Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted July 25 #1 Share Posted July 25 This post was recognized by LauraS! "Congrats on your first "Live from..." Thanks for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic! See your post featured on our: Click: Cruise Reports page. When you return, please consider submitting it to the site for publication as well: Click: Write a Review" WrittenOnYourHeart was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' My bags are packed, I'm ready to go... Might as well get my trip report started!! 🙂 I'm Beth I'm 53 and a special education teacher in NYC. This will be my third Celebrity cruise - I've previously been on Celebrity Edge just before the shutdown and Celebrity Summit to Bermuda last summer. This time I'll be on Celebrity Beyond to the ABCs! (I've also cruised the SS Emerald Seas when I was 11, the original 4 Disney ships (haven't been on the Wish), all but one Radiance class RCCL ship (haven't been on Serenade), fathom Adonia, Holland America Westerdam, and Anthem of the Seas.) Staying home will be my cat, Merida We adopted each other just after my Celebrity Edge cruise - actually Feb 29, 2020. A girl in my building will be checking on her - cleaning the litter box and feeding her since even though Merida knows her and is fine with her petting and playing when I'm here, when I'm not, Merida hides under the bed. LOL. My suitcase is all packed It's under 50 pounds, but pretty heavy to deal with on subway stairs, and there would be a lot of those getting from my apartment to EWR, so I'm splurging on an Uber tomorrow morning. Merida is less than impressed seeing the suitcase and quickly got in my new running shoe box to "ignore" me... But she'll be ok! My flight is scheduled out at 9:25 tomorrow morning. I'll stay overnight in Miami - the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon. I've stayed there before and like it. Miami was a cheaper flight than FLL and this hotel has a free shuttle, so I'm only paying for a Lyft (I use Lyft and Uber interchangeably depending on which gives me the better rate) to the port on Saturday morning. My plans for the ports are: Aruba - ship-based Small Group: Local Experience Jeep Tour Bonaire - snorkeling with Woodwind Curacao - Wonders of Curacao: caves, turtles, and beaches with Irie Tours I'm staying in an Aqua Class stateroom - I have no issues with the IV having done the solo IV on Celebrity Edge in 2020...I just got spoiled to Blu last year on Celebrity Summit. My amazing travel agent warned me that would probably happen... A few of my quirks... * I am not a gambler and don't do the casino. Part is just it doesn't really appeal to me, part is I have no idea what I'd be doing. * I am gluten-free due to a wheat allergy. I'm also allergic to peanuts. * I do not eat fish (I choked on a bone in a fish stick to the point of gagging when I was in 1st grade and my body was so traumatized by it that if I taste anything with the taste or texture of fish it reacts the same way) and only very minimal other things like scallops or shrimp...I'm just very picky about those. * I am very picky about my entertainment - being in NYC I go to Broadway a lot, so... I will give shows a chance, but I'll sit where I have easier access to leave if it's not really my jam. That said, I will give things a chance. On Celebrity Edge I loved the show in Eden, and on Anthem I loved Spectra's Cabaret, so I'm not automatically writing off stuff that is more avant garde. * I'm not really into shopping (take away my girl-card now!), but occasionally if I find something special I'll splurge. * As I already said, I don't mind the IV cabins. 🙂 (That definitely counts as a quirk on these boards. HAHA!) Initially I was going to just get wine and soda in Miami and not do a package, but this week I decided to just treat myself so I do have the Premium Package. I got it at 20% off, which was more than my Select discount. I don't have any specialty dining planned - I'd pondered Eden or Rooftop Garden Grill but ahead of time they were never at times I wanted (I prefer earlier) - so I may check to see if there is space any time, but if not, it'll be Blu for me each night. I think that's about it! 🙂 Now to just chill for the day and get all my very last-minute stuff to put in my backpack before leaving for EWR in the morning! 28 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liao Posted July 25 #2 Share Posted July 25 8 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said: My bags are packed, I'm ready to go... Might as well get my trip report started!! 🙂 I'm Beth I'm 53 and a special education teacher in NYC. This will be my third Celebrity cruise - I've previously been on Celebrity Edge just before the shutdown and Celebrity Summit to Bermuda last summer. This time I'll be on Celebrity Beyond to the ABCs! (I've also cruised the SS Emerald Seas when I was 11, the original 4 Disney ships (haven't been on the Wish), all but one Radiance class RCCL ship (haven't been on Serenade), fathom Adonia, Holland America Westerdam, and Anthem of the Seas.) Staying home will be my cat, Merida We adopted each other just after my Celebrity Edge cruise - actually Feb 29, 2020. A girl in my building will be checking on her - cleaning the litter box and feeding her since even though Merida knows her and is fine with her petting and playing when I'm here, when I'm not, Merida hides under the bed. LOL. My suitcase is all packed It's under 50 pounds, but pretty heavy to deal with on subway stairs, and there would be a lot of those getting from my apartment to EWR, so I'm splurging on an Uber tomorrow morning. Merida is less than impressed seeing the suitcase and quickly got in my new running shoe box to "ignore" me... But she'll be ok! My flight is scheduled out at 9:25 tomorrow morning. I'll stay overnight in Miami - the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon. I've stayed there before and like it. Miami was a cheaper flight than FLL and this hotel has a free shuttle, so I'm only paying for a Lyft (I use Lyft and Uber interchangeably depending on which gives me the better rate) to the port on Saturday morning. My plans for the ports are: Aruba - ship-based Small Group: Local Experience Jeep Tour Bonaire - snorkeling with Woodwind Curacao - Wonders of Curacao: caves, turtles, and beaches with Irie Tours I'm staying in an Aqua Class stateroom - I have no issues with the IV having done the solo IV on Celebrity Edge in 2020...I just got spoiled to Blu last year on Celebrity Summit. My amazing travel agent warned me that would probably happen... A few of my quirks... * I am not a gambler and don't do the casino. Part is just it doesn't really appeal to me, part is I have no idea what I'd be doing. * I am gluten-free due to a wheat allergy. I'm also allergic to peanuts. * I do not eat fish (I choked on a bone in a fish stick to the point of gagging when I was in 1st grade and my body was so traumatized by it that if I taste anything with the taste or texture of fish it reacts the same way) and only very minimal other things like scallops or shrimp...I'm just very picky about those. * I am very picky about my entertainment - being in NYC I go to Broadway a lot, so... I will give shows a chance, but I'll sit where I have easier access to leave if it's not really my jam. That said, I will give things a chance. On Celebrity Edge I loved the show in Eden, and on Anthem I loved Spectra's Cabaret, so I'm not automatically writing off stuff that is more avant garde. * I'm not really into shopping (take away my girl-card now!), but occasionally if I find something special I'll splurge. * As I already said, I don't mind the IV cabins. 🙂 (That definitely counts as a quirk on these boards. HAHA!) Initially I was going to just get wine and soda in Miami and not do a package, but this week I decided to just treat myself so I do have the Premium Package. I got it at 20% off, which was more than my Select discount. I don't have any specialty dining planned - I'd pondered Eden or Rooftop Garden Grill but ahead of time they were never at times I wanted (I prefer earlier) - so I may check to see if there is space any time, but if not, it'll be Blu for me each night. I think that's about it! 🙂 Now to just chill for the day and get all my very last-minute stuff to put in my backpack before leaving for EWR in the morning! I hope you have a fantastic cruise! Looking forward to following along on your journey. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barwick Cruiser Posted July 25 #3 Share Posted July 25 I love the ABCs as well…been a few years since we enjoyed Woodwind so I’m looking forward to your experience. They’re so amazing and the snorkeling is tough to beat! Hope you have a wonderful holiday! Cathy 🥂 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapcreator Posted July 25 #4 Share Posted July 25 Safe travels! Looking forward to your live. We visited the ABCs on the Summit in October 2022, thoroughly enjoyed it, and would love to go back. We had a great time snorkeling with Woodwind. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mahdnc Posted July 25 #5 Share Posted July 25 Have a very nice cruise!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted July 25 #6 Share Posted July 25 Bon Voyage! have fun... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted July 25 #7 Share Posted July 25 (edited) I’ll be reading along, taking this ship and route this September. It will be my second trip to the ABC’s.. Edited July 25 by PTC DAWG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Stem to Stern Posted July 25 #8 Share Posted July 25 Safe travels, Beth. I am very much looking forward to your report. DH and I love the ABCs and will be returning soon on our first Edge-class sailing. Being the Broadway aficionado that you are I am curious to read your opinions about the shows on board Beyond and which ones if any you might recommend that we take a hard pass on. By the way your trip report title is almost as adorable as Merida.😻😻😻😻 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted July 25 #9 Share Posted July 25 Just now, Stem to Stern said: Safe travels, Beth. I am very much looking forward to your report. DH and I love the ABCs and will be returning soon on our first Edge-class sailing. Being the Broadway aficionado that you are I am curious to read your opinions about the shows on board Beyond and which ones if any you might recommend that we take a hard pass on. By the way your trip report title is almost as adorable as Merida.😻😻😻😻 I always sit in the balcony on the end or on the bar stools…easy to slip out if the show isn’t to my taste.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut head Posted July 25 #10 Share Posted July 25 Have a wonderful time! Thank you for taking us along. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
depplep Posted July 25 #11 Share Posted July 25 Hi Beth, We just got off Beyond Sunday and we wanted Eden for later and all week the only times they could give us was 5:30, so you might get lucky. Have a great cruise! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Stem to Stern Posted July 25 #12 Share Posted July 25 6 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said: I always sit in the balcony on the end or on the bar stools…easy to slip out if the show isn’t to my taste.. Thanks. Sometimes we do this on the other classes. I will have to investigate the seating options in the rear of the theater on Beyond. Beth, feel free to consider this a subliminal request.😜 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted July 25 Author #13 Share Posted July 25 43 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said: By the way your trip report title is almost as adorable as Merida.😻😻😻😻 Merida says thank you! At least I think that is what her meow meant. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmersruca Posted July 25 #14 Share Posted July 25 Following, have a great trip! 🌞 Your organized suitcase is a beautiful sight!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare horseymike Posted July 25 #15 Share Posted July 25 Hi Beth , Hope you have uneventful flights and a great cruise 🚢. We will be following along . The ABC islands are our favorite Caribbean itinerary ! Safe and fun travels. 😎🍀👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted July 25 Author #16 Share Posted July 25 3 minutes ago, Palmersruca said: Following, have a great trip! 🌞 Your organized suitcase is a beautiful sight!! Thank you! Packing is about the only area I get that organized! After my experience in February where I had to buy toothpaste on the Anthem because I looked at the toothpaste on my sink as I was brushing my teeth, told myself to put it in the bag...and got distracted by something and forgot, I decided I'll just get a new tube for cruises so it can be packed BEFORE last minute. Haha! Best part with packing cubes is I have all I need for Saturday morning clothes-wise in one cube so I don't have to pull everything out at the hotel tomorrow night! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lola2013 Posted July 25 #17 Share Posted July 25 Bon Voyage Beth. I believe I read that Captain Kate is returning to Beyond this weekend after her recent amazing vacation. She is a great ambassador for Celebrity. If you run into her, you can exchange cat stories. Susan 😎 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spif Barwunkel Posted July 25 #18 Share Posted July 25 How fitting it is that a teacher from NYC is going to the Caribbean to learn more about the ABC’s. Kudos to you for your chosen field in special education and the challenges it presents. Everything about this cruise is positive. Just like the difference that you make in the lives of your students. Indeed, it is significant that you reward yourself with something special, and truly deserved. Enjoy the first three letters of the alphabet. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mac_tlc Posted July 25 #19 Share Posted July 25 Following along! Have a great cruise. We did Beyond to the AC (no B) islands in February and loved it. Give the three production shows a chance -- they are really good, especially with that marvel of a stage they have. mac_tlc 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted July 25 #20 Share Posted July 25 From a fellow educator (now retired) I hope you relax and enjoy all you can as a new school year is just around the corner...too bad you can't bank some of that relaxation to draw from in the dog-days of September....but who am I telling!! Here's wishing you safe travels and a fantastic cruise. Will be following along with great interest. And dare I say, your little kitty is simply beautiful 😻...just don't tell Pipercat I said so! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biguntx Posted July 25 #21 Share Posted July 25 Thanks for posting Safe travels and a great cruise 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare bjahil47 Posted July 25 #22 Share Posted July 25 Safe travels, Beth! Merida is a cutie! We have done ABC’s a few times including last cruise on Beyond in March that also included Panama Canal partial transit. Enjoy your cruise! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdnich Posted July 25 #23 Share Posted July 25 Enjoy your cruise! Salud 🥂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Galaxy2004 Posted July 25 #24 Share Posted July 25 Thanks for inviting us to follow along. Have a great cruise. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted July 25 Author #25 Share Posted July 25 4 hours ago, lola2013 said: Bon Voyage Beth. I believe I read that Captain Kate is returning to Beyond this weekend after her recent amazing vacation. She is a great ambassador for Celebrity. If you run into her, you can exchange cat stories. Susan 😎 Thank you! Yes...per her Insta she's back on Sunday! She was captain on my Celebrity Edge sailing and I remember her being super personable. Yay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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