trinaM

On 11/11/2023 at 8:09 AM, KKB said:

Oh, I got LED tea lights & towel clips at the Dollar Tree!!!

And I do have a multi-outlet adapter--dual duty for Europe & cruises where there are never enough outlets on those older ships for 2 people!

As for everything else--we have stayed in a 130 sq. ft. interior to a suite.

NEVER had an issue w/ storage, so no hooks, magnets or over door shoe things needed.

(and we are VERY tidy/organized people).

I don't need decor or ducks.

There is a clock on my phone.

Cruise provides mattress toppers & lanyards (unless it's a card then it slips in my pocket or bag)

 

Now, I traveled solo to Europe for a month in May, including 3 weeks on a ship. 

Carry on only (plus backpack) as I had 2 quick train switches on front & back end in Europe.

I did buy a few things to facilitate that--compression packing cubes, a lightweight but well-made carryon, a well organized backpack (I had been a tote girl...now a backpack convert), theft-proof crossbody bag,

lip gloss-type "tubes" to decant liquid toiletries into, merino wool clothing that deters odors. 

BUT all of these things will serve me well as travel has now amped up now that we are both retired.

I have used them all again & will continue to do so. 

I consider all of these things INVESTMENTS.

KBB thanks for sharing this

On 8/19/2023 at 9:24 AM, Mum2Mercury said:

Agree ... at home: 

- I have a system for keeping groceries down, though nothing will bring the total to pre-pandemic prices right now. 

- Being retired (well, I substitute teach 3 days a week), we don't buy a lot of clothing, and most of what we do buy is second-hand.  We do this for environmental reasons as well as the financial bottom  line. 

- We are a one-car family, which makes a whale of a lot of difference in our finances.  

Agree ... for cruises: 

- We are fall cruisers.  We like the weather, the smaller crowds, and the lower prices.  

- We take advantage of Next-Cruise credits, and VISA OBC.  

- We stick to Royal Caribbean -- not because we think it's better than other lines, but because by sticking to one company, we are working our way up the loyalty points ladder.  

- We always sailed in larger cabins (or multiple cabins) when our children were at home, but we tried an Inside Guarantee and were 100% happy -- when it's just the two of us.   

- We keep an eye on our prices and would call in for a price match, if such things still happened.  Super low prices do still come around:  last December we sailed a 3-night on Indy for $99 each.  Our next cruise -- soon! -- cost us $364/person. 

- We skip most of the extras -- we're happy with standard food, no spa, private shore excursions.  We buy a few drinks, and our OBC covers most of that.  

- We choose a port to which we can drive; of course, that's not an option available to everyone, but it's cheaper than flying -- especially when you add in ground transportation. 

- We usually go out of Port Canaveral, and we stay at Days Inn in Titusville (about 30 minutes away from the port), which is clean and basic -- and usually less than $100/night, which includes breakfast.  

- We don't buy a lot in anticipation of the cruise.  We have clothes a-plenty and aren't trying to impress anyone.  

- We bring plenty of sunscreen, OTC meds, etc.  Those things cost a fortune onboard.  We have a tried-and-true packing template that assures we don't forget socks or something equally silly.  

Would you share what your packing list is like? I like your ideas of preparing for your next adventure.

Looking for options for transportation from San Diego CA , Holland America cruise pier to the Amtrak station (San Diego , CA October 2024.

Any ideas?

8 hours ago, KKB said:

I hear you about expectations. 

Honestly the cruise itself wasn't all the different than others. 

But the passenger issue is odd--and I have seen the same comments in numerous reviews.

 

LOL about your husband & credit cards. 

I'm the $ person...my left brain to DH's right brain.

He has asked if we will ever have just ONE credit card. 

I said absolutely not--but I evaluate each one annually to be sure we are AT least breaking even with benefits. I have a couple no annual fee ones that were really a "hit & run"--the bonus points were nice but they are worthless now. I'll probably cancel just to minimize fraud, and I'm not worried about our credit score.

 

We DID just bite the bullet & get an American Express Platinum. 

$695 is a VERY tough pill to swallow. 

But:

--$20/mo streaming credit ($240)--just switched our billing to this card on things we already were paying for!

--$200/yr airline credit (luggage, upgrades, inflight purchases)

--$155/yr Free Walmart Plus membership--free Walmart deliveries & free Paramount Plus subscription

--$15/mo Uber credit + $20 more in dec. ($200 potential--with traveling almost monthly)

--$189/yr CLEAR credit (not essential...but seeing the line of hundreds we bypassed last month, I think I like this benefit)

--$100/yr Saks credit (a bit of an extra; but already have an eye on some shoes DH wanted)

--Extensive lounge memberships--going to check out the Centurian Lounge this month. (I use Priority Pass but they aren't everywhere; we have learned that lounges can save us quite a bit, especially on drinks)

--5x points on flights

--Nice extra perks for cruises booked thru them (I shop around before booking)

(--Also TSA/Global Entry free but I have that on a number of cards--BUT we have learned our children can simply use our card to pay for it to get it free for themselves)

 

I will re-evaluate annually as I do with all cards, but I think we can justify it.

 

Thanks KKB for elaborating on credit card situation. I like hearing what works for others . 

Blizzard56

I'm glad you were able to find someone to help .

Have a good trip.

Each time I've tried to pin down what dining room might be open on embarkation day before getting onboard, I usually only found out by talking to staff on the day. Seems like most staff are told to say "buffet is open"

I hope you have  a wonderful cruise. on MSC to europe! 

will look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Hi

With all the cruiselines gearing up and getting back to the Norm.. 

What do you do to save on YOUR CRUISE after the shutdowns of the past few years.

Princess cruise lines are you buying Premium package and or plus ? is it worth the extra cost?

What does everyone do about rules that do not allow bringing soda and non alcoholic beverages onboard?

Thanks Denmark for your response.

Hey there. 

What makes a deal an "expert pick" on the cruise critic mailing?   Is it about good price per day? Is it additional  perks that make it qualify that way? A combination?

Your pictures are great.

Does anyone have current information on Ruby Princess movies shown on board, musical numbers and other entertainment. Thanks

Have you ever had a neighboring cabin leave the outside balcony light on all the time? Does it annoy you? We have sailed in balcony cabins where the people next door just left the outside balcony light on for the entire cruise. I don't even know if they were aware that it could be turned off as the switches are usually pretty much hidden behind the curtain.

 

Hi Thrak,

I for one never knew there was a switch for the outside lights when I have sailed in a balcony, So I think your theory might be spot on. I will have to search further when i sail next .. :) I suppose asking the steward for help would be my next thought.

cheers.

and happy cruising to you!

Wondering if anyone has heard from Yellowfish (Pescado Amarillo)?

it’s getting close to their season for sailing

 

Love reading her blogs as part of my morning ❤️

does anyone have a link? I really am enjoying blogs for the first time. always looking for cruise ones.

I collect bookmarks made in almost any material including pewter, leather, macrame,lace, hand embroid ery etc They are available in so many tourist shops and many museum gift shops sell them.

 

 

 

I only buy one that is indicative of where we were traveling. I don't care that much where it is made but Do care it says or shows something of the place where I BOUGHT IT.

 

 

They pack light and are easy to get home. :)

I like three things about your idea... the fact it's small easy to pack and reminds you of where you were..

good for you! :)

Excited to be sailing this Saturday on the CB. Instead of the soda package, I pre-purchased cans of soda through the Cruise Personalizer. Can I take those into the MDR to have with my meals? How about the buffet? Does it matter if it's cans or in a glass? Can I ask the waitstaff to get me a glass with ice? Just trying to get the ground rules down! TIA

Yes , I have done that many times. The wait staff that I had, were very nice about bringing me a glass of ice. : ) enjoy your cruise! :)

On the surface, that seems really boring, compared to all the breakfast offerings these days, but okay, I like oatmeal too (at home)!;)

SO how do you dress up your OATMEAL on the Cruise ship? Oatmeal is always a go to at home for me! :)

DO most cruise lines have turkey bacon?

I've always wondered about that question for last minute changes. I guess it all depends on the wording on the booking and the rules at the time.

Lately , I am a big fan of buying cruise insurance , and health insurance for when you are away. Never can know what might happen.

Is there a family member or trusted neighbor that can go into the home and copy the BC and email or fax a copy? That often works in such a situation.

 

(And before anyone chimes in about it not being a certified copy; the law only requires a copy...even though everyone prefers a certified copy, a photocopy or clear digital copy is acceptable and has been used many, many times to meet WHTI rules)

This sounds like a possible solution, great thinking. My thought is that Princess is very firm about ID .. and the person may be out of luck.

Yes, I always check and double check my documents.

I was so excited to be getting on my first cruise, I had put my Driver's License in the wrong spot and couldn't find it to produce it at the check in. So after all, I found it ,but almost gave myself heart palpitations in the process! :)

As of NOW , nothing booked:(

I know this is a really really OLD post. I am looking for some history about the SONG OF NORWAY.

I went on an eastern Carribean Sailing, I think either in 1077 or 1980? probably 1980.

does anyone have pictures or memories from eastern Carribean itinerary? I remember some of the kids excursions to St. Thomas and shopping there.and I remember the tiny pool.

RCCL really was a great line back then.

anyone have some memories?

what are you using to edit your video? really well done sailaway video!

I am sorry about the situation.

 

This will not help now but the reality is one could get travel insurance with say insuring the trip for $100.00 rather then the full cost of the cruise but you would get the full medical coverage which would have covered all of this. I am only posting this so that others can do something like this even if they don't want to insure the trip.

Also, it is a reminder that no matter what ones age is and their current health situation things happen.

 

For those who don't get travel insurance to ensure the entire trip cost I highly recommend getting the insurance and insuring the lowest possible amount (usually around $100.00) so you can get the medical portion of the benefits.

 

Keith

thanks Keith for the gentle reminder to get "some" form of travel insurance so as to get the medical portion of the benefits. I always consider that a help when someone mentions it again.