Land and Sea On the Sun Live Review with Pictures

[Georgia_Peaches]

As a precursor to our quick short vacay in the Sun, DH and I decided to head out a little early to get a jump on the weekend fun. 

 

Background:  we are early 50’s from Atlanta. I am a newly retired middle school principal who for the first time in 27 years can vacation whenever the heck I want to!  So in prep for this little getaway, I did what any cruise traveler would do...I consulted Cruise Critic to inquire about fun things to do in Jacksonville, our proposed stop for the night. Well after accidentally posing my question on the Celebrity board by mistake, and getting hazed for doing so, I came across some helpful suggestions for St. Augustine instead. Now 3 miles out from our stop for the next day or so, I thought I’d start my review with our short stay in historic St. Augustine. 

 

About a 5.5 hour drive down 75 south, St. Augustine is just 2 hours from Port Canaveral where we will embark on the Sun on Friday. 

 

Next stop, Cedar House Inn...

Pictures  to follow...

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

A Victorian B & B built in 1898. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Cedar House Inn is just 2 blocks from the St Augustine  distillery and ice house. Featuring free tours and tastings on the hour with the last tour of the day at 5 pm. We just made it!

[FLcruisergrl]

I’ve lived in St. Augustine my whole life! Let me know if you need any recommendations. Definitely go to Preserved or Prohibition Kitchen for a great meal!

[zencruisers]

Following along. Thanks for taking the time to share.

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Dinner at A1A Ale Works on the waterfront. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

The old Governor’s House is a landmark at the center of town and is open for a free, self-guided tour/exhibit created by students at Flagler College. We enjoyed it very much! 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

The main pedestrian walk has lots of shops and bars. In fact, we are at one now; The Backyard Tropical Bar, waiting out the rain with a pain killer. Cheers!

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Ponce De Leon hotel Aka Flagler College. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Oldest schoolhouse in America...

Ok, a little bit of a tourist trap but interesting just the same. Ten bucks got us into the school and grounds and a “free” diploma after the self-guided tour. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Thoughts on St. Augustine:

DH and I enjoyed this oldest little town in America!  It broke up the drive from Atl to Port Canaveral and has lots to see and do. We spent most of the time wandering the historic streets and taking advantage of the freebies: tours, concert, tastings. We did note that the town shuts down around 9 and by 10 it was mostly a ghost town. Of course the vibe may be different on the weekend. Random pics to follow. 

 

Next up:  embarkation!  My favorite day!

 

[FLcruisergrl]

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Thoughts on St. Augustine:

DH and I enjoyed this oldest little town in America!  It broke up the drive from Atl to Port Canaveral and has lots to see and do. We spent most of the time wandering the historic streets and taking advantage of the freebies: tours, concert, tastings. We did note that the town shuts down around 9 and by 10 it was mostly a ghost town. Of course the vibe may be different on the weekend. Random pics to follow. 

 

Next up:  embarkation!  My favorite day!

 

I’m glad you liked St. Augustine! It definitely picks up on the weekend, but will always have that “sleepy little town” feel.

[C cruise]

following along ... we were on the Sun in May and loved everything about it - hope you do also

Edited August 2, 2019 by C cruise

[C cruise]

oh also we love St Augustine 

[Georgia_Peaches]

After a pretty easy drive to Port Canaveral, we arrived at the terminal by 11:50 and were on board by 12:15. Check in was flawless and perhaps one of the fastest I’ve experienced. 

Once on board we made our way to the MDR for lunch. I had crabmeat and beat salad with shrimp penne pasta.  DH had tomato soup and a meatball sub. He said it was very good and mine was as well. 

We also enjoyed a bottle of champagne with lunch as part of the Premium Plus Beverage Package. 

 

Edited August 2, 2019 by Georgia_Peaches

[Georgia_Peaches]

Staterooms were ready by 1:30. We are on deck 4 in an ocean view (port hole) room. This is new for us as we usually opt for a suite. Since it’s a short cruise, we went with the more economical accommodations which included the premium plus beverage package, 100 minutes of WiFi and a $25 OBC from out TA. Our stateroom is cozy but very nice. I feel like I can touch the water because we are so close. The only potential drawback is that we are across the hall from a crew access door. Hopefully we won’t notice. 

 

[ThxMomnDad]

I don't know why, but I absolutely love these live reviews! All of the details in pictures. It's great! Thanks for this Georgia_Peaches!!!!! :-)

[C cruise]

enjoying following along

[sid_9169]

Nice review so far!... How much did the bottle of veuve run you after the ppbp discount?

[Georgia_Peaches]

No charge except for port tax. I was surprised but all starred bottles are included at no charge. Waiter said we could get a bottle for lunch so we did!

Edited August 2, 2019 by Georgia_Peaches

[Georgia_Peaches]

Disney Dream in port with us. And rain!!  Is it bad luck if it rains on embarkation day?

[Georgia_Peaches]

A nuisance rain brought everyone in from the pool deck for the after muster drill. We managed a shortish line on deck 5 and waited for about 10 minutes before drink in hand. 

[ThxMomnDad]

Wow! That's a dark sky in that first pic!!!!😮

[CSloan]

Looking forward to reading more!  We'll be on the Sun in 50 days.  I hope the weather gets better for you!

[PTC DAWG]

Following along, sailing 8-19 on the Sun....also have the PPBP, good to know it is legit...

Edited August 2, 2019 by PTC DAWG