Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted July 31, 2019 #1 Share Posted July 31, 2019 As a precursor to our quick short vacay in the Sun, DH and I decided to head out a little early to get a jump on the weekend fun. Background: we are early 50’s from Atlanta. I am a newly retired middle school principal who for the first time in 27 years can vacation whenever the heck I want to! So in prep for this little getaway, I did what any cruise traveler would do...I consulted Cruise Critic to inquire about fun things to do in Jacksonville, our proposed stop for the night. Well after accidentally posing my question on the Celebrity board by mistake, and getting hazed for doing so, I came across some helpful suggestions for St. Augustine instead. Now 3 miles out from our stop for the next day or so, I thought I’d start my review with our short stay in historic St. Augustine. About a 5.5 hour drive down 75 south, St. Augustine is just 2 hours from Port Canaveral where we will embark on the Sun on Friday. Next stop, Cedar House Inn... Pictures to follow... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted July 31, 2019 Author #2 Share Posted July 31, 2019 A Victorian B & B built in 1898. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted July 31, 2019 Author #3 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Cedar House Inn is just 2 blocks from the St Augustine distillery and ice house. Featuring free tours and tastings on the hour with the last tour of the day at 5 pm. We just made it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLcruisergrl Posted July 31, 2019 #4 Share Posted July 31, 2019 I’ve lived in St. Augustine my whole life! Let me know if you need any recommendations. Definitely go to Preserved or Prohibition Kitchen for a great meal! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zencruisers Posted July 31, 2019 #5 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Following along. Thanks for taking the time to share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 1, 2019 Author #6 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Dinner at A1A Ale Works on the waterfront. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 1, 2019 Author #7 Share Posted August 1, 2019 The old Governor’s House is a landmark at the center of town and is open for a free, self-guided tour/exhibit created by students at Flagler College. We enjoyed it very much! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 1, 2019 Author #8 Share Posted August 1, 2019 The main pedestrian walk has lots of shops and bars. In fact, we are at one now; The Backyard Tropical Bar, waiting out the rain with a pain killer. Cheers! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 1, 2019 Author #9 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Ponce De Leon hotel Aka Flagler College. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 1, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Oldest schoolhouse in America... Ok, a little bit of a tourist trap but interesting just the same. Ten bucks got us into the school and grounds and a “free” diploma after the self-guided tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #11 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Thoughts on St. Augustine: DH and I enjoyed this oldest little town in America! It broke up the drive from Atl to Port Canaveral and has lots to see and do. We spent most of the time wandering the historic streets and taking advantage of the freebies: tours, concert, tastings. We did note that the town shuts down around 9 and by 10 it was mostly a ghost town. Of course the vibe may be different on the weekend. Random pics to follow. Next up: embarkation! My favorite day! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLcruisergrl Posted August 2, 2019 #12 Share Posted August 2, 2019 3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said: Thoughts on St. Augustine: DH and I enjoyed this oldest little town in America! It broke up the drive from Atl to Port Canaveral and has lots to see and do. We spent most of the time wandering the historic streets and taking advantage of the freebies: tours, concert, tastings. We did note that the town shuts down around 9 and by 10 it was mostly a ghost town. Of course the vibe may be different on the weekend. Random pics to follow. Next up: embarkation! My favorite day! I’m glad you liked St. Augustine! It definitely picks up on the weekend, but will always have that “sleepy little town” feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C cruise Posted August 2, 2019 #13 Share Posted August 2, 2019 (edited) following along ... we were on the Sun in May and loved everything about it - hope you do also Edited August 2, 2019 by C cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C cruise Posted August 2, 2019 #14 Share Posted August 2, 2019 oh also we love St Augustine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #15 Share Posted August 2, 2019 (edited) After a pretty easy drive to Port Canaveral, we arrived at the terminal by 11:50 and were on board by 12:15. Check in was flawless and perhaps one of the fastest I’ve experienced. Once on board we made our way to the MDR for lunch. I had crabmeat and beat salad with shrimp penne pasta. DH had tomato soup and a meatball sub. He said it was very good and mine was as well. We also enjoyed a bottle of champagne with lunch as part of the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Edited August 2, 2019 by Georgia_Peaches 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #16 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Staterooms were ready by 1:30. We are on deck 4 in an ocean view (port hole) room. This is new for us as we usually opt for a suite. Since it’s a short cruise, we went with the more economical accommodations which included the premium plus beverage package, 100 minutes of WiFi and a $25 OBC from out TA. Our stateroom is cozy but very nice. I feel like I can touch the water because we are so close. The only potential drawback is that we are across the hall from a crew access door. Hopefully we won’t notice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThxMomnDad Posted August 2, 2019 #17 Share Posted August 2, 2019 I don't know why, but I absolutely love these live reviews! All of the details in pictures. It's great! Thanks for this Georgia_Peaches!!!!! :-) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C cruise Posted August 2, 2019 #18 Share Posted August 2, 2019 enjoying following along Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sid_9169 Posted August 2, 2019 #19 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Nice review so far!... How much did the bottle of veuve run you after the ppbp discount? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #20 Share Posted August 2, 2019 (edited) No charge except for port tax. I was surprised but all starred bottles are included at no charge. Waiter said we could get a bottle for lunch so we did! Edited August 2, 2019 by Georgia_Peaches 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #21 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Disney Dream in port with us. And rain!! Is it bad luck if it rains on embarkation day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 2, 2019 Author #22 Share Posted August 2, 2019 A nuisance rain brought everyone in from the pool deck for the after muster drill. We managed a shortish line on deck 5 and waited for about 10 minutes before drink in hand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThxMomnDad Posted August 2, 2019 #23 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Wow! That's a dark sky in that first pic!!!!😮 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSloan Posted August 2, 2019 #24 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Looking forward to reading more! We'll be on the Sun in 50 days. I hope the weather gets better for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted August 2, 2019 #25 Share Posted August 2, 2019 (edited) Following along, sailing 8-19 on the Sun....also have the PPBP, good to know it is legit... Edited August 2, 2019 by PTC DAWG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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