MtnBikerFallDown

Thinking of taking a 7 day cruise to Mexico on the Crown Princess in an inside cabin. Any recommendations? Have never been on the crown and we usually have a caribe balcony on other ships but decided to do inside this time. I know there are larger inside rooms on some ships (d716 &717) and wondered if the Crown had any of these "special" inside cabins.

 

Has anyone stayed on the Plaza deck and thoughts?

 

We are looking at L248, p340 or A312

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Sue

Sorry I didn't see this until today to answer. We stayed in L105. It's aaaaaaalll the way forward.

Now, it isn't handicap accessible, so the door isn't any wider, etc., but the cabin itself seemed a bit bigger than the other insides we saw, and was super-quiet. That may not help you at all, but I wanted to chime in as some had said Lido rooms were loud. We were RIGHT UNDER the gym, and didn't have any noise from that.

Poo-Pourri. No, I'm not kidding. Far better (and better smelling!!) than aerosols. You spray before you go, and no one will ever know! It also works well as just an air freshener. If you think it's too expensive, there are home-made versions on Pinterest. I buy mine on Amazon, because we have Prime. But, here's their website: http://www.poopourri.com/

Thx for all the responses. Looking forward to our upcoming nov 15 cruise - eastern caribbean

We're on that cruise as well!

Everyone has given you GREAT information, so you've got plenty of stuff to do now when you get onboard!

If you want to do things like Chef's Table or the Ship's Tour (Ultimate tour? I can't remember if it has a special name), you'll want to sign up for those VERY quickly after boarding. They sell out pretty fast. But, other than that, heave a sigh of relief as the rest of the week is on YOUR schedule! Relax and make sure to find a beautiful spot for sailaway (my favorite is the pool deck all the way to the aft of the ship. The wake behind the ship is gorgeous).

Here's a video from A246, just up from you. It appears they are covered!

We'll be getting off the ship the day you get on! I hope you enjoy your cruise!

Question from the OP: How do YOU stay healthy on a cruise?

 

Answer: Bourbon

 

A double shot of bourbon - straight up. Repeat as necessary. (Patient may need multiple doses per day to achieve desired effect.)

 

ASK YOUR BARTENDER IF BOURBON IS RIGHT FOR YOU!!!

 

WARNING: Bourbon can have serious side effects and may lead to complications such as slurred speech, embarrassing behavior, marital discord, and horrible hangovers. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using Bourbon immediately.

This made me snort laugh. Love it!

I use something called "Vicks First Defense" whilst in any crowded environment (usually whilst travelling). It is a bottle of nasal spray that claims it makes a difference to catching the common cold/germs. I don't know much about the science behind it but I do feel I've had many less problems since starting to use it. Since starting to use this in a high-contamination environment I haven't caught a single cold whilst travelling. I have an autoimmune condition which makes me very susceptible to just about everything too and even the common cold can knock me down for weeks so I'm so happy I discovered it, especially when a £10 bottle will last me 6 months.

Nasal sprays are often a great idea for those who have a susceptibility to respiratory issues. Your nasal membranes dry out easily in air conditioning or in the arid air of some of the destinations, like Aruba and Curacao. Even just a regular saline mist can make a big difference. When your nasal membranes dry out, they are not able to do their job of filtering out the icky stuff. Then, you're more susceptible to the stuff your neighbor at the nearby table is hacking up.

I'm very lucky to have an immune system that, after 20 years as a nurse, can go out in the back yard and fight squirrels when it gets bored. DH, not so much. We've learned a little saline spray can go a long way towards making our trips doctor-free. But, as Pam (I think it was you, Pam) said earlier, if you do start the snorting/hacking, etc., go see the medical on board. It's not worth losing days of your vacation to bronchitis or sinusitis which can easily be treated.

Ok so I made the decison and booked with Carnival. I then debated on with room to get. Personally I wanted a balcony' date=' but I could not justify the cost being double that of an Oceanview room. With that said, Oceanview really doesn't strike me because it just seems to be a window behind the bed. I didn't see anyway to really enjoy the view, until I came across the porthole rooms. I like that they have a little nook up in them that you can climb into and gaze out in the morning before the other wakes or when we are getting ready for the evening. Bonus for me that they are classified as an interior room. Oceanview for interior price sounds good to me. Plus we have a family cruise booked on another "mega ship" (not to be named at this time) in the not too distant future after we return from the carnival cruise.

 

I just about spilled the beans the other day. I was alone in the house researching all of the websites and reviews I could find when all of the fam came home. One of my kids asked whet I was looking at and without thinking said "just looking at stuff about the cruise." My kids eyes got big and wide. My wife was right behind her. I the said "what you know about the one we are taking on "insert mega ship here." Luckily my wife was none the wiser. Guess I'm going to have to waste time at work researching now just to keep my yap shut!!!

 

Anyway she still has no idea. I found nifty birthday cruis cards online that I am going to pick and have the kids write a little something in it for her. Also going to plan a couples massage i thing for her on her actual birthday while onboard. She has had many massages in the past, but I have never experienced it. I feel I need to treat myself too for all of the work and stress that has gone in to planning this little covert mission. I have not slept good for weeks due to all of the planning that is involved. So much more going into this mini trip than some of our bigger family vacations over the years!!

 

I am going to set up some hidden cameras and put together a little video from me telling her, and our adventure along the way.

 

I'll share it with everyone when it is done. I will also have her get give her reaction when she finds out.[/quote']

 

I think it's absolutely WONDERFUL! I did a surprise cruise for my DH this past February. I got him the time off, etc., without him knowing. Had everything prepaid. My initial plan was to not spill the beans until we got to the airport. But, I chickened out. I gave him his birthday cruise as his last Christmas present. I had made up a binder with all sorts of info in it, had the itinerary in the front, etc. He was just blown away. His boss said it just about killed him to keep the secret that long (6 months).

 

I asked him if he'd have been okay if I waited until the last minute and he said, "Um, cruise. Yes!" I'd be the same way. I'm low maintenance, and if someone went to the trouble to do this for me, I'd enjoy it like crazy. So long as you packed me enough clean underwear to last the trip, I could find anything else I needed!

 

Carnival isn't our usual line, but we did Fantasy about 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad you didn't splurge on the balcony. They're tiny and kind of useless. Porthole is the way to go. Chef's Table was a delight and did not fill up fast, so don't worry about that. Just call and/or go by and book it shortly after you get there.

 

You're a delight, and a great husband. Do NOT let anyone rain on your parade. Go for it and earn all the good husband points you so richly deserve!

I'm booked on a cruise leaving from Houston, and I still don't have second thoughts. "A life lived in fear is a life half lived." But I'm the person that eats off of random food trucks in the Caribbean if they have a congregation of locals around them getting food. I also ALWAYS buy trip insurance!

OK, love the quote... "Strictly Ballroom" is one of my favorite movies. Hopefully that's where you got that quote, or this makes no sense. :p

I'm with you, I just jump in and go. Now, if someone is coming at me bleeding from various places and lookin' like the Walking Dead... I'm not going to stop and hug them. I'm adventurous, not bonkers.

But, I work in a jail that houses everything from public intoxications to murderers, so I think I probably have a higher chance of getting killed at work than I do of catching Ebola on a cruise. So, that's my rationale.

I truly consider arriving at the port a day early to be THE best piece of advice I ever picked up on cruise critic. I'd cruised once before I found this website, and we flew in the day of, and barely made the ship due to a mechanical issue with the plane. It was pretty scary, trying to call the cruise line to find out what would happen, etc.

When we got ready to cruise a 2nd time, Cruise Critic had been started, and when I read that tidbit of advice, it was like a light bulb went off. Hey, this is a good idea!

We've gone in at least one night early every time since then. So worth the tiny bit extra you'll pay for a hotel, and cab fare to the hotel and the port. So very worth it!!

We prepay a lot of things before we board, and it doesn't show up on the cruise personalizer. Sometimes they email us, sometimes they don't. So, it's a little hard to keep a copy. I just go into my online banking and print the individual transaction. Don't know if that will help us, but it's all we can get. :(

Sorry for your issue, OP. That just stinks.

We are going on a Southern Caribbean cruise in December with our adult handicapped son who uses a wheelchair.

Can anyone recommend tours/places to visit that are wheelchair accessible with 2 able bodied adults. Places we will be visiting will be:

San Juan Puerto Rico

St Thomas US Virgin Islands

Philipsburg St Maarten

Castries St Lucia

Bridgetown Barbados

Basseterre St Kits.

Thank you

Hi, Kim! I'm taking my Mom to some of these same ports in November, so I'll report back what worked for us. BUT... in the mean time, you might find better answers on this board: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

It's all about disabled cruising. They've been fantastic getting me ready for my first cruise with Mom since she's having to use a rollator walker. They cover the full range of disabilities, so they're an AWESOME resource. Cruise critic rocks for answers. Welcome!

My very first cruise was with my Dad. It was 1995, and just the 2 of us! It was about 6 months before I got married. He wanted it to be a last hurrah for the 2 of us before I got married. We went on another one in 2009, just the 2 of us, and several more as a family.

When he was diagnosed with terminal liver disease, he wanted to cruise one more time. He was pretty sick, and couldn't fly. So, we chose to leave out of Charleston, as it's not a bad drive.

We had a great time, even though he couldn't do nearly as much. The BEST memories of that trip actually came with pictures. Because it was having our pictures made as a family. The photographer was AMAZING. She got us all laughing and talking, and for a while, we were just a normal family, not facing the end of an amazing man's life. We went in November, and he passed away in December (2012).

I did a review here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1742263 if anyone wants to read. It's a little sad, but mostly it's a great farewell to an amazing man.

I'll say here what I said there. Don't put off traveling and spending time with your loved ones. The new kitchen cabinets can wait a year. You don't need a newer TV. Take that money and GO SOMEWHERE with the people you love. You talk to much more. And, you make memories. And, if you're truly, truly lucky, you'll have as wonderful a time as we did.

I am of an age that I still am angry about having to print up my luggage tags and cruise docs. However, that aside I have given in to purchasing a couple of mini-staplers that are packed in the bags that go on cruises. Oh, and we have several full sized staplers in each of our homes and a staple gun in each....so we are well armed:)

But, do you have an assault staple rifle? They're all the rage nowadays. ;):D Seriously, after managing to staple myself with our staple gun (I am the most spastic human on the face of the planet), my hubby has started calling our staple gun "the assault stapler".

My lesson learned the absolute hard way....

 

I saw a doctor immediately when I got home and found I had fractured my kneecap and then walking on it, thinking it was only badly,bruised or sprained, caused further soft tissue damage and I had to have surgery.

 

Oh, yikes! That's awful! I learned the hard way that the signs around the pool that say the wet floors are slippery are very literal, true, factual and not to be ignored. But, luckily I just skinned my knee and bruised my pride. Why is it that you NEVER fall unless there's a lovely crowd to see it?!

I have a collection of old passports from the first time I had one.....73 years ago. They are fond remembrances of travel to countries that no longer exist and of ships and airplanes that treated you pretty dar special....also 3 day, 2 nights trips across the pond before jets......good memories...

That is really cool. I am so glad they send the old ones back. I love looking back through mine and recalling all the places we've been.

My father loved to travel. I was recently getting Mom's passport out, and found his last passport. I looked over all the stamps, and it really made me smile, just to see how much he had gotten to travel. It was his favorite thing to do. So, it was a nice reminder. I'll be keeping that one forever!

That is SO cool! And wow... they have all aged wonderfully!!!

My husband uses a scooter but it is very narrow and can get thru cabin doors so a mini can work but is crowded with the scooter, and it is harder to bathe without a seperate shower.

 

We take a suite wnen possible for the extra room but it is more expensive. HC cabins sell out quickly and so do suites.

 

Also cabin doors on Princess are not automatic. Ask the steward for a door stop.

 

Pool towels around the shower help keep the bathroom from flooding. get those from the steward.

Thanks for that tip! We are traveling in our 1st HC cabin (mini-suite) on Ruby this November. Mom has gotten to the point she needs the cabin. I had wondered if the bathroom might flood with the flat floors. I would not have thought to ask for pool towels. So, thank you!

OP, if you cruise after us, I fully intend to document the crap out of that room, as it's very hard to find pictures of the HC mini-suites. So, if you can hang on until November, I'll have pics for you!

I had never tried these until on a Celebrity cruise a few years ago. I really like them a lot. However I cannot have anything that has alcohol in it, if uncooked, and it seems like all of them on Princess do, as do many of their desserts.

 

Is there any possibility that I can get them made without, or I asking for too much. Only reason I ask is that I do not have an allergy and wondered if they would accommodate me?

I have an alcohol allergy & Princess was amazing! They made basically the same menu items, just no alcohol. List your issue on your personalized & visit the maître d when you board. They will take great care of you!

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Much to my surprise... No gym noise! And, we are late sleepers! The mechanical noise was very soft, but was cyclic. If we had TV or music or the white noise app on, we couldn't hear it at all. But, when the cabin was quiet, it would kick on for a few seconds, then off for a minute. Cycling over & over. Quiet, but noticeable.

As we always have a white noise app on, when we sleep, it didn't bother us.

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Hi All,

Looking to book Crown & wondering if anyone has had experiences with these 2 rooms. L220 has a stairway next to it - is it for passengers up to the gym? Is there any noise from it? (I'm asking because we've been next to a metal stairway used by crew & they used it a lot at night). Also L105 appears to be under the gym. Has anyone experienced noise earlier than 8am?

We stayed in L105 in February and really liked it. Here's a thread where I asked about the cabin and then chimed back in with a review. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1888090

Long story short... very quiet except a small mechanical noise. My favorite cabin ever so far, and we've stayed in several balconies. So, that's saying a lot!

One of my best friends lives in Charleston, so we visit there frequently. The carriage tours are a wonderful way to see the old part of the city (we especially love Palmetto Carriage, they use mules sometimes, too cool).

It's the BEST city in the US for food, in my opinion. There's a restaurant called the Glass Onion that is my favorite in the reasonable price category. They do amazing food for great prices. It's in a very unassuming building, but don't let looks fool you!

For la-de-da food, Circa 1886, beside the Wentworth mansion is amazing. Reservations are a must and you need to dress the part. Pricey, but oh... worth every single dime! Husk and McCrady's are also great.

The battery and downtown are lovely to just walk around. Lots of shops and galleries. Fort Sumter is nearby and has great history.

No matter what you do, Charleston is a delight. Enjoy yourself!

Edited to add: I'm an idiot, and just realized it's a stop on your cruise, not where you are leaving from! Some of these probably didn't help at all or apply to your situation. The port is in downtown, so there's a ton within walking distance, including some of the carriage companies and great shopping/galleries. The market is there, and they actually have some really neat crafts from the local area.

You are not the "hog" people are talking about. That hog has to tell everyone their opinion. He can't let anything get past him. He must respond to each and every post. John: what do you think of this? Pete: It's a great excursion. We loved it. Bob: I took this excursion. We didn't like it and you won't either. Bob makes this type of comment on every single post. Or Bob simply comments on everyone else's post when there really is no need.

 

Another example: you tell the new poster welcome and that there is much information to gather from the thread. You explain the ins and outs. Then Bob comes along to make sure he comments also. You were being friendly but Bob.... Bob has to be the center of attention.

Oh, good. I was actually worried about that. I'm a flaming extrovert, and I really try to not talk people to death. A friend says that I'm the only person who knows who speaks in exclamation points. :p

Cozumel is a great port to just knock around town. I love the shopping and the food. But, there's also the option to do the Tulum ruins. It will take the whole time you're in port, most likely. But, they're amazing and the guides are usually really informative.

Belize has, thus far, been my least favorite port. There's a small area of shopping stalls, but beyond that, if you go into the town proper, there are safety issues (when there's a guy in front of the bank with an AK-47, you're not in Kansas anymore). But, we did find a good tour that took us on a boat down the waterway, included lunch and took us to a small zoo. It was enjoyable, but again... least favorite port. The cave tubing is probably what we should have done, as tons of people enjoy it.

Grand Cayman is one of my favorite ports! We did a Stingray city tour. Now, let me tell you right now... I'm a chubby girl who does almost nothing outdoorsy, and I still get excited thinking about that snorkeling trip. It was amazing to see those huge stingrays and get to interact with them. We did Captain Marvin's, and they took us back to the ship with plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous shopping for a while, too. I have to say, I've never gone shopping for jewelry with salt-crusted hair and been treated so sweetly before. LOL! I guess they're used to the tourists. :D

I also make custom luggage tags for each trip with information for each trip using a business card template. This template is the perfect size for most luggage tags. When cutting leave the outside edge. This makes getting the tag out easier. I also put a more detailed trip information inside each piece of luggage.

OK... that is a genius idea and I am totally stealing it!!

I'm on call 24/7 for work (I am the medical director for a large county jail). I get someone to cover the majority of it while I'm gone. So, I get to turn off the phone (that I normally sleep with, carry to the bathroom, etc., every single day. Oh, what a wonderful feeling!). But, I do have to check emails to make sure there isn't something they've gotten stumped on or any kinks. Obviously, they can just ship someone to the ER in an emergency, but if it's something a little odd and not life threatening, it's easier to shoot me an email and let me shoot them one back when I have time. Being able to spot check like that, and know everything is running smoothly actually makes me far more able to relax than if I was wondering how dialysis was going for one we'd had transport issues on, etc.

It takes maybe 5 minutes a day, and gives me peace of mind.

As far as Facebook, etc., I'm a junkie at home, but turn it off on vacation and do a bunch of bragging when I get back. ;)

OK, I have a question. The roll call I'm in right now is VERY quiet. I mean, days 'n' days go by and no one posts. The cruise isn't until November, so I can see it being slow. But, if someone posts, I answer. If someone joins, I make sure to welcome them. So, I post a lot more than others. Is that a bad thing? Should I ignore posts for a while? I don't want to hog, but I don't want others to be discouraged either. :confused: