Jim_Iain - B2B Sydney - Honolulu - Vancouver

[Jim_Iain]

Just after the pool celebration yesterday it began raining and the winds picked up.  Today is beautiful but can hear the wind whistling a bit through our veranda door.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

I've never been much of a FB person but the Roll Call for this cruise has been as active as CC in years past.   

 

There are a number of people reporting that they are confined to their cabins with Covid.   Obviously there are many more that are running around and not isolation.     While there is a lot of coughing all over the ship it is much less than we were on Edge in December.

 

Right after the CDC recommended another booster for Seniors if it has been 4 months since the last injection, we got our booster a couple weeks before the cruise.   Hope it keep sus well.

 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

44 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

I've never been much of a FB person but the Roll Call for this cruise has been as active as CC in years past.   

 

There are a number of people reporting that they are confined to their cabins with Covid.   Obviously there are many more that are running around and not isolation.     While there is a lot of coughing all over the ship it is much less than we were on Edge in December.

 

Right after the CDC recommended another booster for Seniors if it has been 4 months since the last injection, we got our booster a couple weeks before the cruise.   Hope it keep sus well.

 

Haven’t heard anything about Covid from the people I know on the cruise 😱

 

[Maui4us]

On 4/20/2024 at 9:34 PM, upwarduk said:

Puts me off booking a cruise on Silhouette now, as we would have to fly to the port- but which port? 
Crazy.

@upwarduk I wouldn't change your plans because the Schiphol Airport (AMS) is close to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. X offered a shuttle ride from/to AMS to Rotterdam cruise port if you were arriving/leaving on the same days as the cruise. We just used a ride service to Rotterdam which we reserved ahead of time with Welcome Pickups. Those who waited to book a ride too close to the cruise paid a premium because the train station close to the Rotterdam cruise port unexpectedly closed that weekend for maintenance which wreaked havoc on alternate transportation. 

-Kelley

[ORD1166]

23 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Looks like perfect weather for Honolulu.  
 

Our flight out DFW in morning at 1100.  Looking forward to this cruise and meeting you two young men.

 

Vic

[Jim_Iain]

We went to Murano for the 3rd time last night.  
 

I had to share a picture of the Heirloom Tomato Salad.   So fresh and beautifully presented. 
 

 

After 23 year finally talked Iain into the Chateaubriand for 2.  It was way too large but did eat about 1/2 of it. 
 

Edited April 22 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

48 minutes ago, ORD1166 said:

Our flight out DFW in morning at 1100.  Looking forward to this cruise and meeting you two young men.

 

Vic

Safe flights.  Always so excited for the next cruise.   There are 300 B2B’s.   

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Haven’t heard anything about Covid from the people I know on the cruise 😱

 

I’ve seen 3 posts so far but not a word from staff.  
 

While out walking have noticed at least 6 tables outside rooms to leave meals.   
 

One wrote me she gets out of quarantine this afternoon. 

[DaKahuna]

24 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

We went to Murano for the 3rd time last night.  

 

 Not having a Murano or equivalent on the M-class is my only disappointment so far. 
We have still not decided whether to give the Tuscan another try or not.  We were not impressed when we ate their last year. 

 

 

[billc23]

26 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Not having a Murano or equivalent on the M-class is my only disappointment so far. 
We have still not decided whether to give the Tuscan another try or not.  We were not impressed when we ate their last year. 

 

 

If you like beef give Tuscan another try - or ask fellow passengers who have. I am finding the quality of the beef at Tuscan on the Solstice much better than last year and even this past January. The filet is excellent. Of course, the sourcing may not be the same on different ships so asking those who have tried Tuscan on your sailing would be worthwhile. It is not on their menu but a wedge salad starter and a baked potato are possible and you may need to ask ahead for off menu items you would enjoy with your beef.

[larry_s_taco]

On 4/3/2024 at 8:16 PM, Jim_Iain said:

Just about ready to depart.   Showered and shaved. Luggage stacked up.  Just wasting time until I summon Uber. 
 

This morning got an alert from them - We miss you and applying a $10 for your next 4 rides.  I wonder if I triggered it by checking prices yesterday and not booking.  
 

I usually compare Uber and Lyft but the bonus gives Uber a win.
 

Just curious, is that all the luggage you are taking on the trip?

[Lastdance]

Well, you have saved me so much money due to having to cancel a few cruises because my DH decided to ski down a hill backwards, so I will just use that to keep up with inflation.  However, as you continue on your journey, keep me and everyone else informed and let us know what’s next for the two of you.  Enquiring minds want to know more, as you have made a lot of us eager for the next saga...I mean after this b2b...

 

My DH wants to know how much money one has to spend to make Zenith?  He has no idea about these things, but he is curious about the spend to get cake, flowers and a private ceremony?  I told him no worries, as it is just a couple hundred thousand + or so.  He seemed pleased with my answer🤷‍♀️

He then asked me how many points we had and was surprised!  Just give him the gym and he is happy.

Edited April 22 by Lastdance

[Jim_Iain]

As expected Immigration will be day of arrival in HNL

 

[Louhut1]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Not having a Murano or equivalent on the M-class is my only disappointment so far. 
We have still not decided whether to give the Tuscan another try or not.  We were not impressed when we ate their last year. 

 

 

I’m not a great fan of Murano.  The last cruise we had we ate in Murano and it was a very soso experience.  Was not impressed. I was so disappointed as I had good memories of wonderful dinners in there before.  I don’t think I will go there again. 

[mahdnc]

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 We crossed the equator on 4/20/24 at 17:24.   They did not have the celebration until 4/21

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much.  

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Not having a Murano or equivalent on the M-class is my only disappointment so far. 
We have still not decided whether to give the Tuscan another try or not.  We were not impressed when we ate their last year. 

 

 

John, 

We had the same experience with Tuscan for many years and quit going.   I've been very pleased with Tuscan in the past couple years.   Iain seem to enjoy Tuscan more than Murano as of late.  

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, larry_s_taco said:

Just curious, is that all the luggage you are taking on the trip?

 

We take a Suitecase, an oversized suite bag, a back pack and a hand carry for Iain.    The suite bag is increible and can fit two suites, 20-25 shirts on hangers, sweaters, undergarments, sweatshirts and 3 or 4 pairs of shoes.  

 

Our regular strategy is to pack for 7-8 days and then have laundry done along the way.  It is easier for us as we get a Zenith perk of unlimited laundry and dry cleaning.    

 

Another advantage is that we are about the same size and can mix and match our shirts and t-shirts.   Our longest trip has been 2 months  and we do pick up Tshirts, hats and sweatshirts along the way

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Well, you have saved me so much money due to having to cancel a few cruises because my DH decided to ski down a hill backwards, so I will just use that to keep up with inflation.  However, as you continue on your journey, keep me and everyone else informed and let us know what’s next for the two of you.  Enquiring minds want to know more, as you have made a lot of us eager for the next saga...I mean after this b2b...

 

My DH wants to know how much money one has to spend to make Zenith?  He has no idea about these things, but he is curious about the spend to get cake, flowers and a private ceremony?  I told him no worries, as it is just a couple hundred thousand + or so.  He seemed pleased with my answer🤷‍♀️

He then asked me how many points we had and was surprised!  Just give him the gym and he is happy.

 

Hitting Zenith is much easier these day depending on the category of cabin you sail

 

Point Structure -

 

If one happens to travel Solo then you get double points. 

 

We mostly sail in Celebrity and Royal Suites  --- So  Zenith would take 250 Nights -

 

The cheapest locations are probably the Caribbean at about $750-$1,000 per night.  I'm sure many others may have better costs per night.      That would come to $200-250 Thousand dollars. 

 

It is really hard to tell totally because that is just the cruise fare and Business class has gone up to $4,5,000.    

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, Lastdance said:

 Enquiring minds want to know more, as you have made a lot of us eager for the next saga...I mean after this b2b...

 

 

Next up is something new for us.      September 14

 

Oceania Cruises --- 12 night Alaska and Canada.    We wanted to try and have booked two cruises with them this year.  

 

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, Louhut1 said:

I’m not a great fan of Murano.  The last cruise we had we ate in Murano and it was a very soso experience.  Was not impressed. I was so disappointed as I had good memories of wonderful dinners in there before.  I don’t think I will go there again. 

 

We had similar experience in the first year or so after resumption of cruising.    I have to say I've been very impressed with them again as of late.   It does help having unlimited free dining.   We do not feel compelled to go all out and over eat.    Instead we just have smaller (sometimes half portions) and just enjoy the incredible service.  

 

Our first visit was before they have out OBC for the mixed ports.  One the first visit there were only 4 tables and of course plenty of time for the servers to socialize.   After the OBC's were issued the Specialties booked out solid for the remainder of the cruise.

 

There are still some opening at 8:30 which is our desired dining time.    We were originally booked for the last night in HNL but changed it this morning to the night before. 

[Jim_Iain]

Today has been a really relaxing day at sea.   The winds are really high at about 35 knots and the ship is rocking.    We had our final timezone change for this cruise last night so have been dragging a bit.

 

I did a little gambling this morning and then just hung out in the room reading a book.  We had a nice lunch at Luminae followed by a double scoop of Gelato.    That of course made us drowsy and took a nice nap. 

 

I've never figured out why long sea days make one so tired.   Maybe it is like being lulled to sleep in a cradle.     Iain could sleep half the day and is still conked out. 

 

I may slip back down to the Casino.  Hmmm...  am I feeling lucky?

 

 

[DaKahuna]

5 hours ago, billc23 said:

If you like beef give Tuscan another try - or ask fellow passengers who have. I am finding the quality of the beef at Tuscan on the Solstice much better than last year and even this past January.

 

 Thanks.  I will take you up on that.  I will also speak with the Retreat Concierge's and ask if they have had any feedback from guest dining in Tuscan. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Louhut1 said:

I’m not a great fan of Murano.  The last cruise we had we ate in Murano and it was a very soso experience.  Was not impressed. I was so disappointed as I had good memories of wonderful dinners in there before.  I don’t think I will go there again. 

 

 This is pretty much what happened to us on our last cruise when we dined in Tuscan.  Ordered the filet, was not as good as the one I had the night before or a couple of days later is Luminae. Service was spotty.  Best part was the waiter did recommend a nice wine to go with the food. 

 

 

57 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

John, 

We had the same experience with Tuscan for many years and quit going.   I've been very pleased with Tuscan in the past couple years.   Iain seem to enjoy Tuscan more than Murano as of late.  

 

Jim,

 Thanks.  Unless I get some negative feedback when I inquire on the ship I'd like to give it another go.  Now to look at the Luminae menu and pick a night with the fewest items we do not really like.  

 

[Jim_Iain]

Had a couple spins on Wheel of Fortune and doubled my Money so cashed out.   Only put in $50

 

 

Stopped by for a Cappuccino and  . . .

 

 

My favorites 

[vickykay]

Jim, will you be posting a “live from” thread on Oceania?  Let us know on this celebrity site so we can follow along.  Date?  Thanks.

[81Zoomie]

3 hours ago, vickykay said:

Jim, will you be posting a “live from” thread on Oceania?  Let us know on this celebrity site so we can follow along.  Date?  Thanks.

@Jim_Iain, we would love to hear about your Oceania experience as well.  We are considering a couple of their cruises in cooler climates.  😀😎😀