cw2go

100% Agree! In this case I've created a top layer for easy grab but to be honest I don't travel very long land/cruise stays (mine are typically 12-15 nights) and when I do land trips, I always have washer & dryer access so I pack even less items. I'm not sure how I fit more than others, my carry on is the regulated size. I will say that when I have out of town company visit, it's become the new norm that I pack their bags for their return flight home. Its a personal service that I offer... 😂 When we land at our destination, I open up the carry on, grab top layer for us to change into summer attire. I can't count how many times I've had people comment on my bags/packing when doing so. Winter Escapes from Ohio in Feb explains my need to find the shorts immediately at arrival. Like I said a quirky challenge 😜 Patty

Hope this video helps, it's not me! I also pack with the expander open then zip it tighter, like a compression system. No packing cubes for me. I also do not do the Bundle System although it's another popular option. Patty .

Just a gist... I have a Gk Isles cruise this Aug. I will be sailing for 11 nights with 3 pre and 1 post hotel stay. I do the Wrap Method not Roll, I do follow the suggested dress attire on board but am in no way a fashionista. I have several maxi dresses that don't wrinkle and take almost no space. I re wear bottoms (Capris or shorts) As the poster above mentioned, shoes are always the tricky part and for women it's how many, for men it's how big. I get by with a daily sneaker for touring (wear them during flight) and 2 nightly sandals/flats. I use 1 regular sized carry-on and 1 boarding bag per person. My boarding bag fits the entire space under the seat in front of me. I've found that Delta Comfort is my best option for always holding onto my bags and being able to fit within the rules. So all in all for this trip, I'll be packing: Carry On & Boarding Bag 5 shorts 2 kahki capris 2 jean carpis 7 day tops 4 night tops 4 maxi dresses 1 jean jacket 2 sundresses 2 shoes Under garments Bathing suit Meds & Toiletries (travel sized refillable containers) Laptop & Cords Documents 2 Jammie T's & Slippers Day Purse & Evening Clutch Jewelry Hairdryer (If it fits) I'll say Europe and the Caribbean are easier than Alaska but I still manage to make it work. I don't use camera equipment, just my phone. After I do the initial packing, I'll add the "just in case" items if there is space. I fill every nook! Patty

My best guess is this Nov/Dec Patty

You Can Do It! I believe in you 😊

I book Priority Seating to avoid this. Patty

I am a "Carry On Only" girl! Luggage has been lost twice and I'lll never deal with that debacle again. It was awful! Have done 3 weeks Europe and 2 weeks Alaska many times without ever needing to check a bag. There are many tricks I use and I always shop for souvenirs. My hubby says I can pack an elephant in shoe box 😁 It's become a quirky challenge, Patty

Deal Ninja is all over it! 🤑

Suggest looking at your excursions or dining booked thru Cel to see if any have been cancelled. Patty

I reluctantly went to Alaska my first time because my DH and DS's chose it as our family vacation. I do feel a traveler should be excited for their destinations, for me it was about being with my family or it would have never happened BUT I loved it and now I can't get enough! Patty

Agree with @Octavias a sailing with Princess in Glacier Bay would be a delight for both your DH and DD! It's gorgeous scenery and a super special way for all of you to spend the day together! They have blankets and hot cocoa available top deck. Princess has amazing speakers and naturalists. I've sailed the first week of September and had wonderful weather. Not a guarantee as you already know but the foliage in the Yukon was spectacular! Patty

Thanks mine was because DH opted to take a retirement package, timing issues so not all bad for us either. 😊

Sorry you have to cancel, it's such a bummer! I just cancelled an Alaska sailing on May 26th and am still waiting. Patty

This is a great idea! Thx

Your research is exactly what I've experienced! My kids had an amazing time and never once complained about wanting a water slide or go carts. 😁 Patty

I read it as people are meaning "open' and "clear" more than discrediting other posters as liars. Text on forums are most often a two way street. Patty

Gotcha ~ There have been later SJU arrivals for years, plus side is that you're docked right in town. What sailing are you on? I'm Feb 10th on Apex Enjoy, Patty

Same as my Apex Feb 2024 sailing. Seems fine to me, are they different from what you originally booked? Patty

This went completely over my head, no clue about any suggestions? My post to you was just to gain your perspective based on your statement, nothing more. Patty

This is a fair point to some degree. For me... I guess my cruising expectations were set by my experiences of yesteryear but I'm still finding my expectations to be in alignment pre and post shutdown by land. I suppose had I never cruised with Celebrity in years past, I'd have set a lower bar for them to meet. I do understand the obstacles/beating the cruising industry was hit with. I do have several cruises booked and plan to sail, itinerary focused and am looking forward to them but I am less excited for the onboard experience compared to my sailings in the past. We shall see in time how this all shakes out. Patty

Had you sailed pre shutdown? Earlier than 2019? My experiences have been altered. Not that it's horrible as I've stated over and over but it has diminished enough that I've taken a pause in booking future cruises. Since food seems to be the main topic of cutbacks... I am curious for those who still find it amazing and often give Celebrity a lot of patience/grace if in time this will be to Celebrities advantage. I've dined out (since re opening) in many places all over the USA and always found good quality meals that were served in a timely manner. I've visited Cali, Maui, Florida, Arizona, Colorado and Michigan in the past 12 months ~ Restaurants were packed and service was great. At some point I honestly hope that Celebrity will be who I once knew and loved but I am doubtful at this time. People change, life changes and things evolve. Patty

Since you're the self proclaimed President of the Cheerleaders Club, can you share with us your personal onboard experiences along with ship and cabin class since the restart, especially in the year of 2023? Patty

On Beyond in Feb only had one menu the entire sailing, no filet. Seems this varies by ship/month Patty

I am not pro or con X, no cheerleader or hater effect from me but I do have concerns and have sailed pre and post shutdown so have first hand experiences. I am in no way being snarky, honestly questioning what's realistic going forward? All of the above posts ring true, staffing shortages, supply chain issues, rising inflation. So I ask at what point do you feel Celebrity should be able to deliver what once was? How long does the cruiser accept less and adjust expectations? I've have always LOVED Celebrity and have boasted for years to many friends about the service and food being so much better than NCL, RCCL or Princess. I can't say that now! Sadly... It's lost its luster. Celebrity was the WOW for us and now it was just FINE. No major issues and needs were met but nothing stands out as special anymore. Secondly if the cruiser accepts this as the new temporary normal and keeps giving Celebrity the pass because of all the mentioned issues, why would they ever up their product gong forward? Seems they are making bank off those who are willing to accept less. So no real incentive to improve? Many have lost years of their travel time and are willing to do whatever it takes to Go Go Go.... I am guilty of being one of them but I am also beginning to see that this isn't a temporary problem its blatant cutbacks that will never be uncut! I have done lands trips post covid and there is no comparison between the quality of dining & accommodations vs that on ship. So I guess my personal acceptance & adjustments going forward is my travel style. I've broadened my view to what I can see and do by land. Patty

Don't know the percentage but I can say there were a lot on my Beyond sailing in Feb. The slow tendering process didn't help, many people gave up. We heard the last call at 12:20pm for a 7-4 port stop. We were glad we chose to stay on before we set sail. The beverages were plentiful, Cel now has this figured out and is meeting the needs IMO. Patty