Jim_Iain

Today has been a really relaxing day at sea. The winds are really high at about 35 knots and the ship is rocking. We had our final timezone change for this cruise last night so have been dragging a bit. I did a little gambling this morning and then just hung out in the room reading a book. We had a nice lunch at Luminae followed by a double scoop of Gelato. That of course made us drowsy and took a nice nap. I've never figured out why long sea days make one so tired. Maybe it is like being lulled to sleep in a cradle. Iain could sleep half the day and is still conked out. I may slip back down to the Casino. Hmmm... am I feeling lucky?

We had similar experience in the first year or so after resumption of cruising. I have to say I've been very impressed with them again as of late. It does help having unlimited free dining. We do not feel compelled to go all out and over eat. Instead we just have smaller (sometimes half portions) and just enjoy the incredible service. Our first visit was before they have out OBC for the mixed ports. One the first visit there were only 4 tables and of course plenty of time for the servers to socialize. After the OBC's were issued the Specialties booked out solid for the remainder of the cruise. There are still some opening at 8:30 which is our desired dining time. We were originally booked for the last night in HNL but changed it this morning to the night before.

Next up is something new for us. September 14 Oceania Cruises --- 12 night Alaska and Canada. We wanted to try and have booked two cruises with them this year.

Hitting Zenith is much easier these day depending on the category of cabin you sail Point Structure - If one happens to travel Solo then you get double points. We mostly sail in Celebrity and Royal Suites --- So Zenith would take 250 Nights - The cheapest locations are probably the Caribbean at about $750-$1,000 per night. I'm sure many others may have better costs per night. That would come to $200-250 Thousand dollars. It is really hard to tell totally because that is just the cruise fare and Business class has gone up to $4,5,000.

We take a Suitecase, an oversized suite bag, a back pack and a hand carry for Iain. The suite bag is increible and can fit two suites, 20-25 shirts on hangers, sweaters, undergarments, sweatshirts and 3 or 4 pairs of shoes. Our regular strategy is to pack for 7-8 days and then have laundry done along the way. It is easier for us as we get a Zenith perk of unlimited laundry and dry cleaning. Another advantage is that we are about the same size and can mix and match our shirts and t-shirts. Our longest trip has been 2 months and we do pick up Tshirts, hats and sweatshirts along the way

John, We had the same experience with Tuscan for many years and quit going. I've been very pleased with Tuscan in the past couple years. Iain seem to enjoy Tuscan more than Murano as of late.

As expected Immigration will be day of arrival in HNL

I’ve seen 3 posts so far but not a word from staff. While out walking have noticed at least 6 tables outside rooms to leave meals. One wrote me she gets out of quarantine this afternoon.

Safe flights. Always so excited for the next cruise. There are 300 B2B’s.

We went to Murano for the 3rd time last night. I had to share a picture of the Heirloom Tomato Salad. So fresh and beautifully presented. After 23 year finally talked Iain into the Chateaubriand for 2. It was way too large but did eat about 1/2 of it.

I've never been much of a FB person but the Roll Call for this cruise has been as active as CC in years past. There are a number of people reporting that they are confined to their cabins with Covid. Obviously there are many more that are running around and not isolation. While there is a lot of coughing all over the ship it is much less than we were on Edge in December. Right after the CDC recommended another booster for Seniors if it has been 4 months since the last injection, we got our booster a couple weeks before the cruise. Hope it keep sus well.

Solstice is still the same as before. I've been using it so much I don't think I even have to look at the buttons. I'm wondering if they have done that in all rooms or specific rooms. On Apex we had 3 different remotes --- one looked like that but was used to have the TV drop from the ceiling.

Just after the pool celebration yesterday it began raining and the winds picked up. Today is beautiful but can hear the wind whistling a bit through our veranda door.

This video took me a long time to render as it was a Gig in length. Crossing the Equator Celebration

We crossed the equator on 4/20/24 at 17:24. They did not have the celebration until 4/21

Thanks for letting me know of the $5 free spins..... I lost it in less than 1 minute.

Yes... AMS is about 1/2 way between the two ports. That's is why it really didn't matter to us.

What a treat to be at your Honoring Ceremony. I sent a link to Linda via Facebook of a private video I made for you.

Can only imagine - been chatting with a fellow Zenith that was a Captain with Coast Guard and showed some of the pictures from their "Parties". I'm sure your Mermaid / Merman didn't look anything like this

We were invited to Linda and Bill’s initiation into Zenith on the bridge today. Really nice gathering.

B2B letter was just dropped in cabin. There will not be a B2B meeting. Pretty standard B2B and suite guests will be processed separately.

Nice balance and time is both relaxing for us, except eating far too much. I would say they have all the bases covered for both those that like to find a quiet place to relax without blaring music 🎶. As well as active high energy activities planned. I think it is like home. We get into a routine and enjoy our mornings. Late afternoon and evenings we meet with friend for drink pre-dinner. For those that enjoy a hustle bustle action packed day, that is also available.

An often asked question? Shuttle Costs vs Uber Choose for yourself

Looks like perfect weather for Honolulu.