jmu82

I did pack the laundry bag pretty good, but not that good! Our cabin number was 1142--not a count of 42 items (probably about half that much). And for those of you that want to do laundry without the free perk, there are washers and dryers on the ships (although not sure about the newer ships...may want to verify that with any ship you are going on). It's pricey to have them do your laundry if you aren't Platinum or Diamond!

We're back from our cruise. Just thought I'd follow up on the topic I started. Having free laundry (first cruise with Platinum status, so I got the laundry perk) was great! I used many of the tips you all gave me. I'm posting pictures so that those of you that haven't had your laundry done by the ship can get a better idea of the bag size (these are bags on Carnival Spirit). The 1st picture is of how my first bag looked after it was filled it with dirty laundry. The 2nd picture is of the two smaller bags I received back (all nicely folded inside the bags). And the 3rd picture shows I received 3 bags(really 2.5 bags as third bag wasn't that full) back after another load (I was getting good at rolling our clothes and stuffing more in the bag).

I don't recall ever needing it in port. If the country required it, I would take it! They usually say to take a government photo ID (I have my driver's license). You always have to take your 'Sail & Sign' card. (Gets you on and off the ship). If there was any chance you were going to miss getting back on the ship, I guess you should have it!

If going outside of the U.S., I would take a passport if you have one. We just lock it up in the room safe. We just got off a cruise where one passenger broke her ankle and had to leave the ship in Cartagena, Columbia and fly home from there after her surgery. I'm sure it would be more difficult in that situation if you didn't have your passport with you. We also had someone airlifted by helicopter off the ship when we were off the coast of Mexico (not sure where they took him exactly--it was the middle of the night). We have never needed our passport while on a cruise (after we use it to get on the ship), but you never know what may happen!

We're back home from the cruise and am just catching up. I'm so sorry this happened. We wondered why we didn't run into anymore on the ship! (We introduced ourselves to you and your husband the first day or two. We have two kids you mentioned on here. And we took your picture in Jamaica with the ship in the background just after we got off the ship). I hope your recovery is speedy and complete. I have started reading your medical blog. Look forward to hearing your recovery progress as well as how the insurance works.

This is our first cruise we plan to have laundry done for us (1st Platinum cruise). Just wondering how big the laundry bags are. I think I read somewhere on these boards that the bags have gotten smaller on some ships. Specifically, has anyone been on the Carnival Spirit lately and seen the size of the bags? How much clothes do they hold? We leave this weekend and hope to pack lighter this time!