mac_tlc

IMHO, the Broadway shows are a real draw. How many Royal produced singing/dancing shows can one go to? I love Nick Weir as much as the next guy, but the Broadway shows are better. I would be sad to see them go. I guess we will get some idea this summer when Symphony goes to drydock and, I would imagine, its 5-yr run of Hairspray may be at a "fish or cut bait" point.

Not our experience either. We have had three genie experiences. One in 2018, one in 2021 and one in 2022. I'll discount the 2021 a bit because it was just after the restart and the genie's powers -- and everyone else's -- were limited. Our 2022 experience was as good as our 2018 one. Our 2022 genie could do anything we asked. mac_tlc

I don't know if there is a hard and fast period when they become available, but we were on the Beyond last week and booked Eden in July 2022 -- so about 6 months before departure. Recommendations are difficult -- everyone is different. If you read a few threads you will find one person hated a particular restaurant and another on the same cruise loved it. I would think for seafood, it would be Raw on 5. For steak, Fine Cut Steakhouse, although we thought the the filet at Eden was excellent. Our favorite was Eden, by a wide margin. mac_tlc

Well our last morning was a wet one as it was pouring in Port Everglades. We pulled alongside around 7. Beyond is last ship in. We went to Luminae around 6:45, finished around 7:20. Self-debarkation was called a few minutes before we left. Headed back to the cabin to grab everything and headed to the elevator at 7:45. As we got to the elevator, they called tags 1-6, we had 5. Basically 1-6 is Suites and Zenith. We had our luggage and we’re waiting for the Avis/Budget shuttle by about 8:10. When we got to the car rental location, the sky’s opened up. Due to a problem getting the rear door of the van opened to get all the luggage out, and the monsoon, we didn’t leave the car rental until about 9:05. Still not bad. Our plan was to drive to the house in Orlando via I-95 to SR538. Sounded like a plan. For the first 30-40 miles the rain was Florida-heavy and unrelenting. I stopped counting the accidents at 6. Too bad the 7th one closed the highway at MM 89. No biggie—- hop over to Fl Turnpike and bada bing on our way. Too bad accident 8 was a few miles ahead and cost us another 30-40 minutes. Accidents 9 and 10 were southbound so no impact. It stopped raining after about 175 miles. Around 2:30 we pulled into the driveway, around 2 hours later than planned. So, laundry will be done a little later than usual but not a big deal. We really enjoyed our 7 days on Beyond. Number of passengers was around 2400. The retreat on E class is great and our favorite. We have a couple on the books that were booked before prices jumped. So we will see what the future bookings look like… Hope you enjoyed following along, I really enjoy bringing everyone along plus it is a good way to document our trip. Next voyage will be over on the Royal boards as we journey to the Arctic Circle in June. mac_tlc

Our last day involved some packing and some afternoon trivia, especially involving these two: Quite a crowd. Dinner at Luminae. Our menu comparisons: NOW: THEN: As has been the case all week, a few minor differences. Our Lady Valentine did two shows and they were very good. 45 minute show, could have been longer. I wish they did a few more artists and shorter montages given the short show time. mac_tlc

Some departure information :

If I find a few extra thousand, the Beyond TA is 11/1/24. mac_tlc

Well the two top choices are the Eclipse, 14 days, Rio to Cape Liberty, 4/27/24 and Silhouette , Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, 13 days, 11/16/24. I’d love to do a TA on Edge class but suites are mucho dinero. mac_tlc

Final casino tally is in. We bought $50 pre paid for each of us so we spent $100. Got $110 in slot play. Walked out with $299. Had some OBC left and took care of that too— enough said on that. Don’t want to bite the hand that feeds you. mac_tlc

We have been to Eden twice and my wife raves about the Branzino. This time I had the lamb loin and it excellent, better than the filet IMO. The bazaar bowl and mulligatawny soup are superb. Last time we were there we had the lobster and it was very good. mac_tlc

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful time!! She is a beautiful ship. Too bad the future suite prices are so high. The two we are looking at are S class. mac_tlc

Well, I wasn’t going to do it, didn’t think it was necessary and besides we have a bunch on the books but…….. I just put a filled out Next Cruise Book Later form in the box 😳😳. We have our eyes on two specific TA/repo cruises and haven’t decided yet. No risk —- if I don’t pick something in a year they give me the $200 back. mac_tlc

Our favorite spot is definitely Cafe alBacio. If it’s not: Then it’s: Let’s see how many visits we can squeeze in between now and about 10 tonight 😞😞. mac_tlc

Well, the plan was a quick dip in the Solarium pool, but it’s a very cloudy and rocky ride today with a good chance of rain so there is not a chair to be had. Looks like everyone that may be outside isn’t. So decided to head to the Retreat Bar for lunch. Windy but no crowds.

On Beyond now, here are some speed tests at various times and places. By and large it has been very fast, except for a couple. If it stays with the Starlink system it’s fast. Sometimes it is not connected through Starlink.

So, it appears that Our Lady Valentine will be in the Theatre at 7 and 9 tonight! Looking forward to that. Last night we went to see Elements. Lots of singing, dancing and acrobatics. The design of the stage along with that fabulous screen wall behind it made for an entertaining show. I found myself just staring at the wall many times.

Here is your Celebrity Today for Day 7:

Hey @KKB, I got the seats saved !

I can’t say enough on what a wonderful job they did redesigning the Sunset Bar. It is a stunning area with tons of seats, multiple levels and two plunge pools.

And here is your 2pm update:

Lunch at LeGrand Bistro was excellent. I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Everything is so flavorful and breads and cheeses are excellent. I suppose the recent 50% price increase isn’t helping. Brie & Turkey Baguette:

Bummed that they are apparently not doing the full show. Sounded great, sorta like Phoenix that we have seen multiple times on Oasis of the Seas. mac_tlc

Elements is being performed tonight at 7 and 9 and , according to the app, again tomorrow at 7 and 9. Our Lady Valentine, a rock group, was originally shown tomorrow at 7 and 9, but now is only listed tomorrow at 8 in the Club for 30 minutes. Too bad they sounded great and we were looking forward to it. No mention as to why. mac_tlc

BREAKING NEWS: No alcohol being served in LeGrand Bistro. mac_tlc

Here is your latest hourly observation from the Beyond. Taken from the same spot as last hour😜. mac_tlc Heading to LeGrand Bistro for lunch so the next real observation will be around 2pm.