raudacruise

Laura, best wishes for a quick recovery on that fabulous balcony. A Summit PH in 2002 was our very first Celebrity cruise, a one-time special treat. DH has passed but I would love to savor that balcony just one more time. Probably strange as a solo, but I think I can handle it…

Me! Me!

No such thing as reading too much. 📖📚🍷

You will love that balcony! The amount of space is incredible.

On my 2016 visit to St Maarten I sailed on the >100 year old wooden schooner Passaat. Loved the experience so much I decided to make it my go-to St Maarten excursion. Irma sank her. 😢

Thanks for your review. I took notes.

At Bayside if you have Hard Rock on the right, The Knife (Argentinian steakhouse) on the left, turn to see Vitoria Italian Restaurant. It looks like a dead end at first glance but it’s the start of a whole row of waterfront restaurants, all with outdoor seating. My favorite is the last one, Kuba Cabana. Their cubano sandwiches are the best!

I’m definitely a “real” balcony person. Lately I’ve been booking Royal Suites and the Edge class RS balconies seem quite small. If I’m paying big bucks I want a roomy balcony like on the Millennium and Solstice class ships. The Edge Villas seem nice but I’m not in the habit of buying lottery tickets…

On my recent Silhouette cruise the RS “hot tub” was a bathtub with jets. Can’t imagine using it cruising Alaska.

They’re messing with my ship! The nerve! Wanted to add a 10 day onto my crossing, but the following cruise is the aforesaid 3 days. Guess I’ll eventually have to find a new Caribbean ship. So far not interested in Edge class. Sigh.

Thanks so much for the lovely pictures and review. I was on the same cruise January-February and also stayed at the InterContinental. Beautiful hotel but the entrance is indeed tricky. And the ramp isn’t much help. It’s steep and difficult to use. I like the idea of flying into Fort Lauderdale instead of dealing with the Miami airport. I just love Silhouette! Repeating this cruise next February and will be on the westbound TA in November 2024.

I’m looking for new itineraries too. (Going to Alaska for the first time in June.) I like Ken the Cruiser’s Norway Fjords/ Arctic Circle cruise and it fits my schedule. But for me the Retreat “starting from” price is over $47,000! Guess I need to book early to snag something lower than an Edge Villa. It does look lovely…

Yay! So happy to follow along! 🚢🍾🥂🌴

I was on the same cruise as Barwick Cruiser, on a 24 night B3B. Loved it. Booked two more Silhouette cruises and a “book later” cruise while on board.

I’m a foodie but I’ll be following regardless of lack of food porn. As you stated, there’s plenty of that elsewhere. Looking forward to your adventure.

Charla, your reviews are such fun I’ll continue following regardless of ship and cruise line. Yay Map Dress! 🚢🥂🍾

My first stingray excursion years ago was with X on a huge, crowded catamaran. Total mob scene. Captain Marvin and Stingray Sailing both highly recommended. Small groups.

I want the cocktails. And the glassware.🍸 And I miss my little wiener dog mix.♥️

I don’t know how to post the link (Charla will know), but go to Amazon and search “Map dress.” Charla’s is this one: Fanient Womens Sleeveless Dress Casual Print Scoop Neck Sundress A Line Midi Dresses It’s $18.39 and can be delivered by Saturday.

Following with interest. Someday I’d like to cruise the South Pacific (and Australia and NZ). Thanks so much for taking the time to do a live report.

Positive thoughts! And I was feeling smug because in a couple weeks I’ll be on American instead of my usual Southwest to Miami. I’m flying several days early so cancellations would just be a hassle rather than a disaster. NBC news just said FAA Groundstop has been lifted.

So very sorry for your loss. I’ll raise a glass to Mr. & Mrs. chemmo “Making it count” when I board Silhouette in a couple weeks. I’ve always enjoyed and appreciated the live reports and informative, reliable posts. May you be blessed with fair winds and following seas.

Hi Julie Looking forward to your posts. I don’t know much about cruising South America. Maybe you’ll convince me to give it a try…

I’ve used ReliefBands for years. I get motion sickness very easily. I can get sick just watching television and I can’t watch a computer screen scrolling. I use it for cruising (only wear it when the ship is moving), boat rides and flying. I would be miserable without it. I’ve always traveled with two bands and a bunch of batteries.The batteries last about four days for me. Just bought two of the new rechargeable ReliefBands. Sea Bands and ginger don’t help me at all. Haven’t tried a patch, can have nasty side effects. Pretty sure you’re not supposed to drink alcohol while wearing a patch. Bonine works well too. Sometimes I use both. Dramamine makes me way too drowsy. Had trouble staying awake for dinner. Dock B, hopefully your DW will recover uneventfully from her anesthesia. I had general anesthesia once and did not have any nausea.

Still following.