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Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77881 12/12/04 02:23 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
ColonelWes Offline OP
cruiser
OP Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
Hi ya'll,

This will be our final installment as I want to save some hours for Ermine, Margo's bartendar
in the Starrs Lounge.

Dave, Laura, Ida and I had reservations for Portifino's on the 10th for "A taste of Italy"
Our menu:

AntiPasti (Fresh Asparagus, with oil, lemon, parsley and Parmesan); Gamberoni Fra Diavola
(Jumbo shrimps in hot spicy tomato sauce)

Pasta Rigatoni all Amatriciana (tossed with garlic, bacon, onion and tomato)

Insalata (Mixed Green Salad with extra virgin
Olive Oil and lemon dressing

Fish Grilled Tuna with Lobster Reduction and
Saffron risotto


Secondo E Conorno Vitello Parmigiana

Torta Di Fruitta al Mascapone E Tiramisu

Wines: Santa Margerita Pinot Grigio
Chianti Classico Riserva, Getano D Aquino

Meal was outstanding--the wait staff all dressed
up and sang, we had plastic song sheets (Che Sara
Sara, Mi Amore, etc.,) and we sang too...Dave even played the spoons.

That evening Dave and I went to the Coniesurs (Sp)
club and had Macanudo Maduro's I brought..he bought the Cognac..perfect cap to a delightful evening with new cruise friends.

Saturday was a full Sea day...started with
the daily run and swim (25 min)...then Ida
and I enjoyed a superb breakfast at the Compass room..

Ida then went to the Gym to do three hours
of aerobics a couple hours Tae bo, sauna..she went through
lunch... I found the secret--never used except for AMX-P parties, Amx Mariner parties, Repeaters Parties--the empty Vista Lounge and read for a few
hours. Dave, Laura and I enjoyed lunch in Portifinos on the porch with the gentle sea
breezes..Met Ida back in the room and suggested she order room service...she ordered a shrimp
cocktail (four shrimp the size of a fist) and a turkey club...She told me this is why she loves cruising Rad style...you can do anything you want anytime you want and eat whenever you want with whoever you want....well said!

Dave and I then went to our favorite pool deck
lounge chairs and read for a few hours..At 4
were were back in the gym doing 25 min of elipticals then I followed this workout with another 20 min swim as the sun set..(I earned
desert)

We met DAve and Laura in the Compass room for Dinner...we met two other couples..had a delicous degustation menu mixed with the evening selections.

Avocado Fritters
Stuffed Rottini (A tony manutuano special)

Cream Cauliflower Capuccino (A Tony M special)

Salad & Pasta

Broiled Turbot (Me)
Braised Shortribs (A Tony M specialty)(Ida)

Rocky Road Ice Cream

Wines: Gavi--Italian dry white
Neibum Coppolla Claret (Superb)

We then went to watch Sean O'shea and Navigator Five for the evening's entertainment.

Sunday -- Grand Cayman

Had an early Room service breakfast as Dave
and I were diving today. Met with 8 other divers for the Rad sponsored two tank dive...went
to Don Fosters in GC...amazing destruction still present here in GC...sky cranes dot the skyline..
many roofs still covered by tarps...

Wonderfully organized dive operator...we got to dive the grand cayman wall...spectacular sea life
and coral..We saw turtles, sharks, jelly fish (ouch), Yellow tail snapper, barricudas, et. al.

Back to the ship and lunch on at Poolside Grill
at 2 pm Good Minute Steak sandwich...then
off to our lazyboy lounges and a few hours of
reading & sleeping.

It is now a tad after 6 pm and we have dinner
again in the Compass Room...all of the couples from last night asked us to do it again sam, tonight at 8. Well have to drag myself back
to the suite and prepare the Gin & Tonics....tough
life---and we're loving it.

Thank you all for sharing our first cruise with us. Your positive, kind, thoughts spurred me on to continue to share our experiences...We'll book a cruise tomorrow to get the 5% discount--but it really is a holding cruise--to transfer to a South America itinerary in 2006.

See you again on the Paul Gauguin in March!

Absolutely all the best to each one of you
for this upcoming Holiday season...and may you have a safe a joyous New Year.

Wes & Ida

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77882 12/12/04 02:33 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,821
Suzie Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,821
Thank you Wes and it was good to read such positive and enthusiastic reports, especially the foodie parts...drool,
I can't wait for March when it's my turn!


Suzie

The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.
- Joshua Slocum
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77883 12/12/04 02:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
Wes & Ida,

Thank you for letting us live vicariously through you. We went on the PG in March and it is a great time of year. Wish we were joining you.

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77884 12/12/04 02:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Wes,

Thank you so much for your wonderful reports. I am so glad that you and Ida enjoyed your cruise. It has been great fun following along with you through your posts. Good job! cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77885 12/12/04 03:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,239
bebop bonnie Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,239
Thanks, Wes for your wonderful reports. Among other things you've motivated me big time to do my daily gym thing if I'm gonna enjoy all that sensational food next week when we follow you on the Navigator!! :D

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77886 12/12/04 03:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp Offline
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Posts: 7,967
Wes, seems like you are "hooked" like many of us on this board. You and Ida seem to be the type who take every opportunity to enjoy the ship to the max, including all those exercise "things". How I wish I could be that motivated, no, disciplined, to do all those healthy things on a cruise! Did you take pictures? Hope you will post them on ofoto!

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77887 12/12/04 03:39 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,026
Fogmalkin Offline
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Posts: 2,026
Boy, I'm going to miss your posts almost as much as you'll be missing the ship! I think I gained weight vicariously...


Suzanne
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77888 12/12/04 03:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,859
robert Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,859
Colonel:

Living this cruise through your eyes has truly been a delight. So glad you and Ida had a great time!


Robert

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.
-Thoreau
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77889 12/12/04 04:24 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 419
C
Claudia M Offline
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C
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 419
Wes -

So glad you and Ida enjoyed your first Radisson experience! Happy Holidays to you, too!

Claudia


My idea of roughing it is when room service is late!
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77890 12/12/04 05:09 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,026
Leejnd Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,026
I can't believe it's almost over! I'm ready to cry... I'm going to miss this so much, especially all that wonderful food, and the diving, and great exercise and relaxing on the pool deck... Oh wait, I haven't actually been ON this cruise, have I? Gosh, seems like I have! :D

Thanks for letting us experience it with you!


LeeAnne
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77891 12/12/04 05:40 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,920
Ngaire Online
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Online
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Posts: 8,920
Great reviews Wes thanks for sharing your week with us.

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77892 12/12/04 05:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
pkd Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
Wes, my mouth was watering as I read every installment! Glad you enjoyed the cruise so much. No surprise, though! You are now officially a Rad addict like so many of us.

Editing to say that not only do I wish I'd had all those good dinners this past week, but I wish I had done all that exercise too. Very admirable behavior!!!


Priscilla
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77893 12/12/04 09:09 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,646
ChatKat... Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,646
Wow, Wes. We better think up a good virtual reward for you for keeping us all hooked on your Novella. You are a wonderful poster!

Karen, can you help us find an appropriate gift for Wes?


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77894 12/12/04 10:23 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,051
Mrs. Masaki Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,051
Thanks for the incredible updates, Wes! We gained weight vicariously through you and Ida! If only I had your willpower to exercise that faithfully...

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77895 12/13/04 04:11 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
K
kimk Offline
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Offline
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K
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Wes- thanks for the great reviews- really enjoyed them. I can't wait until the PG in March!!

kim

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77896 12/13/04 04:17 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
Wes: I feel like I do when I finish a good book - happy but a little sad too - I will miss your wonderful reports -


Joanna
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77897 12/13/04 05:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
Wes, has it been 10 days already???

Thank you so much for the reports. Your activities and dining descriptions made many muscles ache and mouths water!

Best wishes for a safe trip home to you and Ida.


Margo
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77898 12/13/04 09:09 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 656
Loon Offline
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Posts: 656
Thanks for the grand reports, Wes. As a die-hard foodie, I was prepared to swim to catch up with you. Sounds like the trip was a real gem!

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77899 12/13/04 01:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,303
Kathy Z Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,303
Wes, I've had little time to be on the boards recently due to a number of factors, but I've certainly enjoyed reading the reports you have been so faithful to keep writing for all of us back home.

Wishing you and Ida the happiest of holidays.

Kathy


Kathy
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77900 12/13/04 04:23 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 808
Susan W Offline
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Posts: 808
Wes,
So excited to read all your reports including your dive with Don Fosters. I have dove with them and found them to be a quality operator. Don't you love the wall? Guess you didn't get to dive the wall in Cozumel, but I hope you will someday. I think it is a little better there but love them both. Can't wait to hear more.


Susan
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77901 12/13/04 06:20 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,288
Gatowoman Offline
cruiser
Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,288
Mi Coronel!

Saved the best for last, eh!!

Thanks for the live journal!!


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77902 12/13/04 07:21 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,799
Arlene Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,799
I have really enjoyed reading about your cruise. I'm not so sure about all that exercise though. ;)

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77903 12/13/04 08:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
G
gf Offline
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Offline
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G
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
Welcome home, Wes & Ida, to frigid Hotlanta!

Really enjoyed your reports although I'm not the gourmet you are; so glad you had a wonderful time!


Another Kathy
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77904 12/14/04 04:07 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,395
southernlady Offline
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Posts: 4,395
Enjoyed the reports, Wes. I'm impressed with all the exercise. Maybe your good example will rub off on us!


Donna

I write about active travel for baby boomers: www.myitchytravelfeet.com
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77905 12/14/04 04:43 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 391
wagsalot Offline
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Offline
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 391
Great reports Wes! Helped me better anticipate my upcoming cruise in January!


Bobbi
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77906 12/15/04 04:51 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
ColonelWes Offline OP
cruiser
OP Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
All, you are very welcome..

back at work...and still going through cruise
withdrawals...Ida found another woman in the
Sauna Monday looking for a place to stow away.

r/wes

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77907 12/15/04 02:21 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,637
Claudia Offline
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Posts: 2,637
Welcome back and thanks for the menus.. Man made me very hungry! wink
Have to agree though, with Arlene.. whoa too much excercize! wink


Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77908 12/16/04 05:03 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 906
dougburns Offline
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Posts: 906
Thanks for all the good info, Wes. We're off for San Juan and Navigator on 27 Dec.

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77909 12/16/04 05:23 AM
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS Offline
Moderator
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
Welcome home Wes and Ida!

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!!! (please!)


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77910 12/16/04 08:56 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
ColonelWes Offline OP
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OP Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
Karen,

We have some that ida is taking to the camera
store today..(will change the Avitar with our formal night photo (Ida gown, me clown suit--i mean mess dress)...should send them tomorrow or early next week.

r/wes

Re: Navigator Novella (final chapter) #77911 12/16/04 09:11 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv Offline
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Offline
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Posts: 11,641
A handsome couple, no doubt - Joanna


Joanna

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