fam2cruise

@Shootr. Beautiful aren't they? Love watching them at work [emoji3].

I haven't cruised Celebrity but I have just recently started weight watchers and will be cruising in a little less than two weeks with carnival. I've looked at some of their menus online and calculated the points of some of the dishes ahead of time. Also know that there will be plenty of salad, fruit and vegetable options. I've also noted the point values of some drinks I plan to try. I won't stick to the plan perfectly either but want to make educated choices. Good luck and have fun!! You can work it off when you get back .

We had the dining time we wanted by choosing it online, but we wanted to request a table for four.

Correct, I emailed him for Chefs Table reservations and MDR preference and received a confirmation email back the same day. His name is Elvis Brkljacic.

You can try emailing ahead of time: timaitred@carnival.com

Thanks! We leave in 12 days, can't believe it's finally here!! We booked about 15 months out so it's been a long count down [emoji3]! I'm looking forward to some down time with my husband and kiddos.

April, I have a Fitbit but I am terrible about wearing it. I don't like jewelry and wearing it drives me nuts, so I almost never do. I was really hoping I'd love it and be motivated by seeing the step count...may have to give it another try. Sounds like you are doing great!

Can't believe I forgot to check in yesterday, though I did think it was Wednesday until about half way through the day [emoji3]. Down to 181 this week...hard work paying off! I got an exercise bike for valentines so I've enjoyed mixing up my routine with that this week. I had been just on the treadmill but was getting rather bored with that. Also added a strength training video in once a week to hopefully help tone. I'm very nervous about staying the course on our upcoming cruise. I know there are PLENTY of healthy options, I'll just be fighting myself to make good choices with all the temptations [emoji3]. We dream of a long Mediterranean cruise someday, when our kids are grown and gone, but not wishing that to pass to quickly. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

@shootr. You shout toot your own horn for keeping it off that long! That's a huge achievement! I'm pretty good at losing weight when I focus on it, but not great at keeping it off. This year I strategically booked a cabin right close to the gym in hopes I can sneak in there early while the family is sleeping. I travel with very young kids so stairs are sometimes more of a hassle than it's worth. But they are only little for a short time, soon I'll be chasing them up and down those stairs!!

We're taking the kids on a pre spring break 4 day out of Galveston on the Triumph. We've done 5 cruises but never this ship, so looking forward to it!

Hope you all had a great Valentines weekend! No chocolate here, not a big sweets fan. I did pick up a compact stationary bike this weekend...only made 15 minutes my first morning, but man it feels different than walking on the treadmill! Hoping to keep this up on our upcoming cruise in 17 days by visiting the gym for the first time on a ship! Hope everyone has a blessed week!

Ours both started sailing at 10 months...they are easily entertained at that age, so you should be fine! Just remember to take EVERYTHING you might need for the baby because you might have a hard time purchasing.

What did you like at Jiji?

We loved the pork belly and duck appetizers, short ribs and chili shrimp entrees and the fried rice...all amazing!

I haven't researched enough to know if his lungs and heart are healthier but I sure don't miss the smell of cigarettes!! He's a big boy and can make his own, hopefully informed, health decisions. Thanks for all the feedback though, so glad he won't have issues bringing all his supplies!!

My husband switched from smoking to vaping about a year ago, wondering if there will be any issue with him bring on his vape supplies including the liquid he puts in it (sorry, I don't know all the correct vape terms). We know that he can only use it in the same places smoking is allowed, I'm more worried about him getting everything onboard. Any info on this topic appreciated!

Woo hoo, down 7 lbs total to 185 today!!! Been walking every day, careful about what I eat, getting plenty of water. I did binge on some mixed nuts yesterday afternoon, but better than chips, right? [emoji3]

So I made up "dip and chips" for snacking today, but not the traditional options. 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt + 2 Tbsp onion soup mix and then the same but with ranch mix. Served with carrot chips, satisfies that craving! Been out running around with the kids, exercise enough. Will be grilling up cheeseburgers for dinner but using very lean beef and lots of veggies. Just trying to make better choices!

We had 5340, one of the new cabins added and it was amazing! It had a huge L shaped couch that made into a bed in the main room, a second bedroom that the balcony was off of, and a huge bathroom. Also a large balcony. The only "negative" was you had to go through the bedroom to get to the balcony or bathroom, but didn't diminish the fact that this was an awesome room! There was a large window in the main room, so there was natural light coming in.

Good morning, my first check in after joining you guys...happy to report 3lbs lost!!!! I'm so shocked. Makes me realize I CAN do this!! So I've cut out soda for water and Hatomugi (unsweetened) tea. Walking every day so far, just 20 minutes but it feels great! I've been having cottage cheese and fruit or boiled eggs with pesto for breakfast, salad and shrimp or salad and a frozen "lean" meal for lunch. Dinner is harder since I cook for the family, but trying to control portions mostly and add more veggies. Not too bad so far.

I second JiJi's being amazing!

If you don't use all the coupons, do they expire?

Hey guys, I'd like to join you too! I'm 30 days out from our cruise, but that's not necessarily why I'm trying to lose...just need to focus on a healthier lifestyle. My "baby" just turned 3 yet I'm still holding on to all the baby weight! I'll be frank, starting out this journey today at 192...same that I weighed the morning she was born. So today I got up early and walked on the treadmill for the first time in YEARS! Only made it 15 minutes but it's a start! You guys sound like an encouraging group, exactly what I need [emoji3]. I'm not following any certain plan and no gym membership here, but I'm planning to ditch soda for water, up my fruit and veggie intake, and trade out more of my beloved ribeye for lean meats and fish. It's a start, right?

We sailed her in 2013 and loved it! We didn't notice any over crowding and loved having a new deck 5 cabin.

You can bring up to 12 cans, just no bottles.

Did anyone book or price match to the "Past Guest Inner Circle" sale that ran through Jan. 14? It included up to $50 obc. If so, can you share the rate code? I booked Early Saver for March 3, so past final payment, and put in for this drop as the rate was lower than what I booked and included OBC. My travel agent submitted the request on the 11th but the Carnival agent he spoke to said she wasn't authorized to process it but she'd submit it to someone who was. He called back today and they say the sale is over and they don't know the rate code to match to. They said if I can find someone who booked or matched to it they can review.

We haven't been yet but are reserved on our March cruise. I plan to tip $30 which is 20% granted the service is as good as I assume it will be.