Tropical Update - No major storms in sight

Here's my best approximation of a weather forecast for Mariner of the Seas:

Sept 23 - Port Canaveral
High in the high 80s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 40%

Sept 24 - At Sea

High in the high 80s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 40%

Sept 25 - Labadee, Haiti
High in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 26 - Ocho Rios

High in the high 80s and lows in the high 70s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 30%

Sept 27 - Georgetown, Grand Cayman

High in the high 80s and lows in the low 80s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 28 - Cozumel
High in the 90s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 29 - At Sea
High in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 30 - Port Canaveral

High in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

ARE WE THERE YET???

I can't stand it anymore! Two more sleeps till vacation!

Day Spa Menu At A Glance!

For those of you interested in taking advantage of the onboard spa, here is a price list for the Ship Shape Spa on the Mariner of the Seas. The exact prices and available treatments are always subject to change. But there may also be specials or promotions throughout the cruise, especially on days when the ship is in port. Hopefully, this will be a useful guide.

Featured Treatments

Ionithermie Algae Detox - $145

Course of 3 for $330

This powerful body treatment successfully helps to reduce cellulite, firm & tone your skin and detoxify your body. You will lose substantial inches around the buttocks, abdomen, arms or thighs. If you are serious about achieving dramatic, instant results and focusing on a plan to maintain a firm and toned body, this is the treatment you are looking for.

Hydra-Lift Facial - $109

Produces clear, vibrant, smooth looking skin by deep cleansing and reducing stress within the skin cells. Utilizing the latest in European ingredients and techniques, the results are visible after just one treatment. Includes a relaxing face, neck & shoulder massage.

Romance Ritual (Couples Massage package) - $325 per couple

Enjoy a traditional full body Swedish massage together with your partner after delighting in the exotic couples Rasul ceremony - our exquisite private Morrocan mud/steamsuite for two. Great fun, relaxing and romantic! Revive the romance at home with a complimentary sensual bath oil.

Seaweed Massage - $176

The number one massage for lasting relaxation and muscular relief. The detox seaweed mask is followed by a massage on the main tension areas, providing weeks of relief. Excellent for arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms and general body detoxification. Includes a scalp massage and foot massage. 1hr 30 minutes

Hot Stone Massage - $175

A traditional full body massage combined with deep penetrating heat from volcanic stones bathed in oriental oils. This Balinese massage helps release deep muscular tension and is undeniably luxurious. 75 minutes

Absolute Face & Body Ritual - $176

Our most exclusive treatment for relaxation and indulgence from the soles of your feet to the tingling top of your scalp! Experience the bliss of warmed oils poured over your body, a tantalizing complete back-of-body aromatherapy massage followed by our intensive facial, evoking a firm, fresh, youthful glow. 1 hr 45 minutes of total spa heaven.

Lime & Ginger Body Massage - $141

Sublime indulgence from head to toe! Warmed oils drizzled all over your body and a sumptuous mixture massaged into the skin to slough away dryness. After an aromatic shower, we delight you with a Swedish massage of the back, neck and shoulders. 50 minutes (Add $37 and upgrade to a full body massage, 75 minutes).

Couples Rasul Ritual - $83 per couple

Relax and unwind in our exclusive Eastern Rasul Steam made for two. Apply specialized rasul herbal clays and muds to different parts of each others bodies to cleanse, stimulate and detoxify while the romatic steam works its magic. Allow one hour for the full ritual.

Other Treatments

Teeth Whitening - $245

Couples Massage 50 minutes - $242/couple

Full Body Massage 50 minutes - $109

Deep Tissue Massage 50 minutes - $116

Reflexology/Massage Combo 50 minutes - $109

Exotic Manicure - $ 44

Sole Delight Pedicure - $61

10 DAYS!!!

Anne recommended I post my exhaustive research on Cozumel, so here goes:

Last time, we took the ship excursion to Playa Mia Beach, which we liked but didn't love. It was a long drive and crowded with screaming cruise passengers climbing their version of the climbing wall...

Cozumel Insider has an impressive but exhausting chart of all the beaches on the island.

Some choices for this time include:
Paradise Beach:
Nice looking sandy beach, good facilities, no pool that I can tell, but no admission fee, and all you have to do is buy food/drinks to get umbrellas and chairs.

Playa Uvas:
I just found this one, which claims to be the closest to the port. Again, good facilities (looks very new and semi-chichi - very South Beach-y), and they have some interesting all-inclusive packages. For those inclined, the glass bottom kayaks look kind of cool.

Mister Sanchos:
Anne and Robin have been here before, and Anne said they really enjoyed it. Looks like nice facilities and gets good reviews from Cruise Critic members. Plus, it looks like they have big strong guys to carry you around (see above).

I was originally leaning toward Chankanaab, but I saw a photo of the super uncomfortable beach chairs and I think it's off my list. Too bad, because it looks beautiful.

Carlos n' Charlies also has a beach - looks like a huge party atmosphere.

So there you go - imagine the useful things I could have done with all this time!

The Packing Dance!!

Some random items to be sure not to forget….

• Airline tickets


• Set Sail Pass/Cruise Documents


• Passport and second form of ID


• Money and Credit Cards!


• Reading Materials (preferably something fluffy that doesn’t require to much effort)


• Sun glasses and Sun Screen


• Camera and gear


• Extension cord/power strip


• Travel alarm clock


• Small flashlight


• Corkscrew


• Duct tape (you just never know what you might need it for)


• Sewing kit


• Underwear


• Jammies


• Water shoes for climbing the falls


• Bathing suits


• Outfit for two formal nights


• Raincoat or umbrella (to ensure we have no rain)


• Toothbrush and toothpaste


• Inflatable raft


• Long pants and socks (if you want to ice skate they are required)

Some Info on Labadee, Haiti

For those who don't know, Lanadee is the private pennisula in Haiti owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. It's actually pretty big, with a whole slew of beaches and bars. Food on the "island" is free, but naturally you still have to pay for drinks.

SeaTek operates the beach activities which range from paddle boats and kayaks, to jet skis and parasailing. And, the also have what they claim is the longest overwater zip line anyplace. And, of course, there's shopping!

Here's a link to the Google Map of Labadee,

http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/4576/Haiti///Royal_Caribbeans_Labadee

Sail Away Plans

Folks are arriving on sailing day from all directions -- local hotel, Orlando airport, Elaine's house in Vero Beach and Megan's place in Apopka. So meeting up at check-in is going to be a problem. Instead, perhaps we could get together for "Sail Away" - just after the muster drill.

So I am looking for some input on whether folks want to gather at all. And, if so, where would everyone like to meet up. It might be nice to all touch base before dinner -- especially if we need to fix any mix ups with seating and such. So I've come up with several options (but feel free to make other suggestions if you have 'em):

1) My cabin. Nice balcony and no crowds, but also no bartender.
2) Pool bar or Sky Bar. Good access to food and cocktails, but bound to be crowded and noisy.
3) 19th Hole. On deck 14 at the top of the ship. Great view, but it's inside and might be crowded.

Any thoughts, suggestions, etc??

44 Days.....

If you haven't done it already, log in to the Royal Caribbean website and check in online to get you "SetSail Pass". (Naturally, Royal Caribbean had to come up with a cheesy cruise line name!) It only takes a few minutes to complete the forms, but it will speed up your check-in considerably.

First go to http://www.royalcaribbean.com. Go to Before You Board page and choose Online Check In. You'll need your booking ID, and passports and birthdates for all passengers in your cabin. If you like, you can also add credit card info for onboard charges, let them know if you want the queen bed converted to singles, and other onboard preferences. When you are done, you can print out the document and present it at check-in.

The SetSail Pass was not available when we sailed on Jewel of the Seas. But since then it's launch, the check in process at Royal Caribbean is running much more smoothly. You may still have to wait in line for a bit, but the lines are shorter and move much more quickly for those that have checked in online.

Ian Adams Memorial Golf Invitational

I am pleased to announce that the inaugural Ian Adams Memorial Golf Invitational will take place at Mariner Dunes on our final day at sea, Saturday, September 29. The tournament will consist of 9-holes of stroke play on the championship mini-golf course on Deck 13. There is no entrance fee. However, losing competitors will be expected to buy drinks for the champion at the 19th Hole sports bar nearby on Deck 14.

Any takers??

Jamaica Shore Excursion

Dunn's River Falls seems to be the most popular excursion while in port at Ocho Rios. After much research, it seems booking a private tour is the best way to go. First, it is quite a bit less expensive. But more importantly, a private tour operation will ensure that you avoid the crowd that descends on the falls when the cruise ship bus arrives.

If we get enough folks who are interested, we can probably make it a private tour. But either way, we will definitely need to book this kind of thing advance. Tours start as low as $30, and a four and half hour tour that includes a trip the falls, plus a tube ride down the river runs around $50-55 per person.

Here are a couple of tour operators that come highly recommended from a number of cruise and travel bulletin boards.

http://markstours.com/home.html

http://www.peattaylor.com/

http://www.a-zjamaicaplanners.com/orcruise.htm

Airport Transfers - Possible Group Rate

We all seem to be arriving in Florida at different times. And it seems that we all have different plans for getting to the cruise port -- rental car, shuttle or drive and park. But since several of us are flying out of Orlando on Sunday the 30th, the suggestion has been made that we consider booking a van or mini-bus to take our group to the airport. Any one interested??

Sample rates are below:

Orlando International Airport From Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal:
One to Three People - $70
Four People - $80
Five People - $90
Six People - $100

Seven People - $110
Eight People - $120
Nine People - $130
Ten People - $140
11 or More - $12.00 per Person

Final Payments Due July 1st

Just a reminder that final payments are due July 1st, if you booked through Costco or another travel agent. If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean, you have a few extra days (until July 15th.)

Passports – If You Don’t Have One, Apply Today!

For travel by land or sea to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, US citizens are encouraged to travel with a passport (valid or expired). In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus a laminated picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required. PLEASE NOTE: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable, and a voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. In the event that the cruise itinerary changes, or in the event that an emergency requires you to fly home before the end of the cruise, you will need a passport.

DON’T DELAY: February-April is the busiest time of year for Passport Services. In addition, new rules require many people to have passports for almost any travel outside the US by 2008. As a result, processing time is much longer than usual. At present, the National Passport Information Center is estimating a 10 week waiting time for normal processing once your completed application has been accepted.

Mariner Of the Seas Itinerary

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, about 45 minutes east of Orlando International Airport. Kennedy Space Center is close by as is Cocoa Beach, for those that remember the TV classic, I Dream of Jeanie. For those who want to extend their trip the theme parks of Orlando are an easy trip.

Here are some details of the ship's itinerary ...












Ports of Call:

Labadee, Haiti - On the north coast of Hispaniola, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee®, Royal Caribbean's private paradise. This exclusive Royal Caribbean destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities. There is an Aqua Park for kids. And adults can Snorkel, Kayak, Parasail or try out the Waverunners, Water Slide or Powerboats.


Ocho Rios, Jamaica - The town of Ocho Rios is on Jamaica's north coast, and has beautiful white-sand beaches and unbelievable landscapes. Just west of downtown Ocho Rios, is Jamaica's most famous waterfalls - Dunn's River Falls. The cool mountain waters plunge 600 feet to smooth limestone beds, then stream under the roadway before mingling with the turquoise Caribbean Sea. You can climb the falls or swim in the chilly eddies on the ocean side, you're sure to remember this place. There are many shore excursions including a 30-foot, two-seater bamboo raft, a safari-rigged Land Rover tour, a day sail on board a 90-foot yacht, river-tubing safari and, of course, shopping.


George Town, Grand Cayman - Grand Cayman is one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands, featuring turtles, a town called Hell, the beautiful Seven-Mile Beach and astounding enjoying the undersea world. Snorkel with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar, sail aboard a 60-foot racing catamaran, kayak along Seven-Mile Beach, try out a submarine, snorkel around an historic shipwreck or bargain hunt for jewelry, watches and designer boot at duty-free prices at the shops in George Town.



Cozumel, Mexico - Off the coast of Mexico’s Riveria Maya, the waters around Cozumel's sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world. Visit the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm, snorkel or scuba, swim with dolphins, take a Jeep®-safari through the tropical landscape and sand dunes, take in a round of golf, or just relax on the beach. And, the village of San Miguel offer shopping as well as many local bars and restaurants, including the infamous Senor Frogs.





Schedule of port arrival and departure times:

Save The Date - September 23, 2007

The date has been set for Ian's 50th birthday cruise. We'll be sailing on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral, FL on Sunday, September 23, 2007. For more details about the cruise, please visit the cruise line website at www.royalcaribbean.com.


If you are interested in sailing with us, please contact Anne at StauntonAdams@gmail.com.