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

[Lionesss]

7 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

The view, a cappuccino, and listening to ABBA. Not a bad morning. Scheduled to arrive at St. Thomas at 10:30 AM.

 

 

You must be doing something very right.........................no "Kankles"  I usually get swollen ankles by day 2 of the cruise if I eat poorly.  Last cruise I behaved and they were mild.

 

Stay safe.

[DaniDanielle]

We are in Antiqua, weather is perfect. Trip has been great so far!

[DaniDanielle]

I have to start snapping pictures.

[A&L_Ont]

Thanks everyone for the kind words about cancelling.  

 

For us it comes down to time limitations, regarding cancelling in the next few days.  Our final payment is due on Friday, as our TA requires payment 2 weeks earlier than RC.  Our flights are refundable, hotel in MIA is too, and we will get our applied FCC back as another.  

 

We already have close to $5K in FCC for too many cancelled sailings.  We have the Royal Loft Suite booked for March and you could speculate how much more FCC we would have from RC just to cancel in 5 weeks from now.  As it stands our next cruise isn't until March 2023.  I certainly do not need that much tied up in FCC until then.

 

With the draconian restrictions that Canada has as country, along with local restrictions, we just don't see it working for our lives at this point in time.  Even if we got there and back without getting covid, the three of us are not allowed into certain hockey arenas for 14 days because of the screening restrictions.  That would be the best case situation.  Owen would miss out on playoff hockey for 14 days, if his team makes it that far without him.  If we got Covid it only gets worse from there. 

 

Next week Lisa and I should have been heading to Antigua but that's another cancelled trip to our long list of sadness.  If Owen was older and I was retired we would be looking at going away differently but alas that is not the case.

 

I guess I'm really starting to feel like I have the Eeorye Syndrome, as I watch fellow Canadians do things to which I can't for business and personal reasons. I just went through some of his inspirational quotes and two if his stand out to how I feel at this point... "It’s all for naught" and "Don’t worry about me. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay here and be miserable".

 

I should finish my mini rant with his most optimistic quote, "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine".  I haven't stopped looking yet and my head isn't buried in the sand, but I'm close to done at this point.  Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

 

 

[George C]

3 hours ago, sgmn said:

The cinema we go to has reclining seats. We're almost horizontal 😁

I love it, very comfy and because each seat takes up more room it's good for social distancing 

We also only go to movies with reclining seats , they also have waiters serving food and drink , I get margarita wife gets Chardonnay, love all the leg room.

[h20skibum]

On 1/22/2022 at 6:35 PM, ReneeFLL said:

You might have been able to see us. We are on deck 11 and 6 cabins from the aft. I usually wave, but this time I stayed seated. Not sure if Mike was standing or sitting when we passed the camera. I had on a blue shirt with red/orange flowers and shorts and Mike had on a cream and tan? shirt. Where on FB would I find the pictures? I’m going to see if I can find them.

 

I think I may have found you in these couple of pictures.  

 

 

On 1/22/2022 at 9:17 PM, DaniDanielle said:

1900 onboard.  Yesterday was dismal. Today near 80 and Captain says it will all get better from here.

I have to stop eating, I have been too full🤪Am a whopping $10.00 up in the casino!  

 

 

I can relate to the “I have to stop eating!”   When we got home, we thought we would have to buy a new scale, because there was obviously something wrong with the way it was weighing us.   Then we looked at our pictures over the last month, and they were perfect for the before and after diet commercial photos.  Only problem was ours were in the reverse order. 😂😂

 

On 1/23/2022 at 8:18 AM, Keksie said:

A Panama Canal trip was next on our list.  We didn't have anything booked because we had the move going on.  My plan was that as soon as we got completely moved I would book that cruise.  Now I don't think we will ever do that trip.  I really wanted to see the canal in action.  That will be wonderful cruise for you and especially fun with a relative to catch up with.

A Panama Canal trip should be on everyone’s list.  We went through the locks on both a big ship, and a little boat.  
 

 

The little boat gives you an up close look at the locks. 
 

 

And the larger ships tower above you. 
 

 

 

 

20 hours ago, Arzeena said:

Last night we saw a show in 270. The Book. Loved the music, dancing, performers. We sat upstairs. Very spaced out. I enjoyed the show a lot. No reser vations were required. Had dinner at Giovanni's Kitchen. Sat in the via. My thoughts: athough you can taste and see that this is mire authentic on being Italian, I prefer Jamie's for their variety, taste, desserts, Cocktails and choices. Many people may defer, but food is a personal choice. Now I will not say Sorrento  has the best pizza in the world. But if someone thinks so and likes it, I will respect their preference and not poo poo them. 

 

I thought there was so much more they could have done with The Book, but I think you will find many of the shows amazing. 
 

Make sure you get a seat down front, for the Effectors show.  That is one of their best. 

 

20 hours ago, Arzeena said:

Not sure yet. But we will go to Mahahual and spend some time relaxing at one of the beach clubs. People have mentioned Crazy Lobster, Tropicana, Jamie's Reef. We have been to Blue Key and Tropicante in the past and liked it. I would like something that is nit very crowded. I will post what we did and my 2 cents.

Will be interested in which you choose. We were at Crazy Lobster. 

[Ocean Boy]

20 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Thanks everyone for the kind words about cancelling.  

 

For us it comes down to time limitations, regarding cancelling in the next few days.  Our final payment is due on Friday, as our TA requires payment 2 weeks earlier than RC.  Our flights are refundable, hotel in MIA is too, and we will get our applied FCC back as another.  

 

We already have close to $5K in FCC for too many cancelled sailings.  We have the Royal Loft Suite booked for March and you could speculate how much more FCC we would have from RC just to cancel in 5 weeks from now.  As it stands our next cruise isn't until March 2023.  I certainly do not need that much tied up in FCC until then.

 

With the draconian restrictions that Canada has as country, along with local restrictions, we just don't see it working for our lives at this point in time.  Even if we got there and back without getting covid, the three of us are not allowed into certain hockey arenas for 14 days because of the screening restrictions.  That would be the best case situation.  Owen would miss out on playoff hockey for 14 days, if his team makes it that far without him.  If we got Covid it only gets worse from there. 

 

Next week Lisa and I should have been heading to Antigua but that's another cancelled trip to our long list of sadness.  If Owen was older and I was retired we would be looking at going away differently but alas that is not the case.

 

I guess I'm really starting to feel like I have the Eeorye Syndrome, as I watch fellow Canadians do things to which I can't for business and personal reasons. I just went through some of his inspirational quotes and two if his stand out to how I feel at this point... "It’s all for naught" and "Don’t worry about me. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay here and be miserable".

 

I should finish my mini rant with his most optimistic quote, "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine".  I haven't stopped looking yet and my head isn't buried in the sand, but I'm close to done at this point.  Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

 

 

Wish I could buy you a drink right now. Well, maybe I mean later since it is only 8:45 AM on this ship. Have I mentioned that I know two really good bartenders?

[bobmacliberty]

11 hours ago, George C said:

I have a list of theaters I will not return to, always try to get aisle seats , some of the newer theaters still have really bad leg room. I love seeing plays in Dallas the theaters here all have good legroom and most touring shows are excellent some like South Pacific had many of the same cast members.

 

11 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

I am 6’5 and going to theaters,anywhere ,even for movies I must have an aisle seat.

 

11 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

@lenquixote66 sorry to hear you were both too unwell to go out.  Hope you are able to try again.

My son is 6’2’ and struggles with seating. I can imagine how much more difficult it must be for you.

 

I'm 6'0" and my knees are often pushed up against the seat in front of me in older theaters.  I can't imagine being squeezed in like a sardine for a few hours if I was taller.  Love the new reclining movie theater seats.  More importantly, they work well for Micheline.  Since she's on the shorter side, movie theater seats in pre-reclining days were often uncomfortable for her if her feet dangled too much.  We're much more likely to go see a movie in a theater now.  Having a bar there and using the Run Pee app also helps. 😉

 

[DaniDanielle]

Lenny, feel better

[Sea Dog]

16 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Thanks everyone for the kind words about cancelling.  

 

For us it comes down to time limitations, regarding cancelling in the next few days.  Our final payment is due on Friday, as our TA requires payment 2 weeks earlier than RC.  Our flights are refundable, hotel in MIA is too, and we will get our applied FCC back as another.  

 

We already have close to $5K in FCC for too many cancelled sailings.  We have the Royal Loft Suite booked for March and you could speculate how much more FCC we would have from RC just to cancel in 5 weeks from now.  As it stands our next cruise isn't until March 2023.  I certainly do not need that much tied up in FCC until then.

 

With the draconian restrictions that Canada has as country, along with local restrictions, we just don't see it working for our lives at this point in time.  Even if we got there and back without getting covid, the three of us are not allowed into certain hockey arenas for 14 days because of the screening restrictions.  That would be the best case situation.  Owen would miss out on playoff hockey for 14 days, if his team makes it that far without him.  If we got Covid it only gets worse from there. 

 

Next week Lisa and I should have been heading to Antigua but that's another cancelled trip to our long list of sadness.  If Owen was older and I was retired we would be looking at going away differently but alas that is not the case.

 

I guess I'm really starting to feel like I have the Eeorye Syndrome, as I watch fellow Canadians do things to which I can't for business and personal reasons. I just went through some of his inspirational quotes and two if his stand out to how I feel at this point... "It’s all for naught" and "Don’t worry about me. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay here and be miserable".

 

I should finish my mini rant with his most optimistic quote, "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine".  I haven't stopped looking yet and my head isn't buried in the sand, but I'm close to done at this point.  Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

 

 

Sorry Andrew you are canceling your much anticipated cruise but it sounds like you are doing it for all the right reasons. Hoping you get to cruise before the Bella cruise but if not we will celebrate heavily with you.

[h20skibum]

I finally got caught up after a few days.  I am loving/hating some of these sunny, warm, cruise photos.  It seems like all I have done is clear snow since we got back.  4” yesterday, 6” the day before.  
 

So here is a pro tip for those currently sailing.  Save the covered plate you get in your cabin on boarding day, and refill it with cookies on a daily basis. We always kept at least a dozen there for emergencies. 
 

The chocolate chip, and mudslide cookies pair well with a merlot while waiting for sunrise, or any other time. 

[Momof3gurlz]

16 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Thanks everyone for the kind words about cancelling.  

 

For us it comes down to time limitations, regarding cancelling in the next few days.  Our final payment is due on Friday, as our TA requires payment 2 weeks earlier than RC.  Our flights are refundable, hotel in MIA is too, and we will get our applied FCC back as another.  

 

We already have close to $5K in FCC for too many cancelled sailings.  We have the Royal Loft Suite booked for March and you could speculate how much more FCC we would have from RC just to cancel in 5 weeks from now.  As it stands our next cruise isn't until March 2023.  I certainly do not need that much tied up in FCC until then.

 

With the draconian restrictions that Canada has as country, along with local restrictions, we just don't see it working for our lives at this point in time.  Even if we got there and back without getting covid, the three of us are not allowed into certain hockey arenas for 14 days because of the screening restrictions.  That would be the best case situation.  Owen would miss out on playoff hockey for 14 days, if his team makes it that far without him.  If we got Covid it only gets worse from there. 

 

Next week Lisa and I should have been heading to Antigua but that's another cancelled trip to our long list of sadness.  If Owen was older and I was retired we would be looking at going away differently but alas that is not the case.

 

I guess I'm really starting to feel like I have the Eeorye Syndrome, as I watch fellow Canadians do things to which I can't for business and personal reasons. I just went through some of his inspirational quotes and two if his stand out to how I feel at this point... "It’s all for naught" and "Don’t worry about me. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay here and be miserable".

 

I should finish my mini rant with his most optimistic quote, "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine".  I haven't stopped looking yet and my head isn't buried in the sand, but I'm close to done at this point.  Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

 

 

I’m so sorry Andrew.  I wish I had something inspirational to say but all I can come up with is 

“ it really suxx”.  
How about if I distract you with a question?  The new patio dining set we ordered for our pool area was finally delivered in December and it’s slightly larger than standard. (seats 8 vs 6).  I’m looking into a large offset umbrella instead of a regular table one.  Because of the sun angles, even a tilting table umbrella doesn’t shade one end of a table in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.  I thought maybe an offset would be better and seem to recall you posted about one.  Are you happy with the functionality and flexibility as far as providing necessary shade?  

[bobmacliberty]

9 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

How about if I distract you with a question?  The new patio dining set we ordered for our pool area was finally delivered in December and it’s slightly larger than standard. (seats 8 vs 6).  I’m looking into a large offset umbrella instead of a regular table one.  Because of the sun angles, even a tilting table umbrella doesn’t shade one end of a table in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.  I thought maybe an offset would be better and seem to recall you posted about one.  Are you happy with the functionality and flexibility as far as providing necessary shade?

 

We had one on our pool in Cincinnati.  We loved it.  We had the same issue where the sun angle would change enough that we used both the tilt and the rotate capability.  We bought ours more than 20 years ago and can't recall the brand name.  I did a quick Google search and none of the results ring a bell, so maybe that company is no longer in business.  I remember that we bought ours at an umbrella/awning store and it was more expensive than the Lowes/Target versions that are available.  It lasted forever. 

 

My advice would be to get one with the ability to add concrete squares to the base to hold it down.  With the umbrella cantilevered, it is susceptible to being blown over if it gets windy.  We had 4 concrete squares at the base AND we put potted plants on top of them.  It made it look nicer and it didn't budge at all in high winds.  Admittedly, I do tend to over engineer everything.

[John&LaLa]

8 hours ago, NHProud said:

I don’t watch reality shows however I do watch Jeopardy . Tonight’s show had a question Laura would have gotten and it was what did the GAO change the A to in its new name ?    

 

I’m watching the Australian Open and not as exciting as this past weekend’s football games.  Happy that Rogers and Brady are out .  Serena and The Joker aren’t playing , so perfect .   

 

Lenny , hope you are feeling better. 

 

J

 

 

 

They changed the G as well.

 

General Accounting Office

 

Government Accountability Office

Edited January 25, 2022 by John&LaLa

[Sunshine3601]

12 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

The last time we went out to dinner was Feb.8,2020.We were looking forward to going out last night.After lunch yesterday we had delicious pastries .Approximately 4PM we both began to have stomach aches.Mine was really bad to the point that I knew that going out to dinner would not be advisable.I went to bed and slept until 5AM .I was still not feeling well and went back to sleep .I got up at 8:00 ,had breakfast ,felt a little bit better but did not really feel okay till about noon.

Our daughters will find another night when we are all available.

Sorry to hear you both had tummy aches.  Glad to hear you feel better now.

No need to rush going out to eat if both concerned there are a lot of great take out options.  Or if you do want to venture out to eat maybe try a lunch or early dinner during a weekday to avoid crowds.🐣😍

[Sunshine3601]

12 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

I am 6’5 and going to theaters,anywhere ,even for movies I must have an aisle seat.

Eric 6'3"   I will always remember Eric being so uncomfortable when we were in London and went to her Majestys Theatre in London to see Phantom of the Opera.   We had seats on first balcony level in the center of the isle and the seats were low I guess due to age of the theater.   He was squirming around the whole time and there was nowhere for us to move to.

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, DaniDanielle said:

We are in Antiqua, weather is perfect. Trip has been great so far!

I love Antigua.  I did lots of shopping while there.  I bought some of those turtles they have at store 306 in port.  Plus my favorite silver store Silverado.

Had a great day at Runaway Beach too.  Have Fun🍹🌴

[Sunshine3601]

11 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I didn't like the Caribbean mule. The coconut and the ginger clashed

I'm usually not a fan of anything coconut but really enjoyed this drink while hanging at the pool.

[MJSailors]

Lenny- Hoping that you and your wife are feeling better today.

I think you mentioned that the restaurant you had planned to go to was an upscale place with a dress code ?

There aren’t many of those left on LI. Would you care to give the name of that restaurant? Occasionally, my DH and I like to go to a very nice restaurant to celebrate some event. 

Wishing you and all the posters here a very good day !

MJ🙋🏻

[sgmn]

11 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Eric 6'3"   I will always remember Eric being so uncomfortable when we were in London and went to her Majestys Theatre in London to see Phantom of the Opera.   We had seats on first balcony level in the center of the isle and the seats were low I guess due to age of the theater.   He was squirming around the whole time and there was nowhere for us to move to.

Some of the old London theatres are very cramped. Think they were built for a much smaller generation. 

This website is very good for reviews on seats and theatres

https://seatplan.com/

 

[Ocean Boy]

 

[dani negreanu]

57 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

So here is a pro tip for those currently sailing.  Save the covered plate you get in your cabin on boarding day, and refill it with cookies on a daily basis. We always kept at least a dozen there for emergencies. 

 

😁😁  Trying to work out what those "emergencies" might be... 😎😎

[Arzeena]

1 hour ago, h20skibum said:

I think I may have found you in these couple of pictures.  

 

 

 

I can relate to the “I have to stop eating!”   When we got home, we thought we would have to buy a new scale, because there was obviously something wrong with the way it was weighing us.   Then we looked at our pictures over the last month, and they were perfect for the before and after diet commercial photos.  Only problem was ours were in the reverse order. 😂😂

 

A Panama Canal trip should be on everyone’s list.  We went through the locks on both a big ship, and a little boat.  
 

 

The little boat gives you an up close look at the locks. 
 

 

And the larger ships tower above you. 
 

 

 

 

 

I thought there was so much more they could have done with The Book, but I think you will find many of the shows amazing. 
 

Make sure you get a seat down front, for the Effectors show.  That is one of their best. 

 

Will be interested in which you choose. We were at Crazy Lobster. 

Please tell me how it was.

[Ocean Boy]

16 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I'm usually not a fan of anything coconut but really enjoyed this drink while hanging at the pool.

Curacao Cosmo has coconut taste but is surprisingly good.

[Ocean Boy]

4 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

😁😁  Trying to work out what those "emergencies" might be... 😎😎

You know, a cruise ship could run out of cookies.