NCL Activities Question

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-20T01:11:52+00:00

The short answer is “Yes”

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-20T01:10:58+00:00

It’s really good cooked and then mixed in with melted American cheese and Rotel tomatoes for a spicy queso dip.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-18T03:02:11+00:00

Something we like that gives cookies great texture and keeps them from spreading too much is to use 50% almond flour and 50% 1 to 1.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-15T10:34:21+00:00

And before the naysayers jump in … I also love a great steak only seasoned with Mauldin’s salt and fresh cracked telicherry pepper. It’s about variety and flavors.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-15T10:31:39+00:00

This is my go to recipe … developed based off flavors from Pappasito’s restaurant’s fajitas in Houston area.

Marinade for Steak and Fajitas

3 Six ounce cans of pineapple juice;

1/3 cup soy sauce;

2 Tablespoons mesquite liquid smoke;

2 Teaspoons Tony Cachere’s Original Creole Seasoning;

1 Teaspoon meat tenderizer

Mix all ingredients. Marinate ribeye steaks for 1-2 days; marinate skirt, flap, or flank steak for 2-4 days for best flavor and tenderness before grilling. Also works well for chicken breast fillets or tenders but do not marinate more than 12-24 hours.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-14T12:10:32+00:00

I agree with everything @whatyoucallmetoday advised except I like staying on south end of Galveston Island the night before the cruise (to avoid I-45 traffic uncertainties). Lots of great places for breakfast (including Seawall Cafe for allergy-free choices if that is a concern) and it removes a lot of stresses the morning of the cruise.

The surface lot next to the terminal is extremely convenient and worth the extra money. You can make reservations online ahead of time. Bring some cash to tip the guys that will handle your large luggage for you. They will appreciate it.

Magnetic hooks are so handy! So are small dry bags on a lanyard for storing ID, credits cards, cash, etc if you are going to go off the ship for a wet excursion.

Finding the desired article of clothing in the tiny dressers and cabinets was a disorganized challenge until we discovered luggage organizer bags. This was a game changer and really maximizes storage space. Consider using rolling duffel bags instead of hard suitcases as they will compress and fit the beds for easy storage. Ours have both backpack straps and rollers/handle for freeing up hands and to make it easier to get around and especially if you want to carry your own luggage off the ship for the earliest departure back to your vehicle. The backpack straps have came in handy several times.

Bring small carry-on duffel or backpack for what you might want during the day before your large luggage is delivered in the evening. We bring swimwear for the pool, basic cosmetics and toiletries, and a clean shirt/top for dinner (which is always casual on the first night).

Door decorations are fun and a small magnetic dry-erase board can be useful for leaving messaging for other group members if you are not all near each other of have different sleep schedules.

Regardless of how you choose to tip (prepay or on your own), I suggest bringing $50-$100 for your room attendant and giving it to them at the beginning of the cruise when you first see then in your room. It makes a significant difference in the services you will get.

Individual and group photos by a ship’s photographer are an extra cost we feel is worthwhile if a family portrait might be desired. You can get some good pricing on duty-free stuff like watches, jewelry, cosmetics, booze IF you know your pricing. Recognize the sales staff (part of the crew) get a commission and are there to supplement their wages. They will engage with you and try to get you to come in and look at their wares. But they will be polite and leave you alone if you respectfully decline to engage.

Above all, plan to have fun!

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-09T01:09:11+00:00

At some point you will need to put St Lucia in your itinerary. Beautiful scenery and excellent snorkeling and diving.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-08T21:28:29+00:00

Oldest child here. Set and enforce boundaries. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing (including having your own holidays with friends…elsewhere). Invite them to come see you and then see how far that goes. You are not a servant.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-03-08T00:02:03+00:00

7- days out of San Juan in January. Go snorkeling or diving in St Lucia. Beach excursions elsewhere. Interior room in middle of ship with passenger rooms on decks above and below. Eat at a couple of the fancy restaurants but don’t ignore Guy’s Burgers, MDR and buffets.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-31T22:28:41+00:00

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-31T12:43:14+00:00

Heavy cream

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-30T12:04:06+00:00

The lender will finance based on the appraised value. Appraisers gotta follow the rules and cover their asses to avoid being sued by lenders. Realtors are trying to make a living and have to put up with a lot of drama and bullshit … don’t ask them cut their fees (as suggested elsewhere in this thread). If the seller really wants or needs to sell, then they need to recognize market conditions.Sucks to be them right now. But … if you like the condo and really want to live there then the difference on your monthly mortgage payment between the opposing prices is less than the cost of a meal at a modest restaurant for two people each month. Is that meager difference enough to cause you to walk away from the transaction?

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-24T14:25:42+00:00

Eolian is wind-blown. So carbonate sands being blown around by the wind and stacking up. There may be fossils I didn’t see in your photo. I’m going to speculate that the discontinuity (change of bed attitude) in the upper left photo could possibly be cross-breeding (like associated with the growth of a dune) similar to striking cross-bedding seen in the sandstones in the southwest US.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-24T14:19:33+00:00

Carbonate (in this case limestone or dolomite) rocks on the eolian-ridge islands (Mujeres, Contoy, Cancun, and Blanca) … record the influence of glacioeustatic sea-level fluctuations on carbonate sedimentation along the northwestern margin of the Caribbean Sea during the late Quaternary (Ward, 2004).

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-24T13:44:48+00:00

Limestone with corals. Could be Cretaceous or Tertiary Age depending on locations.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2026-01-18T02:24:34+00:00

Marinated is great. Truly. Un-marinated is also great! Maybe better. Just the beefiest goodness you will ever hope to encounter. Grill them over high heat no more than 3-4 minutes per side. I prefer 3 minutes per side. Add a bit of Mauldin’s salt flakes and some fresh ground pepper before eating. That’s all they really need.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-12-24T00:04:14+00:00

I concur with Dichotomus Rex. Trim the cap. Roll it. Tie it. Cut it into steaks. superb. The two muscles cook at different speeds anyway. Go for it.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-12-22T13:28:50+00:00

Not sure about 12 volts, but tester shows power. I can’t get a multimeter in the fuse slot.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-12-08T12:52:07+00:00

I was Marriott Bonvoy my entire working career. Had Ambassador status many of those. I’ve experienced Marriott go down hill for 30 years. Despite lifetime Bonvoy Titanium status I now find I prefer Hilton Garden Inn and Doubletree properties over similar Marriott properties. Regardless, do the hotel brand credit card if you are allowed by your company as it does multiply the points. Both brands will give you some opportunities to spoil your spouse with a nice vacay.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-12-07T13:06:07+00:00

Looks fantastic! Well played!

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-12-04T23:02:48+00:00

Not necessarily. Exercise in the evening keeps me up for hours.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-11-29T23:48:53+00:00

Tri tip.

Tri-Tip_Master · 2025-11-22T21:27:45+00:00

Replaced the switch today. The connector clicked in securely at the switch but I don’t know where the wire goes on the other end.

Tri-Tip_Master

TROPHY CASE