Blondilu

I like balconies but would rather have an inside than not get to go because of the expense.

I'm taking my 3rd cruise to Alaska in August. On the first I took my mother who was 80 at the time. She could get around pretty good but would get tired, so a balcony was perfect for us. Especially on glacier day. She could watch everything from the balcony. The guy who lectured could be heard on the TV and the ship pivoted around so we got a full view of the glacier almost half of the time and other beautiful sites the rest of the time. When she got tired or cold she would step inside and rest or order room service. Another time we saw whales from our balcony. Expensive but so worth it. Mom died a couple of years later and that was her last big trip.

The other two times (including the one coming up) I have gotten an inside. Cheaper so I can go sooner rather than later. For viewing you can go up to the top deck or my favorite, the Promenade.

Vanity sizing for sure. I have been much heavier than now and thinner, too. I remember back in the 70s having someone tell me "anyone can be a perfect size 10". It hurt my feelings because I was trying so hard to lose weight. The smallest I got was to a 12. And I was hungry and miserable trying to maintain that weight.

I am 5'10" and sort of big framed so that weight was not even realistic though, admittedly I could stand to lose 10 pounds. Anyway, here I am 25-30 pounds heavier than when I wore that 12 and guess what? I wear a 12. And that "perfect size 10" is considered big. All so some young lady can say she wears a 0 or a 2.

Good to know I am not alone. I will definitely start speaking up to any retailer who offers only lower waisted pants.

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll give Chicos and LLbeans a try.

Myfuzzy: I've gotten some things from Walmart that I've loved. You never know until you try!

I'm not sure if this is off topic on a cruise forum, but I have a cruise coming up in August and just starting to think about what I'm going to wear.

Anyway, I would like to get a little feedback from women who are perhaps trendier and more fashionable than me. Which is likely to be just about everyone. This is regards to pants that don't come up to your natural waist.

Apparently I was asleep when pants that fit anywhere from a couple of inches below your navel to waaaaay too low became the standard as opposed to an option. I find such pants to be unattractive, and uncomfortable.

I am in my early 60s and a little overweight. I have a high waist, but I do have a waist and find pants that come up as close as possible to the indentation of my waistline to be the most comfortable and attractive (on me).

Fit and comfort aside I'm not sure I understand the point. I guess the trend started so women could feel young and thin. But, a lot of us are not young or thin and we buy clothes, too. Furthermore, a huge portion of the women I know wear their shirts or tops outside of their pants, making where the waist sits sort of beside the point. At least to me.

Anyway, I get very frustrated by the lack of options. Low-rise, mid-rise or "sits below the natural waist". Why not "sits AT the natural waist”? So hard to find. I got the jeans I currently wear from a catalog for heavier women. Why? They come up to my waist. They also come in Talls which is a complaint for another day. I have to get the smallest size they offer, but I have bought several pairs because I am convinced this option will go away as well. And I do have a couple of other options, but certainly not in the cute trendy new styles. Ha, maybe I should just forget it and dress like my mother. OK, maybe not.

Basically, I am fed-up enough that I want to write to each of my favorite companies and let them know how disgusted I am that they don't offer pants with a fully natural waistline as an option. Not jeans, not cute little capris, not activewear. Heck, even pajamas are now offered more often than not with a lower waist.

Before I write (and make an idiot of myself) I want to know if I am in the minority. After all, retailers will offer what is most sought after by a majority of their customers.

So, the question: which do you prefer? And why? Thank you.

I have dreams like that about work, never a cruise though. Not yet, anyway. However, I do get stressed out about my passport. I check and re-check that it's where I know I put it. Like it would spontaneously disappear. LOL.

Personally speaking, I always get a "I'm getting a cold" feeling when I travel, cruise or otherwise. It goes away a couple of days after I get home. I always thought it was because I was on the go so much more and I don't get the rest I should. At home my schedule is pretty set, on a trip not so much so I'm a little out of whack. Funny, I don't notice I'm tired until I get home and have to go back to work, LOL. And the air-conditioning on planes and ships don't help.

I make sure I get orange juice every day and drink lots of water. It seems to help some. I spent last week in Washington DC, got home Saturday night. Here it is Tuesday and my throat still feels a little iffy, but thankfully no cold.

Cheeseclan: good to hear hubby is OK.

My mother fell often. Bad eyesight, bad balance, whatever. She tore the rotator cuff on both shoulders, broke her hip, had a broken hand twice.

I have fallen down stairs though I am more prone to falling UP stairs. I've fallen in a parking lot, at the theater once (long story and really funny looking back) and once on the side of the freeway, also funny looking back. It's funny, of course, because I didn't get hurt. Embarrassed as heck, but not hurt.

Anyway, now that I'm older I think often of my Mom and try to be very careful wherever I am. In regards to those beautiful but frightening-looking stairs in the Piazza I am even more cautious. So, I think that is the answer: Because of the nature of those stairs when people go down them they are more deliberate and careful, as opposed to just going at them full speed ahead.

My neighbor does that thing a previous poster mentioned: Instead of a carry-on and a personal item, she brings two 22-inch bags, her purse and her coat. Then brags about how light she packs.

I don't usually do just carry-on only. But, even then I bet I have less in my 24-inch checked bag and carry-on than my neighbor has in her 2 carry-ons. And I certainly could do carry-on if needed.

I take what is applicable to the trip. A straight-forward cruise or cruise with a stay in 1 hotel where someone else will take your bags (tipped, of course) then I'll take a larger bag.

If I were doing multiple cities with different kinds of travel and tight connections you can bet I would go smaller.

Gosh, it's never fun to wait. But your attitude can make or break any situation. For me worst boarding ever was last year on the Royal, British Isles. A crazy, chaotic hot mess loading of passengers at the bus station to get on the Princess shuttles to the port. Once at the port the longest line I have ever been in. And once inside....yep, more waiting. We didn't board until after 6:30pm. Oddly enough is was not unpleasant at all. Met a lot of really nice people and had a really great cruise. Boarding day just became one of many awesome/funny stories to tell when we got home

Seeing dolphins on my first cruise. I had been feeling sea sick and went out on the Promenade deck for fresh air. There was a bunch of them (school, pod?) and they were the first thing I saw coming out the doors.

Last year on the Royal with my sis we went to dinner, formal night, anytime dining. My sis isn't very social and I'm only a little better and were a bit nervous about being seated with strangers. It was a total and very pleasant surprise to sit with the most engaging people. The conversation was so entertaining we stayed too long and completely missed whatever it was we were going to do next.

Going my 3rd time in August. I live in Northern California so the embarkation ports are relatively close. It's 12 hours to Seattle so I can drive if I want to eliminate flying. And relatively inexpensive. Especially if you don't fly.

It's only 1 hour to pier 27 in San Francisco. But, it's 10 days vs. 7 so it's not in the budget this time. Maybe next time.

I'm pretty sure there will be a next time. I really like Alaska. Mostly I really like to go. Mostly anywhere is OK. But it has to fit into the budget and available time.

Last year I went to the UK and that was a huge trip, time and money wise. Next year is New England, also costly. So as things are right now, in between bigger trips it's either Alaska or Mexico for me. Now Mexico is somewhere I don't really care if I go again. Though I wouldn't turn down a free trip. LOL. Dream on, right?

Hawaii out of San Francisco would be awesome. So, maybe that's my next time. But, I would go to Alaska again in heartbeat. I'm not sure why people don't repeat.

Not sure how accurate those stories are unbder normal circumstances.

 

If you are using a credit/debit card with Princess they put a hold for the new charges each day. If you reach your limit on the card, they will cut off your ability to charge unless you provide them with an alternate method of payment.

 

If you have a cash account on board, you must put a deposit down at the start of the cruise and if it gets used up, they will contact you for more $$$ before you can charge more to your on board account.

 

Now if you suddenly buy $5000 worth of jewelry and do not have enough credit/cash to take care of it once the charge is made, then I could see a problem happening.

I actually read that here. Not the norm, I suppose. I can't imagine spending more than I have.

But, the nurse did tell me to say I couldn't pay this bill. I didn't do that, I thought it odd because they already had my credit card number. If there wasn't enough limit this month wouldn't they just keep charging it until they had their money? The point is that on the ship, at least, paying up front may not necessarily be required when you visit the Medical Center. Totally different story when ashore in a foreign country.

Anyway, as proven time and time again in all these posts: get Travel Insurance. Too bad they don't have insurance for your onboard account. :D

Last year on the Royal my sister had to visit the medical center. It was nothing compared to the previous stories and truth be told I never even filed for reimbursement. Got lazy, got busy, sister didn't get the paperwork from her insurance company in a timely manner, blah, blah, blah. Glad to have had the coverage though. It could have been so much worse in which case I certainly would have filed.

Anyway, when the nurse handed us the bill she told me straight out to tell Princess we couldn't pay at that time. That way we could file the claim, get the money and THEN bay the bill. So, as mentioned by Pam you do not necessarily have to pay up front.

In fact, I've heard of stories where people can't pay their onboard account at the end of the cruise. Apparently the company just makes some kind of arrangement to collect the funds however they can until they get their money.

In this kind of job (room steward), I am sure it can be tough finding that sweet spot between too much and too little. I can just imagine they get it from both sides of the coin. Clear communication is the key.

I try not to make their job tougher by letting them know in advance of any special needs or just giving them the benefit of the doubt if something goes wrong. Short of out and out thievery.

If I don't want something touched I don't leave it out. Going into drawers would be a no-no as far as I'm concerned. That would be like getting into my suitcase. But everything left out is fair game to be touched or re-arranged as necessary for the steward to do their job. This includes the closet since it's open. This is my opinion, of course. And based on my being kind of messy and un-tidy to begin with.

Regarding the DND sign, are you sure it didn't fall off the door? Or get turned around as a prank? Very difficult to tell if the steward ignored it or if it wasn't the way you left it so they couldn't tell.

I feel a freedom on a ship I don't feel anywhere else. I think in part it's because everything is familiar enough that I never feel out of place. But all the new places you get to go keep it feeling new and exciting. Both completely grounded and out in the wind, so to speak. I like that feeling.

Also, there is something about being on the sea that doesn't compare to much. Timeless and larger than life. I could stare at it for hours, and have.

I came home the same weight as when I left and usually do. I eat pretty much what I want, though try to watch my portions. I mostly don't eat between meals but will eat dessert occasionally.

If I'm going to gain weight it's after I come home. I am more active while travelling but have come to the conclusion that I actually eat better, as in more balanced when someone else does the cooking. More apt to eat salads and vegetables and less apt to over eat. I also drink more water.

Ditto to most of things previously posted.

But, for me a cruise is so much more than the great food or having the steward make up my bed every day.

I am a little schizo by nature: Love to go, but love my home. Like to try new things just as long as they're familiar. Scaredy cat and adventurous all at the same time. LOL. To me, being on a cruise is like no other vacation. A perfect package deal: you can be out and about and totally adventurous and then back to your own little home with someone else taking care of all the details. There is such a feeling of freedom for me.

No worries (except what to order for dinner or whether or not to go to Bingo), no cell phones, no clients calling every 5 minutes and then wondering why you can't get anything done.

I love the food. And the people. And the crew. And the scenery. And walking on the promenade and the sunrise and sunset.

What makes a cruise special for me? I guess I'm easy to please, because mostly it's just getting to go.

I just booked an inside for 2017 with my 2 sisters. I'm hoping for some price drops so we can upgrade, but at this point a bigger (more expensive) cabin equals not going.

In 2014 we did a 5000 mile road trip. I figure the 3 of us sharing a car and motel room with 1 bathroom for all that time prepared me for anything. Actually we had a great time so I'm thinking we'll be fine.

Why worry about the buffet? As you said, you wash the food from the grocery store. But the food from the buffet goes directly into your mouth. Stop "self serving" at ship buffets and it will put a tremendous dent in norovirus transmission.

Agreed, but my point is that the same people with the same hygiene issues are everywhere. And so is the Norovirus.

On my last cruise there was an outbreak. The captain came over the intercom at least twice a day to remind people to wash their hands (and sadly enough, HOW to wash their hands) before and after eating and smoking. And to not touch your face. Made me hyper aware of how often I do the later.

Funny thing is I'm no germaphope, maybe even opposite if there is such a thing. And I almost never get sick. The episode I had with Noro was the only time in at least 10 or so years I had been ill. Maybe a lot of it has to do with my own immune system. Even so I would hate to find out I was a carrier and made someone else sick.

So, wash your hands. A lot.

My thoughts on this subject are always the same. Why worry about the buffet? The same people who don't wash their hands and then go to the buffet also go everywhere else. They touch door handles, stair railings and so much more.

Do you go to the grocery store? Dirtiest place around. People go to the store in any condition and touch everything. Touch their mouths or runny noses and then touch everything. Little kids are put in the carts with dirty shoes or dirty diapers. The grocery store is probably where I caught the Norovirus. I had been to work and no one there was sick before or after and the grocery store was the only other place I went before I went home.

Of course, you go home from the grocery store and wash your food. And that is my answer. Wash YOUR hands, don't touch your face (especially if ill). Wash before and after eating. Open the bathroom door with a paper towel. You cannot control everyone but you can do a lot to reduce your chances of getting sick.

In answer to your question: No I probably would not have said anything to the individual.

Yes, I meant new bookings not first time.

Regarding final payment: I meant the date Princess requires you to be paid in full or lose your booking. It's usually 75 days before sailing. You can, of course, pay in full whenever you want but that's the last day you will be allowed to make any changes.

Yes, you can. As long as it's before final payment and applies to you (first time booking specials, for instance would probably not).

I actually called twice on my last cruise. The first time I got a really good deal which included a reduced fare and some OBC. When I noticed a second deal I called again. I was told, yes, I could have the new deal, but I would lose the OBC from the previous deal. Since the OBC and the new price reduction where the same amount so I didn't take it.

Bottom line: if you see a deal, call. The worst that can happen is they say no.

My sister and I did this cruise last August and it was amazing. I'll add my name to the list that think you should read Delorean Girls review. Another one I really enjoyed was by ohhbother. Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1851903&highlight=british+isles

I did a report but it is nowhere near as informative or for that matter, as entertaining as either of the ones I mentioned. And there are many others, I just can't remember their names. Search this forum for "British Isles".

Hope you have as much fun planning as I did. And have an awesome trip!

Sis and I were on this cruise last August. I messed up and was too late to get reservations for the Princess excursion. We got good recommendations from Shogun, among others, for other tours.

What we ended up doing was taking the train from Greenock to Edinburgh which was super easy. We had pre-arranged a private car to pick us up and take us back to the ship. He was right where he said he would be after the show (we scoped it out before the show so we would know where it was), he was on time and he got us back to the ship about 15 minutes before the buses even with a stop to use the restroom.

This may not work for you, but is certainly an option. And the whole thing cost less than the excursion would have.

FYI: while at the show we ran into some people from the ship and they told us the tour they were on (not Princess) told them they had to leave the show early or miss their bus. Can't remember the name of the tour company, but I would be sure and ask before you make plans if they will wait for you until the show is over.

By the way, the show was awesome!

I was on the Royal at the beginning of August and they were insistent about hand-washing. The Captain even came over the intercom at least once a day to give updates about the Noro outbreak followed by instructions on HOW to wash your hands. He pointed out that washing your hands was the single best defense against getting sick.

And yet, there were those who resisted. One woman told the attendant at the buffet entrance "I just washed my hands in my stateroom." The attendant replied, "Did you touch anything on your way here?" She ignored him.

That struck a nerve with me so I started thinking about how many times I touched something throughout the day that had been touched by others. Stair rails, door handles, elevator buttons. Then gave thought to how many times I touched my face. Wow. You won't have to remind me again to wash my hands before I eat.

I thought the hand-washing stations were a good idea and not at all upsetting. What IS upsetting is hearing the Captain remind people to wash their hands "after using the toilet". Yes, he mentioned that, among other things, on a daily basis. Unbelievable that he found it necessary to even mention.