Mum2Mercury

I'd love to stay in this room!

Nah, I think I'm a Goldilocks packer; that is, my packing is JUST RIGHT. We badly overpacked for our first cruise ... then we packed way less for our second, but we still brought things that we didn't use. On the way home from that second cruise, I made a list of the things we'd actually used ... and I honed that list into a template. Now I use that template as a starting point for packing; I might pack a little more /a little less depending upon the length of the trip, or I might pack something for a specific shore excursion ... but that template is our basic list. I always look at my stuff and say, "That's it?" But it always works out just right. That's true. Honestly, if you can get control of your shoes, you're halfway to minimalist packing. My husband's cruise shoes: - He wears a pair of good tennis shoes onboard. - He packs a pair of black canvas boat shoes, which he likes to have for a quick slip-on and which he wears to dinner with black jeans. (We are much more casual than we used to be.) - He doesn't like to be barefoot at the beach, so he brings a pair of water socks ... these are a recent purchase /a replacement for the heavier water sandals, which he never really liked. My own cruise shoes: - I board wearing a pair of white Keds or Vans, which work with shorts outfits or tee-shirt dresses. - I pack a pair of comfortable walking sandals in a basic color that matches all my shorts and tee-dresses. - I pack a pair of casual wedges ... my current favorites are brown /gold and match everything for dinner. - If the shore plans require it, I pack my water shoes. I bring 2-3 shirts for every pair of shorts ... and I always wear "on their last use" shorts for shore excursions, where I'm going to get sweaty. Eh, dealing with more, more, more stuff in a small stateroom and packing up more, more, more on the last evening cut into the enjoyment of your trip. I like the 5-4-3-2-1 concept, as long as you don't cling to it too tightly. As inspiration, it's a great idea.

An experience on Coco Cay: I gave my room number, handed over my ID ... and the bartender said, "Uh ..." and turned his ipad towards me. The picture was a man. Then he said, "Oh, wait! Are you on Independence or Liberty?" Both ships were at Coco Cay that day, and I hadn't specified my ship ... hadn't even considered it. We both laughed, he opened my number for the right ship, and he saw my picture. Yeah, they check.

We were in a 7th floor Promenade Room on Independence recently ... and we were only two rooms away from the "entertainment bridge" /the spot where they play the music. We loved this room and would definitely like to stay in it again! Specifics: - It was noisy twice during Promenade parties. We opened the curtains, sat on the little sofa and enjoyed the party. It was only about 30 minutes each time. The noise was lots of base and was annoying until we started watching. - You'll have a set of blackout curtains + a set of sheers that provide a decent amount of privacy. Pretty much everyone kept their curtains closed all the time. - The Promenade lighting is dimmed at night, so you kinda have an idea of what time of day it is.

Personally, we like cruising for the balance of activities: Visiting multiple islands, entertainment and activities on the ship, etc. And because it's easy: book the cruise, and so many other decisions are made for you. Yes, I was thinking only of Caribbean cruises. I do spend some time vegging in the room watching TV ... mostly in the afternoons, as I discussed earlier. After getting up early and doing something active all morning, once I've had lunch and showered, I like to have an hour (maybe two hours if I'm really tired) of down time in the cabin. But I'd consider more than that "wasted time". I can lounge around in front of better TV at home. I'll throw this out too: We prefer to sail in the fall, which means football season. My husband LOVES watching NFL games in Playmakers with a pitcher of beer ... but I wouldn't consider that plain old watching TV. That's an event.

If you drive to your port, you have the option of bringing sodas onboard. It's not much trouble and can save a good bit of money.

I don't think most people spend "a full day in port". How I think the majority of cruisers spend their island days: Most people seem to be up and out fairly early, complete whatever activity they have planned, and then are back on the ship early afternoon ... you see a lot of people having a late lunch in the Windjammer. Afternoon is for showering and resting up from the island, leaving the evening for fun. I think this is average for most cruisers. Evening activities vary: You can find a show every evening, but people also enjoy the casino, Movies Under the Stars, Dancing and Karaoke. The pools and hot tubs are still open. I think most people do, but you really can get in/out of the main dining room in about 30 minutes on an island day. I really enjoy the art auction, but you'll never see my hand in the air to buy anything!

Yikes, so glad your story had a happy ending! We're close enough to drive, but -- as we were headed for our very first cruise -- we were delayed literally for HOURS on the interstate; I mean, we were all out of our cars walking around talking to strangers. Finally we learned that a tractor-trailer truck had turned over on the interstate and burned! Every time we're on that interstate, we talk about how fortunate it was that we were headed for the Days Inn instead of the ship that day! We are true believers in the idea of arriving a day ahead.

We've booked a cruise with extended family on Wonder, and I'm thinking everything is more expensive on this ship. Eh, this board isn't united in many things, but the love of Coco Cay is almost universal. I don't think it's fair to say "a lot of people" stay onboard ... at least not the whole day.

Loved the place! - You don't have to pay a single penny to enjoy "a perfect day" at Coco Cay. - Plenty of chairs by the ocean ... set up in groups of 2 or 4 with an umbrella and a table between them. - Large hammocks in near-total shade. - The pool is kinda loud for my taste, but it's no-cost. - If those grandchildren are young, the pirate ship playground is totally cool. - Little Free Library near Chill Island, if you forget your reading material. - They have snorkel gear, but I'm not sure whether it's free or for rent ... I only use my own. - Food is good. If you have a drink package, it's good on the island. - If part of your family wants to return to the ship, it's easy to split up.

This is quite close to what I was going to say: I was on Coco Cay with Indy and Liberty. While the front-row chairs were full, ample seating was available at all beaches ... the pool too. The lines at the lunch spot were short. No lines in the bathrooms. Admittedly, these two ships aren't the largest in Royal's fleet, but neither are they the smallest. I'd love to visit again with this number of passengers.

A note: When my kids were little, we used to bring glow-sticks (from the Dollar Store) on camping trips or hotel stays. They provide just the least little bit of light ... enough for a child to feel comfortable in bed, but not enough to keep him awake. Not long ago we were in the same position. Being recently retired, we wanted to see how little we could spend /enjoy our cruise. We quickly discovered that we love interior rooms! Oh, for the same money we'd want a balcony, but "same money" never happens. Love em! Having said that: - Agree that we don't love walking in and the bed being an obstacle ... but for this small room, it's necessary to give you the seating area near the promenade window. Not a significant issue. - We were on Deck 7 only 2 rooms from the entertainment stage (so one of the noisiest promenade rooms), and we only found it "too loud" twice ... during two promenade parties. It was the boom-boom of the bass. We opened the curtains, watched the party and enjoyed it. Each one lasted about 30 minutes. It's not an all-night thing. Hear, hear!

Adding a few thoughts: - The Vitality Cafe serves smoothies and juices, and protein shakes are an option. Buying individually, they'd be more expensive than bringing on your own ... but they are included in the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package. - I have filled out the Special Needs form (not recently, hope my memory is correct), and they do ask if you need protein shakes. They specified a brand (can't remember) and I think they offered only vanilla, but I don't think any additional charge was involved.

This isn't about punishing the workers. It's about getting less service for more money. Anyway, if we were to start paying less ... but the staff are servicing more rooms, they should not see a drop in payment. The whole thing's a mess. Does anyone really need to go on a cruise? No, but having your room serviced twice a day /always having your room fresh is part of the cruise experience.

It's an incomplete question. You didn't say your goal is a chicken wing party; we aren't even sure, from what you said, that chicken wings are the ultimate goal. We're left with lots of possibilities ... and no understanding of the odd desire to bring your room service to the Windjammer. Now you've got your feathers ruffled because you didn't get the answer you want. 50 wings at Playmakers are $25.

We were on Indy a few months ago -- had a great time! - Surf simulator is called Flow Rider, and it is a no-cost item. You'll need to sign a waiver for your grandchildren on Day 1 so they can participate. If you board early, consider heading up to Flow Rider for the very first "ride". - As for dinner, if I were you, I'd tell the kids they can choose what they want to do for breakfast and lunch, but you will choose dinner /they're expected to follow your direction. - You should make reservations for the Main Dining Room now; you can always change them, but the best time slots will be gone by the time you're onboard. - As for other venues, the Windjammer Buffet is no-cost, and it's easy to get into. - You can make reservations for the up-charge restaurants. I'm not sure what information you're hoping to gain here. - Yes, they run a tram to/from the ship and around Coco Cay. - Most of the chairs are in the sun. If you want shade (part of the day), I'd suggest you choose Chill Island, as it's near the hammocks, which are in near-complete shade. You'll have no problem getting a chair, but it may not be a prime front-row chair. Check out You Tube for an idea of what Coco Cay is like.

Multiple thoughts: - I don't think they have chicken wings, but they do have chicken tenders. - Yes, they'll take a big order, but it won't be fast. - Why would you want to transport it to the Windjammer? You could just go and get those things (or very similar things) from the Windjammer. - No, they won't bring it to the Windjammer. - You will need to pay the delivery fee AND tip your delivery person. For a delivery this large, it might be multiple people.

No, I love red and other bright colors! I'm saying I WOULD look like a fire hydrant if I wore those wide-legged pants.

The question's already been answered, but I'll just say this: I absolutely despise paying to park, especially when I'm giving my business to the people who are collecting the parking fee. Disney is the worst about this (now that they charge people to park at their hotels).

Agree. It will "cost you" a little time to have it replaced, but no real damage. Of course, I wouldn't tell the kid that ... my mom is fond of saying "Natural Consequences". Have the kid go with you to Guest Services /stand in line. Life lesson.

Connecting cabins usually mean a chair instead of a sofa. Connecting cabins CAN mean more noise: we once had a balcony connected to our children's cabin, and the beds were "head to head" through the wall. When we were in bed, we definitely heard them moving around or watching TV. On the other hand, our last cabin was a connecting promenade room, and I think I heard our neighbor sneeze once. Maybe we just had better neighbors? (Don't tell my kids I said that.) The connecting door was on the blank wall (not our bed wall). Maybe that made a difference?

Could be. You know your own kid.

If I had kids this age, I think I'd get them the WOW Band so they wouldn't be able to lose it. That'd allow them access in /out of the room, and it'd allow them to buy drinks. I'd keep their cards in my possession.

One more reason, which I didn't think about when I made my above list: My daughter, who has a toddler, is considering getting a WOW band so she can open the door while holding his hand or carrying him while he sleeps. I think you'd have more opportunity to use a MagicBand at Disney than you'd have to use a WowBand on a cruise ship.

So I went to the Dillard's website, and I remember why I don't shop at Dillard's. Yikes they have some seriously ugly things under the Women's tab. I mean, really, this woman looks like she was caught in a cotton candy explosion. But they do have some nice nightgowns ... Penny's used to sell similar things, but they don't seem to any more. I know I have at least one Miss Elaine name brand nightgown, which I like.