Thursday, December 16, 2010 – Miami, FL – 74F – Embarkation Day

Up at 6:30 AM – quiet night – no earplugs – just an occasional jet taking off from MIA.  Our room at the La Quinta Airport East is pretty nice (not a new hotel but it seemed clean).  We had the usual waffle based breakfast and are now waiting for our 10:00 AM shuttle to the Port of Miami.  Three more folks signed up for the shuttle so the ship won’t be empty.

   

In Front of the Luxurious La Quinta

Plane taking off over the hotel

The shuttle picked us up at 10 AM for the 10 minute drive to the Port of Miami.  The Celebrity Century was the only ship there – unusual but expected for a Thursday departure.

 

On the way to the cruise port

We dropped our bags and went to a waiting area for security to open.  I informed the agent that I was the speaker on board and he said we could go through security first (how about that?).  We did and we were literally the first people on the ship.  A few minutes later, the buffet opened and we ate on the back deck.  We sampled a bit of everything – the food was good. 

Next stop:  The Library to check out books for the voyage.

We also checked in with the Maitre D on our dinner seating.  We are in “Flexible Dining” for tonight.  We’ll see how that works out and if we need to be in the regular dining room for the rest of the trip.

We stopped by our room, 4003, to drop our stuff.  It is a passenger cabin with an enormous bathroom and shower, lots of storage, and a large picture window.  In fact, the whole ship looks likes it’s been renovated.

 

At 6:00 PM, we arrive at the Grand Dining Room Flexible Seating desk.  We asked for and got a table for two at the aft windows.  Pretty quiet in that location except for the slight rumbling of the engines.  The menu was essentially the same as the one we had just had on the Equinox but the food was good.

After dinner, I met with Alejandro, the Activities Manager, and Mike, the Cruise Director to go over my two topics and to film a short promo.  I plan to do  “The CSI Phenomenon” and “Cold Cases Solved”.  I usually like to bridge these two with “The Science of CSI” but the cruise is too short.  The other speaker on board is also a Special Interest Speaker, Myrna Goldberger, who will be talking on First Families and Lies and Spies.

The Welcome Aboard show featured many of the acts on board including a guitarist-vocalist (Justin Wade) , a piano-vocalist (Will), aerialists, and an A Cappella Group (Tideflats) .  The Celebrity Theater is very nice but the seats are not tiered enough.  The crowd at the second show was pretty small.

We had a message from Shore Excursions that both of us were escorting tomorrow in Key West.

There is an annoying whistling sound in our room that we want engineering to look at.

Trying to get a good night’s sleep even though the noise penetrates my earplugs.

Triple Caribbean Cruise – December 16 – 29, 2010 – Celebrity Century

Travel Day

Bitter cold in Chicago (low 2F – high 20F) so we are going to Miami for a triple Caribbean cruise (4 – 4 – 5 days) aboard the Celebrity Century.  Our taxi is right on time and – safety first – wouldn’t leave until we had our seat belts on.  A first.

Weather is good today and our aircraft is here for an on-time departure.

This plane has a special paint job supporting the Susan Komen Foundation.

On time departure, a relatively smooth flight, and an early arrival.  The temperature in Miami is in the mid 50s so no complaining there.  Our shuttle is there to take us the La Quinta Airport East and now we are in our comfortable room. 

We are apparently the only two people taking the shuttle to the cruise port tomorrow.  The last time we were here there were several shuttles going to the port – there is only one tomorrow.

November 2, 2010 – London, England -

We slept pretty well – the airport noise was not an issue.

The Breakfast buffet was also very good: Waffles, eggs made to order, breads, pastries.  No unidentifiable British items on the buffet.

We caught the Hoppa Bus to Terminal 5 and checked in.  The agent assured us that our bags would get on our plane.  We arrived at Gate B48 to find our 777 waiting for us.

BA295 (777) ready to go

We had a little time before boarding so we found an internet kiosk and for a 3.0 pounds we purchased a half hour of connect time.  We checked e-mails and wrote the kids again.  They indicated they would pick us up so they got yesterday’s text message.

While we were on the computer, we heard “Last Call for BA295” – they must have called our flight earlier but we did not hear it.  We signed off quickly and made our way to the gate and onto the plane.  The BA 777s are configured differently that the AA 777s – they have two coach sections – 2–5–2 and 3–3-3.  We were supposed to be across the aisles in the second coach section but would up with aisle seats in the center.  A passenger traded seats with us and we sat next to each other.  The good thing was that we were in the bulkhead seats with the only leg room on the plane in coach.

The plane took off about a half hour late but the pilot said he would be able to make up the time – besides we had an unusual tail wind of about 20 mph (going west, planes usually face a head wind). 

I was disappointed that, because of the seat assignments, I couldn’t take any pictures on this flight (or the other BA flight).

We had a very smooth flight – the seat belt sign was off the entire flight.  The service was good – we had a great vegetarian pasta for lunch along with miniature cokes (4 oz – the attendant gave us each three of them).

We landed on time, went through immigration quickly, found our luggage, and got picked up without a problem.

A little crazy with the return flights but a great – although somewhat exhausting – trip overall.

BA295 11:41

Monday, November 1, 2010 – Fiumicino, Italy – 60s - Rain

Rainy, windy, and cold…

Slept so so…

The breakfast at the hotel was OK – cold cereal and milk, croissants, rolls, other sweets.  They did have an automated coffee dispenser so I had a Cappuccino (no decaf), which was very good. 

Our shuttle departed early at 9:10 AM.  Checking our luggage at the airport was very fast and efficient and soon we were at our gate for our flight to Heathrow.  There was no plane at our gate but it was still pretty early.

 

In the Shuttle

The plane arrived about 11:30 AM so it was clear that we would not make our 11:55 AM Departure.  Our flight was to arrive at LHR at about 1:40 PM and our connection to ORD was scheduled for 3:30 PM so – if the flight got turned around quickly -  we had some wiggle room. 

BA549 Airbus A320 arrives at our gate

It was very complicated but we did not get on the plane until about 12:30 PM and did not take off (weather, air traffic control, who knows?) until about 1:45 PM.  Flying time to LHR was 2.5 hours so theoretically (factoring in the time difference), we would miss our connection with AA91.  The flight was smooth – and they did serve us a tasty egg salad sandwich – but we did land about 3:40 PM local time.  AA91, our flight, had departed about 10 minutes earlier. 

We went to the rebooking desk at British Air in a different terminal.  The clerk was very helpful but indicated we had also missed the 4:15 PM non stop flight and there were no other flights out until tomorrow.  She did book us on a British Air Flight (BA295) at 11:45 AM the next morning – she also gave us vouchers for the Renaissance Hotel Heathrow, two dinners, two breakfasts, and two roundtrip shuttle tickets.  Our bags would be held and would be retagged when we checked in tomorrow.  While we wanted to get home, it had gotten so late that staying over gratis was a much better option.

Waiting for the Hoppa Bus (Hotel Shuttle)

We checked into the Renaissance Hotel (a very nice hotel) and got our vouchers. Our room was just a few hundred feet from one of the active runways but the double paned windows made the room pretty quiet.  We texted the kids to let them know our new plans and took a few minutes to relax before getting something to eat.

View from our hotel room of Heathrow

At 6:00 PM, we were the first two customers at Duos Restaurant for Dinner.  It was a very nice buffet, with Salad Bar, Rolls, Pasta, Fish, Side Dishes, and Desserts.  A very good – non-British type – meal.

Waiting for Duos to open

Back to room to rest up.  We are all set for tomorrow.

Sunday, October 31, 2010 – Civitavecchia, Italy – 50s - Rain

Distance traveled from Haifa:  1,330 Nautical Miles

The Equinox has returned to Civitavecchia and our Holy Land Pilgrimage has come to an end.  It is a miserable day in Civitavecchia – rainy and cold. 

The Equinox docked in Civitavecchia

We have transfers to Fiumicino Airport, from which we plan to catch a shuttle to our hotel in the town of Fiumicino.  We also have a late disembarkation at 9:45 AM so we don’t have to rush.  We decided to eat in the Dining Room – much more peaceful there on disembarkation day.  

Finally our bus number is called and we are on our way to the airport.  The ride takes about an hour and the guide on the bus is certain that the Best Western has a shuttle from the airport.

The Ride to Fiumicino – Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance

Based on instructions by agents at the airport, we drag our bags to the shuttle pick up area.  After some time – in pouring rain – I inquire about the shuttle.  As it turns out, the Best Western Shuttle only runs until 10:30 AM on a Sunday (we arrived after that so we would not have been able to use the shuttle anyway).  We ultimately decide to take a cab to the hotel (20 Euros).

The Hotel is OK but it is located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood a few blocks from the beach.  In the summer, this would have been a very nice place to stay.  But on a rainy and cold Sunday (nothing is open), not so much.  The room has a view of the water.

 

View from Room 407 – Best Western Riviera Hotel

We venture out to explore the area – hopefully to find a place to eat later on.  Everything is closed but some restaurants will open again at 7:00 PM.  Food from the ship will serve as lunch.  We did walk to the beach, where the waves were crashing.

Surfs up at Fiumicino Beach

While using the computer in the Hotel Lobby to print our boarding passes, we met a couple that was on the Equinox with us.  They were surprised to see me there (they had attended the lectures).

During our walk earlier, we had checked out the menu at Il Delfino’s Restaurant (just down the street from the hotel) and found the place to be expensive with no pizza.  The couple from the ship told us that the restaurant does serve pizza for dinner.  That would be our dinner destination.  We got there a little after they opened at 7:00 PM.  We ordered a Marguerita and Eggplant Pizza (7.50 Euros) and a regular (no diet available) Coke (2.00 Euros).  The Pizza was enormous and delicious – finished the whole thing.  When the bill came, there was a 5 Euro service charge – we encountered these service charges the last time we were in Rome but had forgotten (some restaurants in Rome attract diners by waiving the service charges).  That’s a generous tip!

Enjoying our Coke

Our lovely and delicious pizza

Back to the hotel after dinner – thought about walking but it was cold and windy and a bit dark.  There were also a lot of dogs in the area.  The Hotel room sounded like our best best.

We had prepaid our bill and set up our shuttle for the Airport for 9:30 AM.

Even though the hotel is pretty full, it is pretty quiet.

Friday - Saturday, October 29 -30, 2010 – At Sea – Mediterranean Sea – 50s – Cloudy – Windy - Clear

October 29, 2010

On our way back to Civitavecchia, Italy.  The ship is hugging the coastline to smooth out the ride.

My talk today - “DNA Testing:  Solving History’s Mysteries”- is at 11:15AM in Equinox Theater.  The turnout is very good with over 270 attendees.  There are usually a few folks for whom this is their first presentation.

After the talk, it is R and R up in the Sky Lounge, which is our new quiet location.  The outside decks are not a possibility due to the windy conditions.  You can feel the chop up on Deck 14 but it is still better than the winds.

Ellen comfy in the Sky Lounge

The Island of Crete in the Distance

Tonight’s show is “Remix”.  We left a little early and caught some of the music around the ship – Peganini and the Callia String Quartet.

October 30, 2010

Warmer today.  The decks are less windy.

Ellen and the Coast of Italy

Top:  Coast of Italy; Bottom: Village on the Coast

My talk today - “Cold Cases Solved” is at 3:00 PM in Celebrity Central.  I get there a bit early at 2:20 PM and about five minutes later about 20 people show up.  They say they want to make sure they get good seats.  At about 2:45 PM, the place is packed and at 3:00 PM, the place is overflowing and people are sitting on the ground.  I start the talk and, as more people continue to pour in, we are told that  we are moving to the Theater.

I quickly grab my computer and power cord and follow the crowd into the Theater.  I get set up quickly; the technical people in the theater tell me that I will need to be done by 4:00 PM so the dancers can complete their rehearsals.  I said that I lost time transferring to the theater but they reiterate the need to finish and I understand.  I get to it and the talk is completed right on time (actually two minutes to spare).  A great round of applause and a few people stand to show their appreciation.  I get everyone with questions to follow me outside so the rehearsals can begin.

The final presentation of the Cruise

While I am in my presentation, Ellen takes a great shot of the Volcanic Island of Stromboli.

Stromboli Volcano

Ellen does her usual great job of packing.  We catch the Farewell show.  Suitcases in the hall by 11:00 PM.

We have late disembarkation (9:45 PM).

A good night sleep would be good.

Thursday, October 28, 2010 – Haifa – 84F - Clear

Another beautiful day in Haifa.  More souvenir hunting today and a search for an Internet Store.  This time we head left off the pier and walk down the main street.  On our walk, we come across an interesting structure called the “Big Mosque”.  Doesn’t look that big but there must be something about it that gave rise to that designation.

 

The Big Mosque

We also get a close up look at the unique building we have been looking at from the ship – the Yehav Bank Building (there is a building just like this one in Montevideo, Uruguay and a much larger version in Dubai).

Yehav Bank Building

A few more blocks and we find some souvenir stores and a Judaica Store.  Several passengers are in the store.  The owners speak very little English so Ellen’s Hebrew pays off.

We also ask around for Wi-Fi and one store we walk into to inquire says that have free Wi-Fi.  They do (even though it isn’t theirs but belongs to someone named Fadi) so we catch up on our communications.  Thanks, Fadi.  The owners of the place are very friendly and don’t bother us at all.  Nice folks.

Only a half day in Haifa so we are able to catch a terrific sail away complete with Israeli submarine.  You don’t see that every day.

 

Haifa Sail Away

 

Israeli Submarine on Maneuvers

I have a talk today after the departure - “Secrets of the Royal Families” at 3:15 PM in Celebrity Central.  I have a great turnout – maybe 250 plus attendees and my Tutankhamen slides come off OK.  Even better, I get finished on time.

After dinner, we take in the “Dancing with the Stars”- Equinox Style show in the Foyer.  The event is hosted by Esperanza.  The dancers were all trying real hard but the women dancing the Salsa was clearly a semi-pro.

 

Dancing with the Stars and Esperanza

Greg Scott is the Headliner tonight and, except for some technical difficulties with his microphone, he puts on another great show.  The shot below shows him accompanied by the Equinox Dancers.

Greg Scott and Dancers

We are at sea for the next two days – time to relax.