PDCC Twice, Our First B2B - Liberty OTS 10/31/23-11/10/23

[melmar02]

3 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I really like your swimsuit; I like to be covered up pretty well and I think something like that would work for me. 

This was the dilemma I faced in April on Allure. It's a one piece with a rash guard and running shorts for the flowrider. I have two tankinis for port.

[melmar02]

2 hours ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

 

How’s your weather holding up?  Hope the seas have already settled down.

It feels less rocky to me, but we all renewed our Dramamine just in case. 

The first thing Jayson asked when we entered the suite lounge tonight, after how our day was, was if we needed any bonine. 

[melmar02]

We were boring last night. After the suite lounge, we went to dinner then back to the room to change out of our formal clothes so we could go out. The kids went to AO, we stayed in and napped on the couch until they got back.

Dinner - escargot, French onion soup and calamari appetizers. DH had the beef bourguignon, and the rest of us had the tenderloin (DS had 2 orders). Cappuccino chocolate cake and apple cobbler for dessert. 

Our first towl animal and tonight's chef's table reminder were in the room last night too.

This morning is a little foggy and rainy, but we should be at Costa Maya soon.

[OCSC Mike]

7 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

we went to dinner then back to the room to change out of our formal clothes so we could go out

We don't dress up for formal night but often do this on random nights if my wife is wearing a casual dress and I have casual pants on. I swap the pants/shoes for shorts/sandals (whatever polo I'm wearing can stay) and my wife puts on shorts or capris or something and a top. No reason not to be comfy for post-dinner activities, whatever you have planned.

[melmar02]

We went to Chops for the suite breakfast. The menu hasn't changed but DH was definitely missing the extra items that were available in Coastal Kitchen. Maybe there will be another star class sailing in our future. 

While at breakfast we docked next to MSC Seaside and Radiance of the Seas. 

It's around 80 degrees right now, and with the overcast morning, we are just taking it easy. It's too chilly for the flowrider right now for us, but it looks like the clouds should break soon. Currently DH is napping, DS is in AO, and DD and I are taking advantage of our internet package.

The plan is fluid, but right now we are thinking maybe go into port for chips and queso at the wrestling bar and make the call on whether we do the aviary or not at that time. The kids and I have gone through it before, so I think we are all OK if it doesn't happen. Perhaps some mini golf this afternoon. 

 

The rainy sunrise

 

About 7am

 

about 9am With some breaks in the clouds. 

[asquared17]

ah yes, a peaceful morning with plans subject to change… sometimes you just need it!!

[ScottD]

I really wish they were still wrestling at the wrestling bar! I was really looking forward to that a few months ago!! 

[melmar02]

DD and I decided to go on a walk. Still very overcast.

 

[Ampurp85]

That MSC ship was docked next to Allure. The zipline was quite unique imho, they zip though those rings. I forget which port you are at, but Mexico is experiencing a lot of rain. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

55 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

The zipline was quite unique imho, they zip though those rings.

Hubby did it before. I remember he had said it was not too different from Royal's zip lines on Oasis class.

[melmar02]

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

That MSC ship was docked next to Allure. The zipline was quite unique imho, they zip though those rings. I forget which port you are at, but Mexico is experiencing a lot of rain. 

We're in Costa Maya. That's what we thought they were, but my family is going to forever call them the quidditch goals.

 

We got off the ship about 12 and ate a snack in the port area then went to the aviary. I may have found a jalapeno that was too hot, even for me. They used to give cups of bird seed at the aviary, but we did not receive any this time. Still had a good time off the ship killing a couple hours.

[asquared17]

that blue toned bird is

[Ampurp85]

So, no bird seed but fruit for the birds?????

[melmar02]

15 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

So, no bird seed but fruit for the birds?????

They had fruit, veg, and seeds out for the birds; they didn't give any to us to give the birds though. That's probably a good thing. When we did the aviary before the birds were really aggressive and we all got bit a couple times as they were trying to get food from us. This time they were much more docile.

 

We lounged around the rest of the afternoon and took our time getting ready for Chef's Table. At 6 we parted ways with the kids at the elevators - they headed up to the WJ for dinner and we headed down to the R Bar which was our meeting point. We were greeted with a champagne cocktail ‐ St. Germaine, mojito mix, and champagne. 

[melmar02]

We were taken to a round table on the landing of the stairs at the back of the main dining room between decks 4 and 5. They brought us each a loaf of the 150 Central Park bread, but this was slightly different than what we had on Allure's Chef's table or at 150. Instead of truffle, this bread had more of a lemon garlic flavor. It was still really good, just not what we expected. 

First course scallop carpaccio 

second course smoked tomato soup

third course lobster salad

fourth course branzino

fifth course tenderloin 

sixth course, The World

[melmar02]

This morning we were followed in Cozumel with Carnival Glory, a Princess ship, and Harmony.

Suite lounge offerings. DH and the kids had Chops while I just had coffee - I'm still stuffed from last night.

 

Our Save a Sea Turtle excursion meets at 12:15, so DS went to AO, and the rest of us went back to the room. I packed two wash and fold bags of laundry and two ambulances showed up on the pier. Not sure if they are here for our ship or Harmony. 

[Ampurp85]

That bread looks more like the cheesy bread you get in the breadbasket. We had it at 150CP on Allure and everyone raved about it.

[melmar02]

18 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

That bread looks more like the cheesy bread you get in the breadbasket. We had it at 150CP on Allure and everyone raved about it.

 

There was definitely no cheese either.

[melmar02]

Save a Sea Turtle Experience. We picked this excursion because DD wants to be a marine biologist specializing in sea turtle rehab. Also because it was something different than a beach day. Our meeting time was 12:15, and we got off the ship about 45 minutes early to walk around a bit. It was overcast with the sun peeking through the clouds every now and then.

There were 27 people on the excursion. We boarded a bus that took us to the far side of the island and stopped along a stretch of beach that was almost back to the road that divides the island. The guide was very informative, giving us details about the types of turtles we might find and how how to dig the nests out. He was also very explicit about how to handle the turtles as they are endangered. Once at the beach, we met the biologists that were in charge of the operation. We were tasked with digging out nests that had hatched to look for remaining turtles and collect all the egg shells. There were 4 nests that were ready that day, so we divided into groups and started digging...

and digging...

and digging...

The bottom of the nests can be 4-5 feet deep. So DH finished the job in our group.

we found 5 turtles in our next and almost 130 shells which were paper-y, not hard like a chicken egg.

The biologists and our guide were constantly walking around to supervise and make sure we were doing things correctly, and they had to tell the lady of the couple we were paired with to stop touching the turtles multiple times. They were nice about it, but she really wouldn't stop petting them and picking the up to baby talk at them. 

We were given wet towels and bottles of cold water when we got on back in the bus. We were all pretty cold at this point because there was a downpour during our dig.

They took us to a nearby beach where we had about an hour and a half to eat (no included) and use their loungers. We got drinks chips, salsa, and guacamole. It was raining a bit more so we stayed under the cover of the open air restaurant. Then they took us back to the ship.

Overall we enjoyed this excursion and would probably do it again if we wanted to do something different and non-beachy. 

Back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.

[melmar02]

Last night suite lounge offerings. 

It was Caribbean night in the MDR last night. Appetizers- coconut shrimp for the kids, French onion soup for DH and I had the Asian tacos.

[OCSC Mike]

21 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

Last night suite lounge offerings. 

Appreciate you sharing these. It's usually the CL for me but the snacks are usually similar if not identical and I'm a big fan of stopping by there before dinner. Sometimes the comments in the new Crown Lounge threads make me think I'm the only one who enjoys those snacks, lol (not that I care and obviously other people are enjoying them when I'm in there).

[Ampurp85]

I did one of those turtle baby things years ago and there is always that one person. The staffed explained to be careful and there was this Karen who "raised turtles " and kept picking up the babies, kissing them. Luckily she was removed from the group but she made a huge deal.

But anyway I love turtles and the suite lounge offerings look a lot like the "coveted" happy hour snacks from the Crown Lounge .

[melmar02]

Here's the rest of dinner. DS got the grilled chicken and DH and DD ordered the strip steak, all that I had pictures of previously. DH said his steak was grisly, but DD said hera was fine. I ordered the roasted caribbean chicken and DH and I also shared the chicken korma. Both were very good, and they brought our extra entra out at the same time as the rest of the meals. Sorry the pictures is of a half eaten meal, I almost forgot pictures. Dinners have been running about 70-80 minutes. 

Dessert- girls ordered carrot cake and the boys ordered blueberry cobbler. I had a bite of DS'S and it was a little tart for me.

After dinner we were greeted by a another towel animal. DH and I were going to go out dancing, but it was really rocky again so we called it an early night.

 

[melmar02]

This sea day has been pretty chill for us. Kids wanted WJ for breakfast. Then they headed to the kids' clubs and DH and I headed to the casino for the first time this trip. We found a $6 blackjack table and I hung in there for a good 30 minutes before giving up. I left DH and had better luck at the slots but still down a little. 

We had lunch on the Promenade - a combination of Sorrento's, Cafe Promenade, Ben & Jerry's, and a Mai Tai from Vintages.

We're going to try A Royal Mystery this afternoon which sounds like an escape room in an envelope. It is being held in the Star Lounge. DS may head back to AO at that time. It really is his happy place, and I think he has mixed feelings about aging up to the teen club on our next cruise. Me too, Buddy. Me too.

DD plans to go back to the teen club this afternoon after the mystery thing so DH and I may wind up back in the casino. The dealer said it had been dead in there all week.

Tonight we are planning on the ice show and some dancing after dinner. Hopefully it won't be too rocky. The captain said it's more windy than they expected. Our weather app shows 30 mph winds out there.

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, melmar02 said:

We're going to try A Royal Mystery this afternoon which sounds like an escape room in an envelope.

Just did this on Allure. Not spoiling anything but if it’s about a museum then it’s the same one.

After 10 mins I realized we had already done it many years ago, lol, but I couldn’t remember the final puzzle or whodunnit until it started to become clear.

It’s pretty challenging. Enjoy!

[melmar02]

Just now, OCSC Mike said:

Just did this on Allure. Not spoiling anything but if it’s about a museum then it’s the same one.

I think it probably was the same. The activities person running the game asked if anyone had done the game on a ship before then asked them not to play because the game was the same. Of course they played anyway. That was the only team who won. We needed about 2 more minutes and we would have had it.

[OCSC Mike]

10 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

I think it probably was the same. The activities person running the game asked if anyone had done the game on a ship before then asked them not to play because the game was the same. Of course they played anyway. That was the only team who won. We needed about 2 more minutes and we would have had it.

That's lame. We finished with seconds to spare and I didn't remember the end until it was too late to cheat if I wanted to.

[jbrinkm]

3 hours ago, melmar02 said:

We're going to try A Royal Mystery this afternoon which sounds like an escape room in an envelope. It is being held in the Star Lounge.

If you can, ask the leader to list all of the papers you need in your envelope! My group was missing a really important one and didn't realize until the very end.

3 hours ago, melmar02 said:

DS may head back to AO at that time. It really is his happy place, and I think he has mixed feelings about aging up to the teen club on our next cruise. Me too, Buddy. Me too.

This hit me in my feels 

[ScottD]

16 hours ago, melmar02 said:

DS may head back to AO at that time. It really is his happy place, and I think he has mixed feelings about aging up to the teen club on our next cruise. Me too, Buddy. Me too.

What is the age group on Liberty? My son is 11 and HATED AO on oasis both times this year because they group it 6-12 and he felt like it was a little kid thing. REALLY hoping, at 12 next year, on Liberty he will enjoy it more. Is 12 the start of the teen club or the higher end of the the kids?  If the groupings are smaller (say... 10-12) then he'll probably love AO.  but if he's 12 and hanging with 16 year olds, he may dislike it just as much as hanging with little kids!  Such an awkward age...lol. 

[melmar02]

@ScottD on Liberty they still use the old age group structure. Explorers are 6-8 year olds and Voyagers are 9-11. Teen club is 12 and up. 

[melmar02]

We did wind up back in the casino yesterday afternoon, but luck did not follow us in. 

I had about 10-15 pictures left in our 100 package so we headed to a photographer to finish the job. I'm not looking for 100 stellar photos when I but the big package, I'm looking for convenience. I take several good photos from the package add them to pictures we took and make books from them. I but the package on Black Friday so it's cheap and then the photographer takes about 110 pictures so onboard. I can weed out the obvious 10 bad ones and sort through the rest at home. 

Suite lounge, dinner, ice show...pictures to follow. 

[ScottD]

1 hour ago, melmar02 said:

@ScottD on Liberty they still use the old age group structure. Explorers are 6-8 year olds and Voyagers are 9-11. Teen club is 12 and up. 

Thanks! He'll at least give that a try! He wasn't even willing to give the 6-12 group another shot this time around. 

[melmar02]

Some treats were delivered to the suite yesterday afternoon. I didn't get any lounge food photos.

Dinner - Italian night. Aranchi, minestrone, and carpaccio appetizers. We all got the chicken parm and DH and I split the mushroom risotto too. Tirimisu and lemon tarts for dessert. It was all good.

photos are slow to load here on CocoCay. We're parked at Harbor Beach and have great weather. Water is a little chilly, but so far all is good. We are here with Allure. Here's the day's view.

[melmar02]

Last night's towel animal and a few photos of the ice show. There were a couple of falls, but overall a good show. We have seen it 3 times over the years, and I think the Elvis finale has been our favorite every time.

[Ampurp85]

With the ice show the falls are always heartbreaking but I often appreciate how the audience handles them. I am glad your cruise is still ongoing

[FireFishII]

5 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

With the ice show the falls are always heartbreaking but I often appreciate how the audience handles them. I am glad your cruise is still ongoing

But why doesn't anyone get a picture of the fallen skater?  Sorry, I am rubbernecking. 

[melmar02]

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

With the ice show the falls are always heartbreaking but I often appreciate how the audience handles them. I am glad your cruise is still ongoing

The fallen skaters definitely got the most cheers.

[melmar02]

We're on the bus waiting for the last of the luggage for our turnaround day excursion. It looks like photos are going tontake forever to upload, so I'll come back and do a photo dump when I'm back on ship wifi.

PDCC day. We went to Chops for breakfast and then went back to the cabin to change. Since we didn't have a planned excursion, we took a little time getting off the ship so we weren't with the crush of people who wanted to be first off the ship. We left the cabin around 8:30.

We headed to Oasis Lagoon and found 4 loungers together after a little searching. The water was cold. We tried to take our time getting in and getting used to the water, but it wasn't happening. We went to Splashaway Bay for a few minutes and decided we would move home base to Harbor Beach. 

The water here was a little warmer than the pool, but still pretty cool. DH and I read and the kids played in the water and sand. There may have been a Coco Loco or two. 

Lunch buffet was open about 11am. We all had the taco bar which was pretty good for buffet fare. DH and I also split a Cuban. After lunch DH and DD headed back to the ship - she was overwhelmed from the week and was ready for a reset day. DS and I stayed on the island until about 1pm. AO was calling him. 

DH and I went back to the casino and then we all met back up at the room around 5pm for suite lounge and dinner.

[melmar02]

[melmar02]

The Bon Voyage menu last night was our least favorite. 

Appetizers- DH got the Mediterranean Tapas, I got the French onion soup, kids both got the shrimp cocktail. Entrees - DS and I got the lamb, DH and DD got the grilled chicken,  and DH and I shared the chicken chettinad to share. Our second entree was delived with the first, but the guy at the table next to us got a second entree for himself and it came later. Dessert - apple cobblers and crema catalana.

We went back to the room to stay with DD who had a headache, and were asleep on the couch by 9pm. When DS got back from AO at 10pm, we all went to bed.