babchia

I tried to send you an email to the email addr we had for you but it was returned. Can you update me with your new email?

My original email said:

We haven't received any notification from anyone! I am fed up with how RCCL is treating their passengers. Our TA is away for a week, and I am fed up with her anyway, going to start using another. We had a fantastic cabin and now have to consider going further (Boston), spending more (hotel, etc) and getting the leftover cabins?

Not sure what we are going to do. Thinking about Celebrity.

Any opinions about other cruise lines?

Karen

We have had both fans and extension cords confiscated before getting on RCL Cruises from the US. The fan was all metal, and easily seen on the x-ray machine from one cruise, and the extension cord (actually a power strip) was found while they searched my carry-on because it had a package of regular batteries the x-ray machine saw.

Either way, they are both considered prohibited.

That said, if you have a smaller, plastic fan, then it probably won't be a problem, unless they see it, for some reason. As for extension cords, if you think you need one, you will need to decide if it is for the length, or for more plugs. Other posts have discussed power strips with very short cords that are available online. Many have USB power ports. They are usually good, if that will satisfy your needs.

Jim

We had the B&J Sweet for a New England cruise at the end of Sept. We had heard about it, and decided to take advantage of if when the room became available. What John&LaLa said about the cabins is exactly true:

"It's really quite simple, you get one ice cream per day per person, you get access to the concierge lounge. You get a slightly blocked view and a quirky decor. Your suite benefits are really quite limited, but it varies by ship and the mood of the concierge. And you may get a very noisy cabin.

I'm not surprised not everyone knows about it, it is a very unique situation. Only three in the entire fleet, just relax and enjoy some Chunky Monkee".

We decided to have additional fun, and decorated the door with a cow-print tablecloth, and added cow print wide ribbon to the door-frame. In addition, we hung cow-tails from the ceiling, and added a little decoration to the window.

We did not have a problem with the slamming door in the front of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor. The door closed somewhat nicely, so no real loud noises.

We did receive a separate 'Gold Card' for access to the Concierge Lounge. Since this was a New England Cruise, we didn't really see a need for access to Gold Seating by the pool, so we didn't ask the Concierge for anything extra. We had understood from past posts on Cruise Critic that it was up to the Concierge if we could get any additional benefits, so it wasn't worth the effort. (As is our custom, we did give gifts to members of the cruise staff that we appreciated, including the Concierge. In return, he sent us a bottle of wine for our last dinner of the cruise.)

During our cruise, we regularly hung out at the Concierge Lounge, and had a great time talking with a number of the people who booked suites. It turns out most had never heard of the B&J Sweet. We had to show it to them. They were totally surprised, and enjoyed the tour. (We, also, gave tours to people from the Meet & Mingle, and others we met at the Mystery Dinner. Our cabin was quite popular.)

With the upcoming dry-dock for the Liberty, it is unknown what will happen with this room. I only hope they take-apart the window and clean it throughout. The window was a little grungy, and harder to see clearly through. The room steward had tried cleaning it multiple times, but the dirt had built up between the sheets of glass.

I am not saying there is anything there, but don't be surprised if you find something we may have 'accidently' left behind.

Jim and Karen

Decorating your door is very much a personal thing. It can be fun if you want to do it. We were told by people from nearby cabins that they use our decorations to locate their cabin, too.

We usually use large window clings that are too large for the door, and wrap them around to the cabin side of the door. In addition, we have garland with fish in it to wrap around the frame of the door. (The garland has sometimes been an issue because it will fall down if not done right. I have to take extra care when putting it up.) We usually use cheap plastic tape (that is easily removable without doing any damage) or magnets to mount our stuff. We have even decorated our outside or promenade windows with window clings, garland, and even battery christmas lights. It is all in good fun, and just adds another thing to make our cabin more personal.

The only time we lost something, was on our first RCCL cruise. We were celebrating our 24th anniversary, and I had made a copy of one of our wedding pictures using our color printer. That picture was mounted on our door with magnets, and was next to our Cruise Critic sign. For some reason, someone stole our wedding picture, but left the Cruise Critic sign. I made it a point to not be upset after realizing that it was not important. It did not ruin our cruise.

That said, when I decorate my door, I have only a few rules:

-Do it for fun;

-Do it for yourself, but be willing to share;

-Be willing to loose anything that is put up;

-Don't damage anything with our decorations (we are guests, and should respect the ship and its crew).

Hope that helps!

Enjoy!

Jim

I will use the term fluffy for myself or plush. My daughter called me that and I like it! Makes me seem special.

Back to dress, I just bought a lovely evening dress with a short jacket, at Goodwill!!!! I was surprised to find my size (yes, 26, way too big) and it was $14.95. It fits, and looks lovely. You could check out Goodwill, Salvation Army or any consignment shop. Sometimes good bargains and great clothes are to be had!

I tried on my swimsuits from swimsuitsforall.com and they are all great! The tankini tops are olonger and fit very well. The skirtini bottom is so nice, and easy to ger on. The one piece is so flattering and I don't feel like I am putting on a wetsuit, struggling to get it on!

Trying to add pictures.

(These pics are NOT me! LOL )

They are small pictures, but it worked!!!

I tried on my swimsuits from swimsuitsforall.com and they are all great! The tankini tops are olonger and fit very well. The skirtini bottom is so nice, and easy to ger on. The one piece is so flattering and I don't feel like I am putting on a wetsuit, struggling to get it on!

I found nice ones at swimsuitsforall.com and found a good coupon code giving me free shipping! I am very large, biggest bottom and next to biggest top. I got one skirt bottom and 2 tank tops and a swimdress. I like their return policy, too. When I get them, I will try them all on and let everyone know.

thanks for the imput.

I am a "plush", fluffy or plus size woman and looking at getting a new bathing suit. I am thinking about a tankini/skirtini for ease of sizing, getting it on (yeah, hate the struggle) and for bathroom break.

What do you think? What experiences have you had? Do the top and bottom roll away from each other? Will I be constantly pulling the top down?

I got 2 nice dresses (one even with sparkles) at Fashion Bug. They aren't online anymore, or I'd post the link. One is a black halter, with bias cut (that one has the sparkles) and the other is a sleeveless dress in a turquoise with black straps, bust line fake sash and some slight pleating. I just tried them on today and they do fit. Black shoes for both, and a nice pantsuit, I'm set! My cruise is 12 nights.

I also like to check out http://www.onestopplus.com It. lets you shop the various larger size sites from one website.

Don't worry if you have a sleeveless dress (both of mine are). I just have a shawl/wrap/shrug if I want to cover my arms, or feel chilled.

Have fun shopping!