Training for Allure: 10/15/23-10/22/23

[jbrinkm]

You are SO prepared!!! I'm in awe...

59 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I mentioned this to the vintages, and they all told me they are bringing nothing. They claim I told them not to bother with snacks because the train has food, I had them all pull up the email chain and text thread. Reading is fundamental.

I remember this campaign!!

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

 We found these storage containers at TJ MAXX/Family dollar that Amazon sells at $15+ for under $5. 

Great find!

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have been fielding a lot of calls and texts from vintages who are scrambling to get prepared before vacation. I actually was just asked what ports we were going to and the worst of all, when do we leave. 

OH no. No no no no. You have the patience of a saint.

We traveled as a family to Greece for my parents 50th anniversary - my sister & fiancé, my mom & dad and my aunt and uncle. Then we also had a few friends join us as well (ours, not my parents, but we usually vacation with them every summer). So me, my husband and our kids would spend some part of the day with our friends and my sister ended up in charge of "elders" as she called them (I wish we had heard your "vintages" before that trip because I loooove it). She had many issues with navigating the elders through the train system and through the towns and her stories remind me quite a bit of yours. 

[USCG Teacher]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I also want to say a big thanks to @USCG Teacher for helping ease my anxiety and answering my fears/questions.

No worries at all, you've got enough on your plate!  And it's a standing offer.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Every June we take about 60-90 thirteen year olds on a grad trip out of town. That is exhausting. But reading this blog is making me even more exhausted I would rather take the 13 year olds! I am in awe that you are doing all of this. 

[Ampurp85]

Oh, just an update. One vintage just put in for her vacation and she fears she won't get it. But no biggy because if it doesn't get approved, she will just put in her two-week's notice. Then reapply when she gets back. ........apparently this has been done before. 

My brother says I am too nice and I should just let them fend for themselves. 

@Lovetocruise2002 I think the thirteen-year-olds can be taught to behave. The vintages, the youngest is 58, have lived long enough to be sat in their ways. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I think the thirteen-year-olds can be taught to behave. The vintages, the youngest is 58, have lived long enough to be sat in their ways.

Very true. I might as well be a vintage too cause I am pretty set in my ways

[asquared17]

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

We had a pre-cruise dinner get together to discuss everything. I created little gift bags because none of them had sailed before and I wanted them to have cruise essentials.

i already know that this dinner will never go how i intend it to go for you…. 

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I also had ordered us matching t-shirts: one for WDW and one for the cruise. Nobody wore them during the vacation (they all love them now and wear them often) or used any of the cruise essentials. The second cruise on Odyssey I got everyone a lanyard or card clip and luggage tags. Again, nobody used them. Well, my brother used his, but he is sane and normal, so I don't count him when it comes to the rest of the group's tomfoolery

if your brother wasn’t going on this trip… i think i’d be calling in the national guard. honestly

DO THEY NOT REALIZE HOW GOOD THEY HAVE IT WITH YOU?!?!

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

The new vintage also wanted to know if we would be dressing together and for the theme nights.

THEY CANT EVEN???? CHECK IN???? but want to coordinate outfitting I CANT 

GOODBYE

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Some had the audacity to say when are you taking us to dinner to discuss the cruise? I had a good laugh.

somehow i fear we’ve set the wrong expectations and thank goodness you’re laughing… as i sit here staring off into the void and wondering why there was a sale on audacity this week… SINCE THEY ALL HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

the actual plan is to get a hot meal at the station before boarding. I mentioned this to the vintages, and they all told me they are bringing nothing. They claim I told them not to bother with snacks because the train has food, I had them all pull up the email chain and text thread. Reading is fundamental.

i……. need to lay down.

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Our vacation is 10 days. Most of the vintages are at 4/6 bags allotted. I will be taking the largest number of bags I have ever taken on any vacation, which will be 3 1/2.

so, in the spirit of full disclosure, i think i probably take 4 bags. my gigantic suitcase, my rolling carryon (which has one days clothes and overnight stuff), my duffel with cruise stuff that doesn’t fit in the suitcase/isn’t liquids, and my “personal item,” which is essentially another small duffel. i do not pack light, and i know this. but i am so impressed by your 3.5 bags this time around. that is how i know you mean business

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

have been fielding a lot of calls and texts from vintages who are scrambling to get prepared before vacation.

i wish there was a way you could charge them a “redundancy” fee. like if they’d read the emails… and the answers are there… and they persist in asking…

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I actually was just asked what ports we were going to and the worst of all, when do we leave. 

when…… do you…. leave….

GOODBYE FOREVER I AM DECEASED

[ScottD]

Your brother is correct, you are REALLLLY NICE, lol.   Honestly, the amount of planning and preparation you have done, you'd think one of them would offer to take YOU to dinner to discuss the plans, and then they could  find out when they leave 

[Ampurp85]

Day 31

Two and a half updates

I got an email to check-in at 5am this morning. I get up around 5:30/6am and I always check. It looks like 10:30 was offered but now all the slots are gone. I saw 11:30s which had been gone for 2wks now. So even though I was checking every day, I still couldn't get an earlier time and people on Facebook are liars. They stated that around 30ish days the 10:30 slot would open and those who selected 11am during day 45 would automatically get moved. 

I was able to get documents at day 31. I think it was a glitch because I was able to print the set sail pass and luggage tags for the three people fully checked in. The other 3 people sent me their passport photos and other information to complete their check-in and now the link is gone. But we are 6/8 on being fully checked in. The holdout being the blind gent who has to have emails and such read to him, so I understand. And my bff who has been posting thirst traps on Twitter, so I know where his priorities lie. 

 

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

31 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I still couldn't get an earlier time and people on Facebook are liars. They stated that around 30ish days the 10:30 slot would open and those who selected 11am during day 45 would automatically get moved. 

Something like this did happen on our LB sailing last month. I slept through the original check in and by the time I woke up the next morning, 11:30am was the earliest slot that I could grab. Because we had a suite, I figured it did not matter so I never bothered checking back to see if an earlier time popped up. Anyway, around the 30 day mark, people in the FB roll call group started posting that their check in times got moved. Some moved to earlier slots and some who had early slots got bumped back. That prompted me to check and sure enough, my 11:30am had turned into a 10:30am. I have no idea what happened but it worked out for us. Not so good for others though. 

Also, I feel like we need a new “reaction” option for this blog. The face palm SMH emoji/reaction lol

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

my bff who has been posting thirst traps on Twitter, so I know where his priorities lie. 

honestly he is turning into a meme at this point  

[Rags1]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

Day 31

Two and a half updates

I got an email to check-in at 5am this morning. I get up around 5:30/6am and I always check. It looks like 10:30 was offered but now all the slots are gone. I saw 11:30s which had been gone for 2wks now. So even though I was checking every day, I still couldn't get an earlier time and people on Facebook are liars. They stated that around 30ish days the 10:30 slot would open and those who selected 11am during day 45 would automatically get moved. 

I was able to get documents at day 31. I think it was a glitch because I was able to print the set sail pass and luggage tags for the three people fully checked in. The other 3 people sent me their passport photos and other information to complete their check-in and now the link is gone. But we are 6/8 on being fully checked in. The holdout being the blind gent who has to have emails and such read to him, so I understand. And my bff who has been posting thirst traps on Twitter, so I know where his priorities lie. 

 

 

I'm on Allure now and I'll tell you this about check in:  We arrived at around 1015. Genie escorted us on board. There were literally hundreds of folks already on the ship!  They turn and burn in Galveston!

[Ampurp85]

@Rags1 I thought I asked you about this in your blog, but thanks for the info. I plan to be there before 10:30 and I also heard they let D+/Pinnacles on earlier. 

[melmar02]

I just caught up and WOW is all I can say. jbrinkm is right, you are a saint! I hope you will be able to break away and get some you time during this trip.

I checked us in last night and 11:30 was the earliest time for us too (PC). I'll make a note to check back at 30 days.

[Ampurp85]

Day 26

The planning for this trip just keeps getting better and better. 

As I stated the luggage tags originally open up early, then closed, and wasn't available again until after 5pm on day 30. As the rooms are linked to my email, I have received a total of 11 emails in regard to RU. I really wish I wasn't sailing with such a large group, not just for RUB , but because I feel like I would win if I placed a bid.

But back to the planning tomfoolery. I asked in Jan and then again in March if people wanted to do any excursions. Nobody replied. In July I asked once again about excursions and nothing. Well Sunday I was sent an email from the new Vintage, Robin, she has primarily sailed Carnival and therefore she knows cruising . She asked if the crew on Royal is as friendly as Carnival because she would often eat, drink, and dance with the crew on Carnival. 

She was planning her outfits, which include a total of three choices a day, and was wondering about the excursions I planned. I was like huh? Every email and phone call from me states I will be in the casino, that is my excursion. But Robin was like I read it and your mother confirmed that you had booked excursions for us in each port. I was like where is not only the critical thinking, but the reading comprehension??????

I sent out invoices for everything and no excursion were listed. I told her that, and she said because she heard last time I paid for dinners and goody bags, she assumed I booked excursions in all 3 ports as a gift. I asked her repeatedly why she would assume that I would book everyone's excursions and not tell anyone anything. I spent an hour explaining why this was inaccurate and now I am frustrated. I am a softie and did buy everyone a water package, but I don't know what people like to do.  

Robin also told me she needed a wheelchair for embarkation/disembarkation. She has a bad hip and cannot walk the ramp........I had to explain that I will assist but she is also grown. Like none of you are paying me for services. I was cruising and you decided to come along, I am not your concierge or genie. I keep hearing demands and such but no "thank You's." It gets better, she has 3 suitcases. Since we can only check two, she wanted me to ask everyone else how many they are bringing so she can use someone else's allotment. I wasn't bringing any so I told her she can use mine. She has also assumed that despite me mentioning to be mindful of how much you bring, that my brother, myself and my bff would help her with all her bags. I had to remind her there are FIVE vintages on this trip, they might need help too. 

 

[asquared17]

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

where is not only the critical thinking, but the reading comprehension??????

honestly if this doesn't sum it ALL up!!!!!

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I feel like I would win if I placed a bid.

you would, too. because the universe is sitting back watching this, like, can someone throw this woman a bone?!?

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

She was planning her outfits, which include a total of three choices a day

LET THE RECORD REFLECT!!!!! THAT EVEN I AM NOT THIS BAD!!!!

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Every email and phone call from me states I will be in the casino, that is my excursion

the way this had me ROLLING but it's accurate.

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

she wanted me to ask everyone else how many they are bringing so she can use someone else's allotment. I wasn't bringing any so I told her she can use mine. She has also assumed that despite me mentioning to be mindful of how much you bring, that my brother, myself and my bff would help her with all her bags. I had to remind her there are FIVE vintages on this trip, they might need help too. 

THIS IS TOO MUCH

 

[SweetPea]

I feel like if you're paying for all these people (because it seems you'll either be guilted or conned into it) that doesn't fall under the guise of Delightfully Unfrugal.... i feel like it would be more a get out of jail, do not pass Go, sit at the right hand of God situation ...

I also feel that for not being a generation who fully understands "gaslighting," that they're all pretty good at it!

[teddy]

You’re a much better person than I am.  I’d be eating the change fee and sailing to the eastern Caribbean from one of the ports in Florida without saying a word. 
 

On a more serious note, I hope there are no more curve balls thrown and you can enjoy your cruise. 

[DDaley]

On 9/11/2023 at 12:36 PM, Ampurp85 said:

Reading is fundamental.

The sheer amount of things you are handling for them is wild! You’d think they could at leeeast have a little decency to read the thoughtful emails I am sure you put together, who doesn’t like reading confirmations and things regarding a vacation!? 

 

[Ampurp85]

@SweetPea I hope you remember that I got this cruise/vacation for UNDER $1500pp. That is hotel, train, UDP, internet, fare and grats. So, I was super frugal, and I got the 24pk water packages for $16 each during black Friday, which was only a little over $110.

[Ampurp85]

So, even more tomfoolery.

I spoke to the blind gent an hour ago. My mother was not correct in her assessment. He is legit blind. He won't be able to read the menus, he needs to be helped to and from his stateroom and he is bringing three bags because she didn't tell him what we need to wear. I already booked him assistance for the airport, but I thought he would be able to wonder around the ship. He said he cannot read or navigate the ship at all. He does have a device that does the reading, etc. but he is afraid to fly with it as it cost thousands of dollars. He said my mother said he didn't need to worry about it because my brother and I would help.  I was not told any of this. I would have planned much better, maybe got an accessible room. I do plan to fill out the form so that they know a blind person is in that room, but I would have preferred if he had in room assistance and was at least on the same floor as us. Why they waited until less than 30 days for all of this is crazy. 

[FireFishII]

Ampurp85 - I am feeling for you!!  This is your vacation and we are not talking about a working vacation.  I think I would have lost my cool by now.  

[asquared17]

no gonna lie, the devious petty part of me is wondering what happens if you cancel and they have to figure it all out on their own????

i mean rip fees and fare but like… AT WHAT COST. 

[OCSC Mike]

21 minutes ago, FireFishII said:

Ampurp85 - I am feeling for you!!  This is your vacation and we are not talking about a working vacation.  I think I would have lost my cool by now.  

+1 to that. I sincerely hope you manage to enjoy yourself!

[Lovetocruise2002]

I have no words…

@Ampurp85, I think that you need to place a RU bid just to get away from them

[Ampurp85]

@Lovetocruise2002I am so tempted to bid but I was reminded that Allure has the nice DL on deck 11....guess what has two thumbs and will be there......this girl. 

[Ampurp85]

I have already decided that the long train ride will have to be the place where everything is discussed. They need to see the seriousness of my face and the conviction in my eyes. 

 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

 I think that you need to place a RU bid just to get away from them

THE WAY I SECOND THIS!!!!

33 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

the long train ride will have to be the place where everything is discussed. They need to see the seriousness of my face and the conviction in my eyes. 

first of all, that gif choice was ~immaculate. second — honestly if you are not PHYSICALLY telling them to their faces… i just don’t see any of this sinking in otherwise. 

they have left you with NO RECOURSE!

also; good point about the DL. gosh, i miss allure and her lack of purple monsters down the back view and beautiful diamond lounge and champagne bar

[ScottD]

PHEW- I'm exhausted just reading everything you are doing for these people. I stress over plans for 3, I can't imagine having to do it for a large group- who don't seem to know or understand how to do any of it, or care how much work it actually is!  I hope you stand firm on that train ride, you're definitely getting puppy dog eyes and confused looks from most of them.  And the blind guy... what!?? There is a HUGE difference from needing some assistance to full out being blind! 

[Xaa]

You're going to win in the casino on this trip.  The universe is going to take care of you.

 

[OCSC Mike]

11 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I was reminded that Allure has the nice DL on deck 11

Looking forward to that if we're able to go on the Allure cruise I currently have on hold for next month.

[melmar02]

I'm envisioning nonstop chit chat during your TED talk on the train. Maybe it needs to include a "quiz at the end for prizes" so they pay some attention. The prize? Certianly nothing more than keeping the pen you pass out for them to take notes with! They have already gotten enough from you!

[LandstromCruise]

38 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

I'm envisioning nonstop chit chat during your TED talk on the train. Maybe it needs to include a "quiz at the end for prizes" so they pay some attention. The prize? Certianly nothing more than keeping the pen you pass out for them to take notes with! They have already gotten enough from you!

I thought the prize was going to be a Royal Caribbean Bingo highlighter

[asquared17]

tell them the winner gets a water package!!! 

(why did i think you are surprising them with this)

[Ampurp85]

17 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

tell them the winner gets a water package!!! 

(why did i think you are surprising them with this)

I am surprising them with it.

They went back and forth about drink packages and then they all, minus the bff, said what they really wanted was just bottled water. But of course, paying $30+ for water when they go to Costco/Sam's club meant they all baulked at the price. 

I was just going to make sure they knew I paid for it because if/when they cruised again, and it wasn't in the room they would make all sorts of complaints. 

[FireFishII]

13 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have already decided that the long train ride will have to be the place where everything is discussed. They need to see the seriousness of my face and the conviction in my eyes. 

I will meet you on the train and hold your coat for you.  If necessary, I will bring out the bat.  Goodness, I love my family with all their goofiness and quarks but yours takes the cake, icing, and ice cream.  You have such a BIG heart. 

Definitely make this your last trip with them because you know they will just keep repeating everything.  Or at least until they go on a cruise by themselves several times and come back on their knees begging you to help them. Then if you do decide to do it again - CHARGE THEM for your time. Give them an invoice of the hours you have spent. Then double your rates if they go over 10 hours.  Triple them if they go over 20 hours. Cancel if they go over 30 hours. And I am not talking hours/week but hours/cruise.  (See, @asquared17, I can play devil, too. Or as my Mom used to say - tough love.)

[USCG Teacher]

22 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have already decided that the long train ride will have to be the place where everything is discussed. They need to see the seriousness of my face and the conviction in my eyes. 

This is 100% the move.  After sunset.  No scenery to distract them, nothing to do, and too late to get off. May the Gods be in your favor.

[SweetPea]

9 minutes ago, USCG Teacher said:

May the Gods be in your favor.

Poor @Ampurp85 needs to find a new Hunger Games tribute!

[Ampurp85]

Day 23

I can't believe we are about three weeks away. I feel like with all the stress I have been planning this cruise since 1985.

I got a new batch of RUB emails. A couple of days ago, the sailing only had balconies left and today when I checked there were 8 suites and some rooms in each category. 

As usual the lack of critical thinking and comprehension is amazing. A couple of weeks ago I sent out my 35-day email and it contained the following:

I have come up with a preliminary plan when it comes to dinning but it all hinges on times available for a group of 8. So far it is:

Day 1: Sabor (Mexican/tacos) Lunch 12/1ish, Dinner: Samba Grill(churrasco) around 8Pm
Day 2: Izumi's (Japanese) Lunch around 12/1, Dinner: 150 CP( fancy pants) around 8:30pm
Day 3: Giovanni's (Italian) Lunch around 12/1 , Chops(steak) around 8:30
Day 4: port day so port/sabor/JR, Dinner: 150 CP( fancy pants) around 8pm
Day 5: port day so port/sabor/JR Dinner: Izumi (Japanese) 7ish because of shows
Day 6: port day so port/sabor/JR Dinner: Giovanni's (Italian) around 8pm
Day 7: Chops(steak) Lunch 12/1ish, Dinner: Samba Grill(churrasco) around 8:30Pm

Both yesterday and today I received numerous texts and calls asking which restaurants we will be going to....... When I said to check the email, I was later met with I see the names but what type of restaurants....... A lot of vintages have started their packing, I think most are bringing two outfits a day.

I also had to field more calls about the train ride and one more with the blind gent. My mother is his primary source, yet she has told him nothing. He was under the impression we were taking the train only so far and driving to the port. He also didn't understand what he needed to cruise, so I made sure he would have his passport and cash/credit card to put down for his seapass account. She also told him not to bring food because he can get it on the train. Since all the vintages are my mother's people, I had to send out an email saying NOT to listen to her. 

I wish I was sailing with @SweetPea, it sounds so simple and fun. 

[SweetPea]

You know i can relate to your saga soooooo much. One post when you're not feeling like the trooper super hero you totally are, i will share a text message exchange between me and my mom. You'll relate and understand why Batman and i are keeping our cruise secret (they think we're going to FL. Yes we are. Just not flying, like they think we are.). I feel super guilty, but my mom and i are not cruise compatible and I'd wind up divorced.

Hang in there! You're doing great and you will be seated at the right hand of God for all your patience and support you're providing! And never forget that you're allowed to enjoy your vacation too!

 

[Neesa]

Again, I'm here for this! Late to the party but I've smashed that follow button, I love an @Ampurp85 sailing!