Official Free Republic Network "Freeps Ahoy" Cruise After Action Report (WHOTCSOTC)

NA ^ | June 8, 2003 | Seeking the Truth

[Seeking the truth]

The FRN "Freeps Ahoy" Cruise aboard the Carnival Cruise Triumph arrived back in Miami this morning.

No SARS, No Norwalk, No Terrorism - just a hell of a lot of fun, food and sun!

As the first cruiser back at his computer, I have the honor of starting this thread and posting the above pic, which was taken at the foot of the staircase descending into the "London Room", which was the dining room each evening for our Freeper Contingent.

Front Row (left to right): Judy (Qwert's wife), Jean (friend of Bush_Democrat), Eileen (BobFromNJ's wife), MinuteGal, Bahbah, Hoosiermama

Second Row: Lisa, Utah Girl, Bush_Democrat, Apple Pan Dowdy, Bizzy Bugz

Third Row: Verily, The Shrew, FRBI (STT's wife), diotima, Strela

Fourth Row: Edomaden, Dennis (friend of Bush_Democrat), Colonel Jim, Seeking the Truth, BobJ, Sheryl (Dale Reed's wife), Sarah (Interesting Times' wife)

Top Row: Mike (Bush_Democrat's husband), BobFromNJ, Dale Reed, Interesting Times

Missing From Photo: Qwert, Sharktrager, Mycroft Holmes & spouse Marisa, Principle Over Politics & spouse Judy and lurkers Elaine & Cindy, Sharktrager's brother John & Win.

I've gone over the name tag list and the notes of this group photo. I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

[The Shrew]

Well, off to the connecting flight! Don't be telling any stories about me! I have a radio show to retaliate with y'know!

;-)

TS

[Jim Robinson]

Congratulations and welcome home! Sounds like y'all had a great cruise.

[Jim Robinson]

(and the rest of us are green with envy).

[Seeking the truth]

It's good to be back in the good ole USA!

We did good. No one ended up in the hoosegow or the brig!

[Seeking the truth]

Mum's the word.

Do you think your workout buddy, Alphonse, the fire dancer, will be checking into FR to see what it is?

[dutchess]

How cool! Glad you had a great time...maybe we can join you next year...looking forward to more reports!

[dutchess]

I must add...what a fine looking group you are! Makes me proud!

[lowbridge]

[Seeking the truth]

Hope you can make it next time!

Here's a photo report from the "Feed the Sting Ray Excursion"

I took this as our boat was reaching the "feeding area"

It was a bit disconcerting to see some 80 (60 female/the big ones & 20 males/smaller but happy) swarm to where the humans will be gathering.

The guides told us to shuffle our feet so that we don't step on them. That's when they sting you. Otherwise, just hold the squid in your hand with thumb inside your fist and let the sting ray "suck" it out of your hand....right!

[Seeking the truth]

Good one, LB

[dutchess]

The guides told us to shuffle our feet so that we don't step on them. That's when they sting you. Otherwise, just hold the squid in your hand with thumb inside your fist and let the sting ray "suck" it out of your hand....right!

I think I'll pass on that one LOL!

[Trust but Verify]

We have done this on a previous cruise. It's a great experience. Do you remember which company ran the stingray boat? Was it Don Foster's Dive Shop?

[Trust but Verify]

No, you'd love it. You cannot imagine how warm and clear the water is. And the rays are beautiful. Nothing to fear.

[Seeking the truth]

Kirk Sea Tours

stingpix@candw.ky

FYI - Carnival charges $40, Kirk will charge someone direct only $ 20

[RedBloodedAmerican]

[Trust but Verify]

Thanks. Fun, wasn't it? I'll really have to look into the next FReeper cruise. My problem is, when I get it in my head to go on one, I want to go NOW!!! The last one we went on we booked less than 2 weeks ahead of time.

[Seeking the truth]

Here's an up close & personal photo. My wife, "FRBI", and I are petting this stingray. The tour folks say they have been doing this for over 20 years now and the rays are very used to humans.

[Seeking the truth]

I'll really have to look into the next FReeper cruise

That's music to our ears! This is our second and we'll be there for the next one too.

[Libertina]

Ahoy and welcome home FRNners!
You look great!

[dutchess]

Oh how neat...and what a beautiful couple you make! I bet you all are going through a little "FR cruise" withdrawal...(I certainly felt it after the MarchforJustice and a few other freeps. Looking forward to more pictures, reports etc.!