite. Then we met the kids at Sabor for some guacamole. Enjoyed watching all the little ones at the final day family party on the boardwalk.  Then down to the Promenade to buy an Allure shirt for me and get Starbucks for the girls. Now a little chill time until 5:30 when we may have another guest up for a little sushi😎
Dinner tonight at 8 back in Giovanni’s for the “last supper” before our return to reality. Speaking of reality I received an email from the County requesting I submit documents that I sent them a long time ago. I just said no.  Check.  Your move.  Thursday morning I received approval to open!

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

We all submitted the end of cruise survey and commended many crew members. I just felt compelled to single out these two.  

Had breakfast delivered from Coastal Kitchen at 8:15. 
Booked a car and driver through Victor Bodden here in Roaton. New large van with amazing air conditioning. Jay met us in the suite and escorted us through the crowds to our driver. The mission for today was to see a sloth. Taylor has wanted to do this forever. Mission accomplished! Borden’s  place is clean and well kept. Looks as if the animals are well cared for. Spent about 45 minutes there. Sloths, monkeys and birds, oh my. Took a tour of the island and back to the ship. Had lunch in Windjammer just for @Lovetocruise2002.  Melissa and I are going back down to the shopping area for a stroll. Not sure of dinner plans yet.  Shows tonight are Blades and I’ll probably see MO5AIC again😂. 

We all submitted the end of cruise survey and commended many crew members. I just felt compelled to single out these two.  

as someone who started out by slinging lattes at starbucks, worked in retail for years, and STILL works in the customer experience field — it makes me so happy to see these emails. 
there is still good in the world; and there are still people who recognise how important it is to CELEBRATE the people who go the extra mile. 💚💚💚
looking forward to seeing the restaurant THRIVE!!!!

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

It’s official. We need to cruise together!😂. You are brightening my days now!  Not only am I going through cruise withdrawals but it’s nonstop meetings with vendors and new employees as we plan to open the restaurant. No matter how trying my day I know I can come home to your blog!  Keep it coming my friend!

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

The sailing crew has made it safely home. Our Vegas to Palm Springs flight was delayed about 30 minutes because our aircraft was late arriving. Then once we boarded we were delayed about another 25 minutes waiting on 8 passengers on a late arriving SWA flight from Cleveland. The direct flights from Vegas to Palm Springs are listed as one hour. When you actually board one they usually announce a flight time of around 45 minutes.  Tonight once everyone was onboard they announced a flight time of 36 minutes. We made it in 27.  We dropped Katie at her house, stopped to get young Melissa some vegetables for her dinner, dropped her at her house and then Stacy, Taylor and I arrived home to be greeted by some happy pets!
The highlight of my day happened in Las Vegas. It might have been the highlight of my week. I was sure nothing could top that Aintzumi Chinese food in the Houston airport but I was wrong.  While standing in line to board our aircraft this happened:  I saw a female pilot come out of the jetway to talk to the agent at the gate.  After their discussion the gate agent, another female, resumed calling out the boarding instructions.  The female pilot took a step away from the podium and leaned against the wall reading something.  Shortly after that a guy, maybe in his 50’s, bypassed the boarding line and kinda just thrust his boarding pass at the pilot.  She looked up and said “I’m sorry, you have to show that to her” as she pointed to the gate agent. When I boarded I glanced in the cockpit and that pilot was in the left seat. She looked to be in her early 30’s. I’m sure a little older but didn’t look it. After a 27 minute flight we landed in Palm Springs and as I left the aircraft the Captain was in the jetway talking to other Southwest people. I told the family I’d catch up and I waited for her to finish her conversation. Then I told her I just had another day when  I’m embarrassed to be a man. She looked bewildered and asked why. When I told her I saw the guy try to give her his boarding pass she laughed like crazy. She told me it happens all the time.  And then, this is my favorite part, she said, “I just use it to my advantage.  When we have problem passengers I look at them, and in my sweetest voice  I say oh honey, you’re gonna have to talk the Captain about that.  He’s right over there!”  We both laughed and I told her “You just made my day Captain.”  And she responded “No Sir, you made mine” and gave me a hug. I mean it wasn’t Chops or Mama Mia or anything, but it was a moment for sure!
I’ll have more tomorrow to wrap this up

Amazing! Please send Allure to NJ and I'll meet you all there! 🥰

Oh, I'm totally coming for the Just a Small Town Grill grand opening. But I'm not a stalker. I promise. 

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

I had high hopes to close this out with a ton of witty comments and food pictures. But I’m home. I have a restaurant I need to open and it’s consuming my days right now.  So I will leave it here for now.  I may pop on later if I find some free time. I will definitely add a final comment when the nurse’s Just A Small Town Grill opens its doors. Thank you to all who have followed our journey!  The cruises just keep getting better for us. We are very blessed to sail in that amazing suite. We have met people who have become family to us and we’re thankful for that. We survived massive hangovers from a long night of Quest, MO5AIC, tequila and a guy named Jay. Each of us in the family made great memories we will treasure for many years. The ships, the entertainment, the ports, the food all are important. But for me it’s the people. We had servers, our loft attendants, bartenders, cleaners and entertainers that we interacted with many times a day. They made each hour of our vacation special. And whether it was a hug, a high five, a joke, a filet from chops, a Starbucks drink or two dozen cartons of milk we tried to brighten just a minute of their day.  As I get older a couple of things happen.  I have to pee more frequently during the night and I treasure special moments with others.  This cruise was full of special moments.  
I’ve attached an email I sent to the Hotel Director and forwarded to Miami.  I’ve also included responses to that email. I’ve been assured by Jay and Lusi that it matters when we take time to let management know of great service. 
My last Star Class tip:  If you sail with Jay as your Genie just do this:  the very first moment you meet him, grab him in a bear hug, kiss him on the cheek and just tell him you adore him. Just get it out of the way - it’s inevitable!
 

It’s official. We need to cruise together!😂. You are brightening my days now!  Not only am I going through cruise withdrawals but it’s nonstop meetings with vendors and new employees as we plan to open the restaurant. No matter how trying my day I know I can come home to your blog!  Keep it coming my friend!

Well it’s not been an uneventful day. Four of us have arrived safely in Galveston and the fifth should be arriving in about an hour. More on that tomorrow maybe.  I’ll begin the Galveston report with our transportation. It was awesome. It was a hoot!  We booked with Rock the Ride Galveston. Private van from Hobby Airport.  Our driver was Monty. Used to be a prison warden. Knows EVERYTHING there is to know about Galveston. But this guy was not just a driver. He had more entertainment in his van than you’d find in the Aqua Theater!  Karaoke. Digital trivia screens. Phone and tablet chargers everywhere. A basket of props for different karaoke tunes. Guitars. The best singer in our group by far!  Courtesy stop at Buckeys. Offered to stop anywhere we wanted. Cost was $95 for five people. When we arrived in Galveston he said he’d be happy to show us some sights if we wanted. 2 1/2 hours later we really felt that we’d toured the town!  This guy was amazing. Corny jokes but a book of knowledge. If you want a different transportation experience, well you just hook yourself up with Monty!  He’s even going back to the airport tonight to pick up our straggler. 

@WAAAYTOOO, I Believe most Marines still consider 29 Palms a Garden spot. (More sarcasm!). But times have changed. This entire high desert area has become a playground for folks from Orange, San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. They flock here for beautiful night skies, overpriced vintage/flea market type stores, boutiques and hundreds of Airbnb locations.  Not to mention a National Park. And they all have to drive right by our little restaurant!  When one enters the high desert from any of those counties, we are the second building on the Highway.  The first is the post office.  And they don’t sell pizza and beer!  Location, location, location!

Two days and counting!  I spent the day buttoning up the yet to be approved restaurant. I’ve spent several weeks in the kitchen experimenting with our menu. Today I decided to try and use most of the product I have on hand before leaving. So pizza day it was!  Since we’re a small town I know most all of the other business owners. Pizzas were delivered to our local fire department, gas station, ice cream shop, cactus store, feed and novelty store and a tire shop.  The reviews have been good!  I like Sorrento’s but I do believe that Just a Small Town Grill’s pizza is better!
 

Do you want to talk about the pre-cruise Star Class Questionnaire?
No?
Good, because we failed to complete it this time.
We didn't mean to. It sorta just happened that way.
We kept planning a date night to complete it together, but never got around to it. If you read my last blog (8.7 years ago), you know exactly WHY a joint effort was necessary this time. 
To be fair, of those 1426.89 cruises we had canceled during the 'rona, we did get to 'survey time' for one of the earlier canceled cruises.  My solo efforts wouldn't exactly earn me the Nobel Prize in Literature either.



However, the primary reason to complete a survey (IMHO) is to request a particular Genie. After talking to our TA for about an hour about which Genie we should request, we came to the conclusion that any Oasis Genie would be fine and we'd leave it to chance. To be clear, the "we" here is me and my TA.
Batman's sole input, you ask? "Are there any fat Genies? I think I'd be more comfortable with a fat Genie."
You'd sooner find yourself in the middle of a tango lesson with a chupacabra, but Batman gonna Batman.....
Imagine Batman's utter horror when we got a lovely welcome letter from Leticia and did a quick search in the SC Cruisers FB group. Leticia is a tiny little peanut of a pretty thing.  ("She's going to think we'll eat her for a pre-dinner snack.")
We both meant to be thin before this cruise but ...

As we say in the S/B house: our stomachs are "flat." The "L" is just silent....
We've had a terrible time losing lockdown weight. Still. It's just coming at a bad age.
Shut up. 
You're right. No need to rub it in. 
It is what it is and the only thing we can do now is make the best of it and make a more concerted effort for next cruise. Bygones.
Bottom line, Leticia seems lovely. It appears her Genie duties follow the OP suite. We learned that Derick would also be on the cruise, and we've had him as our Genie before as well. I'm thrilled, because ... follow my logic here ... we now officially have 2 Genies.
Because Derick will remember us and is undoubtedly also anxiously awaiting our reunion. Because we're *that* memorable. Really.
But still, this makes sense, right? It totally does. In my head. 
Oh, you were looking for this post to be helpful?
Right, got it.
Important dates:
Cruise start date: Sept 24
Pre-cruise questionnaire: July 25 
First comm from Sweet Leticia: Aug 10
Dining/Activities finalized: Aug 21
On a meaningful scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most meaningful, hopefully the above puts me at a Solid 3.
You're welcome. 

You’re a much better person than I am.  I’d be eating the change fee and sailing to the eastern Caribbean from one of the ports in Florida without saying a word. 
 
On a more serious note, I hope there are no more curve balls thrown and you can enjoy your cruise.