Preview and Semi-live Trip Report Freedom Western Caribbean

🎶On the 2nd day of cruising,

Crown and Anchor gave to me a suite, with no more money.... 🔔

Thursday, I will notify our card issuers that we will be traveling. All of them have made it simple to do so on their web pages or through the bank app.

I've already notified the US government through the Smart Traveler Program. Link

https://step.state.gov/STEPMobile/Default.aspx

What was interesting, to me, is that each consulate has sent warning about the hurricanes that impacted the respective areas.

Thanks for following.

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🎶 On the third day of cruising, EBay gave to me...

Full face snorkel masks so I can see

Under the sea 🔔

Last night, my mother in law asked if my son was dropping DH and I off at the cruise port. I reminded her that it's a 3+ hour drive each way to FLL.

How many ships will be in port with us?

Four in Grand Cayman on Tuesday.

Three in Costa Maya on Wednesday

8 in Cozumel!!! [emoji33]

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♪♫ On the fourth day of cruising, cruise planner gave to me...

A discount on the refreshment package, with specialty coffeeee... ♪♫

Today marks a special occasion, that where I get to return all my textbooks from this semester (as well as my son's). I'm also packing, and getting ready for a party on Sunday.

That brings me to this. We moved in May, we did extensive repairs on our home, but that has not been happening in the last 6-8 weeks. Why do we need painting supplies, stud finders, and drywall tools around the house? Why can't it stay in the tool closet or garage?

Are the cats making repairs while we sleep? Hmm...

I'm so sorry to hear about the crew member who is missing off the Vision of the Seas in high winds and seas. It's the dangerous side to cruising the seas. :(

Safe travels to all during the winds and cold weather.

Fun thing to do in Cozumel is rent a moped. Right across from the pier, reasonably priced and easy to drive. My wife and I did that last year in January. Stopped at beaches and Chankanaab. Made a circle tour of the island. Highly recommend.

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I have very vivid dreams on occasion. This morning, I dreamt that it was time to disembark from the cruise. I could not remember a thing about it, about the excursions, junior suite, etc. Then I woke up and was relieved that the cruise hasn't happened yet!

Today is a little party at my house, looking forward to good food with great friends.

It was 38F when I woke up this morning. Very cold for us in Central Florida!

I hope you are having a wonderful day and staying warm.

I'm on the same sailing, thanks for all the info. :)

Thank you for reading!

Today is the last Monday I work in 2017.

36F here at the house. Grateful for a warm house, heated seats in my car, and to not be working outside. ❄

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Tonight, the packing begins in earnest.

I just received a Zika warning from Royal Caribbean for the areas we are visiting.

The CDC has issued a travel notice regarding the Zika virus in select countries. For the latest details, please visit the link below:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

While it is not a concern for DH and I due to the effect it can have on pregnancies, there are concerns about effects Zika may have on adult brain tissue. https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2016-08-18-zika-may-affect-adult-brain-cells.aspx

I have purchased travel size insect repellent for our trip, and will use it in Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Here we are, two days before travel, one more day of work, and all the packing left to do.

DH and I plan to leave Orlando by 10 AM Saturday, to drive to Fort Lauderdale, and see some sights before checking into our hotel that evening. We have dinner reservations at Catfish Dewey's. If we have energy, we'll take the water taxi in the evening. We've both been to Fort Lauderdale, but never together, so I hope we have a great time.

Hooray!! So glad that you are so close... helps me hold on until it’s our turn!!

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Last night, the cats inspected suitcases and supervised packing. 😃

They might have knocked over a partially packed suitcase, but it was not a big deal.

Today, I finish working for the year. I will do a few errands after work, then clean out the car and get it ready for luggage.

House is stocked for DS, since he will be running ther show while we are gone.

Safe travels, everyone.

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One of the caterpillars I have been raising eclosed this morning.

Female monarch butterfly. She is drying her wings in the photo.

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We're on the 2/17 8 day sailing. First time on Freedom. If you have time or remember, could you tell me if Vintages has a Tapas menu? Oasis had Tapas in Vintages and the menu was quite extensive. Have a great cruise! Can't wait to see all the pics.

🎶 On the third day of cruising, EBay gave to me...

Full face snorkel masks so I can see

Under the sea 🔔

 

Last night, my mother in law asked if my son was dropping DH and I off at the cruise port. I reminded her that it's a 3+ hour drive each way to FLL.

 

How many ships will be in port with us?

Four in Grand Cayman on Tuesday.

Three in Costa Maya on Wednesday

8 in Cozumel!!! [emoji33]

 

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What site did you get this information from? Nice to have an idea of how many people will be around when you are in port.

What site did you get this information from? Nice to have an idea of how many people will be around when you are in port.

This site. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/

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Second stop for the road trip was to look for wildlife.

Burrowing owls

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It's sail day!

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Breakfast with a view.

Our hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the port. Times offered were 9 AM and 11 AM. We chose 11, so we could relax and not sit in a waiting area at the port.

22K people sailing on 8 ships today.

This was posted by the port.

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Have an amazing trip!!!!

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The Suite waiting area is full

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The “satanizing” team just showed up in T29.

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Lovely!

The suite life is pretty sweet.

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Sweet suite!

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