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Hi - just read Calista’s blog post on European tours and it was really good. however I would like to point out a couple of things that will allow folk to show courtesy when in the U.K. 1. It is not a country in its own right. It is made up of 4 different countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus the Channel Islands and Isle of Man 2. the U.K. is also known as Great Britain and Northern Ireland 3. A cruise to Greenock (Glasgow) or Inverness includes Scotland. It is not just to England. We may speak the same language (mostly) and use the same currency (mostly) but we are not England and there are many people (not all) here who do not want to be governed by England. It is helpful and polite to know where England stops and Scotland starts please accept this post in the manner that it is offered - in a spirit of teaching not correction - from a proud Scot

So I had a wedge salad, fruit, and baked potato soup for brunch as the plan was to get room service. The vintages have been ordering room service every day since the 2nd day of the cruises. I only wanted Lay's and a steak quesadilla. All the rest of the food was my brother's. He said the wings were cooked good, all the food was hot, but they had no flavor. He ordered Buffalo and BBQ, fries, salmon, and two salads. We saw another whale while eating as we opened the balcony door to see out. The cabin above us were arguing about the whales. Apparently they paid to see them in Juneau and felt like they wasted their money because they saw so many here. We opted out of getting our room serviced yesterday but today we are laughing. My brother eats and drinks a lot so we have over 24 soda cans that need to be trashed. He has flattened most but in any case we look trifling. We have packed up. When we get back we will put the last of our clothes in one bag and be ready for our disembarkation day.

You’re like a magnet for these people

Not to be pedantic but from a fellow Scot (furthering the spirit of teaching)... 1. The UK is a sovereign state, but the countries that make it up are also countries in their own right. The UK also includes many smaller islands. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man are Crown Dependencies, not part of the UK. 2. The United Kingdom is used to describe the political unit consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Great Britain is the geographical term referring to the island simply known as Britain. Just to add more depth to this post. All the Best.

We ate at our new table agaìn on deck 3 of the MDR. Steak and lobster of course. I love lobster, and it was good. Our upgraded steak came from Chops Grill. A filet mignon and it was extremely good. I am not a fancy desert person, but the baked Alaska was wonderful!

So I left Sonic Odyssey after 5min. I have this pet peeve when it comes to songs. If you change the tempo or key of a song, it must be done in a manner that doesn't lose the vein of the song. Sonic Odyssey started with Tonight by my top 3 favorite band and ruined it. Some songs should always be sung on the same key they were recorded in. I stayed until the man started beating the wall drums and left. The giant Harp was very cool and the lead singers voices didn't mesh well. So I headed to dinner. It was one of those nights. My brother slept through dinner! I got him 4 of the entrees and took them to him while I was waiting on desserts. He was so tired and couldn't be bothered to get dressed. I also got him 6 tuna sammies from cafe promenade and a whole veggie pizza. This was my first bon voyage dinner. I normally get the UDP on 7n cruises. But omg that baked Alaska was good. I also tried the cheese tortellini and chicken marsala. I actually really enjoyed the chicken marsala, the basil oil in the pasta was too much. The vintages enjoyed their lobster tails and Robin got the cod and MB got the Indian dish. I'm exhausted from being sick, so I went back to the room. We are still going fast in high winds. I saw our pineapple neighbors and they invited me and my brother to the music hall. I politely declined.

Ok first of all, and I'm sorry for my inadvertent part in this, but .... is it really a cruise blog on RCB if someone doesn't mention underwear at some point? (I cannot believe our Oasis cruise was a year ago. Seriously. The days are long; the years are short.) Second, what pills are you taking for motion sickness? Curious. Once upon a time, we were on the Breakaway Bomb Cyclone cruise (you can still Google that; it was 7 years ago. Despite that cruise, Mariner of the Seas was still worse ). Consistent use of Bonine (whether i need it or not) is usually my tried and true, but when it was THAT bad, wasn’t quite enough, though it did help a lot. Funnily enough though, i learned that the rest of the world didn't exactly know what Bonine was. When i offered it to non-US citizens on that cruise, fellow Haven guests looked at me like i was a drug dealer. Batman told me to stop, that my intentions were pure but not appreciated.

So funny story. We went to cancel our Canadian Ale trail on day 4. While at shore excursions this lady just started talking to us. She was telling us all her business. It was about 5min and thank God, we were called up soon. So yesterday while coming back on the ship we ended up in the elevator together. At first we didn't recognize her but then she literally started looking through my bags. We were in there with a couple who was like we all have these bags. The bright red ones from the Tshirt Company. This lady was like "what they sell, what you buy?" My brother was like good thing we hadn'tbrought underwear Robin almost cursed her out but our stop came. She made her feelings known before we departed to our rooms and again at dinner. I just saw her at the show and she touched me! She was like when I was young like you I wish I was so bountiful. I was too shocked to do anything but go upstairs to find a seat. I don't understand how people can be so bold.

Today, a sea day, has been relaxing. I have taken multiple naps which are therapeutic. It is quite stormy out.

I saw whales. They are super hard to photograph and we also saw them using the binoculars and monocular. I heard that everyone in the WJ was also able to see them. It was so cool. Oddly enough they close a lot of things early today. I played in the casino because it shut down at 12:30. I was just playing for fun, so I wasn't as mad as everyone else who had hoped to play all day.

The neighbors have only 5 pineapples left. I'm going to assume they have been enjoying their time. I'm currently enjoying brunch. Well I'm currently sat for brunch. Thankfully I was sat at a table by myself.

Day 7 BC Canada Good morning, we are still moving towards our destination. It is super cloudy and misty. I just woke up feeling pretty refreshed. I did get a message asking me to attend the backstage entertainment tour for D+ members. However I am not a "how the sausage gets made" type of person. So I won't be attending. I think the plan is to get breakfast and then pack up. The casino is open all day so I may make an appearance.

I am feeling much better. I found one last pill and took it. I still feel all this wind and speed but I'm no longer nauseous. Since I was feeling better we went to cafe 270 for salads. My brother said as a pre-vintage he is feeling the rock climbing and ziplining. So after working a bit he laid down for a nap. I walked around, trying to keep my balance. I stopped in the CL to see the offerings before going to get a seat at the show. I am solo. We all have been napping today.

First let me say there are even less pineapples today. But everyone decide not to get off because it was 2km to the center. I got off and walked around the port to see if I could possibly walk to it but I felt weird being alone, so I came back. Lots of people didn't have excursions and were buying them at the port. I popped into the gift shop but they didn't have the type of magnets I was looking for, we got enough of the wooden ones throughout Alaska.

Another reason to use a travel agent when booking cruise

And understand this is a fan site in no way connected to Royal Caribbean. If you wish to contact them, you’ll need to reach out to them.

We have made it to BC Vancouver. It is 2:30. I was under the impression we were going to dock around 3 but maybe it takes longer than 30min to clear customs and tie the ship down. Either way I'm excited to be here. Princess is docked next to us but they seem to have a steady stream of folks returning. The vintages aren't getting off. They seem to have colds and allergies that are being blamed on bears and rain. They also saw whales in the MDR while enjoying brunch. They were sat by a window. Neither were fast enough to get photos. But they say they have had the time of their lives because they can say they saw Alaska.

Boarding was SMOOTH. We arrived about 10:40 a.m., dropped the bags with the porters and then parked. Parking at Bayonne is a little different from COVID times, we had been able to park in the garage in 2022 but garage is now handicap only. We parked outside in a secure lot, a very short walk from the terminal. Because we got Express Checkin we essentially got routed through the suites/pinnacle line and boarded in less than 15 minutes. We were onboard about 30 minutes before our checkin time. Our muster station is guest services so we got that out of the way and then relaxed in the Rising Tide bar to activate our deluxe beverage packages. After 2 drinks we went up to the Windjammie for lunch. Can confirm, they have cold lobster tails, mussels, clams, and crab claws. It's a huge footprint for a buffet but most of the space is taken up by food and beverage with very little available seating around the perimeter. We did get a small table for two and ate quickly. After that we walked forward to the Solarium bar for a G&T and waited for rooms to be ready. We stopped into Central Park (amazing, we can't wait to be there at night) and are now relaxing a bit in the room. We have my favorite configuration: bed by balcony and the headboard situated forward. This means I can lay in bed and watch the ocean go by. We are loving the modern feeling of the cabin (very reminiscent of the Anthem) and Mr. Reg has already remarked how much more spacious it feels than our Brilliance cabin. We are also port side, meaning a stunning view of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn. We don't expect luggage for another few hours and sail away is at 4ish. I anticipate we'll head to the Boardwalk next to explore that neighborhood and then up to the sundeck or back to Solarium as we leave the harbor.

Man I feel left out as I’ve never been propositioned by pineapple people. It seems like a potentially dangerous hobby however.

The window views from the D Lounge are nice, and especially so with their great coffee. We are still steaming alongside Vancouver Island toward Victoria. It is nasty outside, but my Wife's weather report says it will be 60 degrees and mostly dry in port. We have a geezer bus tour booked.

Oh my, thought the old white woman, when she visited her Carnival Celebration page. Carnival is trying to swoon me over from royal by offering me a free room and $1,000 free play. I’m skeptical already about Carnival, but this new group on our sailing has about done me in! It’s a pineapple group and we can choose to go all in, or play it a bit soft!

Well am on Freedom this week and shenanigans already at terminal. Couple cut in front of everyone. Says they had so many flats drinks to bring on can't get in back of line. Ranger Cookies were abundant in WJ today on day 1. Lady took 12 and literally put in Ziploc bags and asked server when more would be coming out Pinnacles are glowing pins everywhere

It's CRUISE DAY! We left home and visited some family in NJ, had dinner with them, and got to our hotel by 9 p.m. When I did the health questions, we got bumped up to Express Checkin but I'm not sure what kind of advantage that gives us at Port Liberty so we'll see. This morning we've taken our time getting ready and did the safety briefings. About to head to the port! The plan is to embark, go to Guest Services (it's our muster station, convenient!), get a beverage at a bar, and get up to the Windjammie for lunch. Tonight we have dinner at 6:45 and then seeing 1977 (the ice show) and maybe staying up for balloons. I'll post more as the days go on! Thanks for reading, everyone. We are looking forward to a great cruise!

On the flip side, I tell Europeans I'm from the USA. Easier than saying I'm from Colorado and then answering "how far is that from New York City?" Same thing. Most people are much more familiar with their own countries than any other. And especially the case in the USA since it's largely isolated from the rest of the western world.

Took our, then, 10 year old grandson on a 4 day back in Feb 2020. Maybe 40 young South American girls celebrating, I think, their Quinceniera (sp?). Boy did he get an eyeful!!!

Let me be the first to say ... IT'S CRUISE DAY!!!! BON VOYAGE!

You just became a friend for life, whether you like it or not! Diets do suck. Being a woman of a certain age sucks. We need to give ourselves grace and support each other. Feel free to DM me any time to commiserate. It's a process. I will never give up wine, but i should probably start exercising again at some point.

Girl, I totally get the “fat in my head” mentality (and sorry this post is so long after the fact) but you totally need to get yourself some smaller clothes! IMO that outfit is way too big on you! I, too, don’t do well with diets. My foray into Keto is noted in a post on the Discussions board. I am currently trying intermittent fasting but at 16-8 am nowhere near you. Love the blog!

but i’m glad you’re feeling better!!

bout to throw hands with this woman….

I've been in the bed, minus a trip to the WJ in search of fruit. They only had unripe watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. But it was something to put on my stomach so I could take my supplements. My brother checked in on the vintages. They were packing their luggage. He informed them that yes you could fit everything in them but they were overweight. MB informed him they didn't weigh them last time, so they won't weigh them this time . He reminded her that I put her luggage in the scale after I tagged it. She was so brand new. They have been getting room service breakfast and today none of their hot items was delivered. The crew member promised to return but by then it was noon. So they kept trying to call room service and wasn't getting through. They made my brother get their room steward so they could ask him about room service . My brother was dead. Then they asked him about why are there so many upside down pineapples on people's doors. He explained what it meant and they were mad because someone tried to give them one in front of cafe promenade. They told him how dare they try to corrupt two good Christian ladies.......he asked if they were easily corrupted and they did not get it. The plan is Sonic Odyssey and dinner. I might swing into the casino if i feel better. I feel like my people watching has suffered this cruise.

We were in Sydney, NS as part of the Jewel transatlantic at the start of September. Absolutely loved it there. Really easy to walk around and nice town. Really good shopping at the port, lovely craft market in the hall at the port area and lots to see.

This article should help: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/04/17/transatlantic-cruise-review

AVOID the 3/4 night cruises

Yes you will almost certainly have a different experience. 3 and 4 night sailings usually have a much higher percentage of what you experienced/saw than a 7 day. This is especially true for ships that ONLY do 3/4 nights like the Independence currently.

i don’t know if i’m more shocked or horrified about the dwindling number of pineapples. the education i have received about this….

And probably something out of RC's hands.

I think it's beautiful but given the roughness of the sailing, no I feel like Alaska is one and done for me. The vintages and my brother feel the same.

It looks like they may have removed that now from the prohibited items list. I just went to the page and I don’t see anything about multi-plug outlets-

Gosh i don't know where your brother puts all the food and still be thin and trim.... Would you do Alaska sailing again?

Coming from Northern Ireland, I often just tell Americans I'm from Europe. It's much easier than explaining that it's not the Northern Island, or Iceland, or England for that matter. Sounds awful, but just not worth the breath. For reference, I absolutely love USA and this post is not meant as a slight. I just find Americans are very insular - pick up any of their newspapers, or indeed the posts on here about birth certificates vs passports.

Wow, we missed all of this excitement. We began disembarking at 6:30 without any drama.

No, it is not all you can eat. You may order multiple appetizers, sides and desserts, but only 1 entree.

Don't get me started on those folks...

Yep, I definitely see more of these folks than the considerate ones. Plus you get the vapers who don't consider it smoking so they do it anywhere, including their balcony.

I would be more inclined to sail smaller classes if they had a non-smoking casino.

I really wish they would make the Radiance class smoke free. It's so bad on just that class it travels well outside the confines of the casino. I gamble a lot but I find it hard to for long periods on that class simply from the overwhelming smoke.

If you have any phone made in the last 5 years, it probably works better than Royal’s free computers