"LIVE" from Symphony of the Seas - Sept. 29, 2024 (B2B)

MD_Dan · Saturday at 01:26 PM

Hello neighbor!

We'll sail on Symphony again in November. So I'll follow this thread closely.

Have a safe drive up I-95 and the Turnpike. I'll save my questions for a few days into the cruise.

Radio · Saturday at 11:20 PM

Symphony of the Seas is coming up the coast of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. . . She should be passing under the Verrazano Bridge around 5am . . . and docked at Cape Liberty by 6am.

Radio

Radio · 2024-09-29T01:01:41Z

Well, after a rainy 3-hour drive up here to Elizabeth, NJ I think it may be time to rest a bit before a busy day tomorrow . . . I need to be up early for some reason.

Thanks for tuning in. . .

Radio

Tomorrow is Cruise Day

Symphony of the Seas from Cape Liberty

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seadog67 · 2024-09-29T02:01:31Z

Outstanding! I am finally catching a Radio Live Report before it has officially started! Really looking forward to this as we board two week after your B2B finishes and looking forward to all the details you provide!

Hoping you have a great time and smooth sailing Radio! Thank you for doing this as I know it takes a good deal of effort!

Radio · 2024-09-29T02:52:28Z

48 minutes ago, seadog67 said:

Outstanding! I am finally catching a Radio Live Report before it has officially started! Really looking forward to this as we board two week after your B2B finishes and looking forward to all the details you provide!

Hoping you have a great time and smooth sailing Radio! Thank you for doing this as I know it takes a good deal of effort!

Thanks for the kind words, seadog67. There is a lot of exploring to do, and a lot of fun to have over the next 14 nights. . .

Radio

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relaxatsea · 2024-09-29T08:33:02Z

Yay! Radio's back! We'll be sailing on Symphony in Dec., so very interested to follow along.

Biker19 · 2024-09-29T09:12:54Z

8 hours ago, Radio said:

Symphony of the Seas from Cape Liberty

You developing into an RCI marketeer with unrealistic expectations?

seadog67 · 2024-09-29T09:22:14Z

Your chariot is arriving Radio! Bon Voyage!

Radio · 2024-09-29T11:19:36Z

Symphony of the Seas passed under the Verrazano Bridge around 5:15 this morning. She is currently docked at Cape Liberty and the debarkation process has started. . .

(Screen captured from PTZtv)

Radio

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EllieinNJ · 2024-09-29T13:13:22Z

We are on Symphony exactly one year from yesterday but will be on the Odyssey in February with the exact itinerary. Looking forward to your review.

Radio · 2024-09-29T13:19:21Z

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 1 of “LIVE” from Symphony of the Seas. I am enjoying a freshly brewed cup of delicious coffee at the Courtyard by Marriott in nearby Elizabeth, NJ.

I only have about a 20-minute ride to Cape Liberty (Bayonne). I often stay here at this Marriott when I cruise from Cape Liberty. The rooms and lobby are very clean, and the Bistro near the lobby has great coffee and breakfast items.

My check-in appointment is for later this morning at 12 to 12:30, and passengers should already be boarding by then.

The forecast for today is "Cloudy, and 66F". It seems that will also be the weather for sail away. There is light rain currently, but it should go away later.

I still must pack up the “Radio Pressroom”, attach my luggage tags and make sure my documents are handy to show the Terminal Representatives.

I can use my Royal App to show my Set Sail Pass, but I would like to have a paper copy as a backup.

My brother and his wife will be sailing this week. I have a few friends that I will be meeting on board for Week 2.

I will be posting next from Symphony of the Seas later today.

Thanks for tuning in.

Radio

Today is Cruise Day

There are several hotels in Elizabeth, NJ that I often stay at when cruising up here.

The "Radio Pressroom" must be packed up.

My set sail pass is ready!

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My luggage tags have been attached.

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It is a short trip over to Cape Liberty.

My Itinerary.

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Edited 12 hours ago by Radio

Havin'fun · 2024-09-29T13:30:50Z

Yeah!

I needed a Radio cruise journey especially on Symphony. I will be onboard next Sunday and this will definitely help pass the time until then.

Enjoy!

Edited 12 hours ago by Havin'fun

Sea Dog · 2024-09-29T14:02:55Z

Bon Voyage and have a great time!

A&L_Ont · 2024-09-29T14:59:58Z

Having recently sailed this itinerary on Symphony, I look forward into following your adventures.

I’ll be waiting in the press room for your reports to come.

Radio · 2024-09-29T19:25:09Z

Hello everyone, and good day. I made it on board. Here's just a couple pics for now. Many more pics after dinner.

Radio

Central Park. Deck 8

Main pool under cloudy skies and light rain. Deck 15.

Wonderful Lobster Tail for lunch in the Solarium Bistro. Deck 15.

Royal Promenade. Deck 5.

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wolfcathorse · 2024-09-29T20:17:07Z

Love your style! Will be following!

MD_Dan · 2024-09-29T21:05:25Z

OK Radio, I'll start the questions!

We've sailed RCL about 12 times but never out of Bayonne. Compare and contrast Bayonne from Florida ports.

I suspect

- More expensive NY/NJ hotels (although Miami may be higher)

- NY vibe is different from a Florida vibe

- No outrageous air fare but a reasonable drive. Was parking expensive?

- You no doubt sailed out of Baltimore. Is the Statue of Liberty visible? Compare it to sailing past Fort McHenry.

- What is happening on the pool deck during the first and last days when temperatures are cooler?

And talk to me about that NASA hat! I'm a GSFC employee.

buffet24 · 2024-09-29T21:21:50Z

1 hour ago, Radio said:

The same place at 5AM!!! 🤪

(Bon Voyage and looking forward to your pictures to compare! 🤩)

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cruisecookie · 2024-09-29T22:53:19Z

Is there a USB outlet in the bedside telephone on the Symphony of the Seas staterooms?

Another_Critic · 2024-09-30T00:32:16Z

3 hours ago, MD_Dan said:

- No outrageous air fare but a reasonable drive. Was parking expensive?

- You no doubt sailed out of Baltimore. Is the Statue of Liberty visible? Compare it to sailing past Fort McHenry.

Parking is $30/day at the port. 7 night cruise = $210.

Statue of Liberty is visible from the port side (assuming the ship is docked on the starboard side).

You don't normally sail by Lady Liberty when sailing from Cape Liberty, but once in a while the Captain will give you a treat ... sail away on Anthem May 2023 TA.

Edited 56 minutes ago by Another_Critic

buffet24 · 2024-09-30T00:36:45Z

1 hour ago, cruisecookie said:

Is there a USB outlet in the bedside telephone on the Symphony of the Seas staterooms?

Yes, in our room... The left side bed has the Phone with a USB plug on its side... and for the right side bed... there is a 110V Power Outlet just below the light fixture (just behind the pillows).

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Radio · 2024-09-30T01:27:50Z

Hello everyone and good evening. Today has been a very busy day. Let's begin. . .

I left the hotel around 12:15, and I made it to about a half a mile from Cape Liberty. That's where the backup traffic started. Stop for 30 seconds then drive 30 ft. That happened for the next 30 min.

It took a total of 45 minutes to make it to the parking garage. Once I parked the car and walked into the terminal things moved very quickly.

The security line took about 10 minutes, but then I walked up to a check in agent with an iPad. She scanned my passport and my set sail pass, and then told me to walk on board. Wow. From security, to the ship in 5 min. I did not have Express Pass, Key, Suite perks or Platinum. My only thought was to think about a famous Star Wars quote: "Impressive young Skywalker" after 98 cruises, this was truly the fastest embarkation I have had.

I was able to activate my internet, and go to my e-muster drill at C-3 on Deck 4.

The cabins were open, and I met my cabin attendant. It seems that she remembers having me as a guest on Oasis of the Seas in 2022. She is delightful and I'm glad she will be helping out for the next 14 nights.

I had lunch today at the Solarium Bistro on Deck 15(FWD). I really like the way the floor plan has changed in the Solarium Bistro. This is a new design that is much different from Oasis, Allure, and Harmony.

I also like that they offer lobster tails there, as well as Windjammer Marketplace. It wasn't very crowded and the food was very good.

Sailaway was at 4PM and we sailed under the bridge with cloudy rainy skies. That's okay though, the captain suggested that we can expect sunny skies tomorrow and 83F.

I thought Casino Royale would be open by 5:00, but it didn't open until 630. I might have to try casino Royale later on this evening.

My luggage did not show up until about 6:30. I'm not 100% sure why it took so long but it took me a few minutes to put everything in its place.

I have a standard Ocean view balcony cabin. There is lots of storage with plenty of room for me. I am really looking forward to putting my head on a pillow this evening.

Here are a few pics from today.

Thanks for tuning in.

Radio .

The traffic begins about 1/2 mile south of the terminal