LarsenPNP

My husband and I have booked the thermal spa package twice. Once was on a 28 day cruise on the Koningsdam, and we used it many days of the trip. This trip had many sea days, and we found it was worth it. The second time I was a 14 day cruise on Oosterdam which was very port-intensive. The *thought* was, we would be tired and achy when returning from excursions and we would use it a lot. We used it exactly once -- not such a good value.

Love, love, love La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double repair moisturizer, and their Anthelios sun screen. Their sunscreens aren't tacky feeling at all.

The other point about Vistas, is that they are often in more preferred locations on the ship. If you are picky about your cabin location, you may find the Vista is where you want to be. Of course that is not to say that you wouldn't get a nice location in a Veranda, but HAL seems to know which areas/cabins are preferred (Aft location, larger balcony, near elevators, mid-ship, etc) and thus charge more for this.

I pack carry-on only, so weight and space are imperative. To do this, I had to shift my thinking away from picking “just the right shoes” to match a chosen outfit, to a more strategic plan. I start by evaluating my excursions and activities on ship, and the type of footwear I need. Then, I pack shoes BEFORE deciding clothes (which will ultimately all be in some sort of capsule wardrobe). Choosing the clothes to match the shoes — completely in reverse of how I dress at home —has worked to keep me on track to only pack what I need for the trip. Best, Christine

Ah heels.... my 'Don't I look good sitiin' down shoes'. I love them, but every time I put them on, I don't make it from my closet to the bedroom door without retreating to change to a ballerina flat, skimmer or wedge. I have a crazy cute pair of leopard print peep-toe pumps that I want to bring on my next cruise, or will I relent, and pack the leopard print skimmers.... hmmm... who will win?? 😆

I’m jealous!! Bon voyage!

Check with your hairdresser about the styling products. This time of year, my salon carries stocking stuffer sizes that are perfect for travel.

Of course I'll serve as your excuse! But as far as I am concerned, you NEVER need an excuse for shopping in Italy. Safe travels!!

I thought of one more piece of advice: Pack clothes in YOUR style. You might read in various places that you need specific travel clothes or gear. If you wouldn't wear it at home, you certainly won't be gravitating toward it while traveling (or if you do, you just don't feel comfortable in it). The last thing you want when traveling is to be adjusting/tugging/feeling self-conscious about your outfit. If you wear neutrals at home, pack those. If you are into brights, pack those. Pack what makes you feel good.

I just did a mock packing for a South America / round Cape Horn cruise, which will have warm and cool day needs, and I fit everything into the Nomad Lane Bento Bag (under the airplane seat/personal item) and a Delsey 19" International Carry-on Spinner. I wear a US size 12, I have way more than 5-4-3-2-1. The key I found was to think in terms of weight. For example, 3 silk tops might equal the weight of one cotton button up. I'll happily take 3 over 1 🙂 . Merino is warm and lightweight for a sweater, and I choose these as my warm layer vs. say, an Irish Fisherman's knit. So it's about not only amount you bring, but the weight of those items. That's not to say I won't allow myself an indulgence if I have the room. This trip its an oversized cuddly sweater. I'll be the one curled up in the Crow's Nest on HAL with my double espresso and biscotti. Yummm....

I like Talbots for basics. Have several pants by them, and I love their pima cotton tees. https://www.talbots.com/clothing/pants/straight-leg?start=0&sz=54

Agree 100% . I also do not want to cruise with that many children. I'm a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, so I spend all day with kids. Although I truly like kids, I want a vacation away from them 🙂

My first comment was not serious. I was joking (Disney movies last 90 minutes and end happily ever after 😉). Maybe I'm not as funny as I think I am! My second comment was related to others that have not enjoyed reading the thread and suggested it be closed. You and I have casted our votes as 'nay' to closure in the imaginary voting poll.

But will I get that if I sail on Disney Cruise Line? Asking for a friend.... But seriously, I have enjoyed the insight from BOTH perspectives. No, the thread should not be closed.

I guess this is an appropriate time to use the 'your mileage may vary' line. LOL. Some hotels have a separate check in line, and others do not. Some staff will catch it and upgrade, some you have to ask (nicely). No matter, I just ask where my room is located. Just like on a cruise ship, sometimes the "upgraded" room's location is not preferable. I have also refused the upgrade, when it would require me waiting for the room to be ready, versus taking a room which I could have early check-in. Have a great trip!

Exactly--- two distant ends of the spectrum. Seems to me there's a niche in the middle... albeit NOT at the current price point.

What brand is your sling bag? We are planning a trip to South America next year. I’ve never been, and I’m reading a lot about petty thief and cell phones being grabbed right out of your hands in Buenos Aires. I’ve read to wear your backpack to the front. Although my infinity scarf is light weight and made for warm weather (typical temp is low to mid 80s F when we will be there), I’m thinking maybe I should still plan for another option. Maybe the sling worn to the front is a better option.

*Edit - didn’t include previous poster quote*

I like to use an infinity scarf with a zippered hidden pocket that holds my iPhone mini, a credit card, ID, small amount of cash. If you are talented, I would imagine they are easy to sew. If you're not (like me), check out Etsy. I carry a water bottle, but leave it on the excursion shuttle.

One more tip — if you are doing a multi climate trip and packing silk and merino or cashmere, you can layer the silk top under the sweater before rolling and packing. The sweater then adds some cushioning to prevent wrinkles, much in the same way that tissue paper prevents wrinkles when used in retail.

You’ll be hooked…. Have a great time!

I roll the silk tops which helps immensely, and I go for that summer on Martha’s Vineyard wash and wear linen look 😉 As for the pressing (sometimes my best rolling still doesn’t work), I have found great value in pre-purchasing the laundry package. It’s a great deal on HAL, and allows me to pack less (more cost effective than the oversized bag fees). I will get my money’s worth by making sure I do a last possible send out at the end of the cruise so I am packing clean clothes on the way home. Not having to do laundry once home decreases my PVS — post-vacation syndrome. It’s a luxury I’ll take over any souvenir!

So many great tips! I agree this is do-able. I fly carry-on only and pack it all in carry-on, and a tote bag as my personal item. Flying internationally with connections, I especially do not want to shop for clothes when I arrive if my luggage doesn't arrive when I do. I would miss too much valuable vacation time trying on clothes in a dressing room! In addition to the great tips above, I pack with a capsule travel wardrobe plan. Although I am a clothes horse at home, I put myself on a strict "budget" for travel. And no, I don't get bored with my clothes, as long as I focus on packing the things that feel good-- like cashmere, fine merino, linen, silk (I like clothes that give a great tactile experience) 😉 The Vivienne files is a nice reference https://www.theviviennefiles.com

I like Keen for supportive walking shoes. I have Keen Rose (style name, not color 😉 )Mary Jane hiking sandals that I wore on every excursion in Hawaii. Meets the closed toe requirement needed and the wide toe box makes them comfy. I wore with pants, shorts and casual day dresses. The Keen Targhee II hikers were my go-to in Alaska

We did the Koningsdam 18-day Circle Hawaii just this past February. I did not notice King Crab on the Pinnacle Grill menu, but there was a Seafood night that was held in a cordoned-off portion of the Lido one night. $49pp (my best recollection) for a bucket of seafood that included King Crab legs, a white fish, salmon, mussels, potatoes. Chowder and cornbread was served as an appetizer. It was delicious, but too much food. One bucket really enough for two. Although I doubt they would have allowed two to split... lol