eaglesfaninfl

We are also on this cruise next November. Having cruised over Thanksgiving the last three years on Brilliance, I know you will enjoy the ship. Unfortunately, the Christmas decorations generally don't go up until the Friday after turkey day, so we probably miss out on that.
Also the the Tampa-Miami trip is not too bad until you pass FLL, and that last part down 95 is pretty awful...but, you are headed for another cruise, so you have that workin' for ya!!

Also, the shuttles are right there as you exit the ship and drop you off right at the entrance at the beach. No worries about getting to the bus stop, getting on the right bus, etc. When your day is done and you are all in your wet sandy swimsuits with your wet sandy towels and flip flops, the shuttles are waiting right outside the entrance and drop you off right at your ship! Easy peasy!! Out teen granddaughters asked why every beach wasn't like this!

On Brilliance, November 22!!

On Brilliance, November 22!!

Completely agree on the Brilliance and the sailaway, especially under the Sunshine Skyway. However, sailing in December, it will be dark, the Skyway lights are fun but Edgmont Key is probably impossible to see at that time of night.

+1 for Brilliance...Vision class is fine but Radiance class ships do not have the Centrum noise/casino smoke problem (sailed on both)...and the ocean view from almost anywhere on board the Radiance class is fantastic!

Cruised to Bermuda two summers ago with our granddaughters on Lady G...agree completely, going under those bridges is also a lot of fun!

Love the Brilliance and sailing out of Tampa and going under the Sunshine Skyway bridge, a fantastic start to the cruise (apx. 2 hours after leaving the dock). Wholeheartedly agree with the previous poster about the valet parking also, well worth it IMHO for the convenience factor alone!

think those that programmed website have all been indulging in the  deluxe drinks package 

Except for realtime TV (i.e., sports, etc.), why would you want to watch TV on a CRUISE??? I enjoy "The Big Bang Theory" in German as much as anyone but, come on!!! (tongue firmly in cheek!)

Thanks for all the comments, guys. I booked the Celebrity cruise and got an immediate cabin upgrade as my C&A points were carried over after I spoke to a gracious Celebrity CSR on another matter. Looking for ward to a new adventure! 

Thanks for all the comments, guys. I booked the Celebrity cruise and got an immediate cabin upgrade as my C&A points were carried over after I spoke to a gracious Celebrity CSR on another matter. Looking for ward to a new adventure! 

Thanks for all the comments, guys. I booked the Celebrity cruise and got an immediate cabin upgrade as my C&A points were carried over after I spoke to a gracious Celebrity CSR on another matter. Looking for ward to a new adventure! 

Congrats, Kayla, enjoy your honeymoon cruise(s)! We just celebrated our 50th anniversary in August so you have something to shoot for! Best to you and hubby2B !

I agree, we always get the books for that very reason and almost all of our vacations are cruises. Also if you are a AAA or CAA member, you can get your photos at the local office and they know EXACTLY what the State Dept. requires!

Hey guys, 
Sorry for being MIA... it's truly been the most difficult thing I've ever experienced. He was 24 years old and has a daughter... just isn't fair. Funeral services were yesterday and the funeral director said they've never seen something like it - soooo many people came by to show their love for Samuel.
Thank you guys so much for all the messages of support... I'll be back once things start settling back in to a new normal. 

We renewed our passports this past June and had them in less than two weeks without requesting expediting, just normal processing.

When you check in, tell them you want to use a different card and they will do the switch for you. I've done this twice after Bank of America changed my account numbers due to "security breaches" at vendors. Will not be a problem as long as you have your set sail pass.

Ordered room service breakfast once and never again. Showed up 1 1/2 hours after the requested time (we had given up waiting, gone to and gotten back from the WJ) and I sent it back. No tip, no nothing. Another indication of the continuing, ongoing deterioration of RCL's quality and commitment to customer service

These are all very valid questions and concerns, similar to what my wife and I experienced deciding on out first cruise. We sat down with an experienced travel agent and went through everything with her. A good TA with a reputable company can guide you through all the ins and outs so you can enjoy, rather than fear, the experience!

These are all very valid questions and concerns, similar to what my wife and I experienced deciding on out first cruise. We sat down with an experienced travel agent and went through everything with her. A good TA with a reputable company can guide you through all the ins and outs so you can enjoy, rather than fear, the experience!

I have never had a luggage problem with Southwest (don't bring up American, tho!). What you and your hubby can do is each pack half a suitcase with a complete complement (shoes, underwear, shorts, tops, etc.) then switch suitcases and pack the remainder of what you are taking on the cruise in the other suitcase. If one gets lost, you still have a reasonable wardrobe of clothing to wear!

I enjoy taking my Kindle on board as someone else has said, it is a WHOLE lot lighter and easier to tote around than books, especially hardbacks. I also like using the Schooner bar tables near windows as a relaxing place to read (assuming Trivia, etc. is not going on) plus libations are easy to get to!

I enjoy taking my Kindle on board as someone else has said, it is a WHOLE lot lighter and easier to tote around than books, especially hardbacks. I also like using the Schooner bar tables near windows as a relaxing place to read (assuming Trivia, etc. is not going on) plus libations are easy to get to!

Horseshoe Bay is much better than Snorkle Park. You can get a jitney bus for $7 just off the ship that will take you directly to the entrance of Horseshoe Beach, where you can rent umbrellas, lounges, etc. and purchase refreshments. Snorkle Park is closer but a 10-15 min. ride gets you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the WORLD!! I took our teenaged granddaughters there this past summer and they loved it. The water is pristine, the sand is inviting and there are caves to explore. Can't address the snorkeling, but I saw snorkelers in the water. You will not be disappointed at Horseshoe Beach.