MollyFlyer

Heh, to clarify I don't snorkle. I can understand the need to bring your own mask -- using a rental would be like an athlete using a lender mouthguard.

If this keeps up you will need a steamer trunk instead of a suitcase. Can't believe all the things that people claim they bring on a cruise.

These are more suggestions than an ultimate 'must pack' list -- everyone goes over it and takes the things that sound like something they'd need. Everyone has something that's a 'must pack' for them that someone else would never bring -- I packed my memory foam pillow because I sleep poorly without it, but I feel no need to bring scuba gear or a towel or beach chair.

$12.99 for movies already out on DVD; way too much, especially with the exchange rate -- I could buy the DVD for that price.

Hand moisturizer -- I found the skin peeling under my nails a few days in. You need to counter the drying effect of all that sanitizer.

I sailed on the Silhouette a few years back; it was excellent, overall, and if you're like me and want somewhere to hide from all the activity on occasion, the library is excellent -- more than just a handful of shelves and chairs shoved into a corner like on some.

I was on board last week, and did notice a few things that needed tuning up . . . elevator buttons not responding on one side, stuff like that. Nothing to take away from my enjoyment of the trip, but enough to understand why they're giving it a tune-up. I bet when you get on it'll sparkle like it's new!

Bring hand moisturizer to counter the effects of rubbing in several doses of hand sanitizer each day. The skin under my nails started peeling halfway through the week.

Somewhat crazy thing that happened to me . . . tried to play mini-golf on board, got stuck in the water trap.

One thing I'll add . . . these lists always include hand sanitizer, even though there's dispensers everywhere (though yeah, you'd need some for the ports) but a few days in I noticed the skin under my nails peeling after using it so much. So I'll add a heavy-duty hand moisturizer to minimize the effects of all the sanitizer.

I got a high-end brand-name watch at one of the sales two years ago; it's still going strong (with one battery replacement, but that's inevitable) and checking on Amazon now the exact same model is going for about twice what I paid.

. . . to clarify, my concept of "high-end" means it cost $60 tax-free.

Gin-gins -- ginger candies, tasty way to help with seasickness.

Head to my cabin, check the first day's cruise compass to see if there's anything I need to check my watch for, unpack a few things and unwind a little.

hmm . . . I'm mostly just going to indulge in an OV room(natural daylight helps me to not spend the day sleeping), a la carte drinks (I like fancy coffees), taxis as needed (not really an indulgence at most ports as much as a necessity) and a few souvenirs. The watch I got last time is fairly nice, and when I checked it was cheaper than if I'd bought it on land.

ooh, thanks for the cruise compasses! It's good to get a sense of what I have to look forward to -- I sail on the Jewel in March. But I guess if the cruise director, activities director and music director are all changing then the kind of schedule probably won't stay the same . . .

I had an aqua class cabin my last cruise on Silhouette; can't really compare it to a standard cabin, since it was also my only cruise, but it was nice and Blu had delicious food. I guess it's your call if it's worth the extra expense; everyone has things they prefer to splurge on.

My trip on the Jewel is still upcoming, but I'd advise against a drink package if you're not going to be having like five coffees a day. It feels like you're saving by getting the package, but you'd come out ahead just accepting you're paying for each. Though it's worth a shot to ask about drink cards at the cafe.

I try not to have anything specific in mind, because I wouldn't want to spoil my mood if they run out. But I've yet to go hungry on a cruise -- there's always something tasty, and generally fancier than I'd ever bother to prepare at home.

Ahh, can't really use her reservation without ruining the surprise. I'll just figure it out on board.

Yes, I found it under Gift and Gear, but I can't find an option to send it to another cabin. She's not a fan of singing, so I didn't think she'd want to have it delivered to our table.

have someone arranged to look after any pets and/or children while you're away.

Going on a family cruise the week of my mother's birthday, and browsing the site I noticed you could have cakes and such delivered to your cabin . . . but can't figure out how to get it to her cabin, to have the surprise waiting for her. Is there an option I'm missing on the site, is it possible to set something up once on board, or would it just be simpler to have it delivered to my cabin and then bring it to her?

I'm a fan of fancy-schmancy coffees, so I got the nonalcoholic beverage package on my last cruise so I wouldn't need to worry about the cost . . . realized after the fact that I hadn't been consuming enough per day to cover the package cost. I'll just accept the micropayments each day this time.

The thing is, when you're at home and want to try something new, you have to either find a restaurant that serves it or check what ingredients you need, go shopping, figure out how to cook it, and make it yourself. If you want to try something new on a cruise, you just help yourself at the buffet. There's a wider selection than you'd ever get at home, prepared for you, so a random impulse to try something different can be indulged immediately.

Also since there's no separate charge for the food it feels 'free', even though a cruise costs way more than a restaurant.

I haven't got a lot of dresses in my closet, so lacking gowns or cocktail dresses I'm just taking the two nicest I own . . . this one with birds and this one in green. I figure the first will at least have me set for the '50s party.

Word of advice: I always found shorts and skirts uncomfortable. Then I arrived in Florida wearing a pair of what I thought were lightweight jeans. Immediately went to the hotel giftshop and bought a long skirt. The humidity WILL take you by surprise if you don't have a lot of experience travelling to warmer climates.

Also, if you're like me and the aversion to skirts/shorts is an inexplicable awkwardness about exposing your knees, I will tell you that long, loose skirts are wonderful in the heat. Takes a bit of getting used to with them swishing around your ankles, but you adjust soon enough.