Bead Pirate

Wife and I ae both Masters...

Both Hard Rock and Royal are doing and excellent job of communicating,

We are friends with several performers that are frequently on the Mariner as we sailed her a lot when she was in PC.

The bands were told that they needed to expand their repertoire to include some country songs in the mix. No problem for most but the band from Russia (forget the name, but they were good at 80's and 90's music) decided it was not something they did well, and they were moved to other ships...

So Royal does take the TX angle seriously (it was fun to watch the bands work on mixing in some Country music in the sets at Boleros. Every time I heard "friends in low places" and "I love this bar" it got better and better)

We are here today (Wonder)...

I estimate that 4,000+ have gotten off the ship so far...

We are staying on as we were just here last week with MSC. Had a great visit, no concerns at all. The men and women with the uniforms, guns and dogs are there to make sure you are safe (and to make sure you do not take anything onto the ship that you should not).

This is not all of that uncommon folks...

I was sitting at Trellis bar on Wonder right about sunset just people watching. Saw a family going through the bushes duck hunting. A small mouse came running out of the bushes and scared the bejesus out of the little girl as it raced over to the other side of the walkway.

I was laughing so hard my martini came out of my nose 🙂 

Sigh.... IN YC now on Seaside (been here two weeks on Sunday). The only thing lacking is a good Bourbon selection. They have Elijah Craig, Woodford and Jack.

There is a single bottle (per cruise) of Japanese Whiskey in the Cocktail Bar (it goes quick). 

My suggestion, bring your bottle on board (a pretty good chance you will not get caught being in YC). I brought my Wild Turkey 101 and filled a flask each night. No one said a thing about me dispensing it for my nightcap in Top Sail for the last drink of the night I offered the bottle to the bar to just incorporate into the stock, but it caused some concern (I explained that I had no problem sharing with others).

This little inconvenience will not overcome the wonderful experience that is the YC. It is after all a 1st world problem...

Promise that you will write a review after the cruise that says, "it was terrible".

No sense in telling the truth and having more folks after our precious YC turf 🙂 

Two channels in the sports bar. Last two nights, one for hockey and one for NBA. Seating is VERY limited as the place is now packed with slot machines.

The point's carry over for the length of your cruise...

On Seashore now...

Sunday was Glow, Monday was Rock, Tuesday was Gala/Silent Party, Wednesday is Sunshine Party (60,70,80), Thursday is Tropical, Friday is White Party, Saturday is Farewell..... 

I am on the seashore doing the same thing now...

The concierge in YC pointed out to me that my card covered the entire 14 days (see printed dates on card) and I would not be counted as a B2B. He encouraged me to go up to the pool deck and relax while everyone did the Turnaround.... 

If there is a priest traveling on your ship, they will offer Mass (usually at 7 AM) in one of the meeting rooms.

On one right now...

I have only seen about 7 children on the cruise (mind you we do not have common interests so our paths do not cross often anyway).

As you would expect Blu often has a line early in the evening. The elevators are a bit of a pian in the back of the edge ships (they are small). Tough to get a seat at Martini bar and Eden for shows. Lots of big groups taking seats early, etc.

Food has been overall very good. Specialty dining is available (this seems to be a rather cost-conscious bunch on here this sailing).

Buk has been out in the officer line up (on deck 4 at dinner time) a couple of times this cruise (nesting in a nice little woven basket). Just walk up and say "Hello"

A chance for you to reserve all kinds of extra cost treatments at the Spa 🙂

4th announcement right now…

Ship is operational, we are now at port waiting to be cleared. The technical issue was electrical and has been repaired.

Sitting in the martini bar right now (with about 600 others)…

Bridge has made 3 announcements so far. There is indeed a technical issue (it has been identified and will be addressed as we overnight)

yes, it is windy season (evidenced by the strong impact when the starboard tug got up to us)

all of the impatient ones are being sent back this way as they head to the stairwells. The APP is in a constant update.

will keep you advised if the facts as they are shared by the bridge.

3 hours ago, FamilyAtSea.travel said:

If they do, I haven't seen it... Pretty sure they don't. 

I will be using an APP on the phone (only works in FL of course)...

On Beyond now and have eaten in Blue every night so far (today is day 5 of 12). We have ordered off both the Blu menu and the MDR menu repeatedly.

Just walk in and they will seat you, as noted above folks are beasts of nature and tend to dine at the same time every night.

Going to let the wonderful butler staff pamper me while I lay on the pool deck and bet on some sports events.

App is working fine here on the Beyond 🙂 

We are getting on the Seashore for a two-week B2B on the 14th. Can you let us know who the entertainers are in the Top Sail Lounge? Hoping one of them is Bernard 🙂 

Thank You!

On this cruise as well...

Had a rare sighting of a child yesterday (Day 3). First one I have seen this trip 🙂 

On Beyond right now. 

Signed for drinks at the World Class (drinks were a couple of dollars over limit) and at Eden (drinks were a couple dollars over limit). No signing required at Martini Bar, Craft Social or pool deck. 

Celebrity usually does not publish these until much closer to cruise date on the Holiday cruises. Many locations will be serving a special menu and are priced higher as a special event. 

You may notice that there has also been a corporate decision (on both Royal and Celebrity) to do away with the longer 12 night cruise concept that covered Christmas and New Years to break it into two separate cruises .

There are upcharges (at lunch) for menu specific items. We are getting on Monday, and I plan to eat lunch there on Tuesday, will post my receipt for you...