CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 11, BREST, FRANCE

On Monday, May 16th, we were on the west coast of France in the charming port city of Brest. Located in Brittany, it has become a favorite stop on Royal Caribbean's itinerary. Also known as "La Rade de Brest", this charming city has a very rich maritime history of which it is very proud. After, waiting for the use of a computer at an internet cafe I was off to the 15th-century Brest Chateau which now houses a naval museum. Upon entering the museum, visitors are given a audio-tour wand which they program as they walk through many of the castle's rooms and buildings. This was not a feature available several years ago when I toured it last and it is quite an improvement.

My day outfit for my Brest adventure consisted of black sweats (bermuda length), two shirts layered, a reversible jacket (rain-proof side out) along with sneakers and socks.

TIPS I LEARNED FROM THE CRUISE CHALLENGE: USE SKYPE

The Cruise Challenge was a real learning experience. I was able to do a lot from a distance but I should have packed my laptop. I actually thought that my iPhone would suffice but it did not and it was expensive. Pre-downloading Skype would have kept my phone bills down. Writing my blogs on my computer first and then posting them on the Internet would have saved the cost of writing them while connected to the ships costly online service.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 10

Today is Sunday, May 15, and Day 10 of my Cruise Challenge.  I can't believe it is nearly the end of the trip. It is our last sea day, and I thought a workout in the exercise room and a relaxing visit to the sauna and steam room might be just the ticket. Why hadn't I done this more often? Well, there is so much to do on board that is a wonder that anyone gets the chance to even read a book. Tonight the Celtic Tenors will entertain us in the theater. I have heard rumors that this group is not to be missed. They have played all over the world for the last ten years or so. I will report back.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 9

I was asked so many times on the ship about the size of the suitcase I packed that I decided to post another photo. Here is the Travelpro bag in all its glory. The best part of this bag is how it rolls. It handles beautifully on almost any surface and feels very light as it is maneuvered about.

(Saturday, May 14)

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 8: AZORES

It's already Day 8 of my Cruise Challenge and armed with yesterdays excellent advice by Bob Arno on keeping valuables safe when you travel, I'm off to the Azores. My first stop is to the Fort Sao Bras which is now a military museum. Here I am in front of a lookout by the massive walls that surround the fortress. The views of the Harbor and town are excellent. From there I meander down the beautifully tiled streets stopping into St. Sebastian's Parish Church and the Church of our Lady of Hope. There seem to be tiles everywhere with geometric designs on the pavements and pastoral scenes on the walls. After a relaxing coffee at a cafe I continue to walk around the city enjoying breathtaking views and garden strolls. 

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 7: THEFT

On Thursday, May 12, Bob Arno, gave a con-man comedy and pickpocket demonstration on the ship. It was an entertaining and extremely informative presentation on the art of the street thief and protective measures on keeping your valuables to yourself. After a brief introduction, where by Bob, displayed his expert skills at lifting wallets, room keys, glasses and watches from very suspecting passengers, he showed a brief video of real con-men in action. He concluded with security tips for travelers as he demonstrated individual or group theft techniques. So be wary of anyone who asks for directions, brushes up to you in crowded areas, bends over to pick up something, or distracts or confuses you in any way. I found the most disturbing example was of a woman holding a baby with one real and one false hand. Her real second hand, which was hidden from view under her clothes would stealthily snatch a wallet or purse from an unsuspecting victim. (such values to teach her children or should I say valuables!) The thief may work as an individual or in a group and they are good so it is important to arm yourself with some knowledge on how to protect yourself. Ladies, carry a pocketbook with a thick strap (to prevent cutting) and wear the strap across your front keeping the bag tucked safely under your arm or in front of you. Make certain that your bag has zippered sections so a thief can't lift your wallet easily. Bob gave the Travelon bag (shown above), which I swear by, his nod of approval.  In busy cities or in areas that you are not familiar consider wearing a money belt or sack that can be worn safely under your clothes and out of sight. Men, don't put your wallet in your back pocket. Keep it safe in front placing it in a tight pocket or second pocket if possible. If you are wearing cargo pants or shorts it is best to go with a velcro flap that is closed rather then buttoned as it makes a sound when its opened.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 6: STAYING ACTIVE ON BOARD THE JEWEL

(Wednesday, May 11) Activities on board the Jewel of the Seas on an at-sea day are, if you choose, endless. If you prefer easy-going activities, there are spa treatments, deck strolling (or power walking), learning origami, listening to classical guitar in the main reception area, and boutique shopping. Up for something a bit more challenging? Attend a class to learn a new "old dance" step or line 'em up in the billiards room. Of course, if your penchant is for something "edgy," feed the hungry slot machines or let it ride at the gaming tables in the casino.

Sports-minded passengers can play Nintendo Wii, video sports simulators for tennis, golf, and bowling. Players perform actual full-body swinging (or bowling) motions holding a remote device before a big screen projecting virtual competition. It is very odd to watch, and loads of fun to play. Spectators seem to love it as much as the players!

Other physical activities are found at the fitness center, rock climbing wall, solarium pool, large outdoor court for basketball/soccer/volleyball, and 9-hole mini golf course. 

Just for the kids, the Jewel has a large Adventure Ocean facility with supervised activities both recreational and educational. For the teens, there's a disco and an Internet center (@ half the adult rate). A video arcade accommodates kids of various ages.

In the evening, if you still have juice left, the Jewel's spectacular theatre is always abuzz for the nightly musical production and/or novelty act.

With all there is to do on board, it's not for nothing that this trip is called the Cruise Challenge!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 5: THE BIG AND THE LITTLE

Day 5 (Tuesday, May 10) and I am still having big trouble with e-mail and texting from the ship far at sea. It has become a pervasive issue on this Cruise Challenge. Also there have been passenger complaints (many of them) that a big bill runs up on your wireless device (phone, laptop, tablet, e-reader) even though you have logged off. (More about this problem on another blog entry.)

The big buzz around the ship is about the little 6-inch Amazon Kindle e-reader (above, in the sun). Everyone who has one is a walking advertisement for the product. I have heard absolutely no complaints about it. People say they can download a big library (books -- hundreds? thousands? -- and periodical newspapers and magazines) on it (many books for free, or little cost), and you can adjust the font size (big or little) for optimal readability. Reports are that a battery charge on the device is "big."

All in all, the Kindle appears to be an excellent pack-light gizmo, especially for my friend Steve, an avid reader and pack-light convert, who would "readily" exchange all the clothes in his carry-on for reading material if he could get away with it. (You can't, Steve!)

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 4: VERY CHALLENGING!

Monday (May 9) has been a very challenging (i.e., frustrating) Cruise Challenge day for me. I have not been able to get my photos out to the blog. I've been trying to transfer my photos from my iPhone to the Internet. But I've had no luck (some might call "luck" tech skill in my case). I spoke with a woman who used to write for an international magazine, and she gave me some ideas for tomorrow. I want to be able to display my outfit changes on the blog, as well as events on and features of the ship, Jewel of the Seas.

On top of my tech problems, I haven't been feeling 100% (just a bit run down) since I boarded. However, I felt well enough to work out today. Overall it needed to be a low-key day for me as I attempt to recover my zest. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite that due to "technicalities."

Only two outfits again today. Workout clothes: black sweats, yellow shell, sneaks and socks. Evening wear: long-sleeve red knit top over black-red-white-beige dress (looks like a skirt that way). I will wear the dress without the top on another day. Again Lindsay Phillips shoes, but tonight with a red flower strap (I received several compliments on the shoes).

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 3: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Well, today is Cruise Challenge, Day 3, and I am now completely convinced that I overpacked for this particular cruise. Twenty-five outfits (rather than the 35 I packed) would probably have sufficed. Until this evening, a "formal dress" night, I thought the full-length skirt was too much, but people did dress up and some did so "over the top," so I was glad I brought it. I had been thinking that the "little black dress," a standard in many women's wardrobes, would have suited better, but I was wrong. Today's daytime attire was simply jeans shorts, gray/blue sleeveless top, sneakers and socks. Jeans were fine for buffet meals and also for my limited workout. My evening attire consisted of a long black skirt, multicolored striped long-sleeve top, and black Lindsay Phillips shoes topped with a "diamond" strap. 


To my Mom, yours, and possibly YOU, Happy Mother's Day!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 2: DID "MIMI PACKLIGHT" OVERPACK?

I based my Cruise Challenge on the premise of three outfits a day, 35 outfits in all. Yet some days only two outfits are needed. Today, in the case of this particular ship (Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas) and the mild weather, perhaps only one might have been enough. 

But today I will wear two outfits, just like yesterday (embarkation day). During the day, I wore white bermuda shorts and a red print tee with white flats. My day outfit was perfect for light exercise as I strolled the decks, yet also suitable for the more formal restaurants and public areas. In the evening, I'll be in an orange knit top, multicolored paisley print skirt, complemented by black Lindsay Phillips sandals ("SwitchFlops") with a gold decorative strap.

I didn't fully assess the casual nature of travel attire these days. At my present rate -- 2 outfits per day -- I'll only need  24 outfits (12 days on board). Yet that might be going to the extreme. Minimalist Mimi doesn't advocate austerity. A gal needs to step out in style. Still, despite my already very efficient light packing, perhaps even Ms. Mimi Packlight OVERPACKED!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 1: WHAT ABOUT SHOES?

Waiting in line to check in, I heard several women bemoaning shoes. I have found that shoes really are a top concern for female travelers. On this transatlantic Cruise Challenge trip, I packed three pairs: a black low-heel Lindsay Phillips, with five interchangable velcro tops/straps (above); white flats; and black sandals. I wore my sneakers to board the ship as they are my heaviest and would have taken up the most space.