ashonthesea

10 minutes ago, Scatmanjack said:

We did the Bike Tour that concludes with Key Lime Pie last December.   Nice quick survey of sites.   

Ooh that sounds fun. About how long was the tour?

Just now, twangster said:

Because I am a certified scuba diver I have more expensive gear I use to snorkel.  

The biggest thing with any snorkel equipment is finding a mask that fits the face.  Nothing is more aggravating than having water trickling in constantly while snorkelling.  Each face is different so there is no one answer to what is best.

Oh, I see. Well, definitely not certified here so I guess I’ll just do some trial and error to find some basic stuff. I foresee myself sticking my head in a bucket, apple bobbing style.  Thanks!

9 hours ago, twangster said:

I went back to the ship to drop off my camera stuff and grab my snorkel gear.  It's so nice having a pier now at CocoCay.

What kind of snorkel gear do you have? Would love to invest in some for my trip.

2 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

We did a kind of foodie tour that took us around town and included a stop for key lime pie, it might have been called tastes of Key West or something.  You have time to shop or get a drink when you're done.  There is a hot sauce tasting stop that is a little different.

I LOVE hot sauce, so I am all for a tasting shop. Thanks!

1 hour ago, Michelleroman88 said:

Following and also Cruising along with Twangster on the Empress compliments of Casino Royale. Also JS on Deck 9.

Oh cool! I’ve seen a couple people saying they’ve done a cruise on empress through the casino, how does that work?

Hooray! I missed the last live blog @twangster did from the Empress so I’m excited to be in on the action in real-ish time on this one. Hope they’ve got that Guinness waiting for you on board!

Hi everyone! What are some things that you recommend to check out while in port at Key West? I have never been myself, but my dad has told me that I must go to Sloppy Joe’s for margaritas. Would also like to find a nice spot that has live music and somewhere with delicious key lime pie. What are your favorite activities/places in Key West?

15 minutes ago, tiny260 said:

Look to the left, 5 gallon container of vanilla ice cream, looks like to me anyway.

Haha, I think you’re right! Was too mesmerized by the pie.

1 hour ago, MelKaps said:

Is this what you are referring too? They served this on Grandeur of the Seas on one of the last sea days of a 9 day cruise. I couldn’t believe it!

Holy cow. Gonna need a whole lot of vanilla ice cream with that if it’s an apple “pie”

2 hours ago, Baked Alaska said:

Papadum to eat with the curries or paneer. YUM!

Mmm yes I’m definitely going to try that! Sounds delish

14 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

Love their Indian selections...always have to try 1 or 2 dishes each night there..

I’ve heard this from several people on here, will definitely have to give it a try during my cruise this December!

@Matt, when using the porters, what is the customary tip? Is it per bag, or one flat rate?

Let’s hear your favorites! What’s been your favorite meal/food/dessert at the Windjammer? Was it something you already knew you liked, or was it something  new you tried while in your cruise? Do you have a favorite food theme night?

10 minutes ago, Fairlynew said:

And we do appreciate your "sacrifice" especially since you post such gorgeous pictures.

Yes, I think the Milky Way ones are especially worthwhile 

16 minutes ago, twangster said:

It allows me much greater flexibility.  

Oh I gotcha. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!

Thanks so much for the amazing review! I am doing my first ever cruise (and going solo) in December over the new year aboard the Empress. Your blogging was the perfect way to get a feel for the ship and I’m even more exited for my trip now. 

I know what you think of Chops, but could you talk about why you prefer the Windjammer over MDR? Is it food quality, or just the going solo aspect? Thanks!

1 hour ago, whenismynextcruise said:

I have been thinking about a solo cruise myself for a while now. I thought it would be peaceful for me and I am fine on my own. I have never seen the option of the single room when booking online and I am not willing to pay for double occupancy. How do you find the solo cabins? When we were on Anthem in May to Bermuda we had a junior suite. It was a strange set up. We had a door from the hall that went into another small hallway and there was another cabin door before ours. I didnt realize until a few days in that it was a single! Is this a travel agent specialty or do you have to call RCL (ugh - whenever I have called in the past with questions I seem to get different answers on things depending on the rep)

Any tips are greatly appreciated.

I’ve been using a lovely local travel agent to find my cruise. None of the ships that offer single cabins were available for the dates I was looking for, so I will be paying the double occupancy. If you’re more open on dates, I’m sure a travel agent could find you a single cabin for your first solo cruise.

Thank you for the tips and such everyone! It’s appreciate it a lot and am excited for my first cruise

9 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Welcome to the blog !  There are many people who cruise alone.  Just remember that most cruise prices are based on double occupancy so you would have to pay for 2 unless you can find one of the few single cabins in the Royal Fleet. Some of the newer ships offer single cabins but they are few and far between.

Thanks! I have the double occupancy budgeted, but mainly just wondering if a one had tips/advice for someone going solo that has also never been on a cruise before.

Hello! I have been looking into doing a cruise for a while now as it's something I've always wanted to try. I've found a time that would be perfect for me to go, but I haven't been able to convince any friends/family to go with me. Would it be too crazy to try and do a solo cruise as a first time cruiser? Let me know what you think!