Mama2CruiseBaby

17 hours ago, h20skibum said:

When my son and daughter-in-law lived in upstate New York, we traveled to Toronto more than once for some good dim sum.  I believe Toronto’s Asian population rivals that of SF.

 

Harry, that food looks great.   I think I have tried most of those dishes.  My daughter-in-law is always saying “Dad, try this!”, and I am always open to trying new things.  I think her and I are the only ones who will eat the ‘super spicy’ dishes.

 

I spied Peking duck on one of your menus.  A favorite of mine. 

Yep, there was a large influx of Hong Kong Chinese during the 90’s into Toronto before the island was handed over to the mainland. Subsequently, there’s some terrific Cantonese food in the city. Since then, lots of southeast and south Asians have also immigrated. It’s a great diverse city full of delicious food. 

Wow, born in Toronto but now living in a smallish city in the Midwest, I really miss good dim sum. This looks so good, thanks for sharing!

10 minutes ago, GimmeOcean said:

The paid ones say you can cancel up to 12 hours in advance or get charged a $25 no-show fee.

Thank you!

I’m curious about how fast the bookings for the complimentary ifly and North Star activities sell out. We have 4 people to book and our check in isn’t till 12 on a sold out ship. Can I book the paid and then cancel and get a refund if I can get the free version? My FOMO is getting the best of me….

11 hours ago, harryfat1 said:

If you look at the deck plan for deck 6, the red circle was our inside connecting cabins.  You walk out toward the back of the ship and you will see that "tiny opening" on the deck plan.  That's how you can connect to the back of deck 6 of 270 from the cabins.

 

When I was studying the plans pre-cruise, I thought it was an opening that anyone could walk through.  I was totally surprised when I walked around and couldn't see the opening.  I thought they sealed it off.  It wasn't until day 2 morning when we found the secret door that connects the area. I will show the pictures when I get to the cabins.

 

Deck 6:

 

 

Walk down the stairs to deck 5 and you are right at the 270 cafe to get quick breakfast or any drinks and then sit in the comforts of 270 enjoying the view:

 

 

This is so great, thank you!!

2 hours ago, harryfat1 said:

I think we are very similar.   

 

This was our first Quantum-class ship as well as having an obstructed balcony on deck 6 in the Aft.  It would be funny if your cabin was near the ones we had.  Depending on your luck, every 4th or 5th cabin has a very obstructed view. We got the short straw on our balcony with a bad view but the boys got a better one with a larger balcony space as it was at the end of the section. 

 

I will show you the "secret entrance" to 270 from the Aft deck 6 cabins when we get there on the report.  Saves you time and walking.

I tried to look at the deck plan and compare it to other views I googled, but we shall see. Thanks for the tip! My guess is that the entrance is adjacent to the “library”? I’m looking forward to a shortcut to my early morning coffees from Cafe 270 that I can drink while watching the ocean from my obstructed view, lol.

Excited for this trip report! Your photography and writing style is great! Our family of 4 are sailing on the Odyssey next month and we’ll also have an aft obstructed view cabin on an 8 night sailing. 1st time in Cococay and the Southern Caribbean, 1st quantum class ship. We also favor the Oasis class, but felt like it was time to change it up. Also, the prices were good and so was the itinerary.

Last year on the Oasis, disembarkation was on Easter Sunday. There was a retired catholic priest who led an Easter vigil mass the day before. So I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. Or another option would be to catch a sunrise service before embarking?

45 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Took me 10-15 minutes.

Sweet, thank you!!

On 2/17/2023 at 5:30 PM, Ocean Boy said:

Actually, it was an easy walk. If you stay on the road it takes a bit because of the way the road curves toward the end. However, there is a path leading from the road and to the back stairs of the restaurant by the lighthouse. I found the walk very enjoyable.

How long was the walk? 

28 minutes ago, momofmab said:

We cruised Oasis over Easter week a few years ago and on the sea days, people started claiming chairs as early as 6am.  By the second sea day (after learning the hard way on the first), I joined them - feeling really stupid sitting alone in the darkness (I only took up one chair).  Grateful to have finally graduated to Empty Nester status, and the flexibility to cruise during non-holiday weeks.

 

Really enjoying your review (and your NYE Harmony one too!)

We cruised during Easter Break last year on Oasis and had the same issues with chair hogs as well. On the last sea day my husband found 1 chair without a towel while I played with the kids in the pool for an hour. No one came so I just moved the towel to the one next to it and sat down. They never showed up 🤷🏻‍♀️ for the couple hours we were there. I honestly don’t see the big deal in moving the towels if they haven’t been occupied for more than an hour. If more ppl do that then maybe ppl are less likely to hog. They know they’re in the wrong and I have zero problems with it.

1 minute ago, xxHadleyxx said:

I'm not sure if they would let you sit at a table to get only shakes, but you can order them to go without dining there otherwise.

Perfect, thank you!

I see that the refreshment package includes milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. Is it possible to go there and get a milkshake without having to pay the $9.95 cover for the food? 

Following! My 6 year old tested + for influenza A on Friday, so we’re stuck inside this cold January weekend. She’s coming with us on the Allure this April so at least she can enjoy your photos and dream about her cruise on a few months.


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Hello follow Ontarian! I’m originally from Southern ON, but now live in the States. I saw your neughbour’s door sign and guessed they were from T.O. and I was right, lol!

Maya Key is one of my favorite snorkeling spots of all time. The “drop off” was amazing and scary! The current was pretty strong though, so I can see how it was tiring.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise, will be on Alllure in April of next year!

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As promised, I'm reporting on my experience debarkation at Galvestion on the Sept 25 - Oct 1 itinerary. We were on the 10th floor, so we had the 7:20-7:50 window for self assist. My 4 y/o was in the stroller, I had the baby strapped to me in a carrier and my husband managed our 2 rollers. We got on on elevator at 7:30 to get to our meeting place in the 4th floor Platinum theater. Once we stepped off the elevator, we could see there was already a line forming. We got in the line, and didn't stop walking until we walked off the ship, down the ramp and into the customs line. The mean old barking lady (those who have embarked in Galveston know who I'm taking about) asked us if we had passports, I told them yes, but I'm Canadian and the kids and husband are American. She said just get in the main line. So we did. Once we got to the point where they send us to a custom agent, they told us we should be in the international line. But, they let us to go to the front of that line. Honestly, that customs agent was the nicest I've ever come across, and I've crossed many dozens of times. He was so friendly and sweet, especially to the kids.

I also didn't have to get finger printed, since I'm a green card holder. So in total, we got in the elevator at 7:30, and were in our car at the EZ cruise lot at 9:10. Not too shabby, and the baby fell asleep in her carrier so it all worked out. Also, the international line was shorter when we first got to customs, so it might have been a shorter wait had the mean lady told us the correct info.

The card is good on any size.

You can get brewed coffee, hot or iced, such as : americano, latte, mocha.

Frappuccino IS NOT included.

 

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Any size? That is an awesome deal! I'm going to consume so many mochas my stomach is going to hurt :D

Thanks for all the info folks. I think I'm going to try to go through the citizen line. Hopefully it works out. I'll update here with the results. 17 days to go, yay!

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Well crap. I'm a green card holder (Canadian passport) and my husband and kids are citizens. Sailing out of Galveston at the end of this month. Standing in the customs line with a baby for 2 hours sounds like an epic nightmare.

Of those who just went to the regular line, where did you debark? Hoping I can try this out in Galveston.

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CapeCod, looks like we'll be on the same cruise. So if you see a haggard mama scurrying out of the MDR with her screaming baby, that would be me! :)

Thanks Grandma, I'm putting together a packing list so we don't forget a thing. We're going to need an entire suitcase dedicated to the baby stuff, for sure!

I knew I could count on you guys. Thank you all for your help!

Thank you, I will do that.

Greetings all!

We are going on our first cruise ever on the Liberty! Me, my husband, and our 2 kids ages 1.5 and 4. I am another newbie with some questions.

1. I have reserved MTD each day, most days being either 6pm or 6:30pm. How long is the average meal?

2. If the baby gets cranky and I need to take her out, can I take my entree/dessert to go?

3. We got a guarantee inside room, and we were put on the 10th floor, far forward. Which if I understand correctly is convenient, but could be loud with the pool deck above. Will a sound machine be annoying to my neighbours? Its one of those that make a swishing sound, similar to a fan.

4. My oldest has food sensory issues, and has a limited diet. She usually eats baby food purees (in jars and pouches) to supplement her diet, can I bring these onboard? I wonder specifically about the glass jars being an issue.

Thanks so much everyone! This board has been a big help, and we are looking forward to this trip in September. As long as the oldest doesn't starve, and the baby doesn't slip through the railings (one of my weird fears, lol) I believe it will be a great vacation.

They cancelled Roatan and Belize altogether. The storm sounds like it's getting pretty wicked.

How are the seas now? Are they pretty rough where you are?