Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Coralc]

3 hours ago, h20skibum said:

So yesterday, as we were traveling via bus, through San Francisco, to get to our son’s house in the North Bay, the bus had to detour due to traffic backups. 

 

The route he took went past several homeless encampments, and it was just another reminder of why we never visit the city anymore, when we visit.  What a horrible social experiment they have going on, and it only gets worse.  It is a shame, because San Francisco was a nice place, not that long ago.  

It is absolutely horrible and disgusting. We don't go over to SF anymore. Beautiful city just gone to trash and crime. And Oakland is the same way, if not worse. 

 

We are moving, albeit slowly. But we did have the flooring guy out today. We will be ordering the flooring, dumping some furniture and slowly progressing. 

 

And it looks like poor Bobby is going soon. He is fine, and still active. But according to his labs, he is hyperthyroid again and has very poor heart and liver labs. 

[h20skibum]

12 minutes ago, Coralc said:

And Oakland is the same way, if not worse

Agree with that.  When we fly out, we either pick SFO or Oakland, whichever has the best flights.  Coming from Oakland airport to our son’s house, we would pass many of those tent cities

[Coralc]

1 hour ago, brillohead said:

Okay, after all the Las Vegas posts here, my "new" cousin just posted this on FB:

 

Ok my frequent Vegas peeps…I need recommendations on places to eat and things to not miss. Got a couple 21 year olds headed there for their birthdays in a couple weeks. TIA
 

 

So, what are your suggestions, those of you who are LV regulars?  She's taking her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to Vegas later this month, since they both recently turned 21yo.  Any recommendations?
 

 

I would suggest Cheapo Vagas website: https://www.cheapovegas.com/

 

And please don't talk about suicides and especially hangings. anymore. It is still very upsetting to me. 

[brillohead]

So I'm surfing on FB and this ad comes up.... I figure it's geared at people who plop themselves in the Suite Lounge and don't ever want to give up their seat?

 

 

Seriously, who thinks of "how many bottles of wine will this diaper hold" when they're buying adult diapers????

 

Anyway, the FB algorithm strikes again -- I don't drink wine at all!!! 

[Coralc]

3 hours ago, Luckynana said:

Thank you, HBE!  We totally enjoyed the Play.  Very talented actors and great singing voices;  one of the girls voices was phenomenal with the notes she was reaching.  We ate at the Chicken Or The Egg afterwards.  While we still had the smoke here today (though not as bad as yesterday and last night), it was pretty good in LBI.  Once we got on the Pkwy heading home, however, we were reminded of the smoke.  Again, not as bad as yesterday, thank goodness.

I love this picture of Sherlock!  He looks not only very sweet, but I love the way he is looks like he is posing!

 

Regarding the smoke. Front page of the paper: "Bay Area Feels East Coast Pain" LOL. 😊

https://enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=7197ac7d-c694-46cf-bb78-0217a0c81485

[SteelCityCruiser10]

6 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

How long are you going to stay in Vancouver?  Do you have any plans for while you are there?

We will be in Vancouver for 1 day (day of debark) then 6am flight the next morning.  

No firm plans- neighbor recommend a walking trail and pub near Hyatt Regency.

 

 

We made it to Anchorage - been a long long day.  

 

lyft is scheduled for 5:30 am to catch the Alaska Railroad to Seward.  

[Coralc]

3 hours ago, Coralc said:

 

I would suggest Cheapo Vagas website: https://www.cheapovegas.com/

 

Apologies. I think it is an old, non-updated website. It used to be good for deals...But not anymore. Lots of 404 broken links. Sorry. 

[aussielozzie18]

10 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

The floor looks great.

+ 1 It’s almost a shame to have to put furniture on it @Jimbo

[aussielozzie18]

@lenquixote66 the skin cancer treatment never ends.  I have to use the face cream for 2 weeks.  GP told me to use it mid-winter so I am just trying to find a fortnight where I don’t have too many things booked…

Good luck with your treatment whether it’s surgery or not.

[aussielozzie18]

7 hours ago, brillohead said:

So I'm surfing on FB and this ad comes up.... I figure it's geared at people who plop themselves in the Suite Lounge and don't ever want to give up their seat?

 

 

Seriously, who thinks of "how many bottles of wine will this diaper hold" when they're buying adult diapers????

 

Anyway, the FB algorithm strikes again -- I don't drink wine at all!!! 

Marketing dept attempting to make adult diapers appealing.I think they had potential until they decided on the golden colour scheme….

[maggieq]

9 hours ago, brillohead said:

Okay, after all the Las Vegas posts here, my "new" cousin just posted this on FB:

 

Ok my frequent Vegas peeps…I need recommendations on places to eat and things to not miss. Got a couple 21 year olds headed there for their birthdays in a couple weeks. TIA
 

 

So, what are your suggestions, those of you who are LV regulars?  She's taking her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to Vegas later this month, since they both recently turned 21yo.  Any recommendations?



 

There’s a ton of info on TripAdvisor and for me their restaurant reviews were pretty spot on. What I like is the variety of restaurants. While it’s an expensive trip, you can find some happy hours to attend.  Walgreens to pick up water, wine and snacks. 

[aussielozzie18]

My girlfriend & family have been travelling around Italy.  She texted me yesterday to say they were boarding their NCL ship (I am thinking Norwegian Gem) for a 10 day cruise.  She forgot to send me the itinerary from the TA before she left but from my quick research today - it looks like this one and I am thinking/hoping for them  it’s a good one?

 

Departing Ravenna (they originally had hotel booked in Venice until they realised their error)

Koper

Trieste

Hvar

Kotor

Corfu

Santorini

Mykonos

Dubrovink

returning to Ravenna

(excuse my spelling I scribbled the ports down in a rush at work)

[dani negreanu]

10 hours ago, Luckynana said:

The floors look great, Jimbo!  Are you all done with your home now?  You've done so much work during the past year;  all beautifully done!

 

@Jimbo + 1, I like the color, and it looks amazing 👍

 

 

10 hours ago, Luckynana said:

@helen haywood  I hope Minnie's bump turns out to be nothing.  I'm glad you got the Vet's appointment tomorrow.  Good luck!

 

@helen haywood , same here 😘 to Minnie

 

8 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

I understand, people have been looking for signs of life from me.  Still alive. Doing fine.

 Will finish my cruise thread sometime.  

 

JC, 👍 😉 @xpcdoojk

 

26 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

My girlfriend & family have been travelling around Italy.  

 

Departing Ravenna (they originally had hotel booked in Venice until they realised their error)

Koper

Trieste

Hvar

Kotor

Corfu

Santorini

Mykonos

Dubrovink

returning to Ravenna

 

 

Amazing itinerary, @aussielozzie18 I wouldn't board a NCL cruise ship for free, but, grudgingly, I have to admit that their itineraries are much various and interesting than Royal's and X 😢

 

[Keksie]

9 hours ago, Coralc said:

It is absolutely horrible and disgusting. We don't go over to SF anymore. Beautiful city just gone to trash and crime. And Oakland is the same way, if not worse. 

 

We are moving, albeit slowly. But we did have the flooring guy out today. We will be ordering the flooring, dumping some furniture and slowly progressing. 

 

And it looks like poor Bobby is going soon. He is fine, and still active. But according to his labs, he is hyperthyroid again and has very poor heart and liver labs. 

I am sorry about the poor lab results.  I am glad he is still active.

[Keksie]

9 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Cuteness Alert!!!! Charlie laying his head on top of Lizzy.

 

Those eyes!  How can you ever say no to them.  

[firefly333]

I made it to kentucky. I thought this area was cute 5 years ago, not so  much now. I'm jaded I think. 3 days up and 3 back, hotels booked. I could have made it in 2 each way, but I'm booked. I'm near mammoth caves in the middle of no where, Horse Cave city. The only place now to eat is the Loves truck stop, or drive 8 miles to the next exit. 

 

Pet a kangaroo is still here, down under kentucky, longest swinging bridge, hidden river tour even harder than mammoth caves tours. Stupid me booked here on the way back. Not as enamored as i was 5 years ago. There was a real restaurant then in town. Yes horse cave city town lol. Coming into memphis where i spent a night there apparently was a truck accident. A lady here at breakfast says she sat for a hour. After 30 minutes i exited and did my best to drive around it and saw scenic west Memphis. 

 

I've seen trees and trees and trees. So many trees. Trees and hills. Tried to take a picture out the front of the hotel but doesnt really help. Seems gambling is legal at this hotel. Even has a atm machine. If i hadnt already booked coming home I wouldn't again. A bit over 3 hours to my cousins house map says in cinn. 

 

Edited June 9, 2023 by firefly333

[A&L_Ont]

Lucy went to the vet the other day for her annual check up. All good. 
 

Where we going?  

 

 

 

 

I’m exhausted. 
 

[Ocean Boy]

2 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

+ 1 It’s almost a shame to have to put furniture on it @Jimbo

Funny, I had thought that too!

[Keksie]

Off the needles in time for my cruise.  The yarn is a silk merino and very soft.

 

[Sea Dog]

9 hours ago, Coralc said:

 

And it looks like poor Bobby is going soon. He is fine, and still active. But according to his labs, he is hyperthyroid again and has very poor heart and liver labs. 

I’m so sorry Patti.

 

 

12 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Lucy went to the vet the other day for her annual check up. All good. 
 

Where we going?  

 

 

 

 

I’m exhausted. 
 

 

So does she just look out while riding in the car? She doesn’t freak out? Everyone of our cats hated riding in cars and would cry meowing the whole way.

[bobmacliberty]

10 hours ago, brillohead said:

Okay, after all the Las Vegas posts here, my "new" cousin just posted this on FB:

 

Ok my frequent Vegas peeps…I need recommendations on places to eat and things to not miss. Got a couple 21 year olds headed there for their birthdays in a couple weeks. TIA
 

 

So, what are your suggestions, those of you who are LV regulars?  She's taking her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to Vegas later this month, since they both recently turned 21yo.  Any recommendations?



 

 

Vegas almost always comes down to money...how much you have and how much you're willing to spend.  I haven't been in a few years so I'd verify that what I say below still exists.

 

For free, there are several small "shows" along the strip. 

• Fountains of Bellagio
• Volcano eruption in front of the Mirage
• Circus acts at Circus Circus
• Lions at MGM Grand
• Freemont Street Experience downtown (massive multi-block long overhead screen and light show)
• Conservatory inside Bellagio with rotating exhibits
• Animatronics show with fire and water in Caesar's Forum Shops (mall next to Caesar's)
• There was a show called Sirens of TI in front of Treasure Island that closed a few years ago.  There were rumors of a replacement show but I don't know if that ever happened. 

 

For paid shows, I'm a big fan of the Cirque du Soleil shows.  I'd highly recommend O (Bellagio), KA (MGM Grand), and Mystere (TI).  I've seen O and KA twice.   Love (Beatles themed show at Mirage) is also supposed to be good but I've not seen it.  Cirque shows are not cheap though.  Similar to last minute Broadway tickets, you can supposedly get last minute Cirque tickets at a good discount.  I've never done it and don't know the details.  There are other magic, singing, dancing shows if that's their thing.

 

Since they are now 21, there are several fun bars in Vegas

• Dueling piano bar in Harrah's
• Live bands and flair bar at Carnaval Court by Harrah's
• Gilley's Saloon and Dance Hall in TI
• Coyote Ugly in New York New York (like the movie)
• There used to be a flair bar (bartenders juggle bottles and shakers) in TI but I don't know if it's still there.

 

 

There are several high end nightclubs (think hundreds of people on a dance floor with a DJ blasting music and all kinds of special effects happening.  We've been to Tao (Venetian) and the Ghost Bar at the Palms (off strip).  The most popular nightclubs seem to constantly change and it was 2011 when we last visited one.  Too old now (actually, too old then).  These are often very expensive just to get in, let alone to order drinks.

 

Depending on where they stay, the pool complexes can be worth a day.  Mandalay Bay has probably the most famous pool area, complete with wave pool, but all of the bigger resorts have big pool areas.

 

I don't know how much this would appeal to 21 year olds, but it's worth just wandering through several of the hotels.  Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, MGM Grand, New York New York, even Rio off strip, are all interesting to see.  

 

There are several "amusement park" like rides scattered throughout the Vegas area.  The roller coaster at New York New York was fun.  The rides at the top of The Strat can range from mildly scary (Big Shot...done it) to downright terrifying (X-Scream..nope, nope, nope).  There's a zip line in the Freemont Street Experience in downtown Vegas.  The High Roller Observation Wheel was the largest of its type when opened but was surpassed by the new wheel in Dubai.  It's a cool way to get a great view of Vegas.  All of these rides have a separate fee.

 

There are several museum type places...the Mob Musuem, Madame Tussaud's, Neon Museum, Titanic Exhibition at Luxor.  We've only done Madame Tussaud's but we were surprised by how much we enjoyed it.  

 

There are zillions of restaurants in Vegas ranging from fast food to super high end.  One interesting one that we did was the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.  It's right across the street from the Fountains of Bellagio and about 10 stories up, so you get a great view of the show.  I agree that Trip Advisor is a good way to evaluate restaurants of different costs and food types.  I usually line up with the ratings given by travelers on Trip Advisor.  

 

If they want to gamble on something other than slot machines cheaply, the best ways are to gamble during the day/off hours or go to a more local casino off the strip.  A Google search will turn up several local places.  Harrah's used to have a blackjack section where the dealer was a celebrity impersonator...Marliyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, etc.  Table games at the bigger name casinos on the strip will start with a $25 minimum bet during busy times, and those may be hard to find. 

 

And of course, there's shopping everywhere.  Again, I don't know how much time 21 year olds will want to spend shopping.  

 

I'd also warn them of a couple of things.  There will probably be people trying to hand you little cards as you walk down the sidewalk.  These are usually cards advertising escort services or other similar business ventures.  Just ignore them and walk by.  There are several street entertainers and people dressed up in costumes.  If you get your picture taken with them, they expect a tip.

 

Happy to answer any questions they may have although like I said earlier, it's been a few years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[h20skibum]

The humor thread got moved to the float away lounge this morning.  They were talking about moving this thread there also.  
 

I hope not. 
 

On another note, while walking to the movies with our grandson yesterday, I came to a fork in the road, but didn’t take it. 

 

 

 

[derorim]

44 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

 

A long time ago I took our cat to the vet loose in the car like that.  He expressed his displeasure by peeing on the cloth passenger seat.  That smell never goes away, so we traded the car in.  My apologies to whoever bought that car.  Now we always take kitty in a carrier. 

[A&L_Ont]

29 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

So does she just look out while riding in the car? She doesn’t freak out? Everyone of our cats hated riding in cars and would cry meowing the whole way.

 

No issues at all. She just looks out the window.  She jumped into the back seat for a few minutes and then returned to her perch armrest.  She tried to look out my window but there was no way she was allowed to encroach the driver. 

 

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

My girlfriend & family have been travelling around Italy.  She texted me yesterday to say they were boarding their NCL ship (I am thinking Norwegian Gem) for a 10 day cruise.  She forgot to send me the itinerary from the TA before she left but from my quick research today - it looks like this one and I am thinking/hoping for them  it’s a good one?

 

Departing Ravenna (they originally had hotel booked in Venice until they realised their error)

Koper

Trieste

Hvar

Kotor

Corfu

Santorini

Mykonos

Dubrovink

returning to Ravenna

(excuse my spelling I scribbled the ports down in a rush at work)

Fantastic itinerary with lovely port's.