CGTLH

Real quick vent... Voom... Don't know if it is the crowd on board or what. So far I'll have to say Voom hasn't been the greatest. Worked much better in September. This time around it hasn't felt as responsive, trying to do a speed test.

Posting some sunset photos before I continue on later...

If I'm recalling correctly, I've seen Blantons and Basil Hayden before on Oasis. This was also from what I'm recalling January of this year, so things might have changed since. Best spot from what I'm recalling would the great misnomer, the Champagne Bar. Pub would be the other spot to check out. Photo of the back wall of the Champagne Bar October of last year.

Many may disagree but when it comes to the Oasis class I agree the ship is the destination.

Where else can you enjoy such refine beverages...

After the Suite and Pinnacle reception (that post has been updated with some pictures) wondered around a bit and wound up in the Schooner Bar where I've spent most of my afternoon just talking. I have to say the ones on this class has to be the nicest, open feeling with great views. Also jumped over real quick to grab a shot of the Colony Club plus one of the Billiard tables (self leveling feature was none functional).

Know on Oasis they would hold a reception. Harmony it was sail away on the helipad, think the same on Allure. Recall on Freedom they held something in Chops that was along the lines of a taste of the speciality venues. Anthem something was going to be held but don't think it was held. Don't recall what was done on other ships. This case the invite was hidden away in the "Suite Life" folder.

Yes, Symphony does use WOW bands. My personal take: Somewhat mixed. For roaming bar staff it has to be taken off. At the bar it the reader it right next the POS terminal. So you might have to relocate to use it. For room entry it is real handy. Getting off the ship you'll still need to use your card. Basically it is a silicone band with a RFID chip in it. No electronic functions, so no time functions. Think they are $5-6 and included if in a Junior Suite or better

Currently at the Suite and Pinnacle reception. Much different format that September and a lot less crowded. Maybe 20-25 in attendance. Getting left at the tables are small plates of canapes and petit fours. --Added in pictures

Start off with some Day 1 reporting. Arrived at the port around noon with not much traffic. Only major slowdown was trying to reach the drop off area, the self parking line was starting to block the turn off. Would say from drop off to ship on took about 15 minutes with the biggest slow down entering the terminal for security screening. Folks, please have your documents and ID ready before reaching the door. Rooms opened right a 1 pm on the dot (will post pictures later). Will add something new, week prior I got an email from the Concierge (staying in a Grand Suite) with a "priority" luggage tag. I will admit to seeing several bags already delivered with these tags on them, sure I also saw some non priority bags as well. My experience, didn't see my bag until after the muster drill. After checking out the room and headed up to the Solarium Bar. While there I helped finish off a bottle of Kraken. This time around they had a replacement on hand (sorry again last month @Matt). Muster drill added a small sense of humor when talking about the ships toilet system. They kindly asked, among other things, not to flush marshmallows, wedding rings, or small children. Around 6:15 pm we passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge After passing under the bridge headed down to Windjammer for some recon. Tonights action station was a stir fry with a theme station of Cuban. For dessert it was pie. Plus some other selections One thing I did notice was a new dart board in the Pub Also the wireless AP upgrade project seems to be completed. No more various parts seen in that area of deck 12.

Figured a day late (and a month late in some cases) is better than nothing... Booked itinerary is as follows: Tampa, Sea day, Cozumel, Sea day, finally back in Tampa. This is the same run that @Mattdid last month and I decided to crash his anniversary sailing. So a forewarning, due to not doing a LIVEish on that sailing I'll be throwing in some of the pictures I took on that sailing. For these that are new to reading my LIVEish. Check out my previous one to get an idea of what fine quality work I produce:

Only ships I know of so far are the Quantum class plus Harmony and Symphony. Think @twangster has mentioned in the past that an upgrade to RFID would be a costly venture with minimal ROI.

I've used plastic pouches many times for ships that use RFID cards. Never had an issue. Only suggestion would be to find one that has a zip seal so the card had less of a chance to fall out. Once the card (RFID style) was in the pouch it never had to be removed.

Agree, ships that do a Thursday to Monday run are perfect for locals. Leave work around 12-1pm Thursday, off Friday, then on Monday resume the normal grind.

First one is awarded at 140 points, then every 70 after.

Wonder if it will be open at 2am on the final night after the Casino bar closes... #TeamDrinkPackage?

Came across this on Facebook a few weeks ago.

Gasp! Just checked and it was back online.

Who else doesn't expect for the RCL site to go back online, on time.

Give the room service burger a shot. Staying in a Grand Suite or better, complementary. Otherwise it will be $7.95 +18% per delivery.

Remember some time ago Freedom setting a cart up outside of Sorrentos. Eventually I think the contents were moved to the cold display case. Not sure if it is still done, last time I was on Freedom was 2016. One of the Oasis class sailings they setup outside of Windjammer. The one thing to remember about the cart is everything is grab and go. Nothing was made fresh/on demanded.

Brilliance's Izumi is a standalone venue. Just the branding for the bag was "Express". My feeling is the to go option is common with the full Izumi. Just not something heavily advertised.

On Brilliance I did Izumi to go a few times with the dining package. Same limits applied with the a la carte coverage limit ($35). Did to go on Anthem as well just by walking up. However, on that sailing I was Star class. Warning: Pictures or raw fish below... From Brilliance

As a shareholder I thank you... Now, would you be interested in purchasing a Beverage or Dining package? Please don't forget to visit Next Cruise while onboard! /sarcasm

Breakfast room service menu is standard across the feet. Also, keep in mind you'll be charged bar price for a Bloody Mary via room service even if you have a drink package.