voyager70

I’d take late February over July/August in Coco Cay any day, but I’m from the northeast so anything over 70 is pool or beach weather for me😎

My late grandmother was an avid (and excellent) baker. Whenever she was baking something that called for raisins, she would make a special batch just for me without raisins, as she knew of my disdain for them. She was amazing!

From me as well ❤️

That sounds like an amazing concert. Hope Pauline and Sarah have a great time.

Agree about the chef. I really like her and how she has managed to avoid the ridiculous drama and just do her job. Unfortunately this means we probably won’t see her again after this season as it’s become very clear Bravo loves the drama causing, narcissistic types to stir things up season after season. Really starting to get getting sick of this show.

I personally would pick the Mariner cruise for the extra night and the two days in Bermuda, which has some beautiful beaches as well. But either itinerary would be great.

They’re probably licking their chops. Thank God nobody was hurt.

No worries, I think most of us have done the same. I know I have!

Beautiful pics, as usual, thank you! Have to say though the third one gave me vertigo just looking at it! Don’t think I’d have been able to make that climb.

My guess would also be days 2 and 8. On our 8 night itinerary it was days 2 and 7, both were sea days.

Can’t answer your question but that’s an interesting username you have 😉

These comparison photos are always mind blowing. My first cruise in 1982 was on the 23,000 ton Sitmar Fairwind and it seemed huge at the time (mind you I was only 12 but still!) That ship would look like a little toy next to an Oasis class ship.

I second that. @Husky1987very happy you are all ok.

I also take several prescription meds and ALWAYS pack them in my carry on, not only so they’re not lost if checked luggage is lost but also to ensure they’re not exposed to temperature extremes. I’ve never had an issue at cruise ports or with TSA.

I’ve been on Explorer several times, most recently last month for 8 nights to the southern Caribbean. It’s a great mid sized ship with a great crew. It recently came out of a (mostly) cosmetic dry dock (they did add water slides) and I thought she looked great, especially considering she is 20+ years old. I love this class of ship and similar Freedom class ships. They’re actually my favorite in the fleet. Obviously they don’t have all the bells and whistles of the Mega ships which you said you don’t need (I don’t either) but they still have plenty to offer and I’m already booked on this ship again for this fall.

Baileys was always our first stop when arriving on Sanibel. Always felt like home stepping into that place. I understand they were under 6 feet of water after Ian and they will be tearing down the original building and building a new one. The artist renderings are beautiful but it just won’t be the same. Hope your family and friends in Captiva are doing well post Ian.

Fortunately Bubble Room survived Ian but has yet to reopen. Amazingly, Mucky Duck across the street and right on the beach not only survived but has also reopened! Both hold special places in my heart and are among my go-to places on the islands.

Love the Bubble Room! Sanibel/Captiva are actually where my love for SW Florida started. We bought a condo there when I was a kid and another a few years later. Would vacation there 3-4 times a year. I still made it a point to visit once every year or two (in between cruises, of course!) right up until Ian devastated the islands last September. I did some checking to discover our first condo was completely destroyed (it was a ground floor unit and didn’t stand a chance) and the other (second floor) was heavily damaged but still standing. I’m hoping to visit again next year but I know it will be a sobering visit.

Yes, Cleveland Clinic is a huge plus for SE FL and one of the main reasons I’m considering this area. Would definitely want to go there for heart issues. At least it’s not too far across the state.

Thanks for the update. So happy all went smoothly for you.

Thanks for your thoughts. It’s always helpful to get first hand perspective from someone who’s lived in the area for an extended time. I’m definitely leaning towards SW FL as I’m much more familiar with the area, and after doing some research the health care system seems to be vastly improved from years ago. Still have time to work out all the details. I’ve always been a little (or a lot) OCD about planning anything, and this is a big one for sure!

I just book at a price I’m comfortable with leave it at that. Having sailed with Royal for as long as I have I don’t even bother with their so-called sales and promotions. But I understand the frustration.

Same old deals and “sales” for me as well.

The Miami sail away is the most beautiful in FL in my opinion. Sailing through Biscayne Bay and past South Beach can’t be beat. Nothing wrong with the other Florida ports but nothing special either. I’ve never had any major issues with MIA or the drive to the port, although I’ve never been the one driving 😁

That’s an awesome place to be. I’m doing my best to get there myself in the next 10 years (or hopefully sooner) so I can enjoy my retirement and plenty of post-retirement cruises!