BERMUDA BOONDOGGLE BONANZA?

We've returned from the craziest vacation we've ever been on. I'm sure that, having said that, one of our children will remind us of an even crazier one but for now this takes the prize. As most of you know, last Saturday our travel group from Springmill departed by bus, en route to Bayonne, to set sail to Bermuda. Most of the members of our group had never been to Bermuda and some had never cruised before. High spirits reigned as we boarded the bus. At the port, a Bruce Willis look alike boarded the bus, gave us instructions as to where to go etc, and indicated by some secret hand signals known primarily to dock workers and thugs, that he needed a hefty little something to get our luggage safely aboard. Were we worried? Nah, dis was New Joisey after all! As we filed into the terminal it was apparent that all was not right. Celebrity representatives were informing us by groups, that due to some unexpected issues(?) the trip would be delayed by a day. They were currently arranging for hotel rooms and would be refunding us the entire cost of the trip plus giving us $100.00 pp on-board ship credits. They were bringing food in while we waited to be assigned hotels and transportation to get there. Our adventures were just beginning! Our group ended up being bussed to JFK Doubletree Suites, a 1 1/2 hr ride away. The hotel dining room was equipped and staffed to handle 10 not 100 hungry travelers. One cook, one waitress and 3 hours and everyone had something in their stomach. Off we went to bed. Remember, Bruce Willis had our suitcases so 100+ senior citizens were sleeping in the buff that night. You're welcome for the visual!
Day 2:
Having been told that there would be breakfast served at the port terminal we boarded the shuttle back to Bayonne, a bit hungry(you don't think that most of them BOUGHT food at the restaurant if they were getting it for free in Bayonne) all wearing very familiar outfits but still in high spirits. Amazing what the word FREE can do for the attitude. Back in Bayonne, we were informed that we were indeed sailing. Having eaten and gone through the registration process we were shepharded onto the Azamara Journey. Azamara is a Celebrity brand which is to be associated with the three premier ships in the Celebrity fleet. These three ships are to cater to discriminating travelers and will travel to 'exotic' destinations treating their travelers to 5 star service and amenities.
Well, let me tell you....they were not ready for Prime Time!!!!! Apparently, the ship was purchased from the Renaissance fleet and taken to the Bahamas only a month ago, to be completely retrofitted. When they finish it will be a beautiful vessel...but it wasn't finished.
We understand that on Saturday, the 4th, they were still bringing in furniture. Our stateroom had most of the basics but some didn't have shower curtains! No one had glasses or soap. We did have some high end shower gel from a company who is probably a competitor of Lancome. As the week went on most of the stateroom amenities were ultimately delivered to us.
The weather was not on our side and the Journey being a small ship (700 passengers and 358 crew) was tossed mercilessly on the way to Bermuda and many of us were sick. But fortunately we arrived safely in Bermuda and things began to look up. Some people gave up and flew home from Bermuda, some bought more Dramamine and I made an appt with the acupuncturist in the spa.
We spent a wonderful three days in Bermuda (not long enough but is it ever?) and added the island as a 'return to spot' in the future. Our group of friends, approximately 20-25 of the 52 travelers with our group had many memorable moments and one of them is sure she 'bought' the Martini bar. I will do a separate post of my spa experiences. Wherever we went on the ship a few more would gather and soon we would have the makings of a happening. The dinners were memorable, a few being the 5 star quality we had been promised. I have to say that the staff and crew did an admirable job under very trying circumstances. Certainly they were excited about this new ship and their part in the new brand. Most had been pressed into service doing anything from applying the finish coat to the dance floor to hanging shower curtains and pictures. The Celebrity management did not realize the condition of the ship when they purchased it and over rated their ability to finish the retrofit before her Inaugural sailing as the Journey.
All in all, vacations make memories and this one certainly does not fail in that department. Dick and Sue Whitley traveled with us and it is another chapter in our travels with them. There are more parts to the story and I'll go into them I'm sure but for now....I need to unpack!