tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80744833195721503622024-03-19T05:05:34.103-04:00Cruising with the Backstreet BoysThis is the place for everything related to the Backstreet Boys, cruising, and most importantly Backstreet Boy cruises.
You can read my thoughts, opinions, tips and tricks from all of the past BSB cruises dating back to 2010 as well as all the latest news for the 2018 Backstreet cruise from Miami to Grand Turk.
I have no affiliation with the Backstreet Boys or the bsb cruises, just a long time fan, avid cruiser and someone who enjoys sharing my experiences.Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-7643513754770827662018-05-25T07:58:00.001-04:002018-05-25T07:58:35.899-04:00Farewell and Thank You<br />
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It’s with mixed emotions that I want to let you know this is my last post. This blog has provided me a creative outlet and been
a great way for me share my experiences and tips when it comes to cruising with
BSB. Most importantly I’ve met some wonderful friends along the way. That said,
I think it’s time for me to move forward and I’m excited to embark on the next
chapter of my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you to everyone who has read this over the years and I
hope the information that lives in this blog will continue to help new cruisers
in the years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy cruising,<br />
Laura<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-54766955596294713942018-05-15T21:42:00.000-04:002018-05-15T21:42:02.857-04:00Post-Cruise SurveyFellow cruisers - you should've received a survey from Rose Tours in your inbox. I usually spend more time than I probably should on these things, but if nothing else it's nice to think that our voice gets heard. If you haven't filled yours out yet, I always encourage you to keep your comments constructive rather than critical. Complaining for the sake of complaining won't get us anywhere, so really take some time to think about what Rose Tours can actually do to help make our experience better for next time.<br />
<br />
I also encourage you to leave positive feedback as well for aspects of the cruise that you enjoyed so that they continue to do things we like.<br />
<br />That said- here are some of the comments I left in my survey in no particular order:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Loved the Millennium deck party!! And Fast Times at Backstreet High was also amazing. Go figure we want to hear BSB music on a BSB cruise ;) I’d love to see more of that…themes that lend themselves to BSB music being played at the deck parties.</li>
<li>I personally loved the balance of the deck parties this year – I think having 2 theme nights where the boys primarily performed and entertained us and 2 that were a bit more interactive (aka pictures with fans) worked well.</li>
<li>Selfie lines! Yes, please! When the boys decide to pictures with fans, lines are the way to go. I think they help so much keeping fans civil and reduce the pushing while keeping things fair.</li>
<li>I say it every year, but I wish they did more for the fans who decorate their doors. I’m glad that this year they at least made an announcement. I believe the winners got merchandise but in my opinion they should either have better prizes (like a pic with the boys which would cost them nothing) and/or pick more runners up. We spend a lot of time, money, and effort on those and a little more recognition would go a long way</li>
<li>I'd love to see them bring back the beach party and/or Q&A or some other group event. The beach party is always a fave of mine and I felt like we could've used 1 more group event during the day be it a Q&A, a karaoke type event, etc.</li>
<li>Love the solo events – keep on doing those! I also appreciate that they try to switch it up for us year after year and try new things. I also liked that 3 of the solo events incorporated fans and gave more fans a chance for their special moment.</li>
<li>I’ll say that we love the to attention to detail that Rose Tours puts into the decoration and it’s a shame that just a few bad fans ruin that experience for others. I hope that doesn’t deter decorating in the future. Perhaps there should be consequences for people who steal the decorations as to discourage that behavior in the future. Ex: No photo session or they can’t cruise again in the future. </li>
<li>Along the same line of thought as the prior comment, I know the Backstreet Boys didn’t necessarily go over the ‘rules’ of the cruise during the sail away party but it may be helpful to have them go over some general guidelines (aka not stealing decorations) and perhaps fans may be more inclined to listen if it comes from the boys</li>
<li>Minor point but I wish they didn’t do hoodies in white. I’d prefer other colors.</li>
<li>I wasn’t in group A but I heard several complains from fans in that group that the schedule wasn’t ideal…so perhaps take into consideration the flow of events for both groups of fans so that the days are more balanced for both groups</li>
<li>I'm not sure whose idea it was, but the fact that the buffet served food besides pizza after midnight was awesome!!! That has been a recommendation of mine for years and I think it made a huge difference. Rose Tours, if you have any control over that, please do that again in the future!</li>
<li>I continue to love the concerts that are unique to the cruise where the guys sing more rare songs. Keep on doing that!</li>
<li>When I think about the game shows, it seems like the physical challenge type of mini games work better than trivia based questions. Thus in the future I think picking game shows that are more physical are better. </li>
<li>When I think about the game shows, I love Jen, but I do think having a proper host personality would enhance the game show a lot more and keep things on track. It might work well to have 1 of the Backstreet boys host the event or bring on a professional host. I wonder if you could even leverage Carnival's cruise director? But I really felt a difference at Brian's solo event with the guy who hosted his solo event - He had the personality to host a show and I thought it worked well.</li>
<li>This was the first cruise after 6 times that I finally had a bad seat in the lounge. Man oh man do I feel bad for cruisers who get those crummy seats. I honestly don't know what could be done to improve that experience on a sold out ship, but to me it's such a shame when we all pay tons of money to be there and some fans literally have a pole in front of them or are in the back corner of the room and cant see a darn thing (aka me this time). Perhaps you could implement 'stand-by upgrade seating' if fans don't show up 15 minutes after the event starts or maybe do it on a rotational basis to at least make it more fair. I understand those aren't the best solutions but trying to think of something outside the box. Hmm....</li>
<li>I still love the outfits the boys do for the sailaway parties. This is a nice, fun touch that hasn't gotten old yet!</li>
<li>I know we've done both 3 and 4 day cruises in the past and I really do enjoy the 4 day cruise a lot more - I hope you can continue that in the future. That extra day gives us a lot more time to spread the events out and makes a big difference.</li>
<li>I loved that Kevin </li>
<ul>
<li>a) made an announcement on the speaker system. I would love to see you encourage more of this from the boys in the future </li>
<li>b) he went around signing doors. Again, hope you can pass that feedback along that we appreciate that. It goes back to how much time we spend on those doors and its a very nice gesture.</li>
</ul>
<li>I continue to love BSB TV and appreciate that you had new footage this year. Honestly if you sold that footage on a DVD, I would buy it. </li>
</ul>
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Anything else major I'm missing??<br />
<br />
Here is a <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018bsbfeedback">link to the survey</a> in case you missed it. Make sure to submit feedback!Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-38286815535342922672018-05-08T11:51:00.000-04:002018-05-08T13:42:30.837-04:00Post-Cruise RecapWelcome back cruisers. I'm in the throws of post-cruise depression.
Not to mention I'm still exhausted and busy digesting everything that
happened the past 5 days or so. But here's some of my quick down and
dirty thoughts about this cruise while I catch back up on life and write
a proper review.<br />
<ul>
<li>Overall I thought this cruise was phenomenal and ranked right up
there as one of the best. I think they really tried to make up for the
last one and they knocked it out of the park.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Highlight for me was Millennium Night. And funny enough the Fast
Times at Backstreet High was also one of the best deck parties but it
ended up being completely overshadowed by Millennium Night. I know they
didn't end up doing as many selfies but I absolutely loved that about
both nights because they sang BSB songs. I felt like we got 2 extra
concerts and not just any concert, but freakin the entire Millennium
album.<br /><br />I would best describe Millennium night as...okay you know
when you're hanging out with your friends and you just put your iPod on a
Backstreet shuffle playlist and then sing along and tell funny stories
in between the songs? Well imagine you're doing that but WITH the
Backstreet Boys performing those songs and goofing around with you. And
then Nick and AJ decide to spontaneously jump in the pool with you while
Kevin is off serving drinks to you. Definitely a deck party for the
record books and I hope the boys take note that we want more of this!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_buYVb0G5bS1AWwRRZE9BI3g2O5lb_JOj83M37htdAykH4p8CXWuR70i4do-69rxmpVGgTK8KuEfMJ5wHdeAFpQsdASzQKs1UhyphenhyphenwqpnQwjmoShIaE2VTvXKVIOcvdlK8Vszm2-0-goeI8/s1600/millennium20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_buYVb0G5bS1AWwRRZE9BI3g2O5lb_JOj83M37htdAykH4p8CXWuR70i4do-69rxmpVGgTK8KuEfMJ5wHdeAFpQsdASzQKs1UhyphenhyphenwqpnQwjmoShIaE2VTvXKVIOcvdlK8Vszm2-0-goeI8/s320/millennium20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millennium Night (Not sure who put this together to give credit to, but I loved it! and think it sums up the cruise)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Another highlight for me was the concert. I feel like I leave every
cruise and say 'that was the best concert ever' and this was no
different. I loved the funny interludes and untold stories that we've
never heard before. And I loved the setlist. My fave was Climbing the
Walls <3<br /><br /></li>
<li>Sneak Peak with AJ and Kevin. AH-MAY-ZING! It makes me feel good
that they acknowledge the fans who go on the cruise are superfans and
that they trusted us to play new music. This is an example where it
seems like fans behaved and didn't try to sneak in cameras (at least i
haven't heard about it yet) and I hope that it pays off and they'll
trust us to do more of this in the future.<br /><br />As for the music - it
was almost too much to process at one time but I loved hearing a lot of
the new songs. I do hope there is more uptempo songs on the new album
because based on what Kevin shared it seemed there were definitely more
slower songs. AJ's new music also sounded great and I hope that he can
actually follow through and actually release them!<br /><br /></li>
<li>I'm not sure who this Nick Carter we got on this cruise was, but I
was super glad to have this version of him. Historically he is notorious
for being the least accessible but this cruise he stepped up in the
best of ways and we noticed! I loved his little game the first day on
trying to find him for a selfie and the fact that he did a random selfie
line on the third day for hours on end - LOVED IT!<br /><br />I thought
Kevin and AJ both were also both rockstars in terms of taking pics with
fans. They've always been great in the past so I wouldn't expect anything different this time around. Both
Kev and AJ were super accessible and stayed out super late on
multiple occasions taking pics with the fans with their massive selfie
lines. And I find whether you're first in line or 500th in line they are
still as nice and engaging.<br /><br />Meanwhile I thought Howie and Brian
weren't as great about pictures as they normally are or the other 3
boys. I heard that AJ even tried to encourage Howie to start a line and
his response was that he'd rather be drinking on stage. Not gonna lie, a
little disappointed. And not to say that he didn't do any pictures,
because he certainly did. I think Brian made it up to the top deck on
the 2nd night for pictures and did pictures side-stage or randomly
around the ship for a bit. So I certainly give him credit, but I suppose
when he's always the first to peel away from the deck parties it's easy
to see that he's missing from picture time.<br /><br /></li>
<li>I think this may have been the only cruise that we had all deck
parties outside. And I loved it!! It makes a huge difference and I hope
our bad weather curse is over.<br /><br /></li>
<li>I can't stop picturing Nick dressed up as baby spice and it makes me laugh without fail. The Spiceboys costumes were epic!<br /><br /></li>
<li>Overall I thought the vibe of this cruise was laid back,
appreciative, and nostalgic. As far as the fans I didn't personally
experience any pushing or excessive amounts of rude, aggressive fans.
Now granted I wasn't up front except for 1 event so maybe that was it.
But coming off the European cruise, I could definitely feel the
difference.<br /><br />I thought the boys overall seemed to have their guard
down and were just loose and having fun - sharing stories and just
reflective of their 25 year journey of how they've gotten to where they
are today. I loved it!<br /><br /></li>
<li>For me the only negative of this cruise actually came from the fans.
I could not believe my eyes that people were stealing the decorations
on the 2nd day of the cruise! Shame on you for ruining this for others. I
agree with the announcement that "this is why we can't have nice
things." I wouldn't be surprised if they don't do those next cruise as a
result, and that would make me really sad.<br /><br />Similarly I heard
that fans were stealing door decorations and Kevin's signatures from the
doors. Again, just so disgusting and selfish and I hope Backstreet
karma bites you in the ass. <br /><br /></li>
<li>And I'll end with... 3 words...</li>
</ul>
Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-57030450660499916372018-04-29T19:03:00.001-04:002018-04-29T19:03:13.380-04:00Cruise Itineraries 2018Rose Tours made us sweat it out this year, but, better late than never!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwiJ1GvlV5KJxC_3aJdfQOnXUiBzTeWcqrwYJVDcI0XM8FxdGQUxTbLZBe8AxMXB1-067kW9rgy39I9NiXdhAhELgwkR8NXXT85pgwFrwnJp6PGHL93HTY-Wf3VTwJgnTG_y34oiC8k9/s1600/HomeBanner.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1581" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwiJ1GvlV5KJxC_3aJdfQOnXUiBzTeWcqrwYJVDcI0XM8FxdGQUxTbLZBe8AxMXB1-067kW9rgy39I9NiXdhAhELgwkR8NXXT85pgwFrwnJp6PGHL93HTY-Wf3VTwJgnTG_y34oiC8k9/s400/HomeBanner.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BACKSTREET BOYS Cruise 2018 Itinerary </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day One: Thursday, May 3<sup>th</sup>, 2018</span></b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005455" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:00PM – 3:30PM</span></span> Arrival Onboard the Carnival Cruise Ship Sensation</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005456" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:30PM – 4:30PM</span></span> Mandatory Emergency Boat Drill</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005457" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:45PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> <b>Sail Away with BSB</b> on Lido & Verandah Decks</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005458" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group A</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005459" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Group B <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005460" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> <b>Double Trouble Game Show</b> Group B <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005461" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:15PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group B</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005462" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Group A <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005463" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> <b>Double Trouble Game Show</b> Group A <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005464" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Deck Party Groups A&B with DJ <wbr></wbr> <b>Lido Deck 10</b></div>
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1 Hour Cocktail Party Open Bar from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005465" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:00AM – 1:00 AM</span></span> <b> </b></div>
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<b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005466" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tonight’s</span></span> Theme is “Fast times at Backstreet High” </b></div>
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Other Activities will be added, please check Carnival’s Fun Times for times and locations.</div>
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THE FANTASIA LOUNGE IS AT FULL CAPACITY. NO SEATING CHANGE REQUESTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED</div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Two: Friday, May 4<sup>th</sup>, 2018 – Day at Sea</span></b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005468" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00AM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Photo Session Group B <wbr></wbr> <b> Plaza Aft Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005469" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:15 PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors open Group B <b> </b> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005470" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:45PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> AJ Goes Country & Sneak Peak with Kevy Kev – Group B <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<wbr></wbr> <b>(ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES , CAMERAS OR BAGS WILL BE PERMITTED UNDER ANY </b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">CIRCUMSTANCE. GUESTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO SEARCH WITH METAL DETECTORS UPON ENTRY)</span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005471" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group A</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005472" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:15PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group B</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005473" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Open Group A <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005474" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> BSB: Storytellers Group A <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005475" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Deck Party Groups A&B with DJ <wbr></wbr> <b>Lido Deck 10</b></div>
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<b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005476" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tonight’s</span></span> Theme is “We Got it Going Con” </b></div>
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Other Activities will be added, please check Carnival’s Fun Times for times and locations.</div>
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THE FANTASIA LOUNGE IS AT FULL CAPACITY. NO SEATING CHANGE REQUESTS CAN BE ACCOMODATED</div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Three: Saturday, May 5<sup>th</sup>, 2018 –Grand Turk</span></b></div>
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ENJOY YOUR FREE DAY IN GRAND TURK. BE BACK ON BOARD THE SHIP BY <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005478" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:30 PM</span></span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005479" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Cinco De Howie D<b> <wbr></wbr> Lido Deck 10</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005480" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group A</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005481" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:15PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group B</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005482" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Open Group B <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005483" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:45PM</span></span> BSB: Storytellers Group B <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005484" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Deck Party Groups A&B with DJ <wbr></wbr> <b>Lido Deck 10</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005485" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tonight’s</span></span> Theme is “<b>Millennium Night</b>”</div>
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Other Activities will be added, please check Carnival’s Fun Times for times and locations.</div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Four: Sunday, May 6<sup>th</sup>, 2018 – Day at Sea</span></b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005487" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:00AM – 3:00PM</span></span> Blackjack Tournaments <wbr></wbr> <b>Casino</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005488" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00AM</span></span> Photo Session Group A <b> Plaza Aft Lounge</b></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005489" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> BSB HQ with Nick<b> </b> <wbr></wbr>
<b>Lido Deck 10</b></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005490" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Open Group A<b> <wbr></wbr> Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005491" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> AJ Goes Country & Sneak Peak with Kevy Kev – Group A <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
<div>
<wbr></wbr> <b>(<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: 700;">ABSOLUTELY </span>NO CELL PHONES<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: 700;">, CAMERAS</span> OR BAGS WILL BE PERMITTED UNDER ANY </b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">CIRCUMSTANCE. GUESTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO SEARCH WITH </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: 700;">METAL DETECTORS </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">UPON ENTRY)</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005492" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> Dinner Group A</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005493" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors open Group B <wbr></wbr> <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005494" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Game Night with Mr. & Mrs. Littrell & Guests <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005495" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:30PM</span></span> BSB Casino Night – Final Tournament Tables <b>Casino</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005496" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Doors Open Group A <b>Fantasia Lounge</b> </div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005497" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:15PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Dinner Group B <wbr></wbr> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005498" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:30PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Game Night with Mr. & Mrs. Littrell & Guests <b>Fantasia Lounge</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005499" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:00PM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Deck Party Groups A&B with DJ <wbr></wbr> <b>Lido Deck 10</b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005500" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tonight’s</span></span> Theme is “<b>Party like it’s 1993”</b></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Other Activities will be added, please check Carnival’s Fun Times for times and locations.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
THE FANTASIA LOUNGE IS AT FULL CAPACITY. NO SEATING CHANGE REQUESTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Five: Monday, May 7<sup>th</sup>, 2018</span></b></div>
<div>
Day of Debarkation</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005502" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00AM</span></span> <wbr></wbr> Arrive at Miami Cruise Terminal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Merchandise Store Hours:</b></div>
<div>
The Merchandise store is in the Library on Atlantic Deck 8</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day One: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005503" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday May 3, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005504" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:30PM – 11:30PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Two: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005505" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday May 4, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005506" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00AM – 11:30PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Three: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005507" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday May 5, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005508" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:30PM – 11:30PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Four: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005509" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday May 6, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005510" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00AM – 10:00PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Hospitality Desk Hours:</div>
<div>
The Hospitality Desk is Midship on Promenade Deck 9</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day One: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005511" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday May 3, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005512" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:00 PM – 4:00 PM</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005513" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:00PM – 8:00PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Two: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005514" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday May 4, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005515" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:00PM – 7:00PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Three: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005516" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday May 5, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005517" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM – 8:00PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Day Four: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005518" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday May 6, 2018</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_773005519" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:00PM – 8:00PM</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In Your cabin tune into your exclusive BSB Channel 21</div>
</div>
</span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Take</b></span><br />
Phew, lots to digest here! <br />
<br />
Let's start with the new events. <u>'AJ Goes Country & Sneak Peak with Kevy Kev'</u>. Given how strict they are with the whole 'no cameras or phones' I assume we'll be getting a taste of new music. Given that I have 2 phones and a camera, part of me wanted to sneak in a device, but they seem to mean business if they're making us go through a metal detector. Yikes! But the other part of me will feel a sense of relief not having to worry about taking pictures and filming the events. Just enjoy some new music from 2 of my faves :) And historically I've loved the solo events where the guys sing. They can do some more unreleased stuff and things we don't normally get to hear.<br />
<br />
Next up is <u>Cinco De Howie</u>. Sounds generic enough but it also sounds a bit like his 'Rum DMC' event. I imagine it'll involve Howie and alcohol and more Howie and more alcohol. I wasn't the biggest fan of his Rum DMC event, so hopefully this event will have a bit more to it than watching him play beer pong. Granted whatever he does, I'll be there!<br />
<br />
<u>BSB HQ with Nick</u>. So best that I can infer is that this will be based on the popular trivia game/app - HQ trivia. The good news is that I do play that app/game and the bad news is I have yet to win. Grrr. But with Nick hosting and the questions being BSB related, I maybe just maybe will be pull this off. <br />For those of you who don't know what HQ trivia is all about - its a game show where they ask 12 multiple choice questions where everyone gets to play until they guess a wrong answer. Last ones standing will split a pot of money. If that's what they intend to do here, I love that it gives everyone a chance to play. Of course you never know, so we shall see!<br />
<br />
Last but not least is <u>Game Night with Mr. & Mrs. Littrell & Guests</u>. Of course that last word is the most intriguing here. "& Guests," huh? How does one get to be a guest? Hopefully this means fan involvement in some way. This sounds like it'll be a fun time. Anytime you give Brian a mic you know you'll have some good laughs.<br />
<br />Seems like we're getting lots of game shows this year... <u>Double Trouble Game Show</u> being the main game show with all the boys. I honestly don't have any guesses on this one but I'm sure it'll involve some good laughs as well. <br />
<br />
Last but not least is <u>BSB: Storytellers</u>. It appears that this will be our concert. From my understanding the New Kids did a concert similar to this where they take about some of their songs with stories and anecdotes, then sing them. I'm honestly thrilled they're not copping out and doing the Vegas set because I was a bit worried they would. I'm glad that they realize they are on a ship with all of their super fans and we don't need to see all their singles we've seen performed hundreds of time. Im happy we're getting something unique.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course I don't want to focus on what's not here, but I still can't help but be a bit upset we aren't getting a Q&A event nor a beach party. Those are 2 of my faves and the Q&A seems like such an easy event to put together....but that's okay. Hopefully they'll more than make it up to us with these other events.<br />
<br />
Oh boy, cruisers. It's getting real!! See you on board in just 4 days!<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><b> </b></span>Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-25583251338800351872018-04-24T12:51:00.000-04:002018-04-24T22:46:13.646-04:00AJ Blackjack Tournament Sign UpsYou know we're starting to get closer to cruise time because the blackjack tournament signups are here! In case you missed it, here is the email that went out:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Ever dream of playing blackjack on the High Seas? <br />Well, here is your chance. <br /> AJ is hosting his annual Blackjack Tournament. <br />For just $25 dollars (payable to the casino host on-board), you can have a chance to play for a cash prize and, more importantly, the chance of beating Mr. McLean himself<br /><br />The top six chip winners from the qualifying rounds (starting in the casino at 10am) will test their skills in the grand finale.<br /><br />The three players with the most chips will win cash prizes. <br /><br />Submit your name, email address and dining time <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AJBLACKJACK2018">HERE</a>.<br />We will randomly select among all entries. You will receive a schedule with your table time in advance. <br /><br />Please submit your request by Friday, April 27th<br />Good luck!</i></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>What to Expect- Cliff Notes </b></span><br />
I wrote a post a few years ago on '<a href="http://bsbcruise.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-to-expect-ajs-blackjack-tournament.html">What to Expect: AJs Blackjack Tournament</a>' if you want more info. But I'll attempt a cliff notes version here as well. My credentials are that I've played in the tournament 3 times and made it to the finals to play with Howie once.<br />
<br />
Basically you need to sign up via the link above. You will likely get an email a few days before the cruise with the schedule on when you're assigned time is. If you sign up, you do NOT have to participate if you choose later not to. Alternately they usually do accept last minute sign-ups as well. It costs $25 to play.<br />
<br />
The tournament itself is structured that you will play at a table with other fans first. Everyone starts with the same amount of chips/money and the goal is to be among the top 6 players OVERALL in order to play with AJ, not just at the table. You will play through 7 hands and whoever has the most chips/money at the end will go on a leaderboard and go on to play with AJ. Definitely keep this in mind with your betting strategy.<br />
<br />
From my anecdotal experience it seems that you dont need to be an experienced blackjack player to play. A lot of fans just want the chance to play with AJ and that's okay! So don't be intimidated because you don't know how to play. I recommend giving it a try, you never know.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-40381976555409588002018-04-20T14:36:00.000-04:002018-04-20T14:36:47.724-04:00What? You're Going to See BSB Again?Yes. Yes I am.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As Backstreet fans we all get this question on a regular basis. As we quickly approach cruise #6 I continue to get asked, "Another Backstreet cruise?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I find I'm met with different types of responses from family, friends and colleagues. Some are supportive of my fangirl life; some even jealous and wish they were just a fraction as passionate about something as I am about BSB; but a good majority of the time I'm met with some sort of judgment. The fact that I'm a grown woman in her 30's and choose to spend my money and vacation time 'chasing a boyband around' seems like a foreign concept to many. Meanwhile I don't judge others who say go to the same beach every year or spend their money on designer clothes or whatever it is that floats their boat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well what is the draw of a Backstreet cruise? For me it's the magic, an escape, and the memories.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's just something magical in the air as soon as you land in the Miami airport. You know you're about to start the trip of a lifetime. You look around the airport and try to spot other fans who also headed to the cruise - needing to freak out with others who just <i>get it</i>. That magic continues to escalate as you reach the port and see a room full of fans who all share the same love as you do. And nothing tops that feeling of when you actually see the boys for the first time boarding the ship. You pinch yourself for reassurance that you are not dreaming...you are in fact going on a cruise with the Backstreet Boys. As you walk up the gangway and get ready to board the ship yourself...in that moment the possibilities and hopes of everything that's to come over the next 4 magical days is euphoric. It's like a drug.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I get older and face more responsibilities from work, family life and just general adulthood - I can escape all of my cares from back home. Even though its for a short time, for those 4 days I can be 13 years all over again. I can let go of that day to day stress and completely unplug. Being in the middle of the ocean with 2000 fans and the 5 boys who got me through my adolescence is just such a surreal environment that no one else can understand if you haven't been there. It's unlike a concert and it's unlike any other cruise. It's just a super unique experience and for me - it offers me an opportunity to get away and simply recharge my batteries for life. And everyone needs that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This upcoming cruise will be my 6th Backstreet Boy cruise. Another question I get asked frequently is 'which was the best cruise?' Well I can find reasons for every cruise being my favorite, but in reality the first will always hold such a special place in my heart because it was the first. Experiencing that magic for the first time was absolutely surreal. 6 cruises later I find I need more and more to get that same 'high' if you will. It becomes harder to top the experiences I've had on each prior cruise. Yet somehow I manage to still have the time of my life each time I go. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'll be damned if I haven't made some of the best memories of my life on board these cruises. Memories with the boys, with my friends, and even just myself. I've taken a shot with Kevin. AJ has come visited my cabin. I've played blackjack with Howie. I've played beach games with Nick. I've had some really good conversations with Brian. And most importantly I've made some of my now best friends. So while I don't know what the future holds if the boys will continue to cruise or if I will be able to continue to go on them...I cherish every single memory I've made on board. Those memories are worth the world to me. And they are what keeps me coming back year after year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So again, my answer to your question is a resound 'YES', and now I ask, do you want to come?</div>
Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-22920723493981498552018-04-18T23:22:00.002-04:002018-04-18T23:22:50.041-04:00Sail Away with Nick CarterI don't know whether to be happy or mad that Nick announced this so last minute. Damn you Carter for not giving us more time to plan.<br />
<br />
Here are the deets: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTfCWAXoSmX42uvPHXvwOMpF_NCbIrWQcx59qL5TMNqnoJtD-doptJT85mG3RxyQSSBdRb0IkbpufpIxxzyXLg6u_hEJGvX_aU0B7yhJjJJPlY4onmdJeFPUNpfbLbAus6pKJJykY15XN/s1600/medium.R1PjVO4h9jsqWB2rw-7jimvidn8dAQrDVbqHkMtoMkU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTfCWAXoSmX42uvPHXvwOMpF_NCbIrWQcx59qL5TMNqnoJtD-doptJT85mG3RxyQSSBdRb0IkbpufpIxxzyXLg6u_hEJGvX_aU0B7yhJjJJPlY4onmdJeFPUNpfbLbAus6pKJJykY15XN/s320/medium.R1PjVO4h9jsqWB2rw-7jimvidn8dAQrDVbqHkMtoMkU.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Party with Nick before setting sail on #BSBCruise2018!<br /><br /><b>Sail Away With Nick Carter</b><br /><br /><i>Wednesday, May 2<br />7pm<br />Hard Rock Cafe Miami<br />401 Biscayne Blvd.<br />Miami, FL 33132<br /><br />Two types of tickets will be available:<br /><br />VIP TICKET<br />*Limited quantity<br />Includes:<br />Professional Meet & Greet photo<br />Welcome drink upon arrival in a keepsake HardRock branded glass<br />Hors d'oeuvres upon arrival<br />Custom Nick Carter Branded Sunglasses<br />Custom laminate<br />Exclusive VIP area<br /><br />GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET<br />Entry into the event<br /><br />Tickets on sale Friday, April 20th at 10am Pacific.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Does anyone else feel that this is a little vague? The only thing that concretely involves Nick is the meet & greet. I wish they would give us just a little bit more on what this event entails. But I suppose my fangirl experiences have taught be to pick apart every word with these things because inevitably we aren't guaranteed anymore than what's listed here. I <i>assume</i> he will be mingling with fans, but of course you never know with Nick.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also notice that by the time I got to write this blog post they had the prices up at $250 and $75 respectively and have promptly taken them down. Makes me think we're in for a surprise Friday during the pre-sale. Hmmm.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well good luck to all those fans during the sale on Friday and have fun to anyone going!</div>
Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-13883991953729123122018-04-15T16:21:00.005-04:002018-04-15T16:21:59.267-04:00Check-In and Various UpdatesHi cruisers - We have an update from Rose Tours with some key information! My commentary all the way at the bottom ;)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwiJ1GvlV5KJxC_3aJdfQOnXUiBzTeWcqrwYJVDcI0XM8FxdGQUxTbLZBe8AxMXB1-067kW9rgy39I9NiXdhAhELgwkR8NXXT85pgwFrwnJp6PGHL93HTY-Wf3VTwJgnTG_y34oiC8k9/s1600/HomeBanner.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1581" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwiJ1GvlV5KJxC_3aJdfQOnXUiBzTeWcqrwYJVDcI0XM8FxdGQUxTbLZBe8AxMXB1-067kW9rgy39I9NiXdhAhELgwkR8NXXT85pgwFrwnJp6PGHL93HTY-Wf3VTwJgnTG_y34oiC8k9/s400/HomeBanner.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>Important Information:</strong>
<br />
<br />
Is everyone ready to leave the Real World behind and cruise for 4 nights with BSB onboard the Carnival Sensation?!?!?
<br />
<br />
Before the nonstop fun can start we need to take care of some business.
All guests sailing on Carnival are required to complete an online
check-in no later than <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977401" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:59 pm</span></span> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977402" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">May 2nd</span></span>,
the night prior to sailing. Once the quick and easy 4 Step Online
Check-In process is complete you can proceed to print your Boarding Pass
and Luggage Tags and book shore excursions and spa appointments.
<br />
<br />
<strong>New for this year – Carnival Staggered Check-in:</strong>
Carnival has a new staggered check-in policy for their regular cruise
guests. You must select a time when you do your online registration.
This new CCL check in policy will not apply to us but they do require an
arrival time to be filled in to complete your check in. You can arrive
any time prior to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977403" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3pm.</span></span><br />
<br />
To begin the Online Check In process, click the following link- <a href="https://www.carnival.com/BookedGuest/GuestManagement/MyCarnival/LogOn?booked=true&returnUrl=%2FBookedGuest%2FRedirect%3Ficid%3DCC_my-booking_1862%26goal%3Dmybooking">Carnival Online Check In</a><br />
<br />
Select Login, Register or Access Your Booking Now and provide the following information:<br />
<br />
<strong>Your Booking Number:
<br />
<br />
Guest Last Name
<br />
<br />
Date of Birth
<br />
<br />
Ship Name: Carnival Sensation
<br />
<br />
Sail Date: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977404" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">05/03/2018</span></span></strong><br />
<br />
Step 1 - Provide Guest Information: You will be required to provide
personal information such as address, an emergency contact, and your
travel documentation information
<br />
<br />
Step 2 – Select your arrival time.
<br />
<br />
Step 3 - Onboard Expenses: You will open your onboard expense account by
providing credit card information or you can select to provide cash
upon embarkation.
<br />
<br />
Step 4 - Cruise Ticket Contract: You will need to accept Carnival Cruise
Ticket Contract (Please note you will not be able to complete the
online check in without accepting these terms)
<br />
<br />
Step 5 - Check-In Summary: You will receive a message you have completed
the Online Check In and can now proceed to print your boarding pass and
luggage tags.<br />
<br />
If you are having technical issues while checking in please call Carnival at <a href="tel:1-866-236-6670" target="_blank">1-866-236-6670</a>
for assistance. If any of the pre- populated information in your online
check in is incorrect (example: date of birth) please contact Rose
Tours at 1-215-663-8800 (M-F <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977405" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9am-5pm ET</span></span>)
<br />
<br />
Please have proper travel documentation (valid Passport or State Issued
Birth Certificate and government issued photo ID) with your Boarding
pass with you for check-in at the pier.
We suggest you put any necessary medication in your carryon bag since
any checked luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom until later
in the day. <br />
<br />
<strong>CRUISE INFORMATION</strong><br />
<br />
AUTOGRAPHS: No autographs will be given at the photo sessions. You are
more than welcome to ask BSB for their autographs when you see them
around the ship, however please respect their privacy if they request
it.
<br />
<br />
PHOTO SESSIONS: We will have groups of 4 or 5 passengers for each
picture with BSB. Please respect this group policy. These sessions will
be in the Plaza Aft Lounge on Deck 9. Please arrive at the Photo Session
with your group of 4 or 5 passengers! NO CAMERAS, MOBILE PHONES, GIFTS
OR BAGS WILL BE ADMITTED INTO THE PHOTO SESSION. If you do not have a
group of 4 or 5, please go into the Disco to make up your
group. Once you have your group of 4 or 5, please get in line. If you
do not get a group of 4 or 5 you will be added to random passengers in
order to get your photo. The photo session will end when the line ends. A
link will be sent about 2 weeks after the cruise for you to download
your photo.<strong> There will be no mixing of group A & B – this will be strictly enforced.</strong><br />
<br />
PERSONAL CAMERAS / VIDEO CAMERAS: Please feel free to bring your
personal camera to all events except for the official photo sessions. If
personal cameras are brought to the photo sessions, you will have to
return it to your cabin. Video cameras allowed only for personal events.
They are not allowed at official BSB cruise events. NO PROFESSIONAL
CAMERAS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME. (SLR, DSLR, HD VIDEO, ETC)<br />
<br />
WRISTBANDS: You will receive your wristband at check-in. Your wristband
will have your exact seat assignment and either an A or B, which will
denote your dining and event time. Wristband color and seat assignment
number was determined by time of booking. Please note that these
wristbands are required for all events. DO NOT REMOVE these wristbands
until the end of the cruise. <strong>The cruise is sold out and the showroom is at capacity. There will be no seating changes. </strong><br />
<br />
PERSONAL GIFTS TO BSB: Gifts will NOT be permitted at any BSB scheduled
events. Gifts can be left at the Rose Tours hospitality desk located
Midship on deck 9. Please consult your itinerary for Hospitality Hours.
Your gifts will be delivered to BSB.
<br />
<br />
SEATING: All seating in the Fantasia Show Room will be reserved. Your
wristband determines which zone you are in and your Seat Number. Please
look at the seating charts provided at check in to see where you will be
seated. Please respect the seating policy and do not switch seats
during the events. Please be respectful of others when entering the
Fantasia Show Room.
<br />
<br />
CONCERT: BSB Concerts will be reserved seating. Each group gets ONE
concert. NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED INTO THE OTHER GROUPS CONCERT. Please
respect your fellow guests during the concert. VIDEO IS NOT PERMITTED
DURING THE CONCERT!
<br />
<br />
DRESS: Dress during the day is casual (shorts, shirts, skirts, jeans, etc.) Theme nights are as follows:<br />
<br />
<strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977406" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday 5/3</span></span> – Fast Times at Backstreet High
<br />
<br />
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977407" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday 5/4</span></span> – We’ve Got it Goin’ Con
<br />
<br />
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977408" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday 5/5</span></span> – Millennium Night
<br />
<br />
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_399977409" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday 5/6</span></span> – Party Like It’s 1993</strong><br />
<br />
DINING ROOMS:
<br />
<br />
Guests with Early Dining are in Group A
<br />
<br />
Guests with Late Dining are in Group B<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You will receive dining room assignment at check in. Seating in the dining rooms is open.</li>
<li>Beach & Swim Wear, Tank Tops are not allowed in the Dining Room.
</li>
<li>Please arrive at your assigned dining room with your party, the Maitre D’ will seat you.
</li>
<li>Other options include 24 hour Room Service (fees may apply), Buffet on Lido Deck or the 24 hour Pizzeria.
</li>
</ul>
<br /><br /><strong>Free Day in Grand Turk
</strong><br /><br />
You can enjoy your day on shore, no activities are scheduled while we are in port.
<br /><br /><hr />
<strong> Carnival Ban Carry-On Bottled Beverages</strong>
<br /><br />
Carnival Cruise Line is prohibiting its passengers from bringing bottled beverages onboard
<br /><br /><strong>You are allowed up to 12 unopened cans of water, sodas and
non-alcoholic beverages per person to be brought on board during
embarkation. You can now purchase a 12-pack of bottled water from
Carnival at a price of $4.50 plus tax online prior to the cruise or on
board.
</strong>
<br /><br />
Passengers age 21 and older can bring aboard one 750-milliliter bottle
of unopened wine or champagne in carry-on baggage on embarkation day. If
you choose to consume it in a restaurant or bar, you will be charged a
$15 corkage fee.
<br /><br />
All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
outside of these exceptions are prohibited in both carry-on and checked
luggage and will be confiscated and discarded with no compensation
provided. All alcohol purchased in ports of call or onboard shops will
be returned on the morning of debarkation.
<br /><br />
Guests also are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since
it’s an impediment to the boarding and security process. They can bring
onboard personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12-by-12-by-12 inches to
store small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications.<br /><br /><strong>Door Decorating Contest:</strong> Please note that while we are
having a door decorating contest, Carnival has changed their policy on
what is permitted to go on the door. You can decorate your door if it
doesn’t present any fire hazards; such as plug-ins or decorations over
the lighting features that may overheat.
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Interpretation</b></span><br />
Most of this seems pretty standard. The thing that jumped out at me is of course that we're not having a beach party this year. Definitely a bummer as that is always a highlight for me and we missed that last time in Europe. I also personally prefer the vibe at the beach party as opposed to the theme parties mainly because they are daytime events and not late night parties. But on the bright side, it gives us the day in Grand Turk to explore. I do encourage you to take advantage of the day...there's no need to stay on the ship and stalk the guys. In the past, the boys have taken advantage of the port and gone off to explore. Thus you should too! You never know if you might run into them in Grand Turk.<br />
<br />
Another point to note is that they did officially announce a door decorating contest. While they always seem to have one, they don't always make an official announcement. So that's exciting. Hopefully they'll have some good prizes this year.<br />
<br />
Other than that, we are officially 18 days away! As we get closer to set sail date, if anyone has any questions, always feel free to <a href="mailto:chaosroks128@netscape.net">email me</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-67328441721175925792018-02-16T10:37:00.001-05:002018-02-16T10:37:52.713-05:00#CruiseThemeThursday: Comic Con NightAnd it looks like we finally have our 4th theme!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ahoy, Backstreet Army!
Our final theme night of #BSBCruise2018 is...
We've Got It Goin' Con
Superheroes and villains and monsters oh my! Cosplay is key here... so have fun with it!
Love,
BSB
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEbeydoyRsx-pkKCJFkI46kuH8ByKCSQjOu6wjCt5zCayhyphenhyphenJed8Ur-ObZ9c9sFZEommZJ6OdEUn7F4BDgUc8iwkbjRI1-FkRnuDUVUdpxM0laOfyRzccbRC7D_vM2z7BDUZ4BTLl6XM0h/s1600/comiccon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="480" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEbeydoyRsx-pkKCJFkI46kuH8ByKCSQjOu6wjCt5zCayhyphenhyphenJed8Ur-ObZ9c9sFZEommZJ6OdEUn7F4BDgUc8iwkbjRI1-FkRnuDUVUdpxM0laOfyRzccbRC7D_vM2z7BDUZ4BTLl6XM0h/s320/comiccon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">My Take</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'm excited for this one!! It's fun, different, and related to BSB. I also think it will be a fun atmosphere and it'll be cool to see what the guys are dressed up as. As for me, my favorite has always been Superman so I'll see if I can find a t-shirt or something with an 'S' on it. Just no spandex and capes for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />Now that we have all the themes - I do find it interesting that they aren't really have a formal night. I suppose white night kind of falls into that category, but in all the years past they've had some sort of official dress-up night that corresponds with the formal dinner. I'm also (believe it or not) pleasantly surprised that they aren't doing a raunchier theme this year. Last year it honestly felt a bit forced to me. </div>
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I guess it's time to go shopping, cruisers!</div>
<br />Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-90558030465652314332018-02-01T16:22:00.002-05:002018-02-01T16:22:51.196-05:00#CruiseThemeThursday: Millennium NightAnother Thursday, and another cruise theme!<br /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Ahoy, Backstreet Army!<br /><br />We're bringing it back to the Millennium era for theme 3... </i></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSVcndFTkEQhm3LjG1FysINLITawltPOBWhyphenhyphenpdEdhVUitZjB3wq72T2G0ZVXD2IytPNYkAAPCoVpmqJBbiXty3HJYjOHSWvxNH27IzZzSXmgxZ_MMOCtiBVVN4St-poG0B2qgbWmrgRGB/s1600/white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="723" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSVcndFTkEQhm3LjG1FysINLITawltPOBWhyphenhyphenpdEdhVUitZjB3wq72T2G0ZVXD2IytPNYkAAPCoVpmqJBbiXty3HJYjOHSWvxNH27IzZzSXmgxZ_MMOCtiBVVN4St-poG0B2qgbWmrgRGB/s320/white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br />#BSBCruise2018 Theme Night 3 Is.....<br />Millennium Night<br /><br />All white everything! Bonus points if you rock an outfit like the ones in 'I Want It That Way' ;).<br /><br />Love, <br />BSB</i></blockquote>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">My Take</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Is it just me or are all of these themes pretty much the same? Yes they are technically different, but 90s, millennium, and high school all occurred around the same time for a lot of us fans and they seem to have a similar vibe to me. I like each of these themes individually but not sure how they will all come together on one cruise. They feel too similar.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">That said, I do think 'white night' will be easy enough to dress for, which I do like. Not sure what they'll do for activities that night, hopefully something Millennium themed. I'm also not <i>as</i> excited to see what the boys wear. It won't be as exciting as some of the other themes where you never know what they will come out ask. I guess we'll have to wait another 3 months to find out! </span></span>Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-24861722647949313232018-01-25T13:45:00.003-05:002018-01-25T13:45:41.999-05:00#CruiseThemeThursday: Party Like It's 1993 And another Thursday brings us another theme....90s night!!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Ahoy, Backstreet Army!<br /><br />Grab your tamagotchis and beanie babies! We're going back to the 90s!<br /><br />#BSBCruise2018 Theme Night 2 Is.....<br />Party Like It's 1993</i></blockquote>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N4-6BjLfm437H_kYTVxdfQbP0ia0W0QBS0qaOzZrwUauomHoRKdQq8s22-j4GIvF0KyZW1MyWUHRQ4pL14Mht9B_U4tnZ1UizrjRzY1FEb8uJgHq4A1wo88M85OmM9Jw-d7sHvVHEAWe/s1600/90s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N4-6BjLfm437H_kYTVxdfQbP0ia0W0QBS0qaOzZrwUauomHoRKdQq8s22-j4GIvF0KyZW1MyWUHRQ4pL14Mht9B_U4tnZ1UizrjRzY1FEb8uJgHq4A1wo88M85OmM9Jw-d7sHvVHEAWe/s320/90s.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<blockquote>
<i><br /><br />Celebrating one of the greatest decades - the 90s!<br /><br />We're going back to the 90's with a "Party Like It's 1993" Party! Cruisers should go all out 90s in their get-ups. Nothing is off limits! </i></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Take</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Overall - looking forward to this one! I think fans have been asking for it for a while.</span></span> Seems like they're making this a nostalgia cruise. High school night and 90s night. Quite frankly for both of these themes I would've been wearing a BSB t-shirt back in the day. But I feel like that's cheating so I'll have to put in a bit more thought. Any ideas are welcome.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I wonder what the boys will do with this one. I'd love to see them embrace some of their earlier roots. I think the New Kids watched some of their old videos with fans at the deck party and I think this sounds like a fun idea and an appropriate night to do that. Basically watch videos like A Night out With the Backstreet Boys, All Access or the Disney special. How fun would it be to have their live commentary watching those. Plus I haven't seen those videos in ages because they all sit on VHS.</span></span>Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-44292582465393765592018-01-18T13:21:00.001-05:002018-01-18T13:21:14.766-05:00#CruiseThemeThursday: Fast Times at Backstreet HighOh boy, we're finally kicking into cruising gear with the announcement of our first cruise theme! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn4PG6U02AXizqguGHdQkT31xijOhIlZZGxg0zzJFPw0QykM6BYbYQSvgNeVvm-XoJn7C9F-UcoBIdl8QUdbf553Ywq-hOv_WvUUwW0lAw3dg4761efWDmEJjXh-UyxAHwcKfZvRVzmPG/s1600/Fast+Times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn4PG6U02AXizqguGHdQkT31xijOhIlZZGxg0zzJFPw0QykM6BYbYQSvgNeVvm-XoJn7C9F-UcoBIdl8QUdbf553Ywq-hOv_WvUUwW0lAw3dg4761efWDmEJjXh-UyxAHwcKfZvRVzmPG/s320/Fast+Times.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<blockquote>
<i>Ahoy, Backstreet Army!<br /><br />Just a few months til we set sail on our 6th cruise. Crazy how time flies! We can't wait to head south and spend time in the sunshine with you. <br /><br />We know you're eager to hear what fun we're getting into with theme nights on this year's cruise. So let's get to it...<br /><br />#BSBCruise2018 Theme Night 1 Is.....<br />Fast Times at Backstreet High<br />“Learn it. Know it. Live it.”<br /><br />Think back to high school (we know.. it wasn't THAT long ago ;)). What clique did you roll with? Were you hanging with the theater crew? Or rocking a varsity jacket while hanging out with fellow jocks? Maybe you identified with the lovable nerds.... whatever it was, we want to see it!<br /><br />Dress like your high school clique (or the clique you wished you were a part of) and we'll meet you after class for a wild party!<br /><br />Stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook & Instagram over the next few weeks for #CruiseThemeThursday and let the cruise countdown begin!<br /><br />See you soon!<br />Love, <br />BSB</i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Take</b></span><br />
I personally have no idea what I will do with this cruise theme, but I'm excited for it. It seems like good ole fashion innocent fun with some nostalgia sprinkled in. If I were a betting woman (or the one in charge of their costumes) I'd go with...<br />
<ul>
<li>Nick as the nerd</li>
<li>Brian would be (and still is) our class clown</li>
<li>Jock Kevin </li>
<li>AJ as the theater guy</li>
<li>Howie....struggling with Howie. Maybe the foreign exchange student? lol</li>
</ul>
As a reminder to first time cruisers, make sure when you plan your outfits for different conditions. In the past we've been crammed indoors in the atrium; outside on the pool deck where it can be cold, windy or rainy; or the rare deck party with actual nice weather. Just make sure your outfit is flexible for potentially hot or cold weather. Also bear in mind comfortable shoes. Its a lot of standing around!Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-86169351156651378452017-04-19T10:04:00.000-04:002017-04-19T10:06:38.469-04:00Backstreet Boy Cruise #6 AnnouncedI'm surprise this one didn't get leaked early. But here we go again, ready for round 6. I was NOT prepared for this!! Even with a over a year's notice, I still am not ready. I'm still processing everything.<br />
<br />
The Backstreet Boys are setting sail May 3-7, 2018 from Miami to Grand Turk on the Carnival Sensation.<br />
<br />
Cabins go on sale April 25th for fan club members and past guests at 12pm EST. General onsale will be Wednesday April 26th at 12pm EST.<br />
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You can find out all the info you need at <a href="https://backstreetboyscruise.com/">https://backstreetboyscruise.com</a> so be sure to bookmark this sucker if you're even thinking of going on the cruise.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Itinerary</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Thursday May 3, 2018 - Miami, FL</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Friday May 4, 2018 - Fun Day At Sea</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Saturday May 5, 2018 - Grand Turk</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Sunday May 6, 2018 -</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> Fun Day At Sea</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Monday May 7, 2018- Miami, FL</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/explore/destinations/ports/carnival-caribbean-port-grand-turk-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/explore/destinations/ports/carnival-caribbean-port-grand-turk-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Grand Turk</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Pricing Info </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Sorry for my horrible screenshots, but better than nothing :) Also refer to the <a href="https://backstreetboyscruise.com/#/prices-payments-policies">actual website with the pricing</a>. </span><b> </b></span><br />
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Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-11968069723685526072017-01-18T15:00:00.000-05:002017-01-18T15:00:07.804-05:00Winning Door - FRIENDS Meets BSB Part 2Turns out fifth time is the charm. After 5 cruises, my lovely cabinmates and I won the door decoration contest. Woohoo!!<br />
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I also feel the need to clarify. Yes, we did the same theme last year. No we did not win last time. We really enjoyed this theme and wanted to update it and make it even better than last year.<br />
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In case you're curious, we found out that we won on the very last night, after the final deck party had started. I went back to our cabin and found a note on our bed saying that we won. Our prize this year was a swag bag of merchandise including a picture frame, trucker hat, water bottle, tote, medal, and a signed copy of the Show Em What You're Made Of documentary. <br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b>New Memes from 2016 Door</b></span><br />
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Enjoy these memes? Be sure to check out the original <a href="http://bsbcruise.blogspot.com/2014/10/friends-meets-bsb.html">FRIENDS/BSB memes</a> that we created for the 2014 cruise.Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-50838462998454327732017-01-05T11:00:00.000-05:002017-01-05T11:00:23.651-05:002016 MerchIn case anyone is curious what was sold on board and how much it cost, see below!<br />
<ul>
<li>Shot Glass - $15</li>
<li>Picture Frame - $20</li>
<li>Trucker Hat - $20</li>
<li>BSB White Hoodie 'Zig Zag Logo' - $60</li>
<li>Ladies White T Shirt 'Canned Sketch' = $40</li>
<li>Ladies White T Shirt 'Coastal' - $40</li>
<li>Ladies Gray Tri-Blend Sweater 'Summer' - $50</li>
<li>Tote Bag - $20</li>
<li>Towel - $30</li>
<li>Heather Gray T 'Greetings' - $40</li>
<li>Water Bottle - $20</li>
<li>Ladies Royal Tank - $40</li>
<li>Ladies Black Tank 'Cannes Sunglasses' - $40</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67i7I1B3htg/V7URiaTpOsI/AAAAAAAAZCI/7MP90yQXCmI-8Q1f838zkRHNFKzNr6-vgCPcB/s1600/P1040073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67i7I1B3htg/V7URiaTpOsI/AAAAAAAAZCI/7MP90yQXCmI-8Q1f838zkRHNFKzNr6-vgCPcB/s320/P1040073.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0S8OJWuNRc1rTYvfXqf8w7PYcVu6oBQyiTyrQzGMTGcVHLYpuDdRk1X2ujxOnTDqfsqyzP-8BGCqfJU_C6JSWYNhe6TpTsw__EEhCYuBUYKKiYrcO8h0DvpWNrLIG0RqQsBaolDvCFK/s1600/P1040072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0S8OJWuNRc1rTYvfXqf8w7PYcVu6oBQyiTyrQzGMTGcVHLYpuDdRk1X2ujxOnTDqfsqyzP-8BGCqfJU_C6JSWYNhe6TpTsw__EEhCYuBUYKKiYrcO8h0DvpWNrLIG0RqQsBaolDvCFK/s320/P1040072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tote Bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4dDIXjUUJ4j2rVWig9qDG7pddno56yteqQDGtD23ZBCxIs0Eaxln1V2NkBOHXKJIyNqlFZBTUb6_Uj_yPi8mmuUR-LMum3vESVr0pKDsRAwTjxbR4gji1oVkOQnj0-G6q9kkuLsldCUa/s1600/P1040067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4dDIXjUUJ4j2rVWig9qDG7pddno56yteqQDGtD23ZBCxIs0Eaxln1V2NkBOHXKJIyNqlFZBTUb6_Uj_yPi8mmuUR-LMum3vESVr0pKDsRAwTjxbR4gji1oVkOQnj0-G6q9kkuLsldCUa/s320/P1040067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweatshirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuYUnhubAbHGoU1Zh8rmdUT9x4SXRV3kFI8l1nl0zItx7yi4q9LHoDjgYdgfnwXr62dxD72F1JAggn38C7McBP4oqupApSrghEZVraovaXaUkACZjlOAMAzmVKPmjyx1-vOeB8aOJyl4b/s1600/P1040065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuYUnhubAbHGoU1Zh8rmdUT9x4SXRV3kFI8l1nl0zItx7yi4q9LHoDjgYdgfnwXr62dxD72F1JAggn38C7McBP4oqupApSrghEZVraovaXaUkACZjlOAMAzmVKPmjyx1-vOeB8aOJyl4b/s320/P1040065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trucker Hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PwujL2ZZPE/V7URiV0bg8I/AAAAAAAAZCI/M5LH2YWgS3USVLJvb2H-AzKdvEyDGyKuQCPcB/s1600/P1040075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PwujL2ZZPE/V7URiV0bg8I/AAAAAAAAZCI/M5LH2YWgS3USVLJvb2H-AzKdvEyDGyKuQCPcB/s320/P1040075.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_1r1XkMWC8/V7URiV4q14I/AAAAAAAAZCI/EsIOr4zFVdYucjhAH7elJXPNGeBPDHXQQCPcB/s1600/P1040076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_1r1XkMWC8/V7URiV4q14I/AAAAAAAAZCI/EsIOr4zFVdYucjhAH7elJXPNGeBPDHXQQCPcB/s320/P1040076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rC-SL5UMrZdRyNuyFDctvWGOqbb34OmgGUGqx5DSVa_KqMs4c68bK8qtIirfKJOxJuS2KiFgBDtvleD1HAhyphenhyphenhuXVOFMwYH696BKIZqehuzI2q7ht_4UTydgRcni5x323XibU3jm3qeX/s1600/P1040078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rC-SL5UMrZdRyNuyFDctvWGOqbb34OmgGUGqx5DSVa_KqMs4c68bK8qtIirfKJOxJuS2KiFgBDtvleD1HAhyphenhyphenhuXVOFMwYH696BKIZqehuzI2q7ht_4UTydgRcni5x323XibU3jm3qeX/s320/P1040078.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN93-_xQYPLsCjTAD1UGaXkgxEwphnVYQlxaq_S0mXXppV4Vh_VRyti3cbGOfc1bvUAyH6hi2e2yPNhJUIoMVpFEBvD6gay4aXv2bPdQoZBMc2LdWsyAiVzBU85R1E28suSXXWsQ2kwHK/s1600/P1040063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN93-_xQYPLsCjTAD1UGaXkgxEwphnVYQlxaq_S0mXXppV4Vh_VRyti3cbGOfc1bvUAyH6hi2e2yPNhJUIoMVpFEBvD6gay4aXv2bPdQoZBMc2LdWsyAiVzBU85R1E28suSXXWsQ2kwHK/s320/P1040063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpXAAZpN8_HX0fTk-af597SgiSyJQyjthGc3M_FGqrSfCg3O0YvrWHjejHJJs5uU1kON13OHJjUoxXkMCtAwJsCqUcKskKm93iewmgm7TJPMj3-KuzxYsQUUDPzjGnlKDJzA9ijfs3vT4/s1600/P1040062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpXAAZpN8_HX0fTk-af597SgiSyJQyjthGc3M_FGqrSfCg3O0YvrWHjejHJJs5uU1kON13OHJjUoxXkMCtAwJsCqUcKskKm93iewmgm7TJPMj3-KuzxYsQUUDPzjGnlKDJzA9ijfs3vT4/s320/P1040062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot Glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-53762962947006795652016-12-21T19:56:00.001-05:002016-12-21T19:56:11.346-05:00Recap 2016: Day 4 Part 2 (Sea Day)<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Just to be Close to You: A Guinness World Record Attempt</b></span><br />
Once the question and answer session was done then it was time for our Guinness world record attempt where they would find out how many nationalities would fit in the hot tub. All of the girls were pre-selected and were all brought up to the front of the stage and given numbers.<br />
<br />
Now as an American you're going to have to let me rant for one quick second here. I understand they were going for a Guinness world record attempt but the reality is because the Backstreet Boys are from the US, no US fans were even eligible to participate in this event. Not a huge deal, enough time has past so I'm over it. But it definitely sucks they had an event where a good number of fans were ineligible to participate. Yes I know there are many unfair things about the Backstreet fandom, I suppose this is just another to add to the list. But its my blog so I get to voice my opinion :) I just think there could've other sorts of records that would've at least given everyone the chance to participate.<br />
<br />
Anyway...This event was actually more fun than I thought it would be. They had fun Caribbean music playing (even though we weren't in the Caribbean this year). AJ and Nick actually both got in the hot tub which probably threw our numbers off a little bit. The other thing that surprised me is that the other back she boys did stick around to watch the events unfold. I just assume that only one of the boys would participate in the rest with the retreat back to the safety and comfort of their cabin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD31Qh5H3mqMMwGHePFIO3wNdQGLMr06Wi-vQRarLBgwlMd_XQsY2aV_cFqxmdpunwlGTvA7xDJexWgRLRcQx1DU1o1mBs1UdYoXdIi_ZiDoXITWCJRmdlZuIrMbEmImvOgF8a170u7vT/s1600/P1040671.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD31Qh5H3mqMMwGHePFIO3wNdQGLMr06Wi-vQRarLBgwlMd_XQsY2aV_cFqxmdpunwlGTvA7xDJexWgRLRcQx1DU1o1mBs1UdYoXdIi_ZiDoXITWCJRmdlZuIrMbEmImvOgF8a170u7vT/s320/P1040671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Kevin watching the festivities</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall I felt like there was a lot of energy on deck and it was actually quite official with a Guinness officiator, or whatever they're title might be. They had AJ and Nick getting the crowd pumped. I was initially torn if I would attend this event because I wanted to get ready for the preferred event, but I was happy that I stuck around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh349jd5wuYnI5TgppP3bwfgc96OhNK53SAdzGOEy4f-B-FMJZr3uJZOQ0RRlyjBRWX-cpgYQs_3oHn56mFKvxDjX7EuUr_nmOapAgJlwb__Awkg5b-hp7yGBkoeu2xdC-S-upsjDXhoPGG/s1600/P1040668.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh349jd5wuYnI5TgppP3bwfgc96OhNK53SAdzGOEy4f-B-FMJZr3uJZOQ0RRlyjBRWX-cpgYQs_3oHn56mFKvxDjX7EuUr_nmOapAgJlwb__Awkg5b-hp7yGBkoeu2xdC-S-upsjDXhoPGG/s320/P1040668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>AJ <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>getting ready to get in the hot tub</u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Preferred Event</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">During this time slot those cruisers who bought the more expensive cabins had the opportunity to go to a 'preferred event'. There was no description of what this event would entail, so it was a complete surprise to everyone. Meanwhile the other half of the ship had the chance to go to a BSB trivia with Rose Tours. I'm still kinda bummed I missed that. From what I heard not many folks showed up but it sounded cool.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Since Rose Tours never did send a survey, I'm going to voice my honest opinion of this event here. I need to at least have the illusion that my opinion might be heard. </span></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">What was Supposed to Happen</span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">For those of you who missed the event, I suppose I should start with the general concept of the event. It opened with their manager Jen entering the room and informing us that it was going to be a "chill mingling" event. The fans would stay put and the boys would mingle around the room. Everyone wildly cheers! We're all excited and naively optimistic that this is what would actually happen.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><u>What Really Happened</u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Sadly that concept fell apart REAL quick. Unfortunately many of the boys couldn't really leave the front stage because fans were crowding around. Nick was the only one who actually attempted to mingle around the room. And he's only 1 boy, so he didn't get too far. Thus I'd say the first 20 minutes or so people generally played by the rules. Brian sat up front talking to a crowd of people while the other boys starting mingling and sitting at tables with fans.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I'd say around the 20 minute mark is when things started to go down hill. The boys who were mingling SLOWLY moved from table to table, some hitting the same group of girls who already had a boy visit. Brian never moved from the front of the stage. Fans started approaching the boys and crowding the front area, asking for pictures thus making it even harder for the boys to mingle. By the end of the event, fans were frantically asking the boys for pictures and I'd say at least half the fans in the room didn't get to interact with any Backstreet Boy. And sadly it was the fans who played by the rules and patiently waiting who didn't get anything.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><u>My Personal Experience<b><br /></b></u>I had a seat in the back and I waited patiently for the first maybe 15 minutes sipping my champagne (though my friends will probably tell you I wasn't that patient :P). Once we got into the 20 minute mark and beyond...I realized how slow the boys were moving around the room. I'm kind of a numbers gal and I started doing the math in my head and realized that this wasn't working quite as well as they had hoped and previously indicated. So now I'm getting more anxious by the minute, but still try to wait a bit longer to see what will happen. 5-10 more minutes pass and Nick starts heading towards the back. I think to myself, 'Great!' I love me some Nick, so that would make me a happy camper. Sadly he veered off in the other direction before coming my way and my heart sinks.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Back to square one. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Around 30 minutes in I'm more than a little worked up having 0 interactions with any Backstreet Boy and watching other girls in the front having a grand ole time. I ask one of the staff how long the event is and he told me an hour and that the clock was ticking. At this point I give up on being polite and sadly resolve to being part of the problem. I still feel bad about it, but I suppose I've been to other events in the past where I patiently waited and end up leaving with nothing. In general I struggle to find the balance between being respectful and playing by the rules, but being assertive as well. There have been a few too many instances where I leaned more towards polite and left with nothing. I wasn't about to pay as much as we did for a suite and not get anything for it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian had been chatting with a bunch of fans up front for a while so I thought if nothing else, I could at least sit near him and hear him talk and be part of that conversation. By the time I got up there he was pretty much done chatting and now having a loose sort of line to briefly chat with him and take pics. So I hop in line and scoot my way up to the front. I had a nice little moment with him where he asked how I was enjoying the cruise. I told him I was having a great time, and that I always do have a great time on the cruise, but the crowds were a little more intense than what I'm used to from past cruises. He gave me knowing look and said he agreed with me. I felt like we shared a moment haha</span></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50iE_ZWD-hg-mLvE7CpC2jfVf905nFNBu78X9uBnj3dsVRPhfuYC2kwZsy7-wH3YDuoX7DcyQID3Gi3LXnPM0GWch7cGTBBHr4Qa3UQVYyUmNgX2xrWsvn0vsXO4o5uI3pMM8O-XpEZDa/s1600/P1040676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50iE_ZWD-hg-mLvE7CpC2jfVf905nFNBu78X9uBnj3dsVRPhfuYC2kwZsy7-wH3YDuoX7DcyQID3Gi3LXnPM0GWch7cGTBBHr4Qa3UQVYyUmNgX2xrWsvn0vsXO4o5uI3pMM8O-XpEZDa/s320/P1040676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Brian <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">After having my nice mom<span style="background-color: white;">ent w</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">ith Brian, I breathed a sigh of relief. At least I had some interaction with a Backstreet Boy. But there was still time left and I wanted to make the most of my time. Howie wasn't too far away and he was also chatting with a group of girls. Once again, I figured that it'd just be neat to eavesdrop into the conversation. He was talking to some girls about filming Dead 7, what that was like. I asked him if he would consider doing a sort of sequel (totally not considering that they all pretty much died in the movie. Oopsies) But hopefully he understood what I meant. He said that he'd be open to doing a movie again in the future but no immediate plans at the moment. When he was finished chatting with all the girls, he took a few pictures with the girls at the table so I grabbed a pic as well. I still inadvertently blocked him a bit. Oopsies again! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFFbBSmogZM/V1ry9BKMehI/AAAAAAAAYqo/t-7ttll7lWo-jc53YE4v6MSnDQy5xw9mQCPcB/s320/P1040680.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Howito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was still some time left in the event but it was clearly turning into a shit show at this point. Fans were really upset because the boys were starting to leave and many people didn't get any interaction at all, which made me incredibly grateful for what I got. It just shouldn't have played out the way it did. Period.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><u>Suggestions for Next Time</u><br />I would actually love to see them try this event again (though I doubt they ever would because of the backlash on this one). I truly loved the IDEA of this event, it sadly just failed in execution. The key here is the event just needed a few logistical modifications to make things run smoother:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">For starters they need to limit the number of people drastically. Maybe do Group A and Group B? There were simply too many fans in that room for the time allotted and only 5 backstreet boys. Something had to give.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I also think they should ban cameras from that event so that fans cant take pictures...make it 100% about the mingling. Unfortunately as soon as we see the boys are taking selfies, everyone wants pics and then there's no mingling. I'm just as guilty. I think they should just have Justin go around and snap candid pics for us instead.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">The boys needed to spread out more. Since they all started in the front of the room, a few girls sitting up front had an amazing time because they had 3 backstreet boys visit. Meanwhile the fans on the side and in the back had no one. And sadly its the fans who played by the rules and patiently waited, ended up getting nothing. The other factor is that some of the boys *cough* Kevin *cough* sat and talked to the same group of girls for like 15-20 minutes. I know that's just Kevin being himself and I'm sure it was awesome for those girls (and I dont fault them at all!) But when there are a couple hundred fans in the room, it just doesn't work.</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> I think staff should've helped manage the boys move around the room better.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">One idea if they were to do this again, I almost envision the event like 'Backstreet Speed Dating'. Every fan has a chair and can't get up, perhaps in small groups at tables. But the idea that there is a set time limit of 5-7 minutes with each group of fans, and when times up, the bell dings, and the boy moves to the next group of fans. I think it would make it fair and eliminate a lot of the chaos we experienced this time around.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Many
of my friends, myself included, bought a more expensive cabin JUST for
this event..hence the high expectations and unfortunate general outrage
when the event fell short. As I said, it was a great
concept, as I think many people agreed. I was lucky and at least got a few quick interactions/pics. A lot of people I know essentially paid $1000 for a glass of champagne. I remain optimistic with a few logistical changes it could be a great event in the future. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Dead 7 Screening: Q&A</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Before the screening, my roommate told me that she ran into Howie near our
cabin door and apparently he complimented our door too. Eeek!! I wasn't
even thinking about how the other boys would respond to the door, but that was super nice to hear :)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So I have been literally running from event event all day (not complaining by any means!) and there was still more excitement ahead, thus I continued my Backstreet marathon. Running across the entire length of the ship. Again. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Given I had already seen the movie, the idea that it was a "premier" and something new and special was slightly lost on me. I didn't feel the burning need to be there right when it started. But I understand why Nick wanted to do this event for his international fans who hadn't gotten a chance to see the movie yet. Of course as a Nick girl, you bet I still wouldn't miss this. Particularly because I wanted to hear the Q&A. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I sadly missed the first couple of minutes, and they didn't skip a beat and were well underway in the Q&A. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOkldxjrdDjY_QQOWLDgGYngO_EDShzvqypC8agowdXep9X7IwC0oa5sCV0aBk6ubKrpv2CxEK8LQjl6Ebrbe4DXfrWZVxiqYamyinN_AhnqS_44HtoAojIiXys46tlkTWAXyzoGkM_si/s1600/P1180118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOkldxjrdDjY_QQOWLDgGYngO_EDShzvqypC8agowdXep9X7IwC0oa5sCV0aBk6ubKrpv2CxEK8LQjl6Ebrbe4DXfrWZVxiqYamyinN_AhnqS_44HtoAojIiXys46tlkTWAXyzoGkM_si/s320/P1180118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Nick <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>making a f<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>unny face</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Sidebar - just putting on my logistical hat, I honestly don't know why they had the Q&A BEFORE they showed the clip. Wouldn't it make more sense to see the clip and THEN ask questions? Or is that just too practical? So unfortunately the key when I was supershort I think it lasted no more than 10 minutes and I had missed the first few because I was still coming from the last event.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">If you have 10 minutes to kill and want to watch (pretty much) the entire Q&A (minus the part I missed in the beginning), here you go: </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bypd_EFdIF0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bypd_EFdIF0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> </div>
<i>Start at 7.48 for a funny story</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">My favorite part was
when Nick shared one of his ideas about creating a movie
based with the following premise:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Dark Comedy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Inspired by the Cruise</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">A fan kidnaps one of the Backstreet Boys, and according to Nick, "Let's just choose Howie" </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie thinks the boys will save him</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">The Backstreet Boys hire someone like Liam Neeson to save Howie a la 'Taken'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">The rest of the boys don't care and continue tour and figure out who to replace him with</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">The last thing I'll mention about this event, I
was super duper close to getting picked to ask a question. I was able to
capture the attention of the person walking around with a microphone and
she was standing right next to me. She literally had the mic pointed in my direction and I was going to be next. However
Nick decided to cut the event and put the movie on at that point. So close but so far! I can I can't be the only one
who has these sorts of close calls with the boys right? Oh well no big deal but still a bummer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Blackjack Tournament Finals </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I decided to go to dinner a little late because I wanted to watch the final blackjack tournament. I couldn't pass me up some AJ. As a bystander, I wasn't able to get super close to really see what was going on. But I still enjoyed just watching on and seeing AJ play with some fans. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPENtpDmUISxd2BRKcHjQJ9J3pJf9euQO9T3qO95s0ldTB5ueCn2lruhPkQGPiHFHYfgnrT7Pl9gz6GQiVKuR89sY7TuXdUPHSSBElu_3gKDpUK0H2MN7tiPzpFbot__ILzTKYQvPM9naz/s1600/P1040689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPENtpDmUISxd2BRKcHjQJ9J3pJf9euQO9T3qO95s0ldTB5ueCn2lruhPkQGPiHFHYfgnrT7Pl9gz6GQiVKuR89sY7TuXdUPHSSBElu_3gKDpUK0H2MN7tiPzpFbot__ILzTKYQvPM9naz/s320/P1040689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ playing blackjack at the tournament finals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>50 Shades of BSB Leather & Lace Deck Party</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So one of the last or rather the last events of the cruise was leather and lace night. Queue the sad music that it was the last event :( The guys were running super late for this one and it was a shame because I was so tired. 4 days of chasing the Backstreet Boys around Europe was finally catching up to me. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br />Sadly, once again they had to move the event inside due to rain. Which I understand is out of anyone's control. But deck parties are just not the same when they are inside. I was a couple stories up and waiting for the boys to arrive. Eventually I got tired of standing, so I sat down and leaned up against the chair. I remember closing my eyes and my roommate later would tell me that I fell asleep. I didn't think I did, but I don't doubt that it was true.</span></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyds5MitoBOhGexoQccrGq1szKUi8k3RtCCdepyJehPI-gK8wGYcOi0inXrXKNGI-G8DMZUtY7sYpqUxID3Sqeukxr5VSdh3F8ZeIyUr0wj0wXdvG4QV1f65aGUBAQU6QtxgZWE65nqtBI/s1600/P1040706_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyds5MitoBOhGexoQccrGq1szKUi8k3RtCCdepyJehPI-gK8wGYcOi0inXrXKNGI-G8DMZUtY7sYpqUxID3Sqeukxr5VSdh3F8ZeIyUr0wj0wXdvG4QV1f65aGUBAQU6QtxgZWE65nqtBI/s320/P1040706_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my roommates waiting for the boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The boys finally arrives in and entered to the famous Fifty Shades of Grey music. I was still at this point unsure what to expect and where the evening was going to take us. The guys were all on stage and bought a few lucky fans up to interact with the boys.<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br />I just don't even know how to really explain this events if you weren't there but wowser.<br /><br />Surprisingly AJ disappeared for the first little bit of this event. I would've assumed of all the Backstreet Boys he would've been the most involved and excited about this particular theme party. And on the flipside I thought Brian was more engaged than I thought he would be. This event was interesting for me because I honestly was uncomfortable at points. Even Kevin made a comment about saying that he was done. I enjoyed watching from a far and was just waiting for the boys to make their nightly rounds for selfies.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Door Decoration Contest</b></span><br />
So around at some ungodly hour I was tired and wanted to go back to the cabin to just rest for a few moments. And when I went back to the cabin I noticed there was something on my bed. Well lo and behold it there was a note sitting beside 4 bags. The note read…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50AWp2FGUmj3J4uxuB8L74FXeEjdAe8vLcqDTHqAER1EpIN6mrWcZ9M_c2TpTPfJwgmZ92lgbDpo3J2Sk0nnk-L9OzR3JbpW3xOItZhAbuE24SIniXwZs_m37ggPFntzoqLySHbleSf-J/s1600/P1040738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50AWp2FGUmj3J4uxuB8L74FXeEjdAe8vLcqDTHqAER1EpIN6mrWcZ9M_c2TpTPfJwgmZ92lgbDpo3J2Sk0nnk-L9OzR3JbpW3xOItZhAbuE24SIniXwZs_m37ggPFntzoqLySHbleSf-J/s320/P1040738.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We won!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I couldn't believe it we had one the door decoration contest!!! I was almost so happy that I didn't care how ridiculous this handwritten note signed by " - BSB - " was. Seriously though, this looked liked the cabin steward scrawled this out before sliding it under our door. <br />
<br />
This was just the icing on the cake because I felt that I had already gotten my prize when AJ came to the door earlier in the cruise. I also felt really good about winning because I was able to showcase my strength as a fan - which is my creativity. Some people can sing, some can dance, some are artistic. I'd like to think I can be creative when I need to be.<br />
<br />
Plus, it was very nice to be acknowledged. We did work really hard on that door and I personally think it was probably one of the best ones on the cruise. And just to clarify for any one out there we did not win the year prior.<br />
<br />
So we ended up winning a little swag bag of goodies that included stuff that you found in the merch shop. It included a water bottle, a hat, a metal and the tote bag. Heck - it was probably worth $100 or so.<br />
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Now Im dying to go find my roommates and share the good news! I scamper back to the atrium and I was able to find a few of them. I casually just slip them over the note and I enjoyed seeing their reaction. So we were all very excited to win!<br />
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Later that evening my cabin mates and I found ourselves near AJ as he was making his rounds. I already felt like I had more than enough pictures with AJ but given that we just found out that we won, we thought it would be nice to close out the cruise and just thank him again if we had that opportunity.<br />
<br />
As even more AJ luck would have it, we did get the chance to not only get a picture with him but also let him know that we won and we wanted to thank him for picking us as the winners. He exclaimed 'how could it be anyone else.' It was very nice to have that last moment with AJ. That was the perfect way to end the cruise in my mind. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEufUdDdTr_Pmjtg1SWrT_ngxyvtV0Gv-1jXfxDp96S6qP-n6ePB-jCQsysQaTZttYEFmKbljauwX2EyKDHZUwfAnv3vwM_wcZmG0snXenRjHp3ZxKE4EtzRCcSKV8JgA9vOu_8jIGmi_0/s1600/P1040732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEufUdDdTr_Pmjtg1SWrT_ngxyvtV0Gv-1jXfxDp96S6qP-n6ePB-jCQsysQaTZttYEFmKbljauwX2EyKDHZUwfAnv3vwM_wcZmG0snXenRjHp3ZxKE4EtzRCcSKV8JgA9vOu_8jIGmi_0/s320/P1040732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and masked AJ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsbpm7quh8BqS50GUFpa6AkPjxESglL3EZ4JqXffPM5OisqQYgn35cKYqKKxysb3n9BD3g9rYHZOnpOS3wW-GM9JWIHd1qE9rg1jSsZcqgtaTcl0hJpOJ8XoYyTNqL9QQ_S2KBQPfHcOJ/s1600/P1040743.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsbpm7quh8BqS50GUFpa6AkPjxESglL3EZ4JqXffPM5OisqQYgn35cKYqKKxysb3n9BD3g9rYHZOnpOS3wW-GM9JWIHd1qE9rg1jSsZcqgtaTcl0hJpOJ8XoYyTNqL9QQ_S2KBQPfHcOJ/s320/P1040743.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>AJ <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>signed our <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>winning notice</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
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So at this point in the evening the crowds are starting to dwindle and the boys were peeling off one by one. I was desperately not wanting the night to end. Brian must've heard my inner dialogue because not soon after AJ left, Brian made his way around the corner. I don't recall saying a lot to him but I was able to get my final pic of the cruise. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkcI-kDFn9M/V1ry9LnRbCI/AAAAAAAAYqo/94B8HcU1otom2gwfkNwIDIezYERkA13kgCPcB/s1600/P1040733.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkcI-kDFn9M/V1ry9LnRbCI/AAAAAAAAYqo/94B8HcU1otom2gwfkNwIDIezYERkA13kgCPcB/s320/P1040733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>My <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>final<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u> pic <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>of the cruise</u></span></u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
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<br />
We knew we had an early morning ahead of us and we wanted a few hours of sleep. The next morning we left the ship bright and early. The interesting thing that I would later realize is that the boys actually left after the majority of the cruisers debarked. Typically on Carnival cruises they've historically always been the first off the ship. I have to admit I really did want to get one last glimpse of the boys before I left, but sadly we wanted to get to the hotel. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Post Cruise</b></span><br />
Oh I feel like stepping back onto land after a backstreet boy cruises just such an indescribable feeling. It's just a mix of every emotion you can possibly experience at once. I'm sad that such an amazing event is over. I'm sad that something that I had been looking forward to for over a year had finally come to an end. I'm upset that I won't get to see some of my friends in a long time most likely until the next cruise in some cases. I'm happy for all of the amazing experiences that I was so fortunate to have had. Happy for all the pictures, seeing all my friends, making new memories. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. In a weird way I'm also relieved that I can finally get sleep and give my body some rest.<br />
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There's just no other feeling like leaving a BSB cruise.<br />
<br />
Overall this was a good cruise for me and I made a lot of great memories. I'm so glad I was able to go on my FIFTH backstreet cruise and experience my first European BSB cruise. Yikes, i'm still in disbelief over the fact that I've been on 5 Backstreet cruises. I never thought in a million years I'd be so fortunate. Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-45393796224452236492016-11-18T14:00:00.000-05:002016-11-18T14:00:05.629-05:00Recap 2016: Day 4 Part 1 (Sea Day)The last day of this cruise was bittersweet because it's sad knowing the trip is coming to an end, but we had an action-packed day ahead of us.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Blackjack Tournament</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">There was barely time to eat breakfast this morning because I had to wake up to try my luck at blackjack with AJ. I was pretty excited about playing since the I did quite well last time and shockingly made it into the finals to play with Howie. So I definitely went in with confidence this time around perhaps a little too much confidence though.<br /><br />I knew I would be back to back all day with a lot of fun events, which didn't really give me time to grab breakfast. So me in my fangirl brain decided to bring my breakfast down to the casino where I hunched over a slot machine to eat my eggs. I was totally getting weird looks from the dealers but I didn't care because some times we all do crazy things for BSB. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br />I tried studying how the rounds were going and trying to pick up any tips or hints that would help. No sooner than I finished up my breakfast it was my turn to take a seat in the go for broke. So just like last time, it was seven hands and you were competing against everyone who was participating in the tournament. The top six players with then go on to play with AJ. So before my round was going I looked at leaderboard and knew where I had to be. It seemed doable at that point in the day but I also knew I had to shoot a little higher to make sure I would hold my spot. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Unfortunately by the end of the second hand, I knew it was a lost cause which was really an upsetting feeling. I think my optimism and luck from last year made me think I could actually stand a chance but unfortunately I just didn't get the cards this year. There was one glimmer of hope that I still had and that was they would let you do a re-buy. So for those of you who might not be aware, a re-buy is when they'll let you pay another fee to try one more time. I was torn because I knew that the events on the pool deck we're going to be start starting very soon but at that same time might I knew it was feasible for me to actually have a chance to play with AJ and its something I really wanted.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I was waiting for what felt like eternity before I finally got my chance to play. Real Caribbean was definitely more strict than Carnival was a last year. During the past cruises on carnival they were a lot more lax when it came to these tournaments. You could practically come and go as you wanted. But nonetheless I wanted to play blackjack with AJ so I sat and waited not so patiently for my name to be called. Finally I heard my name called so I headed toward my seat at the table and prayed for better car cards this round. While I did do a lot better it sadly still wasn't quite enough to hit the leaderboard. Boo!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Friday Tease with AJ</b></span><br />
So by the time my seven hands were over, AJ's event was getting ready to start up on the pool deck real soon so I bolted upstairs to see what kind of spot I could get. Surprisingly I was able to get kind of near the front of the stage Sean a few rows back which I was content with him considering I was running so late. I was super excited to see all of the solo events I think it's such a great chance for each of the boys to shine in their own spotlight.<br />
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Before we got our Friday tease, we actually had a little tease with Kevin. Mr. Perfectionist wanted to come up and do a soundcheck (surprise, surprise). It was quite endearing to see how nervous he seemed. You'd think someone who has been in the business as long as he has wouldn't be that nervous. Heck, even AJ and Brian both brought it up during their solo events. <br />
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So anyway, AJ was up first though many of us thought Brian was going to be first. No complaints from me! AJ explains that his Friday tease was going to be him singing songs off his new solo album he told us the release date was going to be in September if 2016 (which has obviously long and come and gone with no sign of any album). I swear AJ needs to finish a project. I love that man but he needs to actually finish something he starts because I keep getting my hopes up. One day I'll learn. Granted I can't stay mad at this face for too long...<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6P8kXhgRUxMMouqaI0-k9Mo9CzXxgAIT7pctjD9msJnaKyfKyADeq9hC2Ncl6_Ccck5XLUviDQlXtbIRDk649QccEJv9UZIHWaMRT9u7e3QY79F4SGIZGzIgewp8sd4m_AYsBPZYSJ3W/s1600/P1040469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6P8kXhgRUxMMouqaI0-k9Mo9CzXxgAIT7pctjD9msJnaKyfKyADeq9hC2Ncl6_Ccck5XLUviDQlXtbIRDk649QccEJv9UZIHWaMRT9u7e3QY79F4SGIZGzIgewp8sd4m_AYsBPZYSJ3W/s320/P1040469.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span> </div>
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AJ shared some stories about his new album as well as some of the songs off the album. I was so delighted to hear him sing you a good six or seven songs. They were all really fast and upbeat/ I think the major tone throughout all of those song's is that they were quite sexual in nature and some a little inappropriate. But of course I wouldn't expect anything else from AJ. I think one of my favorites was the title track, Naked. As he explains below, its about being vulnerable and exposed. <br />
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<i>AJ performing the title track, Naked</i> </div>
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He also sang 'Shot', 'Thousand Times (Billionaire)', 'Get On It', 'Love This' and 'Live Together'. You also have to remember that this was AJs first cruise solo events. In 2013 when he was supposed to do a solo event it got canceled due to rain. I really enjoyed seeing him in his element - shining apart from the rest of the boys. The other awesome part is that we got to hear brand new songs that have never been heard before. So all in all I really enjoyed AJ's event. Great songs, good vibe, and great way to kick off kind of the parade of solo events, if you well.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Feed the Body & Soul with the Littrells </b></span><br />
The next boy to take the stage was Brian and of course he could not do his event without Leighanne by his side.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that Leighanne is wearing a BSB hat :)</td></tr>
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This event was very 'Brian'. Fun but still a little different than I was anticipating. I was expecting a more lighthearted events with cooking stories and of course some of the poems that were submitted.<br />
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So I'll be honest I did submit a poem and I thought it was quite good if I do say so myself. I'm debating if I want to post it here so at least it wasn't written in vain. <br />
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Apparently the winners were notified on board because they had such a tough time narrowing down the list. And knowing that the winners were still not announced when we boarded gave me some hope. However after hearing all of the poems that were read throughout this event it seem like mine was not in the direction that Brian was clearly going for. I just figured on a cruise that they wanted something more lighthearted and fun so my poem went with more of a lighthearted tone. <br />
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Some of the poems that were read during the event were more serious and actually quite sad. I think the fans' stories were very touching. Though I suppose if I was in charge of the event I would have probably gone for a more lighthearted tone. I just think in those sorts of situations, sitting around the pool, you want to laugh and have a good time. So again nothing against the fans with their stories, but perhaps I just wasn't in the mood to shed some tears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCnbEddItDYIqLpEc-xybhqbEJr97h5OncY1eNqyGSatz9WTcjStAWqPJAlo9FApQddXpHSqVxcqZtu2ZBonFnYgYbIfv64d-VDAjkNNtCBZn0sizWhzDpQuERBMwV1-5F5s2hNBeuv7e/s1600/P1040529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCnbEddItDYIqLpEc-xybhqbEJr97h5OncY1eNqyGSatz9WTcjStAWqPJAlo9FApQddXpHSqVxcqZtu2ZBonFnYgYbIfv64d-VDAjkNNtCBZn0sizWhzDpQuERBMwV1-5F5s2hNBeuv7e/s320/P1040529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of Brian, just because</td></tr>
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Aside from the poems, Brian and Leighanne shared stories while the Royal Caribbean chef made some breakfast omelettes. I feel like I've heard Brian talk about these breakfast omelettes before so it's kind of cool to see him prepare them and learn how they both liked to cook on the tour bus. I think I was hoping for him to share more stories like that because I like getting little glimpses into their worlds and hearing new things that I don't already know.<br />
<br />
The other fun anecdote that they shared was how he and Leighanne play this thing called the song game. It's cute because they really try to incorporate songs into their conversations. I suppose looking back at their interactions and just how Brian carries himself on stage I kind of see where this song game fits into his personality. Just because he's always singing something and turning an answer into song.<br />
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<i>Brian explaining his 'Song Game' with Leighanne</i> </div>
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At one point during the event Brian came into the audience to feed a few lucky fan some of his breakfast omelette. I was super close probably, maybe an arm's-length away from him. It was one of those scenarios where I was so close but so far. So even though I didn't get a bite of his burrito, I still got up close and personal with Brian which is good enough for me! Overall I enjoyed this event. I liked all the different pieces of it I think I was just hoping for more stories. But I think the nice thing about the event is that it suited Brian's personality quite well.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>One on One with Kevvy Kev</b></span><br />
Kev was up next for his duet events. I cannot sing to save my life so I did not enter this particular contest. However one of my good friends, Lalie, not only entered but also won! So I was super excited for this event not only to see Kevin sing, but also to see my friends up there and have her moment with Kevin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlflArIkD9vh9fiRT1dX4KF43UfCdTHvZe-r-vS9YmigjZpE4Fn7zpNH1RHKJa8jl3Ebt8OLtX44gpW_WfaVS0FpgSmSBbWsZBolSqY7VsijOw1onAO4qcqSL1_mFhd15Y2ScZpp5fWT1a/s1600/P1040580.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlflArIkD9vh9fiRT1dX4KF43UfCdTHvZe-r-vS9YmigjZpE4Fn7zpNH1RHKJa8jl3Ebt8OLtX44gpW_WfaVS0FpgSmSBbWsZBolSqY7VsijOw1onAO4qcqSL1_mFhd15Y2ScZpp5fWT1a/s320/P1040580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious Kev</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b></b></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtbgQivPu-nYnc8NGFRajO5x51EyPfOydc9z9207Hwx4UkszDm1CLpjx8bwwSHujmAQIEYNymZxoQO_SjRnpHmAPTY-joiEyxBSs_esbOL6XLd_u17M_vsfee96blhaOjv1j-9F52gEc0/s1600/P1040599.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtbgQivPu-nYnc8NGFRajO5x51EyPfOydc9z9207Hwx4UkszDm1CLpjx8bwwSHujmAQIEYNymZxoQO_SjRnpHmAPTY-joiEyxBSs_esbOL6XLd_u17M_vsfee96blhaOjv1j-9F52gEc0/s320/P1040599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing Kev</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b></b></span></div>
I thought this event was really fun I think the fans that were picked were all really super talented. I really enjoyed Kevin's solo event from last time and I think this event was just as great. We don't get to see Kevin shine as much as some of the other boy it's so nice to see him have his moment and really get a chance to hear him sing.<br />
<br />
One by one all of the fans went up and sang their songs. He sang everything from Grease Lightning to Danny's Song. Maybe I'm biased because she's my friend,but my favorite was Lalie singing with Kevin, A Whole New World. Kevin get a little choked up as he reminisced about his days playing Aladdin at Disney World. I think what was so fun about this particular song is it mixes my love of the Backstreet Boys and Disney. So with that - I'll leave this video here for you to watch.<br />
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<i>A Whole New World</i> </div>
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Another cool thing is that Lalie was able to share with me a little bit of
the behind the scenes that went into putting on this event. She was
notified in advance via email that she was selected to sing with Kevin.
She then got to select a few song options and Kevin chose which he
preferred. And the most exciting part - they got to rehearse together on
board prior to this actual event.<br />
<br />
So again, overall I really liked this event because so it was different, but still played well to Kevin's talents. I also like that he did little anecdotes in between the songs. I think my only minor minor criticism is that it felt a little bit long to me. I think it would've been perfect if it was maybe one or two songs of shorter. The main reason I say this is because I think the Q&A got shortened as a result of Kevin's event running long. If this was the only event of the day - then yeah, I would've listened to song after song! But if forced to pick - I would've rather seen more of the Q&A.<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>BSB Behind the Scenes (AKA Q&A)</b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So at this point I've been standing by this pool deck all day I haven't gone to the bathroom nor I have an eaten since my breakfast that I scarfed down in the casino. I was definitely starting to get tired but again those comfort come secondary when you're on a BSB cruise.<br /><br />So the next event was all the boys coming up on stage for the Q and a. This is always a favorite event of mine and it just never seems to get old. All the fans submit their questions prior to boarding and I really like that aspect because it vets some of the bad questions that tend to get asked at a sound </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">check party for example. I also find the questions are generally really unique.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So for this particular event I think it went to about 25 minutes. I again I really hoped for a little bit longer. Here's a cliff notes of the Q&A:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN74xVWUGHWV8IZyJvwum7RHvHYWBxfqqYTymd47SoNKFRT0NWF6eUioXB3LZbmxXQC7lPLBMnGJoyGFexoDdGNzgC8gUp9RMgBOdtd2DgjfYuQhZ2vxZkZ48AJ_x0wuag2FrKAeGublD/s1600/P1040624.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN74xVWUGHWV8IZyJvwum7RHvHYWBxfqqYTymd47SoNKFRT0NWF6eUioXB3LZbmxXQC7lPLBMnGJoyGFexoDdGNzgC8gUp9RMgBOdtd2DgjfYuQhZ2vxZkZ48AJ_x0wuag2FrKAeGublD/s320/P1040624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>The boys <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>during the Q<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>&A</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> <b>Which TV character are you most similar to?</b></span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - Chandler Bing. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - Speedy Gonzalez</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - John Snow</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kev - Gomer Pyle</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - Rosco P Coltrane </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Why does Backstreet time exist? </span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Everyone points at Kevin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin
then explains that back in the day how they had a photo shoot at 4:00
in the morning, had to wait 3 hours for them to get set up, and he
learned quickly. Its 'hurry up and wait'.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Other guys then continue to throw Kev under the boss</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick, "If Kevin can do it, so can I"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick had to pay more than $30,000 in self-imposed 'late fees' </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Most emotional moment on stage?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - Announcing he was going to be a father in London during the NKOTBSB tour. Close second is during the cruise concerts</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - Hollywood walk of fame. <i>Though i recall Howie was the only one who visibly wasn't choked up</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - "Oh, I have to answer this?" Tells a story about AJ falling through the stage.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - "There are so many for me" <i>True story, Kev.</i> True story. But he shared a fathers day in Cincinnati where AJ surprised him on stage with a video from his kids. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - Lexington on the Millennium tour singing the Perfect Fan with his mom</span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Best part of cruising?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - "You"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - "The best thing about cruising is boozing"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - No sleep.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - Getting to go to exotic places all over the world. Partying on the private yacht. </span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xBTE7Nu1o/WC5PhBPnnsI/AAAAAAAAZN0/w0akd6-54vg9tuFRU0aCouIYGHMZDzE_gCPcB/s1600/P1040619.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xBTE7Nu1o/WC5PhBPnnsI/AAAAAAAAZN0/w0akd6-54vg9tuFRU0aCouIYGHMZDzE_gCPcB/s320/P1040619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - The experience - the costumes, the parties, the friends, the yachts... the ass-grabbing. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Who has the biggest package?</b> </span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> AJ - I think we're all doing pretty damn good. <i>Of course we were going to get the politically correct answer.</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - I have big balls. Like I do a lot of things. <i>*Shakes head.* </i></span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">What have you said to your wife that resulted in you sleeping on the couch?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - Called Rochelle by the wrong name.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - He shared a story about James drawing something like 'Mommy's favorite place to sleep is the guest room.'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - I've never had to sleep in the other room. I just go back and apologize because women are always right!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - Nothing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - He gets selfish sometimes and gets on his high horse which has caused him to sleep on the sofa</span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">What habits of each other bug the shit out of you?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - Everything.... "I'm perfect"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - He picks his fingers a lot. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mdC3Bwkx4A/WC53U3ZNOGI/AAAAAAAAZO0/JlnOiPflJcU-QJcJtorf7G6hPkKgS8tgwCPcB/s1600/P1040635.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mdC3Bwkx4A/WC53U3ZNOGI/AAAAAAAAZO0/JlnOiPflJcU-QJcJtorf7G6hPkKgS8tgwCPcB/s320/P1040635.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Nick - <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>My<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u> smelly gas.</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Then AJ elaborated that he blows ass all the time during meet & greets. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Keeping it spicy on the road with your wife?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - Photos. <i>I'm kinda surprised with this one.</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - We used to do pictures but now its hard to find time to find that narrow window when Ava is asleep. He also likes Rochelle to wear a red nightie</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - Watch porn together. He tells her what to watch. <i>Ummm, alright then.</i></span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dADE8iFhD3Ud4KaBMtQ98uDdpMdjJDSqXpwcX1n7_pFZi82EZAcNC6nzFx2pASu36Bj3XnFKL9roURdmyyT0SBUC4S3p3kEYpdudxqJJFqRh8afau2BCluWx6Wf_8HP3wgwZI86MWCzq/s1600/P1040634.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dADE8iFhD3Ud4KaBMtQ98uDdpMdjJDSqXpwcX1n7_pFZi82EZAcNC6nzFx2pASu36Bj3XnFKL9roURdmyyT0SBUC4S3p3kEYpdudxqJJFqRh8afau2BCluWx6Wf_8HP3wgwZI86MWCzq/s320/P1040634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><i>Kev<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>i<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>n - <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><span style="color: #0000ee;">"</span>No Nakedness over the Interwaves"</u></span></u></span></u></span></i></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - He doesn't trust technology so instead he has "interesting conversations" with his wife</span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Biggest Regret</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - For the Millennium tour they were offered stadiums but Brian wanted to stick with arenas </span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsFznFWeYAB5AUf5LPmOux3e-5ao-Pe8eX_Uu8y5pirjPOqkDjRFn-8ExLNXPhQi4pbpzjW4g8bbrsRbHvY9leCsk4kZ475j4GM91yghGrKWfb0e7EXSyiU2qhDpVbWGAuQCQWm7_1MiM/s1600/P1040647.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsFznFWeYAB5AUf5LPmOux3e-5ao-Pe8eX_Uu8y5pirjPOqkDjRFn-8ExLNXPhQi4pbpzjW4g8bbrsRbHvY9leCsk4kZ475j4GM91yghGrKWfb0e7EXSyiU2qhDpVbWGAuQCQWm7_1MiM/s320/P1040647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>AJ - Recording <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>If You Want it To <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>B</u></span>e Good Girl</u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ- And not taking action against Lou Pearlman earlier</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - Not suing that bastard sooner </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - None</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - We had the opportunity to meet the pope and Howie wanted to go but we declined.</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> Howie then shared a story about getting Wayne Gretzky's autograph and signed hockey stick from the all star game. Brian wanted it all these years and the only way he'll give it to Brian is they would trade for the pope stick. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">What is the group dynamic?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - We all have our disagreements, usually over creative differences</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ- We've all laughed and cried together. We're a family, not just a group that was put together. </span></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/192JMWaIO_E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/192JMWaIO_E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ- "We live, eat, breath and shit one another. We're family"<br /></span></span></i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">What your favorite song to perform?</span></span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Nick - Straight Through My Heart. It's becoming the Get Another Boyfriend from AJ.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ- Get Another Boyfriend</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Howie - All I Have to Give. But I get nervous doing that hat routine because I drop that hat.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">AJ - He said it warms his heart when we started going nuts over hearing the first few notes of a song. <i>Aww i love this answer! It came across so genuine to me.</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Kevin - He likes songs that have a lot of harmonies like Drowning</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Brian - He wants to bring back Darling. He also wants to switch the set up from night to night. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
And so ends another successful Q&A. I know I've already said it, but I love this event!Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-20979531802752934982016-09-20T13:47:00.002-04:002016-09-20T13:47:59.697-04:00Recap 2016: Day 3 (Italy)Today started by waking up in beautiful Italia around 6:30am. Though I should caveat, my roommate was the unlucky one who had to wake up that early for an 8am excursion. Fortunately, I had seen Pisa a few years ago, so I went right back to bed.<br />
<br />
I woke up probably a good 5 hours after that. But watching her have to wake up an hour after she went to bed, it just occurred to me how having these sorts of action-packed ports were not at all conducive to a Backstreet cruise. The boys are up until the wee hours of the night partying, but then they expect people to get up for an 8am excursion if they want any chance at all to see the sites? Great in theory, but I don't think it works.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Livorno</b></span><br />
Because I decided to get some beauty rest and sleep-in, most of my friends were already off the ship getting their gelato on, or whatever else it is they were doing in Italy. So I ventured off the ship hoping to run into someone I knew and explore the port. Maybe go to Pisa. Maybe just get some pizza and head back. I honestly didn't have a plan and I liked it that way!<br />
<br />
I get off the ship and learned the only way into the downtown area was via a shuttle where we had no choice but to pay €5. Not a huge deal, but I think some fans (and even Rose Tour staff) were a little peeved about that. Not everyone has the cash handy.<br />
<br />
When I arrive in Livorno I run into a few good friends right there in the main square. Perfecto! Couldn't plan it better if I tried. We were toying with the idea of going to Pisa but it looks like we were a little too late because there wasn't enough time to go, do the site, and come back in time before the ship leaves.<br />
<br />
So instead we just walk around town, go into some shops, get gelato, etc. Nice and low key, which is just what I needed amid the craziness of a BSB cruise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgklP_ThGG05QfZYU_lrvHpH7-skX_4rq-WNizOMRkrSfgRuFzsVzKyc4pfONPv2fTlwRg996335c-56VWX0f0S_bF1WPqfoOfW60eKadZ-auecK-I4w4p1xJxVIHVc-OJr1vAuI08Fy1-/s1600/P1040293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgklP_ThGG05QfZYU_lrvHpH7-skX_4rq-WNizOMRkrSfgRuFzsVzKyc4pfONPv2fTlwRg996335c-56VWX0f0S_bF1WPqfoOfW60eKadZ-auecK-I4w4p1xJxVIHVc-OJr1vAuI08Fy1-/s320/P1040293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Cort enjoying some gelato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Mix It Up with Howie D</b></span><br />
I haven't seen a Backstreet Boy in over 15 hours (unacceptable on a BSB cruise) so I was excited and ready for some Howie D!!! I loved his solo event last year so I was really excited to see what he came up with this year.<br />
<br />
When Howie came out he explained that his event would be all about drinks. Not really my cup of tea, but it involves Howie, so I'm there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjawfScZ6HPaFSiYQ8jlHgoS1vt71bzywhoYB-wpdg4ztupfALaWXVEktmmrvPptYrHU7np3ykDxKfwWw-v6dWa4KU1nSAHXJDyFn2A_Vi5TwLpZtYZ9hxLMe9Gl5N7J4NXRi1dFZd2h-/s1600/P1040333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjawfScZ6HPaFSiYQ8jlHgoS1vt71bzywhoYB-wpdg4ztupfALaWXVEktmmrvPptYrHU7np3ykDxKfwWw-v6dWa4KU1nSAHXJDyFn2A_Vi5TwLpZtYZ9hxLMe9Gl5N7J4NXRi1dFZd2h-/s320/P1040333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Are you guys sober. Well I am and I'm ready to drink!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gnMpjSk_F4z3TH9poSlDk-19jK5iHDPUWVa-lUC_yayIV6oUlLhs1Q3RKgLAFO3P9gL8lUHKebGDHzCEz3oFrqqW2ancPMhLd5UBF4LeLORgObJUds-nooaepwuYy4AQi7LQZysJrv-K/s1600/P1040358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gnMpjSk_F4z3TH9poSlDk-19jK5iHDPUWVa-lUC_yayIV6oUlLhs1Q3RKgLAFO3P9gL8lUHKebGDHzCEz3oFrqqW2ancPMhLd5UBF4LeLORgObJUds-nooaepwuYy4AQi7LQZysJrv-K/s320/P1040358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I didn't wake up until 2:30 and I'm very thirsty. It's too long for my body not to have a little bit of alcohol in it."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh Howie, if you were anyone else I'd probably think you're an alcoholic.<br />
<br />
This event basically consisted of a Carnival staff member showcasing his drink making skills while Howie attempted some of his goofy jokes and antics. In my opinion it <i>sorta</i> worked. I don't know that Howie has a bold enough personality to carry an event like this. I think the Carnival guy almost overshadowed him (don't hate me!). Here's a few minutes for your viewing pleasure:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WjTZtPHuZNY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WjTZtPHuZNY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is How-ie Do it!</i></div>
<br />
The second half of the event was watching Howie play beer pong with a couple of fans. In my opinion, this was great for the few fans who got to play with him, but it didn't really translate into a spectator sport. It would've been alright for like 5 minutes, but it just went way too long. I wanted to see Howie more engaged with the crowd but he was more focused on the game.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm just becoming more jaded and cynical as I go on more of these cruises. I don't mean to come across all negative. I swear! I think he just set the bar really high from his last solo event. <br />
<br />
After Howie's event I went and actually enjoyed the balcony in my cabin that I paid an arm and a leg for. Did the whole dinner thing. And next on the agenda....best part of the cruise!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Show Em What You're Made of Acoustic Concert</b></span><br />
I just don't even know where to start with this because no matter what I write up, will not capture the magnificence that was this concert. It was absolutely amazing from start to finish. I LOVE that they did an acoustic set and I LOVE that they only sang 2 singles. I LOVE that they finally understood that the fans on the cruise don't need to hear I Want it That Way. We're super fans and want to hear the rare gems.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiSMmGMXAAAOw-e.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiSMmGMXAAAOw-e.jpg:large" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best setlist ever.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This concert was phenomenal. I wish they did more concerts like this. Here are some of my favorite moments:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The boys entered the concert by walking down the aisle and Brian was just an arm-lengths away as he walked by. Gosh, it really never does get old.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPkI8nQucAHAw_qRKZMK-qiSYLNggz9grPQW4Q_DfC1CxjU8v7fTw_aeHTjH1WdmOJv5CZt1A9cO4PrXZG0fCksgzKf4FP4dFdxUngeJ3aao5Z_7CvlnanQHjj1RYH24YYbnn-H19QP0I/s1600/P1040385.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPkI8nQucAHAw_qRKZMK-qiSYLNggz9grPQW4Q_DfC1CxjU8v7fTw_aeHTjH1WdmOJv5CZt1A9cO4PrXZG0fCksgzKf4FP4dFdxUngeJ3aao5Z_7CvlnanQHjj1RYH24YYbnn-H19QP0I/s320/P1040385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So close to Brian!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Let's Have a Party - Oh my gosh, AJ rapping his part brought me so much joy! I wish I could've had the homecoming video playing side by side.</li>
<li>Just to be Close to You- Geez, another oldie but goodie. At this point its feeling even more like the Homecoming concert. Super special to hear this one live.<br /><br /> </li>
<li>Darlin - Brian was the first to sing his solo. I know it can't just be me - I still get a little nervous about Brian's voice. But as he finished up the last notes of this song, we all got a little emotional. He's still got it!! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wD5WTszbz8c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wD5WTszbz8c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<i>Darlin</i></div>
</li>
<li>Don't Wanna Lose You Now - AJ prefaces this song by getting the crowd riled up asking if we'd want the Millennium 2.0 tour. That would be amazing!! But the song itself was simply beautiful! Reminds me how much I love the Millennium album.</li>
<li>Safest Place to Hide - It's by this point in the set that I'm actually comprehending how amazing of a show this is because there's no singles. Highlight: Kev gets choked up singing his part. I suppose that's not really a highlight, but I still felt the need to mention it. Mainly because after the song Howie joked that he was crying in his hotel room in Barcelona as he practiced the songs with his wife. At which point he said Kevin is channeling himself in Howie. More funny banter ensues. Feel free to check it out here along with Nick's beautiful rendition of 'I Got You'.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JdkL5RN14nA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JdkL5RN14nA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<i>I Got You</i></div>
</li>
<li>I Got You - Aaack my favorite Nick song!! I was super excited. It was super nice to hear this song with the rest of the boys singing backup vocals. We also found out that Max Martin initially recorded this song about his child. Thus Nick shared the song now has new meaning for him. And that's your Backstreet fun fact of the day! <br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li>Get Another Boyfriend- I don't know how AJ gets outvoted every tour and this one can't make the setlist,!! Sorry I'm clearly run out of adjectives to describe these songs, but 'amazing' just works so well. They sang the 'Good G-d!' part and put a cool breakdown in the middle. Definitely a cool rendition. </li>
<li>Drowning- I enjoyed their intro to this. Mainly because they were just joking around. Howie tried beatboxing and AJ lovingly teased him. Then they tore apart their first Drowning music video (though I don't know why they hating on it. I enjoyed Spider boy AJ).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D5aUUrhx_24/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D5aUUrhx_24?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Drowning and Back to your Heart</i></div>
</li>
<li>Back to Your Heart - So happy this one made the setlist. I love, love this song. And Kev did a great job with it even getting choked up multiple times. But I love how they changed it up just enough to make it interesting but not losing the initial integrity of the song.</li>
<li>Siberia- This was oddly my least favorite. Only because I feel like I've heard it plenty of times at various soundcheck parties, etc. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful rendition. All I'm saying is if I picked the setlist, I would've chosen another song here that I don't get to hear as often.</li>
<li>Spanish Eyes - This was <b>my favorite song of the evening</b>. I thought Howie's intro to the song was endearing. He joked that it was hard to pick a song in his extensive catalogue of solo hits with BSB. Awww Howito! I also found myself tearing up a little bit during the song. It was just so beautiful!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NEAoHOVX_k8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEAoHOVX_k8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<i>Spanish Eyes</i></div>
</li>
<li>Just Want You to Know- I'm so happy that AJ told us to all stand up. I was ready to get on my feet and jam out. Too bad they didn't whip out the Spandex though.</li>
<li>Incomplete- I was actually okay with this single making the cut because I adore AJs opening in this song and they killed the acoustic version. </li>
<li>Lay Down Beside Me - The entire song was me repeating "<i>Please let AJ hump the floor. Please let AJ hump the floor."</i> I really just wanted to see him recreate that iconic moment. I heard he did it for Group A but sadly Group B wasn't quite as lucky.</li>
<li>Everybody- Perfect way to end the show! Though of course I didn't want it to end.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI8zNQx3XsPsAH4foumRojmcH8bMod60LjYdqDIaIwjF9XiVhGi2nlFBVg11Cs9mKwBD9rTGAfF_2cjoRAZzUXJ9pHVTgXLvyKIsxPaQsao1sbEOJy2z_GgZtMVZAyQe8BpSZhOKK80v4/s1600/P1040402.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI8zNQx3XsPsAH4foumRojmcH8bMod60LjYdqDIaIwjF9XiVhGi2nlFBVg11Cs9mKwBD9rTGAfF_2cjoRAZzUXJ9pHVTgXLvyKIsxPaQsao1sbEOJy2z_GgZtMVZAyQe8BpSZhOKK80v4/s320/P1040402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acoustic Concert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think the concert was the highlight of the cruise for many people. I wish I could articulate why it was just so meaningful. There was just something extra special hearing the boys sing these songs that they haven't sung live in probably 20 years. It was almost like things were coming full circle. Being there transported me back to 1999 when I was an awkward teen watching the Homecoming VHS tape on repeat dreaming of the day I'd get to meet the Backstreet Boys in person. Fast forward 17 years later - I've grown a lot. The 'boys' have grown a lot. This concert was almost like a time capsule that really demonstrated how far we've come and how far the boys have come. Whenever they're asked to describe a show, they will say "It's a trip down memory lane". But this concert in particular really was for the die-hard fans who have been there since the beginning and haven't left.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Casino Royale Night</b></span></b></span><br />
After the concert I was coming off a high and ready for Casino Royale Night. Sadly this night got rained out and we had to move inside...again. Seriously why do we have such bad luck!? Thus we all crowded into the atrium and I decided to go no where near the front. Not worth it after my experience from the first night.<br />
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The boys arrived looking dapper as heck to James Bond music. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U6GCfuX521m68CnRvqYcN31bmvuRbzdRjWZc2aXt_uJhrphTLpJnlULhlPGI4w3eGs-UgrVHNakYXBhcYbs5C_I5ZI5O2_QYX8f7QP8zKTDxU0lR0xLORiTX57JEMogAjhNlMotDtp4_/s1600/casino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U6GCfuX521m68CnRvqYcN31bmvuRbzdRjWZc2aXt_uJhrphTLpJnlULhlPGI4w3eGs-UgrVHNakYXBhcYbs5C_I5ZI5O2_QYX8f7QP8zKTDxU0lR0xLORiTX57JEMogAjhNlMotDtp4_/s320/casino.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys. Backstreet Boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wonderfulunion.net/groundctrl/clients/backstreetboys/media/00/05/images/assets/large.V5QiHCa43wucoU4Hc8kkOH8ZxHFMQzkEaq5TOvxULGY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wonderfulunion.net/groundctrl/clients/backstreetboys/media/00/05/images/assets/large.V5QiHCa43wucoU4Hc8kkOH8ZxHFMQzkEaq5TOvxULGY.jpg" height="213" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit to Backstreetboys.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once again the boys started off with everyone on stage and their brief introduction. The DJ got the music going and the boys quickly dispersed throughout the atrium to start their nightly mingling. Thus I assess the situation. 3 of the guys were down in the mosh pit and AJ had a nice orderly line. At this point I legit feel bad 'bugging' AJ again and trying to get another moment. But it was either wait in a nice line or deal with a mosh put. I opted for the line.<br />
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Before long I made my way to the front and had a nice quick interaction/hug with AJ. Sadly they're all blurring together so I don't remember specifically what was said. Though I guarantee it was delightful :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-3HYSoLa3f8j4_UgyWXhGZlrlI9IasCXIzVx5dOtpB7xLc68lGqPOkUsIxVX-9LVhOIOcVpXvojFKhU4pB6uCYp_bpqzXkHwFZWOvljIjBlu0PkYQQGJNKFhECh1QpA4De7jZTh02bQ9/s1600/P1040425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-3HYSoLa3f8j4_UgyWXhGZlrlI9IasCXIzVx5dOtpB7xLc68lGqPOkUsIxVX-9LVhOIOcVpXvojFKhU4pB6uCYp_bpqzXkHwFZWOvljIjBlu0PkYQQGJNKFhECh1QpA4De7jZTh02bQ9/s320/P1040425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candid of me and AJ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vaYuo4Npa14/V1ry9Kq5-yI/AAAAAAAAYqo/3UPORDe13Zc9LrNfq7FhTR8nUJwjeePFwCPcB/s1600/P1040426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vaYuo4Npa14/V1ry9Kq5-yI/AAAAAAAAYqo/3UPORDe13Zc9LrNfq7FhTR8nUJwjeePFwCPcB/s320/P1040426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and AJ during Casino Royale Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later that evening I saw that Kevin form a line for pictures. In case you can't tell, I'm a big fan of the lines! He seemed to be having fun and doing his typical Kevin routine. He'll dance in between chatting with girls and seems to take the time with each person. I could tell he had been drinking and was having a good time. He was pretty quiet with me, which is fine. He leaned in for the pic and this is the magic that was captured:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsGBRA8ohf1Bt2Ra1FpR3qnVwjL_WHrv2-_IYX1gJXl7sYmjKpDgVlPFq8zDKLRTMX6H0BsgrNem51L5yysPIv3n-bWqEKIhYrgMwh3tgIe6uxb2T0O69xxjqFAg_Fe20a_mYa8gkVd_9/s1600/P1040427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsGBRA8ohf1Bt2Ra1FpR3qnVwjL_WHrv2-_IYX1gJXl7sYmjKpDgVlPFq8zDKLRTMX6H0BsgrNem51L5yysPIv3n-bWqEKIhYrgMwh3tgIe6uxb2T0O69xxjqFAg_Fe20a_mYa8gkVd_9/s320/P1040427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kev</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Post-Party</b></span><br />
Once the party died down, I went up to check out the club scene (which in real life is totally not my scene!) But given that a few of the boys were supposedly up there, I wanted to at least go check it out.<br />
<br />
In a nutshell the post-party consisted of:<br />
<ul>
<li>Howie DJing with a tiny crowd of girls surrounding him. Leigh was also partying with him.</li>
<li>A roped off VIP area where Nick was hanging out/mingling/taking pics, etc</li>
<li>Alongside the rope were a bunch of fans trying to get access to the other side of the rope</li>
<li>At one point Kevin showed up and took some pics with fans but didn't stay super long</li>
</ul>
I didn't have any success interacting with the guys, but I wasn't super focused on it that night. I was content hanging out with my friends until the wee hours of the morning (aka like 5 or 6). I just remember being super hungry and thinking if I just waited a little longer breakfast would be served :P I honestly haven't been up this late on a Backstreet cruise in quite some time! I think the time change was working in my favor as well as the boys favor. Eventually I decided to retire because I knew the next day was going to be a long one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgTbtpyxUvyIwxOEwyMubIhGZe6xEo_shLEEhTQvUC80FZP7k8CSP0dQO7zJPxxX3iN6Pzy-S9JBJB9JjeurW05ksPP2KjMl70DjyktRrTElqtyltkMq9lYnXgTaIDHMyqCU_57ZH3DCb/s1600/P1040430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgTbtpyxUvyIwxOEwyMubIhGZe6xEo_shLEEhTQvUC80FZP7k8CSP0dQO7zJPxxX3iN6Pzy-S9JBJB9JjeurW05ksPP2KjMl70DjyktRrTElqtyltkMq9lYnXgTaIDHMyqCU_57ZH3DCb/s320/P1040430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend, Lucy, and I in the club</td></tr>
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Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-83432382308376033162016-07-29T14:33:00.000-04:002016-11-17T20:47:27.153-05:00Recap 2016: Day 2 (Cannes)Waking up the second day of the Backstreet Boy cruise was the weirdest experience. You know why?<br />
<br />
I was able to sleep in!<br />
<br />
Hallelujah. The first time in the history of Backstreet Boy cruises I didn't have to set an alarm. Granted that was because I wasn't doing any excursions, but I was really okay with that. There wasn't anything I was dying to see there, I just wanted to leisurely take my time in getting up. And boy was it glorious.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Cannes</b></span><br />
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After grabbing a quick breakfast, I ventured off the ship into the bustling city of Cannes during its most exciting time of year - the Cannes Film Festival. I was immediately taken by all the red<b> </b>carpets and important looking people with badges and cameras. I kept hoping I would catch a glimpse of a movie star, but sadly, I did not.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLTZhD8Yqiv5Qp7Erc3QL8H3aT-_iUpkUIZR4w9xvdd2poY6fCnEA5aXB3x3FYND4p6FMa2Rj1uoPej3VAyNOcr_ULYCkz5ZMT6BNh6VPoWSO7swFVOd79H41nVTRMnjN6mYmo-P_eyQ7/s1600/P1040186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLTZhD8Yqiv5Qp7Erc3QL8H3aT-_iUpkUIZR4w9xvdd2poY6fCnEA5aXB3x3FYND4p6FMa2Rj1uoPej3VAyNOcr_ULYCkz5ZMT6BNh6VPoWSO7swFVOd79H41nVTRMnjN6mYmo-P_eyQ7/s320/P1040186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the gang in Cannes</td></tr>
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I spent most of the late morning/early afternoon just exploring the town by foot. At one point we decided to stop and take a carousel ride, because, well I'm a grown up and don't have to explain!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_K5QHLIb8bW-JF8AMJN5VCkRaoSBy7Bqn35TtjyoDyiKEtqSK_rAKnICgXx7fumv80cLPuJtQkLadTXoUgxXK6FTvA4va7sfxB_YOfuiJAg1ZYZisUf3TT-e5JMHZ154pjJm35DJU0Ty/s1600/DSCN1974.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_K5QHLIb8bW-JF8AMJN5VCkRaoSBy7Bqn35TtjyoDyiKEtqSK_rAKnICgXx7fumv80cLPuJtQkLadTXoUgxXK6FTvA4va7sfxB_YOfuiJAg1ZYZisUf3TT-e5JMHZ154pjJm35DJU0Ty/s320/DSCN1974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Me and Chrissy on a C<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>arousel</u></span></u></span></td></tr>
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After a couple of hours of exploring we decided to turn around and find a little cafe to grab pastries and drinks. Well on the way back I noticed Justin and Jenn walking on the other side of the street. Then behind them I noticed Nick...then Kevin...then Howie. Eeek! I swear my reaction was that as if I wasn't on a Backstreet cruise and like I randomly noticed the Backstreet Boys on the street.<br />
<br />
Now I admit, I was tempted to dart across traffic and risk my safety to go say 'hi', but I quickly remembered (or rather my friends kindly pointed out) that this was their downtime and we should let them do their thing. As much as my heart was pulling me across the street, the better part of reasoning agreed with them so I just enjoyed the view, watching them explore the streets of Cannes.<br />
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Justin may have taken this pic, but I swear I was on the other side of the road not too long after this was taken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://groundctrl.s3.amazonaws.com/clients/backstreetboys/media/04/05/images/assets/large.N1KPK31iJj5vedWsokYRVgl_EyvQ6SASbD_PcOpEs9E.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://groundctrl.s3.amazonaws.com/clients/backstreetboys/media/04/05/images/assets/large.N1KPK31iJj5vedWsokYRVgl_EyvQ6SASbD_PcOpEs9E.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys exploring Cannes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The interesting thing here, all the other 'Non-Cruisers' were walking past them and clearly had no idea who they were. That still amazes me. I'm like 'HELLO - Its the Backstreet Boys. Why are you not freaking out like I am!?' haha<br />
<br />
After our Backstreet run-in, we found our little cafe and I enjoyed some pastries and a beautiful view of Cannes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0sUIDe6nYZ54jw5tBkVC-0KnMfyafxvysgGtTlr4LH-V4W55d9PRIRN5U1CO0gMnFxnHtZJt-XfI2R0AITDd_rR1tGPwLlyiB38av6G9lOo567e5foYO_s1fx-FSnx6s9eNg_agvU_UY/s1600/P1170726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0sUIDe6nYZ54jw5tBkVC-0KnMfyafxvysgGtTlr4LH-V4W55d9PRIRN5U1CO0gMnFxnHtZJt-XfI2R0AITDd_rR1tGPwLlyiB38av6G9lOo567e5foYO_s1fx-FSnx6s9eNg_agvU_UY/s320/P1170726.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some delicious pastries in France. Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Photo Session</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">We had to get back to the ship at a decent hour so we could start getting ready for our official picture with the boys. We have 4 girls in 1 cabin with 1 bathroom. It takes time and coordination!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So I've been super duper fortunate over the last several years to have had the opportunity to meet the boys on numerous occasions, yet it still never gets old. The butterflies still don't disappear as I wait in that line that wrapped the length of the ship. The same thoughts pop through my head "Do I look okay?" "Do I have anything in my teeth?" "What do I say" "Holy crap I'm meeting the Backstreet Boys"</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTVlvrCWd_M/V5uY0UHWzBI/AAAAAAAAY94/cQjcr63dzag4X-0im5oDnfD-z4kjaKBFgCKgB/s1600/P1170739.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTVlvrCWd_M/V5uY0UHWzBI/AAAAAAAAY94/cQjcr63dzag4X-0im5oDnfD-z4kjaKBFgCKgB/s320/P1170739.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random picture of me waiting to take a picture. Gotta love the irony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Once I got closer to the front of the line, I saw how good the boys were looking in their sailor suits. Yum! This is one of those things that will never get old! My cabinmates and I work so well together because we all have different favorite boys. We have a Brian girl, AJ girl, Kevin girl, and me - the lonely Nick girl (believe it or not!). I really am fortunate to have no Nick competition. Though to be honest, at this point I really couldn't care less who I stand next to.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">When it was finally time for our meet & greet...damn it goes by fast! I briefly said hi to all the boys and gave them quick hugs. Surprisingly the only one who really engaged me in a "conversation" (and I use the term loosely) was Nick. He asked me if I was having a good time. I think I muttered out "of course!". But who really knows what sort of nonsense I said. For crying out loud - it was Nick Carter in a sailor suit!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I know these photo ops go super quick, but it was still very enjoyable, as always. I'm also happy with how our picture came out :) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeBSadEiN39ZiJrfrlN2Zr76TDESza2kxerSJ1nDaGcqt0AqWO5EdeCImYtycBdA9s_cmp20O1ssHpVwmj2-0kXTmP3pzeS9baYVPqHAHH8LRpdpp1InvrbN6GDzmbp-lG2rOQurCE3qT/s1600/meet+%2526+greet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeBSadEiN39ZiJrfrlN2Zr76TDESza2kxerSJ1nDaGcqt0AqWO5EdeCImYtycBdA9s_cmp20O1ssHpVwmj2-0kXTmP3pzeS9baYVPqHAHH8LRpdpp1InvrbN6GDzmbp-lG2rOQurCE3qT/s320/meet+%2526+greet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and Kevin sandwich!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next up was dinner. It proved to be a nice time to sit and relax with my all my friends. Pour over all of our stories from the day and analyze every little interaction and event. After dinner I was just too tempted and wanted to go press my ear against the theater to see if I could hear the other concert going on. And sure enough, I wasn't the only one with that thought. Even though I couldn't be in there to enjoy the concert, it was still nice listening to a few songs from outside. I tore myself away from the door after hearing maybe 4 songs because I didn't want to spoil any more. Just from the little pieces I did hear, I knew this was going to be an AMAZING concert!!<br />
<br />
Before long, it was time to get ready for 'Night at the Cinema'!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Night at the Cinema</b></span><br />
So my roommates and I wanted to do a group costume and we came up with the idea to go as the cast of Inside Out. I picked last and got assigned 'Anger', which is very NOT me. But it was still fun to play the part.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-nBwKPvV6EctDcR3tfd5SwmI9M9aOkhrEi2MsUxP5qaFI_30NuFr71SnwOu_dGA3JLM1nYbloD-A6npqMkgp8NnRv52wl3paarEnaMzCdQAianGIrmIg6T3qmP2VN7IXZaR3_eSqyOHr/s1600/P1170753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-nBwKPvV6EctDcR3tfd5SwmI9M9aOkhrEi2MsUxP5qaFI_30NuFr71SnwOu_dGA3JLM1nYbloD-A6npqMkgp8NnRv52wl3paarEnaMzCdQAianGIrmIg6T3qmP2VN7IXZaR3_eSqyOHr/s320/P1170753.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My roommates as the cast of Inside Out (sans Fear)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We found ourselves a spot upstairs and away from the mob pit, as I already got my fill of pushing the night prior. Of course after a long wait made even longer with Backstreet time, the boys finally emerged.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuPz8FHxEt8/V5ubLiMYvGI/AAAAAAAAY-U/b7aiSfqBOEUNdO4_SJLpG7MiKKPlA3ofgCKgB/s1600/star%2Bwars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuPz8FHxEt8/V5ubLiMYvGI/AAAAAAAAY-U/b7aiSfqBOEUNdO4_SJLpG7MiKKPlA3ofgCKgB/s320/star%2Bwars.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May the Backstreet Boys be With You (Sorry, I couldn't help myself)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not super into Star Wars, but thought it was a fun theme. I loved how Nick apparently drew the short straw again and somehow got assigned as Princess Leia. I'm really starting to wonder if he's actually volunteering to dress as a woman.<br />
<br />
As far as deck parties go - they did their typical spiels. AJ brought some fans on stage to do some 'real dancing'. Nick was also very engaged that night on the stage. <br />
<br />
This deck party had to be my favorite. It was the only one we had outside and I just felt so much energy from the guys and the fans. I loved all the costumes because I think the fans were really creative and seemed to have a lot of fun with it. I enjoyed spotting my favorite movie characters from across the pool deck. Just overall I had a really great time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wonderfulunion.net/groundctrl/clients/backstreetboys/media/12/03/images/assets/large.9EdPiS0s5ifgRb99drTsFqGK-hgFyPWs8tQvFPm6Dcw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wonderfulunion.net/groundctrl/clients/backstreetboys/media/12/03/images/assets/large.9EdPiS0s5ifgRb99drTsFqGK-hgFyPWs8tQvFPm6Dcw.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, Brian's having a great time too :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Night of AJ</b></span><br />
<br />
Hopefully I've intrigued you enough with my subheading here, but I swear the rest of the night was all about AJ. Nick, Brian, Howie, Kevin who??<b> </b><br />
<br />
As the deck party went on, I found myself letting my guard down and not worrying so much about hunting the boys down for a picture. But I swear no sooner than that thought crossed my head AJ was heading upstairs right my direction. Well, shoot. If he's coming right towards me you bet I'm going to try and get a picture. He stayed and did a good number of pictures and I inched my way closer and closer. Then the dreaded words, "Sorry guys, I gotta go."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcgcqDCIsXI/V5ub-PlU96I/AAAAAAAAY-g/Rbb5dFxBTTw7BkI5OGORX2MOC9Xg5nihgCKgB/s1600/P1040246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcgcqDCIsXI/V5ub-PlU96I/AAAAAAAAY-g/Rbb5dFxBTTw7BkI5OGORX2MOC9Xg5nihgCKgB/s320/P1040246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So close but so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Blah. Just got my hopes up and off he goes. But before he runs off he says, "Don't worry, I'll come back. And you know me; I mean that." This is true. He is probably the best doing pictures with fans so I reluctantly watch as AJ runs across the deck.<br />
<br />
After that adrenaline burst, I shift gears and get back into the party. More singing, dancing, and having fun with my roommate, Cory. The usual deck party drill. Then I ran into another friend and...well yadda yadda yadda, my friend and I ended up getting a wristband into VIP. <br />
<br />
Yes, I know. I yadda yaddaed the best part. Just want to thank my friend for that hookup!<br />
<br />
Any who...Cory and I decide to go check out the VIP area. I wanted to see what the deal was because in years past they had free drinks so it was worth investigating. Well what we got ended up being better than free drinks, we got AJ! I just had to chuckle because I just can't seem to get away from him (not that I'm complaining!)<br />
<br />
It was very chill in that VIP area because there weren't that many fans there. We were able to have a brief chat with AJ and take our pictures.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U7uyaVCpxE/V1ry9MXWAPI/AAAAAAAAYqo/NjN_Dox49m4E9QJVGUyIFAxph5oMl8P4ACKgB/s1600/P1040259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U7uyaVCpxE/V1ry9MXWAPI/AAAAAAAAYqo/NjN_Dox49m4E9QJVGUyIFAxph5oMl8P4ACKgB/s320/P1040259.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anger (AKA me) and AJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the pictures, he's still chatting with us but we see him taking his shoes off. Of course I'm thinking to myself, <i>uh AJ, why the heck are you taking your shoes off? </i>And almost as if he heard my thoughts, he told us that he was about to go jump in the pool. Then we tease him that the shoes are of course the most important thing he can't get wet. We all know AJ loves his sneakers.<br />
<br />
Now Cory and I are in prime spot to and get ready to watch AJ jump in the pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M9Ux7T-lJgY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M9Ux7T-lJgY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>AJ jumping in the pool</i> </div>
<br />
Oh gosh, I felt so bad for AJ because I was super cold without being soaking wet, and now he must be freezing and keeps getting stopped to take pictures.<br />
<br />
At this point Cory and I are ready for a break and head to the buffet to grab a snack attack around 2:30. Got to eat when you can because the buffet closed at 3. We're just relaxing and eating and then we hear AJ come over the intercom...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UNu9-PfV-kU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNu9-PfV-kU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Um AJ, why are you telling us good night, but then want us to go out and party?</i></div>
<br />
Ding, goes the intercom again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nb9t_JKwymI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nb9t_JKwymI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Good, AJ realized his mistake. </i></div>
<br />
Folks, I've been wanting the boys to make announcements on the PA system since before the concept of a Backstreet cruise even existed. I write that suggestion every year on my surveys so I was super excited that they finally listened!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Night of AJ Continues</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Next I decided that since it was so cold out, I wanted to go down to the
cabin for a few minutes, grab a sweatshirt, hit the little girls room,
and just rest a bit before going back to the deck party. So Cory and I
head to our room and do just that. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">When we get there we notice that the cabin steward made up our bed wrong and only set the room for 3 of us instead of 4. I felt awful having to call them so early in the morning, but what else are we supposed to do? So we call them and they said they'll send someone up shortly to fix our room. Ok, cool. No biggie. Problem solved.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I'd say about 5 minutes later Cory and I hear some rustling outside our door so we assume its the cabin steward coming to fix our room. Thus Cory opens the door to let her in and it wasn't the cabin steward. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">IT WAS FREAKIN AJ!!!!! *#&^@Q(&</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">At this point, I can't even. I just can't even. That moment was so surreal, I can't even put into words. I had been dreaming up this moment in my head for the past 3 years since I initially came up with the concept of doing a Friends themed door. And there he was, looking at the door. It was a mix of shock and pure happiness. I'll never forget that moment when I saw AJ in our doorway. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So AJ is hunched over the door reading our episode, side by sides. And he said, "This wasn't here last year, was it?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I start to freak out again!! That means he remembered our door from last year and must've seen it, even though I really didn't think he ever got to make it. The fact that we actually had those episodes on our door last year is moot, I wasn't about to correct him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sFRF4YakNE/V5ugLJFD8bI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/HXfWjcsjo_AfmhXGt-BZmWd0B5QYe5zLgCKgB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h16m46s632.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sFRF4YakNE/V5ugLJFD8bI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/HXfWjcsjo_AfmhXGt-BZmWd0B5QYe5zLgCKgB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h16m46s632.png" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stealth shot of AJ chatting with us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">We get chatting for probably a good 5-10 minutes. All the while I'm trying to keep my composure. He starts off by telling us about the announcement he just made on the intercom. He said he felt so bad because he meant to just wake up the cabins, and that's what he instructed the crew to do. But apparently it woke up the entire ship, including the crew quarters and the captain. I could tell he felt really bad about it. But hell, I enjoyed it!</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">We continue chatting, mostly about the show Friends. He asked us if we had a chance to go to that Central Perk pop-up shop, which sadly, I had not. He then launched into this really touching monologue about how much the show means to him and his wife and that it's really a bonding element. It wasn't necessarily new information to me, but very touching and it felt like an intimate moment between the 3 of us as he opened up. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iy_LvG-ajPM/V5ugLIKGYZI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/zkAWqAlbo_cooHcDGO78G7DRL5G-SZnrwCKgB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h16m51s575.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iy_LvG-ajPM/V5ugLIKGYZI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/zkAWqAlbo_cooHcDGO78G7DRL5G-SZnrwCKgB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h16m51s575.png" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stealth shot #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">At one point during the conversation the cabin steward we called comes and interrupts us. I was literally so flustered and couldn't think straight so I asked her to come back. And then I paused for a moment and realized its 3am and this poor woman probably had to wake up to come fix this, so then we let her in the room. I was not thinking straight. But really - what crummy timing! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Apologies, my memory is so blurry on this, but at some point later in the conversation he stops us and asks if he can take a picture with the door. Oh gee, let me think on that....OF COURSE!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMLzJVLS65o/V5ugLGHPZAI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/aEYhc0OWLP4E19MsmgSp3kXY55qAq1OJQCKgB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h18m06s257.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMLzJVLS65o/V5ugLGHPZAI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/aEYhc0OWLP4E19MsmgSp3kXY55qAq1OJQCKgB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h18m06s257.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Me trying to get a <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>pic</u></span> of AJ with our door</u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">So he whips out his own phone. Let me repeat. His own phone! Seriously, I'm already dying. He's trying to kill me! So he takes a picture of just himself in front of our door with his phone. Then he takes one with Cory and I, on his phone. I don't even know how I had the faculties to ask for a picture on my camera....but thank goodness I did. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vp_01623TGAZeHdpYhevZryZp16QHZ-UNtAasyDf7Q8GOaGvqk98V0jwMnI2bDVbguIb4C9PRBXUzEUMyrwjONNJz3D4XdPYl0rodGb5GYd87oP6p4SY5DpuO0PKVkbtr0Yv2UORWwhi/s1600/P1040262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vp_01623TGAZeHdpYhevZryZp16QHZ-UNtAasyDf7Q8GOaGvqk98V0jwMnI2bDVbguIb4C9PRBXUzEUMyrwjONNJz3D4XdPYl0rodGb5GYd87oP6p4SY5DpuO0PKVkbtr0Yv2UORWwhi/s320/P1040262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>I'll <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Be There For You</u></span></u></span><u></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">There were other fans in the hallway and they were super respectful and let us have our time (thank you if you're reading this!! Also, if you have any pics that would be super cool haha) but then AJ continued on to chat with other fans. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Meanwhile Jen stayed and looked more at our door so we got chatting with her a bit. Which was another great conversation. We talked for a bit about Friends but then that segued into reality TV since I know she's a big reality fan. And then we moved into talking about the cruise and honestly, anytime you can get feedback to the person that matters - its great. So I totally took advantage. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">She basically shared and echoed everything I was thinking about the cruise. She said she loves planning these cruises, its her favorite part of the job. She said it was great to have the extra day (amen, sister!) but felt a lot more cramped on this ship. Apparently there are a lot less open spaces. She acknowledged the lido deck wasn't great for the cruise because there wasn't a lot of room. She said Royal Caribbean is 10x nicer but ultimately Carnival is a party ship.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Mind you, AJ is still a few feet away talking with other fans. He does a U-turn and heads past our room again. He gives Cory and I a high-five, once again tells us he loves our door, and continues the other way to chat with other fans down the hall. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Cory and I go back into our room and literally collapse on the bed and freak out together. That lasted for a couple of minutes before it occurred to me that AJ was still in our hall. Why are we in our cabin?? Then we had this cartoon like moment where we stared at each other and bolted back out the door.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/7kn27lnYSAE9O/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7kn27lnYSAE9O/giphy.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me heading back towards AJ</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">We let other fans have their moment but figured it didn't hurt to listen in on the conversation. We also noticed that they blocked the hallway off completely by shutting the door. A few minutes later we see our other 2 roommates peak through the door and see them process what is happening. I can't even begin to explain how awful I felt that they missed him coming to our cabin, but I was relieved they didn't miss him all together. Fortunately they were able to get pics with AJ and that spurred a conversation about Inside Out. He said Ava loved the elephant character, but none of us could remember his name at the time (It was Bing Bong). All in all, we probably had another 5-10 minutes of him chatting with other fans down the hall. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SDcxNypvuc/V5ugLEMa2mI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/_R0a6P60v8cagI8HXglWgYdPIK9ROg7OgCKgB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h24m13s151.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SDcxNypvuc/V5ugLEMa2mI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/_R0a6P60v8cagI8HXglWgYdPIK9ROg7OgCKgB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-07-29-14h24m13s151.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ down the hall</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Now I'm full of adrenaline and no where near ready to go to bed. So Cory and I wander around the ship trying to process what had just happened. We end up in the solarium just reliving the glorious evening over and over and over. I had so much trouble falling asleep that night. But eventually forced myself. I went to bed knowing that anything else that happens on the cruise is gravy. I could've left at that moment and it would've been 150% worth everything. </span></span>Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-49637092661427280722016-07-01T15:29:00.001-04:002016-07-01T15:29:56.997-04:00Recap 2016: Day 1 Part 2<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>BSB Game Night (Group B)</b></span><br />
After the deck party it was time to go to the game show. First thing I noticed upon entering the theater is that I liked the setup much better than Carnival's because they don't have those annoying cocktail tables in the way. I was fortunate to have a good seat, but from what I could gather there were far less obstructed views than we've experienced in the past.<br />
<br />
In case you missed it – the game show was structured by dividing the boys into 2 groups and having fans join each team. Kevin & Brian were on the Kentucky cousins team while AJ, Brian, and Nick made up the Florida team. Once in teams – both sides were competing in a bunch of mini games similar to what you’d see on Hollywood Game Night. Trivia games. <br />
<br />
Highlights of the game show<br />
<ul>
<li>A lot of the boys trying to hit each other in their private areas. What else is new?</li>
<li>During the coin flip, as the teams were calling it, Nick makes the joke “Howie wants head.” This would be the start of a string of similarly themed jokes. </li>
<li>Jen explains the rules of charades, a very common party game in my opinion. <br />Jen - “Does this make sense?”<br />Nick (with a clueless look on his face) “Not at all.”<br />Only made funnier by Howie and AJ sitting next to him nodding and clearly understanding the rules. <br />Nick’s lucky he’s good looking.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6fKDahZr-kMIuDuMbcuW44lvZxGdqw8BjAgBj8dAqxQ_gw3XhUhQ-RjBeQ2BSAaSU16YUDDNPho8iowVwSsFePHNSb6sUdtJknatTwdkogMTQAOcVFk-AaOFMDfgJNdADEGBx_vaH4HQ/s1600/P1030982.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6fKDahZr-kMIuDuMbcuW44lvZxGdqw8BjAgBj8dAqxQ_gw3XhUhQ-RjBeQ2BSAaSU16YUDDNPho8iowVwSsFePHNSb6sUdtJknatTwdkogMTQAOcVFk-AaOFMDfgJNdADEGBx_vaH4HQ/s320/P1030982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Clueless Nick</u></span></td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Nick had a mini outburst that the other team during charades “Are you freakin’ serious!? Why did you give them elementary school words?”<br /><i>(I totally agree though. You can’t really compare words like ‘Bane’ and ‘Two-Face’ to ‘frog’ ‘glasses’ and ‘broom’.)</i></li>
<li>After this round – Nick got serious. He rearranged the furniture, took off his shoes, and was uber-focused on winning this round. I found it endearing.</li>
<li>Howie trying to act out the word ‘condom’ followed by the word ‘sex toy’ were the highlights of my night. And in context, he is the only one who got dirty words!</li>
<li>The boys try to guess world capitals...I suppose they did better than I thought but there were a few gems:<br />Brian thought the capital of Singapore was Malaysia<br />Nick, Howie and AJ guess every other city in Canada except Ottawa</li>
<li>AJ teaches Brian ‘real dancing’</li>
<li>Nick logs an official dispute over whether or not King Kong won an Oscar. Gets very heated over the issue. Later in the show a fan in the audience looks it up and says it won 3 Oscars. He proceeds to victoriously jump around the stage yelling it ‘suck it!’<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Nick getting himself quite worked up</i></div>
</li>
<li>Kevin shares a story about how the boys backed out of meeting the pope, which prevented Howie from being able to meet him because the pope would only meet them if all 5 boys were present. <br /><i> Geez, pope is greedy! I would gladly take any 1 Backstreet Boy no questions asked.</i></li>
</ul>
And the most infamous moment of the game show that would later become an inside joke of this cruise. Just watch....<br />
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<i>2 Words. Eddie. Murphy </i></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Game Show in a Nut Shell</b></span><br />
Since we never did get a survey, I get to let all my thoughts and critiques out here. So buckle up!<br />
<br />
My overall take of the game show. It was good, but a few little nits or suggestions for improvement for next time. During certain games we were watching their backs as they acted out things to the rest of their team. And its funny because at one point they even realized that, said it aloud, but nothing was done to fix it. While generally I don't have a problem starting at a Backstreet Boys' back side, we definitely missed something as a result.<br />
<br />
The other problem I realized this time around is there was definitely a language barrier with some of the fans on stage. I'm not saying that to put anyone down, but unfortunately the games required knowing English and as a result, it seemed like the majority of fans didn't really participate. As a spectator, I didn't overly mind because it meant more BSB. But I think if they were going to do this again in the future, staff needs to be cognizant of this when designing the games or selecting fans who are fully able to participate.<br />
<br />
Aside from those 2 minor things, I really did enjoy it. The game show is always good for a laugh and this was no exception. And with that, here's a random picture of Kevin doing some odd dance during at the game show....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMslMBibQDf2r50dRDPqwJ89KaBURJCFYqwWZ71iGFMbwWo4l_m7TLnDEW2MenhHjbObDMssfbjcTFykQ2GKqQJeoIDy-zLvdmc7A_dCrpvXldVmRaM5DofdSeDldj2STJ_s_KPQeieIu/s1600/P1040051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMslMBibQDf2r50dRDPqwJ89KaBURJCFYqwWZ71iGFMbwWo4l_m7TLnDEW2MenhHjbObDMssfbjcTFykQ2GKqQJeoIDy-zLvdmc7A_dCrpvXldVmRaM5DofdSeDldj2STJ_s_KPQeieIu/s320/P1040051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly not sure how to caption what Kev is up to here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>In a World Like This Deck Party</b></span><br />
For
this event I didn't put a whole lot into this outfit. I decided to whip out Nick's 'All American' T-shirt and call it a day. Plus, I figure this would be the only place I'd actually wear this article of clothing, so may as well take advantage.<br />
<br />
Well, this event was a little bit wet. And by a little bit, I mean it POURED! I felt so bad for the girls standing in front of the stage without an umbrella. I was standing on the upper deck, huddled with 3 friends under the 2 umbrellas we had to share between us. We were using each other to keep warm that night. I kept looking over to the security guard standing near us, trying to get an inclination as to what was going on. If history has taught me anything, I knew it would be moved inside. But he kept insisting that they still intended to hold it outside. Ugh!! So I continued to wait.<br />
<br />
I'd say after 45 minutes of standing in the cold rain I finally had enough and started to make my way inside. Well as timing would have it, just as I was headed to my cabin to dry off, I noticed a bunch of fans were scurrying inside and headed downstairs. So I aborted my mission of going to the cabin and was able to find myself 1st row (though quickly pushed back to the 2nd row) in front of the stage in the atrium. <br />
<br />
When the guys came out, I was happy to see that they chose to represent their hometowns, as opposed to the last international night we had, where they each chose to dress from a random country. Nick was a Tampa Bay Bucs football player. Howie look like Disney World threw up on him (and i mean that in the nicest possible way!) Kevin wore an Abe Lincoln get up. And sadly it took me waaay to long to realize that Abe Lincoln was born in Kentucky, hence the outfit. AJ wore an Orlando Magic jersey. Lastly Brian wore a US boxer outfit.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wWnTlo_ZYP0H4UUMIlckHgzspLvFP3Rn0Yojyfh9zRtjIoKzM1i_YunuvG-8H6M04YEpY9UPhtFyxlTteeG2Ww26fOHuxmGEfGFK3F4j81p1Ob-HeUNvbqaSI6vhGN-kh8eDP6SexX_n/s1600/P1040092_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wWnTlo_ZYP0H4UUMIlckHgzspLvFP3Rn0Yojyfh9zRtjIoKzM1i_YunuvG-8H6M04YEpY9UPhtFyxlTteeG2Ww26fOHuxmGEfGFK3F4j81p1Ob-HeUNvbqaSI6vhGN-kh8eDP6SexX_n/s320/P1040092_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So serious, Mr. Lincoln</td></tr>
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A few highlights of the evening:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Boys arriving during In a World Like This Night</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Brian fighting himself</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA4l51FEWCb4B4huYKD4gqyWIBE_AcKyHAA9oVjHr6sauZewRPNEQf7T9rQcRfv1Ll-swdLtCPf1NgdhxX0XrPP9CqUKsc7_CbkItPmY9P4mXYv5TUFgiXm7skNVwzAuT8_uzQ3ygygSh/s1600/P1040112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA4l51FEWCb4B4huYKD4gqyWIBE_AcKyHAA9oVjHr6sauZewRPNEQf7T9rQcRfv1Ll-swdLtCPf1NgdhxX0XrPP9CqUKsc7_CbkItPmY9P4mXYv5TUFgiXm7skNVwzAuT8_uzQ3ygygSh/s320/P1040112.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a shot from Nick!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkoDJJOXNs4c0yptwRWe9DDTyYLpANdfYWQm0s9HmZQ-o0hhW_ikOIZFSflGIYIotipZG0rfRC6XYRhZ7Sqy5iHiuJf3p6EcANbvQc_D-eLMrEGSMV1I15ileyXHCKuiU1mZzWtMI_Rw5/s1600/Brian+international.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkoDJJOXNs4c0yptwRWe9DDTyYLpANdfYWQm0s9HmZQ-o0hhW_ikOIZFSflGIYIotipZG0rfRC6XYRhZ7Sqy5iHiuJf3p6EcANbvQc_D-eLMrEGSMV1I15ileyXHCKuiU1mZzWtMI_Rw5/s320/Brian+international.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Brian</td></tr>
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This night brought mixed emotions for me. It was exciting to be in the front and get a chance to be up close and personal with the guys. Grab a few decent snapshots and videos.<br />
<br />
BUT...<br />
<br />
I can't even begin to tell you how uncomfortable I was in the crowd. There was SO much pushing and shoving :( I was repeatedly slammed into the stage and surrounded by a couple drunk girls. One by one my friends had to have the bodyguards remove them from the crowd. Yeah, it was that bad. Given how much time I had already put in....I really wanted to get a picture with Howie and get the heck out of there.<br />
<br />
A few bruises later, I was finally able to get my picture with Howie, which I was so excited about! But then I went to look at it, and this happened....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEYfmh0tVUQso3-55DwOD7BZF4Z5Sxyr67xVB3KcwUhkXR4jpKy5bhq_kouqxL6xM5cSXuN402oLgDwpBtrqfi6Twwka7FYvhCkmk0c4fRvt3s_knsqat6Nm1e0gRKKhlFC2Y4zbULaRY/s1600/P1040145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEYfmh0tVUQso3-55DwOD7BZF4Z5Sxyr67xVB3KcwUhkXR4jpKy5bhq_kouqxL6xM5cSXuN402oLgDwpBtrqfi6Twwka7FYvhCkmk0c4fRvt3s_knsqat6Nm1e0gRKKhlFC2Y4zbULaRY/s320/P1040145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Me<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>, Howie, and <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>a Selfie Stick.....</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
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My motto has always been 'any picture with BSB is a good picture'. But how disappointing that I put myself through so much discomfort to have another fan ruin my picture. Bla! After I got my picture, I had the bodyguards remove me from the mob. I just couldn't handle it anymore and I vowed that from this point on, I' wasn't going to bother trying to get up front. Just not worth it on this cruise. Fortunately this was the first and last time I experienced the crazy pushing this cruise.<br />
<br />
At this point I was beat and wanted to go back to my cabin and recuperate a bit. I must've tried 4 different exit strategies but the mobs of crowds and security made it nearly impossible to get back to my room. I kept getting blocked by a Backstreet Boy. (Hmm, well there's something I never thought i would ever complain about! ha!)<br />
<br />
I finally made it to my deck but was on the opposite end of my hall. I was struggling to get my bearings because the hall was blocked off because of the boys security. Well as I was standing there talking to the security guard explaining my dilemma, lo and behold Nick walks right up. There were only 5 of us fans there so he stopped and took pics with all of us!! I was so grateful because he is notorious for being tough to get a picture with. Major score!! I just hope he didn't think I was sitting there waiting all night for him. That was pure dumb luck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8HCHrEx_cN6jMnFHPX_p6dtVGIidIAEVpoVNktcsBbr-b4ONUXmUPuvSSfHDhfgPeMwotpIvnLlnamVhFFddyVyZ7U2hucCluB4FVNY68xRDijW2ORweQ8vxzG75gLOxHv6NMXntJvYZ/s1600/P1040146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8HCHrEx_cN6jMnFHPX_p6dtVGIidIAEVpoVNktcsBbr-b4ONUXmUPuvSSfHDhfgPeMwotpIvnLlnamVhFFddyVyZ7U2hucCluB4FVNY68xRDijW2ORweQ8vxzG75gLOxHv6NMXntJvYZ/s320/P1040146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and I during 'In a World Like This' Night</td></tr>
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<br />
I was on a crazy roller coaster of emotions towards the end of the night. Had some great highs getting pics with the boys. But a few lows with all the pushing. Alas I finally reunited with the rest of my roommates and was so disheartened to hear that their night was not going well. Apparently the staff told a bunch of fans that half of the Backstreet Boys would go up to the club and the other half would stay in the atrium. Great in theory, but that never happened. All they got was a 2 minute appearance from Nick. It put things into perspective for me....yes I was pushed all over the place, but at least I got to see the boys.<br />
<br />
In efforts to make the best of this night, we all went back out to assess the situation and see what was going on. And by assess the situation, get a GPS coordinate on each boy:<br />
<ul>
<li>Howie in the club</li>
<li>Kevin downstairs taking pictures side stage but with a mob</li>
<li>Nick - who the hell knows</li>
<li>Brian - Probably asleep</li>
<li>AJ - Taking pictures with a nice orderly line. <br />Ding Ding Ding. We have a winner folks! </li>
</ul>
<i>Sidebar - I feel like every hour on the hour my friends and I are constantly surveying where each boy is at any given time..... </i><i><i>"Nick was last seen heading to his cabin." "Howie's currently in the casino." "I heard Brian's taking a few pictures in the atrium. Move, move, move!"</i>I know that can't just be us. We need trackers on these boys and just make it easier on everyone! </i><br />
<br />
Anyway, even though I already received a picture with AJ earlier in the day, it really seemed like the best option at time. There really wasn't anything else going on so I hopped in line. I had probably been waiting 20 minutes or so when Robbie (AJ's bodyguard) said that AJ was going to leave in 10 minutes. Noooo! There was no question I was still more than 10 minutes away. <br />
<br />
<i>Yet another sidebar - I thought Robbie was super awesome!! He did his primary job to keep AJ safe. But he also made sure to keep the fans in order, which I SUPER appreciated. He made sure that no one was cutting in line and really did a good job of enforcing that. I wish we could have more of this!</i><br />
<br />
Back to AJ!<br />
<br />
So when Robbie made his announcement, a good number of girls left the line but I figured I'll stay put. Knowing AJ, he's so good about doing pics with fans. And I definitely made the right decision. I finally made my way up front and got a hug from AJ and got my pic. My roommate, Cory, went before me and told him about our door again. Another seed planted! So when it was my turn, I thought it would be fun to switch up the poses and I asked him to do a 'Friends' pose. So we did the 'F-U fist bump' or whatever you want to call it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCSAKD5V2YnnS7bUPoVqhhe3fQtLlA0uYzBdycJfUYmkJH0u1W5NmgJhN-E6AoeNXXNAG9l5f_Y0-w84UoysQoVCx2KLF1ciRRqzxe94r2wb9xMkg4XMtoyuhRhXi1a9xgejFNAvuUUU8/s1600/P1040162_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCSAKD5V2YnnS7bUPoVqhhe3fQtLlA0uYzBdycJfUYmkJH0u1W5NmgJhN-E6AoeNXXNAG9l5f_Y0-w84UoysQoVCx2KLF1ciRRqzxe94r2wb9xMkg4XMtoyuhRhXi1a9xgejFNAvuUUU8/s320/P1040162_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>AJ <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>and I doing a <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>'FRIENDS' pose</u></span></u></span></u></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Didn't turn out to be my favorite picture but it's something different :)<br />
<br />
<b>In a World Like This in a Nut Shell</b><br />
So, as much as I hate to say it, logistically - this whole night was a mess. They kept us out in the pouring rain for, what felt like forever. They clearly weren't well prepared to move us inside because the atrium space couldn't accommodate everyone, forcing them to shepherd a bunch of fans to the club. A good number of fans never got to see the boys as a result. Meanwhile those who did stay in the atrium - the space (including the stage) was way too small to do much of anything with.<br />
<br />
Personally - I clearly had a lot of luck that night getting pictures and brief interactions with the boys. And for that I'm very thankful!! The boys themselves did a good job of mingling with the fans, but as a result there was no entertainment or anything beyond getting selfies and I think that's partially why I was able to have so much luck. I've mentioned it time and time again but my favorite deck parties are actually the ones where the guys do a mix of entertaining the crowds AND mingling. This party was very heavy on the mingling and not so much with the entertaining. It worked out for me, but still not my favorite deck party. Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-41368827287762016992016-06-15T22:06:00.000-04:002016-06-15T22:06:03.698-04:00Recap 2016: Day 1 Part 1It's always so exciting starting off my cruise review, starting at a blank screen and anxious to let all my stories fill the page. So without further ado, I'm going to dive right in!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Pre-Cruise</b></span><br />
I generally don't like to spend a lot of time going through my pre-cruise adventures but I'll do a quick overview.<br />
<br />
Long drive to Newark airport. Long plane ride to London. Long layover at Heathrow. Not quite as long flight to Barcelona. Rain. Sagrada Familia. Rain. Another church. Lunch. Rain. Another Cathedral. Time to head to the cruise terminal!<br />
<br />
2 things I want to discuss before jumping into the fun stuff.<br />
<ol>
<li>I have a new appreciation for all you non-Americans who have traveled to the US for past cruises. It's something I've 100% taken for granted how quick, cheap(ish) and easy it is to cruise in my home country. The travel itself is incredibly exhausting and the time change on top of it - forget about it! I found it difficult to start the cruise already zapped of some energy.</li>
<li>This was the first year that my friends and I did Airbnb for our accommodations. We got a 3 bedroom apartment with a kitchen and the 8 of us had SO much fun hanging out before the cruise. I think we'd be inclined to try this again in the future, and I encourage other larger groups of cruisers to do the same. The alternative would be to get 4 hotel rooms and this way we saved money on the room, got excited for the cruise together, and were even able to cook some meals to save more money.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQn0syef9yk/V2IEmEu8gjI/AAAAAAAAYss/JWLyeOnVewMs0q6p-Ts38bh-SkyNSfEjwCKgB/s1600/P1030866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQn0syef9yk/V2IEmEu8gjI/AAAAAAAAYss/JWLyeOnVewMs0q6p-Ts38bh-SkyNSfEjwCKgB/s320/P1030866.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the gang before we head to the port</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Boarding </b></span><br />
The morning of the cruise I wake up, and it feels so surreal that the day has finally arrived. For many reasons, it just didn't feel like a typical BSB cruise to me. I suppose it's because we were in a new city and headed to a new cruise line, new terminal, etc.<br />
<br />
I am amazed that we got 8 girls ready, packed, and out the door....not just on time, but early!! I suppose anytime you tell us that Nick, Brian, Howie, AJ, and Kevin are waiting, we can actually get ready on time. I feel like that's a good trick for any husband/boyfriend to use in the future. Hmm...<br />
<br />
Anyway, we took a cab over to the terminal and it finally started hitting me. I was going on cruise #5 with the Backstreet Boys!!! Seriously, I love my life.<br />
<br />
The terminal experience was wildly different from what we're used to sailing out of Miami. The nice piece is that we were able to check-in right away. No waiting around. However the bad piece is that we were able to check-in right away. And by that I mean, there really wasn't a way to watch the Backstreet Boys board which is always a thrill. Yes, I could've waited outside, but I didn't know that at the time! I felt like a first time cruiser. I was just going through the process, expecting to be held up at some point, but before you knew it, I was on the ship!<br />
<br />
So while I missed the boys actually board the ship, my understanding is that due to the overwhelming reception they received in Barcelona airport, they had to have military personnel escort them on board. Oy. I had a feeling in my gut that this was probably a good indication of what we can expect with the rest of the cruise. <br />
<br />
Getting on board earlier than normal was super nice this year. Even lunch wasn't open yet! It allowed us time to explore the ship a bit, get our bearings, take pictures of all the cute BSB decorations on board, and of course, take pictures with the infamous cardboard cutouts. Which later we found out, Kevin also participated in the fun. I don't know why seeing the boys take pictures with their cardboard cutouts is so amusing to me. But it is.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://groundctrl.s3.amazonaws.com/clients/backstreetboys/media/05/01/images/assets/large.r92AHCZxLlUTJ3dobE2V48e9a0J5p5NLZTNZ2P0Kkc8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://groundctrl.s3.amazonaws.com/clients/backstreetboys/media/05/01/images/assets/large.r92AHCZxLlUTJ3dobE2V48e9a0J5p5NLZTNZ2P0Kkc8.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin with cardboard Kevin</td></tr>
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</div>
<br />
After I posed with with the elevators (well that's a weird sentence taken out of context!) I was able to get a leisurely lunch with my friends and catch up with everyone. It was so nice!! We then headed to our cabin a bit early (read as, snuck into our cabin a bit early) and started getting our door decoration up.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE-9_tBJAP3lbAzqkrPi3u_Qm_NE7sEcr6OlAzhSfPKkC7WYva8S3T_w1IfSPo5jWwANclvzKe-Dy84U_Dxh05GPTfr2Sqdsptmt2mP_vB-PtMn5n1YLM3kO6H_MRR4To2I0SnCIrMXZk/s1600/P1030903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE-9_tBJAP3lbAzqkrPi3u_Qm_NE7sEcr6OlAzhSfPKkC7WYva8S3T_w1IfSPo5jWwANclvzKe-Dy84U_Dxh05GPTfr2Sqdsptmt2mP_vB-PtMn5n1YLM3kO6H_MRR4To2I0SnCIrMXZk/s320/P1030903.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun putting up my door dec</td></tr>
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<br />
My cabinmates and I decided to reuse our 'FRIENDS' themed door decoration from last year, for numerous reasons.<br />
<ol>
<li>We didn't want to travel with anything bulky across Europe for 2 weeks</li>
<li>It was already done and given our busy schedules, we just didn't have the time to start from scratch. But I feel obligated to point out we did make some updates - about 50% of the memes were new this year. I'll post those later :)</li>
<li>Save money</li>
<li>We couldn't come up with another concept we loved as much</li>
<li>As far as we know, AJ never did get to see the door last year and I still reallllly wanted him to see it in person (yes I know, I'm still stuck on that idea even 2 years later!) We knew we were on the same deck and same side of the hallway this year, so fingers crossed!!</li>
</ol>
The final product... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSgdczyjWYdl2mQEJDNjJg9fhi0HrTECAMNOczkU7JF6Uw6CcDRSyMQOZQ7-TgXfeZNZivWaiVO_QP1tyKJBkqElSs-58eRHpxjVu11P99XxXEAtHR6ZfCvrhRE-VXKTNX1u99t5hajhR/s1600/P1030913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSgdczyjWYdl2mQEJDNjJg9fhi0HrTECAMNOczkU7JF6Uw6CcDRSyMQOZQ7-TgXfeZNZivWaiVO_QP1tyKJBkqElSs-58eRHpxjVu11P99XxXEAtHR6ZfCvrhRE-VXKTNX1u99t5hajhR/s320/P1030913.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B.A.C.K.S.T.R.E.E.T <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog92qDx0E2o9KV-icvEH9fxmcNwa2q4CNNilh2kFRKiJV9mHnBltZRTQcGQCN0ehnJ8hHl5FziEQjxfZ1C-ZaOoy3-ww0dykvqhxjrUb_BtQBPEfkXKpNjNZvem4nWN_sk7EF1uMPHQ0Q/s1600/P1030908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog92qDx0E2o9KV-icvEH9fxmcNwa2q4CNNilh2kFRKiJV9mHnBltZRTQcGQCN0ehnJ8hHl5FziEQjxfZ1C-ZaOoy3-ww0dykvqhxjrUb_BtQBPEfkXKpNjNZvem4nWN_sk7EF1uMPHQ0Q/s320/P1030908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B.A.C.K.S.T.R.E.E.T <3 Part 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok. Back to the cruise. Next up it was time for the muster station drill. I know girls had been camping out by the stage with their suitcases waiting for the sail away. I can't imagine how they felt when they were told they had to move for the drill. Speaking of, Royal Caribbean was A LOT more strict than Carnival with this. They actually took roll call.<br />
I headed down to my station and had a pleasant surprise when I ran into Nick and Brian on the way to their own muster stations. Eeeep! My first Backstreet Boys sighting!!! There were a lot of fans surrounding them both but Brian stood up on a chair real quick and joked around that we all needed to go to our muster stations and get our life jackets on. I remember laughing at the time, but now I can't remember exactly what he said. Knowing it was Brian, I'm sure it was funny though :D <br />
<br />
After the muster station drill, there was quite the comical scene of every single fan on board stampeding up the stairs/elevators to the pool deck. And I can't laugh too hard because I was one of the girls in the stampede. I didn't stand a chance to get anywhere close, so I honestly don't know why I even bothered. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Sail Away Party</b></span><br />
I found myself off to the side of the stage, which conveniently was the side that the Backstreet Boys entered the event. So I got a nice up close view of all the guys in their sailor outfit get-ups as they made their way to the stage. I then decided to head to the upper deck so I could get a good view.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay1fHq8ZgcQ/V2IHV4QzqPI/AAAAAAAAYtw/gn9LK3JbTDApaxjH1kaikE1nCTSX_oVjQCKgB/s1600/P1030923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay1fHq8ZgcQ/V2IHV4QzqPI/AAAAAAAAYtw/gn9LK3JbTDApaxjH1kaikE1nCTSX_oVjQCKgB/s320/P1030923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain BSB</td></tr>
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Overall I found the sailaway party to be fun, probably not one of the best, but still had a great time. It was raining so that dampened the mood a little bit (pun not intended!). They did their typical cruise introductions. Made funny jokes. Nick did an impromptu poll on which Backstreet Boy is the freakiest of the group. They also took a poll of first time cruisers, second time cruisers, third time, etc. The comical part is that they seriously had no idea how many cruises they had done. They kept going back and forth. Guys, the answer is 5. You've done 5 cruises *shakes head*. <br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jiqkr19msHY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jiqkr19msHY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> The boys poll the audience on who has cruised before. Bonus - The clip starts off with Nick talking about Howie's underwear.</i></div>
<br />
The poll did reveal that there were a lot of first time cruisers, which was to be expected. So as the deck partied continued, the boys were mingling around the deck and I noticed Brian head upstairs on my direction. Queue the nervous butterflies! Unfortunately he came close-ish but not quite close enough. Isn't that feeling the worst?? So close but so far.<br />
<br />
However my luck hadn't completely ran out as AJ popped up behind me and without any trouble at all my friend and I were able to get pictures and a brief convo!! We told him about our door decoration and we officially challenged him to Friends trivia. He seemed receptive and seemed to grasp what we were telling him. Thus the first seed has officially been planted. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23wxkGyP7BDFGYvOaBgsfJQOblJUS-HDI-GBNKVukcGoYyjLPPDVn0cLllWO7WBPdmestzZqAb783VDU7sV8PAv8bCfgawMvgRpQm6bazjxa5di7cnW4Er8VsAEIsoXLX8fpwMezcbGf7/s1600/P1030931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23wxkGyP7BDFGYvOaBgsfJQOblJUS-HDI-GBNKVukcGoYyjLPPDVn0cLllWO7WBPdmestzZqAb783VDU7sV8PAv8bCfgawMvgRpQm6bazjxa5di7cnW4Er8VsAEIsoXLX8fpwMezcbGf7/s320/P1030931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture with AJ. Check!</td></tr>
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To be continued...Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-77403154324075019842016-05-23T14:18:00.001-04:002016-05-23T14:18:45.895-04:00Welcome Back CruisersWell I'm finally back after an exhausting but super fun cruise/European adventure! Lots of fun stories and pictures to share. For now just a quick recap of my takeaways as I unpack, battle jetlag, and recoup!<br />
<ul>
<li>Most. Epic. Concert. Ever! Seriously, that concert was the greatest. There was just so much energy from the crowd and it was super special to not only have an acoustic concert, but a set-list full of songs we haven't heard live in YEARS!! I could seriously watch that concert every day and never get sick of that. So freakin good!</li>
<li>Anyone else think that AJ was a rockstar this cruise?? At least in my humble opinion, he seemed to be going above and beyond every day to make sure he could get as pictures with as many fans as possible. Though all the guys were really amazing putting up with us <3</li>
<li>Loved that they brought back the solo events. It was great to give each guy his time to shine and give us cruisers that much more Backstreet in our day. I think my fave solo event was AJ...but then again, tough to compete with hearing new music!</li>
<li>Having that 4th day back was phenomenal! Really hope that they continue to keep it 1 day longer. It really makes a huge difference.</li>
<li>I have been going back and forth if I like the 2 days of ports/sight-seeing as compared to one day with the beach party. I did enjoy 'sleeping in' and leisurely exploring the ports (granted I didn't do excursions). Meanwhile it appears the fans who did do excursions went on little to no sleep. I got tired just thinking about it! All that said....I really do like the beach party and enjoy spending the day with the boys and I missed it this year. I know we can't have it all, but suppose if I were to plan up my dream itinerary, I'd love a 4 day cruise with 1 day beach party, and the other day as a free day to explore whatever port. Best of both worlds.</li>
<li>I also have been going back and forth if I prefer Carnival to Royal Caribbean. It seems that both had their pros and cons. Carnival had 24/7 pizza which was super handy after a deck party, though that's all they had and the line was atrocious. Meanwhile Royal had a lot more food options with no lines, but it ended at 3am. I loved Royal's main theater, a lot easier to see with no cocktail tables in the way. But on the other hand, I think Carnival's atrium worked better for the indoor deck parties. There were a lot more differences, perhaps I'll do an in-depth post later, but those are a few things that stood out to me.</li>
<li>I was happy to see Rose Tours trying new things years and taking some of our suggestions to life. I've been suggesting BSB trivia for years now, and they finally did it! I sadly missed it because I was at the preferred event, so curious to hear from other cruisers how that event was. Also, other new things like the Guinness Record was a lot of fun. </li>
<li>Oh the preferred event. *sigh*. Not sure where to even start with this one. I know many fans left this feeling really disappointed. I rarely, if ever, complain about things on a BSB cruise..... Here's the thing - I loved the IDEA of the event, as I think many fans did, but unfortunately it failed in execution for numerous reason. Too many people, boys didn't/couldn't move around the room without being mobbed, boys weren't spread out enough, fans still were asking for pictures instead of mingling, an hour was clearly not enough time to get to everyone, etc. I actually wouldn't mind seeing them attempt this event again, but it just needs some tweaks and a lot more structure.</li>
<li>Selfie lines were great! I'm looking at you, AJ ;) Just wish more of the
boys did this than the not-as-popular 'Mob the Backstreet Boy'
approach. Ugh.</li>
<li>The little touches also don't go unnoticed... This was the first cruise we had a big screen on the pool deck and I thought it was an awesome addition to this cruise. I loved seeing pictures of fans scrolling; the movies playing; and of course live feeds of the events where possible. </li>
<li>I noticed there were not a lot of door decorations this year. Not sure if people didn't know about it (as a contest was never officially announced), or its just a natural decline in interest every year. </li>
<li>I'd be remiss not to talk about some of the negativity floating around on social media after this cruise. It honestly makes me sad, which is why I really try to stay away from it. It seems that as a whole, veteran cruisers were a little disappointed this time around with generally more aggressive crowds and some logistical mishaps. <br />As far as the crowds were concerned- I agree the fans were definitely, how shall I put this, the most 'passionate' this time around. Lots more pushing, following the boys, and I even heard some fans were bitten??? Goodness, ladies, we're grown adults! I was really hoping those were rumors, bad sadly I don't think it was. I'm not going to dwell on this point though, we've all heard enough of it.<br />It seems like fans were also disappointed with the majority of the deck parties being moved inside and the space not being very accommodating. I'm really starting to think BSB cruises are cursed with rain, we've had it every single time! It's easy to point fingers at the staff, we want to blame someone, but the reality is the weather just sucked this cruise and sadly the atrium wasn't the best place for a deck party. Sadly we can't control the weather.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
</ul>
Full recap and analysis coming soon, but wanted to share my initial thoughts. It feels weird to say, but I think this was my least favorite cruise. Not so much because of the pushing or whatever other reasons people didn't enjoy themselves, but I think it's because my personal experiences and interactions from the last cruise were just so hard to top. As much as I tell myself not to compare the cruises with one another, its hard not to! Just to clarify - that doesn't mean I didn't have a great time. It means that I rate this cruise a 9.7 out of 10 instead of a 10 out of 10.<br />
<br />
What did everyone else think?? Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-47439287641473282802016-05-06T13:00:00.000-04:002016-05-06T13:00:25.128-04:00Happy CruisingWell fellow cruisers, the time has arrived! Can't believe I'm flying to Barcelona tomorrow!Just want to wish everyone happy cruising before I leave.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My Travel Plans</b></span><br />
<u>Pre-Cruise</u>- <u></u>As I mentioned, I'm flying out to Barcelona a couple days earlier in order to do some sight-seeing and get my body adjusted to the time change. I plan to hit up Las Ramblas, Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, and whatever else we have time for. Unfortunately I'm not staying in the official pre-cruise hotel; I opted to go with Airbnb.<br />
<br />
<u>Cannes, France</u> - Given that we're going to be there the first day of the Cannes Film Festival, and seeing as how the one thing I know I'm good at is celeb stalking... I fully intend to just take in the city and see if I can find some movie stars. Fingers crossed!<br />
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<u>Livorno, Italy</u> - I still don't know what the heck I'm doing in Italy. I've already been to Florence and Pisa before, so I don't feel an overwhelming desire to hit the ground running to explore these cities. I'm honestly going to see how I feel and I may decide to stay in Livorno and rest up. Or if I have the energy, I may decide to go to Pisa or another nearby town that I haven't been before like Lucca. <br />
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<u>Post-Cruise</u>- As I've learned from experience, I'm building in a day post-cruise to sit at the hotel near the beach and do nothing. Even though it may not be great weather, I need a day to recuperate. After some rest and relaxation, then a few of my friends/cabinmates and I are going to do a 5 day tour of Spain. We're going to Madrid, Seville, and Grenada. Can't wait!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Come Say Hi!</span></b> <br />
Every year I say this, and every year I mean it....I really do want to meet you all. Please stop by my cabin if you'd like - I'm in cabin 1074. Or if you see me roaming around the ship or hanging out at an event, feel free to say hi.<br />
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I wish everyone safe travels and hope everyone has a wonderful cruise. Once we get back, I want to hear your stories!! Feel free to <a href="mailto:chaosroks128@netscape.net">email me</a> if you want to chat. I also invite you to be a guest blogger to share your stories :) As usual, my plan is to share my cruising adventures as soon as I get back to the United States and catch up with work and life. Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-45127956883575303912016-05-03T13:05:00.004-04:002016-05-03T13:05:54.105-04:00Merchandise from 2014Hey cruisers - I've seen a few folks ask about merchandise that's available on board. Sorry for the haphazard and delayed post as I frantically try to get myself packed! But I still wanted to share a few pics and prices of what they had on board last time.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Magnet - $10<br />
Foam Bottle - $20<br />
Cruisin Trucker Hat - $25<br />
Sunny Set Tote Bag - $30<br />Half Moon Indigo T-Shirt - $35<br />Showtime Gold T-Shirt - $35<br />
Photo Stack Jr T-Shirt - $35<br />
Late Night Jr Tank - $45<br />
Half Moon Jr Sweatshirt - $50<br />
Cruisin Beach Towel - $65<br />
Sunburst Hoodie - $85<br />
Post Cards - $15 </blockquote>
Note that clothes in sizes 2XL cost $5 more. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8SDDWp5TxM0BmawVGGvjs8HXOvCAD6HMxzNZZ0tLlQyvBuPhGvkY-I1L2821a2UzonekCc8n0ltLcFswuzWFBs0kJr6D7eE-O1AqskczEnE5HvTHdvPqyhHrZQ41tyUUtA9fuOzR0H3V/s1600/P1010598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8SDDWp5TxM0BmawVGGvjs8HXOvCAD6HMxzNZZ0tLlQyvBuPhGvkY-I1L2821a2UzonekCc8n0ltLcFswuzWFBs0kJr6D7eE-O1AqskczEnE5HvTHdvPqyhHrZQ41tyUUtA9fuOzR0H3V/s320/P1010598.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold T-Shirt - $35</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3HLjou6Vk/VyjY2J4w-WI/AAAAAAAAYhM/vW0mpupDCEs-KKMXjhYgO56dSx910HLdQCKgB/s1600/P1010599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3HLjou6Vk/VyjY2J4w-WI/AAAAAAAAYhM/vW0mpupDCEs-KKMXjhYgO56dSx910HLdQCKgB/s320/P1010599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Set Tote Bag - $30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdlz0b6_VYE/VyjY2O0CG0I/AAAAAAAAYhM/tPYKMF3stz4dL-BDHVvy9IinW_n4FrTIQCKgB/s1600/P1010600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdlz0b6_VYE/VyjY2O0CG0I/AAAAAAAAYhM/tPYKMF3stz4dL-BDHVvy9IinW_n4FrTIQCKgB/s320/P1010600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Moon Indigo T-Shirt: $35</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2KTJ3Wbigc/VyjY2KHK7-I/AAAAAAAAYhM/WPe74S484_MATW2n9LYdcOIrnoSGiSJOACKgB/s1600/P1010601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2KTJ3Wbigc/VyjY2KHK7-I/AAAAAAAAYhM/WPe74S484_MATW2n9LYdcOIrnoSGiSJOACKgB/s320/P1010601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Bottle - $20; Sunny Seas Magnet - $10; Trucker Hat - $25</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWQav5BZu_thl_4mGe3CQYYMM_qlzbyrv2hv81oUI1L2XCOZZno3_Rj5d9jAEWyDeDxK1aHVkClaW1USQyJiGA4zmMtBMgPx6zIM6XLWXuI4PLC4fzwwqxFyNz2jQkmUiaPRrnvhl1Whu/s1600/P1010603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWQav5BZu_thl_4mGe3CQYYMM_qlzbyrv2hv81oUI1L2XCOZZno3_Rj5d9jAEWyDeDxK1aHVkClaW1USQyJiGA4zmMtBMgPx6zIM6XLWXuI4PLC4fzwwqxFyNz2jQkmUiaPRrnvhl1Whu/s320/P1010603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ridiculously Overpriced Sweatshirt - $85</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPYuh_g_tWChJv8_bvuqvQcJ1G8ityUHXG9QD7CuJx_R23jpxyy2d5nro_ChQOIbMdEOo982PYVVn_si_Cat1z5NijphvFnZls4F56ChYoR7OA9ANWzUxauIHoQxKmHYJqjh2HMEtCvMG/s1600/P1010604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPYuh_g_tWChJv8_bvuqvQcJ1G8ityUHXG9QD7CuJx_R23jpxyy2d5nro_ChQOIbMdEOo982PYVVn_si_Cat1z5NijphvFnZls4F56ChYoR7OA9ANWzUxauIHoQxKmHYJqjh2HMEtCvMG/s320/P1010604.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank Top - $45</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074483319572150362.post-40393774059838349902016-04-26T17:24:00.001-04:002016-04-26T17:24:03.542-04:00Behind the Scenes, Blackjack, and Guiness World Record, Oh my!Nothing distracts me more from work than a Backstreet cruise email! Oh boy! We have 3 new items to discuss! Below is the email in case you missed it...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hello cruisers…only two more weeks until we are all sailing away on the Brilliance of the Seas. We have just a few more items up for business:<br /><br /><b>BSB: Behind the Scenes:</b><br />You know those burning questions you always wanted to ask the boys? <br />Well, here is your chance!<br />We're having a Q & A session with the BSB – so bring em on.<br />We will be randomly selecting among your questions, so <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JK5B5Z5">submit them here</a> by May 2nd<br /><br /><b>Blackjack Tournament:</b><br />Ever dream of playing blackjack on the High Seas? <br />Well, here is your chance. <br />On Friday, May 13th, AJ is hosting his first European Blackjack Tournament. <br />For just $25 dollars (payable to the casino host on-board), you can have a chance to play for a cash prize and, more importantly, the chance of beating Mr. McLean himself<br />The top six chip winners from the qualifying rounds (starting in the casino at 10am) will test their skills in the grand finale.<br /><br />The three players with the most chips will win cash prizes. <br /><br />Submit your name, email address and dining time below. We will randomly select among all entries. You will receive a schedule with your table time in advance. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J9YXC9X">Please submit your request HERE</a> May 2nd<br />Good luck!<br /><br /><b>Just to be Close to you – A Guinness Book of World Records Attempt!</b><br />Most Nationalities in a Jacuzzi:<br /><br />We have so many countries represented in our Backstreet family – over 47 on the cruise alone. How could we not try to beat the world record for the most nationalities in a Jacuzzi? However, we need your help.<br /><br />We need one volunteer from each country on board to get in the hot tub with the BSB!<br /><br />If you would like the chance to get wet and possibly be a world record holder – <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JXPWZTW">please sign up here</a>! We will randomly select one participant from each nation.<br /><br />** If selected, you must present a valid passport for the nation you are representing **</i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #073763;"><b>My Take</b></span><br />
Lots to process!<br />
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<u>BSB Behind the Scenes</u><br />
Well, it looks like this event isn't quite what I had initially anticipated. I was hoping for the boys to share some of the behind the scenes stuff we normally don't get to hear a lot about. Slightly disappointed this isn't the case. Nonetheless, I'm always a fan of the Q&A so the disappointment is short lived. I just submitted my question, so fingers crossed!!<br />
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<u>Blackjack Tournament</u><br />
I also signed up for the blackjack tournament! I always figure there's no harm in signing up and trying. For $25 you get the chance to play with a Backstreet Boy. Totally worth it in my opinion. I encourage everyone to give it a shot, even if you're not a big blackjack player. The other new piece of info we got today is that AJ will be hosting it this year! Woohoo!<br />
<u> </u><br />
<u>Just to be Close to you - A Guinness Book of World Records</u><br />
Well this is definitely not what I thought it would be, thats for sure! It sounds like a fun concept, but as an American, I feel at a slight disadvantage. Obviously depending on what country you're from, your odds of participating are going to be much higher or lower. I also question if they may not even pick an American if the Backstreet Boy will fill that slot. Hopefully thats not the case, but if they're trying to break a world record, I wouldn't doubt it. It'd just be slightly upsetting knowing I have a 0% chance instead of a .05% chance. Geez, maybe I should look into getting a passport from like Cameroon or something :P Nonetheless, I threw my name in the hat for this one too and we shall see what happens!<br />
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Good luck to everyone entering all the contests!!Laura Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477857342168740375noreply@blogger.com2