sprint180

Around 3 it was announced that our rooms were ready so we headed down. We are in balcony room 10308. We dropped our stuff and headed out to look around the ship some. Then around 4:30 it was time for the muster drill.

Waiting patiently with the Encore behind us. Once on the ship we ate at the buffet and then went to the solarium (?) to wait. What we ended up doing is falling asleep right away. Which was fine as our rooms weren't ready until around three. So we got a good nap in. This would be the only time we could get chairs here in the front of the ship and at this time it was really loud in there. The rest of the trip it was quiet and a good place to just sit and relax.

Our check in time was 9-9:30 I believe. We were up around 8. Repacked and called an uber or lyft. Sorry I can't remember how much it was as my daughter paid for it. Our lyft showed up and we jumped in and were off. It was an interesting ride. We tried to ask him some questions but he didn't want to talk, and about half way to the port he turned on his hazard lights but didn't slow down so I'm not sure what that was about. Either way we got to the port, left our luggage with the porter and went in. There was a table you were to go to if you were not vaxed but we were so I'm not sure of that process was. At this time it was around 9:30 there wasn't much of a line to check in we zig zagged through their maze and were checked in in no time. But then the waiting began in the terminal. We found a seat and waited till boarding started. Amanda chatted with her family and I mostly people watched. Everyone seems so happy when you are waiting for a cruise. We were in group 2 so when boarding started we were on pretty fast. We went to the Social (I believe that is what it is called) and booked our entertainment, The only thing we wanted was Choir of Man. Then we went to book our included special meal. Which we did. But we didn't pay much attention when she gave us our slip and she booked it for the wrong night. It was no problem to us. We had nothing going on that night.

the pics are a bit out of order as I am sending from a different device. Sorry about that us at the airport waiting for the shuttle. My daughters luggage kills me. She keeps saying she is going to get a new suitcase but never does. She did say she should have duct taped the front down. our room at the hotel. Very nice and lots of room. Of course we did t need it as we weren’t there long. out view from our room. It was really pretty

Once on the plane we went from Omaha, to somewhere, then to Miami. We got to Miami late, around 9 I think. Waited what seemed like a long time for our luggage and then went out to wait for the shuttle for the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon. It seemed to take a while for the shuttle to come. Probably because we were tired from our day of travel but finally to the hotel. It was nice, I mean it was no Sleep Inn but... Just kidding. It was very nice and we ate at the restaurant in the hotel and went to bed.

this is what I was leaving. I can’t believe I didn’t have more wanting to go with me It’s so pretty. It was supposed to be nice weather while we were gone. Mostly in the 20’s and 30’s so I didn't feel too bad leaving.

Oops, not sure how I did that but I will keep going. The above is just an interesting not sure what you would call it in the airport, somewhere. So leading up to the cruise... My last day of work was the day before we left for the airport. It wasn't all that exciting and I left early. just had to mail out statements then I was done!!! You have no idea how good that felt. I hadn't packed yet which was unusual because I usually start a month in advance. My husband even asked if I was still planning on going. I promised him I would leave and he could have a week to himself. Although I know he was super busy with the animals and wouldn't notice either way if I was there or not. The airport (Omaha) is a 4 hour drive from my house. We didn't want to get up early and go in the morning so we left in the afternoon before our flight. I got up that morning and did laundry, packed, and was out the door about 2. We had a ton of errands to do including picking up my daughters son at school and taking him with us to drop off, return a coat to a store, stop at a bank., meet my other daughter in Norfolk where she was celebrating her birthday and ended up having supper there as by that time it was about that time. Holy cow we thought we were never going to get to Omaha. But finally we did. We did not have a hotel reserved for us and just went to a Sleep Inn when we got there. It was inexpensive my daughter said and it was nice enough. I'm not high maintenance so it was fine with me. We did take notice that there was only 6 cars in the lot though. What did everyone know but us we wondered?!?!! The rooms were fine and clean. We had a nights sleep, and got up to go to the included breakfast. We did not end up eating there. The food didn't even look very good so we went across the street to Perkins. Then back to the hotel for Amanda to finish a little bit of work and off we were to the airport and off on our adventure.

your cast of characters. My daughter Amanda and myself Vicki We usually park in a lot but I knew we were getting in late and didn’t want to wait when we got back. So glad we parked in the garage at the airport now!

Hi everyone. I wasn't going to do a review of my trip but after I waited a week I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms (wanting to go on another) so I decided to put it in words. A little background: When my family decides to cruise it goes something like this. One of us says, "We should go on a cruise" Then we decide who is interested, where they want to go and when. You all know the drill. Usually I book (usually a year out) then everyone just pays me back. On this trip only one of my children could go which was disappointing, to me it is the more the merrier. We are farmers / ranchers and January is generally the only time we can go easily and some of my children have jobs that they work for others so it is just when we can get off. In this case I wanted to go and everyone said no they couldn't . Except, my one daughter showed interest, so I just worked on her a bit. It reminded me of going to ports and having all the people pounce on you trying to sell you something, Never Engage! So I said I'd pay for the cruise portion as I would have to pay double anyway. That is all it took and she said yes. Then finding the date that would work for my work schedule and hers. She has unlimited vacay and I can get off any time just so it works with the other lady in the office. It was decided that early February would be the best so in December we booked. That is the closest to a cruise I have ever booked and it was a bit weird not having to wait! But also, some time in the beginning of January I decided to quit my job, but said I would stay until the end of January because January is extremely busy in our office. So that made things go even faster. We decided to go on the exact cruise I went on last year with my sisters. Amanda, my daughter, had seen my pics of Virgin Gorda and wanted to go there and this ship took us there. I didn't care where we went as long as it wasn't here so the Encore it was. The time until the cruise was very stressful to me and it wasn't enjoyable like it usually is. I did very little planning ahead for this cruise. My one goal was to get our Taxes to the accountant before we left. I did that...the day before. I absolutely hate doing taxes. There is so much paperwork and I am always afraid I am going to miss something so it was a relief when I dropped it off. Anyway, That is the back story not for the cruise....

LOL me too. Had to youtube it

I would not switch from Celebrity to Carnival thinking it will be better. All lines are cutting back, including Carnival.

I don't take anything. I use a retractable lanyard thing.

Got covid on my last cruise, along with a zillion other people. Booked another as soon as I was home.

Thank you very much!

I woke my sister up at midnight so she would send me her pic. She wasn't happy.

I'm hoping someone can help me. I just waited on hold for over an hour with NCL to find out how to get my credit for being an investor. I was told to go to a website to get a form. I went to the address they gave me and it isn't even a real address so can someone tell me where to go to get this form? I really don't want to wait on hold another hour, but I will if I have to. Thank you in advance. Vicki

Thank you everyone

I have never taken a shuttle from the airport to the pier. Strange question. In Seattle, After you give them your luggage do you see it after that before it gets to your room or do you have to get it and leave it with the porters? Anyone know how much this shuttle has cost lately? Thank you

Sorry you didn't know but thanks for the heads up. I didn't know that and we are going on a cruise. I'm sure my kids will want coffee, I will be sure to tell them.

Sorry I know it is frustrating. Let us know how it turned out.

Please let us know when you find out. I also have a large group to book for so I am interested in the answer

Yes, it is a European cruise. I also suggested she wait to change name until they were back if there is a question as there is only a small window of when they can go. Thanks for the suggestion

Has anyone here recently changed their name and gotten a new passport? I was wondering how long it takes. My son is getting married and want to go on a cruise but are wondering if a passport would get back in time. Any help is appreciated. This will have to be the mail in thing as we do not have an office nearby.

For those of you who have used online cruise booking sites. I don't have a local travel agent and would like to find someone to book through. I usually book it myself by calling the cruise line. I see a few online travel agencies advertised and was wondering if they are reputable to book through. Have you all had good experiences.

True, I worded that incorrectly. The cruise we are looking at stops in Canada.