Photo TR: Scarin' and Crusin' with TPR in Orlando

[moinab]

 

You captured Charlotte's escape from Shrek! (The empty chair that everyone is looking at is because my almost 4 year old slid under the table, in order to avoid Shrek.

[cfc]

^I remember that something odd had happened there, but I wasn't sure what.

[SharkTums]

I'm not a beach person, but I like Labadee quite a bit! Royal Caribbean has really stepped up the 'private island' game within the cruise ship industry and I love it!

[cfc]

^Reed, Stacey, and I feel the same way. We like being on or near the water, but we're not beach people. I only get to Virginia Beach once a year (at most) when I have friends visiting who want some ocean time. Labadee was quite nice--a good place to just amble around.

Edited November 9, 2011 by cfc

[Guy T. Koepp]

Next TPR cruise is when exactly?

[BeemerBoy]

^ Not soon enough, 'cause I'm pretty hungry right now.

 

Good luck hacking through the jungle with those.

Or simply boarding the ship. Shannon bought one for her nephew, and it was promptly confiscated by security and held until we disembarked back in Canaveral.

 

You got a great shot of the hillside with the zipline and coaster, Chuck. It gives a great perspective of everything.

[cfc]

^Thanks, Scott. I took that picture of the zipline and alpine coaster from the ship, which gave a pretty good idea of how high up both attractions were.

 

Next stop, Jamaica for Dunn's River Falls, a scenic if slightly scary chairlift, another alpine coaster (the Jamaican Bobsled), and spiders as big as your hand. Many of the group chose to climb the falls, but I demurred as slippery rocks and Campbell clumsiness don't mix. The Jamaican Bobsled was even crazier than the Dragon's Tail in Labadee, as it speeds though some pretty thick jungle.

Welcome to Jamaica, mon, where if you're tall enough to reach the bar, you're old enough to drink.

"Mommy, what's ganja? Is it candy?"

No ganja, but a big breakfast in the suite kicked off the day.

And the Jamaican excursions begin--if anyone sees three creepy blind guys, be sure to warn James Bond.

Our guide filled us in on local jargon, such as "wicked bumpa" and "fluffy diva."

Someone call Bond--we've found Dr. No's headquarters!

Here at last.

"Buy some flowers, or Dr. No will be upset. And no one wants that, mon."

I've seen these falls in movies a few times, such as "Dr. No" (yay!) and "Cocktail" (boo!).

I looked, but did not climb.

"No, I pretty sure that isn't a snake. But you go first."

TPR soldiers on without a guide--such fortitude!

"I did this for animatronic hippos everywhere!"

Dan is now wondering what he was thinking when he decided to climb the falls.

Being in so much water has finally driven Dan mad!

Still a conga line to the top.

Onward, relentlessly, toward their ultimate goal . . .

. . . the group photo!

"This is my domain, and I protect those who come here. For I am Hanno, Lord of the Jungle!"

"Help me, Hanno!"

Next stop, Mystic Mountain . . .

. . . and this somewhat scary chairlift.

"Hmm--if Chuck were to fall off 'accidentally,' they wouldn't find his body for weeks in all that jungle."

"Do it, do it, do it!"

Phew! We arrived safely.

Good luck, Renee and Alison, and watch out for . . .

. . . spiders!

After braving the Chairlift of Death, the bobsled, and giant spiders, we arrived back safely. Thanks for a great day, Jamaica!

[gisco]

Did you get Quarrel to take you out to Crab Key?

[cfc]

Did you get Quarrel to take you out to Crab Key?

 

No, but Quarrel, Jr., did offer to take us to the house of the Kananga woman on San Monique.

[jray21]

Great report, but it's making me so depressed! I had a lot of fun in Jamaica, and was only offered pot once! Those spiders were so amazingly big, and so creepy. The pictures do not do them justice. And the worst part was having to go back on the chairlift on the lower portion that went through the bushes!

[SharkTums]

That chairlift should be a SyFy Saturday Night movie!!!

[cfc]

^I think that would be a terrific comeback vehice for Duran Duran. Just throw in Tiffany, Deborah Gibson, Mickey Dolenz, some giant mutant spiders, a mega croc, and some ganja-smoking locals, and you've got a winner!

 

"Aracnoids v. Crocasaurus: Chairlift to Hell!"

[SharkTums]

some giant mutant spiders and some ganja-smoking locals

 

These two things were already there!!!

[Pirouettes907]

"Aracnoids v. Crocasaurus: Chairlift to Hell!"

 

Win.

 

I think the Jamaica day was my favorite. I am still amazed that I didn't break a tooth or something climbing those falls. And that I made it off the chairlift alive. And that even now, seeing pictures of those spiders still gives me the creeps. And I am also amazed that water can be that blue.

 

I think my lasting memory of Jamaica might have come after our excursion, though. Mike and I walked through the town of Falmouth, which was a culture credit if there ever was one--it was pretty much seeing in person so many things I read about in ethnographies as an anthropology major: crowded streets, people adamantly pushing us to buy stuff, not-so-reputable-looking establishments, a grocery store that smelled like BO, stray dogs on every corner and perhaps the best, a guy leaning out of his window with a joint in his hand telling Mike "I like your baby" (and Big Mike being Big Mike of course just smiles and says "Thank you! Have a nice day!" while my face is turning beet red).

 

What a day, can't believe all of this was almost a month ago!

 

Enjoying your reports so far, Chuck!

[cfc]

^Sounds like you got a taste of the touristy and scary sides of Jamaica, Megan. That was a great day.

 

So, with the group intact despite exposure to giant spiders and the temptations of ganja, we set sail the next day for Cozumel. Actually, we were supposed to stop next at Grand Cayman, but rough seas would've made tendering from the ship to port difficult; so, the captian decided to push on to Cozumel.

 

No worries. I rather like sea days; besides, that just gave us a chance to rest up for our two hours of Flowrider ERT. I first tried this in Australia, and thought it was was fun--but it is more of a workout than you might think. I was quite pleased that I was able to make it to my knees on a boogie board this time (unlike in Australia). But I did fail at flipping the board--but, hey, wipeouts are half the fun! I was aching all over that night, and my back was no longer my friend, but I'm definitely ready to give Flowriding another shot.

 

Some of the group went on an ATV adventure in jungle at Cozumel, but it was very much a chillout day for myself, Reed, and Stacey. We enjoyed a very nice lunch at Pancho's Backyard down the Cozumel strip (my mahi mahi tacos were very good) and some shopping as we made our way back to the ship. I found out after I got back from the cruise that my mom and her old friend Wendy had dined at that very place on a cruise of their own just last year.

Holy crap! The suite has been infested by bats! Call the steward!

First bats, now midget pirates! Run for your lives!

Ironically, the wine bar was the only safe haven on the ship.

"That's right. As long as you keep pouring the wine, you'll be safe from the bats and pirates. You're welcome."

"You see? No bats or pirates now! Did I not speak truthfully?"

No sign of bats or buccaneers. No arguing the point with Piers.

Is everybody ready from some blurry Flowrider pics? I know I am.

"OK, here's the deal. You jump into the water and hope not to die. Any questions about this safety briefing?"

Amy brings her experience from TPR's Australia Trip to bear.

Shannon caught on pretty quickly.

"Aghh! Water in the face was not part of the deal!"

Hmm--I think Elissa has done this before. Just a hunch.

"Oh, gawd. I really should've turned down that last margarita . . ."

"Save me jeebus!"

Joey Ray gives it his best shot. (At least I think this is Joey--kind of hard to tell.)

The Flowrider claims its latest victim.

I'm reasonably sure this is Reed.

Someone is definitely drowning in the purple rain.

"Help! I'm trapped in a vortex of cotton candy!"

Amy shows us how it's done . . .

. . . and how to exit with dignity.

Everyone had a great time on the Flowrider. Next up, a look at Cozumel.

[cfc]

Time for lunch and a stroll in Cozumel.

Cozumel definitely looks all tropical and stuff--let's go.

Hmm--two Carnival ships. That explains all the groaning and retching sounds we heard as we pulled in.

Hmm--I think we may be in Mexico.

Yep--This pretty much confirms it.

"Elmo not like being a frog's jockstrap!"

Yum--fish tacos with a chipotle mayo sauce and shredded cabbage. Very nice.

What can I say? I really wail on "The Girl from Ipanema."

And Reed and Stacy play a mean "Never on Sunday."

I don't think my health insurance covers this form of "Viagra."

"PUT THE MASK ON NOW!" (This caption is based on an obscure 3D horror movie.)

Here's the strip--every beach town has one.

I'll take your word for it.

We checked out this nice little park and courtyard.

I'm pretty sure that this isn't authorized NFL gear.

Now there's a clever name for a shop. It's a "Grand Opening" every day!

You fools! Don't you see the idol? This street is cursed!

Too late! Look what happened to those poor souls!

Time to head back to the ship . . . wait a minute!

I'm sure some of the group will be all over this.

Lou got all down and dirty on the ATV tour.

"Hey there Junebug, you sure look good dancing in the mud . . .

. . . In the red mud!" That's all for now.

[chadster]

Wow, just when I thought I had seen it all, Chuck manages to reaffirm that I have not by providing us with photographic evidence of an Elmo jock strap.

[Guy T. Koepp]

Elmo jock strap, obscure B52's reference, and dirty Lou! I'm all in with this hand!

 

The flowrider pics were awesome. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[larrygator]

Elmo jock strap, obscure B52's reference, and dirty Lou! I'm all in with this hand!

 

I'd rather not shake that hand!

[Guy T. Koepp]

Elmo jock strap, obscure B52's reference, and dirty Lou! I'm all in with this hand!

 

I'd rather not shake that hand!

 

Cause you'd be too busy sniffin' it.

[BeemerBoy]

Mmmm, fish tacos.

 

 

I was quite pleased that I was able to make it to my knees on a boogie board this time (unlike in Australia).

And here's the proof....

Nice work, Chuck!

[amyzoo]

Great report, but this really makes me miss the cruise.

I totally missed that frog with Elmo!

[cfc]

^^Thanks for capturing the moment, Scott.

 

^It was in that little indoor shopping area at the cruise ship terminal--a most disturbing, random thing.

Edited November 20, 2011 by cfc

[gisco]

I chuckle every time I see Flowrider pictures remembering David beaching himself!

[cfc]

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

 

Well, we're coming to the sad part of this TR--our last days at sea! But, hey, at least there are some new hijinks and shenanighans to check out, inlcuding Piers in action, Chinese food being made before your eyes, and an amazing "magic trick" courtesy of Colin and Reed.

 

Oh, and if you're wondering about the "mask" joke I made earlier, here's the flick I was referring to.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqw6d74XayM

Yes, if you've been to a TPR Bash, you've probably played "The Quest."

It's a fierce scavenger hunt where all are humilated and only some come out alive!

Let the degradation begin!

Piers makes this work.

He does not.

This is the worst "Human Centipede" ever.

"Stand aside, bitches, . . .

. . . while I show you how it's done!"

I believe this is Havana.

My--that's a long way. And it's windy as hell, too.

Speaking of burning things . . .

. . . it's time for our Chinese cooking class.

No cats were harmed during the making of this meal.

Ginny is kung paoing the hell outta that chicken.

Elissa is woking those onions into submission.

Apply the smelly brown goop!

Hmm--turned out well.

What does one do after breakfast and a Chinese "second breakfast" aboard ship?

Why, one chows down at the Freedom's version of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Anybody for some "ice CRAM" after that?

I have no idea what's going on here, and I'm probably better off for it.

One last chance to explore the ship after dark.

Cousin Itt says, "It's still a trifle windy."

Let's see, first breakfast, second Chinese breakfast, food and wine fest, second lunch, dinner . . . aw, what the hell.

"I like my ketchup to be happy!"

Boogie fever overtakes Johnny Rockets--about every five minutes or so.

"Here in the throne room of the pharoah, we must entertain his majesty. So, I would like to demonstrate a magical new 'technique' called 'The Houdini.'"

"Abracadabra! I feel the need!"

"Alakazam! Now I am Reed!"

The pharoah is amused, . . .

. . . but Lou may never be the same.

Yes, our bags are packed. But we're not quite finished yet.