Beyond LIVE Semi-Solo AQ Class 11/8/22

[GenerationX]

12 hours ago, hcat said:

See you on Tuesday!

Looking forward to the Cruise and your live review!

Hope our Gatsby Party is one of the highlights!

 

 

I am so looking forward to finally meeting you in person!  I hope all is well at your FL home and there hasn’t been too much clean up/repair work needed.

[GenerationX]

 

So…what’s a girl to do to entertain herself for 6 days on the newest ship in the fleet?

 

Well, let’s start with the most important thing: food.  

 

I decided to spend a good chunk of my OBC spoiling myself with specialty dining, so I’ll be eating at every specialty on the ship except Le Petit Chef (which looks like it has the same menu for our sailing that I already did on Summit in July).  Red and I are very excited to try the new Le Voyage. I’m also looking forward to two nights checking out what appears to be a much expanded/improved menu for Raw on 5.   I’ll be doing 1 night there solo checking out some of the Sushi and hot Japanese fare, then Red and I plan to go again together on the last night and drown our sorrows at being kicked off yet another cruise in champagne and a seafood tower.

 

I think our ports for this cruise are Costa Maya and Cozumel, but honestly I haven’t paid much attention, because I don’t think I’ll really spend much time off the ship.  I know both ports like the back of my hand and Beyond is the important destination for me this cruise.

 

For onboard diversion, Red and I have booked a sea day poolside cabana and a few spa services.  I also got lucky that even though this is a shorter sailing, we’ve had a very active, social roll call and FB group, so we have some meetups and a slot pull planned.

 

Speaking of said meet ups, about the onboard activity I’m most looking forward to…ok so remember a couple of reviews ago how I said I’ve always wanted to throw a Gatsby party at sea?  Well guess what I’m doing on evening chic night on Beyond….

 

Yep, with the help of the wonderful hcat, we’re having a Gatsby themed pre-dinner cocktail party meet up in Eden bar on night 2!!!!  It may not surprise you to learn that I already owned a 1920’s style dress, however I deemed this occasion as meriting shopping for a new ensemble.  I think I found the perfect fit and can’t wait to show it off!

 

I’ve just checked in for my red eye flight to Miami tomorrow morning.  Beyond of course sails from Port Everglades, but AA doesn’t have a direct flight STL to FLL and especially when it comes to getting to a cruise ship on time, I try to avoid connections whenever possible.  The extra $30 in Uber cost getting from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is worth my extra peace of mind.

 

I’m not sure which member of my household, my husband or my child, is the most salty at not being brought along on this cruise. However I must say, Gen Z gets the win by a mile for style of expression of displeasure. 😂

 

 

Today will be spent running a few last minute pre-cruise errands and of course packing far more luggage than any reasonable person needs to take on a 6 night trip. 

 

Then it’s off to bed early so that I can drag myself out of bed at 2am to head to the airport.  It’s final countdown time! 
 

[danceswithphones]

Following. I'm packed and ready. See you onboard!

[chamima]

So excited to wake up to find a new review by @GenerationX!!!

I hope you realized that you got an extra hour last night!

Edited November 6, 2022 by chamima

[julia]

Yep Charla, that damn email stopped my heart too...  the heading was so ominous! 😯

 

We fly out at oh-dark-hundred on Monday.... totally looking forward to our time on the Beyond (and to keeping an open mind about our IV cabin!!)  😄

[CruisinBanka]

Yeah another always entertaining  GenerationX review!!!    Looking forward to your thoughts on the Beyond, as we sail on her on a B3B in February. First week in Aqua to experience the infamous Infinite Veranda ( which people either love or hate) and the next two in Suites, to hopefully duplicate the retreat experience we had on the Edge.  Enjoy your cruise! 

[GenerationX]

BTW, I spent yesterday evening folding the last of my pre-cruise laundry, watching the rest of my shows from the week sitting on the DVR (lest Jeremy delete them while I’m gone) and completely fangirling out.

 

My favorite shows and my favorite cruise line came together in such an awesome way!  
 

I remain incredibly jealous of the people who got to be onboard with Captain Lee and Captain Jason.

 

I’m counting the hours till I’m sitting at those beautiful bars martini in hand.  I’m quite put out that daylight savings had the nerve to put me an extra hour back from my embarkation time on Tuesday. I’m BEYOND ready to be on Beyond!

 

 

 

 

 

[mchell810]

I just finished reading @mahdnc review & was sad to know I wouldn’t have a review on this board to follow. And then BOOM. I saw your thread.  💃💃

 

I’m looking forward to following along. Enjoy your cruise ! 

[GenerationX]

On 11/4/2022 at 6:15 PM, NaplesKnitter said:

Hi, We have always enjoyed reading your reviews but this is the first time we are sailing on the same ship ! We are looking forward to meeting you!  Looking forward to the Gatsby Party!   

 
Looking forward to meeting you too!  I’ll see you in Eden Bar on night 2!

[GenerationX]

On 11/4/2022 at 7:35 PM, MarKay525 said:

Sounds like so much fun. Please post lots of photos.

Will do! I can’t wait to see everyone’s Gatsby outfits!

[FlorenceItaly]

Charla!!!  I am so envious and excited for your next adventure.   We are currently on the Nieuw Statendam.  We have received a few casino offers since the Summit but haven't been able to work it into our schedule.  Have a fabulous cruise, beautiful lady!

Marie

[GenerationX]

It’s packing time! I know my packing tradition is to watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but this cruise I feel like another movie is in order. The big question is: do I go with Robert Redford or Leo? 🤔

 

[crusinthrough]

Following along..  I remember you from the Jan 2022 Edge cruise.  

 

 I'm on the sailing after this one.  I debated between this sailing and the next.  The two extra days won.  Congratulations on the AQ class win.  I'm interested in hearing about Blu if you plan on eating there.  An AQ is pricing at $7,800 for a solo on my sailing 😳.  I know my minimum bid will not be a winner.  For some reason the pricing on this cruise was reasonable and then did a shift to extremely high.  

 

Enjoy your cruise! 

Edited November 6, 2022 by crusinthrough

[dlh015]

45 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

It’s packing time! I know my packing tradition is to watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but this cruise I feel like another movie is in order. The big question is: do I go with Robert Redford or Leo? 🤔

 

Now *that's* a tough choice!!

 

Quick question: I know you originally booked a solo IV cabin and then won your move-up for an Aqua cabin. Is the Aqua cabin also a solo cabin? (I don't know if they are offered or not...) And, if not, did you have to pay for double occupancy?? 

 

I ask because I had noticed I would have to do so if I won a move-up from my currently booked Sky suite...which I booked solo...(So now I'm figuring maybe I can book a solo in the future and then make a move up bid...)

 

Thank you!

 

ETA: I'd probably go with Leo!

Edited November 6, 2022 by dlh015

[dani negreanu]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

The big question is: do I go with Robert Redford or Leo? 🤔

 

For me it's a no brainer -- Redford. One of his best roles.

 

Besides, I can't stand Leo...

[IWillGoAnywhere26]

20 hours ago, IsItTimeToCruiseYet? said:

Another review from Generation  X!!!! 🍷 🙂I am so looking forward to reading your reviews on the BEYOND. My husband/I will be on the BEYOND in early 2023 in an ocean view accessible cabin.  Hopefully, we'll have Captain Kate/Bug!

 

We are sailing on the SUMMIT in a few weeks to see our amazing friend, Putri (Café Al Bacio Server) and her fiancée, Kyle (solo guitar player). It's a surprise and can't wait to see them.  

 

I enjoy your reviews and your enthusiasm is outstanding!  Enjoy and have a great time!  Hope to meet you on a future X cruise!

 

Have a fabulous cruise!  Let the party start!!!

 

 

We just got off the summit on October 27 after 24 glorious days. Putri is the best! Please say hello to her from Mary and David Boyd. We told Kyle that he's a lucky man! Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Jim_Iain]

Charla -  So happy your about to fire up a new chapter of Life at Sea with Charla.  

 

Looking forward to following along.    I'm sure you have some new great outfits to debut for all of us.

 

[TPCRUISER2]

Glad I have gotten caught up and have not missed too much. Look forward to another one of your reviews! I don't know about the movies. But, as usual your choice of champagne is on point! Enjoy your cruise!

[GenerationX]

14 hours ago, crusinthrough said:

Following along..  I remember you from the Jan 2022 Edge cruise.  

 

 I'm on the sailing after this one.  I debated between this sailing and the next.  The two extra days won.  Congratulations on the AQ class win.  I'm interested in hearing about Blu if you plan on eating there.  An AQ is pricing at $7,800 for a solo on my sailing 😳.  I know my minimum bid will not be a winner.  For some reason the pricing on this cruise was reasonable and then did a shift to extremely high.  

 

Enjoy your cruise! 

WOW! That AQ price is ridiculous.  That’s even more than I paid for a sky suite on Edge.  Almost twice what I paid for it in fact.  The Blu menus for my sailing look like pretty much the same ones I ate on Summit in July, so I’m not planning to go there much for dinner.  But I love having breakfast there and will be sure to report on that.

 

I hope you have a great cruise too!

Edited November 7, 2022 by GenerationX

[GenerationX]

13 hours ago, dlh015 said:

Now *that's* a tough choice!!

 

Quick question: I know you originally booked a solo IV cabin and then won your move-up for an Aqua cabin. Is the Aqua cabin also a solo cabin? (I don't know if they are offered or not...) And, if not, did you have to pay for double occupancy?? 

 

I ask because I had noticed I would have to do so if I won a move-up from my currently booked Sky suite...which I booked solo...(So now I'm figuring maybe I can book a solo in the future and then make a move up bid...)

 

Thank you!

 

ETA: I'd probably go with Leo!

As far as I know, there are no designated solo aqua class cabins (so if you book AQ directly, unless it’s during a fare sale where solo supplements are waived, you pay the almost double occupancy price).

 

When I won the move up bid, all I had to pay was the $400 that I bid and nothing additional.

 

I have noticed though that no matter what stateroom type you’re currently in (or whether you’re sailing solo or with a companion) the move up bid offer screen seems to show the min/max bid price per person, and if you’re solo that gets doubled.  
 

So to bid $400 total, I slid the bid bar out to $200.  I’m pretty sure it always displays that way though and wasn’t because I was sailing solo or in a solo room.

[GenerationX]

Well I always say no vacation is ever 100% perfect.  It seems like I’m getting the kinks out of the way early.  

 

About 20 minutes into my hour drive to the airport I received a push notification from AA that my 5:25am flight has been delayed till 1:20pm!

 

I briefly considered turning around and going back home to get a little more sleep.  Then I remembered the work trip a few years ago where I had a flight that got delayed 4 hours, but an hour later the delay was reduced and I received an alert to start boarding in 15 minutes.  

 

Instead I’m hanging out in the Admirals Club at STL doing the work projects that I had planned to take care of once I got to my hotel in FLL.

 

Instead of a 9:15am arrival, I’m now scheduled to get to MIA at 5:30pm tonight.  Fingers crossed there will be no further delays!

 

When I checked my bag, there was a couple at the next ticket counter having an epic freak out because they are supposed to board a Carnival cruise today and there was only 1 rebook option available that would get them to MIA with a prayer of making the ship (and from the sound of the discussion, even that one was going to be cutting it close).  

 

While the husband and ticket agent were going back and forth, the wife stepped over to the side towards me and shouted to her husband  “I’m gonna call Carnival and see if they can hold the ship for an extra half hour to give us a little more time.”  I didn’t feel it was my place to tell her not to waste her cell phone battery cuz I’m pretty sure that’s not a thing that cruise lines do.  Hopefully they make it!

 

 

[hcat]

Finally found another way to log in to CC on my phone..hope it keeps working..My tee shirt usually reads ", operator error" but this one was not on me! Old dogs  can sometines learn new tricks!

 

Sorry you are delayed..that's why we  usually arrive a day or two ahead, if flying. ( Hope that other couple makes it in time.) An early bird cocktail or 2 may help u pass the time.!

 

We are  already in Fl at our snowbird nest and working hard at hurricane clean up.  Hope to setout to FLL around 10.. it's a 3 hr drive but you never know so an early start helps.

 

If we can't get early check  in we will find ways  amuse ourselves...17th street area has lots to offer.

Safe travels..

[danceswithphones]

There's worse places to be than the Admiral's Club.

[CruisinBanka]

40 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Well I always say no vacation is ever 100% perfect.  It seems like I’m getting the kinks out of the way early.  

 

About 20 minutes into my hour drive to the airport I received a push notification from AA that my 5:25am flight has been delayed till 1:20pm!

 

I briefly considered turning around and going back home to get a little more sleep.  Then I remembered the work trip a few years ago where I had a flight that got delayed 4 hours, but an hour later the delay was reduced and I received an alert to start boarding in 15 minutes.  

 

Instead I’m hanging out in the Admirals Club at STL doing the work projects that I had planned to take care of once I got to my hotel in FLL.

 

Instead of a 9:15am arrival, I’m now scheduled to get to MIA at 5:30pm tonight.  Fingers crossed there will be no further delays!

 

When I checked my bag, there was a couple at the next ticket counter having an epic freak out because they are supposed to board a Carnival cruise today and there was only 1 rebook option available that would get them to MIA with a prayer of making the ship (and from the sound of the discussion, even that one was going to be cutting it close).  

 

While the husband and ticket agent were going back and forth, the wife stepped over to the side towards me and shouted to her husband  “I’m gonna call Carnival and see if they can hold the ship for an extra half hour to give us a little more time.”  I didn’t feel it was my place to tell her not to waste her cell phone battery cuz I’m pretty sure that’s not a thing that cruise lines do.  Hopefully they make it!

 

 

🤞  Hopefully the rest of your travels to MIA go smoothly and stress free! 

[lola2013]

Darn airline delays!!!  We are scheduled for a flight pre-Equinox cruise in February...original departure from ORD is 6:50am with arrival in FLL at 10:48am.  I got a notice a couple of days ago that we are now scheduled to depart at 10am with arrival at 2:12pm.  Fortunately, we fly two days ahead of the cruise; but it's still a major annoyance!  Seems to be happening more and more lately.

Hopefully, that's the last challenge you face before boarding Beyond.

Susan