Slept late this morning and ate the brunch at the horizon restaurant. We next went for 80 s' trivia. With such a nice day it seemed a shame to not to layout, so that's what we did until it was time for 70's music trivia followed by Harry Potter trivia.
We watched the first half of Aladdin on the deck screen before having the buffet and a round of skippo.
Amber and I retired to the room and Mason and Brenda watched a movie on the deck. We ended the evening with the kids playing in their room, Brenda and I in the casino. And lastly we packed up our carry off luggage.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Thursday, November 28, 2019 - Cozumel
Happy Thanksgiving! Our first Thanksgiving of not doing traditional Thanksgiving. It was an early start. Instead of doing a turkey trot we took a ferry to Playa del Carmen. From there we boarded a bus to Xplore water park.
Xplore was fun! We started off with zip line activities, five zip line stations with the last one ending in a wet lagoon. No time to rest, if we are going to do it all we need to move on. 5 km of ATV fun through winding trails, in caves, over hills and across bridges. A bumpy fun ride.
A quick break of juice and oat cookies before moving on. No time to rest in the hammocks that were summoning me. But instead it's paddle rafting time. The group paired up in twos except for me, odd man out paddled alone. After what seemed like hours, the rafting course finally completed and on to quick and cold 10 minute river swim before lunch.
Lunch was a fabulous buffet which was better than anything provided by the cruise ship. With time running short we filled our bellies and boarded the bus back to the ferry and eventually our boat.
After cleaning off the day, we all met in the dining room for Thanksgiving dinner and enjoyed our tribe. The dinner had all the expected flavors, including both pumpkin and pecan pie. Afterwards we took a group picture.
Brenda and I spent time in the casino while the kids stayed in the room. We met up with Mason later on the deck k to watch "End Game" on the big screen. After the 3 hour movie was complete, so we're we. Back to the room and sleep.
Xplore was fun! We started off with zip line activities, five zip line stations with the last one ending in a wet lagoon. No time to rest, if we are going to do it all we need to move on. 5 km of ATV fun through winding trails, in caves, over hills and across bridges. A bumpy fun ride.
A quick break of juice and oat cookies before moving on. No time to rest in the hammocks that were summoning me. But instead it's paddle rafting time. The group paired up in twos except for me, odd man out paddled alone. After what seemed like hours, the rafting course finally completed and on to quick and cold 10 minute river swim before lunch.
Lunch was a fabulous buffet which was better than anything provided by the cruise ship. With time running short we filled our bellies and boarded the bus back to the ferry and eventually our boat.
After cleaning off the day, we all met in the dining room for Thanksgiving dinner and enjoyed our tribe. The dinner had all the expected flavors, including both pumpkin and pecan pie. Afterwards we took a group picture.
Brenda and I spent time in the casino while the kids stayed in the room. We met up with Mason later on the deck k to watch "End Game" on the big screen. After the 3 hour movie was complete, so we're we. Back to the room and sleep.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - Belize
Woke up up 6am for our Belizian adventure of kayaking and cycling. When it came time to get the kids up both Amber and Mason were running fever and Mimi was not feeling good. Our initial thought was to go without them, but not feeling easy about leaving them behind sick, we skipped out on our excursion. Our day has changed.
We stayed on the boat obviously. We got some coffee at the coffee shop, played some trivia and watched "Yesterday" on the big screen. Had some lunch with the kids then hung out in the room together until dinner time at the buffet.
Out on the deck we watched Captain Marvel then all went to bed.
We stayed on the boat obviously. We got some coffee at the coffee shop, played some trivia and watched "Yesterday" on the big screen. Had some lunch with the kids then hung out in the room together until dinner time at the buffet.
Out on the deck we watched Captain Marvel then all went to bed.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - Honduras
First port of call since the boat left Galveston, Honduras. Our gang got up for early breakfast then met for our respective excursions (Larry and Betty stayed onboard); Zip line and beach for Travis, Taylor, Mason and myself, the girls did beach. After six stations of Zip lines, the longest run deposited us at the beach where we met up with the rest of our party. We had a great time swimming in the lagoon then grabbing some lunch and some sun. We eventually tired and started to retreated to the boat but was halted by the cries of Amber. She had managed to cut her toe open on the concrete path. We eventually got some medical attention and completed the paper work to be on our way.
Everyone cleaned up and had some down time before dinner. Brenda and I strolled through the casino for a bit of pre dinner gambling. It wad finally time to have chow.
Mimi was late to dinner. Mason wasn't feeling well. A magician showed up for a bit of entertainment which pushed our dinner late. I had the Pork spare ribs
After dinner Travis and I went searching for cheesecake but had no luck. We then went shopping but found no deals. We then found Brenda in the casino and had a bit more luck until Travis lost interest and I ran out of money. Leaving Brenda to her luck.
Everyone cleaned up and had some down time before dinner. Brenda and I strolled through the casino for a bit of pre dinner gambling. It wad finally time to have chow.
Mimi was late to dinner. Mason wasn't feeling well. A magician showed up for a bit of entertainment which pushed our dinner late. I had the Pork spare ribs
After dinner Travis and I went searching for cheesecake but had no luck. We then went shopping but found no deals. We then found Brenda in the casino and had a bit more luck until Travis lost interest and I ran out of money. Leaving Brenda to her luck.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Monday November 25 2019 - Sea Day
Brenda wanted to try the table service in the Horizon dining room for breakfast. That's what we did but it was longer to get through the meal than I expected. Afterwards we woke the kids and brought them down to the buffet breakfast.
After everyone was fed, we watched the Level II thrill ride which was a 4D cinematic adventure. Amber and I then waited in the sky rider line for 60 minutes while mom, mason and mimi did putt putt. Although Mimi bailed on putt putt without even taking a swing. When mom and Mason were done with putt putt mason went back to room and Brenda waited on us.
Regrouping back at the room, mason wanted to watch a movie and Amber wanted swim time. Amber and I chose the Tides pool area for swimming, mimi was to meet us but took a while. She finally showed up with Amber's goggles but stayed for only 15 minutes. We did find Travis and Taylor hanging out a few chairs away, so we hung out with them for a while before going back to the room.
Mason and Brenda returned from their movie. We made dinner plans to eat at the buffet then watch the movie on deck; MIB: International.
After everyone was fed, we watched the Level II thrill ride which was a 4D cinematic adventure. Amber and I then waited in the sky rider line for 60 minutes while mom, mason and mimi did putt putt. Although Mimi bailed on putt putt without even taking a swing. When mom and Mason were done with putt putt mason went back to room and Brenda waited on us.
Regrouping back at the room, mason wanted to watch a movie and Amber wanted swim time. Amber and I chose the Tides pool area for swimming, mimi was to meet us but took a while. She finally showed up with Amber's goggles but stayed for only 15 minutes. We did find Travis and Taylor hanging out a few chairs away, so we hung out with them for a while before going back to the room.
Mason and Brenda returned from their movie. We made dinner plans to eat at the buffet then watch the movie on deck; MIB: International.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Sunday November 24 2019 - Sea Day
Excited to see what all is available. With the kids sleeping in, that leaves Travis and I to join the Dodge ball tournament, which we actually arrived late so only got to watch.
Travis and I then tried our luck with the skyriders, after an hour long wait in line. Photographer thought Travis and I were brothers. Haha.
Travis and I then went for snack where we found Brenda stuck at the buffet restaurant. She had breakfast with kids, then lunch with her parents, then lunch. I saved her from the endless food buffet loop and drug her out of there.
After a snack at buffet I took amber to swim (very cold) while mom was in the casino and Mason and Mimi roaming the ship.
The family regrouped at dinner time in the reflections dinning room. I had the lobster. After dinner Betty and Larry called it a night while the rest of us (excluding mason and amber) watched the on board performance, Flic. Of course Mimi left to go things with her friends. After the performance we were all done with the evening.
Travis and I then tried our luck with the skyriders, after an hour long wait in line. Photographer thought Travis and I were brothers. Haha.
Travis and I then went for snack where we found Brenda stuck at the buffet restaurant. She had breakfast with kids, then lunch with her parents, then lunch. I saved her from the endless food buffet loop and drug her out of there.
After a snack at buffet I took amber to swim (very cold) while mom was in the casino and Mason and Mimi roaming the ship.
The family regrouped at dinner time in the reflections dinning room. I had the lobster. After dinner Betty and Larry called it a night while the rest of us (excluding mason and amber) watched the on board performance, Flic. Of course Mimi left to go things with her friends. After the performance we were all done with the evening.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Saturday, November 23, 2019 - Embarkation day!
Very little trouble getting on the boat. We found a place in the buffet dining to gather while the rest of our party made it to the boat.
We all made it to the sail away party in different locations (except Betty and Larry) but eventually united on the deck.
Brenda and I spent the rest of the time prior to dinner trying to get app chat access for amber and Napat. After dinner we were drained and still had to unpack.
Dinner was brisket.
We all made it to the sail away party in different locations (except Betty and Larry) but eventually united on the deck.
Brenda and I spent the rest of the time prior to dinner trying to get app chat access for amber and Napat. After dinner we were drained and still had to unpack.
Dinner was brisket.
Friday, June 14, 2019
London: A Royal Ending
Our final day of adventure in London and it all ends with a Royal bang! First we will watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a stop over at the Royal Carriage Mews, and then a truly British tea party with a twist.
We had read all sorts of articles about viewing the changing of the guards; what time to get there, where to view from, etc. Well none of that seemed to be spot-on. First we read you should get there by at least 10:30am to get a good spot at Victoria's Memorial, our intended viewing area. When we got there at 10am, it was already crowded. In fact, the whole area was already crowded, what time do these people get here?
We did find a spot at Victoria's Memorial and the weather held out well enough. However, the people that lined up against the fence really had the right spot, because the changing of the guards took place inside the gates from what I could tell. Then again, I must reveal the other half of the story.
Amber wasn't feeling all that well, and as luck would have it her and I had to depart right at the time that the guards were coming into view. She was sick and needed water (come to find out later, she had some bad left over chicken nuggets that didn't agree with her).
As we were trying to move from crowded area to open area to warm area with Amber to help her nausea improve, we did manage to capture a few pictures of the ceremony.
We had read all sorts of articles about viewing the changing of the guards; what time to get there, where to view from, etc. Well none of that seemed to be spot-on. First we read you should get there by at least 10:30am to get a good spot at Victoria's Memorial, our intended viewing area. When we got there at 10am, it was already crowded. In fact, the whole area was already crowded, what time do these people get here?
We did find a spot at Victoria's Memorial and the weather held out well enough. However, the people that lined up against the fence really had the right spot, because the changing of the guards took place inside the gates from what I could tell. Then again, I must reveal the other half of the story.
Amber wasn't feeling all that well, and as luck would have it her and I had to depart right at the time that the guards were coming into view. She was sick and needed water (come to find out later, she had some bad left over chicken nuggets that didn't agree with her).
As we were trying to move from crowded area to open area to warm area with Amber to help her nausea improve, we did manage to capture a few pictures of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, back to the rental we went, foregoing the Royal Carriage Mews. We determined at this time that Amber was perhaps suffering from "not enough sleep" so a little nap to see if we could salvage the rest of the day. When we got her home, see threw up her breakfast of left over chicken nuggets and felt fine. A 30 minute nap and we'd wake her to go to the tea party.
Sometimes the kids get to comfy and you have to "dynamite" them out of the house for their own good, today was one of those days. Amber was sick but now better, but just wanted to sleep. Mason, had been on his phone all day and now once home didn't want to leave. Well darn it, we were leaving, not going to spend our last day in London, hanging at the house playing on devices!
Off we went to the Alice and Wonderland Tea Party at the St. James hotel. Brenda wanted to do a traditional tea event while in London, and when she found this one at the St. James, there was no other one that would do.
At any minute we were expecting the Red Queen, the Rabbit, or perhaps even Alice herself to pop around the corner for a meet a greet tea (we are too used to the Disney character meals), but alas, no character greet here. The layout and arrangement was still nicely done.
The food was more than enough and was a nice touch and way to end our Royal day. The remainder of the day was spent taking the tube up to Kings Cross station and to see the Harry Potter 9 3/4 store.
There was quite a long que to get into the Platform 9 3/4, so we decided we really didn't need to visit the inside. Having visited both we were on our way back to our home and a nearby souvenir shop for last minute souvenirs. I think we are all ready to return home where the climate is predictable and we don't have to walk so much and no subways.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
London: Harry Potter Studio Tour
Today is Harry Potter day! We have VIP/Deluxe tour tickets to visit the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford Junction. Getting there involves taking the subway to the train station and taking the train to Watford Junction to hop a bus to the studio. Sounds all very complicated but everything worked out fine.
Gringots
We arrived early than we had scheduled to arrive, our tour didn't start until 12pm, but we arrived at the studio at 10:30, we were able to get an early express train, so zip-pee-do we got there early, but that allowed us to take pictures, do a little shopping and have a snack before the tour started.
With the VIP/Deluxe tour we had a personal guide we shared with 4 other people that gave us exclusive backstage access as well as front of the line privileges, no queuing for us! It also entitled us to a free butter beer!!!!!! ... and free hot lunch, a photo package, souvenir book, free bus ride to train station.
<PHOTO OF PASS>
Our guide took us through the entire studio, telling us little known facts about the props allowing us a closer look and taking us through special access areas. When she was finished with the tour, we would be able to go back through the tour at our pace taking whatever photos we wanted as well as getting the photos included in the photo package and of course collecting our butter beer!! But first, they had our lunch prepared in a special VIP section.
I had a brisket sandwich, Brenda has some meat pie, Mason had the Margarita pizza, and Amber had fish and chips. It was more than enough food and we were plenty full afterwards. It was now time for us to tour on our own.
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| The door to Hogwartz Castle |
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| Our tour guide Hanah, showing us Luna's costumes |
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| Portraits used in the movie were actually portraits of the film cast |
Hogwartz Express
The Back Lot and Outdoor Props
Goblins and Stuff
Diagon Alley
Hogwartz Castle
And the rest...
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| The Leaky Cauldron |
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