ResearchObsessed

Hi all! Long time no see! DF and I have been having an absolute blast. We are heading back to Playa del Carmen after a truly AMAZING tour in the Secret River. I'll give a more thorough review later but basically DO IT. 

Since boarding we have been getting to know the ship and eating to our hearts content. DF will have a nice detailed review for the vegan food but to sum it up she has not gone hungry by any means. The head waiters have gone absolutely above and beyond. 

We really enjoyed watching a movie at the pool deck last night and might do so again tonight after such an active day. 

Again, more to come at the end of the cruise. My service here isn't quite good enough for pics. Any questions I'm happy to answer for the next few hours though!

Alrighty people, we are at muster!

We got up at about 8 and got some coffee and bagels and our AirBnB host was kind enough to offer us transit to port. It was a quick jaunt and before we knew it we dropped our bags off and got through security. This only took about 10 minutes. Unfortunately we were in the waiting area about an hour before being called to board. But then WE WERE OFFICIALLY ON OUR CRUISE!

We headed straight to the Windjammer and it wasn't too busy yet. We were able to get our first drinks (Bahama Papa and a Bloody Mary) and full plates of food. Plenty of vegan options!  

It was the  right around 1 so we headed to our stateroom and our luggage was spotted sitting along a wall so we took it and headed to our room where we switched to suits and headed to the pool deck!

It was raining a bit but that didn't keep us from grabbing a few drinks and snagging some seats inside the Solarium pool. We got to enjoy the pool by ourselves for a bit before another couple joined us and we had a really nice time chatting and using those drink packages! Found out they'll be on the Secret River Tour excursion with us in Cozumel and are looking forward to meeting up with out new friends. 

Well, that's it for now! I'll write again while in Cozumel!

Tomorrow we CRUISE. It is 9:26 and we are hitting the hay so as to be fully rested. Today was quite the day!

We started pretty late, with an alarm set at 9am we still only got about 6 hours of sleep after a VERY long day. 

We decided to head to a coffee shop at about 10:30 once we were up and moving. About a 20 minute walk to Mod Coffee. It was a great place. They even had vegan zucchini bread that was absolutely delicious! We ended up spotting a man in a group next to us wearing a Colorado Rockies hat so had to see if they were Coloradoans and they were! They even came in on the same flight as us. They headed out on Carnival today. 

We walked the 20 minutes back and decided to head to the sand castle competition. It was about 11:30 by the time we got there. It was overcast but of course plenty warm and HUMID. Guys...these Colorado lungs of mine are not gills for crying out loud! Give me 20% less oxygen with no humidity any day. 

Our Uber dropped us off at the gate right before the paid parking area and we hiked to the beach. Here are some pics! 

This was really fun! We walked one way, sat in the sand and enjoyed the water for a while and when walking back they were further along and it was cool to see their progress. 

Also, managed to sunburn. Ugh. I know better. It was overcast and I just didn't feel the sun and yeah, totally forgot to get the tops of my feet. Such a rookie move. Also have some very interesting designs on my calves/shins. Not sure how that happened. They're pretty mild and I've applied aloe so hopefully they don't last that long. 

Once we had enough we decided to head back. Unfortunately the road to get into the event was backed up by about TWO miles of cars. Tried calling an Uber who promptly dropped us because WHO GOT TIME FOR THAT? Kinda didn't blame him. So we decided to start walking down this road (Apffel Street) and call another Uber. Once they accepted we immediately called him and begged him to stay with us and we'd walk towards him in the line of cars. So we walked about a mile before catching up with our saint of an Uber who sat in event parking traffic 20 minutes while we walked to him. Tipped him very well. 

Then it was off to dinner! Went to Mexican food at Taquilo's. Not great, don't recommend. Both service and food was meh. But here are some pics. Fish tacos and spinach enchiladas. 

After this we went and walked The Strand. It was quite fun and a great way to cap off our adventure. Found these little gems too. Christmas ornaments. 

We then Ubered back to our air BnB. I was ready for some zone out time and some Netflix but my DF who is still in her 20s (bless her soul) wanted to go chill at the beach for a bit. I decided a little time spent apart wasn't a bad thing and selflessly agreed to stay glued to my bed eating her Pringles while she went.

Once she got back we spent some time packing back up and preparing for the main event tomorrow! Can't wait to board! I'll be sure to update before sail away and then I'll be MIA until Cozumel on Tuesday!

Alrighty! It's been a packed full few days. 

Yesterday we left Colorado Springs at about 3:15pm to head to Denver to catch our flight. Here we are!

Uneventful drive, though dang Denver traffic is getting obnoxious! Too many people coming in, not enough leaving. Kinda don't blame them. Colorado rocks. 

Once at the airport my friend directed us to a gourmet hotdogs place in the B terminal. They had a vegan option for her! She got the veggie dog with green chili and grilled onions. I got a regular Chicago dog. We also got our first vacation adult beverages! Love Colorado beer. Mine is a Left Hand Milk Stout. Friend got the sweet stuff.

So right around the beginning of our second drinks we realized we have both become complete lightweights. We were really feeling it. I say this because then when we went to head to the C terminal to catch out flight we definitely ended up going backwards to A...oops. Exit at A, hop back on in other direction, and got to C. 

I've already mentioned this was a no fun flight. It wasn't at all. What I didn't mention is that we ended up in a row with an late 40s man who ended up never stopping talking and invited us out to California to visit him no fewer than a dozen times. He also gave us his business card and tried to get our contact information. It was very weird. I had to feign sending him an email to get him to stop. He followed us all the way to the baggage claim where thank goodness our bags came before his and we were able to escape. 

Cue the Uber experience...it was now about 12:15am and maps was showing an arrival to our Air BnN at right around 12:55. Well shortly after being picked up (had to heave our own luggage into the car and arrange it to her specific instruction) this lady pulls off the interstate and says she needs gas. I mean, ok, maybe don't accept a fare to Galveston if you don't have the gas? But no biggie. She then saw this gas station only had premium and declared no way she was paying for that and said she'd find somewhere else. So we head back on the highway and pull off a bit later and head off in a random direction towards gas...or as we found out not so much. She took us down this road for about t minutes before declaring there was no gas and she would try somewhere else. So we get back on the highway and continue on. Luckily 3rd time was the charm, got gas, and headed out. We ended up arriving nearing 1:45am, almost double the amount of time then if the Uber had taken us directly to Galveston. She did not get a tip...

Of course once in our AirBnB we crashed hard. More about the place and our day today (Saturday) later tonight. Heading out to an early dinner now. 

Well we made it into Hobby and currently in an Uber heading to Galveston. More to come tomorrow as we are just so tired. Plane landed almost an hour late despite taking off on time. The extra time in the air turning circles, bad turbulence, and avoiding storms did not make this nervous flyer very happy. 

Here is our flight. Not exactly direct...

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWA1593

Pretty much done packing! Don't leave for a few hours though and still have to drop this one off at the sitter. He is very bored with me at the moment. 

Also, Tapatalk is a bust. It just says loading constantly and never displays any forum. 

Phew, today has been a DAY. Got my last bit of shopping done, but seriously ladies can you lead me towards a brand of leggings that isn't see-through or wool? The struggle is real. Also got the thread and my shorts are all patched up! 

I'm pretty much done packing besides those last minute items you always throw in minutes before heading out the door. Here is what we are looking like:

Man do I love packing cubes. This is a 24 inch spinner. I have 6 pair of shorts, 8 shirts/tanks, 3 bathing suits, 2 coverups, 4 dresses, 2 light covers, and of course socks/underwear/bras. In addition, I of course have ALL THE SUNSCREEN. Note to self: don't forget to get the back of EVERYTHING when snorkeling like last time. 

Think that's it for the night. Tomorrow I've gotta do a little bikini beautification if ya know what I mean, then drop the pup off at sitters, bring the keys to my friend who is checking up on the house and checking mail, and then clean! 

Have a wonderful night all! 

1 minute ago, singinalot said:

 

Colorado Springs for the win!

Oh goodness SAME HERE! About to head to Maurices on Powers! 

6 minutes ago, singinalot said:

ooh definitely hopping onboard to follow this. Fellow Coloradoan here and completely agree about our water 😉

RIGHT?! Unless you're in Fountain or Pueblo, those poor cities. I used to live in Fountain and we did Deep Rock. 

Well, it’s about time to get this thing started! I absolutely adore the trip reports/reviews that are full of extra detail and pictures and the nitty gritty. Therefore, I shall strive to provide such.  If you’re looking for a quick rundown, this isn’t the place for you. 

I’m Erica, a 31 year old female heading out with my DF (dear friend…is that a thing?). Anyway, heading out with DF (it’s now a thing if it weren’t already) who is 27 and gasp vegan! I always like to say she is a cool vegan though. She doesn’t try to change the way I eat or lecture me or anyone around her. I equally love a good steak and a well-prepared vegan meal. So if you are interested in knowing all about the food options we will be sure to document well! 

Also, we got the drink packages. I know around these parts the camp is split into YOU MUST BE ALCOHOLIC TO GET VALUE OUT OF IT to eh, it is convenient and fun. We fall into the latter category. We are eager to enjoy some frozen drinks by the pool and a few Bloody Mary’s in the morning, and also plenty of specialty coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, and bottled water. I’m a water snob people. I grew up and live on the east side of the continental divide (Colorado) and my tap water is essentially fresh snowmelt and it is what I imagine the fountain of youth to taste like, even if it’s properties aren’t quite as magical. So bottled water it is for me on the ship. Anyway, we shall document our package value thoroughly because I am nerdy like that and I know there are those of you who appreciate that as well– you are my people. 

So WHERE ARE WE GOING? Well, we depart on the 25^thand head to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth. I say semi-live in the heading because we are not purchasing the Voom package. I do however have T-mobile and if the website is to be believed I will have relatively ok speeds while in port. I will update each day as best I can while there. I’m also happy to answer questions if people ask them! 

I just got Tapatalk and will try messing around on there a bit before leaving just to practice. Maybe if you’re lucky I’ll show a pic of my sweet puppy (well, 15 months old BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY PUPPY). Actually, he isn’t really my puppy. I’m just raising him. He is a Guide Dog for the Blind in training. He is getting puppy sat by someone in our club and will be thrilled to leave with them and it will only crush me a tiny bit. I digress…

Anywho, today I am making last preparations. DF and I head out through Denver to Hobby late tomorrow (Friday) night. We are planning on Ubering to our AirBnB in Galveston. Probably won’t get there until after midnight, which is fine because vacation will have begun! We are leaning towards doing at least a half day at Schlitterbahn on Saturday and then maybe walking to the beach to see the sand castle competition that’s happening there. Our AirBnB is less than a mile away and these land-locked gals are eager to be in or near the water as much as possible. Forecast is for scattered thunderstorms, but we will just be flexible. 

I am just about to head out the door to find one more outfit I can wear at night for dinner/drinks/dancing. Then it is off to get my hair cut and back home to iron and roll and pack my clothing. Also gotta get some thread to fix a hole in a pair of my favorite shorts – see I told you this would have a lot of needless details. I do deliver! More needless details to come later today. 

My vegan friend and I will be sailing Liberty Aug 25-Sept 1. We will definitely be taking advantage of this new menu! I am not vegan but I love creative food and trying new things so I am sure I will partake quite a bit. We are planning on taking pics and notes along the way of all her meals so we can help any new vegan cruisers down the road! Thank you so much for posting this, it will help us plan which meals not to miss in the main dining room - apparently not Day 2 since those tacos were such a hit!

Anyone know if you can get the BBC first thing while in Galveston? Wondering since they have a limited bar until in international waters. 

Just got my cabin assignment: 1384 on Liberty of the Seas, deck 10. Got the assignment 30 days out. Anyone have an opinion on location? Seems nice to be higher up. 

Let the countdown begin!

23 minutes ago, Kayla103 said:

About when did you get your deck assignment? Just out of curiosity. For us it doesn't matter, but it is kind of fun trying to explore and find out where it will be 🙂 

I think maybe a few weeks ago? I noticed I have edocs on my account. Deck number is listed there under the room number which still says GTY. 

I'm about 40 days out on Liberty OTS on a balcony guarantee. I have deck 10 assigned but not an actual room yet. I will update when I do! 

When I was researching my most recent cruise I looked at Norwegian and did a serious breakdown of price between them with the "freebies" and Royal Caribbean without. Royal was significantly less expensive even when purchasing the drink package - which I got for $46/day. 

For me, the worth of the package isn't simply down to the dollar, it is not worrying every time I want a drink and being able to try new things I wouldn't normally with no fear I will dislike it and waste the money. 

Also, a lot of people seem to forget the package includes all drinks to include bottled water, specialty coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, soda etc. If I have 3 bottles of water a day, one coffee, one juice, and three cocktails I break even. Easy...and delicious! 

I booked my very first cruise for the ABCs out of San Juan...a year and a half ago. As in 2017 when Maria AND Irma hit. It was tense for a bit, but we ended up being just fine. Flew in the day they started allowing flights back in to San Juan after Irma and left right after Maria. We ended up with an altered itinerary with St Maarten turning into a humanitarian mission at the beginning of the cruise and then the ABCs were more like CBAs, but no biggie! Weather was beautiful, Royal communicated well, and we felt protected by having insurance. 

Even with that dramatic of a first cruise, I just scheduled my second one out of Galveston in September this year. I'll of course get insurance again and just hope for the best!

32 minutes ago, nalatrixie74 said:

I'm just curious why St Kitts is special to some of you? We are going in November.  I will say St Martin was quite special and had alot to offer, but that was before the hurricane.  I'm not sure what kind of shape it's in. When all else fails,  I go with cheapest,  and what I haven't done before.  Have a great time! 

I REALLY want to go to St. Maarten. I was on the Adventure sailing that was the first ship there after the hurricane to offer aid. We picked up about 300 people (and quite a few cats and dogs) while dropping food and supplies. Of course we didn't get off the boat, and all we saw was destruction. I was so excited to visit that island (of course I wasn't angry, just saddened by the devastation) and would love to now. 

12 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Are you flying in or driving to port?

We are from Denver, so flying. 

1 minute ago, BNBR said:

Symphony won't be the most price conscious. Something to consider.  But the ports it visits are very good for doing cheaper private excursions. $59 for all inclusive beach day with snorkeling, beach toys, drinks, food, etc. Plus cozumel will have the more adventurous tours that may be appeal to you for that stop.  Amazing Secret River is worth every penny and very memorable. Sent many family members on it and they still talk about it. That's your jungle adventure! 

 

I imagine allure is the least expensive sailing? Ultimately you can't go wrong with any of them.

Thanks, that's all really useful information! When I say price conscious, it's more that after we purchase the cruise and drink package, we aren't down for spending another $1000 on excursions. So we definitely want a few stops to provide more affordable yet beautiful beach days with the possibility of snorkeling on our own. 

1 minute ago, BNBR said:

 

Harmony and Symphony are notably newer and upgraded compared to Allure.  Symphony even more so than Harmony.  Something to consider. 

 

What kind of excitement are you looking for? That may help narrow down which ports. And if you prefer more ports, then the western is obvious. I like Cozumel as they have some really neat adventurous tours like secret river. Try elaborating a bit to narrow it down. 

 

Sure! We are both relatively price conscious so we definitely aren't expecting to spend $200 for an excursion on each island, but one and maybe two for sure. I know we would totally enjoy brining our own snorkeling gear and doing that on our own, if there are any islands that is good for. If we were to spend a bit of money on one island it would definitely be for something adventurous and exciting - ATVing, swimming with the rays, jungle adventure etc. 

As for sea days, no more than two to three is totally fine, so any of these options tick that box. Seems like these ships have more than enough to do over 3 sea days. 

HAHA! Well, one for each. Guess I can't go wrong!

My friend and I are looking at taking a cruise this September (we know it's a bit of a risk, we're prepared for all the possibilities that come with that). We are considering Oasis class. I have only been on one other cruise, Adventure of the Seas out of San Juan to the ABCs. She hasn't been on one ever. We are looking for a vacation that is equal parts relaxing and exciting. Given the below itineraries, which would you choose? Hoping to get expert advice from those of you who have visited these places and been on these ships!

Allure

Harmony

Symphony

I am on the Adventure sailing that swung by St. Maarten on a humanitarian mission. Just being docked you could see the utter devastation. That island won't be open for business for many months is my opinion. Would t be surprised if it takes over a year, but take my opinion with a grain of salt.

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Where did you end up going in Curaçao?

 

 

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We got into a cab intending to go to Hato Caves but when he said $40 each way we opted for the closest (cheapest) beach! Ended up at Mambo and have had the best time. Beautiful water and just so relaxing.

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