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Will there be Harmony before an Odyssey? Nov 7th-12th, Nov 13th-19th


Ampurp85

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Day 14........

I am starting this about 2 weeks before I set sail. I am doing a S2S spending 5n on Harmony and then 6N on Odyssey. I originally had Odyssey booked but changed the date around due to some Covid stuff.  I wanted one more double C&A points sailing, bonus was that it goes to both Labadee and PDCC. I added the Harmony sailing on my Navigator sailing this past September after realizing I had the time available. Plus, if am going to fly, might as well make it work my while. I will be solo on Harmony and joined by family and friends on Odyssey.

Last year I introduced my BFF, his mother, my brother and my mother to cruising. They loved it so much they decided it should be an annual thing. It was five of us last year and this year the number has jumped to seven thanks to word of mouth. It looks like it will be closer to ten next year, with plans to sail from Galveston for the first time. My BFF brother and my mother's best friend will be joining us for this sailing. My mother's bff has only sailed Carnival and is looking forward to trying Royal. 

These sailings will be my first "budget" sailings. My family/friends have been watching the Royal Caribbean YouTube channel and want to try Star class. I know I might have to foot the bill for 9-10 people, so I had to make some hard decisions. 

 

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So, I thought I had learned my lesson after the first group vacation: don't plan for anyone and just do my own thing. There were a lot of hiccups and miscommunications on our October Allure 2021 sailing. But by the end everyone was planning to take cruises with others......with the exception of my BFF who, with his newly minted passport, wanted to try more international vacations. He vowed to cruise again some time in 2025.

I booked Odyssey as a solo, then my mother was like she wants to come and bring her best girlfriend and she would take over the planning. She and my BFF's mother have become good friends, so she invited her and then BFF decided to come. That planning never happened. So, the planning of this cruise vacation has been a flustercuck. I am a "book when you see a price you like" girl. I booked several things that I was forced/guilted into cancelling and now just weeks from sailing, they are all sold out or priced too high.

I had a Chill island Cabana booked that I got for a nice $549. The UDP was $186pp with grats and I was able to get the DX for those who drink at $68/D and the refreshment package for $23/D for those of us who don't. I brought the multi-device surf and stream. Everything was amazingly priced. Well, they all got together and made a complete mess of things. First my mother told them we booked a suite. That suite was booked for another sailing she was taking with me, reading is fundamental.  So, she went into cruise planner and cancelled the cabana because they would have rather sit on the suite deck then go to PDCC. Unfortunately, because I had gotten things on such a good sale, I didn't realize the Cabana had been cancelled until the Memorial Day sale when I reprice the DX. At that point the same Cabana was almost $900, today its $1100, so it has doubled. I couldn't care less about the cabana, they wanted it, but I didn't find out why she cancelled until 2 weeks ago.

Then they decided no to the UDP..........based on the "fact" they would be going to CK. They wanted to eat at a specialty restaurant once or twice because the main restaurant and buffet would be enough.  I said fine I will cancel everyone's but mine. I literally spent an hour on a 3-way call with them complaining about how since we are traveling together, we can at least eat together. So, I relented and settled on Chops+1. I kept telling them that MDR food is basic, the UDP will pay for itself in all the lunch/midnight trips to Playmakers alone. They kept saying they wanted to save money and there were enough restaurants included with our fare. They informed me they wanted the UDP probably a day after the price of the dining packages when up. At $265, it is not a good deal. That is almost a $90 price difference.

As stated, most of them said after the Allure cruise they would book something themselves. My BFF's mom decided to take her other son and his family on a cruise this past September on Symphony. She was not happy. She didn't plan anything. She had a 2pm check-in, she couldn't see any shows and she thought the food in the MDR was bland and unsatisfactory. He had the time of his life as he never cruised before. They decided to invite him along and I had to scramble to get him a room and factor him into already made plans. He caught the bug and has had everyone watching YouTube videos by this blog and Harr Travel. Now they all have caviar taste on tuna budgets, wanting not just the bells and whistles but suites and Genies.

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Okay so details....

For the very first time I am flying Southwest. 

I continue to commit the cardinal sin of flying in the day of the cruise. I only do this because I fly solo and it is always the first flight of the day. FLL is so close to Port Everglades you can see it. Since I am doing 2 cruises, I will be checking a bag. I did pay for Early Bird, so I hope to do okay with picking my seat.

Ship: Harmony of the Seas- Nov 7Nov 12, 2022

  • FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
  • PUERTO COSTA MAYA, MEXICO
  • COZUMEL, MEXICO

Room: GTY Interior........not assigned.

I found out around the end of Aug that I would actually have a light work month for Nov. I decided to tack on an extra cruise when I was on my Sept Nav of seas sailing. I booked this one with NextCrusie, as it was already past FP, the pickings were slim. As I stated my family is obsessed with Star class now, so I couldn't justify almost $2000 for a balcony on a 5N sailing.  That meant I booked my first ever GTY interior. I have not been assigned a room, but I hope I don't get a studio as I want my double C&A points for being solo. I also have some RU bids in as I got the email about 2 days after booking back in Sept.

Since I am both Diamond and Prime, I decided to forgo any beverage package. The UDP was sold out, but I did book a 3N dining package with current plans to do my favorite 150CP, then Wonderland..........yes who would have thunk that! and Jamie's. I have Izumi's booked as a specialty lunch. I got Surf and Stream for $12/d and that trumps my Prime internet discount and Diamond free day. Most of the excursions were sold out, so I might just spend my time getting prime for next year.

1 Night stay at the hotel for 7 people across 3 rooms

Hotel

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port2081 Griffin Road Fort Lauderdale FL 33312 US

I let my mother attempt some of the planning and she chose a bad one. I found this one and have heard good things. Hopefully it is and there is no bad juju. 

Ship: Odyssey of the Seas Nov 13Nov 19, 2022

  • FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
  • PERFECT DAY COCOCAY, BAHAMAS
  • FALMOUTH, JAMAICA
  • LABADEE, HAITI

Rooms: Obstructed Balconies 6292, 6296, 6300 and Interior 8277

I let my mother choose the rooms and she chose the cheapest ones. I was fine with that as I plan to explore the ship and casino. The only thing was the rooms were originally spaced because of Covid. It would have been nice to be able to open the dividers and make one large space. But by the time most protocols were dropped, people had booked the rooms in between.

I scored an 11am check-in time. We have MTD for nights 1, 3, and 6, Chops+1 for nights 2 and 4, and the Solarium Bistro booked for my mother's bff birthday which occurs on night 5 of our sailing. She turns 67 and she is proud. I booked the sip and paint for Labadee and with the other ports we plan to just get off and walk around. My brother and BFF have the DX, I got a soda package for this sailing. Everyone else decided they will bring their wine and pay as you go. 

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I truly feel for you, @Ampurp85.  I was the head cat herder on 2 big group cruises and I swore, "NEVER AGAIN".  ...but having someone ELSE herding the cats while you're in the herd, is even worse ! ...especially when the other herder is a novice.  You can see them making rookie mistakes but cannot fix them.  UGH.  I hope it all works out.  I have a feeling that those who experienced Star Class the first time are going to be very disappointed.  I hope that's not the case.  Solo cruising can be a blessing sometimes, right ?

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2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I truly feel for you, @Ampurp85.  I was the head cat herder on 2 big group cruises and I swore, "NEVER AGAIN".  ...but having someone ELSE herding the cats while you're in the herd, is even worse ! ...especially when the other herder is a novice.  You can see them making rooky mistakes but cannot fix them.  UGH.  I hope it all works out.  I have a feeling that those who experienced Star Class the first time are going to be very disappointed.  I hope that's not the case.  Solo cruising can be a blessing sometimes, right ?

The only negative about solo crusing is when you might have to dine alone.

I vow to have a good time but already they are making my life hard....then add the Star class planning. They want the 4br Villa, I put in the request to my TA, only select dates available when we all can sail. Now they are trying to add more people to shave the cost. I keep trying to stress comfort levels. I feel like you said, that they will be very disappointed because it won't be what they think. 

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oh my gosh @Ampurp85 i feel for you.

at the  risk of sounding terrible -- this gives me the same "group project" vibes in school. happy to take charge and seek counsel/input on certain things to make it better, but let the more experienced people take charge and DON'T THROTTLE us! (sorry, sorry, its my PTSD talking, clearly 😅)

11 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I continue to commit the cardinal sin of flying in the day of the cruise. 

oh man. i sometimes weigh this also and have just come to the conclusion that it's so much easier when flying in the night before. good news is that this clearly isn't your first rodeo and you did everything possible to set yourself up for success. also checking out the ships in port when you fly in is always super cool if you've got a window seat!

11 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I got Surf and Stream for $12/d and that trumps my Prime internet discount and Diamond free day.

what kind of SORCERY is this?! those are pre-covid prices rip in pieces (but also, very happy for you!!)

love your dining plans and can't wait to hear all about this trip. know that we're rooting for you 😅🥰

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2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I truly feel for you, @Ampurp85.  I was the head cat herder on 2 big group cruises and I swore, "NEVER AGAIN".  ...but having someone ELSE herding the cats while you're in the herd, is even worse ! ...especially when the other herder is a novice.  You can see them making rooky mistakes but cannot fix them.  UGH.  I hope it all works out. 

it's like a slow motion accident or a train wreck.

you can't look but you can't look away.... 😫

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12 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

oh my gosh @Ampurp85 i feel for you.

at the  risk of sounding terrible -- this gives me the same "group project" vibes in school. happy to take charge and seek counsel/input on certain things to make it better, but let the more experienced people take charge and DON'T THROTTLE us! (sorry, sorry, its my PTSD talking, clearly 😅)

oh man. i sometimes weigh this also and have just come to the conclusion that it's so much easier when flying in the night before. good news is that this clearly isn't your first rodeo and you did everything possible to set yourself up for success. also checking out the ships in port when you fly in is always super cool if you've got a window seat!

what kind of SORCERY is this?! those are pre-covid prices rip in pieces (but also, very happy for you!!)

love your dining plans and can't wait to hear all about this trip. know that we're rooting for you 😅🥰

I was a nerd so I was the kid always ready and done on a group project. I like covering my butt, you can mess your part up, just not mine🤣

I always say I am going to fly the day before and then I make a work or personal commitment. Knock on wood I haven't had any issues but I only fly day of....solo.

Harmony had weird internet pricing, only Surf and Stream for about $13/d for a while. Then it went to $12 and I knew no onboard discounts would beat that.

I am crossing my fingers that everything turns out amazing and great. 

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2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I was a nerd so I was the kid always ready and done on a group project. I like covering my butt, you can mess your part up, just not mine🤣I

i feel this. i feel this deeply. 😂

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Harmony had weird internet pricing, only Surf and Stream for about $13/d for a while. Then it went to $12 and I knew no onboard discounts would beat that.

I am crossing my fingers that everything turns out amazing and great. 

look at harmony coming in clutch with the voom pricing! i'm impressed. she's holding her own against the amped oasis, and newer symphony/wonder. (allure will hold my heart for lack of the abyss slides and also the champagne bar, but el loco fresh will steer me to the newer/amped ships since it becomes a mainstay of our diet while on board 😂)

at least you will be in the sun on some gorgeous ships and can drink away your troubles... not that i am endorsing getting hammered 😅 but let's be real. when dealing with group vacations... and family... desperate times call for desperate measures!!!

all kidding aside though -- we truly are sending good vibes and know that we have your back and are here if/when you need to vent! 💚

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6 hours ago, Neesa said:

I am rooting for you! Positive thoughts being sent your way. I'm following along and looking forward to this adventure. 

I think you owe yourself an additional sailing after this group event. Stay and do a nice solo sailing to recover 🤩

If Thanksgiving wasn't the next week I totally would. I have some nice cruises in Jan: Oasis with my brother whom I love traveling with and Grandeur alone.

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On 10/25/2022 at 11:02 AM, Ampurp85 said:

They want the 4br Villa, I put in the request to my TA, only select dates available when we all can sail.

My advice for this would be to keep using the Cruiseplum Suite Search to find sailings with that availability. If you see it and it works and is the one you want grab it for 3 or 4 people and put down the deposit then transfer to the TA. There's only 2 of those rooms in the entire fleet. 

You are likely to have the best luck/pricing when the itineraries are first released so you may want to try for the next release for Harmony and Symphony (dates beyond April 2024).

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34 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

My advice for this would be to keep using the Cruiseplum Suite Search to find sailings with that availability. If you see it and it works and is the one you want grab it for 3 or 4 people and put down the deposit then transfer to the TA. There's only 2 of those rooms in the entire fleet. 

You are likely to have the best luck/pricing when the itineraries are first released so you may want to try for the next release for Harmony and Symphony (dates beyond April 2024).

Thanks!

This is literally what I have been doing. My TA was able to price a Sept 2023 on Harmony, but they said they couldn't do it. Even though they literally said anytime from Sept to Nov🙄. Then came a Jan 2024 Symphony and ........issues again. I am going to aim for beyond April 2024

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31 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Then came a Jan 2024 Symphony and ........issues again. I am going to aim for beyond April 2024

You know, I know the feeling 😂

Fortunately when I made my booking I had 4 willing to lock in splitting the price 4 ways. We knew adding more folks would make it cheaper but we were okay with it just being 4 of us initially. Of course the pandemic happened and they bailed and I was fortunate enough to find replacements so I didn't have to lose the great rate (hi, replacement! 😂)

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On 10/26/2022 at 1:36 PM, AshleyDillo said:

You know, I know the feeling 😂

Fortunately when I made my booking I had 4 willing to lock in splitting the price 4 ways. We knew adding more folks would make it cheaper but we were okay with it just being 4 of us initially. Of course the pandemic happened and they bailed and I was fortunate enough to find replacements so I didn't have to lose the great rate (hi, replacement! 😂)

It was fun! I know if push comes to shove, I could probably find a replacement on the boards. 🤣

I really want to do a CLS and an Aqua suite, so I may just avoid the stress all together and do my own thing.

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Day 7.........

I have a fairly busy work week to get through, so my packing will not be done until later in the week. I am doing my 23in luggage and a foldable weekender bag. Most of my travel companions have 2 luggage a piece plus their carryon and personal item. They are bringing ball gowns, tuxedos and wardrobe changes to match what the cruise compass says the nightly themes are 🙄. Thankfully I am not flying with them and don't have to deal with the logistical headaches of 4 people with like 4 bags each. Not to mention how they plan to get wine and stuff for their carryon's. 

I have never done a GTY room, so I don't know what the average amount time it takes to get the room assigned but I am 7 days out without an assignment. I am anxious to learn where my room will be located. This sailing of Harmony has quite a few rooms available when I do a mock booking, thankfully it looks like none of the solo cabins are available so I should get my double points. I decided to treat myself a little more. I booked Jamie's for embarkment day lunch instead using that as one of my 3N dinners. I am vacillating between doing hibachi or just Izumi. I booked the Solarium Bistro as my night one. I am really only trying to dine in the MDR one night this cruise. It was weird that the UDP was sold out on this sailing, with so many rooms available, before Sept. Yet, it is available on my Odyssey sailing that has less cabins open. I also decided to get the soda package as I want my Coke/Fanta Zero.

All the documents have been printed and there are 3 sets of copies. I have a feeling I will meet them at the hotel, and they won't have any documents. 

 

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  • Ampurp85 changed the title to Will there be Harmony before an Odyssey? Nov 7th-12th, Nov 13th-19th

Update.......

My GTY room was assigned around 2:30pm, maybe before that, but that is when I checked. I hate the location but that is what happens when you book close to sailing, you take what you can get. I am afraid I will be sick as it is deck 3 stateroom #3825. I have never sailed below deck 8, my cabin on Odyssey would have been my first "lower" cabin on deck 6. I did call to see if I could get my room changed but as of 4pm, my time, the sailing has sold out except for 2 GTY interiors according to her and the website. 

Lots of people are reporting that for some late Nov and Dec sailing that they can pre-book entertainment. As Harmony and Odyssey are classes that use to allow that within 30 days, I checked. Neither has the option, it would have been great to have one less thing to plan.

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3 hours ago, asquared17 said:

oh man that is a low deck 😬 i want to send you forth with ginger chews and seabands to alleviate this (although i am sure you are well aware of this haha)

also HOLY COW. TWO SUITCASES AND A PERSONAL ITEM EACH. my god. what in the carrie underwood kind of outfit changes are they thinking?? 😅

I have both packed already. The real cramp in this is I take the stairs a lot, so I prefer a higher deck, that way I am not forced into elevators. It is a good thing I have no plans to eat at the WJ. Climbing 12- 14 flights of stairs would be great exercise but not multiple times a day. 

Lol, well most brough 3pc luggage sets and plan to take them all. I talked to my mother's bff and she said she packed her largest suitcase with clothes for the cruise. The middle with shoes and miscellaneous items and the carryon has her clothes for the 1-day stay in the hotel. They all are looking at me weird because I have 1 bag and personal item......and I will be on 2 cruises🤣.

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7 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

The real cramp in this is I take the stairs a lot, so I prefer a higher deck, that way I am not forced into elevators.

i am right there with you, my friend.

also i want to make it clear that i am also in awe of your single suitcase and carryon for TWO cruises... i could not be this person. to be fair, i would bring one suitcase and one carryon for the single cruise so now that i'm doing the mental math... would i ALSO need two large suitcases?!?!? rip me 😅

7 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Lol, well most brough 3pc luggage sets and plan to take them all. I talked to my mother's bff and she said she packed her largest suitcase with clothes for the cruise. The middle with shoes and miscellaneous items and the carryon has her clothes for the 1-day stay in the hotel. They all are looking at me weird because I have 1 bag and personal item......and I will be on 2 cruises🤣.

maybe we ALL need to take a page from your book and pack lighter 🤣

hey -- were you able to get your cabin moved?? i feel like even a deck or two up would help

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1 hour ago, asquared17 said:

i am right there with you, my friend.

also i want to make it clear that i am also in awe of your single suitcase and carryon for TWO cruises... i could not be this person. to be fair, i would bring one suitcase and one carryon for the single cruise so now that i'm doing the mental math... would i ALSO need two large suitcases?!?!? rip me 😅

maybe we ALL need to take a page from your book and pack lighter 🤣

hey -- were you able to get your cabin moved?? i feel like even a deck or two up would help

Since it is reading, casino, shows and maybe 1 excursion; I don't feel like I need to bring much. I am a simple woman: I pack 2 bathing suits, casual dresses that go from day to night and like 3 pairs of shoes as a whole. I also have a color scheme that all my clothes fall in, so it works in my favor.

I was not able to get my room changed and I was told to try when I get on board to see if someone cancels. I don't think I will though. I don't plan to be in my room much, the casino will be home base. 

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3 Days...........

My cat has the zoomies, so I was up really early this morning. I am normally up around 6am to start work but she has been up since 4am, flying through the house knocking over suitcases. She also managed to get stuck on the refrigerator, why I actually had to get up, and cried until I got her down. I figured it was time to pack and while she tried, unsuccessfully, to get into both the suitcase and my backpack, I was able to pack in-between Teams meetings. After so much excitement she retreated to her favorite place, the living room window behind the plants. In case some of you didn't know this; Chicago has two airports, Ohare and Midway. All my life I have only flown out of Ohare, but this flight leaves out of Midway. Southwest use to exclusively fly out of Midway but they do offer some routes from Ohare now. I received a notice, hoping it wasn't a cancellation, telling me that check-in opens in 3 days but because I have Earlybird, I don't have to worry. I am told Midway is a much nicer airport but is it further away from me. That means I will need to be up no later than 2am and out the door before 3:15am to make my 6am flight. 

Thank God I talked most of my travel companions down in terms of luggage. They still are bringing too much but for now it is one large checked bag, a carryon, and a personal item. Tomorrow, I plan to do all my last-minute things like mani/pedi, getting candy to hand out to crew and other miscellaneous stuff. I was able to score 11am check-in for both cruises, which were the earliest times. I kept checking for 10:30 but it never showed up.

My list of books for these cruises are:

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

I'M Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette Mccurdy

20th Century Ghost by Joe Hill

Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist by Sesali Bowen

The Fae Chronicles (books 1-5) by Amelia Hutchins

Considering that my friends and family will be with me I might not get through all of these. I do have cruises coming up in Jan, so they may hold over. I plan to use my free Diamond photo this time to get a group photo. Even though I cruised like 2 months ago, I am still really excited. Monday can't come fast enough!

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1 Day.......

So, a few updates.......

I got my boarding position, which is A39, I am told by people who travel Southwest frequently that is a pretty good position. 

People are getting to be the worst. I went for my mani/pedi yesterday and it was amazingly horrible. First, I had an appointment for 10:30. I am always "if you are early, you are on time, if you are on time then you are late and if you are late don't bother" type a girl. So I got there around 5 after 10, they weren't even open. The sign said they open at 9:30 on weekends. There were 5 women/girls in line already. They finally opened up at 20 after, I figured since it was so close to my appointment, they would take me. Nope!

The others started saying they wanted "coffin nails?" and chopped up money, so the 3 nail techs who were there took them before me. At 11:15 when another tech came, she took the younger girl, all of which didn't have an appointment. At 11:45 I got a nail tech who put me in the pedicure chair for 30min while he removed the polish from the last girl. I didn't get my pedicure finished until close to 1, so I didn't get a manicure because I didn't have any more time left to give. This isn't even the worst of it. Two of the women/girls were doing Tik Toks in the nail salon and got into a fight that almost turned physical. Apparently, one copied the others design or something, that turned into name calling and shouting; I was so annoyed. I may treat myself to a mani on the ship or get one on the day in between cruises......I also might have to get another pedicure because he did a horrible job.

Yesterday the UDP came back for my Harmony sailing but "on sale" it was $245. For 5nights on a ship with no Playmakers, it wasn't worth it, so I stuck to my 3N, single Izumi's and Jamie's lunch that I already have booked. I called once more to see if anyone cancelled their room, but I am stuck on deck 3. I still have my Royal Up bids in so maybe something will work out. I am so glad that in about a day I will be on a ship with a peach margarita in my hand.

 

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...this nail salon experience doesn't seem real. my jaw was literally open as i read what happened -- and time issues aside, i... am simply at a loss with the tiktok catfight. just when you think you've seen it all...

glad to hear you have a good boarding slot for flying. actually, you're probably in the air right now!! JUST KIDDING I CAN'T KEEP TRACK OF SPACE AND TIME. i am hoping your flight will be smooth and hassle free.

can't wait to hear that you've made it aboard the ship WITH luggage/carryon, and have your margy in hand. 🍹

also winning your RU bid would be a real cherry on top of the sundae 😎

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Day 0......Cruise day.

I just want to say I had been going to the nail salon for as long as I have lived in this neighborhood. Last year they got new management. I had a bad experience so I stopped going but I figured since they were literally in walking distance I would give them another try. Next time I will read the Yelp reviews. They have gone through "new" management twice in the past year.

Any how it is about 3am in Chicago. The temp was a very windy 60 degrees just yesterday. It's about a windy 40 now, which is basically below zero for Floridians. I am waiting on my Lyft to the airport.  I do have TSA precheck but I am checking a bag. All my RoyalUps are still pending, maybe I will be upgraded after check in. I did receive an email telling me to stick to my arrival time. But it's at 11am so I'm good.

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Cruise day......

I am currently in Jamie's drinking my favorite peach Moscato. I got the prawns, aracini and the Jamie's burger for the first time. I had a 12:15 reservation and there are only 3 groups of 2 people in here besides me. I got all my show and dinner times. But let's start at the beginning. 

I'm not a fan of Southwest boarding style. No assigned seats mean all sorts of tomfoolery. Lots of people saving seats and then only middle seats left.  Being A39 meant I was in the top 50 because they allow pre-boarding with wheelchairs and such. I got an aisle seat in row 11 but I ended up being smothered by a lady who was tall and thin but with like 50 personal items. Flight was smooth, they also pour you drinks instead of giving you the drink. In other words, you get a pre-made cocktail and half a can of juice or soda.

Baggage claim was a little slow but Lyft was fairly fast. Unfortunately my driver was not friendly and confusing. I didn't know which terminal Harmony left out of so I told him I would look up and change destination. He said it's okay. Well he takes me to terminal 2, even though I said 18. He was like please change in app. So we waited 14min in line. I got to check in around 11:25. It was a breeze through everything until the terminal to board ship. Apparently lots of stragglers because they started boarding suites and Key members closer to 11:30. By 11:50 I was aboard and heading to dinning kiosk. Around 12:20 they announced rooms are ready but also you have to go claim your MTD table today. Otherwise you won't have one even if you have reservations. 

This is a full sailing and everyone apparently was just born. Lots of children falling out. People people in matching inappropriate outfits. A table of 6 people just walked in Jamie's and 2 of the women have on sports bras while a man is in a very sleeveless muscle shirt. I realized over half of the people I flew with today are on this cruise. Guest services was surprisingly empty when I got on but the drink kiosks were popping, like I have yet to see. Central park is so humid. I plan to see Fine Line tonight at 6:30.

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@WAAAYTOOO this is a first for me. I plan to visit the MTD area after I finish lunch. 

The waiter just brought a lunch portion of the Carbonara. I didn't ask for it but I tried a bite and it's too rich. The burger is really good, nice and juicy with a good flavor. Jamie's is starting to fill up more but they are really spacing out the courses.

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sorry for the double post but i can't figure out how i ruined the formatting and it won't let me put anything below the quote.

also what are the odds that half your plane would be with you,,,, rip in pieces my friend.

let us know how the MTD thing goes, that is so weird.

very glad you have your drink and good food. hopefully you have set sail by now.

something tells me the people watching onboard is going to be even more spectacular than usual -- which is our preferred form of entertainment, tbh 😂

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So they were telling guest with MTD to register so they could have the same table at the same time each night. Otherwise you will be at the whims of whatever line. As with every sailing since its implementation, several people waited until close to 4pm to do eMuster.

After Jamie's I went to my stateroom and it was dirty. Stains on the bed and an awful smell that was a combination of smoke and BO. I took pictures and went to guest services. They apologized and sent the head of housekeeping. He said the stains were because they used too much cleaner,  which isn't a good thing because it could be allergens involved. He also said they obviously didn't vacuum the carpet with some powder they normally should. I sprayed lysol because the smell gave me a headache. I took my shower and left with hopes it would be better after dinner and my show.

Guest services had a huge line when I went. Several people complaining they don't have luggage. It was shortly after 3pm. I told several people they would be lucky if it came before 5.  My luggage was down the hall around 2pm. But I tipped the porters so who knows. Guest Services informed them the same and they were mad they stood in line. It looks like they have the lined freestyle cups. I actually enjoyed my 10min time in line. They was a guy with a "service "cat, who obviously wasn't an actual service cat because it was growling. So many people with things falling out.....won't someone think of the children! If you constantly have to adjust your clothing,  it probably shouldn't be worn. I am pretty sure when I go to the C&A event tomorrow they will tell me 4000pax are gold, first time cruisers. I imagine formal night tomorrow will be just be less skin showing or......more of the same.

I did a little people watching before heading down to the casino and I would guess every newbie either brought the drink package on the cruise or beforehand. So many cups haphazardly placed, the sail away "party" was a chef's kiss of drunkenness. Fun fact.....even if the casino bar is open you can't get Prime drinks until the casino opens. Also people can't read. There are non-smoking sections yet people keep coming over to smoke there. At least staff informs them on here. Weather permits I will see Aqua show at 6:30. 

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