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


Ampurp85

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11 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

No lie, sailing with @Ampurp85 was one of my favorite cruise memories ever.  Only regret is that it was an Omicron affected sailing so the people watching wasn't as fantastic or entertaining.

@AshleyDilloI totally plan to sail again with you as it was a favorite if mine. Being on Harmony, makes me nostalgic.  

Oh it's raining so hard so I don't think Fine Line is happening. Also it's after 6 and casino hasn't opened yet. Lady next to me keeps hitting machine as if it will make it start......🤔

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Well there was an alpha call, so we heading back to port for medical emergency. That means no hopes of casino opening anytime soon. They cleaned room and it smells better but they left stale cookies. If the cloche is off that means I no longer want.....right?

While I'm deciding how to kill time. I will post updates. The ship is a rocking, people are falling all over the place. Lines are long for dinner. Being on deck 3 means you see way more people.  I also want to update our saga to do star class. I priced cruises with my MEI TA, these crazy folks thought I was going to pay the $32k for 10 of us to be in the 4BR villa. After my sides stop hurting from the laughter. I informed them I would be willing to do Aqua class suites and/or another star class suite, but only paying for 1 and they would do other. No, they no longer want to do it. They still want to cruise just only fancy if I pay.

 

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2 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

No lie, sailing with @Ampurp85 was one of my favorite cruise memories ever.  Only regret is that it was an Omicron affected sailing so the people watching wasn't as fantastic or entertaining.

i just want to trail after you guys and be around for the commentary, honestly 🤣 i wouldn't impose!! i'd just sit back and enjoy...

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

Well there was an alpha call, so we heading back to port for medical emergency. That means no hopes of casino opening anytime soon. They cleaned room and it smells better but they left stale cookies.

omg. already you're headed back??? did your itinerary change at all due to the impending storm? (sorry if sore subject 😅)

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

The ship is a rocking, people are falling all over the place.

and they're already falling out of their clothes on top of things... my gosh, i wish you just had a livestream going of all of this. like a secret spy cam lapel pin so we could take it all in real time...

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I also want to update our saga to do star class. I priced cruises with my MEI TA, these crazy folks thought I was going to pay the $32k for 10 of us to be in the 4BR villa. After my sides stop hurting from the laughter. I informed them I would be willing to do Aqua class suites and/or another star class suite, but only paying for 1 and they would do other. No, they no longer want to do it. They still want to cruise just only fancy if I pay.

 

32k for a 4 bedroom villa.... i am still BAFFLED at this 😂 they have, as my father often tells me that i have, champagne tastes on a beer budget 😂

all joking aside, i do hope they figure out their rhythm here. it seems like you have a TON of first time cruises... it is/was teachers convention here in NJ and with veterans day coming up, i feel like this was the time that some people decided to snag a sailing.

godspeed, friend. we are with you in spirit!!!!!!!

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So update they decide to make up the 6:30 Aqua show at 10:30. I was happy. I went to my 8:15 Izumi reservation and didn't get food until 9pm. It was cold. Cold udon taste good still......cold teriyaki.......not at lol. Didn't do dessert because I was over it. Also the specialty dining was booked up so I had to do Chops,  wanted 150CP twice but no dice.

I lost $100 at the finally opened but packed casino. Got to the Aqua theater and got amazing seats. 10min into show, wind picks up and lightning strikes,  so canceled again. Said it would be made up day 4. Really wanted to stay up and watch the 90s party for the laughs but I've been up since yesterday and now I'm pooped.

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Cruise day 2....sea day.

I slept very good. I normally don't sleep through the night because my cat lives her best life in the wee hours of the mornings. I hit the pillows around 11 and slept until 7am, which is my sleeping in. I caught up on emails from people who know I am on vacation and don't care.

My cabin is steps away from the MDR on deck 3. The line almost reached my cabin. Being so low I didn't feel like trekking to the WJ. I decided to see what was being offered in the DL. I got cheese, fruits and croissants. It is nice and calm in here. The C&A top teir event is at 10:30 so I will enjoy my bread breakfast and head into casino for a while.

Since it is a sea day lots of trivia and other activities are being held. Hurricanes are a worry, for a lot of sailings. They hope everything else goes as planned.

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@WAAAYTOOO I am okay with an inside because I just need it to sleep. For a single gal it is perfect across all ships. Currently on Harmony the inside feels big, comfortable and new. I realized the VB insides are my favorite. On a smaller class they may feel cramped for 2.

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happy to hear you got a good night's sleep! especially after a travel day, they are always hectic.

will be curious to hear what they have to say at the C+A event. i bet you are right with your predictions of so many gold members 😂 perhaps the DL can be sanctuary this week when the people falling out of their clothes roam free 🤣

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The day got away from me in the form of the most delicious nap. Those couple of hours really made my day. I didn't intend on taking one but like I said I had been up over 24hrs straight. I know you don't care about my nap. So back to the regularly scheduled program. 

I spent a little time chatting with a couple in the DL who only took this cruise to avoid hurricane Nicole. It would be so great to live near a port, Royal would take all my money. Too bad I don't like Florida....that may change when I hit my 50s though.

I hate to say this but the smoking section has all the best machines. I played and drank until the top tier event. I am now only down $60, which is a win in my book. Plus if I can play for an hour or more and not be down too hard, I'm happy. I might have to bite the bullet and stay in the smoking section because I had a better selection of machines. 

I was definitely right. Total C&A members was 2400 of which half were gold. Meaning more than half of the current cruisers are newbies or gold. Only 23 pinnacles and the number of platinum are closed to diamond and diamond plus combined. Highest cruisers are at 2800 and currently seated across from me in the DL as I write this. CD Jeff and captain Trig, I believe that's his name.......I had 3 mimosas, made some good dad jokes. They brought out the heads of each department and they also made dad jokes....mom for the ladies. I enjoyed getting to know more about them.

After the event I did two things. First I watched however many min of the celebration parade on the promenade.  It was giving me "we came up with this while drinking " vibes.  I want to assume it was various Royal entertainers doing this but given the lack of enthusiasm from some, I think regular staff was involved. So many pax were confused by the parade. Many walking in front of performers, blocking others and walkways. I left right as Halloween was coming up, that skeleton was cute, it should not have been. 

Then I did 20min walking around the track. I have to give the illusion I care about being active.  I then went to eat lunch, since breakfast was so light. I was excited to see smoked potato soup. I was disappointed because they put stuff I asked not to be included,  ruined my soup. I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was very good. I love potatoes but they really skimped on the fries. They would give you like 10 when they are crispy and wonderful. You get full plate when they are soggy and undercooked. Dessert was coconut cake, it was okay since it was sugar free it was off on the texture. 

After lunch I decided to head up to deck 15 and watch people do the abyss and other stuff. That's good watching. Several people got stuck doing the water slides, maybe people need to be wet or greased up. They have signs up to stop chair hogs and I actually saw staff remove a few towels....progress. The solarium was empty so I had some good choices for seats. I read then went back for nap. I decided to check out WJ so I took my time and made the long trek up there. Somehow with a full ship its still not fully open, nor is the selection great. The view is, so far Harmony's WJ is the cleanest and most beautiful one I have been in. FYI the fruit punch is orange here and not red. 

In the DL to wait for my 7:30 Chops reservation. They have the receipt for vouchers.  I'm sure I was charged for 3 drinks when I only had 1 and signed for 1. 

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Tonight was formal night, I'm not about that life and live in casual clothing. I have never worn heels in my life. Lots of "skimpy " seems to translate into formal. Smdh. Several women couldn't afford to bend......some men too. They are taking pictures everywhere. The promenade is insanely congested, even at 9pm they are taking photos. I could barely get my Fanta zero peach from the freestyle machines. 

I forgot that I decided to ride the carousel before heading to the DL. I never have, it was open and empty, so I said why not? Let me tell you.....at 5'3" and chubby, getting on was struggle bus. I rode the elephant because children cut in front of me and got on all the horses. Now when I decided to ride, I was only one in line. As soon as the crew opened the gate, 5 children ran out of nowhere. No manners were on display. It's too long of a ride and I think the "seats" are too wide to be comfortable. 

Dinner was at Chops, my least favorite speciality restaurant. It was full. I passed by Jamie's and 150CP and they were also full. I believe because it was in the 7pm range. I normally do dinner around 8:15 so...... Anyhow, dinner was meh. I ordered mac and cheese and it was horrible. For some God awful reason they put paprika in it. When your cheese sauce is weak don't add random spices. I asked for spinach, mac and cheese and fries hold the truffle. I got the tots, mac and soggy truffle fries. My water was never refilled and I got the sparkling rosemary lemonade but made with regular simple syrup because I loath rosemary. Of course it came out regular.  I asked for half slices of key lime and cheesecake, they brought regular slices it seems. I also said no caramel. But........

After dinner I went back to the casino. An empty elevator was right there, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. My favorite machine was available in the non-smoking side, I won so I'm now at zero. I lost out on my vouchers today thanks to the staff in the lounge. Good thing I am prime,  I had 2 frozen peach margs and a coco Loco while I played. When I got back to my room I had a bottle of champagne as a gift for the room being dirty. I had planned on going to the battle of the sexes, I had a reservation but they must have oversold because even at 10:45 I couldn't get in. So back to the room to watch Netflix. 

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Day 3 Costa Maya 

I got a late start today. I woke up around 7:30am and left my cabin around 9. I decided to get a bagel from Park Cafe, they barely toast them so they end up on the chewy side. It was very humid in Central Park. I ate inside were several children were licking on tables. It's a good thing the crew are always cleaning. Breakfast was done by 9:20. I made my way down to get off the ship. I had plans for the market only. Several of my coworkers, friends and family are alcoholics; Mexican tequila is a great Christmas gift. 

I took some random photos so I can get my free diamond photo. I love how some people had only bathing suits on while others were in complete jogging/track suits. It is currently 83 degrees but feels closer to 90. Lots of people taking pictures of the ships and at the signs. Markets were packed. Drinks in port range from $14-20 if you want those long novelty kind that make you look exactly like a tourist. I got 2 bottles of Heruda tequila and some shot glasses. It was 20% off if you buy 2 or more. The prices were higher than the liquor stores in Chicago, so that 20% and no taxes brought it within probably a 5% difference.

They are aggressive in the markets but nothing like when I was in Egypt. They offered to engrave the shot glasses and then ask for tips because we have money to vacation. That was literally what the cashier said to me after "ringing " me up. The other girl was like can you please tip so we can afford our Cokes during break. I put something in her cup because she was nicer and honest. The walk back was a beast because there was no shade. Getting back on was a breeze. I had plans to sit in the solarium so I took the elevator.  Twice people didn't get on elevator because they were drunk or slow. I tried to "Holdor" for them but they were really slow on the uptake. Solarium is pretty empty but hot. I'm in a shade area and after 10min all the ice I had has melted into water. I plan to catch up in some reading and then maybe get back off for tacos for lunch. 

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I spent about 2 hours in the solarium reading and watching people act brand new in the hot tubs.  Several people got in and then got out talking about "boy that's hot!" I just smiled, it was a hot tub sitting in the middle of a not shaded area. Really?!!!!

By now it was close to 1 and I was starving so I made my way to deck 2. It was hot, Chicago has been in the 70s or lower for months so I wasn't mentally prepared for that heat. I got halfway through the long walk to port and was like forget them tacos. I'm Odyssey in a few days. Odyssey has El Loco Fresh and I'm hitting PDCC. I was actually sweating so much for me, which is rare, that my dress was damp. I showered and then took a walk around WJ.  Several crew members were also enjoying lunch but the selection was bad. I got a fruit punch, it was red today, and headed to the Boardwalk for either JR or a hotdog. I'm not a fan of hotdogs but "fancier" ones are worse. JR was super crowded and I wasn't going to wait for mediocrity. I went to Park Cafe got a salad that disappointed me because the croutons were soggy. Croutons are the best part of any and all salads. 

Also I have to say on my 2021 October Allure sailing the desserts were hitting. The last couple of sailings I had this year have been beyond sad. I'm not even that much of a sweet person but cruise food is sometimes too savory, so I need them to cut through. Several items were wrongly labeled and nothing was there with any substance.  Example would be oreo cheesecake.........actually nothing but whipped cream and chocolate cake crumble. So how is that an oreo cheesecake? Also the selection is really pared down. Maybe 4 or 5 choices. After my light lunch I went to deck 15 to walk around and see if more people were braving the slides and such. Lots of bold people sunbathing.  

I went back to my room to make a few calls. Then headed to the DL to eat a light snack and wait on the ice show. I learned my lesson and got sodas only. I lost 3 vouchers yesterday,  I love 2 specific drinks in Wonderland, so I didn't want to miss out. They had massive beef empanadas as a snack plus surf and turf skewers. Sadly it was salmon and steak,  shrimp is the only thing from the sea I eat. Wasn't really crowded, so I killed 45min easily. 

Ice show requires reservations and they scan your seapass. Several people were dinged. Suite, d+ and Key had reserved seats that were crap imho. Only one star class family reserved for this show. I got the seat I wanted easily, second row in the middle.  

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Man oh man! You are having some interesting days! I would love to have taught those kids some manners, I am upset for you! And iiiccck, kids were licking the tables…ewwww!!! I do love how you are getting to relax and take a delicious nap but also out and about. Good info about the inside cabin, I sometimes think about getting one for just the reason you mentioned; the good sleep! Okay, and saving a nice amount of cash. 
     I hope things are smooth, you actually get to see Aqua, have some yummy and crispy fries and no more kid issues! 

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Day 4 Cozumel 

I had a very rough start today. Halfway through my Wonderland dinner my face started to feel hot and wrong. After 20min of the 70s party I had to go back to my room. I have allergies and smoking really bothers them the most. I couldn't understand why it was so bad this time.  I had forgotten about the casinos being non-smoking during the restart. I had a fitful sleep and couldn't rally myself until a little after noon today. That's when my meds kicked in. At that point I was starving so I went to the WJ for chicken tenders and fries. 

Yesterday I saw two shows: 1887 the ice show and the Fine Line Aqua show make up. I have yet to see an ice show I didn't like but Fine Line was sort of bad. Although Aqua shows don't have a story per se, you can usually get the gist. I didn't know what was happening in Fine Line. I actually left before it was done.

Dinner was at Wonderland,  which is almost a waste for me, since I don't eat seafood. I was lucky my waitress let me get 2 entrées.......I also had 3 Cheshire cosmos,  don't judge. Wonderland was packed, but the shows were not. I had the privilege of listening to some trifling people.  They were telling people hacks to smoke in your room. Such as going on the balcony with a damp towel and hot water cup. Also how vapes make it probable to smoke everywhere, punctuated with guy taking a puff in Studio B. I really wish I could have saw more of the 70s party, it was hilarious. I hope people realize they film them and then play them back on TV in your room.  

Originally I planned to get off and go to the market but my migraine wasn't completely gone, as soon as I got out in the hot sun, I felt worse. So I went up to WJ and got really disappointed. The selection and quality is just not there. Harmony and Allure need Playmakers or El Loco Fresh. I think I might just do room service tomorrow.  Carnival breeze is parked next to us today. That ship really looks cluttered. 

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Oh no! This sounds like no matter how you try the universe is challenging you. I think from kids licking tables all the way to the smoke and migraines you are being toughened up for the next leg. After enduring all of this next weeks sailing with your friends should be an absolute breeze! Seriously, wishing for you better days ahead, I want you to enjoy what's left of this trip! Sending good vibes your way! 

* my allergies kick off with not only smoke but perfume, boy do I suffer when my fellow sailing passengers bathe in it!

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My allergies are kicking my butt. I am beyond drowsy,  I fell asleep on deck 15 people watching.  I know people were also watching me as a fell asleep with my phone in my hand. I decided to have some chamomile because it has caffeine and wake myself up. Nope by 2:30 I was back in my room napping.  

I got tp say not only am I disappointed with the WJ. The freestyle machines don't work. They haven't had carbonation in any since the first day. I  made a complaint to guest services but day 4 and still nothing.  The DL concierge told me I was brave to be traveling alone.....right after he rudely asked if I had friends. I have met people but we usually hang in the casino.  Not that I have to justify anything. 

The app has frozen and you can't do anything.  Also tonight was supposed to be the Columbus production but 2 performers got hurt so it was canceled. Dinner is at 150CP and I am looking forward to the fried cheesecake. I can't wait to get my bread. That may be the entirety of dinner, fried cheesecake and bread. 

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sounds like you are with an entire legion of trifling people, to be honest. sorry to hear you had a bad experience in the DL, too! UGH.

also maybe i am alone in this, but chamomile tea usually knocks me out 😅

hopefully tomorrow is better and you can have good food and weather. (and less shade from your fellow passengers who clearly need to learn a thing or two!!)

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Here is some food porn. I swear 150CP bread is from Jesus,  it's so good. Service at 150CP was the best, I wish I could have had the garden martini but no alcohol with allergy medicine. I heard from my casino buddy that someone won 30k last night, I believe it was from a table game. My casino buddy hit a $2100 jackpot in the wee hours because she says her husband snores. She just made prime and plans to book separate rooms from now on. 

Also oh the drama.  The family in the room next to or across from me was on one. The mother refused to mother so the son read her for filth. He was like he could be doing this or that instead he had been watching his younger siblings but they don't appreciate him and she allows them to be rude. He had a lot of good points but the mother just started talking about whether she should use gel or mousse. Then he called them out for not taking showers. I was very invested, especially when I found out he was the only one showering yet they were doing water slides, the abyss and other stuff. 

I got a notice that a coast guard inspection is happening for Odyssey so to arrive an hour later. That means embarkation day will be a crap show.

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I feel like you walked in some really messed up drama show that was supposed to be a comedy. I already am sick, so your neighbors lack of showering put me over the edge, ewww!! 🤢 I am so happy you got your bread! Is that pretty first picture the fried cheesecake? I hope it was all you hoped for and more and that a late port day just means you get to sleep a little bit extra. 

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@Adriana come on Adriana, you know you 're coming here to get the drama..we all are. We should call this the Tales of Royal Caribbean.  @Ampurp85could be collecting details for a tell all book that she is secretly writing - I can't wait for it to come out 😆 It could be a mystery novel, murder mystery, or just a plain ole what the heck goes on RCI cruises with pictures of inappropriate clothing choices.

BTW, showering on cruises is a must with all the humidity - gross if you are not!

 

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I arrived late to this party or should I say s...show that you are getting to experience on this cruise. I just read the whole thing and have been laughing my butt off. Like you I enjoy watching all the other passengers and marvel at some of the choices that are made. 

Being the "planner" of my group, I feel your frustrations with everyone. Thankfully the other adults in my group know not to mess with the plan, and are all along for the ride.

I too love the bread in CP150....we will be on Oasis in 10 days, but I don't think we will have a whole meal there...too long for there kids and The Boss wasn't that impressed with her meal.....I'll keep working on it though.

hopefully the non showering neighbors don't spread their odor around too much, and that Odyssey is a much better time. 

 

 

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@AdrianaI was super shocked they were broadcasting the not showering.

@GregD 150CP is a long dinner. I can see the Boss not being impressed but the bread makes it worth it.

@VACruiser yeah given it was above 90 in our port stops and humid throughout I don't know how they are surviving. FYI  it was 4 people in an interior cabin.  It was no wonder there has been a bad smell on deck 3.

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I am feeling much better. But of course my sinus are draining and I look like I have covid. This means I have been blowing my nose. Even though I took test and I'm negative. I would have been so mad if I caught covid on top of all of this. 

I have yet to actually make an actual breakfast this sailing.  Today was no exception. I had a short work thing and by the time it was done it was 10am. I showered and hit the casino until lunch. I'm am up $20, so rich I know.  I like going during the early hours as there aren't a lot of people yet, meaning less smokers. 

I was starving, so I headed for lunch in the MDR. I got a good seat next to a window and was pretty stoked to see risotto on the menu. The ship is really rocking. There is a Columbus showing tonight, so hopefully I get to see that.  Also while it wasn't listed in CP they are offering the cupcake class. The price is $34.99 or one of your specialty nights with anything other than the UDP. It looks like they have been doing a lot of updates with the app and CP. 

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Yay, Columbus! I enjoyed that one (saw it in 2019) and our last sailing on Harmony in July/August 2022 you guessed it....removed from the show offerings. If I remember correctly they replaced it with the juggler who made fat jokes while doing his act, "the buffet is not an excursion people" stuff like that I found very off putting. I did not enjoy that replacement for sure. 

I love risotto I hope it was tasty! We often skip breakfast as well even if we didn't plan on it!  I'm so happy you don't have the C word! Cupcake class for $34.99? That seems really high, do they allow you cupcakes delivered to your cabin the rest of your sailing? Gees, well here's hoping you enjoy the rest of your day and that Columbus is a go. 

Now I know for sure it's not just me though, Royal seems to be loosing their footing a bit. I was so happy to return to the Royal Comeback but lot's of things are lacking, I get the financial situation but we ARE paying more. They are cutting crazy corners in my experience (our last 3 sailings)

I'm really wondering how much of this new Royal culture on board from the new CEO is to do minimum, courting new Royal passengers is great, but not to the detriment of the over all experience of your repeat customers, hello Jason Liberty are you listening? I often wonder if some things would be better if Fain was still at the helm, okay....I digress. 

I hope your turn around day tomorrow is seamless...

(and yes, I was done for a while taking a Royal break until I booked that last minute Serenade 🤦‍♀️)

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They are doing a preview for the new Aqua show called big daddy hideaway. 

Lunch was bad. I got the shrimp risotto and the risotto was crunchy. They asked about allergies and I alway say onions because I can't process them. I ordered the beef quesadilla and it came out full of onions. That was not listed as an  ingredient, plus I mentioned it to staff. Also apparently they can't be removed. So I got chicken and waffles. My chicken was raw. Then the dining room manager came to apologize because the chicken was raw. I got basic spaghetti bolognese and it was salty.....like so much I drank 3 glasses of water. I only ate a little but finished the bread. 

So prior to this cruise the food has never made me ill or feel ill. I had a bite of the chicken before I realized it was raw and I had to actually throw up. So I was still hungry.  I went to the Dog House, but those dogs weren't as cooked as I liked. I take no chances when it comes to undercooked meats. I got a seat for the Aqua show and had a peach daiquiri.  The show was a smidge weird. It is like a 50s beach movie that Elvis use to star in. Also it was hot, so hot people didn't want to sit in the middle section. One thing that struck me as odd is people having to remind others of basic manners. Lots of people just standing up in front of seats, people letting children knock into or cut in front. I guess all is fair in love, war and theater seats. 

I watched most of the show but I was too hungry so I went to Park Cafe for a Kimmie. I also had a spinach salad.  I don't like eating salads on cruises, it defeats the purpose imho. Also how weird is that they don't have cheese at Park Cafe for salads? My family has checked in for their flight and have been assigned A48 and on. Flights are still on time. I called the hotel and they allow early check-in so I don't have to book an excursion to kill time tomorrow. Normally I don't want a cruise to end, but this one.......

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So basically, the saving grace of the cruise has been bread. I love bread. Bread is good. I do wish you had just a wee bit more positive times, though! Having just got off my own cruise from heck (and it actually did gift me COVID), I feel extra for you. I completely agree with the food situation, I do not know what happened, but the food quality and  service and prep changed dramatically. I had to laugh that they brought you basically an onion quesadilla after saying you are allergic to them. I would say that about seafood and would get double seafood. Boy, do I hope things get better and that the next cruise is a happy one…and not too intrusive. I really feel for you. Glad the migraine is better, though. 
  @VACruiser, I do not like drama at all actually. I just keep hoping things are going to get better for @Ampurp85!! Poor thing! 

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Oh my word, just when I think it can't get any worse for you, geez. I always found the MDR for lunch to be very apathetic, like they are pissed you are dining there with so many other choices. Sounds like your experience mirrored our last MDR lunch on the Harmony. 

The Big Daddy Hideaway Aqua Show isn't new. They did it in 2019 on the Harmony before the shutdown. It was different and I did miss it this past July/August when they said they were not doing ot anymore. I'm glad it's back. 

Funny you noted basic manners.....in my estimation it's a lost art. Parents are friends with the kiddos & parent a bit different at least 100 years ago when I was a kid, the lack of mutual respect after the C is very apparent, it just makes me scratch my head. 

Sleep well @Ampurp85 the Odyssey is going to be amazing, sending positive thoughts your way for sure. 

Thank you so much for your honest report. 

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I picked out my free diamond photo,  I looked confused in all the photos. So I just picked the one where I'm confused but happy. I went to the casino to chat but didn't play. I am.......I don't know the word. All I know is I watch people win $300-4000 and continue to play. I have a weird system were if it's more than $150 I cash that out and play with my intended amount. Some of these people aren't even trying to make prime because they aren't tapping their cards. My casino friend has the same system, she hit $326 and cashed that out. She then put a fresh $100 in the machine. The guy across hit $900. Then played fast and loose until he lost it all. $900 is like half a cruise fare.....or the full fare for an upgraded casino comp.

After some casino people watching, I headed to the main theater for Columbus. I have to say this was my favorite original production. You think it's about Christopher but it's about Marvin and so funny. I laughed and really thought the main actor's voice was so good. I also appreciate that they include actors with various body types now. You don't think you would care or notice but as a chubby person, it's nice to see people chosen for talent.

I have only received 1 towel animal for the entire cruise.....I think it's a squirrel. I originally had planned to dine at Sabor, but when the app glitched, it didn't register my reservation. It was a good thing I checked after leaving the Aqua show because I would have been embarrassed. I had made a MTD reservation weeks ago, so I begrudgingly went there.

I had an 8:15 reservation so I got there at 8. They still had not sat the 8pm people and they made me get out of line so they could take them. The none reservation line was moving faster. Then at 8:20 they let me get in line. It went fast until I was stuck behind a guy trying to get his same waiter, but not remembering the name. After 5min I ask to move because I shouldn't be standing in line that long to actually be sat after confirming my reservation.  Unfortunately I had a waiter who automatically mentioned the survey and tens before he even got my order. I got the garlic shrimp and cheesecake. The shrimp and jasmine rice were very good. The veggies left tons to be desired. I ate the carrots but the squash and celery weren't a good texture. The cheesecake was okay. The assistant waiter came as I was getting my tip out and mentioned the survey again. 

I breezed through dinner in like 45min because I didn't get much. So I went back to pack and put my luggage out before 10pm. I then went to Schooners, used my last two vouchers.  So far only in the DL have I signed and that's exactly where I had 3 drinks stolen from me.  The piano man in Schooner's was taking requests and the songs people chose......

Deck 3 wasn't too bad, I didn't get sea sick even though the ship was rocking. The only thing is because I was so low, I rarely went higher.  Mainly because I prefer to take the stairs and 12-14 flights of stairs is a beast. Interior cabins on Oasis class are a good size, 2 people can be very comfortable. The shower is roomy too. I had no problems closing the door and still being able to move. I had 4 outlets, one by the bed and 2 USB ports, so I was able to designate a plug to my laptop and keep my fan blowing cool air on my face.

Some stray observations....

The ship stinks. I thought it was just my deck but nope. Everyday it has smelled like butt and BO. I walked the promenade to get my photo and it smelled like everyone there had an accident. 

People think they can vape anywhere. In specialty restaurants, theaters, the promenade, etc. I sat inside Park Cafe and the couple across were vaping while eating salads. 

Freestyle was without carbonation for almost 2 days. They were sending people to bars. Guest services were full of people complaining. 

In general people are filthy. Dirty dishes and food left in elevator,  on stairs, in the plants at central park and littered throughout hallways.

Internet has been good. I did a Teams and Zoom call with no buffering. I also took plenty of calls over wifi that never dropped.....not to mention I have been able to post easily. 

I always tip as I go because I don't know if I will see that person again. Several crew members have told me they have not been getting much and that people have been removing the auto gratuity. I don't know.....if I had bad children, bad manners and funk I would be tipping extra.

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@Ampurp85 I for one appreciate your candor and trip reports. More often then not everything is awesome reports are smacking me in the face. Then when I have sailed (my last 3 at least) I think to myself, is it me? Mediocrity should not be the bar especially when the pricing is sky high. Thank you for sharing with us, reports like this help to manage expectations. I for one can't wait for your tales from the Odyssey, I hope for you a great turn around day. 

 

 

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