Live from Empress - May 20, 2017 (Key West, Havana, and Cozumel)

[happythoughts]

Enjoying your review. I'm also planning to do a private excursion in Cuba. Did you feel rushed trying to meet your private tour at 9? Do you k ow what time they let passengers who had private excursions off the ship?

[getty50]

I board tomorrow for Cozumel on the Empress, following your posts hoping there's no delays. You guys are about to experience some rough seas coming into Tampa later today if not already.

[Alter Ego]

Enjoying your review. I'm also planning to do a private excursion in Cuba. Did you feel rushed trying to meet your private tour at 9? Do you k ow what time they let passengers who had private excursions off the ship?

 

 

 

Absolutely not rushed - I left my room around 8:10 and, I think, it took maybe 20 minutes to get on the street. I cannot stress enough how easy it was. I was early and had to wait for my guide who got there 10/15 minutes early. I strategically wanted to leave after the 6 hour tours did.

 

I never heard anything about tours getting off first and, as I said, they simply opened the barrier for me and let me join the throng of people on an excursion. I heard 1,000 of 1,600 passengers had Royal excursions. I'm not sure what they would do if all 600 people not on excursions would want to leave at the same time, but Royal spread out the tours so there was always a steady stream of people such that it would be no issue allowing other people to leave. I would assume you could leave as soon as the ship is cleared.

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

I board tomorrow for Cozumel on the Empress, following your posts hoping there's no delays. You guys are about to experience some rough seas coming into Tampa later today if not already.

 

 

 

There was some rocking last night too.

 

Hoping for no delays too! I overheard on Havana's sail away that she lost one of her engines. Don't know if true and we landed in Cozumel early, so clearly had no effect.

 

 

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[johninwv]

Thank you for posting this

[Alter Ego]

Can't make this stuff up...

 

Seen while going into the bathroom near Boleros.

 

 

Let me explain further - I saw him standing there and thought he was holding the bathroom door open - but I swear he may have taken my photo!! And, then he was hanging around outside occasionally opening the door and looking in - don't think any photos were taken!!

 

I'm pretty sure it was less nefarious than I'm making it - think he was waiting for the photographer to come out as I saw them later (he was sure to come by me to get a photo taken. Not gonna lie, if I don't look horrible, I may buy it!). It was still mighty weird!

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Cozumel continued

 

I actually have only been to Cozumel once before - my first cruise ever, on Carnival, maybe 20 years ago. This time I took a ship's excursion Mayan Ruins and City Overview. We had three stops.

 

We first went to San Gervasio. My understanding is that the land was owned by a farmer (thus the Spanish name for the site versus a Mayan name.) He discovered the city while excavating for crops and didn't tell anyone. He then proceeded to search for gold (something the Mayans never had) for the next several years - even using explosives in his search. It wasn't until the 80's that the Mexican government found out and negotiated with the farmer to take it over.

 

It was an interesting site, full of large iguanas!

 

 

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

We next went to the coast for some beach shots.

 

 

We were told to be careful as we walked on the rocks. I didn't think much of it, but it became clear as you go on them - there are many holes in the ground. This photo probably doesn't do justice. Mind your small children.

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Final stop was at the chocolate factory. We learned more than about chocolate as the grounds also has a replica of a Mayan home - still used by some Mayan today. This was an all around cultural tour.

 

I, of course, loved the birds on site! My favorite vacations are a mix of wildlife and city and I had not expected that on this cruise.

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Chocolate factory was a short ride back to the ship. I personally didn't buy anything other than water, but they do have a lot of stores in the area. With regards to the water, we were told it was best to bring some with you. So I stopped in a nearby store and paid $5 for a small bottle. When I came back, I paid $3 for a liter bottle further away.

 

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Although tired, I made it to Kenny James 10pm show. Was a lot of fun.

 

I also trudged my way up to the pool deck to, at least, say I was at the white party.

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Today is a sea day and the schedule is packed. But, I've decided to take it easy - skipped the sexiest man and belly flop contests, choosing to relax on deck 6 instead.

 

I did go to the Captain's Corner and he said that he envisions a larger dock eventually being built in Havana to accommodate Vision class ships or slightly larger - the port is plenty deep enough. He also said that Royal has budgeted more for food this year when someone commented that she noted it was better than the last time she cruised.

 

I also stopped for an iced skim latte at the coffee shop located in Bolero's.

 

 

Elvis, the Cruise Director, teaching a Zumba class in Boleros.

 

My next event is the usually never to be missed Love & Marriage show in an hour. Until then, it's just me and these waves.

 

 

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[sailsalot]

If you get a chance, can you take a picture of the inside of the closets? Just curious what the storage situation is. Thanks!! This review has helped me be prepared more than anything else!!

[Snit13]

If you enjoy wildlife, check out the Celebrity Xpedition cruise in Galapagos Islands. We really enjoyed and to date is our favorite cruise.

[Alter Ego]

Welcome to the cold front...

 

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

If you get a chance, can you take a picture of the inside of the closets? Just curious what the storage situation is. Thanks!! This review has helped me be prepared more than anything else!!

 

 

 

I don't know if my closet is indicative of others on the ship. My room apparently can sleep 4 (note the bunk beds on the walls.)

 

 

The closet has two doors and three rods to hang clothes.

 

The first door is maybe 18 inches? And has the (small) safe on a top shelf.

 

2nd part goes further back and store's the ladders for the beds - but it's definitely all usable space. I'm guessing you could ask for more hangers (but it was more than enough for me.)

 

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

There are also small drawers for storage. Note the cubby space around the mirror.

 

 

Finally, there are also shelves in the bathroom.

 

 

 

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[superleggera]

This entire review has been awesome! While you're taking room pictures, can you please take one showing what inputs are on the TV? I really just want to know if it has an HDMI input.

 

Thanks!

[Cruising Photographer]

Thank you! I learned a lot from your posts! We leave for the same cruise Monday 29th. Very windy here in Tampa tonight. Safe travels. (Maybe you'll get a bonus day at sea) 😉

 

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[cbusbigred]

Thank you for the amazing review!

[sailsalot]

Thank you for the pictures of the closet and drawer space. Too bad there aren't more shelves in the closet. I'll just plan on hanging most of our stuff.

 

Thanks again!

[Alter Ego]

This entire review has been awesome! While you're taking room pictures, can you please take one showing what inputs are on the TV? I really just want to know if it has an HDMI input.

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

I feel really stupid, but couldn't find anything! I'll look again and may just take pictures of everything to analyze later.

 

If anyone has been on Empress and can answer, please chip in!

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

MDR Menu - night 5

 

 

Once again, I did not eat in the MDR so I don't have the dessert menu [emoji853]

 

When I boarded, they had a deal for Chops and Chef's Table for $100. So I added on Chops. When I got on the ship around 12:30, the only times I could get was either very early or very late. It was usually busy and I saw many jackets and ties (same for Chef's Table.) There were some people not as dressed up, but nobody outright casual.

 

 

Bread to start

 

 

My view as I ate.

 

 

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Edited May 25, 2017 by Alter Ego

[monkeyinhat]

Yippee. Vidalia onion tart back [emoji106]🏻

 

 

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[Alter Ego]

Crispy Goat Cheese Salad

Scallops

I usually always get the petite filet, but this time I went for the short rib. Is a fattier cut of meat (which I dislike), but I liked the beefy flavor.

My sides - potato croquettes and asparagus (they were out of creamed spinach and honestly I'm glad they were. The asparagus was good.)

The not-so-liquid liquid chocolate cake

 

 

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