Cruise Onboard Accounts

Above, the lobster dinner at Crossings Restaurant on the Norwegian Sky was
paid for with my Onboard Account. The cost was $20. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I took the cruise to the Bahamas last summer with Norwegian Cruise Line, I deposited money with my credit card to my Onboard Account to pay for purchases on the ship. It is tied to the stateroom key card.

Generally, the onboard account is used for souvenirs, drinks and ship restaurants (for meals not covered under the cruise package). I paid extra for the lobster dinner one night. Meals not covered are stated on the menus, so there's no surprises.

Above, the bar bill was paid with the room card that was tied to my Onboard Account.

According to Norwegian's website on Onboard Accounts:

How do I pay for onboard expenses?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. Sign up when you check in, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card, Diner's Club. You may also use your debit card however please be advised that we obtain pre-authorization, as we do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. The maximum initial pre-authorization amount for all credit and debit cards is $300. Cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

At the end of the cruise, when checking out, I was given an itemized receipt for all Onboard Account purchases and the amount of unused or credited amounts. The cruise line refunds any unused money to the credit card. I received a $147 refund to my credit card.

To read more, go here.

Albuquerque International Sunport Unveils New Food Court

KOB Channel 4 News posted the following video of the new eateries at the Albuquerque Sunport.

It looks like travelers will get more choices for food while at the airport.

Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Brew Pub will not be back. According to sources, it is permanently closed. It was there that I discovered Alien Amber Ale.

Here's the video:

Cruise Gratuity Charges

Above, the smoking area bar on the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I ordered a drink from the bar while on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky recently, I wasn't charged for the drink per se, but I did get saddled with a service charge of $20. I kept my indulgence of adult beverages to one or two a day. Good thing I know how to "nurse" a drink and make it last longer.

I expected this since I have been on cruises before and budgeted for it prior to departure. Years ago, a friend was unaware of the gratuity or service charges (thinking drinks were part of the package and therefore no charge) and ran up a tab of a few thousand dollars for his group. I think it was the first cruise he went on.

One can tell if they are going to be charged is when a barman or waiter/waitress asks for their stateroom key card. They will run it like a credit card.

Cruise Radio posted an article on whether or not gratuity (or service) charges are fair or unfair to passengers. 

They begin it with:

From self-checkout machines to drive-thrus, you’re expected to leave a tip everywhere now. But do you have to bring that tipping culture on your next cruise? Some say yes, and some say no.

Others argue you don’t have much choice regarding cruise ship tipping. 

Automatic Gratuity Charges: Yes or No?

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill—whether it’s the standard daily amount per person, a spa treatment, or even just a soft drink from the bar. But is this a good move? Maybe.

To read more, go here. 

Friday Night At Red Bar

Above, last night at the Red Bar.

Since last night was Friday night, I decided to head down to the Hyatt Regency's bar called the Red Bar for a little nightcap.

I ordered a Margarita and chatted for a while with a lady bartender.

Then, I succumbed to temptation and ordered another Margarita and an order of quesadillas. I have to say that the drink and snack were quite good. The buzz from the drinks would guarantee that I would not have to wait very long to fall asleep after I got back to my room.

Above, the quesadillas and the second Margarita. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I was heading out, the hostess was talking to some people waiting to get into the bar. I said to them, "I wouldn't argue with her. She's hot!" (Well, she was.) She gave me a nice big grin.

The Convention That Wasn't

Above, the front of Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from Gallup.

I went there to attend the McKinley County Republican Pre-Primary convention at Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. It is owned by Sammy Cioda, who is a radio announcer at KYAT-FM for Millennium Media. 

Above, the main hallway/lobby of Sammy C's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got there, there was nothing to indicate that there would be a convention or any kind of meeting at the announced time of 12:45 PM. So, I went to the bar and ordered a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). I hadn't had one in years. It was good.

Above, the bar, where a women's breakaway rodeo was shown on the monitors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I sat down at the bar, Sammy C came in and greeted everyone. He makes it a point to greet his customers. I met him three years ago. We were introduced by Nandoh. 

I wandered around the place to look over Sammy's collection of sports and entertainment memorabilia. It is quite a collection. 

Above, enjoying my screwdriver in the bar.

When 12:45 arrived, I and others asked about it. Sammy said the time was moved to 5:45 this evening. Apparently, the McKinley County GOP didn't tell anyone.

Since we are supposed to get a rain and/or snow shower storm coming in after 2:00, I decided to leave and do some grocery shopping before heading back to Jamestown.

Above, a standee of Sammy C near the main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although disappointing, it wasn't a wasted trip as I got out of the house and enjoyed looking over Sammy C's memorabilia.

The Bunker Bar

Above, the bar is under the main canopy along with a souvenir shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday afternoon, after we had finished target shooting, we headed over to The Bunker (also known as The Bunker Bar) that is north of the city of Lake Havasu and is in the middle of the desert.

According to their website:

A new off-road destination bar just outside of Lake Havasu

A unique outdoor middle of the desert experience! Great food, music, games and plenty to drink with a relaxed environment. Family friendly.

Sorry No Pets Allowed. 

Access to The Bunker is via a 3-5 mile dirt road. It is a military themed establishment. It runs on generators as there are no power lines to it. They have alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and food. Children are allowed. They also have live music. 

I tried out their chili fries, which were pretty good. 

Above, the souvenir cap I bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Under the main canopy, they also have a souvenir window, I bought myself a cap. It will go good with the Jeep.

Their address: 6942 Thirsty Lizard Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404.

I took some photos while we were there:

 

6 Best Bars In Key West

Above, Sloppy Joe's Bar is number one on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, the Cuba cruise I was on stopped for a few hours in Key West, Florida. I had a great time there. I toured the Shipwreck Museum and the Hemingway House. I also mangaged to shop at a great cigar shop and have a couple of margaritas at an outdoor bar.

Above, yours truly enjoying a margarita at El Meson de Pepe.

The Infatuation has posted an article listing the six best bars in Key West.

They begin it with:

If finding a great bar in Key West seems daunting, it’s only because the island can feel like one never-ending bar. On seemingly every block, you’ll find chairs with waterfront views, stools within earshot of someone strumming an acoustic guitar, and places that claim to have hosted Ernest Hemingway. The good news is that there aren’t any bad choices when going out in Key West. Just keep your drink orders simple, because cutting-edge cocktails aren’t really a thing here. And know that Duval Street, often called Key West’s Bourbon Street, is where you’ll find the most (and rowdiest) bars. 

If the thought of taking shots with wandering bachelor parties makes you shudder, though, this guide has plenty of options off Duval, with all the Jimmy Buffett vibes that made you book a room here in the first place. And when you get hungry, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Key West.

 Sloppy Joe's Bar is number one on the list. Strangely, there's also a Sloppy Joe's Bar in Havana, Cuba.

To read more, go here.

"Godzilla Minus One" at Flix Brewhouse

Above, the sign outside of the auditorium. I actually went to the 1:45 screening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About an hour or so ago, I made it back home after spending the night in Albuquerque in my motorhome at Route 66 Casino RV Resort, where I went to see Godzilla Minus One.

The theater I selected was something I never experienced before. It is called Flix Brewhouse and it is located off Coors Avenue in the northern end of Albuquerque.

Above, outside of the theater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For one thing, Flix Brewhouse has its own pub that serves beer, wine and margaritas. They also have snacks there as well. I tried their onion rings and they were excellent. I was treated to a free sample of sparkling wine and orange juice. I could have had a beer, but I figuered that would not be a good idea. Who wants to go pee during the middle of the movie?

Above, the bar area in the main lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They also have waiter/waitress service for theater-goers. They have a scanning system or one can just push a service button and their server will come and take the order. This way, viewers don't have to leave for refreshments, everything is taken care of at the viewer's seat. Either way, they set up a tab for each patron with their credit or debit card.

Above, enjoying the free sparkling wine and orange juice drink.

As for the movie, it was everything people have been saying about it. It was the Godzilla movie everyone's been waiting or. A great mix of human drama and monster action. I was even impressed with the make-up job on those who were killed by Godzilla on Odo Island. For once, dead bodies actually looked like dead bodies. The Japanese CGI special effects are now on a par with those of Hollywood's. It is the best Godzilla movie since the 1954 original. My grade: A+.

Before the movie started, we were treated with clips from past Godzilla movies. Many of them I have never seen on the big screen before, this was an added treat. 

Above, my prime rib dinner at ThunderRoad Steakhouse in Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one can, try to go see it on the big screen or IMAX while it is still running.

After heading back to the Route 66 Casino RV Resort, I called for a shuttle to take me to the casino to have dinner at ThunderRoad Steakhouse. I had a nice prime rib dinner. I have been craving prime rib for some time and finally got that craving satisfied.

It was a nice little trip.

Where To Buy Gold and Silver Coins or Bars and Red Flags

Above, coin scam ad from Facebook.

These days, just about every line of business and merchandising has their share of scammers.

A year ago, a couple of friends and I purchased some supposedly silver coins from an ad on Facebook. I thought that the prices of the coins were "too good to be true," but I took a chance and bought a couple.

Sure enough, they were counterfeit. They were not silver as they were magnetic. Silver is not a magnetic metal. I notified Facebook, the police and the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) along with my credit card company. The credit card company reversed the charge and the police now possess the coins. The scam originated from China.

I now only buy coins and bullion from dealers I trust.

GOBankingRates has an article on "red flags" to look out for when buying gold and silver coins or bars.

They begin it with:

Although coin collecting is intended to be a fun, interesting and potentially lucrative hobby, it’s also a big business — and like any form of trade, there’s always someone out there who’ll try to scam you. A recent report from Transparency Market Research estimated the value of the global coin collection market at $8.7 billion in 2022 and projected that it could surpass $20 billion by 2031.

With all that money at stake, you can be sure that scammers and shady dealers are already figuring out new ways to bilk you out of your money. Thousands of consumers fall victim to rare coin investment schemes every year, according to the Florida Attorney General’s office, and it’s “not uncommon” for individual victims of coin scams to lose more than $100,000 in a single transaction.

Amateur coin collectors are especially vulnerable to scams because they lack the expertise to determine whether the coin being sold or promoted is legitimate. In fact, as the Florida Attorney General’s office noted, few consumers ever profit from investing in rare coins because they “do not know enough information” to make smart investment decisions.

Your chances of being scammed increase when you are dealing in gold and silver coins or bars because those precious metals hold so much potential value — and scam artists know it.

To read more, go here.

Drinkin' With The Duke

Above, the quote on this glass is from True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The John Wayne Stock & Supply whiskey glass set arrived today. I ordered them last week. I tried one out (after washing, of course) with some rum and Coke.

One of my whiskey glasses broke in the dishwasher and I saw these to replace it.

Above, John Wayne's silhouette at the bottom of each glass. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the John Wayne Stock & Supply website store:

Set of 2 JW whiskey glasses, each with an iconic quote etched into one side of each glass. It also includes John Wayne's walking silhouette etched onto the bottom of each glass. Proudly made in the USA!

Above, this quote is said to be Wayne's advice on acting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 To access John Wayne Stock & Supply, go here.