Up early to see if we could watch the floating bridge open for us. Rats! We're not docked there. We're a bit farther away from the interesting stuff. When you're docked in the inner harbor, you can watch the bridge open and close and you have the world famous view across the way. Oh well, maybe we'll notice different things this time.
Walked into town (turns out we went the long way), checked out the shops—Carolyn was looking for hand lotion—sat and had a Coke on the plaza and saw several of our Cruise Critic friends. Despite my vow to buy no more magnets since I already have a Curaçao magnet, we found one with the famous view of the buildings, so just had to have that.
We were on the floating bridge when it opened up partially to let one of the tourist boats through. Think we were on the bridge last year when it opened as well. Luckily it did not open all the way, because that can take a while.
Found a faster way back to the ship through the old fort. Climbed a bunch of steps to get to the top of the wall of the fort to explore the scene and then found a tunnel through the wall to get us back to the shopping center and thus on the path to the ship where we were greeted by Celebrity's famous iced towels—which are VERY refreshing after a hot, sweaty day ashore.
Had a late lunch and then just relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. As we were getting ready for dinner, we heard a ship whistle—turns out Celebrity's old Horizon which has been transferred to RCI's subsidiary, Pulmantur, was leaving the harbor, so we got some good pictures. You can still see the X on the funnel. That old ship had no balconies, so of course is not popular with today's cruisers.
Another good dinner minus two of our tablemates who had gone to a specialty restaurant for dinner. I went for a walk to try to work off some of the dinner and then we had an early night.
Thursday, December 8
Up for breakfast with the usual suspects. Lots and lots of things going on today, will probably skip some that we are invited to. This is vacation, don't like to be running from one activity to another.
Some jewelry outfit was giving away lanyards with a key, one of which was supposed to unlock a treasure chest with some necklace. Carolyn had hers. I didn't care about the key or the necklace, but coveted the lanyard because it had a swivel clip on the end. Went down and managed to snag one. Gave my key to Carolyn.
Had the group slot pull at 11:00. I was tied for the jackpot with one of the other guys, so I ended up getting my $10 back. Not a bad return for some fun on the slot machines.
Went down to the stores to see how Carolyn was doing with our keys. No luck for her, but I snagged another lanyard!
Next up was a bridge tour. I've been before, but didn't take my camera because I thought photography wouldn't be allowed. This time I took my camera and got a picture of me driving the ship. We all agreed the second officer conducting the tour was a hunk. He wanted a Woo Hoo pin, so I told him I would leave one for him at guest relations since you can't just stroll on to the bridge uninvited.
Finally got to play some Sequence. Peggie & I beat Beth & Carolyn 2-0.
Actually made it to the Elite cocktail party tonight for the first time. Our tablemates have been bugging us because we don't come. Had a good time. They have their waiter trained and when they arrive, their drinks are already waiting for them.
Another good dinner and then we decided to go to the Gelato Happy Hour. Supposedly 2 for 1. He charged us all full price. Actually their pricing is strange: one scoop for $3 or two scoops for $3. Huh? While we were sitting there having our gelato, our new best friend, Jamie the hotel director stopped by to chat. We inquired as to the happy hour. He decided it was a marketing ploy to get us to try the gelato and we told him it worked! He had the guest relations director with him so they decided to stroll over to the gelato cafe and see what the deal was. We also gave them Woo Hoo pins. Jamie is always around and smiling and talking to everyone and it never hurts to have the guest relations director in your corner!
Went and listed to the guitar player at the aft bar for a while and then strolled the deck to admire the full moon. The weather has been very pleasant.
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