Cruisin'Christine

Personally, I would not talk to the maitre'd about it. What they wear, is their choice. What I wear is my choice. Some people don't like to dress up - I get that. It does not make my enjoyment of dressing up any less.

I have been on Norwegian, as well as Costa, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. I have really enjoyed the food on Norwegian, particularly in the dining rooms (as opposed to buffet). I think some people go on cruises just to complain, so take others word for it that the food is not good. Some people are so picky too. The way I see it is that I eat better on a cruise, and with much more variety, than I do at home, so you can't go wrong. Also, the food is being prepared by someone other than myself, which already makes it good!

I always bring a waterproof case to keep money, cc and cruise card in. It goes around my neck so is with me at all times. I also have a water proof camera that goes with me. Never leave anything where it can get stolen.

I agree with this poster. I typically bring a waterproof case that would be used for an ipod to put my money, credit card, and ship card in. I wear that right in the water at the beach, usually tucked into the top of my bathing suit. I wore that in when I swam with the sting rays too. I also like bringing a waterproof camera. That way, you are just leaving your towel, cover up, sunscreen, etc on the boat (for the sting ray or snorkelling excursion) or on the beach.

I loved both Princess cruises that I have taken! I have also been on Celebrity, Carnival, Costa, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. I feel that Princess is a bit more upscale than the other cruiselines I've been on - more like Celebrity is. The service, particularly in the dining room has always been top notch, as has the food. I would definitely go on Princess if give the opportunity.

I have to echo the sentiments of others: people seem to forget about elevator etiquette when on a cruise. It is annoying when people try to get into the elevator, without letting people off first. Also, trying to cram yourself into an elevator that is clearly full already, is not necessary.

I agree with the poster that suggested the Oasis class of ships on Royal Caribbean. An 11-year-old would love the surfing and body surfing Flo-Rider, the pools, the mini-putting, the zip line, the sports court, the kids club, the merry-go-round, Johnny Rockets, etc. I have been on the Allure of the Seas twice and it is perfect for your child's age!

I have cruised once since WLS and will cruise again in October. There really was not much to drink other than water or decaf tea. I did bring Jolly Rancher no-sugar mixes (like Crystal lite) to add to water for something different. My husband even had the bartender make me up a frozen dacquiri-type drink using just the slushy ice and my Jolly Rancher green apple crystals (yummy!). I've never travelled HAL, but if you can bring a case of water, then do that and refill your room fridge each day with a couple. I managed the food fine, because there is so much selection in the dining room and the buffet. I just stopped eating once full and did not overdo it.

I went on an Alaskan cruise last year that left from Seattle on Sept 11th too. We did not have any rough seas. I didn't find it any different, really, than any Caribbean cruise I had been on. The weather was on the cold side (in Alaska, not in BC), but the waters were fine. You will love it! Try doing whale watching in Juneau - it was amazing!

Hi plus size cruiser,

I have been a plus-size cruiser for most of my adult years, but have recently lost over 150lbs, so I know the issues you are worried about. You are right about the shore excursions having weight limits, so some you may not be able to go on. Don't worry - there are plenty of things to do on shore that don't involve those excursions. You can get a day pass at a beach resort, go on an island tour, go to the zoo, etc., depending on your port). If you are self conscious using the pool on the ship, you can always get a pass to the thermal suites (most ships have something like this), which limits the number of guests, so less people are using the pool there, it is indoors (not in the blazing sun), and nicer/bigger lounge chairs are readily available. I have never had any trouble with the shower in the room, even at my highest weight. I have had a problem with chairs on the ship, the odd time. For instance, the chairs at the pub on the Royal Caribbean ships are too small and have arms, so I just don't go there. There was only one buffet that had most of their chairs with arms, but I mentioned my issue to a server there and she took care of it. I have also had a chair in the dining room switched out to one without arms once. Most dining rooms and buffets are fine though, so don't let that deter you. Really, don't limit yourself and have an amazing time. You deserve it as much as the next person! And remember, you won't be seeing any of these people from the ship again, so wear what you want, even a slinky bathing suit....

I would recommend Celebrity, Princess, or Norwegian Haven suites. These are a bit more upscale, but you can still meet people your age. When you get on Celebrity or Princess, I would talk to the maitre'd about being put at a table with others your age group.

Guillian Barre syndrome is thought to be triggered by any type of virus, not just Zika. Sometimes people get Guillian Barre syndrome following a sore throat or cold, or after no discernable virus or illness. Just something to keep in mind.

I would suggest either Celebrity or Princess to you. The meals are very good and there is a civilized atmosphere. However, the entertainment is good for all ages. They had the musical Mamma Mia on the Celebrity ship I was on and the club played music from 80's, 90's, and up. But, both Princess and Celebrity do have a more classy, up-scale feel than do Carnival, RCCL, and Norwegian.

I know you mentioned those two specific ship, but if you can find an itinerary you like on the Allure of the Seas or the Oasis of the Seas, that would be your best bet. The larger the ship, the less movement you feel, and the less likely you will get sick. Particularly if you get a mid-ship cabin. The entertainment on those ships is top notch and they have the surfing and body surfing onboard.

I had the pleasure of doing an Alaskan cruise with my husband last September on Celebrity cruiseline. It was amazing! It originated in Seattle and we spent a couple days there first seeing the sights (space needle, market, glass museum, etc). The cruise ended in Vancouver and we stayed there a couple days too. The weather in Alaska in September was cool (wore sweatshirt, jeans and Fall jacket). The scenery was stunning and I have never seen anything as beautiful as Tracy Arm Fjord. The whale watching tour in Juneau was out of this world, with many whales in every direction, even breeching. I went halibut fishing in Icy Strait Point and did the train ride in Skagway (I think it was Skagway). We also had beautiful stops in Victoria (Buchart Gardens is a must!) and Nanaimo, BC. This was my favourite cruise of all 15 that I have been on. Celebrity takes good care of you, even giving out chicken noodle soup in cups when returning from excursions. I also like that Celebrity had a lovely indoor pool, which was always warm, even when in Alaska.

I am not sure about American Thanksgiving, but I can tell you that nothing was done for Canadian Thanksgiving, which is in October, for either decorations or menu. I have not travelled prior to Christmas, but my parents have, and there are lovely photos of them next to a lovely Christmas tree onboard.

I would go with the beverage package. It is so nice being able to go up to any bar and get an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, without worrying about cost. I do not feel that I need the dining package, because I am typically very satisfied with the dining in the main dining rooms (so much better than what I make at home!!!).

If I were you, I would definitely keep the Teppanyaki, because the food is good and the entertainment value is even better! I would lose Moderno though and substitute Cagney's instead. Moderno was not my favourite, because I found the meat to be too rare. I have been to better Brazillian restaurants on land, for sure. I think you will enjoy Le Bistro and Cirque. The entertainment at Cirque is amazing and the food is okay.

I would love them too please. I leave in October on the Getaway. My email is c_hellendy@yahoo.ca Thanks.

I think the thermal suite is worth it for me. I like that it is less crowded and busy than the main pool. The loungers are comfortable to read (or nap), or you can choose a ceramic heated lounger. I enjoyed the therapy pool and hot tub a lot. My husband loved the steam room and sauna (too hot for me though). As a previous poster said, I enjoy being able to go in the water and not be outside, since I burn easily.

Yes, it definitely includes fountain soda from the bars and in the dining rooms/restaurants.

Post traumatic slide disorder!!!! I love that! Now, I am questioning whether I should do this slide when I'm on the Getaway in October. I'm the type of person that things happen to and I also wear a tankini. What to do, what to do?.....

On my last cruise, I won $500 playing slots twice, for a grand total of $1000. And as soon as I won each $500, I stopped and kept it. I am the type who only plays about $20 per visit (maybe 3 times during the cruise), so it was awesome. Never had to pay any tax.

Hi Lara,

I think that was my favourite review that I have read! You have a great way of telling a story and, of course, I love your fashion photos. I too enjoy dressing up for cruises. I will be on the Getaway in October, although regrettably not in a Haven suite, so this review helped to get me even more excited than I already was. Congratulations on your wedding! You and your wife make a lovely couple. Hope to see you on a future cruise. Take care.

I would not miss going whale watching in Juneau. I saw so many whales on that excursion, including whales fully breaching. Also saw sea lions and seals on the excursion. It was an awesome excursion and the photos I took are wonderful. Also, if Tracy Arm Fjord is on your itinerary, I have never seen such beautiful scenery in my entire life - stunning! I went halibut fishing in Icy Strait Point and caught a couple of halibut. It was a bucket list thing for me to go fishing in Alaska.

I am going on the Getaway in October and am very much enjoying your review. I can't wait for the rest. You didn't happen to take pictures of the main dining room menus, did you? If so, I would love it if you could post them. I want to book a couple of specialty dining nights, but don't want to miss out on my favourites in the dining room. Thanks.