Matt Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 Practice what you preach is what they say (whoever "they" are), so I'm dipping my toes into the fabulous Live Blogs forum of the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards! We're headed on Brilliance of the Seas for a 4-night weekend getaway cruise and I usually post my live blogs on the blog portion of this site, but, I decided to do things a little differently this time because I've blogged this particular ship and sailing a few times already. Instead, I'm taking my talents to the message boards to show some love for what I believe is a vastly underrated and extremely entertaining feature of this blog! Our cruise departs the fabulous port of Tampa on February 14 and on this sailing, it will be just me and my wife.....and @ShakeDownCruise's family. We originally booked our kids on this sailing with us. Kids Sail Free was in full effect, so we put a deposit down. As it turns out, I convinced my parents to fly down and watch the kids so it will be just me and my wife enjoying this quick sailing. Fun fact, my kids are still technically booked on this sailing because we got kids sail free, so removing them from the reservation seemed pointless. Plus, gives me a safety net if my parents reneged on the plan. We booked a category 1B Spacious Balcony stateroom on deck 9. We picked this room primarily under the guise of my kids sailing with us, but now we will enjoy some extra space and the ocean views my wife enjoys. In my experience, I barely spend time on the balcony on most cruises. If I am going to lay out, I prefer the pool deck for the music and people watching. Our 4-night itinerary takes us to one port, Cozumel. While I went to Cozumel six times in 2018, this will be one and only stop in Cozumel in 2019. I will be sure to eat as much chips, salsa and guacamole as humanly possible. Nothing booked yet on what we will do, but we have some time to figure it out. In the weeks left until this cruise, I will take some cues from some of the awesome live bloggers here, such as @ellcee, @melski94, @JLMoran, @Lovetocruise2002 & @twangster. Guy Gadwa, ellcee, JLMoran and 13 others 14 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 2 minutes ago, Matt said: In the weeks left until this cruise, I will take some cues from some of the awesome live bloggers here, such as @JLMoran Cue #1 -- Don't blabber on as much as I do, at least not if there aren't pictures to break up the Tolkien-esque narrative! Seriously, I re-read my live blogs and say to myself, "God almighty, SHUT UP AND LET THE PICS DO THE TALKING!" @Lovetocruise2002 and @twangster are far better at describing beautifully while keeping the actual words minimal. rjac, SpeedNoodles, Lovetocruise2002 and 6 others 1 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Keeble Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 Lots of different pictures would be great and some more thoughts on the ship that we do not normally see on the blog. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 Whoa! In the words of the Monty Python... "And now for something completely different". Matt, betatke1480, WAAAYTOOO and 4 others 2 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraodonnell86 Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 I've just recently "found" the message boards on this wonderful website so I'm excited to follow along with your live blog. WAAAYTOOO, mom2mybugs, Matt and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 7 minutes ago, JLMoran said: Cue #1 -- Don't blabber on as much as I do, at least not if there aren't pictures to break up the Tolkien-esque narrative! Note to self, never begin live blog posts with "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Got it! 6 minutes ago, J_Keeble said: Lots of different pictures would be great and some more thoughts on the ship that we do not normally see on the blog. 6 minutes ago, twangster said: Whoa! In the words of the Monty Python... "And now for something completely different". Gotta keep you all on your toes. 3 minutes ago, lauraodonnell86 said: I've just recently "found" the message boards on this wonderful website so I'm excited to follow along with your live blog. These message boards are so fun. I think you'll love it, Laura! J_Keeble, ellcee, Guy Gadwa and 5 others 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 2 minutes ago, Matt said: Note to self, never begin live blog posts with "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Got it! Deedeelynn, Matt and SpeedNoodles 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 Whoa...starting this blog a little early aren’t we? Excited much? I agree with @J_Keeble, ship pics would be great. I have not sailed Brilliance since 2005 so pics would be great before revisiting her for the blog GC in 2020. J_Keeble 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 Well Now @Matt Favorite Ship Is The Brilliance.....Or Is It Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 I’ve never sailed on Brilliance. Can’t wait for the group cruise ! Deedeelynn and Lovetocruise2002 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaya luvs to cruz Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 Our first cruise with Royal was sailing the Mediterranean for 12-days on the Brilliance in October 2004. It was amazing. Can't wait to read your blog and see your pics. Might be motivated to try her again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 4 minutes ago, yaya luvs to cruz said: Our first cruise with Royal was sailing the Mediterranean for 12-days on the Brilliance in October 2004. That sounds exactly like our cruise on her in 2005! That 12 night Med cruise was one of my favourite vacations of all time. yaya luvs to cruz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 5 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: That sounds exactly like our cruise on her in 2005! That 12 night Med cruise was one of my favourite vacations of all time. ooohhh….I am so excited to go in July! We are repeating on Vision, so I wish I was trying a different ship just because that is always fun. Vision was my very first cruise only 4 years ago, though, and I'm anxious to get back on and see if I remember things correctly! Jane Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneyraven Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 106 Days till our Brilliance Cruise .... MUST follow along..... I may have to "borrow" a few pics to share on our group page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 17 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Whoa...starting this blog a little early aren’t we? Excited much? 16 hours ago, Twangster Fan said: Well Now @Matt Favorite Ship Is The Brilliance.....Or Is It 13 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I’ve never sailed on Brilliance. Can’t wait for the group cruise ! That group cruise is going to be awesome. I can't wait to go to Canada and see all the igloos! 13 hours ago, yaya luvs to cruz said: Our first cruise with Royal was sailing the Mediterranean for 12-days on the Brilliance in October 2004. It was amazing. Can't wait to read your blog and see your pics. Might be motivated to try her again. Brilliance has grown on me quite a bit. It's a fun ship! 1 hour ago, coneyraven said: I may have to "borrow" a few pics to share on our group page. The Cruise Junkie, coneyraven, JLMoran and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted January 4, 2019 Report Share Posted January 4, 2019 Well This Is Way To Early To Ask This But....... Would You Please Take Some Photos Of The Mini Golf And The Arcade. FlowBro Ty, J_Keeble and coneyraven 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 On 1/4/2019 at 10:17 AM, Twangster Fan said: Well This Is Way To Early To Ask This But....... Would You Please Take Some Photos Of The Mini Golf And The Arcade. Can do. If I forget once sailing goes, please remind me in this thread. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted January 10, 2019 Report Share Posted January 10, 2019 I love Brilliance! Sadly, it doesn't look like we'll be making it back on her until at least 2020. Looking forward to following your trip along - it seems like you always have a different adventure in Cozumel. At least I have Enchantment to take me to Cozumel in a few months! Already booked Nachi! Boston Babe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneyraven Posted January 10, 2019 Report Share Posted January 10, 2019 6 minutes ago, KLA said: I love Brilliance! Sadly, it doesn't look like we'll be making it back on her until at least 2020. Looking forward to following your trip along - it seems like you always have a different adventure in Cozumel. At least I have Enchantment to take me to Cozumel in a few months! Already booked Nachi! Can't wait to get to Nachi in April .... it'll be our first time there. Cruzinfun and Boston Babe 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted January 10, 2019 Report Share Posted January 10, 2019 16 minutes ago, coneyraven said: Can't wait to get to Nachi in April .... it'll be our first time there. Super excited to hear how you guys like it - it's one of me and my husband's favorite places. The last time we were there was on our honeymoon, and we've been super excited to get back. The last time we were in Cozumel we went to Mr. Sancho's, and I don't think I'll ever go there again. I'd try Chakanaab or Sky Reef or Paradise Beach before I'd try it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 10, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2019 4 hours ago, KLA said: I love Brilliance! Sadly, it doesn't look like we'll be making it back on her until at least 2020. October 2020 for the group cruise??????? Deedeelynn and coneyraven 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 15 hours ago, Matt said: October 2020 for the group cruise??????? Maybe I'll just show up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 45 minutes ago, KLA said: Maybe I'll just show up ....again? FlowBro Ty, KLA and rjac 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 Just booked a Brilliance cruise yesterday. Thanksgiving 2019. It was on the list of "free" cruises that I received yesterday from Club Royale...so why not ? So now we will be doing our FIRST EVER Side to Side (S2S). We will be on Brilliance 25-30 November, then drive down to Miami to catch Oasis (hopefully disease-free by then !) on 1 Dec - STAR CLASS <balloons drop, confetti falls from the sky !!> (also a [upgraded] free cruise from Club Royale !). Dan isn't real excited about the 4 hour drive from Tampa to Miami but he'll get over it. We will do some relocation recon while we're down there. He has decided that he wants SOUTH Florida for retirement. Come on, Oct 2020.... June_B, JLMoran, Lovetocruise2002 and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Just booked a Brilliance cruise yesterday. Thanksgiving 2019. Nice! Have done that sailing before and its great. How many nights is your sailing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: He has decided that he wants SOUTH Florida for retirement. Come on, Oct 2020 Now you will cruise 3 times per month then. The Cruise Junkie and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 2 hours ago, Matt said: Nice! Have done that sailing before and its great. How many nights is your sailing? 5 nights. Going to Key West and Coz. Monday - Friday. I have a feeling that the Monday-Fri itins aren't as popular as those that are over a weekend. Probably why this one was on "sale" on the casino list ! It worked out perfectly though, for us, since we were already on Oasis on Sunday, Dec. 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglesfaninfl Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 9 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: 5 nights. Going to Key West and Coz. Monday - Friday. I have a feeling that the Monday-Fri itins aren't as popular as those that are over a weekend. Probably why this one was on "sale" on the casino list ! It worked out perfectly though, for us, since we were already on Oasis on Sunday, Dec. 1. We are also on this cruise next November. Having cruised over Thanksgiving the last three years on Brilliance, I know you will enjoy the ship. Unfortunately, the Christmas decorations generally don't go up until the Friday after turkey day, so we probably miss out on that. Also the the Tampa-Miami trip is not too bad until you pass FLL, and that last part down 95 is pretty awful...but, you are headed for another cruise, so you have that workin' for ya!! WAAAYTOOO and June_B 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannaCruise Posted January 12, 2019 Report Share Posted January 12, 2019 Cruises with the family are great, but it's also nice to get away as a couple sometimes. DH and I did that in December on Indy (also 4 night with Cozumel). First time enjoying solarium and Quest together. Looking forward to following along. Lovetocruise2002 and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 12, 2019 Report Share Posted January 12, 2019 33 minutes ago, WannaCruise said: Cruises with the family are great, but it's also nice to get away as a couple sometimes. Totally agree. Hubby and I make it a point to take one cruise each year without the kids or anyone else. WannaCruise, FlowBro Ty and mom2mybugs 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2019 As an update, here's what I've pre-booked for this sailing. I usually wait to pre-book most purchases until the particular sailing I'm going on is my next sailing. Call me crazy, but most pre-cruise purchases don't usually sell out and for budgetary reasons, I prefer to give myself more time to split up my purchases. Here's what I've got so far: Voom internet package Do I need to explain this purchase? Deluxe Beverage Package I'm the world's biggest flip-flopper on deciding if a drink package makes sense for me. I seem to buy it every other sailing. Ultimately I purchased it because no kids with us on this sailing and pre-purchasing means being able to budget my drinks far more effectively. Cozumel We've looked at a few different options for what to do here but have not settled on anything. Since Brilliance will be one of two ships in port (along with the Carnival Valor), I'm not too worried about anything booking up. My wife reminds me that since we have the drink package, we would be better off visiting a spot like Paradise Beach rather than investing in an all-inclusive. mom2mybugs, Deedeelynn, SpeedNoodles and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2019 3 more days! JLMoran, tdcackler, coneyraven and 9 others 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 Lovetocruise2002, cruiselife and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arebee Posted February 12, 2019 Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 34 minutes ago, Matt said: Just saw on Bay News 9 that Tampa isn't allowing anyone from the Orlando area in for the next 3 weeks........................ rjac, mworkman, Vacation Crazy and 4 others 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 12, 2019 Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 28 minutes ago, arebee said: Just saw on Bay News 9 that Tampa isn't allowing anyone from the Orlando area in for the next 3 weeks........................ Did they finish that wall barrier early? rjac, mom2mybugs, WAAAYTOOO and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vacation Crazy Posted February 12, 2019 Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 Brilliance was our first cruise and where the addiction began! Have a great time. I'll be following. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 One more day!!!! My parents arrive today to watch the kids and we briefly considered staying in Tampa tonight just to start our vacation a bit early, but ultimately decided against it. Staying here would allow some extra time to get ready....and time to actually spend with my folks. One mistake I've already made is neither my wife nor I remembered to print out our SetSail Pass. This has occurred in the past, and it just means some extra time during check-in. So let this be a reminder for everyone to print out your SetSail pass before it's too late. Plan is to hit the road around 9am tomorrow morning. Should take us a little over an hour to get there. I already informed my wife I'd prefer to be in Tampa by 9am, but I got "the look". Traveler, ellcee, FlowBro Ty and 7 others 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marti314 Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 "Plan is to hit the road around 9am tomorrow morning. Should take us a little over an hour to get there. I already informed my wife I'd prefer to be in Tampa by 9am, but I got "the look"." Perhaps you can convince your wife its gator season and traffic could be snarled because of Gator Crossings on the across the state trip The Cruise Junkie, cruiselife, mom2mybugs and 3 others 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 13 minutes ago, marti314 said: Perhaps you can convince your wife its gator season and traffic could be snarled because of Gator Crossings on the across the state These are real concerns and it would be irresponsible of me to put our vacation in jeopardy due to gators melmar02, WAAAYTOOO, FlowBro Ty and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlowBro Ty Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 On 1/7/2019 at 9:59 AM, Matt said: please remind me On 1/4/2019 at 10:17 AM, Jaymac Radio said: Would You Please Take Some Photos Of The Mini Golf And The Arcade. Matt and The Cruise Junkie 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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