cath7227

To make a flower, ornament, or paperweight is $40, tumbler $55, vase $90, starfish or heart $150. I'll post a photo of the options later in the week.

On the current sailing:

Nu Image

Devico Duo

Soundtrack Quartet

Sasha - female solo guitar

Currently on Equinox and today was launch day for the new glass activity. Hours are 9-1 and 2-6 on sea days and for a few hours after leaving port on port days. You can sign up for a 20 minute spot to make your own creation (options and pieces are identical to the land-based business out of South Florida in a previous post). Anyone is welcome to watch during those hours, similar to the old glass show. We watched a couple flowers being made today and it was fun. Signed up later in the week to create our own masterpiece - photos to follow then!

OP, or Cath - Can cash be used in the slots onboard the Connie?

Yes, slots took cash and would "cash out" vouchers that you could swap back for cash at the desk or insert into another machine.

I am also just off the Connie and have some information about crew:

Captain - Nikolas Christodoulakis, just recently transfered to Connie so he should be there for your upcoming cruise

Cruise Director - Drew, also one of his first cruises on Connie

CC Host - Bruce Van Der Boon. I didn't meet him personally but heard him speaking with another guest during debarkation that this was his last sailing before vacation and will be returning to Infinity

You do go through Immigration in Key West on board the ship, a must even if you remain on board. Customs is handled in Ft Lauderdale upon debarkation. We left the ship at 8:45 and were through Customs at 9:45 so be prepared for a long line!

Just a few quick points to address some common concerns that have been brought up lately. Overall a great cruise!!

Noise - maybe we were in the wrong places at the wrong times (or the right places at the right times!) but we never found the volume level of any of the music in any of the venues to be an issue. If anything it was very subdued.

Aqua Class- we had an AQ cabin on 11 and loved it. Great location, very quiet. No smells from the buffet except for the first sea day when there was some potent garlic odors in the hallway most likely from the pasta station. New toiletries were Gilchrist & Soames - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and bar soap. I thought the scent was quite pleasant. There was also a nail care kit, sewing kit and shower cap. The only breakfast hang tag in the room looked like a regular breakfast menu, no mention of any Aqua specialties (smoothies, etc). I did not ask if there was an AQ-specific version available. Similarly, we did not receive a sheet about afternoon canapes however we did see some completed ones on the stewards cart. Maybe you have to ask?

Blu - we really enjoyed the smaller room and more intimate service. Dinner was hit or miss, mostly hits. The sommelier our cruise was Onur and he was fabulous. We had the premium beverage package and had wines from the glass with dinner. No problems with the selections, they were all tasty. And by the last night of the cruise Onur was pouring us wines not on the "by-the-glass" list at no charge. I failed to see the allure of Blu for breakfast, though the pancakes and french toast did look delicious.

Premium beverage package - worth every penny to upgrade, and then some! We definitely took advantage of not needing a designated driver or getting up early with young kids. Between coffee, water, smoothies, pre/post dinner cockails and wine at dinner it did not take much effort to make the package a great deal. We also had no problems getting service at any of the bars. Every time we walked up to the martini bar there were always 2 empty seats together. Other bars were generally the same.

Entertainment/activities - we went to one stage show (iHollywood) and was not impressed. Singers/dancers were OK, but the show itself was so disjointed. The comedian was also just OK, maybe the 9pm show was better. Great evening music throughout the ship - we really enjoyed Blue Funk 5 in the Rendez-vous lounge and would hit Reflections for some dance music after that. I scoured the dailies but saw no mention of the much-heralded "Liar's Club". Too bad, I was looking forward to that. Casino was busy, but always room at the slots and tables. During the day there didn't seem to be much on the schedule - some pool games, shopping talks, and spa seminars took up most of the listings. Not sure what I was looking for, but found myself to have a lot of "free time" to spend reading. There was also no buffet on the second sea day.

Service/friendliness - did not interact with any disgruntled crew all cruise. Everyone was very pleasant. While knowing that all cruises will have a very international component, it did seem on this sailing that there were many staff having trouble with the English language than I remember before. As an example, it took quite a lot longer than it should have to get the stateroom steward to understand I wanted a firmer pillow (I did get new pillows but they were the same as the first ones). Again, not a problem so much as an observation.

Overall we had a great time. For us 5 days was perfect, and we didn't notice any difference between this cruise and our previous 7 day sailings. We booked a family cruise for next summer to Alaska while on board; pick your perk and generous OBC were applied.

Happy to answer any questions - happy sailing!

Welcome home, roohound! We're boarding Connie Monday and curious about the time change in Cozumel. Did the ship stay on Eastern Daylight Time or did ship's time change at any point?

We're also in AQ on Deck 11 - any other noise issues besides the party? What dishes in Blu should we not miss? Any great drinks (we're also on the premium package)? How was service at the Sunset Bar?

Thanks!

Available at buffet on the Summit. Better though was the Mexican Eggs Benedict with fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream and then ask for the corned beef hash on the side. Best breakfast ever!

OH my, that sounds incredible! Best of both worlds (plus some!).

Fla Jack, thanks so much for the great info! Double portion it is!

Boarding Connie in 8 days and looking forward to some of my favorite breakfast indulgences - corned beef hash and Eggs Benedict. We're booked in AQ but I didn't see either on the Blu breakfast menu. Does anyone know if either or both are served regularly in the MDR or buffet? Thanks!

We'll be in D737 in February - our first suite and first aft cabin, can't wait!! We'll take good care of her for you. :)

So timely that I found this thread! Hubby and I have enjoyed traditional dining on past cruises, but for our upcoming journey I've been thinking about anytime dining. Many thanks to all for your insights, it's definitely given me some more to think about!