Comin’ at you LIVE from Horizon 3/7-3/15

[Organized Chaos]

16 hours ago, beshears said:

I don't know if you will be able to answer this or not, or maybe someone else who is reading your postings, may have heard/seen the answer. Normally when I open my CC, I go to the small bell sign at the top, on the right side and click to read responses to something i may have posted.  I tried this time, and I was blocked every time, I don't know why.  I see you had posted a little more here, and it did not show under the little bell, like it normally does, but here is my question. 

If you cannot find the answer, maybe someone else who is reading your postings, may have the answer.  I just seen where Royal Caribbean was not letting anyone by the age of 70 or older on the ship, as well as young children.  I do understand, if they have health issues, etc.  My question, have you or anyone else that might be reading this see where Carnival has posted an "age" of not being allowed on the ship because of the Coronaviris? I had posted a new question under Carnival, but when I looked to see (like I had to hunt to find yours)if it had been posted, I could not find where it had been posted.  I know Carnival sent out a general email stating that older people as well as children would be coming on at their own discretion, which I understand.  After all, some older people are very healthy, and young at heart as well! 🙂

 

Not sure what’s wrong with your CC navigation.

 

I haven’t heard anything about any new Carnival policies. Nothing like age restrictions. I think whatever they come up with, it’ll be sent out in emails.

[Organized Chaos]

8 hours ago, thesmiths said:

Enjoy Curacao. Looking forward to your report on the Submarine.

We are going to be there in May & Sept, Rented a car for May.

Sub sounds neat for Sept..

 

Also please do a recon on how many places and where to get omelettes for breakfast other then the MDR.

Love me an Omelette on vaca. 🙂

 

Thank you and enjoy the Sub and the rest of your cruise!

 

A little teaser for now 😉 until I have more time to write more and post pictures. The submarine was awesome!

 

The Lido buffet has the usual omelette station. Possibly one on both sides, I just saw one. I’m not sure what they have at the Ocean Plaza breakfast. I keep forgetting to go check it out.

 

[Hogladyrider]

Quick question, if you have time, how is the atmosphere on the ship?

 

Back here on land it is full blown panic being presented by the media, schools closing, shows cancelling, sports venues cancelled, stock market tanking, what a MESS.

 

We just cruised 2/29-3/7 and now I feel like we just got in on time with no issues at all.  It has become a nightmare here on land, can't even have any media news on the TV.   Very sad indeed.

 

Enjoy the remainder of your cruise, we are doing Aruba & Curacao in December on Horizon.

[Organized Chaos]

37 minutes ago, Hogladyrider said:

Quick question, if you have time, how is the atmosphere on the ship?

 

Back here on land it is full blown panic being presented by the media, schools closing, shows cancelling, sports venues cancelled, stock market tanking, what a MESS.

 

We just cruised 2/29-3/7 and now I feel like we just got in on time with no issues at all.  It has become a nightmare here on land, can't even have any media news on the TV.   Very sad indeed.

 

Enjoy the remainder of your cruise, we are doing Aruba & Curacao in December on Horizon.

 

No one’s talking about it. At least not out loud. It doesn’t appear to be affecting anyone’s good time. Everywhere I look, it’s a normal cruise where everyone’s having fun. That is, other than the additional measures Carnival is taking.

 

My wife keeps seeing social media posts about all the stores being out of toilet paper. Her uncle, who’s on here with us, tried telling us that Miami is closing down all cruise ports. No they’re not, not that I see anywhere. They wouldn’t do that, the industry is too big, too important in cities like that. People need to stop spreading these rumors. I saw that Princess is suspending operations for a couple months, but they seem to be coronavirus magnets, so maybe that’s a good idea until they figure out a better game plan.

 

I have an opinion as to why I think the media is fear mongering, but this ain't really the place for it.

Edited March 12, 2020 by Organized Chaos

[amyotravel]

6 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

No one’s talking about it. At least not out loud. It doesn’t appear to be affecting anyone’s good time.

 

My wife keeps seeing social media posts about all the stores being out of toilet paper. Her uncle, who’s on here with us, tried telling us that Miami is closing down all cruise ports. No they’re not, not that I see anywhere. They wouldn’t do that, the industry is too big, too important in cities like that. People need to stop spreading these rumors. I saw that Princess is suspending operations for a couple months, but they seem to be coronavirus magnets, so maybe that’s a good idea until they figure out a better game plan.

 

I have an opinion as to why I think the media is fear mongering, but this ain't really the place for it.

Actually Baltimore really did shut down their cruise port today. No rumor. Confirmed. But current cruise incoming ships can disembark.

 

And, yes, some stores in some areas are running out of TP also.

Edited March 12, 2020 by amyotravel

[Organized Chaos]

Wednesday was Curaçao. We just did some shopping in the port area and across the floating bridge. The colorful buildings are fun to look at and such a nice change of pace from other ports. To keep with my theme, if you can call it that, vendors and shop keepers aren’t too terribly pushy here, but there are some that act desperate for you to buy and/or try to upsell the ever living daylights out of you. Most of them follow tourists around their stores and watch us like hawks. I haven’t figured out if this is because they think we’ll steal or if, in their world, they think they’re being attentive and want to be ready if we have questions. The good news is, I got a $100 silk shirt for $35 because I kept saying no, so there’s that.

[Joe817]

3 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

Wednesday was Curaçao. We just did some shopping in the port area and across the floating bridge. The colorful buildings are fun to look at and such a nice change of pace from other ports. To keep with my theme, if you can call it that, vendors and shop keepers aren’t too terribly pushy here, but there are some that act desperate for you to buy and/or try to upsell the ever living daylights out of you. Most of them follow tourists around their stores and watch us like hawks. I haven’t figured out if this is because they think we’ll steal or if, in their world, they think they’re being attentive and want to be ready if we have questions. The good news is, I got a $100 silk shirt for $35 because I kept saying no, so there’s that.

I know exactly what you mean. They hover around you like vultures. But I owe that to being overly attentive to a possible sale. It's the culture. They will do everything they can to help you decide to buy something from them. If I could score the deal that you did on the silk shirt, I'd be a happy camper! 

 

I'm glad you got to see Curacao. That's on my wish list to be sure. What's next for you?

[Organized Chaos]

Atrium Lobby before the White Party.







We got stuck on the floating bridge when a cargo ship came through. The whole bridge pivots to one side of the river and you can stay on if you want.



The sun was getting low.





Curaçao, after dark.







More to come...

[Organized Chaos]

I know exactly what you mean. They hover around you like vultures. But I owe that to being overly attentive to a possible sale. It's the culture. They will do everything they can to help you decide to buy something from them. If I could score the deal that you did on the silk shirt, I'd be a happy camper! 
 
I'm glad you got to see Curacao. That's on my wish list to be sure. What's next for you?

Aruba was today. Well, yesterday for us. I’ll post about that tomorrow...today...whatever. Two sea days and then back to the corona madhouse. Not looking forward to that. We drove to Miami. Normally we stop overnight, but we’re considering driving straight through just to get home where things are relatively calm.

[Joe817]

4 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

Aruba was today. Well, yesterday for us. I’ll post about that tomorrow...today...whatever. Two sea days and then back to the corona madhouse. Not looking forward to that. We drove to Miami. Normally we stop overnight, but we’re considering driving straight through just to get home where things are relatively calm.

It's pure panic mode up here O.C. Stay there!  just kidding, of course. Have a great time! 

[beshears]

As you can guess, I am STILL reading your postings, which I am enjoying. 🙂 As for my problem with the little bell at the top on the right hand side when people post back in response to my questions, they are now starting to open again, which I'm thankful for.

You mentioned about attending the white party and that it was fun.  Was it dancing, listening to music, eating, or what?

In regard to my age, I did receive the email from Carnival when I got home from work.  I had been thinking about seeing if I could get something from my doctor, and had left two messages, as I knew my time was running out before we left for Ft. Lauderdale.  It just happened that I was able (hadn't planned to do this) to get off work early.  I decided to pick up groceries for my husband before I left. As I was putting my groceries away my d-i-l called and wondered if I had tried to get the notification from my doctor, which I had made the two calls, but had not heard back.  We then talked, and I said, I am so close to my doctor's office, I'm going to see what I can do, and not wait for them to call me back.  To make the long story short, I got into the office just before they were closing.  I told the Receptionist my deli ma, and that I believe my doctor, who I have had ovr 30 some years would give me the letter, and I will wait, until he gets through with all his patients.  She came back after talking to him, and he approved the letter, so thank God, I have the notification.  So now all I need to see if I can get on the ship.  My son did tell me tonight, "Mom, if they don't let you on, we will all cancel out!" I hate to have them do that, and praying since I really feel good, only over the age of 70, although most people don't believe this, that hopefully they will let me on the ship! 🙂

[Organized Chaos]

8 hours ago, Joe817 said:

It's pure panic mode up here O.C. Stay there!  just kidding, of course. Have a great time! 

 

We were all talking at dinner last night...we’re probably safer ON the ship than going back to that mess. LOL The ships include a report of onboard illnesses when they make ports of call. We had four ports clear us to debark, so I’m thinking there aren’t any major illnesses floating around this beast. Unless someone’s hiding it, which is hard to do because someone’s 

 

This is nuts. I mean, the media was already hyping it up before we left, but we’re gone for a week and all hades breaks loose. A week ago, the “experts” were telling everyone to calm down, it’s not so bad. But we’ve watched a little news in our cabin and now I’m seeing doctors and specialists changing their tunes.

 

But I’ll tell you what, if our cruise was next week instead of now, as long as Carnival gave the go-ahead, I wouldn’t hesitate to go.

[Organized Chaos]

As you can guess, I am STILL reading your postings, which I am enjoying. [emoji846] As for my problem with the little bell at the top on the right hand side when people post back in response to my questions, they are now starting to open again, which I'm thankful for.

You mentioned about attending the white party and that it was fun.  Was it dancing, listening to music, eating, or what?

She came back after talking to him, and he approved the letter, so thank God, I have the notification.  So now all I need to see if I can get on the ship.  My son did tell me tonight, "Mom, if they don't let you on, we will all cancel out!" I hate to have them do that, and praying since I really feel good, only over the age of 70, although most people don't believe this, that hopefully they will let me on the ship! [emoji846]

I’m so glad you were able to get the doctor’s note. You’ve been posting about your cruise for a long time and, despite the issues with your friend, I know you’re looking forward to it, so here’s to hoping all goes well and you get the cruise you deserve. I don’t blame your kids for saying they’d cancel, I’d do the same thing. I wish my mom could’ve experienced a cruise with us just once before she passed. She started out saying, “You’d never get me on one of those things,” but when her health had really declined, she had told me she would’ve liked to try it. I think she realized her time was coming and maybe it was something she would’ve enjoyed. I believe she would have. I always try to bring or include something that represents her when we go on one.

Yikes, I’m sorry for bringing the mood down a bit.

The White Party is held in the Atrium Lobby by the bar. There is a dance floor there, and yes, people do dance. No food. They play music and the Cruise Director & Fun Squad are there to get the crowd excited. For ours, they played music from the 60’s through today.  

Most people wear something white, but you don’t have to. They hand out big LED glow sticks, but to get one you have to be down around the bar and dance floor. There are some tables and chairs around that area, but they’re limited, so if you or any of your family want one, go early. Or you can stand along the railing on decks 4 or 5 and watch it from above. It lasts about an hour.

Here’s the big glow sticks they hand out. They’re about 2 ft. long, battery powered LED’s with three different light-up settings.

[Gran1]

19 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Not sure what’s wrong with your CC navigation.

 

I haven’t heard anything about any new Carnival policies. Nothing like age restrictions. I think whatever they come up with, it’ll be sent out in emails.

I heard there would be an age restrictions for over 70..BUT..if you have a drs sign off on you you will be OK.

[Organized Chaos]

Had a little breakfast at Ocean Plaza this morning. Much of the same as on the buffet. Fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal, and a few other things. Nothing special, like omelettes. I had read a post on here some time before we left. Someone had complained about the “bacon police” being stingy with the bacon. I haven’t experienced that at all. They’ve almost always given me a very good portion and the one time he didn’t, I simply asked for a little more.

 

Currently waiting for Military Appreciation to start. One of my favorite events on board.

[Organized Chaos]

I guess some of the young’ens are on spring break because there’s more than I thought there’d be. Or should I say, more than I’d hoped. And they’re getting more rowdy & rambunctious as we go along. Many of the ping pong balls are completely smashed. A couple nights ago, the arcade was trashed. Cups, plates, napkins, & trash in general strewn all over. Last night, a group of four or five were at the Sky Billiards, or whatever it’s called. It’s like a giant billiards table on the floor that you kick small soccer balls into the pockets. One had kicked a ball so hard at the ceiling, a piece of metal fell down. Then they were playing dodgeball with them. I was ready to go tell them I was calling security, but they left.

 

The arcade has whistles in the prize machine. A couple very little kids were running around the arcade last night blowing them as loud as they could at people. Maybe 6-7 years old at 11:30 pm, unattended. I know some say it’s their vacation too, but being on a cruise is no excuse to stop parenting your child. Personally, I think that’s too young for kids to be left running around without supervision.

[Organized Chaos]

We tried the Pig & Anchor BBQ for the first time today. We didn't like it at all, but we wanted to make sure to give it a shot. At least now we know.

 

The Military Appreciation gathering was touching and very emotional. Donkey, who’s from Australia, did a good job showing his respect for and honoring U.S. military.

 

I love playing trivia, but on this ship, there are SO many more people that play than I’ve ever experienced before. A downfall of having so many more passengers, I guess. Even when we were in port. A majority of the times I went, I turned around and left because all of Ocean Plaza was full. On the bright side, I did win my very first Carnival medal the other night, but I’m not going to say what for. 🤫😆

[coscab]

We got off the Breeze Sat. Mar 7, we were looking forward to trying pig and anchor, someone in line said it was the best he ever had, we did not care for it, but thought most everything we ordered in the dining room was delicious, we were pleasantly surprised.

[Hogladyrider]

2 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

I love playing trivia, but on this ship, there are SO many more people that play than I’ve ever experienced before. A downfall of having so many more passengers, I guess. Even when we were in port. A majority of the times I went, I turned around and left because all of Ocean Plaza was full. On the bright side, I did win my very first Carnival medal the other night, but I’m not going to say what for. 🤫😆

We cruised on Vista and experienced the same crowding, too many passengers for our cup of tea.  I vowed the only way I'd sail that class of ship again would be in a Havanna cabin.  Yes more money but since I am a pool gal I'll have less people and the guys can use the bar there by the pool.  We will only have to deal with the crowds evenings.  We are booked on Horizon 8-day in a Havanna aft balcony for the Dec 12th cruise.  We will see how it goes.  We just cruised with HAL for the 1st time and we absolutely loved it.

[Organized Chaos]

I’m having problems with the Tapatalk app and that’s how I post my pictures, so I’ll have to hold off on those until it’s working again, or until we get home. 

 

I see that the cruise lines have suspended cruises for a month starting tomorrow. I’m sorry to hear that those of you who were getting on after us won’t get to after all. This is absolutely insane. I can’t believe how much chaos this is causing.

 

Our drive home is about 20 hours, plus pit stops. I normally do all the driving and we stop overnight, but we’re thinking about splitting the driving and going straight through. We kind of feel like bypassing all this madness and just getting home. 

[jbethel11]

9 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

I’m having problems with the Tapatalk app and that’s how I post my pictures, so I’ll have to hold off on those until it’s working again, or until we get home. 

 

I see that the cruise lines have suspended cruises for a month starting tomorrow. I’m sorry to hear that those of you who were getting on after us won’t get to after all. This is absolutely insane. I can’t believe how much chaos this is causing.

 

Our drive home is about 20 hours, plus pit stops. I normally do all the driving and we stop overnight, but we’re thinking about splitting the driving and going straight through. We kind of feel like bypassing all this madness and just getting home. 

I wouldn't blame you. No more toilet paper in stores, sports events being cancelled and now cruise lines suspending operations? It's getting crazy.

[jbethel11]

4 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

On the bright side, I did win my very first Carnival medal the other night, but I’m not going to say what for. 🤫😆

PLEASE don't tell me it was the hairy chest contest!

[jbethel11]

4 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

We tried the Pig & Anchor BBQ for the first time today.

The beef was so gamey on our Valor cruise. So much gristle, I had to spit it out!

[jbethel11]

5 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

I guess some of the young’ens are on spring break because there’s more than I thought there’d be. Or should I say, more than I’d hoped. And they’re getting more rowdy & rambunctious as we go along. Many of the ping pong balls are completely smashed. A couple nights ago, the arcade was trashed. Cups, plates, napkins, & trash in general strewn all over. Last night, a group of four or five were at the Sky Billiards, or whatever it’s called. It’s like a giant billiards table on the floor that you kick small soccer balls into the pockets. One had kicked a ball so hard at the ceiling, a piece of metal fell down. Then they were playing dodgeball with them. I was ready to go tell them I was calling security, but they left.

I had this experience on my Horizon cruise too; although, I cruised the day kids got out of NYC schools! So they must have went from graduation to the ship! The balls were smashed, they were kicking the soccer balls (for the pool) everywhere and the location of the mini-golf course is absurd!

[Joe817]

Congrats, O.C. for winning that trivia medal! 👍  I'll bet that was fun.

 

Lots of stuff has been happening since you've been away. And lots of stuff has changed. I won't spoil all the dreary news for you. You're still on a cruise and hope you are having a great time! Smooth sailing and calm seas. 🥂