lauren009

No, there's no storage anywhere on the ship. As previous post said, suitcases can go under the beds. You might have to lift the bed slightly for the really big suitcases, but they should fit. My 25" slides right under (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07864SGBS/ref=twister_B078DP9LMZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

Carnival Vista!! http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/03/on-a-boat.html  (from when Vista was in Miami, but nonetheless)

Also this: https://www.*****/272996483441219/?ref=br_rs

only 45 people in that group tho.

For your itinerary you will see tax for a few hours the night you leave and for the day you're in FL until you've sailed far enough away again. The ship has to be in international waters to not be charged tax. It's like $0.30 a drink.

I like to be close to the stairs. Having to walk down the hallway feels exhausting by the end of the cruise.

Here is everything I can tell you about cruising, but I have not cruised MSC yet: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

Most tips will hold up, but you may want to research your ship and MSC once you get an idea of what to expect to see what's different.

Everything I can tell you about cruising: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

Note that there is a post specifically about the Breakaway and one specifically about Norwegian. I have a post about tipping - European NCL cruisers get their tips included in their fare, so just consider the "tipping extra" points.

Everything I can tell you about cruising: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

Do your research and ask questions when picking one. Some just do the work for you so you don't have to. Others throw in some perks. I never used one because I wanted full control of my booking, but I was very comfortable with managing all aspects of my cruises myself.

Everything I could tell you about cruising: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

China would require a visa. For Japan you just need your passport. Totally normal thing to do. I'm told Kyoto is a nicer city; just something to consider when planning what to do in Japan! Here's some info from the people who make the rules: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html

I have only been on Breakaway, but I think that Oasis class has a much bigger wow factor. However, since your kids are new - an Oasis ship will still be "wow" even after going on Breakaway. So, personally, I'd do the cheaper one now and save up for the other one. Here's my experience on the Breakaway if you're interested in more reading: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/11/ncl-breakaway-cruise.html

I have yet to sail Royal Caribbean, but here is all the cruise advice I can give you via blog posts: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

For the posts that aren't specific to a cruise line, I did research RCL so that I could include it in my reporting.

I didn't read though all the replys, but I have a blog post about cruise tipping that you can read over if you still have any questions: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2018/06/cruise-automatic-gratuities.html

Every cruise is what you make of it. Pick a cruise that is a good price, based on where you want to leave from (take cost of flights into consideration), for the duration you wany and that has an itinerary that sounds interesting to you. Worry less about the ship and the cruise line. After your first cruise you will have learned so much that you can start picking and choosing more deliberately.

Sounds like you could use some help! Here's my packing list: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/10/cruise-packing-list.html

Includes a printable version 🙂

I don't like to spend additional money on excursions so I usually do any. If I do want to do some, I pull up the excursions page, sort price low to high and decide if any that are in my budget are something I'm interested in doing.

If not, then I plan my own day in the ports. I'll try to find a free (or cheap) beach, a local brewery (for the Husband) and anything else that sounds interesting - but must be in walking distance (personal preference).

I've used just Google maps to see whats around where the ship docks and had great port visits.

When I bring my slr camera, I usually just hang it over my neck by the strap so I have easy access to it. But Husband and I share a small backpack that fits our towels, my camera, and undies to change into if we were going swimming.

There is no "best cruise" but I would advise you pick a shorter one to see if you like it and you'll learn more about what you like and don't like and then will be more equipped to decide what future cruises you want to go on. If you're driving distance to a port, pick one from there and pick dates that work for you best. That will make the stakes lower.

If you have to fly, make sure to check flight costs before booking your cruise. I have a cruise booked that embarks the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I discovered that the flight that Friday is so expensive that we are better off flying out a whole week earlier and booked another cruise for that week!

I recently cruised with a large group of friends. I picked a 4-day from a port we could drive to so that the over all cost was lower, we didnt have to deal with flying, and those with limited vacation days only had to use 3 days.

I cant advise better without knowing where you all live, when you want to go, or where you're interested in going. (For the record, I'm not a travel agent, I just like event planning!)

But 3 sets per DAY?

 

But anyway, you can wash them in the sink. Most women's dry fairly quickly.

 

For men, they make travel underwear that dries overnight. You can get them from Travel Smith or Magellan. Also, the Duluth Trading Company Bare Naked underwear dries VERY quickly (I find faster than the "travel" ones).

I wasn't going to say it, but was thinking it. I pack one pair per day + 1 or 2 extras just in cast. But 3x sounds like a big waste of space lol.

Your Time Dining is SO flexible! Based on your questions, it sounds like the option you should choose. Here are answers to any questions you could possible have about dining on a cruise: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/11/anytime-dining-101.html

No, you are not able to only get it for specific days. It's all or none. However (as the others said), you can choose not to buy it, and just pay the menu price for each drink.

Here's my cruise packing list for warm-weather cruises year-round: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/10/cruise-packing-list.html

Welcome! Nice to meet you! Cruise Critic is a great place to find and get answers. Additionally, to get you started, I have some blog posts on my blog with everything I know about cruising; if you're interested in reading: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html

If you feel strongly about flying to FL for a cruise, check the costs of flights before you book the cruise. Might not be worth the lower cruise fare. Norwegian cruise line has some solo cabins on a few of their ships; they are still more than if you cruise with a buddy in a regular cabin, but not double.

Otherwise, booking so close to sailing is totally doable. maybe a bit overwhelming, also you'll likely have to pay the entire cost the day you book it. Everything I can tell you about cruising can be found on in a few blog posts on my blog: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/p/cruise-tips.html