Wednesday, October 30, 2013

2013 Cruise Cliff Notes

Welcome home cruisers! I can’t believe its all over, it really went by so fast. But the good news is that they strongly hinted at a 2014 cruise multiple times throughout the trip so hopefully we’ll be able to do it all again soon. Hope everyone had an absolutely amazing time, I know I did! Just wanted to provide a quick brain dump of a few of my thoughts coming off the cruise before I get to my full cruise review.
  • I’d say it was probably the best cruise yet. I think the boys and Rose Tours both really stepped up their games. Even though it was their best cruise, I oddly still can’t say it’s necessarily my favorite one. I still maintain that there was a special magic that I felt on my first cruise that could never be matched.
  • I thought the guys were rockstars with how patient they were taking pictures with all of the fans, most notably Kevin. I was impressed. Obviously Nick still has some work to catch up there, but that’s nothing new.
  • Loved all of the extra BSB branding around the ship from the poker tables, to the carnival glasses and cardboard cutouts (until they were stolen of course) . I think all of that made it that much more special. Even playing BSBTV throughout the ship in public areas was nice.
  • Loved the addition of the solo events. I’d be content if they all did a mini solo concert as Howie and Kev did, but they were all great. Definitely gave us a lot more entertainment!
  • Even though Nick didn’t do as many fan pics as the other guys, I still thought he really stepped up his game at the events and was a lot more engaged with us.
  • It’s funny because in years past I felt we had too much downtime and I hoped they would add more events. This time they added a bunch more events and I ironically thought it was almost too much. Sunday was almost brutal with like 8 things going on. I found myself missing the downtime. Not only for myself, but it was also less opportunity to run into the boys outside of the events, which are usually my top memories of the cruise.
  • Overall I think the door decorations seemed toned-down this year. I suspect a lot of repeat cruisers are more or less getting tired of it. I think I’m just about there myself.
  • This year I went down 2 days early and stayed after the cruise for an additional 2 days and did absolutely nothing on both ends. I really loved this because it stretched my trip out and I was able to get excited beforehand with my friends; and then afterward relive it all. I think the worst moment is being forced off that ship at such an ungodly hour and then fly home all by my lonesome. Staying after for a few days really eased the “backstreet hangover”. Plus it gave me a chance to finally get some much needed R&R!
  • So happy that they made the picture groups smaller. I knew they’d throw us a curveball, I just didn’t expect it to be in our favor. I still had to laugh though because of all the planning everyone did with their photo groups.
So Nice Meeting Everyone!
I want to personally thank everyone who came up and said hi to me from recognizing me through my blog. You all made me feel super special and I got a teeny tiny taste of what the boys must go through. It was so nice meeting you :) Im so sorry I didn’t have more time to chat with everyone, but I felt like I barely had time to eat this cruise! And conversely, there were a lot of you I really wanted to meet and just never had the chance. So hopefully  we’ll have a chance next cruise if not before then at a concert or somewhere else at a BSB event.

Guest Blogger
I also want to invite anyone and everyone to be a guest blogger if you want to share a review of the cruise, your favorite memories, how you thought it compared to what you thought it was going to be, or whatever your heart desires! If you don’t want to  go public, I'd still love to hear your stories. You know where to find me...

27 comments:

  1. Hey there! I completely agree that it was a pretty great cruise. Although I was a first timer, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. I had been reading your blog since right before the last cruise, so I knew not to expect anything and because of that, I was pleasantly surprised.

    We had just barely gotten on the encased ramp and turn to look at the boat and saw AJ! I waved huge and got him to wave back.

    My dork brain walked out of my room without my camera and saw Kevin. After that I did not go anywhere without my camera.

    During the Sail away party I was waiting to take a picture with Kevin and got sick of being pushed around and pretty much pushed back by vicious people, so I left and looked up and saw Nick coming towards me. I hadn't gotten my witts about me, so I didn't get a picture.

    I was between AJ and Kevin during the Meet and Greet picture. I am a huge Kevin fan. Obviously we all came out of the woodwork because he is back. We had the picture, I turn to leave and he says thank you, so I turn around and talk to him shortly. Of course it's babble that comes out of my mouth but he takes my hand with both hands and he looks me straight in the eye. Whats better than that? I was so transfixed by him, I turn to leave the photo area and NICK stops me by putting his hand on my shoulder and turning me around ... and shook my hand. It was so funny!

    During the bachelorette party I was sitting down and see this huge crowd coming and AJ was walking towards me, I put my hand on his shoulder and asked for a picture and got one. Later that night I stood there for a little bit while Kevin was signing autographs and got one within 10 minutes.
    I didn't really run into Brian or Howie for some reason. I didn't really have experiences with either one. I don't think it was on purpose, it just happened that way. I do admit, I was not huge into Nick. But he grew immensely on my list.
    I do know that Kevin was the best out of everyone. I think, in my head, it's because he missed the rest (well a special guest at the last one). I think he was truly making up for lost time. He was always so patient, and he stayed up the latest and stood there the longest. I did get his autograph right before he decided to leave.

    It was an amazing experience for me. For anyone out there reading this, become a part of the fan club and the facebook clubs. Make friends ahead of time. Because of doing that, I never felt alone. I met some pretty amazing people, and some I could see going on the cruise with or just being friends with forever.

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    1. Hey Stephanie! omg your experience sounds absolutely incredible!!! Thats so awesome you had so many wonderful Nick experiences, i found he was tough to track down. And that Kev moment where he grabbed both of your hands...i was dying reading it. He's such a sweetie pie!!!
      And i 100% agree with your last paragraph- spot on! haha :D

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  2. Thank you Laura! I swear I passed you a few times, but I'm always like ... what if they think I'm strange? I should've said hello! It was really strange that I was having experiences with him when people were going out of their way to do it. I was never a big Nick girl. He was just so not my type. But I think ego wise, he's not used to when people forget him.

    I know! I was so happy that Kevin made the effort. He looked me straight in the eyes as I was talking to him. I think I said something to the effect of "I'm so glad your back, I'm a Kevin girl all the way." Such a sweetheart! I think it's because he was so personal. He made the supreme effort. I loved his sense of humor throughout the cruise. I had friends who were fans of different guys that now told me Kevin is their next favorite or their new favorite, BECAUSE he was so personal.

    One of my new friends, Anna from the Philippines said I was super popular. I told her, no I'm not. I just wanted to meet as many people as I could. I never ever felt alone. :)

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    1. haha oh i wish you had come say hi!! I swear its not weird, its totally flattering. When I say I want to meet you all, I really do!!! Promise me next cruise you'll come say hi....if we dont get the chance before then :)

      And yes- i have a few Kevin convert friends as well. Its funny how these cruises mess up your favorites. You really do get to see another side to them though :)

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    2. I should have! I think I saw you in the halls a few times. You looked super familiar. I literally swore by your blog. LOL. It was something that I was glad I found because it taught me to just have fun. I didn't go sleep deprived until Sunday night. I slept at least 6 hrs each night. I wasn't a crazy fan. I heard one girl missed group B concert to sit by the stage for the Bachelorette night. I think that backfired! They didn't even start there :)

      Exactly! I was great to see them just be themselves.

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    3. haha oh wow! Yeah i guess each to their own, huh. But im so glad you found my blog helpful. :)

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  3. YESSS! Great to see your cliff note of a recap and I'm looking forward to your full-blown ones :)

    I swear, I am going on the next one. Even if it means getting a single room lol.

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    1. You better go on the next one!!! It sounds like we'll have one in 2014, thus they need to make the announcement in the next 5 months or so.
      Oh and glad you're enjoying my recap. Def lots more details to come! :D

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  4. Hi! First time cruiser here, and I have to say, that was the best weekend of my life! I was checking in my luggage at the port and the boys arrived at the same time and I got to meet them with about 5 other fans around in my first 5 minutes of being there. I thought nothing could top that. Meeting each of them on different occasions throughout the weekend and getting front row at the beach party were among the highlights. But the best part was being picked to go on stage during their IAWLT concert (group A). I will cherish that forever! If anyone has pictures or videos of that please send them my way! I can't wait to read your full review and look forward to the next cruise (fingers crossed!). I used your blogs for preparation and they really helped me, so thank you. :)

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    1. Hey Sarah!! So sooo happy to hear you had a good time. Thats awesome you got to meet all of them so quickly :D And thats so freakin cool you got to be on stage!!! Were you a door dec winner or just a lucky fan?
      And of course im so glad to hear you found my blog helpful!
      Hopefully catch you on board next time :D

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  5. Hey Laura,
    Really looking forward to your full posts on this year's cruise! I was a first time cruiser (had SUCH a great time -- wish it were longer), and I thought of a post I would like to see in the future - something you could do when you may not have something to blog about.
    I haven't gone to a lot of events and I think a 101 post on BSB staff/people to know would be nice. Like a picture and who they are, what they do. I didn't know many of the people like Jenn, and you could obviously do the wives, etc. Basically anyone BSB-related/BSB cruise-related who it would be worth be able to recognize.

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    1. I also wish it was longer!!
      You know that's so funny you should mention that....I was actually thinking about a very similar concept while I was in Fort Lauderdale, though not quite all the people, but I really like that twist. I will definitely keep that in mind for a potential future post when things settle down a bit :)
      And thanks for reading my blog!!

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  6. I have been following your blog for a few months now, and am so excited that you posted your cliff notes about the cruise. Can't wait for the full review!!

    A quick question.....I have recently rekindled my love for the BSB, and am dying to go on the cruise next year. Thing is, none of my friends are into the whole boy band thing, so I would most likely be going alone. Is it terribly hard to make friends? I love meeting new people, just figured a lot of people already know each other on the cruise so it might be hard to squeeze my way in there! I would love any advice :-)

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    1. Hey Missy!! So great to hear from you :D Glad you're following my blog even though you havent cruised yet....'yet' being the key word ;)
      To answer your question, everyone is super friendly. I went into the first cruise not knowing anyone, and now Ive made countless friends. People are still really open to meeting people, at least, I know I am. I also feel like there are still a lot of first time cruisers each time that even more eager to meet people. If you're looking to meet people Id suggest twitter, the fanclub, or facebook groups. Shoot me an email and i can invite you to those facebook groups (though im not sure if any are forming up for the 2014 one yet) Or just search for 'backstreet cruise'. There are at least like 8 of them.
      They also have the roommate match program, so thats always another option and a great way to make a buddy.
      Sure hope you can make it!!! :D

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    2. Hey Missy :) I am in total agreement with Laura on this. I knew ahead of time that I had the same situation as you. I made a supreme effort to get to know many different people and because of that, I don't regret it one bit! So join FB cruise groups, the fan club ... get to know as many people as possible. It can backfire a tiny bit because you may not be able to have the time to go room searching but ... there may be 3 or 4 you really get to know well ahead of time that you will just hang out with. I now can say I'd do the cruise again because I could share a room with 6-10 really amazing people!
      And yes, I met Mallory too through the FC and FB ... her whole cabin was super awesome :)

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  7. I am totally making it next year! Whats the average price? Does it include all the events?

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    1. Hey Veronica!! I sure hope you can make it next year- def worth it!! The average price is tough- i spent about $1500 the first year and $2000 the next (all in with flights and such) Last year i surveyed like 20-30 cruisers or so and the average cost was $3042 all in. Really depends on what cabin you get and where you're traveling from. But the cost you see on the website does include all of the events and everything else that comes with a standard cruise. Hope that helps & hope to see you on board next year :)

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  8. Id end up with the $699 double room guess ill haveta fight my way up front for events? Lol

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    1. Your room doesnt dictate where you'll be for all of the events. Most of the events are on the lido deck which is a free for all. The only exception is that the people who book suites are guaranteed the first 5 rows in the main lounge. But this year there were only 2 events in there. So getting the cheapest room won't be that much of an issue- it doesnt mean you'll be in the back for everything. No worries! :)

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  9. Sweet ok cant wait ! I got onstage with Nick at my after party best $75 ever lol I will make things happen :-)

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  10. I am with Stephanie also because I think I saw you too but I was too shy to walk up and say hello. Plus every time I saw you it looked like you were on your way somewhere. I can say I had an absolute blast on this trip and for the people debating on going you have to go. I honestly did not know one person I hung out with on the cruise before the cruise was announced now I don't know how I would ever go on another BSB cruise without them, they brought the trip over the top for me!!! I totally agree about the cheap giveaways along with other points you made. I am originally from Louisiana so I have been to many parades in my life and have so many beads. On bachelorette night I happened to get Nick's attention and he tried throwing a bead to me three times! Luckily, on the third try I did this Michael Jordan leap all in a pencil skirt to catch it and I have it hanging from my mirror in my room now!!! I am really hoping that I can make the cruise next year.

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    1. awww haha yeah i guess i was always running around. There really wasnt much time this year to just sit and grab an afternoon ice cream cone! haha Well hopefully next year we can meet up :)
      And im so glad to hear you had a good time and met so many lovely friends. That's really what its all about!! :D

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    2. Mal I didn't hear about that! Yeah I think I saw ya a few times. I got lucky cos Mal was only a few doors down from me. Great door too ... loved it!
      Yeah there was literally no time. Well except maybe Sunday night. I just was happy to sit for a bit. That was nice!

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  11. http://missbutterflysworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/backstreet-boys-cruise-2013.html

    Here is my blog! Finally got it up, after so much work! :)

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    1. Ahhh love it!!!! OMG sounds like you had a wonderful time :) Your pic with AJ is amazing!! And your door was so much fun! I love reading everyone's experience b/c they were all similar, but different at the same time. Okay sorry, that probably doesnt make sense, but hopefully you know what I mean. I guess its just hard to be in 5 places at once so its cool to see how others experienced it :)

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  12. Thank you! I did have a great time. Because I had read your blog, I knew what to expect. But I knew what I could handle. I knew on the last night I wouldn't have any sleep. But the other nights I slept 4-6 hours at least. I knew I'd miss things, and that's ok.
    I completely understand what you are saying! Different people get different perspectives. I loved your photos because it seems like you were close every time! I was more in the background. I don't like crowds and I was happy to be on the sidelines!

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    1. Glad to be of help! I know i got a lot more sleep this trip than i was expecting haha
      Some I was semi-closeish...never right up front though. I can't compete at that level! hahaha But some events its just a good zoom lens ;) lol

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