Explorer B3B 5-28 April 2024

[WAAAYTOOO]

Pretty lazy day today.  Sea day.  Spent a fair amount of time in the casino and happy to say that my upward trend ($$) is continuing.  Nothing to crow about, just slightly “up” each time I go in there.  Up is better than down !

Dan hit his goal of 3000 points so he made Prime and will get an instant comp reward.  Whatever points I have (currently at a little over 1000), I will use to upgrade his comp offer with my otherwise useless $$ off reward.

It was Royal night in the MDR.  We both ordered the lobster as an appetizer since that portion is pretty small.  I ordered the chicken Marsala as my main course and Dan ordered some curry shrimp dish (can’t remember the name).  Both were very good.

I will give my little Promenade view room some kudos (8311, 2T).    I truly believe that this room is the quietest room we’ve ever had.  It’s far enough aft to avoid the Promenade noise and there is absolutely no noise at all associated with the elevators.  It’s very, very quiet and I love being so close to the aft elevators.  We’ve been very comfortable in this room, which is a good thing since we will be here again on the next leg (5 nights, 4-14).  For leg #3 (4-19), we have to move.

[Curt From Canada]

9 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Spent a fair amount of time in the casino and happy to say that my upward trend ($$) is continuing.  Nothing to crow about, just slightly “up” each time I go in there.  Up is better than down !

 

There is breaking news this morning that Dillard’s is reporting significant shortages of red undergarments. They believe they are not the only store experiencing supply chain issues and are extremely concerned that the shortages could last for years. 

Govern yourselves accordingly …

Curt from Canada

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

Omg...some of these tangents from live blogs lol...first Batman and underwear math, now lucky red undies 

[SweetPea]

5 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Omg...some of these tangents from live blogs lol...first Batman and underwear math, now lucky red undies 

When the day comes and we finally meet in person, Batman will proudly tell you how he managed that week (at least he did in the Haven)! He, of course, still has no idea i announced it to the readership here though.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

When the day comes and we finally meet in person, Batman will proudly tell you how he managed that week (at least he did in the Haven)! He, of course, still has no idea i announced it to the readership here though.  

Soooo looking forward to meeting you both !

[WAAAYTOOO]

Lost $45 today but I won’t cry too much as I’m still “up” slightly for the first leg.  I just have keep this momentum going for 2 more weeks !  I earned enough points for a comp cert myself although it’s the lowest level comp cert so the pickin’s are pretty slim. Most likely I will still use the cash value to upgrade Dans comp but I purchased a Next Cruise future cert so I will have the choice to book from the very short list of offered cruises if we choose to do that.   We picked a 10 night EX in March 25 for Dans comp.   I won’t be able to book it until tomorrow so I hope there are still some of the pano ocean views left by the time I get around to booking.  I’ll take care of that while we’re in port on TAD.

Dan enjoyed his lamb shank and I had the spaghetti in the MDR.  I love that they put the Pinns at window tables (at least, whenever they can).  It’s a nice perk.  Also, on EX, Pinns have priority seating  for MTD so the waiting is minimal.  They told us to just go straight to the podium and that’s what we did.  I will say, the MTD lines have been longer on EX than they had been on some of the other cruises we’ve taken recently.  The priority seating was particularly nice on this cruise.

We have the same room for leg #2 so we don’t have to pack - thank goodness !  So nice to be staying on when you see everyone else’s luggage outside and you are still snuggled in your stateroom !  It’s a great feeling.

Stand by for Part II !

[SweetPea]

I'm not sure where you are for your 3rd leg, but I'm glad you don't have to move for now.

You seem to have a really great, quiet room this cruise. Would be a shame to leave it!

[WAAAYTOOO]

9 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I'm not sure where you are for your 3rd leg, but I'm glad you don't have to move for now.

You seem to have a really great, quiet room this cruise. Would be a shame to leave it!

Yep, on leg 3 we have to move up to deck 14 forward to a pano OV room.  It’s one of our new fave cheapo cabin types.  I’ve actually grown quite fond of our little Promenade view room, which is fortunate since we will be here another 5 days !  Truly, my only complaint about the Promenade view room is the fact that there are no drawers in the vanity except for one tiny drawer right in front.  Otherwise, the room is fine.  I love the little window love seat.  That’s MY space.  I sit here and do my blogging and it’s very comfy.  I was able to watch the Promenade parade this afternoon  -at least, one “end” of it.  I expected the noise to finally reach us but nope.  It was still very quiet here.

[WAAAYTOOO]

My phone and iPad finally synched, so I have some photos from Antigua and Grenada.  Let’s see how this goes.  I’ve had some trouble spacing them and inserting text.  I’m terrible at this stuff.

This is the floating platform in Antigua for the stingray swim.  It made the entire experience so much better than in Grand Cayman. It was much easier to get into and out of the water

  These mysterious blobs are obviously stingrays.  They are so docile and sweet.  
 

You can almost see the tail !

 

This is St George, Grenada with Explorer in the background.  I really liked Grenada.  Nice people, beautiful island, shitty roads.

 

Obviously, I’m having a bad hair day.  
 

The town of St George really reminds me of Curaçao, which is one of my very favorite places.  This town just looks so quaint.

Shamefully, I got very few photos of Ft Frederick.  
 

These monkeys are native to the island and I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know their proper species name.  We caught a fleeting glance at one in the rain forest.

…and finally, the waterfall at Annandale.  Very beautiful place. Kinda like a cenote in Mexico.

[OCSC Mike]

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Yep, on leg 3 we have to move up to deck 14 forward to a pano OV room.

Think I already told you that looked like a really cool cabin to us & since we don’t use balconies it seemed to make logical sense. The high deck would have also worked well for Indy at the time since I was relegated to many WJ trips with the lack of other included food options I prefer like ELF or Park Cafe. Maybe if I ever get back on something below Oasis class in the future…

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I’ve actually grown quite fond of our little Promenade view room, which is fortunate since we will be here another 5 days !  Truly, my only complaint about the Promenade view room is the fact that there are no drawers in the vanity except for one tiny drawer right in front.  Otherwise

Yeah, that layout with the lack of drawers was partly why we didn’t like it on Indy. We also didn’t use the window seat much but since you do, I totally get why you like it. I’m not sure my wife has ever sat on the little couch in our interiors, lol, that’s MY spot. Mostly just to have early morning cappuccino or go online while she’s walking or napping. Just nice to have somewhere to sit other than the bed, especially if your spouse is asleep & you don’t want to bother them.

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Nice people, beautiful island, shitty roads.

I feel like that describes several Caribbean islands .

Thanks for catching us up! Looking forward to the rest of the trip while I inch closer to our June cruise. Booked shows yesterday & check-in is Wednesday night. Still seems kinda far away though. Too much time spent here around those of you who are fortunate to cruise way more than we are I think.

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Obviously, I’m having a bad hair day.  

Loving the pic, Raye!  I’ve been rocking the baseball hats lately and already have several put aside for my May cruise!  Although looks like you’ve got the visor look going…I think I’m gonna steal your idea and purchase a few!

Love the waterfall pic!  

[Ampurp85]

You and Dan look so adorable and happy, it must be all the casino luck 

[WAAAYTOOO]

13 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

You and Dan look so adorable and happy, it must be all the casino luck 

Thank you !  We are very happy people….

[GatorCruiser]

Great pics !

[Sweety]

I am looking forward to meeting you and Dan on Adventure on our Christmas holiday. Keep the red theme going on the Casino.

[OCSC Mike]

22 minutes ago, Sweety said:

I am looking forward to meeting you and Dan on Adventure on our Christmas holiday. Keep the red theme going on the Casino.

Who knew this was the type of forum where strangers planned to meet up in real life and coordinate their undergarments?

[WAAAYTOOO]

Moving on to leg #2.  Explorer 5 night 4-14-24 thru 4-19-24

Turnaround was uneventful.  We met in the Star Lounge at 9:15 and the B2B parade started a bit after 10:00.  It seemed like we were a bit behind schedule but not significantly.  I’m guessing there were 30-40 B2B’ers.  Frankly, I expected more.  We had a very short walk through CBP and then right back on the ship.  There was a tasty B2B lunch at 11:30.

Upon our return to the ship we made our BOGO reservations and visited the mustard (sic) station.  That was it.

Interesting cruise passenger make-up dynamic between this cruise and the last….very predictable.  Many more young families on this shorter cruise.  Not nearly so many scooters…but more strollers.  Not sure which is worse !

Bad start in the casino.  I should have stayed in the room.  . At least I had the good sense to cut it off and go home.

Dinner at Izumi tonite.  Yum.  Chops tomorrow and then MDR the rest of the nights.

We went to the ice show.  We always enjoy those even if we’ve seen the show before.

When we came back to the room after turnaround, but before going to the B2B lunch, I called and booked our 2 instant comps from last cruise.  While my original plan was to use the cash value of my cert ($300) to upgrade Dans, we changed our mind and instead booked a 5 night Enchantment cruise (1-27-25) from the short list of comp cruises on my cert.  We have never been on Enchantment and we decided that if we were EVER going to book EN, this probably the only chance as we always look past EN to choose a newer/bigger ship. So we booked it.  Dans cert went for a 10 night EX southern Caribbean (3-20-25).

Tomorrow is PDCC which is usually a stay-on-the-ship-day but we will be going to Hideaway Beach.  I had no intention of ever visiting Hideaway b/c I thought it was so slimy the way they originally  announced that Hideaway would be adults-only and complimentary and then decided to charge for it.  But I got it for $19.99 PP so we will see what it’s like. I’m not one that enjoys laying about in a lounger (it kills my back) so not sure what we’ll do, but I will give it a try.

[AshleyDillo]

1 minute ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I’m not one that enjoys laying about in a lounger (it kills my back) so not sure what we’ll do, but I will give it a try.

There are couches and Adirondack chairs up at the On the Rocks Bar..that's where we spent most of our time. It was shady too..just not the toes in the sand or water experience you expect. There's also a live band so it can be loud.

[Ampurp85]

Thats a good deal with the Ex 10N cruise. Is EN out of Tampa or PE? 

[FionaMG]

8 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Thats a good deal with the Ex 10N cruise. Is EN out of Tampa or PE? 

I have been eyeing that one up. It's out of Miami. (the Ex one, is). It's a great itinerary.

[JustMeJoe]

7 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Bad start in the casino.

I thought we might have seen you at one of the Buffalo machines last night, but wasn't sure if it was you.  We're staying on the ship at PDCC, so maybe we'll see you later on today. Have fun at Hideaway!

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

9 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Tomorrow is PDCC which is usually a stay-on-the-ship-day but we will be going to Hideaway Beach

Ahh perhaps you can give me your opinion?  I’ve read a few comments from others and still undecided if it’s worth it or not.  
I plan to check it out for just a short time while on my Symphony cruise next month but can’t stay for long as the rest of my group is unable to join me due to the kiddos.  I paid $35.  I’m curious.

Peter and I have it booked for our Utopia cruise (paid $40/pp using OBC) and keep wondering if that $$$ would be better used elsewhere!

 

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

10 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

There are couches and Adirondack chairs up at the On the Rocks Bar..that's where we spent most of our time. It was shady too..just not the toes in the sand or water experience you expect. There's also a live band so it can be loud.

That’s exactly where I am right now !  I have to stay out of the sun and the loungers are not for me so I am in a nice comfy couch with cushions next to the bar.  I actually loathe toes in the sand so I’m happy to be missing out on that.   Agree that I’m not pleased with the loud music but my butt and back are thanking me for choosing this spot !     Dan abandoned me and found a lounger in the sun.

This place is much bigger than it looks from the ship.  The bar is huge !  So far the only disappointment (for Dan, not me) is that it doesn’t appear that there’s any real ocean access for snorkeling.  Maybe there is and we just haven’t found it yet.

We are here with Wonder and nowhere near capacity.  Maybe that will change later.  It’s a bit breezy but that will probably turn into a blessing as the day goes on.

[WAAAYTOOO]

2 hours ago, JustMeJoe said:

I thought we might have seen you at one of the Buffalo machines last night, but wasn't sure if it was you.  We're staying on the ship at PDCC, so maybe we'll see you later on today. Have fun at Hideaway!

We haven’t played the Buffalos but have been playing the Dancing Drums on the non-smoking side and some pigs game.  I’m done with the non-smoking Dancing Drums.  I will go back to the smoking side, unfortunately.

I am looking forward to meeting you as well.

[WAAAYTOOO]

55 minutes ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

Ahh perhaps you can give me your opinion?  I’ve read a few comments from others and still undecided if it’s worth it or not.  
I plan to check it out for just a short time while on my Symphony cruise next month but can’t stay for long as the rest of my group is unable to join me due to the kiddos.  I paid $35.  I’m curious.

Peter and I have it booked for our Utopia cruise (paid $40/pp using OBC) and keep wondering if that $$$ would be better used elsewhere!

No recommendation either way yet.  My inclination at this early stage would be a “yes” if it’s cheap.  More on a recommendation, later.

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

keep wondering if that $$$ would be better used elsewhere

That was our conclusion, even when we could get $19.99pp. But we also don't care about kids being around (they always are since we sail during school breaks), love the standard included food, and my wife wouldn't even try the new offerings at Hideaway anyway so for us that $40 (plus tax) is better spent on a specialty meal (or pocketed).

Your $40pp plus tax pays for most of a specialty meal, even a nicer one (or a full one at BOGO). Everyone values things differently though. That was just how our decision went.

[WAAAYTOOO]

So things really did pick up at Hideaway after my last post. By the time we left the place was packed.  The music finally got to me….and I tagged out.

Will I go back ?  Probably not.  There is very little at Hideaway that I could not get elsewhere on the island for -0- $$.

1. Hideaway pool is heated.  I liked that…but I was still chilly when I got out of the water.

2.  Dan said the choice of alcohol was better at Hideaway.  E.g, he likes Grey Goose for his Bloody Mary and he said he couldn’t get that on the “regular” side.  I have no idea since I’ve never had a [alcohol] drink at PDCC

3.  Padded chairs and couches.  I don’t recall seeing that outside of the Beach Club.  Maybe they are somewhere that I haven’t seen.

4.  No kids

Other than these few things, the “regular “ side and Hideaway are the same (to me).

We each had a crispy chicken/mozz sticks sandwich and I had 1/2 of a fried dough ball with powdered sugar on it (can’t think of what it’s called).  Pretty tasty.

[Ampurp85]

 

7 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

 

We each had a crispy chicken/mozz sticks sandwich and I had 1/2 of a fried dough ball with powdered sugar on it (can’t think of what it’s called).  Pretty tasty.

Lol funnel cake????? I love this description.

[OCSC Mike]

9 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

1/2 of a fried dough ball with powdered sugar on it

Funnel cake? If it was actually a ball they screwed it up, lol. That sounds more like a munchkin from Dunkin or a messed up beignet.

EDIT: @Ampurp85 beat me to it.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Yes.  Funnel cake.  

[SweetPea]

Thanks for your assessment of Hideaway. I watched a YouTube video of it and the creators' opinion was that Oasis Lagoon was not as happening now that Hideaway was open and took over that vibe. I guess we'll see as we don't have any plans to go back to PDCC after this cruise so we're going to try it. 

And I'll get out my rosary beads again. Either that or you stopped wearing your red underwear?

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

Thanks for giving your thoughts on Hideaway.  I think I will keep to my plan of checking it out for an hour or so next month.  But I am going to cancel my September reservations for Peter and myself.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

Day 3 was pretty slow.  Woke up at 9:27 so missed our breakfast for the first time on this trip.  Had to go to you-know-where and was NOT happy about it.  On EX, they use Chops as overflow seating for the WJ so that’s where we sat.  I just got some fruit and a bowl of grits.  Happy to get in and out quickly.  it was a zoo.

I did my usual morning routine - up to the CL for a cappuccino, then down to the computer lounge, which is right around the corner from our room on Deck 8.  Rozel always cleans our room while we are on our morning walk-about but she got a late start today since we totally dicked up her schedule by sleeping in.  I’m sure she was cursing us but still all smiles when we saw her in the hallway.  I don’t deserve such good service.

Today is a sea day; on our way to Falmouth.  Since it’s the first (of 2) sea day, it is the traditional day for the Top Tier event.  For some completely unknown reason, EX has the TTE at 5:00 !  What a lame time to do it !  Early diners have dinner at 5:00.  We totally missed the TTE on the first leg but went today.  I’m guessing there were maybe 20 people there ?  It was embarrassing, TBH.  They usually have the TTE on the first sea day at 10:30, followed immediately by the TT (Cheers with an officer) luncheon.  That makes SO much more sense than doing it like they did it here.  Of course, no luncheon on this shorty 5 night cruise so I really just DO NOT understand doing the TTE at 5:00.

We visited both the CL and the SL during Happy Hour today - first time on this trip.  The CL was D.E.D.  The SL was much busier, which surprised me.  I thought it would be reversed.  Shows how much I know…. I took some pix but, as you all know by now, must wait for the pix to populate on my iPad.  Gigi, the Suites Concierge, is leaving tomorrow in Jamaica for vacation.  Not sure who will be taking her place.  

No casino today or tonite.  I won a little at Ultimate last night but are being lazy today and staying in.  Kinda nice, actually. We went to the ice show last night.  We always enjoy the ice show no matter which ship it is.

Sorry…nothing really interesting to report - oh wait !  I met @JustMeJoe last night !  That was very cool.  Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

[JustMeJoe]

14 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Looking forward to chatting more since we also have the next cruise together. 

You betcha!  I'd like to hear all about Port St. Lucie.  Boy, those drums beat ME last night 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Well, it’s finally happened.  We are disinvited to the Concierge/Suites Lounge on leg #3.

SUITE AMENITIES ACCESS

http://www.creative.rccl.com/e-lite/RCI/2014/Masters/email_temp/html/images/spacer.gif

Dear Valued Member, As you prepare for your upcoming adventure, we have some updates to share on your Crown & Anchor® Society benefits. Due to the high number of guests with access to Suite amenities on this cruise, the Suite/Concierge Lounge will be reserved exclusively for guests booked in eligible Suite accommodations and select Top Pinnacle Club members. Rest assured, you'll still have full access to the exclusive Crown Lounge, its services, and other well-deserved onboard benefits. Please note that these restrictions are specific to this ship and sailing and are not indicative of any permanent changes to your Pinnacle Club benefits. We appreciate your understanding and can't wait to welcome you onboard! Sincerely, Royal Caribbean International Ship Sail Date Booking ID Explorer of the Seas 19-Apr-2024 5957721

http://www.creative.rccl.com/e-lite/RCI/2014/Masters/email_temp/html/images/spacer.gifA   As it turns out, the SL on EX isn’t the most desirable place to spend time anyway (we’ve only been in there twice in 13 days) but it has finally happened.  It was just a matter of time.  I feel sure that there are lots of Pinns who are on this next cruise and will then be staying on for the TA.  At least we know ahead of time and didn’t have to wait until we boarded for the “bad” news.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Morning #5....last day of leg #2.  Sea day.

Our SL Concierge (Gigi) disembarked yesterday in Jamaica for vacation and Vanessa, who was in the CL has moved down to the SL on deck 9.  The other CL Concierge (I'm ashamed to say that I have not yet learned her name) is now in charge of the CL.

I was able to give the new CL Concierge (I promise I will get her name and remember it before I disembark in 10 days !) a list of the specialty dining for next cruise.  We have 2 BOGO (which I will use on nights 1 and 2 just to make things easier) and then a 3 night package to cover the nights that we do not care for, in the MDR - namely, USA, French and Caribbean.  Then we will have 4 nights in the MDR.  It's nice to have this taken care of before TAD and now I won't have to mess with it when we get back onboard, tomorrow.  Since there is a complimentary B2B lunch on TAD, I had no need to purchase a specialty lunch for either of our TAD's.  I only purchased a specialty lunch on our very first embarkation day.

We met Mrs. @JustMeJoe yesterday.  SOOO glad to have them on board next week.  We will definitely make some plans to spend some quality time together.

Not much (anything ?) planned for today.  Dan is going to the sauna and I am pecking away on the computer in the computer lounge.  Dinner tonite is the MDR.  No idea what the menu is.  It will be surprise !

Of course, we have to change cabins for the last leg (BOOOOOO) which means we have to pack tonite or first thing in the AM. Dan has already put the new luggage tags on the luggage.  We will be able to leave whatever is hanging in the closet and only pack the "loose" items.  Our current cabin attendant (Rozel....who has been wonderful for 2 weeks !!!) will move everything to our new home waaay up on deck 12 all the way forward.  We have a Panoramic Ocean View for leg #3.  We've had this category of cabin before and we like it.  Yes, there is more motion all the way forward, but it really doesn't bother us.  It will be nice to see the sun and the ocean again from our room !  Being in the Promenade View interior for the past 2 weeks, we never know what time it is or whether or not we have docked, etc.

Our itinerary for next cruise is exactly the same as the 9 day cruise that we just completed.  We have 1 excursion, which will be in Puerto Plata, DR.  We are swimming and snorkeling with the sea lions and the sharks !  YIKES !

The passenger dynamic is undoubtedly going to change again on leg #3 as we already know (from being kicked out of the SL) that there will be many more upper tiers on this next leg and presumably, fewer children.  Just for the record, we had 32 Pinns onboard on Leg #1 and 16 onboard for this leg (#2).  I will let you know how many are on #3 once I find out.

[JustMeJoe]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

we have to change cabins for the last leg (BOOOOOO)

Us too, but just across the hall.  Not going to complain because Mrs. JustMe hit it nicely in the casino last night!  Got her (guess that's really us) back in the green, and she got a comp offer delivered to the cabin today.  WooHoo!

[WAAAYTOOO]

37 minutes ago, JustMeJoe said:

Us too, but just across the hall.  Not going to complain because Mrs. JustMe hit it nicely in the casino last night!  Got her (guess that's really us) back in the green, and she got a comp offer delivered to the cabin today.  WooHoo!

YIPPEE !!!  I got a $$ off offer but that's basically useless unless we have a real comp offer to put with it, but we don't as Dan has barely been in the casino on this leg.  We know better than to chase an offer on a short cruise.  I'm really glad to hear that M got a good one !

I saw you at breakfast but didn't want to interrupt !

[Ampurp85]

@WAAAYTOOO When you change rooms on a b2B you put luggage tags on the bags? I was only going to print the first set but if this is the case TIA for the info. 

[AshleyDillo]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

@WAAAYTOOO When you change rooms on a b2B you put luggage tags on the bags? I was only going to print the first set but if this is the case TIA for the info. 

We always tag ours just in case!