INeedAMaiTai

I need to get away and we decided to book a little four day cruise out of LA and back (actually, wanted to try out the medallion and anytime dining since I've always been old school and always done designated seating, before my big trip next year).  

I have no idea what to expect!  It's such a weird thing to think about.  Will I have to wear a mask?  Will someone be serving me at the buffets?  How will someone hand me my drink (important stuff!)?  Will it actually happen?  I truly am hoping this all calms down before I/we go.  

Like Bill and Ted said, "strange things are afoot at the Circle K".  (80's humor)

On 6/19/2020 at 1:30 PM, winewanderer said:

 

Liz, nice you got away. How did your 100,000 step challenge go? It's a lot of steps....

 

I actually did ok, ended with like 120,00 for the week, but the person who won did like 230,000.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  But back in the swing of it all!

I'm going to be really good this/next week, I have chosen to.  My 40th birthday is next week and I want to feel good about myself (I will anyway, but a couple of pounds less always helps).  Plus, my mom decided to book a tiny cruise for herself, my middle daughter and me; just a little get away.  My mom can't travel alone, but likes to go places, so I will SACRIFICE myself and go with her.  Since I'm not rolling in the cash, she usually pays for my family and I to go on vacation with her because she wants to do fun things.  Works for me!

On 6/20/2020 at 5:20 AM, Ombud said:

Yes, I've gained an extra 4" around the middle despite never hiking so much. Time to own it and lose it. Thing is the kid is home (hopefully not for good) and he became a great cook at his college apartment.  Makes a gourmet lunch everyday. So I'm going to have to switch to dinner being a smaller meal. 

I love hiking!  But it also makes me super hungry.  Ah, isn't it great when kids do that sort of stuff?!  My oldest is always baking cookies or cake (and I want to encourage her to be in the kitchen and experiment).  Lunch is my big meal too, even though sometimes dinner is my big meal also!  That's my problem.  And the alcohol.  HAH!

11 hours ago, Belle said:

Just thinking....Hope more people come in this summer. Plus where are.........Rose and Mai Tai?

 

 

 

I was gone last week (out of town, no scale and very little internet connection).  Back today though!  I'm up two lbs from the last two weeks but that was expected due to "vacation" food and pmsing....where's the chocolate?!?!?!  

Looks like everyone is doing well and either losing or staying the same, that's awesome!  Especially in a time like this.  

My gym opened this week but I'm still too freaked out to go so I froze my account for another month. I sure miss it though!  

I cannot believe in california we were just mandated to wear our masks at all times.  I have been around the same three people at work since the start and NOW have to wear a mask?!?!?!....sorry, I'm a little bitter at the moment.  

Anyhoo...hope you all have a great week and keep up the great work.  Though, I'm sure we'll still be around this board....  Love it!

36 minutes ago, winewanderer said:

Just too many unknowns. In my county we have had a recnt 33% spike in cases in the last week....

 

 

California sucks right now.  It really does.  It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you're on, it just sucks.  BUT...I thin we are doing our best to stay safe.  I'm in Orange County and we are dealing with the same things.  I'm worried that after all these protests that there will be another spike of the virus.

Sorry I missed yesterday, I forgot to weigh in.

I love this, Belle!  Thank you.

F...........A.........H..........E.............D

R..........R..........E..........V.............A
I...........E..........R...........E............Y

E......................E...........R
N...................................Y
D...

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Congrats Mel and Jan on being down.  I'm joining you, but just with a little loss of .8, but it still works!

Diana and Belle, staying the same during these times is awesome!  Water or not.

Pacruise, you'll make it next week!  How great is that?!  And happy birthday!  

And welcome back, lovecruising.  I just recently came back too.

I'm 5.8 lbs to my next goal, and I have "treats" set up for each goal I hit.  The next one I'm getting a straw hat I've been looking at (I know, random choice but I need one for the summer).  Then I'm only 10 lbs from goal, so that prize will be a tattoo I've always wanted.  After that I'll need to lose another 5 lbs at least to prep for my cruise next year, knowing full well I will gain a bit of weight.  It is vacation and I plan to eat and drink my way through it, especially with the beverage package!  It's funny, my oldest daughter (13) is a planner like me and we were talking about different things for our trip and she asked me what I was going to eat.  I told her eggs Benedict, french toast, fruit, pastries, whole milk in my cappuccino, and for lunch, hot dogs, pizza hamburgers....  She stopped me and said "you're going to look like a hamburger when you are done".  I laughed so hard. 

So, even though my loss is little, I've been working my ass off (literally) with a step challenge on fitbit this week with some friends and making sure I'm doing my weights.  I'm at 105,000 steps so far for the week and today, but I'm not done today.  And I have to say, I AM EXHAUSTED.  My legs are tired.  But, it feels good to be going!

Have a great week everyone!  Stay safe and healthy. 

I know it's not one you listed, but last summer we went on a family cruise on the Grand with nine adults and four kids (12, 10, 9, and 6).  It was a blast!  The kids played in the inside pool most of the time (it was warm in there), and brought along some stupid pool balls and such to play with (dollar store finds so we just threw them away at the end of the trip).  Only a couple of times was the jacuzzi occupied where I told them they couldn't go in, just because some adults were enjoying their quiet time.  The teen/youth center was great.  With teens, they just meet people and become a pack of kids that roams the ship, it's pretty funny to watch.  The younger ones had fun with all of the activities they had from the late night balloon drop, face painting, kid events, movies, etc.  There's always something to do, and taking "older" kids makes it easier than toddlers and babies.  I like that they can do their own thing but we still get together for family activities and meals.  The 9 and 10 year olds were able to sign themselves in and out of the kid center (upon adult approval) and the would go play ping pong, shuffleboard, and board games.  They are good kids that I trust; if I knew one might have been a disruption or a problem, I wouldn't let them just peruse the ship.  If you have more questions, I'll be happy to help.  You can always dm me.  I have cruised as a kid, being an adult, with babies, toddlers, and now "older" kids.  It's a great way for a big family to get together and vacation without having to spend every minute with each other.

I'm booked for next July on the Caribbean, and after reading all of these, I am pleased.  I usually prefer the smaller ships, but for 14 days I will appreciate a little extra space.  Thank you all for your input.

I know I've posted this before, but in case anyone was wondering what the infant life vest looks like, this is it.  My then 6 month old daughter was not happy at the time, but it makes me laugh.

There are always a ton of bars, and a cruise is always what you make it.  There are a ton of activities that are stupid fun throughout the day.  Random mini golf, belly flop contests, martini making....and stuff like that.  Do a little research of what you want and then when you find a ship/itinerary, look up their daily handout thing with all the activities from past cruises to show them.   I started consistently cruising in my early 20s, and love it!  Having too many cocktails and playing trivia is one of my favorite things!

Wonderful words again, Belle.

Great job Mel and Jo for going down, and Jan life is life, and it could all be water (that's what I always hope for). And being healthy is better than weight loss anyway.

Like Diana, I stayed the same, but that is a good thing since this is my lady week and all I want is salt and to take a nap.  HAH!

Keep up the great work ladies!  Today is a new day and a start for a wonderful week.

19 hours ago, melmar02 said:

 

Which islands will you be going to? 

18 hours ago, Jan_In_Maine said:

IneedAMaiTai - I too have been to the Caribbean many times  (17 times I think as of right now) ... any questions I'm sure that both melmar and myself would have lots of answers!!!!  Jan

 

PS - haven't posted much as am trying to stay off the computer ... Jan

4 hours ago, pacruise804 said:

These will all be new ports for us (although we did sail from Miami in 2016 for a Western Caribbean). 

Thanks, everyone.  I will most likely be going to you with questions.  Our itinerary (with Princess) is Ft. Lauderdale, Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Ft. Lauderdale, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel.  It'll be my husband, three daughters (at the time they will be 14, 11, and 8), my disabled mom (she is blind), and me.  My brother and his family are joining us for the first week, but it is a total of 14 days.

25 minutes ago, pacruise804 said:

We are still wondering about our Southern Caribbean in November. 

What islands are you going to and which line?  I'm doing East and West Caribbean next summer and just trying to figure it all out.  This'll be my second time cruising the Caribbean, but going to a few islands I've never been to.

The almond martini (I think they have renamed it), dark and stormy, champagne as a default, the frozen mint chocolate thing (like 500 calories and too much sugar, but tastes so good), titos and soda with a splash of whatever juice you like (I usually go with pineapple), and once I get to know a bartender I have them make me something of their choice.

30 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

You have me beat;  mine is oct 2021

Are you as crazy as I am with countdowns in multiple places?  HAH!

402 days....ugh!  At least it'll give plenty of time for the chaos to die down, I hope.

41 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

We tipped the driver $5 total for the two of us.  We had no bags on the bus --- we just appreciated the safe driving.  With that being said, we did notice that only a small handful of people tipped.

If the driver has done an over the top job, yes.  But my last trip, the princess people put my luggage on and took off the bus.  All the driver did was drive, not even tell us about what was around.

In regards to brand of luggage, no one cares.  I, personally, like the "Buick" of luggage.  Something sturdy, zips well, and can handle bumps and roughness.  Also, you never know what the weather will be like so your bag could get soaked in the process.  Rolling duffel bags are great because they fold down and can be stored under the bed.

Take what you want, but I wouldn't pack for 14 days if you are going for 7.  And if you want to over pack so you have options, go for it.  I have done both and regretted both.  It is definitely a personal choice. 

Crossing my fingers for an upgrade from my inside cabin to at least a small window.  We will see. 

4 hours ago, hunt182644 said:

Does Princess run a bus between LAX and Long Beach port for those doing a Princess cruise. Yes I know that other shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are available. Just need to know about Princess sponsored transportation.

Check with Princess, I know they do some sort of transfer service.  I wouldn't count on Uber or Lyft or things like that.  LAX is cracking down on all of those services and they have become very limited and only in certain terminals.  Taxis are a plenty though.  If you have the option, or can figure it out, flying into Long Beach or SNA is a better option.  Long Beach is super small and easy to maneuver, and John Wayne is a nice airport with way less people but still has all of the large flights.

3 minutes ago, irisbax3 said:

We took the Princess shuttle and paid $50 USD pp to go from LAX to San Pedro; however, you could save a significant amount of $$$ by taking a UBER, Lyft, a private shuttle service or even a taxi.

For those rates, I would personally drive someone and even go through the In & Out drive through!  HAH

3 hours ago, melmar02 said:

 

INeedAMaiTai - Yes! I was just starting at the fridge yesterday at lunch thinking, "do I want leftovers again or another salad?". Our favorite Mexican restaurant has only been offering a limited to-go menu, and it won't work for our kids, so we've been foregoing it. But I may be first in line when they finally open! 🌯🌮😁

 

I CANNOT WAIT for endless chips and salsa.  Being in southern california, NOTHING is open and it doesn't look promising that they will be any time soon.  My kids have been living on bags of frozen veggies, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese....I guess that's because I've been living on chicken breasts and salad.

If you are sheltering in place (I am "essential" so I'm still going to work everyday), what are you doing to keep yourselves busy?  Pick up any new hobbies?  

Keep up the great work.  Stay safe and wash your hands.  HAH!

1 hour ago, retiring soon said:

 

I am the same as last week. DH asked me how much I weigh (almost as much as him) then gave me a lecture about how it would be better for my health if I weighed less & was not obese by BMI.

 

Jo, did you give him the finger?!  You get told to weigh less from society, social media, doctors, ***** friends....the last thing you need is your husband to say anything to you!  I'm sorry that happend.  That sucks.  

Great poem, Belle!  Love reading them; its always a "chipper" way to start the day. 

I'm (thankfully) down 2 lbs this week but I have to say, its not fun!  I am so bored with my chicken breasts and salad, my yogurt, sugar free creamer, and all that stuff.  It really does suck being good.  I know that I just have to keep going until I get to my goal, but I miss real food.  I miss the drive through, I miss an ice cream cone, I miss nachos, I miss cocktails!!!  I've gotten to the point to where I don't really "want" them because it has been so long since I have had a cheat meal (Mother's Day was the last one), and I know myself that if I let myself have a "treat", it'll all be downhill from there.  Oh well, enough with my rant; I just know you all understand.

Have a great week everyone!

I'm the only one in my July, 2021 sailing.

Last year, in June, the food was good.  Not excellent, but decent.  The lobster tails were rubbery, but everything else was pretty good.  I never let a bad meal stick in my brain because there are so many others that make up for it.  Do not expect to walk in to the MDR and have the meals be gourmet, but they are delicious.  I think they do a pretty damn good job in the food department with the amount they have to make, keep hot, keep cold, etc.