hayley_bopp

I'm a teacher and a mom. We are great at multi-tasking ?

Not just first time cruisers. Up until Friday, hubby was telling everyone that we were flying to Florida. At the border into the US earlier the conversation with the customs officer went like this:
CO: Where are you headed?
Hubby: New Jersey
CO: How?
H: uh...by plane
CO: What airline?
H: uh...(looks at me)
Me: Delta
CO: When are you coming back? 
H: uh....
Me: on the 17th
Not sure at this point if he knows what ship we are on tomorrow. ?

Who hasn't experienced the death grip syndrome holding a phone near or over the railing of a ship to take a picture?
I took a wrist strap from an old relic point and shoot camera that was collecting dust and I found a way of modifying a plain phone case I bought at a local discount store for $10. It's a Speck case and does a decent job protecting my phone but it didn't come with a wrist strap.
 
I simply drilled two holes in the corner of the case and using the strap from my old point and shoot camera I now have a wrist strap for my phone.






Now when I take a picture I can hold my phone over the railing and I am relaxed without any concerns I might drop my phone in the sea.
If you don't have access to a drill, you can loop the strap through one of the slots on the case that is used for the microphone or speaker on the bottom of the phone.

This approach isn't as strong but it works in a pinch.

If you don't have an old wrist strap you can buy them for a few bucks on Amazon.
It's amazing what a difference it makes knowing your phone is safe.  I've grown to like it so much it stays on my phone now and it does a great job when walking the dog!
Buying a cheap case and strap is a small price to pay compared to losing your phone even if you only use it when cruising.

My family wouldn't mind more sea days, more flow time!!!!

haha...for "research"...I love to use that excuse when travelling for many things!....
 
even if its not as good as what your used to at home, its a nice different option that you don't see offered very often when travelling south (at least not in my experiences)
 

@twangster I'm from the UK, I like tea!

Being a Brit, I'm a bit disppointed about the Fish & Ships addition - I can get great fish & chips so many places at home, I'm extremely unlikely to want to eat it whilst on holiday. 
That said, I might have to try it when I'm on IOS this summer for "research" purposes!

Being a Brit, I'm a bit disppointed about the Fish & Ships addition - I can get great fish & chips so many places at home, I'm extremely unlikely to want to eat it whilst on holiday. 
That said, I might have to try it when I'm on IOS this summer for "research" purposes!

Well...whatever you are, we do know you create awesome live blogs! Thanks for taking us all along again! Safe travels home today ?

Here is a video of us pulling away from the pier in Cozumel with a brief horn exchange with the Allure.
 

We had the all-in-one menu last month on Oasis.  
It was fine; I think it really helped shorten the dining time, which can drag on with so many customers.
You can always make adjustments or additions as dinner progresses.
 

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but can one legally bring a few bay leaves back to the states.
 
Please...don't judge me for my stupidity.

"Donovan and Rebecca"  in the theater were pretty awesome.  Front row seats!  No photography allowed so no pictures.
I wasn't terribly hungry when I heard my name being called.  Like a lamb to the slaughter I followed the voice to... the Windjammer.
I heard people like food pictures, so here you go.  In no particular order.









Antipasta.  


Quesadilla Bar.  Pretty good selection.  I may skip MDR again and just do this tomorrow.  



Dry rub ribs.

The Brushetta was good.  Too good.

Garlic bread - perfect for solo cruisers.

Like anyone would have room for dessert...



Yes, this is chocolate.  White, dark, semi, more.  Plus ice cream.  

But wait, the other side has more food I missed...
Gluten Free options:


Open faced sandwiches for those who can't or won't eat closed faced sandwiches.

Something to wash down the food between gulps.

My approach to Maho Beach

HELLO from the Schooner! We’ve made it on board, and the ship looka wonderful. All furnishings have been refreshed and the exterior has been painted. She looks great! Stay tuned for a more extended update! 

As discussed, here’s a few villa pictures! 
3 bedroom (1 queen, 2 double), 2.5 bath Villa located in Old San Juan. AirBnB host has been great, and the property and location are incredible. 
 

She's trying to avoid this

We also had a $2 mimosas happy hour in the casino on Liberty of the Seas. It will most likely be on the cruise compass if your ship offers that. Try checking some recent cruise compasses for Independence.
To answer your question yes, mimosas will be covered in the drink package. If you do not have a package I suggest bringing your own champagne as one or both of the two bottles of wine you can bring onboard. Just keep in mind that orange juice might only be available in the Windjammer during breakfast hours. My wife loves mimosas but we find them to be a bit overpriced outside of the happy hour in the casino. Obviously this is not an issue if you have the drink package.

Have loved reading time blog and looking at all of your awesome photos. It's got me very excited for my cruise on Indy later this year  ? ?

So, how long will you be in dry dock until your next cruise, and which ship? Need to put that date on my calendar so I won't miss your blog! Safe travels and Happy New Year!

Not sure which ships offer it but some ships offer $2 mimosas in the casino some mornings.

Here is a comparison of Voom costs for various C&A levels assuming a pre-cruise price of $15.99 per day.  This compares the cost of buying it on board with a C&A discount versus buying it in advance.  $15.99 appears to be a common pre-cruise price for Surf and Stream.  Sales do happen from time to time with a lower price. 
I often use what I call my "Day 2 Strategy".  Since you are in port on the day you board you likely have cell coverage until around 5-6pm.  On each day of the cruise the onboard price is reduced since there are fewer days remaining.  By waiting until day 2 (or midnight on day 1) the onboard full voyage price is reduced by one day.  By going without internet from 6pm to midnight you save ~$20.  If you can wait until day 3, you save even more.
Also attached as a PDF below which is easier to read.

Voom Comparison.pdf

You do get a discount at every level, but the pre-cruise discount is almost always better (until you get to Diamond Plus).

Thanks @KLAconQueso - you seem to be answering lots of my questions! ??

The cake is my favorite. They have it in the WJ. The Chops is the best.