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Thank you! ?

It's cruise day! It almost doesn't seem real as I've never waited for a cruise for a year before. Yesterday was spent traveling. We had a non eventful, mid-morning flight from Salt Lake City to EWR. I've only flow into Newark once before and that was a connection to MIA for my first solo cruise. We're staying at a Springhill Suites that, minus the soft goods, seems to not have been remodeled since 1983. One thing about staying so close to the airport that kind of surprised me, there was nowhere nearby to eat! After taking an Uber over to a giant mall in Elizabethtown where we found an Applebees, we came back to the hotel to rest up for cruise day. I was planning to be at the pier around 10:30, but now have some time to relax. I got an email from Royal saying that there is a coast guard drill scheduled today, so boarding is delayed by two hours. I can't remember this happening on my 24 previous sailings, but I've been through several coast guard drills as a crew member. It's going to be a longer, more hectic day than usual for the crew, I hope our fellow passengers take it a bit easy on them. I'll update more once we get onboard and I have some pics to share. I'm looking forward to see how Vroom is compared to Carnivals wifi.

Thanks for the live blog!

Hello! This will be my first attempt at a live blog, and it just seemed right to do it here as opposed to CC. The Blog and podcast have been instrumental in my return to Royal Caribbean. I've been on 4 prior RCI sailings on the Viking Serenade and Rhapsody of the Seas, the last one being in 2007. I was convinced to sail this itinerary by @twangster's wonderful Snowbird Migration blog last year, and have been addicted to all of your awesome Live Blogs. I'll be sailing with my mother, and have been waiting for cruise day for about 367 days, but who's counting? I've taken much of the advice that I learned here and have pre-purchased most everything except Vroom. I'm kicking myself for not buying the Deluxe Drink Package before this last weekend, as it did go up slightly. Two weeks ago my Royal Up bid was accepted for a total of $150 for a Large Balcony cat 1C from a standard balcony. Today is my last work day, and I don't think I'll be able to sleep for the next 72 hours! I'll add more as soon as I get off work.

Wow, the response you've gotten from GS and the other outlet mangers is awesome! Also, having ben a former GS associate for another cruise line, the fact that you were not dramatic, and didn't cause a scene is very admirable.

Have a wonderful cruise! I think I’m going to try my hand at a live blog for the first time, on Anthem next week. Thanks for the inspiration, lol.

Have a wonderful cruise! I got an email last night about a coast guard drill the day you get back, so boarding is delayed by two hours. I always feel for the crew on days like that.

@YOLO, I'm SO glad you asked these questions! I'll be on the same sailing with you, and only have plans in Boston in the AM. Now I'm definitely going to check out Modern Pastry. Thanks!

Can't wait to follow along! I'm boarding Anthem the day you disembark for the last Canada/NE sailing of the season. I hope you have a fantastic cruise!

Thanks for taking the time to do this wonderful blog!

The railing picture with the water droplets is great!

I'm so sorry you had to cancel! I wish your husband a speedy recovery.

Woo! I hope your 3 sailings are wonderful!

I'll definitely be following as I'm on her Oct 24th sailing. Thanks for taking the time!

I lived just south of Kona for about two years, I totally agree with you, the Big Island is the best. I was always told by locals that it was the most like "Old Hawaii". I so glad you enjoyed your time!

I worked onboard the Pride of America at guest services for two years, the Hawaiian Islands may be my favorite itinerary of all time, even though I was working everyday. I can't wait to see your pictures.

Your blog on that sailing is one of the reasons I booked The Anthem for late next month. I'm a bit worried about the weather, and I know the leaves will be well past their peak, but I can't wait!

October 24th on the Anthem's last Canada New England sailing. Then on Harmony May 10th and for now, Empress on November 22, 2020.

Great blog so far! Thanks for taking the time.

Great blog, thanks for taking the time!

Great review so far, thank you!

So sorry to hear, I can't believe how hard it would be on the day of sailing. Thanks for the wonderful Podcast episode this week, and every week.

Oh, no, another ship I've always wanted to sail on. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Thanks for such a great live blog! Your pictures are lovely, I hope you're all having a wonderful time.

Congratulations on getting your block!