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View Full Version : The date is nearing! First's in life for me!



Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 04:42 AM
I've not been sleeping well lately...so might as well share some thoughts.

Last August I learned I would be taking my first cruise in life! It's also my first trip outside of the US! For the first time as well, related to the cruise, I applied for and received my passport last Fall. When it arrived & I looked at it...I was overcome with a 'James Bondish' feeling...I can be a goof like that sometimes, haha.

The ship depart's April 29th in Tampa heading for Grand Cayman. We port at Grand Cayman for one day, then return to sea. It's a 5 day cruise, returning to Tampa on May 3rd. I'll be flying to Tampa the day before, April 28th. There will be a Bon Voyage Party the night of the 28th at the Marriott Hotel near Tampa's Port, related to the cruise, that I'll be attending as well.

Now, this is no typical crusie, hahaha. It is a very unique and exclusive cruise. The entire theme of the cruise is oriented around music and live concert performances, of which are associated with the exclusive artist the Carnival Cruise Ship is contracted on behalf of. The featured artist hand picks all acts performing during the cruise.

The artist on board, of which the cruise is exclusive to...is Kid Rock! The cruise is appropriately titled, "Chillin The Most"...originating from lyric's in Kid Rock's hit song "Cowboy"..."buy a yacht with a flag sayin' chillin' the most, then rock that bi*ch up and down the coast...give a toast to the sun, drink with the stars."

I was born loving music, it's in my bones! My maternal grandpa was a GREAT steel guitar player for his own Country Music band he founded in the 50's. He never found that Neon Rainbow he went chasing after...he came close though, with his band opening for known recording artists of the 50's...including Hank Williams Sr..

I love 'Classic Country', but I'm not a fan of today's Country Music much...it's too poppish & teeny bopper sounding for my ear. Very few of today's so called Country acts have a steel guitar in their band, which to my ear is the defining instrument and sound of true Country Music. Rock, Classic Rock, is my favorite music genre, and has been since I was a kid. I attended my first live concert at the age of 11...'Paul Revere and The Raiders', hahaha.

I have sacrificed some of my hearing as a result of attending so many live music concerts in my life, with no regrets. I'm as close to the stage & music as possible...foolishly no doubt, but there is so much musical energy and artist expression that is missed when not close to the stage.

In 2000, my friend from Germany, also my best Chiefs buddy...introduced me to the music of Kid Rock, listening to Kid's 'Devil Without A Cause' CD...which to date has sold over 22 million copies! I was hooked! It had been many years since an artists original creativity & music had appealed to me.

Kid's music was a unique concept mixing the music genre's of Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, and Country. His music was genuine, real, a fresh approach...I loved it! I still do, Kid Rock remains my favorite recording artist 10 yrs later. Kid Rock's fan club is the only music related fan club I've ever belonged to, that's how much I admire the man, his band, and their music. I joined his fan club website late 2003, of which closed in mid 2006...a new fan club opened late 2007 with the release of his latest CD, of which I'm also a member of.

Kid's style has matured and mellowed over the years, as he himself has too...that's to be expected with the evolution of a creative talented musician. As long as he keeps putting out quality music to my ear, I'll be evolving with him.

Kid Rock's long time friend and recording artist, 'Uncle Kracker', will be one of the act's performing live concert's on the cruise, as well as the Bands...'Rehab', 'Mr.Brownstone', 'John Stone Band', a few others.

Kid Rock will perform two full length live concerts on board in the ships small theatre style venue...my place has been assigned damn near stage center FRONT ROW!! YEEHAW!!
:yahoo:
Kid Rock promised the ship bar's would be stocked with his American BadAss Label Lager Beer!...brewed in Michigan, currently only available in Michigan...I'm looking forward to taste testing for the 'first' time! :D

Bet y'all didn't know that Kid Rock is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs did ya? His Chiefs buddy Hank Jr. can be thanked for Kid becoming a Chiefs fan too.

My cruise ticket was an unexpected gift from an acquaintance/friend given notice of shortly after the cruise was announced through Kid's fan club, otherwise I couldn't have afforded to go, I'm very blessed and grateful. My cabin reserved is on upper deck, 'The Empress Suite', with an ocean view window...I feel special, haha.

I'm nervous...I've only flown twice in life, the last time was in 1992, to attend the CMA Awards in Nashville, also music related. I've never flown or traveled solo, so another 'first' in life. I'll be meeting Kid Rock related friends once arriving in Tampa, that I've known since late 2003, so that is somewhat comforting.

I've promised in advance to do a bit of 'fun' work while on the cruise, logging many memorable moments, taking photo's, of which I'll incorporate into a written story for members of Kid's fan club upon returning from the cruise, of whom are unable to be on board sharing the experience. The cruise sold out to fan club members exclusively within a few days, many weren't as fortunate and blessed as I with the opportunity to be on board. They say they're looking forward to sharing the cruise through my eyes and words...hope I meet their expectations!

It all began 5 months ago, now in less than 100 days I'll need to put on my big girl panties, take a big deep breath, and board a plane at KCI Airport solo heading for Tampa! The day following I'll need to take a few more deep breath's, and board a GREAT BIG boat to cruise a BIGGER OCEAN! I can do this!!!!!

The Ship:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/boat.jpg

My cabin:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/ocean_view.jpg

The green box lower level in front of the stage...is approximately my assigned location for Kid Rock's exclusive concert:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/parislounge_lg2.jpg

The Beer:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/badass1.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/american-lager420.jpg

The Cruise:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/chillin-soldout.jpg

The Ornery, Loyal American and Patriot...Multiple Award Winning Music Making Man Kid Rock!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/standup.png

pbatrucker
01-26-2010, 04:51 AM
Have a great time Connie. Sounds like a blast.:yahoo:

GlennBree
01-26-2010, 08:00 AM
I'm jealous! I'm trying to plan our first cruise for early next fall...we'll see....I'll be excited to hear more when you return. :)

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 10:43 AM
I'm jealous! I'm trying to plan our first cruise for early next fall...we'll see....I'll be excited to hear more when you return. :)

You might not be jealous if I fall overboard! hahaha This cruise is gonna be so different than that of those I've heard about, so I don't know what to expect or not. I'm both excited and imtimidated.

I'm nervous about expense's I'm responsible for...such as for all gratuities, I've heard horror stories from some I know who have been on cruises related to gratuities. Gratuities on this cruise are automatically charged to the cabin daily...no choice. The maid service for the cabin is $20 per day...that's $100 right there for 5 days. I'd make my own bed, or not...they don't give me the choice, however. I've heard various amounts for each time you order a drink or food.

All the food & basic beverages are included in the cruise ticket cost, but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not, such as beer.

They may retain me on board to scrub the decks if I can't pay the gratuties bill at the end of the cruise! I have no idea what to expect really.

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 10:48 AM
I don't know why PB isn't showing the pic of the ship above:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/boat-1.jpg

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 10:53 AM
Have a great time Connie. Sounds like a blast.:yahoo:

Thanks! I hope to have a great time and return with priceless memories, but it took much coaxing to get me to go. Fear of the unknown no doubt, going solo... hopefully my jitter's will settle down once I'm on board and among familiar faces. :D

chiefnut
01-26-2010, 11:29 AM
been on a couple of cruises, both w/carnival...one thru the caymans...all inclusive is the best way to go, me and my bud start at the top of the bar menu and work our way thru it...several times..we take turns making jack****'s of ourselves. it was great, you'll have a great time.

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 11:38 AM
been on a couple of cruises, both w/carnival...one thru the caymans...all inclusive is the best way to go, me and my bud start at the top of the bar menu and work our way thru it...several times..we take turns making jack****'s of ourselves. it was great, you'll have a great time.

Thanks!

I think one of my fears is having 'too' good of a time beer tasting, and making a jacka** out of myself, lol. I didn't have a choice as to the package, it was pre-determined by others.

honda522
01-26-2010, 12:50 PM
Personally, Alaska was way cooler than the Caribbean.

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 02:41 PM
I would like to see Alaska someday. I've heard the cruise's that focus on whale watching are awesome!

I've never been one to take luxury vacations, more of a road tripper personality. I don't see myself taking another cruise in life...the Kid Rock cruise is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which is why I'm going.

Maybe I can road trip to Alaska someday. :)

AussieChiefsFan
01-26-2010, 06:01 PM
That is so cool, you're going on a cruise on a massive cruise ship! Have a great time!:bananen_smilies046:

tornadospotter
01-26-2010, 08:36 PM
I am so jealous , you do not have to go solo, take me! I will hide in your new very very large suit case.:D

AussieChiefsFan
01-26-2010, 08:48 PM
I am so jealous , you do not have to go solo, take me! I will hide in your new very very large suit case.:D

I could hide a not-so-big suitcase! LOL:D

Chiefster
01-26-2010, 09:26 PM
http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/images/imported/2010/01/29.jpg
Hello miss; Bond; James Bond :D

Connie Jo
01-26-2010, 10:22 PM
That is so cool, you're going on a cruise on a massive cruise ship! Have a great time!:bananen_smilies046:
Thanks Aussie! Yeah, it's a big boat alright! I know as the date get's closer I'm gonna become more & more nervous! I can be such a scaredy cat sometimes, haha.


I am so jealous , you do not have to go solo, take me! I will hide in your new very very large suit case.:D

HA! That's another thing...someone told me airlines now only allow one piece luggage, and you have to pay extra for more? Shoot! I'm a girl, I can't just take one suitcase on a 5 day cruise! LOL

I would try and help stuff you in my suitcase...but we're already in trouble with the Internet Police aren't we? We'd have the INTERNATIONAL Police after us in this case, lol. Besides...I don't think your Mrs would be too happy if I stowed you away on a Kid Rock cruise ship! I'm guessin there's gonna be some wild women aboard that ship! hahaha


I could hide a not-so-big suitcase! LOL:D

In your case...your very charming mum wouldn't be too happy with me stuffing you in a suitcase! hahaha


http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/images/imported/2010/01/29.jpg
Hello miss; Bond; James Bond :D

WHOA!! What happened to Sean Connery? hahahaha

I did Chiefster, hahaha...I opened it up and got this feeling of being all international & worldly...thought of all the James Bond movies...I'm a dork!!
:lol:

stoneygirl
01-27-2010, 08:16 PM
I'm so jealous! Sounds like you'll have a great time!

Connie Jo
01-27-2010, 08:34 PM
I'm so jealous! Sounds like you'll have a great time!

Well, if it makes ya feel any less jealous, haha...there were many sacrifices made on my part with being a member of Kid Rock's fan club over 7 years...which 'somewhat' justifies my going on this cruise. :)

I'll let ya know how great of time I had AFTER I have the great time. I've somewhat learned in life not to count my great times before their time, hahahaha. I do intend to have a great time, however. :D

Chiefster
01-27-2010, 09:09 PM
Thanks Aussie! Yeah, it's a big boat alright! I know as the date get's closer I'm gonna become more & more nervous! I can be such a scaredy cat sometimes, haha.



HA! That's another thing...someone told me airlines now only allow one piece luggage, and you have to pay extra for more? Shoot! I'm a girl, I can't just take one suitcase on a 5 day cruise! LOL

I would try and help stuff you in my suitcase...but we're already in trouble with the Internet Police aren't we? We'd have the INTERNATIONAL Police after us in this case, lol. Besides...I don't think your Mrs would be too happy if I stowed you away on a Kid Rock cruise ship! I'm guessin there's gonna be some wild women aboard that ship! hahaha



In your case...your very charming mum wouldn't be too happy with me stuffing you in a suitcase! hahaha



WHOA!! What happened to Sean Connery? hahahaha

I did Chiefster, hahaha...I opened it up and got this feeling of being all international & worldly...thought of all the James Bond movies...I'm a dork!!
:lol:

YouTube- James Bond and the laser beam in Goldfinger.

:lol: Not at all kiddo; not at all.

hometeam
01-28-2010, 11:28 PM
I didnt read the whole wall of text but I will tell you that I took a cruise to grand cayman, jamaice, and cozumel.

Worst money I ever spent in my life, the islands wher ecool but the ship time was horrible, which was about 95% of the time. For the money i spent I could have done much better vacation. I was ready to go home after 3 days. Really overall sucked :(

Go to hawaii and save a couple grand.

Connie Jo
01-29-2010, 01:21 AM
YouTube- James Bond and the laser beam in Goldfinger. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wyp909mQPM)

:lol: Not at all kiddo; not at all.

Ain't no Bond does it better than the one and only original Connery!!! YEEHAW! Thanks Chiefster!
:yahoo:

Chiefster
01-29-2010, 01:25 AM
Ain't no Bond does it better than the one and only original Connery!!! YEEHAW! Thanks Chiefster!
:yahoo:

He is da man! :D

Connie Jo
01-29-2010, 01:48 AM
I didnt read the whole wall of text but I will tell you that I took a cruise to grand cayman, jamaice, and cozumel.

Worst money I ever spent in my life, the islands wher ecool but the ship time was horrible, which was about 95% of the time. For the money i spent I could have done much better vacation. I was ready to go home after 3 days. Really overall sucked :(

Go to hawaii and save a couple grand.

Are you one of those personalities who doesn't like to read much? hahaha :D

No "couple grand" cost to save, haha. The music and memories hopefully to be created with some long time Kid Rock related friends, that I've not seen in a while...wouldn't happen on any other cruise.

It's not common for Kid Rock to lease a ship for an exclusive concert music cruise...with he, his band TBT, Kracker & others on board mingling and partying inbetween performances. In fact, this is the only time he's done it, haha.

Now, my personality could do without the Speedo, much prefer a good old fashioned pair of cut off's or trunks...but in his own words:

“I just can’t wait to hang with my people, put on an American flag Speedo, grab a bottle of Bad *** Beer, and scream, ‘I’m on a boat!'" -Kid Rock

"Ain't no party like a Kid Rock party"...speaking from a music point of interest and spending time with friends enjoying the music. It's about the music and friendship for me & those I'll be hanging with, and my ability to tell the story upon returning for those loyal fan's not as fortunate who won't be going...no more or less. :D

Connie Jo
01-29-2010, 01:54 AM
He is da man! :D

He's one of my all time favorite actor's in any role!

The Untouchables, Hunt for Red October, Finding Forrester, Just Cause...oh! and The Rock!! I like Nicholas Cage too! :D

tornadospotter
01-30-2010, 04:48 PM
:party-smiley-048::rock_dj:

Connie Jo
01-30-2010, 08:17 PM
LOL @ TS!!

That little John Travotla dude is mild by comparison to my dancing! I REALLY get into the music, or should say...get lost in the music, hahaha.

AussieChiefsFan
01-30-2010, 08:19 PM
:party-smiley-048::rock_dj:

Funky. :lol: :party-smiley-048:

Connie Jo
01-30-2010, 10:43 PM
You wanna see funky? HA! I really shouldn't show this pic, as it's not very flattering, hahaha. Headbanging to Kid Rock's song 'Bawitdaba' is not very lady like! This is the only pic below I've EVER seen of me headbanging! It was taken this past New Year's Eve 2009...and yes, I was sober! I get a natural high from the music I guess, lol.

When my daughter heard the intro music she knew it was 'Bawitdaba' and what was to follow, so she warned the guy I was dancing with to watch out for my hair. He looked at her oddly not having a clue what she meant...that is until the part of the song began inspiring the headbanging. He stepped back so he wouldn't get hair whipped, hahaha...he was laughing, and camera's were flashing I was told. Rural small town country people aren't use to headbanging, but they enjoyed it!

I've no idea who took the pic, but it was emailed to me. Check out the flying earrings, and my facial expression reminds me of Mick Jagger, HA!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/Kansas%20and%20Me/Friends%20Events/headbang-fr2.jpg

Once Upon a Time...I was at a Kid Rock concert in front of the stage. Bawitdaba is the only song Kid headbangs to, the only one I do too. We sorta got into a headbanging battle...he won, cause I lost my balance and damn near fell over! hahaha I have more hair than he does though! hahaha Here's a pic of Kid Rock headbanging to his song 'Bawitdaba'...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/Kansas%20and%20Me/Friends%20Events/Bawitdaba329.jpg

Oh, and just so you'll know I normally don't look like Mick Jagger, haha...here's one taken the same night...my baby girl and me. My hair is below my waist, you can kind of see how long it is in this pic to the left of my waist...it's showing length some...imagine how much hair is flying when I headbang, haha.
I do get into the music! :punk:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/connieemery/Kansas%20and%20Me/Friends%20Events/michelle-me684fr.jpg

tornadospotter
01-30-2010, 11:03 PM
There are two cool chicks in one of these pictures.

AussieChiefsFan
01-30-2010, 11:09 PM
Cool pics

Connie Jo
01-31-2010, 02:23 AM
There are two cool chicks in one of these pictures.

HA! My baby girl can be cool when she want's to be, but she can be a fuddy duddy when I get the grandkids riled up with music, dancing, Chiefs games, just being silly, whatever. I tell her that's what grandma's are suppose to do...have fun while they can with their grandkids! :D