Empress B2B 14 nights On The Biggest Little Ship July 2019

[JLMoran]

Here’s hoping that Coco Cay was Practically Perfect in Every Way!

[Greg787]

Took this photo of the Empress docked in Miami just now. 

Thought I’d drop it in this liveblog. 

[Cruzinfun]

I hope your perfect day was great.  This has been an excellent read and reminded me how nice smaller shops are.  I think you've sold me on empress as well.

[twangster]

CocoCay Approach

Today we share CocoCay with Navigator.  She was in position as we approached.

Navigator guests weren't disembarking yet as our Captain slowly and gently brought us to the pier.  

The old tender lagoon has been repurposed.

Thrill Waterpark is pretty hard to miss.

Still well before our scheduled arrival so I went in to have some breakfast. 

[twangster]

Walking past the Shore Excursion desk I noted this sign:

Since I had lots of time I chose Chops for another D+ breakfast.  It was empty today so I took the opportunity to grab some pictures.

Service was quick.

Back to my cabin to get ready to venture out to CocoCay I noted our position and track.

[WAAAYTOOO]

What a beautiful Chops !  I noted that they are not using those horrible ovally-shaped-egglike plates that you usually find in Chops. It is impossible to keep silverware from sliding off those blasted Chops plates.  I know it’s their “signature” but how much do I hate them ?!

[twangster]

CocoCay

Finally on the new pier!

There were several shuttles running back and forth offering rides to guests.

Empress next to her much bigger sister.

Live music welcomed us to Perfect Day.

Oh boy, which way should I go? 

Thrill Waterpark to the right is an exclusive area for those who have purchased a waterpark pass.

Chill Island to the left.

The Galleon for kids is one of the first attractions that's sure to grab the attention of kids.  Since the Galleon is outside of the waterpark it's complimentary.

[WAAAYTOOO]

...and that galleon is so cute !  I wanted to go play on it myself !

[twangster]

When it doubt go straight... to a bar.

Captain Jacks

Captain Jacks overlooks part of the lagoon that used to be where tenders would dock.

Skipper's Grill also shares this side of the lagoon. 

Say hello to my little friends... on the side of the lagoon.

Zip line rides were already beginning.

More on Skipper's grill when lunch is being served later.

[twangster]

Splashaway Bay located outside of Thrill Waterpark is complimentary.  Located sort of between Skipper's Grill and Captain's Jack.

Noted that this kid's waterpark does allow swim diapers.

[twangster]

Oasis Lagoon

There are a couple of ways to reach Oasis Lagoon.  This way having come around through Skipper's Grill or through Chill Island.

It's a massive fresh water pool and it's complimentary.

[twangster]

Oasis Lagoon is pretty massive and there are lots of loungers.  The umbrellas pictured are complimentary.

Showers to rinse off around the pool in various places.

No need to bring life jackets from the ship.

Assistive lift.

This end is like a beach that is walk in.  Mere inches deep at first with a gentle slope towards deeper areas.  The water fountains are begging to be played in and perfect for children.  

[twangster]

Found these complimentary lockers a short walk from Oasis Lagoon

Pick a 4 digit code and lock it up.

 

[twangster]

Oasis Lagoon Cabanas

Here's a quick look at some cabanas before they were occupied.

[DanielB]

On 7/27/2019 at 11:52 AM, twangster said:

New beverage cups on this cruise in honor of Royal's 50th.

As I start the rinse, lather and repeat phase of this B2B I'm going to slow down on posting.  I'm going to wait until day 3 to buy Voom since I'll have cell coverage in Key West tomorrow so I may disappear for a bit.

 

Love these cups, hope they are around in January.

[DanielB]

Thanks for taking along on your journey, it has been wonderful to read and see your adventures.  

 

Cheers

[twangster]

Up, Up and Away

Waiting area for busy days.

Unfortunately it was too windy today.

There is a Tram Station near the entrance to Up, Up and Away. 

My little tour is bringing me back towards Thrill Waterpark.

i didn't purchase a pass to the Thrill Waterpark this time.  I have bought a pass for a future visit at the end of August so for my next few visits to CocoCay I'm sticking to areas that are complementary until I can visit Thrill Waterpark as a participant.

And finally back to the Galleon and pier.

Now it's time to explore the left side of Perfect Day... Chill Island.

[The Cruise Junkie]

17 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

 

@twangster Can You Please Tell Me Where This Shop Is Located. 

[twangster]

Chill Island

For those who have been to CocoCay before Perfect Day, Chill Island will seem very familiar.  To a large degree this is the roots of CocoCay that have grown into Perfect Day.   

The large walkway leads to a bridge that covers the gap where tender boats used to arrive from visiting ships.

Looking back towards the pier.

Looking towards the lagoon where tender boats used to dock.

Not too far from the bridge there was a collection of beach wheelchairs for accessibility.  My understanding is that these are first come, first served.  Up to this point a scooter or wheelchair could have navigated the way here.

The straw market is not far from where it was in the past.

The dive shop remains where it was.

Largely unchanged in places.

Looks like they were set up for some sort of ceremony.

[twangster]

13 minutes ago, Jaymac Radio said:

@twangster Can You Please Tell Me Where This Shop Is Located. 

There is a back entrance to Thrill Waterpark.  

Where I am standing you can see the waterslide tower through the palm tree and the top of the ship to the right in the distance.

Halfway from Up, Up and Away and the pier.

[twangster]

Beach Bungalows that used to be near South Beach have been relocated to the snorkel beach area.  You can see them in the distance at the end of the beach closest to the ships. 

[twangster]

Chill Island Cabanas

These reman where they have been for a several years now before being called Chill Island.

They have added a few more and now they approach the Shore Excursion hut where things like Jet Skis depart from.

[twangster]

Continuing down the beach you'll find the floating bar.

One thing I noted was an abundance of umbrellas that are now complimentary.  In the past umbrellas had a $20 to $25 charge. 

Something I don't recall seeing at CocoCay are Beach Beds.  These have been a feature at Labadee but I don't recall seeing them at CocoCay before.

These are located at the end of the beach area just past the floating bar.  Past this area is closed while Coco Beach Club is being built.  

It also marks the end of the WiFi coverage area.

[twangster]

Wait.  WiFi coverage?   Yes!

If you bought a Voom internet plan on the ship it now works on CocoCay! 

It also works quite well.

Voom on CocoCay uses the new O3b satellite platform used on newer ships such as Oasis and Quantum class and the speeds are very good.

I tried a speed test at two different times and in different locations on the island.

 

At one point I went back to the ship to get some more sunscreen and I wanted to see what results were on the ship while it is docked at CocoCay.

Empress uses the old satellite technology including while it is docked at CocoCay.

Big difference in speed and I'm super impressed that CocoCay has O3b technology powering Voom even though I'm using my Empress Voom plan when Empress uses the older satellite technology.

[twangster]

This area of Chill Island has some activities.

[twangster]

A new addition to CocoCay is the Chill Island Snack Shack.

All CocoCay dining venues now have hand washing stations.

The Snack Shack menu is complimentary.

I came back later when they were open.  Note the two windows in the middle have a platform for kids to order.

The Shack Crispy Chicken Sandwich.  Yum.

I think I found my new default snack on CocoCay.  It was really good.

This sandwich was made in the kitchen within the building.  I had a two minute wait while they prepared it since it was a slow time.  It isn't something from the ship that was cooked hours earlier, it was quite good.

[SpeedNoodles]

The beach beds were at South Beach when I was there last Feb (I was iguana hunting and stumbled across them).  I want to get on Empress SO badly that I may have to talk Mr SpeedNoodles into another cruise somewhere within all of the others we have planned (not that he'd put up much of a fight!).

[twangster]

The Snack Shack and this part of Chill Island is close to the Oasis Lagoon.  

The pool was starting to get busier.

Walking around the other side of Harbor Lagoon I wanted to change, drop off my cameras and go swimming.

At this pre-lunch time walking through Skipper's Grill  I noted there is soft serve ice cream.

As well as a self serve Heineken beer tap (swipe your card).

Captain Jack's was getting busier.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

One thing to note.  This $11 drink became something like $14.38 with gratuity and Bahamas VAT added.  It won't take too many drinks to justify the drink package.

New souvenir cups.

[twangster]

Walking back to the ship...

[twangster]

After lunch I wanted to see how busy it felt with two ships in port so I wandered around and jumped in the pool.  I found some loungers in the second row to throw my stuff on while I checked out the pool.

I had no issues swimming up to the bar and ordering a Margarita.

Around Chill Island it was easy to get loungers, some front row.

The floating bar was very popular.

Back at the Harbor there were loungers to be had.

Despite two ships at Perfect Day I never felt like I couldn't get anything such as food, drinks or a place to relax.  I think it handled the guest count quite well and Coco Beach Club isn't open yet.

[heffy2]

Thank you for another wonderful review! Empress is going to have a TON of new guests now.

[twangster]

With our Perfect Day complete, it was time for us to go.

Navigator first.

Then it was our turn.

With the last of my C&A wines on ice, it was time to pack.  Then to my balcony to enjoy the ocean.

The final night theater production Three Sequins and Feathers was back on but since I'll be back next week and I needed to pack I skipped it.  It's great show.

[twangster]

Day 15 - Miami

A short sail over from CocoCay at 11 knots had us at the pilot station at 6am.  As I was eating a WJ breakfast I saw we were entering the Port of Miami. 

Royal Caribbean's Terminal A as we make our way back to Terminal G.

Louis our Loyalty Ambassador promised to help me get off early in the self assist program and asked me to meet him in the Schooner Bar.   This was also the Key meeting area.

Key departure breakfast in Chops.

The federal authorities allowed us off the ship 15 minutes early starting at 7:45am.  We then waited in the terminal for CBP to open. 

This cruise hot naughty commodity appears to be irons and a few extension cords or power bars.

By 8:06am I was outside hailing a Lyft ride to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport.  

My flight was at 10:20am which is pushing my luck but I can make last minute changes without fees so I pushed my luck today.

By 8:35am I was at the airport.

By 8:45am I was through security and at my gate.

Lyft and Uber pricing to FLL airport.

 

[WannaCruise]

11 hours ago, twangster said:

i didn't purchase a pass to the Thrill Waterpark this time.  I have bought a pass for a future visit at the end of August so for my next few visits to CocoCay I'm sticking to areas that are complementary until I can visit Thrill Waterpark as a participant.

 

Wow...amazing pictures as always.  Gonna show my kids the CoCo Cay ones to get them extra excited for our upcoming cruise.  And looks like I can leave my camera on the ship as you captured enough pictures for me to use for a trip photobook I always create after vacations (just kidding).

What ship are you going on in August?  

[twangster]

Cruise Summary

Don't let the pictures fool you, Empress is not a large ship.  Cabins from interior to suites are not as generous as they are on newer and larger ships. 

In some cases the pullman beds for 3rd and 4th guests that are flush into the ceiling on other ships are mounted externally to the walls.  This is what cruising was like in the mid-80's when she was originally ordered by Admiral Cruises.  Incidentally that is also how Royal Caribbean found themselves in possession of CocoCay - through the acquisition of Admiral Cruises.  It is fitting to visit CocoCay while sailing Empress.

On Empress you'll find a Royal Caribbean ship with all the core cruising essentials and more - a pool, hot tubs, kids splash area, a pool bar, a Viking Crown Lounge, a Windjammer, a Main Dining Room, Chops Grille, Schooner Bar, Boleros, Main Theater entertainment, Casino, game shows, trivia, rock climbing wall, pool deck activities, live music and dancing.

When I booked these cruises I wasn't hesitant about booking B2B or 14 nights on Empress because I know and love this ship.  What I should have done is booked B3B or B4B as some of others that I ran into daily had done.  

Did I miss a Diamond Lounge?  Not really.  The regular top Crown and Anchor members had our regular spot and we would see each other there nightly.  We enjoyed our three free Diamond Happy Hour drinks.  The bartenders took care of us.  

I still maintain that Chops Grille on Empress is the best Chops in the fleet.  Large windows to the sea with great service and great food.  

Without question Boleros on Empress is the best in the fleet.

There is no inherent motion simply because she is a small ship.  Some nights I accidentally left my bathroom door open and it was never swinging or creaking in the night.   

With only 1,840 guests maximum it never feels crowded.  Certain events were popular and well attended but not overly packed.  

Voom.  Like any ship that uses the older satellite technology there are times when Voom struggles on Empress just like it does on other ships that use the old technology.  I hope the IT Manager's request for an O3b upgrade comes through, that would make Empress the perfect ship.  

The new Empress itineraries that include small ship ports look outstanding.   St George's and Hamilton?  Montreal?  Wow!

Perfect Day - just wow!   I'm glad to see the classic CocoCay beach experience remains with Chill Island but with new food and beverage additions.  Oasis Lagoon is massive and really nice. 

The complimentary choices mean you don't have to spend a dime to have a Perfect Day but when you want to AMP up your vacation there are choices like Thrill Waterpark to do so.   Captain Jack's and Skipper's Grill with their patios overlooking the Harbor Lagoon are places where you just want to hang out.  The large paved pathway that circles CocoCay is friendly to accessible needs, much more so than CocoCay ever was before.  

Louis the Loyalty Ambassador once again took great care of me.  With no Diamond Concierge Louis helped to fill that void.  

Julie our Hotel Director put it best.  She is a small ship but she has the biggest heart plus you can get anywhere in 5 minutes or less.  This is a huge benefit of small ship cruising.  The majority of the crew report up through the Hotel Director and If these crew and the great service are a reflection of the Hotel Director then Julie has done an outstanding job on Empress. 

There is a part of me that wants to perpetuate a myth that everyone should avoid this ship.  Only then will prices remain low and I can have her all to myself but that wouldn't be fair to the ship or her crew that make Empress not only the biggest little ship but the Royal ship with the biggest heart.

I hoped you enjoyed following along and I thank you for viewing. 

[Cruising to Retirement!]

1 hour ago, twangster said:

 

I hoped you enjoyed following along and I thank you for viewing. 

I most certainly did very much!!!  You have the unique gift to give us exactly what we want to see that we didn't even know that we wanted to see or ever knew existed!  You make me want to take cruises at least once on all these smaller ships that my husband and I haven't cruised on before!

You most certainly gave the Perfect Wow also to Coco Cay!  We are really excited even more to visit on our upcoming Harmony on Sept. 1st!  

One quick question I remember I believe WAYTOO mentioned a place by Snack shack I believe that made paninis that my husband would love to try.  Did you happen to see paninis on any menu possibly?  Would love to find that venue before we go.  Also thank you so much for taking pictures in so many areas that showed so many complimentary first come first get umbrellas around the entire island including around the pool areas since my husband must limit his sun time!   Last but not least your sunset photos......  Like in Jerry McGuire "You had Me At Sunset".....   Michelle

[Lovetocruise2002]

Great blog again @twangster!  I really enjoyed seeing this ship through the pictures. 

You are right...those new itineraries for Empress look tempting.  Especially the one sailing from Montreal.  My wallet is safe though...still a big ship girl...

[twangster]

23 minutes ago, Cruising to Retirement! said:

One quick question I remember I believe WAYTOO mentioned a place by Snack shack I believe that made paninis that my husband would love to try.  Did you happen to see paninis on any menu possibly?  Would love to find that venue before we go.  

Perhaps at the Chill Grill.  Chill Grill offers the same food options as the Skipper's grill.

They have three Panini type sandwiches.  Portobello & Mushroom, Shaved Rib Eye Cheese Steak and Cuban Sandwich.  The Cuban and Shaved Rib were good.  The Shaved Rib Eye is similar to a Philly Cheesesteak in concept.  I didn't try the Portobello & Mushroom sandwich.

They also have burgers and dogs.

As well as a Taco bar with Corn and Flour Tortillas, Pork, Chicken or Beef Carnitas plus the regular toppings.  

[twangster]

30 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

My wallet is safe though...still a big ship girl...

You can take the girl out of Canada, but you can't take the stubborn out of the girl.  

[jaullram]

I enjoyed your blog very much twangster!  You have me excited for our 7 night Best of Bermuda cruise next summer on Empress!  Can't wait!