jmcsnowball

I'm 90 days out and was just able to book Butchers Block by Dario.....but nothing else? We wanted to eat here so it's cool but I found it strange that no other restaurants have opened up their books yet.

Super funny, really enlightening review, loving your style!

I'm cruising Carnival for the first time in February so I'm hoovering up anything I can to give me a head start on the fun. Thanks!

Look up Kwixwear. My new fave travel bra. 3 hooks, but it is REVERSIBLE and the straps convert from normal to x-back. Buy online at their website. I have it with me now (I'm on a mini trip with the girls in Palm Springs). One side nude and the other grey-works with all I brought.

This. Changes. EVERYTHING!

A wee bit expensive but looks so worth it!

Following. Great report so far

<p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello! </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large;">We are first time cruisers and decided to jump right into cruising with a bang! We are doing an 11 night Mediterranean cruise on Crown Princess which includes stops in 9 ports in Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Kotor along with 3 sea days. I have what I know is a very subjective question but curious as to your feedback. We chose this cruise because it was very port intensive (we wanted to see as much as possible since it is our first trip to Europe).  </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large;">First...I have a private small group shore excursion booked in every port except one (which I thought we would play by ear once we arrive). Is that too much in the excursions department? Do most people book that many or do they just get to port and walk around to see what they can see on their own? I know some might ask...we are in our mid- late 50’s...not couch potatoes but we don’t run marathons either, lol. Again, I know this is subjective...just trying to get a feel for what most or a lot of folks do. </span></p><p><font size="4"><b>Most Americans seem to do this, and why not? I holiday in the Mediterranean most summers as I live in Europe but if you don't know when or if you'll be back again then by all means go hard. You will see things and have experiences you have heard about all your life, definitely worth a little fatigue and some blister. N.B. Take blister plasters.</b><br></font><br><span style="font-size: large;">Second...I am really struggling with the decision of whether or not to do the premium drink package on Crown. I am hearing that drink prices are around $12 plus 18% tip...would be nice to just order the umbrella drinks freely! Just trying to justify the $780 price tag. Anyone have experience or thoughts with that? </span></p><p><font size="4"><b>Honestly that's a lot of money especially as you are going to be off the ship so often. It would buy an awful lot of excellent local wine and even better coffee in little café bars. </b><br></font><br><span style="font-size: large;">Third...if anyone has any info they would like to share about Crown Princess...specifically the Club Class Mini-Suite experience , that would be great!</span></p><p><font size="4"><b>Sorry, I'm sure it's amazing but I can't help!</b><br></font><br><span style="font-size: large;">Fourth...I would love to connect with folks who have cruised this part of the world in mid-late April in the past. I am looking for advice in typical weather, will it be too cool to enjoy the pools, is it more pants/light jacket weather etc....</span></p><p><font size="4"><b>As I said, I holiday in the med often, and have a holiday home in southern Spain so I have experience of the climate at different times of the year. I have cruised in the med twice also, and the weather in April can definitely vary. Not so much rain, but it could be fairly cool and windy, especially on your sea days. I would definitely pack some swimwear, and some long pants if you are planning on going to the Vatican. Something lightweight and showerproof would be good to have, and as a previous poster said, layers are your friends. Most important thing is to have comfortable shoes and socks for your excursions.</b><br></font><br><span style="font-size: large;">Last...I am reading that the ship will be dry docked or refurbished in March and we sail in April. Can someone tell me what we can expect to be different or new on a ship that has been refurbished right before we sail? </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks in advance! </span><br><br><b>Have an amazing time! Once you get a feel for Europe you'll want to come back for a longer land holiday xxx</b><br><br><br><span style="font-size: large;">Sent from my iPad using </span><a href="http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=76452" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forums</a></p>

Me too, this is a great perk!

Gorgeous

Geocruiser, thrift shops in Manhattan are the holy grail. On our last holiday in New York, I bought two Ralph Lauren blazers and a cashmere sweater for under $30, it was a highlight of the vacation. It was a couple of years ago, I just hope I can make my way back to the shop when I'm next there!

I am LOVING this thread, Indiana 71 you are so right about the self-pampering, I ain't dressing for nobody but me! And in some cases I will take my husband's feelings into account.

I'm about 50 days out from my first Caribbean cruise so I'm trying to take advantage of off-season items in the sales. I did just pay full price for a gorgeous cover-up/play suit which I'm only ever going to be able to wear in tropical climes, the shorts are just too short otherwise! I don't think I have anything cruise-specific but after reading this thread I might pick up a little cocktail dress which won't crease as I am definitely going to the MDR for formal night....I had been thinking about just wearing a sundress or slightly dressier top and skirt but I think you fashionistas have changed my mind!

So for a 6 day cruise, I'm thinking

2 shorts- 1 denim, 1 chino

2 sundresses

1 cocktail dress

2 coverups for beach/ pool/ lunch

1 skirt, denim or neutral colour jersey

4-5 tops that work with shorts and skirt

Gym shoes

Flip flops

Pool shoes

Dressier flat shoes ( I don't really do heels)

1 hoodie/ cardigan

1 lightweight wrap/scarf

Reading this over, it sounds like less than I've taken on any holiday, ever! So I'd definitely day that planning ahead ensures you don't overpack. Too much. I'll probably throw in a few extras before I close the case, but I've bought some packing cubes, so if those babies are full, there's no more getting in!

Aren't we so lucky we have a place like this to discuss these things? 😊

Following! I'm sailing in a deck 14 balcony in February so hopefully we get a few more opinions. Thanks for the heads up about being so close to Serenity Joyce, little tips like these are always appreciated

Loving your style kmom, I totally get you on not minding slightly crappy things, as long as you're not overcharged for them.

My husband and I are going on our first Caribbean cruise in February with Carnival and we're so excited. Following!

Thanks so much for putting the effort into yet another epic review. I recently purchased some packing cubes and I'm looking forward to using them in February when I sail with Carnival for the first time. More than anything, your pictures have made me so look forward to the main dining room

All the pictures are fantastic, and your daughter is just gorgeous! I wish you many more happy sailings xxx

I am SO following :cool:

Following

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, and for doing it in such a consistently hilarious fashion! I can't wait to read about your next adventure. After going back to your previous threads I'm still giggling at your daughter's elusive bottle of wine :D.

I will be sailing on the Vista in February with my husband, let's call him F, and you have inspired me in the following ways;

1. To get up and go to the gym at least a few mornings, because, you know, cheese.

2. To use the main dining room- on both of our previous cruises, on NCL in Europe, we have been very much buffet people.

3. To go to Paradise Beach as soon as we get to Cozumel.

Thanks again, happy sailing xxx

Have lunch in town, no question. I didn't try the panoramic restaurant, but Dubrovnik old town just has so much choice. It felt like every corner we turned, a new delicious smell was calling us to eat! We had a wonderful meal at the Taj Mahal Bosnian restaurant, as we knew nothing of Bosnian cuisine and we like to try different things. I would recommend it to anyone, it's mainly meat based but there was a couple of nice sounding veggie options.

I think the key as with so many places in Europe is just avoid the obvious touristy restaurants, look for somewhere with a nice local atmosphere and you can't go far wrong! Enjoy!