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Time to start gearing up to cruise again! It's been a busy 7 months since my solo adventure on Voyager. Lots of scouting moving from Cub's to Troop with many plans coming down the pipe line. We actually don't have a cruise scheduled after this one which is the first time that has happened since 2017! This will also be our last cruise with a child 12 and under and our first cruise Diamond. If things work out I may squeeze in a western Caribbean towards the end of next summer (before he hits 13) but for now it looks like my next time afloat will be a 24 ft catamaran off Great Abaco in 2026! That being the case a Holiday afloat for the family is in order. For this 5 day sailing out of Galveston departing Nov 25th we are booked in a Jr Suite just forward of the hump. It is a standard Itinerary from this port. Costa Maya and Cozumel are our ports of call. Sunday Nov 24 Drive to Galveston in the afternoon. Obviously we will be making an obligatory stop at Bucky’s on the way. I think I might get a corner of my “Texan Card” clipped if I skipped this! We try to get through Houston in the afternoon but Sunday traffic is better than weekday madness down there. Check in at our hotel on the island and Supper at Salsa’s is a tradition for us. Monday Nov 25 We normally have breakfast at the hotel since it is right there and free, however I may try and talk Herself into going to Café Canela. Pancakes are on the menu so the boy will go for it I am sure. This is where I ate in February and the food was fantastic. Absolutely worth a return trip. Then make sure of all our bags, check out and head for Terminal 10. I managed to snag covered parking right across from the terminal this time. We use Discount Cruise Parking and ride their shuttle many times but this spot looks pretty sweet. Speaking of Suites, A Jr doesn’t get all the perks but the Suite lounge at the terminal is one of them we do. So check our bags, through security and up the escalator we go. I don’t think we have any set plans for boarding day but I know boy will want to check out the teen area. HE is excited that he isn’t consigned to the kids in Adventure ocean. He loved his time there but has out grown it. Tuesday Nov 26 Time for my favorite thing about cruising.. _doing nothing_ Yup time to embrace my inner vegetable. Hang out on the rail and mindlessly watch the flying fish. Watch the clouds, cook in a hot tub, Take a nap with the DW. (maybe even sleep) Good chance of Izumi for supper but nothing decided. Wednesday Nov 27 Costa Maya. The Boy actually picked our excursion here. We are going to take the time to see the Chacchoben Ruins. I was sonly to happy to acquiesce to his choice as I am a bit of a history nut. We are booked on the Exclusive Drive tour so not quite so sardine canned into the tour bus this time. Thursday Nov 28 Thanksgiving in Cozumel! We are going to take the Twister boat to Isla de la Passion. Something frivolous and fun after a cultural day ashore. The DW loves the beach and the boy will be trying out his snorkeling gear to start getting ready for his Scouting adventure in the Bahamas. Beach food with pygmy racoons for our Thanksgiving Feast! Friday Nov 29 Back to my favorite cruising activity. Relax on the balcony and watch the sea ignore us as we drift by. Sure we will have to set aside an hour or so to pack up but sea days are awesome no matter what. Sat Nov 30 Back to the chill reality of an incoming Texas winter. Hit the road back home to Arlington with another stop to see the Beaver en-route. I am sure things will shift and change as we get closer. Right now it is still 52 days away. Until then we have new cruise shirts to pack, ducks to label and door magnets to assemble. I know once we get through October Herself will go full steam into packing and planning decorations. Getting close enough though I can almost taste my blueberry nojito!

I got notified of a charge on my Amex card today and I was wondering what the hell was this because I paid off everything Royal Caribbean…. and then find an email that my royal up bid was accepted for my move from a balcony to a grand suite... a grand suite! How awesome is that?!! A grand suite for a solo person. OK so what do I need to know?

Hi everyone, I'll be sailing in Jan 2022, 4D3N on Quantum of the Seas and was wondering if anyone knew what are the minimum bids from a Grand Suite 1 Bedroom to the other suites? (i.e., Grand suite 2 BR, Owner's suite, Sky Loft, Grand Loft, Owner's Loft and Royal Loft) (not sure if I misspelled any of the suite categories but basically anything higher than a GS) It's roughly 6 months to sailing but I'm just REALLY excited because my May 2021 sailing got cancelled due to Covid and I'll be celebrating my graduation this time around. Another thing...after reading about all the wonderful reviews about Star Class, I'M SOLD. It sounds like a great experience but a grad school pay doesn't cover much. Was hoping to "save" some moolah through a RoyalUp (since we're currently in sky class) but I'm not sure how much to bid for. Thanks in advance!

I have never stayed in a suite before (usually just balcony rooms), however because of the pandemic and several cancelled cruises we are considering combining them and go for a suite on one of the new Anthem sailings from the UK. It would probably be one of the smaller suites so I am wondering what the differences are between Junior Suites and a Grand Suite one bedroom as they seem fairly similarly priced from what I can tell. Also what perks do you get through booking a suite as apposed to a standard balcony and is it worth it? Thanks

Just noticed this regarding suites on Radiance of the Seas. Here are the Grand Suite 1 Bedroom and Owner's Suite 1 Bedroom features. Exclusive for Suites is missing from the Grand Suite features. Honest mistake? Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom These luxurous suites offer a comfortable bedroom,separate living area and a private balcony. Beds One queen size bed One double sofa bed Size Stateroom: 532 sq. ft. Balcony: 68 sq. ft. OccupancyUp to 4 guests ViewsOcean view Rooms Room with bed, vanity Living area with double sofa bed Private balcony BathroomsOne bathroom with whirlpool tub, double sink and bidet Exclusive For Suites Priority check-in and departure lounge Concierge Club access VIP seating at the pool deck and theater Priority tender tickets Complimentary luggage valet service Luxury spa bathrobes Complimentary pressing service on formal night Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom Grand Suites offer a comfortable bedroom, a living area, private balcony and extra perks for guests. Beds Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed One double sofa bed Size Stateroom: 385 sq. ft. Balcony: 106 sq. ft. OccupancyUp to 4 guests Views Ocean view Note: Some staterooms have an obstructed view Living Spaces Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa Pivate balcony BathroomsLarge private bathroom and double sink

Hi fellow cruisers! Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on waiting lists for Suites.....do you find that there are many/any cancellations in the lead up to a cruise, say within the last 3 or 4 months?? I would love an Owners Suite and am on a waiting list but I'm wondering whether I will actually get one.....any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated!