DragonOfTheSeas goes LIVE to Mardi Gras on the Equinox 2.20.17

[DragonOfTheSeas]

We are in Mexico today at Cozumel. We took a taxi to Paradise Beach Club. We have done that 3 times before. $3pp to enter and you must sped $10pp on food. It is a nice place, but can crowded.

[ChucktownSteve]

Re pictures: it has been my experience that I can load them on PhotoBucket and then select what size to have them appear (I recommend medium). PhotoBucket then produces code for this which you copy and paste into your CC post. Good luck! Would enjoy viewing your pictures.

Just followed your link which does work. There are 4 options to the right for sharing your photos. It's been a while since I've done this, so I don't remember the correct one, but I think it's the HTML one. Experiment with all 4 ways--one should work.

 

 

I use the DIRECT link which automatically copies it. It's on the right side of the individual picture.

 

 

Then I click on the picture icon in menu bar on the thread posting, paste the copied link into the field and click OK. Voila. The picture is embedded in your thread. Then hit the enter bar one or two times to put a line or two between pictures or descriptions.

 

If you're going to do a specialty restaurant, the best time to book is right when you first get on the ship at embarkation. When they offered me 30% I say but on my last cruise they gave me 50%. It worked on the Summit.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I use the DIRECT link which automatically copies it. It's on the right side of the individual picture.

 

 

Then I click on the picture icon in menu bar on the thread posting, paste the copied link into the field and click OK. Voila. The picture is embedded in your thread. Then hit the enter bar one or two times to put a line or two between pictures or descriptions.

 

If you're going to do a specialty restaurant, the best time to book is right when you first get on the ship at embarkation. When they offered me 30% I say but on my last cruise they gave me 50%. It worked on the Summit.

 

 

I think that's how I've been trying to put my pictures in. There are the four choices that are on the right hand side of Photobucket. I pick the one that's image that's what I've always done in all my other threads. But I'm going to play around with it I'm going to make it work. I'm kind of a determined person.

 

I look for someone who was giving discounts on restaurants when we first came. I couldn't find any deals

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Last night we went to a dance and sing along in the Sky Lounge. It was called :DABBA licious. It was like a group karaoke. They had a screen with the words to all the songs and for 45 minutes straight they played every song you have ever heard of. Of course the best ones were all at the End. By that time everybody was rocking out. I know this sounds lame for anybody who is under 40. But I think everyone enjoyed it. When we were done I went back to the room and collapsed.

 

After the Abba songs the rock band came back. One of the complaints that I often hear about celebrities is that the Cruisers are older and there's nothing to do late at night. But there has been a lively group and live music every night on this Cruise. I think in general that the age on this Cruise has skewed younger. I'm sure that's because of the three days were going to spend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

[micheleg]

So great to read all of your posts. We're booked on this cruise for 2018 and can't wait to read about your experiences in New Orleans, where you're berthed, transportation, etc. Keep the info coming and don't forget to order a "Hurricane" for us once you're on Bourbon Street! Have a blast!!!

[Stella777]

Last night we went to a dance and sing along in the Sky Lounge. It was called :DABBA licious. It was like a group karaoke. They had a screen with the words to all the songs and for 45 minutes straight they played every song you have ever heard of. Of course the best ones were all at the End. By that time everybody was rocking out. I know this sounds lame for anybody who is under 40. But I think everyone enjoyed it. When we were done I went back to the room and collapsed.

 

After the Abba songs the rock band came back. One of the complaints that I often hear about celebrities is that the Cruisers are older and there's nothing to do late at night. But there has been a lively group and live music every night on this Cruise. I think in general that the age on this Cruise has skewed younger. I'm sure that's because of the three days were going to spend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

 

 

I am following along on your live thread. I have never been to Mardi Gras so this is a real treat for me that you are sharing this with all of us. I would have loved the group karaoke and would have definately joined in.

[SanDiegoscrappy]

Last night we went to a dance and sing along in the Sky Lounge. It was called :DABBA licious. It was like a group karaoke. They had a screen with the words to all the songs and for 45 minutes straight they played every song you have ever heard of. Of course the best ones were all at the End. By that time everybody was rocking out. I know this sounds lame for anybody who is under 40. But I think everyone enjoyed it. When we were done I went back to the room and collapsed.

 

After the Abba songs the rock band came back. One of the complaints that I often hear about celebrities is that the Cruisers are older and there's nothing to do late at night. But there has been a lively group and live music every night on this Cruise. I think in general that the age on this Cruise has skewed younger. I'm sure that's because of the three days were going to spend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

 

 

Thank you for the updates. We are on this Mardi Gras cruise for 2018. There is a shore excursion where you can have grandstand seating to view the festivities. Is it offered on your current cruise? Curious about its benefits or is it better just to "flow with the crowds"? Enjoy!

[DZalumni]

Thank you for the updates. We are on this Mardi Gras cruise for 2018. There is a shore excursion where you can have grandstand seating to view the festivities. Is it offered on your current cruise? Curious about its benefits or is it better just to "flow with the crowds"? Enjoy!

 

 

Have you joined the connections tread?

[SanDiegoscrappy]

Have you joined the connections tread?

 

 

Not sure what that is:confused:. Is that the roll call?

[upwarduk]

We have friends on this cruise, so I am very interested in your ' live from.'

Thank you for taking time out of your cruise to report.

I hope you can get the pictures to load, but do be aware that the C.C boards will be undergoing maintenance on Tuesday 28th.

[brino99]

Thank you for the updates. We are on this Mardi Gras cruise for 2018. There is a shore excursion where you can have grandstand seating to view the festivities. Is it offered on your current cruise? Curious about its benefits or is it better just to "flow with the crowds"? Enjoy!

I think the Celebrity parade excursion with the grandstand tickets is WAY overpriced. I paid $60.00 for 2 tickets online vs. $498.00 through Celebrity.

 

Sent from my SM-G920P using Forums mobile app

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I am following along on your live thread. I have never been to Mardi Gras so this is a real treat for me that you are sharing this with all of us. I would have loved the group karaoke and would have definately joined in.

 

 

Yes, you would have loved it. It was really a lot of fun.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Thank you for the updates. We are on this Mardi Gras cruise for 2018. There is a shore excursion where you can have grandstand seating to view the festivities. Is it offered on your current cruise? Curious about its benefits or is it better just to "flow with the crowds"? Enjoy!

 

I think the Celebrity parade excursion with the grandstand tickets is WAY overpriced. I paid $60.00 for 2 tickets online vs. $498.00 through Celebrity.

 

Sent from my SM-G920P using Forums mobile app

 

Yes--that excursion is available on this cruise, too. but I agree it is VERY overpriced.

 

One of the people on our roll call organized a group event at 709 St Charles street. that is the name of the restaurant and the address. We paid $105 pp and it includes food, well drinks/beer/wine, grandstands, restrooms and security. DH and I do not want of have to find porta potties. :eek: This is for Monday. After this filled in just a few days they reserved for Tuesday, also. But, we are only doing Monday night. Hours are from 5 pm to when the last parade passes around 10 pm.

 

We are happy with the amount and the security of being with other cruisers. Then we can venture into the quarter after the parades. If it gets too crazy for us we can return to the ship. :)

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Today is a sea day. After 3 days of port stops most people are a little tired. I know we are and we skipped getting off at one port. We have not taken advantage of the daytime activitiesaround the ship, but plan to try a few things today. DH is currently at the open basketballsession and I am going to the scrapbook class this afternoon.

 

There have been lectures and port talks every day and ourdinner table mates have told us these were excellent. We are going to try to catch a little of theone on New Orleans today on the TV. Theyreplay these several times. We have notturned on the TV since we have joined the cruise.

 

We are somewhat familiar with NOLA. Our DS went to Tulane for law school and wemade a number of trips to drop him off and for graduation. We had visited 3 times on our own [onceduring Jazz Fest]. The most recent timewas for a back to back cruise on the Serenade of the Seas in April/May 2015 thatwere Round Trip from New Orleans. However,I do not think any of those has prepared us for Mardi Gras.

 

I have several favorite NOLA stories. One such story isstopping at a gas station and seeing they had an “adult slurpee” machine that dispensedfrozen daiquiris and pina coladas. Theserver asked me if it was for here or to-go. I said to go. So, she put a piece of scotch tape over the very top ofthe straw and handed it to me. LOL For graduation I bought 3 bottles of wine totake back to the hotel room for our family celebration [had a balcony room inthe French Quarter]. I asked where theykept the wine openers since I had not thought to bring one along. The clerk asked if all I wanted it for was toopen these bottles. I said yes. He proceeded to open each one and I walkedout of the store carrying 3 open bottles of wine. . . . yep—we were not in Virginia!

 

 

Last night we skipped the late night dancing/shows and I madea small donation to the cruise line via the casino. DH actually won a few dollars. Woo Hoo!

[DragonOfTheSeas]

C.C boards will be undergoing maintenance on Tuesday 28th.

 

 

Thanks for the heads up. That way I will not go crazy trying to post if it does not load. :D

[SanDiegoscrappy]

Yes--that excursion is available on this cruise, too. but I agree it is VERY overpriced.

 

One of the people on our roll call organized a group event at 709 St Charles street. that is the name of the restaurant and the address. We paid $105 pp and it includes food, well drinks/beer/wine, grandstands, restrooms and security. DH and I do not want of have to find porta potties. :eek: This is for Monday. After this filled in just a few days they reserved for Tuesday, also. But, we are only doing Monday night. Hours are from 5 pm to when the last parade passes around 10 pm.

 

We are happy with the amount and the security of being with other cruisers. Then we can venture into the quarter after the parades. If it gets too crazy for us we can return to the ship. :)

 

Thank you all for the helpful information. Enjoy the rest of your cruise, Dragon of the Seas.

[micheleg]

Yes--that excursion is available on this cruise, too. but I agree it is VERY overpriced.

 

One of the people on our roll call organized a group event at 709 St Charles street. that is the name of the restaurant and the address. We paid $105 pp and it includes food, well drinks/beer/wine, grandstands, restrooms and security. DH and I do not want of have to find porta potties. :eek: This is for Monday. After this filled in just a few days they reserved for Tuesday, also. But, we are only doing Monday night. Hours are from 5 pm to when the last parade passes around 10 pm.

 

We are happy with the amount and the security of being with other cruisers. Then we can venture into the quarter after the parades. If it gets too crazy for us we can return to the ship. :)

 

 

709 St Charles looks very interesting. Can't wait to hear all about it! :)

[Stella777]

Today is a sea day. After 3 days of port stops most people are a little tired. I know we are and we skipped getting off at one port. We have not taken advantage of the daytime activitiesaround the ship, but plan to try a few things today. DH is currently at the open basketballsession and I am going to the scrapbook class this afternoon.

 

There have been lectures and port talks every day and ourdinner table mates have told us these were excellent. We are going to try to catch a little of theone on New Orleans today on the TV. Theyreplay these several times. We have notturned on the TV since we have joined the cruise.

 

We are somewhat familiar with NOLA. Our DS went to Tulane for law school and wemade a number of trips to drop him off and for graduation. We had visited 3 times on our own [onceduring Jazz Fest]. The most recent timewas for a back to back cruise on the Serenade of the Seas in April/May 2015 thatwere Round Trip from New Orleans. However,I do not think any of those has prepared us for Mardi Gras.

 

I have several favorite NOLA stories. One such story isstopping at a gas station and seeing they had an “adult slurpee” machine that dispensedfrozen daiquiris and pina coladas. Theserver asked me if it was for here or to-go. I said to go. So, she put a piece of scotch tape over the very top ofthe straw and handed it to me. LOL For graduation I bought 3 bottles of wine totake back to the hotel room for our family celebration [had a balcony room inthe French Quarter]. I asked where theykept the wine openers since I had not thought to bring one along. The clerk asked if all I wanted it for was toopen these bottles. I said yes. He proceeded to open each one and I walkedout of the store carrying 3 open bottles of wine. . . . yep—we were not in Virginia!

 

 

Last night we skipped the late night dancing/shows and I madea small donation to the cruise line via the casino. DH actually won a few dollars. Woo Hoo!

 

Oh My gosh i am laughing about the the three open bottles of open wine, good grief, how are you suppose to preserve them since they are all open:rolleyes:

[DELTABLUE]

Stella...3 bottles of wine, 2 people, they're in NOLA! What you mean preserve them, Kimosabe?;p Love the bit with the tape on the straw for take out.:D

[Stella777]

Stella...3 bottles of wine, 2 people, they're in NOLA! What you mean preserve them, Kimosabe?;p Love the bit with the tape on the straw for take out.:D

 

 

I mean do you have a cap to put on them until you are able to get to them and drink them??

[DELTABLUE]

Stella...in NOLA they are drinking as soon as they are out the door!:eek: No need to go any farther than that.;) No open carry prohibitions there.

[DZalumni]

They are selling this cruise for 2018 and 2019 now. I understand they are filling up quickly.

 

 

We booked for 2018 nine months ago!

[Stella777]

Stella...in NOLA they are drinking as soon as they are out the door!:eek: No need to go any farther than that.;) No open carry prohibitions there.

Ok newbie here...I just thought that maybe Alan and Agnes were not so much drinkers and wanted to save there beverages for later when they wanted to drink them...

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I think most people arejust hanging out today. We went to the 3rddeck [guest services] to get the mini newspaper [4 page summary of the currentevents “greatest hits”] they publish each day. It is great to catch up on what is happening in the world—but, not toomuch. There was a dance class going onthat had one couple and 2 instructors. . . . and DH said he was the only one atthe open basketball until he was almost ready to leave.

I attended the scrapbookclass and there were maybe 15 participants. However, one of the women at my table had been on the last tender out ofGrand Cayman. [remember the tenders are owned by a company in Grand Cayman andcontracted by Celebrity]

She had quite a story totell. She said there were 95 of them onthe tender. It was one of the smallerone level tenders. It was a rough ridegetting from the shore to the ship. Shesaid as the tender operator tried to come along side the ship he kept bumpingthe ship/platform, but was not able to connect in a way they could off load thepassengers. She said as they bobbed in the water and kept trying the anxietylevel rose.

After awhile the operatordecided to go back to shore and get a 2-level tender to give them a betterchance of reaching the platform. It was not bad enough they had to make thetrip once, but, now they had to get on another boat sand try again. They weretold to don their life jackets. She said the life vests were in bad shape. That is something the cruise lines need todiscuss with the tender operator.

She said one passengerdid not want to get on the bigger tender and try again. I am not sure how she thought she would getback to the ship. Others were crying andmany had anxiety. She told me she was sure she was going to die.

The ride back out wasrough and the exchange from the tender to the ship was difficult. The ship greeted them with warm towels, sincethey were drenched by this time.

 

She stated she wouldnever ride another tender. All made it back without physical injury. TheEquinox of delivered to each them a bottle of champagne and chocolate coveredstrawberries. It was a nice gesture—but, I bet they will never forget thatride.

[Stella777]

Stella...in NOLA they are drinking as soon as they are out the door!:eek: No need to go any farther than that.;) No open carry prohibitions there.

I am in no way familiar with NOLA as i have never been there but hope to in the future....