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CGTLH

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Greetings from Nassau!

I've been wanting to do an experiment with my cell provider Sprint. A nice feature of my plan is complimentary slow data and text messaging when traveling to many international locations. In the case of the Bahamas, calls are 25 cents a minute.

After taking my device (Samsung Galaxy S10+) out of airplane mode a few moments later I get a message explaining service.

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So I ran a speed test with results of what I'd call low-speed data.

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Checked the signal information to satisfy my inner nerd.

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Next up was the experiment, spending $5 to upgrade my data experience. Was a very simple process.

Clicked on the link in my text message and was presented with a page offering two plans. Single day for $5 or a week for $25.

Picked the $5 option and agreed to the terms and conditions.

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Within a minute I received a message confirming my purchase. Just to verify I ran another speed test with somewhat improved performance.

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Plan for tomorrow is test things out on CocoCay.

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Back to the cruise experience...

Taking advantage of the complimentary room service breakfast I left the door tag out. Delivery was about 15 minutes earlier than expected.

Couldn't remember from previous experiences if they called prior to delivery. This case no call was made, just a knock on the door. Order was left but it was later discovered that a handwritten request was missing. Figured give room service a call to inform them part of the order was missing. That was the point when I discovered why a pre-delivery call wasn't placed. The phone isn't working in the room, yes it is plugged in.

Surprisingly a bit later another knock at the door and they were delivering the missing item. Kudos that they figured out the order wasn't complete and they caught it and corrected.

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Today was probably the first time I've never gotten off the ship when docked. I just didn't have any plans. Walking around the ship in the afternoon it seemed many stayed on as well.

Did have one mission, try to capture the sunset. However it seemed the clouds had plans to obstruct a direct view.

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Current situation is enjoying some snacks in the Suite Lounge prior to dinner.

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Nice touch having the hot items already on a skewer.

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Remainder of the night in a nutshell...

Dinner in Windjammer

Back to the room to charge up my phone

Windjammer recon, evening snacks edition

Adult beverage prior to The Quest

The Quest, had some new to me material

Few adult beverages in the Pub

Witnessed the Pub guitarist get shut down for the night. Go figure everyone shows up 10 minutes before 1 am.

Casino time at the Craps table ($10 minimum for pass line, $25 for double odds, $50 for 2-3-5 odds)

Snack at Cafe Promenade

Back to the Casino for three card poker, casino closed at 4am.

Snack at Cafe Promenade, pizza stopped at 3 am. Listened to an argument over someone wanting salami and their partner not wanting them to get it.

Then finally this post...

 

While is was a slow day it quickly became a busy evening. Hard to believe it is now officially the last day of the cruise.

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11 minutes ago, mpoole3 said:

I like that room, so much room based on the pictures.

It is a great room. Location might not be ideal at times. It is in a quiet area of the ship. Every now and then you'll have some over jubilant mini golf players above.

15 minutes ago, mpoole3 said:

Also let me know if you need help sprinting from sprint! lol

My opinion of Sprint might change depending on if my plan is kept post merger.

I do appreciate the offer.

16 minutes ago, mpoole3 said:

Enjoy Coco Cay today! 

Thanks, already can't wait to go back and I haven't even left.

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Back on the ship and finally busted out the laptop for some photo consolidation.

I have to say it has been great being able to see the progress the CocoCay has made.

 

Starting off with the infamous tower and sign 

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Some photo editing freedom...

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Skipper's Grill with Up, Up, and Away

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Oasis Lagoon 

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Bathrooms over by Oasis Lagoon, notice the lockers

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Closeup of the lockers, all use a settable PIN code and are of no cost.

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Some of the beach beds, close by the area of the floating bar.

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Loved the sign warning that you're entering a WIFI dead zone.

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Construction barrier for the Coco Beach Club work

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Only noticeable construction feature. You could hear some noise, but I wouldn't call it bothersome.

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Always nice getting back to an empty ship

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Boy do these three day sailings fly by. Adding to the fast pace dynamics is every day being a port day.

One major accomplishment was finally bumping into @CHRIS WONG. Great guy and a pleasure to chat with. Had some interesting things to mention some of the unknown benefits. If you haven't already check out his channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgWpP7nDIIS_NMiEVH0R1g

Also finally earned the mark of shame for breaking a glass. Guess I missed the edge of a counter by just a hair.

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Good thing, glass only had ice in it.

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Not sure if this is yet another pizza iteration or just a case of just get by until 3am...

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Just odd, never seen Cafe Promenade/Sorrentos pizza that wasn't round.

 

On the subject of pizza, another first. Right after the 80's Dance Party on the Promenade, Cafe Promenade was doing what I'd call "Express Pizza". Up on the counter was already plated slices. Just grab and go.

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Also on this segment I'll be taking advantage of the Unlimited Dining Package.

The only traditional venue open for lunch boarding day is Chops. Unless you count Playmakers and The Bamboo Room for their snack offerings.

Meal started off with some bread, pretzel rolls and think an onion roll

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Next up was the carpaccio

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Finally the caesar salad with filet. Note for this they had brought out an entire filet, for ease and presentation I did some carving.

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This time around I passed on dessert. Figured I'll have a few more opportunities. On another note Chops had a good crowd, work estimate 10 to 12 tables were occupied. Only negative I could point out was the use of a single waiter and and assistant.

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As night comes upon Marine the difference between a 3 night and 4 night sailing start to become more vivid. Crowd in general seems to be more towards either the older side or those with young children.

Some obvious observations just in how the bar crowds seem to be. Prior to muster in the Pub the crowd must have been three deep, this sailing very few. Post muster the largest crowd was at the Freestyle machine. As the evening progressed the bar crowds seemed a bit lacking. One the flip side it did seem Windjammer was a bit more crowded early on.

 

Now for some "Diamond Plus" issues... At the 340 point mark one of the options you can get for a gift is four large bottles of S. Pellegrino water. Problem is these bottles have a pry off cap. It seem gone are the days where a bottle opened happened to be integrated in to the counter. So this was mentioned to the Concierge. Some how this is what the solution that was delivered while at dinner.

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Note those Heineken seem to be a gift that no one can figure out why. Previous sailings when speaking with the Loyalty Ambassador have resulted in confusion. Each time the LA states they don't see any record for the beer. My own personally mystery, who stocked the bucket with ice and placed the beers in it.

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Now on the subject of dinner, tonight was sitting at the sushi bar/counter at Izumi

Shrimp Firecracker Spring Roll

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Tuna Wasabi

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Assorted Sashimi Combo

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Champagne Yuzu Lobster Roll

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Izumi Spider Roll

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Never be afraid to ask for subutitions. Great example is calamari and possibly octopus doesn't agree with me. As such I always request to have octopus substituted on the combo.  Same thing applies with minor ommisions with rolls and such.

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Raining, day is no longer Perfect.

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Thought Royal owned this island. Why can't they do anything about the weather.

/sarcasm mode off

 

On another note Oasis Lagoon wasn't that busy at 12:30.

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Even Skipper's Grill wasn't that busy.

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Doing some research I did discover you could walk all the way to the Snack Shack without having to cross sand or any steps. Only catch is you have walk around the smaller section of Oasis Lagoon.

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