benanjerry

Yes, sign me up. Love, love , love sea days!

I have not been to Curacao but loved Bonaire! I don't snorkel but the beach was great and I felt very safe wandering around the town. Don't miss the flamingos on the sidewalks! Lots of shops that are not cookie cutters of the other islands, and very friendly people. I had no intention of buying souvenirs but found so many unique items I had quite a bagful to carry back to the ship.

I have a Kyss bag as well since I travel solo and want my camera and Kindle at the beach. I just latch it to the chair and keep my eye on it while I am in the water. A bit heavy but a useful product.

I was on the Royal in November and found the books were mostly gone after the first day or two.But they did have a nice selection of games that seemed to see a lot of use.

I loved having a balcony in Alaska. Took lots of great photos on it and spent hours sitting and enjoying the scenery. Up on the main deck people were often pushing and shoving to get to the rail for the best views - and then racing to the other side to do it again. But everyone has a different experience so whatever you do, enjoy your travels!

Mojito, and ask for it on the sweet side if you like sweeter drinks. Very refreshing mid-afternoon!

To the pop-up hamper and over-the-door hanger people: Do you take these items everywhere you go, say a week at a resort, or just on cruises? No judgement, just curious.

I take the pop up hamper anywhere I am going to have damp, sweaty clothes. Last cruise was in the Caribbean and I must have changed twice a day, especially after shore excursions since the humidity is so very high. The hamper let the clothes air dry instead of get ripe sitting in a closed drawer or suitcase.

Hilton Marina is also lovely.

I was on Royal Princess for Halloween last year. Fun decorations - nothing scary - up that morning and down the next day. Crew in costumes. Guests in costumes that evening. Costumed crew lead a parade of very small costumed children (about 25) around the main gathering spots inside. They took great care of the children! Two in front, two behind and eyes always on the little ones. Kids were laughing and waving and loving being the center of attention and applauded as they passed groups of passengers. I think they did three laps! Youngest was probably 3 or 4.

Hi,

I took a 10 slot over-the-closet-rod sweater hanger from Bed Bath and Beyond. Kept all my shoes off the floor, evening bags handy, bag of sunscreen/bug spray easy to grab, visors and hats and sunglasses together, etc. Since closets are often right inside the cabin door, it worked great to unload into on the way in and retrieve from on the way out.

That and the pop-up hamper kept the floor clear and my belongings easy to access.

Won't go without either now.

Kay

Hi,

For me, no cruise is too long. I love the sea days with no rushing to be somewhere. Did a three week Caribbean last fall and was never once bored. There is so much to do that if you have seen one show you can easily find other entertainment if it repeats. But each person is different, so you can't go by what others say. But it is surely worth trying just once! Enjoy!

I travel solo so a place to leave my essentials was important to me. The Kyss bag worked as advertised on several different beaches. Nice product but a bit heavy if you are close to the weight limit for your luggage.

I cruise on Princess ships and often they give you the option of paying $20 and they take your suitcases the night before and get them to the airport and through security for you. You put the cases in the hall at bedtime and never have to deal with them again until you are at your home airport. Worth every penny!

Hi,

Of course it is a matter of personal preference but on a recent three week cruise my two most helpful items were a pop-up hamper and a 10 slot sweater/shoe hanging holder for over the closet rod. The hamper allowed damp things to dry and not smell until I made a trip to the ship's laundromat, and the closet hanger kept shoes off the floor (important I think in a small cabin) and kept daily-used items like hats, sunscreen, evening bag, etc., easy to grab and out of the way.

Happy cruising to all!

Kay

Want to join our roll call?

Hi! Yes, doing the Royal Princess October 27 and November 6. See you there!

Hi,

If you can manage London and New York, a cruise will be a piece of fabulous cake! The best part of cruising solo is that you can indulge yourself and do what you want when you want, guilt free. It's all about you. Most cruise people are outgoing and friendly, so don't be afraid to make eye contact (unlike NYC, LOL!) and say hello. And don't feel bad if you want quiet time on your own. The best part of solo travel is that a trip can be whatever you want it to be. Enjoy!

Thanks to all for sharing your stories! It has motivated me to make the effort to do one small kindness each day on my upcoming cruise. Just think how great the cruise would be if all 3000 of my new shipmates did the same!

All of the above.

Thanks so much!

Does anyone know if the artificial sweeteners on the Royal are the blue, the pink or the yellow? And do they serve raw sugar?

Thanks!

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Sometimes after a tired day in port a simple gesture makes one feel like a million bucks.

You are right - sometimes the smallest thing can mean so much!

Love the thread, I have had numerous acts of kindness and such from staff. When this happens, I always fill out a comment card. Too many people are quick to complain but not too ready to praise.

You are so right. And seeing praise or thanks in writing means the world to the recipient!

Saw a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary buy a good bottle of Champagne for the newlywed couple at the next table. The newlyweds were married the same day, 50 years after the Anniversary couple. It was so sweet! They ended up sharing desserts together.

Hopefully in 50 years that young couple will be fortunate enough to repeat the gesture and share their story.

Kay

Once, when walking through a very crowded Lido buffet looking for an open spot, a man waved at me and said, "We saved you a seat." I didn't know him, but he made my day! It doesn't take much to make someone's day a little brighter.

 

Debbie

You are so right! Those little thoughtful gestures or courtesies make the day for the recipient and for the one who offers them. Good for the soul!

Kay

I know the are trained to handle such situations but I was so impressed with his discretion and kindness....

Excellent customer service! Bet you told all your friends how great you were treated!