KansasEMT

Just a question for the experienced cruisers . . . Dh and I started a weight loss & fitness journey and don't want to lose much ground on our cruise. I keep hearing about the food, but the pictures are gravies, heavy meats, seafood drowning in butter, and almost no veggies. We've really gotten used to "very light" food (salads, healthy smoothies, almost no meat or potatoes). Are there going to be good, fresh, healthy options for us (not just eat smaller portions, but actual fresh produce) ? We will be on the Ncl jewel (yeah, I've already heard their food isn't that great).

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Just got started with my serious MFP routine to lose 25 pounds by March. Would love to have a weight loss buddy or six! Lisa968ks

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Sounds like you've got your bases 100% covered and you and children will be delightful sailing compainions!

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The one thing that upsets me about people travelling with kids is when the parents decide to drag the kids along on an "adult" vacation. Kids need to be kids - give them a place to run (other than the halls) , to yell (outside or in a kid-friendly zone), to act their age (within reasonable boundaries). Parents who impose idealistic "adult" behavior out of their prepubescent offspring are merely setting the stage for a major meltdown. If the kids are tired, let them rest. If they're hungry, feed them. If they need attention (and they do), interact with them - play with them. Let them explore their own interests, allow them some time on the vacation agenda. Allow the kids some "vacation" too. Sitting still like statues and eating unpalatable food (for a kid) for seven days is torture for small children, and they will rebel. If parents aren't going to truly include the kids needs and wants into their vacations, then maybe the kids could stay at home with friends or grandparents?

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Don't get me wrong - it sounds like the parents here really do mind their kids and involve them. I just know a few who expect perfect adult behavior and take no consideration for the kids whatsoever. They're young for such a short time - enjoy those wee ones!

Thanks everybody for setting me straight on times. I certainly would have missed the boat - who would have thought getting to the ship at 2:30 would be late for a 4:00 departure? Certainly not this girl!

Your advice really helps with my vacation planning! Thanks!

Lisa -

 

What ship are you sailing on? Your count down clock says "Jewel of the Seas", but the date listed doesn't match....

 

 

 

John

John,

Chalk that one up to not knowing the difference between "Jewel of the Seas" and "Norwegian Jewel". Told you I was a newbie. :P

Complete newbie question here, but we are going on our very first cruise in March 2014 and want to maximize the fun.

Our ship leaves at 4:00 p.m. What time should we arrive at the port? Can we (two able-bodied adults) carry our own bags on board or will we be required to check them? I've checked our roll call board and everybody is too busy to meet for breakfast, although everybody is going to be in town. DH doesn't want to miss the boat - I don't want to waste time waiting in line for boarding to even start. I read somewhere that if we show up at 3:00, it's too late to board. :confused: In my world, that's an hour early!

When the boat docks at 8 a.m., when can we count on being "on time" for excursions? I realize that over 2,000 people off the boats takes some time, but how much? Also, if the boat leaves again at 5:00, what time do we really need to be back? (will we have time for multiple excursions? how much time do we "really have at port?)

And . . . because i want to be fully prepared for ANYTHING . . . if something horrible happens while ashore (zipline accident, death, dismemberment, stuff like that) and we don't make it back to the ship at all - will they ship our stuff that we left onboard back to the states to our kids?

Thanks for helping out a nervous newbie!