WONDERing about D+, Roatan, and how my wife has put up with me for 22 years - June 2-9, 2024

[OCSC Mike]

Wife finally gave up hope on getting off the ship and changed into pool clothes. It’s only a light rain right now but not worth wandering a port for the heck of it. And sounds stronger as I’m typing this.

Time to get started on those vouchers I guess.  

[OCSC Mike]

Some love for the cup clip…

[asquared17]

CUP CLIP CLUB!!!!!!!!

[OCSC Mike]

It stopped raining so we went for a quick walk around the port a little before noon. It was still hot & humid despite the rain. Nothing exciting except for the flamingos from the aviary fighting and a violin/drum duo performing a pretty cool instrumental rendition of “Havana.” I sampled some coffee flavored mezcal on the way out (good stuff) & had lunch at WJ & Park Cafe. I’ve been looking for the ribs & grilled shrimp I had for lunch in WJ in March but no luck. Skipped ELF today (so far) b/c there was a long line for the 1st time all cruise. Oh yeah, there was a Kraken Colada in there somewhere too.

No real plans until dinner (tiny lobster night), which usually leads to my wife taking a nap. I’ll probably go grab a drink & possibly try ELF again if she does.

[OCSC Mike]

As predicted, she was napping within 10 minutes of drying her hair so I’m at ELF. #solocruiser

Forgot to mention, the steak was gone by day 5. On the plus side, just had a freshly made quesadilla. They’ve been fine but so much better when hot & melty.

Time to grab a Mississippi Moonlight on the way back to waking up Sleeping Beauty. Can’t break my streak of having at least one per day.

[SweetPea]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

As predicted, she was napping within 10 minutes of drying her hair so I’m at ELF. #solocruiser

I understand this all too well ... 

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

Can’t break my streak of having at least one per day.

You have vouchers to use, bud. Vouchers. 

Snap to it!

[GatorCruiser]

This concept of napping on a cruise illudes me. I have too much fomo about what I could be  doing instead  (see drinking) to take naps. 

[ScottD]

1 hour ago, GatorCruiser said:

This concept of napping on a cruise illudes me. I have too much fomo about what I could be  doing instead  (see drinking) to take naps. 

Funny, I mentioned to the wife recently how I noticed a lot of the blogggers on youtube and here seem to mention taking naps(Matt always mentions napping) and it was weird to me, but the more I think about it, the more I think it may be worth it. I'm an early riser, but that usually means early sleeper,too- maybe an hour power nap in between activities might get me to hang past 10pm more than one night!

[OCSC Mike]

Lobster Night in all its glory/mediocrity!

Vidalia Onion Tart

Lobster Tail X 2 (I get my wife’s, put them together and you almost get one mediocre jumbo shrimp!) Veggies & rice were pretty good though.

Warm Chocolate Cake (wife’s favorite dessert)

 

You guys know I’m not picky but the lobster just isn’t very good, IMO.

 

[LandstromCruise]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

You guys know I’m not picky but the lobster just isn’t very good, IMO.

I feel if they are going to serve the mediocre lobster, then it should be back to the all you can eat. If they are going to limit you to 1, it should at least be a decent lobster. 

[OCSC Mike]

After failing at “through the decades” music trivia, wife decided to stay put for some sort of karaoke where you don’t pick your own songs starting soon.

1. The amount of people in Spotlight Karaoke definitely violates fire codes.

2. We’re surrounded by Hyperlink-aged kids! I feel like a full blown vintage.

3. This couple we met at comedy just found my wife. I get to join in the clinger club, yay! My god this woman talks 100mph. Help!

[Sweety]

James is happy with your moonlight.

[SweetPea]

11 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

This couple we met at comedy just found my wife. I get to join in the clinger club, yay! My god this woman talks 100mph. Help!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Step 1: develop a signal to activate plan "static free." You can give it your own name. We went with a static cling pun.

Step 2: hopefully you have a smart watch. Discreetly set an alarm. Turn up the volume. 

Step 3: when the alarm goes off: the one wearing the watch: just start shaking your head and looking a wee bit confused. 

Step 4: the other say, "OMG, you're overstimulated. We need to get you some place quiet and calm, stat!"

Step 5: leave without a good bye.

I'd tell you it worked but we developed the plan too late to save ourselves .....

[OCSC Mike]

13 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I'd tell you it worked but we developed the plan too late to save ourselves .....

It wasn’t too bad since it was in the middle of a one hour karaoke… then we went our separate ways. Love the plan though!

[OCSC Mike]

Stayed up a little later than usual for us, nothing exciting to share, had a couple more tuna sandwiches as my late snack, and went to bed.

Rough night sleeping & we turned the clocks forward so that didn’t help. Just had a late breakfast after claiming some Solarium loungers & now we’re back under the dome relaxing. Chair hogs took all the cushioned seats by the a/c and we haven’t seen them once but it’s cool in here right now so whatever.

Another 1st… I skipped the CL coffee machine for I think the first time ever since turning Diamond. I don’t like when my schedule is thrown off but I’ll recover.

[OCSC Mike]

Still feel off-schedule but have a nice spot where we can feel the Solarium a/c at least.

Got a banana from WJ earlier to make my wife’s drink hack (having it added to her strawberry daiquiri). I’ve gotten friendly with a nice bartender here in the Solarium. He said he’d do it for me but the reason they’re not really supposed to is b/c that blender container then has to be sent to be cleaned/sanitized b/c “food” got into it. Makes sense; I just wanted to make sure he wouldn’t get in trouble. I’ll have to ask for his contract status to see if he’ll be here when we come back next month.

Wife’s strawberry banana daiquiri and some of hers added to a mango daiquiri b/c it’s early & warm & I just wanted something frozen & fruity. Not something I’d normally order but it tasted good.

Don’t think we have much of a plan today besides relaxing & being sad about it being the last day. At least we’ll be back next month. Much longer dry dock for us after that.

[CravingaCruise]

I FINALLY got all caught up!!!

I love the pics you’ve shared but your blog is just as entertaining without them!  Thanks for taking us along on your journey!

[OCSC Mike]

Quick hits…

Spent a while in the Solarium (eventually got hot again but we were there longer than usual & got a late start). Even so, I think we may go back to our corner spot in the shade on the pool deck for the breeze next time.

Went to the family fun event on the Boardwalk to check out the snacks. I had seen cupcakes or a large sheet cake before. Nothing like that but they were dipping brownies & marshmallows in a chocolate fountain & the brownies were pretty good.

I decided to try the Dog House for the first time in a long time. Had a smoked brat on a soft bun that was actually pretty good.

Went to check WJ after that. Finally got the ribs that were so good in March but they were even better today. They were pretty saucy last time, not nearly as much this time; they had sauce on the side if you wanted it.

Grabbed two Mississippi Moonlights after we left. Apparently they’ve run out of the mint leaf garnish (popular drink). Still plenty of moonshine left.

[OCSC Mike]

Earlier the CD announced there would be a new aqua show tonight at 8 & 10. Sounds like a skills showcase but can’t trust the app. We’re going to the 8pm showing.

[OCSC Mike]

Sitting in the shade in Central Park with my 2nd Moonlight while my wife gets free charms from Effy that my MIL & nieces were obsessed with last June. Apparently they’re missing one. Thankfully she doesn’t actually shop there.

Came across some minor shenanigans earlier…

We passed a security guard sitting in front of a cabin door. I’m not @Ampurp85 so I have no details, sorry.

My wife met a guy who was telling her how his 18 & 20 year old sons keep getting into trouble b/c there’s nothing for them to do after dinner. He was taking the 20 year-old to the casino himself til he got booted on night 5 & security paid him a visit for I’m not sure what reason. He also told her they were both drinking on his DBP by using his card or Wow band at Bionic Bar since there was no one there matching the card with the user. He didn’t seem remotely upset with his kids, he was busy blaming RC for lack of activities, lousy lobster, the price he paid when he booked this cruise in January, etc.

That’s all I have for now. Plans are MDR at 5, new aqua show at 8, and adult comedy in the main theater at 10. We really didn’t like the comics but it’s something to do & the material usually changes.

I’m far less sad about it being day 7 than usual since we’ll be back in 5 weeks & I’m looking forward to doing a few things differently. Doesn’t mean I’m happy about it though.

[OCSC Mike]

Using the fancy schmancy reserved seating section for the first time…

[Lovetocruise2002]

4 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

I’m far less sad about it being day 7 than usual since we’ll be back in 5 weeks & I’m looking forward to doing a few things differently

Short dry dock definitely helps! 

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

Using the fancy schmancy reserved seating section for the first time…

Well I sure jinxed that one, lol. Technical difficulties with the aqua theater pool… no new show tonight.  

[asquared17]

On 6/7/2024 at 8:59 PM, ScottD said:

maybe an hour power nap in between activities might get me to hang past 10pm more than one night!

quelle horror!

#previntageproud

10 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

He said he’d do it for me but the reason they’re not really supposed to is b/c that blender container then has to be sent to be cleaned/sanitized b/c “food” got into it.

this is true!!! we used to have issues all the time with random customers wanting to put all SORTS of things in their frappuccinos at starbucks. certain pictures are designated for certain bases (dairy/non dairy) as well. 

 

[GatorCruiser]

Party almost over amigo !

[SweetPea]

In the shenanaman's defense, there really isn't a lot for 18-20 year olds to do at night. I think that's a tough age to cruise. Not that i would blame my underage kids' drinking on RCL, but i do think he has a point. 

I'm home for one day and it feels like a week.  Meanwhile, my full week on the ship feels like it flew by in a day. I'm sure you're feeling the same right about now, but I'm glad you'll be back in 5 weeks. 

That's plenty of time to train to improve voucher productivity between now and then.

[Sweety]

Loving your pictures. We have Indy, Utopia and Adventure this summer.

[OCSC Mike]

Got home a little before 9:15am (15 minute delay due to a car accident or would have made it by 9am). We always self-assist with no real plan to leave at a certain time. I grabbed my last CL cappuccino, then went to Solarium Bistro for my last omelet, donut, danish, and streitzel/fruit/whatever you call it bread (it's one of my favorite items, toasted with butter).

Last night was disappointing, would have been cool to see a test run of what I assume will be a new 2nd aqua show but it will have to wait for July. We went to see the main theater comedy show at 10pm even though we didn't really like the comics... and they were pretty terrible again, even with new material. Had my last Sorrento's and 2 more tuna sammies before bed.

I don't think I'll do any sort of wrap up post beyond this one. I shared what I had to share along the way. As mentioned, I'm looking forward to being back in just 5 weeks with plans of how to improve things (like no food coma from GK on night 1 and no po' boys from Mason Jar). We'll probably move our noon brunch to a bit earlier. I'll obviously work on the vouchers some more. I think I did OK for a first attempt... 8-9 drinks for someone who barely drinks at home is a good amount and you know I'm more focused on food. I'm also of course looking forward to trying Paradise Beach on that one. Several posters from that cruise's FB group mentioned having daybeds (and others just going there in general).

I'll worry about it when the cruise rolls around but I was developing blog fatigue as the week went on. I'm sure I'll do one in July but it truly may be far shorter with just random pics and thoughts.

Thanks for following along even though I know my March blog was better from both a posting and reading standpoint.

[WAAAYTOOO]

So, now that you're a veteran D+, what do you think ?  Worth all the hype and anticipation ?

[GatorCruiser]

Agreed Mike on blog fatigue. I’m on icon in August with the fam and I’ve thought about a liveblog , but I’m so lazy and it feels like a lot of responsibility when I’m trying to get my drink on and grub on and corral my little progeny. That’s why I co-opted the march wonder blog of yours. No pressure to carry it alone. 

[SweetPea]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

but I was developing blog fatigue as the week went on

Hey .. hi.  Remember me? I offered to joint blog with you? Then i tried to hijack your blog and you told me to go away? Back to my own blog? Hmphh

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

So, now that you're a veteran D+, what do you think ?  Worth all the hype and anticipation ?

Hype? No. BOGO meal and internet discount? Yes. Extra vouchers? A work in progress (obviously).

The toiletry bag amenity gift was kinda nice and we ALMOST used the reserved seats... so there's that too.

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, GatorCruiser said:

Agreed Mike on blog fatigue. I’m on icon in August with the fam and I’ve thought about a liveblog , but I’m so lazy and it feels like a lot of responsibility when I’m trying to get my drink on and grub on and corral my little progeny. That’s why I co-opted the march wonder blog of yours. No pressure to carry it alone. 

Yep, all that minus the tiny humans. Don't worry about responsibility though. You can always just go into it planning for sporadic posts and pics. That's likely what I'll do next month. If it feels like a chore, just forget it. It was fun in March, especially with your additions, not as much this time which is why I cut out the random food pics as time went on

Speaking of Icon, we saw a ship in the distance behind the Aqua Theater last night while waiting for the show that never happened... it was Icon on her way out from Miami.

[Lovetocruise2002]

5 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Thanks for following along even though I know my March blog was better

Umm...I don't know about that, this one had way more Mississippi Moonlight pics!

And @GatorCruiser and @OCSC Mike I get blog fatigue. Happens to me too. Do what is in your heart, but you know us in dry dock here, we'll take any blog, short, long, we love them all!

[SMOKEY0202]

Hmm Sabrina has her own Oasis Lagoon island to enjoy while being in dry dock to read all the blogs.  Hopefully it's warm enough there to enjoy since it's HOT and humid here 

[OCSC Mike]

2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

this one had way more Mississippi Moonlight pics!

That's because I realized they're the key to using up my vouchers, lol. They go down so easy.

I had to explain to a nice woman last night as I was having one made, "no, it's not like the moonshine your neighbor makes" (which she had described as no taste, just burning).

[Lovetocruise2002]

34 minutes ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

Hmm Sabrina has her own Oasis Lagoon island to enjoy while being in dry dock to read all the blogs.  Hopefully it's warm enough there to enjoy since it's HOT and humid here 

I wish! It’s taking forever to warm up here this year! Our Oasis Lagoon is open but temps are hovering around low 70s right now with overnight dropping to low 60s

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I wish! It’s taking forever to warm up here this year! Our Oasis Lagoon is open but temps are hovering around low 70s right now with overnight dropping to low 60s

Wanna trade? It was nearly 100 here yesterday and today. Nothing like going to Mexico in June to cool off (slightly), lol.

[Lovetocruise2002]

23 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Wanna trade? It was nearly 100 here yesterday and today. Nothing like going to Mexico in June to cool off (slightly), lol.

I would take that! I hate the cold. 

[OCSC Mike]

7 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I would take that! I hate the cold. 

You sound like a Floridian, lol. 60s-70s is perfect! We get to enjoy it for maybe a few weeks every year.