What to expect on the "Fun Day at Sea" days

Since we only have one stop on our cruise, your probably wondering what else there is to do on the ship when we have our "fun day's at sea".

There is so much to do, there are activities going on all over the ship and around the pool.  My favorite thing to do is to find a shady spot and read a good book while people watching around the pool.  I sometimes have my camera and telephoto lens so you better be on your best behavior or you'll never know what will show up on Facebook...LOL!!

They have all kinds of games throughout the ship and around the pool during the day.  There are lectures if your interested in learning about Cozumel or Mayan Culture.  Of course shopping in the ship's shops.  You can even learn how to make the towel animals that will grace your beds when you come in from your evening out.

 I've scanned in some of the "Carnival Capers".  This is the newsletter you will find in your cabin every night for the next days happenings on the ship.

I know that these are not really readable.  I've put links to the originals so that you can read them in .PDF format.  You'll need Adobe  Reader to see these if you do not have some form of Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat click here to download the newest FREE version.

**disclaimer:  These "Carnival Capers" are not from our ship.  Most of the activities do not vary much ship to ship though.  This is just to get an idea of what to expect.

Click Here for the readable .PDF version

Click Here for the readable .PDF version

Thanks for stopping by.

The next few posts will give you an idea what to pack for the different occasions on the ship and what to expect for the the we're in Cozumel.

Darla

Drinking Your Way Around the Ship

I know this topic will be pretty important to some of you.  Let's face it, we went to Azle, we drink! (well most of us drink)...LOL!!

Here is a list of the bars on the ship.  Alcoholic drinks are not included in your cruise rate.  Drinks are the normal prices you would find at any other bar.

Atrium Bar

Society Bar

Neon Piano Bar

Metropolis Bar

China Town Lounge

Stripes Dance Club

Pool Bar

Starlight Lounge - This is where they will have smaller shows and sometimes karaoke night.

Blue Sapphire Lounge - this is where they will have the nightly entertainment.  Stand up comedians to Las Vegas style variety shows.  Each night is a different show.

Carnival will add the gratuity automatically to each drink order.  Bartenders, waiters and waitresses do not handle any cash.  All drinks will be charged to your cabin daily. Your bill will need to be settled by the last night of the cruise by cash, debit or credit card.

Eating Your Way Around the Ship

I touched a little on the dining before, now I'm going to go over more detail dining options...

All ships have the main dining rooms...on the Ecstasy they are the Wind Song and Wind Star.  We should all be at the same dining time in the same dining room as a group (not all at one table, just the same area of the dining room).  These are the main dining rooms, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  No bathing suites are allowed for breakfast or lunch in the dining rooms. At dinner no shorts, flip flops, tank tops and other pool type clothing are allowed.  Casual dresses, like sundresses or capri or regular pant suites for women and nice jeans or dockers and polo or button up shirts for guys.

Here is a sample dinner menu:

Starters
The Chef Recommends
Asparagus Velouté
Asparagus Cream Soup
Tropical Fruits
Marinated with Lime Juice and a Touch of Tequila
Cured Salmon and Candied Tomato
Dill Cream, Stewed Apples and Grapes in Lemon Dressing
Fried Chicken Tenders, Marinated Cucumber and Lettuce
Served with a Zesty Honey Mustard Sauce
Heart of Iceberg Lettuce
Zucchini and Vine Ripened Tomato Fritters
Choice of Blue Cheese, Thousand Island, Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or French Dressing
Beef and Barley Soup with Diced Root Vegetables
Gazpacho Andalouse
Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes
Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs

Carnival Classics
Fresh Fruit Cocktail
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
Served with American Cocktail Sauce
Caesar Salad
Hearts of Romaine Lettuce Tossed with our Caesar Dressing
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, Anchovies and Herb Croutons

Spa Choices
These Items are Lower in Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol, and Fat. Salads are prepared with
Diet Dressing. Calorie Count and Fat Content can vary up to 10%.
Marinated Fruit with Papaya Smoothie
[130 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]
Gazpacho Andalouse
Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs
[61 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

Main Courses
The Chef Recommends
Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia
Green Pea and Sundried Tomato Fondue
Vichy Carrots and Mac ‘n Cheese
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Large Tiger Shrimps in a Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce
Served with Scallion, Garlic and Shrimp Fried Rice Noodles
Chicken à la Grecque
Broiled Boneless Chicken Breast with Herbs and Tomato Confit
Virgin Olive and Basil Oil
Grilled New York Strip Steak from Black Angus Beef
Accompanied by Three Peppercorn Sauce
Mac N Cheese and Vichy Carrots
Linguini with Italian Sausage, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms
Served with Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Also available as a Starter)
Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Cottage Cheese and Peas, Roasted Vegetables Mash with Indian Spices
Slow Cooked Chick Peas, Indian Bread Stuffed with Cumin Scented Red Onions

Carnival Classics
Broiled Fillet of Fresh Norwegian Salmon
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Grilled Breast of Corn Fed Chicken
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Served with Creamy Coleslaw, Grilled Spring Onion and Fries
Baked Idaho Potatoes, French Fries or Steamed White Rice

Assorted Steamed Vegetables

Spa Choices
These Items are Lower in Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol and Fat. Salads are prepared with
Diet Dressing. Calorie Count and Fat Content can vary up to 10%.
Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia
Vichy Carrots, Romaine and Melon Salad Dressed with Mango Salsa
[330 calories, 8 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

Desserts
GRAND MARNIER SOUFFLÉ
Served with Orane Vanilla Sauce
CAPPUCCINO PIE
Coffee Ice Cream Pie with Whipped Cream
DIET APPLE PIE
Dessert is Prepared with a Sugar Substitute
Alternative Selections
WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE
Served with Vanilla Ice Cream
FRESH TROPICAL FRUIT PLATE
Ice Creams
VANILLA • CHOCOLATE • STRAWBERRY • BUTTER PECAN
*Sugar-Free Ice Cream is available upon request
Sherbets
ORANGE • PINEAPPLE • LIME
Cheeses
PORT SALUT • BRIE • GOUDA • IMPORTED SWISS • DANISH BLEU
Beverages
FRESHLY BREWED COFFEE, REGULAR OR DECAFFEINATED •MILK • SKIMMED MILK
HOT CHOCOLATE • ICED, HOT AND HERBAL TEAS • ESPRESSO • CAPPUCCINO
Liqueurs**
SAMBUCA • KAHLÚA • GRAND MARNIER
AMARETTO DI SARONNO
Cognacs and Brandies**
HARDY V.S.O.P. • HENNESSY V.S.O.P. • COURVOISIER V.S.
FUNDADOR BRANDY
Dessert Wines and Ports**
RIESLING, ZELTINGER SONNENUHR, SPÄTLESE SELBACH OSTER
DOW’S LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE • GRAHAM’S SIX GRAPE
QUADY ELECTRA, CALIFORNIA

**alcoholic beverages at additional charge

The Lido Buffet (Panorama Bar & Grill)::  Attire is casual.  They will have everything from chicken and roast beef to a pizza, desert and salad bar.  Don't forget the soft serve ice cream machines!  If you're a night owl, bring your appetite to the late-night buffet. Also, unlike land resorts, their kitchen never closes.

The Pizzeria:  Featuring salads, freshly baked pizzas and calzones is accessible 24 hours a day.

The Rolls Royce Cafe:  Serves a menu of snacks and light fare, accompanied by a full drink menu.

The Mongolian Rotisserie Grill:  The pool area eatery.  I believe they also serve hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.

24 Hour Room Service:  Stateroom Dining, complimentary - and cheerful - stateroom service is always just a call away.  

Every ship also features a complimentary sushi bar and a New York-style deli.   And you can stay slim with the low-fat, low sodium and low cholesterol Spa Carnival meal options.

I got hungry just typing the post..gotta go eat now.  What's bad is my food won't be nearly as good as what they serve on the ship.

Good eating!

Darla

After the Homecoming Game Party Pictures

Jayne Miller ('80), Patty Sinclair, Cindy Sinclair Finch ('80)

Michelle Watkins Johnson (87) (Pam's Sister), Mike Walker (Pam's son), Pam Watkins Walker ('80)

LeAnne Cook Abernathy ('81), Lisa Paulson Polk ('81), Linda Traynham Matthews ('81)

Steve Daniels ('80)

The dude has got some pipes!

Darla Hackney Reger ('80), Chris Reger ('80)

Chris Reger ('80)

Scotty Vaughan ('79), Suzanne Vaughan

Steve Daniels ('80) and his fiance Cynthia Kent

Mark White ('77)

Pam Watkins Walker ('80), Liz Gunter White ('80)

Cruise Tips from Brian Savage

Buzzy, shopping in Cozumel

Cruise Tips from Brian Savage

Bring money to buy us drinks...
(A must!)


Bring a plastic shoe holder to put over your bathroom door to hold your toiletries and wet swim suits etc. since there is little counter space in the bathroom. This is a trick we learned a long time ago.
(Very good idea! There is a retractable clothes line in the shower too. Also they make smaller versions of the the plastic shoe holder for travel purposes. I'll see if I can find a source for those. I have one and don't leave home without it on any trip)


Spend the night before and arrive about an hour early to what they tell you embarkation is.
(Very wise advise, we don't want the ship to leave without you!)


Sea sick...? green apples and most of it is in your head.
(Mr. Reger would have to disagree with the "it's in your head", I have seen him turn the most lovely shades of green. Lots of fresh fruit on board in the buffet restaurant. You can also take the non- drowsy formula of Dramamine or Meclizine-anti dizziness/nausea medicine with you, if you know these don't work check with your Dr for a RX for the patch or other suggestions he/she may have )


Don't bring dress up attire as it takes a whole 'nother suitcase... I don't know if they have a Capt. Dinner on this one, many of the ships are taking this out.
(If you are a past passenger, I believe they still have the "Past Guest" party, be sure to let me know your Past Guest number so you'll get invited to the party)


If you want to purchase something like watches/perfume/camera's etc., check your prices before you go so you know a deal when you see it
(Good idea, wouldn't have thought of that.)


Bring money to buy us drinks...
(Again, a must!)


Let me know if you have any tips or questions and I'll post them on the blog!
Darla

After the Homecoming Party

Buzzy bustin' a groove in the Disco on the ship

Hey Y'all,
We've decided to do an "After the Homecoming Game" party. Homecoming is September 25th. We are going to meet at Marina Del's Tex-Mex & Seafood Restaurant. It's at 6500 Wells Burnett Rd. and the phone number for directions is 817-238-6906.

If it's been a while since you've been to Azle, it's the old Barnes Place and then it was Lauderdales on the Lake. It's the floating restaurant and bar.

So, after the game or sooner if you want, September 25th, Marina Del's Tex-Mex & Seafood in the bar.

Be there or be square!

Darla Hackney Reger

It just keeps getting better!!!

Buzzy is having a great time in the pool!

I just got off the phone with Carnival, again. I found out some really cool news. They are putting the Ecstasy in dry dock this October and are adding more balcony cabins to her. That's not all, if you are willing to book the balcony category for these new balconies the rate is 671.77 per person and you will still get the amenities (ship board credit).

The only draw back is, there is no info on these cabins other than they are adding them to the ship. Don't know where they will be, don't know the size (probably the same size as the ocean view cabins only with a balcony added). Chris and I are going to do this. If you want to book these balconies, since it is a specialty category the full deposit of 150.00 per person will be due at the time of booking.

Let me know if your interested in booking one of these great cabins!!

Darla
888-340-7766

This just in from Carnival Cruise Lines!!!!!

I just got off the phone with the group department at Carnival. They are so pleased with how our group is doing that they have and will upgrade all our cabins up to the next category. That means that we will be on a higher deck in the ship. The cabins are all the same size except the suites, but being higher in the ship makes navigating the ship a lot easier. Not only are they going to upgrade our cabins they are also going to give us a 50.00 per cabin Ship Board Credit. This credit can be used on anything you want to buy on the ship, alcohol, gift shop, jewelry store, the casino, shore excursions and a whole lot more!

If you have never cruised and have questions on what to expect for your first time or if it's been a while since you've cruised be sure a call me for any questions.

Here is one question I've been asked so far:


(Q)Do we need to dress up for dinner?

(A)No, You can dress up if you would like to wear your evening gowns, cocktail dresses and Tuxes they will have one formal night. If you don't want to dress up...women can wear pant sets, sundresses or capri sets, items like this. Men can wear polo type shirts or button up shirts and jeans or slacks like Dockers for dinner in the dining rooms. No shorts or bathing suites are allowed in the dinning room for dinner. I guess I should also say no bathing suites are allowed in the dinning rooms at any meal but you can wear shorts for breakfast and lunches in the dinning rooms. If you really don't feel like dressing up in slacks, jeans or dresses, there will be a restaurant on board that you can dress casually (shorts, tank tops, flip flops)for dinner, they will have a salad bar, desert bar and a pizza bar and a huge buffet that has every conceivable type of food on it. There are also soft serve ice cream machines.

Be prepared to gain a little weight because there is food available all day long and well into the late night hours.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll post it on the blog. You never know, someone might be wanting to ask the same question and is just too shy.

Buzzy used his ship board credit to go to the spa. He got
himself a chemical peel to get rid of all the pixelations and dinginess and got a nice relaxing massage. Buzzy will be so much whiter and brighter in his future pictures.

Thanks!

Darla

Reunion Cruise Update!!!

Hey y'all,

Good news! I got an extension on the 1st deposit date for the Reunion Cruise. It's now November 1st, 2009.

The first deposit only will have to be paid by check since I'm going to use the company credit card to hold the cabins that I don't have a deposit for yet.

Those of you who have already paid, y'all are good to go. This is only for people that have not paid yet.





So here is the latest info and FAQ's:

Carnival Cruise Lines Ecstasy

4 day Cruise

May 20^th, 2010

Pricing:

$475.77 per person for an inside cabin

$525.77 per person for an ocean view cabin

prices are based on double occupancy. ** Please check with me

for any other type of pricing (triple, single…).**

Price will include all meals, coffee, tea, milk and juices. Alcoholic and carbonated beverages are additional. Prices also include nightly entertainment and daily scheduled activities. Shore excursions in Cozumel are not included. All U.S. departure taxes and Port Charges are included.

Payments:

1^st Deposit Due: $25.00 per person is due by November 1^st, 2009

2^nd Deposit Due: $125.00 per person is due by Jan 13^th, 2010

Final Payment Due No Later Than Mar 15^th, 2010

• I can not hold any cabins after Nov 1^st. I have to return my unsold cabins back over to Carnival Cruise Lines. If you decide after Nov 1^st that you want to go, I can usually add cabins to the allotment and get the same prices. That’s if the ship is not selling out and if the inventory is available. I just cannot guarantee that after Nov 1^st I can get the same prices. The deposit is still just 25.00 per person. If you decide after Jan 13^th, 2010 you want to go, it’s the same scenario, I can probably add a cabin on for the same price I just can’t guarantee it. After Jan 13^th, 2010 the deposit will be 150.00 per person.

· You may make payments to me like a lay-a-way plan. As long as all payments are paid by their due dates.

· If you cancel before Mar 15^th, 2010 your 1^st and 2^nd deposits are refundable.

· If you cancel after Mar 15^th, 2010 up to Apr 19^th, 2010, any payments that have been made will be penalized at 50%.

· Any cancellations made after Apr 20^th are non refundable

· Cruise Protection is available at $65.00 per person and will cover only medical emergencies and death of immediate family member.

Tipping:

Prepaid Gratuities are available at $40.00 per person.

Flights:

If you want to fly, the closest airport is Houston/Hobby (approx 36 miles away). Transfers are available at $30.00 per person each way and if you fly into Houston/Bush the transfers are $40.00 per person each way. I can check flights for you and I will put a group discount together on American Airlines as we get closer and have enough people interested in flying in.

Pre Cruise:

I will be making hotel arrangements for anyone that would like to get to Galveston earlier than the cruise date. Lot’s of good fishing and a great beach.

Payments:

Payments can be made with cash, check, credit or debit cards.

Checks can be made out to "Gulliver's Travel Service" and mailed to the office at:

Gulliver's Travel Service

Attn: Darla Reger

2800 S Hulen St #110

Fort Worth, TX 76109

Credit or debit cards for 2nd deposits and final payments can be called in to me via phone at 888-340-7766.

Cash, please bring to the office on Hulen St. I will be in on Fridays but anyone at the office can take your cash and give you receipt.

I will need the following:

• your full names as they appear on your proof of citizenship (your passport/birth certificate & drivers license).
• birthdays of all passengers
• how many and which type of cabins you are wanting
• contact phone number and address

Proof of citizenship will be mandatory for this cruise. Proof of citizenship at this time is a VALID US passport or VALID government issued ID like a drivers license and a certified copy of your birth certificate. I would highly recommend that you get a passport since these regulations could change at any given time. It will be your responsibility to check the regulations before cruise time. Incorrect proof of citizenship will be denied boarding with no refund given on the cruise.

Call me for any questions!

Darla (Hackney) Reger (Class of 80)

Gulliver's Travel Service

888-340-7766

Please forward this blog or the info to any Azle High School Alumni you know. Thank you!! Darla (Hackney) Reger Class of 80

Buzzy Vacation Pictures!

Hey everyone,
Just got some more Buzzy vacation pictures developed. He had such a fun time on his Carnival cruise vacation.

We sure are hoping you sign up for the Azle High School Reunion. It's for classes 1976-1984 and is hosted by the class of 1980.

Buzzy on the "Twist & Shout"

Buzzy in the casino

Buzzy on the Basketball Court

Buzzy Chillin' in his cabin after a long hard day playing.

We are selling lots of cabins. I've just recently added more to the allotment and we've got until November 1st and what I don't have reserved I'll have to give back to Carnival. If I hear from you after November 1st I can probably get more cabins I just can't garuantee that I can get the same pricess.

Please contact me. Darla (Hackney) Reger (80) for any questions at 888-340-7766 or email me at darladh@yahoo.com.

Keep checking back for more info and more Buzzy vacations pics.

Darla



Disclaimer....these are pictures I have found on Carnival's Travel Agent site, they may or may not be the ship "Ecstasy". I have tried to find some fun photos to use Buzzy in. I have tried my best to use only "Ecstasy" or Cozumel pictures.

Hey Y'all,

I've already sold out of the ocean view cabin allotment I had on hold. I have added more ocean view cabins to my block of cabins for the Reunion Cruise next May. If you need a specialty type cabin like a triple, quad or a suite, be sure to call me for pricing. The prices listed on the fliers do not reflect that pricing.

We've got lots of people signing up so let's keep it up. I've been able to get an extension on the 1st deposit of November 1st, 2010.

Let's get the word out there. I'll also try to get a blurb in the Azle News and the Fort Worth Star Telegram too. We're off to a good start let's keep it up.

Thanks!
Darla

Cruise info

Carnival Cruise Lines Ecstasy

4 day Cruise

May 20^th, 2010

Pricing:

$475.77 per person for an inside cabin

$525.77 per person for an ocean view cabin

prices are based on double occupancy. ** Please check with me

for any other type of pricing (triple, single…).**

Price will include all meals, coffee, tea, milk and juices. Alcoholic and carbonated beverages are additional. Prices also include nightly entertainment and daily scheduled activities. Shore excursions in Cozumel are not included. All U.S. departure taxes and Port Charges are included.

Payments:

1^st Deposit Due: $25.00 per person is due by Aug 27^th

2^nd Deposit Due: $125.00 per person is due by Jan 13^th, 2010

Final Payment Due No Later Than Mar 15^th, 2010

• I can not hold any cabins after Nov 1^st. I have to return my unsold cabins back over to Carnival Cruise Lines. If you decide after Nov 1^st that you want to go, I can usually add cabins to the allotment and get the same prices. That’s if the ship is not selling out and if the inventory is available. I just cannot guarantee that after Nov 1^st I can get the same prices. The deposit is still just 25.00 per person. If you decide after Jan 13^th, 2010 you want to go, it’s the same scenario, I can probably add a cabin on for the same price I just can’t guarantee it. After Jan 13^th, 2010 the deposit will be 150.00 per person.

· You may make payments to me like a lay-a-way plan. As long as all payments are paid by the due dates.

· If you cancel before Mar 15^th, 2010 your 1^st and 2^nd deposits are refundable.

· If you cancel after Mar 15^th, 2010 up to Apr 19^th, 2010, any payments that have been made will be penalized at 50%.

· Any cancellations made after April 20th are non refundable

· Cruise Protection is available at $65.00 per person and will cover only medical emergencies and death of immediate family member.

Tipping:

Prepaid Gratuities are available at $40.00 per person.

Flights:

If you want to fly, the closest airport is Houston/Hobby (approx 36 miles away). Transfers are available at $30.00 per person each way and if you fly into Houston/Bush the transfers are $40.00 per person each way. I can check flights for you and I will put a group discount together on American Airlines as we get closer and have enough people interested in flying in.

Pre Cruise:

I will be making hotel arrangements for anyone that would like to get to Galveston earlier than the cruise date. Lot’s of good fishing and a great beach.

Payments can be made with cash, check, credit or debit cards.

Checks can be made out to "Gulliver's Travel Service" and mailed to the office at:

Gulliver's Travel Service

Attn: Darla Reger

2800 S Hulen St #110

Fort Worth, TX 76109

Credit or debit cards can be called in on the phone at 888-340-7766.

Cash, please bring to the office on Hulen St. I will be in on Fridays but anyone at the office can take your cash and give you receipt.

I will need the following:

• your full names as they appear on your proof of citizenship (your passport/birth certificate & drivers license). birthdays of all passengers
  
• which type of cabin you are wanting
  
• contact phone number and address

Proof of citizenship will be mandatory for this cruise. Proof of citizenship at this time is a Valid US passport or Valid government issued ID like a drivers license and a certified copy of your birth certificate. I would highly recommend that you get a passport since these regulations could change at any given time. It will be your responsibility to check the regulations before cruise time. Incorrect proof of citizenship will be denied boarding with no refund given on the cruise.

Call me for any questions!

Darla (Hackney) Reger (Class of 80)

Gulliver's Travel Service

888-340-7766