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When we are traveling from cold at home to hot on the cruise, we fly dressed in comfortable layers we can shed when we get to port. And we make sure we have a swimsuit and whatever we might want for the first few hours in a tote or backpack in case we have to wait for luggage or our room. We do always try to fit everything in carry-ons anyway. Packing cubes really help. if you can’t resist shopping, bring a fold up tote. Fill it with dirty laundry as the trip goes on. Then you have room in your luggage for the goodies. Checking luggage on the way home isn’t the risk it is in the way there. We always bring extra meds, especially during winter. Even if you aren’t flying anywhere cold, winter weather can mess up flights all over the country. I can’t stress this one enough- (assuming you’re flying) make a note in your phone exactly where you parked your car and how to get there. You WILL forget. Bring a waterproof phone case you can wear. Then you can keep It with you and safe at the pool, beach, etc. I use this to carry my ship card, money or cc or passport when I may need them, and of course my phone. Bring extra glasses and sunglssses. If you don’t, you will lose or break them. I also like to bring funk away so I can rewear clothes. But don’t bring too many t-shirts. I always buy at least two every trip. We also have a tradition of buying ornaments from each cruise or country. They are small and a great way to remember each cruise every year when you decorate your tree. Most important- bring an open mind. Other cultures are not like ours (no matter where you’re from). Enjoy the experience!

Also, probiotics and melatonin. I love these. The probiotics definitely help my tummy. The melatonin helps me relax and sleep well without making me feel dopey into the next day. If you tend to “spin” in your head at night, camomile tea really helps. Also good to bring something that boosts your immune system. I know it sounds crazy, but I have found if you take something like Emergen C the minute you feel a cold coming on, it will either stop the cold or greatly shorten it. The combo of echinacea and goldenseal does something to the cold virus that stops it from reproducing. So you have a cold for a day or two instead of a week to 10 days. Some of these “natural” remedies are easier to get on board or ashore than pharmaceuticals.

I do know things like lobster were offered at least one night in the MDR. Now some items, even in the MDR have an up charge.

I just binged watch the Love Boat. If cruises ever were really like that, then yes they have changed. I sure wouldn’t want to have to have a gown for dinner every night. I’ve never seen a captain among the passengers that much. And I doubt the cabins have been that big since the titanic. But I don’t think they were, or at least haven’t been for a very long time. Whatever it was, I love cruising the way it is now. You get what you pay for. Went on one cruise with my parents about 25 years ago. They had the biggest suite you can get. I had a tiny interior room. I doubt I will ever be able to afford a suite like that. But it was fun to see how the other half lives. Truthfully, we all had a great cruise no matter our cabin size. In 2017 took a cruise with my new husband. He insisted we get a balcony. It was his first cruise. Boy did that make a difference! I will never go back to interior. But I think a lot of perception and needs has to do with age. At 35, interior was fine. I was out and about a lot anyway. At 60 I want a little more comfort in my room so I can quietly enjoy the ocean. So maybe cruising hasn’t changed. Just your perception.

Be sure to take plenty of extra rx meds., especially if are flying to and from your cruise. Flight delays, bad weather, etc could extend you trip which is stressful enough. But being without meds makes it more so. I had one horrible night in Mpls years ago. I will never be stuck without my meds again.

If it’s really busy I sometimes ask the people next to my table if they would keep an eye out for a minute. I make sure they are mid meal and not about to leave. on one cruise I asked another solo diner and we ended up having breakfast together. Most people are happy to help.

I often get up before my hubby and enjoy breakfast alone. I don’t eat that much that I can’t get it in one trip, except for juice and coffee. First, staff will often come around and offer to bring you those. Second, leave a sweater or something if little value at your table. Staff and passengers generally know that means Simone is there. I have also found if the food is untouched and silverware unopened and clean, no one will clear it.

I take so many daily meds that to take all the bottles would take up too much valuable real estate. I take pictures of the prescription labels that show my name too. Never had to show them. But good to have in case. other things that are a must for me: Benadryl, Tylenol migraine, omeprazol, aspercreme, gas-x, a good anti- itch cream, new skin (for blisters), sun block and aloe (if a sunny warm location). I also find I get what I call “travel stomach”. It’s from eating way more than usual, richer foods, too much sun and not enough sleep. Three excellent remedies- bitters, ginger or camomile tea, and tamarind candies. The last I have only seen in Ecuador. I call them magic candy. Within seconds my tummy feels so much better. If you can find them get some. The bitters you can get at any bar. I like drinking an Aperol spritz. It really settles my stomach and cures headaches.

I see the sunflower is only good for UK countries. Bummer. I’m from the US.

We just booked a Celebrity cruise. We opted to buy the zero proof drink package and prepay the gratuities. I’m sure we will tip more on the cruise unless service is really bad. But that’s our choice. We may buy something in the shop (they usually have great deals the last sea day) but otherwise, don’t expect to have any other charges. One thing a lot of people may not realize is that many of the venues on board these days simply rent space in the ship. The cruise line doesn’t own those. That includes the spa, shops, some restaurants, Starbucks, etc. The cruise line doesn’t really have a say in their prices. It’s also why, though you may have an all inclusive drink package, you still have to pay for bottled water in the shops. But as the earlier post said, ships didn’t have all these options years ago. So you have a choice- use the third party and pay, or don’t. But don’t complain that you have the option.

I often get up before my hubby and enjoy breakfast alone. I don’t eat that much that I can’t get it in one trip, except for juice and coffee. First, staff will often come around and offer to bring you those. Second, leave a sweater or something if little value at your table. Staff and passengers generally know that means Simone is there. I have also found if the food is untouched and silverware unopened and clean, no one will clear it.

You mean no more traying? We used to sled down the big hill in the middle of campus after bar time.

I was also going to mention Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. But I don’t think many people would know that movie. That’s when cruising was a while different beast. If I had to wear gowns every night I don’t think I’d enjoy that much- unless of course there are men like Cary Grant on board. 😊

It also used to be that people dressed up to fly. Cruise travel was just for the elite, like in A Affair to Remember. Now it’s available and affordable for almost everyone. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I’m sure the very top tier of lines still has some of that.

Where do you get sunflower lanyards? I never heard of that.

I think there is a sanitation reason. I also think the trays make getting around the buffet when it’s crowded dicy. But mostly, it makes it feel like a cafeteria. Having lived in Vegas for a long time, I have mastered the buffet. First, make a pass round the entire buffet and decide what looks good. Grab your beverage, flatware and condiments and find your table. Second, get your first course, enjoy that. Sit for a bit. Third, main course choices. If you’re not sure- take a very little bit. You don’t want to take up valuable stomach real estate with food that’s not that good. Fourth, desert. Since they usually have the same dessert options every meal (this goes for everything at the Buffett) don’t feel like you have to have everything in one meal. Promise yourself to have the other one tomorrow night. Even if you go to the MDR, you can sneak to the Buffett for a treat, or take it back to your room for later.

Very true

The first cruise I saw this on was in 1991 on RC. We loved it and did look forward to what animal we were getting each night. My husband’s kids had cruised with their mom several times. They really looked forward to the towel animals. Our last cruise on NCL our steward did the animals in our cabin (balcony) but not in our kid’s interior cabin. We asked our room steward several times if he could please do the animals in the kids cabin. He said sure. But it was never done. The last night was our son’s 21st birthday. We gave the steward an extra tip to cover the bed with towel animals. He did and our son loved it. I don’t know why they didn’t do it earlier.

To each his own

I believe it was just before Covid. 2019 I think.

Don’t stress yourself over vacation planning. One of the things that makes cruising so great is that you don’t have to worry about the three most important things- eating, sleeping, and transportation. In the past I have been almost OCD when it came to planning. I have learned over the years that the best thing to do is figure out the highlights of what you might like. But if you can’t see everything you want- promise yourself to go again sometime and let it go. Nearly every every cruise there is at least one port that doesn’t interest me much. Those are the places I always end up pleasantly surprised with. If you don’t have any expectations, you’ll never be disappointed.

If you want some great ideas for the hidden gems, check out Rick Steves shows on PBS or video or , if you are old school, his books. He focuses mostly on Europe. But he now has a series specifically for cruising. Just be advised, he is much more fit than he looks and most people over 60 would find it hard to do a lot of what he recommends.

Personally I’ve always found the MainStage shows kind of cheesy. I love the comedians. Have never seen a bad one on a ship. But I have to say, one of the most fantastic entertainment experiences I ever enjoyed, on a cruise or anywhere, we the Cirque du Sole show on Norwegian a few years ago. The acts were breathtaking, downright inhuman. The costumes, music, even the food (it was a dinner show) was music for my mouth! Honestly best Filet I have ever had. It wasn’t cheap as it was not only specialty dining but a special show. It was worth every penny. So I actually think the caliber of entertainment has improved on some lines. I guess that’s a matter of taste.

One thing I cannot say enough good things about- the after hours tour of St Marks in Venice. overall, Venice was a bit disappointing. It didn’t mesh with my memory of it from 30 years ago. It smelled bad and was so dirty. We had to decide between leaving the windows open, getting attacked by bugs and choking on the smell or suffocating with the windows closed. So sleeping on a ship would have solved that problem. However, if we hadn’t stayed one night we would have missed the best experience of our entire trip. St Marks is breathtaking no matter when you see it. But the after hours tour lets you get up close and personal without fighting crowds. The gold dome and the glass mosaics take on a whole different magical feel in the evening light. I think my jaw was agape the entire tour. I found the tour through Viator I think. Don’t miss it!

Couldn’t agree more! We love meeting other travelers. We also like forming a relationship with our waiters. But we appreciate the freedom to eat when we want and not have to dress for dinner if we feel like shorts and tees. money if the reasons I like Cruise Critic roll calls is the opportunity to connect with others, maybe arrange to have dinner together, etc. just because the cruise doesn’t set you up with other diners doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. And you can always request the waiter you want. We have found the crew will do everything in their power to make your cruise exactly what you want. So if you long for the old way of cruising, just ask for it!