trixiegal

I'm following along and getting ideas on how to lose weight before my cruise in 67 days. I have some Herbalife products that I never used consistently that I'm going to start. I'm also going to start going to the gym at least 5 days a week. My two teens also have weight to lose so I want to be a good example for them, as well. I'm glad I have this forum as accountability because I'm on CC several times a day. :p

I completely understand. We are wanting to stay the night before close to downtown Disney,then take a shuttle to the sport the next day, no driving ourselves, just relaxing with our large group of people rather than 3 cars. But thanks for trying to clarify

I've got it sorted out with suggestions from this post

 

Thanks everyone! Told you it's a different kind of question ;)

So glad you got it worked out for what works for YOU and your family. You are very gracious to respond to some of these posts. I got what you were saying and it wasn't confusing to me at all that you didn't want to drive to PC and park there. I just doubted that Disney hotels have anywhere to park and cruise unless you're sailing on one of their ships. Seems easier to just be near the airport which is easily accessible to Disney and has many options for a park and cruise hotel.

As an aside, I really dislike when people on these boards disregard when a poster is CLEARLY indicating they do NOT want to do something then all the suggestions ignore it and go on to suggest the very thing they already said they didn't want to do! Aye aye aye...:cool:

What is the name of the private shuttle company? I may need one either going to the port or leaving the port. Depends on the price compared to a rental.

Do:

~ Book a balcony or OV cabin. There are 3 in my family and an inside, except on Disney, is just to small for us and feels like a closet. I'd do an inside with 2 ppl but no more than that.

~ Wine or liquor tasting. Totally worth it to add to my growing knowledge of wine. I'm not a full-blown oenophile yet but getting there. Besides that I barely drink unless I'm on vacation and I like getting ideas for which cocktails to order.

~ I enjoy a nice steakhouse whenever I travel so that tradition extends to my cruises now they have a separate fine dining venue. Wouldn't go to a specialty restaurant for Italian food. Carnival offers it free for lunch anyway.

~ Spa. I usually indulge when the price is right after a few days of specials. Yes, it's expensive but I go to high-end spas on land on occasion so it's worth it to me. When else am I gonna treat myself if not on vacation?

~ Duty-free shopping. I love to shop so I will buy a few bottles of tequila or rum, cosmetics, perfume, jewelry, bags and clothing if I see something I like and feel it's a good price. I usually wait for a sale towards the end of the week onboard or at a port after I've had a chance to compare prices. I haggle if I'm in the mood. Part of the thrill of shopping!

Don't:

~ Play Bingo or in the casino. I'm not good at gambling so I'd rather save my money for shopping or drinks than watch it slip away in a matter of minutes.

~ Cruise-sponsored excursions. Tried it once in Cozumel because that was the only way to book it and it wasn't the best experience. Never again. I'm fine with researching and finding my own excursion or just making it a beach day.

~ Drink package. I like wine and some cocktails but the price is too high to justify it.

~ Ship tours. Not interested in spending $100 to see the galley or any other behind-the-scenes area. I just don't get the allure. Seems like easy money for the cruiseline.

No, I hadn't even factored in food and incidentals. To be fair, I was pricing a duplex condo for my family of 3 and my sister's family of 3 so we would've split the costs. However, $350-400/night for a week's rental not even in walking distance to the beach was just too much. I like Rehoboth Beach but not choosing to go there when I can go on a cruise for less money.

I can't stand Guy Fieri but Guy's burgers on Carnival ships are way too good to pass up!

Ya. I guess 20-30 min drive to downtown Disney isn't that bad I guess to stay at a mco hotel where there is parking.

My idea (sorry if I wasn't clear enough) was to stay at any hotel you want to in the Disney area but not try to leave your car there. Park your car at a park and fly lot near the airport because they are cheap per day and then have the private shuttle company pick you up there and take you to the port. After you leave the port headed for Orlando, the airport exit off 528 will be closer than driving back into the Disney area for your car if you could even find a place to park it for a week. This plan works whether you go to Disney before or after your cruise.

I understand not wanting to stay and park in Port Canaveral because I'm in the same situation. I'd rather stay overnight in Orlando than waste money at Cocoa Beach. I used to live in Orlando so I just don't like that area compared to all of the other places I could stay. I'm fortunate to have family I can stay with while we're there but I may book a hotel in the theme park area for one night post-cruise to stretch out our vacation for one more day. It all depends on the $$$.

Your best bet is to find one of those park and fly lots near the airport to leave your car. If you really think about it, it will be much more convenient for you to be in East Orlando near MCO when you have to come back on the shuttle from Port Canaveral after you disembark. 528 is right there and you'll be on your way in minutes. Then you won't have to worry about going into the Disney area for your car.

I'm coming in the night before our cruise on the Sunshine and I'm going to rent a car to get to the port. Seems cheaper than taking a shuttle for 3 people. I just need to figure out what to do when I disembark. We may go to Disney that Sunday or Monday and catch a late flight home. Decisions, decisions...

Hmmmm... The designer collaborations with Target are not as nice as they used to be. I prefer H&M's pseudo-designer items as the price point is more realistic. Most of the Target items aren't even in stores anymore and sell out quickly online because of low quantities. And to try and reinforce the idea that people "love" them. I haven't been impressed by the recent offerings but I'll take a peek and then see what goes on sale in a few weeks.

These suggestions sound delicious and EASY. I'll look on Pinterest for some more and come back and post them.

I've been flirting with using Herbalife as I have a cousin who was selling it so I bought some of the products to help her out. I'm starting a workout regimen so I will finish up what I have from Herbalife and see if I like it before I order anything else. I did like the tea and it kept me from drinking coffee, which I need to eliminate completely. Will come back and post my thoughts in a few weeks.

I need to find a good Zumba class in my area. I LOVE to dance. Grew up dancing ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop from 4 years old to senior year of HS. Never really got back into it and now I'm 40. Weight loss is a goal but I just want to get active again. Zumba at my old gym was waaaay too crowded and I haven't found another class I've liked. I know a lady who is now a size 2 [emoji15] from a size 10 who got hooked on Zumba. She's an instructor now, too.

Thanks for the inspiration! I have 68 days until my cruise and I want to lose a lot. I need to lose 40+ lbs but I know I waited too long to reach that goal. Half of that would be good. Anyway, I'm going to start protein shakes and keep a diary just like you did.

Off to read your cruise review now...

I have a high metabolism and have never had to lose large amounts of weight. The most I have ever lost is 22 lbs. I am 6'2" and 195 lbs. I could lose a few more but I am Ok with anything under 200 lbs.

 

But I have always done protein smoothies. I recommend the egg protein rather than the whey, soy, or vegetable proteins. It absorbs fast and is easy to digest.

 

I recently changed to liquid egg protein its better than the powders you can cook with it, make omelets or make smoothies with it.

You can check it our here https://www.eggwhitesint.com/

 

 

The first step is to cut off the sugar. If you crave something sweet eat a piece of organic fruit. Unsweetened organic applesauce is one of my favorites. Don't eat junk with the artificial sweeteners. While it doesn't have the calories that stuff is not could for you. Go Organic as much as you can.

 

I don't worry about consuming fat. I eat bacon,steaks, pork all the time. slowly cut back the carbs. I cant get rid of them completely but I don't ever go for seconds. Don't ever eat fast food and never anything fried.

 

Grilled chicken, Fish, Steak, pork are fine. Fresh organic veggies are good too. Find a local farmers market. You will pay more but you will get more nutrition form your food with out empty calories.

 

If you have a freezer find a place to buy grass fed organic beef. We usually split a side of beef with another family.

 

This is a big one, don't drink you calories, unless its a protein smoothie. I drink nothing but water. Cut out the caffeine completely. Its hard at first but once you get rid of it you will feel better. Most people drink coffee, soda, wine, and beer. Start getting rid of them one at a time. Get rid of the soda first, then the beer, then the coffee. A small quantity of wine can actually be good for you, so if you want to keep that one its ok as long as the only other thing you drink is water.

 

Its not about just losing weight its more and about healthy nutrition and life style change . I cheat sometimes my weakness is peanut butter cups and i have been know to eat some pancakes. . But because the rest of my diet is so healthy I can get away with it.

 

I hope you like eggs because that is the go to food when you cant figure out what to eat. So many ways to prepare them and its fast and easy. Another one of my favorites is sushi. Tuna Sashmi is my favorite, But if you cant do the raw sushi try getting the Ahi Tuna. It like a steak but very tender and usually served seared on the outside and a rare in the center.

 

Have fun and remember that after most diets people gain the weight back because they start eating the same bad foods. Think of you body like a machine and give it the best fuel you can. Don't forget the vitamins.

 

If you want to lose weight faster start exercising . You may not see the results on the scale but you will see them in the way your clothes fit. Muscle weighs more than fat, so it is possible to gain a few lbs and still lose inches off the waist. While I weigh myself everyday I am more concerned with how my clothes fit and how I feel than my actual weight.

Thanks for such detailed advice. I'm going to try the egg protein because the other proteins cause me to bloat and give me gas. Let's see how this works!

I had a bad experience on a 9-day cruise several years ago, so I gave up cruising for a few years to take land-based vacations at luxury timeshare resorts in Mexico. It's beautiful and laid back with the opportunity to explore and relax at your own pace. However, it is very expensive once you add up the costs of flights, dining, excursions and incidentals like tips, local transportation, souvenirs and liquor.

I'm a single parent and it made more sense to go back to cruises as our yearly vacation once my kids were past the 12-year old child discounted rates. We tried Carnival as an option in 2013 because of itinerary matching the dates we planned to be in Orlando for a college tour and we loved it. I was surprised at the value of Carnival cruises compared to other lines. They have a great teen program. The cruises fit our family's love of relaxed fun and adventure with cool port of calls and lack of pretentiousness. We have since tried Disney again and Princess for the first time but I still prefer Carnival overall for value.

Funny enough, I priced out a beach rental in DE for when we usually travel around 4th of July and a Caribbean cruise was $1000 cheaper. Better choice for us even when you factor in travel costs for flights and pre-cruise hotel. Just can't see paying so much to stay at a local beach when I can go to 3-4 beach destinations on a cruise.

I've learned from experience to only cruise when I'm excited about the cruise and that involves me booking and planning the cruise. I'm obsessed with all things about travel, so I'm very OCD with the planning process. It's true that the anticipation is part of the magic. I even got married on my first cruise when destination weddings were just starting to become a thing. I planned every minute detail and it was amazing. Cruising became a fun way for my family to travel.

Anyway, I let my little sister convince me to go on a 9-day cruise on RCI's Explorer of the Seas. The ports were okay and we didn't have to fly to get to the NJ port. She took care of the details. My heart just wasn't in it because of some personal issues but I tried to be excited for my kids. The balcony room on Deck 7 was teeny tiny for 2 adults and 2 kids. The room stunk of sewage, probably from a toilet backup. We called every day for service and begged them to move to another cabin. They claimed to be sold out. Service was spotty and the majority of the passengers were rude and, at times, unruly. I couldn't wait to get off that ship and vowed to never cruise again.

Six years later, I spotted a deal on a Carnival cruise leaving around the time I planned to visit colleges with my daughter in Orlando. We sailed the Dream and my love of cruising was reignited. I'm stuck on Carnival but I've tried Disney again and went on our first Princess cruise last Fall. We are doing an 8-day on the Sunshine in June and I'm over the moon excited. And, yep, I'm planning the whole cruise for my family. [emoji4]

I'm at $320 savings and $50 OBC after 3 price drops and a move from an interior to an oceanview. I'm past final payment, so I'm checking every day for any drops to add to my OBC. All in all, I'm happy with my final pp fare given the cruise is a Southern Caribbean route on a 4th of July cruise.

Hello I am a Disney lover as well. I have also done my fair share of cruises as well. We did the Disney Fantasy in Feb of 2014 and loved it. Just came home from the Carnival Sunshine from spring break and was thinking about doing a trip report. There are some good and some bad. We will be sailing the Breeze over Thanksgiving this November so your report caught my eye. There are a few things I will tweak on my next Carnival Cruise. Thanks for doing your report.

Please do a trip report on the Sunshine! We are booked for the end of June.

Thanks for the detailed info! My 15-year-old is very low maintenance and likes to be hassle-free on vacation. Me and DD like to dress up for dinner and take photos, so I need to find a happy medium.

Where did you get the linen pants and sports coat? Do you have a pic of the sports coat?

I saved $190 earlier this week so I'm a happy camper! Whittling away at the price.... It's so expensive to sail in the summer on the Southern Caribbean routes.

I love this thread! I never know what to order from the bar because I really only drink on vacation. This gives me many ideas. [emoji1]

CD means ZERO to me when booking a cruise.

 

We had Matt Mitcham on the Breeze last year, and I was NOT impressed, yet I know others LOVE him. Although, I have to say, he was EASY on the eyes.:o

 

 

 

Don't remember who we had the year before on the Breeze, or the Pride.

 

 

 

I will tell you, I would love to end up with Jaime or John H one of these days, but I would NOT book a cruise just because they were the CD.

 

 

 

We go and make our own fun.:D

Why didn't you like Matt? He's really the only CD I ever paid any attention to. Yes, he's very attractive and he flirted with my daughter and I. [emoji39]

And we even sailed with Jaimie on the Dream. I DID see her everywhere but didn't think she was all that special. To each his own...

I just got a $190 price drop but it looks like they want me to pay the difference in the deposit. I'm going to call my PVP and see if I can pay it all off when my balance is due in 2 weeks. If not, I'll just pay it. I'm happy for the lower rate!

I emailed GM_GrandAruba@occidentalhotels.com this past week and I got this reply within 2 days:

"I would like to thank you for taking the time in writing to us. My Name is Alejandro Espindola I’m a Guest Service Clerk for the Occidental Grand Aruba Hotel.

Day passes are available and can be bought in advance. The Day pass has a cost of $ 78.00 for adults and kids under the age of 12 pay half price $39. The day pass starts from 9:00a.m. up until 6:00p.m. and Includes food, all drinks and non-motorized watersports.

In order to facilitate the request I have attached a Credit Card Authorization form kindly fill this out and sign it so we can process your request and a copy scan of your credit card back and front

If you require any assistance do not hesitate in contacting us, We are here to serve you!"

I emailed the GM_GrandAruba@occidentalhotels.com this past week and I got this reply within 2 days:

"I would like to thank you for taking the time in writing to us. My Name is Alejandro Espindola I’m a Guest Service Clerk for the Occidental Grand Aruba Hotel.

Day passes are available and can be bought in advance. The Day pass has a cost of $ 78.00 for adults and kids under the age of 12 pay half price $39. The day pass starts from 9:00a.m. up until 6:00p.m. and Includes food, all drinks and non-motorized watersports.

In order to facilitate the request I have attached a Credit Card Authorization form kindly fill this out and sign it so we can process your request and a copy scan of your credit card back and front

If you require any assistance do not hesitate in contacting us, We are here to serve you!"

So I don't think my family will be buying these passes because we are in port until 10 pm. Too bad because it seems like a good deal!

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