LindaD22

We had reserved a beach bed in South Beach, but this deal came up (even cheaper than a beach bed!) so we got the beach pass instead. We really enjoy quiet relaxing beach time, so it definitely looks worth it. Not to mention the food, which also looks outstanding!

Yes, that will be the earliest. Your app won’t update, it will still show your “selected” time

You have priority boarding with The Key, so you can arrive early (we arrived at 10:30). You will be directed to the reserved section for The Key and allowed to board after those needing assistance and the Diamond & Pinnacle guests. This allows you to be on board in time to enjoy the Chop’s lunch in the MDR, where you can drop off your carry-on luggage. Enjoy!

We are able to prize and book beverage packages in the app now. This makes it easier to reprice and book when prices drop!

We did this on Voyager last month. We went to the MDR for The Key breakfast and brought our bags with us. Once done, we were directed to a short disembarkation line for Key guests that ran adjacent to but was separate from the general line. At about 9:30 (not sure of the delay) we began to exit with those needing assistance a/o wheelchair users going first, then Key guests, before the general line - which was quite long by that point. I hope that helps!

I love that jewelry organizer, very compact yet looks like it holds a lot (on my way to Amazon now …)

I roll my clothes and use packing cubes. I’ve been able to consolidate down to a carry on and a personal bag

I ordered the Brooklyn lined pants in rustic beige. I did not love them! Since these would be used next May for a Mediterranean cruise, I felt the lining would make them too warm. I thought it would be a silky lining, but it’s actually a brushed cotton that’s better suited to colder weather. I like the color a lot. The fit was a bit snug, especially in the tummy area. These are going back!

But … you aren’t using the chairs. Why do you take up “premium real estate” by the window when you are spending your time in the pool? If you used a chair adjacent to the pool where you’re spending your time, you could keep an eye on your things and have easy access. And leave the nice window views for those who will actually sit and enjoy it.

Thank you for posting your review! We’re doing 3 weeks in Italy and B2B cruises next May, so I’m glad to hear how well these worked out. I haven’t gotten the new brown Brooklyn pants yet, I’ll post a photo when I do so you can see that color.

I used these mini ziploc bags for my daily vitamins and meds on our last cruise. They worked out great because each packet held one day’s worth; once done, the bag is tossed. Less to bring back home and easy to fit in my luggage.

Am I missing something? How does this reply relate to the OP’s post? Personally, I put in so much planning and thought into every cruise that there’s no way I could do a “Surprise Cruise.” I mean, maybe one day I will reach a place of Zen contentment that will allow me to go with the flow, but that day hasn’t come yet!

Published today in USA Today: The ship will sail from Miami on year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each voyage will visit the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, according to a news release. Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area with cabanas, pools and ocean views, will open at the destination in 2024.

I recently bought a soft pencil case (back to school supplies) and filled it with First Aid type stuff: Tylenol, cough medicine & drops, Pepto, bandages, etc. I plan to restock it as needed and keep it in my travel bag for all cruises.

Just got off the Voyager. Someone had “claimed” a lounge bed, but in the 60 minutes we were there we never saw them. Another lady came along, asked if it was being used (clearly not) and got an attendant to remove the towels, then settled in nicely. About 45 minutes later, the “owner” of the towels strolled over, took a peek at the new resident and then turned to me (one row back) and asked where her stuff was. I said an attendant had gathered up her things. She looked confused but didn’t fuss. Sone people 🤷🏼‍♀️

I wanted to follow up on the Athleta Brooklyn pants, since we just finished our 7-nt New England & Canada. I brought along these pants and they ended up being the thing I wore the most! They are very comfortable, stay crisp without wrinkles, easily wipe clean, and can be dressy or casual. As a matter of fact, today I ordered a pair of lined Brooklyn pants in a brown color! They will also be included in my capsule wardrobe for next May’s B2B Italy & Greece cruise. I really recommend these pants!

Just got off Voyager with The Key. Breakfast in the MDR began at 6:30 am.

Great review! We are on this cruise right now. I’m enjoying reading through your experiences!

That’s smart! I appreciate travel hacks like that.

Just boarded Voyager today with The Key, our first time with this package. We really appreciated the priority boarding and dropping off our bags at the MDR, to be delivered directly into our rooms. Lunch was leisurely, delicious and worth it; the company at our table was exceptional. We purchased The Key on sale for only a few dollars more than Voom, so well worth the cost so far. Looking forward to disembarkation with the breakfast in the MDR and expedited exit from the ship.

Love all the lists for specific locations & trips. Thank you for posting!

Simple is good - and easy! That’s the mindset I’m trying to achieve with traveling. Instead of packing for every “what if” and “maybes” I really want to be thoughtful about what goes in my luggage. It is very helpful to get everyone’s input on this subject.

Following. We have several cruises on the books but the bucket-list ones are yet to be planned. Looking forward to seeing what’s coming!

I love this attitude so much!

I wouldn’t have thought to bring a mini flashlight but that’s a great idea. I love all the suggestions!