Observations on Cruising

We paid a king's ransom for Internet access whilst on board The Bliss - it's a fixed cost of vacationing on a ship in the middle of nowhere.  The same amount per day that we're paying to board sweet Chloe. 

It was worth every penny to see the face of our oldest son who we haven't seen or talked to in a few weeks.  His hair was so long, he was wearing a Beanie - he doesn't report to work again until Wednesday so he'll get a haircut before that day.  It was great to see him.  He asked 'how are you doing?' and we said 'It sucks. Really.  We have no idea why we pay a fortune to be on a ship in the middle of nowhere for days on end'. 

He knew we were completely joking.  We were sitting on a deck looking out on the never ending ocean.  I was reading a super great book - I decided to try the monthly Kindle library deal and it's free for 4 weeks - $9.99 a month after and cancel anytime.  It's fun to read and I can't wait to enjoy reading more in retirement.  I've always loved a good book and miss really getting into the story - once retired, I'll have plenty of time for reading. 

We saw two ladies working on jigsaw puzzles at a table on the deck today - that also sounds like a great cruise idea.  Next time!  (Which is in 5 months - Alaska!).   

We just enjoyed a delicious dinner at Le Bistro - the French restaurant on board.  As good as the Le Bistro on the Escape this time last year.  We ordered a bottle of wine with dinner and finished it...we both feel pleasantly relaxed.  J. is heading to a Beatles tribute band show and I'm not sure what I'm doing.  I may just head to bed early and let the wine work it's magic for a great night's sleep. 

The gentle rocking also helps but a twin bed is hard to get used to.  I don't know how couple's sleep in a double on cruises.  We try to mitigate that by just each having a twin (next to each other) but wow - it's sure a different experience.  I feel like one wrong roll over and I'm going to land on the floor!

We have another sea day tomorrow - we'll head to a new area to sit and take in the expansive ocean and then I'm going to head for the hot tub.  There are Jacuzzi's in the spa but now that I've found hot tubs available, I'll opt for those - no charge!  I think soaking in hot water will really help my hips which are both paining me - lots of walking and adjusting to a narrow bed.

I have a bit of the cold that J. had last week - I'm coughing a bit.  Throat is super scratchy.  It will pass, I hope.  Glad for sea days without a lot of walking. 

On Tuesday, we head to Cartegena, Columbia for the day.  We were supposed to take a catamaran from the ship to 'Old Town' but that excursion was cancelled - so instead, we'll take a bus to the town from the port and then get on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour - which we've taken all over Europe.  Just get on and ride the full loop around and then change to another line or head back to the port. 

There was a casino card waiting in our cabin - I moved up a level and got a $100 credit on our account!  Earlier today, they delivered a bunch of hand made chocolates to the cabin - also courtesy of the casino.  J. says I'm a whale...but judging by some of the people I've played around, not so much.  I'm sticking to a pretty strict budget but so far, it's been OK.  I've been mostly putting back wins but that's OK 'cuz I'm trying for big jackpots.  If I win one of THOSE, I will pay off J.'s car!

J. just headed to his show and I'm debating.  Sleep sounds like a great idea....sleep?   or casino?