Pass the soap, it's warm in here!

Hey, everybody! I’m baaaack!
What a day I have had today. Today we have had a very large group of fun loving people on-board who brought their own DJ. One hundred and twenty six of them! They have been an absolute blast, and they seem to be having a great time, although to be honest, I think some of them won’t remember what a great time they had!!

We arrived at Freeport at about 13.00 (wha? Sorry, one o’clock in the afternoon!) and I decided to go snorkeling, with the Snorkeling Adventure Snorkeling Adventure Now, I have been diving all over the world, and I mean all over the world, from the Far East to the Red Sea to the Caribbean to the Manchester Ship Canal! (I learned to Dive in Malaysia. I wanted to learn at home, but when I rang the swimming pool where I live, I asked, “Is that the local swimming pool?” and the lady who answered the phone said “Well it depends where you’re ringing from!” I didn’t like her attitude at all!) So I didn’t think that just going to snorkel in the Bahamas was going to be much, just an average day out. I was so wrong, it was a superb day! First of all, I was very well rested, as yesterday was a day off for me, I got to go to bed quite early, (around 00.30…sorry, sorry 12.30!) so I was truly bright eyed and bushy tailed. After spending the morning at sea, (as I said before, a great morning sail!) I packed my shorts, was tempted briefly by the Speedos that were smirking at me from the bottom of the wardrobe, but as always sanity prevailed! My fins, mask and snorkel were already packed and off I went. I decided to go ‘cos we were going to sail from Freeport a bit later than normal, so I would make it back before sail. Otherwise, I am very glad I have my swimming gear with me; It is a long way back to Ft. Lauderdale!

Once on the boat the fun started right away. I bought my self a drink, and sat back as we headed for the reef. The weather was great, and the water was as clear as glass. And I am talking about the kind of glass you can see through, not the kind our window cleaner leaves behind! There was beer on board, but I know from past experience, drinking AFTER swimming is safer! I also spotted the Strawberry Daiquiris…Ye-haa! There is going to be a par-tay on the way back! Once we arrived at the reef, I geared up; head for the edge of the boat and in I went. All of my expectations of it being an average experience disappeared almost at once! The water was so warm and I can’t explain just how clear it was! And there was thousand of fish, thousands of them. And whoever it was that said that fish have no memory, I think they need to re-think their theory. These fish KNEW we had bread to feed them! They KNEW. They didn’t scatter like you would expect them too, they flocked towards us, it was marvelous! The corral reef, as you know is a living enterty, and it was teeming with fish and sea life. And I’ll be honest, don’t hold me to it, but I swear I found Nemo!! Back on board the boat, I had a climb on the rock wall, and some kids were using the slide of the side, it was a really great time. And so, to the refreshment area! I had bought a beer, and wondered if the game I saw on some film or other would work, a novel use for my snorkel. I put on my mask, put the snorkel in my mouth and someone poured the beer in the top of the snorkel. It does work! Fortunately, my snorkel is quite a good one, and has a one-way valve on the mouthpiece, so blowing sent the beer out of the mouth piece when it got a bit to much for me! (About two mouthfuls in I’m sorry to say, I am a bit of a light weight. Ha!) Then I enjoyed a Strawberry Daiquiri. There is something about sitting on the back of a boat, feet up, shades on, a Strawberry Daiquiri in hand in the middle of a work day that makes you just want to say, “the name is Bond…James Bond!” So I did, just very quietly, and to myself. Not, it seems, quietly enough though. The lady sat next to me looked at me very strangely, whispered in her friend ear, and then they both got up, stared at me, gathered their belongings, and made their way to the front of the boat. Maybe it was what I had said, or maybe it was the tux and flip-flops that put them off, I don’t know! Have to go folks; I need to buy Adele’s Mom a new broom…the old one getting too many air miles on it!
‘Till next time,
Rick

Youv'e bought yourself WHAT!!??

Goooood Day to you all! ITMA!
I hope you are all feeling well today; personally I’m fine and thank you all for asking! Sooo, today I woke up at my customary 06.30, (it’s not all glamour!!) and it was raining! We were along side in Ft. Lauderdale and it was very gray indeed. “A bit depressing.” I thought to my self, “bit depressing, and wet!” Passengers were coming on board; all asking the same thing, some, it has to be said, with panic in their eyes! “Will it be any warmer in Grand Bahama?” Fortunately, once we left port, the weather picked up and their panic retreated to the odd haunted look at the sky. Seasoned sailors amongst them, (some had done at least 3 or 4 cruises!) look toward the horizon and state, with authority, “I’m sure it will be fine once we get to the Island!” Between you and I… they are right! It will be fine. I have been at sea for many years, having joined the Royal Navy at 16, and having traveled on cruise ships since I left the service, first as cabaret and then as management and over all this time I have learned how to read the signs. The direction of the wind, for instance, the smell of the ozone. Noting the direction of the waves, and whether or not there are any white horses. The cloud formations, and finally, perhaps, the most important indication of all …the weather service as provided by Google!

We’ll be right back after these messages, I’m off ashore. Port Luckya’s shops are beckoning!

And, we’re back!

Every contract I do, I self indulge a bit, and buy myself something. This time, it was something better than normal, as it was my birthday a few days ago. I decided to get my self a new watch. I kind of collect watches, so I decided it was time to go for the Rolex! In my youth, I have bought many a Rolex knock off, some in Singapore, some in Casablanca, some from the Caribbean, and they never last for more than a month or two. Also for some reason, whenever someone comments on your watch, like “ Oh that’s a nice watch, a Rolex, right?” you feel compelled, for some odd reason, to say “Oh, it’s a fake!” Why do we buy fakes if we are going to tell every body what they are? Why not just get a Timex in the first place. Do you think Timex ever had people doing knock offs?

Any way, I digress, as I said I decided to buy a Rolex, so off I toddled, to one of the stores that Discovery back, called Colombian Emeralds International. They have a lot of stores all over this reign, so you know you can trust them, I bought my Rado watch from one a few years ago when I was in Barbados. (oooh, get me!) So there I am in the store, trying on watches. I have just about narrowed down my choice, whilst enjoying the air con, (it was hot out) when I am suddenly stricken by guilt. Here it is, almost Crimbo, and I haven’t really bought anything for Adele, and here I am, surrounded by rings…(and she has been hinting…) so I made a quick decision. I bought the Rolex Sea Dweller Deep Sea, (well I don’t take my watch of in the shower, so it’s best to have a divers watch!) for my self (Happy birthday Rick!) and sent Adele a picture of me wearing it, so everyone’s a winner! What’s that? What about the ring? Well I would, but her fingers are smaller when they are so cold, (she is still in the UK…) so I wouldn’t want to get her one she can’t wear. As you can tell, I am all heart. When I do get around to it, though, I will probably bring her here to get it, as it is a Duty Free Island. As I said, all heart!!
Oh, and to the many of you who asked about Adele’s Moms laryngitis, it is kind of a funny story how she got it. Last time Adele came out to see me, a few weeks ago, her mom came too. We all went out for the day… and she fell down a Wishing Well!! It wasn’t really my fault…I didn’t know they worked!

‘Till next time,
Rick

It's a hell of a life, but someone has to live it!

Hi, everybody! ITMA! (It’s That Man Again!)
Rick here once again to bring you the latest news off the Discovery Sun.

Today… I decided to go to the beach at Taino Beach Resort. Sometimes it is hell being me! Here it is, the middle of December, and I am wondering if Factor 30 is going to be enough. Also, choices, choices! Shorts or Speedo’s…and, well, as I do have a bit of a belly, I did what all overweight men, all around the world, tend to do at the beach, and opted for the Speedo’s! No, not really, I went with the shorts. (I have to admit to once trying on Speedos at the shop and wondering how on earth some of these big guys can look in the mirror and say to themselves, “Yes! Now, that is the look I am going for!”)

Having been out on Saturday night in Ft. Lauderdale, and then up bright and early on Sunday morning, I wasn’t feeling quite as chipper as I should, but once I got to the beach, a quick pick me up in the shape of a Bahama Mama, (And just in case my boss is reading this, it was Non alcoholic, honest!) and I was good to go! I did enjoy the water-slide, although trying to go down it upside down was nowhere near as funny as I thought it was going to be! That really clears out the cobwebs! I also decide to have a burger at the bar in the pool! I have often wondered who the first person was that said, “Hey. I have an idea! Lets put the bar IN the pool!” I mean, that must have been a hard sell, don’t you think? Did the early attempts have the barman also in swimwear? Were there waiting staff bobbing about with trays held above their heads? Any way, my rambling apart, I enjoyed my lunch and headed back to the beach, and caught some sun. As I lay there, wondering whether to have a Beer (sorry Boss) to hold down the burger, I thought about my partner, Adele, who is back in England. I gave here a quick call from my cell to see how she was, and apparently, it was snowing, her car has packed up, she has a touch of flu, and the cat has decided that the food they serve next door is nicer, so it packed it’s litter tray and moved in with them. I felt did feel bad for her, so bad in fact, that I decided, YES, I will have a beer to hold down the burger! Life, huh?

We left Freeport a bit later than planed, we had smooth sailing for the trip and we got back to Ft. Lauderdale around 10.15pm with a ship full of tired, but happy passengers.

Well, I have to go, I need to ring home again. Apparently, Adele’s Mom has laryngitis, and I don’t want to miss that!

Hello!

Hi everybody. My name is Rick, and I have to say I feel that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I get to go to paradise everyday with my job as Cruise Director of Discovery Sun! For those amongst you who don’t know, the Discovery Sun runs a one day cruise to and from the Bahamas on a daily bases! Imagine. White Sandy Beaches, beautiful weather and some of the friendliest people on earth every day! I kid you not; it is a fantastic place to go once in a lifetime, and to do it every day is just incredible.
I hope to share with you all on a daily bases my experiences of this wonderful island, and the ship that takes us there.

Today, my self and about 20 other members of the staff and crew volunteered to help at a center for under privileged children, an event that is quickly becoming an annual tradition for the crew of the Discovery Sun. It was an incredibly heart-warming and humbling experience. We had our waiting staff serving the superb food, our chefs were cutting the turkey and hams, our casino, housekeeping and cruise staff were serving drinks and helping to prepare the plates and we even took our own magician off the ship who entertained the children and adults with his own brand of spell binding entertainment, capturing the imagination of the children and adults alike. After the main meal, a dessert was served and this was followed by party games and a distribution of gifts that had been donated by local families. This was a superb start to the Holidays, both for these great kids, and for us! I spoke to many of the staff on the way back to the vessel, and we all had stories to share about what a great day we had had.
On our way back to the Discovery Sun, we went past many of the local attractions, including the International Market and an area called Church row, where there are Houses of Worship of all denominations, all side by side, all getting on with each other, truly a community in every sense of the word, a lesson we all could do with learning!
Our Coach driver, (Shylock) kept us all amused, both on the way there and on the way back with a constant stream of stories about the Bahamian way of life. Listening to this incredibly entertaining man, it was easy to see just how laid back and humorous the Bahamians are. They are always smiling, and they always make you feel welcome in, what essentially is, their home.
Til’ next time,
Rick.

A week in Grand Bahama

We just came back from a week in Grand Bahama and we had the opportunity to check out the shore excursions offered by Discovery. What a blast, it was so much fun!!! If you have participated in any of these shore excursions, feel free to drop me a line and tell me about your experience.

Here are some pictures of our trip.

We're back!!!

Hi, my name is Julio and I will be taking over the blog for Alex, who has left the company. I'm from Miami and I've been working with Discovery for the last six months. I also go to school and will be graduating this December with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Florida International University. I'm a newbie to blogging but I find it very interesting so I would like your comments and suggestions on how to improve this blog. I want to know about your experience with Discovery and tips on how to provide a better service. In general, I hope we have a good time!!!

We're back!!!

Companion Sails & Stays Free

Now that we're in the peak of the slow season, it's a great time for the budget-conscious traveler to go bargain hunting. The Flamingo Bay Resort and the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club are currently offering a companion-free promotion; for only $169.98, you and a friend can get away to the Bahamas for 3 days & 2 nights without having to beat the crowds or fight for a spot on the beach. Also of note, we've done away with the coach package, meaning that meals are once again automatically included on your round trip cruise to and from Grand Bahama.

If you've never visited the island but are curious about the experience, now is the best time to sample everything it has to offer without breaking the bank.