Pack My Bags

Hello all. 
sailing with disabled mom in less than two weeks.  We are loyal to RCCL so this will be a total clean slate to see what MSC is offering.  
 

We have a Fantastica / Balcony  not sure what that even means..   (accessible room is not needed but we will have a folding wheelchair). 3 pack trilogy dining, but not sure even how siding works as it says rarely but they are giving a window.  Does that mean I can go anytime between 5:30-7:15? 
 

Need to do crash course in offerings, accessibility at Their private island and more…   Any insight to share is gladly welcomed.  thanks!!!! 

Headed to Falmouth & would love to hear the pros/cons regarding Bamboo & Drs Cave beach clubs. If you have been to both, that would be fantastic. Biggest concerns on our wish list are the following:

1. Water quality 2. Overall atmosphere/crowds 3. Food & Drink variety 4. Facilities & Cleanliness

If you have insight on the best transportation options, please do share!

Thank you in advance!!

We are sailing on July 1 and have my time dining booked. I went into the RC site and booked dinner times, under my time dining, what restaurant can we go to? I was also able to book dinner at the Solarium Bistro for two nights, just curious about the other nights. TIA

My time is just the name given to "I want open dining" instead of main seating or late seating. My time allows you the option to eat whenever you want & with whomever you want in the MAIN dining room (MDR). They DO SUGGEST you make reservations (I always do) and you can choose a small table or a larger table (in which they fill it with others.) Its always best to look at the itinerary & gauge when you want dinner. I usually try to book 7:30 across the board.

The dining room decks are designated. A certain deck for Mytime guests & the other is for assigned for main or late seating. At cruise check in they will tell you which deck to report to. The best part of Mytime is that they like to put you in the same table section or table where you were last time so there is continuity with the wait staff.

Another great aspect of this dining method is flexibility. Lets say you eat with your family party of 4 lets say... And then you make friends & say... hey join us for dinner... When you go to dinner you can have them join you at a larger table... And if you know you are going to a specialty restaurant (out of pocket cover charge) you can just tell the Maitre D you wont be there the next day, so they can give the table to others waiting. You can always change your RSVP based on availability. The only thing they ask is that if you can't make it at your rsvp time that you cancel with the maitreD. The # is listed on your phone in your directory or phone in your stateroom.

Hope this helps!!!

You can tell they are the ones that are already SUNBURNED at the pool on the first day by 4pm.

I climbed the falls when I was 40 yrs old & 260 lbs. Ive had a repaired ACL & was apprehensive. (I am a complete chicken when walking on snow, ice, etc. as its not what it used to be.) Everyone holds hands & helps each other. I did the climb with crocs on & just made sure I had good footing with each step. There is lots of moss that grows on the rocks & the guys go out every morning to scrub it out so you have good "steps." There were some parts where I was nervous, but more out of a fear of endurance, but not because of my knee. Luckily there are some parts where there are landings & it gives you a chance to take a breather & enjoy the waters.

I think inside, everyone is a little nervous going into it. When you realize that everyone is there to help the next its a like a nice comraderie & you'll feel really good about yourself afterwards!

The team there is quite comical & helpful. Our guide Milton took EVERYONES cameras for the entire way up & they never got wet. He climbed barefoot! He was hysterical & I'll never forget he said.... "Ladies there will be someone taking footage for a souvenir video. So if while you're climbing one of your bubbles comes out, it's going to be in the video!" HAHAHAH! They were great & helped anytime I got stuck. There were folks there much older than I was and heavier than I was, we all made it out fine!

I am sure there is a you tube video out there so you can see more about the climb & people who are getting through it.

Ocho Rios is a much easier trek, but it's up to you. If and when you decide to go, just take your time & one foot in front of the other.

Happy Sailing!

YES!!

The aaahh I'm home feeling, buts it's still different each time! I've been on so many cruises & still feel all tingly inside the minute I hear that... "CHOOUNG" sound when your seapass checks in! And no matter how many times I've seen it or heard the questions, I never miss the Love & Marriage/Newlywed game! Because it's always a different ship, cruise director, stateroom, sailing, destinations & new experience with new people!

The most apparent cruise snobs are the "entitled" ones: They squat on loungers, push, are rude and abuse the staff. And some of those are not vets, they're rookies too!

In all honesty though, I find there is nothing wrong with a little chuckle where appropriate. A colorful guest roster makes each cruise more memorable! You know.... When you run into the SAME guy everywhere you go... That guy that looks like (enter celebrity or someone that could be your friend's twin here). Or, when you help the lady that had one rum punch too many walk back to the gangway, or like these folks below! (I found this online.)

I love when I find a dress or fancy pants with pockets! I have a few pairs of capris with cargo pockets & they are cruise packing staples.

As for purses, I'm talking about those newbies who carry EVERYTHING with them everywhere. The concept of being steps from your room is not apparent.

Sure you have moms with sunscreen, books, hats, diapers, etc. But really, if you space out your activities well & take a walk to your stateroom, all you need is a crossover for your staples & to be hands free.

I also carry a wristlet sometimes with just enough room for my camera, my vitamin, some Chapstick, a mint & money for after dinner evening events & casino.

Everyone does their own thing. There is no right, wrong or best. It's what works for you. And that's what makes people watching so much fun!

Not quite true: http://www.snopes.com/business/consumer/hersheyban.asp

 

 

 

Going to have to go back to UK again sometime though to stock up on chocolate and cheese and onion crisps.

That's what I meant... Read same article. Manufacturing rights......

The only way you get the original stuff is bringing it from overseas.

Duplicate

Yup!

Hershey's makes Cadbury & has banned all UK imports into the US. They own the manufacturing license here, I stock up on my Cadbury Fruit & Nut bars when I visit PA! But I'm sure it doesn't compare.

Another hidden gem is the Wilbur Chocolate Factory outside Lancaster. It's a small 3 story Building that operates 24/7 since forever & they supply all the chocolate for....

Wait for it....

Godiva chocolates.

I need to go to England & try some of their Indian. And some awesome fish & chips too!!!

Um, no. There is much more to ethnic food than Indian. I prefer to actually go to the country of origin and eat the ethnic cuisine than make believe while sailing yet another Ho-hum Caribbean itinerary. Best "ethnic" food I've ever had was in Croatia.

Uhhh... Just relating to the topic of this thread. Never did I make such a narrow-minded statement.

My point is... Take a typical (and this is a generalized statement) "picky, untraveled or green" meat & potato eating person & give them a persimmon... You'll get a look like you're from outer space. They are the ones on line for pizza & burgers every day -- They are the ones that should try some local mofongo, posole, or jerk chicken, rabbit stew, curries, bubble & squeak.

And yes..... Some babaganoush or a samosa on a cruise ship wouldn't hurt either! What you consider a ho-hum Caribbean itinerary can be an ethnic culinary step, or wake up call to others.

I absolutely AGREE that you should immerse yourself in local culture & cuisine. It's such a part of a traveling experience!

Happy cruising & Eating!!!

Ha! Women who carry a huge purse full of stuff around the ship on sea days!!!

Personally, I love Indian food and enjoy sampling the options on the buffet and in the dining room. What I DON'T enjoy are buffets bursting with chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers and fries - we don't all want to eat off the equivalent of a kid's menu for every meal, so I appreciate the options and that ethnic dishes are available for the (many) of us who enjoy them and the variety they offer.

People knock ethnic foods & go on vacation to eat burgers & pizza. I just don't get it. Ok we all want a burger here & there but live a little. Try something new! I just love Carnivals tandoor station on the Dream & Breeze. Real naan, awesome hummus, the best chicken tikka. So good.

Gristy,

It was an excellent experience, considering I had never done it. A teeny disappointing as I expected to see more sea life. We saw very very little. The st. Lucia water was OK, not the best. But the crew was great.

There's not much to do on that island that we haven't done. So it was a fun activity. If you never tried anything like it, you will definitely have a good time. It's noisier than I expected. (Bubbles sound, like when you talk underwater) Wear crocs that secure on your feet & buy a waterproof camera so you can get shots like this...

Next island we find these offered we are going to try these... DH wears glasses so this works best!

Loading their plate at the buffet like a mountain on the first trip. You can go back for more, Ya know!

There is a message board on deck 5 by the guest service desk of the voyager class ships (Voyager, Explorer, Mariner, Adventure, Navigator) for people who want to leave messages for people or groups, or announcements for events, etc.

A popular tour in Gr Turks is the horseback on beach tour. The beach by Jacks shack is the nicest. There's not much there on the island, so check for excursions that may interest you... The majority spend the day at Margaritaville.

I am all about carrying as little as possible so luggage is light.

I usually bring a new pair of flip flops, but they are so inexpensive that & I wear them out quickly (even at home) & I leave them behind. I have been known to bring socks on their way out too. I don't bring any "regimed" items: such as:

* The vitamin & supplement collection

* The 4 step facial routine

* Hair care irons & product-mania

* The entire cosmetic kaboodle

* Shoes for every outfit

JUST the standards & everything in a smaller sized bottle or ziplock EXCEPT for the sunscreen!!! I omit items that cannot be combined into multiple outfits.

I come with suitcases that are half full because I suffer so terribly from souvenir-Itis!!!

Ok folks...... Enough.

You can always spot the CCers at RCCLS Quest (adult Scavenger Hunt) event. They pool together & team up! LOL!

Hello everyone :) I wanted to thank everyone for their posts here. My DH and I are brand new to cruising. I've just started researching, so I have lots to learn. These tips are very helpful. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and thank you. :):)

Don't be afraid... Ask away! There are no silly questions.

Carnivals Tandoor station. Best naan & hummus ever!!!!!!!

Great picture!

When we were there, Turks had 3 different dogs on the beach. They all looked like from the same litter.

It's so funny. I've been going to the same beach chair guy in St Maarten over 10 yrs. They have their own dog & I see him every time as well! Now he has a baby boy. Something comforting about the familiar while away.

If you participate in any activities while cruising and do not cruise in a little bubble (which is OK too if you choose) then you have exposure to the CD and their staff. Hence...

If I have had a good experience with someone and find out that they will be on a cruise that I am going on.....that would be nice.

 

....they surely can have an impact on me having a better cruise....

 

...the 'attitude and energy' that the Entertainment staff has that starts with the CD, that can add to the fun of a cruise....