trixiegal

I'm bumping up this thread bc I just spent the last 1 1\2 hour on a gorgeous Sunday morning reading about the benefits of a balcony cabin. I couldn't agree more with Big Al!

I booked a last-minute 6-day on the Breeze 2 days ago and got an unbelievable deal for a Lido deck balcony. This will be the first time staying on that high of a deck after 6 cruises on RCI, Disney and Carnival staying in all categories. We are celebrating my DD's HS graduation and DS' 15th bday. They are over the moon and we only have 3 weeks before sail off. I'm still trying to figure out how I got so blessed to find that kind of balcony at such a steal.

I wasn't ever sold on Carnival until I sailed on the Dream last year. The Breeze is a newer sister ship and is highly rated so I'm looking forward to trying out the line again. I don't think I'd ever sail on any of their older ships with all of the gaudy decor and cheesy rituals. Not my thing. But these newer ships really remind me of RCI's older lines with the soft, muted colors and open air common areas. And they have Guy's burgers for FREE unlike Johnny Rockets on RCI.

That said, I do want to try out Oasis or Allure in the next few years. I know my son will absolutely love that ship and all of those activities. Maybe for his 2017 graduation!

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I'm warming up to this idea of doing a day room at the Westin. Anyone know how much cab fare is from the port for 3 people?

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Oh, I second that! Vacarro's is amazing and a must-try for their awesome gelato and delicious italian cookies and pastries. Hopefully, you won't have to wait in a long line when you go. Make sure you ask to taste test some of the gelatos. They welcome it!

Barely into this review and I'm hooked! Just booked today to sail in 3 weeks. I liked the Dream last year but I'm already head over heels for the Breeze. Mostly based on the gorgeous photos in this review. Thank you!!!

We're so excited! I've been to all the ports but I'm really looking forward to enjoying a balcony cabin on the Lido deck.

Where do I find a bungee cord to hold the door open? Dick's Sporting Goods?

I'd go with the Sheraton because it's very close to a really nice high-end mall and the accommodations are much nicer than the Comfort Inn. Check tripadvisor for reviews. Also, Rosslyn (used to work in that city) is a virtual ghost town on the weekends. More to do in the Pentagon City area with a reliable shuttle service. You'll have a nice view of the 9/11 sculpture, too.

I'd choose Option B because the light rail closes at 11 pm Mon-Sat, 7 pm on Sunday. Of course you can bring your luggage on board. The port is very close to the Inner Harbor by cab but not walking distance due to it's location near highways. Shouldn't be more than $15-20 cab fare if you choose a hotel in that area. Check out Visit Baltimore website for city hotel recommendations.

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If you stay at one of the Kimpton hotels in DC, make sure you sign up for their loyalty program for a $10 minibar credit and free wifi-

https://www.kimptonhotels.com/intouch/KIT_overview.aspx

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I vote MJS. Had a great experience going from a FLL hotel to POM. They called to confirm and arrived earlier than the time given but had no problem waiting a few minutes on us to come down to the lobby and check out. Would definitely use them again.

I just used MJS earlier this month from a Ft. Lauderdale hotel to the port and I will definitely book them again in a heartbeat. Almost new van and very friendly driver. It was a very comfortable ride. We did have to pick up another couple at the airport but that only added less than 10 minutes to our travel time. Really good value for 3 people at $39 plus tip!

I don't know anything about the Dorsey St. location but I live very close to the Elkridge BW. I would stay there and feel safe leaving my car parked because it is a very residential location. It's a bit out of the way of the city but there are convenience stores/gas stations around the corner and a good family restaurant/pub on the property. It will take you less than 20 minutes to the port from Elkridge because 95 is only minutes from the hotel.

I want to know this info, too. A little more than 36 hours until we board the Magic!!!

Looks as if I am the only one who adores Flower Bomb by Viktor&Rolf. It is my signature scent only available at Nordstrom or on-line.

The few times I feel like a change I like Shalimar.

 

I do wear it lightly. I have an allergy to anything with musk in it which covers a whole lot of perfumes. I get the closed throat and watery eyes and sneezing thing. Yuck.

I do like Flowerbomb but so many people wear it in the area I live in so I got sick of smelling it. I tended to use it only on special occasions. I also like Natori or Annick Goutal scents because they last all night. Very expensive but worth it!

I'm going to try and upgrade from an Inside to OV for my Magic cruise this Friday. Not sure if I'll have any luck but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm not sweating it but based on your experience I figure I should go ahead and ask.

Thanks for your detailed review. We leave this Friday on a different itinerary. We're going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The ship looks gorgeous. I can't wait to experience it all, especially the shows.

Smashbox CC cream is also great and really helped to fade some acne marks.

I'm not really LOVING it after using it for a few weeks. It may not be the right shade, so I may have to mix it with the darker shade to get what I want. Still also using Garnier's BB cream, as well. I just ordered The Balm Balmshelter tinted moisturizer on Amazon. Has anyone used that brand? Gets raving reviews on many sites and beauty blogs.

**Update**

Just found this website that says transportation to the Turtle Farm is free for cruisers-

http://www.boatswainsbeach.ky/tickets/

FYI- this website is saying transportation is free for cruise visitors. Shuttles leave at 8:30 and 9:45 am.

http://www.boatswainsbeach.ky/tickets/

I also have teens and we'll be in GC next Sunday. We are planning on going to the Turtle Farm but, hopefully, only for a couple of hours. In that time, my DS shouldn't be too bored. DD is a turtle fanatic (already explained how some of them are eaten!) so we may have to drag her away. I'm fairly interested but I don't want to spend the whole day there. A little concerned about the travel time from the ship but we'll see how it goes. May opt for a taxi instead of the yellow bus if the price is right.

This thread is awesome!!!

I'm a fragrance nut and I love buying perfumed soaps, lotions and shower gels in addition to my favorite bottled scents. This thread has reminded me of some long-forgotten perfumes like Chloe. I do separate my scents by season and the summer scents are usually lighter and beachy or flowery. I'll list some of my most-used perfumes below:

Missoni Aqcua

Jo Malone Sweet Lime and Cedar

Lolita Lempicka

M.A.C. Turquatic

Issey Miyake

Miss Dior Cherie

I just ordered (with 20% off) more bottles of Narciso Rodriguez, Narcisse by Chloe and John Varvatos. Hope they come before my Thanksgiving cruise!

Where did you end up reserving a room?

I went into the BP store in Boca Raton for the first time today. They had 30% off everything so it was enticing. The store is nice, with wood hangers, but way too small. I tried on a pair of pants and a top. I usually wear a size M or L, but even the stretchy size S top was way too big in the shoulders/armhole; I am petite, so I guess it was designed for a taller person. I fit into size 12 skinny pants (the largest size they carry) but they weren't flattering and they bunched up in spots. Most of the styles are reminiscent of clubwear from the 90s, though some of the tops had the modern peplum bottoms. My husband said that while I was in the dressing room that 3 people came in to return items they had ordered online. I think this store is for average to tall women who like fitted sexy clothing.

I bought a black Peplum dress online in a 6 and it fit. I normally wear a 4 before my weight gain this summer, so I guess they do run big in sizing. Yes, ITA that some of the stuff is reminiscent of 90s club clothing a la bebe. I worked there for years before they started selling cheap, Chinese manufactured clothing. I like some of Boston Proper's dresses so I'll be monitoring their sales now that the store is back on my radar.

This is helpful, thanks!

Can you recommend where to shop for a duty-free designer handbag? I don't want to waste too much time because my kids will be very bored if I spend more than an hour searching the boutiques.

The downtown Miami location is closer to the port, so I switched my reservation via phone by talking to their CS agent. I swear I read they will pick you up if not busy so I am planning on calling before I disembark the ship. If not, I'll take a cab. Really good prices for nice cars. I'll be driving around Ft. Lauderdale in style!

The Wingate is nice and in a business park area, adjacent to other hotels and buildings. There aren't many restaurants nearby but there is a Chili's and a really good seafood restaurant, G&M. You should have no issue getting to the port because you'll be close to 295/BW Parkway. I did business with the Sales Manager of that property and I was impressed by the staff and lobby looked well-appointed and clean. No worries!