twangster

Just now, Boston Babe said:

Officially June 1-Nov 30th

Yikes, I've got 8 cruises in hurricane season.  Okay 1 is in Alaska so it's probably safe.

Just now, Ray said:

how long does the hurricane season usually last? 

Through October. 

On 5/19/2018 at 9:07 AM, ADK said:

 So I'm guessing due to all of the cruisers there are lots of cabs & Ubers  that have room for all of us and luggage?

Both Uber/Lyft have an option for a bigger car or SUV.  Uber XL or Lyft Plus.

I've stayed at a number of hotel's and used their free airport shuttle.  Depending on time of day it might be worth trying, it is free. Just call the hotel and make sure you ask if you need to call when you are ready or does the shuttle run on a schedule.

16 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

... And @Matt,  you gotta come up with something for @twangster! lol

28 minutes ago, Matt said:

Hmmmm

Ok Sabrina, you are up next!

Oh @Matt !  Don't leave @Lovetocruise2002 out in the cold, we all know she doesn't like the cold.

On Harmony my GS cabin had an access point placed under the bed.  I suspect the wifi signal was low so they placed one in the cabin to fill in the coverage.  Cabin 6654.

Saw this alert pop up on my phone yesterday:

From the National Hurricane Center:

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&fdays=5

Remember folks buy travel insurance and stay flexible during hurricane season in case of itinerary changes. 

13 minutes ago, coneyraven said:

@twangster I just had a funny thought ..... I'm one of the more technically challenged people at times, but how funny would it be if someone could photo-shopped some sort of "fez" on my head ...... like from the Flintstones and the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo.

Best I can do with the small thumbnail photo to start with.

Just now, coneyraven said:

Holy Crap ----- I LOVE it .... Thank You @Matt - YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!

Be careful what you wish for...

Where to start?...

On 5/10/2018 at 4:49 PM, DunkelBierJay said:

Hoy — Muy excelenté!

 

Ah yes, the port now lines the pier with colorful dances moving about as ships approach to ensure all captains can see the pier. 

8 minutes ago, kandamonk said:

Thanks! You know, that is a random piece of information to know. I'm curious to know what other small bits of information you guys have!

Wine induced discussion with a friend on land who has only cruised RCI once.  I had to prove her wrong so I brought a pocket measuring tape with me on the next cruise

1 minute ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Again...SMH...How do you know that??  lol

Are you admitting that you didn't?

On 5/19/2018 at 8:52 AM, Skid said:

Now I have a couple of questions:

1. Coast Guard boat was along side of us from Cape Liberty to the Verrazano  Bridge, weapon at the ready. Is this normal procedure? I thought it was pretty cool, but also a little scary...

I think when USCG patrols they always have someone in the bow.  Perhaps just part of their readiness training? 

Here they were escorting us on Anthem when we did a NYC harbor tour before sailing under the Verrazano-Narrows bridge and out to sea.

I don't find scary, kind of reassuring actually. 

Ship pool/beach towels are approximately 32" x 64".

I emailed them recently, got this reply:

We strive to give our high level Crown & Anchor Society members an especially warm welcome onboard. As a Diamond Plus member, please enjoy the Welcome Gift that will be provided in your stateroom. The gift items will include six assorted fresh baked cookies, four bottles of water and your choice of drink. You may opt for a can of select Coca-Cola® sodas, or one of several fruit juice options available; or single-serving sized bottle of select beers or wine. To ensure your preferences are updated, please contact our office directly at 1-800-526-9723. If a beverage preference has not been selected, a bottle of water will be delivered with the Welcome Gift.

In addition to the Welcome Gift, as a Diamond Plus Crown & Anchor Society member, one of your wonderful benefits is a complimentary amenity for any sailing, three nights or longer.* 

You may choose your selection by calling us at 1-800-526-9723, or e-mailing us at crownandanchor@rccl.com.  

Based on the number of completed Cruise Points, you may be eligible for more than one gift or amenity.* We have listed the Cruise Point totals and the amenities awarded at each level below:

175 Cruise Points – one amenity
350 Cruise Points – two amenities
525 Cruise Points – three amenities

*Multiple amenities are only offered for sailings that are seven nights or longer. All item selections must be completed 11 days or more prior to the sailing date. Please note that the substitution of items is at Royal Caribbean’s discretion. Should you prefer a different amenity for a future sailing, please call or e-mail us to update your preferences.

In order to receive the amenity you have selected, as well as the other many benefits you are eligible for, simply include your membership number in your cruise reservation prior to sailing.

Please feel free to also contact our Crown & Anchor Society representatives by telephone at 1-800-526-9723 should you need further assistance or have inquiries. Our representatives will be happy to assist further. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm EST; and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm EST.

Your benefits get better each time you sail with us. You can learn more about your benefits by logging into the Crown & Anchor Society secure section of the Royal Caribbean website.
 

Thanks for the live blog!

Because of you and my cruise withdrawal I booked 4 more cruises. Somebody stop me...

This won't help you now but it's another advantage of booking through a travel agent.

For an upcoming Panama Canal sailing on RCI's website the westbound wasn't available for booking but the eastbound was.  My agent was able to book me on the Westbound it in a great room despite the fact it wasn't available on Royal's website.  A few weeks later it became available on the website.  The rest of my cabin class sold out and in general all fares have increased quite a bit, a balcony is now $3k more than it was when I booked.  Plus I am booked in a fully refundable fare which isn't even available through RCI direct.

Bottom line - ship's are available to book or not for a number of reasons.  When we choose to book a ship, we all agree to the terms and conditions. 

I left it down the whole time, twice.  I briefly asked myself "I wonder how..." but never bothered.

KathyC scoped it a few days ago. 

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bdFfYzF6dktOcHp2dndaRWV8MWxEeExhTGVscG9LbY1uAbha9xqSOsA1cQgEsiWZyh_K-aV1I3CtffQWzYdE

Plus she scoped the drive towards Cape Liberty from the highway in case you are driving there:

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bdFgETF6dktOcHp2dndaRWV8MU9kS3JaQndwWXZLWB_RrcMHif3AY_s5NqGEmDi9AvAGyYHrlvRQqEIQChPj

She just boarded Adventure in a JS.

I feel for you.  My sometimes cruise buddy is a teacher and these events hit too close to home every time.

Fantastic ship.  Every time I see one (or sail one) I am in awe. 

Looking forward to your blog.

10 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Just got back on the ship. First time I've ever taken the paths on left side of the pier (if you were coming from the ship). Wow some of those views. Plus I found another path that run behind the landing area for the zipline. The view from there were also amazing. Plus once you get to the top/end of that path a rock feature make a "Dragon's Breath" sound.

I'll get pictures posted later.

I know, I know...

That is my default spot to take pictures of the ship from.  I think I've got one from every visit except Oasis, my 1st RC cruise and 1st time to Labadee.  

Sometimes the gate behind the landing zone is closed and you can't go all the way out there but I've only seen that once.

Just now, CGTLH said:

Greetings from Labadee

First time I've ever noticed the tables and umbrellas by the floating bar.

Good find, think they are new.

27 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

So Galveston will have 3 ships year-round ?

The port claims they are the 4th busiest cruise port in the US.  I haven't validated that claim myself but it's a busy little port and Carnival is (at least temporarily) moving a new(er) ship there, the Vista.  Royal's gotta keep up, or think about it anyways.  The concept of an OA class sailing from the US but not from FL is interesting indeed.  A new cruise terminal built for OA class will make sailing Liberty all the better assuming they cycle those two ships through the new terminal and leave the Vision class in the existing terminal. 

All speculation at this point.  Other than the changes we do know about the rest is gossip.

27 minutes ago, Boston Babe said:

AND @twangster did you hear Yannie or Laurel??? 

OMG, I heard "winjammier".