3dogmom

Thank you so much for sharing your plan. It does help and seems doable to me.

Agreed. 3 days is tight for us and we're doing Paris pre-cruise this year (3 days, this July 2013). Very excited!! I planned this trip 10 months ago and our Paris schedule in three days is the tightest of any other trip I've planned. But I'm sure we'll love Paris and the business will be well worth it.

 

We went back to Rome for longer and I'm sure we'll one day be back to Paris for longer.

 

I'd be happy to send over my schedule if it helps you plan :)

I'd love to see your schedule, thanks!:) It will give me more ideas to cram into each day.;) If you don't want to post here, you can email me: threedogdunedin at yahoo dot com

We are doing 3 days pre-cruise July 2014 before departing from Harwich to the Baltics. Sight Seekers is definitely on this list and the Cultival tour looks good, too.

Thanks for all the tips, pre-planning is a must!

Silly me. All this time I thought I was part of the "Floridians who still work and like to cruise frequently" crowd, and now I find out I am part of the "party till you puke" crowd :eek: At least we are on the first "party" cruise out of Port Canaveral before she is trashed by our peers.

OK, good...I wasn't the only one who went whhhaaaat:confused:

Really? We are booked on a 4 night on the Enchantment in October. I hope that is not the case. We don't drink. It will not be wasted on us.

 

I enjoyed your pictures. We're in an aft junior suite.

I do 2 short cruises a year, and you can tell the more 'party' crowd is definitely on Carnival, comparing the Paradise vs. RCCL Jewel. You will be fine cruising in October, but it's people who travel during Spring Break that seem to have the issues. But then again, why would you choose to go during this time?:confused: I'm booking the Enchantment for October 7th while onboard the Jewel in April.

yes the R bar is approximately where the Champagne bar was.. but it is VERY nice and a little bigger than the Champagne bar was. also a LOT more stuff happens in the Centrum now so it's a hub of activity.

 

Park Cafe is in the Solarium, opposite where the Spa is. food options are better than before , in my opinion. also the only place to get late night snacks now( nachos, pizza, etc)

Sounds perfect, thanks!

I'm thinking about the Enchantment in October for a girl's cruise. I'm wondering how the new features are; R Bar, Park Cafe, etc. Did the R Bar take over the Champagne Bar? Where is Park Cafe? I was on the EOS in 2007 before the new upgrades.

Thanks!

 

QUESTION: If you work, do you plan outfits? Anything from a detailed spreadsheet to matching tops, bottoms & accessories.

I work full time and live by the spreadsheet. Not only for packing, but it's essential keeping up with all that is planned for our 16 night Transatlantic cruise coming up! I'm in charge of 6 tours, plus considered the 'lead' of our group of 6, so I constantly refer to the sheet to remind myself where we need to be when. However, I don't have kids so when I come home from work, it's strictly me, hubby, and the pups.:)

Uhh that was a nightmare! We each were allowed 1 bag (48 pounds), 1 carry-on, (small rolling suitcase) and 1 personal item (backpack). We actually did not go over!!!! I took pictures of the packing :rolleyes: lol

 

I brought: 2 heels (black and nude), 3 wedges (black, 2 nude (bought pair last minute), boots (cold/rainy in Paris), 1 pool flip flops, 1 sneakers, 1 black ballet flats, sperry boat shoes for rainy days, and 4 sandals (brown, black, silver, white).

 

I also packed 12 dresses (we hung the beaded one in the carry-on garment bag), 5 shorts, 2 jeans, about 25 tops (tanks, blouse, etc. total), 1 medium weight jacket, 1 blazer, 3 cardigans

 

I should add that we STUFFED the heck out of the garment bag too! ALl carry-on's we filled up to the max

 

*** they did not weigh my carry-on suitcase or backpack so I put ALL my shoes (Except the ones I wore) in the carry-on suitcase, and I was able to squeeze my dryer, flat iron, etc. in the shoe carry-on too

 

In my backpack I stuffed whatever I could that was heavy: chargers, notes, folders, lap top, e-reader, etc.

 

SO all that I had in my suitcase was clothes and accessories, no shoes, flat iron etc.

 

*** ALso at the airport we were able to "shuffle" items around suitcases (my mom went over) yeah it was a pain to do that at the airport but it saved us $75. So you CAN do it, it just takes some planning

 

If you want more specifics let me know :) I am going to post a full review with pics when I get the time and you can see more of what I packed

 

edit: I am a Floridian too so I hear ya about packing for cold temps! It was 50-60 degrees in Paris and rainy so to us that is miserable weather haha, yes I brought knee-high boots and a jacket LOL!

WOW! That is a lot of stuff you were able to squeeze into carry-on bags. I'll be looking for your review and pictures. Our big suitcase that we used to fly to Europe in 2005 is now too large so we're shopping for a 25" and hoping our garment bag makes the cut, but haven't measured it yet. It's nice and big with sturdy sides, not a soft-sided one.

What is it with the mom's?! My mom went over on our last trip to Europe and did the airport shuffle, too!:D

Oh....a winter coat and boots?:eek:..yikes.....I don't even bring those

items when I do Alaska....layering works better for me.

As for dressing up? I guess each cruiseline is different.....I have

friends who seem to sail on TA's every year..or every other for sure

and they dress up alot. So in my opinion, actually TA's do have

dressier formal nights. I pack alot of matte jersey....it packs up

to nothing and can be very dressy....takes up virtuaully no weight.:)

 

But of course, each cruiseline is different too...

I'm snowmobiling in Iceland so the coat and boots are a must!:) I'm bringing a lot of jersey material items for mix-and-matching and bought a black and white maxi dress in jersey material that I'll wear twice. I love your maxi you wore on the Med!

This is a popular TA and the pics I've seen from previous sailings a lot of jeans and sweatshirts are worn, and a lot of the men don't pack jackets for formal nights; just shirt and tie. So should be easy, but it's the winter clothes I'm not used to packing that will take up the space and weight. Oh well, it's a challenge I'm up for.;)

Hi Jen,:) I just sailed to the Med last month....there were no luggage

restrictions..well, other than the weight. USAIR has no baggage fees

for the 1st checked bag when flying international.....My checked bag

didn't even weigh 45 pounds......

You are going on a TA? So you are only flying 1 way.....even if you

exceed the weight? You are only paying for 1 way;)

We are Flying American, so there are no baggage fees, but it's the weight!:eek: We will be in Iceland so I have winter coats, snow boots, etc...all the fun stuff this Floridian normally doesn't have on Caribbean cruises. We're already paying for an extra checked bag on the way home from BOS-TPA on Jet Blue, so keeping things to a minimum. But, layering is key and from the pictures I've seen people really don't dress up too much on the TA cruises.

you guys are so nice! Thank you! We hope to go back on another med cruise for a honeymoon :rolleyes:

 

I love looking ate everyones dresses! Not everyday you can get dressed up :D

I'm looking at all your fab dresses and shoes and just need to know how you packed it all?!:eek: I'm going on a transatlantic and with the luggage restrictions I'm limited...or did you just say the heck with it and paid the extra fees?:)

Okay - you've convinced me!! I will buy Downy spray wrinkle release and try it at home. If it works for me like it does for plank and sharkie90278 - I'll buy stock in the company:)!!

I got a great tip, I think from these boards:) to make your own and save yourself the $5-6 for the Downy spray. Take a new dry sheet, shove it in a spray bottle (I'm using the empty Downy bottle) and fill with water. Easy and best of all CHEAP! I was skeptical as I am a big fan and haven't ironed in years, but it works just as well.

Hello C & Hello ladies,

 

Yes, I am back from the cruise. I had a wonderful time. I had surgery on my right foot last Wednesday. It was planned before the cruise. I will be in cast for the next three months then the same to the left foot. I will see the doctor tomorrow for my hand, I am very sure they will do surgery on it. The next six months is going to be rough. I am tough and I am ready.

 

As soon as I am up to it, I will be donating many of the dresses and gowns at the recycle clothing thread.There are a dozen of dresses gowns I did not wear due to port days. We were too tired to go to dinner.

 

Take care ladies and have a wonderful day.

 

Marie

 

PS.. Here is a link to all the pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpell/collections/

Absolutely stunning photos, Marie.

Best wishes on your surgery. You are tough proven all that you have endured already! Take care.

Okay, it's been 6 weeks since my Pedi - and it still looks good - not good enough for cruising, but good enough for hanging out around town.

 

How Often Do You Get a Pedicure?

I usually only get 2 or 3 pedicures a year and that is right before a cruise or land get-a-way. I guess I always think of pedicures as a 'vacation must-do' item and not a standard grooming habit. However, ever since Groupon I do buy shellac manicure and pedicure deals whenever they are available in my area since the savings are always at least 50% off. At this moment I have 2 waiting for me to use.:)

Lets see if I can get it to post. I just ordered this for our cruise (don't laugh) in August 2013. thought it would be nice for one of the formal nights.

I wore this on the Allure for one of the formal nights. Love it!

I just returned from a 4-night Carnival Paradise cruise and lets just say that a lot of people are nowhere near fashionistas!:rolleyes: I came away realizing that I really am one of those people who cares what others wear to dinner. I am a RCCL regular and never noticed the attire (or lack there of) until this cruise. This was a girls cruise, so of course it was fun and we all looked great;) but camo hats in the dining room? Is that necessary?

I guess that explains why I have followed this entire thread and love seeing the obsessive outfit planning and packing...because that is me!:)

Keep posting the pics, lists, and packing challenges!

I find 4 night cruises can be harder to pack for than 7 nights. I think it may be that I have too many choices.:rolleyes: I'm leaving next Thursday from Tampa and I just hope it's sunny and warm. I've never worn jeans for sail-a-way and really don't want to! I have to do try-on's today and at least get stuff in the suitcase that I know I'm taking.

I bought the shower organizer mentioned in another thread. I think it will be the perfect solution to hold all my stuff. I also never leave without my door organizer.

Now for the big TA cruise in August...that will be simplified of black/grey/shot of color wardrobe. Luggage restrictions, meh!

I was on this cruise with you! Can't wait to see all your food photos.

rmbarber: I've never cruised on Princess and have never taken anything electrical on any cruise. Sorry I can't help with your question. BUT - that brings up another question to posters here - Do you take curling irons, hot rollers, etc.?

I bring my hair dryer and flat iron. They are both travel size, and don't take up too much space. I don't usually fly to the cruise port, so I never worry about bringing too much of anything.:o However, next year will be a challenge flying to London for a TA back to Boston. I've already started a list and thought I was doing good until I came across Anita Latte's thread and discovered the 15 piece rule.:eek:

Is the 'capsule clothing' limited to 15 pieces based on a week vacation? I plan on having all coordinated pieces next year, but thinking I'll need more for 2 weeks.

mine is to NOT buy any more dresses for my cruises because i have so many to choose from already--but alas i dont achieve that goal and i keep buying ones that i think i NEED...just purchased another--i really am gonna try harder next year...i HOPE!!

This what my goal should be. I have dresses with tags on them, and only seem to wear them once...really not good!:o Of course I'm going to a charity event to buy donated dresses....ok, goal will start next Monday.:p

Lurker here...joining in!

 

After having my next cruise planned 20 months in advance...I can honestly say YES! I set MAJOR goals before cruising! Mine were all related to health and fitness...and without hi-jacking the thread to talk about THAT...I can say that with only 7 months to go until cruise time...I have made tremendous progress toward my goals. Because of end of the season sales...I am trying to purchase some cruise-worthy/appropriate clothing as I have literally shrunk out of the majority of my wardrobe.

 

My current goals...

 

1. To continue to lose weight and inches as I creep toward what I hope will be a total weight loss of 60-70 pounds...

 

2. To plan my cruise wardrobe NOW, trying to find clothing items that will still work through more weight loss...

 

3. To have the wardrobe planned so that, in the event that certain clothing items need tailoring or replacing, I will be prepared to do so.

 

My wardrobe planning could be best described as "minimalist" because I have had to learn to function with as few items as possible because I have been on a losing trend for about one year now. And I have a limited budget. I was turned onto this blog and have found serious inspiration there. I have come up with the basis for a whole formula of what I will need clothing-wise for my cruise...based on a mix-and-match philosophy, which is very easy for me because I also subscribe to CJW's color analysis and have been dressing in "my colors" now for about 18 months.

 

I guess I could add the following goal...

 

4. ACCESSORIZE!!! ;)

 

This thread has been inspirational in that way for me...I know that once I figure out my basic wardrobe...I will have so much FUN figuring out the accessories that will add interest to each outfit I create...and planning my outfits will help me to not repeat an exact outfit while on board. And I will have the next several months to collect these accessorizes...

Hi Anita...

I've been lurking on your Earth thread, and even though I'm sure I don't fall into that color category it's been interesting to see how all clothes and accessories come together since they fall into the same palette. Thanks for the blog, I saw that on your thread and it's great! I'll be using the color scheme to pack for a 16 day cruise next year.

Congrats on the weight loss! So very hard but worth it in every way.

Good morning ladies;

 

Hope all is well with everyone. This gown needs a new home. I bought it last year for the Rio Ball on QM2 world Cruise. We did not go. It is a size 8. Similar earrings and matching shoe zise 8 1/2 M.

 

Have a great day ladies.

 

Marie

 

g2liv0702@yahoo.com

 

Sent you an email, Marie!

I wouldn't laugh at all at your thrift store bargains. I love going on the hunt at thrift and consignment stores. I just love walking away and thinking SCORE! :D

Let's see, I already shared my great buys at The Clothes Mentor that just opened, but last week me and my 2 girlfriends did a clothes swap. Why we didn't start this years ago I have no idea. I came away with great stuff...even a NWT dress that I wore while I was at The Ritz this past weekend.

Not sure if I shared my freebie Gucci with you all, but that came from the clothes recycle thread on these boards.