dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #26 Share Posted November 28, 2011 A couple of quick notes on my room at the Intercontinental: - I have a two bed room, it was the only one left at check-in that faced the cruise ships, I'm on the 13th floor and the charge was $20 to upgrade from a standard room (supposedly one that faces elsewhere). And so far the extra charge is WELL worth it. - the bathroom is large and separated into two spaces; shower and toilet in one with a door the closes and locks, the other space is the single basin sink with vanity mirror (magnifies) and hair dryer (1200/1600 watts). In this space is also a large closet with an electronic safe and another small counter above a four-drawer cabinet deep enough to hold clothes. - the products used in the bathroom are Elemis; a small 1.4 ounce bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion as well as two small round bars of soap. - there is an In-room Bar set up with snacks that will cost $6 for a soda, $7-9 dollars for a beer or alcoholic drink, $2.50-$13 for candy bars to cashews. - there is an excellent Room Service menu for breakfast with everything you can imagine at a price that reflects that. There is also a small 4 cup coffee maker. - there is no free wifi: it cost $11-14 depending on the speed you choose. -the room has a large flat screen Samsung TV looks to be about 42" with remote control -there is a small sitting area next to the large window that overlooks Dodge Island. - there are plenty of outlets beneath a large very writing desk - there is also a quite stylish alarm clock but I didn't use it. - there is a small closet space next to the temperature control for the room that houses an ironing board and iron. - the room itself has literally no drawer space, it's all in the bathroom. - there is space in the TV stand to store stuff. Enough for lots of folded clothes or electronics. Overall VERY pleased with the room and the beds were very soft but not so much that you sank into them. Plenty of pillows, also very soft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwr235 Posted November 28, 2011 #27 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Just woke up for no reason, looked at the clok and bolted to the window like a kid on Christmas Day, and there is the Celebrity Millennium entering the turning basin! Wow. Now I'll never get back to sleep!!! ;) Hi, A few comments...First, thanks for doing this thread !! We are not on the Millennium until next October, but I will excitedly be following your posts in great anticipation !! The kid on Christmas analogy is soooo true. Every time we go on a cruise, I find we are so excited as we approach the port, and I notice that everyone in the vehicle is kind of straining their neck to be the first to spot our ship !! What a great feeling !! Lastly, (for now)..I had been debating whether to fly to our starting port next October either the day of or day prior, since we have a later cruise departing time...but you made me decide to go the day prior...flights these days...you just never know !! Have a GREAT cruise !! Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #28 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Must be beautiful sight. I woke up cuz I couldn't sleep. I might will take nap in car going down to Miami. I'm from fort lauderdale. So far it's amazing! Celebrity Millennium is facing bow out toward the ship channel, Majesty of the Seas is bow in facing the turning basin, the Norwegian Sky just docked bow in, and the Carnival Destiny is heading down past the N.Sky. for the turning basin. Her and the Carnival Imagination (not visible yet) will dock bow out after using the turning basin. All in all FIVE cruise ships will be here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #29 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Woody - my BEST advice, especially after last night, is ALWAYS fly in the day before. Even if you have seen your embarkation port a thousand time, fly in the day before. So much less stressful. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaWatch12 Posted November 28, 2011 #30 Share Posted November 28, 2011 I am glad you made it to Miami. Thanks for posting about your adventure. Enjoy your back to back, I hope you have a wonderful time, my turn to board the Millenium is two weeks from today! Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #31 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Sunrise over the port of Miami A not so good picture of the ship from my room Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwr235 Posted November 28, 2011 #32 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Picture is GOOD enough for me...I can almost pick out our cabin windows !!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyczdc Posted November 28, 2011 #33 Share Posted November 28, 2011 SO happy you made it down and had a safe flight. Enjoy your cruises and relax...try and get back on a sleep schedule while away, mids can reek havoc on the body, I know I worked them on and off for 32 yrs! Most of all RELAX and have a great time! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #34 Share Posted November 28, 2011 THANKS John! :) Just got back from CVS (opens 7am, one block from hotel) and bought two cases of water ($3.99 each for a Zephyrhills 24pk) and some sun screen (by it before you leave!), and yes, the water was very heavy carrying it back to the hotel! :) Now for some breakfast. There were two places between here and CVS that served breakfast, there's a Starbucks in the hotel, and the hotel also has both an a la carte menu and buffet. The lobby is decorated for Christmas: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whippets Posted November 28, 2011 #35 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Thanks for sharing your adventures. I just spoke to two of my friends who are going to be on your cruise. Told them about Cruise Critic and Roll Calls and Meet and Greets. They drove down from SC yesterday. Hope you get to meet them, their names are Belinda and Nelson. Have a great time on the Millennium, know she is going in for refurbishing in April. We will be on her in 3 1/2 weeks! Diane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #36 Share Posted November 28, 2011 I am glad you made it to Miami. Thanks for posting about your adventure. Enjoy your back to back, I hope you have a wonderful time, my turn to board the Millenium is two weeks from today!Mark THANKS Mark! There'll be two LIVE threads going and between the two of us we can help with any questions. There should also be lots of great pictures on Kevin's LIVE thread, including 'food porn'. Mmmm, foooood. It just started raining! :( Maybe this is a passing morning shower? Haven't looked at the weather forecast for today. Better do that before heading for the Open-top Tour bus. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbdqsony Posted November 28, 2011 #37 Share Posted November 28, 2011 It rained here in fort lauderdale as well only last long few minutes. The weather forecast supposedly to be sunny/rain. 40% chance of rain by noon. Thanks for posting the pic of celebrity. I was searching for port webcam and there isn't any in Miami. They do have good one in fort lauderdale port. I'll be in Miami by 10am :) Sunrise over the port of Miami A not so good picture of the ship from my room Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #38 Share Posted November 28, 2011 It rained here in fort lauderdale as well only last long few minutes. The weather forecast supposedly to be sunny/rain. 40% chance of rain by noon. Thanks for posting the pic of celebrity. I was searching for port webcam and there isn't any in Miami. They do have good one in fort lauderdale port. I'll be in Miami by 10am :) Hoping for a sunny sail away! No, Miami doesn't have a decent web cam. :( You're getting down here early aren't you? Not too eager? ;) I have a late check-out up to 1pm since I got in at 1:15am. The staff at this hotel are very kind and quite friendly. Had a quickie breakfast at Starbucks (oatmeal and green tea), the rain kept me inside. It's $22 for the hotel buffet (not THAT hungry). Once it stops raining I'm walking over to Bayside. The beauty of being on vacation is flexibility. My 'scehduled' 9am arrival at the Hop-on bus tour is now 9:30-ish. It departs every 30 minutes. Should be back to the hotel by 11:30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #39 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Open-top bus tour located just behind Bayside at the waterfront, about a 5-10 minute walk from the Intercontinental hotel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KangarooCruiser Posted November 28, 2011 #40 Share Posted November 28, 2011 G'day Mate, Well you finally made it, all those days counting down the time to when it was your turn - Yippie. Can't wait to hear your perspective and looking forward to sharing your adventure, it is hard to believe that DW and I were on the Fabulous Millennium only a month ago. Your posts will let us return to those pleasant days cruising the Western Caribbean, above all enjoy your B2B. Bon Voyage Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #41 Share Posted November 28, 2011 HI TONY! Yes, it's a blessing I actually made it. Just wrapped up my walking/bus tour and headed back to the hotel for a quick refresher, check-out, then head to the ship about 12:30pm. THANKS again for your wonderful LIVE thread. It was such an inspiration. I have no hope of measuring up! ;) Ships docked at Dodge Island today: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #42 Share Posted November 28, 2011 One last view from my room looking over at the ships: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #43 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Checked out of the hotel at 12:30pm, was pier side at 12:45pm (heavy traffic going into the terminals), dumped off my suitcase and two cases of water (tipped the porter $5) and headed for embarkation check-in. Showed Xpress Pass and ID to get into the terminal, up the escalators and through metal detectors and x-ray machines for carry-on's, then to the check-in counter, processed and sign form you haven't been sick in the last two weeks, walk to end of embarkation hall, show Room Key card to security, up another escalator, show another security person Room Key card, down long hall to show ANOTHER person Room Key card, then finally after being assaulted by the sanitizing liquid staff, walk down another gangway and finally ON THE SHIP. They were serving the bubbly and OJ as soon as you stepped onto the promenade deck. Walk down the promenade deck past the reps selling Spa services and Drink Packages, then to the last security were the insert your card and DING, take your picture. Was in my room by 1:10pm. On my bed were confirmations of my OBC purchases, a Celebrity Today for embarkation day, dining confirmation with table number, Captains Club Events list, and Captains Club coupon sheet. I remember someone asking about washcloths? In the bathroom are two each of hand towels, towels, and wash cloths as well as a small bottle each of Hydro-Minerale lemon grass shampoo, conditioner, an moisture lotion. I am STARVING! Headed for the AquaSpa Cafe for lunch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #44 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Lunch in the AquaSpa Cafe was quite tasty and filling (not hamburger and fries filling, but very good), very attractively served, and there were very few people eating there. After my lunch I walked through the Lido buffet and it was packed. Took a stroll topside for a quick coupe of pictures then back to the room. The waffle-weave robes are NOT one size fits all (it doesn't even come close and I'm 5'9" 195 lbs), and the TV is a 32" LCD flat screen Samsung. It's still early and waiting to see if my two cases of water makes it to my room. ;) Took this just before going into the terminal T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #45 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Got my suitcase and unpacked: the main closet has 20 wooden hotel-style hangers (unhook hanger from metal ring on rod), and a large shelf above it; the smaller closet has six drawers about 6" deep for socks, under garmets, etc as well as the electronic safe; above the TV is a small bit of storage; below the TV is the small fridge; and there are two small night standstands with two drawers each. My empty 28" suitcase easily fit under the bed. The Emergency Drill is in 25 minutes and they just finished announcing it. Did a quick tour of most of the public spaces and the ship is quite beautiful. The Olympic Restaurant is amazing. Visited Guest Relations to make sure my cash account is all set. As mentioned before I purchased a total of $400 OBC for myself and Celebrity gave me $ 100 when they chartered the 12/8 sailing and I had to rebook this date. Getting excited now!!! It's VERY HOT outside and I already have the makings of a nice sun burn... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunmore2 Posted November 28, 2011 #46 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Thank you for doing this blog. It feels like we are there sharing your excitement! Have a wonderful trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #47 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Emergency Drill lasted 15 minutes and ended right at 4pm. Leave the life vests in the stateroom. Love the way Celebrity handles this. Heading up for Sail Away and watch the Carnival ships leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #48 Share Posted November 28, 2011 There goes Carnival Imagination. Carnival Destiny is next then us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmwnc1959 Posted November 28, 2011 Author #49 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Carnival Destiny leaving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KangarooCruiser Posted November 28, 2011 #50 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Hey Mate, AIS has you still alongside, will follow your progress during the departure sequence. Don't forget to register for the bridge tour! The tread is great already, pictures are super. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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