Mum2Mercury

And don't forget alcohol. Whether it's fooling around or pushing, alcohol could help.

I always do it in one sitting. It's not that many questions. I think this might be true. We quit trying with photographs. Are you saying the experiment is the elimination of the computer option for check-in? If you're already in the phone app, why not complete the rest of the check in? I'm confused. Luggage tails are emailed now.

We book guarantees most of the time, and we always get our room number shortly after boarding times come out. If I didn't have a room number by about a week before the cruise, I'd start calling. While this is a horrible story, I know I've had no problem with guarantees, and many people on this board have had the same experience. I think this is a bad case of "We really messed up this cruise" not a pattern. I won't hesitate to book guarantees again.

Aft balconies are THE BEST. You were incredibly lucky to get one through Royal Up. When I've had these rooms, I've watched /made the reservations the day the dates opened up.

I don't care what you're talking about -- internet, drink package, whatever -- it's always cheaper to buy ahead. Can't answer your question, but -- as a planner, I'd say two things: - You get it one day, have your spouse get a different day. Two days for you. - Choose your at-sea days.

We reserved an inside guarantee on our last cruise, and we ended up in a handicapped room. The space was great -- I took the large low chest at the foot of the bed for my clothes, and my husband had all of a standard cabin's storage to himself over by the desk /dresser! Loved it! Yes, we had a large curbless shower with a fold-down chair on the wall. I didn't particularly like the shower because it leaked water all over the floor. After showering, we wiped up water and left our soaking towels on the floor ... not ideal, but also not worth a complaint. Yes, if such a cabin is available for you, moving to it would make sense.

Just looked it up -- it is at least 60 days ahead of sailing. They can provide: Form asks which accommodations you require: - Wheelchair pier assistance - Wheelchair accessible vehicles for transfer - Portable room hearing kit - Teletypewriter (don't even know what that is) - American Sign Language interpreting - Sign language interpreting (tactile) - Assistive living device - Cannot ascend /descend steps - Service dog - Large print materials - Cannot ascend /descend steps (yes, it's listed twice) - Blind (optional) Then it asks what you need in your stateroom: - Accessible stateroom with roll-in shower - I require an accessible stateroom because I have a mobility disability or other disability that requires the use of the accessible features that are provided in the stateroom. - Raised toilet seat - Commode chair - Shower stool - Mini-fridge - Sharps container Same questions about pre-cruise /post-cruise hotel rooms. Then it asks about the equipment you're bringing /specifies that standard stateroom doors are 23" wide, while accessible stateroom doors are 32" wide: - Manual wheelchair - Power wheelchair - Power scooter - CPAP machine - Is your wheelchair folding or non-folding? - What type of battery does it use? - What are its dimensions? Weight? - Bringing oxygen - Vendor will deliver oxygen -- provide vendor's name and phone number - Bringing Peritoneal Dialysis - Vendor will deliver Peritoneal Dialysis supplies -- provide vendor's name and phone number Medical dietary requests: - Soy milk - Vanilla Ensure - Lactose free milk Would you like to make accessible shore excursion reservations? What other help do you need?

We've brought battery-powered candles for the room /balcony. Never thought of light strings, but it comes down to the same power. Now we tend to bring glow sticks ... they give off a soft light and are 'just enough" in an interior cabin; if you want brighter lights, drop one into a glass of water. I am no battery expert and don't know what kind of batteries I have. Regardless, the two rule doesn't seem true. Ick. I bought some of those for my oldest child's graduation. They looked nice on our glass front door, and I thought I'd carefully place them back on the paper and have them for subsequent grads -- nope, didn't realize 1) they fall apart when removed and 2) they stain -- well, no, discolor -- the glass. Never bought such a product again. Yes, I strongly prefer cameras with batteries that can be changed /not recharged. Going ashore, for example, it's easy to have a couple AAs in my bag ... it's harder to find a place to sit and recharge for a couple hours.

Email special_needs@rccl.com or call 866-592-7225 . Make contact 2-3 weeks before your cruise. Include your ship and your sailing date in the subject line (otherwise they'll ignore you). I don't know specifically that they have shower chairs, but they have an awful lot of stuff, and you can ask. They have a request form. They certainly are aware of the need for shower chairs. We were in a handicapped cabin on our recent cruise, and we had a fold-down chair in our shower.

Which of the following do you think is most likely? Over which of the following do you have more control? 1. Being the victim of a pickpocket while you're ashore ... or losing your passport. If you think this is more likely, leave the passport on the ship. 2. Missing the ship's sail-away time. If you think this is more likely, bring the passport along with you.

No one cares about your room being cleaned, BUT people do care to hear the details of why you chose what you chose -- and how it worked out for you. People do like hearing your opinion on pros and cons because it'll help them make their own decision.

Personally, I think few people actually benefit from the drink package, but it's a math problem, and only you know the variables to plug in: Drink prices: - Cocktails run about $16, including mandatory 18% tip - Beer runs about $9.50, including mandatory 18% tip - Sodas run about $4.50/can, including mandatory 18% tip - Bottled water is about $3.50, including mandatory 18% tip - Smoothies, Protein Shakes & Milkshakes run $9.50-12, including mandatory 18% tip So you can figure how many of those you'd likely drink per day and have an idea of whether the package is worthwhile for you. BUT numerous details muddy the waters: - Water, iced tea, lemonade and fruit punch are always available without cost. So are basic coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate. Fruit juice and milk are available at breakfast, but typically aren't available later in the day -- though you can bring some back to your stateroom during breakfast hours. With those drinks available, you're not going to go thirsty. - Bottled water is 100% not necessary. The water onboard is sanitized and tastes perfectly good, but -- if you disagree or want something handy to take ashore -- you can order a case of water to your cabin for less than the individual waters. - Package costs tend to run higher on newer, larger ships, so what's "worth it" on one ship may not be "worth it" on another ship -- even for the same person. - If you're a Crown & Anchor. member, you'll get a couple discounted drinks. - If you're not fussy about cocktails, the drink of the day is a little cheaper -- like $12 including tip. - If you're on a ship with a Playmakers Sports Bar, you can get a pitcher of beer for about $20 (including mandatory 18% tip), and that's about 8 glasses. MUCH cheaper than buying individually; but, of course, pitchers have some limitations. You already know that. - The pool bar sells a Bucket of Beers, which is kinda like buying 4 /getting 5. - You're allowed to carry on 12 non-alcoholic drinks + one bottle of wine. - When you go into port, you can drink for less money. Last thought: If you're going to buy, buy NOW. We're just finishing up Black Friday /Cyber Monday, and right now the package is about as cheap as it's ever going to be. If you decide to cancel it later, you can do so up until ... two days before you sail? But know that you'll have to pay for it NOW when you book it; that is, it won't be added to your bill that's due weeks before you cruise.

How do they check reservations on Wonder? I can say this based upon experiences on other ships: If you're alone, it's easy to get in, even last minute. My husband doesn't enjoy the Ice Show (but I love it!), so I always go alone -- and I always get a front row seat. I promise, the Ice Show is best enjoyed from the front row! Do you do traditional or self-disembarkation? Since our adult daughter's going with us on our next cruise, we'll be trying to get out the door on roller skates. We'll need to hit the road fast to get home in time to get the dog out of the kennel. Know what? I'm deciding right this minute: Instead of pushing ourselves, I'm going to book her an extra night in the kennel. What's $48 more? Done. You're the second person in two days to recommend that Tobasco Chipolte. Can't wait to try it for myself. Thanks for the details. I could gladly eat tacos every day of the cruise. Sounds just like Park Cafe on Grandeur, which we enjoyed very much! - Can we expect lines for the roast beef sandwiches? - Do they serve pizza like they did on Grandeur? I'm guessing no since a Sorrentos exists elsewhere on board. New questions: - My grandson sits in a booster seat now. I've seen high chairs all over the ship, but do they have booster seats? - Any tips on what 3-year olds really enjoy on the ship? He will have his parents + 2 sets of grandparents, so he will get lots of attention and won't NEED to go to the kids' clubs. - Any information on Vitality Cafe? It doesn't seem to be a particularly popular place, as it's buried in the middle of the ship -- but we'll have the Refreshment Package, and we might want to get smoothies or protein shakes. Any advice on which flavors are best?

We've sailed that first week in December, and the ship's been decorated -- quite lovely! Obviously I don't know what other people have had in their rooms, but I can't imagine why batter-powered decorations would be disallowed. I mean, we're allowed to have other battery-powered items in cabins.

$96 for me. Not a fortune, but THANKS!

I don't think wandering the ports on your own is a bad idea necessarily, but how many times will be able to visit these cities? I share your fear of missing out. If you decide to wander on your own, definitely do your homework first. Shore excursions guarantee you'll see the highlights of a given port. You know you won't get lost. Your tour guide has already smoothed the bumps in the road for you. No, booking directly with a small private tour guide is usually the best choice. Booking with private tours is a value thing ... but not a money /budget thing. Oh, yes, they tend to be cheaper, but the value is that private tours are BETTER. The ship's tours tend to be large, cattle-call groups, and you'll be at the mercy of the slowest person in the group. In contrast, the smaller, private tours tend to get you "out the door faster", so you're already halfway through your activity by the time the ship's tour arrives. The smaller, private tours offer you more options (would you rather have an hour to shop in this area, or would you rather we visit that bar two streets over?). However, ship's tours have their place: If you're traveling some distance from the port, if you'll be required to use multiple forms of transportation, or if you don't speak the language ... it might be best to stick with the ship's excursion. But these exceptions are rare. If you go on your own (or with a private tour), you're responsible for yourself. Always know where you'll be going -- study the maps ahead of time. Have cash money in your pocket so that if everything goes badly (you choose to ditch your tour and then you twist your ankle), you can take a taxi back to port. Know the name of the port where your ship is docked. Don't allow your party to split up. Have a wrist watch and understand ship's time vs. port time. Know what time your ship will sail and be back at the ship 2 hours before the ship sails; if this is your intention, even if you fall behind you'll still arrive in time. Agree! I enjoy the research, but I get that everyone doesn't think the same.

An excellent write-up. Really? I've never heard that before, and I'm surprised. What's your source? We usually go with a Guarantee, and -- while some of our cabins have been nicer than others -- we've never had a cabin we'd consider undesirable. - We don't always make the same choice: When it's just the two of us, we aren't fussy about our room, and we choose the (often significant) savings of a Guarantee room; on the other hand, our adult daughter will share our room for an upcoming cruise. For that cruise we need the extra space of the balcony, and if we're going to pay for a balcony we want to be sure it's an ocean-front balcony. So we chose our room. - We seem to land on Deck 6 pretty often. Deck 6 isn't particularly popular, but it's become our favorite, as it's convenient to the Promenade, the Theater and the MDR. We tend to take the elevator up to the pool deck, then walk back down. - We were on Deck 3 on our last cruise, and we didn't really like being "so far" from everything, but we were in a handicapped room, which was almost double the size of a standard inside ... we loved the room! If I were on Deck 3 again, even without the larger room, it wouldn't be a tragedy. - We seem to land mid-ship. Our theory is that all the people who are afraid they'll get a horrible cabin want to choose their number, but they aren't willing to pay that couple dollars extra to be mid-ship. - What I hate is waiting to know my room number. After we've checked in /claimed our boarding time, I get really antsy about it and use "the barcode trick" multiple times a day. Usually we get the room number 2-3 days after we claim a boarding time.

Thanks, George! We're going on Wonder soon -- with family, including our 3-year old grandson -- and have a couple questions. - We tend to stick to the no-extra-charge food. What did you enjoy most? - Did you eat at the Solarium Bistro? - Did you visit the Music Hall? Was it crowded in the evenings? - We've never been on a ship this big. How was embarkation /disembarkation compared to mid-sized ships? - Did you find show reservations necessary? We'll be seeing the sloths and monkeys at Daniel Johnson's. We're using them (Daniel Johnson's) for transportation, then will go to Arches Marine Park (again, with them). I'd be interested in any tips to make the most of this excursion. We're looking forward to Johnny Rockets' breakfast -- we're on Deck 6, so it'll be convenient. What did you enjoy most? Did you eat at the Mexican place? I love Mexican food and plan to frequent it often!

I might have to steal that idea. Agree. We're low carb eaters, and the rice, naan and meat are not a good combo for us. And vegetables are always available, especially in the Windjammer. In that way it's easier than at home ... because it's all available for us. Very good advice. I was going to bring this up: Alcohol is chock-full of calories and carbs. Ignoring alcohol, juice at breakfast, a sugary coffee drink mid-morning, a soda or a lemonade in the afternoon, and a couple smoothies /protein shakes over the course of the week. That's an awful lot of extra calories and carbs. At home I aim for zero carbs in my beverages ... I'm usually really good about my beverages. On vacation I'm not so strict, but I don't go hog wild either. Beverages alone can screw up a moderate diet.

Multiple thoughts: - No, you don't NEED a single extra to enjoy your cruise. Now that we're retired and can cruise more often, we've tried cruising in an inside room with just a few purchased drinks, and we're 100% satisfied. We use that as our baseline and add extras sparingly. - Is your European cruise port-intensive? If I'm right, consider that you'll likely be off the ship much of the day -- which will affect how much you'll use internet or a drink package. Also, when you're in port you'll likely have wifi access and cheaper drinks at cafes, etc. - We never buy any "extra cost" food onboard and are rarely disappointed -- and, if we are disappointed, another no-cost option always exists. We enjoy what's already paid for and save our money for restaurants at home. - Water is good onboard. Ice water is always available in the Windjammer Buffet or Promenade Cafe. Maybe other spots too. You could bring along a wide-neck refillable bottle, if you wish, but I prefer to pick up a cold glass whenever I want. - The Casitas don't interest me. They're a deck above the pool -- a great place to walk, not a great place to camp out for the day. - Having said that, if you're going to spend extra on ... well, anything, NOW is the time to do it. The Black Friday sales are better than they have been in years, and they'll probably only last a few more days. Go ahead and book (knowing that you must pay NOW ... the cost isn't added to your bill), and if you change your mind, you can "drop" the extras up until a few days before your departure.

Do you have a local candy store -- like maybe at the mall? -- where they could have the same experience as part of your cruise prep? Something sad I saw on ... Independence?: A dad and two boys had just been to the candy store, and each boy had a small clear plastic cup with a lid on it. I think that's how they sell their candy. The family was getting drinks from the serve-yourself Coke machine, and one boy DROPPED his cup. Expensive M&Ms alllll over the Promenade. Another story -- not sad: Same cruise, we were sitting at Promenade Cafe /across from the candy store, which was closed. I noticed that 100% of the kids turned their heads and looked at the candy store as they walked. 50% of the adults too.

Pick up a handful of movie theater box candy from your local Walgreens. Considerably cheaper than buying onboard, and the kids'll appreciate it just as much.

As I said, we only sail in the fall, which is low season. I fully accept that things may differ in high season. Eh, yeah, I'd pay $25 at most for that. I'd go $50 for an over-water cabana. I don't mind walking to get my own food and drink. It isn't too hot in the fall. I don't bring anything electrical /anything I'd put in a safe. The ONLY benefit I see is that you have a spot reserved /don't have to hurry off the ship first thing in the morning. Your mileage may vary.

Two thoughts: - The good Black Friday sales aren't really on ticket prices. - The good sales are on "cruise extras" -- drink packages, excursions, etc.

That makes sense. I don't think you'll have enough loud, party people to justify two such locations. Exaggeration.