voyager70

Fortunately Bubble Room survived Ian but has yet to reopen. Amazingly, Mucky Duck across the street and right on the beach not only survived but has also reopened! Both hold special places in my heart and are among my go-to places on the islands.

Love the Bubble Room! Sanibel/Captiva are actually where my love for SW Florida started. We bought a condo there when I was a kid and another a few years later. Would vacation there 3-4 times a year. I still made it a point to visit once every year or two (in between cruises, of course!) right up until Ian devastated the islands last September. I did some checking to discover our first condo was completely destroyed (it was a ground floor unit and didn’t stand a chance) and the other (second floor) was heavily damaged but still standing. I’m hoping to visit again next year but I know it will be a sobering visit.

Yes, Cleveland Clinic is a huge plus for SE FL and one of the main reasons I’m considering this area. Would definitely want to go there for heart issues. At least it’s not too far across the state.

Thanks for the update. So happy all went smoothly for you.

Thanks for your thoughts. It’s always helpful to get first hand perspective from someone who’s lived in the area for an extended time. I’m definitely leaning towards SW FL as I’m much more familiar with the area, and after doing some research the health care system seems to be vastly improved from years ago. Still have time to work out all the details. I’ve always been a little (or a lot) OCD about planning anything, and this is a big one for sure!

I just book at a price I’m comfortable with leave it at that. Having sailed with Royal for as long as I have I don’t even bother with their so-called sales and promotions. But I understand the frustration.

Same old deals and “sales” for me as well.

The Miami sail away is the most beautiful in FL in my opinion. Sailing through Biscayne Bay and past South Beach can’t be beat. Nothing wrong with the other Florida ports but nothing special either. I’ve never had any major issues with MIA or the drive to the port, although I’ve never been the one driving 😁

That’s an awesome place to be. I’m doing my best to get there myself in the next 10 years (or hopefully sooner) so I can enjoy my retirement and plenty of post-retirement cruises!

I had a box of tissues in the top drawer opposite the drawer with the hair dryer. Odd that your cabin had neither. I’m sure your cabin attendant could have provided them if you asked.

We were on EX in April and there was a hairdryer in the top drawer of the desk. Same as it’s always been as long as I can remember.

Not sure what’s going on with MTD but reviews for a while now have been pretty bad. As @Ourusualbeachsaid there is also no early availability anymore either.

Believe that was the first season of BDSY. Not a fan, but I can’t say I’ve been a fan of any BDSY. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it more than I did. At least the scenery is beautiful! And I agree with @Ocean Boy re chef Adam.

We had one of these cabins once and didn’t care for the balcony for the reasons you described. I’d prefer a “regular” balcony any day.

I know the feeling. Had to have a/c and furnace replaced over a short span a few years ago. Set me back around 15k. It is times like these when renting doesn’t seem like such a bad option 🙂

We did a cruise line excursion on our first visit to Athens - can’t remember what it was called but it was a full day tour which included stops at all the main sights and ended with 3-4 hours on our own at the Plaka. Was very interesting and informative and we really enjoyed the free time to explore. I thought it was a nice excursion and would recommend.

Always enjoy your photos! Just curious, in the second photo it looks like the leaves on the large tree in the center are changing color from the change of season. Does most of the foliage in your area remain green year round or do you have many deciduous trees as well?

Amelia Island is beautiful. Definitely feels more like Georgia, or the low country of South Carolina. Reminds me of Hilton Head which was another popular vacation spot during my childhood.

Mayo Clinic is definitely a big plus for the Jacksonville area and beautiful beaches as well. Just a little too cool for me personally in the winter. If/when I make the big move I plan on going just about as far south as I can!

Prices have definitely come down in the Lee County area since Ian hit last fall. I have a couple real estate apps on my phone which I play with frequently. It’s very sad to see how many people are selling their storm damaged homes “as is” but there are many homes on the market that suffered only minimal damage which has since been repaired. Being quite familiar with the area I pretty much know which areas to avoid as far as flooding/storm surge issues although no place is immune from natural disasters. And yes, when the time comes, a pool is a must have! I actually prefer pools without a cage. I know they keep the bugs out but I like the open air feeling much better.

If I recall you live in the Panhandle? They have some of the nicest beaches in the country and I love the laid back southern feel. But being from the northeast I want nothing to do with winter (or as little as possible) when I retire so I’m looking at south Florida for my retirement, hopefully in the next 10 years. I’ve always been partial to SW Florida (Fort Myers area specifically) as it was a second home to me growing up but I’m also considering the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area now because I want to make sure I have access to good health care as I get older. I’ll have to do my research before making any type of decision. Whatever I decide it will sure be nice to be in driving distance to several ports!

Potentially more motion being higher up and forward if that is an issue. Personally I would prefer the deck 8 location as it is more centrally located.

That is beautiful Graham.

I often wondered if people would knowingly give the wrong room number, and if there is a “check “ for bartender to confirm buyer is who he/she claims to be. I only use my D+ vouchers to pay for beverages but wouldn’t be comfortable giving my room number.

Appropriate response