Cactus527 Posted January 11 Author Report Posted January 11 5 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: YAY YAY YAY !!! This made my night. I am so excited. I hope it all works out. You are a wonderful person to do this. I'm so glad this made you happy. It's made me so happy as well! I think DQ is a little disappointed, because she really likes him, but I keep reminding her that we are just helping him to find the best place he can be. SweetPea, Ampurp85, JohnK6404 and 4 others 5 2 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 11 Author Report Posted January 11 5 hours ago, asquared17 said: CAC T U S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have read people saying that interior rooms are like dungeons. I don't necessarily feel that way, but sometimes it does feel a little small. asquared17, Ampurp85, Sweety and 1 other 3 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 7 hours ago, Cactus527 said: I'm so glad this made you happy. It's made me so happy as well! I think DQ is a little disappointed, because she really likes him, but I keep reminding her that we are just helping him to find the best place he can be. Who wouldn’t love that FACE ! Sweety, Cactus527, Ampurp85 and 1 other 4 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 9 hours ago, Cactus527 said: I have read people saying that interior rooms are like dungeons. I don't necessarily feel that way, but sometimes it does feel a little small. My wife likes the cave/dungeon part b/c they can get so dark and cold for naps/sleeping... and we really are fine with the size. When researching Icon in preparation to book Star for 2026-27, I learned the interiors are actually SMALLER on Icon than Oasis class and lacking in storage. No small couch, just a chair. I think those will feel small. WAAAYTOOO and Cactus527 1 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 9 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: When researching Icon in preparation to book Star for 2026-27, I learned the interiors are actually SMALLER on Icon than Oasis class and lacking in storage i had heard of this. don’t they have a “spacious” interior on icon class though? OCSC Mike and Cactus527 2 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 20 minutes ago, asquared17 said: i had heard of this. don’t they have a “spacious” interior on icon class though? I believe the spacious interior just adds an extra space to get dress, so not really providing extra space or storage. InmyElement, OCSC Mike and Cactus527 2 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 27 minutes ago, asquared17 said: i had heard of this. don’t they have a “spacious” interior on icon class though? They have regular interior, "interior plus" which has a walk-in closet with a nicer vanity area but even less storage other than longer hanger bars, still no drawers, and "spacious interior." Not every category has group rates though. We're still debating regular and plus (no group rate for spacious). The regular actually has hidden shelves behind the floor to ceiling mirror but they're very shallow. That's still my preference though since it's the lack of drawers/shelves that we're used to on Oasis class that is the issue. I was posting with someone here who had a Plus and hated it. She said she stacked her packing cubes at the bottom of the walk-in closet and kept her non-hanging clothes in them. My SIL gets off Icon today. They had 2 Plus' for 4 people and she texted my wife that she loved them but I feel like we have different priorities. It's my wife's call for both obvious reasons and b/c she takes most of the drawers/shelves as I'm a weirdo who hangs up t-shirts after asking for extra hangers so lack of drawers/shelves doesn't affect me much. The fancy vanity holds little value to her (she's low maintenance and you know we don't get dressed up even for formal night) so I'm not sure what the walk-in would really provide. Cactus527 and Sweety 2 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 11 Author Report Posted January 11 3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: My wife likes the cave/dungeon part b/c they can get so dark and cold for naps/sleeping... and we really are fine with the size. When researching Icon in preparation to book Star for 2026-27, I learned the interiors are actually SMALLER on Icon than Oasis class and lacking in storage. No small couch, just a chair. I think those will feel small. This is why I just upgraded to an Oceanview for our October 2026 Star sailing - I saw that the square footage was actually smaller and thought there's no way three of us are going to be able to do that, especially since two of them are much bigger since the last time we shared an interior. JohnK6404, WAAAYTOOO, Sweety and 1 other 4 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 11 Author Report Posted January 11 2 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: The fancy vanity holds little value to her (she's low maintenance and you know we don't get dressed up even for formal night) so I'm not sure what the walk-in would really provide. I feel like they are putting in features that really don't work for many people, but maybe it's specifically targeting a clientele that they want to draw in? OCSC Mike 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 1 minute ago, Cactus527 said: I feel like they are putting in features that really don't work for many people, but maybe it's specifically targeting a clientele that they want to draw in? No idea. I guess the walk-in closet and nicer vanity appeals to someone. Interestingly, I don't think the Plus is any bigger than the regular. It looks like the walk-in closet area just takes up more of the square footage making the bed/chair area even smaller (although there's no longer a closet by the bed of course so it's kind of a wash I guess). I don't blame you for upgrading with more than 2 people. Are there even interiors that hold more than 2? Maybe the spacious ones that I didn't bother researching b/c there weren't any group rates? Cactus527 1 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 11 Author Report Posted January 11 39 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: No idea. I guess the walk-in closet and nicer vanity appeals to someone. Interestingly, I don't think the Plus is any bigger than the regular. It looks like the walk-in closet area just takes up more of the square footage making the bed/chair area even smaller (although there's no longer a closet by the bed of course so it's kind of a wash I guess). I don't blame you for upgrading with more than 2 people. Are there even interiors that hold more than 2? Maybe the spacious ones that I didn't bother researching b/c there weren't any group rates? Only spacious interior will hold more than two people. And you're right, there aren't that many and they're in terrible places. OCSC Mike 1 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 3 hours ago, Cactus527 said: Only spacious interior will hold more than two people. And you're right, there aren't that many and they're in terrible places. I found that odd, given how icon tauts having a lot of 3+ pax rooms. Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 22 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said: I found that odd, given how icon tauts having a lot of 3+ pax rooms. Maybe shrinking the normal interiors made room for more 3+ pax rooms. WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and Cactus527 3 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 12 Author Report Posted January 12 13 days and 16 days to go before Navigator! I'm exhausted from the past two whirlwind days in Phoenix, can't wait to chill and get some sleep tonight/tomorrow. My pet peeve of the day: I'll find a clothing item on Bezos Central that makes me think "wow, that could work well for my cruise!" and then the next photo of it shows it on 'my model,' the one I picked out that is the same height and weight. Thanks for inspiring me NOT to buy anything, Giant Conglomerate... One bonus from the entire trip: driving Bookworm and two of her friends up and back. I got to know her friends better and am so glad she's surrounded by people like them. They genuinely like her and care for her. Sleeeeeeeep... MaryS, Ampurp85, Sweety and 5 others 6 2 Quote
InmyElement Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 On 1/11/2025 at 10:23 AM, OCSC Mike said: They have regular interior, "interior plus" which has a walk-in closet with a nicer vanity area but even less storage other than longer hanger bars, still no drawers, and "spacious interior." Not every category has group rates though. We're still debating regular and plus (no group rate for spacious). The regular actually has hidden shelves behind the floor to ceiling mirror but they're very shallow. That's still my preference though since it's the lack of drawers/shelves that we're used to on Oasis class that is the issue. I was posting with someone here who had a Plus and hated it. She said she stacked her packing cubes at the bottom of the walk-in closet and kept her non-hanging clothes in them. My SIL gets off Icon today. They had 2 Plus' for 4 people and she texted my wife that she loved them but I feel like we have different priorities. It's my wife's call for both obvious reasons and b/c she takes most of the drawers/shelves as I'm a weirdo who hangs up t-shirts after asking for extra hangers so lack of drawers/shelves doesn't affect me much. The fancy vanity holds little value to her (she's low maintenance and you know we don't get dressed up even for formal night) so I'm not sure what the walk-in would really provide. Same here she takes all the drawers and I bring all my shirts on hangers.. Did not like the baskets on Icon. @Cactus527 great blog so far looking forward to following along. Have a great B2B Cruise! Cactus527 and OCSC Mike 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 37 minutes ago, InmyElement said: I bring all my shirts on hangers.. Did not like the baskets on Icon. #teamhangers and my wife isn't thrilled about the baskets either (from watching vids). Cactus527 and InmyElement 2 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 11 days and 14 days to go until the cruises, and I just realized 10 days until I travel! Getting excited. DOBBY IS GETTING ADOPTED! The family visited yesterday with their kids and Dobby loved them all. Fantastic! We're arranging for him to move over there this coming weekend, so he'll be gone prior to me leaving for the cruise. Whew! It was definitely a concern weighing on my mind for Spouse, Bookworm, and DQ to figure out on their own. For the cruise, I got a new liquid soap for the bathroom. I hate washing my hands with the bar of soap they provide, and I ran out last time, so new one purchased. That is the exciting pre-cruise purchase of the day. I cancelled my RU bids for oceanview rooms yesterday. All of them are sold our on both cruises, and I really don't want to change rooms. My interior cave suite will remain! Looking at @SweetPea's blog, I notice I need some recommendations for what to order at Playmakers. The last time I was there, I had the mushroom burger, truffle fries, and onion rings. None were great. It was disappointing. What would you tell me to get? Also finally found out my schedule for the community college this semester. It was confirmed I'll only have to be on campus Wednesdays again this semester - huzzah! With classes beginning this coming Thursday, I'll only miss one day while on the cruise. PERFECT. Not like they'd let me actually use my accepted time off, but that's another story. NEXT WEEK!!!!! So excited, but time is moving so slow now. WAAAYTOOO, JohnK6404, lovetheplaya and 4 others 6 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 9 minutes ago, Cactus527 said: I notice I need some recommendations for what to order at Playmakers. The last time I was there, I had the mushroom burger, truffle fries, and onion rings. None were great. It was disappointing. What would you tell me to get? I always get the main burger (the bacon cheeseburger with an onion ring) with garlic parm fries and have enjoyed it on both Indy and Wonder. I always give places a 2nd chance but I'm also a proponent of trying new stuff so I don't think you can go wrong. The wings seem to be popular, I'm just not a huge wing guy unless it's all you can eat night at a local chain we have here. 14 minutes ago, Cactus527 said: I cancelled my RU bids for oceanview rooms yesterday. All of them are sold our on both cruises, and I really don't want to change rooms. My interior cave suite will remain! Good call, IMO. We switched cabins during our only B2B and it went very smoothly but I'm looking forward to not moving for the future B2B's. You already lose a couple hours on the morning of turnaround day (compared to just being on a 7N cruise). Sweety, Cactus527 and WAAAYTOOO 3 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 31 minutes ago, Cactus527 said: What would you tell me to get? It's always onion rings and chicken wings at Playmakers for me. Cactus527, Ampurp85, Sweety and 1 other 4 Quote
AshleyDillo Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 33 minutes ago, Cactus527 said: I notice I need some recommendations for what to order at Playmakers. The last time I was there, I had the mushroom burger, truffle fries, and onion rings. None were great. It was disappointing. What would you tell me to get? I love the buffalo crunch roll..it is my go to. I also like the wings, but I get them with sauce on the side so they stay crispier. They're lightly breaded and the breading gets soggy. I also love the ahi tuna nachos, but only if they actually have the wonton chips. Those are an acquired taste, though. Cactus527, Sweety and Ampurp85 3 Quote
asquared17 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 2 hours ago, Cactus527 said: For the cruise, I got a new liquid soap for the bathroom listen liquid soap in the bathroom is non-negotiable. especially since bar soap gets all…. mushy MaryS, OCSC Mike, InmyElement and 4 others 2 2 1 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 17 minutes ago, asquared17 said: listen liquid soap in the bathroom is non-negotiable. especially since bar soap gets all…. mushy You guys use whatever you prefer... but my bar soap doesn't get mushy. Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB, asquared17 and 2 others 4 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 25 minutes ago, asquared17 said: listen liquid soap in the bathroom is non-negotiable. especially since bar soap gets all…. mushy I finally have a Bezos recommendation for you! I use bar soap all the time because most soaps dry my skin out. There is a local soap company that I buy from and they make bar soap only. I have been using these for years. I even take one with me when I travel. They have bamboo and plastic versions of this too but I like metal. It cleans easily, does not rust, and my bar soap never gets mushy! https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Bathroom-Soap-Dish-Tray/dp/B0859WB32M/ref=sr_1_4?crid=PPTYFKRE8I0Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5uUyiS0IvdEWG3boVgmbNc9-_HJIQPoaxGFdP3aoi4HK4XOPnhSHspfpGfNT-Vlbj6col1k5dGattr27Me-CtosmQNb3xkblUyVQ_StuUY7No3ghm9khLGt7g4GKNA8X1VBDd9wf5FxjzXkHR0YxVGGH_NlakNSt-LOrbkZqQzQyEwb8tw-VPPgnhQ1KMyiAYoC9Ubn5uXs5EhJ1xYam_-ys1CiMzBbd8sTwHLlc2HGcGgxDpdX_vuwNXy3ejC-3e9Hqu9D_1X1CrwwQMkk6yG1J72IX6Hwqfn99d-XpVk2XnYreE7123JrrHi6BoYg1oDY7shKJQwueT9o2gKZbDWyAQ1jyXgAYHEX7EnimkDcoDzhu6fauNk86-GwOqXhwJwSKSErQfJd3P_MzqwbD0716Xy9MG7x7jZx6vlpccw0NFYzP3KJ5xKy5Ipwq3MoB.H_PD6EflOd-TP4hmqXyuz4SSkbrdAgrLnFDPU6bciSE&dib_tag=se&keywords=soap%2Btray%2Bstainless%2Bsteel&qid=1736798279&sprefix=soap%2Btray%2Bstain%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-4&th=1 PPPJJ-GCVAB and Cactus527 1 1 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: I always get the main burger (the bacon cheeseburger with an onion ring) with garlic parm fries and have enjoyed it on both Indy and Wonder. I always give places a 2nd chance but I'm also a proponent of trying new stuff so I don't think you can go wrong. The wings seem to be popular, I'm just not a huge wing guy unless it's all you can eat night at a local chain we have here. 2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: It's always onion rings and chicken wings at Playmakers for me. 2 hours ago, AshleyDillo said: I love the buffalo crunch roll..it is my go to. I also like the wings, but I get them with sauce on the side so they stay crispier. They're lightly breaded and the breading gets soggy. I also love the ahi tuna nachos, but only if they actually have the wonton chips. Those are an acquired taste, though. These are all great, thank you so much! I'm making a list on my phone so I know what to try. 12 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: You guys use whatever you prefer... but my bar soap doesn't get mushy. Oh, so interior cave suites are fine and dandy, just like all the free food venues, but you're now admitting you're secretly a high-class soap snob?!?? Only the fancy bar soaps that cost $$$ don't get mushy! (...which takes me back to my childhood when my brother and I would purposely reshape the bars of soap in the bathroom into weird things. Wash up with the car soap! Don't forget to use the Yeti soap! Who put the octagon soap in a weird spot?!?!?) WAAAYTOOO, Sweety, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 6 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said: I finally have a Bezos recommendation for you! I use bar soap all the time because most soaps dry my skin out. There is a local soap company that I buy from and they make bar soap only. I have been using these for years. I even take one with me when I travel. They have bamboo and plastic versions of this too but I like metal. It cleans easily, does not rust, and my bar soap never gets mushy! Yes! Spouse 3D-printed something like this for me to travel with and it's amazing. Mine even has a spout so that the water can run out of the bottom pan so everything stays dry and nice. These are great soap holders! Lovetocruise2002 and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 1 minute ago, Cactus527 said: Only the fancy bar soaps that cost $$$ don't get mushy! Not true. Many just don't use the correct container. asquared17 and Cactus527 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 1 minute ago, Cactus527 said: These are all great, thank you so much! I'm making a list on my phone so I know what to try. Oh, so interior cave suites are fine and dandy, just like all the free food venues, but you're now admitting you're secretly a high-class soap snob?!?? Only the fancy bar soaps that cost $$$ don't get mushy! My wife does usually manage to get the peppermint-scented bar soap that suites get by asking nicely, lol, but I'm fine with the cheap stuff. 1 minute ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Many just don't use the correct container. The correct container is the box/wrapper it comes in when I find it waiting for me in the bathroom, lol. Cactus527 and Lovetocruise2002 2 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said: The correct container is the box/wrapper it comes in when I find it waiting for me in the bathroom, lol. oh my....lol Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 10 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: The correct container is the box/wrapper it comes in when I find it waiting for me in the bathroom, lol. OMG SACRILEGE YOU ARE KILLING YOUR POOR SOAP does it let out a small gasp/cry when you pick it up?!?? OR IS IT ALREADY DEAD INSIDE?!?????? MaryS, Lovetocruise2002 and asquared17 3 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 1 minute ago, Cactus527 said: OMG SACRILEGE YOU ARE KILLING YOUR POOR SOAP does it let out a small gasp/cry when you pick it up?!?? OR IS IT ALREADY DEAD INSIDE?!?????? If it dies, my stateroom attendant will have to bring me more... but hasn't happened yet, lol. 11 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: oh my....lol If my soap habits make you not want to meet up now, I understand... or we could just forgo the handshake for introvert/sanitary reasons if that alleviates any concerns you may have, lol. WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002, Cactus527 and 2 others 5 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 15 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: If it dies, my stateroom attendant will have to bring me more... but hasn't happened yet, lol. If my soap habits make you not want to meet up now, I understand... or we could just forgo the handshake for introvert/sanitary reasons if that alleviates any concerns you may have, lol. No worries, I'll just bow...and gift you with one of those great soap holders that @Lovetocruise2002 linked to above. I think it'd be so fun to meet people on here! Jealous of those of you that have done so already. Lovetocruise2002 and OCSC Mike 1 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 50 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: If my soap habits make you not want to meet up now, I understand... or we could just forgo the handshake for introvert/sanitary reasons if that alleviates any concerns you may have, lol. I can look past the soap habit…and we can definitely forgo the handshake lol OCSC Mike, Cactus527 and asquared17 3 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 7 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: I can look past the soap habit…and we can definitely forgo the handshake lol SOLD... assuming I actually book it, of course. In the meantime, I keep finding good last minute prices on 5N Voyager cruises but my wife keeps saying no. Lovetocruise2002, Cactus527 and WAAAYTOOO 3 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 40 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: assuming I actually book it You better! OCSC Mike 1 Quote
GatorCruiser Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 Maybes it’s just me , and correct me if I’m wrong, but playmakers service across the fleet leaves a lot to desire. I love the place but man the service blows. Worst was icon of all ships. It’s just maddening. Ampurp85, InmyElement, Cactus527 and 1 other 3 1 Quote
Cactus527 Posted January 13 Author Report Posted January 13 20 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said: Maybes it’s just me , and correct me if I’m wrong, but playmakers service across the fleet leaves a lot to desire. I love the place but man the service blows. Worst was icon of all ships. It’s just maddening. When I was on Navigator in December, I thought the service was fine, it just took a while. I did find I got better service if I actually sat at the bar and waited. If I was at a table, good luck. Ampurp85 and GatorCruiser 2 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 39 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said: Maybes it’s just me , and correct me if I’m wrong, but playmakers service across the fleet leaves a lot to desire. I love the place but man the service blows. Worst was icon of all ships. It’s just maddening. We have had good service in all Playmakers except Odyssey. No one was even around to take an order. Then it took forever for the order to come out. Then all service disappeared completely when we asked for the bill. That was the first, and only restaurant we walked out on without signing. We figured they already knew our room number so let them sort it out. OCSC Mike, WAAAYTOOO, InmyElement and 4 others 7 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 52 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said: Maybes it’s just me , and correct me if I’m wrong, but playmakers service across the fleet leaves a lot to desire. I love the place but man the service blows. Worst was icon of all ships. It’s just maddening. We had great service on Indy twice in 2022. Wonder was mixed last year. It seemed disorganized with our server tending bar at the same time or one server passing us off to another after taking our order. Unrelated to service, as much as I love Oasis class, I preferred the indoor Playmakers on Indy to being on the boardwalk in summer. It seemed bigger with better seating too but I could be making that part up. Cactus527 1 Quote
asquared17 Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: I finally have a Bezos recommendation for you! I use bar soap all the time because most soaps dry my skin out. There is a local soap company that I buy from and they make bar soap only. I have been using these for years. I even take one with me when I travel. They have bamboo and plastic versions of this too but I like metal. It cleans easily, does not rust, and my bar soap never gets mushy! bold of you to assume i don’t already travel with a soap dish tray for the shower but thank you for this!!! 3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: You guys use whatever you prefer... but my bar soap doesn't get mushy. listen i agree with sabrina - it has to do with the container but ALSO!!!! the person who you are with. for example, there are some folks (who shall remain…. nameless) who drop their soap back into the dish SOAKING WET. (the heathens.) and others, more civilized, who attempt to at least get the bulk of the water off before dropping into the dish. rather than fighting this battle!!!!!! i invoke the honor of liquid soap. Cactus527, OCSC Mike, MaryS and 1 other 4 Quote
LandstromCruise Posted January 13 Report Posted January 13 1 hour ago, GatorCruiser said: Maybes it’s just me , and correct me if I’m wrong, but playmakers service across the fleet leaves a lot to desire. I love the place but man the service blows. Worst was icon of all ships. It’s just maddening. Totally agree. Went on Odyssey and Wonder and the service was awful on both. Cactus527 1 Quote
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