simplelife

Of all these the one that has the greatest negative impact for me is the change from Coke to Pepsi, I used to buy Bottomless Bubbles but no longer do - love my Coke Zero. And rum and Pepsi tastes awful!

YEs, I was about to say this. You can bring some on at each port. Thingink of bringing on La Croix or Buble this time

Yes, double points for whatever you buy from carnival,

I don't think they are banned, but they are pretty much obsolete now that we have the hub chat option. Easier, less disruptive to those around you, and there's no need for bulky equipment that may not work on all areas of the ship/

Just got my VIFP email newsletter and saw the notice of the new way of handling the free drink perk for gold, plats, & diamonds. Instead of having to use it on a certain day or in a certain bar, it now can be uaed anywhere and applies of the first drink purchase after boardind. So much simpler!

We use ours to pay for discretionary things that we would normally pay for using debit card (travelling, eating out, concerts) and pay it off in full each month. The points we earn are free money to apply to our OBC. We don't carry a balance, so the money IS free.

You get points which you can use for OBC or payment on a cruise.

We have used softside for years. I recently bought a hardside. I like the way it maneuvers and the way things fit in it (it had two divided sides) but do not like how it opens. Unlike the softside cases, which have the zipper at one side of the opening (so you just lay the case on its side and open the flap) The hardsides have the zipper in the middle of the opening, so you have to lay the case out and open it like a book. Takes up more space when it is open.

We generally drive to port I bring a large zip tote Documents and cash Meds Phone and charger Small crossbody or wristlet with chapstick, contact comfort drops, kleenex Sweater or hoodie DH brings his backpack with his CPAP stuff, meds, his phone and charger, and the second bottle of wine Hoodie.

75 days

Notify the post office to hold your mail.

You can enjoy a soda or sparling waster (from the bar, or bring your own travel cup full of soda from your room - as long as you aren't bringing a cooler with you and pouring it while you are in the bar, no one will prohibit you.

Call the night before and specify when you want the coffee delivered.

The devastation was not from the hurricane itself, but from the fact the substandard levee system was actually breached, The hurricane had already passed when the city became inundated with water, Had the levees been constructed properly and kept in good condition, the city would have survived with little damage.

This is what DH does

Anything they will charge you on the bottom line when you book is included, For a cruise, this is generally the port fees. Taxes can be added and any optional item is excluded from the law,

This is a new law for greater transparency (and elimination of smoke and mirrors) in travel fares, Hotels. B & B's, and airlines must do it too.

Use the vVsa gift cards to buy Carnival cards and apply those. AARP has $100 cards for $90.

Bingo is a rip-off on all the ships now. As an older ship, Sunshine's design is old and crowded. I agree that Charleston had the worst embarkation and debarkation of any port we have ever used.

Best to do this when the ship is not in motion, perhaps in a quiet place on an excursion.

As soon as you get your S & S card, it will have your dining room and table information. Go and check out your table, IF you want a change, go to the Maitre 'd right away. We have always been able to get a change when we have wanted one, in one case not until the second night. There will be wine packages for sale usually outside the dining rooms and you can ask your waiter at dinner the first night. If you have Cheers package, wine by the glass is included up to a certain price point and then there is a discounted price. Check the deck plan and information for your ship on the website; there might not be thermal suites available. Unlimited free laundry is available to diamonds; 3 free bags for plats; laundry is available for a charge otherwise. Ask your steward.

I hope the fast trend continues into fall. WE have to renew our passports as soon as we are back from our October cruise in time for our late March one. Current passport expires Sept 2025.

I make sure I can always handle my own luggage. I have learned to pack light and smarter. Another tip for black or navy suitcases: Securely tie a bright ribbon on the handle, and add a colorful luggage tag,

Why should anyone be offended by your preference? it does not harm anyone or even affect them in any way.

I like smaller ships. The problem is that with popular lines such as Carnival and RCL, smaller means older.