I've made myself important at work and it's ruining my life.....so it's time for an Adventure (of the seas)!! 4/3/26-4/11/26

[GregD]

Hello everyone, I am happy to report that I am finally getting back on a ship. It will have been 455 days since our last cruise, which is entirely too long. As the title of the blog suggests, I have also been so busy at work (and home) that I have only occasionally been lurking in the background of these blogs for a bit and not spending as much time here as I would like. Now with a cruise finally coming up, it's time to focus and jump back in! (I'm also now realizing I never finished off my Scotland travel blog...whoops)

The long gap between cruises was necessary. We typically cruised over February break, but the older freeloader is on the cheer team for HS and they typically have competitions over that break, so we had to adjust, and now we are stuck on the easter/spring break rotation.....lucky us. 

Anyway, we were originally scheduled to do a B2B on Wonder, but then that changed at a coworkers birthday party. You may remember that our last trip on Harmony I convinced one of my Captains to sail with us, and introduced them into the Suite life. Well they were hooked. He has since retired, but came to the birthday party of one of my other coworkers. He had a bunch of cruises that he was looking at for this week and was asking my advice on what to book. One was this itinerary. Adventure of the seas, 8N with stops at the Dominican Republic, San Juan, St Thomas and St Croix. 

While we were discussing his wife and @TheBoss518 got to talking about how much fun we all had on Harmony, and that they wanted to cruise with us again. They weren't too keen on the Nassau/Coco Cay repeats, so The Boss and I talked it over and we changed to this one. After hearing about all the nonsense that @Lovetocruise2002 had on Wonder a few weeks ago, I'm kinda glad we moved. While it's not a fancy O class ship, we do get an extra night, three sea days which The Boss is thrilled about, and with an older ship, maybe fewer freeloaders. We are also hitting two ports we have not been to before. 

I'll try to keep these next few posts short and suite for easier reading, and to break it up a bit. This past week has been crazy, and it's not looking any better for this week. I have to go into the firehouse tomorrow for a double shift (48hrs) and then vacation begins. Did I mention we fly out early Thursday morning.....I should probably not be on the blogs and help lower @asquared17 stress level and get to packing. 

 

 

 

 

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

We will be doing this same itinerary on AD in October.  Enjoy !!

[Lovetocruise2002]

35 minutes ago, GregD said:

It will have been 455 days since our last cruise,

Way too long!

36 minutes ago, GregD said:

After hearing about all the nonsense that @Lovetocruise2002 had on Wonder a few weeks ago, I'm kinda glad we moved.

After reflecting back now, while any cruise is better than no cruise, I am glad to get a break from Wonder for a bit.

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, GregD said:

.....I should probably not be on the blogs and help lower @asquared17 stress level and get to packing. 

YES YOU SHOULD GET TO PACKING!!!!

[collapses in panic]

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

YES YOU SHOULD GET TO PACKING!!!!

Agreed. The day before he leaves. 

[GregD]

Whos Going?

Our usual list of subjects. Its Me, @TheBoss518 D16 Lydia and S13 Johnny. Joining us is Dan, Kristine and their D11

Stateroom:

We are in the 2 bedroom GS on the aft of the ship. These are our favorite views, even with the superstructure that wraps around.

Harmony got Dan and family hooked on suites...The are in an owners suite..

Ship and Itinerary. 

Obviously it's Adventure of the Seas. This will be a new ship for us. Dan and Kristine were on her many years ago. 

Day 1 - Port Canaveral.

Day 2 - Sea Day

Day 3 - Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Day 4 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Day 5 - Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas

Day 6 - St Croix

Day 7 + 8 Sea Days

Day 9 - Port Canaveral. 

For Excursions, we opted to do the Capybara Experience in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico we are planning on wandering on our own. We will hit Barachinna for lunch and Pina Coladas. Supposedly this is where the Pina Colada was invented. We have the "Adventure Cat Snorkel and Beach Escape" booked for St Thomas. I think St Croix will be walk off the ship to the beach. Feel free to add tour suggestions here!

Other cruise planner purchases:

While we have diamond vouchers, Dan and Kristine aren't there yet. We are all bad influences on each other, and already talking about how our livers are about to take a beating, so we got the DX package. The price was actually the lowest I have seen it for some time ($54), and with three sea days it made sense. 

Internet package because I cant break my wordle streak.

We got the 3 night dining package. No point of doing any more than that with only 3 specialty restaurants on board. Dan and Kristine are also newbies to those as well. At $90 that was also an easy splurge.

[asquared17]

1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said:

Agreed. The day before he leaves. 

i cannot take the stress

[GregD]

2 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Agreed. The day before he leaves. 

That's my plan!

[asquared17]

7 minutes ago, GregD said:

we opted to do the Capybara Experience

i LOVE capybaras!!!!!!!!

7 minutes ago, GregD said:

I think St Croix will be walk off the ship to the beach. Feel free to add tour suggestions here!

okay so fun fact - st croix is actually one of my all time favorite islands. you absolutely can walk right off the ship and go to the beach and it’s beautiful. i am sad because celebrity does not stop there so we aren’t going back any time soon

this is just steps away from the pier off the beach — back in our younger years… ah 2018… before we became pre vintage  

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

i LOVE capybaras!!!!!!!!

I was just gonna post about that. So does my wife. First time we actually saw one in person was on a very early cruise during a random tour driving around St Martin at a zoo there.

@GregD What does that excursion entail? Feeding them?

This was from Valentine’s Day a year or two ago.

[GregD]

Pre-cruise travel

We are flying out first thing Thursday AM ALB-MCO on Delta with an unfortunately long layover in ATL. Thankfully we have lounge access. Hopefully the TSA shenanigans are at a minimum. Our airport is small and we have precheck so theoretically that should help.

Arrival time in MCO is 2pm. We booked a rental car for the day super cheap courtesy of Uncle Johnson. (For those who don't know. The Boss works for a division of Johnson and Johnson. Any time we can use the corporate discounts/benefits the joke in the house is that Uncle Johnson helped.)

We are staying at the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral.

[Lovetocruise2002]

7 minutes ago, GregD said:

with an unfortunately long layover in ATL

forget about TSA shenanigans, let’s pray for no weather problems at that hub! 

[GregD]

14 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

okay so fun fact - st croix is actually one of my all time favorite islands.

Awesome!! Thanks for the tip. 

6 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

This was from Valentine’s Day a year or two ago.

That's adorable. 

Here is the description from the cruise planner

Highlights

• Your day begins with a heartwarming visit to the capybara encounter area, where you pet, feed, and interact with these gentle giants.
• As you connect with the world’s largest rodent, expert guides share surprising facts about their behaviors, habitat, and role in the animal kingdom. 
• From there, dive into the tropical reef aquarium to snorkel among colorful marine life, before testing your skills at the inflatable water park. 
• Wander through exhibits where dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and exotic birds make their home, and step into the rainforest section to meet vibrant macaws, flamingos, and love birds that may even perch on your shoulder for a photo. 
• After, unwind at the serene beach lagoon or the freshwater pool, soaking in the island vibe. 
• Before ending your Capybara Encounter and Ocean World Adventure excursion, enjoy a cultural finale as you watch artisans roll cigars and carve local woodcrafts, pick up a souvenir, and learn a few classic merengue or bachata dance moves to take home with you.

[GregD]

1 minute ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

forget about TSA shenanigans, let’s pray for no weather problems at that hub! 

Thankfully, the current forecast looks like perfect weather!

[asquared17]

6 minutes ago, GregD said:

As you connect with the world’s largest rodent

surely we can think of nicer ways to describe these fun creatures!!!!!

[OCSC Mike]

19 minutes ago, GregD said:

Hopefully the TSA shenanigans are at a minimum.

They are. My wife is in the air on the way back from Atlanta as I type this. No TSA issues anymore.

[OCSC Mike]

12 minutes ago, GregD said:

Here is the description from the cruise planner

Thanks. Never been to the DR so haven't researched anything but if we ever get there I could definitely see doing that.

[TheBoss518]

32 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

i cannot take the stress

Me neither, and now things have taken a turn and he just went back to the firehouse for recall! Between the blog and work, he’s never going to be packed in time I’ve been working on laundry all day, restocked the travel med and necessities kits, last minute Target and Bezos donations, organized and will be done with most but the last minute toiletries by tonight. Still trying to figure out the weighted blanket situation, might need to sacrifice some of the kids stuff to make sure it goes 

[GregD]

9 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

surely we can think of nicer ways to describe these fun creatures!!!!!

What about the interwebs favorite crapybarbaras

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, TheBoss518 said:

Me neither, and now things have taken a turn and he just went back to the firehouse for recall! Between the blog and work, he’s never going to be packed in time I’ve been working on laundry all day, restocked the travel med and necessities kits, last minute Target and Bezos donations, organized and will be done with most but the last minute toiletries by tonight. Still trying to figure out the weighted blanket situation, might need to sacrifice some of the kids stuff to make sure it goes 

my heart goes out to you!!! this bystander stress is no joke right now and you NEED your weighted blanket!!!!!

there’s laundry on the ship…. the kids can have their pjs and undies and tee shirts run through the gauntlet!!!

[GregD]

15 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

my heart goes out to you!!! this bystander stress is no joke right now and you NEED your weighted blanket!!!!!

there’s laundry on the ship…. the kids can have their pjs and undies and tee shirts run through the gauntlet!!!

Oh, I forgot, I also pre-purchased 3 bags of laundry just for this situation

[Ampurp85]

I remember seeing a capybara for the first time and being confused. I thought it was an unexpectedly large hamster. 

Hopefully travel shenanigans are minimal. 

I stayed at the Hampton Inn Cape Canaveral twice and enjoyed it. It's also close enough you can see the ships if you have a good room. In Jan we are trying the holiday inn cocoa beach because it's by a Publix . 

[Kelseylovestocruise]

I just booked adventure yesterday for this August so I will be following along! 

[GregD]

@asquared17 you can breathe a little easier, I have begun packing!!!

Since we are all weirdos here and must discuss our underwear, that was the first thing I packed so that I don't have a batman situation!

[asquared17]

47 minutes ago, GregD said:

@asquared17 you can breathe a little easier, I have begun packing!!!

thank gOD. i know @TheBoss518 is also relieved by this.

48 minutes ago, GregD said:

Since we are all weirdos here and must discuss our underwear, that was the first thing I packed so that I don't have a batman situation!

poor batman. @SweetPea he’ll never live this down. 

also we’re among friends/blog family…. what’s a liveblog without underwear confirmation???

[SweetPea]

I was summoned ...

Welcome back to the fold, @GregD. Your dry dock was way too long!! Enjoy the DX. I fully approve. Four vouchers are merely warm up .....

But please stop giving my friend @asquared17 panic attacks and finish packing already!

 

 

[asquared17]

56 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I was summoned ...

anD HOW!!!!!!!!!!

[Jamesszy94]

15 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Agreed. The day before he leaves. 

I am also a day before packer... #sorrynotsorry

[WAAAYTOOO]

1 hour ago, Jamesszy94 said:

I am also a day before packer... #sorrynotsorry

Me too

[lovetheplaya]

YAYYYYYY excited for your blog!!

[GregD]

Not quite the aft views that I prefer, but here is my view for the next 48hrs and then I'm on vacation. Packing is going well. I'm trying to help the stress level by packing earlier. All I still have to pack is my formal wear and then last AM toiletries. The freeloaders are somewhat organized as well. 

 I keep refreshing the info on the Artemis II launch. I'm hoping it gets delayed by a day so that we can be down there to watch the launch, but the weather forecast is looking to nice. 

[GregD]

4 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

I am also a day before packer... #sorrynotsorry

 

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Me too

Same here. I'm the type that once I pack, I'm ready to get in the car and go. If I pack too early I get frustrated that its not time to leave yet.

2 hours ago, lovetheplaya said:

YAYYYYYY excited for your blog!!

Glad to have you along!!

[GregD]

The Facebook group for this sailing has been entertaining. At this point there are all the usual suspects, 

Is this charger allowed?

What terminal are we sailing out of?

What seltzers does the bars have?

Will there be an easter egg hunt for the kids?

Do I have to participate in theme nights?

How do I dewrinkle my clothes?

Where do I park?

[OCSC Mike]

17 minutes ago, GregD said:

The Facebook group for this sailing has been entertaining.

Spoiler alert: That's every FB cruise group, lol. Good for entertainment for sure but otherwise usually a total dumpster fire.

22 minutes ago, GregD said:

I keep refreshing the info on the Artemis II launch. I'm hoping it gets delayed by a day so that we can be down there to watch the launch, but the weather forecast is looking to nice. 

That would be cool. You obviously already have a hotel and travel plans, just be aware that they are expecting over 500K people there for the launch.

We have had several near misses seeing a basic SpaceX launch from a ship. One was supposed to be while we onboard Wonder before sail away but it was scrubbed. The others seem to miss us by one day. If the sky is clear, I can see the flame and smoke trail from my house all the way over by Disney but that's not really the same thing.

[GregD]

2 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Spoiler alert: That's every FB cruise group, lol. Good for entertainment for sure but otherwise usually a total dumpster fire.

29 minutes ago, GregD said:

That's the whole reason I join them. It's purely for my entertainment. 

 

4 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

That would be cool. You obviously already have a hotel and travel plans, just be aware that they are expecting over 500K people there for the launch.

Yeah, I expect there would be a ton of people. If it does get pushed to Thursday, I think the plan would be to just get to the hotel, go to their beach area and watch from there. I have no desire to fight with crowds to get any closer. 

[Sweety]

I Love Adventure. I will make Pinnacle on her, since I booked a cruise on Jewel for August 2026. I will be booking Hero for my free cruise August 2027. I will be following.

[GregD]

6 minutes ago, Sweety said:

I will make Pinnacle on her

hopefully some day I'll reach that status....only 556 points to go

I did the math, that would by 40 more 7 night cruises, in a suite. If I can swing 2 a year, I might make it before I push up the daisies.

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, GregD said:

Packing is going well. I'm trying to help the stress level by packing earlier.

i am sure @TheBoss518 is also relieved about this (as i am)

[GregD]

28 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

i am sure @TheBoss518 is also relieved about this (as i am)

Now if only her job would do the same......This morning was not so fun for her.

[OCSC Mike]

24 minutes ago, GregD said:

Now if only her job would do the same......This morning was not so fun for her.

Hope it passes & doesn’t mess with her precruise mindset.

I was fine once it was cruise day but real life stuff really wasn’t cooperating before my cruise earlier this month which kinda sucks. Definitely hoping for better leading up to our June cruise.