December 9 2016
Fort Lauderdale
Slept in a bit since we didn't have anywhere to be. Went down for breakfast just after 8.30 (it closed at 9) Did I mention this was also complimentary?? Loved it!
After breakfast we went to the Front Desk to ask about the shuttle to the airport, as well as if they had any availability for Jan 28th (the day before our back 2 back cruises) as we really liked this hotel!! Unfortunately they have a 2 night minimum for that night - because they are likely almost full from pre-cruisers - so oh-well. They had a shuttle but it was $10 pp (and I knew Uber would be cheaper so we didn't book it) When we went back up to the room, Laurie got online as she is a Hilton HHonors member and the woman at the desk said there was a EB in Miami (which is where we are going on the cruise out of anyway) So Laurie called and got a reservation for that one. Its closer to the airport, not by the port, but since it has so much in it, we don't need to be that entertained LOL (The Holiday Inn I booked was across from Bayside - the outdoor mall in Miami)
We got checked out, stored our luggage with Bell Services and headed to the pool. It had been cloudy all morning but was starting to show some signs of sun. We wanted to soak up as much as we could as we knew the weather at home was cold. We spent the afternoon at the pool - we didn't need to leave until 6pm since our flight was at 8.30.
I called an Uber at 5.45 and she was there in 2 mins. It only ended up being an $8 fare! So crazy. I liked it (was my first time using it) We did curb side check in and went down to security - there was no one there. So easy!
We went down by the gate and just relaxed. Got some Auntie Ann's pretzels .. yum! Diet started tomorrow, so get it in now LOL
Flight was so empty - I had all 3 seats to myself as Laurie had moved across the aisle (so she could have all 3 to herself as well) Flight was fine until the end. Was very windy at home and landing was umm, interesting? I hate not being in control and you could feel the plane swaying all over and the engines revving .. was a freaky 5 mins! Thank god all was fine. I went to go get the car,while Laurie went to baggage claim. I knew no one would give me a hard time about parking for a few mins at that late of an hour. Walking outside was a shocker! I felt like I got hit in the face with a sheet of ice! Speed walked to the car to keep warm lol
Drove over to baggage claim and double parked (kept the car running too!) and went inside to get my bags. Laur had pulled them off the carousel and turns out my large suitcase handle was broken. I couldn't lift up the lever to pull it. Had to drag it by the handle grip to get it out to the car. Now I really needed new luggage!!
Was home in 10 mins. Love that!!
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Independence of The Seas & Post Cruise
December 8 2016
Fort Lauderdale
Since we were a late # to be called off the ship, we knew we could sleep in. You don't usually need to be out of your cabins till about 8.30(and can certainly stretch it out, since everyone else will be out of theirs, your steward can be working on those first LOL) Got up around 8.15 and got dressed. Left the cabin by 8.45 and went up to Windjammer - but it was already closed! We headed down to the Promenade but they only had muffins and donuts etc. I grabbed one and we went to the Champagne Bar (I think they are calling it R Bar now?) and sat and waited to have our # called.
I was checking my email and received a notice that they were going to release my cabin block for Harmony! So I started sending out texts to the family to let them know we needed to get these cabins booked. I also called Group Res and asked them to extend the release date. They said they only were due to release the interior cabins and we still had another 7 days before the balcony cabins would be released.
So while I was on the phone with them, I paid them the rest of the deposit balance I owed (deposit is $500 for a group booking - I had moved $100 over from a booking I changed) and then I also booked Mom/Judy for their cabin.
When our # was called, we headed to get off the ship. We decided to get a porter; its so much easier when in those long lines for customs. While we were grabbing our luggage, he asked if we had the Mobile Pass app; I said I did and was already set up, but Laurie didn't. He asked if we had been in the same cabin and we said yes. So he said "add her to yours!" so he had us follow him to the Mobile Pass line and while we were walking I am trying to add Laurie. We got her added and were the only ones on the MP line! It was a breeze - we answered all the questions on the app and then one of those scannable boxes comes up on your phone. The customs agent tells you to place your phone on the scanner, you wait a few seconds and the scanner light turns green and you are done! From the ship to the cab, it was only 20 mins!
We headed to the Embassy Suites to check in - we figured the room wouldn't be ready so we had brought our bathing suits off the ship in our carry-on in case we just needed to just store our luggage. However, our room was ready! (I was thinking it was a Sat, but it was only a Thursday and they wouldn't have a lot of cruise pax that day) We went up to the room with our stuff, got settled, relaxed a bit and then changed into bathing suits and headed to the pool.
It was a little cloudy, but it was warm and still quite nice out. We were hungry since we didn't have much breakfast so we sat by the cafe and had some lunch outside. I got a delicious turkey club sandwich and Laur got a chicken sandwich. After we finished eating we found a quiet spot on the corner of the pool deck and parked ourselves there. It was nice! We relaxed, snoozed etc Sometime later we decided we needed a frosty beverage and were disappointed that there was not any wait staff - we went inside and ordered Pina Coladas (and were bummed that we couldn't use our SeaPasses!! lol)
Around 4 we headed up to take showers, as EB has a FREE Happy Hour from 5.30-7.30 (every night!!) with drinks and snacks. So we wanted to check that out! We went down and wow, it was crowded! We didn't even think that many people were at the hotel LOL They had a few wines and beers, and few well liquors and a "Drink of the Day" which was a Bahama Mama, and was delicious! We got drinks and found a table then went back for snacks. Pita chips, hummus, popcorn, pretzels .. what!
We had already planned to go to Carrabba's for dinner .. we love the food and it was right down the road! Its also becoming a tradition for Laurie and I :) We walked as it was only a few blocks away (and helped to make room from drinks and snacks LOL) Laurie saw that there was a table open outside so we asked for it "because we can" (be sitting outside for dinner in December) It was a delicious dinner and we were stuffed! I think we waddled back to the hotel. Went up to the room to relax and go to bed.
Fort Lauderdale
Since we were a late # to be called off the ship, we knew we could sleep in. You don't usually need to be out of your cabins till about 8.30(and can certainly stretch it out, since everyone else will be out of theirs, your steward can be working on those first LOL) Got up around 8.15 and got dressed. Left the cabin by 8.45 and went up to Windjammer - but it was already closed! We headed down to the Promenade but they only had muffins and donuts etc. I grabbed one and we went to the Champagne Bar (I think they are calling it R Bar now?) and sat and waited to have our # called.
I was checking my email and received a notice that they were going to release my cabin block for Harmony! So I started sending out texts to the family to let them know we needed to get these cabins booked. I also called Group Res and asked them to extend the release date. They said they only were due to release the interior cabins and we still had another 7 days before the balcony cabins would be released.
So while I was on the phone with them, I paid them the rest of the deposit balance I owed (deposit is $500 for a group booking - I had moved $100 over from a booking I changed) and then I also booked Mom/Judy for their cabin.
When our # was called, we headed to get off the ship. We decided to get a porter; its so much easier when in those long lines for customs. While we were grabbing our luggage, he asked if we had the Mobile Pass app; I said I did and was already set up, but Laurie didn't. He asked if we had been in the same cabin and we said yes. So he said "add her to yours!" so he had us follow him to the Mobile Pass line and while we were walking I am trying to add Laurie. We got her added and were the only ones on the MP line! It was a breeze - we answered all the questions on the app and then one of those scannable boxes comes up on your phone. The customs agent tells you to place your phone on the scanner, you wait a few seconds and the scanner light turns green and you are done! From the ship to the cab, it was only 20 mins!
We headed to the Embassy Suites to check in - we figured the room wouldn't be ready so we had brought our bathing suits off the ship in our carry-on in case we just needed to just store our luggage. However, our room was ready! (I was thinking it was a Sat, but it was only a Thursday and they wouldn't have a lot of cruise pax that day) We went up to the room with our stuff, got settled, relaxed a bit and then changed into bathing suits and headed to the pool.
It was a little cloudy, but it was warm and still quite nice out. We were hungry since we didn't have much breakfast so we sat by the cafe and had some lunch outside. I got a delicious turkey club sandwich and Laur got a chicken sandwich. After we finished eating we found a quiet spot on the corner of the pool deck and parked ourselves there. It was nice! We relaxed, snoozed etc Sometime later we decided we needed a frosty beverage and were disappointed that there was not any wait staff - we went inside and ordered Pina Coladas (and were bummed that we couldn't use our SeaPasses!! lol)
Around 4 we headed up to take showers, as EB has a FREE Happy Hour from 5.30-7.30 (every night!!) with drinks and snacks. So we wanted to check that out! We went down and wow, it was crowded! We didn't even think that many people were at the hotel LOL They had a few wines and beers, and few well liquors and a "Drink of the Day" which was a Bahama Mama, and was delicious! We got drinks and found a table then went back for snacks. Pita chips, hummus, popcorn, pretzels .. what!
We had already planned to go to Carrabba's for dinner .. we love the food and it was right down the road! Its also becoming a tradition for Laurie and I :) We walked as it was only a few blocks away (and helped to make room from drinks and snacks LOL) Laurie saw that there was a table open outside so we asked for it "because we can" (be sitting outside for dinner in December) It was a delicious dinner and we were stuffed! I think we waddled back to the hotel. Went up to the room to relax and go to bed.
Independence of the Seas - Day 5
December 7 2016
At Sea
Laurie and I got up around 7am. She was headed for a walk, and since I wasn't ready yet, dropped stuff on chairs for us and then I would go up a few minutes later.
I got up there about 7.30 and it was a beautiful morning! Laurie was still walking as I sat and enjoyed the peacefulness of the pool at that hour. The weather looked like it would be good once the morning clouds burned off (which they did)
As usual, we spent the day at the pool. It got quite warm midday so we were in the pool a lot. And the Belly Flop Contest was in our pool so we got pool side seat just by sitting on our chairs :)
We went back to the cabin around 5pm to shower and pack UGH :( We didn't want to!! Reluctantly we did, because we didn't have a choice. We laughed saying we couldn't wait till our Back 2 Back in Feb, as after the 5 night cruise, we wouldn't have to pack!!! Yahooooo (and by the end of the 2nd leg, we would be ready to go home)
We finished packing as much as we could and headed down to Bolero's for our final evening there. We said goodbye to Olga and Charie and gave them each an envelope. Laur and I like to give out envelopes to those who really made our cruise fun - although they are getting tips for each of our drinks, they provided a great experience and deserve a little something. We also gave envelopes to our waiter, Agnelo and our Asst Waiter, Yul. They were quiet (in comparison to some crazy fun wait staff I've had) but they were very good and if they made a mistake, were quick to correct and make it up to us.
We decided to go see the Adult Comedy Show at 10.45 and it was actually good. Pretty Funny!
After the show we headed back to the cabin to finish packing and put our things out in the hall and off to bed we went.
At Sea
Laurie and I got up around 7am. She was headed for a walk, and since I wasn't ready yet, dropped stuff on chairs for us and then I would go up a few minutes later.
I got up there about 7.30 and it was a beautiful morning! Laurie was still walking as I sat and enjoyed the peacefulness of the pool at that hour. The weather looked like it would be good once the morning clouds burned off (which they did)
As usual, we spent the day at the pool. It got quite warm midday so we were in the pool a lot. And the Belly Flop Contest was in our pool so we got pool side seat just by sitting on our chairs :)
We went back to the cabin around 5pm to shower and pack UGH :( We didn't want to!! Reluctantly we did, because we didn't have a choice. We laughed saying we couldn't wait till our Back 2 Back in Feb, as after the 5 night cruise, we wouldn't have to pack!!! Yahooooo (and by the end of the 2nd leg, we would be ready to go home)
We finished packing as much as we could and headed down to Bolero's for our final evening there. We said goodbye to Olga and Charie and gave them each an envelope. Laur and I like to give out envelopes to those who really made our cruise fun - although they are getting tips for each of our drinks, they provided a great experience and deserve a little something. We also gave envelopes to our waiter, Agnelo and our Asst Waiter, Yul. They were quiet (in comparison to some crazy fun wait staff I've had) but they were very good and if they made a mistake, were quick to correct and make it up to us.
We decided to go see the Adult Comedy Show at 10.45 and it was actually good. Pretty Funny!
After the show we headed back to the cabin to finish packing and put our things out in the hall and off to bed we went.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Independence of the Seas - Day 4
December 6 2016
Costa Maya, Mexico
We decided we could sleep in today since it was another port day. So we did and were lazy in getting up. Had my feet on the wall again for a bit as they just hate all the food and drink!! LOL
Went up to Windjammer for breakfast. We had decided last night during dinner that we would get off the ship today, but just hang out in the port; they had a cool swim up pool bar and that seemed right up our alley. After we had breakfast, we went back to the cabin to get dressed and ready. While there, we both were talking and thought "Why are we getting off the ship to sit at the pool and drink, when we have the drink package and a pool right on the ship?!?" So we clearly killed the idea of getting off LOL
Went up to the pool, got us great seats and started another beautiful day of .. nothing! (and we love it!!) We sat there all day. Since it was a port day, they show movies on the big screen at the pool. They started The Secret Life of Pets and it was so funny to see more adults captivated by the film than kids! (Great movie for kids of all ages by the way)
Laurie went back to the cabin around 4, but I stayed till closer to 5.30. When I got back, she had already showered so I jumped in. Got dressed and ready for our evening. Got to Bolero's about 7.30 and then off to the dining room at 8.30. Since we weren't in the DR for Laurie's bday, I wanted them to sing to her again :) So I had the chance to ask the Head Waiter while she went to the bathroom. Dinner tonight was our favorite - Fisherman's Plate!! (lobster tails) Everything was delicious as usual. And for dessert they brought her a pie of chocolate cake with a candle and sang to her. She loved it :)
After dinner, we had to stay awake as The Quest was at 11.15 ... but we needed to keep busy. So we went back to Bolero's but after such a big meal, didn't want a drink so just got a bottle of water. While we were sitting there we could hear Karaoke so we went to check it out at On Air. Well that was a great way to pass the time - was a lot of fun and some of the people were realy good. Just as that ended, it was time to go to The Quest anyway (which was right next to On Air)
The Quest was fun as usual. We seemed to have a lame team. Either the people didn't understand how to play, or didn't care to participate. (we don't usually participate unless its something easy we can give them) But watching some of the other teams go bonkers was lots of fun!
Once that was over it was after midnight .. late for us LOL With tomorrow being a sea day, it was off to bed for us!
Costa Maya, Mexico
We decided we could sleep in today since it was another port day. So we did and were lazy in getting up. Had my feet on the wall again for a bit as they just hate all the food and drink!! LOL
Went up to Windjammer for breakfast. We had decided last night during dinner that we would get off the ship today, but just hang out in the port; they had a cool swim up pool bar and that seemed right up our alley. After we had breakfast, we went back to the cabin to get dressed and ready. While there, we both were talking and thought "Why are we getting off the ship to sit at the pool and drink, when we have the drink package and a pool right on the ship?!?" So we clearly killed the idea of getting off LOL
Went up to the pool, got us great seats and started another beautiful day of .. nothing! (and we love it!!) We sat there all day. Since it was a port day, they show movies on the big screen at the pool. They started The Secret Life of Pets and it was so funny to see more adults captivated by the film than kids! (Great movie for kids of all ages by the way)
Laurie went back to the cabin around 4, but I stayed till closer to 5.30. When I got back, she had already showered so I jumped in. Got dressed and ready for our evening. Got to Bolero's about 7.30 and then off to the dining room at 8.30. Since we weren't in the DR for Laurie's bday, I wanted them to sing to her again :) So I had the chance to ask the Head Waiter while she went to the bathroom. Dinner tonight was our favorite - Fisherman's Plate!! (lobster tails) Everything was delicious as usual. And for dessert they brought her a pie of chocolate cake with a candle and sang to her. She loved it :)
After dinner, we had to stay awake as The Quest was at 11.15 ... but we needed to keep busy. So we went back to Bolero's but after such a big meal, didn't want a drink so just got a bottle of water. While we were sitting there we could hear Karaoke so we went to check it out at On Air. Well that was a great way to pass the time - was a lot of fun and some of the people were realy good. Just as that ended, it was time to go to The Quest anyway (which was right next to On Air)
The Quest was fun as usual. We seemed to have a lame team. Either the people didn't understand how to play, or didn't care to participate. (we don't usually participate unless its something easy we can give them) But watching some of the other teams go bonkers was lots of fun!
Once that was over it was after midnight .. late for us LOL With tomorrow being a sea day, it was off to bed for us!
Independence of the Seas - Day 3
December 5 2016
Cozumel, Mexico
Happy Birthday Laurie Lou!!
While Laurie goes for a walk on the track; I decorate the cabin :-) Afterwards we head up to get breakfast at the WindJammer.
After breakfast we head over to the pool to get towels, then back down to the cabin to get dressed and pack our beach bags. Mr Sancho's here we come!
Laurie has never been to Mr Sancho's. (I had only been once in Aug on the Allure) I was rally hoping she would like it as much as I do! We got there, Marvin got our beach chairs and set us up. Spent most of the day on the beach, relaxing and soaking up the sun. We had a few frozen drinks when we spotted the people next to us drinking this green drink over the rocks. We asked what it was and was told it was called "Liquid Marijuana" LOL We had to order that!! And wow, we loved those! We drank those the rest of the day. Around the time we were getting hungry, a table right next to where we were opened up, so I hopped up and put my bag on it. We ordered some food - wings, coconut shrimp, chips and guacamole and quesadillas. YUM!
After lunch we went to the pool and it was a little cloudy. But the pool there is so nice so we had a few more drinks and just sat at one of the tables in the pool. A little while later Laurie went to get a Fish Pedi (where the little fish suck at your feet - BLECH!) while I went back to the beach. It was starting to empty out, so when Laurie got back from her pedi, we brought the stuff up from the beach and moved it to the pool. Was starting to feel quite tipsy!! We went back to the pool for a little bit but I wanted to dry off so I just put my feet in.
We started to get things together to head back to the port, so we tipped Martin and he asked if we would be back. Laurie said she loved it and that we were coming back in January. He told us to ask for him specifically. (He said you can put the request in when I book it - but as of writing this, I wasn't able to find where I could do that when I made the reservation a few weeks ago; I will email them as we get closer to the date)
We headed back to the port and I stopped at the place Mom bought me my Tanzanite ring as I wanted to get it re-sized. (was a tad too big) The guy said resizing might pull at the turquoise i the band, but he thought he had another one in a smaller size. He came back and he did, but the tanzanite stone was a lot darker than mine. And I liked mine. So he said he could switch the stone I already had, into the smaller band, so I did that instead. Got a cute pair of earrings too, while he went and did that LOL. We were tired at this point, so we didn't do any other shopping and went straight to the ship and flopped on the bed!
About 6pm we started showering and getting ready for dinner .. while watching us sail away from Cozumel! We had reservations at Chop's for Laurie's birthday! I love Chops and its such a great meal and experience. We went for pre-dinner drinks at Bolero's around 7.15 then went to Chops for dinner.
What a meal! Scallops, Crab Cake, Goat Cheese Salad ... and then Filet Mignon! Oh my, what a meal! We ordered dessert, but I had called ahead and told them that it was Laurie's birthday. Luckily, Laurie went to the bathroom and I had an opportunity to remind them (but the Matre' D said he already had a dessert waiting for her) The food and service there is just Top Notch!
They came out with a dessert and the plate was decorated to say Happy Birthday Marjorie (her formal name on her seapass LOL) So we all sang Happy Birthday. And then they brought our regular desserts too. Oh lordy we were just little piggies but was oh-so-delicious!
After dinner, we walked around the ship a little just to digest, but then we went to bed! Was a great day but sitting on the beach day drinking, followed by a huge delicious meal got the best of us!!
Cozumel, Mexico
Happy Birthday Laurie Lou!!
While Laurie goes for a walk on the track; I decorate the cabin :-) Afterwards we head up to get breakfast at the WindJammer.
After breakfast we head over to the pool to get towels, then back down to the cabin to get dressed and pack our beach bags. Mr Sancho's here we come!
Laurie has never been to Mr Sancho's. (I had only been once in Aug on the Allure) I was rally hoping she would like it as much as I do! We got there, Marvin got our beach chairs and set us up. Spent most of the day on the beach, relaxing and soaking up the sun. We had a few frozen drinks when we spotted the people next to us drinking this green drink over the rocks. We asked what it was and was told it was called "Liquid Marijuana" LOL We had to order that!! And wow, we loved those! We drank those the rest of the day. Around the time we were getting hungry, a table right next to where we were opened up, so I hopped up and put my bag on it. We ordered some food - wings, coconut shrimp, chips and guacamole and quesadillas. YUM!
After lunch we went to the pool and it was a little cloudy. But the pool there is so nice so we had a few more drinks and just sat at one of the tables in the pool. A little while later Laurie went to get a Fish Pedi (where the little fish suck at your feet - BLECH!) while I went back to the beach. It was starting to empty out, so when Laurie got back from her pedi, we brought the stuff up from the beach and moved it to the pool. Was starting to feel quite tipsy!! We went back to the pool for a little bit but I wanted to dry off so I just put my feet in.
We started to get things together to head back to the port, so we tipped Martin and he asked if we would be back. Laurie said she loved it and that we were coming back in January. He told us to ask for him specifically. (He said you can put the request in when I book it - but as of writing this, I wasn't able to find where I could do that when I made the reservation a few weeks ago; I will email them as we get closer to the date)
We headed back to the port and I stopped at the place Mom bought me my Tanzanite ring as I wanted to get it re-sized. (was a tad too big) The guy said resizing might pull at the turquoise i the band, but he thought he had another one in a smaller size. He came back and he did, but the tanzanite stone was a lot darker than mine. And I liked mine. So he said he could switch the stone I already had, into the smaller band, so I did that instead. Got a cute pair of earrings too, while he went and did that LOL. We were tired at this point, so we didn't do any other shopping and went straight to the ship and flopped on the bed!
About 6pm we started showering and getting ready for dinner .. while watching us sail away from Cozumel! We had reservations at Chop's for Laurie's birthday! I love Chops and its such a great meal and experience. We went for pre-dinner drinks at Bolero's around 7.15 then went to Chops for dinner.
What a meal! Scallops, Crab Cake, Goat Cheese Salad ... and then Filet Mignon! Oh my, what a meal! We ordered dessert, but I had called ahead and told them that it was Laurie's birthday. Luckily, Laurie went to the bathroom and I had an opportunity to remind them (but the Matre' D said he already had a dessert waiting for her) The food and service there is just Top Notch!
They came out with a dessert and the plate was decorated to say Happy Birthday Marjorie (her formal name on her seapass LOL) So we all sang Happy Birthday. And then they brought our regular desserts too. Oh lordy we were just little piggies but was oh-so-delicious!
After dinner, we walked around the ship a little just to digest, but then we went to bed! Was a great day but sitting on the beach day drinking, followed by a huge delicious meal got the best of us!!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Independence of the Seas - Day 2
December 4 2016
At Sea
Enroute to Cozumel, Mexico
Didn't have a great nights sleep for some reason, and woke up about 7:20. Which is late for me for a sea day!! I lept out of bed and jumped into my bathing suit (I always get my things ready the night before) and grabbed my beach bag and was out the door. Laurie was going for a walk on the track and said she would be up soon. I thought I was late, but apparently this group of passengers aren't early birds. So I got us great seats right next to the pool and it was glorious!
Spent the whole day at the pool, soaking up the sun, in and put of the pool, sipping frosty beverages and having afternoon siestas! They have a big screen at the pool so they put on the games, although it wasn't The Giants or Jets game, but still cool. Nothing like watching football while sitting in the sun at the pool.
Headed back to the cabin sometime after 4 (when I realized the 4pm game was also not going to be a NY game) to relax and shower. It is exhausting doing nothing all day! The night before, Laurie had noticed that they had a "free gift" for appts made by Day 2 at the Next Cruise desk. So we had an appt for 7pm; leaving plenty of time for our nightly pre-dinner drinks at Boleros. Since we had already looked through the book, we knew what we wanted to book, so why not? We booked an 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise for Feb 5 2018. And it includes St Lucia, which is only 1 of 3 islands I haven't been to! (Artemis missed St Lucia on a delayed crossing once) We were very excited
Headed to Boleros and they still didn't have Moscato! Olga tried her best to mix and match some things to try to get a drink close, and she did a great job! We ended up with St Germain and Champagne - which was pretty yummy.
Off to dinner, which normally is uneventful but enjoyable. However, I found a piece of plastic (like a plastic steamer bag the veggies might be cooked in) in my stuffing. I let our waiter Agnelo know and he immediately got the Head Waiter. They apologized profusely, making sure I was ok. I told them I was ok, had not eaten it and was not wanting to make a big deal, just to make them aware. He asked for my cabin # and said he would let the Head Chef know. Well not more than 10 minutes later, one of the Head Chef's came out to personally apologize. He also asked for my cabin #. Laurie and I laughed and said we know there will be something in the cabin tomorrow! They really fawned over me. It was nice to see, but not necessary in my opinion. However, thinking about it now, I am SURE some passengers just go freaking ape-shit and cry wolf over nothing. So I get it
After dinner we headed to the show. It was called An Invitation to Dance and was choreographed by one of the pro's from Dancing With The Stars. It started off good, but slowly got boring. Again, it was making us sleepy so we were outta there and off to bed!
At Sea
Enroute to Cozumel, Mexico
Didn't have a great nights sleep for some reason, and woke up about 7:20. Which is late for me for a sea day!! I lept out of bed and jumped into my bathing suit (I always get my things ready the night before) and grabbed my beach bag and was out the door. Laurie was going for a walk on the track and said she would be up soon. I thought I was late, but apparently this group of passengers aren't early birds. So I got us great seats right next to the pool and it was glorious!
Spent the whole day at the pool, soaking up the sun, in and put of the pool, sipping frosty beverages and having afternoon siestas! They have a big screen at the pool so they put on the games, although it wasn't The Giants or Jets game, but still cool. Nothing like watching football while sitting in the sun at the pool.
Headed back to the cabin sometime after 4 (when I realized the 4pm game was also not going to be a NY game) to relax and shower. It is exhausting doing nothing all day! The night before, Laurie had noticed that they had a "free gift" for appts made by Day 2 at the Next Cruise desk. So we had an appt for 7pm; leaving plenty of time for our nightly pre-dinner drinks at Boleros. Since we had already looked through the book, we knew what we wanted to book, so why not? We booked an 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise for Feb 5 2018. And it includes St Lucia, which is only 1 of 3 islands I haven't been to! (Artemis missed St Lucia on a delayed crossing once) We were very excited
Headed to Boleros and they still didn't have Moscato! Olga tried her best to mix and match some things to try to get a drink close, and she did a great job! We ended up with St Germain and Champagne - which was pretty yummy.
Off to dinner, which normally is uneventful but enjoyable. However, I found a piece of plastic (like a plastic steamer bag the veggies might be cooked in) in my stuffing. I let our waiter Agnelo know and he immediately got the Head Waiter. They apologized profusely, making sure I was ok. I told them I was ok, had not eaten it and was not wanting to make a big deal, just to make them aware. He asked for my cabin # and said he would let the Head Chef know. Well not more than 10 minutes later, one of the Head Chef's came out to personally apologize. He also asked for my cabin #. Laurie and I laughed and said we know there will be something in the cabin tomorrow! They really fawned over me. It was nice to see, but not necessary in my opinion. However, thinking about it now, I am SURE some passengers just go freaking ape-shit and cry wolf over nothing. So I get it
After dinner we headed to the show. It was called An Invitation to Dance and was choreographed by one of the pro's from Dancing With The Stars. It started off good, but slowly got boring. Again, it was making us sleepy so we were outta there and off to bed!
Independence of the Seas - Dec 2016 - Day 1
December 3 2016
Fort Lauderdale, FL
We made it! The flight was early but easy. During the flight, every time the pilot turned off the seat belt sign, it got bumpy. Every time he turned it back on, it smoothed out. This went on for most of the flight LOL Laurie and I did some 'future cruise planning' as I had the current cruise book in my carry-on. Here is the current "Wish List"
2017 - Back to Back (Check!)
2018 - Southern Caribbean
2019 - Mediterranean
2020 - Re-positioning/Transatlantic
Once we landed it was off to collect our bags and head to the port. We were at Pier 25 and was glad to see its now covered more than it had been in 2015 (when the luggage carts were out in the rain and a lot of our stuff got wet!) From getting in the cab at the airport, to sitting in the Windjammer, it was 56 mins! Not bad at all! Once we finished lunch, the cabins were open and luggage was already being delivered! Our stuff was outside the cabin so we brought it in and just relaxed.
After we got settled it was time to head down to the muster drill. We figured we would go early to get a seat. Sadly, this one is still held outside! (I got spoiled on Oasis class, sitting in the Champagne Bar!) We made friends though and chatted to pass the time. When it was over, we headed up to the Pool Bar to meet up with the Cruise Critic group for sailaway. We met Debra (who organized the group) Wendy and Shelley along with several others. As we started to depart, everyone started to scatter to the rails to watch us sail out of the harbor. I had sent Mom, Ash and Mark the link to the Port Everglades Webs cam and we waved as we left. Once we were on our way, we headed back to the cabin to unpack. Our cabin attendant, Moula, came by to say hello - we gave him our requests (separated beds, ice each night, more towels, etc)
We showered and relaxed a bit before we headed out to Boleros for pre-dinner drinks! I couldn't wait to have a glass of Moscato! Unfortunately, they didn't have any that night but the bartenders, Olga and Charie, said they expected to have some the next night. Music was on in the hour before dinner (unlike Oasis class that has nothing at that time!) and the band was great.
We headed to dinner and were seated at a table of 8 .. 4 ladies from Chile, 2 from Chicago. There was a bit of a language barrier with the ladies from Chile, but we managed ok. The youngest women spoke fairly good English so she worked as translator. The other 2 ladies, Sandy and Marsha, were from Chicago and were sisters. All seemed nice.
After dinner, they were holding the Love & Marriage show. We were a little late, but that was ok. We got seats and watched a bit, but it was not one of the best we've seen and therefore Laurie and I were falling asleep! Decided to bail and just head to bed. Tomorrow was going to be an early day since we were at sea. (and we both had been up since around 4am) So off to sleep we went!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
We made it! The flight was early but easy. During the flight, every time the pilot turned off the seat belt sign, it got bumpy. Every time he turned it back on, it smoothed out. This went on for most of the flight LOL Laurie and I did some 'future cruise planning' as I had the current cruise book in my carry-on. Here is the current "Wish List"
2017 - Back to Back (Check!)
2018 - Southern Caribbean
2019 - Mediterranean
2020 - Re-positioning/Transatlantic
Once we landed it was off to collect our bags and head to the port. We were at Pier 25 and was glad to see its now covered more than it had been in 2015 (when the luggage carts were out in the rain and a lot of our stuff got wet!) From getting in the cab at the airport, to sitting in the Windjammer, it was 56 mins! Not bad at all! Once we finished lunch, the cabins were open and luggage was already being delivered! Our stuff was outside the cabin so we brought it in and just relaxed.
After we got settled it was time to head down to the muster drill. We figured we would go early to get a seat. Sadly, this one is still held outside! (I got spoiled on Oasis class, sitting in the Champagne Bar!) We made friends though and chatted to pass the time. When it was over, we headed up to the Pool Bar to meet up with the Cruise Critic group for sailaway. We met Debra (who organized the group) Wendy and Shelley along with several others. As we started to depart, everyone started to scatter to the rails to watch us sail out of the harbor. I had sent Mom, Ash and Mark the link to the Port Everglades Webs cam and we waved as we left. Once we were on our way, we headed back to the cabin to unpack. Our cabin attendant, Moula, came by to say hello - we gave him our requests (separated beds, ice each night, more towels, etc)
We showered and relaxed a bit before we headed out to Boleros for pre-dinner drinks! I couldn't wait to have a glass of Moscato! Unfortunately, they didn't have any that night but the bartenders, Olga and Charie, said they expected to have some the next night. Music was on in the hour before dinner (unlike Oasis class that has nothing at that time!) and the band was great.
We headed to dinner and were seated at a table of 8 .. 4 ladies from Chile, 2 from Chicago. There was a bit of a language barrier with the ladies from Chile, but we managed ok. The youngest women spoke fairly good English so she worked as translator. The other 2 ladies, Sandy and Marsha, were from Chicago and were sisters. All seemed nice.
After dinner, they were holding the Love & Marriage show. We were a little late, but that was ok. We got seats and watched a bit, but it was not one of the best we've seen and therefore Laurie and I were falling asleep! Decided to bail and just head to bed. Tomorrow was going to be an early day since we were at sea. (and we both had been up since around 4am) So off to sleep we went!
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