LIVE from Radiance Apr. 21, 2023 - The Panama Canal - Canal au Niveau de la Mer

[twangster]

Made it to the airport.  A local Pinnacle who I call my land genie took me to the airport.  I paid him in BlockCoin.  I had an extra Wonder block so I used it as currency to pay for my ride.  🤣

 

Speaking of blocks, I'm trading another extra block for a Radiance block that I arranged in the roll call.  That means I'm flying both ways with a crystal block.  There has been reports of some people having extra screening as a result of the blocks.  Apparently some x-ray machines can't identify what it is.  I left mine easy to access in my carry-on should the need arise but I went through TSA Pre without any issues.   I had forgotten about it actually.  

[twangster]

Looks like my minimum bids weren't successful

 

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, twangster said:

Looks like my minimum bids weren't successful

Denials are coming the day before sailing now?

[Tree_skier]

3 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Denials are coming the day before sailing now?

My last two had denials came the day before but with the caveat that it would be considered by ship staff and they could contact me up until the evening of embarkation day.  Nothing came of the caveat but...

Edited April 21, 2023 by Tree_skier

[twangster]

22 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Denials are coming the day before sailing now?

 

It's been sold out and off the website for a bit now, but I'm surprised too in case of no shows. 

 

Unless bidding low is a factor.  Maybe they are holding onto some high bids just in case.

[Jimbo]

4 hours ago, twangster said:

Made it to the airport.  A local Pinnacle who I call my land genie took me to the airport.  I paid him in BlockCoin.  I had an extra Wonder block so I used it as currency to pay for my ride.  🤣

 

Speaking of blocks, I'm trading another extra block for a Radiance block that I arranged in the roll call.  That means I'm flying both ways with a crystal block.  There has been reports of some people having extra screening as a result of the blocks.  Apparently some x-ray machines can't identify what it is.  I left mine easy to access in my carry-on should the need arise but I went through TSA Pre without any issues.   I had forgotten about it actually.  

Are you in Galveston yet?

[twangster]

Almost there...

 

[twangster]

Uber rates to Galveston

 

[twangster]

Lyft is costing me $90

[little britain]

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Denials are coming the day before sailing now?

Yup, we got our denial confirmations today

[twangster]

Made it to Galveston.   Staying at the Candlewood Suites.  

 

 

 

 

 

Found it online for $83 so I wasn't expecting much but it's fine.  Comes with a kitchen, recently renovated, ice cold A/C, free wifi.   With a late arrival it's perfect for my needs.   Plus there is a Target next door for any forgotten items.  

[firefly333]

26 minutes ago, twangster said:

Made it to Galveston.   Staying at the Candlewood Suites.  

 

 

 

 

 

Found it online for $83 so I wasn't expecting much but it's fine.  Comes with a kitchen, recently renovated, ice cold A/C, free wifi.   With a late arrival it's perfect for my needs.   Plus there is a Target next door for any forgotten items.  

At least it's not a fri or sat with sky high rates. I was thinking it's almost not worth going to Galveston tonight you got in so late. 

[Biker19]

8 hours ago, twangster said:

It's been sold out and off the website for a bit now, but I'm surprised too in case of no shows.

I don't think denials were based on inventory - they seemed to all come 4-8PM on sail away day with the pre-denial mentioned by @Tree_skier (a separate message) a couple of days out. Maybe the on board Royal Up wins (very rare anyway) were too much of a hassle (and perhaps folks complained about it) and RCI did away with them.

[twangster]

I had been eyeing a line of thunderstorms above Houston hoping they wouldn't impact my flight.   They didn't. 

 

 

Overnight those thunderstorms rolled over the area making for a noisy night.  

 

 

Fortunately they are nearly through and should be by the time I head to the terminal. 

 

They did wake me up a few times though. 

[twangster]

Looks like our ship has come in.

 

Radiance is almost at the pier!

 

marinetraffic.com:

 

[twangster]

Uber and Lyft rates this morning:

 

 

[twangster]

I must be getting old.   Since yesterday I've been getting notifications to answer the health questions but the check in button has been replaced by a boarding button.   All that does is bring up my Set Sail.   I can't find a way to reach the health questions.  

 

[StanleyandGus]

Have a great time on your cruise! You got my husband interested in celestial photography- he’s not really good at it yet, but he’s trying. 

[twangster]

Muster videos complete.   Is it time yet?

 

[twangster]

2 minutes ago, StanleyandGus said:

Have a great time on your cruise! You got my husband interested in celestial photography- he’s not really good at it yet, but he’s trying. 

 

I'm hoping for at least one good night to try some star pics.  I wasn't very good at first and learn a little with each attempt.  Some attempts leave a lot to be desired even to this day.  🤣

[h20skibum]

43 minutes ago, twangster said:

I must be getting old.   Since yesterday I've been getting notifications to answer the health questions but the check in button has been replaced by a boarding button.   All that does is bring up my Set Sail.   I can't find a way to reach the health questions.  

 

Then, what is the health button at the bottom right for?  Maybe?

[twangster]

1 minute ago, h20skibum said:

Then, what is the health button at the bottom right for?  Maybe?

 

CDC required verbiage about how dangerous the virus is and what to do if feel sick, etc.  

[twangster]

The health questions are not a big deal.  Theyll ask me them at check in.  It will add 30 seconds to check in. 

 

Here is what the health button provides:

 

 

[twangster]

Here is the view that $83 buys you.  

 

 

I think it's a local recycle drop off.   Somewhere on the other side of the transformers on the utility pole is the ship.

 

 

Storms have moved out.  Looks like a great day.  

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by twangster

[SilkySal]

Bon Voyage! We'll make a similar trip on Radiance in 2024!!