Check it out!!
This is just day 1.
I named the cruise dates Day 1 and Day 2 etc...but you'll see.
http://picasaweb.google.com/AmadaAnderson/CruiseDay1PortOfMiami?feat=directlink
Don't miss the videos either they are pretty funny.
xoxoxo
Amada
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
OMG...He Proposed!!
It is Thursday January 22nd....and we just docked in the bay of Huantulca Mexico this morning 8am. Am awoken to a beautiful sunrise and seaside mountain view of basically a lagoon setting. We rise and take on the day walking to a small town from and decide to walk around taking in the beautiful view and small flea market type venues nearby. We decide to go for a lunch break and try the Mexican food and eat near the shore. There are jet skies awaiting and soon after lunch I say "Let's go for a ride!!" in which Gene says "no thanks I'll watch and take pics of you". I give him a quick kiss goodbye and jump on the next jet ski. I am lost into the water and jumping through waves and screaming and laughing and wishing he was behind and with me...but alas he doesn't like the waves or not being in control so I take off and come back within the half hour. Never before have I experienced such exhilaration and complete wondrous freedom, loving every moment and remembering this for the rest of my life...until we go back to the room and Gene say's let's break open the tequila and have a drink. I say OK and next thing you know....he is in front of me kissing my hands and asking me to build a life with him forever....I say are you asking me what I think you are asking me?? And he say's yes. And even though we are without formality on this beautiful cruise...he gets on his knees and asks me to marry him!!!! I tell him I'll think about it and well....I was kidding because of course as you all know I am madly in love with this guy and nothing could make me happier!!!! My god! We are engaged!!!! So in love and am having the most wonderful time of my life!!!!
Miss and love you all!
xoxoxo'
Amada
Miss and love you all!
xoxoxo'
Amada
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just left Panama Canal and Columbia Night Prior
What a long long morning but kinda exciting and we took pictures of the first part (it was 12 hours to get through the canal) but Gene and I are feeling better and doing our part to relax finally on the cruise minus the huge fame status we have received from karaoke last night. Too much craziness! No not really. But I did have the balls to dance with the Cruise director and he was an excellent lead. Gene tried to dance with me but was so sore from hiking up the fortress that he kept complaining about the pain and moaning the whole time we danced. Boo :(
There was a raffle that chose our Cruise's prom king and queen last night (Regatta Senior Prom) and a man won and denied the crown because he said his queen was already waiting at the table beside him. But it was all in good fun and it's just amazing how these older couples really love each other.
Columbia was really beautiful. Kinda like a colonial key west. I took some beautiful pictures and we got lucky with a very nice taxi driver named Juan Garcia who bartered with us to take us around town. Very soon we will be adding pics, I promise! Probably on Picasa not on the blog. But of course by now you are receiving the invitation to view this blog every time we post but it's only cause we love you guys!!
Gene is really starting to relax (other than being called Kermit all day today! LOL) but I am really enjoying the time together. People really look at us and laugh with us and we are making friends very quickly. Yay!!
Anyways...please let us know you are receiving these blog posts. I would love to hear feedback on things to do if you know or have friends who know where to go in the cities we visit.
We just passed the Panama canal and are now floating 15 minutes into the Pacific. Woot! Next stop Punterianas, Costa Rica!
Tonight we are going to play who wants to be an O' Millionaire (Oceania Millionaire=points to earn during cruise for gifts/souvenirs from gift shop) and it should be tons of fun! Look out for our call. $6.95 a minute if we have to call u!!
we love ya!
xoxoxo
Amada and Gene
There was a raffle that chose our Cruise's prom king and queen last night (Regatta Senior Prom) and a man won and denied the crown because he said his queen was already waiting at the table beside him. But it was all in good fun and it's just amazing how these older couples really love each other.
Columbia was really beautiful. Kinda like a colonial key west. I took some beautiful pictures and we got lucky with a very nice taxi driver named Juan Garcia who bartered with us to take us around town. Very soon we will be adding pics, I promise! Probably on Picasa not on the blog. But of course by now you are receiving the invitation to view this blog every time we post but it's only cause we love you guys!!
Gene is really starting to relax (other than being called Kermit all day today! LOL) but I am really enjoying the time together. People really look at us and laugh with us and we are making friends very quickly. Yay!!
Anyways...please let us know you are receiving these blog posts. I would love to hear feedback on things to do if you know or have friends who know where to go in the cities we visit.
We just passed the Panama canal and are now floating 15 minutes into the Pacific. Woot! Next stop Punterianas, Costa Rica!
Tonight we are going to play who wants to be an O' Millionaire (Oceania Millionaire=points to earn during cruise for gifts/souvenirs from gift shop) and it should be tons of fun! Look out for our call. $6.95 a minute if we have to call u!!
we love ya!
xoxoxo
Amada and Gene
Cover Blown! Cover Blown!!! We are exposed and out in the open…
Last night, Amada and I went to karaoke.
Due to Amada’s efforts and cheerful recruiting, the Horizon’s lounge was “packed”. 40+ people. It was 10:30 pm when we started.
Entertainer/K.J. host, Ian Needles, asked me what I did…and I told him. I know I should have lied, but there really didn’t seem to be any reason too.
I sang the “Rainbow Connection” and got the usual reaction. Roaring applause, standing ovation; the works. Big, big mistake.
Now this was @ around 11:45 pm, and I didn’t think anyone would care, how wrong I was. After the show, Ian approached me and invited me to sing the Muppet song w/ a live 12 piece orchestra. I told him I would think about it, but that I am still a little sick, and that we’d see.
Early this morning, as we entered into the Panama Canal (Amazing!), 3 separate parties greeted me as “Kermit”. I even got a mention in the “Daily Program”, a 15 minute TV program broadcast continuously on the ship, where the cruise director talks about and reviews the events that happened or are going to happen onboard ship.
“There was an amazing gentleman last night that sang a song in the voices of 8 different Muppets…It was amazing.”
We are so, so screwed. Amada and I are sticking out like a pair of sore thumbs. I would guess-estimate that most of the senior staff now know who we are and that more than 25% of the passengers can now recognize us by site. They don’t know our names, but caught on that I work for OCL.
Requesting further instructions; mission “Keep in under your hat” is a complete and premature failure.
I nearly collapsed from exhaustion yesterday trying to climb up a mountain fortress in Cartegna (?), Columbia. ‘Had to sit down leaning on stony wall for about 15 mins. Don’t worry though, I am fine now and have completely re-hydrated. I had been a little sick, but it was pretty scary for a moment there.
Having a wonderful time and we see you all soon.
Love,
Mr. Gene
Due to Amada’s efforts and cheerful recruiting, the Horizon’s lounge was “packed”. 40+ people. It was 10:30 pm when we started.
Entertainer/K.J. host, Ian Needles, asked me what I did…and I told him. I know I should have lied, but there really didn’t seem to be any reason too.
I sang the “Rainbow Connection” and got the usual reaction. Roaring applause, standing ovation; the works. Big, big mistake.
Now this was @ around 11:45 pm, and I didn’t think anyone would care, how wrong I was. After the show, Ian approached me and invited me to sing the Muppet song w/ a live 12 piece orchestra. I told him I would think about it, but that I am still a little sick, and that we’d see.
Early this morning, as we entered into the Panama Canal (Amazing!), 3 separate parties greeted me as “Kermit”. I even got a mention in the “Daily Program”, a 15 minute TV program broadcast continuously on the ship, where the cruise director talks about and reviews the events that happened or are going to happen onboard ship.
“There was an amazing gentleman last night that sang a song in the voices of 8 different Muppets…It was amazing.”
We are so, so screwed. Amada and I are sticking out like a pair of sore thumbs. I would guess-estimate that most of the senior staff now know who we are and that more than 25% of the passengers can now recognize us by site. They don’t know our names, but caught on that I work for OCL.
Requesting further instructions; mission “Keep in under your hat” is a complete and premature failure.
I nearly collapsed from exhaustion yesterday trying to climb up a mountain fortress in Cartegna (?), Columbia. ‘Had to sit down leaning on stony wall for about 15 mins. Don’t worry though, I am fine now and have completely re-hydrated. I had been a little sick, but it was pretty scary for a moment there.
Having a wonderful time and we see you all soon.
Love,
Mr. Gene
Friday, January 16, 2009
First Email Sent to Oceania Co-Workers (Jan 16th)
Hey Kids,
How are you all doing? Believe it or not, even though I am on an absolutely splendid vacation trip here on the Regetta, I am still thinking a lot about you all and wishing that we could have shared this experience together. I’ve worked for Oceania for a number of years now and after just the first day, I realized what an awesome product we have and what a wonderful way to travel cruising is.
The quality of the services onboard has been excellent and the food only gourmet. It’s been a little difficult getting used to it. The waiters remember your name and are always friendly and chipper. (It’s kind of creepy.) The chambermaid comes to clean your stateroom twice a day, once for daily maintenance and then again for nightly turndown service. (w/ chocolates on the bed) Room service is indeed available 24 hours a day and the selection is vast and quite filling.
Neither Amada nor I have ever experienced such luxury before and it is a little overwhelming. It’s so surreal and yet I am so happy to be able to travel on this amazing vessel.
12 hours after we left Miami, we docked in Mallory Square, Key West. I mean, right in Mallory Square! It was amazing. Okay, a quick breakfast, (And can you believe I am actually eating regular meals? Or perhaps I should say, I am eating regularly.) and then a hastened wandering around Key West. Amada and I had been before so no big deal, but we stocked up on Coca-cola and bottled water. (I think four 2-liter bottles of Coke should last me until Mexico. LOL!)
I am a terrible liar and blew my cover on the first day. Alcohol makes me stupid and there was a martini tasting program onboard on the 2nd night. We are nearly the youngest couple onboard and both have very loud, sociable personalities. I knew this was going to be a problem. The few people I did not inform whom I worked for Amada leaked too while I was away smoking a cigarette. She’s actually started trying to recruit people to come and sing karaoke tonight. It’s bad. We make quite an impression, whether we are trying to or not. She laughs loud, I laugh loud. I tell corny, terrible jokes and she’s a theatre major who can randomly burst out into song. Last night, she MADE me do my “Kermit the Frog” impression in front of an audience for Big “O” points. (These are points that you accumulate to win minor prizes onboard the ship. – Hats, tote bags, whatever.) But don’t worry, we are behaving and will not fall overboard, though the concierge cabin is amazing. (Thank you, Ed for that and the lovely fruit basket.)
We are having a wonderful time, though the seas had been rough over the passed two days. Sickness bags were conveniently laid out everywhere yesterday and a lot of the recreational activities had to be put on hold.
Okay. I’m running out of things to say…
Amada started a blog, it’s @:
http://geneandamadascruise.blogspot.com/
if you are interested.
Okay. I hope to write you guys again soon. My email address is chiange@bellsouth.net
Laters!
P.S. – I am not going to be able to send this out to everyone, so please spread it out amongst yourselves. Remember, it’s not that Daddy doesn’t love you or love you best, but how many time do you expect me to type __________@oceaniacruises.com?
How are you all doing? Believe it or not, even though I am on an absolutely splendid vacation trip here on the Regetta, I am still thinking a lot about you all and wishing that we could have shared this experience together. I’ve worked for Oceania for a number of years now and after just the first day, I realized what an awesome product we have and what a wonderful way to travel cruising is.
The quality of the services onboard has been excellent and the food only gourmet. It’s been a little difficult getting used to it. The waiters remember your name and are always friendly and chipper. (It’s kind of creepy.) The chambermaid comes to clean your stateroom twice a day, once for daily maintenance and then again for nightly turndown service. (w/ chocolates on the bed) Room service is indeed available 24 hours a day and the selection is vast and quite filling.
Neither Amada nor I have ever experienced such luxury before and it is a little overwhelming. It’s so surreal and yet I am so happy to be able to travel on this amazing vessel.
12 hours after we left Miami, we docked in Mallory Square, Key West. I mean, right in Mallory Square! It was amazing. Okay, a quick breakfast, (And can you believe I am actually eating regular meals? Or perhaps I should say, I am eating regularly.) and then a hastened wandering around Key West. Amada and I had been before so no big deal, but we stocked up on Coca-cola and bottled water. (I think four 2-liter bottles of Coke should last me until Mexico. LOL!)
I am a terrible liar and blew my cover on the first day. Alcohol makes me stupid and there was a martini tasting program onboard on the 2nd night. We are nearly the youngest couple onboard and both have very loud, sociable personalities. I knew this was going to be a problem. The few people I did not inform whom I worked for Amada leaked too while I was away smoking a cigarette. She’s actually started trying to recruit people to come and sing karaoke tonight. It’s bad. We make quite an impression, whether we are trying to or not. She laughs loud, I laugh loud. I tell corny, terrible jokes and she’s a theatre major who can randomly burst out into song. Last night, she MADE me do my “Kermit the Frog” impression in front of an audience for Big “O” points. (These are points that you accumulate to win minor prizes onboard the ship. – Hats, tote bags, whatever.) But don’t worry, we are behaving and will not fall overboard, though the concierge cabin is amazing. (Thank you, Ed for that and the lovely fruit basket.)
We are having a wonderful time, though the seas had been rough over the passed two days. Sickness bags were conveniently laid out everywhere yesterday and a lot of the recreational activities had to be put on hold.
Okay. I’m running out of things to say…
Amada started a blog, it’s @:
http://geneandamadascruise.blogspot.com/
if you are interested.
Okay. I hope to write you guys again soon. My email address is chiange@bellsouth.net
Laters!
P.S. – I am not going to be able to send this out to everyone, so please spread it out amongst yourselves. Remember, it’s not that Daddy doesn’t love you or love you best, but how many time do you expect me to type __________@oceaniacruises.com?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another Sea Day....
After docking in Key West on Tuesday and then being there only for a few hours we quickly stocked up on water and coke. Having stopped in one of our favorite specialty stores and then headed over to the bar for a mimosa, bloody Mary and a beer. Yes Gene and I drink!!! Of course you probably all know that by now...anyhow we were sailing away and waving to Mallory Square when we decided to call our parents to say bye till Feb. International waters makes it hard to call anyone but we get Internet WOOHOO!
So currently the ship is extremely rocky and this boat is just romping through the water. Gene has come down with a very very high fever and chills episode and I think he just needs to rest some. He's probably sea sick too. I seem to be doing okay. It's not easy typing on the computer and your chair moving back and forth. But tomorrow we are going to be in Cartegnia Columbia and even though it's another short day I know it will be amazing. For one, we will be able to get off the ship for a little bit and that might help Gene, and secondly I am going for a very very nice massage. Head to toe, facial and deep tissue massage. YAY!
This is a great cruise line and even though I'm not crazy about playing Bingo I do like cards. I signed us up for Rummy and hopefully someone will play with us.
We have met some great people too. Loners and couples and we did spot another younger couple. But I still seem to be the youngest. LOL. No biggie. I can handle it.
Sorry if it seems like I am rambling. I AM! We are just doing things one day at a time. Maybe I will go play bingo. LOL. Why the hell not?!
Ummm I guess another thing I could mention is what we are eating.
So far what I can remember I've eaten: Angus strip steak, Caviar, Herring, Lobster, Veal, cauliflower soup, bread and butter, salmon and cream cheese, milkshakes, omelette's (made to order), oh and TEA TIME!! Small finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jelly, and our own special tea set served on rolling trays!!!
Whose gonna fit into work pants after this?! Seriously??
love ya!
xoxoxo
Amada
So currently the ship is extremely rocky and this boat is just romping through the water. Gene has come down with a very very high fever and chills episode and I think he just needs to rest some. He's probably sea sick too. I seem to be doing okay. It's not easy typing on the computer and your chair moving back and forth. But tomorrow we are going to be in Cartegnia Columbia and even though it's another short day I know it will be amazing. For one, we will be able to get off the ship for a little bit and that might help Gene, and secondly I am going for a very very nice massage. Head to toe, facial and deep tissue massage. YAY!
This is a great cruise line and even though I'm not crazy about playing Bingo I do like cards. I signed us up for Rummy and hopefully someone will play with us.
We have met some great people too. Loners and couples and we did spot another younger couple. But I still seem to be the youngest. LOL. No biggie. I can handle it.
Sorry if it seems like I am rambling. I AM! We are just doing things one day at a time. Maybe I will go play bingo. LOL. Why the hell not?!
Ummm I guess another thing I could mention is what we are eating.
So far what I can remember I've eaten: Angus strip steak, Caviar, Herring, Lobster, Veal, cauliflower soup, bread and butter, salmon and cream cheese, milkshakes, omelette's (made to order), oh and TEA TIME!! Small finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jelly, and our own special tea set served on rolling trays!!!
Whose gonna fit into work pants after this?! Seriously??
love ya!
xoxoxo
Amada
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
First Day At Sea...Leaving The Port of Miami
Hello friends and family or just random people wondering who we are, let me introduce to you myself, AMADA and my boyfriend GENE.
My name is Amada and I am with my boyfriend Gene on a cruise. Oceania Cruises-"Regatta"-Panama Canal Miami to Los Angeles. He and I have had a long distance relationship for the past year and finally are getting to spend some quality time together and have the experience of a lifetime. He has been working for a cruise line for the past 3 years and finally getting to experience the real deal instead of selling reservations. And let me just say WOW!!!!! We get 16 days together plus an extra couple days spent in the last port, Los Angeles then a very fun drive to Arizona. But more on that later...
We are cruising right now somewhere in the Atlantic and are having a wonderful crazy experience. Deciding to document this adventure using the free Internet (SHHHH-works for the company) and taking turns blogging about each other.
For the first cruise, we knew this was going to be pretty pricey but also knew that I would probably be the youngest if not one of the youngest people to be on the ship and we are the youngest couple but the funny thing is it's not as bad as we thought it would be. The older crowd are really just like everyone else, except of course most of them are world travelers and they of course have lots of money. Pretty sprite and spunky and a lot of fun at least the bar crowd is. Very knowledgable and wise. ;)
When Gene first told me we were finally going I was so excited I could hardly contain myself and as the time came closer and closer it became hard to sleep. I quickly learned that Gene was feeling the same way if not more hyper about it. We decided to stay at my house the Saturday before leaving and then his house Sunday night so we could see our families. Saturday night at my house in West Palm Beach we watched old home movies and laughed and then Sunday we drove to Miami and we packed Gene up, saw his sister and tried to see old friends at Titanic bar and grill for last time doing karaoke. We sang songs like Cruisin, Margarittaville, Love Boat, Tide is High, Under the Boardwalk, and of course My heart will go on. It was a lot of fun and it was good to see those who came to support us and our relationship. Thanks to those who did.
So Monday -First day on the cruise and leaving the port of Miami was extremely overwhelming, exciting and highly enjoyable. My parents wanted to see us off and decided to drive from West Palm to Miami and say hi to Gene's mother and father and then drive us to the Port. We didn't have much time for tea or lunch but we were grateful nonetheless for the small time we did spend with our families that day. We got to the ship and they took our passports and we went to our room, which at first seems small but as you start to put things away becomes extremely cozy. Queen size bed, outside veranda, a bottle of champagne and fruit basket (from his coworker Ed) left on the table. It's very quaint and unique. This ship is so beautiful! The service is amazing and of course the food is more than you can imagine extravagant. We went to lunch on the terrace cafe and although it looks buffet style, we quickly learned that you are not even allowed to lift a finger. Anything you'd want to eat, anytime. It's really amazing. So we sat out on the terrace and enjoyed tea and finger sandwiches, fruit, and my favorite chocolate mouse!!! YUM! After that we walked around enjoying the ship (Gene knows backwards and forwards) and just locating things and settling in. Although I don't know if you can really settle into service like this. Extremely overwhelmingly wonderful. The bed is 800 or 900 Egyptian cotton and feather down and once you lay down on it, it's very hard to get back up. The TV is satellite but on top of that, I quickly learned there seems to be no commercials! I mean my god. Also we were so excited the first night we couldn't sleep so we ordered room service (turkey club/cheese plate) at 3am and they happily brought it to us. I just don't know where to begin.
Gene really looks like a grinning fool, he can't believe it's all really happening. I am no longer worrying so much but am enjoying the serenity of the sea (even though I was feeling hydrophobic at first). Once we left the port of Miami (which is as we all know extremely beautiful) and left for Key West (which is always paradise) was when it hit us that this is something to never forget. I suggested we blog instead of sending emails and updates to everyone so that's where this began. We are happy to be together and are extremely happy to be experiencing this with the support of our friends, family, and coworkers.
Thanks again so much!
Next stop is Columbia! Watch out!!
Sincerely,
Amada & Gene
p.s. Gene will begin blogging separately as well so stay tuned for more to come, including pictures!!
My name is Amada and I am with my boyfriend Gene on a cruise. Oceania Cruises-"Regatta"-Panama Canal Miami to Los Angeles. He and I have had a long distance relationship for the past year and finally are getting to spend some quality time together and have the experience of a lifetime. He has been working for a cruise line for the past 3 years and finally getting to experience the real deal instead of selling reservations. And let me just say WOW!!!!! We get 16 days together plus an extra couple days spent in the last port, Los Angeles then a very fun drive to Arizona. But more on that later...
We are cruising right now somewhere in the Atlantic and are having a wonderful crazy experience. Deciding to document this adventure using the free Internet (SHHHH-works for the company) and taking turns blogging about each other.
For the first cruise, we knew this was going to be pretty pricey but also knew that I would probably be the youngest if not one of the youngest people to be on the ship and we are the youngest couple but the funny thing is it's not as bad as we thought it would be. The older crowd are really just like everyone else, except of course most of them are world travelers and they of course have lots of money. Pretty sprite and spunky and a lot of fun at least the bar crowd is. Very knowledgable and wise. ;)
When Gene first told me we were finally going I was so excited I could hardly contain myself and as the time came closer and closer it became hard to sleep. I quickly learned that Gene was feeling the same way if not more hyper about it. We decided to stay at my house the Saturday before leaving and then his house Sunday night so we could see our families. Saturday night at my house in West Palm Beach we watched old home movies and laughed and then Sunday we drove to Miami and we packed Gene up, saw his sister and tried to see old friends at Titanic bar and grill for last time doing karaoke. We sang songs like Cruisin, Margarittaville, Love Boat, Tide is High, Under the Boardwalk, and of course My heart will go on. It was a lot of fun and it was good to see those who came to support us and our relationship. Thanks to those who did.
So Monday -First day on the cruise and leaving the port of Miami was extremely overwhelming, exciting and highly enjoyable. My parents wanted to see us off and decided to drive from West Palm to Miami and say hi to Gene's mother and father and then drive us to the Port. We didn't have much time for tea or lunch but we were grateful nonetheless for the small time we did spend with our families that day. We got to the ship and they took our passports and we went to our room, which at first seems small but as you start to put things away becomes extremely cozy. Queen size bed, outside veranda, a bottle of champagne and fruit basket (from his coworker Ed) left on the table. It's very quaint and unique. This ship is so beautiful! The service is amazing and of course the food is more than you can imagine extravagant. We went to lunch on the terrace cafe and although it looks buffet style, we quickly learned that you are not even allowed to lift a finger. Anything you'd want to eat, anytime. It's really amazing. So we sat out on the terrace and enjoyed tea and finger sandwiches, fruit, and my favorite chocolate mouse!!! YUM! After that we walked around enjoying the ship (Gene knows backwards and forwards) and just locating things and settling in. Although I don't know if you can really settle into service like this. Extremely overwhelmingly wonderful. The bed is 800 or 900 Egyptian cotton and feather down and once you lay down on it, it's very hard to get back up. The TV is satellite but on top of that, I quickly learned there seems to be no commercials! I mean my god. Also we were so excited the first night we couldn't sleep so we ordered room service (turkey club/cheese plate) at 3am and they happily brought it to us. I just don't know where to begin.
Gene really looks like a grinning fool, he can't believe it's all really happening. I am no longer worrying so much but am enjoying the serenity of the sea (even though I was feeling hydrophobic at first). Once we left the port of Miami (which is as we all know extremely beautiful) and left for Key West (which is always paradise) was when it hit us that this is something to never forget. I suggested we blog instead of sending emails and updates to everyone so that's where this began. We are happy to be together and are extremely happy to be experiencing this with the support of our friends, family, and coworkers.
Thanks again so much!
Next stop is Columbia! Watch out!!
Sincerely,
Amada & Gene
p.s. Gene will begin blogging separately as well so stay tuned for more to come, including pictures!!
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