JoeyandDavid

That's it! I couldn't remember what they were called. Long time since I was in school. we are at the same age ... google saved me...

cliffs notes if you will..

gymbrat don't forget about our CruiseCrazies get together in Miami on Sunday November 8, 7:30-8:00pm at Millers Ale House .. hope you can make this one..we missed you for our fort lauderdale gathering couple of years ago....

I would volunteer but i am busy with reviews just now...heck i can multi task... 21 pages is my guess but then you will be basking in the memories of europe.. Thanks for volunteering Joey! I know you wouldn't let me miss out on any of the good stuff. Could be more then 21 pages...........if planning continues. I was being conservative for some of our other members...

John it is so Great to see you and Karen will be able to join us for a couple of great meals..it should be festive... (as time gets closer)... can you pre arrange with celebrity our group specialty dinner? we have decided on the 2nd formal night ...7pm reservations.. I thought is would be nice to give them a heads up asap so they can relay to other guests that there is a large group that evening..( I thought it was so nice when they did that for us on one of our sailings.. especially when we were looking for a more subdued experience..) so this is our chance to repay the kindness.

Editors note: Chapter six Continued Back on the ship, we relaxed by the adults only aft pool (our favourite spot!) and enjoyed Carnival's pizza and ice cream once again. This evening, we had a reservation to try the Sun King Supper Club, so we attended the early show in the main theatre. We only had time to see about 1/2 the show, but crooner Jamie Frasier from England, was very entertaining, with his engaging personality, and his tributes to the great crooners like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Englebert Humperdinck. For a very young man, he impressed me with his appreciation of the older generation of singers, whose lyrics you could understand, and whose music you could enjoy. Unfortunately, we had to rush off to the Supper Club before he was finished, but I was glad I got to see some of his show. We always make an effort to visit the specialty restaurants on each ship we sail, and this was no exception . The Sun King Supper Club is located on Deck 10, right near the red funnel. In fact, on the first day onboard, while we were exploring the ship up on the Sports Deck, we came across a tinted glass enclosure, which was actually the skylight looking down into the Sun King, and featuring it's beautiful chandelier. There was a sign posted on the frame of the glass which made me laugh, and I had to take a photo of it: Apparently, it is dangerous to "sit on the glass", so you don't fall down into the restaurant! Now back inside the Sun King, that chandelier is indeed a special feature, and the restaurant itself is very classy and refined. It also smelled wonderful as we walked in! Our table was waiting for us, and it was beautifully set with the best china, crystal and silverware. Attentive wait staff was readily available, and very pleasant and friendly. We started our meal with a wonderful wine called "Conundrum", which we'd had once before and thoroughly enjoyed. We both had the same appetizer, the baked onion soup, which was absolutely delicious, and I suspect, cooked with some rich red wine. I also had a crisp, fresh and tasty Caesar Salad. For our main meals, we ordered Filet Mignon for me, and the Filet Mignon/Lobster Tail Surf and Turf for James. They were beautifully presented, and my steak was perfectly delicious, but James was disappointed that his steak was underdone when he had ordered well-done, and it was served pink and difficult to cut. However, the side dishes were absolutely delicious, including carrots, asparagus, and the most heavenly, buttery, garlic mashed potatoes I'd ever tasted! Even after all this we still managed to order dessert! James ordered a wonderful mixed fruit cup in which all the fruits were artfully carved, and I settled for a very light, but incredibly delicious Granny Smith apple sorbet - so light and refreshing after a heavy meal! Before leaving the restaurant, we inquired why we had been subjected to endless piped-in Celine Dion and others, wondering what had happened to Carnival's usually talented and entertaining live musicians. There was a stage area set up with a piano, amps, mikes, and a dance floor, but apparently since January 09 the Freedom has not renewed contracts for live entertainment in their Supper Club. We felt this was a shame, as the live entertainment certainly enhanced the dining experience in the past, and we hope that Carnival will reverse their decision. On our way out, we made a point of saying goodbye to old Louis (XIV), the original Sun King! Pleasantly stuffed, and extremely tired after a long but enjoyable day in Antigua, we headed off to bed after our late dinner. There was a ship-wide, lounge-crawling activity going on that evening, pitting the Red, White and Blue Colors teams against each other in various venues, singing, dancing, cheering, chanting, face-painting and general mayhem, ending up on the Lido Deck for a big celebration announcing the Color winners. We witnessed some of the fun on our way back to our cabin, but we were too tired (or maybe too old) to join in! It was off to bed to rest up for our day in Tortola tomorrow. Goodnight Mr. Elephant.... to be continued......in Tortola...... donna

Editors note Chapter Six will be posted in two parts Carnival Freedom, Part 6 (A) Wednesday, May 27, 09 Antigua continued..... We had enjoyed a wonderful morning excursion in Antigua on a Sail and Snorkel catamaran, and now, still chewing our rushed lunch, we were ready for our afternoon excursion! Back on the pier at 1 p.m. We met up with our bus for the "Devil's Bridge and Beach Tour." The bus ride was about 40 minutes, and was a rough ride. The scenery was pretty though, and the island did not seem as impoverished as parts of St. Thomas. Our first stop was in a National Park, to see a geological wonder called "Devil's Bridge". Located on the northeast point of Antigua, Devil's Bridge was created by centuries of crashing waves eroding the limestone ledges of the island, forming a bridge. Legend has it that slaves from the neighbouring islands used to come there to commit suicide, so it was said that "the Devil has to be there". I don't know how true that is, but the site is definitely interesting, with the waves erupting out of the hole like a gyser, and the terrain surrounding the area resembling a moonscape. Very difficult to walk on and about the rocky terrain, but the views of the sea and surrounding islands were magnificent! It was still a beautiful weather day and we were anxious to get to the beach, so after our little tour of Devil's bridge, off we went in the bus to Long Bay Beach, which was absolutely stunning! Powder white sand, clean beach, clear, calm, warm water, no waves, no boats, no loud music, just peace and tranquility! Beach chairs and umbrellas were provided at no extra cost, and a free drink was included (rum or fruit punch). There was a row of colourfully painted beach huts along the shore, each one selling various souvenirs; T-shirts, beach wraps, hats, bags, jewelry, etc. And because they were stationary, you could go to them if you were interested, and no-one came to bother you on the beach to sell, sell, sell. This was the best idea I have seen at a beach, and I wish other beaches would take note! Our wonderful beach afternoon came to an end all too soon, and we had to return to the ship. While in port, I visited a few specialty swimwear shops in my on-going search for the perfect bathing suit. I nearly choked when I saw some prices well over $200 for a 1-piece suit! Needless to say, my search continued.... donna

I would volunteer but i am busy with reviews just now...heck i can multi task... 21 pages is my guess but then you will be basking in the memories of europe..

Have a great anniversay and a great family outing as you guys take another trip to europe! Enjoy!

Rose and Howie Happy Anniversary.. have a terrific time in Europe.. your gonna love it.

Carnival Freedom Part 5 Wednesday, May 27 09 Antigua On this beautiful weather day in Antigua, we had 2 excursions booked, and we had to rush a bit to fit both of them in! First thing in the morning, we met on the pier at 9 a.m. For our Sail, Snorkel and Beach excursion. After a short walk, we boarded the sleek, new, Wadadli Cats catamaran, which was clean, well equipped, and the crew were friendly and funny. We motored our way out from the port of Antigua, enjoying just basking in the sun and listening to Bob Marley, on this glorious sunny day. After about 1/2 hour, we arrived at the snorkeling site, and everyone got in the water with their snorkel gear. It was a difficult climb down a tiny ladder off the boat, so James stayed behind to film me. I enjoy snorkeling, but I much prefer doing it off the beach where I can touch bottom. We were way out in the middle of nowhere, and the waves were a bit choppy, and I was having trouble keeping up with the group, who were swimming further and further away from the boat. I started to panic, and couldn't breathe properly in my mask, so I swam back close to the boat and snorkeled a little bit there, seeing nothing but coral and seaweed, not a single fish! Tired from paddling the waves, I climbed back on the boat long before our time was up, and just enjoyed the sun. Once everyone was back onboard, the crew put up the sails, and we set sail for Dickenson Beach, about a 40 minute sail away. Once at the beach, the catamaran was able to pull right up onto the beach, where we jumped off either into the water or onto the beach. The water was lovely and warm, and we could see fish and the occasional stingray swimming around the boat. It was also a nice spot for beachcombing, and I managed to collect some pretty and interesting shells. Too soon, it was time to get back onboard, and we motored back to Antigua. Since all the swimming and snorkeling was finished, the bar opened and the rum punch was flowing, everyone loosened up and the dancing began. There was a conga line, and a limbo contest, great music and a lot of fun. When we arrived back in Antigua, I'm sure everyone on the Freedom could hear us coming, with the party music and whooping and hollering going on! Unfortunately, we had arrived back at the pier about 40 minutes later than we expected, and we had exactly 20 minutes to rush back to the ship, grab a quick bite to eat in the Lido restaurant, and be back on the pier for our 1 p.m. Tour! To be continued......a perfect afternoon in Antigua....

There was some talk about a hawaii .. I thought Deb was the lead person... I'm not the lead but I am interested. I remember the conversation but I don't remember who the lead was. do you want to be the lead?

There was some talk about a hawaii .. I thought Deb was the lead person...

I stay in trouble..

Pre Cruise Dinner Miami Sunday 11/08/2009 7:45-8:00pm Millers Ale House Joey and David Debbie Jim & MaryLou Cindy & Howard Andrea Judson & Louise Steve & Lynda Rose & Howie *Captain Jason *Miss C ~Cheryl(GottaCruz)and family *Other southern Florida residents Group Dinner Specialty Restaurant $30.00 pp cover charge (wine extra) Second formal night 7:00 p.m. Joey and David Debbie Jim & MaryLou Paula Cindy & Howard Rose & Howie James & Donna Steve & Lynda Judson & Louise Andrea Slot Pull (MaryLou in charge) Wednesday 11/11@ 11:00AMThe way it works: We will pick, at random, a $1 machine that plays a max of 3 credits per turn. The cost of participation is $21. per person. 1)Each participant with have 7 turns on the machine. 2)At the end of the persons turn, the credits are left in the machine and the next person adds their $21 to the machine. 3)After everyone has gone, we cash out and the winnings are distributed evenly among all the participants. Joey Debbie Jim & MaryLou Paula Cindy & Howard Rose & Howie KarenG Steve & Lynda Andrea Judson Game day (Need Host/Organizer) Card games, board games, fun games Every Sea Day at 3:00pm for those interested Joey Jim Howard Debbie MaryLou Andrea Scavenger Hunt (A 15 item list) (Joey is officiating) Tuesday 11/17 9:00am -7:00pm Debbie Jim & MaryLou Paula Cindy & Howard Rose & Howie James & Donna Steve & Lynda Judson & Louise Andrea CruiseCrazie Trivia Team Daily as per Celebrity Today Joey and or David Debbie Howard MaryLou James & Donna Steve & Lynda Andrea

The sea days activities are now on page one ...after we confirm dates of activities.. that information as well will be posted in one spot..

I'll second that...

How cool...

Carnival Freedom Part 4 Tuesday May 26, 09 St. Thomas U.S.V.I. When I awoke at 7 a.m. We had already docked in St. Thomas, and after a quick breakfast, we were off the ship by 8:30. On the dock we looked for our online, pre-booked tour with Sunny Liston Tours. One bus took a group of people downtown shopping, and another bus took us (alone) to Coki Beach. This was our first visit to Coki Beach, and it won't be our last. It was a beautiful beach, clean, clear, calm water, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Beach chairs were only $5 as opposed to the $10 charged at some other beaches, and Bailey's Bushwackers were $8 but worth every penny, they were so good! Beach waiters, most apparently ex-pats, wandered the beach taking drink and food orders all day. They also brought us free samples of drinks to try, which was nice. Food was expensive, with cheeseburgers and chicken wraps at $10, but they were delicious! It was a very pleasant beach day, with little bother from vendors, and low music playing in the bar/snackbar, which was unobtrusive, not like the blaring rap and reggae at some beaches! This was the beach where I decided to write a message to Cruise Crazies in the sand! Back at the pier, I had a quick shopping spree at the Havensight Mall. Who would have believed that on a Caribbean island like St. Thomas, it would be so hard to find a bathing suit?! I wandered from shop to shop to shop, and all I could find were teeny tiny crocheted bikinis, or men's board shorts. I searched and searched for a simple 1-piece bathing suit, or preferably, a 2-piece tankini, but no luck. Of course I had brought 2 bathing suits with me on the cruise, but once I got in the water I realized how terribly worn and stretched out of shape they were, and I spent time in each port looking for replacements - to no avail! Back onboard, I found a little time to enjoy a swim and hot tub, and of course some frozen yogurt/ice cream. Would somebody please explain to me why Carnival paints their hot tubs yellow? They look like tubs full of bubbling pee! Around this time, I also noticed a broken window by the aft pool and hot tub. I don't know how long it had been broken, but it was cordonned off with yellow danger tape and some pylons. There appeared to be a small hole (bullet?) low in the window, while the rest of the window was completely shattered in a million little pieces. I'm surprised it did not fall out, and it was still there on our last morning when we docked in Fort Lauderdale. It was an early shower, clean up and dress this evening, as we were to attend a 5:15 Repeat Passenger party. At least that's what we thought it was, but it turned out to be more of a sales pitch for booking future cruises. There was free wine and champagne served, but no h'or d'oeuvres or fancy cocktails. Carnival does have some good deals for putting a down payment onboard and booking future cruises within the next 4 years. Dinner this evening was again, very very good. We both enjoyed French Onion Soup, and I had a pretty tasty steak, while James tried the Jerk Pork. My only complaint was that they just can't make Cheesecake like they do in Montreal, but I was so full I couldn't finish it anyway! The Big Show tonight was called "Ticket to Ride", a salute to the Beatles. We arrived early to get good seats, and enjoyed a 1/4 hour of old Beatles tunes, then a 1/4 hour of old film clips, facts and music on the big screen, very enjoyable to us. My husband, who lived in the U.K. In his youth, had actually attended many of the Beatles' early shows at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, and it was fun for him to revisit those memories. The show itself was outstanding, the song choices, the sets, costumes, and the performances excellent. At the end, wait staff handed out Glow Sticks in the audience and there was a glowing standing ovation for the final number, Hey Jude. Total audience participation! After the show, we headed back to our cabin, always easy to find at the bottom of the aft staircase, because on Verandah Deck 8, there was a large piece of abstract art depicting the Beatles and their music. We always knew that when we found George and John on the right hand side, we were on the right side of the ship to find our cabin! Good Night George, Goodnight John! to be continued......tomorrow in Antigua..... donna

one other question for the dinner would be at what time.. I was thinking split the difference between early and late seating and make reservations for 7ish... comments?

ok guys specialty dining will give us 3 options for the group dinner do we want to make it the first, 2nd, or 3rd formal night.. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages for all three.

44 more posts until the top ten .. can you feel the excitrment building!

you haven't missed it yet!!! ...Steve they haven't even given us the menus!

Part 3: Carnival Freedom Monday May 25San Juan, Puerto Rico Today was essentially another Sea Day, since we weren't due into San Juan until 5 p.m., however, the captain somehow managed a 3 p.m. Arrival! The day was warm, with a mix of sun and cloud, and a light breeze, with temperatures in the high 80's. Since I hadn't made it to Pilates yesterday due to illness, I went to a class this morning instead. There were only 3 of us, a set of 20-something twins, and myself! The Pilates, Stretch and Yoga classes are held in the main Gym area, surrounded by people on stationary bikes, treadmills, and weight machines, and bombarded by loud techno-pop music designed to make you work out hard and fast. Not exactly the "Zen" relaxing atmosphere that Pilates or Yoga should be. I would certainly like to see these classes held in a separate area, quieter and more private, with soothing relaxation music. However, we made do with what we had, and part of that was Daniel, a handsome, body-builder type from London England, who put us through our paces. He was demanding and challenging, with many repetitions and near impossible poses, but it was a good workout just the same. Following Pilates, I enjoyed some sun-on-the-pool-deck time, before Trivia at 10:30. This one was TV Show trivia and I scored 13/20; passable, but not good enough to win. I did however, manage to win a later Trivia, this one with music sound-bytes. With 19/20 correct, I won a Carnival medal on a ribbon. For lunch this day, we ventured up the stairs past Lady Liberty, to the second level of the Lido dining area, a well hidden secret! Up there on Deck 10 is the Fish'n Chip station, and an excellent meal to be found. Unfortunately, the "chips" were more like McDonald's skinny fries than real English chunky fries, but they were good anyway, and we really enjoyed the fish. The rest of the afternoon was spent up on the outdoor deck in the sun and wind, and I awoke from a hazy nap to see land off the port side of our ship! We were sailing just alongside Fort Morro at the tip of San Juan. We could see people climbing the rocks around the old Fort, and they waved at us as we waved at them. Our early arrival in San Juan surprised a lot of people, and it seemed everyone rushed off the ship as soon as we were docked, because we were left virtually alone on the pool deck, to enjoy the rest of the afternoon by the pool. Since our scheduled arrival time in port was 5 p.m., plans had been made to open only 1 dining room this evening, with open seating, since most passengers were already onshore. We decided to eat a little earlier, so we could also go ashore for awhile after dinner. We arrived at the Chic dining room around 6 p.m. To see hordes of waiters standing around, waiting for someone to serve! We were seated off to one side, in an area completely unpopulated by anyone else, and we had the full attention of every waiter in the vacinity. I took the time to appreciate some of the detail in our dining room decor. There were multiple panels such as this, which continuously changed colour as you watched them. We enjoyed an excellent meal, served quickly and with much attention to detail (water-filling, bread refills, and anything else our hearts desired!). I decided to make notes of what we ate, just to satisfy the curiosity of our VTJen: I had a delicious Petite Marmite soup (vegetables, barley and beef), and the most scrumptious Australian Lamb dish I've ever tasted, followed by a to-die-for dessert of Almond Phyllo pastry with cream. Yum! James chose a wonderful Pea soup, and Lasagne Boulanaise, with a White Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert that he said was "out of this world!" Once again, our tastebuds were not disappointed! After dinner, we had a nice long chat with our main waitress Harlene from the Philippines, about her life and her work on the ship. It was nice to be able to spend some time getting to know the staff, as usually dinners are so rushed. Following dinner, we decided to go ashore in San Juan and have a look around. Basically all we did was wander a little ways from the ship, take some photos, pass back through the port building where most of the shops were closed, and then came back onboard. It was very hot and humid and we were glad to get back in the air conditioning! Once onboard, we just relaxed until showtime at 10:30. This evening's featured entertainer was "Puck", a hypnotist, who's show was fairly entertaining, but certainly not as much fun as the hypnotist Fernando who we saw on Princess earlier this year. The show was followed by a midnight sailaway party up on Lido deck, with live Latin music, dancing, a Mexican food buffet, flavoured Margaritas, a limbo contest, and a conga line, which of course, I just had to join! The party was well attended and a lot of fun, but we were exhausted and headed off to bed around 1 a.m. Goodbye to San Juan, and goodnight to Doggy! to be continued.....tomorrow, St. Thomas...... donna

and thank you Miss Andrea... so we are just waiting on Ray to come back..