Jim_Iain - Solstice LIVE Mexico Riveria B2B - December 3 and 11

[Jim_Iain]

55 minutes ago, abbydancer said:

I once forgot my passport for a Caribbean cruise.  We were leaving 2 weeks before to go to New York and Vermont, and DH was with me, but going home.  I was on the cruise with my sister.  I didn't think about it when I packed.  

 

So on the Sunday night before we were to leave (leaving on Thursday), my siter and I were watching an old episode of the Amazing Race, and I realized I didn't have it. 

 

I did two things.  First I had DH overnight it to me, and second, I called X to make sure my Passport Card, which I keep in my wallet would work.

 

Now we pretty much do what you do.

 

Officially I guess the cruise we are on would qualify as a closed loop.   Iain has never gotten around to get his Driver's License updated to the verified one so still will use his passport for airport security.    I have the passports sitting in front of me now.   Just have to slip them into backpack once I run down stairs to get the boarding passes.

 

[Northern Aurora]

1 minute ago, Jim_Iain said:

Ahh...  The initiation is always a festive event usually on the Bridge. 

 

Since the resumption of cruising after the global suspension the Zenith initiations/recognitions that I have been aware of have not happened (at least on the ships we have been on) on the bridge, but instead at Blu.  And the other Zeniths on the cruise have not been invited.  There seems to have been some concern about having non-crew members on the bridge and potentially exposing the bridge staff to Covid-19.  But this may be changing as in September (on the Solstice) we did a behind the scenes tour and one of the stops was the bridge.  However, on the second leg of that September b2b there were new Zeniths who had their initiation/recognition, and none of the other Zeniths (there were ten others) were invited.

 

We were B2B on the Solstice in June, and there was no Zenith gathering on either leg.  We were again B2B on the Solstice in September; while the first leg had a Zenith cocktail gathering in Cellar Masters (no lunch at all),  there was neither a cocktail gathering nor lunch on the second leg at all.  While I am aware that some ships have had Zenith lunches the Solstice did not.  I will be interested if one is held on either one of your legs.

[abbydancer2003]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Officially I guess the cruise we are on would qualify as a closed loop.   Iain has never gotten around to get his Driver's License updated to the verified one so still will use his passport for airport security.    I have the passports sitting in front of me now.   Just have to slip them into backpack once I run down stairs to get the boarding passes.

 

I don't think you need Real ID for a few more months.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

52 minutes ago, TeaBag said:

Packing does that to you Jim and the more you pack, the worse it gets!😀

So there's a new Louise Penny out?  Our local charity book sale started today (60,000 books, old/new, hard cover/pocketbook $3 each) and I'm not there as I have viral pneumonia.  So glad we don't have a cruise booked till May.

 

I just started reading a new Book on today's walk -   I am Death - A Robert Hunter Series by Chris Carter.     I love his books but be forewarned he dreams up the most heinous murders you could ever dream  in your worst nightmare.    Reminds me of The Bone Collector where you feel like squirming out of your own skin.   LOL

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

To get in shape for my posting, thought I would take ya all (can you tell mom was from Tennessee) in my walk through Silicon Valley. 
I start my walk among a fairly busy street into an industrial park. 
 

 

We have lots of bike lanes. 
 

Off to the right is one of 25 apple buildings on S Mary. 
 

 

The next block brings me to LinkedIn Campus.  They have a beautiful park like site Thai sometimes walk through 

 

 

Edited December 2, 2022 by Jim_Iain

[amcco]

7 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I just started reading a new Book on today's walk -   I am Death - A Robert Hunter Series by Chris Carter.     I love his books but be forewarned he dreams up the most heinous murders you could ever dream  in your worst nightmare.    Reminds me of The Bone Collector where you feel like squirming out of your own skin.   LOL

 

 

I don’t know if it’s the nurse in me but heinous I can read. Just don’t hurt the dog! 

Edited December 2, 2022 by amcco

[Jim_Iain]

I then walk down Middlefield Road.   For about 1 mile past LinkedIn. 
 

A little Silicon Valley Xmas decoration. 
 

 

Just down the street is a small Google building that will become part of a huge new Campus that will include 1,000+ residential units, a park, offices and shops. 
 

 

The ever present Google Bikes 

 

Here’s the planned development 

 

 

This beautiful building is planned to be bulldozed. 
 

Edited December 2, 2022 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

I thought I would share with you our high gas prices.  California has a special blend to reduce pollution 

 

 

You will notice a white Wamo (Google) autamous driving vehicle which are being tested with drivers and engineers aboard.  They use Lincoln’s 
 

[Jim_Iain]

I stopped at Creekside park for my Zoom call.  This is also the entrance to the Stevens Creek Trail. 
 

 

 

I love the peace and tranquility.   Google paid over a Million as a gift to pave the trail.  It also leads to Google’s main campus 

 

 

Hard to believe that on the other side of the wall on the left is a major freeway.   

[Jim_Iain]

I come off the trail in Mountain View 

 

and walk to Castro Street and City Hall and Performing Arts complex 

 

 

 

Forgot to mention that Mountain View is very eclectic and artsy. 
 

[Babr]

What a lovely walking route. Makes getting your steps a pleasure, doesn’t it?

 

Do you feel safe all along the way? I ask because some of the parts look wooded and rather isolated. 

[abbydancer2003]

it is lovely.  I'm thinking maybe I should walk you home sometime.

[Jim_Iain]

17 minutes ago, Babr said:

What a lovely walking route. Makes getting your steps a pleasure, doesn’t it?

 

Do you feel safe all along the way? I ask because some of the parts look wooded and rather isolated. 

Always feel very safe.   While it looks rather secluded there is a constant flow of bikes, walkers, skateboarders etc.   With people that I see often I usually say hello or good morning.  

[Jim_Iain]

5 minutes ago, abbydancer said:

it is lovely.  I'm thinking maybe I should walk you home sometime.

LOL --- I vary my route to keep from getting bored.   I sometimes go to the Starbucks at 237/Grant.     Just continue down the trail instead of turning off at Dana.   I also often take Evelyn home which of course isn't as peaceful or quiet.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Happy embarkation eve!  Who knew I could get so excited about someone else’s cruise?! 💁‍♀️  

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

2 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

Since the resumption of cruising after the global suspension the Zenith initiations/recognitions that I have been aware of have not happened (at least on the ships we have been on) on the bridge, but instead at Blu.  And the other Zeniths on the cruise have not been invited.  There seems to have been some concern about having non-crew members on the bridge and potentially exposing the bridge staff to Covid-19.  But this may be changing as in September (on the Solstice) we did a behind the scenes tour and one of the stops was the bridge.  However, on the second leg of that September b2b there were new Zeniths who had their initiation/recognition, and none of the other Zeniths (there were ten others) were invited.

 

We were B2B on the Solstice in June, and there was no Zenith gathering on either leg.  We were again B2B on the Solstice in September; while the first leg had a Zenith cocktail gathering in Cellar Masters (no lunch at all),  there was neither a cocktail gathering nor lunch on the second leg at all.  While I am aware that some ships have had Zenith lunches the Solstice did not.  I will be interested if one is held on either one of your legs.

 

My understanding of the process is that the person getting recognized as a Zenith gets to invite the people to the event.  That person probably does not know the other Zeniths on board.  But Celebrity knows who they are.  Why not have Celebrity invite them as well so they all get a chance to meet one another?  Seems rather strange to me.  Is there a Zenith group?  Why not suggest this to Celebrity as a group?

[Beachlover1989]

34 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

My understanding of the process is that the person getting recognized as a Zenith gets to invite the people to the event.  That person probably does not know the other Zeniths on board.  But Celebrity knows who they are.  Why not have Celebrity invite them as well so they all get a chance to meet one another?  Seems rather strange to me.  Is there a Zenith group?  Why not suggest this to Celebrity as a group?

We went to the Zenith ceremony for dear friends in February on Silhouette (we’re only lowly Elite Plus ☺️).  It was held at The Porch because they said they weren’t doing it on the Bridge at the time because of Covid. They invited who they wanted to, but no other Zenith were invited either. Maybe now without all the covid restrictions they’ll start inviting them again?

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Happy embarkation eve!  Who knew I could get so excited about someone else’s cruise?! 💁‍♀️  

I have cooking duties tonight.    Pretty easy meal Filet, Au Gratin Potatoes and Fresh Spinach.    The Au Gratin are left overs I needed to use up.

 

Hate to say this but we need to tidy up a little bit as the maids coming while we are away.   Have to get all my stuff out of her way.     It is always so nice to come home to a freshly cleaned home. 

[Jim_Iain]

48 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

My understanding of the process is that the person getting recognized as a Zenith gets to invite the people to the event.  That person probably does not know the other Zeniths on board.  But Celebrity knows who they are.  Why not have Celebrity invite them as well so they all get a chance to meet one another?  Seems rather strange to me.  Is there a Zenith group?  Why not suggest this to Celebrity as a group?

We only had one person at our event.    There were 24 Zeniths on the ship and we didn't know any.    

 

I have been to some where the person asked the CC host to invite all the Zenith's even though they didn't know us yet. 

 

We usually get to meet each other at the CC Captain's Toast where the Zeniths arrive early and have assigned ringside seating.  

 

They also often have a Zenith lunch with the Hotel Director and  Senior Executive Staff and/or Captain.

 

Zenith has really lost most of it's sparkle and they are continuing to cut back.   I guess it is that so many new Zenth's are coming along.

Edited December 3, 2022 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

51 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

My understanding of the process is that the person getting recognized as a Zenith gets to invite the people to the event.  That person probably does not know the other Zeniths on board.  But Celebrity knows who they are.  Why not have Celebrity invite them as well so they all get a chance to meet one another?  Seems rather strange to me.  Is there a Zenith group?  Why not suggest this to Celebrity as a group?

There is a group on that other site we aren't allowed to mention.  You have to be inducted before you are giving access to the group.     Many of us have known each other for years but we always meet some we have never met before.

[Jim_Iain]

16 minutes ago, Beachlover1989 said:

We went to the Zenith ceremony for dear friends in February on Silhouette (we’re only lowly Elite Plus ☺️).  It was held at The Porch because they said they weren’t doing it on the Bridge at the time because of Covid. They invited who they wanted to, but no other Zenith were invited either. Maybe now without all the covid restrictions they’ll start inviting them again?

 

I can understand the location.     I wonder if they did the rest of the induction.   For us we had Dinner with the Captain and the entire Executive Staff in Murano in the Wine Cellar room.    It can be a bit intimidating but luckily Nina was the Hotel Manager and she had a real knack for drawing everyone at the table in to discussion.

 

Even more intimating was the Bridge Ceremony.  The Retreat Manager and our buter came to our room and marched us up to the Bridge.   You felt like a prisoner being escorted to the death chamber.  LOL

[rotoal]

3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Officially I guess the cruise we are on would qualify as a closed loop.   Iain has never gotten around to get his Driver's License updated to the verified one so still will use his passport for airport security.    I have the passports sitting in front of me now.   Just have to slip them into backpack once I run down stairs to get the boarding passes.

 

Global Entry is also a Real ID, it is easier than carrying a passport for domestic flights.   But for a cruise that goes anywhere outside of the U.S., I would still want to have my passport just in case.

[DaKahuna]

9 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I've used in on Silhouette and Summit so far.  Prior to that I only used Roku. 

 

This cruise we are on Equinox (not revolutionized).  

 

I'll try to shoot a movie of my setup.    I added one thing to my arsenal this time.   A couple   90 Degree HDMI extenders.   In many of the suites the TV is set into a frame with only inches to get to the HDMI ports.   I'm hoping it will make it easier.

 

 So the TV' shave mini-HMDI female connectors vs standard HDMI female? 

 

[DaKahuna]

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I know I can stream Amazon Prime -   thanks.    I've been watching The Good Fight on CBS recently.   This season is the weirdest so far.

 

I good hooked starting with the Good Wife -  The Good Fight that is on TV just isn't the same as the unedited on on CBS+

 

I think you will enjoy it.  In the last week and a half I watched all six seasons of "The Good Fight" on Paramount +.  Really enjoyed it.  Did not watch it when it was originally aired. 

 

[BEAV]

3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I thought I would share with you our high gas prices.  California has a special blend to reduce pollution 

 

 

 

 

 

Just drive 45 minutes to beautiful Walnut Creek (still in California!) to trim your gas bill!