heffy2

Nope, no delay for our boarding. Key, Pinnacles, and suites boarded at 10:45, us lowly Gold got on right at the expected 11:00.

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.

?
Today is the day that we go on the cruise!
Today is the day that we gooooo!
It’s gonna be great!
I just cannot wait!
TODAY IS THE DAY THAT WE GO ON THE CRUISE!
?

Meant to mention in the last post -- the weather this time around is much milder than last year. Yes, it's going down to the upper-30s overnight, but the high tomorrow is still in the low 60's (~17º C) with virtually no wind and lots of sun, so that should be a great embarkation. The day we come home is supposed to be in the mid-60s with lots of sun. And on our last sea day, the NJ area is just supposed to have some morning showers with low winds, and again be in the low-60s; I'm hoping that translates into relatively smooth seas for our last sea day and some pleasant outdoor time, but I know that's not guaranteed since we'll still be a few hundred miles away and the weather could be vastly different. But this is still way better than last year, when we left with weather in the 40s and came home to a cold and rainy day.
Bermuda, meanwhile, is looking like it's going to be perfect -- partly cloudy with modest winds, and a high each day we're there of 79º F (26º C). 20% chance of rain, just means if it happens we'll duck into a store or restaurant, or hang out a bit longer at the aquarium.

update.  We rebooked anthem for thanksgiving week at an AMAZING deal!  I am excited!

Raye, it's a mixed bag. Had a follow-up at the wound center today; seems to be a bit bigger than it was, which the doc said is normal in the beginning but hardly helpful at this particular point. I've already canceled iFly, no way do I want to risk making it any worse from the high-speed wind buffeting me and making my shoe flap around in bad ways.
I'll definitely be looking for a scooter or wheelchair to rent at the aquarium and botanical garden so that I'm not walking on it too much (beyond what I'll already be doing just in the course of regular day-to-day on the ship). Will take my chances with Horseshoe Bay, since the majority of the beach has very well-packed sand that won't torque my foot around in bad ways; worse comes to worst, while Cathy enjoys the waves and sand I'll sit in the bar there and down a few Dark & Stormy's.
Good news is my doc told me to take Painkillers as needed to deal with any discomfort.

At least, I think this is what he meant. ?

GREAT!  Hope your enjoy this Anthem cruise and especially Boston.  Ceil and I will be going to Modern Pastry for sure to purchase those Italian Macaroons.  I'll let you all know if we can "smuggle" them on-board!  Hope so...
And for the record we have reservations for Tony & Elaine's to try those award winning meatballs!  https://www.tonyandelaines.com/

@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!

Hi everyone,
 
For 6 months, I was working in the shops onboard Independence Of The Seas. I actually got the opportunity to meet some of you guys, and I just wanted say thank you for saying hello!
 
I actually made some YouTube vlogs of my experience during this contract, and wanted to share it with you guys. I'm trying to show what being a Royal Caribbean crew member is like, and I think a lot of you guys will find this very interesting!
 
In this first vlog, I show you the sign-on process. Me, walking on to the ship as a new crew member - followed by a ship tour.
 
https://youtu.be/TwY2wMDjpBk
 
I'm have begun my next contract onboard Mariner Of The Seas for 7 months, starting my new role as a Casino Host.
 
I hope to meet more of you soon, and ask me any questions you may have about being a crew member!
 
Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel as well. One day, I hope to vlog for Royal Caribbean full time!
www.youtube.com/ChristopherWongVLOGS
 
Chris

+1 on the thanks to @YOLO for starting this thread.  Because of this thread, our day in Boston is also going to start with a visit to Modern Pastry!  Then a walk to Freedom Trail to burn off the calories lol.

@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!

We went here.. and to the place across the street - wish I remembered the name - but they filled the pastries while you were there so they  were not soggy when we got them.  BUT.. the plan was to bring them to the ship - hmmm...... they didnt make it! ?  I ate the last ones in the Lyft on the way back to the ship.  So my add to this - buy more than you think you need if taking back to the ship!

This is our first ever back to back cruise, our first as diamond, our first cruise on Mariner and out first visit to the newly renovated Coco Cay.  We chose this cruise for the ship and the chance to visit Coco Cay since it seems EVERYONE has already had the opportunity.
We managed to get the same aft corner balcony for both legs of the cruise so that is a definite bonus.
I will try to keep this up as we cruise but I am also trying to focus on relaxation.  
I will begin at Day 0 in my next post.

@JLMoran I am so excited your trip is nearly here because that means mine is LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY! 
I haven't decided if I'm going to not-so-blog it, but I may vlog it so we will see. Definitely a recap post-cruise! 
 

I got by. With two weekend days and a day in Mexico where my phone works natively I was able to make it work but it definitely makes a difference.   

The railing picture with the water droplets is great! 

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!

made the mistake of googling geoduck.
 
NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE. More NOPE.
 
My apologies though, I hope you enjoyed your meal!!!!

Well, I always try things at least once ?

Yes , you are right , also from our previous experience we always wait at the meeting point for at least 15 minutes. I guess due to the fact it's the first point of entrance to Japan and the fact that everyone need to do it (until everyone is not processed no one allow back to the ship) they want to rush everyone out ASAP. 
Anyway the tour is in smiling English , they start in English and when they forget a word they just smile, worked for us. 

@Traveler Make Sure You Say Hi To Tony And Don From La Lido Loca Cruising. 

Here she is during the night from Osaka port 
 

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