ATG

It was very windy when we docked. About 12:30 they announced the weather was deteriorating and they were going to leave asap. We returned and the waves were splashing over the pier. We were on Oasis and were on the wind side. Freedom was on the other side. Captain said we would let them go first and block the wind for them. They left. My understanding is that our captain tried to use the thrusters to pull away from the pier. But the wind was stronger and the ship didn’t move. We waited until the wind shifted direction or let up. Captain said we finally got off at 2:00. We had a sea day before Labadee, so they just went faster and we were on time.

We were there on Tuesday. And I guess Wednesday since the ship couldn’t get away from the dock until 2:00 am. It certainly wasn’t a normal perfect day! My only issue was how they handled refunds. We had gotten a fairly good deal on the Beach Club. We’d just sat down for lunch when they announced the closing. The waitress rushed our lunch out and we gobbled it down. The trek back to the ship was “interesting “. I really didn’t expect a refund since we had been there for a few hours and did eat. I overheard someone saying they got a refund. So I went to guest services and they refunded the whole amount! I had expected a small refund. My issue is that I only got it because I overheard someone. I think they should have done something for everybody.

I loved that commercial! It was unexpected and creative. I was disappointed with the Clydesdale commercial, I expected more. I’m not a football fan (we watch soccer), but since we’re in Miami between cruises we had it on. Off Oasis yesterday and board Freedom today. I hope our stop at Coco Cay is less exciting this week.

We had luggage tag 39 and waited a while after it was called. Luggage was there and didn’t stop walking (10 - 20 seconds at facial recognition) until taxi line. Short wait since only 2 of us. Much better ride to the hotel than the one to the ship - and much cheaper $26. At the Hampton Brickell. We’re about 8th on the early room list. Comfy chairs by the pool. Off to a 4 day Freedom tomorrow. Hopefully better weather at Coco Cay.

Thanks. When we get home I’ll try this. I enjoy baking bread and would love to add this to my recipe list.

We’re on Oasis now and the bread is my favorite. I’ve found it all over the ship. Now it seems to have only raisins, I seem to remember it having other fruits also.

You missed a beautiful beach day yesterday. We had a bungalow at Columbia Cove and it was amazing. The only issue was a man in the first bungalow smoking a cigar. The people next to them got someone to make them stop.

I talked to a couple who decided not to leave the ship yesterday and they got a refund for Hideaway. The funniest story was an older lady (I’m 70 and she seemed older than me). Walking back to the ship she asked where the trams were and was told it was too dangerous for the trams. In the next breath they told her to keep moving back to the ship. So, too dangerous for trams but no help for an elderly lady? Today is windy but mostly sunny. A little cooler than I would like, but nice. Seas seem to have calmed some. Earlier we watched the hot tub making waterfalls.

We have a sea day today and Labadee on Thursday. We left between midnight and about 4:30. I woke up then and we were moving. Captain said that we could make it to Labadee on time. Lots of people wondering about refunds for extras. Can you imagine paying $$$ for those cabanas and getting kicked out 4 hours early?

We left sometime last before 4:30. When I woke up then we were definitely moving, and rocking and rolling. I talked to a couple who were at Hideaway yesterday and they said it wasn’t that noisy. We’re on Freedom next week and got cheap tickets for it. They were 19.99. At that price if it’s too loud I won’t feel bad just leaving.

The funniest announcement this evening was that the aqua show for tonight was cancelled. Well, duh.

Captain said they usually go slowly from here to Labadee but they can speed up. Only time will tell. Of course, it all depends on when we are able to leave.

Since I’m not a football fan you’d have to tell me who’s playing! I only watch the superbowl for the commercials. I hear the Clydesdale horses will be back!

Captain just said maybe midnight or 2:00 am.

Lots of comments about that this evening in the crown lounge. General consensus was that they didn’t want to refund all the extras. I heard quite a few comments about partial refunds. Just think, we may be the first ship to overnight here!

Still here. About 2 hours ago the captain thought the wind was changing and we would be leaving. You would never know anything unusual happened, bars and entertainment are busy. Someday we’ll get to go. Think of what neat stories we’ll have!

We are on Oasis and are currently “stuck “ at Coco Cay. Weather wasn’t great, but sun had begun to shine when about 12:30 they announced they were closing Coco Cay and return to the ship immediately. The waves were very big and we got drenched on the pier. About 1:30 the captain announced we were leaving as soon as Freedom was away. They left (they were on the leeward side). It’s now 5:00 and we’re still here. Rumor has it that the thrusters couldn’t move us away from the pier. Not sure what happens now.

Still here. This is just weird.

We got it for $29.99 for the Freedom 2/12 sailing. I think it will be too noisy for me- I have a feeling the music won’t be my type. We figure if it’s bad we didn’t waste too much.

We are heading to ATL this morning for our flight to Miami. Boarding Oasis tomorrow for the 7 nights, then a day in Miami and a 4 day on Freedom. I’m looking forward to it.

Actually, DH had one in his pocket in the hot tub and the printing came off. I now leave it with my towel.

We were at the Beach Club last July and started chatting with a couple. He was interested in an over the water cabana. I went with him to the stand and he asked what discount. They offered 20%. He countered with 40% and they agreed to 30%. I was very surprised they did that. Maybe it was because it was mid morning and we had already had a rain storm. They graciously invited us to join them and since I’d never pay for one we did. I’m probably a weirdo, because I really didn’t like it. I’d rather have the pool and sand.

I have looked at several videos and I will be curious when people actually start cruising if there is any shade. I love being outside but need shade.

When I worked as a consultant, UPS was one of the clients I worked with. They didn’t even have water or coffee for meetings at their office. They were also one of the few clients we all had to dress up for. Business suit with heels for me. I hated going there. I’m a coffee addict and couldn’t work without it. I’ve cut way back in retirement, but still enjoy it.

Dave had a mustache when we met 50+ years ago. Of course back then it was a red/brown mix. Then it turned a red/brown/gray mix. Now it’s almost all gray with a few red/brown hairs. I have no idea what he would look like without it and I’m pretty sure I’ll never find out.