mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Hi everyone, I'm not sure this will be a "live" blog... It might be a semi-live highlight blog. This will be our first "just us" cruise in almost 2 years, the us being my husband Jeff and myself. Our last 3 cruises were all about friends (LA last spring break was very cold) and family (I took the final college grad of the kids to Europe and then we did an entire family trip to Alaska with all 3 kids and my daughter's husband, mil and sil. They were wonderful busy cruises mostly about the itinerary, though I'm not sure I will ever love another cabin as much as I loved the corner aft balcony on Voyager going through Croatia. This trip will be totally different. We booked Icon last spring break while we were on navigator. We wanted to try one of the newer, biggest ships. We tend to mix up big and little, cool itineraries and stay on the ship ones. This will be a mostly a stay on the ship and relax cruise, as we are going to St Thomas for a very early and short day (730-130 makes it hard) and St Maarten (been there 3 times now). And we need the relaxing, because this has been a whirlwind prep. My husband and I are both teachers, but of course we are on the "spring breaks don't line up 3 or 4 years in a row" part of our program. It's easier for me to take off, so I'm talking off the week after my spring break and had to get everything perfectly ready to go. I had a day to sleep in, and then got to spoil my oldest daughter who is gonna be a first time mama in June! So excited to be a new Grandma/G'mom/still working on the name!!! We went to her ultrasound, lunch and nails followed by errands, maternity shopping, packing for me (kudos to Morgan who made me take out 4 dresses,a cover-up and a pair of shoes so I could closer my suitcase), and a million other things. I didn't sleep last night, and this night isn't boding well. I'm a somewhat nervous traveler who likes to be everywhere way ahead of schedule. The TSA uncertainty is pretty much making me insane, so we are getting picked up at 330am to get to O'Hare at 4 am for our 7 am flight. If 3 hours isn't enough, I may lose it. We could be through in 15 mins, 2 hours, 40 mins, who knows? It's the unpredictability that makes me crazy. My husband is being pretty patient with me for sure. Then I didnt pay attention, and booked us to Fort Lauderdale (I'm sure it was the cheapest flight). No big deal...we will just get an Uber to Miami after we grab luggage. We are staying at the Hampton Inn Brickell for an insane amount of money. We are hoping to get to check in early, relax in the pool and get a decent night's sleep, so we can get up in the morning and panic about how long it will take to get to the terminal. It's only 4 miles, but it might be the longest 4 miles of my life. Sigh... Could take 20 mins, could take 2 hours, 45 mins, who knows? (I see a pattern here...I will prepare to repeat next Monday after the cruise). This will be our very first cruise as diamond. It's something I'm very excited about. I know it's no big deal to most people, but I really just want to use my sea pass to enter the cl and get a coffee and sit for 5 mins. We will be ok not being there for happy hour since we don't need the free drinks there. We decided to get the drink pkg because it's icon and I want to try everything (including hopefully the 15 secret shot menu at Rye & Bean). We got a $52.99 a day offer, and since we wanted the waters, coffees etc, we bought it. I expect to lose money on it, since my husband has had some health issues and will likely not be drinking as much as usual. I expect the next time we will not get the drink pkg, bring on wine, buy a case of water and see how it prices out. But this time I will post lots of drink pics. We are looking forward to empire supper club on night 2 and giovannis kitchen on night 5. We decided not to do a lot of specialty, because we want to try a lot of the free options and also a few paid (we haven't eaten at playmakers yet and I want to try the izumi in the park). We booked a day bed in the hideaway for day 3 (the second sea day), which will be way too hot for Jeff, but I will take water breaks and stick it out. We will also go to the adults only beach on Coco cay for the first time (last time we did beach club and this time it never dropped in price). We have a catamaran and snorkel booked for St. Maarten, but we may cancel if we are having too much fun on the ship. We will check out all the jazz and live music and enjoy just being together and hopefully sleeping more than 4 hours a night (I really have been stressed over logistics!). We had an interior with 3 people on radiance last summer, and now have an interior plus with just two. I will be curious if the extra room was worth it, or if the other interior with the dressing area is better. We decided not to try and royal up, as we chose our location to be close to the center of the ship right off Central Park. I didn't really want to move just for an ocean view at the end of the ship somewhere. If the ship doesn't end up feeling huge, then maybe next time! So everyone cross your fingers and toes that the weather tonight didn't make everyone crazy tomorrow with delays, and that we get through TSA quick as can be. I really really need to get global entry and precheck at some point!!!! Jane Jax, JohnK6404, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 10 others 10 3 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 You are going to love this ship ! It’s beautiful and fun. Being new also helps ! We’re taking good care of her for you. Have the BEST time ! mom2mybugs, asquared17, JohnK6404 and 1 other 2 2 Quote
wordell1 Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 9 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: Hi everyone, I'm not sure this will be a "live" blog... It might be a semi-live highlight blog. This will be our first "just us" cruise in almost 2 years, the us being my husband Jeff and myself. Our last 3 cruises were all about friends (LA last spring break was very cold) and family (I took the final college grad of the kids to Europe and then we did an entire family trip to Alaska with all 3 kids and my daughter's husband, mil and sil. They were wonderful busy cruises mostly about the itinerary, though I'm not sure I will ever love another cabin as much as I loved the corner aft balcony on Voyager going through Croatia. This trip will be totally different. We booked Icon last spring break while we were on navigator. We wanted to try one of the newer, biggest ships. We tend to mix up big and little, cool itineraries and stay on the ship ones. This will be a mostly a stay on the ship and relax cruise, as we are going to St Thomas for a very early and short day (730-130 makes it hard) and St Maarten (been there 3 times now). And we need the relaxing, because this has been a whirlwind prep. My husband and I are both teachers, but of course we are on the "spring breaks don't line up 3 or 4 years in a row" part of our program. It's easier for me to take off, so I'm talking off the week after my spring break and had to get everything perfectly ready to go. I had a day to sleep in, and then got to spoil my oldest daughter who is gonna be a first time mama in June! So excited to be a new Grandma/G'mom/still working on the name!!! We went to her ultrasound, lunch and nails followed by errands, maternity shopping, packing for me (kudos to Morgan who made me take out 4 dresses,a cover-up and a pair of shoes so I could closer my suitcase), and a million other things. I didn't sleep last night, and this night isn't boding well. I'm a somewhat nervous traveler who likes to be everywhere way ahead of schedule. The TSA uncertainty is pretty much making me insane, so we are getting picked up at 330am to get to O'Hare at 4 am for our 7 am flight. If 3 hours isn't enough, I may lose it. We could be through in 15 mins, 2 hours, 40 mins, who knows? It's the unpredictability that makes me crazy. My husband is being pretty patient with me for sure. Then I didnt pay attention, and booked us to Fort Lauderdale (I'm sure it was the cheapest flight). No big deal...we will just get an Uber to Miami after we grab luggage. We are staying at the Hampton Inn Brickell for an insane amount of money. We are hoping to get to check in early, relax in the pool and get a decent night's sleep, so we can get up in the morning and panic about how long it will take to get to the terminal. It's only 4 miles, but it might be the longest 4 miles of my life. Sigh... Could take 20 mins, could take 2 hours, 45 mins, who knows? (I see a pattern here...I will prepare to repeat next Monday after the cruise). This will be our very first cruise as diamond. It's something I'm very excited about. I know it's no big deal to most people, but I really just want to use my sea pass to enter the cl and get a coffee and sit for 5 mins. We will be ok not being there for happy hour since we don't need the free drinks there. We decided to get the drink pkg because it's icon and I want to try everything (including hopefully the 15 secret shot menu at Rye & Bean). We got a $52.99 a day offer, and since we wanted the waters, coffees etc, we bought it. I expect to lose money on it, since my husband has had some health issues and will likely not be drinking as much as usual. I expect the next time we will not get the drink pkg, bring on wine, buy a case of water and see how it prices out. But this time I will post lots of drink pics. We are looking forward to empire supper club on night 2 and giovannis kitchen on night 5. We decided not to do a lot of specialty, because we want to try a lot of the free options and also a few paid (we haven't eaten at playmakers yet and I want to try the izumi in the park). We booked a day bed in the hideaway for day 3 (the second sea day), which will be way too hot for Jeff, but I will take water breaks and stick it out. We will also go to the adults only beach on Coco cay for the first time (last time we did beach club and this time it never dropped in price). We have a catamaran and snorkel booked for St. Maarten, but we may cancel if we are having too much fun on the ship. We will check out all the jazz and live music and enjoy just being together and hopefully sleeping more than 4 hours a night (I really have been stressed over logistics!). We had an interior with 3 people on radiance last summer, and now have an interior plus with just two. I will be curious if the extra room was worth it, or if the other interior with the dressing area is better. We decided not to try and royal up, as we chose our location to be close to the center of the ship right off Central Park. I didn't really want to move just for an ocean view at the end of the ship somewhere. If the ship doesn't end up feeling huge, then maybe next time! So everyone cross your fingers and toes that the weather tonight didn't make everyone crazy tomorrow with delays, and that we get through TSA quick as can be. I really really need to get global entry and precheck at some point!!!! Jane Good luck traveling! You should definitely get TSA Pre check. It is very easy to get these days and we'll worth it. PPPJJ-GCVAB, Ogilthorpe, JohnK6404 and 1 other 4 Quote
InmyElement Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Haha I love the “semi-live blog”…we’ll take highlights, bloopers, and drink pics You’ve planned this perfectly..TSA will behave, Miami traffic will magically cooperate (ok…mostly ) and once you’re on that ship it’s straight to coffee in the CL and full relax mode. I did the exact same thing when we turned Diamond...walked into the CL, sat down, and just went ahhhhh I expected trumpets blaring or something Already crossing fingers and toes for you..lately GenPop has been getting through faster than us pre-check snobs, so hopefully that was the same for you this morning...Safe Travels! OCSC Mike, MaryS, Ogilthorpe and 4 others 6 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Hope the travel goes as smoothly as possible so you can get some rest & enjoy an amazing week! Live, semi-live, recaps… we’ll take what we can get! mom2mybugs and Ogilthorpe 1 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 11 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: This will be our very first cruise as diamond. It's something I'm very excited about. I know it's no big deal to most people, but I really just want to use my sea pass to enter the cl and get a coffee and sit for 5 mins. You should be excited! I still remember being excited when we reached Diamond and that was with the lame happy hour drink menu instead of the vouchers! My early morning coffee in a quiet CL is still one of my favorite perks even at D+ (but you already knew that). mom2mybugs, WAAAYTOOO, Ogilthorpe and 3 others 4 2 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 FYI there are no free drinks in the CL. Only your diamond vouchers The interior plus rooms do not give you extra space and imho are some of the worst cabins. Ymmv. My brother enjoyed the secret menu at Rye and Bean. Icon has a good WJ. And the AquaDome market is great. mom2mybugs, JohnK6404, OCSC Mike and 1 other 3 1 Quote
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 This sounds like a very sweet, romantic vacation to me and I hope you and Jeff enjoy every moment of it! I am sure you will. I’m following along and can’t wait to see all the drink pics! Of course, any sorts of pictures you’d like to share will be fun to see…it’s a cruise for heaven’s sake . Sending good vibes for a smooth trek over to the ship tomorrow morning…. OCSC Mike, mom2mybugs, JohnK6404 and 2 others 4 1 Quote
Mike n Ky Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 We thoroughly enjoyed our sailing on Icon and hope you do as well. If you like a great root beer float...get to Desserted near base camp...it's awesome! OCSC Mike and mom2mybugs 1 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 2 minutes ago, Mike n Ky said: We thoroughly enjoyed our sailing on Icon and hope you do as well. If you like a great root beer float...get to Desserted near base camp...it's awesome! I didn't see it in the app so I googled. Is there a special adult one or just the standard root beer float? Only asking b/c I really enjoy the adult one from Mason Jar with Absolut Vanilla and Kahlua. I usually get one to go after eating there. PPPJJ-GCVAB, JohnK6404, mom2mybugs and 1 other 4 Quote
GregD Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Have a great trip!!!! Hopefully your flights all went smoothly today! 17 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: This will be our very first cruise as diamond. It's something I'm very excited about. I know it's no big deal to most people, but I really just want to use my sea pass to enter the cl and get a coffee and sit for 5 mins. I completely get the excitement. Even as someone who sails in suites because @TheBoss518 makes me, I still got a rush the first time I checked out the CL the first time. Ogilthorpe, WAAAYTOOO, OCSC Mike and 3 others 5 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 17 hours ago, mom2mybugs said: The TSA uncertainty is pretty much making me insane, so we are getting picked up at 330am to get to O'Hare at 4 am for our 7 am flight. If 3 hours isn't enough, I may lose it. I am very curious to know how it turned out this morning. I hope you love Icon! It's very different from other classes. WAAAYTOOO, Ogilthorpe and mom2mybugs 2 1 Quote
Mike n Ky Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said: I didn't see it in the app so I googled. Is there a special adult one or just the standard root beer float? Only asking b/c I really enjoy the adult one from Mason Jar with Absolut Vanilla and Kahlua. I usually get one to go after eating there. I only get the regular, but they have adult liquors there so it might be possible to add something 'extra'. For me, a great RB float needs nothing added and the root beer is about the best in a can I have ever found. BTW...On our Allure cruise in January I didn't find out that MJ had this root beer until we were done dining, already had dessert and it was almost the end of the cruise. OCSC Mike, mom2mybugs, JohnK6404 and 2 others 5 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 6 minutes ago, Mike n Ky said: I only get the regular, but they have adult liquors there so it might be possible to add something 'extra'. For me, a great RB float needs nothing added and the root beer is about the best in a can I have ever found. BTW...On our Allure cruise in January I didn't find out that MJ had this root beer until we were done dining, already had dessert and it was almost the end of the cruise. Thanks, I have nothing against the traditional version, I just enjoy using vouchers on unique stuff on cruises that I'd never make or order at home. I barely even drink at home, TBH. Abita is good stuff. You'll just have to sail on a ship with Mason Jar again. Mike n Ky, Ogilthorpe and JohnK6404 3 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 18 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: You are going to love this ship ! It’s beautiful and fun. Being new also helps ! We’re taking good care of her for you. Have the BEST time ! Thank you! Wish you were on this week! Jane WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 15 hours ago, wordell1 said: Good luck traveling! You should definitely get TSA Pre check. It is very easy to get these days and we'll worth it. We just never freaking make the appointment! Crazy of us! Jane Ogilthorpe 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 7 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: You should be excited! I still remember being excited when we reached Diamond and that was with the lame happy hour drink menu instead of the vouchers! My early morning coffee in a quiet CL is still one of my favorite perks even at D+ (but you already knew that). My husband is always up earlier than me and he will probably love that! Is the lounge 24 hours? Or available after a certain time? Jane OCSC Mike and Ogilthorpe 2 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 3 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: FYI there are no free drinks in the CL. Only your diamond vouchers The interior plus rooms do not give you extra space and imho are some of the worst cabins. Ymmv. My brother enjoyed the secret menu at Rye and Bean. Icon has a good WJ. And the AquaDome market is great. Yep...I misspoke. We have a spacious interior! I mixed them up! Jane Ampurp85 and OCSC Mike 2 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: I am very curious to know how it turned out this morning. I hope you love Icon! It's very different from other classes. So everyone will be very happy to know we didn't sleep through our alarm and got through security in 20 mins!!!! Regular security :). Jane WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 5 others 7 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 7 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said: My husband is always up earlier than me and he will probably love that! Is the lounge 24 hours? Or available after a certain time? Jane The room is open 24 hours/day and the coffee machine is always available... as long as it's not broken or being cleaned. Breakfast stuff is usually put out around 7am and there are snacks during "happy hour" from roughly 5-8pm. mom2mybugs, Ampurp85 and Ogilthorpe 2 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 Vacay is starting out fantastic! We got to the airport after a lovely uber ride with a retired teacher who is moving to Argentina. 3am kinda sucked, I won't lie, but I felt pretty good at 425 when we were through security. The Starbucks literally opened as we got to our gate . The flight was on time and no problems until I kept getting calls and realized we grabbed the wrong suitcase off the carousel since our Mickey tag had fallen off! Anyway, that got settled and the 1.5 Uber ride to Miami reminded me that I hate traffic. We got to the hotel around 130 and the room wasnt ready so we wandered around and grabbed tacos. Which was great as we sat on a covered patio during the typical 20 minute rain storm! Came back, checked in and have enjoyed the beautiful sun and the 2 free beers from the hotel! I kinda forgot to take a lot of pics, but here you go! Our plan I think is to head to shower and maybe go hang at the bar next door and watch our Michigan wolverines beat Alabama (hopefully)! We went to Michigan, our kids went to Illinois (2 girls) and Iowa State (our son) and the brackets might get very messy lol! Jane PPPJJ-GCVAB, GregD, InmyElement and 9 others 11 1 Quote
GatorCruiser Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 Hampton brickell is a good spot. We’ve stayed there twice. Enjoyed it both times, especially the booze vouchers. Enjoy icon she is an amazing ship. mom2mybugs and Ogilthorpe 2 Quote
Southern Dan Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 Happy Cruise Day! We’ll be in a Spacious Interior too for our first time on Icon in January so I look forward to hearing about the cabin. mom2mybugs 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 28 Author Report Posted March 28 3 hours ago, Southern Dan said: Happy Cruise Day! We’ll be in a Spacious Interior too for our first time on Icon in January so I look forward to hearing about the cabin. I will post pics! Jane WAAAYTOOO, Southern Dan and Ogilthorpe 2 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 28 Author Report Posted March 28 Last night was fun. We went to the bar next to the hotel and it was perfect for dinner. The service was absolutely fantastic and we had a corner table that we could watch the basketball! We ate apps, drank kona wave beer, played music bingo and watched the first half of the Michigan game. I will have to see when they play so we can watch the game on the ship! I of course took hardly any pics... The food was solid but but particularly pretty! It's cruise day! We will be downstairs by 845 to wait for the Uber. Hoping it doesn't cancel. Send up prayers for me...I feel like my good mojo has been used up by the tsa lol! Jane PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS, Lovetocruise2002 and 5 others 8 Quote
Southern Dan Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 Getting a ride at 8:45-9 is the move. I left at 10 my last two times out of Miami and never again! Ogilthorpe 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 20 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said: I will have to see when they play so we can watch the game on the ship! You got the early game, 2:15pm et tomorrow. I think that's better than getting the 5pm game being on a ship so it won't interfere with any dinner/evening plans. FYI, I know you want to try Playmakers and that's an obvious spot to watch the game, just be aware that it can get MOBBED during big sporting events so I'd get there pretty early if you want an actual seat or else find somewhere else to watch. There should be a couple other options. mom2mybugs and Ogilthorpe 1 1 Quote
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 16 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said: Send up prayers for me...I feel like my good mojo has been used up by the tsa lol! Jane Done…now waiting on results! Ogilthorpe and mom2mybugs 1 1 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 28 Author Report Posted March 28 1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said: You got the early game, 2:15pm et tomorrow. I think that's better than getting the 5pm game being on a ship so it won't interfere with any dinner/evening plans. FYI, I know you want to try Playmakers and that's an obvious spot to watch the game, just be aware that it can get MOBBED during big sporting events so I'd get there pretty early if you want an actual seat or else find somewhere else to watch. There should be a couple other options. Oh definitely! Won't do it then.... Just need a screen! Jane OCSC Mike 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 Easy disembarkation. We met in the SL at 6:00 and were escorted down by the Concierge at 6:10. They get you moving early on Icon ! Have a fantastic cruise, Jane. mom2mybugs, asquared17, tonyfsu21 and 5 others 4 2 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 5 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said: Oh definitely! Won't do it then.... Just need a screen! Jane I'm not familiar with Icon class or what the PM setup looks like and I'm sure you'll have other options but on O-Class Playmakers has a bunch of TV's outside facing the boardwalk and you can easily watch without actually going into Playmakers or ordering food. When my wife went with her sister to see a Utopia show we hate earlier this month I stood outside Playmakers watching the World Baseball Classic final and some NCAA opening round for a bit until an outside table opened up. mom2mybugs and tonyfsu21 2 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 28 Author Report Posted March 28 Of 2 hours ago, OCSC Mike said: I'm not familiar with Icon class or what the PM setup looks like and I'm sure you'll have other options but on O-Class Playmakers has a bunch of TV's outside facing the boardwalk and you can easily watch without actually going into Playmakers or ordering food. When my wife went with her sister to see a Utopia show we hate earlier this month I stood outside Playmakers watching the World Baseball Classic final and some NCAA opening round for a bit until an outside table opened up. Of course our freaking wizard of Oz tickets are at 3pm. I'm afraid to cancel because I'm afraid we won't get another reservation. But maybe my stress level will be better if I don't watch lol! Jane Ogilthorpe and OCSC Mike 2 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 Happy cruise day. @WAAAYTOOO We did self assist and was off at like 6am. I feel like Icon does embarkation and disembarkation very well. mom2mybugs, WAAAYTOOO, OCSC Mike and 1 other 3 1 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted March 28 Report Posted March 28 3 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said: Of course our freaking wizard of Oz tickets are at 3pm. I'm afraid to cancel because I'm afraid we won't get another reservation. But maybe my stress level will be better if I don't watch lol! Jane There's usually a "box office" set up on day one in a bar somewhere that you can ask about switching rather than cancelling first. You can also ask the Crown Lounge concierge when they're on duty later. You probably want to check out the CL anyway. But if you want to try to switch, better to do it sooner than later. I'm sure it will work out one way or another. mom2mybugs and Ogilthorpe 2 Quote
mom2mybugs Posted March 28 Author Report Posted March 28 I already love this ship. Terminal opened at 959, and we were on the ship by 1025. The overlook is fantastic! The windjammer still isn't completely full at 12. It still doesn't feel crowded. It's just a pretty ship! We will go see the space since i have the thermal spa booked and then go wander Central Park until our room is ready! Jane Ogilthorpe, Ampurp85, InmyElement and 7 others 9 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.