Oasis of the Seas Live - We’ve been Saved by the Bell 🐾🐾 March 12-19, 2023. ​​​​​​​

[Sunshine3601]

7 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

We have a cabin on hold for this one.  Thanks for posting about it, I never would’ve noticed it.  For us it’s a perfect combination of ports with some history (plus the canal), tropical beachy ports and sea days.  

You will love this itinerary.  We did the same one on Serenade a couple years ago.  Was one of favorite cruises.

[maggieq]

1 hour ago, Razl said:

Greg this is marvelous.  I am sure Marty & family appreciate it.  So well done, I was in tears at the end.

 

50 minutes ago, niksmom630 said:

What she  said!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺 this is beautiful, Greg 💕

Same here.   So young.  😩 

[xpcdoojk]

5 hours ago, NHProud said:

San Diego State  vs Alabama in the sweet 16.  No hard feelings when @John&LaLa team wins . 
 

 

I thought J & L are Bulldog (GA) and Tigers(mizzou) fans?

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, akcruz said:

 

Another moment we missed, we were there but over by the rail watching the party on the promenade.  Thanks for capturing one of the many fun moments from the cruise.

 

I think we had been discussing how to earn beads in New Orleans 🤣

[John&LaLa]

Just now, xpcdoojk said:

I thought J & L are Bulldog (GA) and Tigers(mizzou) fans?

 

Yep, Mizzou choked against Princeton

[xpcdoojk]

2 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Yep, Mizzou choked against Princeton

Well at least the Tigers won.  😂  Watched most of it.  I remember going to a MU vs UNC game in like 1983 at the Greensboro Collosium and being conflicted.  Would not be conflicted any more.

 

 

[John&LaLa]

Just now, xpcdoojk said:

Well at least the Tigers won.  😂  Watched most of it.  I remember going to a MU vs UNC game in like 1983 at the Greensboro Collosium and being conflicted.  Would not be conflicted any more.

 

Season opener, y'all were ranked #1

 

We lost

 

But that was the season after our really good team graduated.

[NHProud]

7 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Yep, Mizzou choked against Princeton

My mistake ! Now , I don’t have to gracious when we lose to Alabama. 
 

Princeton didn’t accept me to their graduate school in biochemistry. I went to Michigan State and met my husband there so a big win for me . 

[BonTexasNY]

I finally finished reading all pages of this awesome thread. We're now in a comfy suite in the Hilton Garden Inn in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

 

A few related cruise bits & pieces. Our wait staff was the best ever. When they saw us enter the MDR a diet coke was placed at my seat, every night, no charge! I got double tiger shrimp on one plate. I told Avigail I loved shrimp and she said she would fill my plate. She sure did. We were sure to show our appreciation with extra tips for her and the busboy. Not sure they're still called that.

 

Housekeeping was just as great. We had our rooms cleaned in the AM and there was always a full fresh ice bucket and next day compass in our room. He got something extra as well.

 

We usually had breakfast in the MDR or Solarium Bistro. Had dinner once in WJ and it was the same hectic crowded feeding frenzy as breakfast and lunch. Full ship so of course it was crowded.

 

We had no wifi so I think we might have missed out on some gatherings. We figured out the Schooner Bar was where the usual night time action was so we were glad we got to chat with so many FOB cruisers.

 

I'm going to wait until we're home to book Bella Cruise 2. Let's recreate the magic!

[xpcdoojk]

6 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Season opener, y'all were ranked #1

 

We lost

 

But that was the season after our really good team graduated.

Yeah, my KU friends were asking me a month ago, what happened, I said we are exactly the same team a year ago.  A year ago shots went in.  Plus Brady Manek was a machine.  Crazy hair and beard and uncanny effort.  Pete Nance was to be our plug and play replacement except he wasn’t.  He was more machine and a lot less effort.  Lots of little injuries, and a lot of bad shot selection, and a very bad offense.  Roy and Dean never had a team that was so uncontrolled.  I like Hubert a lot.  I admire him, but the team on the floor is not good.  But the talent was really good.  So, count me concerned.

 

jc

[BonTexasNY]

EEK, sorry for the length of my previous post. Sometimes I just don't know when to stop.🤭

[brillohead]

2 minutes ago, BonTexasNY said:

EEK, sorry for the length of my previous post. Sometimes I just don't know when to stop.🤭

Your post wasn't even long, Bonnie, no worries!

Looking forward to meeting you on Bella 2.0!

 

[nasa1974]

I would like to thank Greg and Linda for their kindness and the excellent post Greg put together.

I shared this with our two daughters and Sue's sister. They want to send their gratitude for such a lovely memorial to Sue. Thank you everyone for all the kind words. I know this is something that we will keep and watch many times.

 

Marty (nasa1974)

[Callan33]

Was silently following this thread and now excited to book another cruise. Looked like a fantastic trip was had by all. 
It’s been awhile since I’ve been on CC, so where is this Floataway Lounge thread or FOB one that I clearly need in my life? 

[taznremmy]

53 minutes ago, Callan33 said:

Was silently following this thread and now excited to book another cruise. Looked like a fantastic trip was had by all. 
It’s been awhile since I’ve been on CC, so where is this Floataway Lounge thread or FOB one that I clearly need in my life? 

Go to the CC main page.  Click on ‘Forums’.  Scroll down to ‘Cruise Conversations’. 

[CruiszBug]

On 3/9/2023 at 8:13 PM, jk04 said:

Cool!  My youngest, who will be joining us on the cruise, works at the Riviera Resort.  He was a face character for years previously.

Hi! I forgot to say how much I enjoyed meeting you and Stephen (Steven?). Looking forward to seeing him in June at the Riviera Resort. He was so nice to Phoebe and she enjoyed the Olaf waves! Please tell him we said hi if he is not on the CC Boards.

 

On 3/9/2023 at 11:15 PM, Sea Dog said:

cocktails I want to drink on the Bella Cruise. Here’s the list:

Kraken Colada

Chocolate Martini

Aperol Spritz

Miami Vice

Coco Loco

This is all I managed from your list! Tom did the Bourbon mixed drinks. I think I got a few more off of John's list (Peach Daquiri; Espresso martini). Also had several champagne cocktails (a favorite). Need to try the Cape Codder, though!

 

On 3/10/2023 at 10:08 AM, Lionesss said:

When we were in the planning stages of this cruise we thought about what to do on Cococay. This year we decided to pick up shells and stones and be creative. 

Oh, Sue! I forgot to look. We were over by Harbor Beach for most of the day.

 

On 3/11/2023 at 11:00 AM, BonTexasNY said:

RCI Lists terminal A parking opens for embark pax at 10am. We wanted to get there earlier to snag a handicap spot. Anyone have additional info?

I would say 10 AM might be late based on the entire parking garage being full by 10:45-11:00AM? But this was Spring Break so may not be the norm?

 

On 3/11/2023 at 11:02 AM, crewsweeper said:

Last time we were in Miami, we got there at 9:50 and were able to get in.  Similarly in FLL.  Port Canaveral in January they stopped you until 10:05.

When we were leaving Parking Garage A at 7:45ish... there were half a dozen people driving in to park. We were one of the lucky ones who got the last few spaces on the roof. Not a HA space but we got Phoebe out and then parked.

 

On 3/11/2023 at 6:30 PM, joand452 said:

I was in schools in East Greenwich (the town just north of North Kingstown).  We had lots of sailors' and SeaBees' kids in elementary school before the Navy pulled out in 1970 or so.  EG was a great place in the 50s and 60s!

Yes, I remember East Greenwich. The drive to school was a long way and we went through several towns it seemed. Nixon closed the bases in 1973 I think because we got transferred back to Florida. Loved Florida when I left. Not so much when I had tasted the schools in RI... amazing education system up there!

 

On 3/12/2023 at 4:51 PM, Lionesss said:

Replacement cards only through guest services. 

Luckily I was at the SL Concierge Desk when I mentioned my card opened doors, but would not play in the slots? Got a new card.

 

On 3/12/2023 at 6:13 PM, LATTELOVE said:

Did not hit 1000 posts,

EPIC is not necessarily a quantity when you have such quality! 😛😉

[molly361]

4 hours ago, nasa1974 said:

I would like to thank Greg and Linda for their kindness and the excellent post Greg put together.

I shared this with our two daughters and Sue's sister. They want to send their gratitude for such a lovely memorial to Sue. Thank you everyone for all the kind words. I know this is something that we will keep and watch many times.

 

Marty (nasa1974)

Very  sorry for your loss.   I lost my husband to cancer in November  2021

[grapau27]

9 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

                                Burial at Sea

 

 

Many of the Bella cruisers would meet at the Schooner Bar. One of our gang is Marty @nasa1974.

 

(Marty is on the left)

 

One night I noticed Marty was at the bar drinking a bottle of Heineken beer. Standing next to his bottle was a Manhattan cocktail. I asked Marty if he drinks Manhattans and he said no. He told me he got the cocktail in memory of his late wife.  Marty shared that Sue would have a Manhattan at least once a cruise to honor Marty’s grandfather who she would share the drink with when they visited. Some nights he would have a glass of wine sitting next to his beer to honor his wife.  Marty did this every night.

 

 

I asked Marty to tell me about his wife. He went on to tell me that his wife had died of cancer in November of 2021 after a long battle.  I asked Marty about meeting her. He told me that they had met on a ski trip and fell instantly in love. They started cruising and they met Cruise Critic friends and fellow Bella Cruisers Joe and Amelia @Cruisingpeople.  The couples met on a cruise of the Panama Canal and became close friends.  They ended up going on 4 cruises together.

 

 

Marty told me he was going to bury Suzanne’s ashes at sea. He went through all the protocols with Royal and got a biodegradable urn for Sue’s ashes. We had set up a time to meet with the officers and do a ceremony on our last sea day.

 

 

I asked who was going to attend. He said Joe and Amelia of course since they were good friends. I asked if Linda and I could be there for him and he said yes.

 

On Day 7 at sea we met the Royal officers who took us to a special spot on ship away from people so Marty could have his personal moment. What happened next was a joyful, emotional moment.

 

I asked him if it was alright to document the burial at sea for him and his family to have for a memory. Marty also gave his blessing to have this video published so people can see what a burial at sea is like to honor their loved ones. The staff of Royal was so caring and nice. In the end we all cried and embraced. We then went to the schooner bar for a toast to Sue and to order another glass of wine for her. I think Marty will always cherish this moment. I know I did.

 

 

Cheers to you Suzanne may you rest in peace.

 

 

Greg @Sea Dog

What an amazing video and keepsake for Marty.

Watching this brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Graham.

[Lionesss]

I usually do not post again once I am home and get yelled at by “ The Cat”. 

But:

This cruise was not just about Cruise Critic friends getting together. 
But moreover the sharing of our lives, stories, hardships, injuries but moreover perseverance. 
 

I have never been so honored to be included and accepted for not being from the original group bookings. For this I thank you. 
 

The bar was set high for future sailings. 
 

I have never met so many new friends, that I will always consider my family. 
 

Everyone accepted me and I enjoyed the company of all;  So much that if I paid recognition to a few it would be an injustice. 
 

However. I must. 
 

The one person who I will always remember is Phoebe.  Her smile. Her love of life, was shared in her own special way. You left a mark on my heart. I wish you continued happiness as you share your joy of life. 
 

Now. 
This cruise was never about who can do or give more than someone else but the many tokens of appreciation were ongoing. 
 

John.  @John&LaLa You did good. From beginning to end of the cruise your creativity and sharing was top notch. I thank you. 
 

Greg @seadog WOW factor. I am so glad I met such a talented man. But moreover a new friend. Your gift of videography speaks for itself. 
 

Andrew @A&L_Ont with Lisa. Thanks for sharing your time and traveling experiences with us. Our conversations had so much experiences in common. Thank you for starting this thread. 
 

In closing:

 

”. . . In life there is always something olde to be sought and enjoyed, always something new to be found and shared. . . Thank you Bella Cruisers for sharing your life with me . . . “

Everyone will be always in my prayers. 

 

I am honored that I was given the opportunity to share in the thread. 
 

 

Lionesss

 

 

[A&L_Ont]

8 hours ago, brillohead said:

Your post wasn't even long, Bonnie, no worries!

And had perfect structure too. 😃

[cruisinghawg]

16 hours ago, CruiszBug said:

 

We have two rooms on hold, too! Waiting to find out from Phoebe's nurse if she can fit it in her social calendar? LOVE that it is going from PC which is only 2+ hours from home! Plus haven't been on the Wonder since the 2022 EB TA last May. 

Yes we were on Wonder TA last year!!! Small world cruising has become.

[Keksie]

My TA has had a family emergency so it may be a week or two before I can book the cruise.  I so want to meet as many of the Bella group and Dani's thread that I can.

[molly361]

Bell(a) 2.0 I'm in

[Sea Dog]

2 hours ago, Lionesss said:

 

 

Greg @seadog WOW factor. I am so glad I met such a talented man. But moreover a new friend. Your gift of videography speaks for itself. 

 

”. . . In life there is always something olde to be sought and enjoyed, always something new to be found and shared. . . Thank you Bella Cruisers for sharing your life with me . . . “

Everyone will be always in my prayers. 

 

I am honored that I was given the opportunity to share in the thread. 
 

 

Lionesss

 

 

Thank you Sue! You were a rock star in organizing the slot pull. The next time we cruise together I want to hang with you in the casino and see if your incredible luck could rub off. Thank you so much for being one of our review hosts. Your input was  very valuable.

[John&LaLa]

8 hours ago, Callan33 said:

Was silently following this thread and now excited to book another cruise. Looked like a fantastic trip was had by all. 
It’s been awhile since I’ve been on CC, so where is this Floataway Lounge thread or FOB one that I clearly need in my life? 

 

Hate to bring up signatures again, but there's a link to the Bella thread there. I will also add the link to this epic thread there as well