Joe01

Thanks @Lovetocruise2002. I just wish that more of the folks on CC felt the same way. I'm not necessarily running the list here, but hoping that the Google Doc will allow everyone to add updates as they see fit. I know that you post on CC - please don't mention it to that thread.

I've had 3 people request access to the sheet. Please like this post to confirm if you are one of them, just so I am sure that they are real accounts and connected to the blog.

I've had 3 people request access to the sheet. Please like this post to confirm if you are one of them, just so I am sure that they are real accounts and connected to the blog.

@Joe01 Thanks for all the work you have done to maintain this thread. People can be quick to criticize but not many want the job, maintaining this list is no easy task.  Dreams are meant to be pursued. Wishing you all the best in the pursuit of yours. ?

Well, good night Symphony. What an enjoyable 2 weeks! Hope to see you again for my first Royal contract!  Fingers crossed that quitting CC may help me get there. Still planning to stay here though.
I've noticed a lot of love on this ship. Hopefully my gym efforts won't go to waste and my next cruise will be with a significant other.

Safe trip home joe

Well, good night Symphony. What an enjoyable 2 weeks! Hope to see you again for my first Royal contract!  Fingers crossed that quitting CC may help me get there. Still planning to stay here though.
I've noticed a lot of love on this ship. Hopefully my gym efforts won't go to waste and my next cruise will be with a significant other.

Well, good night Symphony. What an enjoyable 2 weeks! Hope to see you again for my first Royal contract!  Fingers crossed that quitting CC may help me get there. Still planning to stay here though.
I've noticed a lot of love on this ship. Hopefully my gym efforts won't go to waste and my next cruise will be with a significant other.

You'll love it here! Will post a summary of the cruise and my overall options when at the airport tomorrow morning. Something to read if you are waiting to board. Overall, it has been great.

I’ve really enjoyed your blog Joe. We’re on tomorrow and I’m so looking forward to it ?
Make the most of your sea day and safe home.

Thanks for a great review, Joe, safe travels home!

'This is Michele your Cruise Director, and Ciao Ciao for now!" - Going to miss hearing that on the PA each day.
Just got the luggage tags. Worst part of any Royal cruise, especially when you are unsure of when you will next be cruising (next year doesn't seem to have any Royal ships or itineraries that match).

30oC in Naples today. Still very warm in the Med. Hoping that Glasgow gives me some rain on Sunday. Enjoy your cruise!

Me also because my windows need washed and being a true scotsman theres no way im paying to get it done when mother nature can do it for nothing ?

I've been a bit light on the reviewing, but I have seen both ice shows this week and can provide some thoughts.

1977 was fantastic. Great theming and some great uses of technology to enhance the show. I really liked it.

iSkate 2.0 was also good. It really showcased the excellent abilities of the skaters, however my one criticism of this show is that it didn't flow very well. It felt like several 1m30 numbers one after the other, some of which were completely different (e.g. Total Eclipse of the Heart followed by Heavy rock music). It just seemed to lack an easy to follow storyline. Not the fault of the skaters though - a very talented cast.

Also a bit annoyed at the inclusion of a song from the Greatest Showman. That movie seems to be shoved down people's throats these days. My favorite ever movie came out this year and has a soundtrack with a few songs that would have worked for an ice routine, but it is less well known than TGS. 

I've been a bit light on the reviewing, but I have seen both ice shows this week and can provide some thoughts.

1977 was fantastic. Great theming and some great uses of technology to enhance the show. I really liked it.

iSkate 2.0 was also good. It really showcased the excellent abilities of the skaters, however my one criticism of this show is that it didn't flow very well. It felt like several 1m30 numbers one after the other, some of which were completely different (e.g. Total Eclipse of the Heart followed by Heavy rock music). It just seemed to lack an easy to follow storyline. Not the fault of the skaters though - a very talented cast.

Also a bit annoyed at the inclusion of a song from the Greatest Showman. That movie seems to be shoved down people's throats these days. My favorite ever movie came out this year and has a soundtrack with a few songs that would have worked for an ice routine, but it is less well known than TGS. 

wish i got this advice before i met my wife ???
Apologies to any wifes on forum ? 

All caught up, thoroughly enjoying your live review, Joe! 

80's Party:
Just returned. It is a great event. I highly recommend it if you sail on Symphony. CD Michele was excellent hosting it and the staff were very fun and high energy.
It starts with about 30 mins where the DJ plays some songs to get the crowd in the mood. The Entertainment team then arrive although the first proper event of the show is a number by the Royal Caribbean Dancers. I always love watching them (although often for eye-candy ). 
Following the dancers, Michele, Margot and the Entertainment team (aka Youth, Sports and CD Staff) arrive and the official party begins. They do it for around 30-40 mins. It is great fun. Mostly rock music. There was also a number with the male members of the entertainment team and a few occasions where the staff tried to get people to dance.
Definitely on par with 70's night, although I think that the CD can make or break this and we were lucky with the CD.
Summary of today coming later. Ciao Ciao for now!

Good morning!
Getting off in Marseilles today. Tonight is 80's night! Can''t wait for that. Also finally trying wings at Playmaker's.
Ciao Ciao for now!

I am definitely going to see the Aqua Show from my balcony. I've also heard great things about 1977 (Ice Show) but may wait for that on the 2nd cruise. I can't remember what one Flight is. Will check for you.

Let's get back on track. All are welcome to join provided that interactions are kept friendly, as this blog usually is. Much appreciated, Joe!
Just been to the gym. I guess that is where forever single people like myself spend a lot of their day. I am not used to working out on a ship. Symphony has a fantastic gym facility though. I recommend it if you are not looking to gain a stone over a cruise.
Captain Rob is doing his Welcome Aboard reception tonight. I don't do formal on cruises, but will try to come along so I can see him in person. I've heard that he is a great Captain. I've had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Johnny on Allure and he set the bar high in terms of Captains. Captain Gus on Harmony was also very jovial. It will be cool to have an American Captain. I wonder if we will ever see one from the UK. 
Dinner at Windjammer as usual. Not sure what else I will do tonight. Planning to stay up as late as possible. Getting off ship tomorrow in Marseilles as I am in need of practicing my French. 
As Michele says, Ciao Ciao for now!

If you are going to make such comments throughout the rest of my review, please unsubscribe. I'm trying to enjoy my vacation alongside providing something constructive to the boards. Mind your own business and don't drag up comments from a year ago.
FYI - I had BB twice and didn't care for him the first time either.

DAY 1 RECAP:
Hello all - had a great first day! Not over yet.
We boarded the ship around 11am. She really looks spectacular. Eventually went to the Windjammer for some lunch. Later on, we got into the Staterooms around 1pm.
We have a Boardwalk Balcony with a view of the Abyss and AquaTheater. It's a great cabin although with the World Cup  playing in Playmaker's, it is a bit noisy. I am probably the only guy in the whole of Scotland that hates football and wishes the world cup wouldn't be on ships, but maybe that's just me.
Muster was at 4.45pm. We had it in Studio B. Brandon from the Ice Cast was the main leader of it. Captain Rob was about to dismiss us when there was an Alpha call. That's terrible to hear. Hope the person was OK. I was on AN when the child drowned and remember the very Alpha call of that incident, so they do freak me out each time I hear one.
Post Muster, I went to the Sailaway Party. Margot (Activities Manager) hosted it alongside the Cruise Staff, Youth Staff and Sports Staff. They did a fantastic job. Very fun party. I stayed in the shade so didn't dance, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
Following Sailaway, I briefly felt unwell, but was OK to go to the WJ for dinner. It was great. I then went around the ship before going to the Hot Tub. Now back in the cabin after Sorrento's.
For anyone curious:
Captain - Rob Hempstead (USA)
Hotel Director - Fernando Jorge (Portugal)
Chief Engineer - Ivo Marenic (Croatia)
Cruise Director - Michele Scarpato (Italy)
Activities Manager - Margot van Erck (Netherlands)
One final note to make is that Michele seems like a great CD. Not met him yet but already think that he is 100x better than Bobby Brown.
Any questions?

Thanks! I'm loving it. Hopefully Michele will still be here for you as well. I don't know how 80's night would work when he leaves. Margot will still be there though and she is great.