Live Cruise Reports
Live Trip Reports from across the Community, hand-picked by your Community Team.
Live Review: Freedom of the Seas Feb 27-March 3, 2023
CatLadyFemme posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International,
Hey all, I’m baaaaaaaack for another live review.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Shanna, aka the CatLady. This will be my first RCCL cruise as Diamond 💎. I am a queer, nonbinary femme, also am disabled and chronically ill (including navigating over a year of long COVID), autistic and anxious. Usually I travel with one of my two partners (MrCatLady or MxCatLady), but due to the Michigan State shooting and recent ice storm that has made MrCatLady’s house uninhabitable, I will be cruising solo for the first time ever. Super anxious about traveling alone for the first time in 3 years (I used to travel alone monthly; so much changes!), and about being fairly visibly queer in a state passing such hateful laws. But also really ready to be out of this house, so here we go!
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For those who don’t know me, I’m Shanna, aka the CatLady. This will be my first RCCL cruise as Diamond 💎. I am a queer, nonbinary femme, also am disabled and chronically ill (including navigating over a year of long COVID), autistic and anxious. Usually I travel with one of my two partners (MrCatLady or MxCatLady), but due to the Michigan State shooting and recent ice storm that has made MrCatLady’s house uninhabitable, I will be cruising solo for the first time ever. Super anxious about traveling alone for the first time in 3 years (I used to travel alone monthly; so much changes!), and about being fairly visibly queer in a state passing such hateful laws. But also really ready to be out of this house, so here we go!
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- 87 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Pirate's LIVE Celebration Review...February 26-March 5, 2023
pirate4me2 posted a topic in Carnival Cruise Lines,
Who is sitting at home, chomping at the bit to get on a ship, but still has months left before their sail date? Well, I can’t pack you in my suitcase to join me onboard the Celebration, but how about the next best thing….you can sail along vicariously with this LIVE review!
I booked this sailing around the same time I booked our MG sailing last fall, right after Carnival lifted their vaccine and testing requirements. I was apprehensive about sailing such a big ship leading up to our MG sailing, but I have to admit…I actually really, really like the Excel class! I love all the included dining options, the variety of bars to choose from, and I was impressed with how they designed the ship to spread out the crowds. I am really, really hoping that Celebration is just as awesome!
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I booked this sailing around the same time I booked our MG sailing last fall, right after Carnival lifted their vaccine and testing requirements. I was apprehensive about sailing such a big ship leading up to our MG sailing, but I have to admit…I actually really, really like the Excel class! I love all the included dining options, the variety of bars to choose from, and I was impressed with how they designed the ship to spread out the crowds. I am really, really hoping that Celebration is just as awesome!
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- 354 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live(ish) from Reflection 2/26 - 3/5/2023
DCPIV posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises,
Howdy!
I've begun packing in earnest. That means it's real! Our first cruise of 2023!
This was something of an impulse cruise to the extent there is one. Sometime during the wackiness of the restart, we were thinking about taking a chance on what looked like a good deal for a SIgnature Suite on Reflection. New ship for us. New sort of room. So few had sailed in a Signature that we had a hard time getting some opinions (and thank you all y'all who did give us your thoughts!) We went ahead and pulled the trigger.
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I've begun packing in earnest. That means it's real! Our first cruise of 2023!
This was something of an impulse cruise to the extent there is one. Sometime during the wackiness of the restart, we were thinking about taking a chance on what looked like a good deal for a SIgnature Suite on Reflection. New ship for us. New sort of room. So few had sailed in a Signature that we had a hard time getting some opinions (and thank you all y'all who did give us your thoughts!) We went ahead and pulled the trigger.
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 109 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live from the Joy - 2/19 to 2/24 (5 nights from LA)
debenson0723 posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
Better late than never. I wasn't sure if I would have time to devote to this but it's a quiet sea day so giving it a shot. No dailies, maybe photos, but mostly my experience so far and happy to answer questions.
Background - sailed most of the big lines but come back to NCL because they are the most solo friendly. I sometimes have a Travel Companion (TC) and he is on this voyage.
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Background - sailed most of the big lines but come back to NCL because they are the most solo friendly. I sometimes have a Travel Companion (TC) and he is on this voyage.
Click to Cruise Along!
- 28 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Semi-Live Getaway: Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2023 NY - So. Caribbean ... 12 nights
PistolPete13 posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
Greetings everyone!
I'm going to do my best to record my upcoming long cruise on the Getaway leaving this Sunday for the southern Carribean. My last cruise was a short 5-day Bermuda run on the then new Prima. I've included a link to that semi-live review in my next port. I just finished re-reading it right now and it seems like a stranger had written it. I will do my best to get that snarky Pete back out of his shell.
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I'm going to do my best to record my upcoming long cruise on the Getaway leaving this Sunday for the southern Carribean. My last cruise was a short 5-day Bermuda run on the then new Prima. I've included a link to that semi-live review in my next port. I just finished re-reading it right now and it seems like a stranger had written it. I will do my best to get that snarky Pete back out of his shell.
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 337 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
LIVE from Pursuit, Buenos Aires - Rio, Feb 25-Mar 7
asnaleah posted a topic in Azamara,
My first Azamara “live from”, so excited to board Saturday!! DH and I fly tomorrow from Chicago to Buenos Aires to begin our adventure. Staying at the Alvear Palace hotel, tours booked, all packed - CARRY ON only, woo hoo! So happy to have self-laundry on board.
We are planning to bring some Argentinian wines on board, but I hear the wine selection has improved on Pursuit. We will decide if the ultimate package is worthwhile once we get a look at the ever elusive wine list. I will keep you posted.
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We are planning to bring some Argentinian wines on board, but I hear the wine selection has improved on Pursuit. We will decide if the ultimate package is worthwhile once we get a look at the ever elusive wine list. I will keep you posted.
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 95 replies
Picked By
LauraS,Live report - Iona G305 Canary Islands
db51 posted a topic in P&O Cruises ( UK ),
Leaving today and thought I would post my thoughts on this cruise. I am very excited but slightly worried - 5200+ people and reports of queuing, poor food and bad internet! I have tried to do everything I can to avoid queuing too much- I have pre booked everything available, so Limelight booked for 2 nights, Sindu for 2 and Epicurian once. I wanted to book the Olive Grove and Beach House but although it says ‘coming soon’ on the planner they still aren’t bookable.
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Click to Cruise Along!
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- 98 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
LIVE Apex Suite Review 2/25-3/4: Love in the Time of Relaxed Luxury
GenerationX posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises,
Well hello fellow cruisers!
I didn’t expect to be back on a ship so soon after my Silhouette/Divina side by side last month. However, I was completely at a loss for what to give my better half for a Valentine’s Day gift this year (and to celebrate him FINALLY following doctor’s orders and doing away with his asthma-aggravating cigarette smoking 20-year habit 🙌🏾) and the pricing and work schedule stars aligned, so in 4 days the hubs and I will be flying to Florida for a last minute booking 7 night Caribbean cruise on Apex!
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I didn’t expect to be back on a ship so soon after my Silhouette/Divina side by side last month. However, I was completely at a loss for what to give my better half for a Valentine’s Day gift this year (and to celebrate him FINALLY following doctor’s orders and doing away with his asthma-aggravating cigarette smoking 20-year habit 🙌🏾) and the pricing and work schedule stars aligned, so in 4 days the hubs and I will be flying to Florida for a last minute booking 7 night Caribbean cruise on Apex!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 320 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Let’s give it a go…sort of live-ish Getaway February 18-26, 2023–I’ll do my best!
Dorhead1230 posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
I have decided to make an attempt at keeping the live/semi-live Getaway reviews going. I’ve had a 3 1/2 year absence from cruising (and from these forums until a few weeks ago) but we’ve finally decided it’s time to set sail again. At first, I was doubtful that me doing another live(ish) Getaway review could really contribute anything to the stellar coverage of @cruiseny4life, @mking8288 , @Laszlo, etc., but then I realized there may be other items of interest unique to my trip. Firstly, we’re traveling with our 4-year-old little man (LM) in tow.
Click to Cruise Along!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 172 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live Review - Harmony of the Seas 2/18-2/26 Southern Caribbean
DaKahuna posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International,
We will be sailing on this cruise and it is my intention to post our experiences here during the course of our travels.
We are finishing our final packing now and our SIL and DD will be picking us up and taking us to Washington Dulles Marriott Suites where we will spend the night before taking the airport shuttle to the airport tomorrow morning.
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We are finishing our final packing now and our SIL and DD will be picking us up and taking us to Washington Dulles Marriott Suites where we will spend the night before taking the airport shuttle to the airport tomorrow morning.
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 225 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
LIVE / Navigator OS / Feb. 17 – 21 / 4-day Getaway
HBCcruiser posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International,
Welcome to a LIVE review of our (DH and myself) 4-day winter getaway cruise on the NOS out of LA. I work in education and our schools are closed for President’s Day, so this cruise fit into my work schedule perfectly. Last year we sailed the 3-day cruise on NOS and really loved the crew and ship. The weather is showing mostly sunny weather around 60-68 degrees over the four days which is pretty normal for SoCal this time of year. Last year we were lucky to have the warm Santa Anna winds during our February getaway cruise. Of course, the weather doesn’t really matter because – I’m going on a CRUISE!
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Click to Cruise Along!
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- 114 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live from the Nieuw Amsterdam 2.12.23 Sailing
misguy posted a topic in Holland America Line,
We are onboard and today we are on our way to Aruba, arriving at 5:00 PM and staying till 10:30. The ship has one azipod with a damaged bearing which is limiting it speed. We were not able to tender at Half Moon Cay, the water was too rough. They tried twice an hour apart to see if they could make it work, but if you had been abled to get on the tender it would have been a miserable trip to shore.
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Click to Cruise Along!
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- 30 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live Report Arvia 14 Nights From Barbados 18th Feb onwards
Interestedcruisefan posted a topic in P&O Cruises ( UK ),
Thought I would do a live report. Will try and post once a day at least.
We fly from Birmingham tomorrow morning to Bridgetown. Our first sun holiday since Covid. We've worked hard the last few months and are both really looking forward to the break.
It's our first overseas cruise without the kids (they are grown up now). We are mid 50s.
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We fly from Birmingham tomorrow morning to Bridgetown. Our first sun holiday since Covid. We've worked hard the last few months and are both really looking forward to the break.
It's our first overseas cruise without the kids (they are grown up now). We are mid 50s.
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 275 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
South America Grand Voyage Segment - delayed live.
Mary229 posted a topic in Holland America Line,
South America Grand Voyage segment. Volendam , February-March 2023. Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale including the Amazon and Carnival. LONG and continuing.
February 9, 2023. American Airlines flight at 7:45 pm from DFW, premium economy booked through flight ease. Bumped down to aisle seats from window seats. Seat wide but no cushion. Flight uneventful, dinner hot but starchy, cold breakfast, no snack. Arrived on time, 9:00 am at Buenos Aires EZE on February 10, 2023.
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February 9, 2023. American Airlines flight at 7:45 pm from DFW, premium economy booked through flight ease. Bumped down to aisle seats from window seats. Seat wide but no cushion. Flight uneventful, dinner hot but starchy, cold breakfast, no snack. Arrived on time, 9:00 am at Buenos Aires EZE on February 10, 2023.
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- 18 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live from the Getaway 2/18
kh6275 posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
We are a family of 4 enjoying the 2/2 in the Haven. It is our favorite cabin. Checkin was super easy. We drove to the pier, dropped our luggage off (5 bags 🤣) and parked at the pier (I don’t remember the exact price but it was under $400). The main lot was full at 11:30 so they had us park on the road almost directly in front of the elevators #sweet! 10 minutes to clear security and not even 15 minutes to checkin and be escorted onto the ship. We were brought to the Haven Lounge. The ship was super crowded but they had Haven designated elevators so it was easy. The Haven was also quite crowded because our cabins weren’t yet ready. I
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Click to Cruise Along!
- 21 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live Emerald Princess Panama Canal LA to Ft. Lauderdale 2/16 to 3/3
pmallen posted a topic in Princess Cruises,
Day 0
I've really enjoyed and learned a lot from the various live blogs I've read here, so I thought I'd do my part and contribute. I'll share the usual stuff, but if you have questions, fire away.
We had an uneventful (albeit delayed) flight from PDX to LAX on Alaska. Our pre-cruise stay is at the Doubletree San Pedro. It's a lovely hotel. We have a marina view room, and got to watch the Crown Princess depart this afternoon. The hotel has a free shuttle to the cruise terminal every half hour, but reservations are required.
Click to Cruise Along
I've really enjoyed and learned a lot from the various live blogs I've read here, so I thought I'd do my part and contribute. I'll share the usual stuff, but if you have questions, fire away.
We had an uneventful (albeit delayed) flight from PDX to LAX on Alaska. Our pre-cruise stay is at the Doubletree San Pedro. It's a lovely hotel. We have a marina view room, and got to watch the Crown Princess depart this afternoon. The hotel has a free shuttle to the cruise terminal every half hour, but reservations are required.
Click to Cruise Along
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- 111 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024
mysty posted a topic in Silversea,
I'm dreaming again. This dream is full of leaky pipes. However, if the travel gods and goddesses smile, Myster and I would embark on another grand adventure. We are booked on a Holiday Season cruise on the Silver Shadow departing December 18th 2023 from Bridgetown and ending in San Francisco on January 15th 2024. But wait! We would then continue on for the 2024 World Cruise departing from San Francisco on January 15th 2024 and ending in San Francisco on May 26th 2024. This would be 160 days of joyous adventure.
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Click to Cruise Along!
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- 2,678 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Escape Live Review
ventigirl posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
We’re on board right now and wanted to share a little feedback. If you have specific questions I’d be happy to try to answer them.
This is our NCL cruise but we’ve done Royal Caribbean and Carnival. We are mid to late 50s looking mostly to relax and appreciate good food and service.
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This is our NCL cruise but we’ve done Royal Caribbean and Carnival. We are mid to late 50s looking mostly to relax and appreciate good food and service.
Click to Cruise Along!
- 7 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live NCL Encore 2/12/23
rxlowry posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line,
So I’m back for yet another adventure! I’m ready to see the difference from our Breakaway cruise that was in November. I’ve already experienced the sad baked wings of the Local and I’m ready to see the changes first hand. This is cruise 18 on NCL I believe and I’ve seen changes albeit not so many in such a short period. I don’t hold back or cheerlead, I just give my observations. Will it be fun? I’m sure. Will there be things I don’t like? Probably. But it’s a cruise!! And after so many cruises, I’ve learned they’ve all been good…some just better.
Click to Cruise Along!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 57 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live From the Constellation - 11 Night Ultimate Caribbean and the Americas - February 13 to 24
zgscl posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises,
I normally do live threads the HAL board as I mostly have sailed with them - but you all have been so helpful and friendly as I have explored Celebrity I thought I would do a live thread over here. This will be my second X cruise, I was on the Solstice in November and had a wonderful trip (but was far too busy trying out everything for the first time to keep up with a live). For this trip I booked a Royal Suite (same category I had on Solstice) so I look forward to comparing the experience between ships and the brands. Like many of you I have also seen quite a bit of news recently in regards to onboard cutbacks, so I will certainly be reporting on that as well. Please let me know if there are any questions and I will certainly try to get answers while I am onboard.
Click to Cruise Along!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 81 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Fun, food, friends, and football live! Splendor February 8-22, 2023
kjbacon posted a topic in Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
The wait is finally over and today we reunite with Mudhen for our next adventure on Regent together! This will be our first cruise on The Splendor and I just can’t wait. Food was my career and now is my hobby so expect plenty of food porn. We also look forward to a Philadelphia Eagles 🦅💚🦅 victory on Sunday. Everyone, please feel free to chime in and join the fun!!
Click to Cruise Along!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 69 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Riviera Live — February 10th
What A Market posted a topic in Oceania Cruises,
Oceania is definitely my cruise line of choice. Our last O cruise was this past September on the Regatta for a Pacific Coastal cruise. My wife and I were joined by daughter and SIL. This was my first Pacific coastal cruise. We had a great time. Easy trip when you live in Arizona and embark and disembark in Los Angeles. I’ll definitely do this cruise again. I tried (miserably) to post live from that cruise.
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This is our fifth cruise since Covid “ended.” Yep, putting ended in quotes. Not sure how best to phrase that. Maybe better to say “since cruising returned.”
Other than the Oceania Coastal cruise, we’ve done three cruises with Celebrity since cruising returned to normal. Two on the Apex and one on the Reflection. I guess I’ll say Celebrity is my backup cruise line to Oceania. All those cruises were fun as well. Definitely a different experience from Oceania, particularly on the Apex as a bigger ship.
Currently flying from Phoenix to Miami. Non-stop flight to start the trip. Flying back home at end of cruise thru Dallas. Staying one night at the Marriott Stanton South Beach. Getting in so late this evening that in retrospect it seems stupid to stay in South Beach.
Posting this after checking in at hotel.
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- 259 replies
Picked By
LauraS,
Live From the Wish, Feb 13-17, Bahamas cruise + DW pre-cruise adventure Feb 8-13
Ken the cruiser posted a topic in Disney Cruise Line,
We are currently disembarking on Wednesday, Feb 8, from a fun 11-day Caribbean cruise on the NCL Dawn (see my Live From NCL thread for more details) and heading to Orlando where we’re going to spend a few days with family and friends at Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios), Legoland, and a few hours on the last day at the Crayola Experience before heading to Port Canaveral to board our 4-day cruise on the Disney Wish! 😁
Click to Cruise Along!
Click to Cruise Along!
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- 67 replies
Picked By
LauraS,Post in Prima / Live / Solo / Feb - 5-12 - 2023...
sid_9169 posted a post in a topic,
You could say that this one has been a long time coming… By the time that I step on board the now not so new Norwegian Prima, it will have been a little over three years since I sailed an NCL vessel… 1,155 days, to be exact… The origins of this sailing go all the way back to the “pause in operations” during the pandemic in 2021… I was scheduled to sail upon the NCL Joy from Jamaica, in what they had dubbed “The Great Cruise Comeback”...
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Click to Cruise Along!
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LauraS,Post in Saint Greg's Magic Super Bowl cruise - Live - February 11-19
Saint Greg posted a post in a topic,
Booking
I wanted to book this cruise for December of 2019. I was only booking about six months out and the room selection was limited. Prices were through the roof. I booked a six-day Magic cruise instead. I then booked this itinerary on Breeze for late August of 2020 with a better room and a lower price. That cruise was of course canceled due to COVID. I booked the same cruise on Breeze for the spring of 2021. A few months later that was canceled as well. Finally, I booked this one on Magic two years out.
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I wanted to book this cruise for December of 2019. I was only booking about six months out and the room selection was limited. Prices were through the roof. I booked a six-day Magic cruise instead. I then booked this itinerary on Breeze for late August of 2020 with a better room and a lower price. That cruise was of course canceled due to COVID. I booked the same cruise on Breeze for the spring of 2021. A few months later that was canceled as well. Finally, I booked this one on Magic two years out.
Click to Cruise Along!