Reeka's blog: "Moi"

OK, since everyone seems to want to hear about it :P It was an awesome cruise put together that showcased the Barenaked Ladies along with Guster, the New Odds, Great Big Sea, and several other bands. Mainly focused on BNL, since they set up last years'. This year we sailed to Grand Cayman and Jamaica. As we set sail from Miami, BNL played a set of mostly obscure songs that are fan faves rather than the generally well known songs. It was particularly funny when the ships' horn drowned them out in the middle of a song :P Later that night they played a set for returning cruisers (the cruise is called Ships & Dip, so those who came for the 2nd year are called Double Dippers - I paid last year though couldn't go which is a whole different story - but I got to go to the DD show). The whole thing was requests chosen from a bucket by band members. When they came across a song they didn't *really* wanna play, Kevin (the keyboardist) yelled "fuck it, it's in the bucket!" and that was a recurring theme for the week. Monday was a day at sea, spent getting acclimated to the layout of the ship and watching events like the Guitar Hero competition hosted by Ed Robertson, Lead vocals / guitar (the guy that sings "one week")... got my pic taken with him and my best friend Sara :D Tuesday we landed in Grand Cayman, where I snorkeled for a few hours and shopped a bit. Normally I hate shopping but I have a thing for souvenirs. Finally ended up at Margaritaville with Sara, her mom, and her aunt and had loads of fun on the water slide. That night was the first of 2 main event shows for BNL, and I was pleased to hear even more songs that weren't repeats. Wednesday was time for Jamaica. I signed up for a tour that had me climbing Dunn's River Falls, then out to Dolphin Cove to see dolphins (gasp) and some nurse sharks and assorted other water creatures. Finally ended up in a shopping area. And got cornrows in the front of my hair :P I was surprised by the number of ppl who were basically professional beggars, taking money here and there "no charge, just whatever you can donate". I'm not sure I would choose to go back there. Thursday was another day at sea, and the 2nd headline BNL show. I was lucky enough to trade my kids' tickets for tix to this show so I could see my Ladies once again :D They didn't disappoint, giving another mostly unique set. Friday morning we awoke in port... the rest is another story that's more negative so I'll leave it for another time.