Thanks, Protonk, for the lead to Simulationcraft. I have browsed it briefly and bookmarked it so that I can peruse it very thoroughly.
My Palladin hit lvl 85 last night, so I am officially in the endgame. I have been dinking with my action bars to put more of my spells and abilities in easily available slots. That, in itself, takes a bit of strategizing. I can see how these would change depending on what you are about to take on.
My baby priestess has made it out of the sheltered area of Shadowglen and is heading into the real world.
My warlock is resting at the moment.
I am headed out on a plane tomorrow for Ft. Lauderdale and then a 10-day cruise! So none of my guys will be active until after Dec 12. I might use that time to read up on endgame strategies and other such educational topics.
Y'all have fun while I am gone!!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
And off we go ...
Yes! We did get the upgrade. I leave early Thurs AM and we board Friday noon. We're staying overnight in Ft. Lauderdale. I almost always plan an overnight stay prior to embarkation. I have had enough late and cancelled flights that I won't risk getting to the port just in time to watch the ship sail away. You know, they don't wait for stragglers!!
As promised, here's the first of 12 cruising tips from Budget Travel Magazine:
1. Choosing a cabin is all about location, location, location. Check the ship's layout before booking and opt for a room with a passenger cabin both above and below you. You don't want to sleep right under the casino, disco, or the running track.
I second this wholeheartedly! I would add, try for something at least a couple of doors away from an elevator, because that can be heard in your cabin. Also, if you are booking a sailing on a ship you've sailed on or someone you know (like your friendly, neighborhood Cruise Planner ... Moi!) can give you some insight, try to stay away from the access doors to the staff areas. Carts and things are always being brought in and out.
Even if I haven't sailed on a ship before, I try to find out as much as possible from message boards like Cruise Critic and, of course, the cruise line's web site with deck plans. What are your tips for cabin choice??
Tip #2 tomorrow.
As promised, here's the first of 12 cruising tips from Budget Travel Magazine:
1. Choosing a cabin is all about location, location, location. Check the ship's layout before booking and opt for a room with a passenger cabin both above and below you. You don't want to sleep right under the casino, disco, or the running track.
I second this wholeheartedly! I would add, try for something at least a couple of doors away from an elevator, because that can be heard in your cabin. Also, if you are booking a sailing on a ship you've sailed on or someone you know (like your friendly, neighborhood Cruise Planner ... Moi!) can give you some insight, try to stay away from the access doors to the staff areas. Carts and things are always being brought in and out.
Even if I haven't sailed on a ship before, I try to find out as much as possible from message boards like Cruise Critic and, of course, the cruise line's web site with deck plans. What are your tips for cabin choice??
Tip #2 tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Oh Happy Day!
Why? Because Holland America offered us an upgrade (for a fee, but worth it). We will get a deluxe suite -- Cat SA, SB, or SC. With that comes not only more room, but access to the suites-only Neptune lounge, where there are worktables, snacks out all day, WiFi (again a small fee), and places to relax. Also, we get free laundry, a cocktail party with the officers, priority boarding for tenders, priority reservations for the Pinnacle Grill and a whole host of other amenities.
I will find out tomorrow if we got our name in the hat soon enough for the upgrade, although I'm pretty sure we are OK. Then I'll keep you posted.
I feel like the little kid in the Disney commercial ... "I'm too excited to sleep!"
I had intended to post today the start of a list of cruise tips I found in Budget Travel magazine (http://www.budgettravel.com/magazine/) but my excitement took over instead.
Watch tomorrow for what Budget Travel Magazine calls "A Shipload of Tips".
Monday, November 28, 2011
Why do we cruise?
There are probably as many different reasons that folks take cruises as there are folks ... but, for the most part, it breaks down into two main sides ... those who cruise for the ports and those who cruise for the ship.
Scotty and I are of the second persuasion. We cruise to be on the water and be pampered on the ship. We do get off at ports, but aren't really big on shore excursions unless they really strike our fancy. I will make sure I get into the water, especially when we stop at Half Moon Cay, but Scotty isn't even tempted by that.
We both love sleeping in late, having coffee delivered to our room and reading on the balcony. Did I mention we always get a balcony cabin? If you love the experience of being on the water and on the ship, you must get a balcony cabin. Scotty has even slept out there once or twice (shhh ... don't tell the cruise line).
I love not having to plan or cook meals and not being responsible for anything but myself and what I want to do next! Not that life at home is so burdensome ... quite the opposite ... but there's the feeling on the ship of being pampered that is really quite addicting.
So we cruise for the ship experience ... why do you cruise??
Scotty and I are of the second persuasion. We cruise to be on the water and be pampered on the ship. We do get off at ports, but aren't really big on shore excursions unless they really strike our fancy. I will make sure I get into the water, especially when we stop at Half Moon Cay, but Scotty isn't even tempted by that.
We both love sleeping in late, having coffee delivered to our room and reading on the balcony. Did I mention we always get a balcony cabin? If you love the experience of being on the water and on the ship, you must get a balcony cabin. Scotty has even slept out there once or twice (shhh ... don't tell the cruise line).
I love not having to plan or cook meals and not being responsible for anything but myself and what I want to do next! Not that life at home is so burdensome ... quite the opposite ... but there's the feeling on the ship of being pampered that is really quite addicting.
So we cruise for the ship experience ... why do you cruise??
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Headed for the Southern Caribbean
Scotty and I are headed out again on a cruise. It seems like it's been SUCH a long time, although I did just take a short one last August. See prior posts. But it has been a while since two of us have gone together and we are both really, really ready!
We are headed for the Southern Caribbean (details here) on Holland America's Noordam. It's the first time on this ship for both of us, but we have sailed two of her sister ships, the Oosterdam, and the Westerdam.
I will have Internet access of course ... can't live without that. So I will try to post daily to let you travel along with me virtually.
We leave on Thursday, spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale, and embark on Friday. OH BOY!!!
We are headed for the Southern Caribbean (details here) on Holland America's Noordam. It's the first time on this ship for both of us, but we have sailed two of her sister ships, the Oosterdam, and the Westerdam.
I will have Internet access of course ... can't live without that. So I will try to post daily to let you travel along with me virtually.
We leave on Thursday, spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale, and embark on Friday. OH BOY!!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Eat ... eat ... eat!
Isn't that what cruises are all about? All about the eating? Well, not exactly, but it can seem like that and the Carnival Glory was no exception.
Meredith and I chose "On your own" dining. That means, rather than being on the hook for a specified dining time, with a specified waiter, and the same tablemates, we could come in any time between 5:30 and 9PM and ask to be seated ... just like in a restaurant! Of course, we weren't guaranteed the same waiter or tablemates, but that's part of the fun!
We lucked out our first night. Our waitress was wonderful! So much so that we asked to be seated in her section for the rest of the cruise. We still showed up when we wanted, but we were guaranteed her wonderful smile and impeccable service. There will be a later post on tipping and how we rewarded her smile and attention.
We didn't have tablemates as such, but the tables for two were close enough together that we could have a conversation with those around us. We were lucky in that department as well. We shared dinners with couples celebrating anniversaries on two of the four nights and had enjoyable conversations. The first night we were apparently in the middle of the mother/daughter section as tables on both sides of us were occupied by mother/daughter cruisers, just like me and Meredith!
Of course, there is the food! We had everything from lobster (Meredith's favorite) to an exceptional piece of prime rib (my yummy favorite). As on all main dining room menus, we could have asked for double portions, two entrees, five desserts ... whatever we wanted. One night we ordered tiramisu and two cheese plates for dessert and had them boxed up to take back to our stateroom where we had a movie night in our PJ's.
There are lots of dining options on a ship the size of the Glory. We ate most lunches in the Lido buffet, getting something like a salad, although we could have had a full hot meal. I did have stuffed eggplant one day and it was great! A cut above most cafeteria food. Of course, it's a crowded ship, with lots of kids, so I can't say we found a quiet corner for lunch, but we didn't feel rushed or crowded at any time.
We ordered room service every morning. Carnival thoughtfully provides a check-box menu that you can hang outside your door, indicating your order and the time you want it delivered. We ate light ... yogurt for me, bagel for Meredith ... but having a fresh pot of coffee delivered to your door to drink while you get ready for the day is living the high life as far as I am concerned!
The Glory also has a sushi bar ... according to Meredith, my sushi expert, it's not outstanding, but it is fresh, although a limited selection. I enjoyed it. We especially enjoyed the gentleman who sat next to us at the bar with his plate of sushi generously covered in wasabi, which he thought was guacamole ... boy, was he surprised!!
I can't possibly describe all the food options, but here is a sample of a menu from the main dining room. WOW!
We didn't try the specialty coffees or desserts because there was no need to pay for these when the included options were so good.
We did sample the pizza on the Lido deck and it was pretty good for fast food pizza. Right out of the oven, with lots of cheese and pepperoni. Meredith waited to get a slice of feta/spinich pizza that she declared "great".
The cruise director said in one of his announcements that the average cruiser gains 2 pounds per day. Neither of us hit that goal, but I can surely understand how it could happen!
Meredith and I chose "On your own" dining. That means, rather than being on the hook for a specified dining time, with a specified waiter, and the same tablemates, we could come in any time between 5:30 and 9PM and ask to be seated ... just like in a restaurant! Of course, we weren't guaranteed the same waiter or tablemates, but that's part of the fun!
We lucked out our first night. Our waitress was wonderful! So much so that we asked to be seated in her section for the rest of the cruise. We still showed up when we wanted, but we were guaranteed her wonderful smile and impeccable service. There will be a later post on tipping and how we rewarded her smile and attention.
We didn't have tablemates as such, but the tables for two were close enough together that we could have a conversation with those around us. We were lucky in that department as well. We shared dinners with couples celebrating anniversaries on two of the four nights and had enjoyable conversations. The first night we were apparently in the middle of the mother/daughter section as tables on both sides of us were occupied by mother/daughter cruisers, just like me and Meredith!
Of course, there is the food! We had everything from lobster (Meredith's favorite) to an exceptional piece of prime rib (my yummy favorite). As on all main dining room menus, we could have asked for double portions, two entrees, five desserts ... whatever we wanted. One night we ordered tiramisu and two cheese plates for dessert and had them boxed up to take back to our stateroom where we had a movie night in our PJ's.
There are lots of dining options on a ship the size of the Glory. We ate most lunches in the Lido buffet, getting something like a salad, although we could have had a full hot meal. I did have stuffed eggplant one day and it was great! A cut above most cafeteria food. Of course, it's a crowded ship, with lots of kids, so I can't say we found a quiet corner for lunch, but we didn't feel rushed or crowded at any time.
We ordered room service every morning. Carnival thoughtfully provides a check-box menu that you can hang outside your door, indicating your order and the time you want it delivered. We ate light ... yogurt for me, bagel for Meredith ... but having a fresh pot of coffee delivered to your door to drink while you get ready for the day is living the high life as far as I am concerned!
The Glory also has a sushi bar ... according to Meredith, my sushi expert, it's not outstanding, but it is fresh, although a limited selection. I enjoyed it. We especially enjoyed the gentleman who sat next to us at the bar with his plate of sushi generously covered in wasabi, which he thought was guacamole ... boy, was he surprised!!
I can't possibly describe all the food options, but here is a sample of a menu from the main dining room. WOW!
We didn't try the specialty coffees or desserts because there was no need to pay for these when the included options were so good.
We did sample the pizza on the Lido deck and it was pretty good for fast food pizza. Right out of the oven, with lots of cheese and pepperoni. Meredith waited to get a slice of feta/spinich pizza that she declared "great".
The cruise director said in one of his announcements that the average cruiser gains 2 pounds per day. Neither of us hit that goal, but I can surely understand how it could happen!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Embarkation
So here I am, sitting in the atrium lobby aboard the Carnival Glory, drinking a "Fun Ship" cocktail, complete with little pink umbrella, reading on my Kindle, and waiting for Meredith. I called my best friend, who is my usual cruising buddy, to go "Nyaa, nyaa, nyaa ... I'm on a cruise!" ... she was NOT impressed. At least she is talking to me again!
The trip through checkin was amazingly fast. I arrived about 12:30 ... they had already cleared out the early arrivals, so there was virtually NO LINE! So, here's my first tip ... check in about 1-2 hours AFTER the first time available. You will still have time for your first onboard cocktail, but won't have the long lines!
Anyway, Meredith did arrive about 1:30 ... I was on my second "Fun Ship" ... and, by that time, our room was ready. We put down our carry on luggage and went exploring. Here's what we found. Click here for a set of virtual tours so you can see what we did.
Meredith had only been on one other cruise and it was on Royal Caribbean, so it was really fun to show her the sights of a Conquest-class ship. Folks were already in their bathing suits and sunning by the pool. Unfortunately, this would be some of the last sunning, as the rest of the cruise was overcast and chilly ... but I digress...
I think, rather than going over each day, I'll dedicate a post a day to an experience ... eating, gambling, shore excursion, spa, etc.
So here we go ... pulling out of New York harbor. Tomorrow's post will focus on eating ... and eating ... and eating!
The trip through checkin was amazingly fast. I arrived about 12:30 ... they had already cleared out the early arrivals, so there was virtually NO LINE! So, here's my first tip ... check in about 1-2 hours AFTER the first time available. You will still have time for your first onboard cocktail, but won't have the long lines!
Anyway, Meredith did arrive about 1:30 ... I was on my second "Fun Ship" ... and, by that time, our room was ready. We put down our carry on luggage and went exploring. Here's what we found. Click here for a set of virtual tours so you can see what we did.
Meredith had only been on one other cruise and it was on Royal Caribbean, so it was really fun to show her the sights of a Conquest-class ship. Folks were already in their bathing suits and sunning by the pool. Unfortunately, this would be some of the last sunning, as the rest of the cruise was overcast and chilly ... but I digress...
I think, rather than going over each day, I'll dedicate a post a day to an experience ... eating, gambling, shore excursion, spa, etc.
So here we go ... pulling out of New York harbor. Tomorrow's post will focus on eating ... and eating ... and eating!
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