Denise T

Celebrity Beyond shows as moving. 

Checking in. Chilly sunny day here in PA. Last night had tornado watches and one confirmed tornado touched down to the south of me in DE. Yesterday it was in the 70's. Tonight we have freeze warnings. Gotta love early spring. 

56 days and counting. My boarding pass should be available around 4/13/2023 give or take a few days. I am really in need of this vacation due to the stress of my work. I imagine myself on my balcony, with a drink in my hand, watching for the whales. I think I am in that waiting period where I start to get antsy and impatient. For now, I will sit back and continue to grade student papers. 🛳️

Thanks Leanne and all the other addicts. See everyone tomorrow. 

Toots from the Volendam. 

Toots!

Princess coming.

Toots!

Toots!

Just now, ger_77 said:

I just sent them a message on FB; hopefully that will help!

It worked!

1 minute ago, rafinmd said:

Anybody getting sound?

 

Roy

No.

Checking in. In Pa, the rain and storminess of this morning has turned to warm and brilliant sunshine. 

57

6 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Well, Denise, you did it - all this exciting talk about Alaska led to me booking a cruise today - for next month! So, while not going with you, I do feel like you'll be there in spirit, lol.

Husband came home the other day from work saying he had vacation he had to use before June or he'd lose it. So, we're off on the Eurodam April 29 - May 6; very early in the season, maybe even opening season for HAL. Will be celebrating his birthday onboard 🙂

I've been to AK several times, all on HAL, and I'm thrilled for you to be going, especially w/siblings. My sister has gone w/us a few times, but we've not been successful in getting our brother to go, so I'm also a bit envious of your trip.  I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time and come back w/an abundance of memories.

Guess I need to break out the suitcase...

So exciting! 

7 hours ago, Hogladyrider said:

Alaska "dressy" is much more casual than Caribbean "dressy".

 

You might want to consider packing a hat and gloves for when on deck observing glaciers it can be quite cold.

Yes, I do have those. I brought them to Canada/New England. 

Beautiful pictures!

59 days to go and counting down. starting to make a list of things I will bring. I think that I will pack similarly to my Canada/New England trip last year. I packed with layers and the weather was a balmy 70 in October. Still will have layers, rain jacket which I love, hiking boots. I will bring causal outfits, nice jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I will also be bringing some dressier attire. My travel companions are all over the place with defining "dressy". My brother said he bought a new suit. When you have worn hospital attire for over 30 years, a suit seems appropriate. My sister-in-law will match my brother and probably have a nice dress. I like business casual-black pants and a nice top, maybe something sparkly. Not sure if I want heels or not. I may stick to flats as I am unsure how the seas will be.  My sister, on the other hand, hates dressing up. My suggestion for her is black pants, and a nice top. We will probably go clothes shopping for her. 

Anyway, we are getting closer!

1 hour ago, LVinTennessee said:

the island rooster at Half Moon Cay

 

E18DEF60-DBBB-47B8-9C00-5AD30AF5306D.MOV 20.59 MB · 1 download  he was crowing just for me 8798781C-665A-4294-A489-F62929CA85E5.MOV 27.33 MB · 1 download  listen to this sweet song from a Bahamas bird

kimberly, our cruise director - she just boarded this week or last week I believe. This pic is from the sail away party.

My sweet roommate surprised me with this arrangement on embarkation day. I got to keep the vase which is really pretty. I got it home without breaking it. 

My first pina colada in the cabana. Very tasty! I do not like the paper straws. I would much prefer another type of biodegradable straw. Little ice chunks get stuck and clog the straw and paper straws get too damp and mushy. This is about the only complaint I have. 

our complimentary sparkling wine each afternoon in the cabana. Wine is not my thing, but I enjoyed this one. We turned it down most days. 

Cauliflower starter at embarkation lunch in MDR. Not my dish so I can’t give a review but I believe my friend really liked it. 

My embarkation lunch in the MDR. I really liked it. Club sandwich with slaw. 
the tomato bisque starter that I had before my sandwich. I would say this is one of the best tomato bisques I’ve ever had. I ate every bite!

my friends fish tacos from embarkation lunch.

this is a Caribbean/jerk pork terderloin with plaintain and beans and rice for our first dinner in the MDR. I loved it!

a shrimp cocktail starter in MDR. I can’t remember which night. I ate every bite. It was not a traditional shrimp cocktail. It had a creamy sauce and some corn in it. 

This is me on the first Gala night. If you recognize me and met me on the ship, please let me know.

this is my main course - beef tenderloin with shrimp - on the first gala night. Perfectly prepared. 

a tart from afternoon tea from our first at sea day 

 

sorry my pics aren’t really in order. And I have an older phone so my camera is not the latest/greatest.  
 

more pics/ more review will be upcoming. 
the seafood deviled eggs starter that I mentioned in a previous post. I wish I had ordered two. They were so good. 

my bbq lunch from Half Moon Cay. We all really liked the lunch we had here.

Love the pictures!

15 minutes ago, LoriJo720 said:

Hey, Denise,

     Hubby and I are on the same cruise. And we are newbies too in the same age range.  I'm a nervous wreck trying to plan it all.  

    See you on board!

Lori

Can't wait. I have done all of the planning as I live with my sister and if I leave anything up to her it won't get done. My sister-in-law is doing all the planning for her and my brother. As he says, "I'm just tagging along." See you on board!

2 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Although the sun may technically set around 11pm, it will likely really not get dark; kinda strange if you're not used to it. If you require darkness just bring a mask.

So jealous - we have quite enjoyed our Alaskan cruises - BBB (balcony, binoculars and blankets) are the most important items for experiencing the best AK has to offer.

We spend every minute we can on our balcony no matter the weather - whale watching, wildlife viewing and glacier cruising have all been top notch; that's where the binoculars and blankets get a work out. If you're booked in a suite, you will have 1 pair if binoculars in your cabin. Every cabin will have thick plaid HAL blankets - they may be tucked away in the under bed or overhead drawers, so it may take some digging to find them.

Flexibility and willingness to endure the weather are key to a great experience and awesome memories.

Enjoy!!

We will definitely have to get used to the lack of darkness. Our plan is to be out on the balcony or the promenade as much as we can. I have binoculars form my last cruise to Canada/New England. Planning on taking loads of pictures as well. I am prepared for any weather that may come. Ready to pack!

Here comes NA. My sail away will be in 63 days to Alaska. Cannot wait!

Here comes the Regal. 

That dog just doesn't like cruise ships.

Love boat toots!

4 minutes ago, alibabacruisers said:

Checking in...it is 624 am Monday morning here in Aus....so I made it today!  

Good morning!