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CruiseMan3000

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  1. CruiseMan3000
    Just in case you missed it last week, here is Part 1 to this segmented blog post. Okay, now that everyone is caught up, let me share what else I'd like to see on a cruise ship! Y'all ready? Here we go...
    #5: A Skydiving Simulator!
    Nothing like flying while sailing 15 knots, right?
    Photo Credit: The Sims Zone, UK
    Now this would be freaking cool, right? Why can I see Royal Caribbean hoping all over this one? But I give Disney and NCL room for this as well because a character could easily go with this - Buzz Lightyear (Disney Cruise Line), Fairy Odd Parents (Norwegian Cruise Line) or even The Penguins of Madagascar (Royal Caribbean). Anyway, I think a neat feature would be to have the simulator area totally encompassed with glass so you can get great sea views and even see the sun above (whenever he likes to peek his head out for a visit). This one by far I think would be the one thing I'd do all cruise long. And if you're not into this one, just stand on the uppermost deck of your ship and try not getting blown away... same thrills! ?
    #6: A Comic Book Revolution!
    Talk about high seas action - these comic book characters
    would DEFINITELY know how to bring it!
    Photo Credit: Comic Book Movie
    This one has Carnival written all over it and let me tell you why. Royal Caribbean, you've got Dreamworks on lock with Shrek and Donkey; NCL, you're swimming in slime with Dora and Diego with Nick at Sea; and Disney well... you've got all the favorites in the world. But which cruise line isn't known for a character agreement? BINGO! Carnival, y'all should try bringing some comic book characters to your ships. Don't get me wrong, we love Fun Ship Freddy, but we think this would be an awesome addition to your brand and Freddy... well at least I think so. ?
    I remember growing up I wanted to be Spiderman... then I wanted to me Cyclops... then I was Green Lantern... then I was married Wonder Woman. Oh wait... that was just a dream. Anyway I think with y'all having that IMAX-like 4-D theater on Carnival Breeze and the other new ships, movies of these characters would be a huge hit! How about even designing themed rooms for eager comic book fans? Wouldn't that be cool? Having a Green Lantern room where everything glows in green? Plus I think Captain America and Fun Ship Freddy would be the best of friends, don't you?
    #7: Inflatables Galore - Inside and Out!
    Remember these from the '90s?
    Oh yeah, let's get 'em on a ship!
    Photo Credit: Children of the 90s
    Am I the only one who remembers the Sock'em Boppers commercial and went out and bought a pair so I could knock out... I mean gently tag people? Wouldn't this be loads of fun for the family? And I'm not saying just have inflatable TKO gear, but also an indoor inflatable course - like a moon bounce or something. Who's in? P.S. If you wear Vaseline on your face, it'll help the dings smooth off your face and your won't feel the impact as much. ? Not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything...
    #8: Indoor Paintball!
    Ever dream of getting that
    person back for stealing your deck chair?
    Two words: Paint Ball!
    Photo Credit: War Pig
    Now this would be taking cruise ship revenge to a whole new level. You know that person that walked in front of the stage while you were singing at karaoke, stole your deck chair when they knew you eyed it from the upper deck or even to that person who grabbed the last cinnamon bun in the serving dish... you could get 'em back with some paint ball! I'd even take a few shots at the people who do nothing but complained about everything the whole cruise (only inside the area of course)! What about even getting your younger siblings on the family reunion cruise? I know paintball isn't everyone's fancy, but I think it would be a draw for many... CMK included!
    So that's it. My 8 amenities I'd add to a cruise ship! Which one is your favorite? Do you have something you'd like to see on the high seas I didn't mention? Be sure to tell me!Tweet me, post it on Facebook or simply comment below! I've gotten a few suggestions already and I'm going to post them all in a "Cruise Fans Edition" post next week! The deadline to share your cruising amenity wish-list is Saturday, March 16, 2013 to be considered for next week's post, but feel free to still share your thoughts beyond them - I'd love to hear! Until we talk ship again next Monday--Shon!
  2. CruiseMan3000
    In a recent interview I did with CruiseLine.com, I was asked if there were some features I'd like to put on a cruise ship in the near future. Not only did I have one or two things, but four came to mind. Since my interview with them last month a few others have come to mind and I thought I'd share them with ya to see if you'd like to join my demand team in hopes that one cruise line out there will hear our cry and supply the innovative goods! I mean it seems 'impossible' is no longer a word for cruise lines these days. Let's see, we have Imax/4D theaters, ropes courses (Carnival Cruise Line); decks that walk over the water (Princess Cruises); bowling allies, rappelling walls, salt rooms and ice bars (Norwegian Cruise Line); rock walls, surfing simulators, zip lines and skating rinks (Royal Caribbean International); and even water slides that go off the sides of cruise ships (Disney Cruise Line)! So what's next? I think a few of my suggestions! Now to all the cruise lines in the world, grab your pens and paper! On your mark, get set, call your designers!
    CM3K's Cruise Ship Amenity Wish List
      #1: A Non-Water Based Roller Coaster
        I have the biggest passion for heights, speed and a good shake along the way. So what better combination could there be to satisfy these loves than having a roller coaster on a cruise ship. If a cruise line were able to configure a way to do this, I would easily sail them with no questions asked. Now here's my 2 cents on this: I think it should be taken to a whole new level on a cruise ship! They should make it an indoor roller coaster with black lights everywhere making it a glowing, thrilling time! This way, it could still run should the weather not permit for it to function outside; plus it would be another cool thing for passengers to experience while at sea!
    #2: Laser Tag
    Speaking of things glowing in the dark, lets get a laser tag facility aboard a cruise ship. My question is, why hasn't this already happened? Don't y'all think this would have been birthed on a ship around the bowling alley and rock wall era? I think this would be cool to be on two decks or so that may or may not have some kind of character theme (hint hint, NCL, RCI and DCL). Also, I think having some sort of inflatable, portable scene could also be to the cruise line's advantage. That way, you can play laser tag under the stars! This would be super cool on ships that have nice open-air deck space like Norwegian Epicor Oasis and Allure of the Seas! I'd really think Disney Cruise Line could capitalize on this with Toy Story characters Zurg and Buzz Lightyear. But for some reason, idk why...I could definitely see Royal Caribbean hop all over this one! What do y'all think?
    #3: Bumper Cars
    Keeping with things that could be enjoyed regardless of the weather... BUMPER CARS! Doesn't everyone love these things? If you don't, I'm sorry... you just weren't raised right. Don't be caught in front of me while driving one of these bad boys -- Bump Man 3000 will getcha LOL! Again, a character affiliated cruise line such as Disney, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian (hint hint) could really run with this idea. And with RCI running this new "Built for Wow" campaign, I again wouldn't put this pass them for one of the Sunshine class vessels coming to us in 2014 and 2015, respectively. BUT who knows, NCL may get dibs first? And to my cruise lines who already have vessels with ice rinks on them (RCI, hint hint), y'all can take this to a whole new level. BUMPER CARS ON ICE! Now that's really a "WOW" moment!
    #4: Bungee Jumping...off the Ship
    Now take a deep breath. I know what you're thinking. Some of you may think I'm a little crazy for this suggestion, but I think it would be super cool! In fact, this would be a cool shore excursion for those who aren't interested in doing something in port or for those who've been to their ship's current call before. I think they--whichever cruise line(s) do this--should somehow build a ledge that would go off the ship, sort of like a retractable portion of the deck that is sturdy and can withstand strong winds the top of the vessel experiences and have bungee jumping available for passengers only while the ship is in port, on the side of the vessel opposite to the dock. So who's with me? Huh? Huh? Huh? Any takers willing to sign "those papers" should a cruise line yield a vessel with the human rubber bands? For some reason, my gut says NCL would so be into this one!
    So those are my suggestions for now. I've got 4 more cool ones coming your way next week in part 2's post! Be sure to tell me what you think of my suggestions and check back for more things I'd like to see on the high seas! You're cruisetacular for reading! Until we talk ship next Monday--Shon!
  3. CruiseMan3000
    Hey, y'all! Sorry I missed posting part 2 on Monday. Over the weekend I had a host of events happen. My lovely mother celebrated her birthday but I also lost my pal Zoe. She was truly the sweetest thing walking on four legs and I'll always love and miss her! She was my partner in crime on a few blog posts and she always be!
    I mean what can a single guy say? Zoe was THE best chick-grabbing magnet... I mean woman meeting pal ever! Now what is a guy to do? We had some great times and I'll always remember the great memories we shared! I wish I could have taken you on some cruises with me because I know you would have LOVED it! Thanks for being a sure thing for this crazy, loud and MJ-lovin' dude! Not many women would put up with me like you did! Thanks for also being a fan of Mandisa... and hearing me try to sing and hit those high notes (sorry for making you do that thing with your ears, LOL). Zoe, this blog post is for you!
    Just wanted to let y'all know I didn't forget about you all, but I hope to get that new post up to y'all by next Monday!
    Thanks for following along! You're cruisetacular for reading... as always!
  4. CruiseMan3000
    Carnival Triumph re-entering U.S. waters in Mobile, Alabama.
    Photo Credit: gCaptain
    What happened was truly unfortunate. The conditions on-board I can't even begin to fathom -- from having no air conditioning, to the exposure many had to bodily waste, and having to use bags as lavatories truly could evoke testing times... but let's look put things in perspective. This was an incident that falls back on Carnival Cruise Line 100%, no doubting that. But Carnival handled this like the crisis management pros they are.Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation and Carnival Legend --who also sail Western Caribbean waters-- were dispatched to aid Carnival Triumph with food, supplies and even transportation of passengers with pre-existing medical conditions that needed assistance. They gave everyone their money back, transportation back home and post-cruise hotel arrangements, motor-coach bus service and even additional monetary compensation for this disaster. Did I mention Carnival's CEO Gerry Cahill flew to Mobile, Alabama, boarded Carnival Triumph and personally apologized to the passengers and crew in person, can you say cruise hero? Truly amazing!
    Now Here's My 2 Cents...
    One report I read stated there were about 45 people on-board who had Bible Study and said the encouragement they had in their time with the Lord while stranded at sea, gave them hope that they would return back home just fine. I was so elated to hear of this because as a cruiser who has also been on ships where catastrophes have happened and being a follower of Jesus Christ, I know there's is something special and incomparable that happens between people and God while on the high seas. I've been on ships where engines have stalled, ocean waves have turned violent, passengers have died and had medical emergencies and hurricanes have shown their ugly side. But the one thing I know works and has helped me in my time of peril while at sea, is prayer to and worship of the Lord.

    It may sound crazy to some, but to me it's an innate reaction. Whenever I'd hear that "unknown" noise on a ship, see waves come closer than I was planning, or hear the Captain come over the PA system with a late night announcement, I do just what I was taught growing up -- stop, drop and pray! I've learned in my life that unexpected problems is not the issue, but WE are. Stop hoping for your problems to change and YOU change -- change your perspective, outlook and decide to speak encouraging and positive words over your situation. God set the Isrealites free from Pharaoh and wanted to take them into the promise land He had for them... then they wandered in the wilderness for a whole 40 years. Why? Because their attitude and mindset put them there! God knew their mindset wasn't ready to take on the enemies they'd have to battle for full possession of the Promised Land so instead of leading them the way of 11 days, they kept making donuts in the desert for 40 whole years.
    Now I am in no way saying that the mindset and attitudes of the persons on-board Carnival Triumph caused this incident to happen, but I do think had an optimistic and positive atmosphere been birthed, both on land and at sea, their deliverance could have come sooner than it played out. I'm not negating the harsh conditions aboard the passengers experienced, I'm not suggesting that this cruise was a good one, nor am I saying these people shouldn't be mad with Carnival about what happened. But what if the 45 people who gathered for worship turned into 450 or even all 4,000 people on the ship, standing together in praise and worship; making the best of their conditions and keeping a positive mindset awaiting a miraculous happening. And on the contrary, what if all the sources bad-mouthing Carnival and this cruise turned their hot air into prayer (yes, this includes the media). What could have happened? Could you imagine? Millions gathering in prayer and not pointing their fingers? I could keep going on with this BUT, I'm glad to say it's over, see everyone disembark fine and get back to living life as they know it.

    They're all back safe and sound -- with Triumphant bath robes!
    Photo Credit: NY Daily News
    Some of y'all think what I just said is crazy, "off the deep end" or even unreal. But I do believe that when we band together in courage and faith, hoping for the impossible, God will honor that act. So next time all hell breaks lose instead of getting worked up and looking for someone to blame, begin to pray and trust God to make the impossible possible. For with man, things may look grim, but with God ALL THINGS are possible! Next time you hear of a high seas tragedy, stop bad-mouthing and being a negative Nancey, but start believing the best -- your negativity won't help anything, but your positive thoughts will be infectious and be more beneficial than you'd know. That's my piece and I'm sticking by it. Until we talk ship again--Shon!
  5. CruiseMan3000
    I'M BAAAAAAACK! This past weekend aboard Norwegian Jewel was truly more than I was expecting! I ran into some really cool cruisers and enjoyed every second I spent sailing this Freestyle Cruising vessel for the second time! I am a little exhausted, though. I only saw about 11 hours of sleep in the 4 days around this cruise; and I'm not sure if all the karaoke singing, giving endless cruising advice or screaming in the night club were the causes, but Cruise Man 3000 currently has no voice.... but it was well worth losing! My bff had a blast and more on her 1st cruising experience will be forth-coming!
    There was everything on this ship from a Girl Scout Troop, to 4 bachorlette parties (I showed two of them how to dance), a host of anniversaries, and like me, many birthday celebrations aboard! Once I performed "Beat It" by Michael Jackson the first night, I was always "called out" when spotted around the ship. The Girl Scouts started a chant and many of the other cruisers instantly followed suit. "Go, Shon! Go, Shon! Go, Shon!" was what I heard a lot this past weekend. I even was asked to sign t-shirts as "MJ" crazy, right? I didn't get to hit Bon Jovi's "Living on Prayer" like I was planning, but I did get some other good footage for y'all so keep your eyes peeled for updates on my YouTube Channel! Did I mention I got my cinnamon bun without any tong-fights? I guess my warning has officially been shared with other cruisers? hehe
    I froze my butt off while sailing pass the Statue of Liberty... literally! I'm not sure how this happened, but I didn't pack enough boxers for some reason, so I was cruising a little more "free" than I was planning. Oh and let me fill you in on the NCL-famous White Hot Party! It was truly cruisetacular (as they always are). I was the only person there wearing an official White Hot Party shirt, so everyone thought I worked for NCL which was funny! But I think people took the definition of wear anything WHITE to a whole new level! A woman showed up just in her WHITE bra, one guy wore his WHITE bath robe with dress shoes and silk boxers...nothing else. Oh and let me not forget to tell you about the couple that showed up in their WHITE bed sheets... yeah.
    It was also good to see some of my favorite NCL employees! I saw folks I had on Star, Dawn, Epic and so many other NCL ships working on Jewel -- and that was cool. But it blew my mind how many of them remembered me! One of the social hosts even asked me where my name-tag was (maybe I should just get one made and bring it with me). This weekend I will be sure to post more from the cruise on The Ocean Escape and have plenty of links for y'all next Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and please pray for my city -- Baltimore is a riot all thanks to those Ravens winning last night! I'm happy they won... I just don't want it to look like a earthquake shook this town! Have an amazing week!
  6. CruiseMan3000
    My first cruise of 2013 is nearly 72 hours away! I can smell the sea water, see the ship in my head and envision the cruisetacular adventure that awaits me this weekend aboard Norwegian Jewel! The gitty feelings and excitement seem to never leave me. Ever since my first cruise nearly a decade ago, I still get that pre-cruise rush and words can't describe the euphoria I feel at moment, but I suspect it will only become greater as Friday gets closer and closer.
    This will be my 29th cruise, 12th with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and 2nd on Norwegian Jewel and I believe this time around Norwegian Jewel will even be sweeter. I was blessed to enjoy sailing her inaugural voyage from Miami, Florida in 2005. But I feel this time around, it will be more rewarding. I'm bringing along my best friend from my college years who has never been on a cruise. What better way to break in my 2013 cruising streak than with NCL and my BFF? I think she is a little more excited than I am and you know what... that truly makes my heart leap for joy! It's such a good feeling to be able to bless someone who's never cruised before with what I'm dubbing as one of the most cruisetastic weekends ever!
    I already handed her the run down, "Bring your white for the NCL-famous White Hot Party; have your mouth ready to eat at some amazing restaurants; and don't be shy when it comes to dancing (because you know I'm ready to shake my groove thing)!" Y'all know I love to get my dance on when on the high seas and it's great to have a pal tag along who also shares a love for cuttin' a rug, deck and then some! So the cruise is completely sold out, but I've got a little room for you to tag along! Follow me on Twitter (@CruiseMan3000) for updates live from the ship! I can't wait to share the awesome adventures in store for us this weekend and come back with many more funny high seas stories I know y'all will join me in with many laughs!
    Do you still get excited about your upcoming cruises like it was the first time? Have you brought along cruising-novice friends to sail with you? Did they like it? Are they more addicted to cruising over you? What are your thoughts on sailing a ship more than once? Let's talk ship until I sail-away this weekend! For more coverage on this cruise and my previous voyages, check out my updates on The Ocean Escape by CM3K! See y'all next Monday with my post cruise recap!
  7. CruiseMan3000
    When you cruise, do you normally bring your best friend along? Sometimes? If you can tolerate sharing a cabin with them for the whole cruise? Well, I'm not sure what kind of bff's y'all have, but I've got the world's ultimate best friend... a few of them actually. Yeah, we actually met on the high seas some years ago when I sailed Carnival Miracle from Ft. Lauderdale.
    So, how'd we meet? I'm glad you asked! I was walking around the buffet getting my grub on for a few days, paying nobody any mind. Then, I walked to my room one day to change my clothes after yet another feasting I had on Lido. I roamed through my suitcase to see what I was "in the mood" to wear and came across the perfect outfit for the evening... or so I thought. I go to put it on and um... yeah, it wasn't working. I looked like Cedric the Entertainer trying to squeeze into a Michael Jackson get-up. Translation: I looked a hot funky mess! So I ruffled some more through my clothes and voila! My new cruising bff and I were officially linked by the hip... literally.
    Since my clothing options were getting fewer and fewer, the one sure thing I knew I could put on besides my sun-block was my blue and white pair of swimming trunks! Oh yeah, not only were they my saving grace, but they have these things called elastic waistbands that are perfect for any man having a food bulge in their mid-section. And yes, I spent an entire two days on Carnival Miracle proudly wearing my swimming trunks... my cruising bff!
    Since then, I have become more healthy as many of you may know. I've lost 60 pounds, workout daily (even on cruises), but I still have my cruising bff on standby in my suitcase just in case I need a little more grace while on vacation, hehe. Do you purposely pack elastic clothes while on cruise vacations? If you do, are swimming trunks your #1 choice? Feel free to share your thoughts below! Be sure to check back next week as I share another funny story with you from my high seas adventures!
    Also, let's not forget to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we nationally observe his birthday today. He is the biggest rock-star in my book and truly one of the greatest American ever produced! He lived a life undaunted and had a dream that I'm proud to be a part of. Check out my personal tribute to him on The Ocean Escape.
  8. CruiseMan3000
    Let's go back a few years when I sailed Norwegian Sun from Miami. Great ship. Amazing cruise. It was the morning I was supposed to disembark the vessel and I was a little sad. You know how after you have such a great time on a cruise, you don't want to leave? Yeah, that feeling was hovering over me like a cloud. In fact, another cruise was awaiting me that afternoon.This was the first time I decided to do a back-to-back cruise. You see, as soon as I disembarked Norwegian Sun, I was jumping in my rental car, driving north and boarding Regal Empress for a cruise to the Bahamas from Port Everglades. Very rarely do I remember my hunger pains (because I don't miss a single meal) but I vividly remember this day -- I was incredibly hungry!
    I got up, showered, dressed and made a b-line for the breakfast buffet. Things were going great. I got a table on the patio area, aft of the ship, had a nice a Miami breeze caressing my bald head and Mr. Sun (the real guy, not the ship) was having fun coloring me because I could sense the blackness of my skin getting darker with each minute -- but it was greatly welcomed! So I had my food there, enjoying everything from fruit to pancakes and even a piece of smoked salmon, but I still longed for something "extra." Then I remembered I got a glance of something on the buffet I have been eating ever since I was a child: cinnamon buns. Cinnamon buns are my guilty pleasure and since I was on vacation, I thought I'd indulge in one... or two. Plus, the sun was having too much fun with my skin (I thought I'd give him a break).
    So I got in line at the double-sided buffet, keeping my eyes on the pan that had the cinnamon buns in it. Mentally, I was already downing like two. As I got closer and closer to the pan, I realized the number of cinnamon buns started becoming less and less. I began praying, "Lord, please let me just get one. I just want one." My turn was next! Finally, I'll get to have one! And guess what? There was exactly one cinnamon bun left in the pan! So I grabbed the tongs, situated my plate and then... then... another pair of tongs comes into view. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. From out of nowhere, this older gentlemen, reached across two pans of food and placed his tongs RIGHT ON TOP OF THE ONLY CINNAMON BUN LEFT! Was this really happening?
    I had a decision to make: I could be the good Christian guy my mom raised me to be, or I could be the hungry Black man getting what he wanted at any cost. Well, since my mom wasn't around, and since my stomach started singing loudly, I decided to go for it. I looked at him. He looked at me, then he opened his tongs and clasped them around the cinnamon bun. I thought, "This guy CAN'T be serious, can he?" So I got my tongs and clasped it from the other direction... and began pulling it back. Next thing I know, the cinnamon bun is back in the pan and we keep pushing each other's tongs back. The people in line were laughing and I uttered, "This ain't funny! You don't know the code? Well let me break it down for you: S-T-O-P! You never come between a hungry Black man and his food! Didn't your momma teach you?" After saying that, the laughs reached new heights and I notice a crowd spectating this happening like it was the SuperBowl. Needless to say, I won the tongs battle and the man was so angry, he threw his tongs on the ground. Yeah! Who was hungry now? It wasn't me! But he should have known better not to challenge "Hungry Black Man 3000!"
    So I enjoyed my cinnamon bun, cleaned up my dining area and headed off the ship knowing if another person ever decides to challenge me with tongs on another cruise ship, they'll meet their match... and they better pray I'm not ravenous! So bring it! But seriously, don't you think that guy was rude? Reaching over those pans to get into the cinammon bun pan, then putting HIS tongs on [what was about to be] MY food! The nerve of some people! Good thing I did the Christian thing. Well, until next Monday's post, y'all have a cruisetacular week!
  9. CruiseMan3000
    Hey, everyone! Thanksgiving is coming upon us quickly and boy am I excited! Last year I sailed Carnival Breeze's inaugural sailing from the U.S. and she was truly a blast! I did the untraditional approach with dinner for Thanksgiving last year and ordered... wait for it... wait for it... FRIED ALLIGATOR! Yum-o! Now I know some of y'all just looked at me like I was crazy but hey, when you slab a little hot sauce on it, it tastes just like chicken! It was so in good in fact, I had two orders of it! Any gator eaters in the house? So while everyone was eating turkey on the ship (which I actually am not that big a fan of), I was chowing down on some gator (and I could go for another round this year)!
    Typically, the Ford Family does not do things traditionally. Many of our Thanksgivings have included Papa Johns, seafood spreads and even going out to an all you can eat (or at least try to, haha) Chinese buffets! Once we started incorporating cruising into the mix that's when it got super cool! Ever since the high seas have become holiday home-stays for us, it's just been great! No one complaining about going to "that one's house," no clean up and most importantly, no one has to cook!
    Have you ever spent the high seas with your family and friends for a holiday like Thanksgiving? When planned well in advance, it's honestly the best way - in my cruisetacular opinion of course - to spend special gatherings where family and friends are at the heart. If you've never done it.. DO IT! Doing with your family is honestly the best!
    I want to thank all of those who have served for this country and honor them on this Veteran's Day 2013! A special shout-out to my Grandpa Howard and Uncle Rob (pictured above) for taking to the front lines! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Share the love today, y'all and let the Vets know we love and appreciate them and their families! This country wouldn't be the same without 'em! Y'all have a cruisemazing week and you know what to do... keep cruising and grooving until we talk ship again! Much love--Shon
  10. CruiseMan3000
    Hey, y'all! Happy Thanksgiving! You know today is one of the coolest holidays we celebrate here in the United States. I know many traditions have grown over the years on this iconic day. Many watch the Macy's Day Parade, some may slave over a stove for hours while the bargain shoppers may start plotting when they're going to hit up their favorite retail stores to catch some Black Friday deals. But my understanding of this day is to come together with those we love and begin to think on the things we're thankful for...well at least that's what I thought it was?
    As many did this morning, I got on my social media networks this morning and saw many people wishing each other "Happy Turkey Day!" Now I'm not trying to get too deep here, but have we as a society reduced a day that is supposed to be a day set aside to give thanks to a day where we honor a bird? Really? Please say it ain't so! This ain't no gobble 'til you wobble holiday (even though y'all know The Wobble is my favorite line dance)... I'm just a little lost here...
    There are so many people who would KILL to be in your shoes, have your annoying kids, be with that lazy spouse of yours, drive your trouble-causing car and even sleep in that home of yours with the leaky roof. So many people around the world go without many of the everyday luxuries we're blessed to have. We're in good health, connected to people whom we love and even have access to things like warm homes, shoes and fresh, clean water... but we want to reduce this day-when we could be thankful for the many things I just mentioned-to a elevating a bird above anything else?
    That my friends is what I call an American Tragedy. Let's do a heart and mind check friends and really think about how we name this day when wishing well ones to one another because I'm pretty sure the heart of it does not revolve around a turkey. Happy Thanksgiving (a day of thanks, not turkey), cruise friends and may you always count your many blessings and share hope with those who need it most! Until we talk ship again--Shon!
  11. CruiseMan3000
    And the time has come. Wow. I can't believe it's almost here! So I will be leaving for nearly a month of just fun, fun, fun! Next week I leave Baltimore to hang in Los Angeles and Long Beach for a few days before heading up to San Francisco to catch Grand Princess! I still can't believe I'm getting ready to sail on this 16 escape to Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera... AHHH! Sorry y'all, I can't contain my excitement! It's just come full circle for me. This has been a trip a whole year in the making and now... IT'S FINALLY HERE!
    After the amazing cruise with Princess, I'm planning to rendezvous in Las Vegas for my birthday on January 5th and stay a few nights before returning back to Charm City! Whew! Are you going to follow along and come with me? I would hope so! I'll be posting pictures on my Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr accounts as well as tweeting every moment to ya LIVE from my Twitter Account (@CruiseMan3000). If you're on Twitter, I'll be using the hashtag #CM3KOnGrand for the whole trip with all my pics, so look for the hash to tag along! ? Also, look for some video updates coming to ya from my Youtube Channel! Be sure to like, comment and subscribe!

    And yes, I'll be staying aboard the original Queen Mary in Long Beach before I sail on Grand Princess. How cool is that - a pre-cruise stay on a cruise ship before the actual cruise?! Stay tuned for all of the madness I'll be getting into while out west - I've got many surprises to reveal along the way so be sure to follow along! Well, until we talk ship again, keep cruising and grooving!
  12. CruiseMan3000
    So how'd you get started cruising? Do you remember the ship, line and ports of call you visited? I know I do... just like it was yesterday! I can't believe it has been nearly ten years ago, but I sailed Carnival Imagination to Belize and Key West from Miami, Florida. Oh, and what a cruise it was! The food, people and did I say the food? I was a wee little lad when I first cruised and Imagination would have never been around if my mom didn't take her first cruise the year before. She went with a bunch of her girlfriends and had a blast! But I noticed the strangest thing when she returned.
    Besides the sun burn, loads of sovuneirs for her one and only (yeah, that's me) and the amazing pics she shared, her stories were so mezmorizing. She told me everything! "Shon! They had this... and that. Oh, and one night they did this... and that. You would have really loved it!" I hung onto every word like a good, attentive child (because I never did any wrong, hehe). Then she started going in-depth about the kids programs and I really started having a fit! I was at a lost. I thought she went with a bunch of adults? How did she know so much about Camp Carnival? Was this a set-up? Nonetheless, she REALLY got me going then and I begged and pleaded and prayed and hoped and begged some more until she finally gave in and took me on my first cruise!
    So, mom and I sat down and narrowed our cruise selection to three ships--Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination or Carnival Triumph--and she let ME make the final call (how nice of her, right?)! Well, the rest is history. Now nearly 30 cruises later, I'm still sailing the high seas! From Costa Cruises to NCL and even MSC, I have found that momma truly does know best. So if your mom tells you that a cruise is something you'll love, you better listen because you never know. You may go from vacation lover, to passion sharer, to enjoying an addiction worth living for! Until we talk ship next week--Shon!
    Can't wait a week until my next blog post? Cruise on over to The Ocean Escape which is the other blog I author with cruisetacular goodness! Your ships await!


  13. CruiseMan3000
    So have you heard the cruisemazing news? I am super excited for this week because on Thursday I'm gonna be chatting it up with all about one of my favorite destinations of all time: BERMUDA! Last Tuesday, the secret was no longer and just in case you missed it you can read the official announcement (see it here). Want some inside information on what I plan to talk about? Want to see the questions? Well... I'm not going to give any spoilers, but if want a preview... NAAAAAAAAW, I can't do that!
    BUT I can say I can basically call Bermuda my third home, after any cruise ship of course! I've cruised there twice and have a third planned cruise there in 2014. Honestly, it's like THE premiere summer cruise destination for folks who aren't feeling Canadian, want to fly to Europe or Alaska or are worn out by what's in the Caribbean Sea!

    I'll be sharing links to some of my pictures, videos and so much more coverage I have from the island which is conveniently located east of the Carolinas in the Atlantic Ocean. Want to know what you can do for free? Want to know WHY a ship has to dock there for three whole days? Wonder if the Bermuda triangle rumor is just hype? Want to see the pink sand beaches there in Bermuda?
    Well be sure to sign up for the Cruise Chat session happening this Thursday, June 20, 2013 beginning at 8:00pm. I hope to see all of you there! Let me get my thoughts organized so I'll be ready when we talk Bermuda all night on Thursday! Who's ready? I know I sure am! Join me and the cruisetacular, Bermudian fun! See ya in a few days!

    Participation limited to members only (it's free to join). To access the chat room click the following link:








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