Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #151 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Carol handed me these in the hotel room and my pulse quickened. A year of anticipation was almost over.... I put the label on the camera box, ready now to drop off at UPS on our way to the ship. Taxi! Tip the bellman. Drive to UPS. Took 10 mins in there as some people who had never sent a package were before me. Got receipt, photographed it, attached to an e mail to Borrowlenses with much thanks for the new 6 D. Drove. I see ships!! 5 big ones! Oh-look-all the way at the back-two blue funnels and one big.... X See you onboard?? Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperdo Posted January 27, 2017 #152 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Loved your early morning photos of the Art Deco hotels in South Beach. I've only seen them in the daytime. They look magical at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #153 Share Posted January 27, 2017 20 minutes to the port. We are the closest ship to the city. A hive of activity on the pier. Tip the cabbie. Tip the luggage man so that our luggage isn't filled with sea water when it appears in our cabin. Through security. Check in. There's a line for Suites Elites and Zeniths and we have no one in front of us. Smiles. Passports, Express Pass. Photo for Cruisecard. No waiting room. Your ship is ready. It's 11.30. Onward. Ship's photographers. Pose in front of a banner of an anonymous S Class ship. Onward and upward boarding on deck 5. Offer of "champagne" or orange juice. Declined as we have too much to carry. Elevator. Press 15 as we know where we are going... HERE All aboard!! Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeyguru32 Posted January 27, 2017 #154 Share Posted January 27, 2017 carol handed me these in the hotel room and my pulse quickened.A year of anticipation was almost over.... i put the label on the camera box, ready now to drop off at ups on our way to the ship. taxi! Tip the bellman. Drive to ups. Took 10 mins in there as some people who had never sent a package were before me. Got receipt, photographed it, attached to an e mail to borrowlenses with much thanks for the new 6 d. Drove. I see ships!! 5 big ones! Oh-look-all the way at the back-two blue funnels and one big.... x see you onboard?? Norris pointer sisters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #155 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Pictures that are worth a thousand words.... (These two are iPhone shots to post on Facebook) The Guinness poured table side by a roaming Jamaican waiter called Tadfy signifies that it is time to relax and take it all in....we are on the ship! Overcast sky but no rain forecast. There's more to see up here than in Ft. Lauderdale so I walk across the grass for some pics. I haven't been in Miami since November 1986. I count 16 cranes at work on new buildings with a sea view. Closer looks at the view from our chairs At 1 p.m an announcement that the rooms are ready for us is made and we head down to deck 7 to take up residence all the way aft in a starboard corner Sky suite. Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #156 Share Posted January 27, 2017 This is a 10 minute clip from about an hour's worth of Segway Go Pro video and I chose it as it gives some shots of the Art Deco buildings and the food tents and general hubbub of South Beach. It has received zero Oscar nominations and you'll see why but I hope it gives a flavor. (personally I think Hollywood is snubbing me) Many of my clips from that day were taken riding by the beach on the winding public walkway until we were stopped by the Police (not the rock band- the actual Police) or taking shortcuts through the beachfront park. A variety of terrain in short. You can watch this while we are taking our carry-ons to the cabin. I was toting two bags filled with cameras, lenses, chargers, tripods and cables so was glad to put them down when we reached 7358. [YOUTUBE]2iHunzEEofA[/YOUTUBE] Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgparent Posted January 27, 2017 #157 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Ahhhh having a smoke and a beer in the Sunset Bar, jealous !!! I will be in that exact spot come March, we are in SS 9376 can't wait, loving your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #158 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Yay, Norris once again!!!! Thanks for the invite over at the Princess Boards. I surf both, so would have probably found you over here, but felt special having an invitation to join this blog/review. I learn so much about cruising and the enjoyment of life from your posts ... as well as your humor. Let the fun begin. Richard Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Richard, good to see you again and thanks for joining us here. The invite on the Princess Board didn't stay around for long and I am sure most P people didn't see it so if anyone wants to bump it up again by popping in there to say "hi" (or anything) that will help. I can't do it myself again as it would be considered Solicitation and I can't deal with another lawsuit at this time. Cheers, Richard! Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #159 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Norris, Very much looking forward to your review of the Reflection. I didn't see your Star Princess review until a couple of weeks ago, and I just finished reading it on Friday, so it's great to continue on without getting any Norris review "withdrawals". I've been a lurker on your reviews for a while, and since there seemed to be a large number of lurkers on your Star Princess review that came out, I decided to do it on this one (and it looks like I'm the first one to come out on this review)! We are very much Celebrity and Princess fans as well, with the majority of our cruises being between these two lines. Our first cruise in 1994 was on the Star Princess, although it was Princess' previous Star Princess that was launched in 1989 I believe. Our first Celebrity cruise followed in 1996 on the Zenith. Can't wait to find out whether your second Celebrity cruise was as good as your first. I'm sure the Sunset Bar was home to a large part of your week. Just an awesome place to spend time! I know both Carol and you work hard to bring these reviews to everyone, and that is why they are tops in my book! Your pictures and stories can't be beat. Thanks....or should I say Cheers! Bruce Bruce as you know I am always excited to see lurkers coming out of the shadows and am also glad that you have read my Princess reviews too. Thanks for the kind compliments on the reads. I am going on the Princess site today to find a cruise for the fall. Thanks for joining us here! Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #160 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Following your journey again Norris! So, the fact that you've booked two more X cruises must mean that you are hooked and had another great experience. ;) We're considering Norway also. Which sailing did you book? Kim :) Kim, Silhouette to Norwegian FJords, same suite, late August 2018 and Equinox, W Caribbean including Dominican Republic and Nassau, plus Coz and Cayman in January 2019 Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
300dtc Posted January 27, 2017 #161 Share Posted January 27, 2017 I love your writing style, and was so happy to find this review! Maryann Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MustBCruzn Posted January 27, 2017 #162 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Kim, Silhouette to Norwegian FJords, same suite, late August 2018 and Equinox, W Caribbean including Dominican Republic and Nassau, plus Coz and Cayman in January 2019 Norris Norris - I've loved your past reviews and this one is every bit as entertaining. I can't wait to meet you and Carol on the Norway cruise. We're almost neighbors--although from the lower class neighborhood--we're booked a couple of doors down in 7366. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #163 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Well so far this has been the toughest start to any of my reviews due to technical difficulties with the videos but I thank everyone for being supportive and enthusiastic. Normally I respond to each and every comment but I am so far behind in that. To keep the review flowing, especially as some of you are cruising soon I'd like to give a roll call and a shout out to those that have responded but haven't got a reply from me. I want you to see photos and not me thanking each person for joining us although I am truly thankful to everyone who does as it's more fun for me to have feedback and questions to answer So in no particular order here is a list of people I want to thank for their unanswered comments. And the Nominees are.... lienf morbihan G & G cruisers Sassy cruiser Jules815 Riclop Shims dan lola2013 jlfi (Judy) luv2camp04 Jase0581 MinnesotaCruiser1974 Eloise4Ever gold1953 pretty princess I'm a Happy Cruiser Destan71835 macsford sajlm045 jzad benne1ej NCHPcruiser Lin336 Lastdance jg51 mrsgoggins (did you see me on the ship?) Golfwife1 DJSchib Princess Dano cruisekrazykaze perfect match (Nancy!) nursedibdob cruisehappy001 Tins GabrielleR Hockeyguru32(master of spotting my song references!) Morton (Pam) rcssmom sparkins_mob SOLIVITA LADY (Jackie!) DavietheScot (hoots mon!) christineboston CoatRackOfDoom (Ed-best screen name ever) Mit429 Gordoncruickshank chat walt fan ILgirl PghCruiseGrrrl yovacruise If your name was called, please report to the Principal's Office immediately. Norris, with thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonlitherial Posted January 27, 2017 #164 Share Posted January 27, 2017 YAY a new Norris review! I love Borrow Lenses. Great service and willing to work through any issues with planned delivery times. I used them for a selection of potential lense purchases in my full frame Canon days. I hope you're loving the 6D and it works out for you. I miss being able to weild a camera of that weight. Thank you for the Miami intro, we're taking our first cruise that departs from there in April so I was looking for things to do on our safety day (I know end of April snowstorms are wildly unlikely but hey, Northern habits are hard to break :D) Can't wait to see the rest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #165 Share Posted January 27, 2017 We are in our suite and immediately at home as it is the same as the Silhouette and immaculately prepped by our Room Steward, Boban. It's starboard this time as opposed to port on the Silly and I didn't take pics of it until the last sea day so for expediency sake I'll use the Silly photos to enhance my silly review/report/ramble/journal. It will be a mirror image. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #166 Share Posted January 27, 2017 I asked our steward Boban why there was no bathroom (he had asked if there was anything he could do for us...I said Yes, get me a bathroom.) He said that there had been recent cutbacks among the stewards and we would have only one not two so to make that feasible the company had eliminated the bathrooms and sold them to a new hotel opening up in Miami. It made sense to me from a financial point of view. He went on to say that we could use the pools on the ship and he could provide Bvlgari soap and shampoo if we wanted to bathe adding "but you're on holiday and can bathe when you get home." Again it made sense but Carol demanded a bathroom so off he went to get a carpenter and plumber and after half an hour of banging away they came up with this .... A pretty nifty job and an example of going beyond for your customer! Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare donswife Posted January 27, 2017 #167 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Consider yourself "bumped" on the Princess board.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #168 Share Posted January 27, 2017 On the balcony looking out Supplies being loaded for the voyage of 2,004 miles While I was taking pics Carol was wiping down all surfaces we might touch, including the phone and TV remote with Clorox wipes. Now we were free to go to lunch-in Luminae, the Suites only restaurant. That's next. Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt fan Posted January 27, 2017 #169 Share Posted January 27, 2017 "Report to the Principal's Office" - yikes, Norris, you gave me flashbacks to high school:) We won't go into further detail there. I would rather read your review and pour over your photos than work. But, I guess I have to earn a few pennies today. I will be following along this weekend! Have a good weekend and stay warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 27, 2017 Author #170 Share Posted January 27, 2017 I've just booked a Princess cruise to Canada and New England for this October so that will be my next Princess review. October 14 Regal Princess a class of ship I have steered clear of until now so it should be a voyage of discovery in all ways. Coming soon to an IMAX near you! I am off to work soon. I am sure you could all use a vicarious lunch so let's go to Luminae! We were not blown away by Luminae on the Silhouette. Oh, it was good but not memorable but we had to try it again as it beats the buffet on embarkation day. As expected we were greeted warmly and quickly seated in this gorgeous room. Water and bread were produced and drinks ordered. Once my Stella and Carol's club soda were delivered we sat for 15 minutes before our order was taken. Ho hum. A raised eyebrow brought our waitress and we ordered our vittles... We both had a delicious lobster bisque and bowls were licked or mopped with bread. Next, my mouthwatering Luminae Burger with truffle fries and a tasty treat it was and for Butternut Squash risotto which she loved and shared a forkful with me Carol wasn't up for dessert but I sure was and this white chocolate Macadamia nut cake really hit the spot. We both agreed that lunch was fantastic and we would come back to Luminae without hesitation. Lunch video coming much later tonight, followed by Muster and Sailaway in photos and video. Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancerOT Posted January 27, 2017 #171 Share Posted January 27, 2017 This is so cool to read as I was on the same week as you! We must have passed each other in the wind :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare fletch1027 Posted January 27, 2017 #172 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Just started reading along - love the review so far! What's the name of the app you are using in the photo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sadebud Posted January 27, 2017 #173 Share Posted January 27, 2017 What's in store is a Chronological account of our vacation so don't expect to see the ship in the first few days of writing as we will be spending those in South Beach. Segway video through the Art Deco area Dining at Joe's Stone Crab The Ritz Carlton Lunch in Luminae Sailaway Dinners in Lawn Club Grill/Murano/Qsine/Luminae (food porn!) Blu Sunset Bar where I took up residence Live shows in photos and video The Alcoves Just about every room and bar on the ship Ship art Segway tour in Cozumel Turtles and stingrays Jamaica the good the bad and the ugly Labadee All sailaways including other fine cruise ships in port with us The ship at night Sunrises and sunsets Officers and guests pool volleyball Bocce ball People enjoying themselves and whatever else I happened to photograph/video The review is written for me and Carol so we can't forget it as time passes and our memories dim. It is also written for people who have never sailed this ship and for those who have and want to be reminded of the time they spent on her. And it is for my friends who live on the Princess Board where I happily dwell most of my time. With that being said I will start the story, or Seafaring Gentleman's Journal as I like to call it. Norris Hi Norris, I just saw your post on the Princess Boards alerting me to the Celebrity Review...I knew you had a cruise in January but I forgot it was on Celebrity. I will be catching up all weekend! PS--Just off the Crown Princess Rio to Valpairaiso, around Cape Horn. Fantastic trip but there were some hiccups and we didn't make all the ports. Still had a fabulous time and would sail the Crown again anytime!! Tracy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyFire Posted January 27, 2017 #174 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Since you've already had your socks blown off - I'll take my hat off to you for your fantastic review! I've now officially caught up from the beginning of the thread and am adding my thanks to you and Carol for taking pains to make this a truly excellent review! Looking forward to living the X-life vicariously over the next several weeks. I've never been on the Reflection... though I will be on her sister, the Silhouette, in November. Our first S-class cruise (on the Eclipse) departs in just over 60 days and I am beyond excited!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoosier-Cruiser Posted January 27, 2017 #175 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Just started reading along - love the review so far! What's the name of the app you are using in the photo? This app is called "Ship Mate". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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