mom2mybugs

I haven’t cruised since 2019 but we found our cards were highly sensitive to sunscreen…it would absolutely take off the black ink and I had to replace my card a couple times.  Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

We are in fort Lauderdale!!!!   Yeah!  It's chilly for me (75) but way better than Chicago!  We were through security in an 30 mins and took our check-in pics while eating breakfast at Chili's.  Flight was packed but on time and everything ran smoothly.  We are now ensconced by the pool with drinks and a book!  

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Last thoughts on fort Lauderdale...
I'm not sure I would stay at the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina again unless I upgraded big-time to a higher room in the main tower.  This building felt old.  There are limited food choices, no hot tub and overalli just think I'm done after 3 stays here.  We will look for a new place next time.
 Water taxi was positive and very negative. They need to post signs for directional lines to stand in, and figure out why the lines were so bad.  When you pay for all day you shouldn't wait close to 2 hours for a boat.  I think we were at the most crowded stop (4) to board, so another reason not to stay at Hilton Marina. Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

I love the magnetic hooks.  My fave is the chair clips for your towels…it gets windy on the sky deck.  I think Boca clips are the best.  I also bring luggage tag holders, bath and body works room spray for the bathroom (no fan), usb plugs and a million paperback books (extra weight on the flight down that I read and leave on the ship for someone else!).  Jane

First, no way boring! Love the pics. We stayed at this property 2 X because it's convenient and we love the self parking. We did the main building and believe me the rooms are light and bright, same decor as yours but even on the very top facing the port so I can stare at the ships, it feels cramped and old. No sound proofing at all and the rooms were very narrow, way smaller then the one on your pic! We will not stay again either as the hype, location and property do not reflect the price. It's a wasteful stay in our opinion. We bring a cooler with Publix subs and some snacks and eat on the balcony to save money as well as not taking chances that something we ingest us "off" ruining day one of our sailing. Embarkation today! Have a great adventure and Happy New Year! Can't wait to follow along with you as well! 🎉🎉🎉

Happy cruising! 

It’s cruise day!
 
Wish me luck for staying up till midnight tonight. This hotel is very noisy. Do not recommend. All I can say is I cannot wait to hear the sound of the water! 

Happy cruising! And enjoy the thermal suite. Have a great week. 

Thank you so much for your blog.  I can't wait to get on Harmony tomorrow.  Our trip will be very different (just a balcony so no perks) so it was fun to see the "other side". And thank you so much for the thermal spa tips.  Safe travels home!  Jane

We are in fort Lauderdale!!!!   Yeah!  It's chilly for me (75) but way better than Chicago!  We were through security in an 30 mins and took our check-in pics while eating breakfast at Chili's.  Flight was packed but on time and everything ran smoothly.  We are now ensconced by the pool with drinks and a book!  

Last thoughts on fort Lauderdale...
I'm not sure I would stay at the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina again unless I upgraded big-time to a higher room in the main tower.  This building felt old.  There are limited food choices, no hot tub and overalli just think I'm done after 3 stays here.  We will look for a new place next time.
 Water taxi was positive and very negative. They need to post signs for directional lines to stand in, and figure out why the lines were so bad.  When you pay for all day you shouldn't wait close to 2 hours for a boat.  I think we were at the most crowded stop (4) to board, so another reason not to stay at Hilton Marina. Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Thank you for all your thermal spa info... I'm planning on touring and buying tomorrow!  Jane

Last thoughts on fort Lauderdale...
I'm not sure I would stay at the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina again unless I upgraded big-time to a higher room in the main tower.  This building felt old.  There are limited food choices, no hot tub and overalli just think I'm done after 3 stays here.  We will look for a new place next time.
 Water taxi was positive and very negative. They need to post signs for directional lines to stand in, and figure out why the lines were so bad.  When you pay for all day you shouldn't wait close to 2 hours for a boat.  I think we were at the most crowded stop (4) to board, so another reason not to stay at Hilton Marina. Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

We are in a non accessible room right near the elevator (11560) on harmony tomorrow and can let you know.  I’m not at all worried…people noise down the narrow halls and tripping over room service trays is way worse than noise by the elevators.  Jane

Can't sleep so I will catch everyone up...if I can remember what I've done! 
  Yesterday was very low key.  We got to the Hilton fort Lauderdale marina and check in took forever.  We were unfortunately not thrilled with the room.  It's fine, but in the old wing, first floor (so Patio is below the walkway and thus feels like a concrete box), and the door has a huge gap at the bottom.  There is no soundproofing at all and we are people not bothered by noise. 

 

The weather wasn't terrific, butt we spent some time by the pool and then ate dinner at the pool bar.  It is truly highly overpriced, but other than the fish tacos (which were horrible) it was good.  The wine... Well, I'm looking forward to vintages lol!  
   Today was sunny and much happier!  We didn't get to the pool until around 11 and there were no chairs at all.  Maybe 10 mins later, 2 showed up in the shade so we took them.  I decided to sit in the sun on the edge of the pool and read, and when someone left, I grabbed their chair.  Eventually my husband  abandoned the shade and joined me.  We ended up ordering chips and guac and hummus and they were all very good.  

  We finally dragged ourselves to shower and head to the water taxi.  It took us one hour, forty mins to get on.  It was a mess :(. Literally a boat would come every half hour and load like 2-4 people.  Once on though, it's such a nice ride. We decided to head to stop 10 to see the mansions all decorated for Xmas.  



We got to bokampers at around 7 and we seated by 710.  Great we thought... And then 30 mins later we still hadn't seen a server even though we had gone and spoken to someone several times.  It was a mess.  Jeff finally went to the hostess who seated us...we actually think she was the manager doing a million things.  She literally took our order, got our drinks, apologized a million times and then ended up comping us our drinks and giving us half price on the food.  It was unexpected and kind for sure!  I recommend the atmosphere and the food was great... Hopefully staffing and big groups dont kill you.  



We did get to see the bridge go up a couple times too!

We literally managed to walk right on the water taxi... Big change from before!  It was a quiet boat till the very drunk people got on, but that's ok.  That will be me soon on the drink pkg!!!   
  So now I'm too wound up to sleep and can't wait for 10 1/2 hrs when I walk onto Harmony!!   My aim is to church in once a day but keep in mind the title of this blog lol!  @Lovetocruise2002 will be blogging symphony and will be much more interesting lol!!!!     I have the Muppet Christmas carol singing going through my head, but instead of "there's only one more night til Christmas" I have "there's only one more night night til Harmony"!!!!! Jane

Another thing to remember here is the frequency of our cruising experiences.
I will give you an example.  
I used to work for NY/NY Hotel and Casino, the Palms Casino, Caesar's, Venetian, and MGM in Vegas.  As employees, we would have access to the EDR (employee dining room).  At first, man-oh-man, the EDR was GREAT!  Its was a buffet everyday for employees.  Every break I got, I would go down to EDR and eat something.  After about a year of eating at least one meal a day and multiple snacks a day while working, the food seemed to get old and poorer in quality.
For us, we thought the food on our first Carnival cruise was outstanding!  Then after our 3rd or so cruise on the same ship, it became meh.  
Our first RCCL cruise was this past June.  I thought the food was night-and-day different and worlds apart better than anything on Carnival.  
Recently, we took a short 3 nighter on our second RCCL cruise.  The food was good.
This is when I realized that eventually, our perceptions diminish based upon our first experience(s) and usually, secondary and tertiary experiences do not live up to the first time.  
Soooooo....maybe its just us and not the actual food?  Sometimes it is the food, the preparation, the quality of ingredients--no doubt.  But to generalize things and simply say that the food quality is going down is not a fair assessment.