MichelleB1234

Apparently I'm losing my mind. Today I came back from Cocoa Cay super hot and sweaty and couldn't wait to get in the shower. Stood in the middle of my room and peeled off all the clothes from the waist up and started to peel off the clothes from the waist down and a voice in my head said, "Hey, you have a balcony and the curtains are OPEN."
 
Fortunately, this was a sliver of time when the balconies across from me weren't crammed with people just sitting and staring, so I lucked out.
 
Anyway,  it's been a great first half of the day. We have picture perfect weather for Coco Cay. We are here with Freedom of the seas. Everything is packed, as to be expected, but there are still plenty of pool chairs and lounge chairs to go around. I was chatting with a staff member at Spotlight lounge bar, and he commented that last week or a few days ago maybe, Icon of the seas and Wonder of the seas docked at Coco Cay on the same day. Can you imagine?
 
Today I took all of the classic photos which I will share here. I had a wonderful morning on the beach, got super hot, and scurried back to the ship to rest up. I have to get ready for my massage this afternoon. 😅😅
 
Quick question for you guys. How do you find out where and when the pop-up piano player is going to be around? Or is that the whole point, you just never know?
 
Last night I was thrilled to end up in the elevator with him. I have been looking for him on every oasis-class cruise I've taken and never run into him before. That guy can play! In all honesty I just wanted to ride the elevator around with him listening until he was done playing, but I felt self-conscious about it. Such fun music though. He had a tip jar but of course I had zero cash with me.

And a few more!

It was hot today! So after about an hour or so, the family decided that they did want to make use of the free pool and beach here. We decided to head back to the ship to grab lunch first, kids and Hubby want to drop of stuff and change, and now they have headed back out again to the beach/pool. I am back in my happy place, a nice, air conditioned ship. 😌

We walked around the port area for about an hour or so, just to get the feel for what was around. This is our first time at this port and we did not venture past the Taino Bay port area. It’s nice here. Our impressions were that it is clean, and there are a variety of things to do. There’s a variety of local shops and places to eat. Free pool/swim up bar (much like the pool at Oasis lagoon), lazy River, lounge beach, and FlowRider like @AshleyDillo mentioned earlier. Hubby loves it here. 
 

Good morning from Puerto Plata! 
We have no real plans for today other than to get off the ship and walk around for a little bit. Hubby has left to an early FlowRider session so we’ll head off when he returns. 

Solarium 


This mannequin, or whatever it’s called, had me doing a double take at first. I thought it was a real person lol

As mentioned, dinner was at Giovanni’s tonight. This was actually the first time the kids have eaten at Giovanni’s Kitchen. They have had the original one before, and Jamie’s, but not this. Both girls loved it!

Before heading into dinner at Giovanni’s

Super relaxing afternoon. Hubby and the kids stayed out until all aboard time (4:30pm) and I spent the afternoon reading. After Hubby returned, he headed straight for the FlowRider and got his blue band back. Now off to dinner. It’s white night. 

We are in PDCC today. Hubby and the kids are “planning” to head out. They have not actually left yet. D17 hasn’t even left the bed. I had breakfast on my own in CK. It is not much different from Anthem’s CK. Very friendly staff! I have zero plans today. Currently enjoying the warmth here on the balcony. This heat is more like it! 
 

I am convinced there is no better way to ring in the new year than on a cruise. We had a great time tonight!
Our VIP table was the Royal Duo package. That includes up to 4 seats, chef’s choice of snacks, 2 bottles of Moët, and awesome seating. I loved the location (Bionic bar) because you are very close to the platform where they do the countdown but away from the swarm of people on Deck 4. I posted a bunch of videos on my story on IG. 
If I compare this to the rising tide bar on Oasis class, I like this better. And it is cheaper. This location, you are seeing the countdown straight on, whereas the rising tide is slightly off to the side. Hubby and D17 were worried that they would lose “the vibe” of being down below, but in the end, everyone agreed that it was a great time, and worth it. 


That’s Sergii. He is pretty awesome.



This countdown was so much fun with Ricky Matthews. His energy and ability to draw in a crowd is unlike any other cruise director. 

I asked my SIL to get pics of your sailaway from her verandah. 😍
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Outfit of the night! 
 

Happy New Year Blog family! 
📸Tristan our loft attendant lol

It is 55°F and cold! But it’s Saturday, we are in settled in Florida, we did not miss our flight, and we are feeling blessed! 

The family is slowly waking up. No real plans today. Going to walk along the A1A  and maybe the beach. Kids and Hubby want to swim in the pool later (it’s heated). Don’t think we are going to Sawgrass Mills. We would all rather just hang around in this area. 
 

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach - Oceanfront One Bedroom King Suite
Main living area



Bedroom



Master bathroom inside the bedroom 


Second bathroom 


Balcony and Views

This cruise is about to sunset 😪

With complimentary desserts like these, there's always a line at Cafe al Bacio. Much, much better than the ones at Cafe Promenade on Royal.

Luminae took longer than any of the other restaurant meals has so far and without any good reason.
Of course they do have dessert and of course we partook.

Chocolate Caramel Custard


Blueberry Mousse

Lunch was modern luxury WJ again. 
Spellcheck is your friend.

This Google search could have ended badly.

 

There's even a lazy river, surf simulator, and large pool in the port area.

The DJ was giving Oasis Lagoon vibes.

Despite the early evening I slept through breakfast. We didn't have any room service hangars and no one wanted to ask for any, so no room service delivery this morning.
Today's port visit is brought to you by Taino Bay with a rich history having been established in 2021.

After the show we stopped at the casino again. You get free house drinks while gambling on Celebrity. Roaming bar service was hard to find, though.
We were told the ABBA singalong was a big specialty Celebrity event so we popped in The Club to check it out. The Club is akin to Music Hall on Quantum class ships.

Off to the Tree of Life show..set decor checks out.

Another unique feature is the Rooftop Garden.

Subtle brand advertising..

They had pickleball going on while I was on my walkabout. 

Plants, plants, and plants...