LIVE from Wonder of the Seas Transatlantic April 2022

[happy cruzer]

23 hours ago, laurieal said:

I got a later start that morning since I had gone to bed after 1am the night before. Feeling confident (and a bit groggy), I tried a new coffee recipe: cappuccino, but with an extra shot of espresso. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! There’s usually between 1-5 people waiting to use the espresso machines and with two of them in operation the line moves quickly and I don’t find it’s a bother to make the detour to the Diamond Lounge every morning. 

 

Thank you for sharing.  I have felt weeks of trepidation about approaching the coffee machine in the DL.  My angst is over.  I now know the winner!  I am looking forward to confidently getting the cappuccino with the extra shot of espresso!

 

Great review with lots of helpful details.  Thank you.

[laurieal]

20 hours ago, Nado44 said:

How are the seas? Any rough weather? We're on the Celebrity Apex TA leaving on Saturday and hoping for a smooth sailing.

It was a bit rougher on the first sea day (Day 2). We had some rain, it was very windy, and we could feel the ship moving a lot. 
 

Since then, it’s been absolutely lovely with temperatures in the 70s, some sunshine, and not too much wind. Can barely feel the ship moving. 

[laurieal]

6 hours ago, patreke said:

In the Solarium Bistro Catching up with your review.  Great job so far!!!  Are you sharing snacks and wine with fellow TA cruisers????

Sorry no kitty pics to share. 
 

I was under the impression that fellow TA cruisers had brought their own snacks 😉 
 

Doggo pictures are also always welcome, especially if they’re of the non-towel variety. 

[laurieal]

5 hours ago, crewsweeper said:

We saw Pete on our recent Odyssey cruise.  Glad he didn't try to juggle chainsaws.  But he was funny.

Asked for volunteers at least 6 ft tall and pick a 5"9" guy for one of them.😁

If I mentioned chainsaw in regards to the juggling act, that was a mistake. 
 

Knives? Yes. Axes? Sure. Scarves? Oh you better believe it. 
 

The only chainsaw action I have seen was during the ice sculpture demonstration. However, I am just back from a Q&A where someone asked about murders on board cruise ships, so who knows. I’ll let you know if the situation evolves. 

[laurieal]

3 hours ago, happy cruzer said:

Thank you for sharing.  I have felt weeks of trepidation about approaching the coffee machine in the DL.  My angst is over.  I now know the winner!  I am looking forward to confidently getting the cappuccino with the extra shot of espresso!

 

Great review with lots of helpful details.  Thank you.

 

If you do feel some performance anxiety when the time comes, there’s usually someone around to help. Good luck!

[laurieal]

Day 6 Compass

 

 

 

 

[laurieal]

Day 6

 

Good morning from…yes, you’ve guessed it, deck 16. I swear the elevators actually work and I’m not stuck up here. 

 

I’ll keep things short today, because Day 6 was basically just a repeat of Day 5. I did get a bit adventurous with my sunbathing and used one of the couches. Sun loungers are a bit low for me, although me getting out of one of those would be a comedy show worthy of the Cruise Compass. 
 

 

 

 

 

Couch was comfy, sun was hot, wind was practically inexistant, peach daiquiri was cold. 

 

 

For lunch, I went to Giovanni’s Wine Bar with some friends. I don’t have a meal planned there, but I was eager to try the Stromboli. They were the perfect little spicy bites and I really enjoyed them. I also got to taste the margherita pizza which was good, too. If you don’t feel like committing to a full Italian meal, I recommend the Wine Bar. You also can’t beat that Central Park atmosphere when it’s that lovely outside. 
 

 

 

 

Then it was Harry Potter trivia, for which I have been training most of my life. My efforts were finally recognized with a keychain that I will treasure for the rest of the day at least. 

 

Later on I saw the ice show again and wow it’s still an amazing show. I had a Cosmo at Playmaker’s before joining some friends for the Rock the Room game show. My friends have some very good music knowledge and as a result I feel there’s probably a coup being organized to prevent us from joining more game shows in the future. Seriously, it was such a fun show and if you see me around and would like a keychain, come say hello. 
 

 

 

 

I went to the Jennifer Singer show, which I enjoyed, and then I had one slice of Sorrento’s pizza before going back to my stateroom. 

 

 

 

I will share one accessible feature I thought was fun. There’s a button with a wheelchair in all the elevators and I decided to try pushing it. I’m already in a wheelchair, so what’s the worst this button could do to me, right?

 

 

Voilà! If you find the deck numbers are too high, this button will bring everything lower on the screen. 

 

[crewsweeper]

1 hour ago, laurieal said:

If I mentioned chainsaw in regards to the juggling act, that was a mistake. 
 

Knives? Yes. Axes? Sure. Scarves? Oh you better believe it. 
 

The only chainsaw action I have seen was during the ice sculpture demonstration. However, I am just back from a Q&A where someone asked about murders on board cruise ships, so who knows. I’ll let you know if the situation evolves. 

No chainsaws.  Sorry it as a joke on my part.  I've seen chainsaw jugglers in the past and that's always been my joking standard for how good a juggler is.  

 

Yes, let's hope Kenneth Branagh  isn't soon to be starring in "Murder on the Wonder"🙄

[PTC DAWG]

On 4/23/2022 at 9:51 AM, RicoRoxy said:

Thanks for posting the drink package deal!  This is quite helpful in planning for my upcoming cruise.  Good to know the onboard BOGO 1/2 off still exists...at least on Day One. 

You think that means the $88 shown plus $44, or is the $88 x 2..plus grats etc…Royal math and all.  

[laurieal]

 

 

 

[RicoRoxy]

3 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

You think that means the $88 shown plus $44, or is the $88 x 2..plus grats etc…Royal math and all.  

Yes, the former.  I've bought this package onboard before.    We'll see in a couple weeks when I sail again. 🙂  

Edited April 26, 2022 by RicoRoxy

[djyellowsub]

Congratulations on the Harry Potter trivia contest.  I am always impressed with people who know so many of the trivia answers.  I like to participate in the trivia, but I never am close to winning.  It's a gift to have such a good memory and passion for a subject.  The student I tutor is a Harry Potter fan.  She may be good enough for a keychain.  She wrote a letter to Emma Watson's fan club and is eagerly waiting for a reply.

[laurieal]

Day 7 - Happy New Year!

 

Hello from my stateroom.  

 

I wasn’t feeling my best that morning, so I got a later start. My body and I have been having disagreements about what I eat and drink on this cruise. I want to eat all the things and have four cocktails a day, and my body wants me to sit in a corner and think about what I’ve done. 

 

I decided to skip breakfast to give my aging body a break, but I got my usual diamond coffee. I noticed some hot chocolate pouches next to the machine…has anyone here tried getting creative with some chocolate powder and espresso? I might try something tomorrow if I feel up to it. 

 

I met up with some friends in Music Hall for a Q&A session about life at sea with Mike the cruise director and Desmond who is the production manager (I think). It was very well attended and people had plenty of questions to ask, only one of which was about homicide, so I feel like that must have been a good session?

 

 

 

 

After the Q&A, I got to chat a bit with Mike and Desmond about some of the accessibility aspects I discussed in this review. I explained the ramen situation at Izumi and Mike made some calls because he felt there was a way to get me up those stairs by going backstage. He quickly got confirmation that it is indeed possible!

 

I did go to Izumi later that day and the person I spoke to confirmed that there is a barrier-free way to get up there. I’m not sure it will work for this cruise, because they are fully booked for lunch and we have some dinner plans for most nights, but I’m just happy to know everyone can get noodles if they want to. 

 

My friends were doing laser tag after the Q&A, so I went with them to have a look and act as official purse and sunglasses holder. I had made a detour to Studio B earlier that morning before getting my coffee to ask if I could participate. The answer for Wonder is no, because the inside of the inflatable structure is too narrow, but the person I asked remembers it being possible on another ship. If you have mobility issues and your cruise ship has laser tag, just ask and they’ll see if they can get you in there.

 

 

They are not taking reservations for laser tag, but my friends didn’t wait very long as there was only one group in front of them. They said it was a very fun experience and everyone I saw exiting Studio B seemed very excited about it. If you’re interested in participating, bring closed-toe shoes. 

 

I was getting a bit peckish after that, so I went back up to deck 16 for a small plate of El Loco Fresh tortilla chips with beef and beans chili. I was very pleasantly surprised with the flavour of the chili; there’s some spice in there! I also got a pineapple and jalapeño margarita, which was fun and not too spicy. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That night was New Year’s Eve on the Wonder, so I got all sparkly and shiny for some pre-dinner cocktails at the Treillis Bar followed by dinner in the MDR. I got the crispy shrimp and Steak Oscar, which were fine, and then we found a spot close to Sorrento’s for the festivities. 

 

 

We had quite a long time to wait until the countdown and balloon drop, but there was non-stop music with either the DJ or the band. There are plenty of people who just showed up a bit before midnight, but it was important for us to get seats and be somewhat out of the way. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite it being April, it felt exactly like a real New Years’s Eve: I spent a lot of the time avoiding eye contact with someone from my mother’s side of the family who’s on board (I’m only 70% sure I remember her name), and I kept checking my watch to see how soon I could go to bed. Yes, I know, I’m quite the party animal. 
 

 

Seriously, it was fun to see the parade of fancy people dressed in their sparkling best. The balloon drop looked really cool and I got a kick out of everyone wishing each other a happy new year. I went up to deck 15 for some air, and then it was time for bed to ponder my New Year’s resolutions. 

[laurieal]

Question of the day: what do you see in this light feature that’s on deck 4?

 

 

To me it looks like someone throwing a baby 🧐 

[laurieal]

Day 8 Compass

 

 

 

 

 

[Sunshine3601]

39 minutes ago, laurieal said:

Question of the day: what do you see in this light feature that’s on deck 4?

 

 

To me it looks like someone throwing a baby 🧐 

At first glance I see a map but I can see someone throwing a baby too!

 

My DH likes to add a little bit of coco mix to his capuccino or lattes.   He pours some into the cup before inserting into machine.  Then tries to remember to bring pouch back so no waste.   We usually end up with a couple open coco pouches by end of cruise.   Then hits espresso then hits for cap or latte.

On rough mornings after late night in casino he has been known to add 2 espressos to his cappuccino.  😁

Enjoy whatever concoction you create.

[topnole]

On 4/24/2022 at 2:26 PM, laurieal said:

I forgot to post my question of the day, yesterday so I’m asking two today:

 

What is everyone’s favourite breakfast spot on the Oasis class?

 

What is your #1 thing you must do on every cruise and that makes you go “aaaw yes I’m on a cruise”?

 

Cat update:

 

Looks like this princess is enjoying springtime in Quebec City. And with me not being there to disturb her naps with scritches, this must also feel like a vacation for her. 

 

 

Coastal Kitchen when I’m traveling Fancy Nancy style in a suite.  Otherwise I love the ease of park cafe.  Egg Muffin sandwich with some yogurt and fresh fruit.  Diamond lounge double espresso to go first, of course.  Quick, no stress, and enjoy Central Park while eating.  What’s not to like?  
 

First sip of beer on the pool deck.  Then I’m relaxed and ready for several days of doing whatever comes our way.  
 

Still amazed by your review.  As I said before, tip top.   I have no idea how you can write up this much so well, while traveling.  You’ve got serious talent!   

[crewsweeper]

Love seeing the  Promenade concerts.  Missed those on the Odyssey.  Music Hall setup looks good . Liked the 2 deck version on the Odyssey.  attracts the karaoke crowd.  But a bit large for the jazz quartets.

[bobmacliberty]

13 hours ago, laurieal said:

Day 7 - Happy New Year!

 

Hello from my stateroom.  

 

I wasn’t feeling my best that morning, so I got a later start. My body and I have been having disagreements about what I eat and drink on this cruise. I want to eat all the things and have four cocktails a day, and my body wants me to sit in a corner and think about what I’ve done. 

 

This seems to happen to me every cruise.  By day 7, I'm ready to go home and eat a piece of plain grilled chicken with steamed broccoli and a glass of water.

 

13 hours ago, laurieal said:

Question of the day: what do you see in this light feature that’s on deck 4?

 

 

To me it looks like someone throwing a baby 🧐 

 

Looks like a map of Europe/Middle East/Africa.

[MillbrookMom]

13 hours ago, laurieal said:

Question of the day: what do you see in this light feature that’s on deck 4?

 

 

To me it looks like someone throwing a baby 🧐 

Africa, Europe and Asia

 

[bigmoose7563]

14 hours ago, laurieal said:

Question of the day: what do you see in this light feature that’s on deck 4?

 

 

To me it looks like someone throwing a baby 🧐 

A mini-horse kneeing a dude in the mouth 

[laurieal]

Day 8

 

Hello from the Lime & Coconut on deck 16. 

 

I got breakfast at Johnny Rockets this morning  where I tried their Cheesy Bacon Lovers scrambler. I really enjoyed it; the shredded Wisconsin was a very flavourful addition that went nicely with the bacon. 
 

 

 

 

After that, I went to the Captain’s Corner Q&A. I thought it was the perfect time to try the elevator and sit close to the front, because I assumed I wouldn’t be shouted out by the captain if I had to leave to visit the restroom. Although now that I think about it, some heckling would add a little je ne sais quoi to the Captain’s Corner. 

 

When entering the theatre and facing the stage, we turned right and went all the way to the end where there is a door with a sign on it that said Accessible Elevator. Behind that door is the elevator that will take you from deck 4 to deck 3. The doors are pretty heavy, so bring a friend or ask someone from the theatre to help. Speaking of doors, how amazing are cruise ships? I don’t think I have manually opened a door since I left my hotel in Fort Lauderdale. 
 

 

 

Once out of the elevator, you come out into the theatre next to the stage. If you go up the aisle, you will see a section with chairs that can be moved to make room for a mobility device. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think those seats should be marked as priority seating for people with mobility issues. I thought the view was pretty good from that section, but it’s also very good from the back on deck 4.

 

 

 

 

The weather wasn’t as nice today, so I took advantage of the empty pool deck to take a look at the pool lifts. There is one for the pool on deck 15 aft and one for the see-through hot tub on deck 16. If you need to use them, ask a pool attendant. 
 

 

 

 

 

I returned to my stateroom after that to try napping. The day after New Year’s Eve (also known as April 27th) is brutal, am I right? I wasn’t very successful at napping, but it was very relaxing watching the ocean from my very comfy bed. It’s too bad I ended up missing the Towel Folding Demons, because that sounds like it would have been life changing. Maybe another time. 
 

 

At some point in the afternoon, the captain announced that a passenger had a medical emergency and that we would be sailing at full speed towards the Azores for a helicopter evacuation. Just a note in passing, if you are a registered blood donor and would be willing to donate in the event of an emergency, make sure you have your donor card or registration with you. They ended up making another announcement asking for registered donors. 

 

I eventually left my bed for the Ice Showcase which featured the amazing cast from the ice show, cruise director Mike on skates, and the cutest little Zamboni I’ve ever seen. It was fun to learn more about the skaters’ backgrounds and to see them demonstrate some of the jumps. I tried a Goombay Smash, which was alright. 
 

 

 

 

I got out of Studio B and went straight into the Royal Theatre for Tap Factory. It’s not really my kind of show, but it was still good fun. 
 

 

We had dinner at Playmakers where I tried their Truffle Burger. It was very, very messy, but also very tasty. It came with Playmakers fries, which was a bit much for me so I could only manage a few of them. I asked for their most popular cocktail and got the Knockout Punch. I liked it a lot and would get it again anytime. 
 

 

 

They were doing the Liar’s Club in the Royal Theatre and it was packed when we got there, which I thought was a pretty good sign. The panel consisted of the two comedians, John Moloney and Simeon Kirkiles, the comedy juggler Pete Matthews, and cruise director Mike (not on skate this time). It was my first time seeing that show and I thought it was hilarious. 
 

 

After that I had one Lime & Coconut at the Lime & Coconut and then went back to my stateroom where this little guy was waiting for me. 

 

 

[laurieal]

5 hours ago, bigmoose7563 said:

A mini-horse kneeing a dude in the mouth 

I love that for a while that was the most recent comment people would see if they checked this thread 😂 

[DaniDanielle]

Really fun review, thanks

[laurieal]

A big thank you to everyone who is along for the rid and who has liked or commented to say they enjoy my review. It’s my first time doing this live and I feel like it adds an extra layer of fun to an already very fun trip.

 

An extra big thank you to those who have commented on my writing. This isn’t something I do regularly (or at all, really), especially in English, so it makes me very happy that you enjoy my style. 
 

Now for a pet update. I fear things are getting out of hand at home. The pet sitter has brought her good camera and has done a photoshoot with the cat. I’m afraid I’m going to come back to some major superstar model cattitude. 
 

 

And finally, my question for the day: what area of the ship would you like to see (or see more of)? I don’t think I am allowed in Adventure Ocean unless I steal a kid, so maybe not that. 

Edited April 28, 2022 by laurieal