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

[derorim]

1 hour ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Woke up to this around 12:30 last night.  Neighbors across the street had a small fire back part of their house.  Everyone is fine.

there was fire trucks and emergency vehicles lined up and down the street.  

 

That's a frightening scene to wake up to.  Glad everyone got out okay.

[voyager70]

1 hour ago, mafig said:

Sad day for me.  Cancelled our January cruise.  First cruise I've cancelled in over 20 years.  😒

 

I'm sorry. I've had to cancel a few cruises - last minute - so I know how you feel. We don't cruise until March but I'm having serious doubts if we'll go if things don't change. 

[dani negreanu]

35 minutes ago, derorim said:

That's a frightening scene to wake up to.  Glad everyone got out okay.

 

@Sunshine3601

 

+ 2

 

2 minutes ago, voyager70 said:

I'm sorry. I've had to cancel a few cruises - last minute - so I know how you feel. We don't cruise until March but I'm having serious doubts if we'll go if things don't change. 

 

This "rollercoaster" of "yes, we're going", "no, we're not" is wearing me thin too...😢

[Arzeena]

10 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Hmmm let me think.  This is an RCI thread, the poster specifically referenced a cruise he was on with RCI in Alaska, yea it has to do with cruising on RCI.

I do not think you will EVER understand the meaning of this thread or why we are who we are and have still survived.

Peace to you my friend. Go point figners at the other threads and leave us be.🙏

[h20skibum]

1 hour ago, mafig said:

 

Mostly.

When I booked this cruise back in June it looked like everything was getting better.  I really didn't want to go on a cruise and wear a mask and I thought by January things would be better.  However, when they weren't, I thought, well I can live with wearing it inside, but can remove it in the casino and at shows.  Then they changed the protocols!  Over the weekend DH said he didn't want to go on vacation and feel like he was in a hospital.

Also, I happened to be at Walgreens on Saturday.  I had read that with their rapid testing people were getting results back in 15 minutes to two hours.  They told me, not anymore.  With the increase in people testing, they were averaging about 24 hours.  I am an anxious person.  I know my anxiety would skyrocket waiting for the results and I just didn't want to put myself through that.

 

I did have the perfect aft suite booked, too.

 

For us, it is almost starting to feel like March 2020 all over again.   You know, back when we were going to have a two week pause to stop the spread.  I didn’t cancel our April cruise, but Royal canceled it. 
 

Fast forward to 2021, and we sailed on what was one of the best cruises in October.  Although we had to wear masks in some venues, it wasn’t bad with those protocols.  Now we are this far out, and the first week now is included in the new masking everywhere except outdoors protocol.

 

 

 

We are starting to see a number of cancellations on the sailing, so maybe those families with unvaxed children are weighing the possible disruptions should they or their kids test positive.

 

For us, it is still full speed ahead.  We will be closely watching the packed, holiday cruises to see how they turn out.  

Edited December 20, 2021 by h20skibum

[bobmacliberty]

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Woke up to this around 12:30 last night.  Neighbors across the street had a small fire back part of their house.  Everyone is fine.

 

There's no good time for this to happen, but this is an especially bad time.  I hope this only minimally disrupts their holiday plans.  

 

1 hour ago, BonTexasNY said:

I always love watching National Lampoon Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.  Oh, that Cousin Eddy!!

 

That's still one of my favorites and I too love Cousin Eddie.  We had a big halloween party every year in Cincinnati.  One of my friends had recently purchased an RV so that they could go to their college baseball playing son's games.  He came to the party dressed as Cousin Eddie, complete with bathrobe, earmuff hat, and a length of corrugated drainage pipe over his shoulder (Sh***er's full!)

1 hour ago, mafig said:

 

Mostly.

When I booked this cruise back in June it looked like everything was getting better.  I really didn't want to go on a cruise and wear a mask and I thought by January things would be better.  However, when they weren't, I thought, well I can live with wearing it inside, but can remove it in the casino and at shows.  Then they changed the protocols!  Over the weekend DH said he didn't want to go on vacation and feel like he was in a hospital.

Also, I happened to be at Walgreens on Saturday.  I had read that with their rapid testing people were getting results back in 15 minutes to two hours.  They told me, not anymore.  With the increase in people testing, they were averaging about 24 hours.  I am an anxious person.  I know my anxiety would skyrocket waiting for the results and I just didn't want to put myself through that.

 

I did have the perfect aft suite booked, too.

 

Sorry to hear that you had to cancel.  Not that you need any validation from me or anyone else, but it sounds like you made the right decision for you.  Vacations should be fun.

[bobmacliberty]

1 hour ago, h20skibum said:

Today, the serious packing starts for our drive to Florida.  These are always the difficult trips to pack for.  Beach wagon, beach tent, sand toys and other things we need for our stay at the beach with all our grandkids and their parents, then two weeks on the ship.  One suitcase with clothes we will not need till on the ship, one we will need at the house and on the ship, and carry on bags for the road trip that will be repurposed for wine to carry on.  

 

I'm going to have a similar packing problem next September (hopefully).  End of season Alaska cruise, followed by TP from Vancouver to Hawaii, followed by a week on Kauai.  Will need everything from cold weather coats to bathing suits and t-shirts.  I think we'll bring 2 different sets of luggage and switch sets when the TP weather warms up.  

[Arzeena]

1 hour ago, h20skibum said:

It is a beautiful, cloudless blue sky this morning. 

 

It is a little on the cool side.  
 

 

Today, the serious packing starts for our drive to Florida.  These are always the difficult trips to pack for.  Beach wagon, beach tent, sand toys and other things we need for our stay at the beach with all our grandkids and their parents, then two weeks on the ship.  One suitcase with clothes we will not need till on the ship, one we will need at the house and on the ship, and carry on bags for the road trip that will be repurposed for wine to carry on.  
 

The car will be full.  I think we may have to fit daughter’s luggage and a couple golf bags too.  Time to brush up on my Tetris skills to fit everything. 

I hear you!

Today I am going to get a second suitcase for our trip clothes/stuff that we do not need on the cruise. I have one that we will need on the ship and the house.

[Sea Dog]

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Woke up to this around 12:30 last night.  Neighbors across the street had a small fire back part of their house.  Everyone is fine.

 

 

I'm glad everybody is ok.  That has to be so stressful. Sounds like there was a great fire department response and they put it out quickly.

 

 

1 hour ago, BonTexasNY said:

 

I always love watching National Lampoon Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.  Oh, that Cousin Eddy!!

 

I watch it every year. It's my all time favorite. I can recite most of the lines by heart.

 

 

1 hour ago, George C said:

We watch both National lampoon’s Christmas vacation and Christmas story every year have them at lots others on dvds.

 

Same here. a classic.

 

1 hour ago, dani negreanu said:

A storm is brewing.... winter is finally here.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful photos. The power of nature.

 

 

19 minutes ago, Arzeena said:

I do not think you will EVER understand the meaning of this thread or why we are who we are and have still survived.

Peace to you my friend. Go point figners at the other threads and leave us be.🙏

 

 

Bravo👏 Well said.

[BonTexasNY]

1 hour ago, mafig said:

 

Mostly.

When I booked this cruise back in June it looked like everything was getting better.  I really didn't want to go on a cruise and wear a mask and I thought by January things would be better.  However, when they weren't, I thought, well I can live with wearing it inside, but can remove it in the casino and at shows.  Then they changed the protocols!  Over the weekend DH said he didn't want to go on vacation and feel like he was in a hospital.

Also, I happened to be at Walgreens on Saturday.  I had read that with their rapid testing people were getting results back in 15 minutes to two hours.  They told me, not anymore.  With the increase in people testing, they were averaging about 24 hours.  I am an anxious person.  I know my anxiety would skyrocket waiting for the results and I just didn't want to put myself through that.

 

I did have the perfect aft suite booked, too.

 

I totally understand.  We have the Bella cruise booked for March, 2023 and I have doubts even that far out!  We have until Dec. 2022 for final payment and now with the new variant, I'm not at all confident that there won't be others. This whole nightmare seems never ending. We just can't imagine having to wear masks every time we're indoors on a cruise. 

 

I applaud those who are in a more confident state of mind and cruise now in spite of stricter protocols.

 

On a lighter note, this is the 2nd time someone left a goody bag of treats at our front door.  This time looks like homemade fudge.  No card so we don't know who to thank. The few neighbors I've asked are clueless.  It goes in the garbage like the other treats until the mystery candy person is revealed.

[BonTexasNY]

24 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

That's still one of my favorites and I too love Cousin Eddie.  We had a big halloween party every year in Cincinnati.  One of my friends had recently purchased an RV so that they could go to their college baseball playing son's games.  He came to the party dressed as Cousin Eddie, complete with bathrobe, earmuff hat, and a length of corrugated drainage pipe over his shoulder (Sh***er's full!)

OMG that made me laugh!!! I would be on the floor if I saw someone dressed like that. 🤣

[akcruz]

3 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Woke up to this around 12:30 last night.  Neighbors across the street had a small fire back part of their house.  Everyone is fine.

there was fire trucks and emergency vehicles lined up and down the street.  

I dont know what started the fire yet.  They turned off electric and gas for both houses next door. 

 

Fireman left by 3 am and allowed the family to go inside and pack overnight bag.  Inspectors are there now.

 

I have no idea how I slept through all sirens, eric woke me up saying the street must be on fire look outside.   The family was standing in our front yard but they didnt want to come in.  

 

Wow, hope all are ok, not a great way to start off the holiday season.

[George C]

2 hours ago, BonTexasNY said:

If I were to redo a kitchen, I would make all the deep cabinets "pull out drawers".  Every year it gets harder and harder to reach the back of the cabinet.  I always thought to do that in our last house but like all good ideas, I thought too long. 😒

I always love watching National Lampoon Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.  Oh, that Cousin Eddy!!

Kitchen redo is our 2022 project, most likely will start shortly after our February cruise, told wife need to do any big projects before she retires.

 

[davekathy]

12 hours ago, LGW59 said:

More China bashing, what is the point and what does it have to do with cruising on RCI??

The title to the thread is self explanatory. It's not RC or even cruise specific. Obviously even the CC Mod squad agrees with that. Again kudos to Dani for staring this thread. ✌️

Edited December 20, 2021 by davekathy

[reallyitsmema]

I used to watch the Peanuts Christmas every year too but haven’t watched in 21 years.  Every time I hear Christmas Time of Year it reminds me of when I heard it in the airport while I was waiting to fly to Florida the morning my Dad died. It still makes me sad so many years later. I did watch most of Sound of Music last night though. That movie never gets old. 

[Keksie]

Speaking of native wildlife.  Picture from the game camera last night.  The camera is set up in the back between us and the tree nursery.

 

[Luckynana]

On 12/19/2021 at 1:11 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

How is the Baby that came home the other week?    I cannot believe it but I cannot remember his name right now.    I hope he is doing great and getting stronger everyday🥰

Thank you for remembering him, Debbie.  I haven't received any emails since baby Kennedy Ganz arrived home and met his sisters.  🙏  

[Ozark_Kid]

Thanks for those sharing your experiences of Alaska.  I had to wait awhile before posting.  My first thoughts and response to the attack would not of helped. I am thankful for the times I am able not to hit submit in response to self righteous text….. I need to stop talking about it now. @Coralc I loved the story of the hat.  Something I noticed and may of asked about it .  I didn’t appreciate you being attracted over it.  Sorry you had it happen.  The tongue/text can be like fire and do much damage.  I tip my hat 🧢 (pun intended) to the first responders that quickly put out the flame.  I have grown to love and highly appreciate the family here.  I know the regulars here will always try their best to protect it.

[Ocean Boy]

55 minutes ago, BonTexasNY said:

 

On a lighter note, this is the 2nd time someone left a goody bag of treats at our front door.  This time looks like homemade fudge.  No card so we don't know who to thank. The few neighbors I've asked are clueless.  It goes in the garbage like the other treats until the mystery candy person is revealed.

I was going to ask if you actually eat the stuff.😄

[Luckynana]

22 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Baby Kennedy 🥰

You amaze me, Dani!❤️

[BonTexasNY]

10 minutes ago, Luckynana said:

Thank you for remembering him, Debbie.  I haven't received any emails since baby Kennedy Ganz arrived home and met his sisters.  🙏  

Hopefully, no news is good news!

[Jimbo]

3 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

Note:  Sunshine added a comment later on that she forgot to include 1 egg in the ingredients.  I mixed it in after beating the butter & sugars together. 

 @Sunshine3601 and others, says cookies are cooked  for 6-8 minutes, but at what temperature?

[reallyitsmema]

5 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Thanks for those sharing your experiences of Alaska.  I had to wait awhile before posting.  My first thoughts and response to the attack would not of helped. I am thankful for the times I am able not to hit submit in response to self righteous text….. I need to stop talking about it now. @Coralc I loved the story of the hat.  Something I noticed and may of asked about it .  I didn’t appreciate you being attracted over it.  Sorry you had it happen.  The tongue/text can be like fire and do much damage.  I tip my hat 🧢 (pun intended) to the first responders that quickly put out the flame.  I have grown to love and highly appreciate the family here.  I know the regulars here will always try their best to protect it.

To add to cruising Alaska in May, we loved it and are scheduled to go again this May. It is colder but to us from the north, it wasn’t bad at all. We didn’t need heavy coats, just a fleece layered with a waterproof outer layer. Last day on our way to Vancouver, we were in shorts because it was so beautiful outside. We did have hats and gloves for our whale watch but most days we didn’t need them. May is much cheaper to sail too. I hope we get there this May as we were cancelled this year. They just extended the final payment date to 30 days before, we won’t have to decide until April. 

[Sunshine3601]

3 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

 @Sunshine3601 and others, says cookies are cooked  for 6-8 minutes, but at what temperature?

cook with regular oven temp of 350 

I prefer not to use convection oven when baking.  

[Ocean Boy]

40 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

I used to watch the Peanuts Christmas every year too but haven’t watched in 21 years.  Every time I hear Christmas Time of Year it reminds me of when I heard it in the airport while I was waiting to fly to Florida the morning my Dad died. It still makes me sad so many years later. I did watch most of Sound of Music last night though. That movie never gets old. 

I get that sometimes something that seems quite benign can trigger memories and emotions about something way in the past.