I've taken the 2011 Anti-Wuss challenge after the outgoing governator, Ed Rendell, called out us Eastern Pennsylvanians for delaying that Vikings-Eagles football game because of snow. Sticking to the challenge is requiring creative thinking on this cruise.
We swore off sleeping in on embarkation day and instead scouted the Mariner location over at the pier. Mary Ellen and Jim (m'ellen) arrived at the pier following their 18 day cruise filled with snow-free weather. We got the scoop on what's hot and what's not on board, and brought them back to the hotel to visit with a number of the FUNsters before we left at 11 to return the rental car and embark.
We shared the shuttle to the pier with a family of four who, it turns out, are FUNsters. This is their second Regent cruise. The sons are 27 and 24, and the family was elated at Stanford men's football Orange Bowl victory (which they wisely attended instead of the FIESTA festivities). Olivia joined the six of us for lunch and, before she knew what hit her, she was taking an unplanned deep dive into sports. Fantasy sports found its way into the discussion in between answering queries from the sons (first time cruisers) on what to expect for the next 7 days and a good natured back and forth on college women's basketball programs. Lawrence came by and jumped right into the strategies and methodologies and marginal contribution analysis needed to choose the biggest, baddest fantasy football team. You just know he's got a high level, multivariate model for this task. Geek speak tangled with fractured sports analogies at a fevered pitch. Calculus was whirring all around our heads. It was a most memorable lunch.
We joined John, Tonya, John, Kimmi, Frank, Carla, Greg and Viv for drinks at Mariner Lounge and then a lovely dinner. Gary went to see Franco, our dining room manager, who gave us the captain's table and made sure Gary had the captain's chair. It was so much fun!
Yesterday was a beautiful day in Key West. We trudged over to the catamaran and got ready for a trip to the 3rd largest reef in the world (behind the great barrier reef and belize) and some snorkeling. My Anti-Wuss discipline hit a real snag when the crew reported the 65 degree water temperature . Gary plowed on ahead – damn the $10 for the wetsuit as that's for wusses. I asked the captain if the water temperature is always 65 degrees in this area. Why no .. it's the consequence of the coldest December on record and has definitely crimped the tourist business. Aha! So if I come back in, say, April, I can help others by contributing once again to the Conch Republic's economy AND see the reef in more comfortable water conditions. Works for me! On the ride back, I passed on the brekkie beer and prepared for a brisk walk through Key West before the all aboard at 1:30. Of course, one cannot make such a walk without a genuine key lime pie slice on a stick – held together with a dark chocolate coating. It fell off the stick half eaten, a brilliant development in the calorie control category. Nature's Rhythm played on the sail away and, oh my, are those guys are talented musicians. The pool buffet was a great way to enjoy a late lunch with good friends, wonderful music and sunny, warm weather.
It was a good thing we'd gotten the calculus warm-up the prior day, as Ngaire updated us on the onboard booking situation and possible escorted cruises for 2012. Felice became the favorite captain of all 13 folks whose names were drawn – ciao ciao. Congratulations to them!
The father and son joined us for trivia yesterday, as we carefully reviewed the rules for playing blood sport trivia. Dad chipped in a dunk with a correct answer on a Russian carriage name, while Dad and Son paired up for a goal and an assist with the correct Southeastern Asian country which hadn't been part of a European empire. They certainly have the proper drive to win to be successful at trivia. Gary got 2 minutes in the penalty box for tripping as he missed the 'Southeast' part of the question and was sure Japan had to be the correct answer. We came in second to the awesome power of Jan, Lawrence, Peggy and ?? No matter, we're ready to try again this afternoon. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Olivia and I are keeping our eyes peeled for anyone in the under 30 crowd to introduce to the sons.
We shared an early Signatures table with a family from Alaska. It's got to be 3 years or more since I've been in Signatures. I thought our FIESTA lunch onboard in Compass Rose was every bit as good as my choices in Signatures. The cheese course offerings are slimmed down. Afterward, Viva la Vida (starring under 30 dancers) was in the show lounge, followed by big band dancing for us. Olivia found us as she'd also found a few under 30 year olds for the sons. Sure enough, we found 'em and all landed at karaoke in Stars Lounge. The trivia son put his all into one of the songs – what he lacked in vocal quality he more than made up for in stage presence. I channeled my inner Leslie and was a back up dancer and 'HEY YA' vocal supporter. He also spots the trivia lady and was off in a flash, seeking an edge to lead us to victory today. It was a hoot!
Today means more deck walking so we are revved up for our Cozumel do-it-ourselves explorer tour. With any luck, I'll join Suzanne and Tonya on the Pinot Mile walk.
