Horizon / (*Not) Live / Solo - May - 25 - June - 2024...

Knights on the Beach · June 7

21 hours ago, cellfree said:

@sid_9169 quick question, if you had to choose between Jiji Asian and Steakhouse on Horizon (doesn’t look like you ate at Steakhouse on this trip but you have eaten at several on other Carnival ships) what would you choose?
Anyone else want to chime in?

21 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I did eat at the steakhouse (coming up) and Jiji Asian twice... I would do Jiji Asian easily over the steakhouse anytime...

21 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Us as well. 😎

Definitely us too! It was amazing.

4 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I decided to check out the free lunch at Cucina today. Just a pasta bowl with chicken, veggies, and Bolognese sauce. A Caesar salad and some bread on the side. Not bad for the "included options"...

This all looks delicious. We loved our lunches at Cucina - the lasagna was the best we've ever had at sea, maybe anywhere.

mommio · June 8

8 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Next I just wandered around some more looking for ducks. When I didn't up finding any more, I went back to my cabin to retrieve the one's I'd already found. I went out and hid them all again, as I had no intention in bringing them all home. Some kids out there would probably be more exited to have them than me.

***The Library.

On our last cruise I finally picked up my first duck. It was a tiny duck. It was in the stateroom hallway up in a light well in the ceiling with a psper tag I could grab.

It was high enough that I knew some grubby handy kiddos couldn’t touch it and only handled the paper tag. I don’t think I’m as germ adverse as you, but I didn’t want to touch the duck.

It will go on the Christmas tree next year with all the little treasures we’ve amassed over years is sailing. Maybe I should put them all on a wreath and keep them all together?

AKR2011 · June 8

I love that you prioritized your mental health and got plenty of sleep on this cruise. Sometimes that is what you need most on vacation!

sid_9169 · June 8

Cruise crud (or whatever it was) seems to be gone now. I took a break from the "review" today to just do next to nothing... Cleaned up around the apartment, and all the vacation laundry is done and put away now. Gave the piece of crap Honda a quick wash and stopped by Havana Cuban for some lunch earlier. My usual Cuban sandwich with rice and black bean soup with raw onions and jalapenos. Right now drinking one of my ultra top shelf margaritas and watched Scottie Scheffler kick everyone's butt in golf on the PGA Tour...

I'll try to finish up Amber Cove day tomorrow, and then it's just the last "fun day at sea" until it all comes to an end back in Miami... This entire "experiment" with the "before and after" type review doesn't really seem to be my gig, or not as exciting as the real "Live" version anyway. Right now I've only got one future cruise booked, and it's almost a year away, so I'll figure out between now and then if there's ever going to be another full scale full Monty review.

Thanks to all of you who have made it this far, and hopefully there'll be at least a bit more "added value" to come. Until then...

Edited June 8 by sid_9169

ChutChut · June 8

I would think it comes down to what do you enjoy doing more - live posts or after-cruise posts. I love your posts regardless and deeply appreciate you taking the time to do them. But at the end of the day - what do you prefer?

ninjacat123 · June 8

I do feel like it's "addictive", the "high" of posting pics and comments while you are on your cruise. So far, I enjoy it, my family is fine with it and I enjoy the interaction with CC members while my vacation/cruise transpires. If that enjoyment diminishes, I may rethink it. I'm glad you tried something different Sid. Now you have ideas about what works better for you and what doesn't. 👏

Edited June 8 by ninjacat123

Destiny0315 · June 8

31 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

This entire "experiment" with the "before and after" type review doesn't really seem to be my gig, or not as exciting as the real "Live" version anyway.

I vote "Live" again next time and that's mainly because like a live Nascar race you and your fans never know when you might turn right!

Screenshot2024-06-08183046.png.9fd61aae41d229abf95d9a51f244b7d4.png

loretta · June 8

1 hour ago, sid_9169 said:

Cruise crud (or whatever it was) seems to be gone now. I took a break from the "review" today to just do next to nothing... Cleaned up around the apartment, and all the vacation laundry is done and put away now. Gave the piece of crap Honda a quick wash and stopped by Havana Cuban for some lunch earlier. My usual Cuban sandwich with rice and black bean soup with raw onions and jalapenos. Right now drinking one of my ultra top shelf margaritas and watched Scottie Scheffler kick everyone's butt in golf on the PGA Tour...

I'll try to finish up Amber Cove day tomorrow, and then it's just the last "fun day at sea" until it all comes to an end back in Miami... This entire "experiment" with the "before and after" type review doesn't really seem to be my gig, or not as exciting as the real "Live" version anyway. Right now I've only got one future cruise booked, and it's almost a year away, so I'll figure out between now and then if there's ever going to be another full scale full Monty review.

Thanks to all of you who have made it this far, and hopefully there'll be at least a bit more "added value" to come. Until then...

I've never done a live report but like to read all of the ones I fine, especially Sid's. Maybe doing it afterward feels more like a homework assignment instead of the excitement of being in the moment.

figmentfreak · June 9

2 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Cruise crud (or whatever it was) seems to be gone now. I took a break from the "review" today to just do next to nothing... Cleaned up around the apartment, and all the vacation laundry is done and put away now. Gave the piece of crap Honda a quick wash and stopped by Havana Cuban for some lunch earlier. My usual Cuban sandwich with rice and black bean soup with raw onions and jalapenos. Right now drinking one of my ultra top shelf margaritas and watched Scottie Scheffler kick everyone's butt in golf on the PGA Tour...

I'll try to finish up Amber Cove day tomorrow, and then it's just the last "fun day at sea" until it all comes to an end back in Miami... This entire "experiment" with the "before and after" type review doesn't really seem to be my gig, or not as exciting as the real "Live" version anyway. Right now I've only got one future cruise booked, and it's almost a year away, so I'll figure out between now and then if there's ever going to be another full scale full Monty review.

Thanks to all of you who have made it this far, and hopefully there'll be at least a bit more "added value" to come. Until then...

This hard been a great review. You do you if it’s live; semi-live; post cruise or no review. I think we’ll all respect you decision. Unless it’s no review. Then I’m throwing a temper tantrum.

MizMoon · June 9

1 hour ago, figmentfreak said:

This hard been a great review. You do you if it’s live; semi-live; post cruise or no review. I think we’ll all respect you decision.

Indeed - you do you and cruise on - Sid - cruise on.

lazydayz · June 9

I vote for a live Sid review. So much fun. You saw what happened when we were left to our own devices.

but really, do what makes you happy! Appreciate your insights.

KmomChicago · June 9

On 6/7/2024 at 11:56 AM, sid_9169 said:

Alright, let's see if I can finish off La Romana day / stay on board day. I took a few pictures in the casino while it was closed. They even have these machines where you can bet on sporting events. Carnival will stop at nothing to separate you from your gambling dollars...

Wow, it should not be a surprise but this ad is a blue card. How much louder could it scream “welcome newcomers!

KmomChicago · June 9

11 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

I do feel like it's "addictive", the "high" of posting pics and comments while you are on your cruise. So far, I enjoy it, my family is fine with it and I enjoy the interaction with CC members while my vacation/cruise transpires. If that enjoyment diminishes, I may rethink it. I'm glad you tried something different Sid. Now you have ideas about what works better for you and what doesn't. 👏

This is a good description. There are a few ifs here. If you have the time to post in the moment it’s definitely a little positive endorphin rush to get instant affirmation from those following. Much like a friendly in-person conversation. It’s fun to take your virtual friends along.

If you find doing that is NOT intrusive to your interactions onboard. If you find you as the author/OP are more into it as it happens and, right along with followers, sorta over it and back to real life as soon as you get home.

If you enjoy the added sense of purpose - you’re on vacation and also managing a happy task. If you notice you take way more photos and notes to help you remember later than you would otherwise (you definitely take far more pics if you’re reviewing, live or post, than if you’re just chillin’).

For me if my spouse had come to Alaska last month I would have been semi-live at most. Like Sid I was getting a little tired of the focus being a roving reporter on assignment and I could see it impacted my travel companions to some degree.

Being unexpectedly solo and with the kids being on a separate schedule with their interests, I had a whole lot more time on my hands, and preferred to interact with the virtual community rather than try to make friends onboard.

In some ways it was a bummer of a trip for me due to personal problems and doing a live perked it up somewhat. Y’all are a support network. I needed you more than you needed me.

pe4all · June 9

The effort and time involved doing a live review must be incredible. Definitely appreciate all those who do them. Agree that your live review is a bit more titillating for myself- I feel like I am right there alongside you experiencing what you are experiencing in the moment. However dedicating your vacation to doing them can also be stressful, and vacation is supposed to be relaxing. Whatever you decide in the future - I will definitely be reading as you post.

mlshum · June 9

I think everyone has to find what works for them if they want to write a review. I can’t imagine taking the time necessary during my trip to do a live. But if you don’t enjoy writing it afterwards, that’s fine, too. Totally personal preference. Whatever you choose, we will follow along and enjoy your writings. If you decide not to, we will understand. I just appreciate all the entertainment until this point! Thanks!

marsh-angler · June 9

Hey Sid, my nephew came visit this morning and this was the shirt he was wearing. Once I seen it, I thought of you. He said he made this one.

sid_9169 · June 9

Ever since I got back home last Sunday I've been slowly slipping back into the rut I was in before leaving for vacation... Sort of like that movie Groundhog Day, everything just seems to repeat itself. My three or four nights sober after I returned home turned into ONE total night sober and the rest my "normal drinking nights". I also returned to my usual eating habits, which range from simple, cheap stuff I make for lunch or dinner to save money, and cravings for some of my "all time favorites" back here.

That's what I did early this afternoon. I was on my way to one of my local places to get a surf and turf po boy sandwich, when I said to myself "go and get the Holeman and Finch burger that you know you're craving"... They've been known as the all time king when it comes to a great burger in Atlanta, and they delivered for me again today, so I'm sufficiently satisfied. Every single thing this burger is made of is homemade in house, including the ketchup and mustard. It's a little expensive for a burger and fries, but it hits the spot every single time.

Even though all the parking in midtown comes at a cost, you can still find free parking in town if you know where to look. I just pulled right off Peachtree Street onto 15th Street and found a nice free parking spot right there in the middle of a nice neighborhood. You'd never know by the wide street and the stately mansions that you were only a couple of hundred yards off the main road through Atlanta...

sid_9169 · June 9

Oh, I forgot the burger...

sid_9169 · June 9

And, a few from inside the restaurant and surrounding area.

sid_9169 · June 9

When we left off on Friday, I had just finished with my swim at Amber Cove and was walking around taking some pictures. I was about to begin heading back towards the ship, but I wanted to try and find a Dominican Republic license plate for my collection. I did manage to find a few in the craft market, so I asked the guy "how much?"... "Fifty bucks", he says, and I just laughed and began to walk away. He then said "how much will you give me for it?", and I told him $20... He said "$30", and I just walked away empty handed. No way I'm paying that much for a rusty old license plate...

So I just started walking back towards the ship. I still needed to take a shower and get some lunch...

sid_9169 · June 9

My notes say that I got some lunch up at the buffet (again) and then went back to the room to begin pre packing for my return trip home. By this point most of my clothes had already been worn, so I just stacked them neatly and packed them in a new plastic garbage bag and stuffed it in my suitcase. There would be another plastic trash bag full of additional stuff to pack on the final morning.

sid_9169 · June 9

After packing, I ended up watching a movie on TCM. Starring George Burns, Lee Strasberg, and Art Carney... When it was over I wanted to Google the name of the movie since I'd missed the beginning, but of course I didn't have Internet. I made a note to look it up when I got home. Turns out it was called Going In Style from 1979...

After that, I went out taking some pictures from around the still mostly empty ship. I checked out the Meridian Restaurant (mdr), the Steakhouse, Piano Bar, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Alchemy Bar, ECT...