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

[BonTexasNY]

6 hours ago, Luckynana said:

 

Several years ago, while on FB, I became aware of a young boy named Marik who had gone through several bouts of Cancer.  I followed his Mom's posts about all of Marik's ups and downs with this horrible disease, occasionally contributing to help this family fulfill Marik's Bucket List.  One of his wishes was to meet Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" while visiting in California.  Mr. Johnson went over and above with Marik and his family.  I can't say enough good things about The Rock who was most generous with not only his time but also gave Marik some of the video games that was on his list, etc.  Marik passed away just before his 16th Birthday.

 

Today would have been Marik's 21st Birthday, which brings me to tell you about one of the items on his Bucket List.  His Mom shared this morning that the one thing that Marik always wanted, but that his Mom was adamant about his not having, was an alcoholic drink.  She worried about any bad reactions this would have on his medications.  Well, one day, Marik had finally run his Mom down.  He really wanted to try alcohol.  She gave in, rumaged around the liquor in the cabinet, and brought out a bottle of Kraken.  (and this is why I'm telling you about Marik.  Marik and the Kraken!)

 

His Mom poured a shot glass full of Kraken and handed it to Marik, expecting him to take a sip and spit it out and never ask again.  She was wrong, however.  He was standing in the kitchen on one leg (his other had been amputated years earlier).  He picked up his shot, held it up, and downed it like a professional.  He than slammed the shot glass down, screamed "LIKE A BOSS", and hobbled off to his room.  He never did ask for another drink, and his Mom said she was glad she let him have that small experience so very long ago.

 

So, here's to that  brave young Warrior, Marik, on his 21st Birthday in Heaven.  Slainte!

Maryann, thank you for sharing this very touching story about Marik.

[MJSailors]

@sgmn Hoping your grandson feels better soon. No fun being sick!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

[sgmn]

6 hours ago, Keksie said:

Finally made it to Tampa. We couldn't leave until:

The power came back on

We got the big branches off the driveway

We uprighted the potted plants

We called the neighbor about their large tree that fell near the front of the property. 

We texted the house sitters to just ignore the leaves, small, medium and large branches plus the tree and to not park under any of the trees while we are gone

It was an exciting morning.

 

The hotel is nice and filled with dogs that are here for the dog show across the street.  I love dogs!

Have a great cruise, looking forward to hearing about it. 

Is the hotel near the port or downtown Tampa?

I also love dogs 🐕 

[sgmn]

3 hours ago, MJSailors said:

@sgmn Hoping your grandson feels better soon. No fun being sick!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

Thanks MJ, kids bounce back quickly. He has a super happy personality but has multiple allergies (dairy, eggs, legumes,  peanuts) and seems to catch anything going.  

[sgmn]

8 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Oh no, poor Isaac.  Awful to see the little ones unwell.  Be a relief when he does bounce back.

 

Glastonbury tickets - rare very rare.  In a last ditch attempt after 5 years of trying - there was a tech “war room” in both families homes and all devices and all family members involved  plus the two girls in London were doing their best to secure tickets too.  Finally in the last 5 mins, her Sydney BF secured tickets.  

His dad said last night that he was sleeping well so hopefully will soon he back to his normal happy go lucky self.

BBC always  covers Glastonbury very well. I hope your DD gets to see some great acts. Always a bonus when it's not knee deep in mud 🙂 

[sgmn]

10 hours ago, grapau27 said:

 

Thank you Graham 😊 

[sgmn]

10 hours ago, Luckynana said:

Poor baby!  I hope Isaac feels better quickly

Thanks for your kind words Maryann,  croup is a very common childhood illness and I'm sure he'll be much better today 

Edited June 17, 2023 by sgmn

[sgmn]

4 hours ago, BonTexasNY said:

Maryann, thank you for sharing this very touching story about Marik.

+1 , we have to treasure our time, be it short or long, on this earth. 

 

[brillohead]

17 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Theoretically that should work but I think you may be charged a fee for using your seapass for cash out unless you are a casino prime or higher member.    Also, I think (may be wrong on this one) that you will need to play a couple of cheap spins on the slot machine before you do a cash out option and take your ticket to the casino cashier for your cash.     

 

The fee only applies if you use your Seapass to get money at table games -- no fee is charged when it's done at a slot machine. 

I believe the daily limit is $500.  I use this method as my ATM machine to get cash on cruises, so I don't have to travel with a big wad of cash.  The bonus is getting credit card points for it, because it just shows as a charge for Royal Caribbean versus being a cash advance.

[brillohead]

On 6/14/2023 at 5:37 PM, helen haywood said:

I hate to sound stupid…but I just saw my TV, service byDirectTV, recorded Jeopardy last night at a time when the power was out in the house!  How did that happen?  (Technologically challenged…)

 

Someone else answered this already, but I'll confirm their response -- instead of copying it onto the box in your house, it gets recorded "virtually" and ends up on a computer server somewhere.  As long as you have an internet connection and can sign in to your account, you can watch your recorded shows from anywhere on any device.  

[aussielozzie18]

31 minutes ago, sgmn said:

His dad said last night that he was sleeping well so hopefully will soon he back to his normal happy go lucky self.

BBC always  covers Glastonbury very well. I hope your DD gets to see some great acts. Always a bonus when it's not knee deep in mud 🙂 

That’s good news re Isaac.

 

Interesting that the BBC cover it. Gum boots were packed…

[aussielozzie18]

Good evening.  Been a nice clear  Saturday  in Sydney.  Did a myriad of interesting things in the city today including viewing a free photographic exhibition at the Australian Museum on the ceremonial body & facial adornment of the people of Papua New Guinea. Prior to that, wandered a large arts market where I bought beautiful art & photo prints.  
 

Ended the evening with our last Vivid Installation for 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 These were taken this evening at Central Train Station clock tower & the “flames” installation was nearby.  Vivid 2023 ends tonight at 11pm.  It’s been pretty special this year imo.  As someone said, Vivid Festival is now a winter version of NYE but with drones instead of fireworks.
 

 

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by aussielozzie18

[Ocean Boy]

10 hours ago, Keksie said:

  I love dogs!

 

3 hours ago, sgmn said:

 

I also love dogs 🐕 

So do I. Love for animals seems to be a general attribute of the regular posters to this thread. One's outlook towards animals tells you plenty about a person as far as I'm concerned.

[bobmacliberty]

We had dinner last night at a restaurant called David's...one of the slightly fancier places on the island (nothing is REALLY fancy other than maybe the high-end restaurant in the Ritz).  We generally prefer more casual places to eat but it's fun to dress up every now and then.  I started with a nice Old Fashioned.

 

 

My entree was a "Filet Lobster Oscar Mignon" with a lobster tail instead of crab meat.  I was very tempted by the Sole Meuniere but couldn't pass up the lobster.  Sole Meuniere was my favorite dish at a restaurant that we would always frequent in Geneva when there on business.  Micheline also went with the Filet but no Oscar treatment.  Hers came with a delicious demi-glace.  When she mentioned how good it was to the waiter, he brought out some extra demi-glace and extra bernaise for us.  I chose wisely, especially with a nice Napa Cab.

 

 

We were too stuffed to order any dessert, but they brought out some small macarons anyway. I managed to find some room left in my stomach...delicious.

 

 

After dinner, we went to our neighbor's house where they had bourbon slushies sitting by their pool.  What a great evening.

[A&L_Ont]

I’ve finally caught up will all of your adventures. Take a few days off and you get behind. Later today I will share some photos from our adventures in Vegas. Still a few things to wrap up here at home. 

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Ocean Boy said:

 

So do I. Love for animals seems to be a general attribute of the regular posters to this thread. One's outlook towards animals tells you plenty about a person as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Lionesss]

4 hours ago, brillohead said:

 

The fee only applies if you use your Seapass to get money at table games -- no fee is charged when it's done at a slot machine. 

I believe the daily limit is $500.  I use this method as my ATM machine to get cash on cruises, so I don't have to travel with a big wad of cash.  The bonus is getting credit card points for it, because it just shows as a charge for Royal Caribbean versus being a cash advance.

 

I think the daily limit is higher.

 

I was able to get a total of $800 out of slot machine one day early in the cruise when at first the Allure was in a not so kind mood, and I was in a "I wanna play mode" (after I went thru my budgeted amount)..  After that withdrawl, I was able to get play money to keep going as well as jackpots.

 

Besides when that $800 goes on the credit card, I get my points and cash back.

And also, that is more than enough to charge on a vacation.

Besides, that is something I said I would never do, and did, but, came home and paid our account off in full, which was not too painful.

 

Were you talking about table games or on the slots.

 

Take care

[jagsfan]

16 hours ago, Luckynana said:

 

Several years ago, while on FB, I became aware of a young boy named Marik who had gone through several bouts of Cancer.  I followed his Mom's posts about all of Marik's ups and downs with this horrible disease, occasionally contributing to help this family fulfill Marik's Bucket List.  One of his wishes was to meet Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" while visiting in California.  Mr. Johnson went over and above with Marik and his family.  I can't say enough good things about The Rock who was most generous with not only his time but also gave Marik some of the video games that was on his list, etc.  Marik passed away just before his 16th Birthday.

 

Today would have been Marik's 21st Birthday, which brings me to tell you about one of the items on his Bucket List.  His Mom shared this morning that the one thing that Marik always wanted, but that his Mom was adamant about his not having, was an alcoholic drink.  She worried about any bad reactions this would have on his medications.  Well, one day, Marik had finally run his Mom down.  He really wanted to try alcohol.  She gave in, rumaged around the liquor in the cabinet, and brought out a bottle of Kraken.  (and this is why I'm telling you about Marik.  Marik and the Kraken!)

 

His Mom poured a shot glass full of Kraken and handed it to Marik, expecting him to take a sip and spit it out and never ask again.  She was wrong, however.  He was standing in the kitchen on one leg (his other had been amputated years earlier).  He picked up his shot, held it up, and downed it like a professional.  He than slammed the shot glass down, screamed "LIKE A BOSS", and hobbled off to his room.  He never did ask for another drink, and his Mom said she was glad she let him have that small experience so very long ago.

 

So, here's to that  brave young Warrior, Marik, on his 21st Birthday in Heaven.  Slainte!

What a sad but uplifting story! 
It’s so hard to see young people suffering, and so amazing to see how courageous they are, even at very young ages. 
We can learn so much from them. 
 

[jagsfan]

14 hours ago, singinalot said:

walked back to the hotel and passed the cemeteries

and then ended up sitting in the lobby bar until 1am talking to a couple we met. I love those moments of vacation where you just start up random conversations with strangers and end up connecting. We closed the bar down and the staff shut the lights out on us 🤣

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y’all should have done a Ghost tour. St Augie is full of haunts!

[jagsfan]

4 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Good evening.  Been a nice clear  Saturday  in Sydney.  Did a myriad of interesting things in the city today including viewing a free photographic exhibition at the Australian Museum on the ceremonial body & facial adornment of the people of Papua New Guinea. Prior to that, wandered a large arts market where I bought beautiful art & photo prints.  
 

Ended the evening with our last Vivid Installation for 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 These were taken this evening at Central Train Station clock tower & the “flames” installation was nearby.  Vivid 2023 ends tonight at 11pm.  It’s been pretty special this year imo.  As someone said, Vivid Festival is now a winter version of NYE but with drones instead of fireworks.
 

 

 

Oh the things you’ll miss if you move!!

On the other hand, we’ll get to see the sights of a different part of Australia, so your moving might benefit the rest of us!!!

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

We had dinner last night at a restaurant called David's...one of the slightly fancier places on the island (nothing is REALLY fancy other than maybe the high-end restaurant in the Ritz).  We generally prefer more casual places to eat but it's fun to dress up every now and then.  I started with a nice Old Fashioned.

 

 

My entree was a "Filet Lobster Oscar Mignon" with a lobster tail instead of crab meat.  I was very tempted by the Sole Meuniere but couldn't pass up the lobster.  Sole Meuniere was my favorite dish at a restaurant that we would always frequent in Geneva when there on business.  Micheline also went with the Filet but no Oscar treatment.  Hers came with a delicious demi-glace.  When she mentioned how good it was to the waiter, he brought out some extra demi-glace and extra bernaise for us.  I chose wisely, especially with a nice Napa Cab.

 

 

We were too stuffed to order any dessert, but they brought out some small macarons anyway. I managed to find some room left in my stomach...delicious.

 

 

After dinner, we went to our neighbor's house where they had bourbon slushies sitting by their pool.  What a great evening.

Wow that restaurant looks amazing. Nice looking Okd Fashioned too.

[dani negreanu]

For Andrew @A&L_Ont

 

 

[Momof3gurlz]

18 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

We finally made it to our dream family vacation, which was booked almost a year ago. 
 

Will post pics and “musings” when we’ll be back, too busy keeping up with the grandsons, who are having a great time.

 

I hope your vacation is everything you dreamed of!

17 hours ago, Luckynana said:

 

Several years ago, while on FB, I became aware of a young boy named Marik who had gone through several bouts of Cancer.  I followed his Mom's posts about all of Marik's ups and downs with this horrible disease, occasionally contributing to help this family fulfill Marik's Bucket List.  One of his wishes was to meet Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" while visiting in California.  Mr. Johnson went over and above with Marik and his family.  I can't say enough good things about The Rock who was most generous with not only his time but also gave Marik some of the video games that was on his list, etc.  Marik passed away just before his 16th Birthday.

 

Today would have been Marik's 21st Birthday, which brings me to tell you about one of the items on his Bucket List.  His Mom shared this morning that the one thing that Marik always wanted, but that his Mom was adamant about his not having, was an alcoholic drink.  She worried about any bad reactions this would have on his medications.  Well, one day, Marik had finally run his Mom down.  He really wanted to try alcohol.  She gave in, rumaged around the liquor in the cabinet, and brought out a bottle of Kraken.  (and this is why I'm telling you about Marik.  Marik and the Kraken!)

 

His Mom poured a shot glass full of Kraken and handed it to Marik, expecting him to take a sip and spit it out and never ask again.  She was wrong, however.  He was standing in the kitchen on one leg (his other had been amputated years earlier).  He picked up his shot, held it up, and downed it like a professional.  He than slammed the shot glass down, screamed "LIKE A BOSS", and hobbled off to his room.  He never did ask for another drink, and his Mom said she was glad she let him have that small experience so very long ago.

 

So, here's to that  brave young Warrior, Marik, on his 21st Birthday in Heaven.  Slainte!

Such a great story, thanks for sharing it.  
Congratulations on the graduations, it’s been a whirlwind of events (all good) for you & Jim recently.

12 hours ago, Keksie said:

Finally made it to Tampa. We couldn't leave until:

The power came back on

We got the big branches off the driveway

We uprighted the potted plants

We called the neighbor about their large tree that fell near the front of the property. 

We texted the house sitters to just ignore the leaves, small, medium and large branches plus the tree and to not park under any of the trees while we are gone

It was an exciting morning.

 

The hotel is nice and filled with dogs that are here for the dog show across the street.  I love dogs!

Bon Voyage!

 

It’s a dreary, cool, rainy day here with thunderstorms moving in this afternoon. Soup will definitely be on the dinner menu tonight.  It’s also a good day to stay in and get some more organizing done before the move-in starts this evening.  

[dani negreanu]

I’m in a spot with good wifi, so a pic taken by me, and the rest by DH —

 

 

“white evening”

 

 

 

 

 

rain drops on a black glass plate

 

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by dani negreanu

[sgmn]

29 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

I’m in a spot with good wifi, so a pic taken by me, and the rest by DH —

 

 

“white evening”

 

 

 

 

 

rain drops on a black glass plate

 

 

 

Wow, the resort looks stunning