tweetypie_67

We will be going on a family cruise with our 2 year old grandson n his family. He has autism and is very sensitive to gluten, casein (found in all dairy products) and soy. We have no problem packing his favorite foods but when  I spoke to the special needs department today they said we can only bring foods on board that are non parishable.  Because of his autism, he has sensory issues and will only eat certain foods .  Even if it is technically the same food, if it looks , smells or taste different he will not eat it. He does love “his” chicken nuggets, cheese, bread and pizza but they are saying we can not bring them on board.  Has anyone also had a similar experience and if so, how did you handle it?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Help!!!! Hubby n I are in Boston today on the Granduer and we need suggestions on something to do that is with in walking distance of the Black Falcon terminal. Last time we were here we did the Salem witch excursion and didn't see anything else.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Jacki

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had a recent copy of the kids program itinerary for the Granduer sailing 5 days to Bermuda? We are taking our 3 year old grand daughter ( with out mom and dad!) and was hoping to get an idea of what to expect . This will be her third cruise but first time allowed to participate in the ship sponsored kids program! It has been quite a few years since we have had little ones in the kids program!

Thanks in advance for any information you can forward to me!

Jacki

My husband and I are taking our almost 4 year old granddaughter on the Granduer July 22 on a 5 night Bermuda cruise without her parents. Any suggestions on what to do with her in Bermuda since we will be ther for 2 days? We want to do the beach with her on one of the days. Are their any free beaches close to where the ship will dock?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Jacki

i am doing a back to back cruise with my 3 year old grand daughter WITHOUT her parents. When I called to ask what documentation was needed to board with her they told me : her birth certificate , letter stating we are able to travel out of the country with her and letter giving us power to make medical decisions for her while she is in our care. Also, that it needs to notarized . Are there specific forms that I need to fill in or do I do this on my own? Any specific info. Would be greatly appreciated.

Jacki

Thanks so much for the responses. I bought the cozy carrier that was suggested and I think it's going to work perfect! I usually carry a small purse and put my cup in it ( kinda sticking out of the top) but always feel ridiculous ;) If nothing else, it will keep my hands free and hopefully my drink cold!

Thanks again!

HELP! On a recent cruise I noticed a lady in the elevator that carried her soda machine cup in a cozy. It had a strap on it . She said she purchased it on a carnival ship. I've bought a couple like it online but they are more for water bottles then actual cups. Has anyone purchased one of these online? If so, where? I like the ease of the self serve soda machine but hate lugging the big cup around where ever I go!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jacki

Thank you all for your insightful advice! Still not sure which one we should go with but everyone's input has given me lots to think about!

Jacki

Please help us decide on Princess or Hal to Hawaii! Does either line do Hawaii better? The only difference we can see between the two is that the Hal cruise is two days longer.

Thanks so much in advance for any advice!

Have been home from a 14 day cruise for 5 days now.... Having cruise withdraw! The longest cruise I've been on is 17 days with 7 consecutive days at sea and loved it! You really get to relax and get into the groove of ship life when you have this much time! Don't worry about it being too long, you will love it!

Thank you so much for the review! We are leaving in 3 days ( flying down a day early) for 14 days on the Eclipse and are very excited! Looking forward to getting to know the ship!

My dh hates to fly so we usually stick to our home port ( Baltimore, Maryland) or close to it. That being said, we only have 1 or if we are lucky , 2 ships leaving year round. They only change the ships and itinerary every 3 years or so and even when they do it isn't much of a change! So we do tend to do a lot of the same ports..... Honestly, I'm just happy to go!

After 30 + cruises I can honestly say we have never had anything go missing! We keep money, passports and jewelry in the safe but leave everything else out. We r leaving in 3 days so I hope I didn't just jinx myself!!!!

Right after 911 I booked a Christmas cruise on Norweigns Norway and payed $77.00 for each child! I can't remember the name of the room, but it was very spacious even with 4 people in it! The ship was amazing..... My kids were in elem. school at the time and we're thrilled to go swimming on Christmas!

I bought one years ago from a catalog. It can be hung from the robe hook on the back of the bathroom door and has zipper compartments in different sizes. Even if my bath has a lot of storage, I keep most small stuff in there because it is so easy to see and get to everything. I keep it stocked all the time (refill when I return home) with non medication things such as q- tips, cotton balls, band aids, etc. I wouldn't dream of cruising without it!

I have sailed the Enchantment 4 plus times over the years and love her! It is the first ship my children ever cruised on so she holds a special place in our hearts! Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful trip!

We have done an inside with 4, 2 connecting balconies 2 in each room and various suits usually with four, once with 5. Each cruise was a different experience and we just made it all work! The trick is to not over pack and for everyone to put their own stuff away. Having the 2 bathrooms in the connecting rooms were very nice, but it wouldn't make or break a cruise for us. Good luck with what ever you choose!

I have sailed both RCL and Carnival and have to say I prefer RCL . I went on one carnival cruise, as a graduation present for my 18 year old daughter and we both agreed never to do carnival again.... Carnival just seemed really tacky to us... Gaudy and cheap... Compared to RCL. Just my opinion!

I think if u are starting your vacation up to a week before you even get on the ship, you should feel like you have gotten a nice balance of land and sea time. Only down side I can think of is having to pack up in the middle and relocate.....

Please let us know how you like it!

My husband and I are trying to decide when to take a Hawaii cruise ( for our 30th anniversary). Is the weather better in February/March or in October? Also, who does it better..... Hal or Princess and why? This cruise has been put off twice and we really want it to be perfect!

Thanks in advance for any help and/or insight you can give!

Most likely the difference between the casino and shops being open or closed when a ship is in port overnight has to do with the agreement between the cruise line and port. I have heard that the ships shops and casino are open at night when you are overnight in the Bahamas also. Going on the Eclipse Feb. 21 st with an overnight in Curaçao and would much rather be overnight in St Maarten!

I will add that to my list! I always check for bed bugs and bring Lysol wipes with me and wipe down the room ( especially the remote, light switches and door handles!). My husband thinks I'm a lunatic, but better safe then sorry! I have been in suites before and it was very obvious that the shelving on the wet bar area hadn't been dusted in quite awhile, so I can just imagine what else was skipped that you can't see with the naked eye!

Thanks so very much for the reply! I know it seems like a silly/trivial thing to worry about but I hate it when they start looking shabby! I'm afraid with being in the water a lot they will need a touch up mid cruise and would hate to not have any options!

Does anyone know if they offer gel manicures onboard the Eclipse? I have mine done every two weeks and by the time I'm due for my next appointment my nails are looking alittle shabby....we r going on a two week cruise and I'm hoping if I need to have a repair or they start to get too shabby I can have them redone.

If you r having trouble finding a place for your suit cases ask your cabin stewart to store them for you. We have only ever had to do this once ( 4 ppl in an inside!) and he took them away on the first night and brought them back on the last day in plenty of time to pack for home! I'm sure this is based on if there is a storage area for them to use, but it never hurts to ask!