05mak05

Not all of my clothes have pockets so when we're on the ship I put my Seapass card in a Kipling pouch (http://www.kipling-usa.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2993384&cp=2999464.2999530&view=all&parentPage=family&cid=1107685), a Prada slingbag (from the mkt. in St. Martin), or a clear plastic Witz Box http://www.witzsportcases.com/id-badge-holders/see-it-safe.html. I also love Kipling bags and have several of the larger ones that I use when traveling.

Chloe! Darn it! Thanks, but like I said earlier, this was fun. I don't want anything.

Although......Crown Loft......Hmmmm. ;)

I was excited to see your post! We're staying at Embassy Suites and would love to have a suggestion for a quick dinner ... hamburgers, fish tacos, etc. Is there anything real laid-back, open-air on the water?

I thought "Cruise Confidential" was a page turner. While I knew the crew worked horrendous hours, I did not realize just how difficult it was. I also loved "The Help," "Shanghai Girls," "Pillars of the Earth," "World Without End," "The Art of Racing in the Rain," "River God." Are there any other books written by crew members worth the read?

Any idea if there is a negative to being off the rear?

What ship are you on and what's your cabin number? Let us know and you'll probably get more info than you need!

I recently read an article on "how to buy diamonds." Sam's Club supposedly has the best stones and the best prices. Several years ago, one of the TV news magazines did an extensive show on diamonds. I believe it was 60 Minutes but couldn't swear to it. Again, Sam's Club came in first.

You're cruise reviews are hilarious! I told one of my friends about the Dream/Nightmare and found that the link no longer works. I wonder if you would send your reviews to me via email as I'd love to share your wonderful stories with our friends who are also cruise enthusiasts. I sat and absolutely howled. You're as funny as Dave Barry! My email is mjkunkle at yahoo dot com

I also appreciate your research and the sharing of the information. Sure, I carry earplugs. And, I prefer not to use them! Ha! The bedding on the RCI ships is so comfortable, clean and fresh and intended for a good night's rest. And, that is what I do prefer!

There is already a great thread going on cabins to avoid. It's getting long so I thought I'd start one for Royal Caribbean. Here's a link to one that is active on the main RCI thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=19077375&posted=1#post19077375

We had booked #9620 on 3 cruises for 2010 as we had a bumpy ride on a corner aft on the Jewel and decided to switch to midship. On the above thread, someone said "don't book under the Royal Suite" on Voyager class ships. While I knew the Royal Suite had a piano, the noise factor would not have occurred to me. Anyway, I called and, to our surprise, #9320 was available on all 3 bookings. LIfe is good!

In the past, we have almost always booked a corner aft balcony. However, because of a recent rough ride and also because of the lack of shade, we decided to switch to midship hump and booked #9620 on THREE cruises! And, it's under the Royal Suite! Just when I think I know just about everything there is to know about deck plans, I learn something new. The Royal Suite having a piano would have never occurred to me until some nut started banging away at midnight. Maddening. I'm a light sleeper, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the head's up!!! I called immediately and, amazingly, #9320 on the starboard side was available.

In the past, we have almost always booked a corner aft balcony. However, because of a recent rough ride and also because of the lack of shade, we decided to switch to midship hump and booked #9620 on THREE cruises! And, it's under the Royal Suite! Just when I think I know just about everything there is to know about deck plans, I learn something new. The Royal Suite having a piano would have never occurred to me until some nut started banging away at midnight. Maddening. I'm a light sleeper, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the head's up!!! I called immediately and, amazingly, #9320 on the starboard side was available.

Thank you for the reminder!

We're planning our stay in Manhattan. We have rooms at the Hampton Times Square which has great ratings at http://www.tripadvisor.com

We need help with suggestions for plays. We have tickets to "Lion King." We'd love to see "Jersey Boys," too. The only tickets left are mezzanine. I can't tell from the August Wilson seating chart if the mezzanine is in back of the orchestra section or if it overlaps the back rows of the orchestra section. Have any of you been to the TKT Booth lately? If so, what plays are currently going at discount rates? And, then, Chinatown - I've lost the recommendations for restaurants and can't find the link. Thanks much as always for all of your great tips.

Does anyone know if individuals can hold both a passcard and a passport? Or, does it have to be one or the other?

I was going to post the very same question. We're on the RCCL Radiance for the full transit of the canal on 11/4. We've been on a Mexican Riviera cruise before but it did not include this port. We'd love to find a private guide but I really don't know where to start. Hopefully someone will reply to this thread.

My maiden name is Mosel, and I grew up in the small town of Fredericksburg, Tx. Growing up my first language was German as is the case with most folks in Fbg. But, at any rate, my husband and I are planning a Rhine/Mosel River cruise for the Fall. We have no idea which ship to pick. I read on this board that some of the ships now have balconies ... that would be a plus! Viking River Cruises has been highly recommended but I don't think they do the Mosel River. Another factor is that we'd like to use American Airline miles to upgrade to first or business class which means flying in or out of Amsterdam and Zurich as AA partners don't accept miles. ALL help, ALL tips, ALL opinions are appreciated!