WAAAYTOOO

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Congratulations !!

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Yes.  Funnel cake.  😵‍💫😵‍💫

Are you talking about a 1BR ATS or a 2 BR ATS ?
If it’s a 1 BR ATS then I definitely recommend the Owners Suite.  The only redeeming quality of the 1 BR ATS is the aft view.  Otherwise, the OS is superior in every way.
If you’re talking about a 2 BR ATS then you’re talking Star Class and that’s a whole ‘nuther thing.  If that’s the case, I would recommend the ATS.  The only real negative of 2BR ATS is the long walk but it’s worth it - at least once.  The second BR of the ATS is really no more than an interior room so just be aware of that.  For kids it’s fine but for a second adult couple it’s really deficient compared to the master BR.

Are you talking about a 1BR ATS or a 2 BR ATS ?
If it’s a 1 BR ATS then I definitely recommend the Owners Suite.  The only redeeming quality of the 1 BR ATS is the aft view.  Otherwise, the OS is superior in every way.
If you’re talking about a 2 BR ATS then you’re talking Star Class and that’s a whole ‘nuther thing.  If that’s the case, I would recommend the ATS.  The only real negative of 2BR ATS is the long walk but it’s worth it - at least once.  The second BR of the ATS is really no more than an interior room so just be aware of that.  For kids it’s fine but for a second adult couple it’s really deficient compared to the master BR.

Are you talking about a 1BR ATS or a 2 BR ATS ?
If it’s a 1 BR ATS then I definitely recommend the Owners Suite.  The only redeeming quality of the 1 BR ATS is the aft view.  Otherwise, the OS is superior in every way.
If you’re talking about a 2 BR ATS then you’re talking Star Class and that’s a whole ‘nuther thing.  If that’s the case, I would recommend the ATS.  The only real negative of 2BR ATS is the long walk but it’s worth it - at least once.  The second BR of the ATS is really no more than an interior room so just be aware of that.  For kids it’s fine but for a second adult couple it’s really deficient compared to the master BR.

I think Royal has loaded some of the more “distant” sailings with package prices but no individual restaurant prices but as far as I know, they have not ceased selling individual restaurants.  My guess is that they will load individual restaurant prices later.  The package prices have increased !
One interesting datapoint.  For one of our upcoming cruises, they are offering a 3 night dining package for a 5 night sailing which I haven’t seen in many years.  Normally the 3 night packages are only available for cruises 7 nights or longer in length. 
Yes, they are still making a courtesy reservation on either night #1 or #2 when you purchase a package, but those place holder reservations can easily be changed once you board.

Are you talking about a 1BR ATS or a 2 BR ATS ?
If it’s a 1 BR ATS then I definitely recommend the Owners Suite.  The only redeeming quality of the 1 BR ATS is the aft view.  Otherwise, the OS is superior in every way.
If you’re talking about a 2 BR ATS then you’re talking Star Class and that’s a whole ‘nuther thing.  If that’s the case, I would recommend the ATS.  The only real negative of 2BR ATS is the long walk but it’s worth it - at least once.  The second BR of the ATS is really no more than an interior room so just be aware of that.  For kids it’s fine but for a second adult couple it’s really deficient compared to the master BR.

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Yes.  Funnel cake.  😵‍💫😵‍💫

So things really did pick up at Hideaway after my last post. By the time we left the place was packed.  The music finally got to me….and I tagged out.
Will I go back ?  Probably not.  There is very little at Hideaway that I could not get elsewhere on the island for -0- $$.
1. Hideaway pool is heated.  I liked that…but I was still chilly when I got out of the water.
2.  Dan said the choice of alcohol was better at Hideaway.  E.g, he likes Grey Goose for his Bloody Mary and he said he couldn’t get that on the “regular” side.  I have no idea since I’ve never had a [alcohol] drink at PDCC
3.  Padded chairs and couches.  I don’t recall seeing that outside of the Beach Club.  Maybe they are somewhere that I haven’t seen.
4.  No kids
Other than these few things, the “regular “ side and Hideaway are the same (to me).
We each had a crispy chicken/mozz sticks sandwich and I had 1/2 of a fried dough ball with powdered sugar on it (can’t think of what it’s called).  Pretty tasty.

That’s exactly where I am right now !  I have to stay out of the sun and the loungers are not for me so I am in a nice comfy couch with cushions next to the bar.  I actually loathe toes in the sand so I’m happy to be missing out on that.   Agree that I’m not pleased with the loud music but my butt and back are thanking me for choosing this spot !  😂😂🤭   Dan abandoned me and found a lounger in the sun.
This place is much bigger than it looks from the ship.  The bar is huge !  So far the only disappointment (for Dan, not me) is that it doesn’t appear that there’s any real ocean access for snorkeling.  Maybe there is and we just haven’t found it yet.
We are here with Wonder and nowhere near capacity.  Maybe that will change later.  It’s a bit breezy but that will probably turn into a blessing as the day goes on.

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.
I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service. 😓😓
Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.
We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  
No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.
Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

Moving on to leg #2.  Explorer 5 night 4-14-24 thru 4-19-24
Turnaround was uneventful.  We met in the Star Lounge at 9:15 and the B2B parade started a bit after 10:00.  It seemed like we were a bit behind schedule but not significantly.  I’m guessing there were 30-40 B2B’ers.  Frankly, I expected more.  We had a very short walk through CBP and then right back on the ship.  There was a tasty B2B lunch at 11:30.
Upon our return to the ship we made our BOGO reservations and visited the mustard (sic) station.  That was it.
Interesting cruise passenger make-up dynamic between this cruise and the last….very predictable.  Many more young families on this shorter cruise.  Not nearly so many scooters…but more strollers.  Not sure which is worse !
Bad start in the casino.  I should have stayed in the room.  😂😵‍💫. At least I had the good sense to cut it off and go home.
Dinner at Izumi tonite.  Yum.  Chops tomorrow and then MDR the rest of the nights.
We went to the ice show.  We always enjoy those even if we’ve seen the show before.
When we came back to the room after turnaround, but before going to the B2B lunch, I called and booked our 2 instant comps from last cruise.  While my original plan was to use the cash value of my cert ($300) to upgrade Dans, we changed our mind and instead booked a 5 night Enchantment cruise (1-27-25) from the short list of comp cruises on my cert.  We have never been on Enchantment and we decided that if we were EVER going to book EN, this probably the only chance as we always look past EN to choose a newer/bigger ship. So we booked it.  Dans cert went for a 10 night EX southern Caribbean (3-20-25).
Tomorrow is PDCC which is usually a stay-on-the-ship-day but we will be going to Hideaway Beach.  I had no intention of ever visiting Hideaway b/c I thought it was so slimy the way they originally  announced that Hideaway would be adults-only and complimentary and then decided to charge for it.  But I got it for $19.99 PP so we will see what it’s like. I’m not one that enjoys laying about in a lounger (it kills my back) so not sure what we’ll do, but I will give it a try.

Thank you !  We are very happy people….

My phone and iPad finally synched, so I have some photos from Antigua and Grenada.  Let’s see how this goes.  I’ve had some trouble spacing them and inserting text.  I’m terrible at this stuff.
This is the floating platform in Antigua for the stingray swim.  It made the entire experience so much better than in Grand Cayman. It was much easier to get into and out of the water

  These mysterious blobs are obviously stingrays.  They are so docile and sweet.  
 

You can almost see the tail !
 

This is St George, Grenada with Explorer in the background.  I really liked Grenada.  Nice people, beautiful island, shitty roads.
 

Obviously, I’m having a bad hair day.  
 

The town of St George really reminds me of Curaçao, which is one of my very favorite places.  This town just looks so quaint.


Shamefully, I got very few photos of Ft Frederick.  
 

These monkeys are native to the island and I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know their proper species name.  We caught a fleeting glance at one in the rain forest.

…and finally, the waterfall at Annandale.  Very beautiful place. Kinda like a cenote in Mexico.

Yep, on leg 3 we have to move up to deck 14 forward to a pano OV room.  It’s one of our new fave cheapo cabin types.  I’ve actually grown quite fond of our little Promenade view room, which is fortunate since we will be here another 5 days !  Truly, my only complaint about the Promenade view room is the fact that there are no drawers in the vanity except for one tiny drawer right in front.  Otherwise, the room is fine.  I love the little window love seat.  That’s MY space.  I sit here and do my blogging and it’s very comfy.  I was able to watch the Promenade parade this afternoon  -at least, one “end” of it.  I expected the noise to finally reach us but nope.  It was still very quiet here.

Lost $45 today but I won’t cry too much as I’m still “up” slightly for the first leg.  I just have keep this momentum going for 2 more weeks !  I earned enough points for a comp cert myself although it’s the lowest level comp cert so the pickin’s are pretty slim. Most likely I will still use the cash value to upgrade Dans comp but I purchased a Next Cruise future cert so I will have the choice to book from the very short list of offered cruises if we choose to do that.   We picked a 10 night EX in March 25 for Dans comp.   I won’t be able to book it until tomorrow so I hope there are still some of the pano ocean views left by the time I get around to booking.  I’ll take care of that while we’re in port on TAD.
Dan enjoyed his lamb shank and I had the spaghetti in the MDR.  I love that they put the Pinns at window tables (at least, whenever they can).  It’s a nice perk.  Also, on EX, Pinns have priority seating  for MTD so the waiting is minimal.  They told us to just go straight to the podium and that’s what we did.  I will say, the MTD lines have been longer on EX than they had been on some of the other cruises we’ve taken recently.  The priority seating was particularly nice on this cruise.
We have the same room for leg #2 so we don’t have to pack - thank goodness !  So nice to be staying on when you see everyone else’s luggage outside and you are still snuggled in your stateroom !  It’s a great feeling.
Stand by for Part II !

Soooo looking forward to meeting you both !

Pretty lazy day today.  Sea day.  Spent a fair amount of time in the casino and happy to say that my upward trend ($$) is continuing.  Nothing to crow about, just slightly “up” each time I go in there.  Up is better than down !
Dan hit his goal of 3000 points so he made Prime and will get an instant comp reward.  Whatever points I have (currently at a little over 1000), I will use to upgrade his comp offer with my otherwise useless $$ off reward.
It was Royal night in the MDR.  We both ordered the lobster as an appetizer since that portion is pretty small.  I ordered the chicken Marsala as my main course and Dan ordered some curry shrimp dish (can’t remember the name).  Both were very good.
I will give my little Promenade view room some kudos (8311, 2T).    I truly believe that this room is the quietest room we’ve ever had.  It’s far enough aft to avoid the Promenade noise and there is absolutely no noise at all associated with the elevators.  It’s very, very quiet and I love being so close to the aft elevators.  We’ve been very comfortable in this room, which is a good thing since we will be here again on the next leg (5 nights, 4-14).  For leg #3 (4-19), we have to move. 😪😪

UGH.  I had this witty and VERY lengthy post ALL done and was about to hit "submit" and LUCKILY I checked to be sure I was in the right thread and lo and behold I was NOT, so I lost the entire thing !  I blame @OCSC Mike.  He told me to shut up with the negativity and get on with my blog for Grenada and SO I DID....but in the wrong thread.  (Mike, you know I'm just teasing you.  This was TOTALLY my fault).
Anyway, I am in no mood to recreate that masterpiece so I will summarize Day 7/Grenada.
Island - awesome.
Tour (Grand Etang, Annandale falls and Fort Frederick....or some name similar to that) - excellent coverage of the island.  WAAAYTOOO long.  The roads are treacherous - narrow and bumpy.  We hit every f'n bump on Grenada.  Both Dan and I were never happier to get to the end of a tour.  Enjoyed seeing the island though.
I do have some photos but as with Antigua, they are on my phone and I have to get it to synch with my ipad (which may or may not happen)....so will post later.
Dinner last night at Chops.  Excellent as always.
Casino - More good luck. Keep up the prayers - they are working !  We hit a "Major" (second to the highest) jackpot in Dancing Drums (close to, but not quite, $1000). Dan is still in the "hole" but I am now out of that damned hole !  YIPPEE !
Today - St Kitts but we are staying on the ship.  Dinner tonite at Giovannis, which is our last specialty meal on this leg.  We will be dining in the MDR on lobster and lamb shank nights.
Thank goodness I finally remembered to verify that the ship knows that we are going to be staying on for 2 more sailings.  Vanessa, the CL Concierge checked for us.  They already knew we were staying on for next leg but they did not know that we were staying on for #3 (4-19).  Now they do.  WHEW.
A new personal best for laundry-cramming.  I got 29 pieces in this morning !  ECLIPSED (see what I did there ?)  my previous best of 24.  I am really getting good at this !

Actually, I give the credit for my good-ish casino luck to my red underwear.  I have a friend who told me that if you wear red underwear you will win.  Go figure…but the chants and prayers are appreciated !  They can’t hurt, right ?
❤️❤️❤️