mom2mybugs

Just did 21 days on the Rhapsody. I was impressed with how well maintained and clean the ship is. For me, I like a ship as opposed to the an amusement park. Just personal preference.

More days is always a good thing, but I think in this scenario I would stick with Freedom.  She's a great ship, and as Doc said, so much more to offer.  

I love Tampa, too, and also like the Rhapsody, but if stuck with the Freedom, personally, as she had so much more to offer. 

I as on Rhapsody 2 weeks ago. Now having only been on newer ships ( Anthem, Oasis, Harmony, Indy) I was excited to see what she offered and she certainly did not disappoint! Sure she hasn't got the food variety of some of the mega ships nor as many activities to do like the flowrider etc but that certainly didn't hinder the holiday one bit. I must say I really loved the experience, the ship was full yet seemed so quiet and there was never ever a shortage of sunbeds. the ship does not look dated or tired if I am honest, a few fixtures and fittings look a little old and outdated but that does not take anything away from the ship what so ever.
 
any more questions about the ship just ask me :)

They actually tasted like mint.  It was so weird!  I could only do it because they were so little!   Jane

Gives a whole new meaning to "hanging" around the pool!

I heard from a very reliable source that Grandeur is going to a "clothing optional" pool area.
 
 

Escape the Room - POOL DECK EDITION!
NOBODY LEAVES.

When I was recently at Arby's and saw that they had Triangle Hash Browns ........
The Windjammer breakfast, oh how I miss thee.
I'm sure we all see reminders in the "real world" that take us back to our "Happy Place"

Did they taste like chicken?

Don't forget the blazers with the big shoulder pads, ankle socks with pumps and parachute pants! 

I did wait once (20 minutes) on a formal night in Europe. That's the only time out of probably 45 nights. If you go early, you won't have a problem. The rush is typically 6:30-7:30 in my experience. 

I keep waiting for the 80s parties!  Hey, i could do the big hair, and im sure i have a old pair of leg warmers around somewhere!  Jane

I keep waiting for the 80s parties!  Hey, i could do the big hair, and im sure i have a old pair of leg warmers around somewhere!  Jane

Nobody catches Bugs.  He's too smaaaat for 'em.

Freedom definitely does not have the teen spa. I had asked about that a couple of months ago and had it confirmed by Matt. Can't say for Allure.

My very first cruise in 2015 was on vision when it was in tampa.  The first sea day was the most relaxing day of my life and i have been on 2 cruises since with 1 planned for 2018.  I loved vision...it didn't have every bell and whistle but i didn't need it!  I wasnt overwhelmed by the ship and could relax.   We loved izumi, enjoyed trivia in the sooner bar and just had a great time in the 4 ports we spotted at.   Like mentioned before,  check out the cruise compass and you will find a million things you can do.   Have a great time!  Jane

I have cruised 2x with my teens.  On the first cruise we did vision and the kids were 18, 15 and 12. The next year we did freedom.  The 2 older ones mostly hung with me since my 15 year old son was busy watching the ncaa tournament.   The 18 (and the next year 19) had a challenging time in that she was too old for the teen club,  and too young for the party scene.  We joined the roll call on cruise critic for her 2nd cruise and she met a girl that she went to some shows with and stuff.  She still mostly hung with me though.   My 12 and then 13 year old is the one that loved everything.   She still snapchats the girls she met 2 years ago in the term club.   Have your 15 year old go to the forest night and just meet some people.   After the first night they tend to meet at the teen area and then wander the shop.   On sea days they would meet early and hasn't out all day.   We had a late dining the 2nd cruise and she ate with us once!   She met everyone else in the windjammer a lot.  
Let me know if you have any specific questions!   Jane

I feel old suddenly.

Speaking of the in-line track, I'm waiting for RC to start adding 90's parties onboard, along with the 70's and 80's (or instead of).

NO PANTS NIGHT IN THE MDR! 

Love it! You guys are funny! Hubby and I have been on 2 river cruises in Europe and just booked our third for next spring! A big difference going to an ocean cruise! ?  We always get the drink package on the river cruises and they are definitely worth it! Since the "baby" graduates high school in a couple of weeks, we are free to travel and drink the night away should we choose and have been LOVING it!   

And since the packages are definitely valid across the ship, I strongly recommend a sea day bar hop! :) 

As one who loves Grandeur .... We found the best to come out of the Solarium Bar
Add a little Old Bay and you have a Bloody MaryLand
Ignore our hair .... but we were in total Vacation AND Bloody Mary mode last September on Grandeur

I will see you there - we are also booked on that sailing! :D It's our first anniversary cruise! 
... yes, I have a cruise booked for my first anniversary before my wedding has even happened.