GeorgiaGirl85

Down under lurker here … 
 

I very recently  joined in for the first time ...  a grand example of "long time listener,  first time caller ..."
 

So it’s been a little over an hour since this post was created and we already have over 60 views! Hey hey hey! #thelurkisreal ?

And by the way, my meme and gif game is strong, regardless of lurker status ???

As a fellow lurker, thanks and hi.

Hi everyone! I pride myself on being very social when I meet people in person, but online, I’m a certified lurker ?. I read the message boards, take notes ?, and have learned so much from everyone on this blog (thanks @Matt for this awesome platform) but I rarely make a post or comment.

Maybe it’s because everyone has already said what I was thinking (and y’all don’t need to see my “ditto” response ?)... Maybe it’s because I can’t come up with any interesting new questions or topics that are worth posting ?... Maybe it’s because I’m afraid that my post will be the equivalent of the kid sitting alone at the lunch table in a crowded middle school cafeteria ??...

Soooooooo... This post is dedicated to all of the lurkers out there just like me! Say hi, hit like, or drop a comment of your choosing below! Or don’t. ? You are still loved and welcomed here!
 

I don't like carrying stuff.  I don't even take my drink package souvenir cup with me. That's how lazy I am. LOL  
But your suggestion has given me an idea.  I can grab a Cruise Compass from Guest Services and leave it on the table.  But that would only be a partial solution because part of the pet peeve is the waitstaff taking away my plate when I'm not done with my food yet.   One time I got some soup and bread.  I only left the table to grab a soup spoon.  When I went back, my food was gone.  (Another pet peeve of mine is forgetting to grab those soup spoons, but that is entirely my fault)

My daughter gave me a set of packing cubes for Christmas @ 2 years ago, and at first, I was rather leery about using them. Two cruises later, I am sold! I roll my “like “ clothes ( t-shirts, for example) before putting them into the cubes. The best part is when I unpack, by simply taking the cubes out of my suitcase and placing them into the drawers of our stateroom. It takes just a few moments, then all that’s left to do is to tuck our suitcases under the bed or in a closet. 
Dh had a small set of cubes that we  received for renewing a membership this past spring, which he used during our June/July cruise.  After  the cruise ended, I realized that he needed more cubes, so during Amazon Prime Days I ordered him another set. 
 My tip is to try using packing cubes. If you don’t like them, somebody you know may gladly take them off your hands.?

Once onboard put your phone in airplane mode

Bring your patience. Some people will act rude, but go into the trip with a vacation state of mind, and any absurd actions from other passengers will roll easier off your back. 

1. Arrive to the port early. You are paying for your day 1 and the sooner you get on the ship, the sooner you can start your vacation.
2. Bring a USB port outlet for more charging space. Do not confuse this with a surge protector, since it most likely will be confiscated.
3. Be friendly to the crew and chat with them. Room stewards, for instance, enjoy when we have conversations with them because their jobs are very repetitive and have to clean up after us. It can really make someone's day.
 

Just got off the Anthem of the Seas from our 11/2-11/9 trip for my daughter's Sweet 16 and our 20th Anniversary cruise.  It was a great cruise, lots of fun, and a lot to discuss.  i will start from the beginning.
Embarkation Day- EASIEST embarkation we have had in 16 cruises.  We got to the port around 10:00 am.  By the time we got our bags out of the car, we were in the terminal at 10:15.  We got right up to an agent who checked our set sail passes and passports.  They had to retake my wife's picture, as well as my daughter's friends picture.  The whole process took about 5 minutes.  We were ushered to a seating area and told boarding would begin between 11-11:30.  At 10:35, they made an announcement that boarding will begin, and we were on the ship by 11am.  I went right to customer service to get an extra key made for our room and my daughter's room.  That took about 5 minutes.  I met the other 3 up in the Windjammer for lunch, and then we went off to explore the ship.  It is HUGE!  Well laid out and easy to navigate though.  Our luggage was at our room at 1pm, so we went an unpacked and got ready for the Muster station meetings at 2:30.  Our room, 11586, was a great room and great location mid ship.  Our group met at Chops Steakhouse.  The muster drill took all of about 20 minutes, very easy.  We then went and booked the IFly for Friday afternoon.  We took a nap and woke up in time to get ready for our 8pm dinner in Chic.  We did classic dining time so that the 4 of us could have a meeting place every night and sit and enjoy dinner together.  
Sea Day-  Our day at sea started out uneventful- the weather was starting to warm up as we got down toward the Carolina's.  Then, we had to make a U-Turn for a Coast Guard Helicopter evacuation.  We went an hour and half northwest toward shore to meet up with the helicopter.  Apparently, someone fell from the 16th floor of the seaplex to the 15th floor and was in critical condition.  The captain was pushing 25 knots, and the boat was rocking.  The whole process took a couple of hours, but the rescue was successful.  We started back south toward Port Canaveral and all was well.  We enjoyed the day by the pool, walked through the promenade shops, etc.  The kids spent most of the day at the teen club and wandering around the ship.  
I will continue later or tomorrow when I get more time!