Live from Constellation January 13-23, 2023

[natshala]

6 hours ago, tcmagnum said:

I do want to thank you for doing such a thorough review/live.

So much information and so many great photos.

We board the Connie on February 3 and can't wait.

I have been able to information our group the 'new buffet' standards as you have been showing them.

And since I cruise to get away from the cold/icky weather at home, I know I can manage on what you are showing us.

A great crew is so much more important to me than food!!

And with the drink package - I will be doing much like you:  Eating more at breakfast/lunch and then enjoying the drinks with a smaller dinner.  A salad with maybe a DIY sandwich sounds perfect.

You are only making me more anxious for our cruise to get here.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

+1

I’ll be on Apex February 11. You’ve inspired me. I’ve had this notion that I needed to go to one of the MDRs at dinner. Now I see there are other options. Thank you.

[Azulann]

I cannot believe that Celebrity has chicken nuggets on their dinner buffet. FGS , that is McDonald fare.

[NevadaCruiser2023]

Just now, Azulann said:

I cannot believe that Celebrity has chicken nuggets on their dinner buffet. FGS , that is McDonald fare.

In his early years, my kid survived on Chicken Nuggets.  It was like the heavens opened for him the first time I took him to a steakhouse (when he was old enough to understand the significance of a steakhouse steak), that is. 

[BermudaBound2014]

25 minutes ago, natshala said:

+1

I’ll be on Apex February 11. You’ve inspired me. I’ve had this notion that I needed to go to one of the MDRs at dinner. Now I see there are other options. Thank you.

Absolutely more options and often much healthier. You would never get a whole plate of veggies like that in the MDR (and it doesn’t take 2 hours sitting).
 

I’m sure you will find something you like :). It’s really very very nice eating dinner outside. 

[cruisemom42]

15 minutes ago, Azulann said:

I cannot believe that Celebrity has chicken nuggets on their dinner buffet. FGS , that is McDonald fare.

 

Right. 

 

Tilapia or Chicken Nuggets?  Truly NOT Sophie's Choice.

 

[BermudaBound2014]

Cliff notes- the key is zero expectations. 
 

Those along for the ride- I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic on land vacations 8 times. Six to Punta Cana, once to LaRomana, and I spent two lovely weeks at the Riu right here in Puerta Plata. 
 

Needless to say, I had no desire to leave the confines of the port area alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m from Detroit and can navigate a project as good as anyone, but i draw the line at non-potable water AND fist-fighting for the opportunity to braid my hair (it’s pretty long and apparently fetches a large bounty). 

I spent a good deal of time in town with my hubby. That was enough for me. I really caution a solo lady taking on the area alone unless you can still throw down. I can still throw my back out. Doesn’t count.

 

Anyway. Tanio Bay is much like Costa Maya. An entire plethora of activities designed and built solely to capture the cruise ship dollar. It’s like a mini all-inclusive but you have to pay for drinks. That takes the ‘all’ out of the inclusive concept but you get the idea. 
 

They have done a nice job with a plethora of shops, bars, cool sitting areas, a man made beach and a gigantic pool with swim up bar. They don’t charge for any of the comfy loungers (yet) and it looks like there is a lazy River in construction.

 

All that was cool and all, but I was blown away by the monkey habitat. So much FUN!! More than the cats in San Juan and we all know how much I love them. I’ll be visiting those monkeys each and every trip back to these coordinates. 
 

I’m always very hesitant to support outfits like this. The dolphin/sea lion encounter in Punta Cana has a well documented history of mistreating the animals (as do many activities like that). 

Side note- if you really want to swim with dolphins I recommend the national rehabilitation center in Honduras. They bring in injured dolphins and mend their health. The dolphins are released and often choose to stay in the protected cove even though they are free. Or you can come visit me in Maui where truly wild spinners will approach out of pure curiosity. Of course, they don’t  kiss on command so you’ll miss the photo op.
 

Anyway (again)- after a nice conversation with one of the guides. I was convinced they do as good of a job as any in terms of taking care of the monkeys. The habitat was clean, spacious, and the monkeys and guides appear to have a loving symbiotic relationship. At the very least, I hope some of my $25 goes toward monkey treats.
 

The whole thing lasts 30-45 minutes with education about spider monkeys and lots of cautions. The monkeys are master picketers. I had to leave everything behind before entering the habitat except my prescription sunglasses and cell phone. Absolutely no jewelry (i had left my wedding ring locked up in the safe because this wasn’t my first rodeo in Puerta Plata). Men had to zip up their wallets and were warned that the monkeys can undo buttons and zippers. Velcro pockets are mere child’s play. 

We were also taught how to interact with the monkeys. They don’t like kisses, but welcome petting (sooo soft). We were warned not to grab the monkeys or risk being bit. One lady did get a little knick in her skin but no blood was drawn. 
 

So here comes the super fun part. Remember I said I could bring in my cell phone? Well little did the guide know, but my nieces bejeweled my case at Christmas. The monkeys went wild for my case! I had more monkeys climbing all over me than I could count. One lady took a photo of me with 13 monkeys perched  on my shoulders, hands, arms, and on-top of my head. Didn’t matter where I went in the habitat, the monkeys followed. Little ol me turned into a realtime pied piper of monkey world. 
 

What great fun. Btw, you can visit monkey world on a tour from the cruise for $$$$ or just walk 1/2 a block and pay $25 at the counter. Bonus is your group in the habitat area will be smaller in numbers so more one on one monkey time (or just being in a bejeweled phone case). 

Came back to ship, took a shower (because, well, they are monkeys), hooked up with some new friends for drinks and great conversation. They all went to the 2 hour dinner version. Instead i had dinner here- out side at the sunset bar and i havent yet moved because the weather is perfect, the breeze is cool,  the wake sounds lovely, and they keep refilling my sangria glass. 

I give the port with zero expectations a solid 10 (if you are a fellow monkey lover). 
 

Life. is. Good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by BermudaBound2014

[LGW59]

5 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Cliff notes- the key is zero expectations. 
 

Those along for the ride- I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic on land vacations 8 times. Six to Punta Cana, once to LaRomana, and I spent two lovely weeks at the Riu right here in Puerta Plata. 
 

Needless to say, I had no desire to leave the confines of the port area alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m from Detroit and can navigate a project as good as anyone, but i draw the line at non-potable water AND fist-fighting for the opportunity to braid my hair (it’s pretty long and apparently fetches a large bounty). 

I spent a good deal of time in town with my hubby. That was enough for me. I really caution a solo lady taking on the area alone unless you can still throw down. I can still throw my back out. Doesn’t count.

 

Anyway. Tanio Bay is much like Costa Maya. An entire plethora of activities designed and built solely to capture the cruise ship dollar. It’s like a mini all-inclusive but you have to pay for drinks. That takes the ‘all’ out of the inclusive concept but you get the idea. 
 

They have done a nice job with a plethora of shops, bars, cool sitting areas, a man made beach and a gigantic pool with swim up bar. They don’t charge for any of the comfy loungers (yet) and it looks like there is a lazy River in construction.

 

All that was cool and all, but I was blown away by the monkey habitat. So much FUN!! More than the cats in San Juan and we all know how much I love them. I’ll be visiting those monkeys each and every trip back to these coordinates. 
 

I’m always very hesitant to support outfits like this. The dolphin/sea lion encounter in Punta Cana has a well documented history of mistreating the animals (as do many activities like that). 

Side note- if you really want to swim with dolphins I recommend the national rehabilitation center in Honduras. They bring in injured dolphins and mend their health. The dolphins are released and often choose to stay in the protected cove even though they are free. Or you can come visit me in Maui where truly wild spinners will approach out of pure curiosity. Of course, they don’t  kiss on command so you’ll miss the photo op.
 

Anyway (again)- after a nice conversation with one of the guides. I was convinced they do as good of a job as any in terms of taking care of the monkeys. The habitat was clean, spacious, and the monkeys and guides appear to have a loving symbiotic relationship. At the very least, I hope some of my $25 goes toward monkey treats.
 

The whole thing lasts 30-45 minutes with education about spider monkeys and lots of cautions. The monkeys are master picketers. I had to leave everything behind before entering the habitat except my prescription sunglasses and cell phone. Absolutely no jewelry (i had left my wedding ring locked up in the safe because this wasn’t my first rodeo in Puerta Plata). Men had to zip up their wallets and were warned that the monkeys can undo buttons and zippers. Velcro pockets are mere child’s play. 

We were also taught how to interact with the monkeys. They don’t like kisses, but welcome petting (sooo soft). We were warned not to grab the monkeys or risk being bit. One lady did get a little knick in her skin but no blood was drawn. 
 

So here comes the super fun part. Remember I said I could bring in my cell phone? Well little did the guide know, but my nieces bejeweled my case at Christmas. The monkeys went wild for my case! I had more monkeys climbing all over me than I could count. One lady took a photo of me with 13 monkeys perched  on my shoulders, hands, arms, and on-top of my head. Didn’t matter where I went in the habitat, the monkeys followed. Little ol me turned into a realtime pied piper of monkey world. 
 

What great fun. Btw, you can visit monkey world on a tour from the cruise for $$$$ or just walk 1/2 a block and pay $25 at the counter. Bonus is your group in the habitat area will be smaller in numbers so more one on one monkey time (or just being in a bejeweled phone case). 

I give the port day with zero expectations a solid 10 (if you’re a fellow monkey lover). Came back to ship, took a shower (because, well, they are monkeys), hooked up with some new friends for drinks and great conversation. They all went to the 2 hour dinner version. Instead i had dinner here- out side at the sunset bar and i havent yet moved because the weather is perfect, the breeze is cool,  the wake sounds lovely, and they keep refilling my sangria glass. 
 

Life. is. Good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This!!!!!!

[hcat]

Love the birds...ugh for the monkeys., in St Kitts they come  right up to the tour trams,,not for me! But they are interesting creatures..I'll stick with the cats!

 

As for chicken nuggets at the buffet..great for kids.  Our grands love them, pizza and pasta with butter!  Many  nice restaurants where we live, offer the nuggets and  buttery pasta.. keeps kids happy while the grown ups enjoy their meals.

[Gaynors]

Just also wanted to thank you for the wonderful and detailed review of your experience on the Connie.

I definitely enjoyed her the first time I sailed on her, it was when the drink package was first introduced and had such a great time.  Now I'm really looking forward to boarding in April for her eastbound TA.  Fifteen nights!!  Woohoo!

[mpdog42]

14 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Wondered about your screen name. My brother was also an MP… Ft. Polk and Ft. Lewis before becoming civilian law enforcement. 
 

Thank you for your service. 

 

14 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Wondered about your screen name. My brother was also an MP… Ft. Polk and Ft. Lewis before becoming civilian law enforcement. 
 

Thank you for your service. 

My Pic is our Regimental Crest...Yes " MP's lead the Way".......Thanks!!

[mpdog42]

3 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Let’s get these buffet pictures out of the way. 
 

I skipped lunch and dinner so I was hungry tonight. I actually tried the chicken pot pie and it was disgusting. Super dry and there was one pea in the entire dish. One. Not a single other vegetable. Of course that could have just been the dish I selected.

 

The veggies and cucumber salad were super yummy. I ended up going back for  pasta with just garlic and hot pepper flakes. It hit the spot but I crave a good stir fry. I might just have the pasta guy whip up a veggie stir fry one day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken Nuggets.....Celebrity I salute your Top Notch Dining!!!🙄🙄

[mpdog42]

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Cliff notes- the key is zero expectations. 
 

Those along for the ride- I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic on land vacations 8 times. Six to Punta Cana, once to LaRomana, and I spent two lovely weeks at the Riu right here in Puerta Plata. 
 

Needless to say, I had no desire to leave the confines of the port area alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m from Detroit and can navigate a project as good as anyone, but i draw the line at non-potable water AND fist-fighting for the opportunity to braid my hair (it’s pretty long and apparently fetches a large bounty). 

I spent a good deal of time in town with my hubby. That was enough for me. I really caution a solo lady taking on the area alone unless you can still throw down. I can still throw my back out. Doesn’t count.

 

Anyway. Tanio Bay is much like Costa Maya. An entire plethora of activities designed and built solely to capture the cruise ship dollar. It’s like a mini all-inclusive but you have to pay for drinks. That takes the ‘all’ out of the inclusive concept but you get the idea. 
 

They have done a nice job with a plethora of shops, bars, cool sitting areas, a man made beach and a gigantic pool with swim up bar. They don’t charge for any of the comfy loungers (yet) and it looks like there is a lazy River in construction.

 

All that was cool and all, but I was blown away by the monkey habitat. So much FUN!! More than the cats in San Juan and we all know how much I love them. I’ll be visiting those monkeys each and every trip back to these coordinates. 
 

I’m always very hesitant to support outfits like this. The dolphin/sea lion encounter in Punta Cana has a well documented history of mistreating the animals (as do many activities like that). 

Side note- if you really want to swim with dolphins I recommend the national rehabilitation center in Honduras. They bring in injured dolphins and mend their health. The dolphins are released and often choose to stay in the protected cove even though they are free. Or you can come visit me in Maui where truly wild spinners will approach out of pure curiosity. Of course, they don’t  kiss on command so you’ll miss the photo op.
 

Anyway (again)- after a nice conversation with one of the guides. I was convinced they do as good of a job as any in terms of taking care of the monkeys. The habitat was clean, spacious, and the monkeys and guides appear to have a loving symbiotic relationship. At the very least, I hope some of my $25 goes toward monkey treats.
 

The whole thing lasts 30-45 minutes with education about spider monkeys and lots of cautions. The monkeys are master picketers. I had to leave everything behind before entering the habitat except my prescription sunglasses and cell phone. Absolutely no jewelry (i had left my wedding ring locked up in the safe because this wasn’t my first rodeo in Puerta Plata). Men had to zip up their wallets and were warned that the monkeys can undo buttons and zippers. Velcro pockets are mere child’s play. 

We were also taught how to interact with the monkeys. They don’t like kisses, but welcome petting (sooo soft). We were warned not to grab the monkeys or risk being bit. One lady did get a little knick in her skin but no blood was drawn. 
 

So here comes the super fun part. Remember I said I could bring in my cell phone? Well little did the guide know, but my nieces bejeweled my case at Christmas. The monkeys went wild for my case! I had more monkeys climbing all over me than I could count. One lady took a photo of me with 13 monkeys perched  on my shoulders, hands, arms, and on-top of my head. Didn’t matter where I went in the habitat, the monkeys followed. Little ol me turned into a realtime pied piper of monkey world. 
 

What great fun. Btw, you can visit monkey world on a tour from the cruise for $$$$ or just walk 1/2 a block and pay $25 at the counter. Bonus is your group in the habitat area will be smaller in numbers so more one on one monkey time (or just being in a bejeweled phone case). 

Came back to ship, took a shower (because, well, they are monkeys), hooked up with some new friends for drinks and great conversation. They all went to the 2 hour dinner version. Instead i had dinner here- out side at the sunset bar and i havent yet moved because the weather is perfect, the breeze is cool,  the wake sounds lovely, and they keep refilling my sangria glass. 

I give the port with zero expectations a solid 10 (if you are a fellow monkey lover). 
 

Life. is. Good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 It's great that you got to meet some of Celebrity's Top Corporate Executives😜Did you ask them about the OVC...Asking for a Friend!!😁

[LGW59]

4 minutes ago, mpdog42 said:

Chicken Nuggets.....Celebrity I salute your Top Notch Dining!!!🙄🙄

Hey it's a buffet, what you're expecting talapia?

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Is there a lot of children on the cruise ? 
we usually only cruise Transatlantic or EU so there never many children on the ship 

[MoodyCruiser44]

11 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Cliff notes- the key is zero expectations. 
 

Those along for the ride- I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic on land vacations 8 times. Six to Punta Cana, once to LaRomana, and I spent two lovely weeks at the Riu right here in Puerta Plata. 
 

Needless to say, I had no desire to leave the confines of the port area alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m from Detroit and can navigate a project as good as anyone, but i draw the line at non-potable water AND fist-fighting for the opportunity to braid my hair (it’s pretty long and apparently fetches a large bounty). 

I spent a good deal of time in town with my hubby. That was enough for me. I really caution a solo lady taking on the area alone unless you can still throw down. I can still throw my back out. Doesn’t count.

 

Anyway. Tanio Bay is much like Costa Maya. An entire plethora of activities designed and built solely to capture the cruise ship dollar. It’s like a mini all-inclusive but you have to pay for drinks. That takes the ‘all’ out of the inclusive concept but you get the idea. 
 

They have done a nice job with a plethora of shops, bars, cool sitting areas, a man made beach and a gigantic pool with swim up bar. They don’t charge for any of the comfy loungers (yet) and it looks like there is a lazy River in construction.

 

All that was cool and all, but I was blown away by the monkey habitat. So much FUN!! More than the cats in San Juan and we all know how much I love them. I’ll be visiting those monkeys each and every trip back to these coordinates. 
 

I’m always very hesitant to support outfits like this. The dolphin/sea lion encounter in Punta Cana has a well documented history of mistreating the animals (as do many activities like that). 

Side note- if you really want to swim with dolphins I recommend the national rehabilitation center in Honduras. They bring in injured dolphins and mend their health. The dolphins are released and often choose to stay in the protected cove even though they are free. Or you can come visit me in Maui where truly wild spinners will approach out of pure curiosity. Of course, they don’t  kiss on command so you’ll miss the photo op.
 

Anyway (again)- after a nice conversation with one of the guides. I was convinced they do as good of a job as any in terms of taking care of the monkeys. The habitat was clean, spacious, and the monkeys and guides appear to have a loving symbiotic relationship. At the very least, I hope some of my $25 goes toward monkey treats.
 

The whole thing lasts 30-45 minutes with education about spider monkeys and lots of cautions. The monkeys are master picketers. I had to leave everything behind before entering the habitat except my prescription sunglasses and cell phone. Absolutely no jewelry (i had left my wedding ring locked up in the safe because this wasn’t my first rodeo in Puerta Plata). Men had to zip up their wallets and were warned that the monkeys can undo buttons and zippers. Velcro pockets are mere child’s play. 

We were also taught how to interact with the monkeys. They don’t like kisses, but welcome petting (sooo soft). We were warned not to grab the monkeys or risk being bit. One lady did get a little knick in her skin but no blood was drawn. 
 

So here comes the super fun part. Remember I said I could bring in my cell phone? Well little did the guide know, but my nieces bejeweled my case at Christmas. The monkeys went wild for my case! I had more monkeys climbing all over me than I could count. One lady took a photo of me with 13 monkeys perched  on my shoulders, hands, arms, and on-top of my head. Didn’t matter where I went in the habitat, the monkeys followed. Little ol me turned into a realtime pied piper of monkey world. 
 

What great fun. Btw, you can visit monkey world on a tour from the cruise for $$$$ or just walk 1/2 a block and pay $25 at the counter. Bonus is your group in the habitat area will be smaller in numbers so more one on one monkey time (or just being in a bejeweled phone case). 

Came back to ship, took a shower (because, well, they are monkeys), hooked up with some new friends for drinks and great conversation. They all went to the 2 hour dinner version. Instead i had dinner here- out side at the sunset bar and i havent yet moved because the weather is perfect, the breeze is cool,  the wake sounds lovely, and they keep refilling my sangria glass. 

I give the port with zero expectations a solid 10 (if you are a fellow monkey lover). 
 

Life. is. Good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely love your writing.  You should be a travel writer.  

[deepcman]

2 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Is there a lot of children on the cruise ? 
we usually only cruise Transatlantic or EU so there never many children on the ship 

Post #131. " I did listen to the morning show where the cruise director said there are 9 children onboard."

[miched]

12 hours ago, mpdog42 said:

Chicken Nuggets.....Celebrity I salute your Top Notch Dining!!!🙄🙄

Or you can upgrade and  pay $9 at Craft Social for Chicken Wings. 🤗
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[BermudaBound2014]

You aren’t going to like this…..  

 

I managed to sit at the sunset bar sipping sangria until after 10pm. The witching hour. The time the late night buffet starts. 
 

Just the facts- you have 5 choices. 
1) pizza 

2) salad bar (good size)

3) fruit

4) dessert

5) bread table

 

I did not see a pasta station, but if there was one it was sitting all by itself way on the other side of the buffet. I’m doubting it since all this food was moved to one specific section of the buffet, but i will double check another night.
 

I still haven’t figured out what the bread table is all about. There is no meat or cheese to make a Sammie. A tray of meats/cheeses would go a long way. 

 

It is what it is….but rest assured, this is all of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by BermudaBound2014

[Cruzinforpeace***]

9 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

You aren’t going to like this…..  

 

I managed to sit at the sunset bar sipping sangria until after 10pm. The witching hour. The time the late night buffet starts. 
 

Just the facts- you have 5 choices. 
1) pizza 

2) salad bar (good size)

3) fruit

4) dessert

5) bread table

 

I did not see a pasta station, but if there was one it was sitting all by itself way on the other side of the buffet. I’m doubting it since all this food was moved to one specific section of the buffet, but i will double check another night.
 

I still haven’t figured out what the bread table is all about. There is no meat or cheese to make a Sammie. A tray of meats/cheeses would go a long way. 

 

It is what it is….but rest assured, this is all of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m so disappointed in X right now.

[cruisemom42]

 

 

 

Man shall not live by bread alone. He shall also have pizza, salad, fruit and jello. But no sammies.

[hcat]

looked at Connie from Tampa for late next yr..   9 nights.  Includes New Orleans and W Carib.  Prices for suites on this itin are sky high,  and even AQ Class which we like,  was kind of pricey..There was  a  discount sale listed for 2nd passenger  but we decided to wait awhile before making this our next pick

..After Ascent comes on line maybe other E class prices will fall...

[mafig]

2 hours ago, hcat said:

looked at Connie from Tampa for late next yr..   9 nights.  Includes New Orleans and W Carib.  Prices for suites on this itin are sky high,  

 

Interesting.  I'll have to check this out.  We did a cruise to NOLA on Reflection a few years ago (from Miami or Ft.L.) and it was great.  It was, however, over MardiGras, so it really was cold.

 

Constellation's suite prices are high.  I was looking at 2023 all last year hoping they would go down and they never did.  

 

When is this cruise?  Is it just one, or more?

 

Never mind.  I found it.  Disappointed that they only spend one day in New Orleans.  We were there for, I think, three nights.

 

Sorry for the hijack, BB.😍

Edited January 21, 2023 by mafig

[Cruising Princess]

This is a wonderful thread.  But I am so sad to read they are not offering the Mexican selections during the lunch buffet. This was by far my favorite option for lunch.  I loved making a plate of nachos with all the fixins!

 

[MoodyCruiser44]

6 minutes ago, Cruising Princess said:

This is a wonderful thread.  But I am so sad to read they are not offering the Mexican selections during the lunch buffet. This was by far my favorite option for lunch.  I loved making a plate of nachos with all the fixins!

 

Yes me too.  I’m on her next week and I won’t be a happy bunny with no Mexican!

[BermudaBound2014]

4 hours ago, Cruzinforpeace*** said:

I’m so disappointed in X right now.

I feel a bit guilty bringing the bad news of menu/buffet cuts, but pictures do tell the story and sadly the story is a great big ol’ buzz kill. 
 

Sadly, this is the reality of cruising right now.  I think we are going to be seeing similar cuts in food across the entire industry so it’s going to be more important 

 than ever to research X, Y, and Z and even then be flexible and prepared for last minute changes. I agree that it is disappointing to see the cruising standards we have all grown to love erode so rapidly. Covid has had tremendous consequences.

 

With that said, I am having a fabulous cruise!!! It can be done!! I don’t know how many cruises I’ve done but I suspect it’s approaching 50 or so. Not as experienced as many here, but not new to the game either.
 

This cruise is in the top five for friendliest in both service and fellow passengers. I’ve had such great conversation- the weather is fabulous, the activities list keeps me occupied enough, the air is fresh and salty, and I can’t state this enough….  This ship just oozes positive energy 
 

I’ve found a little slice of private heaven (well it was pretty private until the game started) up here in the rooftop terrace. They have super comfy  double lounge beds under pergolas which offer some shade, and bar service on sea days. I wanr for absolutely nothing and am grateful for every single moment. 

My day-  I did run thru the spa cafe and they added one more protein, presumably because it’s a sea day. Started with meditation and stretching on the rooftop terrace and that’s pretty much been the extent of anything resembling accomplishment. 

 

Tonight is formal night and the menu is at the end of todays photos. My plans were to attend but a 3 oz lobster tail isn’t enough  motivation for me to leave what is turning into a really good game between the chiefs and jags.

Until tomorrow……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Situation:

Edited January 21, 2023 by BermudaBound2014