kjunea

We always fly in the day before. This is so scary, because we just flew out of FLL on Monday after a land vacation this past weekend (bucket list for my husband to attend a Michigan Bowl game - when he is in remission, we travel!). This hits so close to home! Many prayers for all envolved.

I like higher up, closer to the Lido deck better than deck 6. The balconies on deck 6 are not that private on the Dream, because you are right above the outdoor promenade and the hot tubs that stick out over the edge of the ship.

I have to have protein to take some meds late. MDR has always given me a cheese plate with a plastic cloche when I've asked for it. I don't get it every night, because it takes me a couple of nights to eat it, usually. Unless my hubby gets hold of it!

I always put my meds in a sorter EXCEPT my controlled pain med. It comes in the real bottle. I'm sure they have a drug book where they can look up which pill is what if they are curious. I'm sure no body wants to smuggle my heart meds on for their own personal pleasure!

We prefer Lido or Panorama (one up from Lido). Doesn't matter if its interior or balcony -- we actually alternate because hubby likes an interior for sleeping. Hallways on Lido are usually quiet because it is shorter, so not as much traffic. And we always seem to book starboard (odd number cabins) because when my I started cruising 24 years ago, we were assigned an odd number cabin and I've just kept doing it out of habit. It's easier for hubby to remember, I think.

We have had a Cove cabin once. It was nice, but far away from everything. I have severe arthritis and can't do stairs well, so waiting on an elevator is something I prefer not to do.

Wonderful review! Looking forward to more!

I don't think they sell future cruise certificates anymore

I want to eat at the Mongolian wok at least once without standing in line for 30 minutes

Girl, you write an awesome review! Thanks so much! Hoping to go to Amber Cove next year and I loved your excursion!

looking forward to reading more!

Hi!

We cruised with my husband after his chemo 5 years ago. He would get tired easily and we weren't as active as he had been. We booked a balcony, so he could be outside and read. We took some extra precautions -- I bought Lysol wipes and wiped down most of the cabin/remote/door knobs, etc. He would wash his hands ALOT and didn't use the handrails in the stairwells. We also brought masks, that he would use in the theatre and the casino.

It was a great, relaxing get away. He didn't even get off at the ports much most of the time. We took our cruise after the chemo for the lymphoma (Stage 4B) and before the surgery on his other cancer (two types of thyroid cancers that he had at the same time!)

There is also a disability board on here that might help you! Many prayers!

woohoo! I'm here Captain (but not wearing a red shirt!)

I remember on one cruise I took, we were sailing out of Key West, heading back to Tampa and not only did the Pilot boat bring 2 people who missed the ship, but 4 other people had hired a boat to take them out to our ship after the Pilot boat! This was in the mid 90's, so I'm sure there are different rules now, since 911.

Best review I've read in a long time! Bravo!

There are lots of brands. Make sure it is labeled No courmarin, which some vanillas used to contain. You can get clear vanilla and the regular vanilla. I've bought some at Los Cinco Soles and other places. The only way you can carry it on a plane now is if it is 3 ounces or less. I usually bring bubble wrap and a large Ziploc bag and put it in my checked bag. One quart bottle will usually last me a couple of years and I bake a lot! It's very strong and you might even find yourself using less than usual in a recipe. Also look about buying vanilla beans. Here in the US, 2 beans will run you about $10. You can get way more for way less in Mexico.

Great review! Thanks!

Great review! We are doing this cruise on July 24. I agree with your observation about GC. My husband and I went there on a land vacation for our Honeymoon. It is very expensive, but very comfortable for those who have never traveled out of the USA (which my husband hadn't at that time).

Definitely get a knee walker or wheelchair. Your doctor can prescribe one and your insurance should pay the majority of it. If not, it will be worth your while to rent one. Special Needs department will have a list of venders and it will be waiting in your cabin.

You can also get someone to help you aboard, etc. And when you do muster drill, they should direct you to a lounge, so you won't need to stand during it.

I think there is a minimum number of like 15 or 30. They can open more if there aren't a large number of Platinum/Diamond passengers registered for the cruise. I don't think they allow more than 45 in any case. (that is number of cabins.)

But I could be wrong

Good point and I should clarify my earlier response in that I don't put locks on at the cruise port. If I put my bag in the hall the last night I Ziptie it. Also on flights where I will be separated from my luggage. Easy for them to cut off if needed and I'm only out a couple of pennies. I've even had them remove my Ziptie and put a new one on when they were done looking.

This is what we do also. We use zipties of a neon color. TSA can remove them, check the contents, put their letter saying they inspected the contents, and then they will ziptie it back, either with a black one or a white one. I also put a small pair of scissors in the outside pocket of my checked luggage so that I can cut the ziptie off when I get in the cabin/hotel room.

I've always just put the amount on the card at the beginning of each cruise for them the entire cruise, like $10 a day. We are taking my big kids (22 and 25) with us this year and the 22 year old asked if he would be getting the card with the money again! I told him he had a job, he provided his own money! We paid his fare and tips. He pays for his drinks and spending.

It's just one bottle of wine per person. You do not get double days sailed when you travel solo

My favorite was Forty is the new Twenty, with the Cucumber a close second. I loved the mixology class, where you got to see how they make them (and drink them!)

Felipe is wonderful! Always spirited and engaging! We were on the Liberty repositioning in March and loved him! He's one of my top 3 CD's!

We did the Liberty for the second time last spring. My then 11 year old loved it! The kids clubs are great and there was plenty for him to do. This year, he will be in the teenage club (12-14) and I am interested in how he transitions into that. He loved Camp Carnival so much he would cry when we had to leave at the end of a cruise!