tonyfsu21

On 3/6/2024 at 11:50 AM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Unfortunately, I don't think so. We did not rent a car this time. We looked into it but the car rental that is close to the hotel does not open on Sundays for returns. It was just going to be too much of a hassle to return the car so we decided it was not worth the cost. So anyway, in answer to your question, sadly, I don't think that we will make it to La Bamba this time around.

On Friday, because we are stuck on that afternoon flight, we don't land until 4pm (assuming it's on time), and then on Saturday, the kids want to go to Sawgrass Mills and that is nowhere near a La Bamba location. However, we, or should I say I, because I am the Home Genie, found an interesting place for us to try for dinner this weekend.

I am counting on you to take over the live blogging on 3/17!

Winner, Winner!

This is why we have to do. Not sure how many more times we can round up all 4 of us that doesn't fall on high season pricing. And even with low season pricing, SC is becoming more and more out of reach these days. Not that we got a bargain at all on this cabin, but we are going to do it now while we still can. Because it might literally not happen again.

There's always gotta be one in the group lol

We don't come across the shenanigans that some of you do lol, only cancelled flights  but thank you, hoping for smooth travels and sailing all the way through!

It's not the ATS this time, but there quite a few ATS in the future. I have to leave room to add on more freeloaders possibly, omg, I cannot believe I am even admitting that.

 

The best of both worlds, Sawgrass Mills shopping and lunch or dinner at La Bamba Plantation! There are multiple locations. 

3 minutes ago, bobroo said:

The US has sent troops into Haiti before and it was of little benefit, they aren't going to do it again.

 

Oh they will. A hostage situation involving potentially thousands of Americans will be swiftly dealt with. Ask me how I know…….

On 3/5/2024 at 9:49 AM, Vacation Crazy said:

Haiti's government declared a 72-hour state of emergency on Sunday after armed gangs stormed a major prison.

I love Labadee but I'm glad we don't have any upcoming stops here. I realize it is an an isolated part of Haiti but question the safety right now.  If the gangs can storm a "major prison" what's stopping them here.  

Perhaps the might of the US military would be on their mind considering the targets would mostly be American tourists? One term “DEVGRU” would most certainly be of major concern to a Haitian Gang considering raiding Labadee…..

On 3/6/2024 at 7:14 PM, Jamesszy94 said:

I'm probably going to be checking every nook and cranny in the room now for hidden cameras... you never know what kind of people these cabin stewards are...

I feel like this isn't just an issue with cruise ships though, it's a problem anywhere where cleaners have access to your room. 

100%. Rogue employees with bad intentions can be anywhere. Thankfully the majority of people are good people and want to do the right thing. Currently shopping on Amazon for some of that alien technology that scans for WiFi devices. I plan to canvas the stateroom from now on. Sad reality for a relaxing vacation but it’s going to be standard operating procedure for my family from now on. 

22 hours ago, jeffmw said:

This whole thing is insane. Sickening, obviously, but as someone (like all of you) who has taken a number of cruises I'm trying to imagine how and where you'd even hide a camera in those tiny staterooms that would go unnoticed but also have an angle that would capture anything this guy wants to see. It seems like even if it worked once or twice, pretty quickly someone would find it. There's just not that many areas within a stateroom that go unseen for very long.

This guy is in and out of staterooms 24/7/365. With that amount of time spent in one place it’s not hard to imagine that they could come up with a few camera locations. 

37 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I used to travel, and cruise solo a lot. As a woman I am always on the lookout. I used to believe because I was plus size, I didn't have anything to worry about and I was very wrong. I am also weird, and sort of germaphobe. So not only do I wipe everything down, but I also always check if anything looks weird. I had a weird experience at Labadee and won't go to certain areas alone. I was very shocked when I boarded Allure the end of Jan and the cabin doors were open on embarkation day, I truly hope this is not a thing going forward. Because open cabins give anyone the ability to do anything. 

I can’t recall the last time they were closed on embarkation day. Every single time we get to the cabin the door is wide open and the key cards are in the sleeve in holder next to door. I agree with you that there is an open opportunity for someone with bad intentions to take advantage of this lapse in security. I also think with the advanced technology in 2024 that we are subject to being watched via hidden cameras more then anyone would care to know. 

32 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said:

The hiding under bed thing baffles me. You would think he would have to be there for hours in some instances. You'd think there would be some noise at some point. Also, he wasn't missed at all during that time?

 

Maybe not, if he had a camera then he knew the pattern and timing over the course of a week and probably knew exactly when to slip in and out of there. I don’t know how I would react if I caught this creep under the bed but I’m sure it wouldn’t end well. 

34 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I always look around to see if anything looks out of place, just as much looking for broken stuff or other problems with the room as much as seeing any "after market" installs. But looking under the bed isn't one those.

It might be now…..

How many of you will be either clogging the underside of the bed with suitcases or peeking under the bed before showering from now on? The stateroom attendants really do have carte blanche while cleaning so camera installs and hiding under the bed is always possible. As a father of two young girls, you can bet the ranch I am always on the lookout for creepers. 

10 hours ago, CanHardlyWait said:

Bottom line. Please give us more info. Criminal charge and ports they will be visiting. A great deal of it is a DUI thing everyone is discussing. And that is very Canada specific. For instance you use the word "misdemeanor". What's a misdemeanor is the U.S. may be something bigger elsewhere. Not trying to be nosey, but can help more with details. 

Based on recent news it looks like the company should probably be doing a better job of screening their own employees…. This is a creeper to the max. 

2 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Yes Royal does background checks. There was a thread where a person cruise was cancelled because of her husband's criminal record. However, keep in mind that more than 50%, yes that high, of sexual predators, rapist, etc. aren't convicted. 

This is interesting. I don’t think they have the bandwidth to perform background checks on everyone. It may be random. 

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Have you stayed at these locations before @tonyfsu21? Are they overrun with kids? Dated? I am looking for a place for this July (no kids). Magaritaville Orlando has good rates but I am not sure how many kids are running around there in July. Conrad Orlando is my preference but I am not willing to pay their rates.

We really enjoy Conrad! Yes, both Hilton Orlando & Bonnet Creek are filled with kids which is probably not what you are looking for. 

47 minutes ago, 12thman said:

I'm trying to understand how I got this reward? Then maybe I can repeat this in the future. I didn't spend anymore of my money than usual. After all the comments and advice I guess I got more credits than in the past?

Yep, you must have spent more money or got really lucky (like jackpot lucky). 

11 hours ago, 12thman said:

Could someone explain how you go from choice to prime in one seven night cruise and get offered ocean view or balcony room? If you don't want the free cruise, you can apply $1,000 to any cruise and also get whatever promotions are running at the time? The list for free cruise goes from April 2024 to March 2025, which includes all the newest ships, including Utopia and Icon?  There's also a promotion. If you bought a book later certificate, you would get $500 free play on that cruise. I watched Matt's video about this but I'm still confused. I don't think I spent that much or played that long. If someone who really understands how this works could explain how I got this. I've never received an offer like this and spent the same as before. 

 

Thanks in advance!

There’s lots to unpack here. I don’t understand if you are looking for the best way to go from choice to prime or if you already are prime and you are requesting information on how to use the prime certificate benefits? 

In Disney Proper:

wilderness lodge

polynesian resort

Just outside (if you are Hilton Hhonors):

Hilton Bonnet Creek (amazing)

Hilton Orlando

I have lived in Fort Lauderdale for my entire life and have been through many hurricanes. I wouldn’t worry for even a second about this impacting a voyage, especially out of NJ!!! My family & I are deep into D+ with 0.00 impacts due to hurricanes and we cruise all year long. Relax 

9 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Thanks for the tip. I supposed that would be a game time decision on that day. Once we start driving we can take a look a traffic and see which option is better.

By the time you get to SoFL the AM rush hour has long expired. 

On 3/1/2024 at 2:42 PM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Looking for advice from the Florida natives here like @tonyfsu21 @Matt @OCSC Mike @WAAAYTOOO @AshleyDilloor anyone who has done this before.

At the end of July, Hubby and I are doing a S2S. We are going from Adventure of the Seas (PC) to the Celebrity Reflection (PE) on a Friday morning. At the moment, our plan is to leave Adventure as early as possible and do self-disembark at around 6:30/7am. We rented a car at Enterprise on Mullet Road because they open at 7am and we're planning to drive ourselves to Fort Lauderdale to board Refelction that very same day. Is this a good plan?

I thought it was until someone recently asked the same type of question in a FB group. Then people started to bring up traffic (which I have not much knowledge of). Someone suggested Brightline but that seems like a lot of hassle to me (we would need to Uber our way back to Orlando, take the train to the Fort Lauderdale station, and Uber again to the port).

Any ideas/suggestions/better plan?

This can easily be done provided everything goes right with Adventures arrival at PC. I am not very familiar with Westbound traffic on the Beeline Friday mornings but once you connect to I-95 South it’s smooth sailing. The remainder of the drive South should be uneventful. Be cautious of major traffic accidents impacting I-95 and exit early to shift over to Florida Turnpike if necessary. I would say you are at the PE terminal before noon with ease. Note: The major rush hour traffic issues in SoFL (WPB and South to FLL) are not in play here considering you will be farther North during prime time and pass through with little to no issues. 

7 hours ago, Va4fam said:

I do a lot of running on the ship (track or treadmill).  Anxiously awaiting pics and reports of the gym and track on Icon!!

Typically the left is for runners or fast walkers....always common courtesy to go back to the right lane after passing.   Early in the morning is best time for me with less people out and no sunscreen needed.  No shade for most ships.    Anytime after about 7:30 or 8AM turns into people and chair dodging.  No fun.

Oasis ships are better protected from sun and wind and have less people wandering around the track during day.

On Anthem, lanes are marked at starting area towards the back starboard side of the ship....before you get to the groovy van and rock climbing wall.  See pic below. 

Will let you know in a few weeks re: Icon track. 

15 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said:

I like 5:00am better for a perfectly timed breakfast at 7am. It’s nice and quiet and a pleasure to be on any part of the ship during that hour. 

Fort at entry to the port in San Juan around 6am as we passed by from the track on Symphony:

3 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

We are on the absolutely beautiful Anthem of the seas and it's been an awesome time. Tough at times with a 2 year old but just gotta take the good with the bad. 

I'm doing something or trying to do something I always wanted to do on cruises and use the jogging/running track on the ship but as a rookie would like some pointers. Now this is a "winter" cruise so weather has been an issue, no rain but good Lord windy. Most days the very front of the ship was closed so you had to kinda make a 3 quarters way around and not the full track. 

I have been waking up or getting out to the track at around 5:45/6:00 which seems to be a sweet spot. It feels awesome, just awesome getting in 10,000 or more steps before breakfast. Always holy cow is it beautiful when you get a good sunrise. I came around the very front of the ship one morning not even knowing the sunrise was coming and there it was, just stunning. 

Now we are on Liberty in October which weather is definitely going to be an issue to Canada. Then we are on Liberty again on May 2025 to Halifax and then Bermuda back to back. 

What are some tips for using the jogging/running track? By the way I'm just walking briskly. I stick to the right and I always make sure to not get in the way of actual runners. Is wind pretty much an issue on most sailings? Is around 6 o'clock the best time because it seems to be on this cruise at least. Thanks. 

I like 5:00am better for a perfectly timed breakfast at 7am. It’s nice and quiet and a pleasure to be on any part of the ship during that hour. 

34 minutes ago, Cactus527 said:

I'm totally going to try this now. Thank you for the idea!

Awesome spot to hang out and grab a drink with lots of good people watching! It gets pretty busy late night. 

17 minutes ago, Cactus527 said:

Yay! I loved Indy and I've heard so many great things about Freedom. Is there a favorite spot you have on there? Anything that stands out on board?

I really enjoy the Viking crown lounge especially at night! I miss this concept on the newer ships. 

17 hours ago, Cactus527 said:

On the 12th day before cruising, my live blog did begin...

It's almost cruise time! I'm starting this live blog to control my excitement and keep track of all related things. I'll try to update daily before the cruise, and then as things go once onboard. Being my first live blog, I have no idea what's going to happen here.

I'm Cactus. I've been cruising sporadically since 2005, both solo and with family, mostly on Royal Caribbean. While I live in the desert, I love traveling and have gone as many places as I can throughout my life.

This cruise is a 4-night Perfect Day at CocoCay and Bahamas cruise out of Miami. Port schedule shows Terminal A, so I'm super excited for my first trip out of Miami (how have I avoided this up until now??!?) and out of Icon's terminal. It's a bit of a wonky cruise for me because I have to pack for this trip AND a conference that starts on Saturday after I disembark on Friday. Thank goodness for Southwest's two-bags-fly-for-free policy.

Day 1 Miami
Day 2 PDCC
Day 3 Nassau
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Miami

My family calls me two things: The Ruler of Red Lights (when driving) and Overpacker Extraordinaire. I'm hoping the latter doesn't get me in trouble while packing for both cruising and conferencing.

I booked a balcony guarantee for this solo cruise because my MEI travel agent had an awesome price for it. I was on Independence in a junior suite in September and absolutely loved the ship/room/location of room, so I had no hesitation in booking Indy's sister ship. The balcony I was assigned was okay, it would have worked, but I went ahead and did a Royal Up bid for both a junior suite and a spacious balcony. The JS failed, but the spacious balcony went through! And, lo and behold, the spacious balcony is in a similar location to where my JS on Indy was. Score!

Counting down is killing me - 11 days until I fly, 12 days until the cruise. Of course there's a bazillion things to do in the mean time, including getting over this nasty cold I currently have. Healthy and happy cruising coming soon!

---Cactus

Freedom is awesome, we take weekend trips on her quite a bit. This is literally one of the best ships in the fleet (IMHO). 

1 hour ago, Cactus527 said:

I'm looking at potentially taking Brightline to get into Miami. I'm a bit confused by the luggage.

If I have 2 large bags (have to be checked luggage on the flights), 1 carry-on bag, and my personal item, does this mean I only need to pay for 1 carry-on bag since 2 + personal item are included? Is the luggage free if I do the Premium versus cheapest ticket? Or, is it better to just show up there and try to figure it out at the terminal (with ticket in hand)?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

You might be going a bit out of your way unless you really want to ride the BL (it is nice!) I would say less hassle to just hop in an Uber.