LetsTryThisPlace

So today was Laberdee. I have to say coming from Cayman it really isn't much for us. My original plan for today was to go to the floating bar and have a Laberdoozy. We got off the ship a little before 2, I then went to look for the floating bar. I must admit I really thought it would have been more towards the cove side as it was much calmer there. We found it we went to go into the water and realized it was too cold for us. Not extremely Cole but for us, it was too cold lol. So no floating bar for us. We also found they were also all out of Laberdoozies everywhere. After 0/2 we walked around and took some photos for you guys with some hints. 

If you would like to avoid the market there is a walkway just after the gold card area on the right side. We found this on the way back so we didn't have to be asked to look at every stall (I swear just looking over at them that they all have the exact same stuff???). If you are interested in some stuff but don't want to be pushed as much, then I would recommend the first shop that looks kind of like a barn.
 
When we got back on the boat I discovered the Royal Castle and although a little strong is so good. Very flavorful and a lot of citrus, its really good)

 
For dinner we both had the caesar salad to start again. Sandra also got the tomato seafood risotto.

Sandra had the chicken coq au vin which she liked. I got the Royal Strip Loin first and didn't like the olive taste it had, the table next to us also found it to be a little tough. I then got the baked perch instead and that was really good (no photo of the perch)

 
For desert, I had the cheesecake and apple pie again. I'm not sure if they read my post because now it went from 3 raisins to a whole box lol. Not sure why they are there still. Sandra got the cheese plate.


We then came home to find this little guy.

 

So today was Laberdee. I have to say coming from Cayman it really isn't much for us. My original plan for today was to go to the floating bar and have a Laberdoozy. We got off the ship a little before 2, I then went to look for the floating bar. I must admit I really thought it would have been more towards the cove side as it was much calmer there. We found it we went to go into the water and realized it was too cold for us. Not extremely Cole but for us, it was too cold lol. So no floating bar for us. We also found they were also all out of Laberdoozies everywhere. After 0/2 we walked around and took some photos for you guys with some hints. 

If you would like to avoid the market there is a walkway just after the gold card area on the right side. We found this on the way back so we didn't have to be asked to look at every stall (I swear just looking over at them that they all have the exact same stuff???). If you are interested in some stuff but don't want to be pushed as much, then I would recommend the first shop that looks kind of like a barn.
 
When we got back on the boat I discovered the Royal Castle and although a little strong is so good. Very flavorful and a lot of citrus, its really good)

 
For dinner we both had the caesar salad to start again. Sandra also got the tomato seafood risotto.

Sandra had the chicken coq au vin which she liked. I got the Royal Strip Loin first and didn't like the olive taste it had, the table next to us also found it to be a little tough. I then got the baked perch instead and that was really good (no photo of the perch)

 
For desert, I had the cheesecake and apple pie again. I'm not sure if they read my post because now it went from 3 raisins to a whole box lol. Not sure why they are there still. Sandra got the cheese plate.


We then came home to find this little guy.

 

So today was Laberdee. I have to say coming from Cayman it really isn't much for us. My original plan for today was to go to the floating bar and have a Laberdoozy. We got off the ship a little before 2, I then went to look for the floating bar. I must admit I really thought it would have been more towards the cove side as it was much calmer there. We found it we went to go into the water and realized it was too cold for us. Not extremely Cole but for us, it was too cold lol. So no floating bar for us. We also found they were also all out of Laberdoozies everywhere. After 0/2 we walked around and took some photos for you guys with some hints. 

If you would like to avoid the market there is a walkway just after the gold card area on the right side. We found this on the way back so we didn't have to be asked to look at every stall (I swear just looking over at them that they all have the exact same stuff???). If you are interested in some stuff but don't want to be pushed as much, then I would recommend the first shop that looks kind of like a barn.
 
When we got back on the boat I discovered the Royal Castle and although a little strong is so good. Very flavorful and a lot of citrus, its really good)

 
For dinner we both had the caesar salad to start again. Sandra also got the tomato seafood risotto.

Sandra had the chicken coq au vin which she liked. I got the Royal Strip Loin first and didn't like the olive taste it had, the table next to us also found it to be a little tough. I then got the baked perch instead and that was really good (no photo of the perch)

 
For desert, I had the cheesecake and apple pie again. I'm not sure if they read my post because now it went from 3 raisins to a whole box lol. Not sure why they are there still. Sandra got the cheese plate.


We then came home to find this little guy.

 

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.

I'm sure it will be fine for you :) we have a backup port so its rare we get missed but does happen. I think of all last month they missed once.
 
We are on the bus now heading back to San Juan from the Window caves which was amazing and I'll post some pictures once we are back on the ships WiFi. I would say that the locals are happy that people are visiting again and I noticed something that I never thought of. While we were waiting for the bus I noticed a generator near the main area. This would explain how they can keep going even when somewhere else is having issues. Also never thought of just how big Puerto Rico really is. When they say 40% is without power I would expect most of those to be outside the main cities. We were talking on the way and I think we might have to start planning a trip on freedom again after she moves to San Juan for the south.

As promised here are some photos from St. Martin. So to start the tour we went to a rental property that had been ruined.

We then headed to the national flag pole on the dutch side. The sites you get from this are quite nice.

On our way to Maho we stopped at a flipped over boat and say a few others damaged near by.

We then worked our way to Maho beach (sorry forgot to take pictures but I did a scope from here you could see).

After Maho we went to the French side and worked our way through the French streets to Fort Luis. Really neat place with amazing views. Its crazy how different the island is depending which side including languages.

After the fort we went to Friers Bay. The had a small little restaurant to grab a quick lunch. A little warning the food wasn't that good in our opinion and the prices were higher then I expected (5€ [yes the French side is based on the euro] for fries). I couldn't get too many photos here as people were sunbathing topless here.

After Frier Bay we went Orient Bay. The tour took us to the clothing optional area so I was not able to take photos here (nor did I want to.....) This is definitely the area that looks like it got hit the hardest. There are a few places open however, many converted shipping containers as temporary bars or shops and others using tents. There were also a few temporary options for the bathroom facilities. Not the perfect solution but is definitely a start. We got back on the ATVs and went back to the start where I visited Great Bay Beach (right near the port and is the many shopping district). These conditions where really good in my opinion. Everything is pretty much operational and even saw a hotel open here. We walked back to the port after getting a new shot glass. 
One thing I forgot to mention is that if you plan to use bubbles (tour company) then you are best just to confirm with the information desk as there are no actual signs.

I would actually recommend this tour to anyone who's up for a nice drive with some wind in your hair.

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

Good morning all, I have to say the mystery dinner was amazing. I'll be doing a more detailed review when I get some free time. They kept the wine coming which was all included, food was amazing and I got a special desert because of my allergies and it was amazing. I must confess I was so hungry when the entrées came around I forgot to take pictures. It all started at On Air served some type of rose sparkling wine as the show started. Then they moved us up to Giovanni's to eat. They brought out pickled vegetables, cheese some meat and bread and some greens for the antipasti.

When then had the choose of 3 dishes for the appetizer, beef carpaccio, another was the Mozzarella Di Bufalo which was cheese, tomato and arugula, it was supposed to come with a pesto sauce but Sandra didn't get it because it had nuts.

The last one was the soup of the day which was the most amazing minestrone soup I have ever eaten.

For the entrées there was the Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola which was Gorgonzola with creamed spinach. Gamberetti Alla Ligure which was grilled prawns, cherry tomato's, garlic butter and a potato purée. Lastly, the Filetto Di Manzo Rustico which was a filet mignon with roasted garlic potato purée and barolo sauce but I swear the whole room got the filet mignon  It was absolutely amazing.
Between entrées and desert they offered us some coffee. Then for desert, Sandra got the chocolate cake, and I was given a little cup dish of some type of strawberry over cream and some type of lime moose thing. I would say both reminded me of cheesecake filling. The lime was so good I ask for more and they brought me 2 more dishes of it. The other dishes were the Tiramisu and ice cream and sorbet.
The show skits run between each of your meals so you get a good little break to let it settle lol.

So on board now. Got in around 3:15 after running around doing last minute shopping (we do not shop much at home as its expensive). Only really took us 15/20 minutes to go through security and check in. It was pretty much empty as everyone was already on board. Did a scope and now waiting for muster drill to begin. Will check in later.

 
i will be checking probably later today or tomorrow :) they gave us a discount token and Sandra isn't wanting alcohol yet so will see how the day goes. Will post more 

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

Thank you for sharing all these photos! It's great to follow along

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.

So its food post time :). Today was actually kind of fun because they brought out the kitchen staff to parade around and introduce themselves. It was also lobster night. Sandra and I ended up splitting 3 between us and a prime rib (soooo worth it) we did start with the caesar salad but didn't take a photo because it was the same as my previous post, we'll just say I've had it 3 nights in a row.

For desert we both had the chocolate molten cake and was so good. My only complaint was the crust could have been a touch more crispy but still had great flavor.

The kitchen staff

The shows got canceled for "technical difficulties" and the comedy show got adjusted in time and moved to Studio B. When we got back to the room we found this guy waiting for us.

Made it to Newark. All checked in at Embassy Suites. Nice hotel. Super busy. Lots of cruisers for tomorrow.
The hotel offers a complimentary happy hour from 5:30pm-7:30pm. We checked it out for a bit and now having dinner at Ruby Tuesday which is about a 1min walk. Other things within walking distance from here are IHOP and Jersey Gardens outlet. 
Here are some pics of our home for one night:

Not just first time cruisers. Up until Friday, hubby was telling everyone that we were flying to Florida. At the border into the US earlier the conversation with the customs officer went like this:
CO: Where are you headed?
Hubby: New Jersey
CO: How?
H: uh...by plane
CO: What airline?
H: uh...(looks at me)
Me: Delta
CO: When are you coming back? 
H: uh....
Me: on the 17th
Not sure at this point if he knows what ship we are on tomorrow. ?

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.

Looking forward to following along!  It's been forever since I've cruised...

Pre-cruise report:

Sailing:  March 9-17, 2018, Anthem of the Seas, 8 Night Bahamas cruise
 
Sailing with:   Hubby and daughters, ages 11 and 9, who I will refer to as D1 and D2 from this point onward.
 
Flying from: DTW to EWR via Delta.  
 
Pre-cruise hotel:  Embassy Suites in Elizabeth, NJ.  
We chose this hotel based on several factors.  When travelling with the kids, I like to look for hotels that provide a complimentary breakfast.  It is one less thing to worry about.  Also, this hotel came highly recommended by another site that I like, EatSleepCruise.com for value, space, and ease of getting to the port.  Also, being the hotel/cruise snob that I am, this was one of the few in the area that looked relatively clean and modern.
 
The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 – Cape Liberty, NJ
Day 2 and 3 – At Sea
Day 4 – Port Canaveral
Day 5 – Coco Cay
Day 6 – Nassau
Day 7 & 8 – At Sea
Day 9 – Cape Liberty, NJ

We booked the Kennedy Space Center guided tour through RC shore excursions.  Got a great rate on it during the Cruise planner Christmas sale.  At Coco Cay, we have the Aqua Park and Slide combo purchased for the kids.  And Hubby and D2 are going to do the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter in Nassau.
We are lazy cruisers.  The ship is often our destination.  So, going on 3 excursions (only two for D1 and I) is actually quite the splurge for us.
 
Cabin:  
Unless the last-minute upgrade fairy strikes it’s going to be a Family Junior Suite (FJ) this time around.  Initially, we went with 2 connecting balconies, but then KSF came up in November and we switched it to the FJ so that I could get my dinners in CK.  Picking a cabin with our kids is a bit more difficult.  No one sleeps well when the girls share a bed so we needed a room that has a Pullman or can accommodate a rollaway.  Also, with 2 girls and myself, a 2nd bathroom is becoming a necessity.  So, the FJ fit those requirements as it has 1 ½ baths, and we have one on Deck 9 that has an additional Pullman.  
Our plan was to book the FJ and then wait for the 45-60 day price drop (as I have seen on many sailings) and upgrade to a full suite.  However, this was one of the few times that this did not work out. The price did drop around the 60 day mark, however, KSF ended by then so it was not worth it to upgrade.
 
Random Pre-cruise thoughts:
-    It’s our first time:
•    Bringing our kids on RC.  We have sailed DCL with them 3 times in the past.  
•    In a Junior suite.  We’ve done interiors, ocean view, regular balconies, and full suites but never Sea class.
•    Sailing Quantum Class.  As many of you know, I am a huge Oasis class fan.  I also tend to favour the newer and bigger ships.  However, Hubby does not like to sail the same ship twice in a short time span.  That’s where Anthem fit the bill.  It also worked out nicely that this sailing just made the cut off date for KSF.  I must admit that I do feel some apprehension about this sailing.  As a creature of habit, I will miss my morning coffee and nightly strolls in Central Park and the amazing shows in the Aqua Theater.  In addition, sailing out of NJ in March makes me a bit nervous.  The weather and seas are always up in the air and sailing out of cold weather (and snow now, thanks to Nor'easter) doesn't quite sit well with me.
•    Doing a Live Blog!  I can’t say enough how much I love this RC Blog community and how much I have learned and benefited from all of you.  I see this as a way of contributing back.
-    We plan to eat most of our dinners in Coastal Kitchen.  We were able to make reservations in the Cruise Planner this time.  This option became available in the Cruise Planner around 170 days out.  Disappeared for a while and then came back again.  When we sailed on Harmony, we had to wait until we got the Concierge email or book on board.  Going from what others have reported on other boards, it seems that you can make reservations ahead of time on Quantum class ships but not Oasis class.  We also made reservations for dinner at Jamie’s for one night.  The pasta was calling, and we could not turn away.
-    We purchased VOOM for 2 devices.  Too bad for the kids but @twangster saved the day for them.
-    All other entertainment reservations (shows, iFly, North Star) have been made.  These all showed up in the Cruise Planner about 160 days out.
-    This cruise sold out over a month ago.  It reached the ¾ lifeboat capacity back in November!  It’s March break in Ontario and according CC roll call and FB pages for this sailing there will be lots of kids and many Toronto Maple Leafs fans!  Hubby will be in good company!
-    The teacher in me is hoping that this can be an interactive live blog. Meaning, if there is anything you would like me to find out please do not hesitate to ask away.  I will do my best to check back regularly and find out for you.
-    Lastly, I will likely be doing most of my blogging from my phone, so if you are replying to something that has pics attached, please do not include the pics in your reply.  Thanks!  ?
 

So it was a great day at the window caves. Our guide, Ernesto, was very detailed and very helpful. Here are some photos from the window cave's property.

Sadly because Royal said they need to rush so we reach Laberdee on time (which I am not looking forward to) we missed most of San Juan itself and had to be all aboard by 1:30. This was very disappointing as I wanted to spend a few hours and not feel rushed. For us we can get the Laberdee experience without all the extra fees Royal tries to up charge you with. We had around 30-45 minutes to explore Old San Juan to look for a shot class and a local beer. Here is what we saw.