Marvy Mare

While I am inserting screen grabs, here is our port schedule with the other boats in port. I found having that information sometimes made it easier to plan our port visits. It was the Seven Seas Navigator that followed us to a number of ports.

A question for frequent users of the Cruise critic boards. My formatting has changed and I can't centre titles on this report. Everything looks narrower too. This is what it looks like.

DAY 1 CRUISE - MONDAY MARCH 13 The day that we had been waiting for. I was 'a little' excited and up at 3am. I did read for a little while trying not to disturb Ken. But he had been anticipating this cruise for 3 years (to the day) when we disembarked from our last cruise, and though turning pages on my iPad doesn't make much noise I was restless and Ken was soon awake too. We did have a view of Biscayne Bay, just not the cruise ships. I sat up on the seat by the window and watched small boats come in (maybe fishing boats) and tried to see if any cruise ships were arriving. I think from what I observed later, that the boats come in more from the north even though they are from the south? We finally had a real meal, breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I chose the buffet. It wasn't as good as the buffet in the Silhouette but then where else can you find a buffet like that. Only at sea! After breakfast, we headed outside for a short walk. It was calm, hot, hazy and humid. A beautiful day for a sail away. Poetic (lol). There she is. Just waiting for us. I think this ship followed us to a number of ports. I'll have to check that out. We headed back to the hotel to wait. There were always police cars parked outside. Waiting!

DAY 3 - Sunday March 12 Miami (cont.) It was sandwiches for dinner again. It was late by the time we finished our lunch and walked back to the hotel. We really weren't that hungry. The lobby wasn't quite so crowed. Looking up from where we were seated in the lobby. I started talking to a young woman next to me. She was there with her husband and his family from Israel. They were with the Israeli Ball team that was playing in Miami. She asked if we had any idea that the World Baseball Classic was happening when we chose our hotel. She was amused when I said that I had no idea. Her husband was a short stop but currently injured. I will enter a link if you are interested in learning more about the classic. If it works. https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic Looks like it did. Though the hotel was crowded, once we figured out what was going on, it was interesting. Almost made me wish that I was a baseball fan. A number of the players and staff were with the MLB. Everyone we spoke to was so nice. When we asked the players from Puerto Rico what they recommended we do there, they said 'Try the food'. Even the police that were providing security for the event were friendly and talkative. Staff from Starbucks had attended a game. Other than not getting the room we hoped for, it was a positive experience. By the way Japan won the Challenge more than a week later in Miami. The first round of the tournament was played in four different cities. Two in the states, one in Japan and one in Chinese Taipei, but the semifinals and finals were in Miami. After dinner, we took a walk outside again. On the other side of the hotel there was a canal. We had watched lots of boats heading up there and decided to explore. We didn't get too far. I miss the dogs when we are away (a little bit) but Ken really misses them. He likes to stop to talk with dog people. There were a number of people enjoying an after dinner walk with their dogs up by the canal. Ken admired two small dogs and we spoke to the owner. She was originally form Mexico and lived in one of the local condos by the water. She said it was getting very crowded in the area with constant construction going on and pointed out a building that when completed she said, would be 75 stories. 'Imagine the crowds then.' When we told her that we were Canadians, she said 'I love Canadians, they are nice like Mexicans.' My quote for the day. Early to bed after our walk. The next day was the one that we had been waiting for.

If we traveled more frequently, we'd be sure to get Nexus. I saw them breeze through everything. You are right about no rhyme or reason. I didn't compare the difference in the price of flights to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. We had been to Fort Lauderdale three times and never to Miami, so thought we'd check it out. Next time we sail out of Fort Lauderdale so we will get to fly into that nice small airport again. Maris

Thanks. If we ever go back. We watched some videos of Bayside but didn't research enough. I was told that trying Cuban food in Miami was a must. Sadly the only 'Cuban' food we had was a soggy sandwich from a CVS we bought when picking up wine. I do think that both times we were there looking for somewhere to eat, it was very crowded. Saturday and Sunday afternoon in Miami in March. Of course it was crowded. Maris

Thanks so much. I really enjoy writing these and taking & sharing my photos. I wish we could travel more often. Maybe in the future. Maris

Now where was I? DAY 3 - Sunday afternoon Miami This Ferris wheel looked fun, but as I said, Ken doesn't like heights, and this was high. The price was also $19.00 per person. A bit much for a carnival ride. So didn't do it. We headed back to our hotel early afternoon. On our last cruise on the Reflection (by the way my favourite ship so far) sitting above the pool deck on the first day (I think it was), we met a really wonderful couple, Angus & Lorie. Turns out, they live in the small city that we are just outside of, Peterborough, Ontario. We talked to them almost every day on that cruise. When things were getting dicey near the end of that March 2020 cruise we were considering renting a vehicle and driving home together if we couldn't get on a plane. None of that happened but we have remained friends. They booked this cruise as well. It was perfect. We could plan and the build excitement together over the 3 years between vacations but we each do our own thing. Different dinner times, different shore plans (though we often met them when we were wandering around a port). They were flying into Miami early Sunday morning (so this day). We checked at the reservation desk and told them that we had friends coming in and if they weren't able to get into their room, could they leave their stuff in ours. When we got back to the hotel, Angus and Lorie were just checking in. Their flight from Pearson was scheduled for 6am. They got to the airport around 2 and were lined up for almost 4 hours. Almost didn't make their flight. Very different from our experience, one day earlier and 3 hours later. Their room (again not the one they thought they booked) wasn't ready, so they came up to our room and we had a visit. After they got settled in their own room, we walked back to Bayside to try to get a bite to eat. Of course by now it was late afternoon. We were all starving, but Bayside was very busy again. We were ready to leave when we saw the Hard Rock Cafe at the south side of Bayside. It was right on the water with lots of outside seating. We were in Miami. It was hot. We had been waiting for this and didn't want to go inside. When we got to the door we were told that it would be a 20 minute wait. As I said, we were starving. We decided to try Landshark that was downstairs. Lots of seats there. Should have been a warning. They were short staffed and we were there for a long time. The meal wasn't bad. I had a BBQ chicken salad that seemed healthy and tasted good and I don't think any one of us had a bad meal but we had to search down our server to pay our bill and were there for a lot longer than planned. The sun is shining here. I think I'm going to put on a warm coat and sit on our really large deck. Until later. Maris

Raudacruise - Yes, agreed about the balconies. Again I am wondering why Celebrity did this. They may lose fans. We did look at Princess and Holland America, but I'm not too sure how to navigate their sites either. We'll keep checking things out though I think we are committed to our next cruise on the Beyond. It does look like a beautiful ship. Maris

Hi again Wrunkles - We just wanted to experience Miami once. Been there, done that, though it might be nice to visit at a less busy time. Yes our next cruise is from Fort Lauderdale and also in February. I love the small airport. Miami is huge. Probably bigger than Pearson in Toronto (actually Mississauga). And sailing out of Miami was beautiful. Thanks for your kind words. Photography is my passion and I love to share my photos and relive our trip. By the time I'm done that it may feel like spring in Central Ontario.

Norris - I'm not sure if I managed to highlight and copy part of your response. As you know I do feel the same way about 'real' balconies. We had an amazing one on this cruise. It was the first regular cabin past the hump. Not as big as the suite balcony next door to us with the jacuzzi (that they never used) but still an amazing size. We did put our names on a waitlist for the Sunset balconies. My brother Neil, a frequent cruiser sent me all kinds of suggestions when I told him that we were going to be on the Beyond in a pretend balcony, but I really want to do this itinerary. I spoke to our travel agent yesterday and she gave us a great deal, so we're doing it, balcony or infinite balcony. Maris

DAY 3, Sunday March 12 Miami We had Starbucks coffee and then Starbucks breakfast. We didn't realize that our free breakfast also included Starbucks, so we were told that we could be reimbursed. I forgot to follow up on that. Oh well. After breakfast, we headed out to see the sunrise. A young couple was standing near us by the break wall. She was singing (beautifully) and he was taking a video. It was tempting to sneak an image but I didn't. The sunrise was one of the prettiest of our vacation. We walked again to the Bayside Marketplace. It was much quieter on a Sunday morning. A lot of the stores weren't open. I was thinking that I might buy a dress in Miami for our upcoming family wedding, but no luck. I really didn't see anything that I loved and things were very expensive. Definitely a tourist area. We thought that we might wander further afield or hop on a bus to tour around, but it didn't happen. We just enjoyed walking. Our first 20,000 step day. When originally planning our pre-cruise we watched a lot of videos. We had been through Bayside virtually and followed a person who walked across the bridge to the cruise port. The Celebrity port was right at the back and it appeared doable. But with the park closed and having to walk all around the park, there was no way. With all our luggage it would have been a bit of a drag (literally). Ken does not love heights. When we travel, I drive over the bridges. On a road trip to Key West a number of years ago, I did all the driving down through the Keys. What a great drive, though. Back to 2023. I said that I'd like to walk up the bridge to the cruise port and he could wait somewhere for me. But, brave man that he is, he offered to walk with me (fear of heights, bad hip and all). Virgin Voyages sits first in the queue. Looking back toward our hotel.

We have booked a future cruise on an E class ship. We didn't choose the ship, the itinerary chose us. Unfortunately, aft balcony cabins are in demand and there is a wait list for them for our cruise almost 2 years in the future. If a lottery win comes our way before then, we'll book a suite. What does it tell you about real balconies, that if you pay more money, you get one? I just don't understand why Celebrity went with those infinite balconies. Maris

DAY 3 - Sunday March 12 Miami I didn't record the time I was up on the Sunday morning, probably around 5 and it felt like 4. Our room had espresso machine and I could wait for my regular Americano. I decided to head out to get some hotel photos while it was quiet. The Starbucks opened at 6am and I had about an hour to wait. My version of a selfie. Our bathroom and another selfie. I should have taken pictures when we first got into our room and it wasn't messed up. Next time. Until later. The dogs are ready to get out for their walk. It's still dark though. 5:45am here in Ontario. We are trying to book a late summer campsite as well this morning at 7am.

DAY 2 (Saturday March 11 cont.) The greenspace is a large park right next to the hotel (Bayfront Park). Another disappointment; the park was closed due to preparation for a music festival the next weekend. To get to the Bayside Marketplace, rather than walking along the waterfront, we had to walk back along the road. We did walk to Bayside Marketplace. Saturday afternoon in March in Florida - of course it was crowded. There were all kinds of outside venues to get food and beverages, but nowhere to sit. Ken stopped to ask someone directions. I had been practicing Spanish. Duolingo was so fun to use. But I'm rather shy. Ken would attempt a second language. Anyway, the person he asked 'Yo no hablo ingles'. I missed my opportunity to test my knowledge. I've got a couple more years to practice before we travel again. We headed back to the hotel. One thing about a vacation for me is that I give my Fitbit a real work out. Around 20,000 steps every day. Ken did amazingly well, considering he is scheduled for a hip replacement in a few weeks. What a guy! Since the hotel lobby was still very busy, we settled for a sandwich from Starbucks for dinner. It was great! Maybe just because we were so hungry. We were asleep early. It had been a long day. I woke up at 11pm to the sound of explosions. Turns out it was the regular Saturday evening fireworks in the park (even when closed). I got up to watch the refections on condo towers behind us. The Intercontinental pool area and the condo across the way. Our city view. Back to bed. It was a fairly quiet night other than the fireworks. I heard a bit of noise in the hall around 11:30 and that was it. Sunday was going to be a day of exploring and we set our clocks forward. The time change always confuses me. I do prefer Standard Time as we are up so early in the morning.

DAY 2 - Saturday, March 11(cont.) We did find out why the hotel was so booked. Not just because of March Break. We are not really sports fans. I do love watching the Olympics, but that's about it. There was something called the World Baseball Classic happening in Miami. At least 2 teams Israel and Puerto Rico and all their entourage were staying at the Intercontinental. Venezuela and Nicaragua were also in Miami and possibly at our hotel. It was the Miami headquarters for the event. All the players and their families were quite pleasant and we had a quiet stay, but that first night, we couldn't get near the bar or the dining room. It was a nice area for walking around. We couldn't see the cruise ships from our room but just outside the hotel they were in view! This ship is parked right outside the hotel permanently as a wedding venue. Sadly, there was a shower in the evening and the guests had to run for cover.

Maybe we can protest. I don’t understand the direction that Celebrity is going in. Trying to attract a younger crowd maybe. But I think they go for the big fun ships. Maris

I will try that right now.

Mary Beth Lucky you. We love the Silhouette too. Sadly by 2025 the Silhouette will only be 3 & 4 day cruises when in the Caribbean. Maris

DAY 2 -Saturday (cont.) Jim_Iain (who spells his name like my Dad's -Iain) asked about what kind of camera I use earlier. I have a DSLR - a Nikon D500, that I use for most of my photography. I travel with 3 lenses usually, though it would be fun to have my super zoom 200-500 lens with me. It's just too heavy for travel. I brought my tripod too, but didn't use it. I used hight ISO and tried to correct it post. My other camera (definitely a work in progress) is my iPhone 14. I don't use the camera often, so I'm not too competent with it. Back to our hotel arrival. It was very busy and loud in the lobby when we got there. The good news was that we were able to check in early. Our 'room' was available. Not the one I thought we booked though. Having never been to Miami before, we decided that we wanted to be right down by the bay. We watched many YouTube videos and read a number or reviews before we made our choice. The Intercontinental was expensive but the view from the upper floors on the Bayside was priceless. As Maria processed our reservation she mentioned that we had a beautiful room with a 'partial Bayside View'. I had phoned a week before just to confirm our reservations because we made them so long ago. I didn't think to ask if it still was a Bayside room. When she said partial bayside I asked if we could wait then for our room to be available. Nope. It wouldn't be. "Fully booked". I was upset. But we were on vacation. They did their best, and it wasn't Maria's fault. They gave us 2 drink tickets and two free breakfasts, but our view was only partial. And it was raining, but there was a rainbow. We did have some difficulty with the elevator too. We didn't read the little sign about tapping your key card and tried a few elevators before we figured it our. (lol) More later. Trying to book a late summer campsite this morning.

DAY 2 - Saturday, March 11 I am always awake early, but was up at 4am on March 11. The snow had stopped. We had coffee and cookies that we brought from home (the cookies that is). The restaurant didn't open until 7am. We were downstairs waiting for the airport shuttle shortly after 5. I am rarely late and Ken is always early. It works for us. The other people that had been at the restaurant the evening before were also waiting for the shuttle. Maybe they were the only other people in the hotel. The shuttle arrived, as promised at 5:30 and we were at the airport in about 5 minutes. The last time we cruised (2020) and flew, the airport experience was terrible - line after line after line. Huge crowds and this was when the pandemic was beginning to be an issue. At that time we were at the airport 3 1/2 hours before our flight and were lined up for all three hours. We just had time to run for the bathroom and then get on the plane before take off. This time (after all the concern we had) was totally different. We later estimated that it was about an hour from the time the shuttle picked us up at the hotel until we were all checked in and just waiting for take off. The MPC App that I uploaded seemed to help speed things along a bit too. Our plane was even waiting for us and take off was 'on time'. When we first booked the flight (many months ago) we were notified of a number of time changes. But for the last few months take off time had remained the same. Just after 9am. You can see the tail of our Air Canada plane to the right. There she is. We were boarding by just after 8:30am. It was a large plane with the sleeper seats in Business Class. I guess maybe because it was March Break. I hadn't been on a plane that big since my first flight. At the ripe old age of 50 something a friend and I traveled to visit my daughter who was teaching in South Korea. The flight with connections was over 24 hours. I enjoyed every minute of it. Such an adventure. And when we returned home, we were back in Toronto an hour before we left Korea (lol). I hate the airport business and waiting but still get excited when we take to the sky. Ken was a nervous flyer but doesn't seem to be anymore. He's always kind enough to let me have the window seat. Not much of a view on our flight down though. Mostly cloud cover. The flight was uneventful with a little turbulence. We landed in Miami about 9:30 and sat for about 15 minutes on the plane. Things had gone so well, I was getting a little nervous. A friend that had flown into Fort Lauderdale a few weeks before, sat on the tarmac for 2 hours. By the time she got to her hotel, it was 11 at night and the restaurant in the hotel had closed. Fortunately after a short delay, we were into the airport. It's huge and it was a long walk to pick up our bags. Not much direction either but we found our way. I see now why cruisers, even when cruising from Miami fly to Fort Lauderdale. While waiting for our bags I got notification that my Apple Air Tag was last seen at Pearson Airport, which caused a few minutes of panic. We bought air tags after hearing of all the luggage issues at Christmas. But after a fairly long wait, our luggage appeared and we were on our way. We had made arrangements with a driver that we had used before in Fort Lauderdale. He was very reliable and didn't disappoint this time either. On the drive from the airport to the hotel, I was glad that we hadn't driven. The traffic, mid day Saturday was was crazy. We arrived at the Intercontinental Hotel at about 2pm (before check in time) but our room was ready for us. The Registration Desk. The hotel was beautiful. One issue was the entrance. It really wasn't very accessible even for us with luggage. The entrance had a series of steps and we didn't find the ramp until later. It wasn't easy to find. The entrance. These steps are inside and there were more outside. That's it for now. More later.

DAY 1 (Cont.) We were supposed to meet my brother and his wife for dinner at a restaurant near the airport. With the bad weather we were feeling reluctant to get out on the road again and it turns out they were feeling the same way. Fortunately there was a small restaurant in the hotel. It wasn't fancy and the meal wasn't memorable. I did plan that I would take photos of my food for this review. Again, I failed. I love good food and certainly on the Celebrity Ships presentation is important too. The presentation or the food at this small restaurant was nothing to write home about. It was a Friday evening and there were only 5 other people there. I can't remember what we ate and I think we each had a glass of wine with dinner. All for the grand total of $100. A bit much but better than heading out into the storm again. The view from our room looked a little better after dark. We could see the airport, but no planes coming or going. Our Air Canada App told us that our flight was still on time. Then it was early to bed, as our airport shuttle was booked for 5:30am.With all the difficulties at Pearson, it was suggested that we get there early. Our flight was at 9am. Another issue was the date. We flew out on Saturday March 11. The beginning of March Break in Ontario. As a retired teacher you think I would have had an idea, but we booked a long time ago and I just wasn't thinking.

I have a Nikon D500. A few of the photos were taken with my iPhone 14 as well.