mousey

Hi again...I'm getting a little better at getting around Cruise Critic so all of my questions have been answered. Thanks to all those that read my post.

Mousey

Hi, I haven't been on Cruise Critic for several years as we haven't been cruising. Lost my parents within 8 months of each other they where very ill for several years so all our traveling was done going from the West Coast to the East Coast to be with them.

Now we're thinking of sailing again but Cruise Critic has obviously changed a lot as has the whole cruising world. I have a few basic questions and would appreciate any help on what you may consider dumb questions. 😕

We're thinking of taking a short 3-day cruise on the Carnival Miracle from LA to Mexico. Here are a few questions in no specific order

Does Carnival require that all staff and cruisers be vaccinated? 

Do you also need to be tested before you board?

Has the Miracle been updated in recent years? (I think it's been 5 years as least since we last cruised.)

Does the Miracle have a Guy's Burger restaurant on board?

That's it for now. If you'd like to share any info regarding the Miracle I'd love to hear from you. 

Thanks,

Mousey

I agree on the light weight note books. I have also put loose leaf paper in a folder and used that. When I got home then I would put it in a larger note book with the rest of my travel notes. This way I did not have to carry all my note from other trip with me. And just in case I lost it I would not loose all of my travel note. I would only loose that trip's notes.

Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing!:D

Check out You Tube...they have awesome packing videos and there are tons of ideas and hacks!

Hope you have a safe and amazing trip!

When I was younger I always wore bikinis. Once I no longer felt comfortable in them...at about age 45 I started wearing one pieces and still do at age 71. I've never liked swimsuits with skirts on them as I have big hips and they just make my hips look even wider. I have a couple of tankinis but I don't care for them. I live in CA and cruise a lot in the Caribbean and Mexico so I have at least 30-40 swimsuits. I get mine at end-of-summer sales at places like TJ Maxx (I've gotten a few Michael Kors ones for as cheap as $12), Marshalls, and believe it or not Walmart has some really cute ones! I got one there for $17 and then saw the same exact one in Glamour magazine. I've got halter-style, strapless, one-shoulder ones, just a huge variety. I never spend more than $30 on a swimsuit. That's my limit. I rotate them all the time so they never get out-of-shape. And, if they do start to show a little wear...they go into the Jacuzzi only pile.

Come to think of it...I do have a one-piece with, not exactly a skirt, but a cute ruffle and it does look really cute on.;p

I used to be a major over-packer but I've been packing less and less. Next cruise I'm even going to try packing in a carry-on and large tote bag and purse. I too have a first aid kit that I never travel without but it's very compact. I try to buy clothes for traveling that can be rolled up and never need ironing. My biggest test is next weekend when I'll be traveling to Colorado Springs for my niece's baby shower in an under-the-seat suitcase with no other item such as a tote or purse. I'm traveling on Spirit Airlines and so that's all I can carry. Trust me...it's been a challenge deciding what to pack for the four nights and three days I'll be gone. However, I think I've nailed it! And no...I won't be repeating any clothing except for a pair of jeans I'll travel to and from CA in. I'll let you all know how it worked out.

I don't have a separate cruise wardrobe. When we cruise I'll usually by a few new pieces just for the fun of it. But I really have lots of clothes so at any given time I'm prepared for any situation. I've lived all my life either in FL or CA so my wardrobe does contain mostly summer clothing and lots of swimsuits and cover-ups.

Since moving to CA (many many years ago) I also have a small winter wardrobe for going skiiiing up in the mountains. Those clothes came in handy when we cruised to Alaska several years ago.

Our next cruise is probably going to be to Cuba so most of the clothes I have in my closet are perfect that kind of weather. But I will buy some new things...just for fun!:D:D

Hi Ladies,

Just popping in to say "Hi!" It's been ages since I posted. Glad to see you all seem to be doing well and still traveling.

I dropped out from posting because of illness and major changes in my family...Dad's living in a specialty care facility and Mom is now living with my brother and sister-in-law. Most of my traveling is done going back and forth every month to two months from CA to FL, where I'll stay anywhere from 3 weeks to a month to give my brother and sister-in-law a break from caring for Dad and Mom. It's been a huge change in our lives having Mom and Dad live apart from each other after living together for 72 years. I don't think they'll ever get over it. Dad's 92 now and Mom's 89. It's just the saddest thing. However they haven't lost their sense of humor and all's not 100% bad.

Anyway, that's why I stopped posting because who wants to hear negative stuff and right now I'm very depressed most of the time and I hate to pass on negative vibes.

Some good news though...we may be taking our first cruise in years in late August. If you remember or not my ancestors are from Cuba and I've always wanted to go there for a visit. So, that's where we may be cruising. It would be our first cruise in a few years. We just have to decide if we want to travel that late in the summer due to it being hurricane season. We'll be making our final decision soon. Since the cruise leaves out of Tampa we can combine with a visit to see my family for a few days.

Wishing you all Love, Peace, & Happiness

Mousey

The trick is to turn the items over to the towel station and then re-arrange the chairs. They can't figure out which chair was "their's".

;)

That's a super great idea!:D

I forgot who asked, but "Yes" Spirit has small planes. I hate that airline! Just a fluke that I"m flying it. It's just for an hour from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale. But still....I'm dreading it...and..I still haven't found the right size suitcase so I'm going to call and change the carry on to a checked baggage.

Melody, great news! Keep on healing!

Laurie, your snow pics are beautiful! Sorry your team didn't make the cut. Ours (the University of Arizona) just won the Pac 10 Championship. They're still in the running and just won their first game as they continue on. Sorry about your ex's passing and condolences to your daughters.

Having breakfast out with the DS this morning...whenever he wakes up...may turn into having brunch or lunch...LOL!

Drink up Melody...you sure deserve it. Sorry to hear about your friends. Hope you get good news on Wed.

We have been having really warm weather the last few days and it's going to continue to be warm through this week at least. I love where we live up in the Santa Monica mountains. A lot of flowers have started to bloom and it's so beautiful. And it seems as if it happened overnight! For example, on Saturday the DH and I were pulling out of the driveway to go to brunch and grocery shopping when we both exclaimed at the same time, "Wow look at the tree!" We have this big tree in front of our house that's right next to our garage. In the winter it loses all it's leaves and the last time we had noticed the tree it was just all leafless and looked dead, which is the way it looks in the winter because we cut the branches back. But on Sat...it was full of of flowers and blooming like crazy! Neither of us remember seeing the tree like that before. There are a lot of plants and trees here that only bloom for like a few days or weeks out of the year. It's kinda crazy really. But on Sat. that tree looked amazing! So beautiful full of small white flowers. We have no idea what kind of tree it is either. LOL!

The DS was home for two days with plans to hang out at home and then maybe go up to Berkeley to visit his friend, the young rapper that he manages. We know the parents casually and they just love the DS and told him he was welcome to stay with them. But...as is the case with our dear son...he changed his mind in a millisecond when 2 of his sister sorority girlfriends called from LAX and said they were stranded on their way to Cabo because their plane was late leaving Tucson and they missed their connecting flight. They wanted to know if the DS knew of an inexpensive hotel nearby where they could spend the night. The DS told them he would go pick them up and they could stay with us. The DS knows his friends are always welcome at our house anytime. So the girls were so excited and appreciative that they asked the DS to go to Cabo with them and told him he could stay in their condo for free (it sleeps 4). They told him he could sleep on the Murphy bed in the living room. So today I got up at 4am and drove the 3 of them to the airport and off to Cabo they went. We just got a call that they had arrived safely there. These kids...crazy crazy the way they change plans so quickly. His friend in Berkely was like, "Dude, I thought you were coming here?" So the DS told him...yeah like you or two girls in Cabo! His friend said. "Dude, I'd do the same thing." LOL Crazy crazy.

So, he'll be back here on Thursday night and will leave to go back to school on Sunday. Only 2 more months and he's out of Tucson and graduated. Wow! Did these last 4 years fly by or what!??? He's decided not to get his MBA yet. He wants to work and take at least a year off. He's so tired of school and all the pressure. His choice but hey...in a nanosecond he could change his mind again! You just never know...it's a roller coaster ride with this kid...he keeps us on our toes though. LOL!

OMG, I'm having a heck of a time with finding luggage for this trip to FL. The DH booked me on Spirit airlines (because it was really CHEAP) on the Orlando to Ft. Laud. leg of my trip. If you've never flown Spirit (I did once and swore, "Never Again in this Lifetime!") I'll tell you one thing...they are a major ripoff...But I know their game so I know how to not pay for all the things they charge for. I decided to go for it because it was so inexpensive and it's only a 1 hour and 5 mins. trip. However, I forgot about the extreme restrictions they have for their carry-on luggage because the last time I flew them I had checked my bag. Anyway...I'm having a devil of a time, with all the gazillion-sized travel bags we have, finding one that will fit their size restrictions. Ugh! I'm going to find one though. I'm going to have to downsize more than I thought. Clothes weren't going to be a problem but now they are. I just don't want to take less than I had planned. I'll let you know how it works out! Again, ugh!

It's the beach-type, rubber, thong flipflops that are discouraged from being worn in the MDR. However, as with lots of rules on ships...it's not enforced that often as I've seen plenty of people wearing them on casual nights. I personally have worn my Michael Kors' ones in the MDR before. I also wore a pair that have what looks to be a big rhinestone brooch on them in the MDR. Nary a word was said. I usually follow dress codes but on this particular cruise I had brought a pair of shoes that turned out to be very uncomfortable because of a bruise on the top of my foot...I dropped my curling iron on it as I was unpacking. My only other choice was a pair of athletic shoes so I went with the flip flops. I actually wore the rhinestone ones on the two "dress up" nights. A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta a do. ;p

Unless your brunch is set in stone...I think your group should change plans. There are so many things that could go wrong and I, personally, wouldn't take the chance of missing my cruise. I agree, Mr. Murphy, has almost ruined quite a few vacations of mine. The stress of trying to beat whatever he set in my way wasn't worth it. Now, I leave for wherever I'm going early to give myself lots of time.

I hope you and your group have an awesome cruise whatever you decide.:D

Check out Uniglo clothing. They are excellent for travel and they have a great choice of lightweight clothing in a variety of sizes, styles, and color. Their lightweight down hoodie jackets are amazing and come with their own little bag that they fit into. You can get them in all different colors. The price of the clothing is very affordable.

I'm so envious of your trip. It's like a dream for me to be able to travel for that length of time. Hopefully someday!:D

I also agree that you might think about buying your winter outerwear in Carolina instead of FL. You'll get a bigger selection there.

I hope you have an awesome trip!;p

OMG! I wrote this long reply and somehow it just got lost. This thing came on asking me if I was a robot. WHAT????

Poof my reply was gone!

It was all about my Pirate's Tale. Oh well...I'll tell it another day. I don't have the energy for it now.

But I did want to say...

Melody...Here's wishing you a complete and speedy recovery. You've really been through the ringer...but you have a great attitude so I know you'll have a great time on your upcoming trip!

Anita...Athliesure Wear is a very hot fashion tred so you're right on the money with your style.

Margaret...loved the Anne Klein print dress! All your choices were great as always! The DH and I did 2 nights at a golf resort in Palm Beach last summer. I love the area!

Sally...Congrats on your new J Jill purchase.

I'm off to FL in two weeks. Going to take just a carry-on and a backpack. I have lots of clothes in FL already so I won't have to pack much. Not really putting outfits together this trip. Just taking a few basics. A pair of white Capri pants, a pair of white, skinny jeans (that I'll wear on the plane), and a pair of distressed Capri bluejeans will do for bottoms. I'll take about four tops (one will be a black/white stripped t-shirt that I'll wear on the plane along with my Black Sketchers) and wear whatever I have in FL to fill in. My other shoes will be my favorite Michael Kors, black, flip flops. That's it! As far as cosmetics and toiletries...I'm taking just some very basic things because I also have that stuff in FL too. The final item is my favorite summer hat. It's a tan, straw, fedora-style by Liz Claiborne. It has a black, grosgrain band with a bow on the side. I don't know what I'll do if it ever falls apart on me. It fits me perfectly and I've been wearing it for several years now. So, that's about it for FL.

I most definitely would NOT give up my mid-ship room for one in the rear! I've been in cabins with connecting doors and heard not a peep from the other room. I've been in regular rooms where I've heard every peep the other travelers made. So it all just depends.

I hope you have an awesome cruise whatever room you decide to take!:D

Since you're going to the Bahamas...be sure to pack lots of sunscreen for both face and body. This should be packed in your checked luggage and double plastic bag it so it doesn't get on your clothing should it leak.

Don't forget sunglasses (don't bring expensive ones), a sun hat of some kind, and flip flops or some other kind of beach sandal for the beach and/or pool. You'll also need some kind of beach bag/tote if you plan to spend time at the beach and/or pool. On my recent flight to Cancun I used my carry on straw tote as my beach bag. Some after-tan body lotion is also good for soothing your skin. Be sure to take a bottle of water with you and keep hydrated while on land and at the beach.

Clothing-wise, most cruises are casual so shorts, Capri pants, and sundresses are okay for the main dinning room on casual nights. Even dress up nights don't have to be all that fancy unless you want to go all out. A nice sundress or maxy skirt is perfect as are a nice pair of slacks or Capris and a dressy top. Be sure to bring a light sweater or jacket as the dining rooms and just being outside on deck at night can be cool even in the Bahamas!

The best thing you can bring on your cruise is a good attitude! If things don't meet your expectations...just go with the flow. Remember...you're on vacation so "Don't worry, be happy." I hope your first cruise is as great as mine was...I've been cruising since 1965! I'm addicted!

I just came off a 7-day land trip to Cancun for my niece's wedding and I used several of the cubes. I love, love, love them! For the first time I used one of the big ones and rolled my pants and Capris into them. Worked out great! There was nothing in my suitcase but cubes. There was nothing loose in there at all. Worked beautifully! I just pull out a cube, unzip it, place the top of the bag under the bottom of the bag and in the drawer or shelf it went. Everything was neat and accessible and nothing touched the actual drawer or shelf bottom so I didn't have to worry about anything getting dirty or soiled! Worked like a charm and this is the way I will now forever travel.

I too get my cubes from TJ Maxx and Marshalls at very great prices. I have about 3 sets at the moment. I also lucked out the just before my trip...at TJ Maxx I found a special cube that has two slots on the top to put a pair of shoes in. I used that bag to hold my water shoes and 3 swimsuits and cover-ups! What a find! I'm going back now to see if I can find more of those special cubes as gifts for friends I know that travel a lot. It's my best find in a great while!!! It also unzips so the cube can be made larger! Love it!

FYI...the Suduko idea is also know as Capsule Dressing. Check out Pinterest as they have loads and loads of ideas for that kind of packing and dressing. I have tons of them on my board and plan to use one of them for my upcoming FL trip. I didn't use it for the wedding because there were so many different activities that required different types of clothing. Like the Pirate Booze Cruise which I'll tell you about another day. It was a blast! And I got blasted! LOL!:eek::D

Melody...hope your surgery went well.

Here's a short story...sorry if I've told it before...I too have an overbite. This incident happened years and years ago after I had just been to the dentist and his son who had just become a dentist was in the room while I had my examination (I had given him my approval to be there). He told me that he could really help me out with my overbite and could make my teeth look perfectly even using some new technique or whatever it was. Anyway, the next day I told my then boyfriend who freaked out. No! No! No! Don't let anyone touch your overbite. It's part of who you are. You have the greatest smile I've ever seen...everyone loves your smile. No! Don't do it. It would be crazy. That's the reaction I basically got from several other friends when I mentioned getting my overbite fixed. Needless to say I never did it and still have my overbite. It's amazing how you don't realize what people love the most about your looks until you mention that you might change something. I'm glad I never got my teeth fixed because to this day the thing I get complimented on the most is my smile. I also have a chip in one of my front teeth which the dentist suggested should be fixed. That one I did fix and I can't believe how many of my friends said..."Why'd you do that for?" They thought it was cute! LOL! You just don't know.

Just got back from Cancun. The wedding was perfect and lots of fun. Weather was great, food was great, but best of all the people were just amazing. My niece's friends were so welcoming to me as an older person and the groom's family was wonderful. All in all it was a big love fest and, rare for a wedding, not a single thing went wrong. The wedding was beautiful.

All my outfits got raves from everyone from the younger group to the 88 yr-old grandmother. I was really feeling good about my choices. Only two tops and two pairs of Capris didn't get worn. I also could have left one of the swimsuits home. All in all we had a fantastic time and are now looking forward to the other niece's wedding in June on a dude ranch in Colorado.

Coming up is a trip to FL to see the folks and as it turns out my BFF in the whole wide world is going to FL to visit another of our BFF's and we are all going to meet up in Boca Raton for 4 days. I'm so excited!!! After that it's the DS's college graduation in AZ in early May.

Still doesn't look like we'll be going on a cruise this year so I'm living vicariously through all of yours! So keep the details and outfit choices coming!.

So that's what's up with me. Love hearing about your trips!

Peace...Mousey

Laurie,

Okay, okay...just let me say right off the top...YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!! You and your hubby make a very handsome couple and you're both very photogenic.

I love love loved the 1 and last black and white pictures you posted the best of the black & whites.. You guys look great! What beautiful photographs. The love you obviously have for each shows through in these pictures so beautifully. I loved all your pictures.

All your clothing choices were awesome and fit you to a "t". Loved that purple dress! But...my favorite thing was your swimsuit. OMG! What a beautiful color and it fit you so perfectly. As Billy Crystal used to say on SNL..."You look marvelous!"

Last but not least...it really touched my heart that your husband is taking sign language classes to be able to communicate with you when you don't have your hearing aid on. What a wonderful, thoughtful, loving thing to do. I'm blown away by such an amazing act of kindness and it's such a loving gesture. You are one lucky lady and he's one lucky guy.

Melody,

Again, so sorry for all your problems...hang in there!

Margaret,

So sorry for all the problems with your parents. I'm headed there myself. Mom and Dad are still living on their own but things seem to be going down hill a little bit health-wise for them. It's so hard to deal with these issues when we live far away from our families and they need our help. All we can do is our best and it seems that's just what you're doing.

Gotta run, I'm in the middle of deciding which outfits I'm taking to Cancun and what's getting left behind. Wish I could take it all but that's not in the cards. Can't wait to leave on Monday. Hope these rain storms stop so we can get out on time. We were in a major drought and now it's over. But so much damage in terms of floods and mudslides, more importantly...loss of life because of the storms.

On an up note...Peace, Love, Happiness, and Good Health to All of my Earth Buddies!

I'm 70 and nothing has changed in the way we cruise. I started cruising at 19 and the DH at 18. He's 6 years younger than me. We still do stuff like jet ski, snorkel, zip-line, etc. etc. etc. Luckily...neither of us have health problems that prevent us from doing this. Oh yeah...we still love to dance the night away in the dance club or wherever there's dancing! Other than how we look...nothing has changed...we still love to cruise!!! :D

"not disrespect your spouse by being anything less than what they expect of you."

What the heck! Seriously????:eek: My DH expects only that I be myself. At 70...I too wear distressed clothing. I would not wear them in the MDR...but that's just my choice.

By-the-way...I rock a pink, kitty-cat hat too!;)

Melody...my prayers are with you! You've really been through a lot! Hang in there girl!

opps! Sorry I double posted. I meant to edit...just learning this new format.:o