indiana71

Why aren't there more posts on this thread??!!  There is a treasure trove of information to give and those of us who are doing Star Class for the first time are hungry to hear your stories and suggestions!

YIKES!  I was searching for information RE Star Class when this thread came up.  And there HASN'T BEEN a POST since December!

I know, I know...the pandemic has, at the very least, put a halt to so many activities that were part of our lives pre-Covid.

However, I choose to continue being optimistic that by the end of 2020, cruising (probably with many changes) can resume.

We are booked for a B2B2B on Symphony of the Seas early 2021.  But, the big Family Cruise is booked on Symphony for June 2021.  That's the splurge for us - the Villa Suite.  (We do Ocean View and Balconies, never did a suite).  I was on the waiting list for a year prior to the June 2021 itineraries being announced.  A call from Royal Caribbean came very unexpectedly...getting the Villa Suite was a long shot...and then I was told, "The Villa Suite is available for your date.  There are at least 15 other people who are on the list, but you are Number One.  Do you want it?"  YES, YES, YES!

The reservation was made more than a year in advance, there wasn't much to do then.  Now, though, I want to learn EVERYTHING about the Genie, the perks and any suggestions, information and fun facts.

So I'm hoping that other Crazy Cruisers will come to this thread and get the conversation started.

BTW, I'm Nancy from NW PA.  Traveling in our group will be myself, DH Bill, 2 DSs, their wives and our 4 teenage grandchildren.  🛳️

My jewelry isn't in drawers, either...DS (the contractor) made a really cool contraption that sits on a dresser.

I keep earrings in plastic boxes from Michael's that are sold to hold beads for jewelry making. Each box holds a particular color or silver, gold, etc.

You could use those plastic boxes and cut off the lids. Some of the insides are adjustable.

When CCF first started, it was easy to post photos...sadly, I have tried many times without success:loudcry:. It was much easier when pictures were included.

Also - look on amazon and etsy for creative ideas - even pinterest could help.

Today DH & I traveled back to our old town. DH has been doing an annual fundraiser for United Way and local homeless veterans for many years on his Oldies radio program. While he was raising $45,000!!! (wonderful for the recipients...), I was shopping:) -

Labels include: Banana Republic, Talbot's, LL Bean, Ralph Lauren, Land's End, Nautica, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne and White House Black Market....ALL from my favorite Goodwill Store...I tried on 21 pieces of clothing and bought 15...at a total cost of $45.00.

Most items are winter but got a couple cruise-worthy tops and my best bargain was an LBD, White House Black Market with 3/4 sleeves:cool:.

I am beyond happy with my bag of goodies. The LBD will be perfect for the January cruise out of Bayonne.

curlymason: I agree that your skirt and top will look just fine. You can add some sparkly jewelry if you think it needs a little more oomph.

We attended a 7-course Wine Dinner on Saturday. LOTS of LBDs! I wanted to go up to some of these well-dressed ladies and ask, "Where do you shop??";p

It's not like I need another cocktail dress (if that's even still a term...), but most of them are timeless and elegant.

Too bad, in my small town, there are only a couple opportunities to dress up!

QUESTION: Do you have "Dress Up" dresses that are only for cruises, or are there other times you can wear them ?

DH has given me his shirts, but not pants for dinner...all will get ironed and packed. Since we're flying, suitcase weight is important. Don't think either will be over the limit, but always a sigh of relief when completely packed. Luggage scale gets packed, too; for the return trip....don't want to think about that yet!

It's a BEAUTIFUL day in northwestern PA. Didn't need a heavy jacket to go out - cold temps coming and possibly an inch or 2 of snow.;p

The only packing left for The Next Cruise is jewelry and makeup. All outfits were tried on and then packed.

Jewelry goes in little ziploc clear plastic bags with a label for each day/activity and then all bags in one of those freebie zippered bags given with cosmetic purchases.

DH saw the open suitcases and brought most of his clothes without me asking...just shows that we are So Ready To Cruise:cool:.

What a delightfully fun group we CCFs are:hearteyes:! So many interesting places to go (and ships to enjoy)!!

geocruiser and TNGALOHA: You must pay attention to the way women are dressed during your travels and report here...you can watch the guys too, especially the well-dressed ones;p!

More often than not, we depart from the northeast during the cold months. Since we are flying to FLL 11/25, I will not wear a heavy coat...once inside the airport terminal, it wouldn't be needed. Only warm weather attire this time:cool:.

When I woke up yesterday, I never expected to have ANOTHER cruise booked...and SailAway in less than a month;p!

But...DH asked me to look at something on his computer...he saw an 8-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas (departing from Ft Lauderdale) after Thanksgiving. Yikes!! The price was too good to pass up...so a call to RCI and in 10 minutes it was done. Our stateroom is in a good location AND we were able to sign up for Early Dining. Early Dining has often been something we were on a Wait List for, and here it is almost Time to Cruise, and it's available:cool:!

In all our cruises, I never booked a cruise and printed travel docs on the same day:D. Gotta love DH:hearteyes:!

The only downside is: Air Fare is crazy - per person more than the Cruise rate! But..it's nonstop both ways, Pittsburgh to Ft Lauderdale on Southwest. We will leave the morning of SailAway because the flight is at 5:35 AM.

We always celebrate the day after Thanksgiving at our nieces house - hope to get some sleep before getting up! Nice thing is, she lives 20 minutes from the airport (as opposed to our almost 2 hour drive from home).

Port stops are St Johns, Antigua; San Juan (the first ship to go there since the hurricane); Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis; and the private island of Labadee.

I have spent the morning doing research on excursions and reading all the posts on that thread. There are 58 posters, so it will be a fun cruise.

Guess What's Next on the ToDo List???? You got it! Start the Packing Process by putting outfits together and making a spreadsheet.

Taking advantage of the last relatively warm autumn weather - went to my downtown, still looking for the Perfect Pair of Black Pants. Hallelujah, I found a pair in the new and very nice clothing store! They fit just the way I wanted - not loose and not that painted on look. Only problem - WAY too long...so I asked about alterations (thinking about other items waiting in the closet ).

Double Hallelujah!!! The formal shop across the street does all kinds of alterations and shop employees wouldn't recommend if the work is less than perfect. Could this be the answer??? (BTW - I recall a couple posts back that it was suggested I go to a Formals Rental...).

Anyway - I took my new purchase to the Formal/Alterations Shop and am very pleased so far. The pants will be done in a week (as opposed to 3 weeks at The Other Place). After comparing the work of both shops, surely one of them is destined to become my new Alterations Goddess:cool::hearteyes:!

griffster: I use Word and Insert Table: My document is in Landscape and I use one cell for each outfit - generally two cells per day: One for DAY, One for DINNER. Then add each item from the outfit.

Use Excel if that is easier for you. This is what works for me. ANY planning at all is IMHO, better than simply gathering clothes & accessories and putting them in a suitcase to figure out onboard. It takes me awhile to put each outfit together and I don't want to use time on a cruise to figure out what to wear:cool:.

When I tried to Copy & Paste, the table didn't copy...so here's an example of what would go in a cell:

MONDAY, Day 1 -DAY

Underwear:

White RL Capris

Yellow Ann T Knit Top

White Naot Sandals

Silver Hoop Earrings

White Watch

White D&B Crossbody

awfhy: If the alterations shop tells me 3 weeks when I take in other items, I will look for someone else...especially when the item is needed for a Cruise. The consignment shop owner could have heard complaints about the length of time from her customers.

geocruiser: Great idea! I will ask at church. Thanks for the suggestion:cool:

There's an Alterations Shop in the plaza near a local consignment shop...but the owner of the consignment shop did not recommend using that shop. I looked at the shop's fb page and saw all positive comments (including a couple brides)...so deciding to give her a try, I called and then took pants, a skirt and a dress that all needed hemming. Figured if that is done well, I'll try one of the more complicated alterations next time.

My only surprise: Those 3 hemmed items won't be done for several weeks!! There are 2 alterations ladies and they are very busy right now. Guess that indicates they do a good job...

I completely agree with the Jeopardy guy! Manhattan would have many more choices, but no matter the size of the shop, almost always there's at least one worthy item:cool:, and probably the business is locally owned which is another plus!!

Right now, I'm trying to find a good alterations person who can do the same professional job as my former Alternation Goddess. A couple skirts needed hemming, a couple dresses need a little work. A few nips and tucks makes any garment look like it came from a high end boutique.

geocruiser: Thanks for the Freeport links! Very helpful:cool:.

It's a very wet, chilly day here...and yes, I went shopping:rolleyes:. The consignment shops had sales. Tried on lots, but came home with a black & white print any-occasion dress and a red fleece jacket.

The only item on my list was a pair of dress black pants...didn't even try any on. Pants are the hardest thing for me. The fit is never right...

At the big mall 40 minutes away, a new department store has opened. Looks like a road trip is in the near future:D!

geocruiser: Good to hear a positive comment RE Freeport! We always look forward to a new port and are relieved when it's better than some visitors reported.

TNGALOHA: I'm envious of you and geocruiser with cruises right around the corner.:cool: Our countdown clock is at 94 days.

Men generally have the same Packing Philosophy of waiting to the last minute and not thinking about "outfits".

Your comment: "DH says I am crazy being packed this early but knowing him he would pack on the way to the airport if I would let him." made me laugh! That's EXACTLY how my DH is;p!

geocruiser: Thanks for the link! Trying to find the right cosmetics is so difficult:eek:. Every company claims to be "the best" and the only way to know if it's right for us, is to buy it, or in a department store, Ulta, Sephora, etc., is to try a sample.

I'm liking the Clinique foundation and use my CeraVe moisturizer with SPF underneath.

This week we go under 90 days till The Next Cruise:cool:. It seems like forever since we boarded a ship!

DH & I will have a 90 Days Dinner to celebrate. The Next Cruise is the same as we did last January, with one port change. Instead of Miami, we go to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Never been there...

We really liked Charleston and look forward to another chance to explore and have lunch. Last year we ate at "Husk" and I bought the chef/owner's cookbook, so our Dinner will consist of dishes from that book.

DH doesn't know about the 2 excursions I booked: to a plantation in Charleston (with plenty of time to be on our own) and a "Best Of" in Freeport. From posts, I've read that Freeport isn't a wonderful place to go....seeing it in a tour bus is what we always do the first time in a new port. Hoping that the posts are wrong....

AND - went to a fundraiser breakfast for women Saturday and actually won a door prize...travel size Elemis products + Disney cruise toiletries! Guess someone was on a Disney cruise and didn't want these items. I'm happy to add them to my stash of travel sizes.

I want to start putting outfits together, but will try to wait until early November...maybe I can start with the makeup/toiletries bag....

Yesterday was my "Make Over" Day at the Clinique counter. Trish, the Clinique rep, spent an hour & a half, starting with a clean face totally devoid of anything.

She did the 3-Step thing that Clinique is known for. Then several serum/moisturizer/pore shrinker creams.

Most interesting to me was the eye makeup. I know what works for me in foundation and blush, but wanted guidance for eyes. She used more eyeliner and eye shadow than I would.

Of course, after finishing, the question was, "Are there products you would like to purchase?"...I bought the foundation.

Most puzzling is that Clinique has no product with an SPF. Sunscreen would be yet another layer to apply.

DH liked the look, agreeing that the eye makeup was more than usual, but would be nice for dress-up occasions.

My Opinion: Never pass up the opportunity to have a Make Over! You always learn something.

Returned last night from a long weekend in Minneapolis. We helped DS & family empty and clean the house they sold. They will live in a friend's condo until their new home is built (probably early Feb). It was a busy weekend...no time for shopping:rolleyes:.

It was a happy time with family...and a very sad time as we watched the news coming from Las Vegas. So many tragic events lately...

After several failed attempts to upload photos, I gave up. The message is that the size is too big and I must resize manually. Haven't had luck with that. I will continue to work on it...choosing Outfits begins in early November and posting photos is one of the fun things to do...

When DH was in the Army, we lived in Wurzburg, Germany and traveled to Italy...that was in the mid 60's. Venice was, and I'm sure still is, a fascinating city. Anxious to hear about your experience! Let us know if European fashion differs from the CCF attire.

All those pies sound so-o-o delicious! Lucky family to have you as the baker:*.

Our family is just beginning to exchange Christmas lists. I usually order most everything from amazon and have it wrapped and sent to them. Envious of those of you who get to spend the holiday with all the family!

Not doing much house cleaning. We have been in our new home 16 months and I vowed to keep it clean...mostly that has worked (I clean a closet or drawers periodically), but still need to move furniture around for a deep cleaning before cold weather. I love having the windows open during cleaning.

I was wandering through the small department store nearby, passing the Clinique counter when the nice Clinique saleslady asked if I wanted to come in for Beauty Week. Next thing I know, I've made an appt for a Complete Make Over on October 4!

The scary part is I must show up TOTALLY devoid of all makeup...nothing on my face. Should be interesting;).

I haven't changed basic makeup in many years...at least a professional will do the best she can to convince me!

So happy to be back and see responses to my Question! Looks like Regenerist and CeraVe are the brands to choose. Thanks for the feedback:D.

I attempted to upload a photo and the message said to resize manually. That didn't go well. I will try again later.

Meanwhile...there are 34 dresses in my Cruise Closet and yesterday I tried on Every One of Them!! There are 3 that are really tight - giving me incentive to firm up those belly bulges:eek:.

TNGALOHA: Your comment RE "how lucky we are" and smearing them could be right on...if folks getting off the ships are expecting the islands (and people) to be undamaged. Hopefully, cruisers will have common sense and do what they/we can to help their economy.

So pleased to see familiar screen names. Love it that this is continuing to be a fun and friendly thread:).

QUESTION: Do you use department store, higher end, cosmetics or do you go to the drug store/Target-type stores?

I have switched from "high end" moisturizer & serum to L'Oréal & Olay products that so far, work the same as more expensive ones. Nothing has replaced the Elizabeth Arden foundation. My lipsticks go from inexpensive to pricey and are all good.

When we were building the New House and maintaining the Big House, I decided to explore lower cost cosmetics. Now I'm curious to hear what other CCFs do.

BTW: It is difficult to think about The Next Cruise without facing the reality of the devastation in the Caribbean. I am proud of what Royal Caribbean has done in the recovery effort. Although the joy of visiting those ports of call has been taken away for the moment (and in many cases, much longer), we look forward to returning and spending tourist $$ whenever that becomes possible.

So relieved to hear that CFFs from FL who have posted didn't have serious damage. Never watched the weather channel so much...Texas, then Florida and Caribbean have been in our thoughts and prayers.

Cruising will change for many of us, at least for several weeks or maybe months... All the places hit by hurricanes need cruise ships and tourists to help with rebuilding economy and country.

Even though this is the first day of autumn, Mother Nature is continuing to give us summerlike temps...so I will take advantage of that the next couple days and try on some Cruise Clothes - ones that haven't been chosen for awhile.

Will take photos with my phone and hope to post. Next Cruise is little more than 100 days away...a little TOO early to actually put outfits together, but preliminary planning can't hurt:cool:!

BTW - our Last Cruise was in late April. DH wanted to be on that first cruise ship to Cuba. We flew to Tampa (beautiful city!!) and boarded Empress of the Seas, smallest ship in the RCI fleet. It was a wonderful experience -all of it. The ship had lots of Cuban influence and Havana was delightful and interesting - also sad to see some of the buildings unoccupied and unsafe for years.

Even though I've been away from here, the CCF mindset didn't go away. So of course, I paid attention to the Cuban attire. The women wore lots of bright happy colors.

Yes, it's me, indiana71! I'm so pleased to come back to CCF after more than a year!

Just a quick explanation for my absence: It was all about building and moving to our new home at the lake, selling the Big House; and now all of that is in the past, it's definitely time to reconnect on this thread:cool:!

We have never given up cruising!!! The Next Cruise is in January on Grandeur of the Seas, and then a Family Cruise in June:D.

There are 2 great consignment shops nearby and a thrift shop that has had some fun stuff (with proceeds going to an animal shelter.)

Since I'm using a different search engine, I will try to post some photos of outfits soon. My Next Try0n Day is coming up....lots of dresses that are Cruise Worthy and some of them haven't been on a cruise. I'm going to try Every One of Them on and evaluate.

Meanwhile, going back and reading pages of posts will fill an afternoon, for sure! So nice to see familiar names and also to see that CCF is going strong!!!

sunnydaygirl: Love, love your cruise-theme finds!!:cool:

dobiemom: Me too! Love Etsy for all kinds of fun unique AND cruise items.

My Need-To-Lose-A-Couple-Pounds project is stuck:confused:! Just like back in the day when I lost 35 pounds, seems like occasionally there's a plateau...however, we are having sod delivered any minute now...and I expect to get a workout helping to put it down. And then enjoy this beautiful weather that Mother Nature is giving NW PA and get some walking/biking time. (For me, that's no more than half an hour:rolleyes:

). I must say though, losing weight, at least in my experience, is more about what goes in my body than how much exercise I get.

Cruise Room/Closet Update: We're waiting for the dry waller to come. Can't do anything else until that's done.

I'm getting anxious to re-do my Main Closet - move out some of the Cruise Clothes...but that means moving in winter stuff:eek: