WELDON

Hello Ladies, Melody - Sorry to hear of your medical issues. Wishing you a good outcome Monday. I came back from a 10 night Celebrity Equinox cruise on Thursday. Apparently, new dining menus and food choices, both in the MDR and buffet, began last month on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The taste and quality of the food were very disappointing. Several nights, I ate in the buffet because there was nothing on the MDR menu I would eat. Part of the buffet was blocked off, but most of the stations were open. With the exception of the carving station, hot foods and desserts, most of the other options (salads, cold items) were repeated in a couple of areas. Every day at lunch and dinner, there is a pasta station. In fact, on the nights I ate in the buffet, there were items served that were not available in the MDR that I would eat. Desserts were terrible. They look beautiful but when you eat them, they have no taste. I have found this to be true for several years now so I stay away from them except for an occasional cookie. I usually go with ice cream. There was plenty of food. It wasn't the doom and gloom I saw on a video posted on CC. Again, I found the quality in some items has gone downhill. You won't starve but on Celebrity and RC but dining is just not the same. It still won't stop me from cruising.

Lois, In Massachusetts and Florida, a person 70 and over does not need to serve on a jury. Melody, Happy belated birthday. Hope your recovery goes well.

Hello, Leaving on my next cruise 1/30. It's a 10 night southern caribbean on Celebrity Equinox. I've been reading on CC that Celebrity has had quite a few cutbacks. I hope it's not as bad as the reviews.

Lois, have a great time on your cruise. Warm and sunny today in Ft. Lauderdale.

My Club has members who have belonged for 30 years. Don't let the name fool you.

Hi Lois, I am in the Coral Springs area. The club is mostly comprised of women in their 50s - 90s. It's not run by a city. It is a private group. Most people hear of it by word of mouth. You should try an internet search.

Lois, Is there a Newcomers Club in Jacksonville? I belong to one in So Fla. You don't have to be a new resident. Many of the members have belonged for many years. Some of the activities we have are out to lunch once a month at a different restaurant, bowling league, monthly meeting at a restaurant, chat & chew in the morning for brunch and talking. There is a Christmas party, Halloween party, Derby Day, book club, different games (mah jong, canasta, samba). The Club also supports several organizations and charities that members can volunteer. You can do as little or as much as you want. I go to some of the activities because it gets me out of the house. I've met some nice ladies through the Club.

Thanks, Cruisemom. I enjoyed looking at Melody's pictures to remember where I was a week ago. Melody and her husband really do look like their pictures. It is 46 in So Fla now but feels colder with the windchill.

I was on this cruise also. I always carry my luggage off the ship. They begin disembarking approx. 6:45. I was off the ship a little after 7. I have a driver that I use to get to the port and he was waiting for me. I was home by 7:45 (live in the area for the winter).

Yes, Melody, I agree taking a picture was a good idea but we did not think of it. For the Stanley Tucci fans, I saw on the news this morning his show has been cancelled. No reason given.

Thanks, Lois. I do occasionally post but follow along on this thread. I find some of the discussions interesting.

My name is Janet.

Melody - Nice meeting you on the cruise. First time I met someone from CC. The weather was OK in Aruba and Labadee but there was some rain in the morning in Curacao. The skies cleared but it was overcast. Some of the sea days were windy and overcast. A lot of empty loungers by the pool. Overall, a nice cruise.

Melody, I am also on this cruise. I'm on Florida for the winter so just have to get to the port. Packing today and finishing last minute stuff.

Several years ago, I was on the same cruise you are taking, also on Caribbean Princess. I had fixed dining but only went a few times because even though I was at a large table, I was the only solo. I felt like a fifth wheel. The dinner took a lot of time. So I went to the buffet the other nights. I also recommend going to activities that are offered. On my cruise, these was a mask decorating activity (I still have mine). It was suggested to wear the mask that evening and a lot of us did. Other passengers wanted to know where we got the mask. Another activity was steel pan music. The steel pans were set up and the instructor taught us how to play. There were several sessions including a rehearsal and it culminated in us performing in the piazza. You will start talking and meeting people at these events. The theater on this ship is small so going early is best. I hope you enjoy this trip as much as I did.

Yes, on Royal Caribbean, Diamond Plus and above get one free bag of laundry.

Something similar to the water taxi is the Jungle Queen. If you are looking for restaurants in the evening, there are lots of choices if you walk up Las Olas.

I would leave the capris and substitute another pair of pants. As you go into Canada, the temps are getting cooler.

Has anyone used Carnival's transportation from FLL airport to PortMiami recently?

For all the Stanley Tucci fans, his show is returning October 9.

Lois, Did you have ever have chicken pox? If you didn't, you don't need the vax. I never had chicken pox and my MD told me no vax is needed. Shingles is a recurrence of the virus in your body if you had chicken pox. If you are unsure if you ever had it, you can get a blood test to see if you need it. Consult your doctor. Also, if you do need it, the vax lasts many years. It is not an annual shot.

Melody, I am on the December 10 Harmony sailing. I have been on Oasis class ships before and I really enjoy them. Hope your group does, too.

I got mine last December. It is round, slightly larger than the other pins and it doesn't have a stone in it. In the plastic bag along with the pin, there was a luggage tag with Diamond Plus on it.

I am in the Ft. Lauderdale area for 6 months of the year. Target and Walmart don't carry suits in the area until April to May. Years ago, you could find suits during the season in many places but times have changed. As I mentioned, a lot of the stores by the beach carry bikinis, high cut suits or similar. For the suits OP wants, check out specialty swimwear stores.

Sorry to hear that Lois. Hope everything works out for you tomorrow.