Welcome to another episode of: What was i thinking? Two Brats in a 2BRATS (Symphony 5/31/24). What could go wrong?

15 minutes ago, Jax said:

Yes upcharge for lobster is included for star class. Those with UDP pay the upcharge.  

Hilarious. So I'm charged $1.25 for a glass of wine over the $14 limit, but the $21 lobster upcharge is included.

2 hours ago, SweetPea said:

Hilarious. So I'm charged $1.25 for a glass of wine over the $14 limit, but the $21 lobster upcharge is included.

Yup. lol I forget the piddly amount Lindsay was upcharged for sake (similar amount to yours) but it’s definitely a bad look for Royal. I put it in my survey. 

6 hours ago, SweetPea said:

Just an update to say that i finally got a copy of my folio and i was NOT charged the upcharge for the lobster in Chops (i think it was $21). I'm not sure if this is a Star Class thing or UDP thing. I'm guessing Star Class. 

 

Now, going forward, would i order the lobster if it was not covered? No. I don't think so. 

I must have missed this earlier but yes, I get the lobster every time in Chops when sailing SC, there’s never an upcharge.

Thanks for such an entertaining and funny blog!  Just read the entire thing this morning and loved it!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's gotten me so excited for our cruise in September.

2 hours ago, Rags1 said:

Thanks for such an entertaining and funny blog!  Just read the entire thing this morning and loved it!

Hey!!!! How is the restaurant doing?! Good to hear from you! Hope you, the fam, and the Grill are doing great!!

32 minutes ago, Mrs. Regular said:

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's gotten me so excited for our cruise in September.

You're going to love it! I think it's my fave ship so far.  Granted we've only done Mariner, Anthem, and Oasis, but still!! I'm jealous you're still looking forward to it!

17 hours ago, SweetPea said:

You're going to love it! I think it's my fave ship so far.  Granted we've only done Mariner, Anthem, and Oasis, but still!! I'm jealous you're still looking forward to it!

LOL we have also only done Mariner and Anthem for larger-ish ships, this will be our first Oasis class experience. This was super helpful!

Holy basket cases, reality has gotten in the way until now but I'm FINALLY DONE reading this blog! Hysterical. Thanks for the journey, and I will always associate Batman with underwear from now on...

39 minutes ago, Cactus527 said:

I will always associate Batman with underwear from now on...

I need to find the boxer briefs for Batman .....

33 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I need to find the boxer briefs for Batman .....

Bezos

4 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Bezos

always. 

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

2 hours ago, SweetPea said:

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

 

This is so sad; she was young and still had tiny humans to raise. My thoughts and well-wishes go out to her family, it will be a trying time for all involved. 

2 hours ago, SweetPea said:

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

 

I'm SO sorry for your loss and thinking of the family. 

5 hours ago, SweetPea said:

Cherish your time together.

So sorry to hear & my thoughts are with you & everyone affected.

Such a sad situation Jodie. I'm so sorry for her children as well as her friends who are suffering her loss. Thank you for expressing this most important sentiment. Every day is a gift and a loss of this nature really hits home. I wish for you and Batman comfort during this time. I pray her family can remember all of the joy she brought them and recover in a healthy way. Counting our blessings this morning and every morning because like you said we live once. 

Peace be with you 

9 hours ago, SweetPea said:

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

 

So very, very sorry to hear this.  It's never easy to lose someone but the situation seems to be very difficult with the kids and all.  Peace for all involved.  I know it won't be easy.

That is so sad. I am sorry for your loss and especially for her young kids. You are so right. I’m only 44 and some people question how/why I travel so much. While I do also try and put away for my future, I’m not going to wait until I’m 65 to enjoy life because like you said you aren’t guaranteed to get there. I’m going to enjoy stuff while I can. 

4 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said:

While I do also try and put away for my future, I’m not going to wait until I’m 65 to enjoy life because like you said you aren’t guaranteed to get there. I’m going to enjoy stuff while I can. 

A tough but important balance indeed. Well said.

1 hour ago, LandstromCruise said:

I’m only 44 and some people question how/why I travel so much. While I do also try and put away for my future, I’m not going to wait until I’m 65 to enjoy life because like you said you aren’t guaranteed to get there.

So well said. This has been our mindset for a few years now, ever since the pandemic.

Also, @SweetPea, I am so sorry for your loss.

16 hours ago, SweetPea said:

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

 

This message really resonated with me. Our school community has suffered 2 losses in the past 3 weeks; a 16 year old who lost her battle with cancer and an 18 year old that was graduating this week and died in a MVA.  His service was this past Friday, the day of the grad camp out. It’s just so awful. Plus I lost my dad in April suddenly and unexpectedly. So I agree, book the cruise, go on that vacation, spend time with family and friends.   I’m so sorry for your loss.  

On 6/23/2024 at 9:29 PM, SweetPea said:

I don't mean to resurrect this, but ... y'all, my colleague died. She was kind, thoughtful, and always calm, even in the high pressure environment we work. I loved her.  She was divorced with 4 young kids for whom she had sole custody. She was supposed to go to her son's middle school graduation on the day she died, and she never made it. 

I guess I'm saying this because you just never know. She died of natural causes, unexpectedly, and way younger than me and Batman. Her family is obviously lost. We are too. She leaves an absolutely enormous void. 

Book that cruise. Cherish your time together. Retire early, if you can. You literally only do live once. 

 

I am just catching up on this blog as I have been on my Grandma/Granddaughter vacation in Arizona.  This is my third of five grandkids and their special time with me.  She wanted to see Grand Canyon so we have been out West since June 18.  We have had an awesome and amazing time!  Today we fly back to RI.

I am soooo sorry to read your news.  How very sad for everyone in her life!  You are so on spot with suggesting to live life when and how you can.  No guarantees on how much time each of us will spend on this Earth.  Prayers and condolences to her entire family and to you…for this devastating loss.    

On 6/8/2024 at 9:53 AM, SMOKEY0202 said:

It would be interesting just one time if you would blog your NCL cruise for us to get some inside of their brand.  Way rates continue to skyrocket, if we all want to continue to sail high seas, one has to weigh all options or stay in dry dock way too long

YOLO book NCL Joy for August 

Well, Batman surprised me and DID book the 10-night Joy for our anniversary as a surprise after our bad news. To be clear, i was proud of him for taking care of our 20th anniversary so i didn't have to do it. When i expressed my excitement and gratitude, he quickly took the opportunity to remind me that it was only our 19th ...

Maybe when the time comes,  I'll pop on here for a brief live to explain differences, but only if there is interest, which i COMPLETELY understand if there is not or it's against decorum. 

It is this August 18 out of NYC on a Breakaway Plus class ship (my fave) to the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, St Maarten, St Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Plata with 2 sea days at the beginning and end). We're staying in a 2BR suite on Deck 17 in Haven proper. It's not Star Class by any means (to me, Haven is certainly below Star but well above Sky Class IMHO), but I'm sure that's just me. Maybe this a bad idea and I'm just too philosophical right now. 

But i did want to say that I'm grateful for this safe space. I was hurting so badly when i posted our bad news. I'm still hurting. But your kind messages meant so much comfort for me.  So thank you. 

11 hours ago, SweetPea said:

But i did want to say that I'm grateful for this safe space. I was hurting so badly when i posted our bad news. I'm still hurting. But your kind messages meant so much comfort for me.  So thank you.

Without going into detail, I love hearing stuff like this. It’s tough to find relief when times are particularly tough (even moreso for some) & it’s truly a blessing when you can find it anywhere.

Sometimes when it seems I’m just posting/rambling out of boredom (which is definitely the case at times), I’m actually helping keep my mind busy when less pleasant thoughts may otherwise be rattling around in my head.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

37 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Awww thanks.

Oh, you probably meant @SweetPea, that makes more sense.

5 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Sometimes when it seems I’m just posting/rambling out of boredom (which is definitely the case at times), I’m actually helping keep my mind busy when less pleasant thoughts may otherwise be rattling around in my head.

I can DEFINITELY relate to this!

5 hours ago, asquared17 said:

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Back atcha!! 🩵🩵

Also i just booked Holland House. 

@OCSC Mike I do love you and @SweetPea as well.

As person who has dealt with clinical depression since my teens it is nice to come here, and everyone be friendly mostly. I had dreams of becoming a writer and being able to blog without all the negativity you can experience elsewhere is very therapeutic. 

I love reading how similar and different we each are. The reminders to live the best you can are good. I am glad @SweetPea was able to gather strength during her trying time from the positivity of her blog. If people need to ramble a little bit or express anything, I know there are a ton of us willing to listen (read ).

11 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

@OCSC Mike I do love you and @SweetPea as well.

As person who has dealt with clinical depression since my teens it is nice to come here, and everyone be friendly mostly. I had dreams of becoming a writer and being able to blog without all the negativity you can experience elsewhere is very therapeutic. 

I love reading how similar and different we each are. The reminders to live the best you can are good. I am glad @SweetPea was able to gather strength during her trying time from the positivity of her blog. If people need to ramble a little bit or express anything, I know there are a ton of us willing to listen (read ).

This likely goes without saying but I love, agree, and can relate to all of this.

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

@OCSC Mike I do love you and @SweetPea as well.

As person who has dealt with clinical depression since my teens it is nice to come here, and everyone be friendly mostly. I had dreams of becoming a writer and being able to blog without all the negativity you can experience elsewhere is very therapeutic. 

I love reading how similar and different we each are. The reminders to live the best you can are good. I am glad @SweetPea was able to gather strength during her trying time from the positivity of her blog. If people need to ramble a little bit or express anything, I know there are a ton of us willing to listen (read ).

Some seemingly good peeps on this board. Y’all really provide a valuable service with your cruising insights and experience. Mentors,  like a cruising Boys  and Girls  clubs! 

Don’t post much BUT I read all of these blogs! You are all so knowledgeable about cruising which is why I started reading but now I read to stay up to date with everyone Love all the sharing . Keep on blogging!!

2 minutes ago, Cruising Granny said:

Don’t post much BUT I read all of these blogs! You are all so knowledgeable about cruising which is why I started reading but now I read to stay up to date with everyone Love all the sharing . Keep on blogging!!

I’ll be doing another one for our Wonder cruise. Feel free to add to it if you’d like!

I just love the folks in this forum!  What a great group of humans!  

I'm sorry for your loss, sending healing and peaceful vibes your way. I hope you have opportunity to spend time with everyone you hold dearest! Your upcoming NCL cruise sounds lovely. I really appreciate that there are great options out of our own backyard here in NY!