Smilefy

Thank you JGH!

I have gone on the Magic twice and the Oasis only once.

The Oasis was a dream of mine from the time I heard of their press release. At that point in time I had never been on a cruise ship, but the Oasis sounded like a fantasy come to life.

I loved the ship, but it was not my favorite cruise. The shows were amazing, but having to book in advance was stressful and I missed out on seeing the ice skating because it was already booked. I know standby was a possibility, but we decided it wasn't worth the wait.

I look forward to the comedy show the most, but the Oasis has only once comedy act and it was bad. I think people got up and left before it was even over. Everyone else sat due to politeness.

The only way I would do the Oasis again would be if I could do a back-to-back, so I don't feel the stress of not having done 1/10 of what I hoped to do.

The Magic was not without it's flaws, rude and drunk guests, one even passed out in front of the elevator after dinner. I also felt there were too many people and not enough space to move around at certain times in the day.

What I liked about the Magic was in the minor details. The waffles at breakfast on the lido deck (do they still serve those?) The tandoori grill, the server at dinner who did magic tricks and made inappropriate jokes, the fall out of my seat hilarious comedy club, for thrills the ropes course beats the zip line on Oasis for me any day, the treadmills with an ocean view that connect with my iPhone so I could watch movies and work off those buffet meals.

I'm going on the Breeze, which is very similar in size and layout to the Magic, but I don't know if it will meet the high standard that the Magic set for me.

Thank you in advance! I hope you and your travel companions have a great time in spite of the travel delays.

We were supposed to sail out this morning on the same itinerary but the fog has us delayed until tomorrow morning...hopefully! ;)

 

Since we will miss Belize I'm not sure the Fun Times etc. will be the same but I will try to post that stuff when I get a chance. :cool:

I agree that it is odd and inconvenient in the wake of a tragic event so close to home. I was on the Carnival Magic when the Costa Concordia sank and the captain made a statement and issued a moment of silence. The crew seemed to go above and beyond to ensure we felt safe aboard, even though we were far from being in any real danger and unlikely to have it effect our travel plans.

Yes, please! Same itinerary in May. Very curious about the first night dinner menu for the Galveston port, since each port seems to be different.

My friend and I want to do the cave tubing and zoo, we have found a company that offers a shore excursion for this, but from doing google searches, their reputation doesn't seem great. I am wondering if anyone has done a combo like this before and what was their experience. Our ship's time says in port from 9-5. I am assuming that means we have from 10-4 to do the excursion, in reality.

Thank you for the reply. Good to know 4 hours is worth the time from someone who has been there.

Since no one has replied I thought I would say I have been to Xel-ha and I really enjoyed it. My family loved it. We however didn't go while on a cruise so I cannot account for the time allotted. I would however go again myself even with limited time say like 4hrs or so would be worth the cost to me. They have a cave that my kids thought was really neat. Also I personally enjoyed snorkeling there and tube float is fun. Hope you have a great time whatever you decide to do!

Cruise Critic Experts,

What was your experience at these parks?

I am trying to decide whether either of these 8 hour excursions is worth the time considering transportation. I have done the Rio Secreto excursion and it was amazing (and right next to both parks), but I remember the 1.5 hour ferry and 40 minute van ride combined plus 1 hour of shopping I hear you are forced to do and that does not seem like much time left over to explore the parks.

They seem appealing, but I don't want to be disappointed by an unrealistic expectation when I get there.

Thanks!

Ductile, I won't be able to buy anything in Orlando as I will be flying to Ft Lauderdale. Kind of defeats the purpose. Once there we won't have time to just buy stuff nor do I want to waste my money like that. I am also primarily using items I already own, thus keeping the cost down.

I will post pictures soon for anyone interest in seeing how I figured things out.

sunscreen: liquid in a spray bottle as of now. May break down and get the solid stick version.

Just buy this in Orlando. The price is the same as at home.

 

bodywash: Could replace with a moisturizing soap bar. Not a bar soap fan.

Get a bar of Shea Butter soap from L'Occitane. One bar x 2 showers a day=10+ days.

 

shampoo: my hair is very picky in humid weather.

Wash once a day in the evening and wear a sun hat or pull it into a ponytail. Use a rich shampoo and emulsify in your hands first. Two ounces will last the whole trip--most people use way too much shampoo.

 

conditioner: I need lots of conditioner for my hair. I have long hair.

Wash once a day in the evening and wear a sun hat or pull it into a ponytail. Emulsify in your hands and run them through your hair. Two ounces will last a week or more.

 

face cleanser: I plan to wear makeup on formal nights, plus sweating in the heat, so I need a good one.

Cleanser towelettes. Don't need to go in the 3-1-1 and you can use the space they take for small souvenirs on the way home.

 

hairspray: Can't think of an alternative.

Because you'll be only styling hair once a day, a small travel size can will be plenty for a week to 10 days.

 

mascara: Can't think of an alternative.

This takes so little room I don't see why it's even an issue unless you are flying through LHR. US TSA won't care if it's not in the 3-1-1

 

concealer: I have dark under-eye circles that need covering. At least when I want a nice photo.

Again it's so small (mine comes in a pot about an inch across) it's just not an issue.

 

foundation: I could use the powder or mineral kinds. Though I prefer a tinted moisturizer.

A B&B takes very little room in your 3-1-1 bag.

 

lipgloss: Could use a potted lipgloss instead.

The "stick" type will fit better in the 3-1-1 bag

 

aloe vera gel: Do they have this available at the purser's desk?

No, but they will have it for purchase in the shop. I would skip it and use the space for extra sunblock.

 

mouth wash: Can't go without mouthwash.

Buy in Orlando

 

wrinkle releaser: For all of my clothes that are going to be packed so tightly.

You don't need it. Hang them up and the wrinkles will fall out. If something is really bad, send it out for pressing--$2 or so.

 

hand sanitizer: for when we are ashore.

Get one of those mini-bottles in Orlando

 

Na-PCA: My skin moisturizer.

With the sun block you will use daily, you won't need this.

 

argan oil: For hair

If you can't find a sample size, use an oil that can be used for face, hair, and body

 

almond oil: For skin after shaving.

If you can't find a sample size, use an oil that can be used for face, hair, and body

 

perfume: I have mini bottles that are sample size, Not worried about these.

Leave it at home.

 

spare contact lenses

Don't need to be in 3-1-1, and to be honest you'd be better off just bringing glasses. You can't wear contacts in the water.

 

toothpaste

A travel size tube is enough for 7-10 days.

 

How can this be such a long list? ?

Because you are letting it be.

 

 

Things I will bring if I can fit them in:

First aid ointment, wipes.

Sample size Biofreeze.

Bug spray

Tide stain stick

and

Tide packets for sink-washing garments.

 

Instead of bug spray bring a couple packets of Off wipes.

 

 

I just got back from two weeks in London and haven't unpacked my 3-1-1 bag yet, so here's what is in it:

 

2 ounce shampoo (a little left after 18 showers)

2 ounce conditioner (a little left after 18 showers)

25ml Face Wash (a little left after 18 showers)

2 ounce styling cream (2/3 full)

2 ounce hand lotion (almost empty)

1 ounce eye makeup remover (to catch what the disposable wipes miss)

.5 ounce Caudalie hair/face/body oil (about half gone) (Buy this size at Sephora)

1 ounce Khiels body polish

travel size hairspray (almost gone)

.25 ounce face cream x 2 (one day, one night--both about half empty)

1 mascara and 4 lip gloss/balm sticks

.25 ounce concealer pot

.1 ounce eye cream (sample from Keihls almost gone)

.15 face oil (sample from Keihls that I keep refilling, enough for one more use)

1 ounce travel tube of toothpaste almost gone (I started with two)

1 Yankee Candle mini air freshener spray stick (the size of a Sharpie but not as long)

 

It is not jammed, there is room for another can of hairspray and another tube of toothpaste and probably a few more small things.

What is the first drink you purchase once aboard?

I can't go 10 minutes without getting a Piña Colada (with umbrella) once on the ship. It's 5'o clock somewhere, right?

If you have a favorite drink, pictures, ritual, etc…post it :)

:p

I've flown all the heck over the US, through many major airports (Newark, LAX, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Orlando) and never once have I put my mascara in my liquid bag - so far, TSA seems to not care. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I can't imagine in the 30-40 flights I've been on in the last 3 years, that anyone can be that lucky. lol

 

Have you tried the Listerine strips (aka minty pieces of paper)? They work as well as mouthwash for helping to freshen breath.

 

Also, Neutrogena makes a great stick sunblock that is the size of a deodorant stick. So a wider coverage area than the smaller lipstick sized ones that are mainly only good for your face. (Plus it smells awesome)

 

Good luck and happy packing!

Thanks for the tips, I will add the Neutrogena stick and breath strips to my shopping list. I mainly use mouthwash as a backup insurance to kill germs and bacteria after brushing, but I doubt a week without the gurgling is going to kill me.

Instead of hand sanitizer, I take packets of handiwipes. I clean my hands before I eat after getting food from the buffet. Do you realize all the people who handle the serving spoons at the buffet? I also carry them in my purse. Also instead of a bottle of perfume, you can buy roller ball perfume.

One of my dreaded vacation fears is cross-contamination. It only took me one nasty case of food poisoning from my college dorm cafeteria to learn my lesson. Now, I am one of those people who likes to be first in line because everything has been touched less. But if my memory serves me right, don't cruise ships post hand sanitizing stations throughout the common areas and especially around the buffet areas? Regardless, I will, like you, be cleaning my hands before I eat.

My perfume bottle is 1-2 mL in volume, which is like .06 fl oz, I think I got 5 of them free when I purchased a bottle of perfume years ago. I think it was meant to be a tester so I will go and buy more, but I've always been conservative with fragrances so it has lasted.

Another thought: Is spray tanning ever available onboard? Seems silly to do it ahead of time, and have it mostly gone by the time we hit shorts weather.

You will want to be consistent with it, think what it will be like to come in pale the first dinner and then golden the next. Quite a shock :p Also, ask the tanning salon about extender lotions that help the tan last longer.

Here's a treatment I found on the Royal Caribbean / Elemis spa. menu:

St. Tropez Liquid Sunless Tanning for Face & Body

Duration: 50 minutes Prices starting from: 109.00 USD

Now keep in mind it costs about $15-30 for a one session spray tan and the sunless tanning aboard the ship will likely be through a lotion product, not the spray tan if even offered on your cruise line and sailing.

Just signed up to be on a team at work where each member's goal is to lose 4 pounds in 40 days. It is going to be a challenge for sure. I have about 20 lbs. to lose in total to reach my goal weight. Dieting is definitely a challenge. In the past I counted calories using an app and actually gained 5 pounds following the recommended plan. I try to eat what I want, but not all in one setting and not every time I have a craving.

Revised list:

1. shampoo
   
2. conditioner
   
3. hairspray
   
4. mascara
   
5. concealer
   
6. mouth wash
   
7. hand sanitizer
   
8. moisturizer
   
9. almond oil
   
10. perfume
    
11. enough sunscreen for 3 days
    

Items should fit in quart sized bag with some items in smaller containers.

Last year I tried cool-off. They are individually packed moist towelettes that are soaked in a solution that is meant to make you feel cool. It really did nothing other than wipe my sunblock off in the humid central florida weather. The only thing it ended up being good for was masking the smell of bathrooms.

I also purchased a shirt with Omni-Freeze technology sold by Columbia Sportswear. Omni Freeze is a clothing technology meant to keep the skin cool and it really did work the way it was described (even in the humidity). I intend to slowly invest in more clothing items with the technology as it is on the pricy side, but occasionally you can find great sales on their website. :cool:

I'm going on a cruise to SE Asia next month. I don't do well touring in the heat -- I'm not looking forward to temperatures in the high 80s/low 90s.

 

Has anyone used those cooling towels that you soak in water and then wrap around your neck? I've read reviews on some websites, and while some folks have loved them, others haven't.

 

I can see how they could cool you with evaporative cooling, but I worry that in a high-humidity environment (which is what I'll be in), there won't be a lot of evaporation, hence not much cooling.

 

I don't want to waste money and space on these if they aren't worth it, so I'm hoping for some voices of experience....

This was asked in the Holland America forum, but no one answered it. It may be a dumb question. We are going on the Zuiderdam.

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. :p Perhaps they don't have the answer so they just didn't reply rather than give you advice that isn't adequate.

Has anyone gone to the spa in the hair/makeup area and gotten advice on applying makeup?? It may be an odd question. But do they teach people to put their own makeup on?

I haven't seen this service on the cruises I've been on, but I also wasn't looking. Try calling the cruise line directly if you don't find your answer here. If you want to get a makeup consultation beforehand and want feedback mary kay, merle norman, avon will all do for free, though they will try to sell you their products. If you learn by trial and error, search youtube videos on your specific makeup application, they are quite decent and accessible.

I have gotten out of the habit of using certain makeup items. Plus I use all organic makeup when I do put something on. Like liquid eyeliner and mascara is a bit hard for me to do. Was never really in to putting makeup on and hardly do it at home.. But think it's a skill I need to improve on. And what better place to do it on, then a cruise... LOL

I also can't apply liquid eyeliner and when I've had someone apply it for me, I didn't like it. I think liquid eyeliner isn't for everyone. My next attempt will be with gel/paste eyeliner.

Hope this helps!

I have a waterproof backpack from The North Face that I am bringing along. It is black and boring, but they did have different styles and colors that were cute. A backpack also helps with balance if walking on uneven surfaces.

An alternative thought is a DIY. Use an existing bag and purchase waterproofing fabric spray. This is a permanent solution. There are many on the market and generally used for fabrics that are outdoors or on boats.

Wow, thanks so much for posting this! I hope you had a wonderful trip.

Ok, a revised list and big thanks to all on the suggestions. Red items are no longer going in the 3-1-1 category. I will keep updating as I try to pack what is left in those tiny bags.

sunscreen: Get the solid version and purchase other as needed

bodywash: Soap bars aren't that bad

shampoo: Pantene with argon oil

conditioner: I need lots of conditioner for my hair. I have long hair.

face cleanser: Olay cleansing pads not a 3-1-1 item

hairspray: I have a small 10 mL. spray bottle I can use for this

mascara: Doesn't take up much space.

concealer: Doesn't take up much space.

foundation: Use the pressed powder or mineral kinds.

lipgloss: Use a potted lipgloss instead.

aloe vera gel: Purchase on the ship if needed

mouth wash: small travel size. DF isn't going to be there to judge my bad breath anyway!

wrinkle releaser: humidity will take care of this

hand sanitizer: Only need small amounts for when we are ashore.

Na-PCA: My skin moisturizer. I have a small 10 mL. spray bottle for this

argan oil: For hair

almond oil: For skin after shaving. I have a very small bottle for this. After all I won't be shaving everyday.

perfume: I have mini bottles that are sample size, Not worried about these.

spare contact lenses: declared but not packed

toothpaste

First aid ointment, wipes.

Still a few maybes:

Sample size Biofreeze.

Bug spray

Tide stain stick

Tide packets for sink-washing garments: another brand has the powdered kind

Does it last long enough for a 10-night cruise?

It lasts about a week depending. The more you stay out of the water, the longer it lasts. Also you will want to start exfoliating about every other day starting a week before you tan.

Will it rub off on clothing, shoes and towels?

Yes, the day after the tan you will want to be careful. There is also an instant bronzer they can add to the tanning as it takes four to 24 hours for the tan to set in. This bronzer is basically makeup and it will come off everywhere. I suggest opting out of that one. Keep in mind as the tan develops your skin may appear splotchy.

I've only done self-tanners, which do come off on clothing. Would a spray tan be a good choice?

Spray tan are far superior in appearance to personal tanning. I would use the personal tanning lotions as a supplement to the spray tan as it fades. You can buy these at the salon or at the drug store. Some are better than others.

I don't tan, and won't be trying to. Just want to cover up some spider veins and other imperfections.

I don't (sun) tan either and look 5-10 years younger than my age as a result. I spray tan because I am pale and every imperfection shows as you mentioned, spider veins, cellulite etc..It is a confidence booster and I enjoy occasionally sporting a tan albeit artificial.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, this is my first time carryon only. The airline ruined my $150 suitcase on the last flight, and I've had my luggage lost twice before. I decided I have to keep everything with me. Packing minimal hasn't been an issue with an exception of toiletries.

Travel sized bottles are your only go to. Much of conditioner and creams can be put in mid-size pill containers -- almost a whole of my face cream in one bottle. Foundation I use compact with powder and foundation as one.

 

I think with what you have listed the options are: 1. check a small bag -- then number of liquids/amount of liquids does not matter as long as under the weight limit. 2. Find a drugstore/Wal-Mart and buy in Orlando which might cost you more than checking bag and then what to do with good stuff left over. Or take a little of the good stuff (what you most need or can't bear to substitute for) and pick up the other stuff in Orlando.

 

Might be other threads on "packing carry-on only" that might have other ideas. Right now I have 7 bottles of various sizes in my 3-1-1 bag for trip to asia for 35 days. Small shampoo (larger but still small size in suitcase), hair rinse in tube (from hair dye:o) (2 in suitcase) face cream in pill bottle (1 in suitcase),hair conditioner (in pill bottle) other in suitcase, toothpaste, trial size mouth wash (tiny one shot) (for "sore/dry throat along with throat drops but I have 15 hour flight), eye cream, nasal spray , lip stick and fingernail polish (remover in pads)small tube sunscreen. Face cleaner is wipes as are hand wash.

 

For me what is in the 3-1-1 bag is what I would need for the flight itself and for a night if I was to land somewhere and had to stay one night. All the rest is in suitcase and becomes another problem. I have never done carry-on only -- Hard enough with a checked bag to take it all and be under weight limits.

No, flying since the ship leaves from Ft Lauderdale.

Are you driving from Orlando to your cruise? Many of the things on your list can be bought there and taken aboard in any of your bags. The rules on liquids (except for ship-specific rules on alcohol) that apply for flying do not apply at cruise check-in. You can find the baggage rules for your cruise on their website. That way you only need to pack enough of those things for your first day or until you can get to a store. And you can take as many bags on board as you like.

Thanks for the insight! I am definitely not using enough sunscreen in that case. Have you ever used the solid stick sunscreens? I'm curious if they work well. We are flying from Orlando to Ft Lauderdale, it was actually cheaper than taking a bus. I'm too paranoid about checking a bag and having them lose it, plus our airline charges for a checked bag and the weight limit is minimal. I wonder how much sunscreen costs onboard the ship. I'm guessing a lot.

There is no way to bring enough sunscreen in your carry-on....you need 1 oz (a shot glass full) per adult every 2 hours, or whenever you towel off.

 

The make-up items really shouldn't take up that much space. I would get a shampoo that INCLUDES the argan oil...Pantene has it.... Get travel sized mouthwash,..you only need a bit!

Don't worry about wrinkles...the humidity will rumple everything, anyway.

 

You will need to check something to bring all of those things! Each person is allowed ONE qt. sized baggie....you can share, but I doubt all that will fit. Liquids in CHECKED bags do not have a size limit.

Just tested how many liquids I can fit in a quart sized bag. :eek:

My brother may share some real-estate as he can use the hotel and cabin shampoos without consequence. We are spending 3 days in Orlando before the cruise, that makes 11 days of toiletries in two gallon bags, two personal sized bags and a single carryon. Challenge accepted!

Here's the liquids I've determined I need:

1. sunscreen: liquid in a spray bottle as of now. May break down and get the solid stick version.
   
2. bodywash: Could replace with a moisturizing soap bar. Not a bar soap fan.
   
3. shampoo: my hair is very picky in humid weather.
   
4. conditioner: I need lots of conditioner for my hair. I have long hair.
   
5. face cleanser: I plan to wear makeup on formal nights, plus sweating in the heat, so I need a good one.
   
6. hairspray: Can't think of an alternative.
   
7. mascara: Can't think of an alternative.
   
8. concealer: I have dark under-eye circles that need covering. At least when I want a nice photo.
   
9. foundation: I could use the powder or mineral kinds. Though I prefer a tinted moisturizer.
   
10. lipgloss: Could use a potted lipgloss instead.
    
11. aloe vera gel: Do they have this available at the purser's desk?
    
12. mouth wash: Can't go without mouthwash.
    
13. wrinkle releaser: For all of my clothes that are going to be packed so tightly.
    
14. hand sanitizer: for when we are ashore.
    
15. Na-PCA: My skin moisturizer.
    
16. argan oil: For hair
    
17. almond oil: For skin after shaving.
    
18. perfume: I have mini bottles that are sample size, Not worried about these.
    
19. spare contact lenses
    
20. toothpaste
    

How can this be such a long list? :confused: ?

Things I will bring if I can fit them in:

First aid ointment, wipes.

Sample size Biofreeze.

Bug spray

Tide stain stick

and

Tide packets for sink-washing garments.

I will also have contact lens solution that does not need to be put in the quart-size bag.

Any suggestions on how to pack these in two quart-sized bags? Did I leave anything off?

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