Splendor Repositioning 11/1/14 San Juan to Miami

[TOMMYCRUISER]

Thanks for the review and pictures wish I was back on the ship

[NCTribeFan]

Other thoughts...

 

Food

 

I didn't think it was as good as other cruises. Don't get me wrong - we did not go hungry! I still love my turkey & swiss (and now with added cheddar) from the Deli. I'm still annoyed that you can get chips from room service but they don't have them at the deli. I just don't get it. I missed the Fish & Chips. I only had 1/2 a burrito after boarding but enjoyed it. I'd rather have a deli sandwich or F&C, though. I didn't eat at the Tandoor. The one burger I got from the grill was dry and overcooked. The hot dogs are still fantastic and I like their fries. I am looking forward to Guy's again on Freedom.

 

I like my made-to-order omelettes in the morning and had several. It's nice that these larger, newer ships have some sides right there. On Fantasy class (and maybe on Spirit-class, too), you have to go get in the other line just to get some bacon on the side.

 

There seemed to be several drink dispensers that were out-of-order all week. Not a big deal. Extra walking to another station won't kill anyone!

 

MDR - maybe I'm just getting tired of the same menus. I've said repeatedly that even if Carnival doesn't change the offerings any time soon, couldn't they consider simply shuffling the menus? It's all personal preference, but there are nights that I could pretty much order anything/everything on the menu and be happy. There are other nights that I think are just "meh." Shuffle the items and give us different options on the various nights. The food itself was quite good to just OK.

 

Steakhouse - great meal, once again. I'm probably not going to go while on Freedom. I may actually try getting the surf & turf in the MDR one night, though.

 

Seaday brunch - not nearly as good as it was on Pride in May. Food wasn't as good and the service was slow. The second day, it was just terrible. Poor waiter didn't get any order correct (there were three of us). It was so crowded and loud in there that I also may skip it on Freedom (and just get my drink and go).

[NCTribeFan]

Cabin

 

We were in 7301. Nice, central location and I got it for only about a $40 upgrade price from the 1A I had originally booked. I mentioned the issue with the cabin being too warm (and I hate being super cold all the time). So if I was warm, you know it was too warm, despite what maintenance said.

 

I have a surge-protector plug that I got that also has UBS ports. It doesn't fit the Fantasy-class plugs, but it worked fine on Conquest and Pride. I was very surprised when it did NOT fit on Splendor. It doesn't have a swivel plug and the 3-prongs were the wrong way up for it to fit. Still, we manged just fine with charging phones. I personally don't like the idea of plugging in a half-dozen items into a plug meant for one. The thought of an electrical fire on a ship really doesn't appeal to me and I wish people would give a little more consideration to the possibility!

 

I was surprised that there was shaking in the cabin. Just a sort of constant, not-really-hard-but-noticeable shaking. It wasn't nearly as bad as in my aft balcony on Pride, where I was actually shaken awake repeatedly (really, like someone came up and grabbed me by the shoulder and shook me to wake me; it was horrible). This just felt like there was something out-of-balance, know what I mean?

 

Our steward was fairly invisible. Met him in the afternoon on Sunday, I think. I told Cruise Buddy that plenty of people on Cruise Critic would be livid if they hadn't met him by that time. It didn't bother us at all. I had no special requests. All I ask is that the beds be made and the bathroom cleaned. That alone is worth the gratuity!

 

We had no ice bucket. I rarely even open the mini-fridge, but I shuffled things around and put my carry-on white wine on the top shelf. It kept it cold enough.

 

When we went off to do separate things, we'd just leave a post-it on the bathroom mirror telling the other where we were going and when we'd be back or where and when to meet up later.

[NCTribeFan]

Entertainment

 

I don't go to a lot of shows, but enjoyed the two we saw (Consuela Ivy and Vroom).

 

I'm at work and don't have the FunTimes with me so can't give you the names of other people.

 

There was a guy with a guitar. Sometimes, we'd hear him and he just wasn't hitting the notes. And the guitar was too loud for an acoustic (back up a foot from the mike!). Then, one night, we came out of the MDR and he was in the Robusto Lounge playing to absolutely no one. As we're walking through I thought, "Hang on! That's unusual!" and decided to sit and listen. Of course, now I can't remember what he was singing but it was NOT something I would've expected to hear on a cruise ship (maybe something obscure by CSNY). Then, he went into "So Cruel" by U2. And did a very good job with it. I was pretty stunned.

 

Piano bar - it's not my bag, baby. I just don't get it. If I were a musician, I'd absolutely hate doing that for a living. I don't like sing-alongs; I don't like the songs that so many people want to hear over and over and over and over; I don't think every Oldie is a Goodie.

 

Latin trio - I love Latin music and was glad to see we had a band on this ship. But these three weren't nearly as good as the trio on Conquest last year. Those guys were really, really good. Still, I so wish I had someone to salsa dance with me!! Maybe I'll join e-Harmony with the only criteria for a match being "must Salsa dance!" :p

 

Filipino cover band - pretty sure I only heard them outside the casino a few times. And I swear, every time we walked by they were playing Journey. In fact, every time we walked by the casino and there was no band playing, Journey was coming out of the speakers. It got to be rather amusing. And then, one day in the cabin, I'm channel surfing and there's an ad about Journey and Carnival Live. I was starting to feel like Journey was stalking me!

 

I did not once set foot in the dance club. And I love to dance. I often get out there and dance alone. I don't care. I love to dance. And if seeing this old woman get out there and shake it entertains other cruises, I'm glad I added to the entertainment options. I will have to be sure to dance on Freedom!

 

Didn't spend much time in the Sports Bar but I like it in there and appreciate that they have Thirsty Frog.

[NCTribeFan]

Service

 

There was just a different feeling on this sailing. I wonder if a lot of the crew was changing over when we arrived in Miami. They just, overall, seemed less interested; in less of a hurry; marginally less friendly; just more casual and unconcerned than I'm used to.

 

I sailed Miracle twice with Malcolm as the CD. I tend to not pay attention to the CD except when they make really annoying commercial announcements all day or when they have some silly little thing they do each time they come blaring over the speakers (woo hoo!).

 

The service and attitude on Miracle both times was outstanding, so I don't think this was because of Malcolm. The only time I saw much of him was at the VIFP party, where he was quite entertaining, singing and dancing backup to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

 

The girl I dealt with at the Service Desk twice was very pleasant, even though she was incorrect when she said any unused balance from the e-gift card I was applying to my S&S would go back on the card; I received a refund check this week.

 

Had absolutely no interaction with any of the casino staff other than the girls in the cage. They were fine - one worked hard to find my whopping $25 casino cash, which wasn't showing up because of the glitch in my surname in the system.

[NCTribeFan]

Oops. I forgot about...

 

Sunday, 11/9, disembarkation and flight home

 

We were up at some absurd hour. Got dressed and went up for our Last Breakfast. Then it was back to the cabin to brush teeth and gather the last few items.

 

Our 2nd set of instructions (we'd ignored that first letter) said to meet in the Black Pearl MDR on Deck 3 at 7:30. When we arrived, there were already lots of people. One of the staff said the wait might be up to an hour. :eek:

 

But Malcolm came in and called Platinum/Diamond after only about 10 minutes. We dinged our cards one last time and off we went. We were actually passing some of the self-assist people dragging/struggling/dropping their bags down the ramp.

 

We retrieved our bags from the carousel and headed straight through customs/immigrations. It was one of the least-painful disembarkations I've done.

 

We had a pre-paid group rate with QLS to take many of us to FLL. I had used them last year and was pleased and had recommended them to the group. Our pick-up was supposed to be for 9, but we were out there at about 8:10 and there were two vans. The driver asked our names, checked us off the Splendorific group list, and we were loaded onto the van.

 

I wasn't paying attention, but we were at FLL with no problems. We even dropped off some folks at a hotel near the airport.

 

As expected (there were several ships back in port in Ft Lauderdale that morning), the security line was long.

 

Now, I don't know if this is new (I hadn't flown since last November), but when we flew down from RDU, we were sent through the "fast" lane - no disrobing, no opening of laptops, no need even to pull out my 3oz bag-o-goodies. At SJU, I went right through again, but CB got to stop and have her hands swabbed with something that then went into a reader of some sort. Looking for nasty bomb-making chemicals I suppose. Still, none of the shoes-off ordeals of the past. I hope this is common, but I know if I don't do the baggie thing on Black Friday that it will turn out I should have and I'll have a bunch of my stuff tossed. So, until I'm told otherwise, I'll continue to put my small liquids in a bag.

 

There was some weather around and lots of flights were late getting in which, of course, creates a logjam. We had a 12:20 flight, which was backed up to only 12:30. I think we were able to board at about 12:45 (the flight at the gate was quite late so our flight couldn't park on time).

 

It was a full flight, but it was pretty quick. And I really like Southwest.

 

Soon, we were on the ground and headed for baggage claim, which came quickly. Then outside to the curb, into a taxi, and home in about 15 minutes. Buddy just came in, picked up one bag she'd left at the house, and headed back to the mountains (about 3 to 3-1/2 hour drive).

 

I came in, turned on the heat for the first time this fall, and planted myself on the couch and spent the rest of the day catching up on emails and social media posts. No, I didn't unpack and didn't do any laundry!

[NCTribeFan]

A few more random photos...

 

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All week we debated what these things on the ceiling of the Gold Pearl MDR looked like. Yes, they're supposed to look like oysters with gold pearls in them! Do they to you? I doubt it! We vacillated between them looking like strange boobs and fried eggs or weird butterflies. I settled on fried eggs. It's a dining room, after all!

 

 

More Friday leaving Grand Turk smooth seas and sunset.

 

 

More beautiful Dominica.

[NCTribeFan]

If anyone wants to see all the photos (this cruise and a few other recent ones), here's a link to my Flickr albums page.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nctribefan/sets/

 

I used only my phone for photos on this cruise. The main reason I bought the Samsung S5 was because it was supposed to take nice photos. They looked great when viewing them on the phone (Samsung's displays are terrific) but I wasn't sure how they'd look once they were full size.

 

I'm very pleased with how they turned out. Now, I just have to refrain from dropping the phone on an outside deck and having it hurl itself through the railings and overboard. Long story - see my Fascination review from 2011.

Edited November 20, 2014 by NCTribeFan

[nybumpkin]

A few more random photos...

 

 

All week we debated what these things on the ceiling of the Gold Pearl MDR looked like. Yes, they're supposed to look like oysters with gold pearls in them! Do they to you? I doubt it! We vacillated between them looking like strange boobs and fried eggs or weird butterflies. I settled on fried eggs. It's a dining room, after all!

Yeah, my thought was fried eggs. :p Enjoyed your review! Thanks for putting it together.

[blueangel74]

Thank you for sharing your review. Brought back good memories from this cruise.

[kybluecruiser]

Thanks for sharing..... Always love your reviews!

[NCTribeFan]

And, more semi-random comments...

 

The Ship

 

Now, you must remember that I'm actually a fan of the Fantasy class. I have so many nights on them and I could navigate them blindfolded. I have all my favorite spots and don't waste any time wandering around aimlessly trying to figure how to get where. And I don't really need nor want a big TV. In fact, I hate them. And while the steakhouse is great, I don't need it, either.

 

I'd sailed Glory twice and Conquest last year, so was pretty familiar with the overall layout. What I didn't like about the Conquest class was the closed-in aft pool area. I thought the open aft on Splendor would be much nicer, and it was. But we really didn't spend any time back there. We ate at the tables back there a couple of mornings and afternoons, but then started eating upstairs on Lido.

 

I find the hot tubs up on Deck 10 a strange place, given that they're surrounded by tables at which to eat. I know on my Zaandam cruise, there were tables in the Lido area right behind the hot tubs. It rather took one's appetite away to be eating and have some old guy start to get out of the hot tub and practically lose his swim trunks. :eek:

 

After the initial shock of the pink circles in the Lobby/Atrium, I didn't really notice them. And the "pearls" all over the MDRs are nothing compared to the purple grapes on Miracle. Those are truly hideous!

 

I don't cruise for the decor, anyway. But you can't help but notice it, especially when you first board.

 

I prefer the Serenity area on Glory that's two decks and extends all the way around the bow. I plan on making good use of that area on Freedom soon.

 

I don't know why Thirsty Frog isn't available at the outside bars. It was on Conquest and Pride both.

 

We did take the stairs all the time (except that once when I had to escort Shake-n-Bake up to Lido). I'll tell you, there are a lot of stairs between Deck 0 up to Deck 7, and when you've been on an island in the hot sun, and climb all those stairs, a warm cabin is not very welcoming.

 

The good news is I only gained 1-1/2 pounds. :D That's pretty good considering that I eat approximately 4x what I normally eat when I'm cruising, plus the calories from the alcohol (I typically only have a glass or 2 of wine on Saturday night at home).

[NCTribeFan]

Maybe-final random thoughts...

 

Bathrobes - people, please! They are NOT swimsuit cover-ups. They're bathrobes. They belong in the cabin. I saw more people walking around in bathrobes on this cruise than I'd seen in my prior 21 cruises combined. :(

 

Scheduling - things just didn't seem to be timed the way they should. Like I said, I'm used to late diners being able to go to an early show and the other way around. These seemed to be either just once a night, or too late for me to decide to stay up for. And I swear I read the FunTimes every night, and then when I got home and looked them over again as I started writing this, I kept seeing things that I never noticed and thinking, "oh, I might've wanted to do that if I'd known about it!" That's one drawback of a port-intensive itinerary (especially when most of the ports are new); my brain is pretty numb after a few days. And it's surprising how tiring it is riding around in a cramped mini-van all day over bumpy, winding roads. Well, and the alcohol and food consumption takes a toll, too.

 

Passengers - Seemed like a good mix of ages and ethnicities. Didn't notice many kids at all until it seemed they turned them loose on the last day. Didn't notice any loud drunks, but then, I wasn't around the pools and didn't stay up very late at all. There's usually "that" person that everyone notices and keeps seeing the entire cruise. Never saw "that" person this time. Unless it was me and I didn't realize it, but since I didn't do any solo dancing and didn't participate in any shipboard activites, I doubt it was me. Was it? You'd tell me if it was me, right? :p

[NCTribeFan]

OK, I'll stop soon. Promise. Maybe.

 

Just wanted to say that it was a very good cruise, but maybe not my favorite. The ports were great, and any time I can go to Dominica is a good cruise.

 

But it just wasn't wonderful, for me. There was nothing terribly wrong, and everything was really pretty dang good. But I wouldn't rank it in my Top Three cruises.

 

Here's my "problem" right now. Some of the people we sailed with last year on Conquest said they're sailing again next year from San Juan and that I should join them. But I'm going to Bermuda on 10/23 on the 1-time Splendor sailing. And I'm going solo and even though I booked early, it's expensive (balcony & suites sold out months ago; last time I checked, a 1A for a solo was about $2,000). The good news is it's an easy drive to Norfolk.

 

So I started thinking maybe I should cancel and book the 11/1 Liberty. I really want to return to St Lucia and Barbados, and I love St Kitts, too. With air and pre-cruise hotel, it would still only cost about the same as driving to Norfolk and sailing to Bermuda.

 

And then I thought, hmmmm. I could disembark in Norfolk on 10/30, drive home, do laundry, re-pack, fly to San Juan on 10/31, and sail on 11/1.

 

How's that for a B2B!

 

But the idea was to cut (or just move) the costs, not DOUBLE them!!!

 

And now that this B2B worm is in my brain, I won't be able to get rid of it easily.

 

If I could convince someone to share my cabin to Bermuda, that would help a lot. Cruise Buddy won't join me. I already tried twisting her arm.

 

Please tell me I'm insane. I should be putting that money in my 401(k), not taking another cruise. But it would get me closer to my Milestone!

[TennesseeTater]

OK, I'll stop soon. Promise. Maybe.

 

 

Please tell me I'm insane. I should be putting that money in my 401(k), not taking another cruise. But it would get me closer to my Milestone!

 

I say go for it! You can never take too many cruises :)

[SooNet]

OK, I'll stop soon. Promise. Maybe.

 

Just wanted to say that it was a very good cruise, but maybe not my favorite. The ports were great, and any time I can go to Dominica is a good cruise.

 

But it just wasn't wonderful, for me. There was nothing terribly wrong, and everything was really pretty dang good. But I wouldn't rank it in my Top Three cruises.

 

There are so many things that I could pick to quote on but I will start with this and add my comments regarding the others without the actual quotes.

 

It was great seeing you on this cruise and I really enjoyed having you come visit our cabin and see the aft wrap balcony. I have to agree with you regarding this cruise. There was just something about it that was missing for me. I am thinking that after planning for so many months and planning well ahead of time that the balloon kind of just deflated the closer I got to the cruise. I really enjoyed all of the islands with Dominica being my favourite followed by Martinique and Grenada. I won't rank St. Croix as we didn't do too much there and it wouldn't be fair to rate it based on the little we did. Grand Turk is always a nice pit stop and a great beach day.

 

Having been on the port intensive Southern Carribbean cruise I thought I would have been prepared for this port intensive cruise but like you mentioned it is very tiring sitting on a bus on windy roads day in and day out - so much so that our final port Dominica we changed up our plans for the day and did a bit of touring with a stop at a beach just so we could get off the bus.

 

Would I visit these ports again - absolutely! Would I do this itinerary again - absolutely not!

 

I keep coming back to my original thoughts and wish that Carnival would take some notice from this cruise and how quickly it sold and offer two different itineraries out of San Juan. I can just imagine the ability to do a B2B from there and see some amazing ports or just try a new itinerary. I may not have the number of cruises under my belt as some people but the itineraries are why I cruise and now I have completed most of the standard cruise itineraries - I would really like to see some of them mixed up a bit.

 

Here's my "problem" right now. Some of the people we sailed with last year on Conquest said they're sailing again next year from San Juan and that I should join them. But I'm going to Bermuda on 10/23 on the 1-time Splendor sailing. And I'm going solo and even though I booked early, it's expensive (balcony & suites sold out months ago; last time I checked, a 1A for a solo was about $2,000). The good news is it's an easy drive to Norfolk.

 

 

So I started thinking maybe I should cancel and book the 11/1 Liberty. I really want to return to St Lucia and Barbados, and I love St Kitts, too. With air and pre-cruise hotel, it would still only cost about the same as driving to Norfolk and sailing to Bermuda.

 

 

And then I thought, hmmmm. I could disembark in Norfolk on 10/30, drive home, do laundry, re-pack, fly to San Juan on 10/31, and sail on 11/1.

 

How's that for a B2B!

 

 

But the idea was to cut (or just move) the costs, not DOUBLE them!!!

 

And now that this B2B worm is in my brain, I won't be able to get rid of it easily.

 

 

If I could convince someone to share my cabin to Bermuda, that would help a lot. Cruise Buddy won't join me. I already tried twisting her arm.

 

Please tell me I'm insane. I should be putting that money in my 401(k), not taking another cruise. But it would get me closer to my Milestone!

 

I guess I would look at it this way - how long do you want to work before you retire. Would you enjoy travelling more now or after you retire. One other thing I looked at when booking Splendor out of my normal time frame was that this trip was a one off that I might never be able to book again. However, Carnival has now been adding a few of these trips to their itineraries so I won't make that mistake again. I will book when I want to travel (another reason it wasn't one of my top cruises).

[NCTribeFan]

SooNet - I think you should come with me to Bermuda. We don't get many chances to visit Bermuda (on Carnival, at least). But only if you don't snore! :p

 

While I'd love to sail with everyone again, I just don't think doing a B2B like I'm considering would be wise. If I waited even until the end of November (which would be like this Splendor + Freedom coming up), it would spread out the cost and give me a little time to recover between sailings. At the later cruise is a little cheaper.

 

Yes, they're doing group bookings again, so having those OBCs would be nice. But I could book while on Freedom and get $100 OBC.

 

I'd love to do the Pride repo but can't sail at that time of year. But, yes, I'm mildly surprised that Carnival is adding some longer sailings. Just seems like their target demographic (of a younger crowd and families with small kids) isn't really suited for long cruises.

 

I think I'm going to have a really good time on Freedom. It gets great reviews; it's a Premier Casino cruise; I'm on my own and will let loose a little more; and I'm getting three more new ports.

 

It will be interesting to compare the two so close together.

 

As far as retiring, I really don't expect to ever be able to fully retire. I just got such a late start, single mom, college in my late 30s, 15 years to pay off my student loans, put DD through school, then lost my job and had to live on what very little savings I had. I'll have to work full time at least until I'm 66, so I can draw full Social Security. Then, I expect I'll work tax seasons to help fill in and keep my brain as sharp as I can.

 

I don't like to put off doing what I truly enjoy because that day may never come. I'd rather cruise now and worry about expenses later than find I'm terminal and never done what I wanted to do! But I also sail as cheaply as possible. Good thing I actually like inside cabins! ;)

[Chelleum]

Great review and pics. I was on this cruise too. It's great to see what someone else did on the cruise.

 

Sent from my LGMS659 using Forums mobile app

[nybumpkin]

I guess I would look at it this way - how long do you want to work before you retire. Would you enjoy travelling more now or after you retire. One other thing I looked at when booking Splendor out of my normal time frame was that this trip was a one off that I might never be able to book again. However, Carnival has now been adding a few of these trips to their itineraries so I won't make that mistake again. I will book when I want to travel (another reason it wasn't one of my top cruises).

My travel experience is very much based on what happened to MIL and FIL. MIL went back to work after the kids were in school, and worked hard. Most of the vacations she took were to visit kids. She would always tell me, "When I retire I'm going to..." There were lots of plans. She worked until she was 67. She thought she had to work until the youngest got married. She retired, and a few weeks after turning 68 was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was gone the week before she would have turned 69. There were no nice vacations. FIL - well, we started cruising in 2004 and liked it so much we asked him whether he would like to join us on a cruise in 2005. Absolutely. We booked him in a cabin with our sons. Fate intervened again - stomach cancer, this time. He was gone in October 2004. Lesson learned: I'm not waiting to travel. I'll cut in other areas, like redoing the house.

[SooNet]

My travel experience is very much based on what happened to MIL and FIL. MIL went back to work after the kids were in school, and worked hard. Most of the vacations she took were to visit kids. She would always tell me, "When I retire I'm going to..." There were lots of plans. She worked until she was 67. She thought she had to work until the youngest got married. She retired, and a few weeks after turning 68 was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was gone the week before she would have turned 69. There were no nice vacations. FIL - well, we started cruising in 2004 and liked it so much we asked him whether he would like to join us on a cruise in 2005. Absolutely. We booked him in a cabin with our sons. Fate intervened again - stomach cancer, this time. He was gone in October 2004. Lesson learned: I'm not waiting to travel. I'll cut in other areas, like redoing the house.

 

Your story sounds so similar to mine it's crazy. My father kept making plans for after retirement and he said he wouldn't work a day past when he could retire. He was diagnosed with colon cancer one year before he was eligible to retire and died just before his official retirement date. I spent many of my working years going home to be with family and never saw anything else. When my mom passed away at 72 I started to travel and never looked back. I to put off the non urgent stuff around my house just so I can travel. Things can and will be forgotten, broken, lost etc but as long as I retain my memory I will remember my trips.

[NCTribeFan]

If I were someone who had earned huge amounts of money and had very large balances in multiple retirement plans, and KNEW I'd be able to afford to travel in style once I retired (and could retire younger than I am now), the "waiting" might make a little more sense.

 

But I know that won't be my life. I struggled mightily putting myself through school as a single mom. I know how to live frugally. It's the main reason I sail Carnival. I can get a great vacation that fits my budget and don't feel guilty for spending any money. People are stunned when I tell them how little these cruises cost, especially the ones where I can drive to the port.

 

I will continue to cruise until I can't.

 

If I were wealthy and didn't have to work, I'd spend all my time traveling. I don't even think I'd have a permanent residence. I'd travel the world, going from beautiful, interesting place to the next, staying as long as I wished. And it wouldn't have to be in the company of millionaires. I can live in a travel trailer if I need to get to, and stay, where I want to be.

 

Trust me, if I thought I could live on Social Security and retirement, I'd retire tomorrow. But I can't. I need to work a few more years and put away as much as I can, while I can. And then work part-time if I find I can't make ends meet. That's not everyone's idea of retirement, but some of us have worked hard our entire lives but things just haven't gone exactly as planned.

 

Maybe I'll meet some rich guy on one of these cruises who would like a traveling companion. As long as he doesn't snore!

[Shake-n-Bake]

I have enjoyed reading this review and reliving it all again. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with you and Karen during the cruise. I totally enjoyed this cruise even though I was physically limited at times. By the way I am one of those that booked for 11/1 next year and it would be great to cruise with you again. :D

[NCTribeFan]

I've pretty much talked myself out of booking the 11/1/15 sailing, as much as I'd like to see everyone again.

 

I leave for Ft Lauderdale on Friday and I'm not at all excited about this cruise. It's too soon after Splendor (is that possible?).

 

I just don't think doing the sort of B2B I was considering is going to work for me. I need to spread my cruises out over the year. I need something just after tax season, but those need to be relaxation/unwind cruises, not out-and-exploring cruises.

 

I still intend to email you! I'm pretty swamped here at work and still must find time to get my nails done! I have my priorities! :p

[NCTribeFan]

So, I'm doing laundry so I can pack tonight and fly to Fort Lauderdale tomorrow to board Freedom on Saturday.

 

And came across this...

 

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I'd totally forgotten about it. This was my Platinum gift. Apparently, different people got different gifts on this sailing. Someone else said they both got the toiletry bag. I had expected that's what I would get since I had just bought a new one a few months ago, and totally didn't need one, but got this instead.

 

I should've put something next to it to show the size. It isn't very large. I'm not sure I'll ever use it - too small for a useful beach bag; don't need an insulated bag for my lunches at work. Maybe if I drank soft drinks and carried on a bunch, I'd take it to the pool. But I don't. I should've given it away on board.

 

Oh well. Another useless Platinum gift. Maybe someone would like to receive this as a Christmas present! :p

[SenatorsFan]

Hope you have a great time on Freedom! I sailed Freedom for the second time in July post-2.0 and really enjoyed the changes. Have something from Guy's or Blue Iguana for me!:D Enjoyed this review, btw.

Heather