sg1phileshipper

It should have been an uneventful day today, but it wasn't meant to be.

The drive went pretty well and I arrived at the Marriott around 1 to drop off my bags. Drove back to the airport to drop off car and took a cab back to the hotel.

Once there I realised my iPhone had fallen out of my pocket and was left in the taxi. I was very close to [emoji24] . I travel with an iPhone 4 that has a US SIM and my Iphone SE. Let that be the one that fell out of my pocket. Thanks to the amazing help of a CC member the taxi driver was contacted fast enough and drove my phone back to me. I am so grateful to you. You know who you are. THANK YOU!

Had a very late lunch at Coconuts and was back in time to see Harmony sail by.

To be honest with you, I didn't think much of the big ships. In my opinion they are ugly. But when I saw her sitting there when driving over the draw bridge, I changed my mind. She is one beautiful lady.

I booked an interior room with a King through LMT Club and ended up in 2 doubles with a balcony. Not bad!

I had to organise my suitcase again and my room ended up being a mess

The big decision I have to make right now is which bed I am gonna sleep in... Will I set my alarm in the middle of the night to switch beds? Decisions decisions.

Now I still have to decide when I am going to the ship tomorrow. Wait until the cabin is ready? Go in the am? I'll have to get back to you with the answer!

Cindy

Thank you for following along.

Had another good day in sunny Florida. Drove to the outlet in Vineland and started with breakfast at Mesan sandwiches. The omelet with toast was very tasty, but way too fat

I hit all my favorite stores and bought another polo shirt and dress shirt at Tommy Hilfiger. Finally found three pair of training pants for my dad. Around noon I drove to the Florida Mall, my least favorite mall. I had a great lunch at an Italian restaurant were you chose all your ingredients, but I forgot the name. I took whole grain penne with vegetables, bolognaise and alfredo sauce topped with a meatball. It was delicious

I bought a jersey from the Orlando soccer team, that'll be a great souvenir!

Headed to the Ross nearby to look for more training pants. The place was worse than a zoo and got out empty handed. Drovecto Ross on Turkey Lake Rd and same result, minus the zoo. Ended up spending two hours looking for postcards... I tell ya, it's hard to find some!

I am now waiting for my sandwich and chicken to be delivered.

Cindy

Thanks for all your comments.

After breakfast I drove to the outlet, knowing very well it was way too early. Got there around 9 and enjoyed the nice sun until 10. Parking was deserted when I arrived.

When I was done shopping, it ended up being a zoo the later it got, I had lunch at an Italian restaurant, but forgot the name. Guess what I had?

Parking lot looked fuller now.

I am now sitting on the patio in the shadow, enjoying the amazing weather. Back home it was bellow freezing last night. [emoji33]

And my back you ask? I am glad I went to the health clinic yesterday. I could so kiss the nurse who prescribed those magic pills.

Bought dinner at Walmart. You can guess once.... Yes, another chicken caesar salad, with coleslaw and some pasta. I'll be growing rabbit ears soon enough.

Thanks for following and more tomorrow.

Cindy

Good morning from beautiful Orlando!

I slept pretty well last night considering. Pills seems to be helping. AND I removed the heating pads I had on. Pain was less without them, they were pinching a nerve. Anyway, I tossed in bed and pain was so tolerable.

I am writing from Denny's before hitting the outlet. Breakfast was really good, but way too much. I couldn't it all [emoji33]. Cannot beat that for 7.99

More later! Have a beautiful day everyone!

Cindy

Cindy... You have 3 days or so... I need you at 100%.

 

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Thanks for your concern. But I will be fine. [emoji1]

Cindy

See you soon, but seriously, go to an urgent care. You haven't waited this long to be uncomfortable for your trip! Feel better soon!

 

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That's what I figured too, so I already went. Just took a prednisone. [emoji3]

Cindy

And more...

I had lunch in a Chili's nearby in St. Cloud and started with a loaded baked potato soup.

Finished it off with a grilled chicken salad.

You will notice throughout this review that I would kill for a grilled chicken salad with ranch.

I headed to a nearby Walmart for necessities like Shampoo, shower gel and drinks. Now I just need to figure out what to do for dinner!

Despite my back hurting really really bad (can't move in any direction without stabbing pain!), this has been one of the best days in my life. I love Florida!

More later...

Cindy

Today I had booked a 2-hour airboat ride with Spirits of the Swamps leaving from Kissimmee. I had the thrill and the experience of a lifetime. I already want to go back. And since pictures are louder than words, here you go!

Cindy

Sorry about the delay, but I was dead on my feet last night and this morning CC didn't work.

The flight with Norwegian was very good. That Dreamliner is a massive jet. Gatwick has a good concept. Gate was announced 80 minutes prior to boarding. They scan your pass and only then are you let in the waiting area. They board premium first and then they board from the back. Since I was in an emergency seat near the front, I boarded with the last group. No trouble finding overhead space, even though some folks had two or three bags. I probably had one of the best seats!

For extra padding I added my blanket on the seat and was comfortable. Sadly enough I left it on the plane. Food was really good

Pre-landing chicken Caesar wrap was delicious.

I have never been through immigration so fast, was the third in line. Of course I spend 45 minutes waiting for my bags. They were scanned again at customs, because I had declared my food, chocolate, which wasn't a problem.

Picked up my rental at alamo. My standard car got turned to a full size and all they seemed to have left were huge SUVs. Way too big for me, but I managed to find a Chevy Impala.

I stayed at the Best Western and it was so so. Rooms were clean though and breakfast was included and pretty good.

Tbc

Cindy

Have a fantastic cruise, Cindy! Can't wait to read about your adventures! We were also scheduled to sail Rhapsody TA with you but now we're heading out on Jewel TA from San Juan on Sunday. Great start to your review. :)

Thank you!

Cindy

Sitting at Gatwick airport in the most comfortable chair I ever saw in an airport. They are more like loungers.

The airport is pretty busy. Just had a nice cup of tomato soup and a sandwich from Pret a Manger. It was really good.

This was probably the fastest I have been through check-in and security. I arrived at the airport before 12 and could check in immediately. The line moved fast. And if you book a one-way ticket to the US, you will be asked for a return ticket. Luckily I expected that and had my cruise reservation and return ticket from Barcelona with me. It was fine. I had also purchased premium security for £5. Even though I arrived 90 minutes before my reserved time I had no trouble going through. Check-in and security probably took 20 minutes, a breeze.

Norwegian is an interesting concept, but they are strict about the weight. Gate is not known yet and will be announced 80 minutes before leaving, at the time boarding starts. Interesting. I am seated in 9C which is an exit row near the aisle. I saw a video on YouTube and the leg room seems amazing.

Need to pick up some water now. WH Smith has the cheapest water: 2 x 750ml bottles for £2. A bargain for an airport.

See you all in Florida!

Cindy

Good morning everyone!

I have been up for over an hour and to be honest, I didn't sleep very much. Probably too excited, since today is travel day. My flight leaves at 4 pm, so I can go lay back in bed and watch tv. Check-out is noon, so I'll be leaving just prior.

Went to breakfast and even though I noticed last night the hotel was crowded, it seems I beat those crowds. I had a very good breakfast, lots of choices. And yes, I took pictures!

I hope I won't be too tired to post tonight, if all goes well from Orlando. Until next time [emoji3]

Cindy

Just had a nice dinner and I remembered to take pics so I could add some food porn.

Starter was soup of leek and onion

As a main I had a tomato and mozzarella salad with chicken. Pretty good, but I would have loved more greens

Just had a panick attack cause my iphone went missing. I thought I lost it, but it was hiding under my blanket. Now I'm off to soak in the tub while continue watching my Christmas movie on Netflix. And please, get your mind out of the gutter, there's no pictures of that! [emoji48]

Have a great evening all and hope to be back tomorrow.

Cindy

I see you have on your hoodie, Cindy! Did you leave the other two at home? Is it cool there? It is HOT here!

 

Barb

Well, I only left one at home, because I couldn't chose which one to take [emoji4]. I left home and it was 52. I think I may be hot over there.....

Cindy

Following. I'll be on the Freedom in September so looking forward to reading your review.

This is exciting! Looking forward to your pics/comments on flying Norwegian also.

 

 

 

We sail the same day, so I'll be following just as far as next Saturday, it will help the week go faster, thanks...Bon Voyage!

Have a great trip! Looking forward to your review!

Thank you! And to those sailing soon or later, have a great trip too.

Cindy

I arrived at the Premier Inn Gatwick and to be honest, it was a tiring journey. Eurostar got delayed because of security checks in Lille. Had a very good lunch on the train, a mash salad with chicken.

I caught a local train at St. Pancras for my journey to Gatwick.

No luggage racks on the train, which is a bit odd. Journey was just under an hour and check-in was a breeze. Room is comfortable enough and bathroom is spotless

Flight leaves tomorrow at 4 pm and since notice some of you are flying Norwegian, I'll try to take some pics. If you have requests, let me know, I'll try my best.

Thank you for following!

Cindy

Sitting in the Eurostar Terminal waiting for my 11.56 to London St. Pancras, where I hope to catch a train to Gatwick, a journey of about an hour. The journey to London should take just over two hours.

Security and passport control went very fast, but I checked in with the 10 first persons. Since we are leaving the Schengen zone, they check your records, instead of just checking if it's you on you passport. I didn't notice a difference. And those bags really keep following me around....

Way to the Eurostar.

Cindy

Goodmorning!

I made it on the train and I am on my way to Brussels Midi to catch my Eurostar. It is pretty quiet on the train, Easter Monday and all that.

I was followed all morning by two big bags

Oh look, they are on their own [emoji33]

My train arriving at the station.

And now the three of us are riding in comfort!

Cindy

Sandy and I will be on the ship with you. Maybe we will run into each other,

If you see someone with a lanyard in the colors of the Belgian flag, come and say hi. See you onboard!

Looking forward to following you. We will be on the return TA on the Freedom in October. I am anxious to see photos of the Promenade. It has been many years since we were on the Freedom.

 

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I'll try to post lots of promenade pictures, plenty of time to explore every nook [emoji3]

Cindy

Have sailed on the Freedom and she is a great ship! We had an amazing experience on her and I know you will not be disappointed. Will be following along also!! Safe travels to you!!

I will be following your review. Excited to be tagging along. Booked on my first TA next year on the Symphony from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale. Happy sailing!!

Thank you very much. Can't wait to sail, getting a little nervous now, which always happens before my travels. [emoji3]

Cindy

Leaving for London tomorrow, with the Eurostar and flying to Orlando Tuesday on Norwegian's Air 789. I'll be spending 4 nights in Orlando where I have rented a car and will be hitting the outlets.

Saturday I will be driving to Fort Lauderdale and return my rental car. I am embarking the Freedom next Sunday for my first Transatlantic crossing. As long as Freedom's internet cooperates, I plan on taking you along.

I am spending my first night close to MCO, at the Best Western Airport Inn and Suites, that I booked through Priceline. I have an AirBNB booked for 3 nights in the Dr. Phillips neighbourhood. I specifically looked for hosts with dogs [emoji846]. In Fort Lauderdale I booked the Marriott Harbor and Beach Resort Spa.

As you already noticed, I will be doing a pre-cruise report too.

I will be staying in promenade stateroom 8631, at the time of booking it was the same price as a regular inside. I had originally booked a 16-night crossing on the Rhapsody, but it got redeployed. I ended up with $200 OBC for the inconvenience. I will be doing specialty restaurants. I have BOGO booked for the first two nights and I also booked Sabor and Giovanni's. I will also be doing MTD for the first time.

Photos I post here will be taken with my Iphone SE. I am also taking my Nikon D3300 with a 105mm lens, but posting pictures is much easier with my Iphone as you all know, much easier if you're being lazy!

My usual travel mate, my mom, won't be joining me on this journey. She decided that being on the ship this long (we have 8 consecutive sea days) wasn't for her. I'll miss my roomie!

We had a very active roll call, with tons of activities (slot pull, cabin crawl, chocolate sampling, etc). Lots of members have tours organised and I have signed up for those non-ship tours.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go

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#2 for me too. It goes to Aruba and Curacao and has 2 sea days. We did Adventure with only one sea day and such a port intensive cruise can be tiresome. Whatever you go with, have a wonderful time on Adventure!

Cindy

Kuddos to OP and other guests for standing up for the staff member. That kind of behavior is never right, whatever happens. If you are nice to people, most of the time they'll be nice to you. Some day that kind of behavior will catch up with that lady, I am sure of it [emoji846]

Cindy

I was on Freedom in 2011 departing on 9/11. Captain Rob asked for a minute of silence during muster drill. Other than that, I have never experienced anything on a ship when I am on board that day....

I have the ABC itinerary booked on Adventure; wondering if I should switch to Freedom? Opinions on the different ships?

You can't go wrong with either. Freedom is a bigger version of Adventure. But there's something about the crew on Adventure. They are amazing, so if I had to pick one, I'd go for Adventure, even though I love Freedom tons too. ABC on Adventure was amazing, simply Amazing.

Cindy