3happyferrets

I don't have hot chocolate advice, but just wanted to say that's not a stupid question. That's what these boards are for to get knowledge from each other. Hope you have a great cruise!

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A couple of things I've picked up on these boards- I buy a travel bottle of Lysol to spray down the handles in the room and the remote, you don't have to but I'm a germaphobe so it makes me feel better. I've gotten a door hanging shoe holder to put a lot of things in like toiletries ( I found this one of the best pieces of advice from these boards). It frees up so much counter space. Also like others say, a highlighter and I take pens too, helps me remember on the cruise compass the activities I want to do. And finally, I get one of the Febreze disposable air freshness for the bathroom. I feel like it makes our room smell fresher and you just throw it away at the end of the trip. I know that's not a play by play of the day, but the CC people shared it with me and I appreciated the knowledge. And like other people have said, don't stress too much. All of us at one time were on our first cruise and clearly they went well because we keep going back! Have a great trip[emoji4]

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We found a useful tip on these boards a while back. No need to carry a heavy bottle of wrinkle release in your luggage. Just bring an empty spray bottle and a fabric softener dryer sheet. On the ship put the dryer sheet in the spray bottle, add tap water. Instant wrinkle release that really works!

That's awesome advice and thank you. They make the wrinkle release in travel size bottles

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When are you planning to cruise? Sometimes the hotels offer really good deals at lower census times. Plus staying in certain hotels gets you express passes included which are I think $75 each. I've never done this package with Royal because I live in Orlando, but I'm an annual pass holder with Universal so I get the emails. If you live in Fl they give resident rates on hotels and tickets certain times of the year. They do this with other states at times too plus sometimes they offer deals to nurses, police officers, military, EMTs. In fact, Sea World used to give free tickets to people who are/were in the military, but idk if they still do. And Disney at times gives good rates at the Swan and Dolphin for being nurses and I'm sure different services. We stayed there for $100/night just had to show our RN badges. I'd look at the price Royal offers and then look at the cost separately, which I know you'll do. Either way, I hope this helped a little and hope you have a great trip[emoji4]

Julie

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We are leaving Friday on the Navigator of the Seas. Wondering if I can take a clothes steamer onboard? I know I can't take an iron. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thank you

We will be on this sailing too! We can all just be wrinkled together [emoji12] I do take a small bottle of the downy wrinkle release with me. It kinda helps. See you Friday! [emoji4]

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We carry our luggage off ourselves and last few times in Port Canaveral it's taken longer to walk down to the security from the ship than actually checking out. I love Port Canaveral. To me it's been the easiest port to deal with. Have a great cruise!

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I had a similar issue occur. RCCL said sorry and that was about it. We had to all cram into 1 small cabin -- me, my brand new husband and his son. We had 2 cabins and then - I get an email that screws it all up -- on my honeymoon I was sharing a room with my 14 year old new step son. I'm sailing on RCCL again in June but it's against my will. I got a drink package to numb the pain ...

 

It was also right before I had to deploy to Afghanistan and leave said new husband for a year.

 

 

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That's awful, and I'm sorry that happened to you. I hope your next experience is much better. And thank you so much for your service and sacrifices.

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Been on Freedom, Oasis and Allure. They are all very nice. I prefer the Freedom for many reasons but definitely as a previous poster mentioned I like the solarium better. That being said, I say try the Oasis class. They're wonderful. In fact, we got a good deal for an anniversary cruise in May and are going with friends on the Oasis for their first cruise. And really, even if it's not your cup of tea, a bad day on a cruise is still better than a great day at work [emoji12]

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I do come to Cruise Critic when I have a cruise coming up. It helps me get tips plus it builds my excitement. But yeah, if I read posts when we didn't have one booked, I'd probably end up booking one quickly, lol. Cruising fever. Happy sailings! [emoji4]

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Does she have a Pandora Bracelet? If not, start one, or even a new one! Make it her travel bracelet. Purchase bracelet before you go and On first day, give her bracelet with cruise ship charm . Then at each stop give her another charm? Could add some others that are meaning full from grandchildren that they pick out. When she wears it and people comment on it, she will have those pleasant memories of great times shared!

I just wanted you to know that this was an excellent suggestion I took! Went and bought her the starter bracelet with a charm for grandmother, one for mother, and one cruise ship. My husband wants to have her pick a charm or two on board from her own taste and to remember the trip. He said she loved charm bracelets when I suggested it, but she had never had pandora. Thank you so much for this suggestion!! [emoji4]

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Yay, glad to hear getting on wasn't too bad. We are leaving on the 17th so I appreciate the review[emoji4]

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Last question - do you travel during school breaks or opt for missing some school? I'm going back and forth!

We go on breaks with the kids and during the summer. Lucky us they got an extra day this year for spring break so we can do a 9 day Navigator. I think them missing school is a personal choice. My daughter is in the accelerated high school program and they won't excuse absences for vacation, so if she misses, she gets 0s on all the tests and homeworks she missed. Since she is currently freaking out about "only" having a 3.8 ( this is pressure she puts on herself, we think that's great) she wouldn't enjoy the cruise if she's too worried about missing. But there are lots of good cruises during break times. And like another poster said, don't over think it too much, they'll have a great time on any cruise. Happy sailings!

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I don't really consider it cutting in line, but some people might. I like it when they have smaller stations with a break, then you do not have to worry about it, but I have been in plenty of buffets before where it is just one giant long line. If I am already in line and the people in front of me are getting salad and I don't want salad, I might slip past them, assuming they are still there getting their salad. I always end up behind the people that are selecting each individual piece of lettuce for their salad after careful consideration. And I don't want to stand there for 10 minutes while the line backs up behind me, when I don't even want salad.

 

Same principal, if I am getting something and realize that my daughter needs a milk (which on the buffets I have been too are in cartons on the buffet, not a separate drink area), I might just go up to that area and ask the person in front of me, if it is okay if I grab a milk. Now if I am there and see that they have something else I want, then I will go back, get a plate and go to the end of the line to wait my turn.

 

Some people would take offense to this and think I am a line jumper. I would not have a problem if someone did it to me though.

No, you ask and sounds like you're polite. I wouldn't take offense to that at all or skipping me if you don't want salad. I think what many are referring to are when people are disregarding their presence and taking their place like the guy getting off the boat when there was a line or just ignoring the line completely so they'd have to wait even longer when they've been patiently waiting their turn.

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My kids are now 14 and soon to be 13. We've taken them on many ships on RCI and they've loved them all. In fact, they're involved in so many activities we hardly see them, lol. They seemed to love Allure the best, had a "prom" night my daughter thought was fantastic. I also agree Freedom is a great choice too, and that's my favorite ship. Any ship you choose I think they'll find plenty to do.

As far as itineraries, we love both the western and eastern Caribbean. My kids in particular love Western because I book the resorts for a day. The Rose Hilton in Jamaica and iberostar in Cozumel are absolutely amazing. The Jamaican one has a mini water park with slides and a lazy river. The Cozumel one has exotic animals, peacocks stroll around the pool even!!

St Thomas has a wonderful excursion that goes to where the sea turtles stay to live during adolescence and you sail in a pirate ship, which is fun. St Martin had a sea trek that my husband and I did where you wear a diving helmet and walk around in an underwater park. We've also done a resort there and it was beautiful with an infinity pool. Just careful as St Martin has nude beaches, so research your excursions. Hope that helps!

Have a great trip no matter what you choose:)

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It depends for us. Some years we go on multiple cruises. So for a quick get away, I go for price. We were on Monarch of the Seas last October because it was such a good price for a short 4 day one. In 2 weeks we are going on the Navigator with our kids for the itinerary. I've never been to the ABC islands. In May, we are doing Oasis with our friends because it sails close to home and for the ship. So I say go with the one you feel that appeals to you most for whatever reasons and have a blast!!

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I've been on Oasis, Allure, and Freedom. Hands down, Freedom is my favorite. Been on her 5 times. I was so sad when they replaced Freedom with Oasis at Port Canaveral. Oh well, so just my two cents, I think Freedom class is great for the kids. Plus I like the solarium on Freedom better because I felt like the Oasis ships got too hot to enjoy it. Big enough to have lots to offer, small enough to be connected to the ocean. I've never had a bad cruise with RCI, but all my exceptional cruises were on the Freedom.

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Looks like you're also smart enough to teach your son that while it may be OK to say no to Dad, you should always say yes to Mom. :D

That's funny

How about yes/no sir/mam, lol

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It's parents like you and my sister that still give me hope for the future. She, too, raised her sons to be courteous and respectful, and not entitled. Don't be too surprised when your children thank you for it later on, because I'm sure they will. :)

Aww thanks. Not perfect but we try. We also take martial arts (Hubby, me and the kids) which really focuses on respect of yourself and others. I think it helps. And as far as on board, and we live in Orlando so parks too, it's better to just ignore the rude people if you can. Engaging usually isn't worth it because if they're rude enough to intentionally cut you off or some such, then they aren't likely to be ones that would be pleasant to confront in front of kids. I've learned this the hard way. Most of the time it's just not worth getting upset and getting into arguments over that could potentially ruin your day. But I will say it took years for me to learn that lesson.

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I believe it was the Allure we were on a few years ago. I was in line at the windjammer helping my son get his food. This girl, early 20s, literally shoved me out of the way to get whatever it was that she wanted and then smirked at me. I just looked at my son and said, "Son, if I ever even hear of you behaving like that rude young woman just did, it won't matter if you're an adult, you'll have to answer to your mother." Oh man, did this girl go berserk!! F-bombing me and my son (who was pretty young at the time) I just walked away, no need to engage her. But since I'm the generation raising kids right now I'll say we don't all go soft on our kids. I make my son hold open doors, and both kids say yes, Mam, no, Sir. Also when we had a little problem with him not turning in his homework for two weeks, I made him do it all then write an apology letter to his teacher for not paying attention and not respecting their time. I also called the teacher to make sure he gave it to them. So, we are not all raising spoiled delinquents. Happy sailings everyone, and don't let others ruin your cruise :)

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Another thing I am doing for my sister is that some childhood friends will be meeting us on the cruise as well as a few cousins that she will not know about until we are on the ship

 

 

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That is very sweet of you! I'm sure she's going to be so surprised!

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Thanks for all the suggestions! You guys are awesome!

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Maybe cupcake decorating with your son? Age dependent.

 

Maybe grandma/grandson evening? Give her nice memories, and you an evening of downtime or "freedom". Show, movie, even dinner for them, just the two of them.

 

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I could ask him, but it's his 13 birthday so I'm not sure he'd be a happy camper decorating cupcakes. He might surprise me though. Both of the kids said they wanted to take her to Ben and Jerry's with their OBC which I thought was sweet. But I'll be thinking about other things they could do together. Thank you so much for the suggestion:)

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What about a poster to put on the door??? Add a sharpie and ask neighbors of her room to wish her a happy birthday!

 

Something special for her and something she will have to remember her cruise with. I am doing that in February for my sisters birthday cruise!!!

 

 

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That's a great idea!!! I knew you guys were creative! Thank you!!!!

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We did the hotel day pass in Nassau. I didn't care for the place and we've done this in a lot of the ports. We stay on the boat, but we've also been to Nassau quite a few times.

 

Which hotel did you not enjoy? I'm torn about what to do as well and I have a reservation at Breezes.

 

 

It was the Breezes last time that we didn't like. But to be fair, this was last October so they were still cleaning up from the hurricane. It might be better now.

 

 

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Which hotel did you do for the day passes? We are considering Melia in May.

I've done two different ones through the resort for a day. I think the first one years ago was a Hilton, but it felt like the lobby of the tower of terror ride, lol. The second was the Breezes by the Sandals people. Maybe it was just an off day, but the pool was nasty. Stuff floating all in it and the food and drinks that were included weren't good. Just felt like a lot of money for that. I've just since decided since we get the drink packages on board anyway to stay on the boat from now on. But this is just my opinion, some people really like these places and like Nassau, it's just not for me.

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