CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 As always trying to figure out how to start off another LIVEish. Laying in the room at the Embassy Suites on 17th in Ft. Lauderdale overlooking the port Adventure will soon be docked at. Yesterday (the 4th) was a travel day, sitting on a bus (RedCoach) from 7:30 in the morning until just a bit after 5:00 (versus the scheduled 4:10) in the afternoon. Didn't really have much of an opportunity to move around at the Orlando stopping point. Due to traffic delays outside of Gainesville we were running around 30 or 40 minutes late. As a result when we hit Orlando we were transferred to different bus that immediately left. Good thing for me, not getting to sleep until 4 am allowed me to sleep just about the entire journey. After getting dropped off at the Ft. Lauderdale airport used Lyft XL for the somewhat quick trip from airport to hotel, most of that time I'm sure was spent just getting out of the arrivals area of the airport. For those that are curious about cost: Lyft XL fare (3.64mi, 13m 21s) $19.36. Booked once again the "Premium Suite", sad to report that our friend the vending machine is gone. Been replaced by a snack basket that was left in the room. One of the great things staying in this area is the easy access to a shopping center. With that in mind and a cue from so many in the past wound out having dinner at La Bamba. Wound up ordering the Fiesta Combination that consisted of Chicken Burrito and Chunk Beef Enchilada plus served with yellow rice and refried beans. By the time we left it was getting on the busy side. With some time to kill and wanting to do some walking to help things settle wound up walking down to explore Total Wine. No purchases for onboard consumption, not much of a wine drinker. After a bit headed back to the hotel to enter a blissful food coma for a bit (yes more sleeping) and then finally getting around to posting this. What is to come on Adventure is going to be a new port stop for me, St. Kitts. Prior to St. Kitts a somewhat typical eastern run: Labadee, San Juan, and St. Maarten. This post is in honor to my dear friends the "Premium Suite" vending machines. Your selections will be missed. Lovetocruise2002, ellcee, Traveler and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 Looks like it will be a busy day at Port Everglades. JLMoran, cruiselife, Cathy Drew and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 5, 2019 Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 8 hours ago, CGTLH said: wound out having dinner at La Bamba. One week ago for me! Oh how I love that place! Jealous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 Woohoo! Made it on board. Arriving early dropping off at terminal 29 is somewhat confusing. Check in was smooth other than playing musical chairs. Guess the design of the terminal doesn't allow for an isolated customs path. Heading upstairs we had to walk thru that area. Not too many playing the early arrival game. For anyone keep track, on board by 10:30. cruiselife, Cathy Drew, JLMoran and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 Dining Package observations: On the three night package let you book for any nights. Plus you can use a night for the Sushi class. No requirement for a first or second night booking. Also only offering onboard the three night or Ultimate dining package. Lovetocruise2002 and The Cruise Junkie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josepena12 Posted January 5, 2019 Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 What hotel did you spend the night? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 1 minute ago, josepena12 said: What hotel did you spend the night? Embassy Suites on 17th Street josepena12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 Not overly impressed with Voom so far... Seen worse, but not by much. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlowBro Ty Posted January 5, 2019 Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 14 minutes ago, CGTLH said: Not overly impressed with Voom so far... Seen worse, but not by much. Hey I'm On The Majesty Right Now And The Voom Is So Bad. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 Drink Package Pricing, per person per day. Deluxe $63, Refreshment $29, and Soda $12.99 (add 18% to above prices) Added: Beverage related, ship bars are currently in straw conversion. Some bars have the paper ones and others have the plastic. The Cruise Junkie, FlowBro Ty and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2019 This is a first, post muster drill burgers and hotdogs on the Promenade. WAAAYTOOO, JLMoran, FlowBro Ty and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 5 hours ago, CGTLH said: This is a first, post muster drill burgers and hotdogs on the Promenade. They had this offering on Indy almost every day outside of Sorrento’s, on the Promenade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 49 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: They had this offering on Indy almost every day outside of Sorrento’s, on the Promenade. Interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 Did not have those Promenade options on Adventure in May. Not that we noticed, anyway. Voom was great for us on that sailing. Last day was a bit rough, but I think a lot more people were on making departure plans or using their free day. I had no problems scoping all week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 9 hours ago, CGTLH said: Added: Beverage related, ship bars are currently in straw conversion. Some bars have the paper ones and others have the plastic. I know I’m going to forget to pack my reusable plastic straws and I hate the paper ones! Totally am ok with their decision to change but I’m going to want a good straw for my Miami vices lol! Enjoying reading! Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 So it is Windjammer Recon time. After stepping foot inside of Windjammer it amazed me how close in design it was to Freedom's. Some elements are missing, reversed, or even non existent. Walking in has the what is now becoming standard hand washing stations. What I found unique was how the sinks designed. They were a combination faucet and hand dryer. My personal preference is still towards paper towels. After washing my hands I have to have them bone dry, can't stand having damp hands, for whatever reason I can never fully get my hands dried to my standards with an air dryer. After entering your first stop is the salad bar. On Freedom this would be some seating and the bar. Heading along towards the back it what would be called Jade on Freedom. Don't think this has a name here on Adventure. Just prior to entering the back half is a Freestyle machine, beverage station, and a small cold station. Entering the second half has a hot line that for the most part wraps the back side all the way to the other side. This is the area where normally have the burgers, hot dogs and pizza. Pizza seemed to be only at the starboard side line. Just before reaching the seating in the back is the dessert island, same element as Freedom. Compared to Freedom, Adventure doesn't have the hot food islands in the back. Finally in the back seating area is a full service bar. So after all that Windjammer talk, time for some pictures of tonight's delights. Theme was Italian, and it was posted in the Compass, with a live pasta station. This was the small selection of Italian delights. Like the nice touch of the portioned servings. Moving to the back section was the Pasta live station (sorry no pictures), grill, Indian. Then moving to the other side pizza and burgers. Pizza was just to the left of the burgers. At night the burgers were hand formed while during lunch it was the bulk made frozen style patties. Finally the dessert island. Not pictured on the back side were cookies, more fruit, a hot dessert, plus gluten free items. Didn't try it, but the pie on the far left looked like a smaller version of the Key Lime Meringue pie from Chops. cruiselife, Lovetocruise2002, The Cruise Junkie and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 Some first day thoughts... Love finally getting the chance to see origin story for the Freedom class. Odd being able to see the Promenade from end to end, so small compared to the Oasis class ones. Gal in the Pub had some entertaining not kid safe songs (check out the quick Scope). Finally, clocks are changed early morning day 2. mom2mybugs, The Cruise Junkie and cruiselife 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 I’m not putting the pictures in but your windjammer post made me hungry! I have been on freedom 2x and adventure 1x before refurb. I found them alike more than not. I think I will see a huge difference when I go on my first oasis class (allure) in March. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 7 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: I’m not putting the pictures in but your windjammer post made me hungry! I have been on freedom 2x and adventure 1x before refurb. I found them alike more than not. I think I will see a huge difference when I go on my first oasis class (allure) in March. Jane Yeah, going from Freedom to an Oasis class is a jump. Oasis class does have some common design elements. But for the most part it is new territory. mom2mybugs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjac Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 7 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: when I go on my first oasis class (allure) in March Jane, We have been on the Allure four times in the past couple of years and will go again in the future. Here's a neat thing, after the muster immediately head to deck 14, go to the port side all the way forward, through the sliding glass door and out onto the viewing deck. You will be standing over the bridge and can actually walk out onto the "wings". Great view for sailing our of the port. Word of caution, it is VERY windy! Enjoy your cruise. mom2mybugs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 Think @Matt said it best to me on the Brilliance cruise, "Sea days make boring writing up days." or something along those lines. Today was case and point, so far. This morning was the Suite and Pinnacle reception in Geovanni's. Nice little spread I would have taken pictures of it had I remembered to put my memory card back in the camera. Either was write up is fine. Selections include some of the sushi offerings from Izumi, crab cakes, lamb chops, chicken lollipops, spinach manicotti, beef fillets, plus an assortment of desserts. Afterwards headed back to the room and essentially went back to sleep. Finally woke up again and headed up to the Suite Lounge and was presented with some of the same items for the cocktail hour. Right now, back in the room watching the sun set. JLMoran, Skigoofy, cruiselife and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted January 6, 2019 Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 @CGTLH What Suite Are You Staying In Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2019 57 minutes ago, Twangster Fan said: @CGTLH What Suite Are You Staying In In a Grand Suite The Cruise Junkie, Lovetocruise2002 and FlowBro Ty 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 10 hours ago, rjac said: Jane, We have been on the Allure four times in the past couple of years and will go again in the future. Here's a neat thing, after the muster immediately head to deck 14, go to the port side all the way forward, through the sliding glass door and out onto the viewing deck. You will be standing over the bridge and can actually walk out onto the "wings". Great view for sailing our of the port. Word of caution, it is VERY windy! Enjoy your cruise. I remember you mentioned this... It sounds sooo cool. I'm going to try it for at least 1 sailaway. If it's warm enough I will try Miami! I'm a wimp for sure with cold! Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjac Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Just now, mom2mybugs said: If it's warm enough I will try Miami! Deck 14 on the Allure departing Miami would be AWESOME, just bundle up or find some big fat guy to hug you! The Cruise Junkie and mom2mybugs 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Seems I was a bit on the busy side last night and never had the chance to post an evening update before zonking out. Was talking about the combo faucet/hand dryer sinks, this is a picture of them. Entering each side has three or four of them. Once again no paper towels in sight. There is also the usual hand sanitizer stations. This is a combination picture: The coffee machines in the Diamond and Suite Lounge aren't available 24 hours, only from 6 am until 9 pm. Plus the one in the Diamond Lounge is currently out of service. As a result the Diamond Lounge folks have the option to visit Cafe Promenade for specialty coffee. Lovetocruise2002, The Cruise Junkie and FlowBro Ty 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 16 hours ago, CGTLH said: Think @Matt said it best to me on the Brilliance cruise, "Sea days make boring writing up days." or something along those lines. Sea days are fun and relaxing days, but make for really boring live blogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 1 minute ago, CGTLH said: This is a combination picture: The coffee machines in the Diamond and Suite Lounge aren't available 24 hours, only from 6 am until 9 pm. Plus the one in the Diamond Lounge is currently out of service. As a result the Diamond Lounge folks have the option to visit Cafe Promenade for specialty coffee. My wife would love this "problem" since she prefers flavored coffee and Diamond Lounge does not provide that. Thus, free specialty coffee in Cafe Promenade would be quite the upgrade for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 On 1/5/2019 at 2:11 AM, CGTLH said: sitting on a bus (RedCoach) When you get home, would love to hear more about RedCoach experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Just now, Matt said: Sea days are fun and relaxing days, but make for really boring live blogs Knew it was something along that line. Wasn't confident about the live blog part. Then again at times I don't remember much from that sailing... Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Next up is the Windjammer recon from last night, theme was Asian. Live station was a mongolian, with the live station they were handing out pagers if you wanted to wait elsewhere while your creation was being prepared. Also with the live stations it hasn't been DIY, your tell the crew member what you would like and they place it on the plate to be prepared. First up will be some bread, this is when you first walk into Windjammer, just to the right is the salad bar. Next up the Asian offerings DIY soup station, had beef broth or chicken broth. Shame not having any noodles to add. Finally a giant pan of what I think was flan. Next up the offerings at the grill station plus a slight peek at the mongolian offerings Same offerings with pizza and burgers as yesterday. Did forget about the build your own taco station. Finally the dessert selection for the night Firemanswife2, The Cruise Junkie, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Windjammer photos = nothing in my house is good enough now JLMoran, mom2mybugs, rjac and 2 others 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pima1988 Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 I am going to have to remember to make sure that on the Asian night I let my stomach rule...nothing is better to me than leftover Chinese food after a few too many drinks! In essence, since we do late dinner seating I am not going to do my usual WJ hit, instead I will do a plate of Chinese to place in the cooler. Plus, it looks like last night was desserts in a cup. One of my favorites. mom2mybugs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 My current view JLMoran, ellcee, Baked Alaska and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Following along as looking at possibly an Adventure cruise in November.....wondering if the rooms were upgraded with the update in 2016? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Not sure what everyone else's lunch options were but these were mine on Barefoot Beach in Labadee... In shocking logic, they finally placed the burger and hotdog setup in order. Bun, protein, and toppings. Not wanting the classics. Just pick from some of the other options. Corn, potatoes, rice, and BBQ sauce. Lamb chops, minute steaks, grilled chicken, and jerk chicken. BBQ chicken, ribs, and salmon with lemon butter sauce. Finally mac and cheese and seafood skewers. For a waste of plastic, trays with an oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookie. Not shown were some rolls and leftover christmas cookies. Skigoofy, The Cruise Junkie, cruiselife and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Just now, monctonguy said: Following along as looking at possibly an Adventure cruise in November.....wondering if the rooms were upgraded with the update in 2016? Will say the suite I'm in has the new "wavy" style carpet. The Cruise Junkie, cruiselife, Baked Alaska and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTE Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Thanks for the updates. Will be at Labadee in 3 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted January 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Some pictures from roaming around Labadee, didn't go over to Nellie's Beach or Columbus Cove. Skigoofy, Lovetocruise2002, ellcee and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTE Posted January 7, 2019 Report Share Posted January 7, 2019 Nice Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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