GetToLivin

We've only gone to The Fine Line which was absolutely AMAZING. The athletics, acrobatics, and visuals are simply stunning, don't miss it! And the tall guy who spins and spins and spins? I mean, just wow, I'd be walking sideways for hours after that 😅

We were here last year and I was so disappointed they weren't open, it was a must see this time around!

All elevators are fully operational!

I was very curious about that (whether or not that was just how it looked!). Good to know it has had better days, hope they get the funds to fix it up!

Since they give wristbands and your reservation is on a list they cross check I'd think that would work, only thing is getting back through the port area which I find confusing. I don't know if it's worth the walk back and forth... but yes, gangway was down at 8:30a with all aboard by 4:30p... definitely plenty of time!

Exactly. If you're there for 4-5 hours and expending energy you'll still probably have to get something, but at least start them out with breakfast! Our meeting time was 9:15am so quite early.

It was not heated and quite cold. That didn't seem to stop the kids and by the afternoon it was better.

Well it was our first time in Windjammer this trip, it was a zoo. Food was subpar unfortunately. We've eaten at CK and Sabor and have had great meals, Windjammer not so much. Back to our day! The waterpark is great for small kids, teens and adults alike. There are loungers located throughout with plenty of shaded options, too. Here's where I set up camp: There is a bar and grill located to the right, here are the menu prices: Here is the area for smaller children, there are loungers located around the perimeter, plenty of shaded loungers if you want that as well for your little ones: Now here is the giant pyramid you can see from the ship, it's the central location for entrance to all the big waterslides and zip lines: Lockers available: And finally, the several levels leading to different activities: Now one thing I will point out is the water itself. The pools for the water slides seemed fine... but the lazy river? No one used it. Seriously, they either need to change the yellow/brown paint and/or I better start smelling some chlorine because this looks like something that requires a tetanus shot. Pools...(NOT heated and yes, they were pretty dang cold) Lazy "river"...womp womppppp Alright so we can agree to enter at your own risk...let's talk about the food. The boys said it was good and filling... they got the wings and a burger. All in all the boys gave the park a 9/10, they were gone for 3 straight hours before they emerged for food and said they did every single zip line and waterslide there was. Happy boys, happy mom... there's one of them gliding ever so gracefully 😉 The value for this is going to be subjective, it's $129/adult and includes admission and transportation. Food and beverage are additional so my advice is to feed the kids a big breakfast on the ship so you're not buying several meals. I did try a Pina colada and it was just okay, I didn't get more than the 1 drink so can't speak to the better liquor ($8/wells $14/premium, they are 12oz). When it was time to go there were plenty of shuttles waiting, our wrist bands indicated we had already paid for transportation so we hopped on and we were back at the port in 5-10 minutes tops. Hope this is helpful to those with kids looking for something fun to do that's very convenient to the port. Tomorrow we'll be on a ship excursion, ATV Jungle and Beach Day, I'll report back once I get my bearings 🫠

Yesterday was a whole lot of nothing which is exactly what I like before 3 straight port days. Good morning from Costa Maya! We grabbed a quick bite at CK for breakfast then headed down to the gang way. We're spending our day at the Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park: We booked this through the cruise line and transportation was included. This is a short 5 minute drive away and while you could technically walk there, I wouldn't. The sidewalks are very rough and I'm not even sure if it's paved the whole way. If you don't book through the cruise line there were plenty of cabs lined up. We have a 16 and 19 year old in tow and wanted something activity driven, this place has it all: watersides, zip lines, loungers, food, coffee shop and a bar. Here is the entrance, you will sign a waiver for everyone in your party before you are granted entrance: Inside coffee shop, they also have soda and water available for purchase: Then right through the doors is the waterpark. It's really an impressive venue, everything is very manicured and pleasant with plenty of maps throughout: Okay I need to take kids to Windjammer, hate to break up a post but I will finish when I get back...Kids are eating their cruse fare for sure 🤑

I can verify that I did indeed need to scan my seapass in order for the gate to open.

A taste...

I have scanned it but it doesn't seem like the gate is actually locked... I'll try to open it today without and report back! And yes there are stairs but if it's not an issue for your mobility it's actually perfect for those who want a more serene and dedicated experience. The Suite sun deck is one of my favorite perks, and after the gym that's just where I'll be 😃

It's on deck 17 mid-ship. From AFT you'll walk to the center of deck 16 and see a set of stairs by the water slides which leads to the suite deck.

Ahoy! We are headed to Costa Maya first, followed by Roatan, then Cozumel 🌞

I think I need to start celebrating the New York ball drop since I can at least make it to 11pm with my dignity in tact 😉 We went down around 11:45pm and decided to hang around Schooners for the countdown. The promenade was packed full and sure enough all the tables that were available to "reserve" were occupied. Happy New Year! Sea days are my favorite because I am able to fully relax with no agenda, so after the gym I spent the afternoon on the suite sun deck. It's a very nice space, quiet and serene, with plenty of seating and a dedicated bar 🍸 I found a lounger in a corner and this was my view for the day 😊 I did not see the boys for the entire day...which apparently consisted of food, pool deck, more food, water slides, even more food, and the ultimate abyss...eventually we met up with them for some dinner at Sabor 🌮 We ate so much, food was on point and the place was packed out for the Michigan / Alabama game. Everyone loved their meal, food was hot and flavourful! Some samplings... This is my favorite neighborhood on Oasis Class 🎠 Especially at night, it's just magical! In other news, Jack and Fitz have become fast friends and have seemingly calmed waaaaay down and gotten a bit more used to eachother!

THIS! I had the scare of my cruise life last month when I went to add our 4th person for the cruise I'm on right now, and was told that RCI was denying any additional guests. They weren't even waitlisting anyone. By some miracle my TA was able to sort it out and the 4th guest was eventually added, but let me tell you, it is absolutely not worth the disappointment and panic. Just book the 5th and 6th guest for peace of mind.

We have officially set sail with Voyager right behind us 🙂

After a solid night of sleep we woke up to beautiful weather this morning with sunny skies and 60 degrees of warmth! We checked out around 11am and we were on our way. Even though the port is less than 5 miles from the hotel it took a good 20 minutes to reach the North Lot with traffic. We prefer the North Lot due to its proximity to the terminal and since we always self disembark, we like the quick walk back to the car so we can start the drive back to DFW without delay. We are in a CLS so our time from check in to the ship was less than 10 minutes. Suite check in area... We went straight to CK for lunch and by the time we were done at 1pm rooms were ready. We were originally booked in an OS but I happened to stumble across the website one day and there were 6 CLS available for less than the OS, so I jumped on it. This room is absolutely stunning! Full bathroom, 1st floor. SO HAPPY we did this for the second bathroom, now the boys have their own space and can stay out of mine 😉 Decorative area underneath stairs Loft Master Bedroom, Vanity and Bath And finally, the lovely balcony...quite a lot of space and can't wait to wake up to those ocean views! Right now the boys are breaking in the water slides and I'm breaking in my diamond vouchers on the suite deck! Nearly 400 guests still haven't checked in at their muster stations yet so the "last call" threats over the PA are alive and well. No worries from me though, I'll just have another drink 😉

To my delight, we left DFW by 11:20am which, if you knew how it usually goes with my family, is no small feat! Our first stop? It's just what you do when you're in Texas, it's an unofficial law to stop at a Bucees. Kids got some BBQ brisket sandwiches and a pic with none other than... Jacob (left) and Paul (right) Traffic to Galveston was pretty congested but somehow ::pretending not to know how fast DH was driving:: we made it here by 4pm. Now, if you're from Texas you'll know this next part to be true. We are all about the southern hospitality and niceties....until we're behind the wheel. Hand to God, I've lived in 20+ states and one country (military) and driving in this state is an unofficial survival sport. Everyone knows that the left lane is for crime (err, passing, I mean) so WHY do we have so many people that drive in THAT lane instead of the other 2 (or 3, or 4) lanes where they can mosey-on at their preferred speed, I'll never know. Okay, rant over, but chances are we passed ya'll 😉 The Hilton Galveston Island is our preferred hotel every time we sail out of Galveston for a few reasons: there is a great pool, bar, and restaurant, it's within walking distance to more restaurants, next to a drug-store for those last-minute items, and across the street is the lovely beach and gulf. Here is a view from our balcony: Happily, they did a beautiful remodel of the rooms and hallways, and it looks like they're still working on other parts of the hotel as well. As I mentioned, we were here last year and the hotel was really starting to show her age, they've done a nice job making the rooms look and feel fresh! Bathroom is tight but nice and new... Pool area... I spy...a couple of hams 😉

Thank you! He's our baby for sure, and he's a Havanese 🥰

Hello again from DFW where it's 30 degrees in the morning and 65 by the afternoon: not only does our weather not know what to do but here we are stuck in the weirdest 5 days of the year, so let's take a cruise! Last year we took this same NYE itinerary on Allure. We love Allure and have sailed on her many times, but I'm excited for Harmony since I think our 16 and 19-year-olds will have a bit more fun with the water slides, etc. Costa Maya will land us at the Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park, Roatan will be the Jungle ATV Adventure and Beach Break, and in Cozumel, you will find us at one of our favorites, Mr. Sanchos. We are booked at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort tonight. I have the teens in a double room and we're in a King that overlooks the gulf. Supposedly all the rooms are updated so we shall see, last year the hotel was looking quite "tired" so I'm excited for the updates: Dinner reservations are at Landry's tonight which is in very convenient walking distance from the hotel. We're planning to leave around 11am in the hopes of getting to Galveston by 4pm, with just enough time to see the gulf before the cloak of night takes over. Of course, we have two Bucees we'll be stopping at along the way because...well, it's what you do when there's a Bucees: As for now, the house is quiet as I have a final load of laundry going but of course, last night my 16-year-old let me know he only has 2 pairs of shorts that fit, so guess what? Time to disturb the peace and head to Walmart for a quick shorts-shopping spree. At least it's Texas so they WILL have shorts somewhere... I will leave you with my goodbye pic with Jack...he is at a friend's house this week and from what I last heard was marching around their kitchen island growling while their Goldendoodle follows him, I suspect trying to figure out if Jack is a toy or an animal... 😉

We're heading down tomorrow as well, have a great trip and HBD to your wife!

It's for the whole table, looks like 4 - 6 people depending on what location you choose.

LOL yes, it's brilliant really, but I just had no idea this was a "thing" until I got this email! I'll be a happy camper with my champagne regardless 😉

When we were on Allure they were all full! That's why I sincerely just thought people had been camping out for hours but nope, bought and paid for 🤑