chris_gerrib (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chris_gerrib) wrote2024-02-27 09:35 am
chris_gerrib) wrote2024-02-27 09:35 am
Vacation Report, Part 2
The Cruise, Part 1
So I didn’t remember it until I got onboard, but I have a history with the ship Liberty of the Seas. When it was based in Galveston back in 2016, I rode and wrote on her as part of a Writing Excuses Writer’s Retreat. My most recent novel, One of Our Spaceships is Missing, was finished on that cruise. I don’t think they’ve changed the artwork, which was eclectic, and the bars still have the same names and decors.
When cruising out of Galveston, the ship needs to move with a purpose to get to her next port. This cruise went to the Bahamas, which is only a few hours away from Fort Lauderdale, and we had a full day at sea. This meant us doing a lot of loitering in the ocean. I had cell signal from the time we sailed Monday afternoon until I went to bed Monday night and the lights of the Florida coast were visible.
They’ve changed the way one boards a cruise – a change for the better. Instead of everybody showing up all at once and waiting for their cabins to be ready, you’re given 30-minute arrival slot. This means the crowds at the terminal were very light, and I was through check-in and to my cabin (which was ready) in less than 30 minutes. Very nice!
Not so nice were the drink prices. Beers were $10 and everything else higher, plus they assess an automatic 18% gratuity. Unless you’re a teetotaler, get the drink package. Although it didn’t bother me, due to the need to loiter and a strong north wind, the ship was moving noticeably – 3 to 5 degree rolls. This was enough to cause more than a few guests to feel under the weather. Also, Tuesday was a bit chilly on deck, again more due to wind than air temp. Still, I had a good time. Besides finishing three books, I spent a good deal of time evaluating tattoos and swimwear choices. Some decisions were good, some I found – questionable. As my sister says, just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it.
We spent Wednesday at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. They’ve built a ginormous water park on the island, plus several pools with perma-parties. For those interested in spending more money, “exclusive” beaches and pools were on offer. I found a (free) chair under an umbrella in the quiet area out of the wind and had a pleasant day. I did confound the shore staff by ordering drinks without having a drink package.
So I didn’t remember it until I got onboard, but I have a history with the ship Liberty of the Seas. When it was based in Galveston back in 2016, I rode and wrote on her as part of a Writing Excuses Writer’s Retreat. My most recent novel, One of Our Spaceships is Missing, was finished on that cruise. I don’t think they’ve changed the artwork, which was eclectic, and the bars still have the same names and decors.
When cruising out of Galveston, the ship needs to move with a purpose to get to her next port. This cruise went to the Bahamas, which is only a few hours away from Fort Lauderdale, and we had a full day at sea. This meant us doing a lot of loitering in the ocean. I had cell signal from the time we sailed Monday afternoon until I went to bed Monday night and the lights of the Florida coast were visible.
They’ve changed the way one boards a cruise – a change for the better. Instead of everybody showing up all at once and waiting for their cabins to be ready, you’re given 30-minute arrival slot. This means the crowds at the terminal were very light, and I was through check-in and to my cabin (which was ready) in less than 30 minutes. Very nice!
Not so nice were the drink prices. Beers were $10 and everything else higher, plus they assess an automatic 18% gratuity. Unless you’re a teetotaler, get the drink package. Although it didn’t bother me, due to the need to loiter and a strong north wind, the ship was moving noticeably – 3 to 5 degree rolls. This was enough to cause more than a few guests to feel under the weather. Also, Tuesday was a bit chilly on deck, again more due to wind than air temp. Still, I had a good time. Besides finishing three books, I spent a good deal of time evaluating tattoos and swimwear choices. Some decisions were good, some I found – questionable. As my sister says, just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it.
We spent Wednesday at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. They’ve built a ginormous water park on the island, plus several pools with perma-parties. For those interested in spending more money, “exclusive” beaches and pools were on offer. I found a (free) chair under an umbrella in the quiet area out of the wind and had a pleasant day. I did confound the shore staff by ordering drinks without having a drink package.