Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[bobmacliberty]

3 hours ago, sgmn said:

Our last two trips we've come up with a new solution, more for Molly the Collie than the house.  The original deal when we got molly was our son would co-parent, but times change and with a new baby on the way and a crazy pup who molly doesn't really like we had to come up with a new solution. 

So one of his school friends who we've also know since childhood lives in a house share and is more than happy to have sole occupancy of our house with garden. He WFH so is there all the time, and walks molly twice a day.

We trust him and our son is around to keep an eye on things.  Win win for us and him, though we also give him £20 a day to keep it on a semi formal basis 

 

In Scarlett's last few years, we got similarly lucky.  We found a woman who worked from home and was living with her adult daughter.  She'd stay at our house and work from there while we were gone, giving both her and her daughter a "vacation" from each other for a bit.  I don't remember what she charged but it was something like $30 per day...cheaper than what we paid a kennel.  It's so much nicer that our dog got to stay in her normal environment and had companionship almost all the time.  She'd also watch the house, water the plants, etc.  If you can find someone that you trust (to live in your home and be responsible for your pet), it's a great solution.

[Lionesss]

Good morning

 

Returned home from our Allure sailing yesterday, 8 day southern Caribbean.  

 

I did do a small version of a live thread, so just a few random thoughts here.

 

We arrived at port around 10:15 am, ish and went into the suite door where they checked our Covid, Passport and Sea pass.

Waited a few minutes and then a worker with an Ipad checked us in.

Went upstairs and waited till about 10:45am till we were let on board after the Genies walked the  few remaining Star class in.

 

Overall

 

I do not know numbers, but there are workers in quarantine with COVID

The store employee with Kate Spade was out and was covered by a man in suite who covered the Promenade shirt sale.

 

Also, heard that some (do not know numbers) cruisers were moved to the third deck after testing positive for COVID, and at the end of the cruise were escorted off to be transported to an unknown hotel for a minimum 5 day post cruise stay  (the days seem variable depends  when you tested positive) It did not effect us so I do not know they exact details.

 

On labadee, there were less workers on Barefoot beach, the attendants covered multiple areas and were running around keeping everyone happy.  (Cost containment???).

The suite beach buffet was modified and had less offerings, and also heard that the regular buffet was lets just say, not up to par.

 

WIFI was the worst it ever was

Depending where you were on the ship made a difference.

Great reception in Suite lounge, and promenade for us.

 

CK had one repeat menu, The food was good, not great but good.

Lobster night they just brought you 2 lobsters tails per person. 

 

Not as many photographers harassing you as in past.

 

Smoking section in Casino was in full force.

Whole Casino was a smokey haven.

 

Being an ex smoker, it really caught my attention.

I celebrated my 11th year as an ex smoker on this cruise.

 

Slots were kinda lose.

Won 4 jackpots, but no great winnings to shout out about, you gotta pay to play.

Did get my name called and won the $500 snow ball raffle.

 

Moma Mia new cast production started on day 6, and could not get near the theatre.

Heard it was great.

Next time will go earlier.

 

Ok off to store

 

When I come back to reality I will post more.

 

 

Oh, bad storms in our area this past Saturday.

People still without power.

Trees down, power lines down.

 

No damage to our immediate area.

 

 

Take care

[Sunshine3601]

10 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

@Sunshine3601 Here is why driver Kenzie wasn't able to pick us up today.   She has been busy helping out in the garden.

 

 

Always fun when the little ones get involved in gardening.   She is very focused on her current project.  She will be a great gardener like her GPA.

Adorable😍

[Keksie]

It could be an interesting afternoon.  Yesterday when I went to the refuge it was raining but as I got closer (I live 45 min. away) I noticed a lot of limbs/small branches in the road.  The power was out and they had all the incubator babies extra blanketed.  There is not a generator.  Shortly after I got there the power came on and we got busy checking on the outside animals and getting the babies settled back in and fed.  Then came the phone calls and animals, mainly birds who had been blown out of nests or had injuries.  I expect there will be a lot of new animals today as they are found and brought in.  Last year we had an abundance of baby opossums and this year so far an abundance of birds.  The baby birds have to be fed every 30 minutes.  

[Sunshine3601]

Chilly morning at the beach.   Currently 60f with winds around 15 knots.   Had some storms blow through in the middle of the night.  Bright sunny skies now may reach 70 today.   

Plan on riding my bike over to my favorite book store, LBI book swap later today.  I have 7 books from this winter to donate and see if I can find new ones on my list.

[Sea Dog]

11 hours ago, h20skibum said:

I miss being on it, and I just got off this morning.  
 

Maybe it had something to do with trying to find food, and mixing my own drinks. Susan kept rejecting my sea pass card. 

 

I always feel the same way when I get off. I get in the kitchen and realize oh I have to make my own food now.

 

 

10 hours ago, h20skibum said:

Very bumpy ride from Ft. Lauderdale to Pittsburgh today.  
 

Got home to check out the storm damage from last night.  No trees down on our property, but lots of branches and leaves. Largest branches were about 6 inch diameter. 
 

A couple of our neighbors were not so lucky. They lost a couple 30 + inch diameter trees. 
 

I spent about 5 hours on storm clean up, and will have a full day tomorrow to finish it.  Meanwhile, Susan got all the laundry done an put away.  She is amazing!!!

 

I'm glad your damage was minimal.

 

 

4 hours ago, sgmn said:

Containing the chat on whisky, our youngest son is getting into single malts and bought a bottle of Japanese whisky for Gary for birthday. Its quite strong 43% proof but smooth.  TBH single malt is wasted on Gary as he drowns it in ginger ale

 

That's a really good one. The Hibiki Harmony from Suntory is also outstanding. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Lionesss said:

Good morning

 

Returned home from our Allure sailing yesterday, 8 day southern Caribbean.  

 

I did do a small version of a live thread, so just a few random thoughts here.

 

We arrived at port around 10:15 am, ish and went into the suite door where they checked our Covid, Passport and Sea pass.

Waited a few minutes and then a worker with an Ipad checked us in.

Went upstairs and waited till about 10:45am till we were let on board after the Genies walked the  few remaining Star class in.

 

Overall

 

I do not know numbers, but there are workers in quarantine with COVID

The store employee with Kate Spade was out and was covered by a man in suite who covered the Promenade shirt sale.

 

Also, heard that some (do not know numbers) cruisers were moved to the third deck after testing positive for COVID, and at the end of the cruise were escorted off to be transported to an unknown hotel for a minimum 5 day post cruise stay  (the days seem variable depends  when you tested positive) It did not effect us so I do not know they exact details.

 

On labadee, there were less workers on Barefoot beach, the attendants covered multiple areas and were running around keeping everyone happy.  (Cost containment???).

The suite beach buffet was modified and had less offerings, and also heard that the regular buffet was lets just say, not up to par.

 

WIFI was the worst it ever was

Depending where you were on the ship made a difference.

Great reception in Suite lounge, and promenade for us.

 

CK had one repeat menu, The food was good, not great but good.

Lobster night they just brought you 2 lobsters tails per person. 

 

Not as many photographers harassing you as in past.

 

Smoking section in Casino was in full force.

Whole Casino was a smokey haven.

 

Being an ex smoker, it really caught my attention.

I celebrated my 11th year as an ex smoker on this cruise.

 

Slots were kinda lose.

Won 4 jackpots, but no great winnings to shout out about, you gotta pay to play.

Did get my name called and won the $500 snow ball raffle.

 

Moma Mia new cast production started on day 6, and could not get near the theatre.

Heard it was great.

Next time will go earlier.

 

Ok off to store

 

When I come back to reality I will post more.

 

 

Oh, bad storms in our area this past Saturday.

People still without power.

Trees down, power lines down.

 

No damage to our immediate area.

 

 

Take care

 

Great job Sue on your review. I just wish they would ban smoking in the casino. I would love to gamble more but I can't stand the smell.

 

[Sunshine3601]

I just booked Anthem 12.04.22 sailing to Bahamas.   We have done this itinerary several times but always enjoy Anthem sailings and look forward to seeing the ship decorated for the holidays.   

Plus driving to the port is always nice!

 

Our next sailing is on Oasis on 8.28 then 9.10 on Adventure to Bermuda.

We still have a $500 FCC to use by 12.31 so may book a Voyager sailing to Canada for October since we moved our August canada sailing to the Oasis.

[DaniDanielle]

Anthem is really pretty decorated for the holidays.  We have sailed quite a few before and after Christmas, never on the actual Christmas Day though.  Some day I would like to do a New Year’s Eve

cruise, don’t know about the crowds though.

[Luckynana]

12 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

@Sunshine3601 Here is why driver Kenzie wasn't able to pick us up today.   She has been busy helping out in the garden.

 

I sure do love little Kenzie!!!  She's a busy little love, for sure!!❤️

[Luckynana]

My distant cousin's granddaughter Genevieve (baby Ginny) was born prematurely with a heart defect as well as another medical problem 6 months ago and has been living in CHOPs (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) since birth.  Recently, they found out that she has Noroblastoma, and has so far been given two rounds of Chemo.  Ginny is scheduled for her heart surgery tomorrow morning.  Prayers for her successful surgery are most welcome.🙏  

 

 

ps...CHOPs is where baby Kennedy was treated.  His mom posted a picture last month.  He is beautiful!

 

[Luckynana]

@h20skibumMark

@Ozark_KidJohn

and @lionessSue

 

I'm so glad that none of you had any damage to your homes, cars, etc from these storms!

[dani negreanu]

14 minutes ago, Luckynana said:

@h20skibumMark

@Ozark_KidJohn

and @lionessSue

 

I'm so glad that none of you had any damage to your homes, cars, etc from these storms!

 

Same here, and adding Andrew's too ( @A&L_Ont).

 

Maryann, keeping baby Ginny in my thoughts and 🤞 . The sooner neuroblastoma is diagnosed, the better the odds, her being a tiny infant. Don't know about CHOP, but St. Jude might be another option to consider.

 

Happy to hear baby Kennedy is thriving.  

[jagsfan]

13 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

@Sunshine3601 Here is why driver Kenzie wasn't able to pick us up today.   She has been busy helping out in the garden.

 

 

Kenzie’s a cutie. The camera loves her!

[jagsfan]

48 minutes ago, Luckynana said:

My distant cousin's granddaughter Genevieve (baby Ginny) was born prematurely with a heart defect as well as another medical problem 6 months ago and has been living in CHOPs (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) since birth.  Recently, they found out that she has Noroblastoma, and has so far been given two rounds of Chemo.  Ginny is scheduled for her heart surgery tomorrow morning.  Prayers for her successful surgery are most welcome.🙏  

 

 

ps...CHOPs is where baby Kennedy was treated.  His mom posted a picture last month.  He is beautiful!

 

Prayers for Ginny and for her parents. 
what hurts your child hurts you 1,000 times worse. 🙏🙏🙏

[DaniDanielle]

31 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

Prayers for Ginny and for her parents. 
what hurts your child hurts you 1,000 times worse. 🙏🙏🙏

Prayers from here also🙏🤞Life really is difficult.

[akcruz]

1 hour ago, Luckynana said:

My distant cousin's granddaughter Genevieve (baby Ginny) was born prematurely with a heart defect as well as another medical problem 6 months ago and has been living in CHOPs (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) since birth.  Recently, they found out that she has Noroblastoma, and has so far been given two rounds of Chemo.  Ginny is scheduled for her heart surgery tomorrow morning.  Prayers for her successful surgery are most welcome.🙏  

 

 

ps...CHOPs is where baby Kennedy was treated.  His mom posted a picture last month.  He is beautiful!

 

 

Prayers for Ginny and her family 🙏.

[Bailey & Sophie]

14 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

@aussielozzie18Are you familiar with the hotels in the Rocks? I was looking at the Rendezvous and the Harbor Rocks Hotel. Still looking to see if there are others also that might be of interest. Any thoughts on any of them?

 

We stayed at Tank Steam. Weird name but there was some strange reason behind it. Very nice. Walkable to the waterfront, Opera House, botannical garden, ferry to Torranga Zoo. We walked to the ship--it was about 2 blocks. Lots of restaurants, etc. in the area.

This hotel did not have free breakfast but a restaurant was attached. We didn't try it.

[lenquixote66]

2 hours ago, Luckynana said:

My distant cousin's granddaughter Genevieve (baby Ginny) was born prematurely with a heart defect as well as another medical problem 6 months ago and has been living in CHOPs (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) since birth.  Recently, they found out that she has Noroblastoma, and has so far been given two rounds of Chemo.  Ginny is scheduled for her heart surgery tomorrow morning.  Prayers for her successful surgery are most welcome.🙏  

 

 

ps...CHOPs is where baby Kennedy was treated.  His mom posted a picture last month.  He is beautiful!

 

Sorry to hear of the baby with this ailment .Praying that her surgery will bring welcome results.

[Jimbo]

Was hoping the rain would let up some today, wanted to fertilize my vegetable plants(Tomato, Pepper, and Zucchini plants today and put on Tomato cages. But looks like today is  a washout and have to do it another day. 🌧️

[Sunshine3601]

3 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

Anthem is really pretty decorated for the holidays.  We have sailed quite a few before and after Christmas, never on the actual Christmas Day though.  Some day I would like to do a New Year’s Eve

cruise, don’t know about the crowds though.

Hi Marietta,   I hope you are enjoying the beautiful day!    

We did a sailing on Serenade for a NYE cruise and it was a lot of fun - was definitely packed with people.     

I forgot what island we were near but we did see a really nice firework display at midnight.   

I have always wanted to do a cruise on Thanksgiving day (get out of cooking) but not ready to do this year.  

[Luckynana]

2 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Maryann, keeping baby Ginny in my thoughts and 🤞 . The sooner neuroblastoma is diagnosed, the better the odds, her being a tiny infant. Don't know about CHOP, but St. Jude might be another option to consider.

 

Happy to hear baby Kennedy is thriving.  

Thank you, Dani🌹

1 hour ago, jagsfan said:

Prayers for Ginny and for her parents. 
what hurts your child hurts you 1,000 times worse. 🙏🙏🙏

For sure, Mimi.  Thank you🌹

1 hour ago, DaniDanielle said:

Prayers from here also🙏🤞Life really is difficult.

Thank you, Marietta;  It sure is.   I've been praying for you all as well.🙏❤️

53 minutes ago, akcruz said:

 

Prayers for Ginny and her family 🙏.

Thank you, April🌹

[Luckynana]

23 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

Sorry to hear of the baby with this ailment .Praying that her surgery will bring welcome results.

Thank you so much, Lenny❤️

[DaniDanielle]

Debbie, we did a Thanksgiving cruise right after my mom died as we didn’t want to be home for the holiday.  It was nice, I had a hamburger for Thanksgiving dinner!! They did the whole Turkey dinner thing.

[lenquixote66]

26 minutes ago, Luckynana said:

Thank you so much, Lenny❤️

You are very welcome Maryanne.Looking forward to hearing good news.

[lenquixote66]

41 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Hi Marietta,   I hope you are enjoying the beautiful day!    

We did a sailing on Serenade for a NYE cruise and it was a lot of fun - was definitely packed with people.     

I forgot what island we were near but we did see a really nice firework display at midnight.   

I have always wanted to do a cruise on Thanksgiving day (get out of cooking) but not ready to do this year.  

A friend of mine and his wife go on New Years Eve cruises every year.

We never did one.