I am delayed!
My apologies to anyone waiting to see the Allure movie. It's all about equipment and I need the updated computer which Apple just has not released yet.
The good news is that I have the whole movie outline ready so it will be easier to follow the script and quicker to get done.
Then there is a renovation project going on in my home right now also using my time. However, that will be done shortly and I will be able to get the movie done. So, look for it in your Christmas mail.
COMING CHRISTMAS OF 2012
Wait a minute....I better get this movie out BEFORE Christmas because the 2012 Mayan "End of the world" prediction is for December 21st. ( just in case)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Time to start the planning process
As always, planning a cruise starts way early when you are trying to get a group of people together. This is no easy task. Most of our original members have gotten into their own time frames that work for them. I can't say I blame them.....you do what works for you.
Some don't like the Easter/ Passover or Spring breaks for the obvious reason of kids, kids, kids...... and more kids onboard. Some want the off season to take advantage of pricing. And others have their regular lives to deal with first. Some with younger children yet, or college to pay for..... money .... never enough is there?
Our first two Mixed Nutz cruises were probably an unusual happening because it was a re-ununion that everyone was able to attend. Now.... we get a few originals and create more NUTZ with each cruise..... which is of course, a good thing. Someday it would be nice to assemble EVERYONE for one big blast of a time.
So....... here we are at stage 1 of the process. It begins with a where....... and a when.
Suggestions?
As always, planning a cruise starts way early when you are trying to get a group of people together. This is no easy task. Most of our original members have gotten into their own time frames that work for them. I can't say I blame them.....you do what works for you.
Some don't like the Easter/ Passover or Spring breaks for the obvious reason of kids, kids, kids...... and more kids onboard. Some want the off season to take advantage of pricing. And others have their regular lives to deal with first. Some with younger children yet, or college to pay for..... money .... never enough is there?
Our first two Mixed Nutz cruises were probably an unusual happening because it was a re-ununion that everyone was able to attend. Now.... we get a few originals and create more NUTZ with each cruise..... which is of course, a good thing. Someday it would be nice to assemble EVERYONE for one big blast of a time.
So....... here we are at stage 1 of the process. It begins with a where....... and a when.
Suggestions?
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wonderful! In one word thats what this Crown Princess cruise was. Even though we jumped on this cruise last minute we still met a lively bunch of cruisers on Cruise Critic who we interacted with for 12 days.
Princess ran a very organized cruise particularly with the excursions. Well thought out and easy for us to do. They had something for everyone.
The weather could not have been better. Every day, blue skies and NO CLOUDS! The waters were so calm that even Carol did not even feel motion from the ship. Crown Princess glided across the Mediterranean waters so smoothly. Most of the time I could not tell if we were moving.
Once again I thought the food on Princess was very good. I can't say one cruise line is better than another, that is subjective, but I do feel the overall Princess attention to service is better than RCCL recently. The daily menu offers alternative choices from appetizers to main courses. Plus it seems like they have more staff attending to us. We dined in the traditional late seating which is not very full as most people are choosing either early of Anytime dining. Two of the three dining rooms are dedicated to anytime dining.
Embarkation in Rome was a snap and leaving the ship was a smooth operation as well.
Overall I rate this cruise very high. I would do it again any time!
Princess ran a very organized cruise particularly with the excursions. Well thought out and easy for us to do. They had something for everyone.
The weather could not have been better. Every day, blue skies and NO CLOUDS! The waters were so calm that even Carol did not even feel motion from the ship. Crown Princess glided across the Mediterranean waters so smoothly. Most of the time I could not tell if we were moving.
Once again I thought the food on Princess was very good. I can't say one cruise line is better than another, that is subjective, but I do feel the overall Princess attention to service is better than RCCL recently. The daily menu offers alternative choices from appetizers to main courses. Plus it seems like they have more staff attending to us. We dined in the traditional late seating which is not very full as most people are choosing either early of Anytime dining. Two of the three dining rooms are dedicated to anytime dining.
Embarkation in Rome was a snap and leaving the ship was a smooth operation as well.
Overall I rate this cruise very high. I would do it again any time!
Monday, May 28, 2012
We are cruising the Mediterranean
on the Crown Princess June 5, 2012
This was a last minute decision thanks to Princess sending us a last minute great offer. It was too good to turn down.
We will start the cruise from Rome ( Civitevecchia) after spending one night in Rome seeing a few things we enjoyed last time there. Among those are the Trevi Fountain.... Spanish Steps & Piazza Navona.
This cruise also visits...
Livorno / Florence
Naples
at Sea
Santorini ( Greek Isle)
Athens
Mykonos ( Greek Isle)
Katakolon
Corfu ( Greek Isle )
Split, Croatia
Venice ( overnight)
The cruise is a twelve night cruise. The Greek Isles are a bucket list item so we'll be able to cross that off.
Research says this is a dry season and the temperatures will be hovering around 80 in most locations. The Crown Princess is a sister ship to Caribbean Princess that we were on last year so we should know our way around.
on the Crown Princess June 5, 2012
This was a last minute decision thanks to Princess sending us a last minute great offer. It was too good to turn down.
We will start the cruise from Rome ( Civitevecchia) after spending one night in Rome seeing a few things we enjoyed last time there. Among those are the Trevi Fountain.... Spanish Steps & Piazza Navona.
This cruise also visits...
Livorno / Florence
Naples
at Sea
Santorini ( Greek Isle)
Athens
Mykonos ( Greek Isle)
Katakolon
Corfu ( Greek Isle )
Split, Croatia
Venice ( overnight)
The cruise is a twelve night cruise. The Greek Isles are a bucket list item so we'll be able to cross that off.
Research says this is a dry season and the temperatures will be hovering around 80 in most locations. The Crown Princess is a sister ship to Caribbean Princess that we were on last year so we should know our way around.
Monday, May 21, 2012
2012 End of the World Cruise movie to be released later this summer.
The original movie script had to be changed due to the weather. However, Plan B will be fine. Everyone was photographed or filmed extensively. ( even when you didn't realize it)
Pamela enjoyed shooting me when I wasn't paying attention. She's about as bad as I am with a camera. I only used three of them for this cruise. I shot a few hours of video and about 4000 stills. I expect to have a couple of segments that should be amusing and fun to watch. The rest will be typical ship stuff. The main thing is to get the 2012 Theme across.
Before I get started on this film there will be a delay in getting started. I booked a 12 night Mediterranean cruise ( Italy & Greek Isles ) for June 5th. One of those great deals you just could not refuse.
Send me your pictures and help me get the shots I missed.
Ciao
The original movie script had to be changed due to the weather. However, Plan B will be fine. Everyone was photographed or filmed extensively. ( even when you didn't realize it)
Pamela enjoyed shooting me when I wasn't paying attention. She's about as bad as I am with a camera. I only used three of them for this cruise. I shot a few hours of video and about 4000 stills. I expect to have a couple of segments that should be amusing and fun to watch. The rest will be typical ship stuff. The main thing is to get the 2012 Theme across.
Before I get started on this film there will be a delay in getting started. I booked a 12 night Mediterranean cruise ( Italy & Greek Isles ) for June 5th. One of those great deals you just could not refuse.
Send me your pictures and help me get the shots I missed.
Ciao
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Allure of the Seas
Our Mixed Nutz cruise on Allure of the Seas is now history. Nearly two years in the making and zippppp...it's over. How fast those seven days go by when you are having fun with old and new friends.
Was great to see old friends Pamela and Randy from Oregon. And of course it was wonderful to see old friends Debi and Larry from Arizona. And this time we met their daughter Aubrey. ( a first time cruiser)
We also saw old friends Denise and Rich from upstate New York. This time Karl came along and introduced us to his girlfriend Monique. I'll bet she still thinks we are all Nutz....lol.
Once again Bruce and Sharon cruised with us. However, as they are my brother and sister-in-law..... we see them in between.
And then there was Betty. Betty is an old friend from way before cruising. She finally made it on a ship. This was her first cruise and on the largest in the world. Not a bad start.
We started off as is our custom with a meet and greet at the Comfort Inn pool Bar, and a pre-cruise dinner, this time at Anthony's Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale. Italian cuisine of the highest order. The food is magnificent to say the least. Everyone enjoyed it. A great way to start off.
It all started off with hand shakes and hugs. Denise arrived as promised with purple hair. It was short but very purple for sure. We took pictures.....talked a bit but then it was time to load up into the shuttles and head for the restaurant. We began with family style appetizers. Those alone were quite filling. I had the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan this time. Quite good. They have much more specialized dishes than that and most of the others dined on them.
The only down side to everything was that it rained on Saturday. (the day before and pre-cruise dinner day ) Then we awoke to harder and steadier rain on the morning of the cruise. Rain makes things a bit more difficult such as the seating for the continental breakfast at the hotel. When the weather is nice there are tables outside by the pool to sit and eat and enjoy the morning. Not so when it rains. But.... onward we go.
Then it was time to load up the bus for the trip to the port. We arranged for the 10:45 am shuttle run. We gathered up all our luggage by the front door. ( there is a large overhang) The luggage was loaded into the trailer and then we were off to the port.
We arrived with light rain falling. We retrieved our luggage and sent it on with the porters. We headed into the terminal building for the embarkation process. It is the smoothest ever for both Oasis and Allure. We have been on both ships now and getting on is the easiest of all previous RCCL ships.
We stepped onboard. Wow! We entered into the Royal Promenade which is longer and wider on these ships. Still a wow every time. For Betty.....this was all new.
After some initial gazing at the ship we headed for the ROAST BEEF RENDEZVOUS at the Park Cafe on deck 8 in Central Park. They make excellent salads,wraps and of course the famous Roast Beef sandwiches on round bread hard rolls. They were great on Oasis in October and they did not disappoint on Allure. It was however still raining so the outdoor seating area in Central Park was very limited.
Following that lunch we checked out our dining tables and they were not correct. We had that fixed up and our table of 14 was set up right next to the Captain Johnny's table. This is one ships Captain that likes to get around and be noticed. He shows up everywhere all week.
At sailaway we gathered on deck seven port aft public balcony with our Mixed Nutz shirts and our banner. ( in the rain) Still we laughed about it. We were waving to the port cam and we were seen by our families and friends who were watching at home
Our first dinner was good as always. RCCL does not change the menu much so you can look forward to eating items you have enjoyed in the past.
The next day we ported in Nassau. Our excursion was cancelled weeks before so we were only going to tour the town and shop but...... IT WAS RAINING AGAIN!
It rained for the first five days.
In St. Thomas most of us Mixed Nutz, including new members Sheila & Bill from Florida, were on a snorkle and beach party excursion. It rain and rained on us. Not a problem when you are swimming, but the beach party part didn't go too well due to heavy rain. Onboard is where we stayed. The catamarran captain kept the rum punch flowing and the music playing. In spite of the rain, we had a blast. I asked the Captain, "when has it rained last like this?" He answered, "let's see...the last time was...... NEVER!!!!" Other than hurricanes he said, the rain usually is just passing showers. Not this time.
In St. Maarten we had a short break from the rain. We had a short while to lay on the loungers on the beach. We again went to Kakao Beach ( at Orient Beach ) which has a bar and restaurant. Carol & Betty took a walk down to the famous sign and a bit beyond....lol. They also shopped along the way.
In the distance were the black clouds. ( it was already cloudy but these were very dark ) They inched their way in until the first drops started to fall. It was time to vacate the beach and head for the restaurant. Betty made the command decision to go back for something she saw in one of the shops.
As we sat in the restaurant sipping our frozen tropical drinks, the rains came in a torrent. "poor Betty, we said." And it rained and it poured.
After a bit Betty showed up with a towel shielding her head. Surprisingly her hair was not soaked thru. The Royal Caribbean Towel she was using was absorbent and now weighed ten pounds. She ordered a drink and all was good.
We dined at two of the specialty restaurants, Chops and Giovanni's Table. Both meals were over the top. Well worth the surcharges.
Our final two days on the ship were days at sea and luckily for us they were sunny days. They saved the cruise from being a total washout. The Allure now looked like it was supposed to with all the decks being utilized with people all having a great time. The music of the steel band serenading us as is the normal routine.
Our last dinner together was fun. We took a ton of pictures of each other. Then there were the formal goodbyes. We hung out again at the On air Club watching Karaoke would be stars. One of the singers from the show "Chicago" did a number. That was a first.
We saw most of our friends the last morning and said our goodbyes and then disembarked easily.
The cruise was over but the memories will never end.
Our Mixed Nutz cruise on Allure of the Seas is now history. Nearly two years in the making and zippppp...it's over. How fast those seven days go by when you are having fun with old and new friends.
Was great to see old friends Pamela and Randy from Oregon. And of course it was wonderful to see old friends Debi and Larry from Arizona. And this time we met their daughter Aubrey. ( a first time cruiser)
We also saw old friends Denise and Rich from upstate New York. This time Karl came along and introduced us to his girlfriend Monique. I'll bet she still thinks we are all Nutz....lol.
Once again Bruce and Sharon cruised with us. However, as they are my brother and sister-in-law..... we see them in between.
And then there was Betty. Betty is an old friend from way before cruising. She finally made it on a ship. This was her first cruise and on the largest in the world. Not a bad start.
We started off as is our custom with a meet and greet at the Comfort Inn pool Bar, and a pre-cruise dinner, this time at Anthony's Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale. Italian cuisine of the highest order. The food is magnificent to say the least. Everyone enjoyed it. A great way to start off.
It all started off with hand shakes and hugs. Denise arrived as promised with purple hair. It was short but very purple for sure. We took pictures.....talked a bit but then it was time to load up into the shuttles and head for the restaurant. We began with family style appetizers. Those alone were quite filling. I had the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan this time. Quite good. They have much more specialized dishes than that and most of the others dined on them.
The only down side to everything was that it rained on Saturday. (the day before and pre-cruise dinner day ) Then we awoke to harder and steadier rain on the morning of the cruise. Rain makes things a bit more difficult such as the seating for the continental breakfast at the hotel. When the weather is nice there are tables outside by the pool to sit and eat and enjoy the morning. Not so when it rains. But.... onward we go.
Then it was time to load up the bus for the trip to the port. We arranged for the 10:45 am shuttle run. We gathered up all our luggage by the front door. ( there is a large overhang) The luggage was loaded into the trailer and then we were off to the port.
We arrived with light rain falling. We retrieved our luggage and sent it on with the porters. We headed into the terminal building for the embarkation process. It is the smoothest ever for both Oasis and Allure. We have been on both ships now and getting on is the easiest of all previous RCCL ships.
We stepped onboard. Wow! We entered into the Royal Promenade which is longer and wider on these ships. Still a wow every time. For Betty.....this was all new.
After some initial gazing at the ship we headed for the ROAST BEEF RENDEZVOUS at the Park Cafe on deck 8 in Central Park. They make excellent salads,wraps and of course the famous Roast Beef sandwiches on round bread hard rolls. They were great on Oasis in October and they did not disappoint on Allure. It was however still raining so the outdoor seating area in Central Park was very limited.
Following that lunch we checked out our dining tables and they were not correct. We had that fixed up and our table of 14 was set up right next to the Captain Johnny's table. This is one ships Captain that likes to get around and be noticed. He shows up everywhere all week.
At sailaway we gathered on deck seven port aft public balcony with our Mixed Nutz shirts and our banner. ( in the rain) Still we laughed about it. We were waving to the port cam and we were seen by our families and friends who were watching at home
Our first dinner was good as always. RCCL does not change the menu much so you can look forward to eating items you have enjoyed in the past.
The next day we ported in Nassau. Our excursion was cancelled weeks before so we were only going to tour the town and shop but...... IT WAS RAINING AGAIN!
It rained for the first five days.
In St. Thomas most of us Mixed Nutz, including new members Sheila & Bill from Florida, were on a snorkle and beach party excursion. It rain and rained on us. Not a problem when you are swimming, but the beach party part didn't go too well due to heavy rain. Onboard is where we stayed. The catamarran captain kept the rum punch flowing and the music playing. In spite of the rain, we had a blast. I asked the Captain, "when has it rained last like this?" He answered, "let's see...the last time was...... NEVER!!!!" Other than hurricanes he said, the rain usually is just passing showers. Not this time.
In St. Maarten we had a short break from the rain. We had a short while to lay on the loungers on the beach. We again went to Kakao Beach ( at Orient Beach ) which has a bar and restaurant. Carol & Betty took a walk down to the famous sign and a bit beyond....lol. They also shopped along the way.
In the distance were the black clouds. ( it was already cloudy but these were very dark ) They inched their way in until the first drops started to fall. It was time to vacate the beach and head for the restaurant. Betty made the command decision to go back for something she saw in one of the shops.
As we sat in the restaurant sipping our frozen tropical drinks, the rains came in a torrent. "poor Betty, we said." And it rained and it poured.
After a bit Betty showed up with a towel shielding her head. Surprisingly her hair was not soaked thru. The Royal Caribbean Towel she was using was absorbent and now weighed ten pounds. She ordered a drink and all was good.
We dined at two of the specialty restaurants, Chops and Giovanni's Table. Both meals were over the top. Well worth the surcharges.
Our final two days on the ship were days at sea and luckily for us they were sunny days. They saved the cruise from being a total washout. The Allure now looked like it was supposed to with all the decks being utilized with people all having a great time. The music of the steel band serenading us as is the normal routine.
Our last dinner together was fun. We took a ton of pictures of each other. Then there were the formal goodbyes. We hung out again at the On air Club watching Karaoke would be stars. One of the singers from the show "Chicago" did a number. That was a first.
We saw most of our friends the last morning and said our goodbyes and then disembarked easily.
The cruise was over but the memories will never end.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Only one month to go until Allure.
We have just returned from Palm Coast Florida where we vacationed for a few weeks. The weather was spectacular for us. I'm hoping it keeps us right thru our cruise.
The suitcases are getting emptied and started to reload known items that we are bringing.
I'm trying to find my old packing list. It still is helpful in reminding you of things you need to bring with you.
The tee shirts are being ordered in two days. It looks like we'll have a good showing of shirts for sailaway.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The MIXED NUTZ are on FACEBOOK!
The Facebook page of the Mixed Nutz was created yesterday. Just search Mixed Nutz cruise group.
Orders are now being taken for the 2012 themed tee shirts for the Allure cruise....aka "The end of the world cruise." Can be ordered as a tee or a womans tank. Order yours today!
e mail me at NYcruisr@optonline.net
.......John
Thursday, February 23, 2012
MAJESTY OF THE SEAS
We had the opportunity while in Florida recently to hop on the Majesty. We departed Miami on January 30th for a four night cruise to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West. It's always nice to stop in Key West as it is a beautiful town. The best part about it is that it seems like it's and island stop in the caribbean but it is the U.S. instead. Sometimes it's nice to be at home.
We were on Majesty two years ago. The ship remains in good condition and is apparently very popular because the price is so affordable. Plus it's good to go back to old school cruising once in awhile now that we are so accustomed to the MEGA SHIPS. All in all it's a good time as usual. People we met were paying $199 pp for an inside cabin. Four days and nights of food and entertainment...... can't beat it.
WE ARE IN THE PREPARATION MODE FOR ALLURE NOW WITH JUST OVER TWO MONTHS TO GO.
Anyone wishing to purchase the commemorative Tee Shirts or tanks should let me know very soon. I will have final pricing info available in a few days. I would like to have everything ordered before Carol & I return to Florida for a few weeks.
See you next time.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It really won't be long!
It's February and we are in the doldrums of winter. Actually, that has been in name only as the weather up here in the north has not been too bad at all. At this moment it is snowing lightly. I missed the first one while we were in Florida. Seems strange to see it falling and here I am thinking CRUISE!!!!!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Counting Down
Time is flying by and we will be on ALLURE before we know it.
We found ourselves in Florida taking care of un-happy family business. We were to be there for three weeks. We looked online and saw that the Majesty of the Seas was departing on January 30 from Miami for a four night cruise to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West. We got an ocean view for $250 pp. So we had to go. We drove from Palm Coast down to Miami. It was about a 4 1/2 hour drive which is no big deal when you are heading to the cruise. Not so much fun when going back......lol.
Majesty is still nice. It's small..... and old school cruising. It is very popular due to the low price. Some insides were going for $199. Can't beat that. Dave Chapman was the Cruise Director. He was young and full of energy.
We had a table of ten in the Main Dining room. The food was good....the service good as well. All the couples were very nice and we did attend the shows together and hung out together here and there.
So this was a tune up for Allure. Having been last on Oasis and then onto Majesty was quite different indeed. So, we are pumped up big time for this MIXED NUTZ GROUP adventure. April 29th from Fort Lauderdale. All are welcome to be a part of the NUTZ. If you are interested.....nycruisr@optonline.net E mail me and I will quickly send you details.
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