asquared17 Posted November 21, 2024 Author Report Posted November 21, 2024 FOUND IT!!! the little royal caribbean avatar protecting her face though catch that friend in your next safety muster drill Cactus527, InmyElement, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 1 4 Quote
InmyElement Posted November 21, 2024 Report Posted November 21, 2024 9 hours ago, asquared17 said: ITS A SALE!!! i’m trying to SAVE your credit card!! Oh, Thank You so true... asquared17 1 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted November 21, 2024 Report Posted November 21, 2024 I personally never understood why Quantum ships have these random giant animals on them. They really through you off when you are walking on deck. Has the packing begun in earnest or will you wait for the trunk to be delivered? asquared17 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 21, 2024 Author Report Posted November 21, 2024 23 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: Has the packing begun in earnest or will you wait for the trunk to be delivered? THE TRUNK HAS ARRIVED!! alas, i am going to have to wait to open it (and another surprise i grabbed) until after this workday ends.... i guess we have to pay for our cruises somehow Ampurp85, MaryS, Cactus527 and 2 others 2 1 1 1 Quote
GregD Posted November 21, 2024 Report Posted November 21, 2024 5 hours ago, asquared17 said: workday I used to work, I didn't like it. That's why I became a firefighter. Seriously though, opening new stuff is the best! Ampurp85 and asquared17 2 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 22, 2024 Report Posted November 22, 2024 On 11/19/2024 at 9:23 AM, WAAAYTOOO said: Just noticed that the Beach Club passes are back on sale again this morning for $76.99 for anyone interested. How are you all getting so lucky with your Beach Club pricing? Every cruise I go on, Beach Club is $150pp+...sigh WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote
Jax Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: How are you all getting so lucky with your Beach Club pricing? Every cruise I go on, Beach Club is $150pp+...sigh You already know I was pleasantly surprised by cabana pricing at the beach club and hideaway beach. I just checked and the beach club pass is $76.99 on Christmas Day. Wow Cactus527, OCSC Mike, asquared17 and 3 others 1 5 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 1 hour ago, Jax said: You already know I was pleasantly surprised by cabana pricing at the beach club and hideaway beach. I just checked and the beach club pass is $76.99 on Christmas Day. Wow Going to check now…but I have the freeloaders on that one. I need one where it’s low with just Hubby and I. Jax 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 $113.99pp for Allure NYE sailing Jax and asquared17 2 Quote
Jax Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Going to check now…but I have the freeloaders on that one. I need one where it’s low with just Hubby and I. If we were cruising together you all could have joined us at our overwater cabana and hideout cabana. One day our cruise schedules will line up but excited for us to meet up on land in a few weeks. asquared17 and Lovetocruise2002 1 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 1 hour ago, Jax said: but excited for us to meet up on land in a few weeks. Counting on it! Jax 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 23, 2024 Author Report Posted November 23, 2024 13 hours ago, Jax said: you all could have joined us at our overwater cabana and hideout cabana YES!!! we would have all piled in!!! occupancy rules be damned Cactus527 and Jax 2 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 23, 2024 Author Report Posted November 23, 2024 okay i know i promised a luggage review/reveal and it is coming, I PROMISE. (guys this week has been so crazy i still haven’t opened the boxes ) but!! my real life friend just joined the boards and will be going on her first cruise next august on freedom!! please welcome @Jade and if you have any cruise tips you want to share with her, don’t be shy!!! (i should clarify that jade is NOT — i repeat NOT — J ) Cactus527, InmyElement, Jade and 7 others 6 4 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 Welcome @Jade I was really hoping to see some luggage pics to live vicariously through. asquared17 and Jade 1 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 Welcome aboard, @Jade Ampurp85, Jade and asquared17 3 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 23, 2024 Author Report Posted November 23, 2024 11 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: I was really hoping to see some luggage pics to live vicariously through. listen this week would NOT let me live. i am aiming for tomorrow, at the worst case Ampurp85 1 Quote
MaryS Posted November 23, 2024 Report Posted November 23, 2024 Welcome @Jade Jade and asquared17 2 Quote
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted November 24, 2024 Report Posted November 24, 2024 A big WELCOME to @Jade, I will be boarding Freedom a week from today so anything you are interested in finding out…please feel free to ask me! Anything! asquared17, WAAAYTOOO and Jade 1 2 Quote
Jade Posted November 24, 2024 Report Posted November 24, 2024 Thanks so so much everyone!!! @asquared17has been my secondary TA as I booked this first cruise and I’m super excited! Reading through the blog has also been fun. @WAAAYTOOO @MaryS @PPPJJ-GCVABthank you for the warm welcomes! I’m looking forward to following the blog until my 8/11 Freedom sailing. The more I learn the more excited I’m becoming. I’m usually a resort gal when it comes to Caribbean traveling so I’m excited to try cruising. @asquared17 has told me I’ll be hooked after my first cruise PPPJJ-GCVAB, Jax, asquared17 and 4 others 5 2 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 25, 2024 Author Report Posted November 25, 2024 okay here we go, the moment we have been waiting for (well some of us ) — the luggage reveal!!! i ordered the trunk and the new bigger carryon with pocket (which was just released a few weeks ago). my concern about the pocket carryon was that we were sacrificing space for the pocket according to the dimensions… so this wound up resulting in me dragging down all my away luggage and looking like a luggage store the trunk came in a tall box, with a separate little packaging for the luggage tag. the handles were wrapped safely and there was a magic eraser to get rid of scuffs inside the trunk, and the zippers moved nicely around the bag. i was bummed that away no longer sends dust bags with their luggage — i knew this and didn’t expect it with the carryon, but the trunk is definitely an investment piece so i had hoped they would keep the dust bag for that bag. they didn’t the carryon came neatly wrapped in a compostable bag inside the box — away is slick when it comes to their packaging and is very easy to get in and out of the box. however when i unzipped it and looked at how much room was lost due to the outside pocket — i was horrified. you can kind of see the comparison between the two in pics below. i get that it’s hard to see the depth here, but i tried my best original bigger carryon on the left — new pocket carryon (smaller dimensions) on the right . i forgot to take a pic of the trunk fully open — i’ll try to get a shot of it this week when the light is better in the hallway. i am definitely keeping the trunk; the top layer (more shallow) is perfect for some of my cruise gear — CUP CLIP!! — and i’ll be able to keep my clothes in compression cubes in the deeper layer. the depth seems like it will really come in handy when adding clothes and shoes too. because i am me, i will also bring my medium size suitcase - this will be great when i toss my clothes at the end of the week, weighted blanket, pillow, etc. in order to get a feeling for what bag to bring (i was between the medium and the large) i tossed stuff in to see where and what i needed room for. except now, because i am me, i will have to take it all out again so i can cross reference and go off my packing list to ensure i don’t forget anything. (you guys. i have a CLIPBOARD that i keep my packing lists on I KNOW. I HAVE ISSUES.) my best friend came over to check out my duffle bags (what i used to lug before i just gave up the ghost and brought checked luggage) because she too will take advantage of the away travel sale which was actually quite good because we were able to talk through some outfit options. normally we do this on the phone but it was so much easier and faster since she was here with me. also it’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off of/talk through certain things. i wanted to bring some new outfit choices this time in addition to some good old standbys so hope to provide some variety with CK dinner looks. hopefully this review/pictures are somewhat helpful!! i’m happy with the trunk and glad i grabbed it; but equally happy with away’s return policy so i can just send it back with no issues MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB, melmar02 and 8 others 9 2 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted November 25, 2024 Report Posted November 25, 2024 I have to say that matte blue is gorgeous . I am not a fan of blue and usually avoid it like the plague from 8 years of having to wear a blue school uniform. But the luggage looks like new, so you chose a wonderful color. I can see the difference in the pocketed luggage. It takes up way too space, considering what actually fits in the pocket. But just to be sure you are taking the trunk, the middle case and the bigger carry-on? asquared17 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 25, 2024 Author Report Posted November 25, 2024 10 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: I am not a fan of blue and usually avoid it like the plague from 8 years of having to wear a blue school uniform. omg the truth comes out!!! just kidding many many years ago, i did a stint at one of the abercrombie offshoot brands (which has since disappeared) where we were expressly FORBIDDEN to wear black and navy was the go-to. ever since then, i’ve been a navy gal at heart and i can’t shake it. 10 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: But the luggage looks like new, so you chose a wonderful color. honestly it’s shocking how well it’s held up!! there is a big white mark on one of the bags from the ireland trip that i should probably take the magic eraser to and just haven’t yet, but it’s really the most durable luggage i’ve ever had. my parents get samsonite and tumi luggage and have replaced/had trouble with multiple pieces in the time that i have had all of mine. i think the carryon is at least 10 years old. 10 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: taking the trunk, the middle case and the bigger carry-on? trunk, medium suitcase and carryon! the middle case in the back is the large; i should have included a size chart up top but i’ll do it now for comparison from left to right: trunk > large > medium bigger carryon > bigger pocket carryon Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS and 2 others 3 2 Quote
SweetPea Posted November 25, 2024 Report Posted November 25, 2024 On 11/20/2024 at 8:54 PM, asquared17 said: FOUND IT!!! the little royal caribbean avatar protecting her face though catch that friend in your next safety muster drill Now i have to replicate that photo in January. #ChallengeAccepted asquared17 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted November 26, 2024 Report Posted November 26, 2024 If you guys saw the beat up, scratched, damaged luggage we use (which we only bought for Alaska in 2018), you'd laugh. But of course ours just goes into the back of my SUV and then wheeled to the porters so it doesn't exactly go through whatever the heck airlines did to it when it was brand new. asquared17, WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote
GregD Posted November 26, 2024 Report Posted November 26, 2024 Welcome @Jade!! Apparently @Jax is RC's favorite and @Lovetocruise2002 and I are chopped liver since they give her the beach club on Christmas Day for $79 and charge us more for NYE! @asquared17 I'm glad I'm a few days behind and missed all the lead up to the luggage reveal They look great BTW! Jade, Lovetocruise2002 and asquared17 3 Quote
Jax Posted November 26, 2024 Report Posted November 26, 2024 2 hours ago, GregD said: Apparently @Jax is RC's favorite and @Lovetocruise2002 and I are chopped liver since they give her the beach club on Christmas Day for $79 and charge us more for NYE! Haha, I actually have the overwater cabana booked but it too was a very good price considering we are at PDCC on Christmas Day. When I started checking prices it was over $4k and I resigned myself to the possibility it may not happen. But much to my delight prices kept dropping and I grabbed it a few months ago!! It will be a fun way to spend Christmas Day. GregD, Cactus527, OCSC Mike and 2 others 5 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 26, 2024 Author Report Posted November 26, 2024 On 11/25/2024 at 2:43 PM, SweetPea said: Now i have to replicate that photo in January. #ChallengeAccepted PLEASE DO!!!! 7 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: If you guys saw the beat up, scratched, damaged luggage we use (which we only bought for Alaska in 2018), you'd laugh. But of course ours just goes into the back of my SUV and then wheeled to the porters so it doesn't exactly go through whatever the heck airlines did to it when it was brand new. i fully resigned myself to the fact that our luggage takes a beating, which is why i got navy and didn’t go for a fun punchy color like seafoam you are your own luggage porter!! it’s safest that way tbh. 5 hours ago, GregD said: @asquared17 I'm glad I'm a few days behind and missed all the lead up to the luggage reveal They look great BTW! you missed a heck of a time while i clearly could not get my act together and thank you!!! @Jax scores a deal and unfortunately @GregD and @Lovetocruise2002 pay the price also thanks to all for the warm welcome to @Jade - she’s so new to the boards that her posts would get stuck in wait for moderation but we talk daily and she told me how nice and welcoming everyone is WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002, Cactus527 and 3 others 6 Quote
GregD Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 4 hours ago, Jax said: Haha, I actually have the overwater cabana booked but it too was a very good price considering we are at PDCC on Christmas Day. When I started checking prices it was over $4k and I resigned myself to the possibility it may not happen. But much to my delight prices kept dropping and I grabbed it a few months ago!! It will be a fun way to spend Christmas Day. They are $3200 USD for NYE, no thanks. I have some disposable income, but not that much asquared17 and Cactus527 2 Quote
Jade Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 Thanks @Ampurp85 and @GregD for the warm welcomes as well! I see @asquared17told you all thanks for me as I learn to navigate. She’s the best that way. Also, I do love the Away luggage @asquared17 but you know I’m a Beis girl. You did make me check the Beis site to see what new items I can procure this BF for upcoming travel . We work hard, we deserve it! asquared17, GregD, MaryS and 2 others 3 2 Quote
Jax Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 1 hour ago, GregD said: They are $3200 USD for NYE, no thanks. I have some disposable income, but not that much Wow that’s nuts! Mine was considerably less than that. It went on sale for $1678 July long weekend and with OBC I paid just under $1k. It’s currently at that price in the cruise planner with BF pricing. I got such a good deal that I justified booking the hideout cabana on our first segment. Quote
GregD Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 13 hours ago, Jax said: Wow that’s nuts! Mine was considerably less than that. It went on sale for $1678 July long weekend and with OBC I paid just under $1k. It’s currently at that price in the cruise planner with BF pricing. I got such a good deal that I justified booking the hideout cabana on our first segment. I have not seen pricing like that for a while. They were over 3k (sale price) this august when I was on Indy. Only 1 was occupied. As a joke, sorta, I offered the shore excursions guy at the entrance to the beach club that day 1k for one. He didn't bite. I should also mention that the 3k now is also a "sale price" base price is 4600. asquared17 1 Quote
SweetPea Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 Ah, fresh meat! Welcome @Jade. You're in good hands with @asquared17! @Jax, sounds like the BF "deals" that are going on right now are the same as earlier deals. We aren't going to PDCC on Odyssey, but our excursions are the same price as they were on the Labor Day sale and now the "platinum and above" sale. Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Gobble till you wobble! Ampurp85, DDaley, Jade and 5 others 4 4 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 27, 2024 Report Posted November 27, 2024 10 minutes ago, SweetPea said: Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Gobble till you wobble! Right back atcha ! PPPJJ-GCVAB, JustMeJoe, SweetPea and 1 other 1 3 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted November 28, 2024 Report Posted November 28, 2024 Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your families. It will be a bit weird this year for me as it is just my brother and me. My mother is cooking for the first time in years and has been calling/texting me about certain things. Jax, MaryS, USCG Teacher and 4 others 5 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted November 28, 2024 Report Posted November 28, 2024 12 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your families. Same to you and all my live blog friends! MaryS, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 4 others 5 2 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 28, 2024 Report Posted November 28, 2024 Happy Thanksgiving, everyone !!!! SweetPea, OCSC Mike, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 6 others 8 1 Quote
ScottD Posted November 28, 2024 Report Posted November 28, 2024 13 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your families. It will be a bit weird this year for me as it is just my brother and me. My mother is cooking for the first time in years and has been calling/texting me about certain things. 38 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: Same to you and all my live blog friends! HAPPY Thanksgiving to all of you, too!!! PPPJJ-GCVAB, USCG Teacher, MaryS and 4 others 6 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 29, 2024 Author Report Posted November 29, 2024 look at everyone y’all are the BEST!! what a great liveblog fam we have melmar02, Jade, InmyElement and 7 others 8 2 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted November 29, 2024 Report Posted November 29, 2024 T-minus 8 days until you cruise. I know the packing has to have begun and I can't wait to see how you make everything work. With your limited luggage and space . asquared17, MaryS, Jade and 1 other 2 1 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted November 29, 2024 Author Report Posted November 29, 2024 1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said: With your limited luggage and space . i just choked laughing Quote
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