SweetPea

This is apparently a Porn Star Martini. I asked the bartender in 270 to make me something with Vodka, but no peach or coconut. 

They wound up sending us dinner from Chops to the room. 

You must try the pepper bacon. And here is the lamb. 

Does anyone want to come for cake? 

We are doing We Will Rock You tonight. 

I sold this to Batman as Queen, to which he responded, what is it with you and Tudor history?

Not The Queen. Just Queen. 

My parents have seen it a few times. This is my dad's take:

"The show actually features a rather flimsy “story” but it is really just an excuse for a talented cast to sing a lot of Queen songs. I enjoyed it. The show has run forever in England and satisfied a demand after Freddy died. When it first opened, Queen drummer Roger Taylor guitarist Brian May would show up unannounced and join the cast whenever they felt like it. The audience would go nuts. I doubt, however, that they are on your Cruise."

We just did the bridge tour. We both work in operations, so this was fascinating to us. We nearly bailed. I'm glad we didn't. Batman took all the pics, so I will have to upload them later. 

One more for my Havenites: there are no notepads or cool SC pens to steal. I'm sure we could ask for some if we really needed them. We often leave our butlers notes in the Haven, but it's not really necessary here. 

Also worth mentioning, your Genie will not only save your seats at shows but will have your drinks ready. To us, this is AWESOME ! 

While I admit I do miss the Haven Courtyard, bar, restaurant concept, Star Class is amazing. 

What's totally better on Royal SC than HAVEN? 

- Room service drinks are free. 

- Saved seats 15 minutes before the show instead of 30 minutes prior, meeting in the Haven as a group to be ushered down to the show. 

- Not that Haven embarkation is bad, but we were blown away by Royal. 

- The amount and variety of food and drinks included in one bundled price. And gratuities, save for your Genie and any extra you want to throw your room stewards. Save for the 20$ CD single, our folio would still be 0$.

Ok, it appears I did not cover much about embarkation, which was a total breeze. We simply went to Zone 6 as Derick instructed. The traffic cops told our driver to go to Zone 3, but we told him Zone 6 and he just went there instead. 

We were the only ones there. A lady came out and asked if we wanted to check our big bags and I explained we were looking for Star Class check in. She immediately sent us inside to the Star Class desk where a lovely woman checked us in. I want to say her name is Linda. She called over our porter and that was that. We all went through security together. Linda had to retake Batman's photo because it wouldn't download for her for some reason. 

This of course cracked me up because Batman took no less than 352 pics before he found the ONE. I did the same, but mine was fine. It took  2 seconds. Derick had our suite ready, and the luggage followed us there. Loved it! 

Total Royal advantage. 

While we are chilling on our balcony on this gorgeous sea day, I wanted to point out that your Genie will highlight your cruise compass with things that may interest you. Derick doesn't highlight much prior to noon for us. He's figured us out well. Life is so good. Too good. I feel guilty. Almost. 

Also, did I talk about embarkation? I'll have to scroll through and look because I wanted to and I don't remember if I did. Stand by. 

After the show, we didn't realize we'd have time to pop into the pub for a drink. SuzyQ called us an Uber at 7:57p to make the long walk to Jamie's. 

There is a fine line between walking and waddling, and I think I've crossed it. 

I typically don't bring my phone to dinner, but I'm sorry I didn't. 

I don't know if it's because we're SC or if it's the way it always is there, but our waiter insisted on bringing us all the appetizers. Every single one. 

I'm full just thinking about it. We could hardly put a dent in it. It could feed a hungry army of 12, much less 2 middle aged peeps with serious beer bloat and screaming pants. 

We followed up those puppies with lamb chops and a burger. Barely. 

And then our neighbors who were also dining at Jamie's sent shots over to our table. Jaeger and banana liquor. I didn't do shots of Jaeger in college, much less now, pushing 50. How do you spell Jaeger anyway? We didn't want to be rude, so we did them, then felt the need to reciprocate, but with something that replicated dessert. We wanted to send over Jelly Donut shots, but the waiter laughed when I asked if they had Rumchata (a jelly donut is simply Rumchata and Chambord if you're not familiar). Batman vetoed Lemon drop shots so we went with the Classic B52. 

Then we went back to the pub for some music. And beers. I'm too old for this. 

Beyond muster we've not spent a second in 270. They were holding trivia in Schooners making it a madhouse. We are not fans of Latin music so have not been to Boleros. We tried Music Hall once. We've got our peeps in the Pub. We should really explore a bit more. Our maybe just book another cruise. Either way. 

Last night we saw Clint Holmes. For some reason we had it in our heads that he was a comedian. He's not. More like a Vegas Act. His show was not well attended, and that's a shame. He's very good and charismatic. His one hit was titled something I don't remember, but had the lyrics of "My name is Michael. I have a nickel."

He also wrote a song called 1944, about the war and his parents waiting through it, living their life, and then his dad dying before his mom, leaving her alone, but still together through song. 

I literally cried right there in the theater. He could've been singing about any of my grandparents and I was feeling nostalgic for all of them. 

Ever the gentleman, Batman offered me his sleeve... 

There wasn't much of a crowd when we went outside the theater at the table they had set up to sell his songs. 

We circled back because the closest bathroom was behind the tables and no one was there. While I waited for Batman to use the restroom, I took the opportunity to tell Clint his song made me cry. We hugged it out and then I felt dumb not buying the song that brought me to tears. I mean, we were having a moment. 

I bought a 20$ CD single.

I don't even have anything to play it on. He signed it to my parents. I don't even think they have anything to play it on. 

Batman pointed out we should've checked iTunes as it's probably there for 0.99$.

The crew member they had charging your room for my Beta purchase looked at me funny when I asked him to send it to my room. I don't think he wanted to, but I didn't really feel like carrying it to dinner. If it never comes back home. That's OK. It seemed like a good idea at the time... 

33 minutes ago, hayley_bopp said:

I'm continually rediscovering that I don't like papaya. It's not something you come across much here in Blighty and always looks so delicious on the breakfast buffet. But it tastes like there's no way you should ingest it

Totally with you in the papaya! 

25 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I did the same thing !

 

We need to plan a ride together. My trading spouses partner bailed because he had an allergic reaction to something from the Honest Company, of all things. I gave him some Benadryl and he was too tired. Or I'm simply too much for him and he's too kind to say. 

12 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

+1 for this !  Mango, too.

Yes, Mango is only good in meltdowns! 

24 minutes ago, hayley_bopp said:

How very dare she!

Right?! But I was wrong. Always admit when you're wrong. But she was waiting on the Norwegian Gem to leave. We're still here for a short minute. 

The Escape is due in tmw. I'm guessing she is the two culprit! 

Pretty sure the Edge is the reason we're getting kicked out of Bermuda early today. She appears to be stalking our impending departure. 

I really love the fruit plate everyday though. Yum. He also sends cheese and crackers with walnuts and grapes. But I skipped breakfast and lunch, so I'm about half way through that by now. 

Here is the sad story of what's left.... 

Nothing better than champagne, fruit, and cheese on your awesome amazing balcony. 

I was this many days old when I discovered I do not care for dragon fruit. 

Also for my Havenites, I try never to use public bathrooms on cruise ships. However, Batman is not as up tight. He would like you to note that the public bathrooms on Royal smell much fresher and cleaner than Norwegian. 

Batman pointed this out. I did not notice until he did. The trees in the Solarium could use a good dusting. However, if they do that, could whoever tackles that come to my house and take care of my blinds and entertainment center? That'd be great, thanks! 

For my Havenites: Paper straws are plentiful and given freely, even without request. Straws are a HUGE issue on Norwegian, so I wanted to throw that out there.

I still bring my own straws. I'm not a fan of paper. Mine are biodegradable, made from cornstarch. They hold up much better and don't melt. And you can't taste them, if you know what I mean. I also use stainless steel ones if I use my Yeti. 

Our room steward's very efficient and kind. Derick cracks us up. He actually did recon on tonight's comedian and decided that was something we should see. We are communicating through email, which is working well. Or we are free to call. 

I also want to give a shout out to Brass and Brock Pub staff, in particular Zuzu and SuzyQ. They wave to us every time we arrive, have our drinks ready and automatically give us bottles of water. If we're standing at the bar, they always find us seats. 

Batman is making me watch the video of me on the bumper cars he took, avoiding everyone. Apparently, there is no politeness in bumper cars. Heard on the video: me telling Batman he could've done it [with his bad back] and Batman yelling back THAT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT HITTING ANYONE!! 

Also, Batman has decided that our room steward looks like William Mapother who played Evan in Lost. 

We are loving The Solarium. Of course we are. Hardly anyone is here today. Because most people are responsible vacation goers and are taking advantage of our last few hours in port with beautiful weather.

Us 2 idiots? Packed a beach bag and when every friendly crew member we passed asked if we were going to Horseshoe Beach, we hung our heads in shame and said, no. Just the Solarium.... 

5 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Those strips should definitely light up. This was taken in 10724 back 2017

4 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Try the flat square on the right side of the round outlet.

Lol, that worked. I just wish the USB ports next to it did. 

Just now, CGTLH said:

Those strips should definitely light up. This was taken in 10724 back 2017

Thanks. I will definitely have to ask Jesus because we've gone through every combo of living room settings and can't seem to find it. 

This is where I've been doing my hair, but note that you have to wiggle the plug in. That space was not designed for anything other than a standard 2-prong plug. Any plug with a reset button is not ideal. And no matter the light setting, those strips in the mirror do not light. I've been doing my make up in the bathroom. 

Also note that this is with our curtains open, during the day. At sunset is the issue.