Gardener5b

Yes, but it's often really tough being a Chicago fan. Our main team is the White Sox. They don't have very many winning years. I'm grateful to have seen them win the World Series (2005) once in my lifetime. Cubs and Bears are not much more successful, unfortunately.

Unfortunately, we are not basketball fans. I know that is a travesty living in Indiana, but we are transplants here. We grew up in Chicago and are mostly baseball fans--we always root for our Chicago teams.

Wishing you and Toby a happy anniversary. 57 years together is very special.

Funny--we got the Royal UP invitation a couple of weeks ago. But I've been checking for luggage tags for the last 7+ days. Tonight was the first time they showed up. Later than expected, but all is well.

Just went back and checked tonight, and luggage tags are now available. Thanks for your response.

Hmmm... so apparently not the case on this sailing. All I can see is my set sail pass on both the website and on the app. I thought I'd remembered ~30 days also.

Coming out of lurking mode to ask if anyone can tell me when cruise documents/luggage tags become available? We are sailing 3 weeks from tomorrow. I've never paid attention in the past, but I thought we could access these earlier than 3 weeks. I appreciate your response.

Stunning photos from both @CSHS1979 and @island lady Thank you both for taking the time to share. I'd love to do a cruise that goes to that area of the world!

Don't disagree with you at all. Similar precautions would need to be taken for a cold, and a second covid test would be in order a few days later if the first was negative.

She's a beautiful little dancer!!

All of our care and medications were free of charge. I thought that was quite amazing, because Paxlovid is not inexpensive.

We both felt very fortunate we had mild cases (especially since DH has asthma). He did, at my recommendation, take the Paxlovid offered by the doctor on the ship.

We both had sore throats as first symptoms, then cold-like symptoms and fatigue. The fatigue for several days was very real! My cough lingered for weeks afterwards.

I was very surprised to learn they were doing this. As I said, I couldn't imagine not isolating once I knew we were positive. We had to cancel our plans in Boston (we were staying over a few extra days at the end of our cruise). We finished isolation in the hotel; GrubHub was our friend for meals. Technically, I was out of isolation before my husband. My only venture out of the room was to get a grab and go breakfast to take back to the room (I was masked and tried to avoid the busy times).

Sorry, but as a health care professional, I couldn't even consider doing this in good conscience. We brought our own tests and tested shortly after we felt first symptoms. No need to spread the misery.

We could have drinks delivered, although they would not apply our diamond + coupons. Not sure about the drinks package, as we didn't have one. We seemed to be able to get unlimited bottles of water if we requested them at no charge. We had a deck of cards, Yahtzee and a travel Scrabble game we always travel with, so we could keep ourselves occupied. My techie DH brought something so we were able to stream shows from our YouTube TV service.

No, we were in a regular balcony stateroom. They apparently had our cabin number listed as being able to order from MDR during regular hours as there was never any question. I had brought a lot of OTC medications with us, but we were supplied everything we needed from medical. We were both offered Paxlovid, in addition to the symptomatic relief. I forgot to mention--we were both given FCC prorated for the days we were in isolation. We were grateful to have a balcony for the natural light and being able to step outside occasionally. We masked when our meals were delivered or when our room steward brought ice/fresh towels. He called us daily to see if we needed anything. Although he couldn't do regular housekeeping, he did keep us supplied with fresh towels/ice, which we really appreciated. When we needed ice or our trash emptied, we just set it outside the door when we knew he was working.

We were on Serenade in mid-September and both came down with Covid (we had self-tested). We had to remain in our cabin. Medical came within the hour to check vitals, temperature, and bring meds. They called daily to check on us, as did guest services. We were given free wifi for the remainder of our cruise (I tested positive on day 6 of a 12 nighter, and my husband tested positive a day later). We were able to order lunch and dinner from the MDR if we desired, but could only order from the regular room service menu for breakfast. No problem getting bottles of water delivered our meals. Because we were still technically on the last day of quarantine, we were escorted to a separate waiting area and were escorted off of the ship as the last to disembark. We were treated and cared for very well.

Oh, dear....I don't know anything about cats, but that look says everything. But Minnie is a beautiful cat.

@George C I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Joebob. But that photo brought to mind many of our pups (the basset hounds, for some reason) that loved to lay under the tree. They seemed to think the tree skirt was placed specifically for them to lay on. Our golden retrievers were much more well behaved 😀 Our current golden just likes to lay behind the tree (and often twirls it as he is walking past). Sigh.....

Those pictures look so good!! Thanks for sharing @firefly333

Thank you @zinman

Thank you @3yorkies. I'm not a sushi eater, but love most of what else is on the menu. The lunch was a really good deal on a few of our cruises. Several people have recommended the "She's a Geisha" drink. I'll have to try that for sure.

Great photos....now I'm really glad I booked.😀

Thanks @firefly333 It's been years since I've eaten in Izumi....I think last time it was when they had the hot rock cooking (is that even still a thing?)