Sunday, January 26 - Day 8

Sunday morning we woke up early and had one last room service breakfast. We squeezed the last few items into our luggage and waited for our disembarkation time.  A final scan of our ship card and the cruise was over. We took a shuttle to the airport to pick up our rental car.  We ended up with a Mazda 6 so it felt familiar. We couldn't check into the hotel until 3. We didn't really have a plan so Jason just started driving. We drove all over town and even drove to Miami for fun. I'd never been there before. We headed back to Fort Lauderdale and found a park on the internet. Unfortunately it wasn't too exciting as it was right near the Everglades. Cool to see but not much to do. We headed to a shopping center instead. We found a neat restaurant for lunch called Lime Fresh Mexican Grill which is like a lot of Mexican chains but was very very good. Jason had a tortilla soup and I had tacos with one of their 4 homemade Guacs. Delicious!

We continued to wander around the shops when Anikka got a voicemail that our flights for the next day were cancelled. They left a second message that we were rebooked on 3 flights home and would get back to MKE about 4 hrs later than originally scheduled.  We started to get a little stressed out and decided it was time to head to the hotel. We checked in and found our room and Anikka immediately started to scour the internet for better flights. After waiting for a return call from the airline she was able to persuade the agent into booking us on different flights that left earlier. After the weight was off our shoulders we took to the beach for some photos and a walk. For dinner we went to another Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! 

Then we headed back to the hotel to go to bed. With our new early flights it was a short night!

 

Saturday, January 26 - Day 7

Saturday found us in Key West Florida. We booked a morning "catamaran" and snorkeling tour. The boat staff scared many of the other guests into renting a wetsuit but we decided to tough it. We both jumped in instead of wading in and actually it wasn't that cold at all! After a couple of snorkeling adventures last year on the cruise I was much more comfortable this year. We also had fun with our underwater camera. There were some big waves which made getting back onto the boat a challenge. We were then served drinks that were included.  We enjoyed the ride back with drinks in hand. They even gave us some "to go". We walked around the pier a bit and then headed back to the ship for lunch.  Then we got back off and walked around a bit more. 

The final show was the "All Stars" concert where many of the artists come out and do one last song. Paul Taylor even sang to the tune of "I've gotta feeling". His version was "I"ve gotta feelin' that the Smooth Jazz Cruise is a great one".  For the second year the cruise seemed to end just a bit before we were ready. We wandered around the ship for a bit. It's the last time we know we'll be on the Westerdam since next year's cruise is on a different ship. We made a stop at the spot that we got engaged. Then we checked out a few minutes of the last smaller shows before heading back to the room to attempt to finish packing. 

Friday, January 25 - Day 6

Friday we were back at sea and started the morning off with another autograph session. I (Anikka) got up the courage to compliment Candy Dulfer on her bracelet. Pretty Exciting stuff. 

Marcus Miller

I headed back to bed for a bit and Jason went to watch Marcus Miller play basketball. He got some neat photos and I think it's the only time I've seen Marcus not in a hat!  The afternoon continued with the "Hanging with Horns" session featuring Candy Dulfer, Steve Cole, Paul Taylor, Richard Elliot and David Sanborn in the Queen's Lounge. Next up was Dueling Pianos with Bob James and Brian Simpson. We stopped by the "10 yrs on...A look back at The Greatest Party at Sea" where Jason snagged a photo with Candy Dulfer. I don't think I've seen him smile that big EVER :)

Candy Dulfer

Steve Cole

Paul Taylor & Candy Dulfer

David Sanborn

Brian Simpson

This was formal night so Anikka took an hour to get ready while Jason went off to the cocktail chat with Alonzo Bodden, Marcus Miller and Larry Braggs. I joined him after getting all snazzed up.  We headed to the formal dinning room for the first time all week. We had a table to ourselves and were happily surprised when dinner didn't take two hours like last year. We then went straight to the line to wait for the Paul Taylor and Brian Culbertson concert.  The main show was followed by a complete play through of the Double Vision album by David Sanborn, Bob James and Marcus Miller which was released in 1990. They hadn't played the songs together since!

Thursday, January 24 - Day 5

Today we were in Belize City. We took a tender to shore and then met one of our tour guides Diandi. Our group ended up doubling in size because of our late arrival to Belize. They didn't have enough time to complete the excursion they had originally booked so they joined ours along with their guide Gus. We boarded a boat and proceeded up the Wallace River.  We saw lot's of wild life including manatees, birds, crocidiles, iguanas, bats, dolphins and monkeys. We then stopped at a the Black Orchid Resort for lunch on our own. Jason was able to snap lots of cool flower pictures.

Next we got in a bus to ride to the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins. It was really neat to be able to climb to the top of one of the pyramids and view the historic site from that angle.  The ruins were the type of thing you see in history books and I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to see them in real life. Very cool! We got back on the bus as it hurried back to the port. We arrived about 45 minutes late but the ship waited because we had booked the excursion through Holland America. The ship had already pulled anchor and was ready to go as soon as we made it on board.

We were exhausted and decided to lay down for a nap. Unfortunately our alarm didn't go off and we woke up after the first artist had already started the late show. OOPS! Jason caught Bob James and Jonathan Butler on the TV in the room (live stream) and we made it to the Vista Lounge for one of Alonzo Bodden's comedy shows.

Wednesday, January 23 - Day 4

Today was spent in Cozumel/Playa del Carmen. We started off on a boat ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. The ride was a rough one but the ferry staff were well prepared for seasick riders. I (Anikka) got queasy but recovered quickly once off the boat. We then took a short van ride with 3 other people from the Westerdam (2 SJC guests and 1 off-duty crew member) to the "Rio Secreto" cave/underground river (cenote).  We were geared up with wetsuits, water shoes, helmets and lights. Our guide was Gonzo and he was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Since we had a small group he took some extra time with us in the caves. We learned a lot about stalagmites/stalactites. Afterwards we enjoyed a shot of tequila with our guide as well as a great lunch. We then took a van back to the city (Playa del Carmen) and had some time to explore before taking the ferry back to Cozumel. Luckily this time the ride was not rough!

Gonzo

The evening concerts were Angie Stone and Marcus Miller. Jason participated in one of Angie's songs where she asked all the "brothers"/men to stand up. Angie shook Jason's hand during the song. Marcus ended his show with "Doin' the Butt" a song he wrote for a movie. David Sanborn joined in the performance and stuck the mic in Anikka's face during the song. Unfortunately she panicked and didn't sing.  Still a fun memory! It was cool to see David out of his element singing instead of playing the sax.

Tuesday, January 22 - Day 3

The first event of the day was an Autograph session in the Crow's nest. As veteran Smooth Jazz Cruisers we knew to line up very early. There are always people in line to chat with while waiting. Such a friendly crowd. About half the artists were present and we both had them sign the traditional poster. Maybe this year we'll get around to getting them framed!

The afternoon brought two new and interesting events. The "Women Only" session and the "Boys' Club". We sat in on both and man were they different. The Woman Only was hosted by Candy Dulfer and Pat Prescott. Kim Hill (DJ) and Rick Braun's wife, Christiane were also on the "panel". This session was mostly a woman bonding time with various guests geting up to the mic and just telling about themselves. Very touchy feely. :) The Boys' Club on the other hand was full of men making fun of each other. Alonzo Bodden (Comedian), Bella (Candy Dulfer's BF), Larry Braggs and Michael Lazeroff were the participants.

Alonzo Bodden

Bella & Larry Braggs

Next was a cocktail chat with Richard Elliot as we pulled into Cozumel. We changed for the evening and ducked off the ship to walk around a bit. It was almost impossible to get out of the shopping area that they force you through as you come and go through the port. The main event of the night was the George Benson Concert. We lined up 2 1/2 hrs early and were able to get front row seats again. It was stunning to see a legend that close. He put on a great show.

Richard Elliot

Monday, January 21 - Day 2

Our first full day on the ship was at sea which gave us the opportunity to sleep in and settle in to our cabin. We headed to the Lido for a late breakfast and then got ready for the t-shirt party. Free drinks mean you almost need a nap after this event! We forged on and went to an interview of Bob James and David Sanborn hosted by Marcus Miller. It's great to hear stories about these artists humble beginnings and the other artists that inspired them and helped make them into the musicians they are today. We stopped by the Crow's nest and caught the end of an interview with Steve Cole, Ken Ford, Raul Midon and Paul Taylor. Anikka was interested to find out that Steve Cole is a professor at St. Thomas University in Minnesota. Next was a "cocktail chat" with Brian Culbertson which was an interview and piano session in an intimate piano bar. 

We decided to get in line for the main show about an hour before. The doors open only about twenty minutes before but it was well worth the wait because we were able to get front row seats to see Candy Dulfer and Richard Elliot. One of us even made Randy Jacobs crack a smile when he was jammin' at the end of the stage. During Candy's performance she even hopped off the stage and played right in front of Jason. We stuck around after the main show to see comedian Alonzo Bodden. He's a hoot! After that we changed into our PJ's for the Pa-JAM-a Party by the Lido Pool. We grabbed a burger and enjoyed some tunes by DW3. Another late night it was!

Sunday, January 20 - Day 1

We left home around midnight to begin our Smooth Jazz Cruise adventure. After losing our luggage last year this time we had brought along very distinct looking luggage. We even took pictures  of it up front so we could show the airline if needed. Thankfully that didn't happen. After 6 hrs and 2 flights we made it to Fort Lauderdale with both our bags. After a quick taxi ride we got in line at Pier 29. After security screening, check-in and photos we were back on board the familiar Westerdam. We checked out our room on the 7th floor. Very similar in layout to last year except it was backwards. Our room is in the wider part of the ship this year which also means we have a little bit better view on our Verandah.

We were very tired but excited and ready to start the Greatest Party at Sea. The first night's main show was David Sanborn and Rick Braun. The evening continued with a show from Jazz Violinist Ken Ford in the Queen's Lounge.

 

Jazz on the Vine

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A few weekends ago we ventured to Elkhart Lake, WI. The Ostroff Resort had a Jazz on the Vine Festival going on all weekend long. Two of the artists from the cruise, Peter White and Euge Groove, were performing together. Euge is one of Jason's favorite's and Peter is one of mine so it was a great combo. Unfortunately neither of them will be on the cruise again next year.

While we were on our way to the concert Anikka posted on Peter White's FB page that she was driving 3 hrs to see him play. She was SHOCKED and ELATED when she got a reply from Peter himself!

The concert was great but we both missed the SJC experience. We were fortunate enough to be in the first 10 rows on the cruise so we got a a very up close and personal. This concert was a little different. We also missed the friendly comraderie that was constant on the cruise. But back to the concert. We both enjoyed it and it was well worth the late night drive home.

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Disembarkation

Sad times indeed. 2147nm traveled.

We woke up around 7, had room service for the last time and finalized our packing. To ease things we planned on carrying our own luggage off the ship.  We were in one of the last disembarkation groups scheduled for 9:15.  Around 9:00 we left our room as the room stewards were anxious to get in our room to clean. The guests for the Jazz Cruise would start arriving in just a few hours! We waited in the Queen's Lounge because it was on the same floor as we would be disembarking. About 10 minutes after our scheduled time they announced "Brown 1" (our group) could get off. With one last scan of our shipcards we were off the boat. It happened faster then we could process that the cruise was really over. We then headed to customs. We took a bus back to the airport followed by a shuttle to our hotel. The hotel was a MADHOUSE. They provide shuttle service to Port Everglades and the airport so Sunday is one of their busiest days. We arrived at about 11:00 and check-in wasn't sheduled until 3. We just hung out in the lobby. When we finally got to our room we didn't make it past the bed. We took turns napping and watching TV. We ordered some pizza and got caught up on emails and the internet!

Saturday, Day 7

Today we were in our final port, Half Moon Cay which is a private island owned by the cruise line. The island has it's own tender boats which were much faster! It was a "double decker" boat so you could sit outside if you wanted. When we got to the island there was a BBQ lunch provided. We did a little swimming and just hiked around on the walking path and "nature trail". We tried to find some lizards to snap photos of and found this little guy.

We also took pictures of each other at the same time. We're goofy like that.

On the return trip on the tender we were sitting up top when we thought we heard singing. We assumed it was a radio until we pulled back up to the Westerdam. Everyone downstairs was singing! Such a fun moment that really captures the friendly spirit of the cruise!

This was our Last Night of the Cruise, so sad :(. It seemed to rapidly come to a close with the Stars in Concert - Artist Choice Night. They each came out and played one last song and then introduced the next person. Before we knew it the host, Dane Butcher, was wishing us safe travels (in the morning). We hope we can be back next year.