DandDM

Have a great day going!  Sea day today. Woke up early, and other than some heartburn in the middle of the night from the fried food, had a great night’s sleep. Got going slowly, rehydrated, had some coffee and fruit. After a good stretch went for a run on the promenade track. As it was an interesting and good run will go into some detail. 
 

Started out strong, but also got a little winded. Checked my timer and calculated that I did the first mile in just under 10 minutes. While I was pleased that I hit that mark, knew that I couldn’t sustain the pace. It was also very busy and part of that pace was me speeding up to go around people, which I knew would wear me out quickly. Photo of an especially busy stretch. 

After five laps, decided this would be a long run so committed myself to run at least 12 laps and aim for 15. Had my water bottle and stopped every few laps to get a drink. No hydration issues today. However, next to where I stored the bottle, saw this top and bottom of a ladies swim suit…had a few thoughts of how it got there!

On lap 7, my brain was elsewhere (maybe still thinking about the disposed clothing) and didn’t notice the slight rise in the track. One of my feet caught and I stumbled and fell - of course in front of people! Luckily I had a pretty soft landing and no injuries or pain. On lap 9 had a shoelace come untied. I bring these things up, because at that point, wasn’t feeling good about the run and started to talk myself into stopping at ten laps…but I’d promised myself at least 12, so powered through. 
 

Glad I did as soon got a second wind and had a few good laps, then it was lap 15 and nothing was going to stop me. Finished strong and have now done my first full length training run for the 10k as 15 laps is ten kilometers!  Time was 67 minutes, well under a 11 min/mile. 
 

Vegas will be a different run with a ton of other racers and 1800 feet of altitude, but I’m pretty confident I’ll get through it now without issues. BTW, race is two weeks from yesterday. 
 

Crowd is going crazy for the halftime show. As noisy as they’ve been all game. 
 

Had the option between two included drinks. Choose this one which is basically a mojito. It’s very refreshing and  enjoyable on this muggy evening. Ended up ordering a second one and may have more. We have a dedicated server up here so service has been great. 
 

36 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Our bags have been beating us to the room.  We're always in the first boarding group, regular rooms /not suites.  

Thanks, I love to see pictures of the food!  

How was the cheesecake?  I'm a bit of a cheesecake snob. 

Thanks for the pictures -- these are the first I've seen of Hideaway Beach.  I wonder if it's always windy or if it was so bad because of that storm. 

Was the coconut shrimp included or extra cost?  

I'd love to know more about this.  We favor the mid-sized ships -- Mariner, Freedom, Liberty, Independence -- and would like to see more of them added to the fleet.  

A few answers:
 

the cheese cake was fantastic and I would/will order it again. 
 

I think hideaway will away be windier than other spots based on its location, but on a hot day, that could be nice. Our visit had some extreme weather!  I’ll be back this week and will see what’s it’s like (to coco cay, didn’t buy a pass to hideaway this time). 
 

all food included , although you go to a window to order instead of a buffet. 
 

Haven’t heard any more (other than confirmation from other guests that it was said). Top tier is tomorrow and not sure if I’ll make it…but will report if I’m there!  

The whole board walk is full of people. I really think they should be showing the game in more venues. Before I found this, was considering going back to my room!  
 

two aqua suite balconies now in use. 

The crowd is really into the game. Fans for both teams are well represented, although KC fans making the most noise. The shot of Taylor got the biggest cheer so far (fumble was close second). The broadcast only gets ESPN ads, so missing that. 
 

weather is cloudy and have sen a few rain drops - luckily I could move back and get under cover if it gets bad. Surprisingly, don’t see a single person on any aqua suite balcony.  Edit - see one guy on a balcony now. 
 

here is a picture of the food, unfortunately, the photo I took before I started to eat was blurry… so took this one later.  Have fries, wings, slider, and some type of fried roll.  More food than I’ll be able to eat. 
 

Super Bowl update!  The only public places it’s showing is aqua theater and playmakers (earlier was told it would be on in more bars, but no). I think it’s on the cabin tv, at least the pre game was. 
 

Photos to follow, a few seats at playmakers. People were getting excited to see them, only to get turned away by the cost.

General seating is very busy with spectators a couple rows back behind the seats. 

While I probably could have found a single seat in the sea of people, that didn’t seem very fun. Also was hesitant if to share a table at playmakers and watch the game on a small screen. Then overheard someone say they were charging for tables on the rock climbing deck!  Same deal as playmakers: seat, platter of food and one drink for $75 (had heard playmakers was $70 so unclear if that was wrong or if this seat more expensive). 
 

so I did it, only a few people up here, and great view.  

$70 per seat to watch the game here. 
 

Some of the set up for Super Bowl. I walked by over an hour ago, and people already had their seats (3.5 hrs before game). 

dark clouds on the horizon…hope it doesn’t rain at kickoff!  

Good year blimp is here!  Researched and technically it is here for an NBA game, but if anyone watches that game, let me know if they show photos of me waiving from the ship. 
 

46 minutes ago, STGsandsisters said:

Do you have day 7?

Here is day 1 for this cruise…

32 minutes ago, STGsandsisters said:

Do you have day 7?

No. For some reason I got every day delivered to me cabin, except 7!  Sorry about that 😞. 

13 minutes ago, LobsterStalker said:

Busy with who ? 

were you not the first ones back on board ?

That’s what I was thinking…we were the first. But with 180 consecutive cruisers, the place filled up quickly. 

Starting this week off a little different. Only had a couple beers all last week, and it is Super Bowl Sunday, so beer it is!  

lunch: CK Caesar salad. 

And the burger I saw others eat a bunch last week, even though it’s not on the menu. The burger was excellent, but the fries not as much, so had no problem just eating a few. 

Right after posting the last update, we started to move through customs, and it went fast. Did facial recognition and did not have to show passport. A small number of folks were directed to another line - may have been for foreign passports, or scans that did not work. So possible a passport was needed for those folks. Our instructions said to bring it.
 

Cards worked a little different this time (last turn around for me was on Allure a couple years ago). They had a new card waiting at check in at theater. was concerned as it was a regular card and not a suite card, they said not to worry. They also didn’t take my old card when leaving. Once I got to cabin, the new card didn’t work on the door, but a suite branded card was waiting for me. 
 

Queued up again, and after everyone was cleared, we started the long walk back to the ship. Was ‘dinged’ back on at 10:40 and checked into muster station by 10:45. Got to walk past all the folks waiting. 

Promenade was already busy!

As I’m keeping the same cabin for this cruise, I let the steward know there was no need to spend any time in it, and then stopped by to drop off my ipad. Pretty cool being onboard, unpacked and ready to go before 11am! Current view from balcony, turning into a nice day.

Quick update since I’m waiting….

Official meeting time for consecutive cruisers was 8:30 in theater. Knowing that we would have to wait for everyone else to disembark, but hating to be late for anything, I was a bit conflicted. So I compromised by waiting in cabin until 8:30, then went to SL for coffee and a snack. Made it to theater a little before 9. 
 

learned that there are 180 guests staying on. Did not get cell reception in the theater so was on Wi-Fi, then that was turned off. No problem, I downloaded some books and had my iPad. Oh, wait. I’d already read those! Need to be better prepared next time. 
 

At 9:50, they announced that wheelchairs were ready for those that needed them, then about five minutes later started lining us up. Scanned cards to get off the ship, then waited 20 minutes for customs to open up. Now we are down stairs, queued up again. Huge line, seems like more than 180…. 
 

will report back when on board. 

46 minutes ago, ATG said:

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.

Great to hear debarking went well!  I’m still waiting to reboard…

38 minutes ago, CTSandy said:

The green things with tails are caper berries - they’re very tasty, and good with the Forest Mushroom Terrine.  Thanks for sharing your pictures and notes, I’m enjoying following along!

Thanks for this info!  I avoided them at first, but was very glad I finally gave a try. 

It happened- late night pizza.  Have been drinking wine after dinner and realized I am unlikely to have breakfast before 8:30 consecutive cruise gathering, so midnight pizza seemed like a great idea!  And I liked it…almost went for more. 
 

assuming I take stairs to that meeting, will have successfully completed the first cruise with no elevators!  
 

A couple random things. My cabin is on the port, or left, side. Was looking at the parking lot in Miami and at all four ports, was on the non- dock side. Don’t know if this changes from cruise to cruise…

second, had a new coffee pod in my cabin today. I liked it, good flavor. 
 

Dinner report. 

Started with Forrest Mushroom Terrine. At first thought the pate was bland, but mixed with the rest of the stuff, was very favorable. The green things with tails are new to me, but packed with flavor!

Tuna next. It was very good - and a much larger portion than I expected. 

Next, Braised Lamb Shake. Meat fell of the bone, perfectly done. Was pretty full from tuna so couldn’t finish. 
 

Dulce de lecha for dessert. This was good, however while waiting for it, a couple ladies were seated next to me and one must have bathed in perfume. It was too strong for me, so hit the road after a couple bites. 

Hard to believe it has been a week already!  Seeing bags in the halls and hearing the ‘10’ talk from different workers, and so happy I am staying on board!!  Took a photo of the b2b letter, print is small so let me know if any questions. I will also give updates on how the process goes tomorrow. 
 

Thinking about run potential tomorrow and with the deck 5 track being used for boarding, and Super Bowl in the evening,  an early afternoon treadmill run seems to be my best option. May just skip tomorrow, however, and plan for a long run Monday. 
 

speaking of runs, I’ve done 6 of the planned 10 so far. As trip is half done, I’m right on track! (Pun intended). 
 

Only 9 of 22 people showed up for wine tasting. This is the extra that we are trying to drink!  
 

Busy day on the ship - last day, a sea day, and good weather. Everyone is out and about!  Made it for a run, got ten laps in but legs were just so heavy today. No surprise that the amount I eat and drink the night before inversely impacts the run!  
 

spreaking of that, ended up in Vintages again with my new friend Don. Behaved much better than the other day. 
 

Found a spot for a water bottle and spotted another Royal ship sailing by. 
 

Edit to add: think that was a Royal ship. Looked like it with my naked eye, but not sure when looking at the photo. 

Busy out on deck!

about to do another wine tasting, this time I ate first. 🙂

8 hours ago, perfect match said:

So, you’re starting to understand what happens to one’s body as one gets older! 😂 I’m well past 50 and let’s just say that with every year that goes by I find more and more things that I’m way better off not trying to do any more. 😱 On the other hand I’m always pleased when I find things I still can do, and even new things that I’ve never tried before. Happens to all of us, each at our own schedule. Life is way better when I listen to what my body warns me not to do and enjoy the things I still can do. You’ll figure it out. 😀

Agree. I just can’t seem to learn the easy way! 😃

Dinner yesterday…tried a bunch of stuff. 
 

Started with mushroom risotto, very good, but maybe not quite as good as Giovanni’s. 

Salmon sashimi. A little spicy (surprisingly). 

Scallops. These were my favorite. 

and then gnocchi. The greens on top were crunchy and very well seasoned. The vegetables, nice and buttery. Altogether, very tasty, but the gnocchi was filling so I couldn't finish. 

had a few bites of this chocolate bar for dessert. 

Spent some more time in the casino and only lost a few bucks. Feel pretty good about that based on the horrible pay tables on VP.