Booscruize

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

Pre-Cruise Planning:
Excursions/Ports:
Coco Cay- Thrill Water Park! We have NEVER been to Coco Cay! This is very exciting for us because we are thrilled seekers and couldn’t contain our excitement about the water slides! We also want to explore the entire island. Because of this we decided not to do a Cabana because we doubt we would spend enough time in it to make it worth it. We know that we will be in many locations trying out all the amenities and food!! Chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks anyone?!? 
St. Thomas- The ONE excursion that we were set on doing was the Sea Lion Swim in St. Thomas! We had it in the cart three months ago and got ready to check out! Computer glitch….we call…SOLD OUT 😩😩😩 there is no waiting list either. We will mention this in our initial Genie wishlist and see if there is any magic to be done. If not it won’t be the end of the world. We will do something that involves a tour and beach day! 
 
St. Maarten- We have been to this beautiful island several times and each time we say we are doing Maho Beach and each time we decide not to becaus did crowds. Well NOT THIS TIME! We are absolutely going to go this time because with reduced ship numbers it seems like the PERFECT time. Plan to take taxi to Maho Beach and find some chairs, umbrellas, and cocktails! 
 
Travel/Hotels
I am originally from Florida. Due to health concerns my Mom won’t be able to join us on this cruise. However, I may be a grown man but I am also an only child. If I dared step foot in Florida without seeing my Mother (She is a southern Belle but she means BUSINESS!!)Jarell would be a widow before we even got married LOL Also I am just realizing there is no gay equivalent to widow/widower. I digress because of this we plan to travel to Tampa and stay Thursday/Friday to visit family. Despite having free flight privileges we decided that it was better to rent a car in Tampa on Saturday and drive to Miami with all our wedding supplies like welcome aboard gift bags for our guests and decor etc. Plus Jarell has never made this car trip and wants to see Alligator Alley. If you’re from Florida seeing an alligator is just a Tuesday but hey 🤷🏽‍♂️ get your thrills babe LOL 
  We debated on where to stay in Miami on Saturday night knowing only that our one requirement was that we wanted a port view! We originally planned on staying at the Intercontinental but after checking pricing and locations we decided that for the same price of a room at Intercontinental we could get a suite at Holiday Inn Port Of Miami. That would also allow us to hosts our friends as they come in town if we choose to. Plus we can walk across the street to the restaurants and shops. And wake up early to watch Oasis sail in! This is the suite we chose! 
 
We are also super excited that on Saturday night we booked reservations for dinner at The Versace Mansion! People RAVE about the food and I can’t imagine a more fabulous or appropriate place to dine before sailing out of Miami for a Star Class Gay wedding than here! LOL 

 
This is getting long so I will be back when we hear from our Genie!! I hear they are all fantastic on Oasis but thanks to the expert suggestion from @Lovetocruise2002we made a plea for Shane as our Genie on our survey LOL *fingers crossed! 

Awww thank you so much! This blog will definitely be fun! So happy to have you onboard! Ya see what I did there? Lol 

Checked our email and LOOK what was there!!! It’s beginning to feel REAL now! Can’t wait to find out who our genie will be! Of course Jarell is away flying for work when I get this email…so I can’t fill out the survey until tomorrow! Gives me a chance to think in depth about this Elon Musk question….oy vey! 😂😂

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

Yes and yes! We have our best friend officiating for our vow exchange. And we are sending a VERY long detailed itinerary and wish list for the day including photos of past star class food spreads and cakes and things we love. It’s going to be in the balcony at sunset on Day 2 after Coco Cay. We are going to bring things like a runner for an aisle & cake topper and garland for rail etc etc. and the rest we are just trusting the magic. We already have such a BEAUTIFUL backdrop and amazing friends that we know whatever the genie does will be amazing. We really just want yummy appetizers and a champagne toast and a cake that feeds 12 LOL I’ve seen people get more than that for their birthdays 😂😂 And yes the rest will simply be a much needed vacation with friends! The Mediterranean honeymoon cruise will come later 😊😊

Not just cruise day! It’s FILET DAY!! LOL thank you so much love! 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

One more sleep!!!! Also thank you so much for thinking of us today! That means so much! 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

Not just cruise day! It’s FILET DAY!! LOL thank you so much love! 

It’s cruise day! Happy sailing! 

Guess what day it is?!?! 

ONE MORE DAY! 
 
Today was a WHIRLWIND! A very exciting one but a whirlwind! We drove from Tampa to Miami and it was a breeze. Took us about four hours. Sadly Jarell did not get to see an alligator along Alligator Alley….there was only one and he missed it but of course I saw it LOL Oh well…looks like we gottta hit up a zoo to make up for the betrayal soon! LOL We got to our hotel (Holiday Inn Port Of Miami) around 2:30. Since check in wasn’t until 3 ( or so we thought 👀👀) we decided to grab some food at Bayside Marketplace. I’m not sure if they were giving our free $100 bills or handing out a shot for every child you bring but it was PACKED! We literally had to play a game of frogger across traffic so much traffic that is felt like a taking a Zumba class from someone with an extreme caffeine addiction. Eventually we made our way over and settled on Chilis since it had no wait and we were in DIRE need of a cocktail. A few bites and a margaritas later and it was 3:30pm and we were read to check in! So we made our way to the lobby and they informed us that the hotel was at 100% capcity and everything was behind. So sadly our room wasn’t ready yet. No big dealsince we had to drop off our rental car anyway. Eventually they called us at around 4:15 and said our room was ready. Perfect timing since we had just dropped the car and we’re READY to take on Miami! 
We arrived at the hotel and checked into our bay view suite #711! Much like the other 7/11 I would say this hotel had a lot of amazing attributes and is SUPER convenient however….it could use a fresh coat of paint and maybe a light wash of holy water. None the less the views were FABULOUS and it was so spacious that we forgot all about the chipped paint and late check in. 

As soon as we got settled it was time for dinner at The Versace Mansion! I cannot recommend this enough. The house is iconic and STUNNING and the food and service was absolutely incredible! 
 
Now it is almost midnight and I am WIDE AWAY with excitement wondering how I am going to go to sleep…. Tomorrow is the day!!!! 
 

One more sleep!!!! Also thank you so much for thinking of us today! That means so much!