Dayenu

That's why I advocate hickory or applewood smoked side bacon - no salt, no nitrates, not fried - presumably thickly sliced and competently cooked (baked or broiled) by someone who gives a damn - regardless of country of origin.

 

I would refuse to eat kale, or strawberries or quinoa - or anything - if it were mucked up the way some people think bacon has to be, just so they can rant against it.

Next time, when you order kale, make K silent ;)

Thank you all for starting this thread and posting advices. I am a full time cane user, and wouldn't know otherwise about this cane extension for sandy surfaces.

Nobody digs in your belongings, they all go through a scanner, just like in an airport, and yes, they look for alcohol. And yes, every time you board a ship, they scan.

Ship employees don't check what you take off the ship, but on land some ports have "no food" policy, I saw even sniffing dogs.

You also show your key card that has your photo, this also scanned at least twice - when you leave and when you come back.

I learned my lesson before the very first cruise. Everything went well, got a nice cabin, was doing ports research... then got so sick, the doctor didn't want me to go on the cruise.

I knew I was feeling better only the day before the cruise, and decided to be brave. Medications started working, but I was still weak, did not enjoy the cruise as much, couldn't drink, needed a mid-day nap...

So when I broke a foot a few years later, I was prepared. All I'd lost was a small deductible.

Who do you get your insurance from? I've only been on 2 cruises and never purchased before, but this storm has made adjust my thinking and i'll get it from now on. I always assumed that travel insurance was like car rental insurance that is for the most part not needed. From just reading post here today I see the reason to purchase it.

I start with InsureMyTrip website, put my info in, sort them by price, and compare.

Wonder if they'll let you bring a hose on board?

:D

(reading and learning as next year I may sail with Carnival out of New Orleans)

If you are flying home, syrups and jams are liquids, not allowed as carry-ons, only checked in.

We did the full transit from Los Angeles. Woke up early to see the small boats' lights at the entrance to the locks. It was interesting to go through the Pacific side locks, and then on the river - I think, the view on the "right" side of the ship (is it starboard?) was much better all the way to the lake.

We felt after the lake there was nothing more to see, so this would be the good place to get the tours. We didn't know, so stayed on the ship all the way.

I always start my "prevention" by picking the right cabin. Lower part of the ship, in the middle of the deck. And never stay inside, you must have at least a window.

After that, whatever works for you. For some people even salty crackers with green apples are enough. Some need a patch. Some take bonine or Dramamine. For some ginger works.

You can check in as early as 24 hours prior, but you don't have to check in that early. We just called Southwest once we got off the ship and checked in over the phone the morning of the flight. You can also just check in once you get to the airport.

I am surprised to hear that. I think they stopped phone check-in several years ago. Or maybe you mean iPhone with Internet access?

We have the same situation.do you know if you do the early check in, do you have to print the boarding pass at the kiosk, or do they print it when you check in your luggage , using your confirmation #. Thanks in advance!

I don't know, I would think it depends on the airport, and there would be somebody to ask.

So I was reading how to attach the luggage tags I printed for my carnival cruise....I couldn't help but to laugh when it said to attach with tape or staple. Maybe it is me but who carries a roll of tape or a stapler with them during vacation??? Anybody have any clever ideas of how to attach your tags?

Just wait, somebody will lecture you on how easy it is to put a piece of tape around a pen that you will take on a trip with you anyway :)

If seriously, some people live in ports or drive up, for them it's a non-issue.

Bring the printed tags with you, fold in the hotel, and ask the front desk for a stapler.

Last resort - the baggage handlers should have sticky tags (like the cruise companies used to mail)

Can you ask a friend or a family member to check you in? Our adult children did that, and we printed the boarding passes at the airport when checking in the luggage.

If you are not picky about your excursion(s) you can reserve on the ship. If there is something you must go on, reserve now. We reserved on the ship, sometimes the rides were full, sometimes got on the waitlist, and sometimes walked up to the bus and got on, as it had empty seats. You just cannot predict the availability.

If a person is disqualified and turned away after filling out the Public Health Questionnaire? I mean it is no fault of either party.

I think you will have the option of being quarantined in your cabin. Don't remember where I read this. You will still take the cruise, but won't be able to go to restaurants, shows, etc. - until the cruise doctor relieves you.

We take small gifts for the crew and officers and find that they are very much appreciated.

Of course they are! At least for as long as you are there. They cannot say no to you, they must smile and be polite. What do you think they do with all "small gifts" from each cruiser, once they are out of sight?

Depends on what your wife likes - I had champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries for our 40th, didn't care for a restaurant or a cake.

And of course, flowers. Unless she is allergic.

Check out flights to FLL, they may be cheaper. On the airport's website, go to "ground transport" page to see the shuttles. Cheaper than cruise line transfers.

Make sure you don't run into each other going to/from Muster Drill.

Can you bring a bottle of wine/champagne, call them (do you know their cabin number?) that complimentary delivery is coming.

You are torn between your commitment to the family, and your son's commitment to either sports or girlfriend. Maybe this is how he grows up and becomes a man - by choosing what is more important for HIM?

As a compromise, can you take his girlfriend along on the cruise?

Is he responsible enough to stay at home on his own?

Being a teenager is not easy.

How do you avoid being treated like second class cruisers if you are non or light drinkers - being that the wait staff is rated on how much alcohol they sell. This has happened to us in the past. Any ideas?

Don't feel like 2nd class, and nobody will treat you as such. We have a glass of wine/champagne once or twice a week on cruises, and this is nobody's business if we refuse to drink every day.

We bought coffee in the row of small shops right by the port entrance. Make sure to check if you want beans or ground. The packages were 8 oz, 16 oz, and don't remember if larger.

If you are buying for yourself, check the price at home and online to compare. If as a gift, the packaging is certainly different. Our kids loved it and asked for more :)

Congratulations! Just in case of morning sickness get some green apples and saltines (salty crackers) in the buffet, and keep them in the cabin.

When I got pregnant, I was ready to share the happy event with the whole world, and you may be feeling the same. I would not notify the ship as it's too late for you to get a doctor's note, and you don't really need any special arrangements, except that maybe you will become a picky eater :)

I'll pay for it if it's good popcorn! :D

With or without tips? :D

Now, seriously. Our distant relatives went on the first RCI cruise, and not knowing how this tipping system works, they removed gratuities and tipped as much and whoever they thought appropriate.

The didn't know that every room steward, waiter - whoever get the tips in cash, must give it up for the tipping pool for the amount that would be charged daily (approx. $12 pp/day - not sure about the exact amount).

Some time after the cruise they got a letter from RCI. In that letter they were asked if this is true they gave employee A. - X amount of $, and employee B. Y amount of $, or are they lying and not giving up all cash. Don't know how the story ended, we saw them before they replied, and later forgot to ask.

This is such a difficult decision to make! Work or cruise, what to choose? And if you choose the cruise, and get fired - the new work will want references from the old job...

Just want to tell you that I sympathize, been in your shoes more than once. I was able to work it all out, and I hope you can also. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.