Floski

EmersonNZ,
 
If you do cruise to your home port, remember to run home and do laundry, that way you don't have to carry so many suitcases.

After two cruises you are eligible for Pinnacle, you just have to send the CEO an email and $200...  Should take about 2 weeks...

...shouldn't I be C&A Platinum or Diamond by now?
 
I'm getting tired of waiting.
 
 
I'll hang up and listen...

Only once or twice a week? I've been so excited I've looked atit at least once or twice an hour since I booked (It really hasn't changed in that time :-)

We somehow managed to all fit into my and my wife's carry-ons.  I don't know how they did, but they did.
 
We had driven down from Charleston, so once we got out of the terminal and back to the hotel, we were golden.
 
Yesterday, my wife and I went to Total Wine just to try and gauge how we fared.  All of the ones that were comparable, 
I saved some money - not a lot, but I'm not disappointed.  Some of the bottles (the special Amaretto, the special Malibu,
obviously the Guavaberry and the Sheridan's) weren't there for me to compare.

We somehow managed to all fit into my and my wife's carry-ons.  I don't know how they did, but they did.
 
We had driven down from Charleston, so once we got out of the terminal and back to the hotel, we were golden.
 
Yesterday, my wife and I went to Total Wine just to try and gauge how we fared.  All of the ones that were comparable, 
I saved some money - not a lot, but I'm not disappointed.  Some of the bottles (the special Amaretto, the special Malibu,
obviously the Guavaberry and the Sheridan's) weren't there for me to compare.

Well, of course.  And had I had voom I could have done that right at the counter, but since I was internetless, I decided to bite that shiny lure on that hook.

I love the boardwalk area.
 
Everything is so convenient - the beach is nice, the shops are close, and you can get a decent lunch if necessary - all within sight of the ship.
 
The water taxi is a quick and easy way to return to das boot.

Porters upon leaving the ship allow you to bypass the Customs' line and usually have their own taxi line. Thus, it's worth the tip regardless of how good (or bad) your luggage is.

Floski, you are not alone. I did the EXACT same thing. Got caught up in the excitement and bought a watch for my wife and myself. Upon returning home to my wifi enabled iPad, I did my research. Lesson learned. The watch I paid $225ish for was available all over eBay for $120ish. Very disappointed in RC for allowing it. They have the guy who does all those seminars about "port shopping" and all the pitfalls running non stop on the ship tv, but allow a scam like that right on the promenade deck !!! Very disappointing

I know was not a negative comment against you.....I to have swallowed those hooks. Somehow the hook always is easy going in but painful in the end.  

I am, however, relatively comfortable with the prices of the liquor I bought, both on the ship and in port.
 
I just can't believe just how much I brought home.  I don't even drink a lot of mixed drinks, 
but I know these prices were solid, and some aren't sold in the U.S., so I did it.
 

 
 
Y'all come over for a mojito!

We've stayed at the Radisson at the Port for both of our cruises.
 
It's a really nice hotel with a great pool!  It's huge, though!  
You can also park your vehicle there in a designated lot while you're gone.
Within a mile of the terminal, with a great shuttle service!
 
I highly recommend.

I am, however, relatively comfortable with the prices of the liquor I bought, both on the ship and in port.
 
I just can't believe just how much I brought home.  I don't even drink a lot of mixed drinks, 
but I know these prices were solid, and some aren't sold in the U.S., so I did it.
 

 
 
Y'all come over for a mojito!

Last year, during the holidays, I discovered the nogretto (love that name)!  Seems the axiom about great minds is at work here!
 
I also created a drink that has yet to be named - 43 and eggnog.  43 is a Spanish liqueur that tastes a lot like butterscotch.
 
 
Definitely has to be made in a tiny glass or sugar shock can result!

OH....that sounds yummy !  I have never heard of 43 but you can bet that I will find it some time before the holidays this year !
 
Thanks for the "research" !

We also stayed at the Radisson several times.  It says on their website that they allow two people per room for the shuttle.  We had an extra room for our teenage girls(3) and didnt have a problem getting them on the shuttle but you might want to call the hotel and make sure.  Also when you first check in to the hotel get you name on the shuttle list at the earliest time.  Get to the port as early as you can.

If you'll re-invite me during the holidays, I'll take a nogretto.  This is a concoction that I created - Eggnog and Amaretto.  Liquid candy !
 
Think of me when you have one.  They are SOOOOOOOO good.  ...but you'll probably only want 1.  They are so sweet and so rich. ...but yummmmmmm
 
Did you visit the Cruzan factory in St. Croix ?  That was extremely interesting and they were so hospitable and happy to have us come to the factory.  Don't miss it if you go to St. Croix.

Thanks for the recommendations. The price is reasonable too for the Radisson. I might book this one today!

These are great suggestions
 
Underwear check
Adding bath to the list
 
Didn't think about power strip though I found plug with multiple USB plugs (4) from idea. The only actual thing that uses outlet is my camera battery charger but I am debating using my cellphone for all photos again. Worked great last trip.
 
Need to arrange transportation back to airport pre cruise transportation is a check
 
Passports don't expire until 2018 but to be safe I will go check.
 
Is lababdee rocky?

Clean underwear?
 
 
 
:P

Clean underwear?
 
 
 
:P

Clean underwear?
 
 
 
:P

When we were on Freedom two weeks ago, I decided to buy myself a watch.  I don't wear one all the time, but mine
is getting some age and I wanted a nicer one.
 
I was perusing the specials on the Promenade and found a pretty Invicta that was 75% off of the "retail" cost of $525.
I ended up paying $149 for it and was pretty happy (Mattheus was super helpful and nice, BTW).
 
A couple of days after I got home, I looked on the net to see just how much I saved...to my huge disappointment, 
every site I saw had it for less money.  Some of them a good bit less.  
 
So, my advise is to be smart when you shop.  If you have connectivity, research before you buy.  I know that, in the end, 
it's my fault for not knowing any better, but nonetheless...  It's still a lovely watch, and I'm going to enjoy it.

We just got off the Oasis of the Seas and I still dream about her. :-D I imagine I'll walk over to the Windjammer for breakfast and then I realize I'm at home and can't do that! Oasis is a grand lady we look forward to seeing again in April 2017. Can't wait!