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Harmony on the Sea Aug 17-25

Stvr California

By Stvr California
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Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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Paradise Beach was hot today.  We were melting in the heat.  After 4 hours we called it quits.  
 

The kids really enjoyed the ocean slides and play structures.  
 

August may not be the right time of year to enjoy all that Cozumel has to offer.

Taxi rides from the pier to Paradise Beach and back were $18 per trip.  The taxis had great air conditioners and friendly drivers.

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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Inder here. If you’ve been paying attention you probably noticed that we ate at Izumi on Day 2 and loved it. We did Hibachi last night and it was so fun (and delicious!). My son Joe and I are passionate about Japanese cuisine, so I signed us up for Sushi Making Class at Izumi this morning. 

We were served by the same waiter who served us last night, Christian, and he recognized us right away. After we signed our waivers we waited for a bit for latecomers. After a while they gave up on half a table of no-shows (I think the time change today messed some schedules up) leaving me and my son Joe with most of the table to ourselves.

The raw materials were set out before us, and the excellent chefs led us through the process of making maki sushi with a sushi matt (makisu), which has rice on the outside of the nori, a hand roll (which looks like a cute yummy bouquet), and shrimp nigiri! Despite the excellent instruction (being at a half empty table meant that we got our own instructor and he was great) our sushi came out decidedly clumsy looking. Still, it was fun to learn the basic techniques and as Joe pointed out, who cares about looks when you’re making it for yourself to eat? Wise kid.

After the lesson, we got to eat our rolls! Joe and I both liked the shrimp tempura best, but it was all delicious.

A fun way to spend the morning and once again we are stuffed! Joe said on the way back to our room that it turns out that stuffing yourself to the point of discomfort at every single meal is not actually that fun! Gah! How true that is!

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OCSC Mike Pinnacle

OCSC Mike

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57 minutes ago, Stvr California said:

Joe said on the way back to our room that it turns out that stuffing yourself to the point of discomfort at every single meal is not actually that fun!

Yeah, as much as I can and do eat on cruises, I couldn't do specialty over and over unless I forced myself to eat smaller meals and who wants that? Looks and sounds amazing but I am so stuffed after our few specialty meals how I currently order during them. I like grazing all day on non-specialty days... pastries and coffee, breakfast a little later, lunch, ELF after that, random snacking, dinner, pizza or something after dinner, etc. It's still a lot of food but smaller amounts spread out feels better than gorging myself at Giovanni's or Mason Jar and feeling stuffed for the next however many hours.

My in laws who have treated the extended family to Sky Class a couple times aren't exactly jumping to pay current prices so they were considering skipping the suites and getting everyone the UDP... not sure how it would go or if we'll ever do it but it would be interesting to try.

Generalchadwick Platinum

Generalchadwick

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4 hours ago, Stvr California said:

Anthony our cabin attendant is absolutely fabulous.  It’s one of the reasons we love to cruise.  So many great staff members who take great care of you.  I definitely realize how blest we are to make these trips! 

Can you find out if he does the port side CLS and if so on the down low find out what his favorite candy is. Would love to bring him some when we are there.

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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This being our first trip to Nassau we decided to brave the negative reviews and schedule the Land and Sea Excursion through Royal Caribbean.  
 

The sea portion was a blast.  It was about an hour and a half cruise in the bay with an open bar and great crew.  The water was a lovely shade of blue and we stopped by a small island to watch some fish feed on some bait.  On the way back we grooved to some Island music and everyone on board was vibing in the fun,

The land portion of the trip was forgettable.  The queens steps were interesting but not enough to recommend it.  After that we went to paradise island where the Atlantis resort is located.  Basically we were dropped off in a little shopping mall for a half an hour.

I think some folks only purchased the sea portion of the excursion and this would be my recommendation.

 

 

 

 

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Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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Coco Cay almost perfect day.  
 

We had a great time at a Thrill Island cabana.  It was cabana 43 for those following along with a map.  
 

Not to complain but it was not my favorite cabana location.  It was located directly at the end of Devils slide where people would congregate to wait for their companions to complete their turn.  Not a huge gripe but we did have random folks sitting in our lounge chairs.

The cheese sticks, chicken sandwiches and burgers were very good.

The kids had a blast on the various slides.  I enjoyed them as well.  I wish is had brought a rash guard because the slides are so fast it can be a bit painful if you scrape the side.  I’m learning as I go.

 

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Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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On 8/20/2024 at 9:18 PM, Generalchadwick said:

Can you find out if he does the port side CLS and if so on the down low find out what his favorite candy is. Would love to bring him some when we are there.

Anthony services the 8 cabins in the aft port section of floor 17.  His favorite candy is Toffee.  If you give me your exact cabin # I can find out for sure 

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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Trying to do some catch up.  It was Wonderland for dinner last night.  Our server was fantastic.  We enjoyed the funky experience.  Some of our group was in the definitely do it again while others were less sure.

I have dropped the ball on photos and I apologize.  I will endeavor to do better.   My daughter has been clowning me about taking pictures and she is 12.  I’m not sure what that means about her or me.  
 

The one photo is my short rib entree 

 

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Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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On 8/17/2024 at 9:27 AM, Generalchadwick said:

Getting on HoTS at the end of next month.  Excited to join this thread live.  Awesome to think you are getting up right now and preparing to go board the ship.

One question I have when the days come up is how many people you see dressing up for the different theme nights.  My wife and I love dressing up but have noticed on past cruises less and less people dressing up.  I understand the case of who cares what others are doing, you do you.  But just curious.

People definitely dressed up for formal night.  The  theme nights were sporadic except for the 70’s night.  I saw a lot of flower children.  Hippie gear and bell bottoms.   Well I take that back the island or tropical night was represented well.  But that’s pretty easy on a Royal Caribbean cruise 

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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1 hour ago, GatorCruiser said:

Is he  from Trinidad ? We had a room attendant on harmony for our crown loft in March 2023 that maybe the best we’ve ever had. Still remember how good that dude was with our children. 

Yes that is him.  An absolute Jewel 

Kelseylovestocruise Diamond Plus

Kelseylovestocruise

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36 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

I know he won’t remember us but tell him he made an impression on a family with 2 young boys that we still talk about. He made more towel animals than I’ve ever seen and put up decorations for my birthday unsolicited. Just such a great dude! 

We occasionally get that room steward who makes an impression that lasts for life. I’m my current stewardess only room that’s not a suite and he services mine twice a day as he said it would be unfair for me to see everyone else get it once a day. 

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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We left the ship at 7:45am.  We never stopped on the way out thanks to our concierge.  Took five minutes from cabin to taxi stand.  What a breeze.  
 

I will give some final thoughts when we get home.

quick note

The last two shots of tequila at midnight were a mistake btw.  The airport bar does not serve alcohol until 10:00am on Sundays due to Texas law.  Need some hair of the dog!  

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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57 minutes ago, Generalchadwick said:

How much was your cab? Are you at Hobby or IAH?

And thanks for playing detective for me.

We are at Hobby and It’s around $100 for an Uber xl.  We have a lot of baggage.   Smaller cars were around $70.  It’s about a 50 minute ride to and from Hobby 

Stvr California Diamond

Stvr California

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6 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Yeah a hungover disembarkation is a Tough scene for sure. been there, done that. 

A new twist to that Texas law says you need to buy food to get a drink on Sunday.  So I bought some $4.00 toast.  It’s sitting on the bar, looking so lonely hoping someone will eat it.  Poor toast won’t fulfill its destiny.   If you happen to be reading this post in the Hobby airport and you want some toast come find me at the Buffalo Wild Wings. 

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