sbbquilter

Agree with the idea of Bermuda - we sailed from Baltimore and had a great time. Sea days were wonderful and having 2.5 days in Bermuda allowed us time to play 2 rounds of golf as well as hit the beach. The island is lovely, laid back and felt less humid than the Caribbean.

Products were not memorable - wish I could be more specific. Since I travel every week I always carry my own products so that I know how they will perform - don't want any surprises while on vacation.

I use the same techniques every week as I travel- pack in zip lock bags. Toiletries are separated by liquids for TSA inspection and make- up. Easy to unpack as underclothes, pajamas and exercise clothes stay in the bag so they lay easily in the closet shelf. Dirty clothes go into one suitcase as the week progresses. All of this in the 22" roller board that we pack in (one each). I need my room to always be tidy so keeping everything out of sight is important to me.

Our experience with dress was that our boys in nice socks and a dress shirt fit in very well ( better dressed than many adults). Also once they knew I was eating gluten free I was very well taken care of and had a great week. Enjoy your cruise.

I am amazed at how restorative a cruise is for us. A week to spend with my DH with no interruptions and a chance to reconnect. The peace that I feel watching the ocean as he enjoys a nap. The chance to dance (however badly) to music we enjoy.

Thanks so much for the lovely review. We board her in 4 weeks and I am so looking forward to it. Also going to give the Windjammer a try for dinner as we looking to really relax and not bringing dress clothes this trip so your experience is very helpful.

Thanks

Yes - with flying more than 100 flights annually I feel lucky that it has only happened 3 times in 10 years. Lost two of four bags on family Alaska cruise and we learned we need way less for a great week. Have always cross packed so that worked out. End result is that we pack in two 22" carry on bags so that there are no checked bags to get lost and wash a few things mid way through the cruise.

I know that I am odd man out but we usually fly in early the morning of the cruise and it has always worked but I would not chance a flight arriving that close to sailing time. We are also flying into SJU at noon on Saturday for our cruise and anticipate our luck will hold. An aside - May has been a month of weekly silly delays and one cancelled flight so I so I figure I am due for an easy flight in June.

That is wonderful - such a treat to add to your celebrations.

Have a wonderful time- great time to share with your family. With our son we found it better to board after the early boarding madhouse was through (after lunch to avoid the crush in the buffet area) as crowd noise could lead to melt downs for him. We also prepared him with pictures of the ship as he did not like the unknown or sudden changes. He found the movement of the ship very relaxing and we had a great time.

Packing in a 22" is a weekly activity for me. Roll under clothes and pajamas as the bottom layer to make a level surface at the bottom of the suitcase as well as shoes stuffed with socks. Layer of dry cleaner plastic bag. Slacks laid out - waistband at bottom edge of suitcase with legs hanging out the other end, dresses folded in half and laid with slacks. Layer of plastic. Toiletries , hair brushes and makeup bag next. Layer of plastic. Shorts laid flat. Blouses laid on with collar even with long side of suitcase and sleeves pulled out along the slacks. Fold sleeves into the suitcase center followed by bottom of blouses, finally slacks legs folded over all of the contents. This way I can get 7 days into a carry on size. Learned most of this by trial and error - I suggest you see what works for your suitcase.

Good luck

I also like iced tea but don't like commercially brewed, often from a liquid concentrate. I bring my own tea bags and cold brew in my cabin, always have one large bottle available to carry with me. I am spoiled so if you like a particular tea or use loose leaf, this might work for you.

I understand your concern with a stated age limit - I consider that such a rule is set but if your child has slept in a bunk bed before or is average to large for age I cannot see that you can't choose ot have them sleep in the pullman. Mine slept in bunk beds from an early age and always thought it was an adventure.

Hope you find a solution that suits.

I always read these lists with interest - I travel 40 weeks of the year for work and 4 more on vacation so have learned what I truly need. DH and I can travel with two 22" carry one and a personal bag each for a 10 day cruise and am awed at what some people find necessary for a cruise. Have fun and enjoy whatever makes you comfortable.

Our cruise was August so may not apply - we wore shorts hiking in Skagway and when leaving Vancouver and then warm clothes while att Hubbard Glacier. The ship was moderate to us - that is so individual that it is difficult to compare. I am always hot and DH not so much and he was comfortable in in cotton long sleeve shirt on board. May will be quite a bit cooler outside but likely not inside.

Have a great trip.

In the past we have cruised the week after Thanksgiving (great prices) and they were decorated with some final finishes completed during the week.

I know that most folks warn against flying day of but we always do. Funny story - the only time we did fly in early because it was sailing out of Vancouver. Missed the last flight out of Salt Lake City and they rebooked us arriving in Vancouver too late for the ship. It all worked out fine - except for the two suitcases which were waylaid. We had a great trip and learned that you can get by with way less stuff.

As others have stated - it is a gamble to wait. Another consideration is that there are a limited number of ships sailing out of NOLA which generally means higher prices and full ships. As far as super cheap rooms right before sailing - that is a bit like winning the lottery, being in the right place at the right time.

Good luck with your plans.

First of all - have a great time on your cruise.

You will get many ideas from folks but if I were arriving that close I would choose to carry my own luggage. You might be able manage the liquids by packing a couple of small sizes of sunscreen. You can also use bug spray sheets rather than liquid to meet your needs.

Also, be aware that the alcohol you can bring along is restricted to wine.

Good luck!

Congratulations! My understanding is that you are indicating which "day" you want to celebrate so that they can bring you cake at dinner (that is what occurred with our anniversary cruise).

Thanks so much for returning to share your trip. Life won't let us make that kind of adventure just now I think that hearing about your experience makes me want to add this to the "list".

With work schedules we have always flown on sail day - and all were with layovers. Having said that we recognize it is a chance and we do travel with two 22" roll aboard so we have L&L our belongings with us. Also most of our cruises have not been in winter months when travel is less predictable.

I have had interrupted travel each of the past three weeks so I am banking in great travel karma when we fly to San Juan in June.

We had such a room last year and didn't even notice it after the first day. It was our first JS and we were just enjoying the cruise.

We have chosen to sail the week just prior to Christmas - the prices are much lower, the ship is nicely decorated and less crowded. I realize that it is not the holiday but we had great time and it was our holiday gift as a family.

We would likely schedule a round of golf. As it is during spring break the parks will be very crowded - I agree with the book a nice hotel with a great pool and start your cruise time relaxing.