maryr65

Chairs hogs at the entertainment venues. I hate it when people saves spots for others and then give you a dirty look as if to say "don't even think of parking your butt here." It's even worse when the saving is for a larger group.

Anxiously awaiting the next installment. Thank you for adding so much detail as it is giving good advice for people like me starting to plan our trip.

My DH and I just booked. This will be our first trip to Hawaii and are so looking forward to it. We plan to arrive 3 days before to do some sight seeing. Looks like a great way to experience the islands.

Does anyone have any recommendations or tips to share? Since the ship doesn't sail until 7pm, what is the usual time boarding begins?

The husband got me some new Michael Kors Gold perfume for Christmas. I'd been alternating Chanel Chance and Chanel #5 for a while. Do you have any "signature" scents? I know they all smell different on different people, but I'm interested to see what all of you love!

Another Chance perfume lover. I've used the original for a few years. This Xmas, DH gave me the Chance that has the pink clear glass bottle. Smells fabulous. There is also one that comes in a green bottle so I'm hoping or get that one for a b-day gift.

Sherri,

Will you be doing a report from the Top Chef cruise? I really think it will be a fabulous cruise.

Your pictures are great. I was hoping someone would do this for the Foodies of Cruising. Thanks.

This afternoon was the Crown & Anchor “Meet the Stars” show. Free drinks and a chair in the sun….yes please!

 

Mom pretended to have a drink but after one sip claimed she was getting tipsy…lol

 

 

These guys did more of their routine….not a bad view on a lazy afternoon

 

 

 

The Captain pretending to be one of the “strong” brothers

 

 

A few drinks in....

 

Your review is bringing back great memories. Captain Johnny is our favorite captain. We saw him walking around Central Park with his pet parrot. Thanks for sharing.

Your review and photos are fantastic. I know how much time this takes and I'm so glad you decided to do it. Flying in early and touring areas is certainly worth it. How did you decide on your hotels and tour guides? Did you have recommendations from the boards or use Rick Steve's books?

my DH and I are thinking of this type of cruise and your review so far has been informative and so wonderful. Thanks for taking us along.

I was actually a little excited that we made it to Emerald so we could get the little gift in our room! At Emerald, you get only one drink. Now we're Diamond (thank you to DH for the B2B(s) in Junior Suites!), so we get two beverages! It'll go a long way for my Diet Coke withdrawal when we cruise!

 

I'll admit that I could do without the hanging notepads at the M&M. Even our grandsons don't want them (and they were 3 and 6 when I offered them), so now I just refuse them. In 2008, because we were supposed to be charged the fuel surcharge and it was pulled right before our cruise, we got additional tote bags for "our trouble".

 

If ya really want some crap -- play trivia! :D Lots of highlighters!! We were lucky in March and won a couple of nice RCI umbrellas. I love mine!

 

But I'm so happy just to be on a cruise, I'll take whatever they want to throw at me!!

Umbrellas sound great. I havent seen them before. We are grateful for any token of appreciation. As my DH says, " it's better than a stick in the eye".

I also have used Olay for a long time. The Regenerist foaming cleanser, micro scrub, overnight and day cream. I just bought a set of cleansers from Philosophy to try. Purity daily cleanser and their microscrub. Haven't tried it yet.

There will always be people who don't live up to our expectations or just do their own thing. We may not like it, but please don't let it ruin your vacation. Life is too short to worry about things out of our control. We're traveling in December and am looking forward to enjoying every aspect of the trip and if something someone wears gives me a chuckle, all the better.

Now back to Freedom......

We were on a back to back cruise that had a rather large CC group joining the second leg. The first week we were on board, I arranged to have Skywalkers opened up for us one afternoon, with snacks and bartenders, so we could have a mid-cruise get-together.

 

On the appointed day, I went up to check on the preparations a few minutes before the rest of the group was slated to arrive. The waiters and bartender were setting things up, and to my surprise, quite a large group had gathered on one side of the lounge. I promptly sauntered up to the group and asked if they were here for the cocktail party.

 

I was met with stunned silence and a few stares.

 

They were the Friends of Bill W group.

 

As I slunk away, apologizing profusely, the waiter was putting up a sign directing us to the other side of Skywalkers.

Why would Friends of Bill W meet in a bar anyway????