luvbrady

Was on Harmony last spring- if you want the main pool deck- ugh. Not easy. But I don't mind and had an easy enough time on the next deck up. A little quieter, too. A little.

We use ours (and our airline card) all the time. As many have stated, we also pay ours off all the time. We flew 5 to San Juan for $65.00 one year and purchase routinely purchase $1000 OBC and apply drink packages and the such against that. If you are able to do so, why not score points on things you are buying anyway. We had a large kitchen reno done- cha-ching. They billed us in installments so we were able to charge and pay off and keep the 'change' in the form of points!

Thanks for the info. Headed that way soon. I will have to speak with the waiter- my son might actually starve to death at dinner with out the sour dough on the table LOL. Very picky eater- but the rolls are always a definite hit!

Yes- depending on how far in advance you are able to make the change. A few years ago my father in law had gallbladder surgery 9 days before the cruise and we were able to bring a family friend along instead. Thankfully we were driving to the port so airlines were a non-issue.

On Harmony this spring we were a blast. We had 1 GF, 1 severe nut allergy and 1 honey sensitivity.

The head waiter came each night with the following nights menu for them to look at and ask questions. One night was chicken cordon bleu- a favorite of my GF SIL. They made her a special gluten free portion.

The first night was BBQ ribs. The honey gal wanted those, but I had the waiter ask. The chef said yes, there was honey, but that he would make her her very own honey free version the following night- she loved it.

So yes- let them know in advance. It is in their best interest to fall all over themselves to make sure you have a great experience, and for us that's exactly what they did- even if there were some things they had to steer clear of....

We were fortunate enough to go with a few other families- so we had a 17, 16, 2 15's and 2 almost 13's. And with enough adults to go around we were able to mix and match. My daughter went kayaking with an aunt one day and whale watching with another family the next. ALL the kids were suckers for the sled dogs- especially the pups. They all had a wonderful time. There is no shortage of things to do and beautiful scenery. And yes- packing can be a challenge. One day was shorts, t's and sunburns, the next was cold, soaking rain... I thought people were going overboard when they suggested rain pants- but I could have used them while we were horseback riding and sled dog riding in the pouring rain!

The International pier- not downtown...

We were on Harmony 4/22 and Sabor was a la carte...

We were with a large group and I would say I don't really think so. Not measurably at least. Yes, not as much day drinking on the pool deck (although I was out there long enough to sport a sun burn), but made up for it in the casino.... And I also don't tend to go too crazy before dinner anyhow.

I. Can't. WAIT!!!! And now I'm HUNGRY!

I have been on both ships, but never out of PC. Everything alluded to about Galveston is correct. We saved $1500 on flights, but it was a longer trip to the port than we are accustomed to. Not fun when on the way back my son got motion sick (thank goodness for zip lock bags!).

I love Liberty. Really, really do. But I love Labadee. When we went on the Oasis I did not get the chance to do the Solarium, but do recall it being hot on walk throughs as I believe it is enclosed. Or more enclosed at least. Roatan- meh...

I do like to drink when heading out. That said, as discussed, my brand was not an option and I am pleased to report I did not die before branding opened up and was sipping away by dinner.

We all LOVED Vancouver- especially the 4 teens. We stayed at the PanPacific. Easy walking distance to shop/food/bars. We actually walked to the terminal. Also went Wed for Friday cruise. Connected via SEA, with the quick hop to Vancouver. Stanley Park close by and there is a stop for the Hop-on-hop-off bus right out front. I know we had arranged transport to hotel (group of 13), and remember it being under 30 minutes from airport. But I might have just not notice the time passing as it was still daylight and I was taking the city in as it went by. ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

Our teens stayed up to watch a big boxing match one time- we gave permission as there was a large group watching. It did go either just past or close to 1. The staff instructed them to return directly to their cabin. SOOOOO.... Also not much going on on-board for that age group at that time.

Pre-cruise advice- a few weeks before the cruise I pull out everything I think I might want for the cruise and put it aside in a laundry basket or popup hamper (bring one of those! Fits in the closet and you can just dump into luggage at the end). Then I let it sit.

A week later I go back and begin to 'cull the herd'. Picking, choosing, mixing/matching and most important- eliminating. This pair of shorts with these 2 tops...Remember if you want to zip line you will need closed toed shoes, ice skating requires long pants and socks.

I do the final comb through a couple of days before. I have gone from grossly over-packing to coming home with a few clean t-shirts.

Another trick- I don't try to carry the stuff I want day 1 on board carry-on flight. I pack a separate bag with sunblock, swim suit and whatever. When we pick up the baggage I just pull it out and we are good to check the stuff at the port again.

Finally make sure your legs are in shape and are prepared to do stairs! Unless you have the patience to wait on the elevators. They can be crowded.

Not much to add. Layers and waterproof are key. One day we were sitting on deck getting a sun burn at nearly 80, the next day it was raining and 48. I had seen a suggestion for rain pants- which I poo-pooed. Thought it might have been a little melodramatic. But when we were horse back riding in the pouring rain, and doing the dog sled thing where the rain is now coming at you sideways....Yeah.

If you have a WiFi package you can internet message like suggested. I-message or some other ap. We travel with teens and allow them a certain amount of latitude- so there is an on-call adult and 'team leader' for the teens who have to have phones on and messaging enabled for the time in question. Otherwise most plans are made at dinner, and notes left in cabins.

Well- we'll be raiding the WJ at breakfast as my son will no longer be allowed to pick up the phone and order 4 boxes of fruit loops when he can no longer get them! We used to take care of the delivery person with $4-$5 based on the sheer nonsense of the thing.

I have, incidentally, gotten dinner to go from the MDR. My daughter was missing from dinner one night, and when the head waiter came around he noticed someone was missing. I said she was under the weather and he asked if there was anything he could send back to the cabin for her. Instead he was able to bring it to one of the other kids we were traveling with who took it to where they were meeting.

One of my best MDR experiences EVER. Of course, he was also bringing off menu treats most night!

When I look at mine I see the OBC we used points to purchase. It also says additional OBC may be available on board. I know we are expecting some from our TA. It pops up if you go to 'book' anything. Can't wait to use it!!!!!

I think your son is young enough. When mine was younger he was allowed to wear nice golf shorts with a golf shirt. No gym style shorts, and not on formal night for us. Now that he's older (13) he packs a couple of pairs of khakis and we match with nice T's, polos and shirt/tie depending on the 'suggested attire'.

You might get some looks, but really dress is all over the place. We did an overnight in FL one time where my MIL was staying on land, but my FIL was coming with... She hung his suit, and it never came with us. What do you do? He was in the MDR with shorts, a polo and a bow-tie ;p

I redeemed some for OBC the other day and logged on to "My Cruises". Clicked the reservation and got a big pop up telling me they were posted and ready for use. We often redeem for OBC, but have had to wait until we are on-board. I'd rather have drinks/excursions handled before hand- so I was pretty pleased with that!

We did last July. It was fun. It was raining and these are outdoor dogs. So wet dog was in full effect. There was no snow, but they use the tourist trolley pull to add to the year round training of the dogs. It was fine. Kids liked it, and there were some pups to handle and cuddle at the end. Our guide was also very informative about how they prepare themselves and the dogs at each step of the way.

And those dogs are ready to RUN.

We did Vancouver up to Seward this summer- so I'll tell you what we liked and what we wish maybe we had done a bit differently.

Flew into Vancouver Wed for a Friday departure as none in the group had been there. We had 7 adults and 6 kids 13-17. EVERYONE LOVED VANCOUVER. The Hop-on-hop-off bus is a perfect way to explore.

Loved the cruise and was happy with destinations and so forth. We did have excursions booked in pretty much every port rather than just figuring it out. Went horseback riding in Skagway and ended up in this huge meadow surrounded by the biggest mountains we'd ever seen with a glacial river flowing through. Picture perfect.

Took the train into Anchorage and spent a few days there. At the end, all agreed that when all is said and done- you really don't see that much of Alaska. And maybe time would have been better spent on some other rail trips going further inland, or further north. That is not to say we were disappointed. More like we just hadn't quite got our fill.

We did Liberty in April and for our sailing I would say it was a bit more to the casual side than others I have been on. Golf shirts and slacks, even on formal night. And yes, jeans and/or shorts were not uncommon.

So- we're big fans of cruising, but this will be our first non- Carib cruise. Hoping for a little insight into the dress code. I know on any cruise the dress code for the MDR is all over the place. But just wondering if people are typically more relaxed on the Alaska routes. We are adding a few days in on both ends and just want to optimize.

Thanks in advance for any nuggets of wisdom!

Depended on the time of day.....

Wipeout bar opened before the flow riders- so that was a good place to go before it got crowded.

Main pool bar was open fairly late, after crowds dispursed.

Bar at the Boardwalk- they have snacks :) You could get a little salad, fruit cup or chips and salsa....