March 2013 Spring Vacation: Day II
Hello beautiful blogger verse :) hope you all slept lovely or at least had a great day. Hope you got a nice comforting beverage next to you I know I do ;) sit back enjoy and relax another Vacation blog post by moi March 2013
Monday, March 4th, 2013~ Day2: Departing yet again, Carnival Victory Cruise begins
Waking up in Miami that morning felt so unreal, even though I was all the way in sunny Florida a part of me felt like I never really left YYC. Also even though it was only a fraction of two hours ahead, silly enough to say it took a while for my body to adjust. That morning was hard to wake up to at my uncles house. I woke up at 6 or 7ish am, back home that would only be 3 or 4ish in the early morning so you can sorta get my situation (always makes me wonder how the heck my babe A manage to beat jet lag when she vacationed in Germany). So incredibly sweet of my uncle and his mom (technically she's my mom's aunt and my grandmothers sister so I guess to me she is my grand- aunt. Correct me if I'm wrong but I just call her my "Auntie").
They both were so sweet and gracious to open their cute little apartment to us they woke up I think an hour ahead just to cook a wonderful breakfast feast for us. Thats what I call great hostess and a very generous family. I remember waking up looking like shizz at least I brushed my teeth before breakfast (I know that sounded so dudely but if you know me I'm a lazy turd super low maintenance or call it lazy even in the morning definitely not a morning gal).
After a very delicious early morning breakfast, my family aka bro and mama bear as well as I wanted to do a little pre shopping before we had to depart for our Carnival Victory cruise. That was departing a 3pm in the afternoon but of course we had to be there 2 hours before departure. I had a few very specific important items to buy like one for instance heels since the only heels I brought broke back in TO that plus I was desperate to find running shoes. I purposely didn't pack those because I honestly took a gamble hoping to buy a pair of runners while in MIA. Luckily I did bought vibrums (those new footsie runners) they are honestly perfect to wear and bring when traveling.
After a morning of a little pre shopping and a mini Miami sight see, it was about 12:30ish and since the drive to port (where all the cruises are ready to depart or return) was about 30-45min to get there from where we were we had to hit the road asap in order to make it on time. It was actually pretty cool passing by downtown Miami got to see the after math of a car that crashed badly into a store (No clue how that happens during the day hope the driver isn't a day drinker), got to see a few street beggars, drunks, and the court where the oh so famous Miami Heat play basketball in. You could actually see the fancy smancy vehicles owned by the players, coaches, team tightly secured behind this tight metal spiked fence. Totally bet it is an electric fence as well. Guess thats why they make the big BUCKS!!! BACON!!!
Photo: This picture is a jumble of pretty much what my morning was like that day, definitely favorite shopping store while in the States hands down is Ross, I'm a big fan of deals and bargains ;)
Memorable accident moment: I'm not sure you can tell by the picture (my half face hair picture) but that morning I accidentally spilt my mom's expensive Organic Argon oil that smashed on the floor back at my uncles place. But since that lish was soo expensive right when the bottle broke and the oil was leaking through my mom didn't want to waste it neither did I, so I remember me and my mom scooping as much oil in our hands just to spread it all over our body that needed moisturizing or even rubbing it on the ends of our hair cause its great for split and damaged ends plus it adds a nice shine and gloss to the hair. Boy! they were not kidding usually you would only put 2-3 drops of oil in your hair but due to the oil spill me and mom over did it. Which was the result of extremely oily and wet looking hair. I felt icky and gross having super oily hair even though I just showered that morning. Not bueno
Photo: This is a horrible shot but that white scoop roof building is where the famous Miami Heat play BBall like Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade aka fans call the "Dream Team" when they won the NBA championship in 2012.
Photo: Again crappy shot cause this was on the highway but you can sort of see port, where all the cruise ships are ready to depart or return.
Photo: These a just a few shots of the Family and me super stoked to be hoping onto the humongous Cruise ship, we definitely don't see big ships like this back in YYC.
Photo: surprise random photo they took of us before we stepped foot onto the Cruise. You can probably tell I did not expect for any pictures, damn you oily hair. T.T
Photo: So excited and stoked to check out our cabin/suite/room, but since we arrive early and departure wasn't until 3 they sent arriving guests to the Lido deck 9 aka "The Buffet" for lunch :) They greeted us with these specialty welcome day drinks half off apparently but we did have to pay for them... Alcohol. It was a tad strong if your not into the taste of alcohol but still pretty good.
Photo: Finally after Lunch we were able to head to our Cabin/ suite and get settled in. Our home for the next 5 days and 6 nights.
Photo: Totally Cam whored this entire trip just moi enjoying the beautiful view of Miami and the Sun before we depart.
Photo: Mama bear and I cam whoring as always :)
Photo: Spectacular View of a mini Island I'd call it slightly but not too far away from Miami. Apparently these buildings you see are super expensive and I guess this is the wealthy rich little island away from Miami rowdiness. But close enough to travel by Ferri it has it's own private beach behind these Apartment comlex... Rich life.
Photo: I felt like Rose searching for my Jack sticking my head out of our Balcony haha just kidding sooo cheesey
Photo: Ocean View from our Balcony, honestly never got tired of this. Loves the sound of the waves and pure peacefulness no city banter. (Totally just sounded like a crabby older person)
Photo: Ahhh yes gotta have my drink in one hand and Miami behind perfecto!!
So After we got settled into our Cabin we certainly did not want to waste any time. Knowing time on the ship was precious. Like any first timer cruisers and tourist we toured the ship. And believe me when I say 5 days and 6 nights on the ship I swear it's super easy to get lost real quick and real fast. Think some dude even said it's like a floating hotel or a City floating on water. One word the ship was BIG!!!
Photo: So here are a jumble of pics of us touring around the highest deck or so we thought. Actually funny story while we were touring we were trying to look for the gym and track field. Not until day 4 we realize the blue strip we visited day 1 was the track field. We've been passing it this whole time plus. It was tiny but hey what can you expect on a cruise.
Photo: Of course it's a must to do a jumping pic while on vacation. You can tell by the jumps who in my family was more into it. Hmmm we totally should have done Vadering... Next time ;)
Photo: Ok Totally goofing off and like the good ball I am, I guess I'm trying to cat walk. Yupp total fail and dorky, highest deck FYI
Photo: Mama Bear and Bro yupp that big ace thing behind them is the top of the Boat Carnival Cruise famous whale tail I think or dolphin Tail. Huge!
Photo: Awwwkward Selfie ya gotta love dem. (Ha! Told ya! You can soo see how oily my hair was that day gross.... Looks wet but it was sleeky and oily again damn you oil spill. >.<
Photo: Bro and I chilling by the elevators and sea themed hallways of the ship not sure if that made sense, hopefully you get my drift.
Now if you know what I mean how easy it is to get lost in the cruise, most if not all of every single deck has exactly the same decor and all (Oceaned themed). So you can somewhat see my dilemma how easy it is to get lost.
Photo: Back at our Cabin just enjoying our balcony definitely worth thee extra $$
Cruise advice: Pay the extra $$ Mooola for a Balcony because trust me it is worth it my dear. Believe me!
Photo: oh just Chilling underneath Nikko's bunk is a couch and table, mind you it's gonna be a little tiny considering your on a cruise. For sleeping arrangement I think out Cabin could sleep 4 comfortably, the couch turned into a bed. Above was a bunk Bro's bunk bed and below main grounds was me and Mama bears bed individual Twin beds. Mine was closest to the window loved waking up to the sun and ocean view every morning while cruising.
Since we woke up so early and everything was going at such in a fast pace plan after plan we all were to tired we ended up taking an afternoon nap the first day. Hey it's vacation I seriously needed to catch some zzzzz.....
The first day we honestly had no clue about the whole fine dinning ideal we were almost late too. Thank goodness for our deck Man (don't no the proper name for the dude in charged of the entire deck, the peoples needs and wants). Well he was such a sweet man named "Eika" not sure if I spelt his name right but I swear at first I thought he was Filipino. Like myself but who would have thunk it, he was actually Indonesian. But thanks to him for reminding us about dinner we would have never known about fine Dining every night we thought we were just gonna hit up the 24 hr Buffet. So glad we listened to him :)
Fine Dining since ours was the late seating at 8pm it was held at the Pacific Dinning room I believe Deck 6. It was so classy of course no jeans and flip flops lovely classy attire must be worn.
The fine dining was honestly like a fancy restaurant menus handed to you, waiters taking your napkin and placing them on your lap only for the ladies of course. What was really cool the Menu had two sides the left side was the same menu always and the right side was the Menu that's always changing. Plus it was always convent like any restaurant the menu selection were split between Appetizers and entrées. Each person got to choose one Appetizer and entree plus they do bring extras if your really a hungry bear.
Probably my favourite section always on the menu was the "Didja" (means different, unique) so a Didja is a specialty item the chef adds to the menu and changes it everyday, so a dish or food you wouldn't usually ever eat or try on a regular basis. From really exotic meats.. For say
Photo: So night one, fine dining I decided to be adventurous and try the Didja I ordered Escargot poached in a rich butter sauce, served with a Parmesan crustini.
To be honest I did not dig it oh gosh, I could not get the fact it was snail in my head to enjoy eating it plus the texture and taste was hard to forget tasted sort of like liver but silkier kinda gross I know. But I'm so glad I took the risk and tasted and finished it because to be honest when in my life am I gonna order Escargot at a fancy restaurant. Probably not in a long time.... Maybe never... But so glad I got the opportunity too on this vacation. Try new things!!
So most of the fine dine food pictures are pictures my bro ate and took. Dummy me didn't food porn much while fine dinning. Was too busy chatting a storm up with our fine dine mates. :) friendly.
Photo: So for entree fine dine night one bro had a simple tender cut of beef drizzle with a thin gravy made from the beef succulent drippings, sides steams potatoes and carrots garnished with an Asparagus spear. I think had fish Tilapia night one. :)
Photo: yes I did, so this is what I ate night one on the cruise fine dine. Think this was seared Tilapia fillet topped with a cherry tomato compote, side of sautéed carrots and a cute little dish of rich gourmet style Mac n' cheese. Delish! Gourmet meets comfort food. Mmm
Photo: Save the best for last, definitely a sweet tooth gal but this was bro's dessert think this was a decadent molten chocolate lava cake with whipping cream served on the side garnished with a chocolate shards powdered with icing sugar. Mmm
Photo: As well for myself and the very few fine dine food porn pictures I took a pictures of. Night one fine dine dessert I treated myself to a rich silky gourmet chocolate Black Forest cake layered with whole sweet cherries in the centre. Mmm decadent ^.^
Saving the worst picture of the day for last, taken at dinner (can't you tell we just woke up, was so grossed out cause of my hair just did a fast top knot for fine dine night UNO) to cap off Day 2 night one Cruise edition of March 2013 Spring Vacation tell- all blog post. Hope you didn't fall asleep while readying my endless blog Vacay teheh til next post my darlings xox sleep sweet ~msneeannm ❤❤❤
Monday, March 4th, 2013~ Day2: Departing yet again, Carnival Victory Cruise begins
Waking up in Miami that morning felt so unreal, even though I was all the way in sunny Florida a part of me felt like I never really left YYC. Also even though it was only a fraction of two hours ahead, silly enough to say it took a while for my body to adjust. That morning was hard to wake up to at my uncles house. I woke up at 6 or 7ish am, back home that would only be 3 or 4ish in the early morning so you can sorta get my situation (always makes me wonder how the heck my babe A manage to beat jet lag when she vacationed in Germany). So incredibly sweet of my uncle and his mom (technically she's my mom's aunt and my grandmothers sister so I guess to me she is my grand- aunt. Correct me if I'm wrong but I just call her my "Auntie").
They both were so sweet and gracious to open their cute little apartment to us they woke up I think an hour ahead just to cook a wonderful breakfast feast for us. Thats what I call great hostess and a very generous family. I remember waking up looking like shizz at least I brushed my teeth before breakfast (I know that sounded so dudely but if you know me I'm a lazy turd super low maintenance or call it lazy even in the morning definitely not a morning gal).
After a very delicious early morning breakfast, my family aka bro and mama bear as well as I wanted to do a little pre shopping before we had to depart for our Carnival Victory cruise. That was departing a 3pm in the afternoon but of course we had to be there 2 hours before departure. I had a few very specific important items to buy like one for instance heels since the only heels I brought broke back in TO that plus I was desperate to find running shoes. I purposely didn't pack those because I honestly took a gamble hoping to buy a pair of runners while in MIA. Luckily I did bought vibrums (those new footsie runners) they are honestly perfect to wear and bring when traveling.
After a morning of a little pre shopping and a mini Miami sight see, it was about 12:30ish and since the drive to port (where all the cruises are ready to depart or return) was about 30-45min to get there from where we were we had to hit the road asap in order to make it on time. It was actually pretty cool passing by downtown Miami got to see the after math of a car that crashed badly into a store (No clue how that happens during the day hope the driver isn't a day drinker), got to see a few street beggars, drunks, and the court where the oh so famous Miami Heat play basketball in. You could actually see the fancy smancy vehicles owned by the players, coaches, team tightly secured behind this tight metal spiked fence. Totally bet it is an electric fence as well. Guess thats why they make the big BUCKS!!! BACON!!!
Photo: This picture is a jumble of pretty much what my morning was like that day, definitely favorite shopping store while in the States hands down is Ross, I'm a big fan of deals and bargains ;)
Memorable accident moment: I'm not sure you can tell by the picture (my half face hair picture) but that morning I accidentally spilt my mom's expensive Organic Argon oil that smashed on the floor back at my uncles place. But since that lish was soo expensive right when the bottle broke and the oil was leaking through my mom didn't want to waste it neither did I, so I remember me and my mom scooping as much oil in our hands just to spread it all over our body that needed moisturizing or even rubbing it on the ends of our hair cause its great for split and damaged ends plus it adds a nice shine and gloss to the hair. Boy! they were not kidding usually you would only put 2-3 drops of oil in your hair but due to the oil spill me and mom over did it. Which was the result of extremely oily and wet looking hair. I felt icky and gross having super oily hair even though I just showered that morning. Not bueno
Photo: This is a horrible shot but that white scoop roof building is where the famous Miami Heat play BBall like Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade aka fans call the "Dream Team" when they won the NBA championship in 2012.
Photo: Again crappy shot cause this was on the highway but you can sort of see port, where all the cruise ships are ready to depart or return.
Photo: These a just a few shots of the Family and me super stoked to be hoping onto the humongous Cruise ship, we definitely don't see big ships like this back in YYC.
Photo: surprise random photo they took of us before we stepped foot onto the Cruise. You can probably tell I did not expect for any pictures, damn you oily hair. T.T
Photo: So excited and stoked to check out our cabin/suite/room, but since we arrive early and departure wasn't until 3 they sent arriving guests to the Lido deck 9 aka "The Buffet" for lunch :) They greeted us with these specialty welcome day drinks half off apparently but we did have to pay for them... Alcohol. It was a tad strong if your not into the taste of alcohol but still pretty good.
Photo: Finally after Lunch we were able to head to our Cabin/ suite and get settled in. Our home for the next 5 days and 6 nights.
Photo: Totally Cam whored this entire trip just moi enjoying the beautiful view of Miami and the Sun before we depart.
Photo: Mama bear and I cam whoring as always :)
Photo: Spectacular View of a mini Island I'd call it slightly but not too far away from Miami. Apparently these buildings you see are super expensive and I guess this is the wealthy rich little island away from Miami rowdiness. But close enough to travel by Ferri it has it's own private beach behind these Apartment comlex... Rich life.
Photo: I felt like Rose searching for my Jack sticking my head out of our Balcony haha just kidding sooo cheesey
Photo: Ocean View from our Balcony, honestly never got tired of this. Loves the sound of the waves and pure peacefulness no city banter. (Totally just sounded like a crabby older person)
Photo: Ahhh yes gotta have my drink in one hand and Miami behind perfecto!!
So After we got settled into our Cabin we certainly did not want to waste any time. Knowing time on the ship was precious. Like any first timer cruisers and tourist we toured the ship. And believe me when I say 5 days and 6 nights on the ship I swear it's super easy to get lost real quick and real fast. Think some dude even said it's like a floating hotel or a City floating on water. One word the ship was BIG!!!
Photo: So here are a jumble of pics of us touring around the highest deck or so we thought. Actually funny story while we were touring we were trying to look for the gym and track field. Not until day 4 we realize the blue strip we visited day 1 was the track field. We've been passing it this whole time plus. It was tiny but hey what can you expect on a cruise.
Photo: Of course it's a must to do a jumping pic while on vacation. You can tell by the jumps who in my family was more into it. Hmmm we totally should have done Vadering... Next time ;)
Photo: Ok Totally goofing off and like the good ball I am, I guess I'm trying to cat walk. Yupp total fail and dorky, highest deck FYI
Photo: Mama Bear and Bro yupp that big ace thing behind them is the top of the Boat Carnival Cruise famous whale tail I think or dolphin Tail. Huge!
Photo: Awwwkward Selfie ya gotta love dem. (Ha! Told ya! You can soo see how oily my hair was that day gross.... Looks wet but it was sleeky and oily again damn you oil spill. >.<
Photo: Bro and I chilling by the elevators and sea themed hallways of the ship not sure if that made sense, hopefully you get my drift.
Now if you know what I mean how easy it is to get lost in the cruise, most if not all of every single deck has exactly the same decor and all (Oceaned themed). So you can somewhat see my dilemma how easy it is to get lost.
Photo: Back at our Cabin just enjoying our balcony definitely worth thee extra $$
Cruise advice: Pay the extra $$ Mooola for a Balcony because trust me it is worth it my dear. Believe me!
Photo: oh just Chilling underneath Nikko's bunk is a couch and table, mind you it's gonna be a little tiny considering your on a cruise. For sleeping arrangement I think out Cabin could sleep 4 comfortably, the couch turned into a bed. Above was a bunk Bro's bunk bed and below main grounds was me and Mama bears bed individual Twin beds. Mine was closest to the window loved waking up to the sun and ocean view every morning while cruising.
Since we woke up so early and everything was going at such in a fast pace plan after plan we all were to tired we ended up taking an afternoon nap the first day. Hey it's vacation I seriously needed to catch some zzzzz.....
The first day we honestly had no clue about the whole fine dinning ideal we were almost late too. Thank goodness for our deck Man (don't no the proper name for the dude in charged of the entire deck, the peoples needs and wants). Well he was such a sweet man named "Eika" not sure if I spelt his name right but I swear at first I thought he was Filipino. Like myself but who would have thunk it, he was actually Indonesian. But thanks to him for reminding us about dinner we would have never known about fine Dining every night we thought we were just gonna hit up the 24 hr Buffet. So glad we listened to him :)
Fine Dining since ours was the late seating at 8pm it was held at the Pacific Dinning room I believe Deck 6. It was so classy of course no jeans and flip flops lovely classy attire must be worn.
The fine dining was honestly like a fancy restaurant menus handed to you, waiters taking your napkin and placing them on your lap only for the ladies of course. What was really cool the Menu had two sides the left side was the same menu always and the right side was the Menu that's always changing. Plus it was always convent like any restaurant the menu selection were split between Appetizers and entrées. Each person got to choose one Appetizer and entree plus they do bring extras if your really a hungry bear.
Probably my favourite section always on the menu was the "Didja" (means different, unique) so a Didja is a specialty item the chef adds to the menu and changes it everyday, so a dish or food you wouldn't usually ever eat or try on a regular basis. From really exotic meats.. For say
Photo: So night one, fine dining I decided to be adventurous and try the Didja I ordered Escargot poached in a rich butter sauce, served with a Parmesan crustini.
To be honest I did not dig it oh gosh, I could not get the fact it was snail in my head to enjoy eating it plus the texture and taste was hard to forget tasted sort of like liver but silkier kinda gross I know. But I'm so glad I took the risk and tasted and finished it because to be honest when in my life am I gonna order Escargot at a fancy restaurant. Probably not in a long time.... Maybe never... But so glad I got the opportunity too on this vacation. Try new things!!
So most of the fine dine food pictures are pictures my bro ate and took. Dummy me didn't food porn much while fine dinning. Was too busy chatting a storm up with our fine dine mates. :) friendly.
Photo: So for entree fine dine night one bro had a simple tender cut of beef drizzle with a thin gravy made from the beef succulent drippings, sides steams potatoes and carrots garnished with an Asparagus spear. I think had fish Tilapia night one. :)
Photo: yes I did, so this is what I ate night one on the cruise fine dine. Think this was seared Tilapia fillet topped with a cherry tomato compote, side of sautéed carrots and a cute little dish of rich gourmet style Mac n' cheese. Delish! Gourmet meets comfort food. Mmm
Photo: Save the best for last, definitely a sweet tooth gal but this was bro's dessert think this was a decadent molten chocolate lava cake with whipping cream served on the side garnished with a chocolate shards powdered with icing sugar. Mmm
Photo: As well for myself and the very few fine dine food porn pictures I took a pictures of. Night one fine dine dessert I treated myself to a rich silky gourmet chocolate Black Forest cake layered with whole sweet cherries in the centre. Mmm decadent ^.^
Saving the worst picture of the day for last, taken at dinner (can't you tell we just woke up, was so grossed out cause of my hair just did a fast top knot for fine dine night UNO) to cap off Day 2 night one Cruise edition of March 2013 Spring Vacation tell- all blog post. Hope you didn't fall asleep while readying my endless blog Vacay teheh til next post my darlings xox sleep sweet ~msneeannm ❤❤❤
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