🌟💫⭐️A “Starry” Christmas - Harmony Dec 24-31, 2023⭐️💫🌟

[Lovetocruise2002]

27 minutes ago, Jax said:

Jammer line view from elevator (it was much longer than that)

Lindsay “what’s that line for” 

Me “WJ”

Lindsay - silence as we proceed to CK

Omg! I am sitting here drinking my tea and I literally almost spit it out! That is hilarious. He didn't want to venture in? lmao

[asquared17]

39 minutes ago, Jax said:

Jammer line view from elevator (it was much longer than that)

Lindsay “what’s that line for” 

Me “WJ”

Lindsay - silence as we proceed to CK

oh sweet lord.

that is.... wild.

[OCSC Mike]

2 hours ago, Jax said:

Jammer line view from elevator

Yikes! What time was that?

[SweetPea]

2 hours ago, Jax said:

Jammer line view from elevator (it was much longer than that)

Lindsay “what’s that line for” 

Me “WJ”

Lindsay - silence as we proceed to CK

I believe hell is personalized for everyone. That would be one part of mine ....

[Lovetocruise2002]

32 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I believe hell is personalized for everyone. That would be one part of mine ....

+1 lol

[Jax]

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Omg! I am sitting here drinking my tea and I literally almost spit it out! That is hilarious. He didn't want to venture in? lmao

Like I say they talk a good WJ game but fail at execution.

[Jax]

2 hours ago, SweetPea said:

believe hell is personalized for everyone. That would be one part of mine ....

You and me both. lol 

[Jax]

3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Yikes! What time was that?

7:30am. 

[OCSC Mike]

13 minutes ago, Jax said:

7:30am. 

 

16 minutes ago, Jax said:

Like I say they talk a good WJ game but fail at execution.

Insanity. That's a time I am often there and I've never seen it like that. Usually doesn't get nuts until much later in my experience. For the record, even I wouldn't go near it if I saw that. That's no failure in my book.

I'm really going to appreciate the WJ on Wonder. The redesigned layout is nice and there are extra options (the usuals like Solarium Bistro and Park Cafe, but even ELF had a small but nice breakfast set-up with no one there in June).

  

[Jax]

This morning we arrived in Peurto Costa Maya. Another sunny, hot day with absolutely no wind.  
Berty met us in CK and he used his genie powers to get us from deck 17 to deck 2 with no stops!!  I had to take a picture of this because it won’t happen again until our excursion tomorrow  lol 

This was our first time in Costa Maya so for anyone that hasn’t been here the walk to the pier is on the long side; Berty allowed 15 minutes which was perfect.  
This was a very organized excursion.  We lined up in the Chacchoben Excusive Drive line and once a small group arrived we were whisked off to our van.  The exclusive drive is done in a 12P van. We had 9 people and were able to stretch out.  A cooler of assorted beverages including beer was available.

Our driver Eduardo was by far the best driver we have ever had.  It didn’t phase him when all the huge busses passed us. AC worked and the van was nice and cold. Our guide Miriam was also the best we have had offering lots of local trivia relevant to our upcoming visit to the ruins.  The drive was about an hour each way. Highways were in good condition, they had a good size shoulder and no sharp or hair pin corners. Once we arrived at the ruins Miriam was our exclusive guide.  We stopped 4 times and were given approx 5 minutes to explore on our own before regrouping.  It was rated as a moderate excursion and I would agree with that.  It was about 3.8 miles ship to ship. Lots of uneven walking paths so wear proper footwear. Climbing the steps is a work out in itself given their uneven and slippery nature. All in all we really liked this excursion.  Definitely worth the money.  I was overheating with the humidity; which was 100%. We are use to heat but not that level of humidity in Alberta. We were in the middle of a rain forest so it was to be expected but it still tuckered us all out. Here are photos from our various stops.  

 

[Jax]

We returned to the ship about 1:30pm and Berty had scheduled pizza. This worked perfect because we have a slightly later supper tonight at Hibachi at 7pm. Berty used his genie powers to get us Hawaiian pizza and ham and bacon.

[Jax]

Look who is in port with us. 

[SweetPea]

Yeah! I spy with my little eye the Norwegian Getaway. We are just off her for her Thanksgiving cruise this year. 

 

Oh no, wait, that's the Joy, isn't it? Hard to tell from the aft only, but I'm thinking that's the Joy instead.  She's got a nice 10-day intinerary we are spying in August.  Still

[Jax]

Just now, SweetPea said:

Yeah! I spy with my little eye the Norwegian Getaway. We are just off her for her Thanksgiving cruise this year. 

 

Oh no, wait, that's the Joy, isn't it? Hard to tell from the aft only, but I'm thinking that's the Joy instead.  She's got a nice 10-day intinerary we are spying in August.  Still

You are good, it is Joy What’s the itinerary that’s tempting you?? 

[Jax]

Here are a few of the pictures from our private photo session on Day 2.  Regular price was $499.99 and I purchased on cruise planner for $199.99 and it includes 5 images.  

 

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, Jax said:

All in all we really liked this excursion.  Definitely worth the money.

Did you find there were a lot of mosquitos?

55 minutes ago, Jax said:

Here are a few of the pictures from our private photo session on Day 2.

Those turned out great! I love your black/red combo @Jax

[Jax]

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Did you find there were a lot of mosquitos?

Nope, I didn’t notice any. Even mosquitos can’t handle that humidity. I’m told to expect similar humidity tomorrow in Roatan. I’ve decided I’m wearing a hat. Lol But at least we will not be in the middle of a rainforest. 

 

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Those turned out great! I love your black/red combo @Jax

Thank you A departure from my usual black/black combo. lol 

[SweetPea]

I agree! Your pics are great!!

Here's the Joy itinerary ... of course we are doing something similar on Odyssey Jan 2025 so  

 

Day 1:

New York City, Ny

Sun Aug 18, 2024 | Depart 03:00 PM

 

Day 2:

At Sea

Mon Aug 19, 2024

 

Day 3:

At Sea

Tue Aug 20, 2024

 

Day 4:

San Juan, Pr

Wed Aug 21, 2024 | 03:30 PM To 10:00 PM

 

Day 5:

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherland Antilles

Thu Aug 22, 2024 | 10:00 AM To 07:00 PM

 

Day 6:

St Thomas, Vi

Fri Aug 23, 2024 | 07:00 AM To 04:00 PM

 

Day 7:

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Sat Aug 24, 2024 | 07:00 AM To 01:30 PM

 

Day 8:

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Sun Aug 25, 2024 | 09:00 AM To 03:00 PM

 

Day 9:

At Sea

Mon Aug 26, 2024

 

Day 10:

At Sea

Tue Aug 27, 2024

 

Day 11:

New York City, Ny

Wed Aug 28, 2024 | Arrive 07:00 AM

[Jax]

Tonight’s sunset leaving Costa Maya.

[Lovetocruise2002]

55 minutes ago, Jax said:

Thank you A departure from my usual black/black combo. lol 

I am a huge fan of black/red combo. Even the interior of my car is that colour.

[asquared17]

2 hours ago, Jax said:

Tonight’s sunset leaving Costa Maya.

OUTSTANDING

[Jax]

Hibachi tonight was such a fun time.  It was the first time we have ever had a table of 8 all to ourselves. It definitely made the experience better having a table to ourselves. In addition to hibachi we ordered dumplings and pretty much every sushi dish. I took more videos than pics tonight.  Sorry 

Oh and another first,  Lindsay tried saki and didn’t mind it. We are so classy he passed the can around and everyone sampled it.

[Jax]

Headliner show was 10/10

I have read reports where a genie has had to reseat guests who sit in the reserved star class seats.  Tonight it happened to us. Berty handled it like a pro.  Our friends got to join us as another star class family cancelled at the last minute so they were treated to front row seats. And the theatre was coolish to start and although it heated up throughout the show it wasn’t too bad. Pictures aren’t the best quality with the action and lights. 

[Jax]

Group photo takes a turn …. 
Our group wanted to get some pics and things took a turn. One minute we are on the stairs posing for a picture and the next all the guys have removed their shirts.   The photographer was encouraging the guys. She joked she hoped she didn’t get in trouble. We told her not to worry, she was definitely GITCC (going in the comment card) 

Should I post the picture?? 

[Jax]

On 12/25/2023 at 10:44 PM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

embarrassed to say that I know a few who might 

On 12/25/2023 at 10:30 PM, Jax said:

I saw people wearing the hats on our excursion today. The underside of the hat wasn’t showing so they looked considerably better than Lindsay did.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen sake in a can !  

[Lovetocruise2002]

8 hours ago, Jax said:

It was the first time we have ever had a table of 8 all to ourselves. It definitely made the experience better having a table to ourselves.

Totally agree!

8 hours ago, Jax said:

Should I post the picture?? 

Uh, YES! Why is that even a question? lol

[SweetPea]

9 hours ago, Jax said:

Should I post the picture?? 

How is this even a legit question?!

[Jax]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Uh, YES! Why is that even a question? lol

 

Just now, SweetPea said:

How is this even a legit question?!

Just remember you asked for it. Stay tuned for tonight’s photo antics. It could be pants optional.

[WAAAYTOOO]

1 minute ago, Jax said:

 

Just remember you asked for it. Stay tuned for tonight’s photo antics. It could be pants optional.

Ok.  This definitely goes into the thread theorized, but never created, by @twangster entitled “Star Class Behaving Badly”

 

[Jax]

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I don’t think I’ve ever seen sake in a can !  

Oh really? It was served in a can with a teeny tiny cup. Lindsay drank from the tiny cup but the guys opted to pass around the can to sample. It’s classier that way. lol 

[Jax]

Good morning from Roatan. This picture says it all in terms of the humidity  

 

It’s another gorgeous day here. We are off to Turquoise Bay for the VIP excursion. Wish us luck with the drive over there.  

[Jax]

Trip Ride to Turquoise Bay 

Berty grabbed a priority service elevator and met us on deck 9 and escorted us off the ship.

We were worried for a minute that this was our bus. It was NOT. 

Our bus had good AC but it was a tight fit. We were fortunate enough to grab the back row so we had a full bench with plenty of space. 

Random photos of our trip ride to Turquise Bay.  They say what words can’t.  It wasn’t a terrible trip. Better than I anticipated. It pays to set expectations low. lol 

[Jax]

Our arrival at Turquoise Bay 

It was about a 45 minute ride. 
The tour guide escorted us to the VIP area where there was a great selection of loungers. Umbrellas and towels are included. You are assigned a dedicated waiter. You can order off the VIP menu or grab hotdogs, fries, wings, burgers, nachos at the main eating area.  
VIP food and drink menu attached. 

More on the food and drink in a bit. 

[Jax]

Reyd and I didn’t order from the VIP menu; we opted for hotdogs, wings and fries. We felt it was a safer option. They were “fine,” nothing great.  Lindsay ordered the surf and turf and chicken skewers and it was terrible.  We weren’t there when his meal arrived but he said the lobster didn’t smell very good and it was rubbery. He only ate a couple bites and chucked it.  I said why would you eat it at all? As we were returning to the ship he started feeling off and headed straight back to our suite while Reyd and I browsed the shops. We will see how it goes. Hopefully we don’t have an alpha alpha alpha on deck 9 suite #9730

[Jax]

Our departure from Turquoise Bay went smoothly. The van left right on time. It was a 24P van and there were a couple empty seats.  The resort itself is very nice, offering a wide range of excursions.  Very organized, great service.  Food quality was the low point today.  The VIP section is located at the far end of the beach. Overcrowding was not an issue.  There were plenty of empty loungers available.  I think for what we paid and the poor food quality, it was overpriced. I did get a chance to scout out the villas and overwater cabanas. Although sold out on cruise planner there were plenty available today.  Glad we didn’t spend anymore on upgrades as food is a big part of our overall experience and theirs fell short.  

[Jax]

Berty arranged snacks for Reyd. He got a little bit from a few places. Nachos and salsa from Sabor with hot cheese from Johnny’s. Great combo but without Berty we wouldn’t have known where to get cheese. Ham & bacon pizza from Sorrentos. From the time I messaged Berty it was delivered within 20 minutes. I think that’s pretty impressive especially when multiple venues are involved. 

[OCSC Mike]

Has anyone tried the bacon jalapeno chicken app from Sabor yet? If anyone likes spicy, that's by far my favorite thing on the menu. Our server brought me 3 orders when I mentioned it on Allure in October, lol. Just thought I'd share.

That Sorrento's pizza looks great. I've mentioned it before and others have agreed; they've come out much crispier and tasted a lot better than they used to on my last 2 cruises, even without being special ordered.

[Lovetocruise2002]

That ham & bacon pizza looks good!

[Jax]

Just now, OCSC Mike said:

That Sorrento's pizza looks great. I've mentioned it before and others have agreed; they've come out much crispier and tasted a lot better than they used to on my last 2 cruises, even without being special ordered.

 

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

That ham & bacon pizza looks good!

It was really good. Being able to customize a pizza is a star class perk I really like.  

 

Just now, OCSC Mike said:

Has anyone tried the bacon jalapeno chicken app from Sabor yet? If anyone likes spicy, that's by far my favorite thing on the menu. Our server brought me 3 orders when I mentioned it on Allure in October, lol. Just thought I'd share.

Ooh I will definitely mention this to my guys. I don’t like Sabor or spicy so that’s probably why they have only got nachos to go.   I don’t put it in the dining rotation.