Cruising to Healthy

[pcrum]

Thanks so much for answering my questions. Sorry that FTTF wasn't up to par. They probably do need to get the kinks worked out. Thanks for the heads up on the mixology classes...we will look for the signup for that. I think DH would enjoy that. Well, if the club crowd was too old for you, maybe it will be right up our alley (being that we're celebrating turning 50 on this cruise, lol!).:) In the past, it has been full of younger people and music we're not wild about. The piano bars always seem to be hit or miss. Our very first Carnival cruise on the Sensation, we hit it lucky with a great guy who did a lot of Broadway. Since then, every ship we've been on, it's gone progressively downhill. We are not country fans and when they start on Garth Brooks or worse yet, Sweet Caroline (why, oh why, must they ALL do that song), we are out of there!!!

 

Oh, one more question, in the past we've really enjoyed the Asian cover bands who usually do more hard rock type stuff (they would also play the Beatles in the Ticket to Ride show). Blood Power was on one ship we were on and we loved their music. Were there any Asian cover bands doing the hard rock music? I know Carnival has cut back on live music, so I hope they haven't been cut.

 

DH called and ordered a bottle of Chivas Regal for the room today along with a bottle of champagne. I will probably also pack a bottle of champagne too. We will have a free bottle of wine the first night in the steakhouse and then will order the 5 wine pkg, so will need one more bottle of wine for the 7 nights of dinner.

 

Looking forward to relaxing on the ship...it's been a hectic past few weeks and this week at work looks to be busy!

[brooklynfc]

Thanks so much for answering my questions. Sorry that FTTF wasn't up to par. They probably do need to get the kinks worked out. Thanks for the heads up on the mixology classes...we will look for the signup for that. I think DH would enjoy that. Well, if the club crowd was too old for you, maybe it will be right up our alley (being that we're celebrating turning 50 on this cruise, lol!).:) In the past, it has been full of younger people and music we're not wild about. The piano bars always seem to be hit or miss. Our very first Carnival cruise on the Sensation, we hit it lucky with a great guy who did a lot of Broadway. Since then, every ship we've been on, it's gone progressively downhill. We are not country fans and when they start on Garth Brooks or worse yet, Sweet Caroline (why, oh why, must they ALL do that song), we are out of there!!!

 

Oh, one more question, in the past we've really enjoyed the Asian cover bands who usually do more hard rock type stuff (they would also play the Beatles in the Ticket to Ride show). Blood Power was on one ship we were on and we loved their music. Were there any Asian cover bands doing the hard rock music? I know Carnival has cut back on live music, so I hope they haven't been cut.

 

DH called and ordered a bottle of Chivas Regal for the room today along with a bottle of champagne. I will probably also pack a bottle of champagne too. We will have a free bottle of wine the first night in the steakhouse and then will order the 5 wine pkg, so will need one more bottle of wine for the 7 nights of dinner.

 

Looking forward to relaxing on the ship...it's been a hectic past few weeks and this week at work looks to be busy!

 

There was a duet that sang in the atrium, but there was also a band that played on the promenade where the casino bar is. I think there was a salsa band in the lounge next to the comedy lounge. But I must admit that the cig. smoke in the casino area is gross and that lounge is smoking too. I think I will be sticking to Dream class ships from now on. They have the smoking separated down the walkway. I was trying to figure out which slot machines were actually non-smoking b/c I walked almost all over the casino and didn't see one single sign that said, "Please do not smoke" on a slot machine. Plus on the Dream class they have the band play in the Ocean Plaza away from the casino. But when I passed by the band they were playing some good songs and sounded good. I think I remember some good rock music.

 

I'm so excited for you. My friends and I are already planning a possible cruise in Feb. 2014. I figure with my pay being switched around and the house possibly coming up the longer wait period would be smarter. Plus the Breeze would be the ship and its SUPER pricey! I'm gonna pay $400 more for the same thing on the Liberty.

[brooklynfc]

314.4 this morning.

 

Going down.

 

I didn't exercise last night. Too much went wrong. But I'm glad I didn't b/c I got to have a long phone conversation with my friend I hadn't talked to in a while. Sometimes its the small things you have to appreciate.

 

Anyway, I did bring my swimsuit for Aqua zumba today, so that will be a better way to ease back into exercise. But I did track food so I'm good with that.

 

Mom had messaged me on the ship through the currently onboard forum and told me I got a letter from the USDA for my loan. Apparently I was approved for a much greater amount than the previous person told me. But I don't need to spend that much, I need to stay conservative. But it was a 3.5 interest rate, so that is good.

 

The funny news. She got a letter like two days later saying while I wasn't denied that I had to wait another 6 months and maybe another 6 months after that. I have to wait in 6 month periods until they get the money to fund the loans. Okay, whatever. Its the government, what did I expect? Winter is upon us anyway, so setting a house in the winter often has delays, might as well wait until better weather anyway. I just pray that I don't have to spend another winter in our house. I'm already getting at my wits end with the cig smoke floating up from the basement. As soon as i got back to that house..........my fluid in my ears started again, the sinus pressure, the dry eyes got worse...........yep.

 

Anyway, I think it basically good news that has to wait a bit longer. Gonna make some calls today to check on a few questions.

 

Good choices.

[pcrum]

Sounds like you are making progress on the house and in the grand scheme of things, 6 months is not a long time to wait. I hope it works out for you.

 

My work has been so busy that I do NOT want to exercise when I get home. I need to work through this fatigue and push on, but when it's dark at 6 pm, I just want to take a hot bath, put my pjs on and curl up in bed with a good book! Brooke, if you want a good book that you cannot put down, check out Gone Girl. Not since the 50 Shades series have I read something that kept my interest. I literally read the book in 3 days because I could not put it down. It's about a wife who goes missing and it keeps you guessing as to whether or not her husband killed her. You read things from his point of view and also from her diaries. The book grabs you and takes you for a wild ride!!

 

One more question for you, Brooke, did the Liberty have the tasting bar? That sounds like it might be fun to try.

 

The Breeze sounds lovely. I am so torn about the Dream class ships. We sent DH's parents on the Dream for their 50th anniversary and they loved it, but I've read other reviews saying that they add so many more people with not that much extra space. But that pool in the spa looks so nice and if we do a Dream class, I think we would definitely go for the spa cabin so we could enjoy that Tpool! We live so close to Port Canaveral, that we really should try the Dream!!

 

I have not even begun to pack...I need to pack my kids too for a week in NYC, but have been so tired after work. I think I need to drink a sugar free red bull after work to get some energy!! I am definitely a morning person, but I start work at 7:30 am, so unless I wake up at 4:30 am and do things, I don't know how I will get things done. I will be so happy to step foot on that ship. I know it's like a zillion calories, but I am going to have a bushwacker as my "sailaway" drink. i will skip dessert most nights, but I will have that drink!! We first tasted them in St. Thomas and I love them, but do not have them very often because of all the calories!

[brooklynfc]

Sounds like you are making progress on the house and in the grand scheme of things, 6 months is not a long time to wait. I hope it works out for you.

 

My work has been so busy that I do NOT want to exercise when I get home. I need to work through this fatigue and push on, but when it's dark at 6 pm, I just want to take a hot bath, put my pjs on and curl up in bed with a good book! Brooke, if you want a good book that you cannot put down, check out Gone Girl. Not since the 50 Shades series have I read something that kept my interest. I literally read the book in 3 days because I could not put it down. It's about a wife who goes missing and it keeps you guessing as to whether or not her husband killed her. You read things from his point of view and also from her diaries. The book grabs you and takes you for a wild ride!!

 

One more question for you, Brooke, did the Liberty have the tasting bar? That sounds like it might be fun to try.

 

The Breeze sounds lovely. I am so torn about the Dream class ships. We sent DH's parents on the Dream for their 50th anniversary and they loved it, but I've read other reviews saying that they add so many more people with not that much extra space. But that pool in the spa looks so nice and if we do a Dream class, I think we would definitely go for the spa cabin so we could enjoy that Tpool! We live so close to Port Canaveral, that we really should try the Dream!!

 

I have not even begun to pack...I need to pack my kids too for a week in NYC, but have been so tired after work. I think I need to drink a sugar free red bull after work to get some energy!! I am definitely a morning person, but I start work at 7:30 am, so unless I wake up at 4:30 am and do things, I don't know how I will get things done. I will be so happy to step foot on that ship. I know it's like a zillion calories, but I am going to have a bushwacker as my "sailaway" drink. i will skip dessert most nights, but I will have that drink!! We first tasted them in St. Thomas and I love them, but do not have them very often because of all the calories!

 

They advertised a tasting bar in the Funtimes like everyday. If I remember correctly it was in the steakhouse at least the one I paid attention to was.

[brooklynfc]

315

 

Well. I get it. I'm probably not eating as much, but I've gone back to sitting in a chair for almost 8 hours a day now. So, I'm not moving as much on a daily basis. But I did Aqua Zumba yesterday and today I will hit up the gym.

 

I have been having runs of exhaustion. I don't know if its my body adjusting to cruise sleep/time or the whole fall back, but we were still an hour behind in the Caribbean or if its the change of food and drink intake. Could be a lot of things. But I admit I've used some caff. to help boost my energy today. I could NOT wake up today. Like that sleep daze you get when you take cold medicine, it was terrible. I haven't been taking my Vita D though, so maybe I need to get back to that too.

 

Anyway. I'm working through it and I know once I get back into exercising that I will remember that I enjoy it and I will get right back on track. Food is another issue though. Its very hard to get back on point after vacation. I came home to almost NOTHING in the fridge b/c mom was gone all weekend, so my food choices are not very good. I know, I know........take my lazy butt to the store. But I don't get paid until next week and then I have to save back a LOT of my money so when Jan. comes around and they move me to hourly and I have that paycheck gap. So Nov. and Dec. will be financially hard for me. I figure Christmas won't be as nice as it has been for my family (from me) in the past. Thank goodness I got mom's present on the ship (her Dolce and Gabana-sp? Light Blue perfume).

 

I know I haven't booked a cruise yet, but I need to make a goal after I lose the 5lbs I gained. I'm hoping to do that by Monday.

 

I'm thinking once I lose the 5lbs I will then go back to trying to see the 200s.

 

So at 312 I would need to lose 13lbs to make it to 200s. I'm going to give myself until Match to lose the 13lbs. I'm giving myself and extra month due to the Holidays. I know I should be able to 13lbs quicker than that, but given my past turtle pace, I will give myself some time to do it.

 

After I reach the 200s, I'm going to give myself the rest of the year to make it to 250 and if I book the cruise in Feb. I will give myself until then to lose it. Its a big goal since I have never lost 50lbs before (well not yet, close) and I haven't every been able to lose that much in a year before. But what the hell! I'm not made goals before and it didn't kill me, they are just their to guide and motivate. They don't determine if you win or lose.

 

Anyway, here's to a good workout today.

 

Good Choices.

 

Pcrum-exciting, so close. About this time this week I was DIEING at work, lol!

[brooklynfc]

Pcrum, one more day and you are on that SHIP! I hope you have a blast!

[brooklynfc]

315.6

 

Geez. Okay I just haven't got back in the groove. The motivation is there, but the groove isn't. Dealing with poor choices at home has not helped. I'm kinda loathing Thanksgiving coming next week. They had a Thanksgiving fare in our campus cafet. yesterday and I was tempted, but I figure one Thanksgiving is enough.

 

Anyway. Each day I get better and I hope by next week I will be on target completely. I will have to save all my weekly points for Thanksgiving, so I will need to be careful about eating and try to get some good workouts in before and after.

 

No, I do not intend on "Planning" what I'm going to eat for Thanksgiving. I never do what I say I will do and I find it pointless. I will do my best to not go buck wild.

 

Good Choices.

[Hulalovestocruise]

:) Glad to hear you had a good trip, I have been working a lot this week trying to get a few extra bucks for the trip. I hope you can get back in the groove before Thanksgiving, just remember to move after you have that big dinner. I see your thinking about your next cruise already, thats the only fun once you come back. :)

[brooklynfc]

Well, I didn't do well with food last week. I barely did well with exercise. I haven't done so well with exercise so far this week and food has been better. These two things have to be in harmony for this to work. The bad thing is I'm getting a cold or something that is stuffing me up and making me feel icky. I think I'm going to go home early and crawl into bed. And just hope that part of this is losing my appetite and that its not too bad for Thanksgiving. At least I didn't get sick on the cruise! Positive thinking is good.

 

Good choices and Happy Thanksgiving!

[brooklynfc]

Ugh, I feel like.....Ugh. I don't know how I managed it but I'm pretty sure I produced a sinus infection overnight. There is nasty pressure that has started my morning off with a nice little sinus headache and its making my eyes hurt. I can't believe I'm saying this, but there might be a trip to the Dr. in my future today. I know its really early, but I would hate to be this miserable on Thanksgiving. Plus I know this feeling. Stuffy, pressure, burning feeling. Its gonna be an infection if it isn't already.

 

On a positive note.........the scale said 313.6. It was showing 316. Almost done with the 5lbs. One more to go and hopefully not a any more for Thanksgiving.

 

Any suggestions on helping my sinuses? I'm taking mucinex for chest and nasal congestion, drinking water, using saline spray, some heat on my face, hot showers, Vick's. I can't do nettie pot, my ear collects the water and makes things worse.

 

Good Choices.

[fergusonvt]

Ugh, I feel like.....Ugh. I don't know how I managed it but I'm pretty sure I produced a sinus infection overnight. There is nasty pressure that has started my morning off with a nice little sinus headache and its making my eyes hurt. I can't believe I'm saying this, but there might be a trip to the Dr. in my future today. I know its really early, but I would hate to be this miserable on Thanksgiving. Plus I know this feeling. Stuffy, pressure, burning feeling. Its gonna be an infection if it isn't already.

 

On a positive note.........the scale said 313.6. It was showing 316. Almost done with the 5lbs. One more to go and hopefully not a any more for Thanksgiving.

 

Any suggestions on helping my sinuses? I'm taking mucinex for chest and nasal congestion, drinking water, using saline spray, some heat on my face, hot showers, Vick's. I can't do nettie pot, my ear collects the water and makes things worse.

 

Good Choices.

 

I hate the nettie pots but have one that is a squirt bottle. That might help clear your nasal passages without collecting in your ears. Mine is a Dr. Neill. Hope you start feeling better soon, sounds like you are doing just about everything you can short of getting antibiotics.

[brooklynfc]

Still sick. This is sucky. I couldn't taste anything yesterday. I had to stick to texture. I don't even want to take inventory of what I ate yesterday, but it was more like grazing from start to finish. I really didn't fill my plate up for the actual meal. Somehow I managed to go from 313 yesterday to 316 today.........3lbs overnight seems weird.

 

I've eaten more during non-holidays. I think I must be retaining weight and dehydrated a bit from having to breath through my mouth. I would LOVE to exercise, but I'm a bit dizzy and my chest and nasal passages are full and I just don't think I can get the air flow in needed for a good workout. I think I will just have to get over this (praying no sinus infection happens) and then re-group for exercise and food (not that I'm not trying food now).

 

Good Choices.

[pcrum]

Sorry you are feeling badly, Brooke. Aleve D works for us...you get it behind the counter at the pharmacy (you have to show a driver's license in FL for it). It's one of the few things that works for us.

 

We are home from the cruise. Had a great time, but I could certainly see the cut-backs in entertainment. The Love and Marriage show was at night...in the show lounge, instead of having a real show! Only 2 productions shows during the week and another show with a hypnotist (we skipped it). We did love the Music Asia rock cover band and spent most nights listening to them. The piano bar player was just ok...couldn't really sing. Why oh why must every piano bar player do "Sweet Caroline" and Garth Brooks? When my DH was singing along to the Garth Brooks song, I looked over at him and said, "who are you and what have you done with my DH?" We left shortly after that!! Wednesday, they gave both the piano player and the Asian cover band the night off. There also were no punchline comedy shows that night, so entertainment was sorely lacking and limited to a deck party (the second one of the cruise)! Seemed strange they gave all the entertainers the same night off!

 

Highlights were the steakhouse, always a treat and such a value, even at the increased price of $35 a person. You pay that for an entree alone at a good steakhouse in Orlando, so to get the 4 courses for that price was a bargain! The free bottle of wine the first night also was a nice perk! Other highlights included the comedy brunch...no more waking up early on sea days to do breakfast in the MDR (we do not do the Lido deck if we can avoid it!!). The free drink was a nice touch too and I really enjoyed my first bloody mary. It was so large and strong it lasted me a couple of hours!! The steak and eggs were also really lovely!! The comedy portion of the brunch was almost an afterthought...10 minutes of comedy by someone we could only hear. We weren't impressed by what we did hear, but understand they have to be pretty "G" rated at that hour. We never did make it to a regular comedy show though.

 

The Guy's Burger joint was also wonderful!! I could get a burger patty with cheese and top it with bacon, mushrooms and onions and lettuce. I was in heaven!! My DH loved it too!! Also tried the Blue Iguana burrito bar and got a plate of spiced shrimp topped with lettuce and salsa that was pretty good!!

 

I was not as impressed with Alchemy Bar as I thought I'd be...the martinis were nothing special. We actually signed up for the master mixology class during the first sea day, but when it came time for the class (which was to be held the last sea day), we decided to cancel. The bar tenders were polite, but nothing special and honestly, I can get a better martini at the Blue Martini in Orlando. We did do the martini tasting, but again, were not overly impressed. We also did the food and wine pairing in the steak house the first sea day and enjoyed that!

 

I stuck to the diet as best I could...no pasta, bread or potatoes. I did hit the gym 3 days and did the bike and treadmill (it was very empty every time I went, which was around 5 pm to 6 pm at night). We did do the past guest party and they handed us a plate of some type of meatball in what we thought was a bernaise sauce. I took a few bits until I realized it was not bernaise sauce at all, but mashed potatoes...oh no! I had not eaten a potato in over a year!! We asked for champagne at the past guest party instead of the rum punches and had no problem receiving several glasses!

 

The staff, for the most part, were very polite and accommodating. We loved our 4J room and after reading so many conflicting reports, were so happy that the twin beds did indeed make a king sized bed. We heard no noise from the slamming of the door to the "secret deck", as had been previously reported. In fact, the room was very quiet.

 

Cozumel was our favorite port...we did Nachi Cocom for the 3rd time and loved it. Tried tequila shooters for the first time...amazing how smooth they go down!! Met a family who passed by us and looked at us and said they were there due to a review I had written of our Thanksgiving trip there two years ago! Such a small world! Roatan was beautiful, but it was a short day and it poured on us! We did get about an hour to walk around and explore Mahogany Bay, but then the rain came! It let up a bit and I went swimming, but then it poured again and we got soaked going back to the ship!! Due to high winds, we were not able to dock in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, but instead had to dock on the other side of the island, a $10 taxi ride (round trip) to Georgetown or $15 to 7 Mile Beach. We decided to stay on the ship that day, as we did on the Belize Day. We enjoyed the Serenity area with very few people. I got a hammock and read a magazine while the wind gently rocked me back and forth! Heaven!! Activities on the ship on port days were very sparse during the day, which suited us fine, but for those looking for things to do, they might be a bit bored.

 

When we got back to Miami, the Breeze was already there (it also was in Roatan with us). The Liberty does look smaller next to the Breeze!! We used global parking http://globalairportparking.com/port_of_miami_seaport_parking_POM and parked at the garage operated by premier parking and would use them again! Service was fast and efficient and $70 compared to $140 at the port was a bargain!! The van was waiting for us when we parked the car and arrived within 5 minute of us walking out of the terminal at the end of the cruise.

 

We stopped by South Beach before driving home. What a beautiful area! I loved all the art deco architecture!! If you have never been to South Beach, I highly recommend it. It is a short 10 minute drive from the port. We had a coffee on one of the sidewalk cafes and enjoyed watching the people.

 

All in all, it was a great week...we will be platinum on our next one if we do it before 12/31/13....seems highly likely!!

[pcrum]

Pcrum, one more day and you are on that SHIP! I hope you have a blast!

 

Thanks. I'm just seeing this as due to some very poor planning on my part, I worked all day the day before we left and had to come home and get ready to leave the next day. Went to bed at 12:30 am Sat morning and got up at 4:40 am to finish up...I have a pet sitter come to the house to take care of the cats and I like to leave a clean house and with getting the kids packed for their trip, time just got away from me!! Got to the port around 11 am and did take about an hour nap once we got in the room!! Had a great week and am sorry it's over, but did notice some cut-backs! But, it still was a wonderful time away!

[Hulalovestocruise]

:) Thanks for your posting, glad you had a great trip. Sounds like a busy fun week you had. It sure goes by fast, I have been really busy trying to get in some extra work before I leave and plan for holidays and the pets while we are gone. Can't wait to hear where you will go next. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry you are feeling badly, Brooke. Aleve D works for us...you get it behind the counter at the pharmacy (you have to show a driver's license in FL for it). It's one of the few things that works for us.

 

We are home from the cruise. Had a great time, but I could certainly see the cut-backs in entertainment. The Love and Marriage show was at night...in the show lounge, instead of having a real show! Only 2 productions shows during the week and another show with a hypnotist (we skipped it). We did love the Music Asia rock cover band and spent most nights listening to them. The piano bar player was just ok...couldn't really sing. Why oh why must every piano bar player do "Sweet Caroline" and Garth Brooks? When my DH was singing along to the Garth Brooks song, I looked over at him and said, "who are you and what have you done with my DH?" We left shortly after that!! Wednesday, they gave both the piano player and the Asian cover band the night off. There also were no punchline comedy shows that night, so entertainment was sorely lacking and limited to a deck party (the second one of the cruise)! Seemed strange they gave all the entertainers the same night off!

 

Highlights were the steakhouse, always a treat and such a value, even at the increased price of $35 a person. You pay that for an entree alone at a good steakhouse in Orlando, so to get the 4 courses for that price was a bargain! The free bottle of wine the first night also was a nice perk! Other highlights included the comedy brunch...no more waking up early on sea days to do breakfast in the MDR (we do not do the Lido deck if we can avoid it!!). The free drink was a nice touch too and I really enjoyed my first bloody mary. It was so large and strong it lasted me a couple of hours!! The steak and eggs were also really lovely!! The comedy portion of the brunch was almost an afterthought...10 minutes of comedy by someone we could only hear. We weren't impressed by what we did hear, but understand they have to be pretty "G" rated at that hour. We never did make it to a regular comedy show though.

 

The Guy's Burger joint was also wonderful!! I could get a burger patty with cheese and top it with bacon, mushrooms and onions and lettuce. I was in heaven!! My DH loved it too!! Also tried the Blue Iguana burrito bar and got a plate of spiced shrimp topped with lettuce and salsa that was pretty good!!

 

I was not as impressed with Alchemy Bar as I thought I'd be...the martinis were nothing special. We actually signed up for the master mixology class during the first sea day, but when it came time for the class (which was to be held the last sea day), we decided to cancel. The bar tenders were polite, but nothing special and honestly, I can get a better martini at the Blue Martini in Orlando. We did do the martini tasting, but again, were not overly impressed. We also did the food and wine pairing in the steak house the first sea day and enjoyed that!

 

I stuck to the diet as best I could...no pasta, bread or potatoes. I did hit the gym 3 days and did the bike and treadmill (it was very empty every time I went, which was around 5 pm to 6 pm at night). We did do the past guest party and they handed us a plate of some type of meatball in what we thought was a bernaise sauce. I took a few bits until I realized it was not bernaise sauce at all, but mashed potatoes...oh no! I had not eaten a potato in over a year!! We asked for champagne at the past guest party instead of the rum punches and had no problem receiving several glasses!

 

The staff, for the most part, were very polite and accommodating. We loved our 4J room and after reading so many conflicting reports, were so happy that the twin beds did indeed make a king sized bed. We heard no noise from the slamming of the door to the "secret deck", as had been previously reported. In fact, the room was very quiet.

 

Cozumel was our favorite port...we did Nachi Cocom for the 3rd time and loved it. Tried tequila shooters for the first time...amazing how smooth they go down!! Met a family who passed by us and looked at us and said they were there due to a review I had written of our Thanksgiving trip there two years ago! Such a small world! Roatan was beautiful, but it was a short day and it poured on us! We did get about an hour to walk around and explore Mahogany Bay, but then the rain came! It let up a bit and I went swimming, but then it poured again and we got soaked going back to the ship!! Due to high winds, we were not able to dock in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, but instead had to dock on the other side of the island, a $10 taxi ride (round trip) to Georgetown or $15 to 7 Mile Beach. We decided to stay on the ship that day, as we did on the Belize Day. We enjoyed the Serenity area with very few people. I got a hammock and read a magazine while the wind gently rocked me back and forth! Heaven!! Activities on the ship on port days were very sparse during the day, which suited us fine, but for those looking for things to do, they might be a bit bored.

 

When we got back to Miami, the Breeze was already there (it also was in Roatan with us). The Liberty does look smaller next to the Breeze!! We used global parking http://globalairportparking.com/port_of_miami_seaport_parking_POM and parked at the garage operated by premier parking and would use them again! Service was fast and efficient and $70 compared to $140 at the port was a bargain!! The van was waiting for us when we parked the car and arrived within 5 minute of us walking out of the terminal at the end of the cruise.

 

We stopped by South Beach before driving home. What a beautiful area! I loved all the art deco architecture!! If you have never been to South Beach, I highly recommend it. It is a short 10 minute drive from the port. We had a coffee on one of the sidewalk cafes and enjoyed watching the people.

 

All in all, it was a great week...we will be platinum on our next one if we do it before 12/31/13....seems highly likely!!

[Hulalovestocruise]

:( I know what you mean about exercising when your congested, sometimes I just suck it up and exercise hoping it will break up the congestion. Vitamin C in high doses usually helps me when I am congested. Hope you feel better soon. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still sick. This is sucky. I couldn't taste anything yesterday. I had to stick to texture. I don't even want to take inventory of what I ate yesterday, but it was more like grazing from start to finish. I really didn't fill my plate up for the actual meal. Somehow I managed to go from 313 yesterday to 316 today.........3lbs overnight seems weird.

 

I've eaten more during non-holidays. I think I must be retaining weight and dehydrated a bit from having to breath through my mouth. I would LOVE to exercise, but I'm a bit dizzy and my chest and nasal passages are full and I just don't think I can get the air flow in needed for a good workout. I think I will just have to get over this (praying no sinus infection happens) and then re-group for exercise and food (not that I'm not trying food now).

 

Good Choices.

[brooklynfc]

Sorry you are feeling badly, Brooke. Aleve D works for us...you get it behind the counter at the pharmacy (you have to show a driver's license in FL for it). It's one of the few things that works for us.

 

We are home from the cruise. Had a great time, but I could certainly see the cut-backs in entertainment. The Love and Marriage show was at night...in the show lounge, instead of having a real show! Only 2 productions shows during the week and another show with a hypnotist (we skipped it). We did love the Music Asia rock cover band and spent most nights listening to them. The piano bar player was just ok...couldn't really sing. Why oh why must every piano bar player do "Sweet Caroline" and Garth Brooks? When my DH was singing along to the Garth Brooks song, I looked over at him and said, "who are you and what have you done with my DH?" We left shortly after that!! Wednesday, they gave both the piano player and the Asian cover band the night off. There also were no punchline comedy shows that night, so entertainment was sorely lacking and limited to a deck party (the second one of the cruise)! Seemed strange they gave all the entertainers the same night off!

 

Highlights were the steakhouse, always a treat and such a value, even at the increased price of $35 a person. You pay that for an entree alone at a good steakhouse in Orlando, so to get the 4 courses for that price was a bargain! The free bottle of wine the first night also was a nice perk! Other highlights included the comedy brunch...no more waking up early on sea days to do breakfast in the MDR (we do not do the Lido deck if we can avoid it!!). The free drink was a nice touch too and I really enjoyed my first bloody mary. It was so large and strong it lasted me a couple of hours!! The steak and eggs were also really lovely!! The comedy portion of the brunch was almost an afterthought...10 minutes of comedy by someone we could only hear. We weren't impressed by what we did hear, but understand they have to be pretty "G" rated at that hour. We never did make it to a regular comedy show though.

 

The Guy's Burger joint was also wonderful!! I could get a burger patty with cheese and top it with bacon, mushrooms and onions and lettuce. I was in heaven!! My DH loved it too!! Also tried the Blue Iguana burrito bar and got a plate of spiced shrimp topped with lettuce and salsa that was pretty good!!

 

I was not as impressed with Alchemy Bar as I thought I'd be...the martinis were nothing special. We actually signed up for the master mixology class during the first sea day, but when it came time for the class (which was to be held the last sea day), we decided to cancel. The bar tenders were polite, but nothing special and honestly, I can get a better martini at the Blue Martini in Orlando. We did do the martini tasting, but again, were not overly impressed. We also did the food and wine pairing in the steak house the first sea day and enjoyed that!

 

I stuck to the diet as best I could...no pasta, bread or potatoes. I did hit the gym 3 days and did the bike and treadmill (it was very empty every time I went, which was around 5 pm to 6 pm at night). We did do the past guest party and they handed us a plate of some type of meatball in what we thought was a bernaise sauce. I took a few bits until I realized it was not bernaise sauce at all, but mashed potatoes...oh no! I had not eaten a potato in over a year!! We asked for champagne at the past guest party instead of the rum punches and had no problem receiving several glasses!

 

The staff, for the most part, were very polite and accommodating. We loved our 4J room and after reading so many conflicting reports, were so happy that the twin beds did indeed make a king sized bed. We heard no noise from the slamming of the door to the "secret deck", as had been previously reported. In fact, the room was very quiet.

 

Cozumel was our favorite port...we did Nachi Cocom for the 3rd time and loved it. Tried tequila shooters for the first time...amazing how smooth they go down!! Met a family who passed by us and looked at us and said they were there due to a review I had written of our Thanksgiving trip there two years ago! Such a small world! Roatan was beautiful, but it was a short day and it poured on us! We did get about an hour to walk around and explore Mahogany Bay, but then the rain came! It let up a bit and I went swimming, but then it poured again and we got soaked going back to the ship!! Due to high winds, we were not able to dock in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, but instead had to dock on the other side of the island, a $10 taxi ride (round trip) to Georgetown or $15 to 7 Mile Beach. We decided to stay on the ship that day, as we did on the Belize Day. We enjoyed the Serenity area with very few people. I got a hammock and read a magazine while the wind gently rocked me back and forth! Heaven!! Activities on the ship on port days were very sparse during the day, which suited us fine, but for those looking for things to do, they might be a bit bored.

 

When we got back to Miami, the Breeze was already there (it also was in Roatan with us). The Liberty does look smaller next to the Breeze!! We used global parking http://globalairportparking.com/port_of_miami_seaport_parking_POM and parked at the garage operated by premier parking and would use them again! Service was fast and efficient and $70 compared to $140 at the port was a bargain!! The van was waiting for us when we parked the car and arrived within 5 minute of us walking out of the terminal at the end of the cruise.

 

We stopped by South Beach before driving home. What a beautiful area! I loved all the art deco architecture!! If you have never been to South Beach, I highly recommend it. It is a short 10 minute drive from the port. We had a coffee on one of the sidewalk cafes and enjoyed watching the people.

 

All in all, it was a great week...we will be platinum on our next one if we do it before 12/31/13....seems highly likely!!

 

 

Sounds like you had a great time! I hope you get that last cruise in before next cruise for the P status. I have 36 more days until I'm P. That's at least 5-6 more 7 day cruises. Seeing how I can only afford one a year now and even when I get four more vacation days I will only have 14 vacay days and 3 personals. So I guess I'll have to wait 5-6 more years to make my status unless I meet a rich man or have some kind of big boost in my job.

 

I knew you would love Guys Burgers! We I saw the toppings I knew it would work for you.

[brooklynfc]

:( I know what you mean about exercising when your congested, sometimes I just suck it up and exercise hoping it will break up the congestion. Vitamin C in high doses usually helps me when I am congested. Hope you feel better soon. :)

 

I think I will try the bike today. My weight is getting too far gone. I just figured why I gained 3lbs overnight. Mother Nature is very near! Then I guess not exercising added to that BIG time! Now I have like 8lbs to lose after the cruise.

 

BUT, I know once I get back to the gym and back to eating well, it should just fall right off. Plus more water. When I'm sick I go anti fluids for some reason. I have to force myself to drink water.

 

Regardless, Monday I'm back in the gym and I'm going full speed. I still hoping that this doesn't turn into a sinus infection, though my hope is slowly slipping.

 

Thanks for the good wishes!

[pcrum]

Brooke, the Equate (Walmart) brand of Zinc cold therapy also works well for us when we feel we are getting sick. I think it's the generic form of Zicam. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I take this cold therapy once every 4 hours and it really works!!

[pcrum]

Oops, I just realized it was the Magic that was in Roatan with us, not the Breeze. The Breeze was in Miami when we docked. They both dwarf the Liberty though! Aren't you looking at doing the Breeze, Brooke? We will probably just do a cheapie 3-4 night cruise out of Port Canaveral (our home port) to make the platinum status.

 

Hope you feel better, Brooke and hope everyone had a good holiday. Back to work on Monday!:(

[brooklynfc]

Oops, I just realized it was the Magic that was in Roatan with us, not the Breeze. The Breeze was in Miami when we docked. They both dwarf the Liberty though! Aren't you looking at doing the Breeze, Brooke? We will probably just do a cheapie 3-4 night cruise out of Port Canaveral (our home port) to make the platinum status.

 

Hope you feel better, Brooke and hope everyone had a good holiday. Back to work on Monday!:(

 

Yea, we are looking at the Breeze for feb. 1st of 2014.

[brooklynfc]

I'm slowly starting to feel better. But my body is in shock b/c its been doing pretty much nothing for almost a week and now it has to move, think, do.

 

I've exhausted tired waking up the last two days. Monday I can understand, I didn't get good sleep. But last night should have been better.

 

I managed a 30 min. workout yesterday. I know I said full force! But my brother needed an emergency babysitter, so I could only cram 30 mins. in before having to go over there. I'm proud that I did the 30 mins and made time for it even though its going to cost me my lunch hour sometime this week. I'm also proud b/c my body def. rebelled and got that icky sick feeling. That weak, buzzy feeling? Yea, it started doing that around 20 mins. It would have been so easy to quit, but I just slowed down a bit and just paced myself to make it to 30 mins.

 

I think today we have Aqua Zumba, so I brought my swim suit and I also brought my workout clothes. Frankly, the way my scale looks right now I need to try to squeeze in two workouts in a day. So the plan is to do Aqua Zumba (if they don't cancel) then workout after work in the gym today.

 

Food is getting better with each day. And that's a good thing. Just a little retraining from being "off" for a week or more and I should be back at it full speed.

 

Good Choices.

[Hulalovestocruise]

It will get easier everyday the first day being the hardest. Way to go on pushing yourself that extra 10 when you were struggling.Keepit up:)

[pcrum]

It is hard getting back into the swing of things after coming off a cruise...and then you had Thanksgiving to contend with also. I am back full force with the low carb diet, but did not work out last night...was just too tired due to being up until 1 am on Sun. night waiting on my kids' plane and then going to work at 7:30 am! Tonight I will definitely hop on the bike!!

 

Did you use the gym on the Liberty? I loved their high tech machines (maybe gyms have the same ones...I don't know). It was so cool to plug my ipod in and have the play list come up on the machine!! I'd love to buy a treadmill for the home!

 

Are you writing a review, Brooke? I would love to, but it's just getting the time. I have not even taken the camera out of my cruise bag to look at the photos yet. Maybe over Christmas break...

 

My DH is now doing the low carb thing with me. The dr. wants him to lose weight, so he is eating the same as I do now. But, Sat. is his birthday, so I am making him a red velvet cake (you only turn 50 once!) and taking him out to dinner, but after that, it will be back full force with the diet for him. I can eat out and stick to the diet very well, so it will be interesting to see if he opts for a green veggie with his steak rather than a potato and skips the bread! Baby steps!:)