mousey

I've also never heard of this before. Is this something offered in the kid's or teen clubs only? I want some ice cream with my Pedi...but not for $50 Washingtons!:eek: LOL!

But you know, I'm going to put this on my "Cruise List of New Things to Do." The next time I cruise with my SIL, I'm going to suggest we have an Ice Cream Pedi Party in our cabin...it will be free! How much fun that would be!!! I love Cruise Critic...you learn something new every time you get on here!

Go ahead, hammer away people. Guess I'm the fool for thinking the food I get on board is not contaminated and have no common sense related to food safety. How I managed to live 50 years is beyond me :rolleyes:

I don't think people are calling you or insinuating that you are a fool. I think they're just trying to explain the reasoning for not doing it. It's not that your food aboard ship is contaminated per se. But most ports you visit don't want to take a change that their ecosystem will be hurt in the case there might be a fruit fly or whatever in any produce you bring off the ship. It's a matter of respect for other country's rules. We are visitors there after all and should respect their wishes.

There are plenty of treats that come prepackaged that one can either bring from home or purchase on the ship. I always bring my own prepackaged, nuts, chips, gum, candy, crackers, etc. from home. They take up no room at all in a suitcase, tote bag, backpack, or carry on.

I know people have done it forever and I've been known to do it in the past also...but not anymore. I just "got it" one day when my DS got upset that I was going to take a sandwich for him off the ship. He was 9 at the time and said that it really wasn't a nice thing to do, he wouldn't eat it, and why would I break the rule. So, proving that you're never too old to "get it"...I won't be doing it anymore.:D

Here's my take on FTTF. I'm only going to get it for our next cruise because I like the idea of being able to go and put our carry-ons (we always have them and have always had to lug them all over the place before our cabin is made available) in our cabin as soon as we board. I really could care less about using it just to board the ship early. I've been cruising for years and years and I've never cared about being the first, middle, or last group to board the ship. I consider myself on vacation from the minute we leave our house!:D

I totally agree with the rule that there should be one FTTF for each cabin no matter the relationship between the people in them. It doesn't matter whether or not you're linked to the same account. Some cabins accommodate up to 4 people (that's not including suites which can sometimes accommodate even more people), so why should 8 people be able to board the ship together and only pay for one FTTF. That's goes against the whole purpose of limiting the FTTF boarding privilege. I'll probably be traveling on our next cruise with the DH, DS and his girlfriend. We'll all be linked and we'll be staying in two different cabins but I'm only going to buy one FTTF. If the kids want to board early with the DH and me, they can buy their own FTTF! LOL! If your kids are old enough to stay in a cabin by themselves, then you need to get a separate FTTF for them. If they are youngsters and not allowed to be in a cabin by themselves and require an adult to be with them in their cabin, you still need to get 2 FTTFs. This is just MHO. :)

I usually end up wearing white capri pants with a t-shirt to board the ship and always a straw fedora-type hat. I'm in my 60's so I don't wear shorts and I don't wear any type of top without at least quarter-length sleeves. If it's a cool day (we sometimes sail out of CA ports like Long Beach), I'll wear a lightweight jacket with my capi pants and tee. I usually will either wear white tennis-type shoes (what my son refers to as "kicks") or flat sandals, usually the t-strap kind (you know, with the strap between the toes). I also now have two pairs of wedge-heeled, tennis-type shoes, which I love because they are very comfortable and give me some height as I'm only 5'4". LOL! I've also bought several midi-length skirts over the last couple of years so on my next cruise, I may wear one of those.:D

I have never done a cruise (yet, under 4 weeks to go) but I have been to many all inclusive tropical resorts. The theory I'm taking toward my clothing planning is anything that I would wear to the a la carte restaurants at the resort would be the smart casual nights in the MDR- in my case pretty sundresses and for the hubby- khakis and a button up shirt. Buffet for me means a cotton skirt or dressy Capri's and a pretty top (planning the same for the ship). Formal nights- never done one before since almost all the clothes I take to a resort are cotton since the restaurants are often not air conditioned. I've been watching this forum for a clearer sign of what to wear while on ship.

What you've mentioned is perfectly fine for a cruise. Except you don't need to dress up at all for the buffet as it is very, very casual. You'll see people coming from the pool in coverups and flip flops and sometimes you'll even see people in white bathrobes!!! For dress up nights, you'll see everything from true long, formal gowns and men in tuxedos to sundresses and khakis. It's pretty casual on most ships I've been on...however, I haven't been on Hal so maybe someone that has will give you some tips. Also, it's always a good rule to follow whatever the ship's guidelines are for whatever cruise ship you are sailing on.

Hope this helps and I hope you have a great cruise!:D

I was browsing at Marshall's today, where I usually find my purses. What a score!

 

First: A Sherpani elements Willow Song for You. I suspect this is last year's design as it's not on their website. Get ready.... $20!

 

 

Also, my favorite brand, Tignanello. This is a much smaller, more tailored bag than they usually have. This one.... $30!

 

 

Did I mention, I don't really need another purse? Sheesh.

I really like your bags!:D I too get all my handbags at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. It's amazing that you can get Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, etc. bags there for sometimes 1/3 of the price you'd pay somewhere else.;)

I'm 5'4" and wear them all Summer long. I've worn them on cruises for years. I don't feel chopped off at all. I love them and have them in every color and from lightweight cotton to denim. I wear them everywhere. I've worn them with sequined tops and jackets for cruise formal nights with no problem. I just love the look of them.:D

I just started using a wristlet and I love it! I went shopping today and my hands were free as it hung from my wrist. I had my cellphone, credit cards, a lip gloss, money, and a pen inside of it. I didn't have keys because I went with friends and they drove. I have a big leather shoulder bag and I just put my wristlet in it. Whenever I go into a store to shop, I leave my purse in the car so I don't have to lug it around. I love it!:D

I am one of those who can't decide what to pack or wear... I tend to overpack.. So I came up with a solution that helps me. I made a daily clothes spreadsheet (see below)... I also use a detailed packing list for other essentials.. Spreadsheet just helps me out planning what to pack without out emptying out all my drawers' date=' closets, etc.[/b']

Plus, organizing and planning for a cruise is half the fun!!! :D

 

I don't follow the chart to a T. I do switch outfits up when I'm on board. I don't know the exact dates when Formal Nights are. I just plan on two...

 

As you can see, some days aren't filled in completely, some have no details because I never know what day of the week the cruise will start... Sometimes it's Saturday other times it could be mid-week. I free-hand it in according to the start of the cruise. ...

 

OMG! You must be my long-lost, twin sister! LOL! I've been doing my outfit spreadsheet for years! And you are so right...planning for your cruise is half the fun. Some people don't care what they wear but I've always loved fashion and I love going through my closet, doing some shopping for my cruise, and putting outfits together. :D

If you are thinking about buying a piece of jewelry, find out what prices are typical at home prior to leaving. I'm not a jewelry shopper, so I have no idea, but the stuff is pretty to look at. I just would not go uneducated.

 

Almost all ships have "sales" a few days into the cruise. But, don't get too excited, it's all the same stuff every week. They haul it out for the "sale", then put it back in boxes for the storeroom until the next week. It includes cheaply made T-shirts, handbags, jewelry, etc… Much of the stuff you can find on the internet for about half of what the cruise ships sell it for, but it's fun to look through all of it. I read a lot of women here will buy the wraps for $10, usually they have those and the handbags for $10 in the ship stores even prior to the sale.

 

The regular stock does not typically go on sale in the shops. Once in a while you can find a discounted item. I once found keychains that were normally about $4.95 for $1.00. I still have that keychain on my house key.

 

I still go into the shops every cruise on a sea day. Sometimes I will buy makeup or skin care if they have something I need to replace. The prices are the same as they are at home, but no tax, so a small savings there.

I disagree just a little bit...I've gotten makeup and Clinique items on sale aboard ships at prices that are a lot cheaper than on land. On my last cruise on the Carnival Pride...I bought, at a reasonable price, a pair of black knit, drawstring capri pants that had a row of sequins down the side of each leg that I wore about three times to dinner on the ship along with three different tops that I had brought with me. I got tons of compliments on them. It was very unique and I really enjoy wearing them here at home too. Not everything is great or priced well...but somehow I always find deals!

I have a shipboard routine. I always get a new and different colored evening bag at the $10 store on the ship and I usually will get a watch (I collect them) on sale during my cruises. The last one I got was a Guess watch. I've been wearing it since my cruise over a year ago and I get tons of compliments on it. They always, always have sales on jewelry. Even if I know I can go to an outlet and probably get the same watch for about the same price...I love it every time I look at my Guess watch to check the time because it reminds me of a wonderful, fun, family cruise that I enjoyed so much. It was just before my son went off to college.:D He picked out the watch for me.

I think you could find some really nice options for formal nights at places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx unless you are looking for a truly "formal" type gown. Also, if you are looking for a long, formal-type gown...a bridal shop like David's has some nice options besides just wedding dresses at reasonable prices. I don't know the Orlando area...I just fly in and out of your airport a lot to visit family in FL. I live in CA and I usually get my formal-night-clothing at the places I have mentioned above. You might also like to try shopping at clothing outlets. I think you have some great ones in your area.

I hope you find what you are looking for and that you have an awesome cruise!:D

We have cruised about 100 days and we have never taken a ship excursion. We decide what we want to see and do before we leave. We hire a cab driver at the port, ask for additional suggestions and sightseeing tips and off we go! We always arrive back in port at least 2 hours before we are scheduled to leave. We have seen some fabulous places the cruise excursionites will never see!

 

 

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I agree that you will have some great experiences that you don't get from cruises ship excursions. The one thing to remember...it's very, very important that you keep your watch time the same as the ship's. Read the ship's daily newspaper (which they usually put in your cabin the night before) and set your watch to whatever time the ship will be on in any particular port. This is so important!!! I can't stress it enough. If you are going off on your own, be sure to know what time your ship is leaving port and make sure your watch is set for the same time at your ship's.

We've taken plenty of non cruise ship excursions and have never ever had any problems. That's because we always allow ourselves plenty of time to get back to the ship. We've never gotten back to a ship less than an hour before it is set to leave port. Never, ever, try to cut it close because any little thing, for example traffic, could make you late. The ship WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU! :D

I've been cruising with my son (who is now 18) since he was 5 (mostly during Spring Break) and I'm being 100% truthful when I say that I've never been on a cruise in either March or April that didn't have lots of young people your age on them. In fact, I'd be really, extremely surprised if there weren't lots of them. My son liked to sign in at the teenage club just to meet others his age and he always made new acquaintances (some that turned out to be good friends) right away.

Most importantly, please don't stress out about this. I can almost promise you will see plenty of people your age on your cruise. Enjoy planning for your vacation as anticipation is a big part of the fun of it.:D If you can afford it...go shopping for some new clothes or shop your own closet and put together some fun outfits. If you're not into clothes, think about buying a disposable underwater camera for some great snorkeling shots if you're into that. Go onto the board to research your ports and see what kinds of excursions you'd be interested in. There are lots of fun things to do before your cruise that will keep your mind off what stresses you out.

I hope you have an awesome cruise.;)

..."With prices being more or less equal, I'd choose Cunard, because I would prefer to see more different places and I like waking up earlier. I also would love to see Venice as they are saying that sailing there will be more and more difficult.

But to be honest, neither of these choices would be what I'd like for a Med cruise. Have you look at the 1st of July cruise or 20th of June from HAL? It features Spain/France/Italy/Tunis, with one of the most beautiful cities in Spain (Barcelona) and is a mix of busy and relaxing ports. They have others too, more focused on Greece/Turkey.

When I think of the Med, I think of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece. I don't much prefer Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro etc."

I agree with this poster and I think that younger people would appreciate these ports more. Having said that...I think either of the two would be awesome. Then again, I've never been on a cruise I didn't love...and I've been on many and sailed all over the world.

Do some research on the various ports and have a family meeting to decipher what everyone thinks about them and what everyone's top choices and priorities are.

Whatever you decide...I hope you and your family have an awesome cruise!:D

The shorter swimsuits in the above examples are what is truly in fashion right now...just in case you're interested in that kind of thing...which I am, but then again, I'm a woman and a self-described "fashionista.":D I live in CA and have about 25 swimsuits (mostly upscale brands bought at the end of the season at places like, Marshalls and TJ Maxx, and usually on average I pay no more than $20 for one. I also get my DH's swimsuits there). Some are just for the hot tubs and spas and others are just for the pool. Yet others are just for everything else. I'm 67...the DH is 6 years younger and the shorter version is what I've encouraged him to buy for our next cruise. I think the longer shorts look just a tad silly on older gentlemen...but that is just my personal opinion. For example...whether I had the body or not...I wouldn't be caught dead in a bikini at my age.:eek: Also, even though I have a personal opinion doesn't mean that I judge people. If, for example, I saw someone older wearing the longer swimsuits, it's not like I'd be saying or thinking..."OMG, look at him!" LOL! I just love to see people having a good time so I really don't care what other people wear, just that they're there, like us, having a great time.

It can be cool in the evenings and I've found that during those months...the water can also be cold. Then again, I'm originally from FL and I like my ocean warm!:D

I'm confused.. I thought anytime dining you just show up and wait in line. Unfortunately we always prefer early dining and we are wait listed. Are we better off doing anytime and showing up at 5?

Just a little tip...most of the time your ticket shows you as being wait listed but you will most likely get what you asked for. Our boarding passes always show us as being wait listed...but we've never not gotten our usual "Late Seating" choice.

Frankly, I'd be more concerned with my 17 and 18 year olds watching THEIR language! ;)

 

Thanks everyone for the information. :)

LOL! I think that was so funny!:D I'd think that most...key word "most" kids 17 and 18 would be bored with the Piano Bar. I know my teenager would be anyway. :rolleyes:

Much like how a great DJ can make a nighclub fun by knowing the audience, the same is true for the piano bar. I've been in duds - and been in great ones. So much of the fun also comes from the audience. And it can be somewhat cult-like where you will find the same folks coming night after night - even sitting in the same seats. On the Breeze, we had a great time with the "regulars" - everyone ended up getting a special name. Lots of fun - but not for everybody.

I totally agree with this post!:D We usually love the piano bars...but it definitely depends on both the pianist and the crowd. And I agree with another poster who said that it seems to draw an older crowd. But personally, I never care about what age a crowd is...old or young...I'm there.

Plan on the cabin being ready about 1:30 or so unless you have FTTF. What we do is get a table and have one person stay with the bags while taking turns to get lunch.

 

As far as boarding, you'll go through a security screening like you do at the airport although you don't have to take off your shoes.

This is exactly what we have done for everyone of our cruises. We have never had a problem. Yes, it is a little inconvenient but you're on a cruise so who cares! On our next cruise we will try to get the FTTF deal if we can. However, we won't lose a second of sleep worrying over it if we don't.

Depending on what time you board the ship...yes, you could have to wait up to 2 hours for your cabin to be ready for your use. So, either board later (after say 1:30p; try to buy the FTTF ($50 - not per person); or suck it up!;)

Whatever you decide...I hope you have an awesome cruise!:D

Alaska temperatures are constantly changing, so you have to be prepared for both warm and cold weather. I generally find the ship too cold for summer clothes even when sailing the Caribbean, but that's me. I'm always wearing long pants and long sleeves at night whether in Juneau or Aruba. It can get cold on shore excursions, and also sightseeing from the outer decks and balconies, so plan accordingly.

 

Yes, there is evening entertainment....although those long days ashore can wipe you out! The dining room has seemed more casual to me on Alaskan sailings.

I agree with this poster. I seriously suggest that you plan to dress in layers...also, be sure to take warm gloves, hat, scarfs, and water resistant shoes and coat (preferably with a hood). On the ship itself, it will be cool in the dining rooms and very cold outside unless it's one of those days were it is unexpectedly warm (that's why I suggest dressing in layers).

At night, there is entertainment (of course) but what I found on our Alaskan cruise was that there really weren't that many people out and about after about 10p. That's mainly because people are so tired from their excursions or they have a very early excursion the next morning.

Our Alaskan cruise was awesome but we did a lot of research (check the Alaska board and the fashion info board) and so we were prepared for everything. Another three things I suggest...bring the best camera and binoculars you can afford and a small umbrella for each of you; also, be aware that some of the excursions sell out fast so book the ones you want to take as soon as you possibly can. We were disappointed (but it didn't come close to ruining our cruise) that we weren't able to get on the Zodiac Whale Watching excursion.

I hope you plan ahead and do your research so that you can have an amazing cruise. Alaska is awesome and so incredibly beautiful!

This is why we NEVER add anything to the receipt. I always bring a wad of ones and fives on our cruises to tip bartenders and waiters in cash. It saves you a whole lot of headaches. We always prepay our tips then tip additional cash here and there. Even at steakhouse I leave cash and always put an x in additional tip space.

Ditto!:D I put a specified amount of money everyday and evening in my cross body bag and evening bag for tips as I don't like to carry a lot of cash on me at any one time. I usually have an idea of how many drinks I'm going to have at any given time on my cruise. :D

Go over the rules with her beforehand and set up regular meeting times. I know my girls and they understand but we still review safety points before each trip.

 

- Don't go to or in anyone else's stateroom

- Don't walk alone

- Make your check-in and curfew times

- If someone bothers you, find me or a crew member immediately

- Stay in the public areas

- Use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings

 

Our girls are 14, 17 and 6. The teens are old enough to go about on their own and the ship is pretty safe as long as they follow the rules. If they are at a late night activity, they get a curfew and have to walk back together.

 

 

Next cruise: Carnival Breeze June 2014

This is exactly the same rules we had for our DS all the years we traveled with him when he was younger. He's 18 now and has lots of cruises under his belt. Once he and his friend that was traveling with us broke curfew...we had consequences that they knew about ahead of time and when we enforced them...they never tried anything stupid again. If you enforce any indiscretions of the rules...they will respect you and not make the same mistake again. Even the nicest of kids (like my DS and his buddy) will make a poor choice at some time and in their teens kids are sometimes a tad rebellious. If you set up rules and consequences for breaking those rules, and enforce the consequences when or if they break the rules...things will go well.

We also, when he was much younger (9-11) used walkie talkies. But once he turned 12 he was embarrassed to use them so that's when we compromised and used the post-it notes and set specific times and places to meet and check in with him. He was so happy not to have to lug around the walkie talkies that he was never late to meet us and many times, on his own, came looking for us to see what we were doing.

On one of my Carnival cruises out of Miami, I was suffering from a lower back injury and was in terrible pain. I didn't ask to board early, I didn't even ask for a wheelchair. I just took my time. However, when we got on the ship there was a very long line to get into the ship. I merely asked the Carnival staffer if I could wait next to him until my family (who were at the end of the line at the time) got up to the front of the line and then I would go in with them because I didn't want to have to walk to the end of the line and then back to the front of the line again. The attendant asked me where in line were my family and when I told him he waived them up to the front of the line and let us in. I thought that was very, very kind. And when it came time for us to wait out in the heat for the safety session, I explained to one of the staff what I was going through and if I could just get a chair and sit down. The staffer kindly took me inside and let me sit out the rest of the boat drill on a sofa with some other handicapped people. I was very, very impressed with how I was treated on that cruise. It was on Triumph back when it sailed out of Miami for Puerto Rico. Even though I was in very bad pain for most of the cruise...because of how I was treated...it remains one of my favorite of all my cruises.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances...I don't believe most handicapped people or even people with children should be allowed to board before others. I have cruised with my child (now 18 and in college) since he was a very young kid and I never expected to be granted extra privileges just because I had a child and others didn't. This is just MHO.;)

There's a whole legion of kids just dumbfounded because they ate skittles and a rainbow didn't fly out of their mouths. Or better yet, they put on darth vader costumes expecting to lift a car. Or ate Doritos and didn't blast off! If you can't teach your kids television isn't reality, then maybe they shouldn't watch t.v.

 

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Kids aren't stupid! They know what's real and what's not for the most part. And this looks very doable and, in fact, there are 4 kids that did it in the commercial. It's something that if allowed, which it isn't, is totally doable! I personally didn't even know that only one kid could go down the slide at one time. At the resort we go to kids do it all the time and there's not been an accident that I've ever heard of. Some kids will be disappointed when Carnival tells them on their cruise that they can't do it. Is it the end of the world? No, but still, why advertise something that isn't allowed. There's no real need for it. Oh yeah, they want to sell tickets and by lying to kids and their parents they think they can.