Mum2Mercury

Sounds like his issue was lack of preparedness and general rudeness, not paper vs. digital pass. Don't assume that people who prefer to print their passes aren't comfortable with tech. It's just a preference for this particular situation.

Perhaps I'm being argumentative, but you can't always count on getting a medicine -- even an OTC medicine -- right away. Some ships have those vending machines, which may or may not have what you want. Waiting for your next island stop, then finding a drug store isn't particularly convenient. And I'd rather not bring myself to the attention of the medical staff. This is the one category in which I over-pack. Just pack it in the middle of your carry-on, and no one will even know you have it.

Thoughts: - I own maybe 5-6 swimsuits, and I thought that was kinda on the high end. - I bring 2-3 swimsuits, depending upon the length of the cruise and the shore activities planned. - Most of my swimsuits are Lands End, so they're on the thicker /more supportive side. This means they need a little extra time to dry out, and I hate-hate-hate putting on a wet suit. - For our upcoming Wonder cruise, we want to take advantage of the water slides before the crowds arrive, so I'm thinking of boarding wearing a swimsuit (covered by a tee-dress type cover-up) and my husband will board in swim trunks and a matching tee. We would not carry extra clothes on board and search for a place to change.

They're from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HTX3JD3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Few things suit ALL body types.

When we "returned to cruising", I was worried about this because my husband has some minor mobility issues now. It turned out to be no problem at all. We have two methods: - Sometimes, especially if it's busy, we'll pick up our drink and silverware first, then find a seat. One of us goes to fill a plate while the other sits with the drinks. We do not drink things that've been out of our sight, even for a moment. - If the place isn't busy, we'll go together to fill our plates. Then I'll go fetch drinks and silverware. - We tend to eat our main meal first, then go back for dessert. Sometimes we'll go one at a time to get dessert, sometimes we'll peruse the offerings before we sit down, and I'll go pick up for both of us. I haven't had a problem with this. Sometimes we end up splitting up for breakfast or lunch. I usually tuck my silverware into a pocket, and I carry just one plate and a glass. If I want something else (like a doughnut after my sensible breakfast), I usually pick it up "to go" back to the room. A staff member is usually hovering around clearing and cleaning, so -- if I need to leave the table; like for a second drink -- I ask that person nicely to keep an eye on my table and not to clear my food. If that staff person offers to bring it to me, I say yes and thank them -- but I never ask them to do anything extra. Have had no problem with this. Oh, one more thing. I never carry a purse or bag that can't just sling over my wrist. And often I just tuck my Ship ID into my pocket and don't carry a bag at all. I have something similar that I've made (and laminated) for my pool chair -- just for when I take a bathroom break or go to fetch a drink. I don't know why I don't have such a thing for tables in the buffet; I'll have to change that!

You're on the right track. Joggers are athleti-leisure pants. Yes to soft fabric and elastic waist, but also elastic at the ankle. They're supposed to be worn a tad short so you see a bit of ankle between the shoe and the pants. They're comfortable and trendy right now, but -- unlike sweatpants -- they're not worn with "sloppy" tops. I think they'd be a great choice for wearing on a plane: they aren't binding and would be comfortable for long trips, and they look good with slip-on sneakers (like Vans).

Joggers are trendy these days. I just bought a pair, and I love them! I think you're right. Comfort matters, but you want to look presentable too. Personally, I'm small and have a great butt and legs -- my problem areas are always my waist and bust. Still, I only wear leggings (out of the house) with a longer top or tunic.

Great answer!

Opinions vary on this, but I'd say: - If you're paying for the drink, the 18% gratuity is added automatically. I feel comfortable with that being "enough". - If the drink is free and no automatic gratuity is included, I feel it's right to add $1-2 for the bartender, who, otherwise, is working for free. I'd add $1 if he's just handing over a beer, $2 if he's mixing up a cocktail.

Of course anyone can do it, but you said it in such a way -- oh, no point in going on.

I did the same thing! I had intended to keep coloring my hair until I retired from teaching, but then Covid hit /we left school on Friday, March 13 and didn't return in person until -- oh, was it September or October? I quit coloring my hair while we were at home, and I decided I like my hair with a touch of gray. I was never good at keeping up with my coloring, and I'm very happy with what I have now. Be forewarned though: The transition /growing out months are bad. BAD.

The line about how if your elderly mother can do it, anyone can do it. The line about having "issues" with phone use.

I pack light -- except for medicines and first aid. I don't want to bring myself to the attention of the medical staff for something I could've "fixed" in my own room. I bring: - Tiny baggies with our prescription medicines /labeled with the day of the week. I like these because they're easy to carry to the dining room, then throw away. I bring a couple extra baggies in case we're delayed, though we've never needed them. - Small bottle of Tylenol - Small jar of Tums for my husband - Package of cold/flu type pills -- thinking it's easier to bring just one thing, I bring the type that cover all the typical symptoms - Covid tests -- when my husband came down with a cold, it was nice for him to be able test and know he DID NOT have Covid - Bandaids with Neosporin

It's not that I can't use my phone; it's that I find a piece of paper tucked into my passport book easier. Why do you feel the need to insult people's abilities /choices? In all fairness, some people rummage through their purses for their phones (or through their phones for the right spot) as well. This one's kinda a half-and-half thing. A good analogy.

No, I don't remember that. But I remember when they used to sell a cookbook with the MDR's recipes. My husband bought me one for Christmas -- being thrifty, he bought it off ebay, and the recipes were not great. Too soon to talk about twice a day stateroom service -- lots of us are still pissed about that. I never cared about the midnight buffet. I remember when the specialty restaurants were called Adults-only Restaurants, then people complained that "their children had sophisticated tastes and would love the opportunity to eat in these restaurants". I remember getting luggage tickets in the mail.

Speaking only for myself, I find the paper-printed boarding pass easier for several reasons: - Paper can't run out of battery - I can't accidentally touch paper's screen and knock it to a wrong app just as I'm ready to show it - I can slide paper into my passport book and have all my items together - This allows me to keep my phone securely in my pocket /no danger of dropping it

I'm not sure why it was so delicious, but it was!

I guess I'd call my packing style "Highly Organized". - I have a template on my computer that lists what we need for a one-week cruise (no need to recreate the wheel). I adjust it up or down for our particular cruise, then print it. - Having a list keeps me from over-packing. - I limit shoes, as they're the biggest space hogs in a suitcase. Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes -- possibly water shoes, depending upon our plans. - Add specifics needed for excursions or specific plans. - I pack 3 bags: a tote bag for our night-before hotel (which my husband and I share, then leave in the car), a backpack for my carry-on, which doubles as an island stop bag, and one small suitcase (which my husband and I share).

Something that happened to us once: We were supposed to be able to check in on, oh, let's say June 1st. Tried to check in, failed, failed, failed, failed. Midnight on June 2nd it magically opened. Had to be a mistake in the computer. Will this happen again? I don't know, but the point is that a computer glitch is likely. Keep trying. And, as someone else suggested, switch it up and try with your phone.

We started cruising in 2003, and I definitely remember a beer /wine package. Might not've been Royal Caribbean, as we "poked around" with other lines for a while.

We used to bring light sticks for our kids when they were small. They're a perfect night light -- just enough glow for a child to feel he or she has "something", even enough light to walk to the bathroom, but not enough to wake someone else. You can buy light sticks at the Dollar Store or in larger quantities on Amazon. Buy a couple extras because every now and then you get a dud.

Speaking only for myself, back when I was the target audience for this Hideaway Beach party, I couldn't have afforded it. Now that I can easily afford it, I am not willing to open my wallet for this experience.

It's not just "to you". A suite is, by definition, a series of connected rooms. However, the cruise line isn't alone in using the term "suite" to mean a larger or more luxurious room.

I don't know Holy Doughnuts; and since I don't live in the right area, I suppose that's not going to change. I'm definitely curious about potato doughnuts -- are they heavy? But, then, potato bread isn't heavy. As for the dippings and toppings, they look something like Duck Doughnuts, which we have here. The chain originated in the town of Duck, which is in the NC Outer Banks. It is a good thing I don't live near a chain.