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FL Lake Gal

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  1. Like
    FL Lake Gal got a reaction from Baked Alaska in Has anyone traveled on Celebrity Flora yet?   
    Hello all and happy Fall!
    We are looking at the amazing Celebrity Flora for a 50th birthday celebration in 2020. 
    I have found a few reviews on other sites.  Seems service is getting better as the months go by since starting in June.  Like anything, it takes time to get things tweaked a bit.
    Anyhow - just curious if anyone has been on Flora yet... and their thoughts about inner loop versus outer loop... and the safety in Quito.
    Thanks!
  2. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Aeroman380 in An Ovation Vacation! - B2B Alaska Cruise - June 28th   
    I am just over 100 days out for Ovation and reservations for fly and northstar showed up last week! I booked it up!
  3. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to RickinSTL in 1st time cruisers, general questions...   
    Just remember 5 letters when you’re on a cruise..
    R
    E
    L
    A
    X
    You can’t do it wrong! 
  4. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to KristiZ in Balcony ocean view cabin Symphony of the Seas   
    TBH, I usually choose a cabin far from everything just so I *have* to walk further -- cuts down on the weight gain during the cruise!!
  5. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to FionaMG in To UDP or not to UDP?   
    Does it have to be the UDP? Is there a 3-night dining package you could go for instead? That would save you some money but still let you try some of the specialty restaurants.
  6. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to AJK in The Key availability based on C&A status?   
    My first cruise is coming up, so I have no status. Booked The Key at 160 days out.
  7. Thanks
    FL Lake Gal reacted to twangster in Good camera or iPhone camera?   
    It really comes down to your expectations for your pictures.
    Smart phones are great for convenience and outdoor daylight photography.   Even the best and newest camera phones start to fall apart in darker conditions including ones that tout special dark picture capabilities.
    Point and shoot cameras offer portability but typically better performance over even the best and newest phone across the spectrum of photographic conditions experienced on a cruise.  They typically come with the added benefit of a zoom lens.
    DSLR or mirrorless will produce the best pictures at the cost of size and lugging them around.
    I don't bring my expensive gear on cruises anymore with the exception of bucket list destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Panama, etc.  
    Here is a live blog that was captured with a point and shoot camera, albeit an expensive one:
    https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9521-adventure-ots-13-night-snowbird-migration-quebec-to-ft-lauderdale-oct-8-2018/
     
     
    This cruise was captured with an iPhone using some extra cost lenses:
    https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/6297-adventure-5-nights-5518-repositioning-san-juan-to-bayonne/
     
    Both have some good pictures but many of my iPhone pictures were not good enough to post to the second blog and I vowed I'd never do another cruise without something better than a phone.  
    Even when I bring all the camera gear I own it doesn't always come on every excursion.  Particularly if I've been somewhere before I'll just take my phone to a beach for example.
    At the end of the day the best camera is the one you have with you.  
  8. Thanks
    FL Lake Gal reacted to RickinSTL in Good camera or iPhone camera?   
    I carry my Nikon D3300 on excursions with my camera backpack,  and use my iPhone X on the ship.. 
  9. Thanks
    FL Lake Gal reacted to KJ1231 in Good camera or iPhone camera?   
    I've used both the iPhone and a Panasonic Lumix FZ70 with a 60x zoom. I do bird photographs and for Alaska there was no comparison between the iPhone and the Lumix in places like Hubbard Glacier where the Radiance didn't get to close to the glacier. If you're only going to post on social media and show from the phone you're fine. If you're going to print I would upgrade to a decent point & shoot. Carrying the camera was worth the effort to me.
  10. Thanks
    FL Lake Gal reacted to ckmoss in Good camera or iPhone camera?   
    I struggled with this for our Alaska trip. We finally decided to bring both. I can tell you we took maybe 10 pics with the camera. Our phones were handy and have excellent cameras. Ours are the new Pixels though. I would say it depends on which iPhone you have. The cameras did not reach great quality until the iPhone 7 . 
  11. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to AshleyDillo in Set Sail Pass -- how many copies do I need?   
    Yes, the photo is used to identify you on the ship.  If you upload a photo and it is acceptible they won't take another one when you get on the ship.  May save a few minutes at check-in.  You also could be eligible for expedited boarding if you upload a photo which means you won't even have to check in at all.
  12. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Fla33023 in Overwhelmed   
    Keep in mind that even with The Key, you have to be out of your room by 9am. The lounges will be open but most areas are being cleaned in preparation for the next set of cruisers. I remember on one of my first cruises someone was joking about how you become old news on that last morning. It's so true! I always think about that on the last day. 
  13. Like
    FL Lake Gal got a reaction from Skid in Overwhelmed   
    Awesome - thanks, Skid!  Was just about to order something else on Amazon - adding this to the order.
    Have a good night.  Thx again.
     
  14. Thanks
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Skid in Overwhelmed   
    All the walls, doors and even the ceiling in the cabins are metal. The hooks can be used for robes, bags, coverups, swim suits, etc. These are the ones we got and they were great. Just know that the posted weights refer to when they are on the ceiling. They hold less when on the walls, but still work fine. Happy sailing!
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GVCSGTX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

     
  15. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Paige in Ovation Star Class Cabins   
    When you're searching for cabins, click on "View Details". The description will indicate which suite class the cabin is in. 


  16. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to JohnK6404 in Newbie: What is the Key and why should we get it?   
    We purchased the Key on our 5/19/19 cruise on Allure along with our friends. The Key was worth every penny to us especially at $19.99! The overall experience was so amazing that we unanimously feel we have to purchase the Key from now on as long as it's offered at a reasonable price! We are only Platinum level in C&A and it's unlikely we'll be able to book a suite anytime soon so the Key was the only way to get some of that amazing VIP treatment!
    We all wanted the VOOM package anyway, so for effectively less than $10/person per day more, it was a no-brainer for all of us! Priority check-in and boarding (Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades) was a mess for us and seems to be hit or miss with the Key program (our only sore point). Just make sure your SetSail pass has the Key logo on it to avoid aggravation! We had to speak to a number of terminal employees before they finally let us cut the line and board (they had just let the suite and Key guests board when we got to the boarding area) since our SetSail pass did not have the Key logo and they had no way to validate (no scanners, etc.).
    The ability to drop off all of our carry-ons as soon as you board the ship for delivery to our cabin was really nice... no more dragging carry-ons around while your explore the ship and have lunch until your cabin is ready. The complimentary lunch on embarkation day (Chops Grille for us) was excellent... no fighting the crowds in the Windjammer. 
    Regarding priority port of call debarkation, we only received an earlier assigned time for Jamaica (memo left in cabin the evening before with time and place to meet). We went to Guest Services earlier in the cruise and it was explained to us that on the other port days when there is no earlier Key departure time, we just need to get down to the gangway early and if there is a line, let them know and they would escort us to the front. We spoke to a crew member at the gangway that first port day and she confirmed that we just need to let them know. We only cared to get off the ship early in Labadee as the Nellie's Beach cabanas were assigned first come, first served and we had our pick! We wound up being the second group in line anyway so it really did not matter that we had the Key. 
    We never had the time to take advantage of the private hours for the zipline, etc., but that may be a really nice perk if they include any of the slides on the other ships. The best perk for us was the "VIP" seating for all of the shows! Instead of racing down to the show after dinner 30-40 minutes prior to the start in order to get a decent seat, we only had to show up 10-15 minutes prior and we would be escorted to a designated center reserved section next to the suite guests which was roped off. Excellent seats! 
    Finally, the special debarkation breakfast in the MDR was very nice. Even better was the escort off of the ship when we were ready (you do not get an assigned time with the Key - you disembark when you want to). You meet at a designated location (Champagne Bar for us) and they escort you through the terminal past everyone else to your luggage in a designated area next to the Star class banners and lane (the general line to get through customs was mobbed - snaked around the terminal!). A porter met us there and loaded our bags on a cart and led us through the Star class lane to a dedicated customs desk (no one ahead of us) and were out to the street in less than 10 minutes (ship to taxi)!
    Generally, I would say that if you want the VOOM package ($10+ per device) and you are able to purchase the Key at say $19.99-$24.99, then it's an easier decision. If you don't want the VOOM package, then for many it's not worth it. If you don't care about prime seating and the convenience of only having to arrive 15 minutes before the show, then it's not worth it. Also, if you are booking a suite, then you will already be receiving many of the perks (reserved seating, priority boarding, etc.).
    It's an individual decision as you can see from the varying experiences and opinions, but we all would get it again at the right price!
  17. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to dk1 in Overwhelmed   
    You sound alot like me.  We just did the Empress ( first time cursing) and it was amazing and relaxing and all my fears were for nothing.

    I used the hooks for everything--- we were able to hold up the extension cord to the CPAP so it wasn't on the floor and a trip hazard. I hung up my hats, and lanyard and purse and used them to keep track of the paperwork I wanted to have handy.

    The Compass was actually pretty easy and that was a huge stress factor for me pre-cruise--- I grabbed it after dinner and went to town with highlighters ( one color for adults and one color for kid) I usually was reading it and highlighting while we waited for a show to start. I found it oddly relaxing to just pick where I wanted to be and knowing it would start at the assigned time.  

    We loved Cozumel--- we bought a day pass to the El Cozumeleno Resort.  There was almost no one there so it was very intimate and private. It was very nice to be greeted by name at the entrance and shown to our assigned beach chairs and assigned lunch cabana and assigned waiters.  There was no thinking at all--- we could use the beach, the pools, it was all inclusive food and drinks.  It was a fantastic off ship experience and the cab ride to and from gave us a chance to sight see a little.

     
  18. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Curt From Canada in Overwhelmed   
    1.  Everyone has chimed in, and all the suggestions are good.  The best one that I saw on this thread used them with the folding shelves (Brilliant).  Independence rooms have lots of space, so it will probably not be required.  Still, for hanging up small items the hooks are great.  One big tip ... The first time I used them to hang up robes.  I forgot them as we left the ship (my rookie mistake).  You will become so used them, you may think they are a part of the room.  Make sure you pack them up when you leave.
    2.  I always tell new cruisers the most difficult thing you will do on a ship is try to determine what you will NOT do at a given time.  On a ship like Independence you will frequently want to to do more than one thing at the same time.  The compass will be in your room each evening.  Take at least one highlighter and mark the events you MAY want to do the next day.  Spend the early part of each day to plan out your day.  Do not take on too much, hopefully you will have other cruises to catch up on stuff you missed.  We are starting to take a nap in the afternoon (age has its privileges), to help full appreciate the evenings on board.
    3. We do not use The Key, but for a first time cruiser it can be a great idea.  Ask lots of Crew members what to do with it.  I am certain they will be very helpful.  You are correct that The Key will make embarkation and debarkation easier w.r.t. meals.  On the other days you may enjoy the Main Dining Room more for Breakfast and Lunch.  The Windjammer is a zoo (except if you eat a little bit earlier or later than the norm).  Any bad things you have heard about cruising are grossly and severely over-hyped.  You will have a blast. 
    4.  Already suggested, but the promenade deck outside that wraps the ship of Deck 4 is quiet and tranquil.  There are places to sit in the shade and it is very relaxing.  Smart walkers use the deck due to the views, quiet and shade.  Also, Olive or Twist on Deck 14 (aft elevators) is normally very quiet with even better views.  We go there often to read during the day.  It is also a quieter place for Sail Aways.
    5.  You are correct.  Port days are almost always very relaxing on board.  You will have the run of the ship.  We have been to Cozumel many times.  It is a 50/50 chance that we get off the ship these days.  
     
  19. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to AshleyDillo in Alaska Pre and post tours   
    in 2014 we did the Radiance southbound out of Seward with a pre-cruise tour that went from Fairbanks to Anchorage.  The land and cruise portions are two entirely different animals and I would highly recommend that you do the land portion first so you can relax once you get to the cruise!  The land portion you have to move from hotel to hotel each night it was nice to get to the cruise and be able to unpack for the entire week.  We did the 8B cruisetour that Royal offers.   It included a visit to Denali National Park, a paddlewheel boat ride, and the glass dome train ride on several days.  Then at each stop of the land tour you had time on your own to explore the town and there were optional excursions.  My father took a plane trip and got to walk on a glacier; I got to play with sled dog puppies..we saw tons of wildlife.  The only thing that I didn't like was that the land portion ended with a bus ride from Anchorage to Seward.  We opted to take the Alaskan railroad train instead on our own and it was definitely the better choice.  We went end of May/beginning of June and it was a great time to go. 
    We had two grand suites on Radiance on the opposite sides of the ship, so we would run back and forth between the two.  If you book a suite on the ship, you also get double cruise points for the land portion but there aren't suite accommodations for the land hotels.
    While I'm happy to be doing Ovation for the "unofficial" group cruise next June, I will miss visiting Icy Strait Point.  That was my favorite port on the cruise.  We took a private whale watching trip and went out on a boat with 6 people and saw so many whales and had an excellent time.
  20. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to twangster in When to expect the future summer cruises in 2021?   
    Anthem comes back to Bayonne on November 12, 2020.  Oasis leaves just before her return.
    Ovation is not expected to return to Alaska in 2021.  In March of 2021 she heads to Singapore while Voyager follows a month later.  Radiance and Serenade will be making the trip North from Australia in 2021.   However their bookable cruises stop at Hawaii.  It's not clear what they'll do next.  Odyssey is the wild card at the moment.  
    It wouldn't surprise me to see Odyssey hit the West coast for a bit and then service Alaska in 2021.  Royal has been hinting at a return to the West coast and Odyssey makes sense.  Cold weather ship for the cool Pacific ocean then into Alaska for the summer 2021 season.    What better way to attract attention and make a statement return to the West coast than it's newest ship?
  21. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to Matt in Ovation of the Seas Updates   
    You can walk it, although it's probably a 15-20 minute walk easily. Otherwise, taxis are always around.
  22. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to CraftyCat05 in An Ovation Vacation! - B2B Alaska Cruise - June 28th   
    Thanks! I was expecting it to be fully booked, but luckily it wasn't. The Concierge was able to get us a slot early in the morning when we should be sailing past some beautiful glaciers.
  23. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to CraftyCat05 in An Ovation Vacation! - B2B Alaska Cruise - June 28th   
    Ship Update
    We're on the ship! Ovation does feel smaller than any of the Oasis Class ships, but of course that was expected. She is still huge, and will be a great place to spend two weeks while touring Alaska! 
    We have Coastal Kitchen booked for 6:30pm tonight, and we are planning to go see the virtual symphony at two70 after dinner. At 5pm we hope to go to the Concierge Lounge to speak with our Concierge Representative, Nadia, to book the "North Star Premium Extended Ride Experience." I didn't see it on our cruise planner at home, so I hope it isn't fully booked already. @twangster: I know you did the experience on your Alaskan Cruise; how did you book it? 
    The Muster Drill is slowly approaching... And that means Sail Away is too! We are excited to get out of Seattle and on to the open water. 
    I plan to do a room tour on Periscope (@CraftyCat05) in about 15 minutes if VOOM will work... So far my experience with VOOM on my phone has been less than stellar. There has been random disconnects from the network and the wifi has lost bars intermittently. This hasn't happened on my computer though, so I guess there's an issue with my phone ?
  24. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to WannaCruise in Majesty of the seas Havana-no-no-no Graduation Cruise June 15-June 19   
    What a wonderful trip with mother and daughters, and celebrating your older one's graduation.  Love your attitude...lemonade from lemons!  Despite the changes that are out of your control, and your sprained ankle (hope its doing better!), have a wonderful cruise!  You'll have some precious time together and memories.
  25. Like
    FL Lake Gal reacted to CraftyCat05 in An Ovation Vacation! - B2B Alaska Cruise - June 28th   
    Airport Update
    And now the 2.5 week adventure begins... We are now at the airport waiting on the flight to Seattle. Only 20 minutes until we board on the flight! We aren't even in Seattle yet and I already have a story for the blog... How exciting!
    While sitting down at the gate we see that a passenger from the previous flight was being arrested for excessive intoxication. Sounds like their vacation isn't going to plan anymore! Hope we don't have any other crazy things happen to us on this trip. Fingers crossed that there aren't any crazy Canadians, Seattlites, or cruisers on this vacation like there were last year!
    The plan once we arrive in Seattle is to go to the hotel and if we're hungry go get some dinner in Downtown Seattle. 
    Chao Cha... wait, wrong blog. Talk once I'm in Seattle!
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