Labadee, Haiti - Tuesday 11 December 2012

Labadee from the boat



The Ship from Labadee

Beautiful weather – well into the 30’s with a nice warm breeze.

Labadee was not what we expected.

This large area of land is leased from the Haitian government to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Co. for 99 years. It is not actually the village Labadee which is located some distance away. Instead we visited a manufactured complex with concrete paths , uniform signage and only tourist events and shopping.  When the ship leaves, the ‘new’ Labadee just closes down.



Lamy, our guide

First up we went on a very gentle historical walking tour.  Although the guide was repetitive and had many homilies, the tour was well worth it.  We learnt many fascinating historical facts including the role of the French, Brits and Spaniards in the ‘colonisation’ of the Caribbean.  This added significant colour to the ‘plastic’ space.

During the tour I checked our tickets for the next event again.  To my horror I realised that instead of the coaster we were booked onto the Dragon’s Flight (zip) line.  Apparently the longest zip line over water (800m) and 170m high.  We decided that it was fate and went along with it.

There are four extreme moments of trepidation. 



• The incredibly bouncy ride up the mountain in the open back trucks
• Sitting down in the harness and bouncing in mid air
• Just before the guide releases the cable – and you’re off
• Hitting the brake hard at the end of the run

Overall however, great fun and we are quite comfortable doing another one.



The Aqua Park

Lunch beckoned and then we thought we’d try the Aqua Park.  Yes I swam.  The water was very warm and welcome after the heat walking around.  The Park consists of numerous inflated climbing toys including slides, a seesaw, trampoline and an edifice named the iceberg.  Some we managed alright, but upper body strength wasn’t enough for some, plus Rebecca’s excuse is that she was sore after the boxing yesterday. 

This is also why I had to carry the backpack.

A short lie on the beach with a Corona followed.



Spot the Corona

Then we did some souvenir shopping, largely avoiding the outside stalls as the vendors are ferocious – calling out to you and trying to coax you into buying by whatever means.

Back to the ship for a much needed shower and a wave to Labadee as we departed port.

A slightly better showing at general trivia, an early tea and then a very poor showing at 70s disco trivia.

I need to note that the food here is superb!  We’ve eaten in the general dining area at night and enjoyed every morsel.  Great service too.  I’m just fascinated by the logistics of how well they can cater to thousands of people so well.

Discovered some cool towel animals when we got back to our room. Decided to have an earlier night and missed the game show.





Cruising Monday 10 December 2012

Oddly it was me that woke late – to the sound of Rebecca knocking on my door at 8am – as agreed.

No time for dilly dallying as we were booked for a boxing lesson!



Melon carving at Windjammers

Rebecca had a quick snack at Windjammers buffet before we went.  Both of us are still feeling jetlagged in that we don’t know when to eat etc.

We arrived early so decided to go for a jog around the boat.  To Rebecca’s disgust I stopped after one lap (1/3 km).  Then inside to play on the impressive gym equipment, before the lesson.

The lesson was good!

Our instructor is called Chris who has has an intriguing accent – however I’m too shy to peer at his pecs where his name badge with nationality resides.  It is clear however that every buffed inch of Chris shrieks personal trainer!



Rebecca was the star of the show with not only Chris impressed, but passers by watching with awe as she launched into it.  It was even suggested that she take up a position as trainer!

Boxing ring

I kept my end up, with the main failing forgetting left from right J

After a super quick shower (even Rebecca) we went to a trivia quiz on Broadway music – and failed badly L.

Trivia bar (Schooners)

Then we booked our Labadee (Haiti) excursions, forsaking the 80km an hour zip line (we were seriously tempted) and choosing instead a walking tour and coaster ride.

We found out that there are a lot of cruisaholics with some people staying for weeks/months on the ships and not even getting off at the ports!

Lunch at Windjammers next and then Rebecca rested (poor thing) while I did yesterday’s blog.  I hope you guys appreciate these as they do take time and wifi dollars!



Rebecca's angry dog cupcake

Genius at work

After that was a cupcake making session (Rebecca’s choice) which was surprisingly (for me) fun.  It turns out that cupcakes are a big thing in the States.  In case you can’t work it out they are meant to be puppies with their tongues hanging out.

I didn’t eat mine...



The next event was a photo- scavenger hunt.  We were in a team of 6 and all of us had to run around the boat and get photos of the whole team with various scenes/objects – hopefully funny ones.  We did well, but we had to be patient given that we were the fastest ones.

View from Trivia bar



I should probably note that it appears contrary to the travel agent advice, Rebecca cannot have alcohol, so I’m now being quasi-good in support.



My masterpiece

We thought we’d book in a spa treatment for me and a hair appointment for Rebecca on the last day (sailing only, no port).  Somehow we ended up having them there and then.

 

Rebecca’s hair looks beautiful as she did, dressed up for the formal evening.  The cruise took formal photos of us, but I regret I don’t have one for the blog.

A lovely meal followed – just the two of us.

Game show theatre

Quick detour afterwards to call our partners and then off to a game show.  Left early as a little tiresome, but still back after 11.



So a relatively busy day – again with lots of walking and stairs.  It’ll be interesting to see what we weigh we get back.











We're Sailing! Sunday 9th December 2012

Well it’s finally happened.  We’ve made it to the ship and are sailing away into the Caribbean.

We both took ages to get to sleep the night before, so the 7am alarm was a bit harsh.  Nevertheless we managed to walk around the resort where we stayed.  The Hyatt Grand Cypress is in the middle of a 1500 acre resort and close to most things theme parked.

It has tennis, golf, jogging tracks, cute squirrels and water sports.  Although you’d have to be careful given the native wildlife!  Very beautiful inside and out, although not worth the short few hours we spent there. 

We do come back in a week’s time.

After some confusion (and me losing Rebecca’s pass onto the boat), we made it on.  Apparently we are now Gold Members and have some privileges.  Next stop Platinum, although it will take time to top one couple we met who were on their 32^nd cruise!

Disney boat

Saw a Carnival cruise liner and a Disney one.  Both look like fun.

Actually being a Kiwi is a great invitation, lots of people have been to NZ and loved or always wante to go there.  It’s a great conversation opener.

My room

Beautiful warm day in Florida (26^oC) although its winter.

Our rooms are a decent size compared to the previous cruises and quite workable.  This time I’m noticing the boat movement more.

We really did a lot today – mainly exploring the boat and its amenities.  I’m still getting lost, lucky I have Rebecca.  Rebecca’s also insisted we climb the stairs on every occasion we get – mainly to burn off the cocktails I suspect.

Cocktails!

Sunset from my balcony

In addition to a couple of cocktails and playing cards, we:

·         Watched sunset from our balcony

·         Had gambling lessons



·         Gambled including Texas Hold’em



Ship Arcade

·         Went to the on-deck Sail Away party

·         Checked out the gym

·         Lined up the shopping we’ll be doing on the last day

Kung Fu Panda

Shrek & Fiona

·         Checked out the Flow-rider surfing

·         Played Bingo (one number away!)

·         Watched the Love & Marriage Game Show

·         Saw the Dreamworks parade



·         Sampled cupcakes

·         Did credibly (2^nd or 3^rd) in a bar quiz – Movie theme music

Flow Rider



Kiddies Water Park

·         Had dinner with an older mother/daughter from Nth Carolina

 

Went to bed after midnight.







A loooong Saturday 8th December 2012

The day started quietly with pottering around and 'aaaarvesting produce from the garden for lunch.  Most notably were the first of Allan's spuds.  Rebecca fed the birds, just in case Allan "forgot".

There's something quite soothing about the domestic routines before going overseas.

Lunch (with Alastair of course) was celebrated in style.

 

 The trip to the airport was uneventful, apart from Rebecca waking up and asking why we were going in the opposite direction to the airport signs - good call!

 The flight to San Francisco was long, tiring and uncomfortable - despite being Premium Economy.  NZ8 was on one of the older planes and amenities weren't as good as more recent flights we've had to Europe..  However, Rebecca did get to watch The Lord of The Rings Trilogy - forsaking sleep.

A big wait at SF airport and we found we weren't entitled o go the airport lounge. So we shopped, ate, drank cocktails and played cards.  So nothing to complain about then!

Orlando airport was obviously the heart of Disney and Harry Potter complete with Micky Mouse footprints.  This is one of many Christmas decorations there.

We finally got to bed in the hotel at 1:30am, making our Saturday40 odd hours long (with the date-line).

Two days to go!

Well, school and work have finished.  I've shopped for clothes and am feeling relatively organised, and even packed most things!

As for Rebecca...

She's taking a more leisurely approach.