Mum2Mercury

- Diapers on Royal Caribbean: www.royalcaribbean.com/royalgifts/huggies-diapers - Sure you can almost certainly find diapers ashore, but if you run out in the middle of a sea day, tomorrow is a looong way away. - Toddlers on Royal Caribbean can use the splash pad, but they cannot -- or, are supposed to not -- be in the main pool if they're not potty trained.

You can call in and ask for one person to have the full package and the other to have the non-alcoholic package. They will act like they're doing you a big favor. Note you must pay for the package on the day you order it; that is, it doesn't get added to your bill to be paid at some point in the future. I'm not far from purchasing no drinks. I probably purchase two alcoholic drinks in a one-week cruise, and if those were suddenly unavailable (fat chance), I wouldn't care. I bring my own sodas in my carry-on backpack (so much cheaper), and I don't drink coffee or juice.

Eh, I have a couple problems with this: - Fallacy of forced choice: the 10K and the 1K cruises aren't the only options available. - I can appreciate items at a number of price points, but my expectations are different. For example, if I decide to pick up McDonald's for my family tonight, my expectations are low -- in line with the price point. On the other hand, if we go out to a fine dining restaurant, I expect more of "an experience", more ambiance and certainly high caliber food. Neither of these options is good vs. bad, but my expectations vary based upon the cost.

Well stated; for example, when our children were younger, we valued a larger, carefully-chosen cabin. And the school schedule /our work schedule meant we had to cruise certain weeks. Now we're retired and much more "free" and choose to cruise more often in less-carefully cultivated circumstances. What was right for our lifestyle back then is no longer best for this stage of life. Whereas I'd consider the cost of a suite wasted money. Value is in the eye of the beholder. I have spent more than that on a single cruise -- but it included three balcony rooms for the six of us. And it was in summer. Now that we're retired, I'd expect 3-4 cruises (for the two of us in fall season) for that same price! I'm not being irrational or failing to use common sense; rather, my circumstances have changed over the years. If the cruise line can use "dynamic pricing", I can us "dynamic critical thinking".

I must side with the people who say "value" is a word with multiple meanings. Specific thoughts pertaining to this discussion: - Being "loyal" to a specific cruise line can be a good financial decision. Most of us won't cruise enough to get to the top of the loyalty ladder /get good rewards for multiple cruise lines, so sticking to ONE line means we can -- eventually -- build up those sweet loyalty rewards. - Of course, this assumes that the rewards are beneficial to you. If, for example, you don't drink alcohol, Royal Caribbean's four free Diamond drinks each day (worth potentially $40-60 to a drinker) mean nothing to you. The OP mentions that he or she might spend $250-600/day on some lines for extras; we don't spend that much in a week. The theme here, of course, is, Know Thyself. - Totally agree that cruise pricing is "dynamic" -- what industry doesn't change? -- and we are in a time of flux right now. Personally, I used to think I had "best for us" figured out; now things are changing, and I'm watching /learning, but I don't think I'm on top of my game again -- yet. - We book with the cruise line. Not because we have our head in the sand and don't see any other way but because we've tried multiple times with multiple cruises and multiple travel agents, and we just don't find any savings. Perhaps this is because we always book low-priced cruises in the fall, which have little "fat to trim"? Our cruises last year ranged from $99-384/person. I know I've personally tried to save with travel agents and have decided it's not worth the effort -- at least not for the budget-priced cruises we choose. - For the same price, I'd rather book with the cruise line and maintain control of my own booking; that is, if I find a price drop -- admittedly, not something that's happened in a while -- I like the freedom to call in and manage the price match myself. Overall, I see a lot of hubris in the OP's post. A lot of assumptions.

Scattered thoughts that I hope will help: - Safety, of course, is paramount in the minds of all young parents. When we took our first cruise (Disney Wonder), we put our kids into the kids' club, went to the top of the ship and "circled down" looking for a place where children could fall overboard. We found one place on Deck 4 where a person could -- with effort -- squeeze past a gate and jump into the water near the lifeboats. Seriously, ships are designed for safety; you cannot be picked up by a stray wind because you were too close to the railing: the railings are all fairly high, they are angled "inward" so as to be hard to climb, and they have plexiglass covering the footholds. Sure, you could drag a chair over and get yourself over the railing, but it'd take effort. Also, the main exterior decks (pool deck, etc.) are arranged like a wedding cake; that is, if you fell from one deck, you would land on the deck below /not in the ocean. The most dangerous place -- in terms of going overboard -- is a private room balcony. The balconies are (mostly) arranged one on top of another, so you could jump over and go straight into the drink. And you have chairs on the balcony. On the other hand, balcony doors are heavy, and they lock. You could also place a chair in front of a balcony door. - With small children and grandparents, my personal choice would be two connecting balconies. It's a nice mid-point between price and space. The balcony gives the parents a place to disappear to after the kids've gone to bed. You can ask the cabin steward to "open up" the divider between your two balconies, and you'll have a giant balcony. - Ships do have some extra-large interior rooms (like a room + bunks maybe), but they are few in number. You can get what you want more readily by reserving two connecting interiors -- two rooms, two bathrooms, connected by an interior door. - I fear you're imagining the ground-floor balcony option. Anyway, the ship will not book you in a disabled room unless you are, you know, disabled. Royal Caribbean has what they call "family staterooms", which are larger interiors, but -- as discussed above -- you can get more for your money by choosing two plain connecting interiors. - You know your kids. If you lecture them sternly on "only when I'm with you!" will they stay off the balcony? Are they capable of opening a heavy locked door? You have to feel secure, so think once, twice, three times on this. - You want relaxed dining? The buffet is for you -- it's open all three meals, and it's good food. They have high chairs for the kids, and dinner is especially relaxed, as most people go elsewhere for dinner. - I'd expect you'd be happiest with the mainstream family ships: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival. - With small children, I would not recommend a trans-Atlantic. Instead, I'd want an itinerary that'd allow you island stops, where the kids could enjoy the beach. - If you're still using diapers or other baby gear, bring plenty of your own. Such things are available onboard, but they may not be your favorite brands, and you'll pay-pay-pay for them. - You didn't say the kids' ages, but I would prefer to take kids 3+ on a cruise. Why? The kids' clubs, which kids LOVE LOVE LOVE are for kids 3 and older. With younger kids, you can put them in day care, but it costs ... $8/hour? I'm talking Royal Caribbean. The kids' club, on the other hand, is free. Kids will receive a flyer on the bed each evening letting them know what's happening in the kids' club the next day, so you can them in at 10:00 for a Lego-building challenge or at noon to share a meal with their friends (while you enjoy a relaxed lunch) or evening for a PJ party. - Kids must be fully potty trained to use the pools onboard. - Do I understand, as I read further, that you've booked a 2-3 week cruise as your first foray with the children? Please rethink this. You don't know whether you'll like the experience, whether the children will like it, or how you'll do in the small stateroom. A shorter "trial cruise", even if not in your ideal situation, would be wise.

I can't claim knowledge about all cruise lines, but Royal Caribbean's interior cabins definitely have a seating area. Regular interior cabins have a sofa, whereas connecting interior cabins have an overstuffed chair and a door to the adjacent cabin.

That sounds horrible. Your life sounds quite ideal! I retired from teaching, so I have long been a 10-month/year employee. As such, I felt kinda strange in that first summer -- as if I would be returning to school in August, like so many other years. Yet, I knew that wasn't true. Yes, it took a bit to "sink in". Again, I retired from teaching as well. I'm substituting 3 days/week now in a very cushy situation: I'm a sub, and I make sub pay -- but I have my own classroom (someone else manages it 2 days/week), I work with the same students every day. The students are in online classes and have an online teacher, so I don't plan lessons, grade assignments, attend meetings or do any of those other things that used to take up so much effort. I JUST show up, work with students, and go home. I'm going to keep doing this until my Social Security kicks in. I don't need-need the money, but this allows us to cruise a couple times each fall and keeps us from dipping into our savings too soon. I've been retired 1 1/2 years now, and I haven't been bored for 5 minutes total.

We did this when the kids were small -- looked much like the picture CDNPolar provided. You could do a big bed /two bunks up, but that walking space in the middle just seems most practical. It worked, and it was what we could afford back then. No complaints. Thoughts on four in a room: - This is more do-able for a short cruise than a long one. - People who pack lightly will be more successful with multiple people in the room. - What'll really get you isn't the lack of walking around space; no, what'll get you is storage and bathrooms. - Consider choosing a cabin near a public bathroom (or the gym, which has showers) so the adults in the room can use the public facilities. - I've heard of people bringing a shower curtain /blocking off the bed area so they have two separate "rooms" -- could be practical to allow the children to sleep, while the adults are still sitting in the sofa area. - This concept is only for people who are easy-going and have a good attitude.

OP, after reading your thoughts and follow-ups, I think you should wear the dress. It wouldn't be the right choice for everyone, but -- ultimately -- yours is the only opinion that really matters, and I think you'd be happy doing it. Why? - You've thought through it. This is not a spur of the moment throw-it-in-the-suitcase. - You welcome the idea of standing out /will take it as a compliment if people comment on your dress. - The comment about your other dresses not really being "fun" is a spotlight into your personality. More than anything else, that one comment brought me over to the side of supporting the dress. - You say you don't really want to buy another dress. Having said that, I do have two concerns about the outfit: - You say you're going to leave the underskirts at home -- practical. DEFINITELY take time to try the dress on ahead of time /check the fit without that extra fullness. You might need a bit of alteration (or maybe just a different pair of shoes). - I'll say again, you can't half-way this outfit. If you wear the dress, you've gotta go whole-hog with the hair, make-up, etc. This dress would not work with a modern hairstyle and jewelry.

I saw a helicopter land on our school football field once (mid-day, a JROTC event). The wind it created was so strong that it blew away the huge, heavy metal benches upon which the athletes sit on the sidelines. I was amazed. Agree.

I don't think we're on the same page at all -- I don't even understand everything you've said. By "spending every dollar twice", I mean I spend so frugally that I try to get my purchase + some other value for my dollar; for example, timing my purchase so I'm buying on sale + building up loyalty points and/or credit card points for future purchases. For example, if my husband says, "I'm in the mood for subs from our favorite local place," I'll say, "Great idea -- let's do it Wednesday when they're two-for-one." I buy most clothing, books, movies and such used. I came from a poor family, and -- looking back -- I don't even know how I managed to put myself through college. With no windfalls, no inheritance, no help from anyone except my husband, I have been debt-free (including no mortgage) since before age 40. I put my kids through college without debt, have already invested money for my only grandson's education (did that the day after a dear friend died young, and I realized she would have no opportunity to do so for her grands), I and retired at 55. I have retirement savings, a pension and three modest secondary income streams. And in a few years I'll add Social Security. Sorry 'bout your family's financial irresponsibility, but they and I have little in common -- no one needs to "bail me out".

I haven't been on Liberty recently, but I LOVE the Ice Show. I've never had a reservation. My husband doesn't care for it, so I go alone. As a solo visitor, I've always been able to scoot in last minute and grab a literal front-row seat. Let me tell you: This show is best enjoyed from the front row. As for suite (and Key) seating -- I'm thinking of the theater now, not the ice rink -- it's not really enforced. Recently I headed to the balcony, found a nice seat, and THEN REALIZED I was sitting in reserved spots. The place was more than 50% empty and no one was monitoring, so I just stayed. I looked around to judge whether I was likely to "be caught", and I saw some people with whom we boarded -- I know for sure they were crashing too.

Thing is, most of us don't want to just wear "whatever". Most of us want to wear something that'll reasonably fit in -- not aiming for the top or the bottom. Most of us like to be prepared and know kinda what others will be wearing. Eh, no, this isn't what I've seen recently. I'd say 30% of the people in the MDR "make an effort" on formal night -- more like cocktail dresses and suits than gowns and tuxes, but dressing up isn't "rare". If you choose to dress up, you won't feel out of place. - Nothing wrong with wanting some nice family pictures, and it's easy: Walk right up, the photographer's waiting. No making an appointment, transporting the family. - No gentleman ever reached into one of his six steamer trunks for his evening garb. His valet did that. This is typical of the 30% I just mentioned dressing up. Though I do think most of the men in that category had a jacket or sports coat. - Plan one pair of shoes that'll work for ALL your dinner outfits. That's the single biggest space saver. - Fold your dress carefully -- so many You Tube videos show you how -- and you can fit a lot into a single suitcase. - Many of us don't fly /aren't concerned about weight. I know my suitcases don't come anywhere close to 50 lbs. Disagree. Overdressed is still out of place; for example, every now and then one of my high school students wears a cocktail dress to school. (Looks great with a Jansport backpack.). Obviously I don't point out the kids' questionable choice, but overdressed for the occasion is no better than underdressed.

I agree that such a thing could've waited for the Captain's noontime announcement.

I'm retired, but I'm still mid-50s -- so not quite old enough for most of these senior citizen discounts; once I'm old enough, though, I'll take advantage! When I hit 60 and can really find some discounts, I intend to print myself a calendar: 5% Publix, whatever else. My grandmother used to say I "spend every dollar twice". She wasn't wrong.

You say monotonous, I say relaxing. Personal opinions. We prefer a nice mix of sea days and island stops.

A whole whopping number of people don't understand percentages. How old do you have to be to get a senior citizen rate?

Were you cruising with Cheapskates Anonymous and Jerks United? Otherwise, that percentage sounds awfully high. I do wonder if, as you say, the crew sometimes lays "some foundation for our sympathies". I remember on our very first cruise (when we still had two small daughters) our cabin steward pulled out a photograph of himself with two small daughters on the last evening of the cruise and talked about how long it'd been since he had seen them. Thing is, he had a stack of other photographs, but he showed us the one with a family that looked most like ours. I don't distrust the crew, but I think it's human nature to do what you can to help yourself. Don't understand. Choose not to understand ... and it's not just Europeans. Eh, one story doesn't prove a point. Accidents do happen. You're probably right to say that the truth usually lies "between". Well, yeah, they DO live in the other country. They accept a contract to work onboard for X number of months, but they remain citizens /residents of their home country. They won't need much. money on the ship, but when they return home their money will "spend" at that country's rate. Sure, some are supporting families back home, but I'm sure that varies. Surely some are saving up for medical school or whatever else might be impressive. I worked under this system when I was in college. My daughter waited tables in high school (much more recently) and she worked under this system. Whether it's a good or bad system, it's well accepted in America. Exactly. The crew knows what they can expect once they're working onboard. The passengers know what they're expected to tip. In theory, if everyone just does what's expected, no one is surprised. Everything works out. When you start trying to change the system -- tipping these people more, ignoring the people who wash your sheets -- you tip the apple cart and things go wonky. I believe in doing what's easy: Pre-pay your tips, don't think about it any more. Going above and beyond isn't necessary. Just do what's expected.

So? Doesn't mean other people aren't interested. Whereas, if you buy a $25 waterproof bag and use it once, figure out it's not a great day bag for an island stop, then it was a $25 one-use bag. I suspect most people will fit into this category. Regardless, I think the topic's done. Anyone who's interested has a starting place from which to research.

First consider your own personal thermostat. I personally don't need a shawl or wrap for dinner in the MDR or the theater; you may be different. This is probably the most important question of all. My specific experiences: - I was always comfortable -- day or night -- onboard in short sleeves. Probably not sleeveless. I found shorts and dresses comfortable the whole time. My husband brought long pants for dinner but wore shorts the rest of the time. - On Coco Cay and by the ship's pool, I was a little chilly in the mornings but comfortable in the afternoons /evenings. I would've liked to be "one step warmer" in the mornings. I have since purchased a long-sleeved rash guard and think that'll be ideal. I saw some women wearing track suits by the pool in the mornings -- that looked like a little too much for me. - I was a little chilly watching MUTS -- Movies Under the Stars -- after dark, so I went back to my room and brought out a thin chambray shirt, which I used like a blanket. Perfect. I actually brought that shirt to use for the trip home -- I left the ship wearing a tee-shirt, then layered on that shirt as we headed North.

I also worked in the outdoor gear industry, though it was in college. Since then I've done 32 years in the classroom and have retired. But, wow, I did enjoy selling camping equipment. I worked in a high-end store that catered to people who really knew what they wanted. If they hadn't gone out of business, I wouldn't mind working for them again. It's going to be a pretty rare bag that is made with a zipper that's really waterproof -- and that's not really what people are talking about here. When you're searching on the internet, precise terminology makes a difference, as search engines will only respond to what you say -- not what you mean. Agree that the extra protection of a freezer bag is worthwhile for something like your important documents. Price is subjective. I'd consider $25 for a bag that's rarely going to be useful (in my life) to be pretty expensive.

Welcome to cruising! Random thoughts, which I hope will be helpful: - You've made a good choice to sail January /February. Crowds will be smaller, and that makes all the difference in the world to me, so I'm sure it would make a difference to you. - Last fall we sailed on a Buddy Cruise -- not a plan, just worked out that way. They do this every year; it's a cruise specifically for people /families who are "different". Many of our fellow cruisers used mobility aids, others had differences that were less noticeable, but it was a very friendly, accepting crowd. My husband is a stroke survivor and walks with a limp -- he is sometimes self-conscious and appreciated "blending in". It was a family-oriented cruise -- early to bed, early to rise. We agreed that we'd love to cruise "with the Buddies" again. I think they sail exclusively in the fall, which is our favorite time of year. - A quick Google Search tells me they're cruising at the end of October 2023 -- I'd be amazed if they weren't sold out. But they go again next year at the end of September 2024 on Adventure of the Seas. - How big a ship are you considering? The larger ships do have more food options, more show options, but the smaller ships might be quieter, more accommodating for your specific needs. - We have sailed at this time of year, and it can be a bit chilly on the beach. I have just bought a long-sleeved rash guard, and I think it's going to be "just right". Can't wait to try it out next month. I suspect focusing on such creature-comforts will make you feel more "at home" onboard. - As others have said, a balcony will give you a quiet "away spot" for just the two of you. If you opt not to go that direction, I suggest that on the first day you walk around and around the ship and seek out "quiet spots". They do exist! If you're on Wonder, for example, the walking track has several bump-outs with seating that are quite private. Many ships have areas far-forward with quiet seating -- on most ships go forward past Johnny Rockets. (I'm speaking of Royal Caribbean ships.) - Our personal pattern: When we board the ship, we go to the tip-top and "circle our way down". As we walk, we usually identify "this is our quiet outdoor spot" -- we usually sail in an Inside. Almost always a choice of sun or shade. We bring sticky notes and leave notes to one another on the room TV -- if I leave my husband a note, "I'm on our balcony", he knows I'm at that spot we identified on our first day. - The main pool probably isn't for you -- too loud, too stimulating -- but the Solarium pool is quiet and adult-oriented. - You're probably going to hate boarding and disembarkment. I don't know any way to get around it -- perhaps contact the cruise line ahead of time and ask about priority boarding for a special needs couple? All they can say is no. - Read details on exactly how boarding works -- knowledge is power, and knowledge is comforting. You will be in long lines, you will be in crowds. The first few hours, a cruise feels crowded. If you go to the buffet for the first lunch, it will be crowded. Do not think you've made a mistake. The moment the rooms open, things'll change. - Consider going "against the grain" -- have your lunch in the fairly empty Main Dining Room, then have your dinner in the fairly empty buffet. - About food: The buffet will carry a wide range of foods, which you are free to take back to your room. We always take a bit of fruit back to the room on the first day (before it gets picked over). We like to bring a small tupperware and bring a small selection of cheese and crackers back to our room. You will not find much in the way of chips, candies or nuts. If you must have /would feel most comfortable with your well-known brands, you can bring them onboard. Homework for you: Watch some You Tube videos of your specific ship's buffet -- you'll find plenty, and you'll get an idea of what types of foods will be available to you. - You can order room service, but you'll pay a fee for delivery. You can see this menu online ahead of time. - Get the daily cruise newspaper (ask your room steward to leave you a paper copy on your bed each evening) and study the shows, etc. you want to attend. Seats towards the back or in the balcony tend to be less crowded. - How do you feel about leaving the ship for island stops? Getting on /off can be crowded /busy -- if you leave with the crowd. If you wait 30-45 minutes, the crowd'll be gone, and you can walk right off. Or consider staying on the ship and "having the place to yourself." - If you want to take an excursion (planned group tour), I would not go with ship's excursions; instead, look online /on this board for private excursions. They'll be much smaller. Let this decision go until after you've booked your cruise /have your dates. In closing: This is a helpful board full of people who WANT to help you. If you're comfortable sharing your specific concerns, things you fear may be difficult for you personally, we'll do our best to throw out ideas -- zero judgement. At a glance, making assumptions about you, I suspect boarding and disembarkment will be your personal nightmares, but you'll have a blast in between.

Possibly a small snicker to myself, but zero offense.

Could be worse. I'm suffering from an odd medical condition right now (thankfully temporary) that can change your tastebuds. My mint-toothpaste now tastes like "brown with salt". No, I don't exactly know what "brown" is or what it tastes like, but that's what I think every time I brush my teeth now. Weird, I know.