Daily Log, Explorer of the Seas, Jan. 16-27

[magneto1]

What!?! Really? Why are they doing that? Less people are going to play now and they will lose revenue. Do they do it for the Black Jack tourney as well? Also is this for all RCI ships or just EOS?

 

I found these rules at the following site. I'm not sure if this is the most recent set of rules. It looks like Blackjack pays 3:2 on multiple deck, 6:5 on single deck.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experience/html.do;jsessionid=0000mePKeKeobGGPtOCzPbgb1a_:12hbioan0?exCode=503

 

Blackjack

Details

In Blackjack, you win if you get a higher hand than the dealer without going over 21. Should you go over 21 (Bust), you lose immediately. Face cards count as 10, aces are either 1 or 11, and all other cards are face value. The players and the dealer each get two cards. If your first two cards total, for example, 15, you can "Stand" (take no additional cards) or you can "Hit" (ask for additional cards, one at a time). You can indicate your decision to hit or stand by using hand gestures. The dealer will be happy to show you how. After each player in turn has taken all the extra cards he wants, the dealer exposes the "Hole" card. On 16 or less or soft 17 (a combination of cards adding up to either 7 or 17, such as an ace and a 6), the dealer hits. The dealer stands on hard 17. Should the dealer bust, you win.

 

Blackjack Terms:

 

Blackjack

An ace and a 10-value card is "Blackjack" and pays you 3 dollars for every 2 you bet, unless the dealer too, has a Blackjack, in which case you "Push" (neither win nor lose).

 

Splitting Pairs

You can split pairs and play them as two separate hands by placing another equal bet on the table. You can split up to three times for a total of four separate hands. If you split Aces, you get one card on each ace. If you draw a ten-value card, it will count as 21, not a Blackjack.

 

Doubling Down

You can double your bet and get one additional card only. You can double any two cards and you can double after you split pairs.

 

Insurance

If the dealer's up card is an Ace, you can place an "Insurance" bet of up to half your original bet. If the dealer has Blackjack, your insurance bet pays 2 to 1. If you have Blackjack and take insurance, you are immediately offered "Even Money."

 

Single-Deck Blackjack

Very similar to the game of Blackjack with the following exceptions:

No mid-deck entry; players must wait until the shuffle to join this game.

No double down after splitting.

Blackjack pays 6 to 5.

Insurance offered but not even money.

Edited January 26, 2012 by magneto1

[Host Kewlguy]

So you remember the "Cruise to Cozumel and Back" itinerary :D

 

I remember so many people were irate at the number of "at sea" days, but even more irate that we had to spend an extra day in Cozumel.

Yes, we stayed overnight in Cozumel to avoid Hurricane Rita. A lot of complainers on board but we felt the captain did a great job keeping us out of harms way. It's one of the risks you take cruising in September during peak hurricane season.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Host Kewlguy

[phoenix1181]

I did not see this as an option on my cruise. I racked up 150 points, and all I got was 3 lousy keychains. ;)

 

It's there but they don't tell you about it & it's very easy to miss..........

[MonaCK]

It's there but they don't tell you about it & it's very easy to miss..........

 

Maybe it's different on the Enchantment, but this is the picture of the slot redemption options on our cruise earlier this month...

 

[Coolcruise02]

Love your review!! :)

[EmpressofPurple]

Mewissy, boop3, nancronin, islands2islands, windjamming, darbar21, coolcruise02 – thanks so much for your kind words. I’m very gratified that people are enjoying this detailed review. Indeed, I work as a professional editor, so I guess those skills show even on rough writing like this. I see the tens of thousands of people (including me!) who read along and love the funny reviews by trainman and radio, and I feel like a piker by comparison, but I guess everyone brings his or her own perspective and personality to the descriptions of their cruises… and of course, we all have different interests and enjoy different activities, so by reading a variety of reviews you learn about a wide range of what’s available on various ships, and what they’re like.

Familyof4cruising, I didn’t get to see any movies in the movie theatre so cannot report on its status, but films are listed there every day (it is the Alaska Conference Room on Deck 2). Free movies on TV this week (the first five or six of which were also shown in the theatre) included Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides; Disney’s African Cats; Arthur; Green Lantern; Fast Five; Love, Wedding, Marriage; Something Borrowed; Jumping the Broom; Something’s Gotta Give; Soul Surfer; Blue Crush 2; plus classics such as Rear Window, Casablanca, Singing in the Rain and Some Like It Hot.

 

There were 73 pay movies at $12.95 each; I’m not going to list them all, but they include a lot of recent releases (we saw “Drive” and “Puss In Boots” using the coupon Ariel won at the Cruise Critic raffle) and many children’s titles.

Interesting to hear about the casino issues; if you read yesterday’s entry, you know about our (very limited) experiences in that venue.

 

Brief update on our progress (which I will include in more detail within the review below): estimated arrival time in Bayonne is now 8:00am Saturday morning, thanks to smooth sailing the past 24 hours (although the next 24 are anticipated to be quite rough). Patient #1 was successfully airlifted to San Juan and is doing well after surgery; Patient #2 was too critical to be airlifted and is being cared for onboard in the medical facility, and will be transferred to a hospital immediately upon our arrival in New Jersey.

 

Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Day 11 – 3rd Sea Day return

Up at 7am for 7:30 stretch class and 8:00 abs attack, both led by SJ. Apparently the fitness schedule will repeat for tomorrow, so he will be leading the early morning classes on our last sea day as well. There were about 15 people there for stretch, and about 10 there for the abs class. While this is a tiny percentage of the 3000+ people onboard, they are a dedicated group, with almost all of them appearing every single day. This is in contrast to many cruises I have taken in the past where after day 4 or 5 I am often the only person in these classes! (The gym always has people on the treadmills or ellipticals or working out with free weights or on the machines, but the classes can be sparsely populated.) It’s nice to see so many people putting their health first, even on vacation, even on a cruise. Yay daily fitness!

At 8:30 I returned to the cabin and cleaned it up a bit with Ariel. We headed up to the Windjammer for breakfast at 9:00am. I had an omelette with everything; cottage cheese; corned beef hash; stir-fried veggies (today including red and green cabbage and red peppers, plus the green beans, carrots, yellow squash and zucchini of days past); oatmeal with raisins, brown sugar and prunes.

During breakfast, an announcement came over the loudspeaker from Captain Henrik. He reported that the patient who had been airlifted to PR was doing well after surgery; this received a round of applause from everyone in the room. He also said that we have very calm seas, and were thus able to move at great speed, and estimated arrival time had now moved up to 9:00am (as noted in my preview, this was later amended to 8:00am, which I’ll report on later). He also stated that we were now in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles from Puerto Rico and 480 miles from the Bahamas, with nearly 1800 miles still to go to Bayonne – this after having turned around at 4:30pm the previous day, immediately after completing the medevac procedure, and running at full speed all night long. We really have to cover quite a distance.

On the way out of the Windjammer, I made a cup of coffee with cream to carry down to the RCI history trivia with Cruise Director Jimmy Rhodes at 10:00am. This trivia was held in Maharajas, and when we entered, Jimmy was talking about his history, as a Royal Caribbean dancer, and before that, working with Up With People and traveling around the world as a cultural ambassador. He also told us about how he had been the cruise director on the Allure… for two weeks (he was called in to cover for a CD whose father had fallen ill) – and he arrived on the ship at 12:30, with fifteen minutes to prepare for the massive welcome aboard parade at 12:45… but he was also a guest on the Allure for the first time, and he said that the minute he saw Shrek, his script went out the window: “Omigod, there’s Shrek over there, look at that!”

There were two large cellophane-wrapped packages on the table where he sat, and we thought there would be two prizes – but it turned out the other was for Bingo, and only one would be awarded. Jimmy explained that the package contained all of the various prizes that they handed out, plus some special ones, such as a bag that turned into a beach mat. Oooohhh, not just keychains for this prize!

We had questions ranging from the number of ships in the RC fleet (the answer, 22, Jimmy gave away that information by accident), to the name of the Chairman and CEO (Richard Fain, NOT Adam Goldstein, which is the answer I gave), the second ship to be stretched (Nordic Prince, NOT Enchantment, which I put), the year Allure set sail (2010, NOT 2011, which I put); the year RCL went public (1993, NOT 1995, my answer), the cruise line that RCI merged with a long time ago (Admiral, NOT Celebrity, which was more recent)… but I got nearly everything else correct, including the show on Oasis (Hairspray), the first RCI ship (Song of Norway), the largest ship in gross tonnage (Allure), which venue is on every RCI ship (Schooner Bar) and many more questions I can’t recall now. But there was a FOUR-WAY TIE with four of us having 12 points out of a possible 20… and we had to have THREE tie-breakers, since we all got the first ones all wrong… and in the end, I did not win. : (

We ran out to get to general trivia in the Schooner Bar at 10:45am. I can’t remember these questions (the number of coffee beans that Beethoven used in his coffee? 60) but once again we came in SECOND!!!! ARGH!!! After this, we returned to the cabin and Ariel changed into her swimsuit to take advantage of the very last warm sunny day on deck. We proceeded up to deck 12, found a spot that was relatively sheltered from the wind, and laid out to enjoy the warmth and sun. I finally read one of the magazines I had brought with me: Cruise Travel, which I should have read before the Royal Caribbean trivia game! It had a directory of all ships on all lines, including dates of service, gross tonnage, passenger capacity and more.

At about 1:00pm we headed down to the Schooner Bar to get ready for trivia at 1:30pm. I stopped at the Promenade Café on the way down and picked up two sandwiches (egg salad with a pickle and lettuce on a poppyseed roll, and smoked turkey with cheese and a cranberry chutney on ciabatta bread), made my favorite fruit salad (sliced banana, orange and kiwi) and iced coffee, plus an oatmeal-raisin cookie. My favorite comment from one of my teammates as she saw me tucking into my plate of mixed fruit: “Don’t you eat any real food?” “This IS real food!” I replied. “I mean like chocolate cake,” she replied. Ha! (This is the same friend who got to compete in “Who Wants to be a millionaire” last night and when asked if she preferred to drink coffee or tea, replied “I prefer Scotch.”)

At the 1:30pm trivia we came in SECOND PLACE AGAIN!!! The prize was hats, and the “Dream Team” took pity on us and gave us their winnings – mostly because I think they have so many of these already they really don’t need or want any more. We took them gratefully, tired of so many second-place finishes with nothing to show for our heroic efforts.

Following Trivia, we sat in the Schooner Bar for a while with some of our Trivia team members, playing with their Scrabble Flash game and sharing our Kindle “Every Word” game with them. Ariel also read a book on her Kindle, and I worked on my embroidery (which I hadn’t gotten to touch before on this busy, busy cruise) while we listened to an interesting presentation about acupuncture by the onboard acupuncturist, who offered a free 30-minute consultation for anyone interested in being assessed for treatment. He talked about all the various conditions that can be treated by acupuncture, and how it is now offered in major hospitals and is being combined with Western medicine. He also talked about all the branches of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbs, tai chi, martial arts, massage, and more) and how they addressed root causes of diseases and conditions rather than just treating symptoms, such as taking pain pills. He didn’t promise any quick fixes, but talked about two- and three-year treatment programs to relieve various conditions, but how the results could be felt very quickly, and were far less injurious and more effective than surgery, medications, etc. He told a story about why acupuncture is now offered on cruise ships, because a company executive was about to go in for back surgery but tried acupuncture as a last resort, and had such a great result that he wanted to share it with everyone.

At about 2:40 we returned to the cabin to change for Yoga and spin class. Ariel and I were the only two in the 3:00pm Yoga class with SJ, and we had an enjoyable, relaxing class. The routine is pretty fixed, without any customization or deviation, and the transitions were a bit awkward sometimes, but as I have said before, cruise ship “Pathway to Yoga” is not a real yoga class, it is a pathway to yoga, basically yoga-type postures led by a fitness instructor. Nonetheless, a good workout; I was glowing by about halfway through.

The 4:00pm Spin class had about 8 people in it. This class was led by Bea, and was quite a workout, with many jumps, hill climbs, sprint intervals, long seated climbs, and long sprints. I was more than just glowing by the end of this class! (FYI, there was another mother-daughter couple who tried to share a package of six classes, and they were told they couldn’t do that, they each had to have their own, so it seems this is applied in an uneven manner. I didn’t tell them that Ariel and I had managed to do this. If you are interested in a package for yourself, or sharing one with a friend, ask both trainers about it – one might grant it while the other will not. This is really at their own discretion, so how you approach them is probably also important.)

Another announcement came from the captain, that we were proceeding at a faster than expected pace, thanks to the beautiful weather and glassy seas, and projected arrival time in Bayonne was now 8:00am. He also warned us that by tomorrow, it would be much colder, the seas would be getting much rougher, and the winds would be picking up, so we should take care while walking around the ship. (Sea sickness bags are already out and available on holders at all of the landings.)

Ariel finished up her interrupted run from the day before when the fitness center closed early for the medevac procedure, and headed back down to the room to get dressed for pre-dinner trivia at 5:15pm. I headed down at 4:50, and hurriedly showered and dressed so I could go meet up with our team. I wore blue-and-white tiny polka dot silk drawstring pants (tiny polka-dots, not tiny pants!), with a navy blue Chico’s tank top and long jacket, plus a shiny purple and blue satin scarf and an embroidered purple satin purse, along with my sequined purple velvet slippers that I had worn on the second formal night, along with chunky faux turquoise and blue topaz earrings and bracelet with gold filigree; Ariel wore a lovely blue sleeveless dress with a twist in the front bodice, black sandals with faux turquoise trim, and carried a black pashmina to protect against the chill of the air conditioning. Both of us had thought we wouldn’t have a chance to wear these outfits, so we were glad of the extra night onboard, and that we were prepared for the change in plans.

And… WE ACTUALLY WON THE 5:15 PRE-DINNER TRIVIA!!! WHOO-HOO!!! And what did we win? That’s right – THE SAME HATS THE OTHER TEAM HAD GIVEN US IN THE MORNING!!! ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! Nonetheless, we were proud of our win at long last. (Also, two of our team members had come for “Frankie’s Ultimate Multiple Choice Trivia” at 3:00pm, which we had to miss since we were in Yoga… and apparently they didn’t do too well on their own. We’re a good team, inspiring each other to do better than we would do alone.)

We strolled along the outside Lido deck to dinner for (probably) the last time, since by tomorrow it will be too cold, windy and rough to do so. Sunset was gorgeous, with the Atlantic so calm it nearly looked like an endless lake of ice, the water lighter than the sky above it on the nightfall side; beautiful purple clouds appeared in a pink and scarlet sky on the sunset side. I am soaking up every last minute of ocean views today, just reveling in the beauty of being at sea.

At dinner, we learned from our table mates that they actually knew the party that had the second person who had fallen ill, and told us what had happened and why there was only one airlift. Like us, they thought that perhaps the second person didn’t make it, but apparently, the woman (in her 70s or thereabouts) was so critical that she couldn’t be airlifted off the ship, so she was being treated in the medical center, and would be transferred to a hospital as soon as we reach New Jersey. We were so glad to hear that the worst had not happened, and sent good wishes for this individual to weather the rough seas tomorrow, and hope that everything goes well upon our return. So, no sick children or captains involved. (Wonder where those rumors started?)

And speaking of captains, apparently Ariel saw the Cruise Director, Jimmy Rhodes, interviewing Captain Henrik on the TV and saying something along the lines of “Welcome back from your vacation,” so perhaps the end of his time off came right in the middle of the cruise and there was nothing unusual going on. (Or perhaps this was a smooth cover for something more serious, but in any event, that’s what was presented for passengers.)

Now, as to dinner: I had asked our waiters to bring only 3 cheese plates, rather than the 4 they had been bringing, and we actually finished them tonight, so I didn’t have to cart a plate of leftover cheese up to my room (and eat it at midnight… I am enjoying a delicious glass of Isagenix cleanse for life tonight as I type these notes, and cleaning out my cells rather than clogging them up with brie, muenster, swiss, and blue cheese. Ahhhh!)

So I had some cheese at dinner, and a savory bite with butter; appetizer was crab and shrimp salad (only so-so), a creamy jalapeno potato soup (delicious, with a nice bite from the hot pepper); I had the alternate salmon tonight, and Ariel had the alternate steak, and we once again shared the asparagus and brie tart which had made a return appearance on the menu. For dessert I had the coffee ice cream with chocolate sauce; Ariel had the low-fat flourless coconut-pineapple cake which came with a side of pineapple sherbet, and was quite tasty.

After coffee, I stopped by Guest Relations to fill out and hand in the auto-tip form. In the past I always used to bring cash for tips, but this way the charge goes on my RCI Visa and turns into double points as an RCI charge – we’re saving up for a free companion fare, which we hope to use on the Oasis or the Allure! I figure we’ve got five years to save up points before they start to expire; wish us luck.

Ariel and I then met with our trivia buddies in the PACKED Schooner bar for Cartoon Music trivia. I thought we did pretty well (mostly thanks to Ariel) with 13 out of 20 – but there was a team that scored a perfect 20 out of 20, and they were all in their 40s and 50s!!!

After trivia we went straight to the theatre at 8:20pm and scored the last two front row seats for the 9:00pm show, which was a last-minute variety show put together by the Royal Caribbean Singers, the featured dance couple from Russia, and a quintet from the Orchestra. While we were waiting, Ariel read her Kindle and I jotted down notes on today’s activities and menus, which I used to write up this report tonight.

The show was absolutely terrific, a real nightclub-style act with all four singers performing solos, duets, and a group number. The selections were very interesting, with a mix of common standard lounge show tunes and several less frequently heard songs that added something new. One of the singers was clearly fighting a cold, so she couldn’t sing at full volume, but still smiled her 100-watt smile and gave a great performance. The dancers were amazing, so smooth in their movements that it almost appeared that they were skating on the stage. And the orchestra is simply superb, all solo-quality performers on piano, guitar, drums, sax and horn. Bravo!

We stopped after the show to chat with one of the male singers (who also assisted the loyalty ambassador and had helped Ariel with her gold-platinum status issue) and told him how much we enjoyed the show. He told us how much they enjoyed seeing us with our big smiles laughing and cheering in the front row… and how behind us, many people were asleep! It really helped them to perform well to have good energy coming back at them, and he said they really performed for us. Yay! I love being in the front row and supporting the performers; they work so hard. Yeah, it’s hard to stay awake after all that good, rich food… but it’s worth it. What a great show!

From there we ran to Maharajas to play Majority Rules, led by Frankie, who had also introduced and concluded the variety show (I guess Jimmy Rhodes is taking a well-deserved night off). This was a fun game show, and our regular trivia team all came together to play. (The most popular answers for “name an item with two uses” were “Bed” and “Penis”… we didn’t get either one, alas.) We started off strong, but then the questions started to be worth 2, 3 and 5 points, and in the end we did not win (and don’t know how close we came), but we all had a good time. Ariel and I shared a coca-cola to help stay awake, and afterwards she went to the computer area to check her email and facebook, using her $50 credit that was given to her at the Cruise Critic raffle by one of the highly cruised passengers, and I returned to the cabin to check for any new questions on my thread, and write up today’s activities.

So here we are! On the second-to-last night of the cruise, which has really been the trip of a lifetime for me, and hopefully for Ariel as well. We have had a great time, and I’m looking forward to another crazy busy day tomorrow! I won’t walk you through the patter now, rather I’ll fill you in again tomorrow night, once we’ve actually enjoyed all the various activities.

Along with all of you, I continue to send good wishes to the patients and their familiar, here onboard and in Puerto Rico and New Jersey, with hopes that they weather their difficulties and come through all right – and let me express my sympathy as well to all those negatively affected by the necessary changes (both those who were held up here onboard, and those who will lose a day from their upcoming cruise) and hope that they can manage all of their hotel, flight, bus, family, and work schedule changes. I’m sure we all realize that if it were us who were ill, we’d want the same level of care and attention, and despite the problems caused by the medevac and new return (and departure) date and time, we’re grateful that health and safety are the primary focus.

Thanks again to many of you for your kind words, and to all of you, silent and sharing alike, for reading along and joining us on this wonderful cruise.

[EmpressofPurple]

Ooh, I have a question for more experienced or informed cruisers: I had read somewhere that Johnny Rockets was open (and free) for breakfast. Is this only on some ships? We tried to go there today at 9:30, but it was closed. I was disappointed, because I was sure I had read about this. Perhaps it's just on Oasis and Allure, to provide additional breakfast venues? Please advise. Thanks!:)

[The Big Booper]

Ooh, I have a question for more experienced or informed cruisers: I had read somewhere that Johnny Rockets was open (and free) for breakfast. Is this only on some ships? We tried to go there today at 9:30, but it was closed. I was disappointed, because I was sure I had read about this. Perhaps it's just on Oasis and Allure, to provide additional breakfast venues? Please advise. Thanks!:)

 

Allure has the free Johnny Rockets diner-style breakfast. I would guess that Oasis does as well.

[critterchick]

Great blog, Denise!

 

Oasis and Allure are the only ships that offer breakfast at Johnny Rocket's. So save up those RCI Visa points!:D

[Yorkvillain]

Ooh, I have a question for more experienced or informed cruisers: I had read somewhere that Johnny Rockets was open (and free) for breakfast. Is this only on some ships? We tried to go there today at 9:30, but it was closed. I was disappointed, because I was sure I had read about this. Perhaps it's just on Oasis and Allure, to provide additional breakfast venues? Please advise. Thanks!:)

 

Right, just Oasis and Allure.

 

Denise, this blog is absolutely incredible. I think we can all put you right up there in the elite Trainman/Radio class now. Looking forward to reading your next entry and future blogs!

[racheltp]

Hi Denise, thank you so much for sharing your cruise with us all. I am a newbie and have not cruised YET but it is booked and I am so excited. I have learned so much from your posts. Thank you again for taking the (considerable) time to share with us all, I hope you don't have to wait too long until you can set sail again.

[familyof4cruising]

Thank you for your response! Safe trip back! Thank you for the blog.

[Flossie2359]

Every morning after I drop my 3 sons at school at 6:50, I would grab my coffee, light the woodstove and grab a few blissful moments that would normally involve the Today show. Now, all of the above but instead of turning on the morning news, I tune into you and your great blog! I am cruising on the Explorer in March, and have so appreciated all your details. Who knew vacation anticipation could be so enjoyable? I especially have been enjoying, and gathering inspiration from, your gym experiences. Thank you so much for taking the time to write and include all of us on your vacation! You really have succeeded in taking us aboard!

[sharonlacey]

Loving your TR, thanks for thanking the time to update us all!!!!;)

[ETski]

Hi Denise I feel like I know you and your daughter after reading your great posts!!!!!! Maybe one day we will cruise together. My husband and I will be boarding on Saturday along with a few family members. . Yes we did lose a day, but I am so glad that RCCL did what they needed to do. I think that if I were ever the sick passenger would hope they would do the same. I know there have been lots of people complaining about the lost day. Yes we did lose a day, but we are still going on a cruise, and not the one laying in a hospital room.

I do have another question. We have late dinning and it sounds like a lot of the night activities will conflict with our dinner. I know that late dinning does the early theatre show. But what about all the other things? What time do they start? Also my brother in law is traveling with our group. He wanted to know if they had a cigar bar on board. I said yuck:mad: smoking is bad for you. Well he only smokes cigars once in a while and thought he may enjoy a few onboard.

You and Ariel please enjoy the remainder of your cruise. And thank you for your descriptive thread. I have enjoyed your cruise though your posts. I know your said you are staying in a promanade cabin, we are also staying in one. First time ever, always stay in OV but since this was a extra vacation and got a great price we decided to try this type cabin. Any info would be great we are on the port side eight floor, mid section of the ship.

[KansCocoa]

Hi, Denise!

 

Just wanted to give you props on your outstanding blog...it has become my required reading the last few days, as I've followed along on your incredible journey.

 

You've exhausted me (dang, I thought I worked out a lot, but you've KILLED me with the spinning, yoga, running, etc!), and you've tickled me (Lady Whore - gotta love it!), and you've made me cheer (Yay! You finally win a trivia contest!)....

 

 

I'm sailing this summer on the Serenade, and I think we are soul sisters separated at birth. When I cruised on the Brilliance back in 2009, I was on the never-ending-quest to win a coveted Royal Caribbean key chain...and my blog (below) documented my attempts at winning some swag.

 

I am the "we have to do it ALL!" type of cruiser, such as you, so it's been very enjoyable!

 

Safe travels - hope to read more! And good luck on future trivia challenges!

[mschmal]

Ack, I have a drawer of RC Swag, otherwise known as more crap to pack. My favorite is a gold medal from The Quest 2 years ago on Serenade cruising Southern Caribbean. Trust me, you aren't missing out on anything.

[crisndeefromde]

Hi Denise I feel like I know you and your daughter after reading your great posts!!!!!! Maybe one day we will cruise together. My husband and I will be boarding on Saturday along with a few family members. . Yes we did lose a day, but I am so glad that RCCL did what they needed to do. I think that if I were ever the sick passenger would hope they would do the same. I know there have been lots of people complaining about the lost day. Yes we did lose a day, but we are still going on a cruise, and not the one laying in a hospital room.

I do have another question. We have late dinning and it sounds like a lot of the night activities will conflict with our dinner. I know that late dinning does the early theatre show. But what about all the other things? What time do they start? Also my brother in law is traveling with our group. He wanted to know if they had a cigar bar on board. I said yuck:mad: smoking is bad for you. Well he only smokes cigars once in a while and thought he may enjoy a few onboard.

You and Ariel please enjoy the remainder of your cruise. And thank you for your descriptive thread. I have enjoyed your cruise though your posts. I know your said you are staying in a promanade cabin, we are also staying in one. First time ever, always stay in OV but since this was a extra vacation and got a great price we decided to try this type cabin. Any info would be great we are on the port side eight floor, mid section of the ship.

 

Lynn....they used to have the cigar bar outside of Majarahjas? as it was onboard when we all sailed together a few years ago. They always have a show to accommodate both dining times. You just may be going later in the evening or earlier in the evening. I think a lot of our shows were early as we had late seating dining.

 

enjoy enjoy..miss you all and hope to sail again soon. Say hi to Dick and Mari for us.

[ETski]

Lynn....they used to have the cigar bar outside of Majarahjas? as it was onboard when we all sailed together a few years ago. They always have a show to accommodate both dining times. You just may be going later in the evening or earlier in the evening. I think a lot of our shows were early as we had late seating dining.

 

enjoy enjoy..miss you all and hope to sail again soon. Say hi to Dick and Mari for us.

Thanks Criss for the well wishes. I will certainly say hi to Dick and Mary for you.

[megr1125]

the cigar bar is called the conoisseurs club and is right next to maharajahs...

 

on our last cruise, it was SOOO smokey that the nightly "meeting" some of us had, was relocated.....apparently not all the air cleaners were working and the bartender didn't like smoke (:eek::rolleyes::confused:) so he was leaving the door open...you could smell the smoke all down the promenade...

 

(yes i know...people smoke in the cigar bar...but last YEAR it wasn't that bad and i was able to go in there with my peeps for a short time..)

 

most other things like QUEST and love & marriage start after 10 PM so you should be fine...

[ETski]

Denise Do the promanade cabins have hairdryers? Just finishing packing and not sure if I need to bring one.

[jakesmom04]

Great reviews and thoughts.....makes me feel as if I am on that cruise with you.

[imjoyful2]

Denise Do the promanade cabins have hairdryers? Just finishing packing and not sure if I need to bring one.

 

While I can't speak for a promanade, we've always been on interiors on EOS and they have had hairdryers at the vanity so I'd be willing to bet you will have one as well. ;) Note that you will have to hold the "on" button while using it unless you put a rubber band on it to hold it "on".

 

See you tomorrow!!! :)

[megr1125]

Denise Do the promanade cabins have hairdryers? Just finishing packing and not sure if I need to bring one.

 

all cabins have them..though they are not very powerful.....

Edited January 28, 2012 by megr1125

[Never2Late2Cruise]

Denise Do the promanade cabins have hairdryers? Just finishing packing and not sure if I need to bring one.

 

 

Yes they are hairdryers, they are in the desk drawer all hookep up.

 

You have to use them there and cannot relocate them into the bathroom.