BlessedAZWife

My huge apologies. Should have read the entire thread instead of the small blurbs I get on my phone. Did not recognize that this was geared towards NCL. Shall I walk the plank? 

Addressing a few questions here:

Each adult in the cabin is permitted to bring 1 750 ml (regular sized) bottle of wine for consumption IN YOUR CABIN with no corkage fee. You may bring more bottles to bring to the dining room, etc. however, those will be subject to the $15.00 per bottle corkage fee. And there is nothing that says you cannot open the bottle in your cabin, pour a glass and then go wandering. You just can't bring it to the dining room and ask the waiter to open it without paying the corkage fee.

I have an Excel style form that I utilize for packing purposes. First column indicates the date and activity (ex: 11/10 Sunday Embarkation) second column indicates what clothing, including shoes and undies for myself, and third column indicates same for hubby. I may have 3 or 4 lines for the same day, depending on activities (ie: 11/10 Sunday Embarkation, 11/10 Sunday Sail Away, 11/10 Sunday Dinner ( these are just examples, please don't give me crap about my examples!!)) This way, as I build my packing list, I can mix and match outfits, you know, wear the same pants on day 2 and day 4. Remember, you usually only wear an outfit for a few hours, and unless it is a workout outfit, you are likely not sweating or getting it too dirty. Also, remember that most people do not care what you are wearing or if you wear the same outfit more than once. As for formal nights, hubby refuses to wear a tie, as he spent too many years in the corporate world doing so. He will wear nice slacks and a Tommy Bahama or Tori Richard shirt, (on a previous cruise, we had the Cruise Director so enamored of my husbands shirts that he would make it a point to track us down every evening to see his shirt!!),  while I wear a cocktail dress or nice black pants and a pretty top with blingy jewelry. We have decided that on our upcoming Fall cruise, one of the Formal nights, we are going to dress it up with a suit and a black velvet gown and get a good picture for our Christmas cards.

Now, what I wish I had known before my first cruise? That I don't have to choose between 2 entrees, or appetizers or desserts. I can order as many as I want. However, I usually tell them to just bring the entrée and not the sides that typically go with it. For example, I LOVE the Princess Fettuccine Alfredo, but also LOVE their salmon. I simply ask for the salmon atop the fettuccine. That way, I don't end up with the potatoes or rice or whatever else the Chef pairs the salmon with.

Finally, absolutely NOT necessary, however, I am very grateful for and appreciative of the Wait Staff, Cabin Stewards, Bartenders, etc. and their efforts to make my cruise perfect. I typically bring about $200 in $1's and $5's, with which I tip. After a couple of tips to a bar attendant, they remember us and we are treated accordingly. We find that a little kindness goes a long way! And our philosophy is that if we can't afford this small kindness over and above the daily gratuities, we probably shouldn't be cruising.  

Ok, so on another cruise forum site, there have been extensive conversations regarding the premier beverage package as a perk being done away with. Some have even said that it was taken away on previously booked future cruises. Does anybody know anything about this? Had it happen?:confused:

We were in Jewel Cabin 5602 for a cruise to Alaska. We found it comfortable, albeit with no balcony. The window is right above the bed and has a wide enough ledge that a smaller person could sit on the ledge and watch the water. Cabin was fine and a convenient location for wherever we wanted to go on the ship. If you are asking if there are coffee or tea facilities IN the room, no, there are not. We did not find it to be loud. Have a great cruise!!!

We too will be on that same cruise! A first on Carnival, but have cruised several other lines. We have a large group of Corvette Pirates going!!

Can anybody post a drinks menu or price list for the Breeze?

Hmmm, mine will not be a popular opinion, but, isn't that what these boards are for? Discussion? On a cruise with our adult kids a couple years ago, DIL was adamant about bringing their 11 month old. Hubby and I made it clear that we were not going to be babysitters! She also insisted that "the cruise line could not keep them from enjoying the pools with their baby" (even though she was still in diapers). Once I made it clear that, the cruise line could and would indeed not allow the baby in the pool in a diaper, and that she and our son would be solely responsible for the care of their baby, she changed her mind about bringing her.

My feeling is that we raised our kids without any help, and now that we are able to afford to take cruises, etc. I DO NOT want to have to put up with somebody else's kids. Yes, even our grandkids!

Last year, we were on another, higher-end cruise line. We had made reservations in the steakhouse, which is the most formal of their dining rooms, with the accompanying surcharge. At the next table, a young family had a toddler, who would not sit still. She was running around between the tables, jumping from chair to chair at their own table, shrieking, knocking over her milk and just generally being very bothersome for those of us who thought that we were going to get a lovely, elegant, dining experience. I finally had enough and told the Maitre'd that we needed to be moved, and our surcharge refunded to our account, as this was NOT the experience that we had been led to expect. We were immediately accommodated with profuse apologies.

It is my opinion that there are places which are appropriate for children, and there are places which are not.

I always bring a pop-up hamper from Dollar Tree. (I hate putting dirty clothes in luggage to sit there all week!)

A power strip (NOT a surge protector, that will be confiscated).

Heavy duty magnetic clips (Office supply shelves at WalMart)

Small tea lights as night lights.

Clothes pins (great for clipping things to clothesline or on balcony, also to weight the shower curtain down).

Poo-Pourri (because...well...small cabin, 2 people, rich food...yeah!)

A few large plastic bags (great for wet stuff or whatever)

A can of Lysol with which I spray everything in the cabin

5 or 6 plastic hangers (I hate the wire hangers, and if you ask your steward, that is usually what you get)

Luggage scale

Liquid soap for the bathroom (I don't like bar soap, it collects germs.) It is cheap enough that I leave the remainder for the Steward.

I also bring my own shampoo and conditioner as I have very long hair and their products are crummy.

First aid kit containing the essentials: band-aids, Neosporin, pain reliever, at least double the amount of required med's in a weekly pill case, along with pictures on my phone of each med bottle.

At least 40 $1.00 bills, and 10 $5.00 bills.

We always completely unpack as soon as possible. That way, we feel as though we are "home" for the week. It also means that any clothes that have gotten wrinkled in the suitcase, will likely "hang out" the wrinkles quickly. We use at least one magnetic clip for the daily newsletter, and one for our clothing list (I make a list of all itineraries/activities and the corresponding clothing we will each wear for that activity).

Besides the cruise line issued luggage tags, I always put at least one, and usually 2 laminated tags on every one of our bags, checked, carry-on, my purse, hubby's backpack, etc. Hubby always thought that was overkill, until, on our last Alaska cruise, the cruise line issued luggage tags were savagely ripped off one of his bags. (I know it was "savagely" ripped, as I buy those heavy-duty plastic zip-lock with steel cable ties, and it was completely gone!). Fortunately, one of those tags was still attached and they were finally able to deliver his bag, several hours later than mine were delivered.

We always start Airborne about a week before departure. Given our home base in AZ, we have to fly to the port; therefore, I also bring sani-wipes and wipe down the tray table, the armrests, the seat belt, and anything else on the plane that we may touch. We make every attempt to avoid the lavatory, and on the plane, only order packaged items to drink (no coffee!). I also bring a full-size can of Lysol spray and spray everything in the pre-cruise hotel, ie; pillows, sheets, remote, faucets, toilet, towels, shower, etc. I do the same once we get to our cabin. I also bring a bottle of liquid soap for our cabin bathroom. And be sure to stay hydrated! Lastly, as everybody else has mentioned, wash your hands frequently, well, and extensively!! Sounds excessive, I know!! However, we travel extensively and frequently, and have never (knock on wood!!) gotten sick on a trip.

You guys are amazing!! Thank you!

Cruise Critic always comes through for me, no matter how banal the question. We are now at a bit more than a week until our Jewel cruise to Alaska, and I have a few last minute questions please.

Will your Cabin Steward provide an iron and board upon request?

On the Jewel, in Oceanview cabins, are the shower enclosures doors or curtains?

When the itinerary says that port time is 7:00 am to 1:30pm, does that mean that we can get off ship at 7:00am and don't have to be back on board till 1:30?

The Roll Call is not very big for this cruise, and I've not been able to ascertain if there is an obvious and optimum spot for a sail away drink and gathering. Can anybody recommend the best place for sail away on the Jewel?

In the Oceanview cabins, is there adequate storage and/or shelf space in the bathroom?

Do they have liquid/flavored coffee creamer?

Best place to grab a breakfast bite prior to getting off in port?

I have been told that the blow dryers are good ones and not the tiny little barely blowers like many hotels have. True? I have a lot of long hair and hate to spend all day blow drying with a wimpy blow dryer.

Finally, hubby and I, as well as the other couple joining us, are not big on excursions. We prefer to wander and discover. Any recommendations for cool things to do or see, places to grab a bite, or just "don't miss" things in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C.?

Thanks in advance!

We are doing Jewel to Alaska in August. I have done copious amounts of research, as we've only ever done Caribbean and tropical type cruises. We will leave temperatures of around 110 degrees in Phoenix to averages of 74-78 in Seattle, and then to low 60's in Alaska. With temperatures possibly as low as 30's while cruising the Glaciers. We are spending a couple days prior to the cruise in Seattle.

I plan to wear capri's and t-shirts while carrying a light jacket and comfy walking shoes in Seattle. For the cruise: Bringing (long) yoga type pants/leggings, t-shirts and long sleeved t's, while layering with camisole type undies, and vests over. Also will have available fleece type (hoodies) for between t's and vests. Also, a couple scarves to keep neck and ears warm, along with a warm hat and gloves. We will pick up a light, inexpensive waterproof rain covering at Big 5 or WalMart, in the event of a downpour. Nothing worse than paying premium price for a plastic rain poncho because you are desperate. As Farts mentioned, we will bring extra socks, as cold wet feet are very unpleasant.

I will in all likelihood mostly wear the leggings and/or yoga pants, however, I will bring a pair or 2 of jeans and my comfiest boots. For evenings, I will bring nice slacks and long sleeved pretty tops, while wearing ballet flats. Hubby will be in Jeans and t's or fleeces daily, while sticking with slacks or jeans with Tommy Bahama's or long sleeved dress shirts for evening.

Packing for an Alaskan cruise is definitely a bit more complicated than for a Caribbean one!

So, we will have the UBP on our upcoming Alaska Cruise. I have been told for other cruises, that the UBP does not apply until the ship is in international waters. Something about taxes? However, we have paid the gratuities, etc. on the package. Will we be able to order drinks on embarkation day without charge?

So, if we just want coffee and juice delivered for while we are preparing for our day, is that complimentary or no?

You guys ROCK!! Thank you so much!! We had friends who said that on deck, they froze to death, but they tend to be a bit dramatic, so I wanted other opinions! Thank you so much. And Judymag? Thanks for the link. It will really help! I am that weirdo who makes a clothing/packing list by activity, in hopes of streamlining packing. All of your suggestions have clarified things in my mind. We leave early August and will go from 85-90 degrees in the mountains of northern Arizona, to 110+ in Phoenix, to low 80's in Seattle, to the ship, to Alaska. Eeeeekk!!

Yes, I was certain that the INDOOR temperature would be regulated. My concern is OUTdoors. You know, if we want to be outside enjoying any possible scenery.

Help! Coming up in August will be our first Alaskan cruise. We have done multiple Caribbean and tropical cruises, and I have that packing down to an art. Alaska...not so much. I understand about layering, layering, layering for in port. My concern is on sea days. On board: Is it cool? Cold? Freezing? Moderate? Our typical sea days attire for the Caribbean is shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. I suspect that won't work for Alaska.

I can't speak to the rules while in international ports, however, there are now laws against flying a drone over crowds of people or populated areas, as well as within 5 miles of any airport. Punishable by fines up to $10,000.00 per violation.

Not on Carnival, but our cruise followed a chartered "swingers" cruise. Found a pair of men's underpants and socks under the bed.;p I tossed them in the garbage.

On yet another cruise, when I opened the safe, I noticed something black attached to the top of the safe and didn't check it or think anything of it. I think that I thought it was a part of the safe. About the 3rd day of the cruise, I bumped the item with the top of my hand and it moved. I reached up and pulled it out. It was a men's magnetized money clip/wallet, which had attached to the top of the safe. It was full of identification, credit cards, etc. I didn't dig through it any further. I felt horrible that someone had been distraught by the loss, and immediately took it to guest services.

Thank you to all who answered! Seems to me that on previous cruises, our luggage had to be out fairly early the night before, so I was concerned. Now that I have heard from you awesome people, I can relax!;p

Hubby and I travel frequently. Cruises and land/flight trips. I have learned what we can each deal with and clutter and/or a messy/stinky cabin/room is not one of those things. However, I also refuse to be one of those people who opts to wear the same clothes repeatedly. When I am on vacation, I need to be comfortable and happy. Fresh, clean clothes make me happy and comfortable.

I unpack for both of us as soon as luggage is at the cabin. I have tried packing cubes and just cannot get the hang of them. ;p

I do bring a collapsible hamper from Dollar Tree. It folds up to smaller than a paperback book, and accords me peace. It gets popped in the closet where dirty clothes are tossed out of the way. I refuse to put dirty stinky clothes into a suitcase under the bed and have it sit for the week.

I have a bag of "cruise necessities" that is always packed and I always make room in my luggage for. It contains: the pop up hamper, at least 2 heavy duty magnetic clips (WalMart $1.88) to hold any paperwork, invitations, flyers that I wish to revisit, etc., clothes pins (to hold beach towels on loungers, swimsuits on a hanger in the shower or on the balcony), an outlet extender (not a surge suppressor), and a lanyard with a plastic pocket for each of us, to hold our seapass card, some cash, and anything else we may need or want while wandering the ship..

I make a spread sheet itemizing exactly what each of us will wear for each activity, including underclothes and shoes. That list hangs on one of the clips, on the wall.

I ascertain, in advance, the nature of the toiletries that are provided. Some cruise lines provide nice shampoo and conditioner, while others provide a 2 in 1, which I do not care for on my hair. Depending on what is provided, I bring bottles of product which I like, from hotels.

I bring a travel sized can of Lysol, and prior to unpacking anything, I spray the closet, shelves, drawers, shower head, shower knobs, bathroom spigot and knobs, door knobs, safe, balcony door handle, remote, toilet seat, bedding and towels (which I repeat daily), and anything else which we will come into contact with. I know that this sounds paranoid, however, my husband is on the road at least 3 weeks out of the month, and we travel together at least half of that time, and neither of us has EVER gotten sick during or after traveling. :D

While unpacking, I ensure that everything has a place. I bring a plug extender as I wear rechargeable hearing aids that need to be plugged in overnight, and often, a camera or other item is also charging.

I don't bring a blow dryer, even though the one provided is small and low powered and takes forever to dry my hair, because bringing my professional size one is too heavy. As a previous poster mentioned, messy buns are cute! ;p

We like to order coffee delivered in the morning, as it is a nice way to start our day, and it prompts us to get up!

Regardless of the cruise, we no longer bring evening gowns and suits. We find that nice black evening slacks with a pretty top and a cocktail dress for me, and nice slacks and a Tommy Bahama or dress shirt and tie for hubby are fine.

Even with all of this, we are not overpacked. We each bring a medium size checked bag and one roller bag between us, which holds our medicines, electronics, my hearing aid charger, and one light change of clothes for each of us (in the event our luggage is lost). Hubby corrals the roller, while I carry a large purse/tote which holds all of our relevant paperwork (passports, boarding passes, additional travel information, light reading material for each of us and our tablets.

So, DH and I are on the August 4 Jewel Alaska cruise. Our first NCL (but not first first!!) cruise and I need some help!

I am a MEGA planner!! To the degree that I make a spread sheet for my daily clothing options.

I noticed that our last day before disembarkation, we will be in Vancouver from 2:30 till 9:30pm. On other cruises, pax are asked to have their large bags packed and ready for the Attendants to take; while only keeping clothing and essentials for disembarkation the next day.

If we are in port until 9:30pm, packing and being ready to disembark the next morning is going to be a pain.

Can anybody shed some light on how NCL does this?

Thanks all for the clarification!!

So, I feel pretty stupid having to ask this question, but I need some clarification on the Specialty dining package, please.

Called in to make reservations for the specialty restaurants for our upcoming cruise. In accordance with the "free at sea" dining package, we have 3 meals each in a specialty restaurant. I received my confirmation of the reservations and it states, "You have selected a la carte specialty dining, charges for your selections will be added to your onboard account." So, does that mean that whatever we order in that restaurant will be charged against our account? If so, what is the purpose of the specialty dining package?