BonTexasNY

Thank you for posting such a wonderful review. Pictures outstanding. What did you think of the new Galveston terminal?

@Ocean Boy spoiler alert. Close your eyes! George and Greg; I am ashamed to say I never cooked my meatballs and sauce for 8 hours. I brown the meatballs first and add them to the sauce that has been simmering for about an hour. It cooks for an additional 2 hours. That's it. They come out juicy and delicious. I only use San Marzano peeled tomatoes. Sometimes I have to go to 3 stores before I find a few cans. I've been known to open a jar or two of Rao's but never to cook meatballs.

@grapau27 Graham, best wishes for your procedure tomorrow. Hope all goes well.

Probably the prototype for those cookies.

Your cookies will definitely NOT put you in Monopoly mode.

Got it, finally!

For the longest time, my neighbor dressed up as Santa for his grandkids. His granddaughter was 8 until she realized who Santa really was.

Not sure who was insulting but folks laughed at your post, so I did too. 🤔

Bella'a human? Bella IS human.😉

That's how I like Jack too but unfortunately, he grew a short beard a few years ago.

Let me add my condolences on the passing of your mom. You were an exceptional son taking care of her. Oh my, that's gorgeous and should not be displayed only Christmas time. It should be displayed year-round. And Lenny, what a great picture. Glad you gave Marietta permission to post it. I just can't wrap around my head that you once had almost waist length hair. An original hippie!

@HBE4 Oh, my Rockland County friend. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. The tears flowed reading your poignant post. May your beloved wife Rest in Peace with the angels. Your family pictures are more beautiful than I can say. Be strong and know you have a wonderful support group on this thread. Condolences to your daughter as well.

I just hate how close they place the loungers next to each other on the pool deck. I haven't been on O class ships yet but the pastel lounges were very pleasant to look at from all the pictures I've seen. Gave the pool area a nice beach vibe.

@lenquixote66Lenny, I hope your daughter had a great birthday today. Best wishes for Toby to have a successful outcome. @Sunshine3601It looks like you and Eric are having a wonderful cruise. Carry on! @JimboYour beach pictures are so beautiful and tranquil. Loved the Sinatra chat. There will never be another quite like him. I had an eye doc appointment today and both eyes look gorgeous. His exact words. Amazing how well I see now. 2 months until our Adventure OTS cruise. It's been 4 years since our last cruise!

Someone once posted that their cruise was waitlisted for both times in MDR AND MTD. He was told there would be openings close to sail date. I had never heard of that before.

Oh no, Sue, so sorry to read you've been ill. Hope by now you're better!

Having cruised around 8 times from Galveston filled with Texans, I can assure you that by 9-9:30am most chairs in prime pool area real estate were "taken" by chair hogs, both in the sun and shade. When cruising with friends, it was difficult getting 4 lounges together in the pool area as well as the solarium. By 10am most lounges were taken by pool hogs. All of our cruises were Freedom class and smaller. @niksmom630 I'm enjoying your review and beautiful pictures.

Not sure how RCI is handling MDR seating. My sister just got off Celebrity Edge last week and she was told that due to covid, seating could not be shared with "strangers", just with your travel party or friends you request to be seated with ahead of time. My sister said there were more than the usual amount of 2-tops. I wonder what single cruisers do.

We always took our daughter in Dec. to see the tree and ice skaters at Rockefeller Center. A trip to FAO Schwartz was tradition as well as viewing the decorated windows of Lord and Taylor Dept. Store. No matter what holiday one celebrates, it's a totally magical experience. @mets07Thanks for posting pictures of the TREE! @TravelGirlinDallas Your decorated house looks lovely. Very warm and inviting.

I'm sorry you had such a difficult boarding. I hope a wonderful cruise makes up for it. Was your sailing delayed? I think your sail away was scheduled for 4pm? I had the Galveston cruise cam on and noticed Allure was still docked at 5pm. It was on the move soon after but then it seemed to stop after pulling away. It did seem very foggy. I had to go prepare dinner so never saw the outcome. Hope all is well.

@Ocean Boy I love your beach pictures! RI beaches are unspoiled and so naturally beautiful. I was there only twice but it left a lasting impression on me. Allure is all fired up but so far still docked in Galveston, 30 minutes late from sail time. It's foggy and hope all is well and that @firefly333 has a good cruise.

So glad Susan is ok. What a scare! Continued prayers for your daughter.

We've stayed in Inside cabins on Voyager and Mariner with no complaints. Lots of storage. I would, however, check where they place you when your cabin is assigned. I would not want to be located on the bottom deck, far from the elevators.

I love shawarma and shashlik but only if it's lamb. We used to go to Ohr Yehuda for all that Middle Eastern authentic food. I remember the name of the restaurant was "Exodus". I'm talking 30 years ago! Hope your DH has a delightful time with his friend. 24 celcius is a very comfortable temperature especially for December, even in Israel.

I wonder how much time she actually spent there. Fun times for her girl squad for sure.