Mum2Mercury

I'm aware that my worth-it-meter is set lower than other people's, but I'd pay no more than $30 to go to Hideaway Beach ONLY IF it were winter, and I wanted the heated pool. I am not motivated by adults-only, pizza or music (in fact, I'd go early enough to get a place on the far edge away from the DJ).

I'm not at home and don't have access to my cruise files, but here are a couple thoughts: - You should email RC's Special Needs department. Now -- don't wait. Let them know you need help with embarkation /disembarkation. You may see something else on the list that would be helpful to her as well. - If you're going to rent a scooter, consider requesting a Handicapped Room. We usually go with Guarantees, and we were placed in one recently. The extra space was very nice, and -- if we'd had a scooter -- we would've been able to bring it in without trouble. The only thing we didn't like was the curbless shower. - If you're buying a scooter, yes to the light ones. My stepfather has one, and it's amazingly small (he is not small, but he's fine on that thing). Do splurge on a second battery (so you can be sure to have an extra on hand) and bring a backpack that will allow you to bring that second battery ashore with you.

My engineer husband would eat this up. I'm going to get him one for his birthday, which will fall just three weeks before our next cruise! Thanks for the idea. Bringing a few days extra is a good idea. The possibility of your cruise being delayed a few days is remote, but it doesn't take much space. IN THEORY the attendant would collect anything left behind, but it can happen. On a recent cruise we found a 3-outlet plug-in. Not something we ever use, but we took it home and gave it to our daughter, who was glad to have it. I've heard of people finding things left behind in the room safe.

Wow, this is a challenging pack! My thoughts: - You really don't want any shorts for the Panama portion of the cruise? So no swimsuits either? - Engage the 3:1 method for your daytime wear ... for every pair of pants, bring three shirts. I'd bring four pair of jeans /casual pants + three shirts to match each. Lots of short-sleeved shirts that can work in Panama. My family's from Panama, and Guayaberas are super-popular in that warm climate. - Add four layering items ... sweatshirts or jackets. Things that can match the pants you've already packed /cover the shirts you've already packed. - Dinner wear ... I'd bring 1-2 pairs of nicer pants + three dress shirts to match each pair. Done. No one will notice if you're wearing the same pants over and over, and classic men's dress shirts aren't much different. Since you'll only wear them a few hours, it's not going to be a problem to re-use them. Just hang them up nicely after each dinner. - Will. you need a heavy jacket in addition for the time of year you'll be in Alaska? Gloves and hat? - You mentioned doing laundry in port on day 16. If you can do a big bundle and get your pants /shirts cleaned for $30, I'd consider letting the ship do it, but -- since you know the area and aren't really into touring on that day, hitting a local laundry mat isn't the worst plan. Do bring along a roll of quarters and some laundry sheets; that'll be a money-saver in the long run. - I'd bring a pair of comfortable sandals for the Panama portion + two pair of shoes (in case one gets wet). - As for the suitcase, you're almost certainly going to need two ... I'd try to choose one that'd stack on top of the other, allowing you to pull just one. - Bring a backpack for your carry on /let it double as your ashore bag. What a great trip you're going to have!

If you're really motivated, here's a work-around: Put your milk or yogurt into the ice bucket (obviously, with ice) and wrap the bucket in a cold, wet towel. Put the whole thing in the room cooler (as you said, not a refrigerator). It'll stay cold.

Sounds like a glitch. Yes, you must call for 5 in a cabin. No, it's not a pain to call them -- it's just hard to get through in the middle of the work day; instead, call early or late. They're open until something like 11:00 pm.

- Schlep = walk down the hall rolling a suitcase - Nothing to buy - Nothing to pack

Blasphemy!

Thing is, you pack enough of these little things that "take no real room", and collectively -- surprise! -- they take room. Alternately, you could leave it where it is so a child can find it. It could make a kid's day. If you know ENO hammocks, they can be hung anywhere ... on a balcony, several places on the deck above the pool deck. Love it! I have a template I fill in for every cruise. I type in lots of pertinent information, and we keep it on the wall during the cruise: Dates, anticipated weather, docking and sailing times, tours, dinners, etc. I leave blank space so we can write in things we see on The Compass -- shows or movies we want to see, etc. We really rely upon that template. Alternately, take your suitcase down to the gym and use that scale.

- To be fair, lobster is offered once a week without upcharge. Personally, I like the option to order a lobster or a good steak in the MDR -- it's cheaper than the whole family going to a specialty restaurant. Options are good. - I agree that the MDR's "included in the ticket" steaks aren't a strong point. Windjammer has better steaks most evenings /pork chops on most other evenings. - And, yes, the bread is nothing we can't get at Food Lion's deli. Good but not memorable. Personally, I'd like to see some garlic bread in that bread basket -- that might tempt me to eat carbs. Didn't they have cartons of milk? I'm not a milk-drinker, but I know I've seen them. My husband complains about the same thing: On the older ships, the early risers congregate on deck waiting for coffee. On newer ships, the Promenade Cafe takes care of this need. Exaggeration. I like the smaller ships too -- they have their perks, especially for anyone with mobility issues. BUT I expect to pay a lower price for a smaller, older ship with fewer amenities. I agree that your stage of life plays into what you enjoy /don't enjoy in a cruise. Sure, we must allow for individual differences, but -- being mid-50s, retired, and not quite a senior citizen -- and I'm not looking for the same things I did when I had small children.

That makes no sense. I thought lack of a reservation was their clue that you planned to eat in the Windjammer or elsewhere. False. I've never had a moment's trouble with My Time Dining. We are just a couple /not a group -- perhaps that makes a difference? I'd assume they don't understand their options.

I'm neither needy nor messy, but you're not speaking for me. I like having a cleaning in the morning -- the bed made, the bathroom refreshed, fresh towels, and the trash emptied. Then again, the room "refreshed" and evening-ready after dinner. It's something that makes vacation more special, and it's the level of service we've come to appreciate on cruises. I could accept lesser service, were it not accompanied by higher prices!

Different menus. You should be able to Google them online. If you don't specify, the internet'll probably throw the dinner menu at you automatically.

That might make sense if cabin service were the ONLY measure of a cruise; in reality, so many factors play into our choice: port locations, prices, cabins, itineraries, entertainment, onboard activities, food ... it's not fair to say, "Don't like this one thing? Quite the whole product." And emptying of the trash cans. Yes, one cleaning + a "refresh" at bedtime is great ... we don't need a second full-fledged cleaning. It's easier to get your own ice from the buffet. Bring a big insulated cup. That's my biggest complaint: They cut the service AND increased the price ... that's just bad practice. I'll die on this hill.

Several thoughts about directions: - It'll take you about a day to remember your way around. - We always try to be among the first to board, and the first thing we do is go to the tippy-top of the ship and circle down ... we find this easier before the crowds arrive. Even if we've been on this ship (or a sister ship) before, it's great to remind ourselves of where everything is and make plans. We point out things to each other: "Oh, there's the towel station." "Dad, there's your soft serve ice cream!" "This is a nice quiet spot to sit outside." - You'll find model ships /maps in every elevator /stair pod. - The public spaces' locations are labeled inside every elevator, so you'll have no problem remembering the right floor for the MDR or the theater. - Have you downloaded the app yet? It has digital deck plans. - I'm bad to get turned around when exiting the elevators ... so I pay attention to the artwork next to the door to my hallway. Whether it's little white shoes or Chinese vases, I know that's the artwork that'll "lead me home". - We always bring magnetic door decorations for our own door. About Deck 3: - We almost always go with Guarantees, and we were on Deck 3 on a not-so-long-ago cruise. To be perfectly honest, we didn't love Deck 3 ... seemed so far from, well, everything. We had a great room ... a handicapped room /so much space. We didn't let the room's location spoil anything for us. It barely mattered. - As for being near the Casino, I don't think it'll be a big deal. You'll have the hallway as a buffer. While the machines are always making noise, it's a rather low-key noise. Looking at the deck plans, I'd rather be near the Casino than the Music Hall. Tips about the Windjammer Buffet, which we've always enjoyed: - If you want alcohol, the Plaza Bar is dead-ahead of the entrance. - We think the food alllll the way at the back is the best. My husband usually heads for the carving station. Every evening they'll have either steaks or pork chops. You can have cooked-to-order eggs or omelets made in the back. - What I don't recommend in the Windjammer: pancakes or French toast. These things aren't so good if they've been sitting. - I eat low-carb, so I always have the same lunch: a plate-sized salad + a bit of chicken or fish. They do a different grilled chicken thigh every day, and I've always found them good. Windjammer is the best place to get this lunch. - If you're not an adventurous eater, Windjammer offers hamburgers, hot dogs and fries every lunch and dinner. - The Windjammer's desserts are cut very small, which I like.

I'd go ahead and schedule an Uber. I've seen the hotel shuttles backed up /people waiting. Obviously, I don't even know what hotel you're using, but I'd go for a sure thing.

I could say the same -- about My Time on multiple ships. We've never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes to be seated and have been very pleased with it. In December we took a last-minute, rock-bottom priced cruise and were forced to take Early Traditional Seating. Reminded us of why we enjoy My Time.

I have never sailed HAL, but on Royal Caribbean /most other mainstream lines you do one of two things: - Choose Early or Late Traditional dining, and that sets your dinner reservations for the whole cruise. - OR choose My Time Dining, and you reserve your specific time for each evening. You can just show up, but you'll get in more quickly with a reservation. But that may or may not be true on HAL.

This is what I was about to answer. The people who work the customer service lines aren't authorized to change prices.

I've cruised enough that I have a good template for packing. With the exception of some medicines in my First Aid Kit, I use everything I take + don't lack for anything. Goldilocks-style.

No cost: Kids' clubs /Teen clubs and all the activities in those clubs, shows, afternoon movies & MUTS (Movies Under the Stars), water slides, Flowrider, rock climbing wall, Sky Pad, gym, some exercise classes, soft-serve ice cream station Extra cost: Arcade, spa treatments, milkshakes, ice cream parlor

Too much like a work day. Scratchy at the neck with a non-collared shirt. Dare I say ... tacky. ALL my daytime clothes -- including swimsuit cover-ups -- have pockets. Yes, OTC meds are not the place to pack light. If you feel ill, you want medicine NOW -- you don't want to get dressed and go to Medical or the shops, and you certainly don't want to wait for the next island stop. Ours fits into a small-medium cosmetic bag, and we always take it in a backpack for shore trips. I'm wondering if it's okay to stop bringing the Covid tests, but then I remember that my husband took one on our first back-to-cruising trip -- when Covid was still much more a fear. It was very reassuring for him to see that negative and KNOW he just had the sniffles. Yes. I prepare an envelope for each island stop. On the outside I write our plans -- contact info /meeting spot for tour guides. And I list anything we're supposed to bring -- water bottles, towels, etc. Inside I count out any money we know we'll owe to the tour guide + anticipated tip + anything extra we might need: money for a taxi, a meal, etc. Lots of small bills so we have choices /don't need change. Yes, I plan to spend cash only, and this means whatever's in our wallets is a available to spend /we don't have to remember what we're going to need for the next island. We carry a credit card -- in case of emergency -- but I don't think we've never used it ashore. I only bring water shoes if our shore excursions demand it. No need to bring detergent for hand-washing. Use the all-in-one soap /shampoo from the shower. Yes to a few ziplocks, but no need to over-do. Wow. We pack one rolling carry-on each OR one 26" shared bag. Plus a small backpack each for carry-on. And those bags aren't full. I bring the same three bags on every cruise: - A small backpack for Embarkation Day. Being hands-free is the best. This also doubles as an island stop bag. - A small pool bag -- mine's about the size of a 6-pack, and it's plenty for sunscreen, Kindle, etc. for the pool. I pack it first in my backpack /squishes all the way to the bottom, so it takes no extra space. - A small clutch handbag for dinner or around the ship. I keep a "purse hook" stored inside this clutch, which allows me to hang it on the edge of the dinner table -- that's a very handy little thing. I have a small laminator at home -- love that thing! I laminate my luggage tags (costs ten cents to laminate three tags), then staple two tags on each suitcase. Since we drive, I staple them on at home. If I needed to attach them at a night-before hotel, I'd ask the front desk to lend me their stapler. Yes, I have Robitusin pills in my medicine bag. I do prefer liquid cough medicine at home, but this little bottle is more practical for a trip. Definitely bring your own books -- actually, I bring a Kindle. The ship's library is really just a small collection of paperbacks previous cruisers have left behind. Do not assume you'll find something right for you.

No, no, don't bring a wet towel back to your room. When you're done at the pool, stop by the Towel Station and exchange for fresh towels -- only store fresh towels in your room. Pro: If you decide to hit the hot tub super early (or late), you have towels, even if the Towel Station is closed. Con: More than once I've forgotten my towels and had to turn around and go back to the room to get them.

Several thoughts: - I like the idea of the app showing how many towels you /your room has checked out. - A method to minimize towel problems: Check out your towels on Day 1 and never return them -- just exchange them for fresh towels (until the last evening, obviously). The fewer times your number goes in and out of the computer, the fewer opportunities for human error. - On the last evening of a cruise, I always ask the towel station attendant, "Do I have any towels checked out?" Perhaps with two cabins, it'd be smart to check both rooms. - While I hate the idea of charging, I do remember (thinking way back) leaving beaches and seeing blue towels all over the place. Carrying a wet towel back to the ship isn't fun, and a lot of people used to take the path of least resistance.

First, what do you expect to carry to the beach? When my kids were small, I used to carry multiple towels, lots of sunscreen, and beach toys. - Back then I liked to carry a large mesh bag; mesh is lighter weight, and it lets the kids' sand fall out. I definitely wanted everything in ONE bag. - Now I carry less -- just my own stuff. I've been using the same bag forever, and it's not what most people like: it's a bath bag that my MIL gave me; originally it held Bath & Body Works products. It's about the size of a 6-pack of sodas and is just right to carry my Kindle, sunscreen, sunglass-readers, and a few more things. I roll my towel up small, and it fits on top /is sandwiched in by the handles. Second, do you need to bring things that need protection? - You probably want to carry your phone when you disembark at an island, but do you really need it at Coco Cay? Do you need it around the ship? - I bring my Kindle to Coco Cay, and I'm not all that worried about leaving it on my chair when I get into the water -- I cover it up, but I don't think my fellow cruisers really want to steal someone else's Kindle, especially when that person is nearby. When I go to lunch on Coco Cay, I leave my towel /sunscreen on the beach chair but bring my small beach bag with my Kindle. That's just my comfort level. - At a beach on an island, I would be more careful. My husband has swim trunks with a zippered pocket, and he carries our ship IDs, money and credit cards on his person. - In addition to your beach bag, consider getting an around-the-neck phone holder that you can take into the water. Such a thing would be over-kill on the ship. On the ship, I'm okay leaving my phone in my bag /covered up. But I'm not okay with that on the islands. Those rings are a good idea. You don't have to (and, truthfully, cannot) make your bag completely theft-proof -- you just have to make it less desirable than the other bags on the beach. Make your bag harder to access, and the thief will pass you by.