BR Cruises

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Feedback on my passage ?

A sickening feeling entangled my heart as I glared at a man leering at me. He had straight blonde hair and glittering bright blue eyes similar to the color of the sea. The man’s face was long and narrow, and twisted into a mischievous smile, like a kid you’d see on a magazine’s front cover. As we stared at each other, I felt my distaste turn into immense desire. A burning sensation ripped through my body as our staring continued. My heart felt like it was on fire; the flames stirred by his good looks and intense gaze.

His long legs began to stroll toward my still figure.
My heart sunk in surprise as if it were drowning in my own body. My jaw dropped to the floor as I admired his confidence and grace. Nervousness rose within me. My jittery heartbeat intensified. The palm of my shaking hands became a pool of sweat. I swallowed hard and drew in a deep breath. I watched this unfamiliar man tuck his hands in his slick black jacket. A husky cologne wafted through the air and grasped my attention. My eyes widened.

“Why, you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” He growled in a seductive, playful tone once he reached me toward the end of the dimmed bar area. His innocent blue eyes shut a bit as he peered into mine, obvious passion arising within them.

“No, I’m not that beautiful, really.” I said, staring at the ground, warmth filling my pink cheeks. A wave of intimidation swept over me, cluttering my mind with irritating thoughts. All of a sudden, he wrapped his arms around my waist and enclosed all space between us. His stare was to my chest, revealed by my loose red blouse. He rested his hands on the sides of my hips, his gentle touch sending shivers up my spine. I was very slow to react what he was doing. But I didn’t want to move. I was allured, attracted.

A light yelp escaped my lips as I wiggled out of his arms. He frowned, saddened by the distance between us. Suddenly, my high-heel got caught on a crack in the wooden floor, and I lost my balance. My spidery long leg snapped awkwardly at the ground, as if my legs couldn’t carry me. As I was about to fall, he caught me in his muscular arms.

My whole body became rigid with instinctive rebellion.
“Don’t touch me!” I barked, hardening my jaw and tightening my fuming eyes. His blue eyes got big, but they eased in tension. He captured my focus, my eyes, and I was hooked. He began to linger toward me again, as if he was a snake, about to strike me.

“…Don’t…” I tried to speak. “Don’t touch me…” My words were a faint whisper, not assertive or demanding at all. The boy’s features became flawlessly smooth. A smirk crossed his lips. He tilted his head in what I would assume to be because of curiosity.

“Relax.” He breathed slowly, placing his arms around my waist again, sinking them into my skin. I gazed at him, amazed, the anger beginning to leave my stormy eyes. My skin became thick with warmness.

His next action was unpredictable.
He grabbed my head of hair and brushed it away from my eyes. His free hand slid along my spine. He suddenly pulled me close again. I jolted into his body. He suddenly grabbed the apples of my cheeks and pulled my face toward his. He crushed his starving, ferocious lips against mine.
A whirlwind of excitement rushed through my body.

At first, because of this, I couldn’t breathe. He moved his lips over mine, sucking with desire. His lips were plump and soft, similar to my own. The taste of his lips made me quite frisky, a feeling I was not familiar with.

It was a horrific battle, me against temptation, to stop kissing this irresistible boy. But I pulled away before desire won. I pushed his chest, carved in muscle, away from me. He didn’t budge, instead he leaned his face toward mine, wanting back my lips.

“Come on, please.” He moaned desperately, his eyes becoming two blue pools of sadness. I began to relax in his arms and thought less of my abusive boyfriend, Robert Glass, who would kill me if he saw me with this beautiful stranger.
“What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Hazel Adele.” I said, while taking quick looks around the room, checking to make sure no one I knew was here.
“I’m Lance. Are you from Magnolia?”His voice was seductive and smooth.
“Yes.” I nodded. Magnolia was my small hometown outside of Seattle.
“I see, baby.” He crooned, resting his head beside mine.
“Who said I was your baby?” I barked, mischievousness twinkling in my dark brown eyes. He hesitated for a moment, seeming to consider the question. “Your eyes-“he said finally, pulling away from me and lifting my chin with his finger.
“They reveal your emotions. You want me.”





Answer :
is she being raped? not bad anyways, nice choice of words.

answer mine please?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Low level synch deck?

main deck:41

monsters: 21
tuners: 8

2 deep sea diva
2 junk synchron
2 krebons
1 psychic commander
1 plaguespreader zombie

non-tuners

3 mecha bunny
3 apocatequil
2 marauding captian
2 quillbolt hedgehog
1 sangan
1 cyber dragon (2 after march 1st ofc)
1 cyber valley

spells: 12

2 enemy conroller
1 hand destruction
1 lightning vortex
1 brain control
2 allure of darkness (1 after march 1st)
1 mystical space typhoon
1 emegancy teleporter
1 pot of avarice
1 creature swap
1 heavy storm

traps: 6

1 call of the haunted
1 dimensional prison
1 defence draw
1 wicked rebirth
1 torrential tribute
1 mirror force

its just friendly deck not so competertive and atm im makeing the changes for march 1st any suggstions for the deck and plz rate he deck
thx





Answer :
I'd say drop Diva. I don't think you have the revival ability to make it work here. I'd go for another Junk Synchron, or maybe Gale.

Drop Apocatequil. It doesn't really help. Add another Quillbolt, and add some Tuningware or Darksea Rescue to help speed your deck up.

You could also try Reinforcement of the Army, to help find Marauding Captain or Junk Sunchron.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What do you think of my story?

This is the beginning of a story I have to write for school. It is supposed to be historical and about the sea. I am 12. What do you think? Please be very honest when commenting - I'm not afraid of criticism! How can I improve it? Would you enjoy reading this or is it boring? Thank you very much!


How many victims have you slaughtered like this? Your ghostly fingers pushed me away so ruthlessly, a hunger in your eyes as though this is what you live for. As though this is the remedy for all the patched-up hurt inside you. As though you want more, and more and more. You just want more and more unwitting people to mindlessly massacre, to sacrifice to the sea.
You prised me away from the jagged rock I was clinging to. Now I am almost wholly submerged in the black water, which glints ominously like light on the blade of a knife. I can no longer see you. I can no longer see anything. I am shrouded in a veil of darkness, which I cannot escape from. Desperately I tell my legs to move but they won’t listen. I have done the panicking and the kicking and the frantic calls for help and they have taken their toll. I have not much time left.
My muscles are being relentlessly gnawed at by icily cold teeth, while water seeps through my clothes and trickles down into my boots, making them feel like lead blocks weighing me down. The wind swipes my face, as it whispers its undecipherable language, trailing invisible fingers through the water and stirring up white horses. A wave is slowly rising above me, ready to leap on top of me, and smother me in a deadly blanket. That’s what will kill me.
I’m going to die. But somehow I don’t mind. My life was meaningless the moment you pushed me away. You and your alluring chestnut eyes. Goodbye beautiful moon. Goodbye almighty sea. I brace myself for the towering wave. All I can say now is, please God, make it quick.

* * * * * *

I had never thought much of the sea. But by the end of my story I believe I came to love it. It was a treacherous journey and in the end was my undoing. However it was also an amazing story – a dark, horrendous story and for this I am willing to share it with you.
For fifteen years, or thereabouts, I lived in Kent, running a small surgery and I was very happy. Many wondered why I had not married yet and I had no answer for the few that asked. So I was on my way to becoming an old man, at nearly forty, but I felt as though I was still waiting for my life to begin. That feeling had been haunting me for some time, but then the letter arrived in the post. Who would have thought that that small, insignificant scrap of paper could change my life forever? I certainly suspected nothing as I broke open the red seal and took out the letter.
I saw my name printed first: To Hugh Norris. It was from the Royal Navy, the last thing I would have expected; I thought that maybe they had sent it to the wrong person. Then I read further... They required me on the HMS Triumphant, one of Nelson’s ships, soon to go into battle with the French, to be the ship surgeon. I was speechless. It offered no reasons, no explanations, nothing but orders. As I put the letter down, my mind suddenly overflowed with questions, the initial shock behind me. Why me? I have no experience of the sea, live ages away from Portsmouth (where the ships are docked) and am a mere surgery owner. To this day I am none the wiser. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with a great sense of sadness. It surged through me as I realized just how much I would miss this humble life of mine. How much I would miss this surgery. It was small but cosy and I loved it. A lone tear meandered down my cheek but I promptly brushed it away. ‘Pull yourself together, Hugh’ I told myself.
In a week’s time, I was locking the mahogany door for the last time. Mahogany’s my favourite wood: I love its dark reddish-brown colour. I hauled my heavy suitcase onto the carriage and set off, the rhythmic beating of the horses’ hooves on the road soon lulling me to sleep.

Additional Details

By the way, there were paragraphs in the original but they have been deleted for some reason! Thanks!

1 month ago

I am going to put up a bit from the middle of the story. What do you think?!

1 month ago

That was the first time I actually saw her. The first time I had physical proof that she was real. It was late evening. The sky was painted with a rich array of hues; an overworked artist’s palette, colours and tones blending and mixing. At first I could only see what appeared to be a shadowy figure perched demurely upon a rock, a black silhouette against the vibrant sky. But as the ship sailed closer, the image began to focus, tinted light seeping through the clouds defining a slender body and... What was that – a tail?
I ran then – right to the front of the ship. I needed a closer look, just to check. And as I reached the very edge of the wooden deck, you turned towards me. Was that the first time she saw me? Or maybe she had already selected me, out of so many, as another of her countless victims.
I saw her skin – as pale and delicate as moonlight or the creamy petal of a lily and then her hair. Oh, her hair! As though she was shrouded in a silken drape, it looked like a fountain

1 month ago

fountain of liquid gold flowing down her back. Her tapered, shimmering tail was draped elegantly over the rock, and caught the light in such a way that it seemed thousands of tiny emeralds were clasped in the surface. There was no other conclusion: you were undeniably a mermaid.
I felt a sudden surge to show my mermaid to someone else, to share my discovery. I called for the others, but of course no one came; most drunk below deck I expect! Turning back to her, my mermaid, and she was gazing directly at me... Gazing at me with her beautiful, rich, velvety, mahogany eyes, like swirls of molten chocolate, encased in pearly white. They were utterly captivating and how long I was simply standing there I am not sure.
All I know is that I was all of a sudden aware of the sky darkening, and I scolded myself for getting so overwhelmed. The great craggy moon was descending, draping her veil of darkness over the world and the stars were smudging out the sunset. I could no longer see the

1 month ago

mermaid, only miles and miles of sea, flashing threateningly in the moonlight. Suddenly I felt scared out here all alone. I walked down below deck to join the others. It suddenly dawned on me that my mermaid was dangerous – more deadly than any weapon. Who hasn’t heard the legends telling of poor sailors lured to their death by mermaids? I told myself I mustn’t seek her out again, but deep down I knew that I would. How could I resist?






Answer :
it was good um im going to tell what i would change

As though this is the remedy for all the patched-up hurt inside you.
i dont think you actually need the last you.

As though you want more, and more and more. You just want more and more unwitting people ...
the you want more and more and more is a little redundant. try rewording it the second time around.

Also if you want to write it in present sence do that through the whole story.

Other than that you have talent, i am very much impressed!!





Answer :
it's absolutely superb (=
description of the sea is very vivid and not over done (=
future author? very nice work





Answer :
One word for you - WOW! That was amazing, you should be really proud of yourself. You have a lot of potential (and at such a young age too!) The descriptions were fantastic - I could seriously visualize everything like a movie. Vivid is an understatement lol I would LOVE to read the rest of this story, I am sucked in! Not boring to me at all. Again WOW.
Great Job!





Answer :
Next chapter Please!

Excellent work. You have done a great job, love the use of words you have chosen, for example colour instead of color since he lives in England.

I would love to read the rest of the story.

JM

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

How much do you tip Cruise staff?

Friends and I plan on going on Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas for our senior trip in 2011, how much should we tip the various staff members?





Answer :
It depends what they are doing, your roomservice is approx $2 per day per person, waiter is $4 per day, assistant waiter $2 etc. (per day) You hand them their tip envelopes the last day of the cruise or pre pay tips so you don't have to think about it before you board your cruise.





Answer :
All these answers are good, I decline the tipping charge at the end of my cruise, I let the front desk know.....and yes they might spread rumors, who knows, it has never changed staff attitude w/me. but I always tip my room stuart cash, your not suppose to, but they all take it, also my waiter/bartender and I always throw a few to the busboy. I do this everyday, and they remember me. I get great service. If you help or serve me, your getting a tip in cash. Sometimes the word spreads that Im handing out cash, but I always try to stick to the same crew members, and it works.
Thats just me.





Answer :
Carnival adds $10 per person/per day to your bill. If you choose to pay your waiters, etc. in person, I believe you can ask Carnival to take it off your bill and handle it yourself. But they spread it around to your room stewards, waiters, etc. and I suspect something in a pot for everyone else.

You may want to use that pricing as a guide, and what else has been mentioned here.

In addition, early in my cruise, I will give my room steward $10 - $20 and split up a similar amount for my waiters in the dining room. Then if they have been good to me, offer something additional toward the end. That way if I need something extra in my room or want to order an additional entre I find they are receptive to listening to my requests and friendly.

Tipping is an adult trait. They often are "stiffed" by students, so if you offer a little something extra to let them know you respect them and their work, it will go a long way... and you never know when they can do that something extra that makes your experience special. They work hard and depend on tips to make a living.

Have a good time, be respectful of the other fare-paying passengers, and enjoy the cruise. It is a great way to travel!





Answer :
The cruise lines have a gratuity built into the cruise (normally $10 a daypp) it will be charged to your shipboard account. This will cover your wait staff and your room steward. If you order alcoholic drinks a tip will be included in the charge. It is the most practically way to handle tipping--You do not need to carry a credit card or money on the ship.
Christine Beichler, Owner
The Cruise Ladies
866-535-2155 x102
Christine@thecruiseladies.com





Answer :
The tips are usually added automatically to your on-board account. And it's usually about $10-12 per passenger per day, a very small sum for the service you get.

You should look into the minimum age rules for Royal Caribbean, unless you're graduating from college. I think the minimum age for traveling without supervision is 21.





Answer :
I see that you say you are going for your senior trip in 2011...Is this high school senior or college senior? You may want to check on the age requirements of the cruise lines because most require all cabin occupants to be at least 21 or if they are not, someone 25 or older in the cabin with them. Make sure you have all of this worked out with your agent. Always ask if you have any more questions.
Lisa
Get Outta Town Now





Answer :
When you get your tickets you will also get a bunch of info about the trip. It will tell you how much to tip. Plan on $200 at the end of the week. Always stay with friends. Never go off alone with someone you just met on a ship. People can easily disappear. Laws are difficult to enforce in international waters. Cell phones won't work. You may want walkie talkies. Bring a mask and snorkle if you will be in the tropics. The water is beautiful and crystal clear! Have fun!





Answer :
This is directly from Royal Caribbean's site:

"So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines:
Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Assistant Waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest
Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest
Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.
Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.

Notice to Guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:
Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
Paid in cash at the end of the cruise "

Personally, I make up my tip envelopes at home (including money)with a notecard. This way I won't accidently spend that money in the casino...muahahaha. I put in the recommended amount, but I always make sure I have a little extra in case I get excellent service. Also, it allows me to personally thank those people.

The cabin attendants, waiters, etc. are away from their families for up to 9 months at a time, working LONG hours for much less wage than most of us would accept, to make your vacation a good one, and I find it makes my experience better when I let those people who do it well know I appreciate it. You wouldn't beleive the awful things they have to put up with from some people, and though they are in a service capacity, they are people too. I make it point to report excellent service to their manager as well. So many times the only things they hear are complaints.

When I get mediocre service, I give the minimum. When i get excellent service, I add a little more and the note thanking them, as well as drop off a note recognizing their service to the purser's desk asking it to be given to their highest manager. Things like our cabin attendant, who had been lovely and excellent all week, when I asked her where I could find an emergency flower before we left Corfu to commemorate the death odf a cousin who had drowned there ten years ago, I expected to be told to go to the gift shop or something. Instead, she showed up 15 minutes later with a rose for each of us and a bottle of champagne to toast their life...on the house! And no, we were not in a suite. She then told us about a custom to honor the dead from her own country and gave us each a hug! Now, if that isn't above and beyond, I don't know what is!!

Please consider recognizing those people who give you excellent service in a special way as well as monetarily because when you break down their salaries by the hours they work, it would truly astound you as to how hard they work for how little they get.





Answer :
Royal adds about $10 a day/per person to your account which covers just about everyone. No need to tip anything extra unless you make a special request (such as room service).
Tip with your head..Not over it!

Hope I helped!

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