mom2mybugs

Pompeii is one of those places that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.  

Absolutely!!

I am on SY right now, had an 1130 checkin time this past Saturday. Was at the terminal at 1015, went straight in and sat in a holding pen for about 30 mins. Was on ship by 1100-1115.
 

I really hope to stay in one of these rooms at some point.  I was planning on them for our 2025 grad cruise on voyager until my kid convinced me to do the corner aft balcony!   Jane

I really hope to stay in one of these rooms at some point.  I was planning on them for our 2025 grad cruise on voyager until my kid convinced me to do the corner aft balcony!   Jane

Our caymon excursion got cancelled due to weather and I’m still hoping to swim with the rays someday!   Jane 

We are doing Alaska on radiance in 2025 and I’m so excited for the movie theater!  And all the windows….   Jane

The shuttle bus is a ~10 minute ride.  I suppose you could walk it but there isn't a lot to see on the road.  It's 5.5 miles.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&mid=14wMpL7D-1JbSoYZt6jr5FfOwpuE&ll=57.091431313510576%2C-135.36448000000001&z=13
The trails around the National Historical Park are easy with minor elevation changes.  I just did them a few weeks ago.  I took the free shuttle and walked the 10 minutes from the shuttle bus stop to the Park.
If you are going to look for more hiking in the area outside of downtown come prepared with bear spray and a cowbell or something that makes noise.  Definite bear country.  

Hi @OCSC Mike! I was definitely going to recon #22 if they've put it in place for you as I saw your concerns on an earlier post. 😀

Going there for the first time in July; looking forward to your review and pics! We have daybed #14 (obviously we preferred the beach) but I learned they are about to install those 3 new beds (#20-22) in the next 2 weeks so we may switch to #22 after seeing the view. We wanted to be on the end but I want to look out at the ocean, not the restaurant. Their customer service via e-mail has been great and they told me they would send pics from #22 once it's installed so we can decide to switch or not.
Plenty of info in the thread below if you're interested. My only specific question would be is #22 there yet but I don't want you going out of your way to do recon for my trip. As long as they keep bringing me food and drinks, the daybed we wind up with really won't matter a ton. 😁
 

Today was Puerto Plata and we did the Ocean World Sea Lion Encounter & Snorkeling with sharks and Lunch.  This is one of the best excursions we have ever taken.  I have lots of pix but of course, they are not yet on my iPad so I will have to post them later.
We had soooo much fun and saw so many awesome critters.
Ocean World is a Dominican Sea World -an Aqua park with shows and exhibitions.  I was very surprised to find it was very well maintained and well organized.  I have been to aqua parks before in other countries that were…well….sad.  But this one is not.  It was thoroughly enjoyable.
There were dolphin and sea lion shows as well as the shark encounter and multiple snorkeling/swimming aquariums.  There were aviary enclosures (small but fun).  There was a beachfront swimming area as well as fresh water pools.  Some of the interactions were additional $$ (dolphins, in our case since we paid for the sea lions and shark interactions) but we did not pay for anything more than our original excursion included and we had a blast !   Lunch was a pretty typical Caribbean buffet….nothing to write home about, but it wasn’t bad….but was very busy !
Transportation from the port was in a big, comfortable, air conditioned bus….may 15 minutes from the port,  fast, efficient and well organized.  I will definitely recommend this excursion or the one like it that included the dolphin interaction.
This excursion wasn’t cheap.  It was nearly $200 PP but you got a lot for your money and I think it was worth the cost.  We go on VERY few excursions.
We were exhausted by the time we got back to the ship.  The bus left the port area at 8:30 and we got back at 2:00 so it’s a very full day and there’s lots to do.

Dinner was very good.  I had the garlicky shrimp and Dan had the seafood linguine.  I was surprised that he chose the pasta dish as we had both eaten pasta for lunch at the B2B luncheon and Dan is not much of a pasta guy.  But he did, and he said it was very good. I absolutely love their olive bread and you could tell that it had just come out of the oven.  Oh, Lordy !
We both won a bit in the casino.  We broke even on Dancing Drums and then played a bit of UTH and both cashed out ahead.  I suppose my purple drawers we “red enough” to bring me a little luck !  😂😜😂
Sea day tomorrow.  We’re on our way to Puerto Plata, DR where we will be snorkeling with the sea lions and the sharks !

I think this room does sleep additional guests….it seems like the couch would fold out although I haven’t tried it to see.
I think you might be right about the noise….i have already heard a few grumblings in the hallway.  One thing I will say about the PV room, it was QUIET !
We’ve stayed in this cabin category before and while the location is not my favorite, I do like the space and the view.  This particular room is located on the port side and has a totally unobstructed view and of course, has the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Some of the cabins in this category look out over the bow and IMO the view is much diminished by views of the ship’s structure and hardware such as antennae and comm towers, etc.
Dan has gone for his daily sauna (which is now VERY convenient). I took a bit of a nap but it was really more of a “rest”.  I never actually fell asleep. I’m not used to all the light !  😜😜

Us too, but just across the hall.  Not going to complain because Mrs. JustMe hit it nicely in the casino last night!  Got her (guess that's really us) back in the green, and she got a comp offer delivered to the cabin today.  WooHoo!

Well, it’s finally happened.  We are disinvited to the Concierge/Suites Lounge on leg #3.
SUITE AMENITIES ACCESS http://www.creative.rccl.com/e-lite/RCI/2014/Masters/email_temp/html/images/spacer.gif Dear Valued Member,

As you prepare for your upcoming adventure, we have some updates to share on your Crown & Anchor® Society benefits.

Due to the high number of guests with access to Suite amenities on this cruise, the Suite/Concierge Lounge will be reserved exclusively for guests booked in eligible Suite accommodations and select Top Pinnacle Club members. Rest assured, you'll still have full access to the exclusive Crown Lounge, its services, and other well-deserved onboard benefits.

Please note that these restrictions are specific to this ship and sailing and are not indicative of any permanent changes to your Pinnacle Club benefits. We appreciate your understanding and can't wait to welcome you onboard!

Sincerely,

Royal Caribbean International
Ship Sail Date Booking ID Explorer of the Seas 19-Apr-2024 5957721 http://www.creative.rccl.com/e-lite/RCI/2014/Masters/email_temp/html/images/spacer.gifA
 
As it turns out, the SL on EX isn’t the most desirable place to spend time anyway (we’ve only been in there twice in 13 days) but it has finally happened.  It was just a matter of time.  I feel sure that there are lots of Pinns who are on this next cruise and will then be staying on for the TA.  At least we know ahead of time and didn’t have to wait until we boarded for the “bad” news.

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Thanks for your assessment of Hideaway. I watched a YouTube video of it and the creators' opinion was that Oasis Lagoon was not as happening now that Hideaway was open and took over that vibe. I guess we'll see as we don't have any plans to go back to PDCC after this cruise so we're going to try it. 
And I'll get out my rosary beads again. Either that or you stopped wearing your red underwear? 😆

Who knew this was the type of forum where strangers planned to meet up in real life and coordinate their undergarments? 🤣

Thank you !  We are very happy people….

There is breaking news this morning that Dillard’s is reporting significant shortages of red undergarments. They believe they are not the only store experiencing supply chain issues and are extremely concerned that the shortages could last for years. 

😉
Govern yourselves accordingly …
Curt from Canada
 

UGH.  I had this witty and VERY lengthy post ALL done and was about to hit "submit" and LUCKILY I checked to be sure I was in the right thread and lo and behold I was NOT, so I lost the entire thing !  I blame @OCSC Mike.  He told me to shut up with the negativity and get on with my blog for Grenada and SO I DID....but in the wrong thread.  (Mike, you know I'm just teasing you.  This was TOTALLY my fault).
Anyway, I am in no mood to recreate that masterpiece so I will summarize Day 7/Grenada.
Island - awesome.
Tour (Grand Etang, Annandale falls and Fort Frederick....or some name similar to that) - excellent coverage of the island.  WAAAYTOOO long.  The roads are treacherous - narrow and bumpy.  We hit every f'n bump on Grenada.  Both Dan and I were never happier to get to the end of a tour.  Enjoyed seeing the island though.
I do have some photos but as with Antigua, they are on my phone and I have to get it to synch with my ipad (which may or may not happen)....so will post later.
Dinner last night at Chops.  Excellent as always.
Casino - More good luck. Keep up the prayers - they are working !  We hit a "Major" (second to the highest) jackpot in Dancing Drums (close to, but not quite, $1000). Dan is still in the "hole" but I am now out of that damned hole !  YIPPEE !
Today - St Kitts but we are staying on the ship.  Dinner tonite at Giovannis, which is our last specialty meal on this leg.  We will be dining in the MDR on lobster and lamb shank nights.
Thank goodness I finally remembered to verify that the ship knows that we are going to be staying on for 2 more sailings.  Vanessa, the CL Concierge checked for us.  They already knew we were staying on for next leg but they did not know that we were staying on for #3 (4-19).  Now they do.  WHEW.
A new personal best for laundry-cramming.  I got 29 pieces in this morning !  ECLIPSED (see what I did there ?)  my previous best of 24.  I am really getting good at this !

Actually, I give the credit for my good-ish casino luck to my red underwear.  I have a friend who told me that if you wear red underwear you will win.  Go figure…but the chants and prayers are appreciated !  They can’t hurt, right ?
❤️❤️❤️

Sushi at Izumi tonite.  For some reason, they brought Dan 2 full portions (8 pieces X 2 = 16 pieces !) of sushi when they normally only bring half that amount….OMG we are stuffed ! …and we are both dying of thirst now after all that soy sauce !  I got 2 rolls that were the normal size but I still had too much.  I don’t know how he ate everything he did…God bless ‘im.
We hit another $1000 jackpot on video poker….this time we hit 4 deuces on Deuces wild but luckily this time we were playing for $1 so it paid $1000.  I totally forgot to take a picture this time.  We were both so stunned !  Believe it or not, we are both still slightly “down” since we both had abysmal casino sessions on day 2….but it’s not horrible now with the 2 big (for us) wins last night and tonite.
Tomorrow is Antigua.  We’re swimming with the stingrays somewhere.  We don’t have to meet our excursion until noon so we don’t have to worry about an early wake-up.  Good !
 

Pulling away from Puerto Plata, DR currently.  At least, I think we are.  I can feel some movement and all aboard was supposed to be at 3:00 (it’s now 4:17).  Those 2 pieces of evidence together tell me we’re on the move since I can see NOTHing of the outside world from my little Promenade view interior. 
We did not leave the ship today as we have called here twice in the past couple of months and we will be back here during Part III on 4-22 (I think).  On that visit, we will be swimming with sea lions and sharks.  Yikes !
Dan is napping (again) so I’m sitting in the dark tapping away on my iPad.  Dinner tonite is in the MDR.  It will be our first visit to the MDR this cruise.  Mexican night, as I recall.  It’s not a fab menu but I can tolerate the controversially-named pork enchilada/burrito/chimichunga.  Dan likes the carne asada (I think that’s what it’s called).  We have MTD.  Hopefully EX has “caught on” to the way other ships are handling MTD and there won’t be any lengthy lines.  My recent experiences have been that they are simply seating MTD folks amidst the traditional folks at vacant tables as they become available.  It seems to be working fine but I think it’s very labor-intensive and stressful for the dining staff as they are turning tables over (figuratively, of course) many multiples of times per meal. They’re damned good at it, too.  I’m amazed at how quickly they can re-set a table and have new folks seated.  Impressive.
Then it will be off to the casiner (sic) to try and put ourselves back on our earlier “winning” track.  We were derailed last night…we both had miserable gambling experiences.  We actually ended up playing a little Dancing Drums (actually, a LOT of Dancing Drums), which is extremely unusual for us but as I’ve mentioned previously, this is Dan’s push for Prime so points are important and the tables just don’t cut it for us as we aren’t big wager-ers.  Slot machines are mindlessly boring to me but we played together on 1 machine and it was kinda fun. I was THAT person last night.  I was sitting next to Dan, playing with him (no smart-ass remarks) so obviously I was sitting on a stool, in front of another Dancing Drums machine.  I heard someone make a loud [intentional, I’m sure] remark about all of the machines being “taken” so I was guilted into putting $20 into the machine in front of which I was sitting, and pressing the button every minute or 2 just for the pretense of playing.  Since I was paying absolutely NO attention to what was going on, on that machine, I actually ended up breaking even !  Too funny. Of course we lost, eventually, on the machine we were jointly playing, but Dan got a good number of points, which was the goal.

Looks like a nice spread.
Sincerely,
OCSC Locust