simplelife

Most of our cruises are simple - either just us or us and one other couple. We drive to port and book a pre-cruise hotel on our own. No need to use a travel agent - I book myself through the cruise line's website. When the trip is more complicated (larger group of people; flying to port; multiple hotel days before/after the cruise) I use a travel agent. I used to use one who had a brick and mortar store nearby, but now I use a former classmate who went into the travel business a while back. I deal with her online and by phone.

Depends on when the port days and seadays are,

It's great getting the muster out of the way first thing, No interrupting your unpacking or other activities; no waiting for others.

There are several threads here that address Miami parking. The consensus is that Miami offport parking sites have safety issues, It is the one departure city where I bite the bullet and pay fpr port parking

I find that Miami departures are often cheaper than other Florida ports, which makes it a little more palatable to spend the extra on port parking.

Agree, Bite the bullet and park at the port.

Our main goal for a "night before" hotel is to get a good night's rest, We stay in Titusville (Usually Quality Inn). It's convenient to pick up wine and whatever we need precruise and a quick drive to port (I know you don't need parking, but some reading this might - we have used Park-n-cruise on Merritt Island many times over the years- they are reasonable and you know where your car is (unlike some of the park/sleep deals)

I've never understood the rush to disembark.

Miami is way easier if you're flying (Airport is pretty far from Canaveral). For driving, Canaveral wins hands down unless you are in South Florida

We find its the best deal to find a good rate on a hotel around Titusville (Qualityy Inn, Best Western, Hampton, , ,) and then use Park-N-Cruise on Merrit Island,.

The change came a couple of years ago. It should be the same as last year

Those ships that do have a library don't have much selection anymore. I guess most people use e-readers now. I still like "real" books

I have discovered Easy Spirit Traveltime cloga. Love them/ I have several different colors.

Some lines charge a corkage fee for any bottle brought aboard. Carnival does not - wine you consume in your own cabin does not incur a fee Officially they charge the fee if you drink it in the MDR, other restaurant, or other public area. Realistically, I have never paid a fee; I pour a glass in my cabin and carry it with me into the MDR or other venue. Two tips: 1.You can ask forvwine glasses at any bar. 2. Bring a travel corkscrew - if you call room service to open it for you, they expect a tip, and they may take a while to get there.

You are correct, For any upcharge they will ask for a card and bring a receipt to sign

If we get off at all,, we wait until the rush to debark is over, stroll around a bit and get back aboard early and enjoy the quiet ship.

The port and airport are actually in the northernmost part of Jacksonville (Port is East of I-95, airport to the west. Geographically, it is a very large city. The closest hotels are the airport ones. We drive to the Jacksonville port from North Carolina and stay in South Georgia (Brunswick or Kingland). These hotels are actually closer to the port than some Jacksonville hotels (the drive from Kinsgand hotels to the port is about 35 minutes).

Satxdiver is correct. "Back on Board" time is earlier than sailaway. You should have time to enjoy yoru port day, reboard by the announced time, and freshen up for early dinner.

Room service will come and uncork it for you. They will expect a tip. If you can, pack a corkscrew. this kind travels well.

For warm weather, long shorts or capris and a bright top. For cooler weather, white or light jeabs abd a white hoodie over the bright top. That way, if the luggage does not come. I will be okay for dinner the first night. I often wear the same outfit for debarkation, especially if I changes for dinner.

If it makes any difference, my middle school granddaughter tell me it is quite stylish to wear sneakers with dressy clothes.

No one else cares (and many will not even notice) what shoes you are wearing, but your feet will definitely know. Go for comfort

I lost an inexpensive but sentimental necklace several years ago. I realized while still on the ship that I had lost it the evening I wore it; I asked at guest realations, but never turned up in lost and found. Whoever found it must have pocketed it (It looked expensive, but wasn't). I've learned not to take anything that I would hate to part with (I do wear my wedding band, but it does not leave my finger even when showering, etc.)

Sorry. I responded with my qusstion the first few posts on the thread.

I have washed undies in the sink on cruises and at hotels using shampoo. Works fine,