cravingthis

On 12/3/2019 at 11:05 AM, MalteseMama2 said:

We fly Delta. I have their app on my phone so that’s how I was notified about my bag. 

Thank you!

On 12/1/2019 at 8:41 AM, MalteseMama2 said:

We were able to get another flight but upon arrival discovered one of our bags hadn’t made the plane. Happily, we were staying at the Hyatt right at the airport. We had just checked in when I got a text that my luggage had arrived. It was easy to run down and get it. 

Thanks for taking the time to share your review!

What airline were you with?  Did you provide your cell phone number and they texted you?  Just wondering so I can do the same!

4 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

Just a generic cleaner in a spray bottle.  I think the current one came from one of the big box places like Costco.  Probably no more than soap and water.    We also use the microfiber cloths.  The microfiber cloths seem to have really become a kind of staple around the house.   

Thanks again!

4 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

We clean the luggage after every trip.  Having a cover is appealing, especially if it is washable.   

Thanks! Ours is like a black canvas/fabric like material.  We use microfiber cloths and liquid soap. 
How do you clean yours?

5 hours ago, SRF said:

I got some Briggs and Riley recently.  Lifetime warranty for ANY problems, including damage from the airlines.

I got the slip covers.  They have survived 12 international flights so far.  And have kept the bags from getting scratched.

I see some damage to the covers, but based on what I see, they should be good for another 24 - 36 flights.

Good to know your covers lasted that long!  Thanks!

9 hours ago, lisiamc said:

I’m going to give the opposite of most of the other answers you’ll get here.  I worked on the ramp in a small airport for years, and I saw all the many ways bags could get snagged and sometimes ruined by equipment.  I like the smoothest possible luggage, with flat, small, luggage tags closely attached, no extra straps, buckles, loops, etc.  When your bags get caught in the machinery, it’s the weakest part that gives way, and that is often the fabric of the case rather than the strap or loop that got caught.  It can also delay your bags when they are caught in the workings of the luggage transit system.  
 

I wouldn’t expect the slip covers to last more than a few flights before they got torn to bits, and I’d give the nylon belts a miss.  YMMV, of course. 🙂

I appreciate your feedback, thank you!

I thought the nylon luggage straps would also  help the employees to grab heavy suitcases easier?  

11 hours ago, flowslow said:

Luggage covers are stretchable and come in different sizes so they usually fit just right. It gives additional protection to your luggage and a great way to spot your luggage even from afar. 

Thanks!

20 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

It's luggage. It will get beat up. The best extra money you could spend would be on a distinctive wraparound strap that both prevents unintended openings while also marking your luggage in a unique way.

Hopefully, you spent a few extra dollars and invested in something like Travelpro, which comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Thanks for your response.

We have new black soft sided luggage and I wanted to keep them clean, as well as make them more identifiable than just something on the handles.  They sell a ton of them on Amazon.ca, but I don't know how well they fit.

Thanks!

2 hours ago, broberts said:

Probably https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/69-ask-a-cruise-question/.

Thanks!
 

25 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

That, or since it's a general travel-related question, a Google search . . . 🙂

I did a Google search and another forum, and didn't find much, plus I wanted to hear from fellow cruisers.  Thanks.

Trying to find the correct forum to post a question about luggage covers for luggage.

Thanks!

17 hours ago, ptod said:

 

If you purchase internet access via the cruise planner, you pay for and have access for the duration of the cruise.

If you just want to buy access for a day (24 hour period), you have to purchase while onboard.

Size of ship is irrelevant.

Thanks for letting me know that.

17 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

The option to purchase one 24-hour period is offered on every ship, but only onboard.

That explains it.  Thanks!  

Hi there, I thought I had to purchase WiFi for the entire cruise?  I checked my cruise planner, and it gets added for 7 days (Oasis class).

is the option to purchase for only one day on smaller ships?

Thanks!

52 minutes ago, APDMOM said:

Yes, I would recommend that for lunch in the MDR too.  They had run out of the delicious looking chocolate cake by the time we went to get our dessert. 

Oh that's too bad.  Thanks again, much appreciated!

11 hours ago, APDMOM said:

At least 20-30 questions were answered.  They spent quite a lot of time with us.  It was in the theater, which was so much better than in the past when there was no seating in the promenade on Freedom... 

That's good to know!  Thank you!

11 hours ago, APDMOM said:

 

My mom loves the flan while I like the black forest cake.   Crepes in the Windjammer are always a favorite - they have such great toppings.  🙂

 

We did lunch for both afternoons.  The desserts were basically the same at the buffet area in the MDR, but the lunch menu had different desserts.

Thanks for the extra info!  I think you or someone else mentioned to get the desserts first, since they tend to run out if cruisers wait until after they've eaten?

On 11/19/2019 at 10:33 PM, APDMOM said:

Tip:  Sit on deck 3 if you want to ask questions.  Although they did send one of the mic’s up to deck 5 for one question, sitting on deck 3 will be more of a guarantee that your question will be answered

 

Your tips are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for sharing !

How many questions was the captain able to answer?

15 hours ago, APDMOM said:

Sea Day Lunch

 

Look at those desserts:

 

Stormy seas... I always said that you can not feel the ocean movement on the Oasis class ships, because in our past 4 experiences on Oasis class ships (including Harmony) I do not recall feeling any movement.  This cruise was definitely different.  With the cold front moving through, we could feel the ship moving quite a bit.  It was nothing that made us feel sick, but the captain reported at captain’s corner that there were plenty of people uncomfortable the previous night around 2 a.m.  I slept through it all 😂

 

 

You weren't kidding when you said the desserts in the MDR at lunch (sea day) are better!  I don't feel so bad now that I'll be missing the chocolate buffet.  D

A real dessert lover here, what were some of your favorites?

Did you have lunch just once?  Wondering if they have the same or different desserts since we have three sea days.

14 hours ago, jagsfan said:

Great photos and tips!

I took screen shots and will email them to myself. They’ll go in my Harmony folder so I don’t have to rely on my diminishing memory!!

thank you 👏👏

I've been copying and pasting them to a document for my cruise tips!  It's a lot to remember!

6 minutes ago, APDMOM said:

We got there at 5:30 p.m.  On the last night, we arrived in the Windjammer at 7:30 p.m. and hardly any of the good cakes remained.  One of our favorite Windjammer servers (Putri) offered to run down to the MDR to get us Créme Bruleé.  We declined, as we found enough desserts that were good enough to us.  😁 She was just so sorry for us that we missed the BIG dessert.  We did bot even know we had missed it until she came over to our table.  My scale is thankful that we missed it 😂

 

So, if you are serious about the chocolate buffet, show up early.

 

However... Tip:  We found the BEST desserts in the MDR on sea days for lunch.  So, you can skip the chocolate buffet and just catch the MDR lunch and the Crepe station for evenings. 😁 

Thank you for the extra info.  We will be in the MDR so we'll miss it 😥

I do have lunch planned on Sea days in the MDR, so I'll definitely do that instead.  Thanks again for your suggestions, much appreciated!

On 11/17/2019 at 2:23 PM, AlohaBoundHK said:

Just wanted to pitch in and help...WJ chocolate buffet was evening of Day 6 (Cozumel).   We got there later and they were starting to run out of items...but it was great!   

Hi there!  What time did you get to the chocolate buffet?  We have 5 pm traditional dining, so we might not get to the WJ until 6:30/7pm.

19 hours ago, AlohaBoundHK said:

Honestly, I think that Royal can be a bit hit or miss with their desserts and pastries.  They always LOOK good, so you just have to try it.  I recall seeing a lot of chocolate at the buffet, but do not recall seeing anything else you mentioned.  As APDMOM mentioned, it was also Mexican night, which I love...and we did not hit the dessert first!  
 

I can tell you that the following night (7) they had an awesome dessert bar set up in WJ with most/all of the items you mentioned.  This is where I had my favorite!  Raspberry cream cake...delicious!!  It also did not hurt that I put warm cherries jubilee over it AND a small scoop of raspberry sherbet...WOW!!
 

 

That is so odd, I will definitely check the night after the chocolate buffe, thanks! The raspberry cream cakes sounds delicious!

17 hours ago, APDMOM said:

Absolutely agree! The only consistent is the crepe station.

 

We thought it was gone, but finally found it on day 5.  It was way in the back of the Windjammer right next to the closed off side.  The display across from the crepe station was empty, so it was easy to miss.  

 

So, Tip for those who love crepes:  Walk all the way to the back of the Windjammer to find them, or ask a waiter where the crepes can be found.  They are not available every day, but most evenings. 🙂

We'll look for this, thank you!

On 11/16/2019 at 10:28 PM, APDMOM said:

 

I had the same thoughts as you when I was using the D40x.  I only had the two basic lenses and wanted to upgrade.  When I saw what a new lens would cost, I went back to the drawing board and did my research in Superzoom cameras.  That is how I came upon the P900.  It is not an SLR, so it is easier for me to travel with.  Go look at one at your local Best Buy and look at reviews.  I absolutely love the camera.  I love it so much that I gave my “older” P900 to my sister and bought it again for myself in August this year.  Look at what it can do with the moon... 🙂

Your P900 delives stunning photos.  I have the 3200 and find the colors are quite bland.  Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at my local camera store!

21 hours ago, AlohaBoundHK said:

Just got off Harmony this morning...we were along for the ride with ADPMOM.  Thanks for your posts...awesome to review after our trip!!

Just wanted to pitch in and help...WJ chocolate buffet was evening of Day 6 (Cozumel).   We got there later and they were starting to run out of items...but it was great!   We were also able to reuse WOW bands at no charge...they were from Symphony...no muster station.

Thanks for the info.  What were some of your favorite cakes?  

I know it's a chocolate buffet, but did they have any vanilla, coconut or lemon cakes?

3 hours ago, APDMOM said:

 

@cidymom Vitality Spa Café is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day.  They seem to always have the same offerings.  I went there early one morning and just after lunch.  They have free snacks, including two kinds of sandwiches (one vegetarian), two kinds of fruit cups, and two kinds of bread.  

 

 

Do you have to purchase anything to get the complimentary items?

Thanks again for taking the time from your precious cruise vacation to post!  Your pictures are stunning.  I have a Nikon as well.  I'm thinking of bringing it on the cruise with me, but it's so heavy.  What lens are you using.  I'm thinking of purchasing new ones since I'm only using the standard ones that came with the camera, but are not very good.  

(I colored my questions to make it easier for you ...lol)

On 11/14/2019 at 3:49 PM, Desert Cruizers said:

I don't have the one holder where the holes were at the very top and before adding the Ties you slipped the tags down in. To remove the tag you had to cut the tie which is no biggie or run the tie through only 1 hole. As long as the sleeve where you slip the tags down into is below the hole your fine. 

https://www.amazon.ca/Cruise-Luggage-Holder-Seal-Steel/dp/B01E4SQNLS/ref=pd_di_sccai_3/135-3678940-8022358?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01E4SQNLS&pd_rd_r=6fa10515-5460-4b8b-b8c1-200eaac10093&pd_rd_w=YgIcr&pd_rd_wg=3OJvp&pf_rd_p=68b5f6eb-4ba0-4895-812a-64b128fd1091&pf_rd_r=BPSC92R9MP38FDQPRWH5&psc=1&refRID=BPSC92R9MP38FDQPRWH5

Thanks again!  The link you provided is for certain sellers and the cheapest one is $24.47 for 4 tags!  I think I'll stick with the 8 pack for $12.99 ... lol

1 hour ago, island lady said:

 

Yes, we are ramping up our cruises a lot now, with wanting to expand out more to other areas than the limited (and repeated) cruises out of Florida.  We have drive cruises booked to both PC and Tampa.  

 

Of the other embarkation ports that are booked, coming up in the future:  Barcelona Spain (first time), Seward Alaska (4th one there), San Juan PR (many from there), Sydney and Perth Australia (firsts), and Honolulu (2nd time). 

WOW!!! I've always dreamed of an Alaskan cruise.  I started the research, but it was too overwhelming!  Friends just got back from a Hawaiian cruise.  Wishing you safe travels on each of your upcoming cruises!

45 minutes ago, Desert Cruizers said:

The Zip ties will go through very easily where the metal hooks would go. Some tags holders you need to insert the tags at the very top others the sleeve is below the holes. If you end up with the sleeve at the very top then run the ties only through the one hole & not both other wise you can't insert or remove  the Tags. I prefer the sleeve below the holes then you can interchange tags all you want.

Thanks for the info.  I looked at the pictures and it seemed the hole was tiny.  
I just checked and the hole is above the sleeve part. 

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B074Q3417N/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3MI752HIJW5ED&psc=1

Do you have a picture of the one with a hole below the sleeve?  I can't seem to visualize it ...lol
I didn't see any like you described either.  

Perhaps I'm reading it all wrong ...lol

3 hours ago, island lady said:

 

You are welcome...very happy I could help.  🙂 

 

Yes, love being able to just drive to the port.  Used to be even better when we lived in Merritt Island just 5 miles away.  Simply called a taxi and left my little SUV in the garage.  Cheaper than paying for parking!  😉  

 

Now we use ParkNCruise...which is a nice service.  

 

Though ironically...out of the 26 cruises I have booked...only four embarkations are "drive to" ports.  The rest I have to involve an airplane.  😉 

OMG!  How convenient when you lived in Merritt Island!  What a cost savings!  That is funny out of all your cruises, you only drove to four!  Was this because there are limited itineraries from Florida?

1 hour ago, Desert Cruizers said:

I bought new ones recently & got the package of 8 as i wanted to give new ones to the daughter for our upcoming cruise in 5 months as a Christmas Gift & I needed new ones. Let me add, other then my husbands luggage and the metal loop mine did fine  but still prefer the Zip Ties especially to the plastic loops some will have. 

What a nice gift for your daughter!  Was this similar to your eight pack?   8 pack

Are these the zip ties you're referring to:  Zip ties

I was looking at the tiny little round hole where the metal loops go in, will the zip ties fit?  They seem to have a different type of end to them.

1 hour ago, island lady said:

 

My trouble with the metal rings is that they kept coming apart where you screw them together.  One was just missing on one trip.  Gave up on them.  

Oh no.  I did read somewhere that someone didn't get the metal rings in her package at all.  I have a ton of the zip ties!

58 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

 

I would go with the eight pack.  Though my zip ties are indestructible...the plastic sleeves are not.  The part that attaches to the zip ties starts to split after a lot heavy usage.  I keep the extras at home to trade out when needed.  

We check two bags, two tags on each.  That gives me a fresh set when needed.  😉 

I think the 8 pack is more economical too!  Great idea, thanks again 😁

56 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

They were great as "stocking stuffers" to my occasionally cruising sister for Christmas.  🙂 

Lucky sister 😊

1 minute ago, Desert Cruizers said:

I also encountered a problem with the Metal loops on my husbands luggage, Not sure what happened but believe when driver loaded the luggage the loop got snagged on something in the back of the cab so when he pulled the luggage out, the metal looped was ripped off. We had to have the porter put a new tag on. Prior to that I used the Sip Lock ties & have gone back to them. When looking for the Tag Holders, i use the Cruise line name + luggage Tags then Amazon will direct you to the correct ones. 

Oh sorry to hear that!  I saw two different luggage tags that are compatible for RC and Celebrity, both are the same price - $12.99 Canadian, but one is a pack of 4, and the other is a pack of 8 ... strange!

2 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

You are most welcome!  🙂  

 

I have had several favorite wine keys taken from me at security in the airport.  😞  And one pair of small scissors.  

But I think they have relaxed that nit picking lately...or I have just been at the right airports.  😉 

 

Make sure you get the slim plastic tags...which should be marked for Royal Carib.  There are fatter ones for other various lines.  

Thanks again, you've been very helpful!  I noticed your close to Port Canaveral.  That must make it super easy and affordable to cruise!  

22 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

We find just the opposite, that the steel ties are stronger and last longer.

Thank you!

2 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

I had the steel loops fail on me.  So much easier to just keep 5-10 of the very portable, durable, and cheap zip ties in one of my suitcase pockets.  Very easy to cut off with a nail clippers I keep in my carry on (avoiding having my small scissors taken away at the airport).   

 

When flying (versus driving to a port) I keep the plastic tags ready to go with inserts already inside and loose zip ties in a packet.  As soon as I retrieve my luggage from baggage claim..I can quickly put them on within a couple of minutes.  Easy-peasy.  🙂 

Oh no!  There are different tags available on Amazon, they all look the same to me ...lol
I thought small scissors (certain size) were permitted in your carry on, but it's best to put in checked luggage, just in case they get confiscated.  Good ideas!  Thanks!

37 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

I have done both...in color or in black/white.  I get my bags in either case, no worries.  😉  And indeed...those reusable tag holders are great.  I use plastic zip ties to attach, two per bag.  If you put your luggage out the night before, you can also use those plastic tag holders for the disembarkation tags.  

Thanks!  The tags look like they come with stainless steel loops?  Do you find the plastic zip ties are stronger?

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07JVJCM2J/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A15BLDUO6LPUH6&psc=1

6 hours ago, SRF said:

 

It depends on what type of printer.

 

A laser printer will be water proof image, but if it is pressed against a smooth surface while warm to hot, it will transfer.

 

Many ink jet printers use water based ink, so it will run when damp or wet.  One brand (Canon maybe) used to use alcohol based inks (and may still do). These do not run from water or dampness.

 

If you want to put two on, one on each handle.

 

I just use the tag holders from Amazon.

Thanks, I don't have a color printer.  I'll purchase the tag holders from Amazon.

3 hours ago, little britain said:

Here is the C&A amenity list

 

https://dlxffu6hwewxp.cloudfront.net/cas/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/18063159_CAS_MemberBonus_Amenity_List_v3.pdf

Thank you, that's very helpful!  I have a long ways to go, but it's nice to find out something new, at least for me ...lol