diane.in.ny

we always book a cabin sandwiched between two passenger decks

Ditto. I've heard too many horror stories to take a chance.

On one of our first cruises, we would hear this strange squeaking noise during the hours to midnight and 1 AM. Couldn't figure out what it was.

Until one night we went to the midnight buffet, which was held in the MDR. As I'm sitting there I hear the squeaking! It was a door on one of the serving stations.....as the waiters grabbed dishes to reset the places for breakfast the next morning. I checked the deck plan and, yup, we were right under it.

I have found this thread really interesting. As a newbie cruiser I had a different dress for each formal night. My husband had a tux.

Now I travel with a backpack and a carry one. I have two sizes of carry ons...one a bit smaller than the other. The smaller one will be coming with us on a 10 day river cruise. And the bit larger one I'll use on our upcoming 12 night Med cruise, w/ 5 days each pre and post cruise. Very little difference on what we take for the 10 day vs 22 day trip - adding bathing suits and jacket for DH - gosh that jacket takes up a LOT of space :(

I, too, use the mystery shampoo to wash out clothes. Our daytime clothes are all quick dry. Which reminds me...I don't know if I missed it but I also take one of those rubber jar openers...great for sealing the sink drain if needed.

As for the folding laundry baskets, I find the bottom of one of the closets works just fine for the dirty laundry :D

The purser's desk will, usually, cash a traveler's check for you. Even that, I would check ahead of time.

Otherwise, forget traveler's checks and stay with cash

You are right...I should have been clearer....yes, November 1st. And I do know better LOL When communicating with tour ops in Europe I'm always very careful to write the month out so there is no confusion

As for changing the date, I can't. Going with a group of friends and a lot of prepaid arrangements (like air) has been made.

This is my first cruise in the Med area and, if I have my way, it definitely won't be my last BG

This is a wonderful thread and THANK YOU so much, Dubrovniktravelady, for all the very helpful information.

I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed about some things as my ship will be docking after 11/1. Wish I had done my research better BEFORE booking this cruise date.

Oh well...what will be, will be. We'll figure out a way to make lemonade :)

we use plastic cable ties instead of locks. Just make sure you have some way to cut them off when you want to unpack! I have a clever little folding pair of scizzors that somehow has always escaped detection (for the past six years or so) which clip inside a pocket in my backpack and that is what i use to cut off the ties.

ditto! :)