-
Posts
1,941 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Reputation Activity
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from JCNJcruiser in Symphony of the Seas: May 16, 2024 - May 24, 2024 (Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day)
we are under 30 days to go! My luggage tags and cruise documents showed up yesterday! Love it when I can get all my papers in order!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to BrianB in Nassau - Any new dining areas in the revitalized port
I like what they’ve done with the port revitalization. They invested quite a bit. Much nicer, modernized. No more trip hazards and broken pavement. Easier to walk around.
Very nice area just past the gate with lots of brightly colored booths and shops. Don’t have to run the gauntlet of people vying with each other for your attention, and your money as you try not to trip over uneven and broken pavement. Now it’s all new.
Calmer, clean, airy and spacious. Some places for snacks and drinks in that area. A very convenient excursion boat docking area attached to the pier…before the security gate so still inside the port.
There's plenty of videos posted showing the new port area. Check them out.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to JustMeJoe in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
You betcha! I'd like to hear all about Port St. Lucie. Boy, those drums beat ME last night 😂
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to melmar02 in Suite snobs in connecting balconies...Will there be Harmony? Apr 28, 2024-May 4, 2024
Here are our plans for the ports.
Roatan: We booked the 3 Reef Stop Snorkel with Roatan Getaway Tours. We paid a deposit by PayPal and will pay the balance when we meet them in port. Communication by email has been pretty quick.
Costa Maya: We're staying on the ship. The current plans are Flowrider in the morning, and we have Escape the Rubicon booked that afternoon. If that does wind up getting cancelled, we'll probably all laugh at how bad mom is on the golf course instead.
Cozumel: Paradise Beach. We've been here a few times, but not since February 2020.
Usually I can get the kids to wrap up our school year before we leave on an April/May cruise (we homeschool). This year though, they are both dragging their feet in a couple subjects. They will both have papers to finish when we get back and DD, who is taking Biology this year, will have a couple labs to complete. All their other subjects will be complete this week. This is also the last week for our co-op, so after Friday, my teaching duties are over for the year. I gave myself a break with work this trip too, and my last wedding is this Saturday. I'll have all next week to pack! DS is the only one who may need a new shirt for formal night. The rest of us are all the same size as fall's cruise, and I just replaced the kids' swim suits right before we went to Great Wolf. I actually feel prepared and calm - not normal for me, but I like it!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to Ampurp85 in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
@Cactus527I have never done deck 2, but it is only for 3 nights so I will hopefully not have too many problems. I did deck 3 on Harmony once and I enjoyed being so close to the casino but hated that the MTD line often stretched to my room.
It is also not just SWA but UA and AA in Chicago. There used to be a lot of later flights and also, a lot of direct flights. I can find later flights, but they seem to want to connect only and even flying in a day or two before, I don't want to connect flights......that's a lot of hassle.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to Cactus527 in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
YAY! Happy early birthday to you and your brother! And I get what he's saying about his eating habits - he should be able to do what he wants, when he wants, without people staring at the bottomless pit that he is. Kudos to him for making every morsel count. 😉
I got 11am for Freedom as well in March, but they started letting people on at 10:30am. The boarding area was accessible at 10am, if that makes any difference for you.
Deck 2! I'm curious what your thoughts are going to be about being down there. I've often considered doing a room down there, but my TA said don't, it's got weird vibrations/sounds that turn most people off to being down there.
SWA for the win! I too agree - why are they doing such weird things with their schedules lately? I had a trip booked to Cincinnati (business) in September and have to be there by 5pm that day, and they just resorted all the flights so that I'd arrive after 8pm. No thanks, I'll go with another airline, I guess. You would think they'd put more flights IN Chicago instead of not, but whatever. Didn't they say they were going to start doing red eyes at some point soon? WHERE IS THAT, SOUTHWEST?!?!??! WE'RE ALL WAITING. Sorry you have a 5am flight.
Now I'm hungry for birthday cake... 🤣
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to SweetPea in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
Yeah! My bday is in May also and I've been on a ship several times for it. I ❤️ ❤️❤️ cruising in May. I don't recall ever having any bad weather and it's not Africa Hot yet. Can't wait to follow along, and I'm so glad ... for me and the rest of your loyal readership ... that mom is coming again! Yippee!!!!!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to JulietTango in Suite Info
In theory, yes. But I would temper your expectations. There's only one of them on the ship and for most sailings, it's booked. I would peg the chances of that happening pretty close to 0, that extends to most Star Class rooms really. The most likely category you'll get is a Junior Suite which has high inventory.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to smokeybandit in Nassau - Any new dining areas in the revitalized port
To many, that stop in Nassau does cause nausea.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Aqua Theater Suite or Owners Suite on Harmony?
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.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from Neesa in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Thanks for giving your thoughts on Hideaway. I think I will keep to my plan of checking it out for an hour or so next month. But I am going to cancel my September reservations for Peter and myself.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from Neesa in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Loving the pic, Raye! I’ve been rocking the baseball hats 🧢 lately and already have several put aside for my May cruise! Although looks like you’ve got the visor look going…I think I’m gonna steal your idea and purchase a few!
Love the waterfall pic!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from Neesa in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Packing list:
Red bra and panties (double my odds)…. CHECK
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from Neesa in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
You are brave! Can’t wait to hear all about it…perhaps a pic or two?
Congrats to both of you with your ‘almost getting even’ Deuces Wild win! Explorer is being very kind to you 😜.
Enjoy today!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to melmar02 in Suite snobs in connecting balconies...Will there be Harmony? Apr 28, 2024-May 4, 2024
I'm glad you had a good time! I think we went through 2 bowls of their guac on Allure. Their jalapeno margarita is pretty tasty too if I recall. Guess I'll have to order one just to be sure I'm remembering correctly. 😉
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to OCSC Mike in Suite snobs in connecting balconies...Will there be Harmony? Apr 28, 2024-May 4, 2024
Ate there on Allure in October, love that marg, the guac, the bacon jalapeno chicken app, and the desserts. I don't even need an entree. Just ate a bunch of guac and 3 orders of that jalapeno chicken app as my meal (plus dessert).
If only there was a ship with both Sabor and Playmakers...
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to Ampurp85 in Suite snobs in connecting balconies...Will there be Harmony? Apr 28, 2024-May 4, 2024
I think you will miss the suites mainly because you congregate more easily.......maybe also the suite perks. But that second bathroom is going to be a game changer.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to melmar02 in Suite snobs in connecting balconies...Will there be Harmony? Apr 28, 2024-May 4, 2024
Our family has always sailed in suites. DH and I in Jr Suites before we starting letting the kids tag along, and then the 2 bedroom grand every time the kids have been with us. We really love, and need, the extra space of the separate living room. DH is up without an alarm by 4:30 every morning, and he needs a place to go while the rest of us sleep until a more decent hour. DD is on the spectrum and needs a place to really move around to process the activities of the day before heading out to dinner. Being spoiled in the suite lounge has been a big perk for us too. We're budgeting to replace a car and living room furniture soon though, so we decided to try out connecting balconies for the next few cruises. We're almost diamond plus, so the drink vouchers help take care of what we are missing in the suite lounge, but we sure will miss the service and breakfast in Chops or Coastal Kitchen!
Along for the ride: Myself, DH, DD (15), and DS (12)
Rooms: 12150 and 12152 - pretty far forward for us aft facing dwellers.
Itinerary: 7 day Western Caribbean - Galveston, Sea Day x2, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Sea Day, back in Galveston.
Pre cruise purchases: soda packages for the kids, 50 photo package (pared down from our usual 100), 24 bottle water package, 3 device internet.
We have MTD with reservations at 6:45 each night. I would do 150 Central Park, Jamie's, or Sabor, but we were in a star class room a year ago on Allure, and didn't eat in the MDR. Since we have only had the new menus on our Liberty cruise this past fall, we will most likely stick with the MDR this time. Who knows, maybe DH and I will have a date night and just send the kids to the WJ. I'm sure we will do Johnny Rockets once for lunch - it's kind of a tradition, and the kids have already been asking about it.
What else... I booked all our entertainment. I want to say it opened up about 45 days out. I meant to make a note, but forgot. I also was able to book Escape the Rubicon about a month ago. It's still showing on my calendar, and they haven't refunded my money yet, so hopefully it is opened back up.
We have a little bit of OBC that will find its way to the casino from the RC card - we redeemed the points on the Bank of America site about 30 days out and they posted to the cruise planner just a couple days later.
That's all I can think of for now - let me know if you have any questions, and I will try to answer them along the way.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
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.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from OCSC Mike in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Thanks for giving your thoughts on Hideaway. I think I will keep to my plan of checking it out for an hour or so next month. But I am going to cancel my September reservations for Peter and myself.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Thanks for giving your thoughts on Hideaway. I think I will keep to my plan of checking it out for an hour or so next month. But I am going to cancel my September reservations for Peter and myself.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to OCSC Mike in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
I get that… although the MDR is the one place I don’t actually eat a lot. I wouldn’t want to sit with randos anyway.
Looking forward to his eating exploits & obviously your shenanigans!
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to Ampurp85 in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
27 days to go.......
Since I made my brother prime, he gets a nice number of monthlies. Usually, they match with mine but of lesser value. Most of my offers are OVs and my brothers are interiors or "1 complimentary guest." It works out the same for us moneywise, but gets us double point, so we booked 2 sperate rooms for the first two sailings as the upgrade option is just OV when you combine. I hate OV so I will often just take the interiors, in this case the first two sailings are GTY. I normally prefer an aft cabin and to pick my own, but I also like a cheap sailing. I really spend minimal time in my room, so location takes a backseat to savings. My brother was excited about his first B2B and then he decided it would be nice to bring our mother along. She of course is sharing a room with him 🤣😂. But she didn't have enough vacation time to do all three, so she will just join us for the first two. We are gifting this as her Mother's Day present.
For the first cruise, check-in opened on the 28th of March I believe. The earliest slot was 11am, which wasn't a big deal because we are flying in the day of......first flight out as usual. I never recommend this, but I have insurance and live in hub city, meaning there are usually 3-4 flights after mine that will get me there. Which brings me to a side rant: there used to be more flights. I remember when there were flights between 8pm-10pm that went to Mia, MCO and FLL. Now the last flight is often around 6:45 to 7pm, which is not ideal when flying with my mother who has church until at least 3pm and requires another couple of hours to be ready. So 5am flights are what I have to deal with, and the sucky part is my preferred airline makes those the most expensive flights. So even though I complain and say I hope to never fly them again, I am often stuck with SWA...... and their crappy boarding procedure 🤣.
I don't know if 10/10:30 opened up, I didn't bother to check. We will be on the ship for 11 days so I can care less about getting an earlier time. Plus, there are no reservations required for Freedom class entertainment. My brother brought his own snorkeling gear, the price for snorkeling all day at PDCC is like $50 on sale now 😱. No ecursions are planned.
I used the barcode trick as soon as I checked in and I was able to see our room assignments. For the first leg we are on deck 3 in rooms #3253 and 3251. On the second leg we are on Deck 2 in rooms #2567 and 2569. I chose my own room for the last leg with deck 9 and room #9391. I was happy that the rooms were assigned so close to each other. We have traditional dining for all three legs at 8:30.........which will probably be 8 in most cases. Since the reservations are linked, they should sit us together at a smaller table, if we are assigned to an 8-top I will request a different table. My brother doesn't want people judging him as he eats all his meals.
I will not be pre-purchasing anything. I get 2 free days as D+ and then can use my prime discount on the remainder. I will also be using my BOGO. There will be the B2B'rs lunch so I will take advantage of that to avoid the WJ. Plus, we will do embarkation day lunch at Playmakers.
I plan to prepack each leg in its own packing cube. I am also bringing a ton of casino-friendly snacks as I have a 2025 S2S2S or B2B2B to plan. I am following @AshleyDillo advice and bring specific clothes for the casino, so the rest don't get smoky.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to Ampurp85 in Freedom to be 39!! A B3B 5/13/24-5/24/24
It is time for the shenanigans!!!!
It seems like I haven't been on a cruise in forever, but it's actually been like 90ish days 🤣.
These 11 days of cruising are actually 3 shorties combined. It is a 4n, then a 3N, and then another 4N. They are all casino comps in some capacity. The first two are monthlies, which are random offers the casino sends out either through mail or email. The last one was earned on Wonder. I only paid taxes, fees and gratuities for them. Which amounted to a whopping total of $595.05 for all 3, making it only $54/N. I have OBC on some and Freeplay on all.
Itinerary: Nassau and PDCC X3, I never get off in Nassau and PDCC is a casino day.
People: myself, brother and mother x2, myself and my brother x1
Flights: SWA and AA
Extras: Chocolate birthday cake $25.99
My brother's birthday is on April 27th and mine is May 21st. I ordered the cake for the 3n to split the difference. My 39th birthday, hence the title name 🤪, is on the second day of the last 4N cruise, and we will be in PDCC. This is the first time ever that I will be on a cruise for my birthday. Normally its work or Vegas. I mean truthfully, I don't really celebrate it, but I do acknowledge it. It is also the first time I will be sailing in May, my normal window is September through April, excluding March and Easter sailings. So, I am thankful it won't be too hot but warm enough from Chicago to not have bulky outerwear.
-
PPPJJ-GCVAB reacted to SweetPea in Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024
Thanks for your assessment of Hideaway. I watched a YouTube video of it and the creators' opinion was that Oasis Lagoon was not as happening now that Hideaway was open and took over that vibe. I guess we'll see as we don't have any plans to go back to PDCC after this cruise so we're going to try it.
And I'll get out my rosary beads again. Either that or you stopped wearing your red underwear? 😆