jnc411

There are so few fragrances that I can wear! Most change into a horrid smell! So I only go to stores where I can "try them on". I can always tell within 30 minutes, sometimes sooner, if they will work. For some reason, sweet scents are usually ones that I can wear. I have two that I go back and forth with Violet Angel and Alien - both are Thierry Mugler. I found/discovered Violet Angel on a cruise.

 

I used to wear Mackie, and before that I wore Obsession. I get mini fragrances at fragrancenet.com and they are easily packed.

I have the same problem, the scents get so strong on me, and I am careful to put just a touch on , I might try the Thierry Mugler scents in the store and see what happens.

Cori

Thanks to everyone for the information re the wine package, costs , wine list, and

added tips info. will be on the Coral in Dec.and daughter and freinds will be on Coral next month , so this is a big help.

Cori

Thanks for posting...I think I might order a couple of those! My feet and ankles always swell when I travel...especially when I cruise. I think the therapeds will really help.

I got the cherry capsules for my husband , but I think I will try to get a pair of these as well, can't hurt.

Cori

Yes, the port building has a variety of shops. We purchased a really nice small wooden carving there. They have the usual from t-shirts to craft items.

Thanks for the info.

Cori

Going to be there in Dec. already have our excursion booked to the Old Town and fortress, etc. , and it allows some shopping time, but I usually like to do some shopping after I get done with my excursions if possible near the ports , so I don't have to carry stuff with me. I like just exploring and enjoying the tours , then a tiny bit of shopping at the end. Is there a shopping area at or near the port there ? My DH is not fond of shopping so we don't do much of it :)

Cori

If I remember correctly, the fort is up high and you must climb up a "ramp" type walk and stairs. The humidity is high and so are the temperatures. No shade that I can remember anywhere on that part of the excursion. If like me, you do not handle the heat/humidity well there was not a place to "bail out to coolness of AC". Go as early in day as you can.

 

Yes, Cartagenea Columbia was one of the places I got red in the face and sweat poured down and all tried to take me to hospital but I survived well once I cooled down. Wish I didn't become a spectacle of hottness -- and not in the "hottie" sort of way:o Still well worth going but be prepared with hat, water, and plan for getting out of sun. The torture museum was where I overheated. Too many folks in too small a space and I almost fainted -- so just a warning.

 

I believe the folks who say that you should do this stop in a group. Several government groups (that various people I know work for) give this advice. I try very hard NOT to become an international incident. There is not many things your government can do for you if things go wrong in this area and the local government is not completely in control either. You do not know all the problems that Americans have gotten into in Cartagenea. Anyway go in safety and have a great cruise.

Thanks so much for the complete description, I will heed your advice, and take water , a hat perhaps a hand fan may be a spritzer spray bottle too if I can , I don't do well in the heat. Also I am going to tell my daughter to do the same she will be going in Oct. this year with friends. Appreciate your information.

Cori

Thanks patwell: My DH has been to Dr.s for it as well , and I don't think that it is his sock band because he only has diabetes socks and they are made not to be tight but to expand. The Dr. did not know what it was either , so in his case I don't think it is the socks. Also on most cruises he uses sandals alot , so no socks. But we will be deligent watching out for it. We did use the maximum strenght hydrocoritzone we got from a pharmacist , and it seems to help some. I will try to locate some of the oil and see if that and the use of a firm brush help. From what I have read on these boards , a lot of people have this problem on cruises, we still think it might have something to do with the use of salt in the food, don't know . But we are always looking for answeres.

Cori

chigirlcruizn: Thanks for the information about the brush and oil , we are going to check that out.

Cori

I'm 35, work out 13 hours a week, eat healthy, am a size 0/2, and every cruise I a cursed with ballooning calves, ankles, and feet. I drink copious amounts of water on board (bottled and ship, doesn't seem to matter), eat low sodium, work out on the ship, etc...I still swell. I purchased the black cherry capsules, very hopeful they would work. An early trial precruise did not show promising results, but I still took them on the cruise. I also tried visiting the sauna on the cruise, as I saw positive results prior to the cruise.

 

Ugh...by day 4 of my last cruise, my legs were huge compared to normal, and I was getting cankles. Desperate, I went to the spa, wondering if the iontheramie (sp?) treatment would help. They recommended a different treatment, but I was unwilling to pay $250 for something that may not work. So, they sold me the DIY kit...a body brush and cellutox oil. They said it was poor circulation in my legs. They also told me this wouldn't happen if I took better care of myself, which really ticked me off, because I'm anal about my exercise, food, etc. Anyhow, I saw results almost immediately, and had NO swelling when I left the ship. I will definitely be using this for future travels!

Hi , my husband always get the swollen feet and ankles , no matter what we do , and sometimes it is accompanied by a rashie look. Could you tell us a bit more about the DIY kit you bought , you said a body brush (soft or stiff ??) and cellutox oil, I imagine we could find this in the drugs stores or spas , did you apply the oil after showers ? or bedtime ? then scrub on with brush ? Thanks so much for sharing , because a lot of people have this problem.

Cori

We do not skimp on excursions, we really enjoy seeing new places or new things to do. We would rather get a less expensive cabin, no specialty restaurants, or soda cards, etc. And spend the money on the excursion . We a perfectly happy with the dining room , the provided drinks, we bring a couple bottles of wine onboard. And are out and about on the ship and spend little time in the cabin. So it works fine for us. However some folks have different likes and needs so to each their own and enjoy your cruise. What ever works for you. :)

Cori

My find at the local Dollar Tree was foldable cloth bins that fold flat for travelling but pop up to hold all kinds of junk (sunglasses, ipods, chargers...) that accumulate on the counter tops. You can purchase different colors/sizes for each cabin occupant then everyone will know where their stuff is. ;)

I saw those too, thought it would keep stuff more organized , not just popped in a drawer.

Still looking for a good CD.

Cori

Princess would be good for you too.

I agree , we are quite (not party type) people and we really find Princess to be a good fit for us. You can be as busy as you want , or do nothing but cruise.

Cori

You are not that far away Cori. Come on down and get a first-hand look.

Yep , we just might do that again one of these days, last time out there we did the Lane Victory tour, and drove down to the Ports of Call area. But it is only a short drive , might try to do that this coming week.

We are sailing out of the port next month and some people on our roll call have asked about the area and what to do , that is why I was asking . I referred them to this board.

Thanks.

Cori

Hi San Pedrans !! We live here locally in Lakewood/Long Beach and we heard a while back that the Ports of Call area might be getting a make over ? If so that would be great as I remember what it use to be like years ago , it was really a fun place to go for the day or evening and good places to eat and shop. Have you heard anything about that being a possiblilty, last time we ventured out there most of the little stores were empty or closed. And it was a bit run down.

Thanks for your information. Oh and is the little maritime museum still open in the old ferry building ?

Cori

My DH and I try to use the stairs if it is only 1 or 2 flights, but he is not physically able to do much more than that, and many times we have just waited for other elevators rather than stuff ourselves into an elevator, or just let those folks "who just have to get in that elevator first" just go ahead , the fuss just is not worth it to us, we are on vacation and have little time for rude people. My DH is a big man 6'6" and can be intimidating but that does not faze some folks , they just have to get on that elevator ...... so let them have it.

Cori

I buy the fold-able net laundry hampers from the dollar store to take with me on every cruise. In a small closet, there isnt much room for a pile of dity clothes, or any drawer space left over to put it in.

 

Plus, I can easily pick out things that I want to hand wash, dry, and wear again.

Hi , I gave my fold out net hamper to one of my kids , and now I can't find another one at the Dollar Tree or 99 cents store. What dollar store did you get yours at ?? Thanks

Cori

I'm plus size and looking for my formal gown. We're on a tight budget which is making my search difficult. Anyone get thier gowns from ebay? Which seller?

Hi , I am plus size also , no I have not purchased from ebay , but have read that many have and are happy with their purchases. Most of my formal ware I purchased ON SALE , or clearance , I just don't like to spend a lot on something I am not going to ware very often. If you have a Ross store near you , check it out , it is amazing what you can find there. Once you start looking you will be surprized how many formal options that there are for us plus size ladies. Also there is nothing written that says you can't ware the same gown twice , just accessorize differently. Good Luck. Happy Shopping

Cori

Sailed on the Sapphire couple years ago and the sister ship the Diamond also, we loved both ships and the crews. We are booked on the Sapphire again in Nov -11 so am looking forward to spending more time on board the Sapphire.

And thanks to all for this thread, it just reminds me of all the little things I need to remember, have to print up the list and take it with me, just in case I have one of those senior moments and forget some good stuff :)

Cori

Thanks for the good ideas the baby powder is a new one for me, but I am up for a try.

I am trying to minimize my make up , as I get older I am finding that "less is more".

cruisekitty : ?? pretty hands and feet for your face ? can you fill me in on that ?

Cori

I go to the party supply store and buy a pack of cheepie hawiian plastic leis, I wrap them around the handle of each suitcase tie a couple knots in it and it works great, when I get home just cut them off and it is cheap. The brighter the color combination the better. You can see them right away on a luggage belt at the airport , or across a large room at the port when you have to locate your bags.

Cori

I check out the jewelery at TJ Max found some cute pieces there, also once in a while Ross will have some nice things in. I do like vintage pieces , so I check antique fairs, yard sales etc.

Cori

Ok , for some reason , we have not done the Pub Lunch, but thanks to all you guys we are going to on our next cruise in Feb. Looking forward to it all, except may be the mushy peas . Beer, fish and chips, works for me. :)

Cori

Does anybody know why Princess doesn't use the Carnival Long Beach pier? I know Long Beach can only handle one ship at a time, but Carnival only uses it on Monday, Friday, and Sunday. The Saphire could easily use it on Saturdays. My only guess is that there are probably longer cruises, 14+ nighters on Princess that might cause too many ships to be in Long Beach at the same time. It really is a shame because cruising from Long Beach is miles more beautiful then ugly San Pedro.

Hi , I live here in the Long Beach/ LA area. Princess has never used Long Beach , only San Pedro. The San Pedro facility is much better staffed, etc. It is part of a much bigger port area (it is huge for cargo ships) , one of the largest in the US. And Long Beach is fine but is it a smaller port facility, and Carnival is contracted to use that port. Some years ago there use to be a naval shipyard between the San Pedro and the Long Beach ports, but that has since closed. Now the Port of Los Angeles takes up a really large area there.

The eariler poster is right Long Beach Airport is much closer and way less busy , but flights are limited to some areas, but I much prefer flying through the Long Beach airport. LAX can be a real zoo , and it a large airport, and sometimes connecting flights can be a problem trying to get from one terminal to another, so if you have a choice , Long Beach is better. Hope you enjoy your cruise.

Cori

We don't usually play Bingo onboard, have done so on a couple occassions, never really sat down to figure it out math wise , but what OP says makes sense. Sure something to think about.

Cori

You are on a VERY quiet deck= convenient to the aft stairs/elevators which will take you directly to the food/pools on the lido deck.

 

If you requested the 2nd seating be at 6:15 or 8:30 walk to teh midship elevators to take you to the dining room.

If you requested 1st seating (5:45 or 8pm) only those aft elevators will take you to the dining room.

 

You are under cabin space and away from any areas with public noise.

 

You may get shuddering/vibration when leaving and entering ports.

If you hit rough waters that shuddering / vibration will be more noticable.

 

Your cabins have cabins on either side that only hold 2 people so you will not have "family" noise and should be rather quiet.

Thanks Serene 56 : I think we will just stay where we are then. We did book the 6:15 seating for dinner , so we just go down a bit further to get the other elevator then, thanks again.

Cori

By any chance do you know anything about Carnival Liberty 1437 and 1441 on rivera deck I think it is starboard toward the aft, any problems there ??

Thanks

Cori