My cruise: The good,the bad, the ugly.....

7 years ago

So we finally made it on our first cruise. The verdict is....split. The trip itself had some ups and downs.

First, the flight. SO had never flown before, and was nervous, although he wouldn't admit it. I figured he would enjoy it,and he did. He drives an 18 wheeler and his hobby is building and racing race cars,so i knew he would be fascinated. It was a direct flight, a fairly short one, so that went smoothly.

Well, we paid for transport from the airport to the hotel. We arrive, get our luggage, and i call the shuttle company. She tells me to go to spot A15. I confirm twice, A15. "Yes" she says, " Noone else uses that spot." (i found that odd and unlikely, but i dont travel much...so i figured what do i know.) She tells us the driver will be there in 2 minutes. So we go to spot A15, a bus pulls us, and we get on. I had a bad feeling though. About 20 minutes into the drive, i get a call form the shuttle driver asking where we are. I tell him...."Uh, we are on a bus going somewhere." He then informs me that i am on the way to the cruise port. He said he didnt know why she told me that only they use that spot, and why she told us to go there anyway, and that she was supposed to tell us to wait in baggage claim for him. Apparently the poor man was standing there with a little sign waiting for us after we had already gone. Anyway, we asked the driver of the bus we were on to drop us off at out hotel, which he did, for a large tip (SO always OVERTIPS, so so i)

The hotel was recommended by the travel agent we went through. I looked it up online before we left of course and it looked fine. We get there,i go to check in and set up transport to the cruise ship the next day. That all went smoothly until she pulls out a MAP and draws a line for us to follow to get to our room. I am NOT kidding, i brought this map home to show my mom and sisters how RIDICULOUS it was and they were all GREATLY amused. We followed the friggin map to the other side of the world (it was easily a 15 minute walk) and we arrived at the other side of said world, no room. We finally found a member of staff who told us yes, we were in the right place, just go around the corner, down an alley, and through a door, SERIOUSLY? What are we LEPERS??? The room was tiny and crummy,and $200 a night. But it was only for one night, so i tried to make the best of it. By this point, since i worked the night before,i had been awake over 24 hours, we were both HOT and POed from the unscheduled hiking trip to get to the room, as well as the shuttle mix up, so it wasn't a good start. I went right to bed, and SO snuck out and walked to a local italian place to get us something to eat, having been too disgusted with the hotel to be willing to pay them for the food in the onsite restaurant. (He got me a calzone....it was SOOOOOOO good. A bright spot to the day, bless him)

The cruise itself was fun for the most part. I don't think we are social enough people to really enjoy it to the fullest. We aren't really deck party people. We spent most of our time on the smoking deck, since he refused to even try to quit or even cut back. But it was fine. I enjoyed sitting and looking out at the water, I spent a lot of time in the casino, which was fun for me. When i added up all i fed the slot machines vs. what i won, i came out 3 bucks ahead, so WOOHOO! We didn't get a chance to take in any shows, because we were always so exhausted. We always said we would go to the room and rest, and then get up and go DO something, but we always ended up going to sleep and not waking until the next morning. I felt like a fuddy duddy. But i decided that the point of the trip was to relax, and we did.

The island experiences were mixed.

In the Dominican Republic, we hired a local taxi driver named Carlos to take us around. SO is not really interested in touristy stuff, he wanted to see the real city and how people live there. The driver took us all over, showing us both extreme poverty and wealth, and everything in between. He was very nice and informative. SO was on a mission to get a new outfit, so the guy took us to a store, where SO bought himself a pair of shorts and a shirt, then bought Carlos a pair of $50 pants and a pair of sunglasses. We went to a few other places, and i ended up with a beautiful Larimar heart necklace and some small sculptures that some guy on the beach claimed he hand made. Whether he did or not, doesnt really matter. I really liked them. I will post pictures if I remember when i get home. As is his way, SO paid the guy 50 bucks over what he asked for, in addition the the clothes he bought him. Everyone involved walked away happy.

St. Thomas was not as fun. We ended up on one of those open buses with 20 other people. The guy took us to 3 souvenir stands, and then to a beach where we were expected to pay to even walk on it. We decided to stay on the bus. I was more irritated when he decided to stop us in the middle of nowhere, get out and proceed to lecture us on how hard life on the island is, as well as detailed how much stuff costs there, before reminding us that he wants tips. It was a shame, as the island itself was beautiful. While we were waiting outside the giant stand that is apparently famous for banana daiquiris for our driver to tell us to get back on. a big lizard with a blue face snuck up on SO. I got a pretty good picture of it too. I was amazed at the HUGE beehive that was hanging from one of the coconut trees outside this place. Anyway, i was glad to get back on the ship.

Puerto Rico was fine. Our driver showed us all over, before taking us to an exotic place called a "mall" with such wonders as "Sears" and "JC Penny." SO bought me 3 sundresses in a little shop in old San Juan, which was nice. But the rest of the day back on the ship was a disaster. It was SOs birthday, and when people at the bar on the ship found out, several people bought him shots. That's fine, and very nice of them. However, after he got totally wasted, he proceeded to tell me that he thinks i am screwing some guy that hes been socializing with on the smoking deck, as well a several of his friends and family members back home. Sigh. This, sadly, is not new. He is very insecure and always has been, I don't know why. Maybe the big age difference, maybe his past relationships, i don't really know. His insecurities rarely rear their ugly heads, but when they do, i feel quite helpless, as there is NOTHING i can do to prove a negative. (As if one man isn't enough trouble) I felt even more helpless out in the middle of the friggin water. Anyway, after he ranted at me for awhile,he fell asleep. Of course the next day he was all apologies. But that episode pretty much put a damper on the rest of the trip for me anyway. He didn't drink anymore after that.

The last stop was Grand Turk. It was my least favorite. We got into a tour van with some other people. For what, i don't know. There was absolutely NOTHING to see beyond the beach, IMO. The highlight for me was all the wild donkeys running around. In future, if we ever go again, we will skip that one or stay on the boat if we end up back there.

SO, true to form, complained the whole time about little things, and as soon as we got off the darn thing, told me how much he enjoyed himself. Doofus. He told me that he wants to do it again, and i wouldn't mind going on an Alaskan cruise,or another Caribbean one if we go to different islands. I may plan another one next year or the year after for his birthday again, if he promises not to get drunk again.

All in all, I have decided that i am not a good traveler. When i get to where i am going, i am good, and when i get back to the house, i am better, but all that fiddle faddle in between (the flights, shuttles,hotels, more shuttles,etc.) is annoying. I am glad we went and we did, overall, all things considered, have a good time. I was glad to get home and see my doggies. I missed them a lot. They were happy to see us too. My sister went up there several times a day to check on them, as well as bring them blocks of ice for their water buckets and lots of treats. So they weren't neglected, but i still missed them.

Now we are back to our normal routine. Ho Hum.

Featured Answer

sleeperblues

7 years ago

You should go with girl friends, and leave Eeyore home

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Comments (55)

shopping101
7 years ago
I love your description of your cruise. I could really visualize your experience. Glad you made it home. Sometimes that is the best part of a trip.
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eld6161
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
So sorry that you had difficulty with SO. No more drinking for him!

I'm not a cruise person. I think you have to love the idea of being on a boat. I don't. I've been on two. Basically for DH but I think after the last one, he gotten it out of his system.

I am also not one for traveling around with a group.

Yes, sometimes there are snafus, but the more you travel, the more you are able to trouble shoot.
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share_oh
7 years ago
That was so interesting to read! Thanks for sharing! Glad you had some good times and hopefully they outweighed the bad. : ) Never been on a cruise myself and I've never really wanted to go either. I like to get where I'm going and stay there. I could spend days just hanging out on a beach and snorkeling. Throw in some good food and drinks and it's paradise!
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Elmer J Fudd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The Caribbean is a near and sometimes not too expensive winter escape for many. Like Florida is. But I don't think the region has much to offer besides blue water, many lovely beaches and some diving (for those who do), and warm weather. It's unfortunate how many live in poverty and in ramshackle conditions and that's why some areas are dangerous. Unless the destination is one of the few upscale or well guarded locales, exposure to the unfortunate masses can't be avoided and can make an otherwise pleasant experience somewhat disturbing.

There isn't all that much to see or do in the various places so unless one's objective is to be on a ship without regard to the ports of call, it may not be the best place to take a cruise. Cruises aren't for everyone anyway, that's for sure.

Hopefully you can parse out what worked and didn't work with your male version of Debbie Downer to plan a future trip he'll enjoy more, without the grousing.
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marilyn_c
7 years ago
Wow. I am feeling a lot better about staying home and never going anywhere any more.

Glad you enjoyed the parts you did, and sorry about some of the others.
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tackykat
7 years ago
Good thoughts from all above. You learn a LOT about a person by traveling with them.
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Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
7 years ago
Glad you had enough fun to try it again sometime. Hope you came back to an ant free home. It was ants you had trouble with before you left, wasn’t it?
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bpath
7 years ago
My plan is a barge cruise in Europe or England, where passengers help with the locks and can bicycle around the countryside and catch up with the barge in time for dinner, with the lesd-than-a-dozen passengers. My manifest includes my DH's siblings, a couple of my cousins, maybe our sons and their cousins. Oh, and DH. No beaches, no tours, just good times.
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arkansas girl
7 years ago
OH MAN, I love cruising! I've been on 7 and I cannot think of any one bad experience...maybe I've forgotten but I remember them all being GLORIOUS!
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Elmer J Fudd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
bpathome, unless you're already well-traveled in Europe, I would encourage you to instead spend some time seeing the very important and awe-inspiring sights in a good selection of countries before parking yourself on a river/canal barge.

The two problem are that barges/river boats are very slow and the waterways don't always pass by places that (given a choice) would be high on anyone's list to visit. Why spend a lot of time visiting lower tier attractions? 10 days could give you plenty of time at 2 or 3 major European locations. Or, 150-200 miles of canals through pasture lands in the countryside. Younger people along will be bored and many of the older ones will be too.

Many people i know do a lot of travelling, as we do, and I don't know anyone who's taken a second river cruise after the first one. Maybe that's just the people I know. But be sure to consider seeing the really stunning sights first before parking yourself on something that goes 5 mph.
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User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Well.......I've been to those places, but we were only on the land for a few days, with a live aboard(yacht) dive boat in the middle of the trip. We dove 5 times a day with a crew feeding us home made goodies inbetween dives and a chef preparing meals for us all. We always have a "few" travel stories....but enjoy ourselves immensely!

So......I found your version interesting and I appreciate your sharing your experience. I read it to my DH....he said, "I'm so glad we don't do cruise ships."
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Ali
7 years ago
I know you said you don't take vacations, and I am sorry this one wasn't better for you. If it was me, I would hesitate to plan another trip with a companion that behaves as your SO did. Being treated with such disrespect would have ruined it for me.
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OutsidePlaying
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think your title says it all. Oh boy, you really did have a little of each!

We have only taken one cruise, and I had to convince DH it would be fab, and it was. We went to Alaska a couple of years ago, which he became totally on board with, and really enjoyed it. The main reason, besides being to Alaska, was because it was a smaller ship. After the cruise we drove around Alaska on our own, which was very easy to do and had a very good experience. We have done the same in European countries and in the US. Not a problem at all and we get to see many things we might not otherwise with a tour group. You just have to be brave, do a lot of planning, and be willing to take the road less travelled on occasion. I will also add, DH does not like the beach, so I save those trips for get-always with my girlfriends or DD and I go for a quick trip.

I’m sorry you had some bad experiences, but sometimes it goes with travel to unknown places, and especially to third world countries. Not always but it can be a tourist trap kind of environment for sure.
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Rosie
7 years ago
I'm sorry about the parts that weren't fun, but glad for you about the parts you enjoyed.

We've done one cruise through the Panama Canal and I enjoyed it immensely. The ports were fun, but honestly, I'd be perfectly happy to never leave the ship and just let the crew treat me like a princess. Hubby didn't enjoy it as much as I did, but he's said he'd be happy to take another cruise one of these days so one of these days we will!

If you decide to do another, I hope it turns out to be better and more fun the next time.
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bpath
7 years ago
Elmer, I've spent enough time on European highlights and lowlights, that I'd like a barge float with good books, good friends-family, good books, halfway-decent bikes, and good-enough food! What I don't want is a floating city. There's a reason I added DH as an afterthought: it might be tooooooo sloooooowwww for him, hence the bikes and helping with the locks! He will, however, be indispensible as our air coordinator. He loves to fly and not only has he been in nearly every airport in US, Canada, and Europe (as well as a few in Asia), he remembers every last one of them and can guide the rest of us through.
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yeonassky
7 years ago
Sounds like a bumpy ride. I'm just glad that there were ups. You do the telling so well though!

Yes no drinking for your SO! There would be action if my DH did that to me or others.
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Elmer J Fudd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I just wanted to be sure. It's a long way to go to and an expensive way to have a place to stay in the country. I know no one who's gone for a second time. That includes some adventurous European friends who did a drive it yourself barge on the Canal du Midi. They were bored to tears, as were another couple (experienced travellers) who did the Rhine, as were another (ditto) who did the Danube (Donau to Moni). If you want crickets chirping and stars at night, why not rent a gite or a chalet in the Alps?
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bpath
7 years ago
Elmer, we had two nights in an apartment in the alpine village where years ago, I went for a year of university, swoon sigh. I could have stayed a week, walking, walking, walking...two weeks...but heck, if all I wanted was crickets I'd stay home lol!
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Kathsgrdn
7 years ago
Sounds awful. I've never been on a cruise and the only one I want to do is to Alaska. I'm not a beach person, though, and most seem to go to places with beaches.
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bpath
7 years ago
We considered an Alaskan cruise for our honeymoon years ago, but realized we'd be with retirees. We weren't quite ready for that. (Although now I might feel differently...but as before, DH would go on only "cruise with a purpose" or a very small populsation)
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Chi
7 years ago
We went to Alaska on our honeymoon! It was wonderful. While Alaska cruising does trend towards older demographics, we had plenty of same-age company (30's) and even younger on board. Even a few kids. Such a beautiful place.
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Rusty
7 years ago
Well, your trip does sound "interesting"! You have an enviable way with words, thank you for sharing your experiences.

I've never been on a cruise, either. Nor have I ever had a desire to go on one. I know there are lots and lots of people who do love them, though. But I just plain flat do not enjoy being around crowds! And claustrophobia is another issue with me. I think a cruise ship, no matter how large and how many 'fun' things scheduled, and how few passengers aboard, and how many interesting stops made, would be torturous for me. I want the wide open spaces!

But it sounds like you dealt with the unpleasant aspects quite well, and made the best of some bad situations. Yet you were able to enjoy and see humor in other situations. And you learned, so chances are pretty good that if you take another cruise in the future, you'll be able to avoid the pitfalls of this one. That is good! !

Yes, coming back home is almost always the best part of any vacation! Especially when there is a four footed welcoming committee.

Rusty
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lucillle
7 years ago
Maybe the next vacation might be with some gfs and their puppers to a nice U.S. destination that will make y'all and your dogs feel like royalty, with no aggravations.

I think if you ever wanted to, you could write and sell short stories, you have a talent for telling.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
7 years ago
Upon reflection, this first vacation was a good learning experience for you. One thing for sure is that you seem to have a great attitude about your experiences. I'd expect that your next trip will go a lot more smoothly and that your memories will be great ones.

I'd love to see some pictures, if you have them. Pictures always seem to capture the best times! Did SO take pictures? You didn't mention any great foods that you may have had, either on the ship or while out and about.
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marycharm
7 years ago
I think this is a great pilot for a sitcom! Seriously, I am sorry for your less than terrific experience. I would try a totally different vacation next time. I've done 6 or 7 cruises over the years and Alaska was the best but then it was only a few days because the rest of my Alaska tour experience was via land or air and the cruise was just a small portion of the trip. Maybe that might suit you both better.
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bleusblue2
7 years ago
Thank you for putting your all into writing this. In a few paragraphs you told a great story and it was enjoyable.
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marcopolo5
7 years ago
When you travel often you soon learn that something will not go as planned. Expect it and adjust, don't let it ruin a your whole vacation. We have experienced similar problems with transfers. We were transported from Fort Lauderdale to Miami in a full bus, we were only passengers. That was after 2 hours of trying to get it straightened out. Been through airline slow downs by striking unions, maritime employees striking. If you keep your cool, and be nice. The folks that have to help straighten the mess out will help. Our rule is carry extra money and a credit card that can handle anything. Eliminates alot of stress. Amylou, you might enjoy a Bermuda cruise, a very lovely place to visit.
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marycharm
7 years ago
Oooooh, Bermuda! Personally I wouldn't cruise to Bermuda but I'd fly and stay in one of many lovely smaller hotels that have cottages scattered out and about. Lovely food and accomodations. I haven't been in a long time and we were talking about going again.

I can just imagine Amylou's commentary on learning how to ride a motor bike and driving on the other side of the road through the traffic circles!
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amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Rhizo i will definitely post some pictures when I get a chance. As for the food, I wasn't wowed,either on the ship or on the islands. It was okay though. But,bright side of that,GUESS WHO DIDN'T GAIN A SINGLE POUND ON HER VACAY???? Whoop whoop WHOOP!
amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago

Here's a quick one of the lizard that snuck up on SO.
marycharm
7 years ago
Thanks for the smiles, Amylou :)
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marcopolo5
7 years ago
Marycharm, my suggestion for a Bermuda cruise was based on costs. A stay in Bermuda can be a very costly vacation, not something everyone can do. As for the motorbikes, I think you need to be very brave to consider riding in Hamilton. I have heard there are many injuries daily. I will stick to a taxi. We are leaving on our 12th cruise to Bermuda. Love visiting there
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Chi
7 years ago
We did a cruise from New York to Bermuda. It was absolutely stunning.
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functionthenlook
7 years ago
Either you like cruises or you don't. My husband and I fall into the don't. But we did find an island we loved (St Maarten) on our one and only cruise that we loved and went many times for a week in the winter until the crime got bad on the island. Now go to Aruba. You got me at Larimar. Love the stone. I have several pieces of it. I use to get it years ago when it was a fairly new gem stone from the street vendors before the fine jewelry stores started carrying it.
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marycharm
7 years ago
Chi and Marcopolo - I'm sure you're both spot on and especially about the price. I just wanted to comment because I have had about 8 (trying to remember exactly) Bermuda vacations in small resorts that were all so very special, 2 of those years with our kids and 2 with grandkids as toddlers.

But they were a long time ago - the oldest grand is now 25! I just thought at the time that experiencing the small cottage or hotel and restaurants of Bermuda was very unique and I always had the feeling (right or wrong) that a cruise ship was more generic.

And please, I don't mean any offense, just thinking of a different style...........
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marcopolo5
7 years ago
marycharm, no offense in any way. Your vacation choice is the best. Specially with family present. I like restaurant dining, for us that makes a week in Bermuda very costly adding in housing costs. I prefer a second vacation a year which is more affordable for us.
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amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
Pictures!!!

Dominican Republic:

This is a cathedral we visited.

Driving along the beach with Carlos..

A view from our balcony.

I didnt take a lot of pictures here.

St. Thomas:

Coconut tree outside the banana daiquiri stand. I don't know why I took this,but here it is.

Some views from the guilt trip bus...

Puerto Rico:

Can't remember what this was,and our driver spoke almost no english,so wasn't very informative.
amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
Puerto Rico continued:

A lovely church.

Puerto Rican cat! His picture makes him look a little rough,but his fur didn't look that thin in person. Odd.

Really? I giggle at this,because I'm four.

I loved the cobble streets in old San Juan.

Lovely sight on our way back to the ship.

Ok.....Grand Turk:

I GOT NOTHING. That stop was a waste,IMHO.

And now, for the highlight of MY trip:
amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
I really got a kick out of these little guys. There is a debate ongoing about what the last one is supposed to be.......a frog? Crab? Turtle?

Our cabin steward, Digno, made this for SOs birthday. I was torn between being touched and being slightly worried that perhaps Digno has been out at sea a bit too long....:/ Either way it made me smile.
amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
Oh wait here's one of Grand Turk,taken from our balcony:
Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
7 years ago
Oh my! These towels are worth the trip! Never been on a cruise, are you supposed to use them? I would get some paper towels as to not destroy the art.
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amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
We didn't use them. I would put them on display on the desk in our cabin, and the next day they were swept away and replaced by another,different one.
yeonassky
7 years ago
So cute. The pictures almost make me want to go on a cruise. The last towel looks somewhat like a turtle but also a little like ET to me. :-).
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
7 years ago
Thanks for the pictures! My husband and I laughed at all of the towel sculptures! By the way, that coconut tree outside of the banana daiquiri place is a papaya. ;-)
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amylou321
Original Author
7 years ago
Coconut/Papaya.....To-may-to/To-mah-to.......:o)
eld6161
7 years ago
I always love the towel animals. There is a place we go to in Costa Rica that does them, but they have to be used as they are THE towels for the day.

I've never seen a rabbit and a hat.
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kellyt2
7 years ago
Neat pictures! I think that the last towel animal is a wedding cake with a heart on top.
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Rosie
7 years ago
Oh yes, the towel animals were one of the best parts of our cruise too! Our cabin steward, Alf, left one every night after turning down our bed and tidying up. I put them on our window sill where I had a zoo going and Alf would leave them there until there were too many to fit and then he'd take them away.

I was very disappointed that Alf didn't leave a towel animal on the last night of our cruise. About an hour later, hubby pointed at one of the upper cabinets and said, "Look!" I couldn't believe that it took so long for one of us to notice it!
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functionthenlook
7 years ago
FYI keep an eye on your credit card statements for a little while. Two weeks after we got back from our cruise our credit card company called us asking if we were opening an ebay account in the UK. We live in Pennsylvania! Never have even been to the UK.
amylou321 thanked functionthenlook