LucyR.

I think there are times when cruise ships are not able to stock up on certain products or supplies due to the products having a serious listeria dairy problems in China. The ships have to stock up on different food items from different countries. They have to make sure the foods are healthy.

I would not want to get sick on tainted cream or China only had a small amount of fresh cream available for the ship to use it in their cream filled pastries.

One time some cruiser got upset because a cruise ship didn't have bananas.lol

It is not allowed. Many years ago I was getting off the ship and I had on a back pack and I got searched for food by the ship security guy. I thought it was stupid because we were at KEY WEST, FLORIDA. I was looking forward to eating some great food and snacks in a American port. I did have fun finding snacks to eat.

When I go to foreign ports I go straight to a Mini Market where the crew workers shop at and buy me a coke bottled soda and some packaged chips, cookies and what ever. Most of the time I am happy with just a soda.

I eat breakfast on the ship and then I go out to a port and return back to the ship in time to eat lunch. ....or eat a late lunch at 3 p.m. at the buffet.

Since I live in the west coast pacific ocean area I was wondering if our ships were having problems on the pacific.

I enjoyed reading all of your reports. It looks like Cruise Critic is the only place to come to for news on the ships on our west coast.

I couldn't find ship news any where. I also wondered about the ships located in Florida too.

Does any one have news on what happened in Florida with the ships? Were they stuck in ports?

A friend of mine was going to be cruising on the Star on Monday, Jan. 23rd.

I hope they left on time.

We had some hail in Glendale, ca. for a few hours. I was surprised.

I kept a watch on the rain, mud slides, storm located in Canyon Country Santa Clarita because I am hoping to move there this summer. I want to avoid the

low level houses to move to but I am aware that I would have to stay home

to avoid the streets filled with rain, mud, and rivers of water on the streets.

I heard that Sand Canyon had a lot of mud slides. Placerita also had problems too. I plan to avoid that area to move to.

I am a Land Lover along with Ocean Lover. I am a Surf & Turf personality.

I cruise a lot but I also enjoy coming home. LucyR.

I tried the Cokes in the green cans that have part Stevia and part sugar at my grocery store. It was just okay in flavor.

I prefer to mix club soda with regular sodas to cut down on the sugar levels.

Most of the time I just use water to mix it.

I just got an idea...... I could add Stevia to make it more sweeter along with the water in the soda.

I just remembered that I like to drink Perrier water. I can add that water to the free sodas that I get as an elite member. I don't drink the alcohol tiny bottles. I can trade them for Perrier carbonated water.

I am addicted to sodas but mixing it with water has helped me to lose weight and also keep my sugar level normal.

I better pack some Stevia for my next cruise in Feb.

Thank you all for your information. It was very helpful.

I plan to cruise for my birthday in Feb. cruising to Mex/Riv ports.

The Ruby Princess stops in Puerto V. and they have a Wal-Mart.

I will look for the cigars and Havana rum. I only want to buy a couple of cigars for my adult son.

I may also find some other cuban products too. LucyR. THANK YOU!!

I will be cruising on the Ruby next month and now that Cuba is open to Americans are we able to bring back Cuban products that are imported to Mexico? I am thinking in terms of passing through USA Customs.

I truly believe that the workers are trained to say BUFFET. Most of them are new and not able to answer any other questions. LucyR.

That has been my experience.

I used to ask a long time ago if the restaurant was open. I was always told to go to the buffet because it was the only place to eat at for lunch.

BUT....presently... I just go directly with my luggage to the 6 deck and I find the hidden restaurant to go eat lunch.

THE front door area looks like it is closed. But I just walk inside the door and ask to join a group of diners.

If a crew worker should ever stop me from entering I will tell the worker to go find out what time it opens. I will wait for the response.

It could be that I arrived too early.

I always notice that the cruisers that are cruising BACK TO BACK are already in the restaurant eating their lunch.

If ever I found out that the restaurant is closed down forever then I do have a second choice of place to eat my lunch at the Inter. Coffee Cafe where they have great salads, sandwiches, soup, desserts, etc. I have a great time eating there too. I also NOTICE that the BACK TO BACK cruisers are just sitting around that area. They are not friendly to newbie me who has just arrived on the ship. I have learned to ignore them. LucyR.

I have two Coffee cards that I try to use as much as possible.

I am in the habit of carrying one dollar bills and I give it to a waiter walking around the Coffee cafe cleaning the tables and helping out.

I don't like standing in line so I give the worker the one dollar and they go get it for me while I am sitting at a table. I have a partial vision problem and also a senior so I need special service.

Once in awhile a senior wants a cup of coffee but they don't have a coffee card so I offer to have my coffee card punched other wise they have to go get their coffee at the buffet or pay for the cup of coffee.

I remember being on the Ruby and my card was not punched because I was being nice to a senior person.

The workers have to follow the rules. They have never stopped me from using my coffee card to order coffee for others or friends.

I take the workers small gifts because I spend a lot of time at the Coffee Cafe every day. I also tip them some money in white envelopes because they always have a smile for me. lol. I love to give them gifts. LucyR.

You must cruise on the RUBY because of GLACIER BAY!! The RUBY, CROWN AND EMERALD are the same style of ships.

Chose Ruby because it presently has an OBC credit of $210, or higher.

Satxdiver is so right about the crew workers always changing. You can always change tables if you are not happy with your waiters or your table mates.

I would choose the Ruby because it does have a lot of activities and I cruise a lot on it. I just got off in Nov. and will cruise again on Feb. for my birthday. I am getting $175. for OBC.

I did a search for Alaska cruises. I noticed that HAL stops in Sitka the Russian style port. Have you been to Sitka since you say you are from Alaska.

It has been years since I have been there. I miss cruising to Sitka.

My cousin says that cruising in Sept. is super cold but the stores will be having some great sales on their things before they close down for the winter. I would like to buy me another winter jacket there. LucyR.

I have cruised to Alaska on Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and NCL.

They were all fun ships.

The month of May is the cheapest month to cruise.

Book Seattle to Seattle to avoid customs in Vancouver. It is a hassell.

I think all ships will stop in Victoria B.C. or a Canadian port.

You MUST BOOK A CRUISE Ship THAT VISITS "GLACIER BAY"because it is a AWESOME experience to see it.

The Carnival ship I cruised on didn't visit Glacier Bay and I was disappointed because the cruisers on the ship had to pay $200. EACH to take a small boat to see the glaciers that were hidden. They had a great time but it costs extra to see the glaciers.

I think you should know that the snow will be gone from all of the ports.

It has never been super cold in ALASKA in May, June or July when I cruised.

One time it was raining and believe it or not it was a warm rain. lol.

The SUN comes and goes out during the day. When the sun is out it feels like Summer time.

Get a balcony if it will be more fun for the both of you. You will have a beautiful view of the mountains and land as you cruise. LucyR.

I am a single senor gal and I am used to eating at "My time Dining".

I just up to the reservation person and I say I want to "share a table with others". Since I am one person they always find a seat for me.

If I show up late I still have to make a reservation at times.

There are times when I have an awesome time, other times the people can be boring so I just stay quiet and enjoy my meal, ... other times the subject will be about something depressing so I find a way to change the subject.

I don't like set dining because then I am stuck with them the whole week.

Plus, I have to show up on time. It is considered not nice to not let them know if you plan to not show up for dinner because you will be eating some place else like in port or where ever.

One time I told my table mates that I was going to be 15 minutes late and they waited for me so they could order their food ...that was really nice.

I remember a long time ago I chose to change tables when I had set dining.

I was moved to eat with a really nice couple that were super happy to meet me.

Presently, I do prefer to do my time dining so that way I can eat whenever I feel like eating.I like meeting new people each dinner time. LucyR.

Great idea. I will do that but I still want to meet some solos here too. LucyR.

I would like to know if Carnival has female comedians?

I always say to buy the underage kids VIRGIN DRINKS. Pina Colada, Margaritas, Bahama mamas, etc. Adults also buy those drinks too.

Some drinks are made to taste like chocolate skakes and you can order them as Virgin drinks.

Don't risk having the whole family being kicked off the ship.

One time a teen girl was given coke with vodca and she acted crazy.

I heard she only had one drink and it caused to react really strange.

My advise please don't take that risk. Cruise ships have their own rules too.

Cruise ships are always happy to kick off the ship a whole family.

Reminder also: Don't smoke grass on the ships even though it may be legal in certain States. Ships are registered in certain countries where it is not legal to smoke grass/marijauna sp.

I just pack enough sodas to last me long enough to get to the first port.

Then I buy sodas. I buy sodas at several ports as I cruise.

Hi, I would like to meet some solo cruisers to hang out at the Inter. Coffee Shop to talk and have fun talking about cruising to different ports. I have a

Coffee card and can get you some coffee or tea or a cold apple minty tea that is tasty. I am an Elite Captain Circle member and I can get free coffee cards.

I am used to cruising Solo a lot or I would hardly ever get to cruise. I do enjoy cruising by myself. My relatives don't like to cruise. They prefer Disney land.

I truly enjoy cruising on the Ruby Princess and will be cruising twice on it.

I live in Glendale, California and I take Super Shuttle to the cruise port.

I like the service of the shuttle.

I hope I do get to meet some of you. I always meet lots of people on the ship who remember me from other cruises on the Ruby. It will be my 60 cruises

on Princess ships this year. I like Princess. LucyR.

Hi Everybody! Are there any Solo cruisers on the Ruby Princess for the dates of Feb. 4th and Feb. 11th?

I cruise a lot on the Ruby Princess and would like to meet other solo cruisers to hang out with or just have dinner at the "Any time dinning."

You will find me dancing alone to the music of the Mariachi Band at the Plaza deck 5. I am used to dancing by myself. lol.

I am on Emerald deck E226. Please call me so we can meet at the Coffee Cafe on deck 5. I am free most of the time. LucyR.

I think your whole family will enjoy staying in a Princess handicapped cabin.

You must book one because of the scooter. Plus, all of you will enjoy the spacious cabins on the LIDO DECK that is located near the Pools.

Princess is more handicapped friendly and senior friendly because they have most of their fun activities are located on the Plaza deck 5. A lot of seniors enjoy sitting around the Coffee Cafe and watch the Mariachi Band and other activities planned for that area. They sit there and wait for their younger loved ones to meet up with them.

The ports in Mex/Riviera for Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta will be easy to get off the ship in those ports because the ship will dock at a port.

Cabo will be a Tender port. You will need to request the Handicapped tender so you can take your time to get onto a tender boat. Plus, they do have an ELEVATOR to take you down to the Tender boat. Look for the elevator for all you seniors.

On Princess ships you never need to take the stairs. I never do because I am afraid of falling. I prefer Princess. I have cruised on NCL and notice some new ships I had to take some stairs. I do like NCL but Princess is a better choice because it is more accessable sp for seniors. LucyR

It is totally unfair because the Liberty is an old ship and only 4 days.

I love the Carnival ships and some are better than others. I don't like the Liberty ship for several reasons. I would never book it.

I only need 6 more cruises and I will have the ultimate Diamond ship card.

I have cruised on many CARNIVAL SHIPS. Some are better than others.

I have cruised on the Celebrity Mercury ship a long time ago and loved it.

Then a few years ago I cruised on the Celebrity Soltices sp and I thought it was boring for single me.

If I cruise on Celebrity again I will cruise only if I am with a Singles Group.

I have noticed that Carnival cruise line rules the Long Beach, California cruise port. Most of the time they charge more than the Princess cruise line that is located in San Pedro, Calif. cruise port.

Some times I am able to find some great deals on Carnival but what stops me from booking with Carnival is the Early saver rules that can cost me money if I change my mind and want to cruise on a different date.

I miss cruising on Carnival but every time I try to book a Carnival cruise I stop myself because of the Early saver rules. I have lost a lot of money because of the early saver rule.

TWO years ago I had booked a Carnival cruise ...when later on when I found out that the Zika virus was in Mexico I decided to not risk getting sick with the virus. I am an older senior with medical problems and can't afford to get sick so I tried to cancel for that reason and Carnival would not let me cancel and return my deposit back. So I had to walk away and lose my deposit. I have chosen to not cruise on Carnival since that date.

I miss not cruising on Carnival but they don't care about my health so I have to just walk away from them.

It has been my experience that it is best for the relative or friend be the responsible person since it is their problem.

The only way it can be your problem is if you paid the deposit and now you may lose out on some money.

Years ago I invited my own sister on a cruise that I had paid for her to cruise with me. But we had a verbal disagreement on something. So I didn't say nothing to the cruise ship and I cruised alone and had a great time.

The cruise line didn't care that my sister didn't show up for the cruise.

I knew I had to pay double anyway for cruising solo and it didn't bother me

at all.

I have had relatives plan cruises with friends but then the friends change their minds and then my relatives choose to not cruise also. That happens a lot with friends and relatives.

I started cruising many years ago with a friend when her friend backed out from cruising so I took her place and have been cruising ever since.

I totally dislike the Early Saver deals because it blocks me from making changes that will cost me money. I love cruising on Carnival but the only way I will cruise with them is to make a last minute deal.

I live near the cruise port so it is easy for me to do that.

But when people live far away they also have to plan the air fare. I have gotten stuck paying air fare for a grandchild that chose to not cruise with me. I have learned my lesson to be careful of not using my money for relatives or friends.

My advise is to STAY IN SAME CABIN because the bed in the wall or ceiling

is hidden and Will not get in his way. No need to cancel cabins.

Best to cruise alone at this late date and have the cabin to himself.

Just cancel the extra person.

It is not your responsibility because your friend or relative will have to deal with Carnival and pay the extra fees for changing names on the cruise and also deleting the third person.

Have that person call Carnival or travel agent to make the changes and also get some advise at 1-800-227-6482.

First of all you need to buy walkie talkies so you can give one to your daughter and the other one you keep to stay in touch with them.

 

Teens like to explore things and places on their own.

 

Buy them a soda card and a ice cream card.

 

Buy computer time on the ship for them to stay in touch with their friends back home.

 

Teens like to watch t.v. and order room service a lot. lol.

 

You can force them to attend the first meeting of the Teen Club so you can get a t-shirt that says "OFF LIMITS".... they were free when I took my two teens to Alaska. They will make some friends to hang out at the Buffet most of the time. There is also a FUN ARCADE for teens that only teens can enter with top security for the Teens.

 

Set some rules like they must have Dinner with you every evening so you can have some time with them.

They have to stay together at all times for their safety reasons.

Like go together to the public restrooms.

 

Not allowed to run up and down stairs. I have seen some serious accidents when teens and adults do that.

 

Tea time is fun because of the snacks for them.

 

Alaska is so beautiful. My grandkids were 16 yrs. old and 17 yrs.old when I took them to Alaska years ago.

 

At the first port which was Ketchican sp I said to my teens that it is American port so I allowed them to run around by themselves in that port with their walkie talkies. They had the best time ever.

They had fun running around on their own at every port.

 

BUT YOUR DAUGHTER is only 14 yrs. old and too young to be running around in port with her friend by themselves.

You must keep an eye on them at all times.

I would never take a teen friend along to keep your daughter company.

 

GOING on a cruise with your 14 year old daughter is a time to bond even closer with your daughter as a family. Her friend could become ill or get in a accident or create problems for you.

 

Alaska is the best experience ever!