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Empress B2B - 14 Nights on the Biggest Little Ship


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26 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

Do they have bar service on these decks?  If so, would be my ideal location.

 

I've never seen bar service on the outside promenade deck of any RC ship.

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17 hours ago, twangster said:

What type of bees produce milk instead of honey?  Lessons learned while enjoying a drink at the Schooner Bar.

Obviously the best kind of bees! Boo bees 😂

 

Awesome review, really making me look forward to our Empress sailing in October!!

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Awesome review and pictures. I have been following since the beginning, but finally chimed in. You inspired me to order a mirrorless camera. Sailing on Empress this Saturday and glad to return. We sailed her July 2016 before the Cuba cruises were added to her schedule soon after she returned from Pullmantur.  Did you mention you are cruising again starting this Saturday on Empress?

Edited by coaster
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Thanks for the OUTSTANDING review - and loads of information & pics.  I will be on the Empress for 28 days later this fall!  I'm really looking forward to it - and have a better idea of what to expect. I'm hoping I can pick up a drink card early on and use it throughout my cruises . . . .  

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3 hours ago, crilski said:

I'm hoping I can pick up a drink card early on and use it throughout my cruises . . . .  

 

This year the trend I've noticed on many ships is for the 10 drink card to show on the 2nd last day.  

 

I was told the 10 drink card works on CocoCay but I didn't test that claim.

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5 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

This year the trend I've noticed on many ships is for the 10 drink card to show on the 2nd last day.  

 

I was told the 10 drink card works on CocoCay but I didn't test that claim.

You notice a a beer card being offered? 10 draught beers for $49?

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4 minutes ago, coaster said:

You notice a a beer card being offered? 10 draught beers for $49?

 

No draft beer card, but there isn't a lot of draft taps on Empress either.  They did bring out a table top draft Heineken dispenser but it didn't seem to work right and it disappeared a few days later.  

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1 hour ago, Cruiselyne said:

I am thinking about booking JS 9146 for next year, would you please tell me if the location of that cabin is under the Spa?

 

Thank you

 

Lyne

 

I was in 9144 last year and didn't have any noise issues.

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CocoCay Approach

 

Today we share CocoCay with Navigator.  She was in position as we approached.

 

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Navigator guests weren't disembarking yet as our Captain slowly and gently brought us to the pier.  

 

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The old tender lagoon has been repurposed.

 

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Thrill Waterpark is pretty hard to miss.

 

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Still well before our scheduled arrival so I went in to have some breakfast. 

 

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Walking past the Shore Excursion desk I noted this sign:

 

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Since I had lots of time I chose Chops for another D+ breakfast.  It was empty today so I took the opportunity to grab some pictures.

 

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Service was quick.

 

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Back to my cabin to get ready to venture out to CocoCay I noted our position and track.

 

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CocoCay

 

Finally on the new pier!

 

There were several shuttles running back and forth offering rides to guests.

 

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Empress next to her much bigger sister.

 

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Live music welcomed us to Perfect Day.

 

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Oh boy, which way should I go? 

 

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Thrill Waterpark to the right is an exclusive area for those who have purchased a waterpark pass.

 

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Chill Island to the left

 

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The Galleon for kids is one of the first attractions that's sure to grab the attention of kids.  Since the Galleon is outside of the waterpark it's complimentary.

 

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Edited by twangster
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When it doubt go straight... to a bar.

 

Captain Jack's

 

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Captain Jacks overlooks part of the lagoon that used to be where tenders would dock.

 

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Skipper's Grill also shares this side of the lagoon. 

 

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Say hello to my little friends on the side of the lagoon.

 

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Zip line rides were already beginning.

 

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More on Skipper's grill when lunch is being served later.

Edited by twangster
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Oasis Lagoon

 

There are a couple of ways to reach Oasis Lagoon.  This way having come around through Skipper's Grill or through Chill Island.

 

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It's a massive fresh water pool and it's complimentary.

 

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Oasis Lagoon is pretty massive and there are lots of loungers.  The umbrellas pictured are complimentary.

 

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Showers to rinse off around the pool in various places.

 

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No need to bring life jackets from the ship.

 

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Assistive lift.

 

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This end is like a beach that is walk in.  Mere inches deep at first with a gentle slope towards deeper areas.  The water fountains are begging to be played in and perfect for children.  

 

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Up, Up and Away

 

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Waiting area for busy days.

 

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Unfortunately it was too windy today.

 

There is a Tram Station near the entrance to Up, Up and Away. 

 

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My little tour if bringing back towards Thrill Waterpark.

 

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i didn't purchase a pass to the Thrill Waterpark this time.  I have bought a pass for a future visit at the end of August so for my next few visits to CocoCay I'm sticking to areas that are complementary until I can visit Thrill Waterpark as a participant.

 

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And finally back to the Galleon and pier.

 

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Now it's time to explore the left side of Perfect Day... Chill Island.

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Chill Island

 

For those who have been to CocoCay before Perfect Day, Chill Island will seem very familiar.  To a large degree this is the roots of CocoCay that have grown into Perfect Day.   

 

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The large walkway leads to a bridge that covers the gap where tender boats used to arrive from visiting ships.

 

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Looking back towards the pier.

 

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Looking towards the lagoon where tender boats used to dock.

 

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Not too far from the bridge there was a collection of beach wheelchairs for accessibility.  My understanding is that these are first come, first served.  Up to this point a scooter or wheelchair could have navigated the way here.

 

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The straw market is not far from where it was in the past.

 

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The dive shop remains where it was.

 

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Largely unchanged in places.

 

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Looks like they were set up for some sort of ceremony.

 

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Beach Bungalows that used to be near South Beach have been relocated to the snorkel beach area.  You can see them in the distance at the end of the beach closest to the ships. 

 

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Edited by twangster
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Chill Island Cabanas

 

These reman where they have been for a several years now before being called Chill Island.


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They have added a few more and now they approach the Shore Excursion and Water Sports huts where things like Jet Skis depart from or kayaks can be rented.

 

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