SoloAlaska

Old running trick is stuffing crumpled newspaper in your shoes. Helps them dry out extra fast. I’m actually grabbing a local paper on my way to the shop on my next cruise since I expect to need it.

Thanks I will be the only single adult on this cruise. Drinks are mandatory for surviving a family trip.

If you’re worried make sure you have travel insurance. Shouldn’t be an issue however.

I will be on a family cruise and just found out my official roomie is a 13 year old. If I were to get the deluxe beverage package is the kid required to get a package as well? Some cruise lines I know require a non alcoholic package for any children staying in the same stateroom but I didn’t see that mentioned for RCI.

Just asked a friend and it’s showing 199$ for his 7 day cruise in Alaska.

I wouldn’t wait on any of those. You can look at booking through independent tour operators but I wouldnt risk a walk up. June is going to be one of the busiest times for Alaska tourism and you don’t state how many ships are in port when you are so that would also impact availability.

Book easy connections or prearranged transport. Don’t try to do everything I personally would suggest taking a ship transfer to the airport in Lisbon. Give yourself enough time to not stress about making your flight. Book a direct flight. Then get yourself a great hotel in Barcelona and enjoy the city. Have a plan. Keep it simple. Make sure you’re not carrying too many pieces of luggage. Enjoy an amazing trip.

You’ll have kids onboard, that’s why I book my cruises for September. Where I live English schools go back after the long weekend so kids are still travelling the last week of August.

Mmm I wish this was a thing too. I’m helping organize a cruise with 12 people next year.

Depends on where the cruise is sailing from but usually just ask and you should be able to get one.

Only started cruising since the restart. 3 in 14 months, I was hooked instantly. Next cruise is in 7 months with another booked for 6 months after that.

Cash unless you actually know the person. I knew a staff well and knew she was about to finish her contract so I brought her a very special gift. This was my second cruise with her onboard and we stayed in touch between plus hung out together during the second cruise. Another staff on another cruise we knew she wasn’t able to get off the ship and asked her what she would like from shore. A bag full of junk food and candy was perfect because that’s what she wanted and couldn’t get.

I buy mine at Marshall’s I’ve gotten full sets to individual pieces but always sold individually. My preferred style is a clamshell with 4 sets of wheels that have 2 each. They hold up better I find than the single wheels. I start by finding all the ones I like and then pick the one that is lightest.

Check your travel insurance to make sure it covers ww rafting before booking it. Also when are you looking at these excursions, white water varies based on time of year. You might want to ask on the port boards for more info/opinions.

Only started doing it after my luggage got lost. I also always have identifiable mark inside the top of my bag. My usual is a business card and whether it’s me or my office helper they get a hold of they will have my name and can contact for a stateroom number.

As I pack I lay all my stuff on my bed and take photos. This way if my luggage is lost I have the records plus if I can’t remember if I packed something specific I can always check my photos.

Never packed more than 4 pairs of shoes on any trip. Honestly I can’t imagine ever packing more than 5 which would include hiking, city walking shoes, sandals, heels and flip flops. Most trips 3 is plenty. Also these include the pair I am wearing so in my bag there is usually only 2 pairs.

Amazon or Temu. Less work than tape and stapling and no chance of it getting ripped off. i own both sizes depending on what cruise line I’m cruising on.

I always look up cabins on cruisedeckplans dot com to see real life pictures of similar if not the exact cabin

cold weather cruise 5 shirts 4 bottoms 3 layers (cardigan, raincoat, fleece) 2 shoes 1 dress 1 purse 1 silk scarf warm weather cruise 5 shirts 4 bottoms 3 dresses 3 shoes 2 swim suits 1 layer 1 tote bag 1 large silk scarf I wash my clothes in the sink while I’m in the shower with no rinse detergent. I typically bring 6 pairs of underwear no matter the length of the trip and 3 bras. This is what I consider the minimum amount of clothes to travel comfortably for myself but the formula works for me. I can’t image bringing 2 suitcases worth of stuff especially if I had to share my room, where do you fit it all.

The only slowing of lines I’ve seen is with wheelchairs and other mobility devices or people distracted because they are busy on social media and filming EVERYTHING. I challenge you to a race, you with whatever you usually carry onboard versus me and my carry on… for fun let’s include a few flights of stairs. Not being serious here but I would probably still win. My reason of being a carry on only traveller is to streamline what I have to carry and be nimble when traveling through multiple modes of travel including trains through Europe, busy airports, cruise ships etc.

Solos are used to paying double and no one complains at that. The issue is paying more than double.

Jan that’s a great week. My weight has been up and down the last few weeks but I’ve lost 2.4lb since the first of the year. I’m sure you’re looking forward to your cruise in just 4 weeks.

Hi Jan hope you are doing well. I’m making myself a new pair of travel pants this week since I’ve lost about 5 inches on my hips over the last 7 months.

There is literally only minutes when the ship has no guests onboard between cruises. Maintenance happens all the time while you’re onboard. Most of it when you’re in port but expect not just window washers but lifeboat testing, painting, fixing of railings etc. As others have stated that is a pretty good view considering you booked a guaranteed cabin. Guaranteed means you end up with the worse of that category. If you wanted something better then you should pick your cabin at booking.