Tom-n-Cheryl

I don't think I'd love it if it was a lean cut! Of course, I'd sleep better if it was grass fed/finished! Tom

I've only had them on the Oasis and Allure - and it's been a few years. Having said that, it was my GO TO lunch option - having one every day (and they were excellent). I can only hope the next time I have the chance to try one, that I don't strike out like some of you have... Tom

We love Celebrity - have a B2B over Thanksgiving on the Reflection this year. 10 nights is our longest cruise prior to this (also Celebrity), so this will get us into new territory. We were able book a RS through the Blue Chip Club and got a great discount (an honest 50% or so off). It's hard to beat the RS perks - Carnival could learn a lot (even if they just offered just a couple REAL perks)! When I first walked into a Celebrity casino, I was not sure if I was in the right place (could not smell stale smoke)! Actually, when we first sailed them, they did allow smoking - but the change is substantial ! Tom

Perhaps we'll see each other onboard! Yep, there are still some very good deals from time to time. The info was sent from a trusted source on the ship. Of course, between now and then - no telling how plans might change! Tom

I had to go read the linked story on Watanabe, though I was surprised that they only extended him $12,500/mo in air travel!! Tom

I think you're in for a real treat !! Tom

Regarding the Reflection, the following is what I received in April when I questioned what might be accomplished in their (2-wk) drydock this coming fall: We are doing the dry dock on the 18th of October. The plan is to get a retreat sundeck and do a few changes around the ship.However i am not sure if they are going to do any Suite renovations. Tom

Benjamin Button, don't you know! 🙂 Tom

I'm curious, did you start with more than one hand? I see you have five hands in play, were they all split from one starting pair of twos? In my case, and at all tables I've played, they'll only allow you to split up to/into 4 hands. Tom

I wonder how many heartbeats we've all skipped/lost owing to this fact of BJ life. Probably not a good idea to be wearing a diagnostic heart monitor if you're planning on hitting the tables, LOL Tom

I'll admit that, for the last couple of these, I have not bothered to read the source material. But, when answering the questions - I don't simply enter 1, 2, 4, 1, 3, 3, etc - but I read the question and look at all the options and then select the (previously provided) correct answer. So, if nothing else, I am getting the gist of things. 🙂 Tom

At $25 and up tables, regarding making plays which are "by the book" and those which are borderline and/or wacky, sometimes I will make a play when I'm playing solo which I would not make when other "good" players are at the table. For example, I've doubled A-8 and A-9 on rare occasions just as a gamble/greed. Sometimes it pays off, other times not. If there is someone else at the table who doesn't really know the game (hitting 15 vs 6 for example), then I have no qualms about going "off book". If it's a basic strategy player, or one betting large amounts (multiple black or purple chips), then I'll usually play by the book. I've posted this on other threads, but it always comes to mind when talking BJ. This was a case where I went by the book, and got nailed. Dealer was showing a 5 (could have been a 6 - same difference). I ended up doubling a couple of those as well. Dealer pulled a .... yep ... 21. I had to take a photo of that when I pulled the fifth 7 you can see the blur of the dealers hand as he said "no cameras" ! Tom

It's been several years since I sailed on a Blue Chip Club offer. Can anyone chime in as to if people booked through them are subjected to the service charge when buying chips at the table? (What is it now... 3%... 5% otherwise?) THANKS, Tom