Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Okay travel day continues...... We made it to the room and decided to spend $170 on Uber eats. A combination of Jack in the box, and an Italian restaurant called Marios Restauranti. Both were overpriced for what we got and neither was too good. But I am looking forward to the UDP. My mother and the blind gentleman spent most of the time arguing. I also found out that my mother didn't relay info in either directions. As a thank you the new vintage wanted to get me a gift and my mother said we would like matching shirts, only she didn't get me one, nor did she tell me about it. The shirts are so nice and I was sad because the new vintage thought I was being ungrateful . I was also told she told them I said the shuttle was more than quoted.Β My mother always hears what she wants and relays wrong information. But after telling everyone all the right info. Just an FYI the new vintage and my mother's BFF LOVED that road trip. They slept like babies, met strangers and were relaxed. I loved that for them but the blind gentleman has booked a return flight home. Also my mother was supposed to stay in the room with the other vintages but they all mad at each other so she is sharing a room with the blind gentleman. Speaking of........she is flat out mean as hell to him. She let him fall twice. We have been helping him along. I went to help him change his flight and she left an ottoman in the middle of the floor. I had moved it out of the way and went to my room to get my laptop. I came back and it was moved again....when he hit his leg. She said you knew it was there. I didn't know what to say or how to feel. It is just the first 24hrs. But I had to repack and now I am ready to have a wonderful cruise. I am sure shenanigans will occur but hopefully it's chill from here on out. Neesa, Lovetocruise2002, TessFromFlorida and 8 others 1 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Itβs cruise day!!!! FINALLY! teddy, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 7 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: I am ready to have a wonderful cruise. I am sure shenanigans will occur but hopefully it's chill from here on out. You are in a better mind frame than I would be. For the final time... eagerly awaiting the first post from onboard telling us you're having a good time! WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and Sweety 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 It's cruise day!!!!!! I slept 6 whole hours and it is now almost 7am. I have to repack my carry-on to get rid of all the train essentials. I won't do the train again. I ate very little, so even though I am planning a Sabor lunch I will get some hotel breakfast. My thoughts on the hotel is, it is just okay for a one night, pre-cruise stay. Location isn't bad but also not great since it is located directly on I-45. If you don't have a vehicle, navigation can be cumbersome. The room was mostly cleaned but the comforters smelled old. I am glad I brought my own pillow cases and face towels. There are no lights other than lamps in the bedroom area. Wifi is okay, I've had faster and better. But shower pressure and water temps are on point. I will let you know about breakfast. We have a 11am check-in but I plan to leave the hotel at 10am. The last Lyft ride was only 10min, but with people getting on and off I will try for getting there at 10:30 to finagle all them bags. Β Sweety, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 9 others 10 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 2 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: Sabor lunch Finally we're getting to the good stuff! Jax, Sweety, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 ITS CRUISE DAY!!!!!!!!!! PPPJJ-GCVAB, Neesa, FireFishII and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Yippee ! Β Let the [new] shenanigans begin ! Neesa, Cactus527, Sweety and 6 others 3 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Put all that planning and pre-travel mess behind you. Today is cruise day! May only good shenanigans follow you from here on! Neesa, WAAAYTOOO, asquared17 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Bon voyage! 4 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: I won't do the train again. I'm pretty sure you knew this going in! asquared17, Jax, Neesa and 2 others 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLH Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 You are a saint.Β Think of what an experience you are providing at the expense of your sanity. asquared17, Neesa and Ampurp85 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Okay after all the hubbub we are on here. I have a lot to catch up on. This sailing has 6720 pax so getting things squared away has been a hassle. I almost got all the times but Izumi was not happening. Shari, Skigoofy, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 18 others 13 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cactus527 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 28 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: Okay after all the hubbub we are on here. I have a lot to catch up on. This sailing has 6720 pax so getting things squared away has been a hassle. I almost got all the times but Izumi was not happening. You guys are adorable. Β I read everything last night and am hoping that all goes well from here on out. Enjoy! (and you are a saint - your mother reminds me of my own, who I wouldΒ NEVER bring on a cruise!!!!) Ampurp85, Robert M and Neesa 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 YOU GUYS LOOK GREAT!!!!!! im so happy youβre finally on board.Β this is typicalΒ the beginning of when all my travel angst/anxiety tends to slowly ~unravel and i can enjoy the hassle of it all.Β next on my list to check off is: - FOOD - unpack when bags arrive - a red stripe from schooner barΒ - prep for sailaway!!! SweetPea, WAAAYTOOO, Sweety and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Lunch at Sabors. Rooms opened while we were halfway through. We keep hearing announcements for the safety briefing. There is a massive group and a wedding happening. The new vintage is having the time of her life. She got the red snapper and a blue long Island, she informed me she will have me book all her vacations now. My mother and the blind gentleman have been arguing and we all are laughing. MaryS, TessFromFlorida, Neesa and 13 others 11 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 2 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: The new vintage is having the time of her life. But is she now a convert from Carnival? asquared17, Lovetocruise2002, FireFishII and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 4 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: Lunch at Sabors Loved those chicken, bacon, pepper apps on Harmony. Appreciate all the food porn (especially of things I'll be eating on Allure in 10 days). Sweety and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 48 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: The new vintage is having the time of her life. She got the red snapper and a blue long Island, she informed me she will have me book all her vacations now. i feel like the new vintage is going to really make this trip spectacular. she seems to be the only one who appreciates all your efforts, and for that, i am in full support!!! FireFishII, PPPJJ-GCVAB, Shari and 6 others 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 So I am waiting at guest service because I didn't get my water package for two rooms and I need a key for my brother. The new vintage gave me "some change" as a thank you.Β It was $100. I wasn't going to take it but she said she was donating to the casino fund . I have skipped over some stuff and will go into shenanigans details when things calm down. The app has been a mess and none of my reservations are showing up. It is an insane amount of children on here. I had to change my clothes because little children were playing while eating and thank God for tide wipes. Also I wish people understood personal space. Jax, Lovetocruise2002, teddy and 11 others 13 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMOKEY0202 Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 Converted whale passenger it seems .... Gonna be interesting week for sure Hopefully big luck for you at casino Maybe the vintages and blind guy will crash earlyΒ More power to you to deal with vintages nonsense and still gives us such a fun filled week long blog Β SweetPea, Ampurp85 and Neesa 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 15, 2023 Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 14 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: The new vintage gave me "some change" as a thank you.Β It was $100. I wasn't going to take it but she said she was donating to the casino fund Impressive! I think karma at the casino is in your future! Wishing you godspeed! Ampurp85, WAAAYTOOO and Neesa 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2023 So back track......IT'S CRUISE DAY π³ The hotel breakfast was garbage. It was burnt sausage, bruised fruit and powdered eggs that we're not mixed properly. Everyone was disappointed. We ordered our Lyft around 9:40. My driver was only 3min away and my brother's was 7. Guess who got there first . Our driver went to the park lot and he was ...brand...new. Firstly I'm sure he was drunk. He proceeded to drive erratically and tell us he got fired from Uber for complaints .one includes a sexual assault. He then said he hasn't had a drink since 2005 but also how he has occasionally drinks with family......sure Jan. He got us to the port after the later ride. We handed all the bags to the porters who were so excited for our tip and walked us to the wheelchair area. They boarded us and let the suites and Key guest on around 10:15 and 10min later they call D+ and down. Then by zone. But I waited awhile for someone to come the. I was chatting with a crew member who said they are getting rid of 10:30 because of the work load. If crew gets things done, they allow C&A members on earlier. I got on before everyone to make reservations and by the time I got someone, Izumi was booked solid. I was disappointed in the crew member helping me, so was another crew member who came over and breeze through it. New vintage was rolled on and went to the Champagne bar for a cocktail. Since bffs mom wasn't coming we went to guest services to make sure his room was still okay and it got squared away after an hour. By then there was a massive amount of people just being loose. We did eMuster and waited for our lunch watching the football. There is a group of 900 people all wearing matching shirts that don't know each other.....some do but it was a service won. I plan to find out more later because it seems intriguing . I made three trips to guest service today. And the line was insane each time, until they found out I was D+ and they took me over other people......this was new. But there was a drunk guy behind me in my personal space who was so drunk he lost his SeaPass. He said he didn't know if he was drunk or if I was pretty . Β MaryS, Neesa, asquared17 and 7 others 2 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said: Our driver went to the park lot and he was ...brand...new. Firstly I'm sure he was drunk. He proceeded to drive erratically and tell us he got fired from Uber for complaints .one includes a sexual assault. He then said he hasn't had a drink since 2005 but also how he has occasionally drinks with family...... OMG, this is nuts! Are you reporting him? First, it wasn't even noon. Second, who volunteers he has a sexual assault complaint? Β Β And are we taking bets on what the 900 matching shirts group is? I'm going with a sewing club. At least that's what I'm hoping for, for your sake, say as opposed to some kind of swingers club .... WAAAYTOOO, ScottD and TessFromFlorida 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 I am currently in Central Park, waiting on the rest of my party. The non-smoking casino had drinks and a raffle from 7-8. The new casino is small, like I counted less than 20 machines and there is no bar so service is sloooooow. I played for an hour and had no luck. I guess it's the smoking side for me..... They also now have a QR code to scan for the casino points. It is easier and they have options 11 months out. Cactus527, Neesa, FireFishII and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: Our driver went to the park lot and he was ...brand...new. Firstly I'm sure he was drunk dear god.Β 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: I was chatting with a crew member who said they are getting rid of 10:30 because of the work load. If crew gets things done, they allow C&A members on earlier. honestly iβm okay with this for a number of reasons but anything to ease things for the crew on turnover day is fine by me!!! 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: New vintage was rolled on and went to the Champagne bar for a cocktail listen iβve said it before and i will probably say it many times before the week is overβ¦ im LIVING for this new vintage. and the champagne bar??? GIRLFRIEND HAS TASTE 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: There is a group of 900 people all wearing matching shirts that don't know each other so i will say there are often groups that i sometimes take notice of, but a group the size of 900β¦ seemsβ¦ exceptionally large. no wonder youβre sailing at (near) max capacity. 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: made three trips to guest service today. And the line was insane each time, until they found out I was D+ and they took me over other people......this was new FANCY DIAMOND PLUS QUEEN!!!!!!! sidebar for those in the know (aka not me) when does it become more prudent to go to the diamond lounge to get things sorted vs guest services? i have often wondered this. 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: there was a drunk guy behind me in my personal space who was so drunk he lost his SeaPass. He said he didn't know if he was drunk or if I was pretty . Β sIR. S I R.Β CLEARLY SHE IS PRETTY!!!!! (although i will admit the odds are high that he was also inebriated. ) BUT YOU MADE IT AND YOUβRE ONBOARD THANK GOD.Β (β¦you DID get your luggageβ¦ right?) SweetPea, Neesa, FireFishII and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: made three trips to guest service today. And the line was insane each time, Now we know one of the reasons why that line is so long on Day 1! glad you found a short cut 28 minutes ago, asquared17 said: sidebar for those in the know (aka not me) when does it become more prudent to go to the diamond lounge to get things sorted vs guest services? i have often wondered this. Itβs because almost always, the suite and Diamond (now crown) lounge concierges are MIA (taking a break) when people board. They start their day very early when itβs disembarkation day, escorting guests off so most donβt appear until 4:30pm on Day 1. There are only 2 all star suite concierges that I have seen at the desk when I got on board. Mohamed and JJ.Β SweetPea, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 Embarkation day. The blind gentleman ate too much at lunch. So he didn't come to dinner. Dinner was at 150CP and they all enjoyed it. My water package was delivered and it was 24 1L Evian bottles, thanks sweet baby Jesus.Β My mind is a little shot, I know I have more things that happened but I am sure I will remember after a good night's rest. SweetPea, Robert M, CrimsonCruiser and 11 others 12 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottD Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 So now every time you're stressed out about all of your planning, you can think AT LEAST IT'S NOT 900 people!!Β Who the heck put together a cruise for a group of 900, I stress over 3!Β Also loving the new vintage, and I see you, Bro, BFF and new Vintage being the 4 amigos half way through this cruise!Β asquared17, Neesa, Ampurp85 and 3 others 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 EVIAN!!!!!!!!Β Neesa and Ampurp85 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 17 hours ago, asquared17 said: i feel like the new vintage is going to really make this trip spectacular. she seems to be the only one who appreciates all your efforts, and for that, i am in full support!!! Amen to this !Β Β Neesa, Ampurp85 and asquared17 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 16 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: Β Β YIPPEE and CONGRATULATIONS !! Neesa, PPPJJ-GCVAB, Ampurp85 and 2 others 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 @Ampurp85 I'm sure you've been way too busy to be reading random threads but recently on at least one cruise (Wonder) the DL concierge letter stated D members were not allowed in the DL (Crown Lounge) during the 5-8 happy hour, just the rest of the day. There's some discussion about it being because that's a special cruise with a casino event and there are too many top tier members aboard. Did you get the standard welcome letter from the DL concierge and did it mention anything about access? If you're too busy to answer, totally understandable, just wondering since I'll be on Allure next week and won't be D+ for another 2 cruises. Thanks. Congrats on your own D+ BTW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted October 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 Day 2, sea day I got such good sleep, I woke up at 8, took a shower and headed to the Crown Lounge. Wow it is really stunning on Allure. You can watch people on their boardwalk balcony and see the Aqua show. I am watching people zipline as I type this. As usual I am the only non-vintage here. The app settled down but it shows that despite making a dinner reservation for day 4, nothing is there, so I will go to the "Crown " concierge and see what's wrong. The plan is no breakfast but lunch at JR around noon. I will hit the casino before that. So the new vintage looves to flirt and she scared our poor room steward. She asked him if he could handle three experienced ladies and he said it's only one of him......he even made himself smaller to emphasize this. I laughed and it made him relax a bit. We slipped him his pre-tip and some candy. There have been a ton of arguments amongst the large group. And one slapped another in the casino. I don't understand ppl who act a fool on cruises. I plan to walk and get photos as today will be chill and relaxing......hopefully Stray observations If you put the same card on file, the main person sees all the OBC. I had a ton of OBC on my account but since my card is on file for my mother and brother, I had all their OBC too. So when I played in the casino, it spent theirs. JR breakfast was really popular today. They were selling the Taste of Royal lunch and Galley tours at the specialty restaurants. If you had the UDP, they offer 20% off. Β Cactus527, Skigoofy, Lovetocruise2002 and 12 others 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 I am going with 20 cabins on Allure next October. We are celebrating my parents 65th wedding anniversary. Reading your live blog and thinking about next year. Congratulations on reaching D+. Have joy with the five drinks. Neesa, CrimsonCruiser, OCSC Mike and 2 others 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 Diamond Crown Lounge looks great! Thanks for sharing random pics in the midst of all you have going on... still dunno how you're managing. Hope the casino is good to you! PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO, Robert M and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 The Lounge offerings look to be the same as the suite lounge offerings. Nice.Β asquared17, OCSC Mike, Ampurp85 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 6 minutes ago, SweetPea said: The Lounge offerings look to be the same as the suite lounge offerings. Nice.Β I didn't get a chance to visit the (then) DL on Wonder when we had the GS but I'm hoping/assuming they had the same food for the future. The SL spread on Wonder was excellent (both breakfast and evening). The Allure DL spread looks pretty close so that's a promising sign. SweetPea and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 11 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: I didn't get a chance to visit the (then) DL on Wonder when we had the GS but I'm hoping/assuming they had the same food for the future. The SL spread on Wonder was excellent (both breakfast and evening). The Allure DL spread looks pretty close so that's a promising sign. This is just me, but I'm wondering with the change to Crown Lounge if they will encourage Pinnacles there instead of the suite lounge? I know SL access is limited when there are too many Pinnacles onboard already, but i definitely noticed a dichotomy on our cruise. The pins all stuck together and formed large, loud circles in the SL. OCSC Mike and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 11 minutes ago, SweetPea said: This is just me, but I'm wondering with the change to Crown Lounge if they will encourage Pinnacles there instead of the suite lounge? I know SL access is limited when there are too many Pinnacles onboard already, but i definitely noticed a dichotomy on our cruise. The pins all stuck together and formed large, loud circles in the SL. This is above my pay grade as I only moonlighted as a suite life guest twice in my life. Also, since we almost exclusviely sail during school breaks, the Pinnacle count is incredibly low. That said, based on what I've read, you're not alone in your thinking. Neesa and SweetPea 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 This week (Mariner) the Pinns are shut out of the SL completely (unless theyβre in a suite, of course) so many are using the CL. Β I only visit the CL in the morning for coffee so I have no idea what itβs like during HH. Β Maybe Iβll peek in there this evening to see how things look. Β Iβll do a kind of sleuthish recon. Β Theyβll never know I was thereβ¦ While things have not been horribly overcrowded in the mornings when Iβm in the CL getting my coffee, the seating clutches have been pretty much occupied. Β If you are too timid to ask if you can share someoneβs table, you are probably not going to get a seat. Β I have not noticed any loud or raucous Pinn circles thus farβ¦.but then again, I have not visited yet for HH. Β Maybe things are more boisterous in the evenings. Β Now Iβm curiousβ¦so I will make a point of sneaking in and checking things out. Β Expect a report in the AMβ¦ Shari, Sweety, SweetPea and 10 others 12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted October 16, 2023 Report Share Posted October 16, 2023 15 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: This is above my pay grade as I only moonlighted as a suite life guest twice in my life. Also, since we almost exclusviely sail during school breaks, the Pinnacle count is incredibly low. That said, based on what I've read, you're not alone in your thinking. I hear you. We bid on vacation, and need our vacation weeks together, so we tend to cruise during shoulder season, because it's easier to get that time off together. I never went to the loyalty meeting to see how many of each level were on our cruise, but we had a healthy contingent of Pins on our Sept sailing. The lounge was pretty packed during Happy hour and there was an abundance of pins. Of course, it's impossible to tell how many of those Pins were in suites.Β I just kept thinking that if Ambassadors (Norwegian's Pinnacle equivalent) took over the Haven that way ... I'd pay for a front row seat to that show! Neesa and OCSC Mike 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.