SteveinSC

Thank you for your help, @AnnetteJackson. While youve only assisted me once, it was greatly appreciated and was a brick in the foundation in what I trust will be a working relationship for some time. You, and the other agents, will be in my prayers and I wish nothing but the best in yalls future endeavors! Ill raise my next glass in your honor! 

3 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

The CDC are being douches 

Beginning to wonder about our rebook on Harmony for March.....good thing we have a backup plan to go to Disney World if the cruise gets scrapped. That should keep us away from people.....

Really beginning to feel like rebooking for March might have been a bad move. I know thats 9 months from now....but......wow.......

The internet is a horrible, evil place full of opinions and noise. SO many people shoot from the hip just to feel better or be first, as opposed to actually digging in, and backing up what you say with data. THIS is good info to combat those that say "Cruise lines dont fly American flags to avoid paying taxes." Its not entirely wrong.....its just not correct, and those that say it are generally uninformed, or attempting to make a much more complex thing, simple for the sake of arguing. 

https://cruiseradio.net/fact-check-do-cruise-lines-pay-us-taxes/

Could be wrong....but appears so! 

Cruise Radio (Doug Parker) / Richard Simms  is reporting that Carnival is selling 6 of its older ships, earlier than planned. Wonder if this will be a common theme? Older RC ships? 

https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-sells-six-cruise-ships-more-to-come/

On 6/2/2020 at 10:51 AM, melmar02 said:

At some point in every cruise we have been on, the Mai Tai was one of the drinks of the day. On our last cruise, smiling crew members were happily waiting for us with trays of the glistening jewel colored beverages as we entered the Windjammer on embarkation day. There is so much excitement that surrounds that first drink and meal onboard, and because I wanted to relive that first day experience, I selected the Mai Tai as my first at home experience too. Nothing says you’re on vacation like a fruity drink!

I used the Mai Tai recipe @Matt listed about in his 38 Royal Caribbean Drink Recipes post, and it was pretty spot on flavor wise with what we had onboard in February. I did not go with the Ultimate Mai Tai version because I’m pretty sure they only use house rum in the passed version. My home made concoction was quite a bit darker than those on the ship, but I mainly attribute that to the ice having partially melted in those the server was carrying around. I also used Kraken for my dark rum, and it may be darker than whatever house rum they use onboard. And my kitchen at night is really dark for photos.

Here’s the recipe:

• 1 ¼ oz Dark rum
• ¾ oz Disaronno
• 3 oz Pineapple juice
• 1 oz Orange juice
• ¼ oz Grenadine     

Shake the rum, Disaronno, pineapple, and orange juice with ice. Strain into a glass with ice and grenadine. Add garnish.

You are supposed to garnish with a pineapple or orange slice and a maraschino cherry. I only had the cherry. And no good bar glass. Hence the poor presentation. But…It. Was. Glorious! We were transported back to all the good feels of those first few moments you step onboard. All that was missing was the tropical sun shining down on our couch.

On a side note – we moved three years ago, and the box with a lot of our bar stuff went missing. I usually just eyeball it when I make a cocktail because we tend to go pretty basic (rum and coke, gin and tonic, etc.). We mostly drink wine so we haven’t had the need really to replace things like a shaker and jigger. Good news though - my sports shaker bottle worked in a pinch last night, and in case you find yourself in the same situation, 2 Tablespoons is equivalent to 1 oz.

Tonight, we visit the Suite Lounge where I’ll be having a Lemon Drop and DH will be having a Gin and Tonic. The kid’s may even get in on the fun with a couple Shirley Temples.

Mai Tai has been my "2020 Drink" since it puts me in a good mental place. CHEERS! 

47 minutes ago, twangster said:

The news that Royal chose to delay the construction of the new Galveston terminal has been out for several months now. 

Why the sudden rush to slam guest over to Liberty?

They are days or weeks from figuring out where Allure will be moved to.  Some claim to already know but they haven't made Allure bookable yet.

Why not wait until its known where Allure will go and offer guests the option of staying on her?  Seems like a win-win as another choice.   

   A. Do nothing and enjoy the wonderful Allure of the Seas from her new home port in XYZ.

   B. Enjoy the beautiful Liberty of the Seas who will remain in Texas where guest have grown to love her.

   C. Since we made the choice to cause this unfortunate situation you are entitled to a prompt full refund without hesitation.

   D. We have a number of other ships sailing wonderful itineraries.  We'll gladly move your deposit to any ship in any cabin based on prevailing rates.

Wow, what a nice presentation of choices.

 

Instead they went with:

   You are now on Liberty like it or not.  It's not negotiable. 

   Oh wait, this is blowing up on social media for some strange reason.  Okay fine, you can have a refund but you're going to wait a long time for it.    

 

Come on man!

Who's running this company? (asking as an investor)

If @twangster is pissed (justifiable id say)....its bad.  You have always been as level headed, calm, cool, and collected, as anyone.

Im gonna go cry in a bottle of Captain Morgan.  

23 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

In some schools they allow Wiki's as a source.

 

If its on the internet, its true. 

5 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

No mention of masks.  That’s a positive 

I noticed, and thought the same....Im sure there are questions I havent thought of upon first glimpse, but I like the direction of this. 

https://cruiseline.com/advice/what-s-hot/news/norwegian-cruise-line-new-health-safety-protocol

I rebooked for March, not knowing what the requirements will be, but fully aware I may have to wear a mask the entire time. If thats the price I have to pay, Ill have face mask tan lines!  @ellcee is my spirit animal, with the mantra "GET ME ON A SHIP" 

9 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

The biggest recommendation I can offer for a big ship rookie is to recognize up front that you will not be able to do everything.  Pick your high priority activities and be prepared to be flexible.  It will be so exciting for you.  The first time you see one of the big girls, it's stunning...and that is nothing compared to the first time you step inside and realize the awesomeness.  

Im a parent of 8 and 4 year old boys. Flexibility is my life for the past 8 years. My highest priority item is actually putting them in adventure ocean, hanging out around the pools and enjoying a drink. lol  

Im officially booked on Harmony for March!!!!  This will be my 1st BIG ship experience, and from what Ive seen my boys (9 and 5 at sailing) will love it. As and adult, whats the biggest takeaway in making the jump from the smaller ships to the 2nd largest cruise ship in the world?!?!?!? Previously my largest ship was Carnival Legend (shame shame).  

Officially booked. 282 days till Harmony of the Seas - Mar. 07, 2021!!!!!! 

are they refunding the travel protection? 

He forgot "book a cruise" but its still a great song by a Carolina boy.....

41 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

(although it was probably SHE that came up with it !!!).

Women are way better at seeing what things CAN be.  I would have never gotten married, otherwise.....

23 hours ago, jaredhamburg said:

I know this may make me sounds like a lush....but

No need to apologize. There are entire threads dedicated to drinking here. This is a safe place.

16 minutes ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Which one is closest to your favorite bar? (That's how we choose, lol).

Ive realized I have PCCSD....yes, the dreaded Post Cruise Cancellation Stress Disorder. My family wants to reschedule our cancelled cruise, and im finding myself reluctant, scared, and I keep thinking "what if....". 

That being said, were eyeing Oasis (my first Oasis class cruise) or Odyssey for Spring Break '21. This should all be over, and cruising back to normal A YEAR FROM NOW............right?

Right? 

RIGHT?!?!?!?!?!? 

...does a bear.....nevermind. Yep!

Yes.....lets take something that has never happened in our lifetimes, likely never will again, and allow it to shape and dictate everything we do for the rest of our lives. Good grief. This reminds me of what I call "Hurricane Hugo Syndrome." In 1989, we had hurricane Hugo make it all the way up into Charlotte, still as a hurricane.  Now keep in mind....this had not happened in anyones lifetime, and to date, hasnt since. That, however, doesnt stop the media from covering every hurricane that comes close to the Carolinas from being covered as if it will do EXACTLY what Hurricane Hugo did, and they ALWAYS refer back to it as the example. IT WAS 30 YEARS AGO... ITS INFURIATING to those with common sense. Why must the media use the exception, instead of the rule, as its baseline for coverage and stories???!?!?!?!?!?  Because it gets attention....thats why. Eyeballs, ears, clicks, whatever.....it generates money. Selling their soul for ad revenue. 

RANT OVER.