shipgeeks

On pancakes, I like dark brown sugar if I'm not using maple syrup. Re French toast, which I understand the French are not familiar with, I'm wondering if it was based on Croque Monsieur, which has thick bread soaked in eggs and milk before adding the fillings. Anyone know? Re ketchup and eggs, we made breakfast here for some friends a number of years ago. As I was setting the table, the wife said "I can't find the ketchup in your fridge". I didn't know why she would look for ketchup for a breakfast. "For the scrambled eggs." ??? I had never heard of that. And I have no interest in trying it! DH reminds me that we've never had ketchup in the house.

OP, I might not be the best one to help, as I can pack for a month or more in Europe with one medium suitcase for the two of us, but nowhere near that for a cruise! However..... While I no longer pack ballgowns, nor dresses and hats for afternoon tea, nor shoes to go with each outfit, I do still dress up every evening. Some of my strategies for decreasing the load include coordinating colors, as noted by others. I mostly wear separates, with a pair of black pants starting the list, along with compatible tops for them. Black shoes for those. Then two other color pants, with tops (frequently interchangeable), and one other pair of shoes for evening. Day outfits are likewise coordinatable. Linen shorts go with just about any top, and any shoes. I have used compression bags (zipper, not vacuum cleaner type) for undies, jerseys, etc. I would never pack a sweatshirt for a cruise. If it's going to be cold, then I choose wool, cashmere, silk, or fleece. Warmer, less bulky, and dry more easily. I have never felt the need for the "things" that some mention taking, such as laundry hamper, clothes lines, electronics, night lights, mattress topper, pillows, hair dryer, magnetic hooks, snacks..... I might wear my bulkiest shoes (sneakers), and perhaps bulkiest jacket if appropriate, for boarding, and then change shoes for the evening.

I have never sent postcards during a cruise or other vacation, but I used to go looking for postcards with pictures of old ships while in ports. (I am a ship geek.) I have a nice collection now. I never had an interest in shopping for jewelry, liquor, shot glasses, magnets, etc., so the old postcards were a neat goal.

Yes, it is an excellent itinerary. And it will be hot once you ease out of the cold! Always a nice group of passengers, too.

With a break, apparently for a drydock, in April-May, 2024.

We have cruised out of Baltimore in January and February many times, including days with a lot of snow and ice. We board in winter coats because we like to be outdoors for departure, especially going under the bridges. The coats go under the bed as soon as it gets warmer, which is probably day 2. Then we might wear a fleece while temps increase. I can't recall the seas ever being rough, but like any cruise in any part of the world, that is always a possibility.

m, thank you for posting. I'm sorry your cruise was not as flawless as the five we did on Enchantment just before she went to the Med. We did not, however, have to deal with a wheelchair; I imagine that can open up a lot of challenges in any part of the world. I'm surprised at your mention of the Latino community. Are you referring to a large number of Latino passengers? Entertainment in Bolero's? I, too, would be unhappy with the two security issues you mentioned. I've never heard of either happening, and we have been in several connecting (but not connected) cabins over the years.

This has been discussed a number of times, with no satisfactory answer. This has been discussed, with many saying they would not go there. We sailed out of Philadelphia twice, years ago. For whatever reason, it was not kept on as a departure port.

Captains have stated, over the years, that RC is committed to Baltimore for the long term/indefinitely. It's a very popular departure port, and ships invariably sail full. NCL has added several Baltimore sailings this year and next.

It has occurred to me that with a few of our invitations, they came from the Social Hostess, a position that I haven't seen for years. Card signed by the Captain, but probably co-signed by her, and met by her for the pre-dinner chat and introductions.

In my case, platinum or gold with diamonds, sterling silver, steel(?) with rhinestones. I want more sparkle and shine, but am apprehensive about damaging something. Any recommendations?

Two things I would recommend: Read up on the four "experiences" on MSC. Each has its own price level, and its own benefits. For example, Bella and Fantastica have set dining for dinner, and Aurea has anytime dining. If you have a strong preference, choose accordingly. Other things, such as room service, also vary. If you have a loyalty level with one of the other lines, it can be worth applying for status match with MSC. That can give you some nice benefits. We think Ocean Cay is the most wonderful private island in the Bahamas. However, it is mainly a beach place, although we loved just walking around. No animals, apart from the snorkeling, and turtle hatcheries. We really enjoyed our MSC cruises. Ours were 7 nights. I've read that the shorter ones tend to be more party/booze cruise atmosphere.

Yes, it seems that it is a thing of the past. That big table just sits there, unused, during cruise after cruise. We had several such invitations back in the 90s and early 2000s. All very nice experiences. It appears that in those days, there had to be some evidence that the man had a tuxedo, and perhaps that the invitees were capable of good give-and-take dinner conversation. Then high-end cabins became more numerous, and invitations more frequently went to passengers in suites. Then it just faded away. I don't foresee it coming back.

CG inspection was announced a day or two ago; pax told not to arrive earlier than noon, regardless of their checkin time.

My theory is that it's a ploy by PW, to make some future cruisers think they really got a deal if they bid a mere $3,000 on a similar piece.

Same with my palazzo pants, and other evening trousers. I am currently stuck with flats, due to peripheral neuropathy. But the goal of getting back into heels, and therefore all my favorite dresses, is what keeps me doing my PT every day, and taking all my meds.

Well! You got me pining for the oatmeal raisin cookies......and in the store yesterday I saw something I've never noticed before: oatmeal raisin cookies! Yum! I just opened the box, and had one. It was not a Royal Caribbean cookie. It was very disappointing. And it's still almost three months til my next cruise.

After you board, your ship card will note your dining room and table number. You can probably go in to check it out. If not satisfactory, you will be able to see a head waiter to ask for a change. The time and place for that will be listed, probably in your daily program, or outside the dining room.

I would say it is following local custom. In US restaurants we get tap water. In European restaurants we don't; if we want water we have to purchase a bottle.

Yes, or alternately a pitcher of water you can refill from yourself.

And there are people directing the whole process along the way: drop off luggage, pay for parking, park. Also, luggage tags can be made just after entering the port, if needed.

Twice in our 50 cruises we were moved to a balcony from a "lesser" cabin. We hardly ever used it (maybe two hours out of 10 days), and we felt like we were in an obstructed view, with all that metal. We like being able to see the ocean and the sky right from our window. I also have to say that on a TA, the wind (and wind chill) were much stronger on all the open decks than on any other cruise we've been on.

We had OV for all three of our TAs; never would have preferred a balcony.

There is no rule against organizing a get-together with roll call people here or on other sites. If the point is to meet people you've been chatting with online, that is just as good. If the point is to get some free drinks, not as good.

Or you can walk to a beach in 20 minutes or so, by heading towards the town.