1interpreter

1 hour ago, Cigar King said:

I know the reason I pack more than one is that I typically take multiple cruises in a row.

Must be nice. That right there is my future goal once the hubby and I hit retirement. Lol! Until then, one at a time is all we get 😞 We will be cruising again in May or June for our daughter's high school graduation. We have already been asking her where she wants to go, but she is so indecisive that all she keeps saying is "I don't know". We will look at booking while on the Indy next month, maybe she will have an idea of where she wants to go by then. Hoping her other siblings can join us as well. She is the baby, and the spoiled one, mostly by the oldest brother. They are the closest, as they both ended up injured one summer (different accidents) and spent the summer bonding over their injuries and lack of being able to get around very well. She has since learned that if she wants something and Mom and Dad say no, big brother will usually get it for her.

11 hours ago, SbbquilterUT said:

Long time carry on only packer - last cruise was 19 days including winter clothes for Iceland and Ireland.  First rule is fewer shoes and you have that down.  Next, black Rip Skirt used for dinner, daytime wear and pool cover up plus one other knit dress.  One swim suit (2 in the Caribbean) and one knit dress for daytime wear and in port.  Sports fabric shorts and tee shirts for daytime if needed plus they rinse out in the shower, dry overnight and can be worn again.  Make up limited to a small palette with blush, highlighter and shadows.  I use bar shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and Crystal deodorant - none are liquids so that reduces the 311 bag.  All this works for me but not everyone wants to wear the same outfit more than once.

You must be a packing rock star! I'm a one swim suit kind of gal. It always cracks me up to see those who bring multiple with them. Why??? I always bring sample packs of laundry detergent so mine does get washed so it's not like I'm wearing a dirty one. I also don't mind wearing the same outfit more than once either. Again, they can be washed, it will save space in my carry one, and it's not like I'm gonna see any of my cruise mates again. I'm on vacation so I really don't mind.

We always pay ours either the day before or the day that final payment is due. This allows us the chance to call as often as we want up to that point and check and see if the price has dropped and get it adjusted (something you can't do after final payment). We always book direct so we don't have to deal with any extra fees of having our TA adjust the rate because the price dropped. I know some do that.

7 hours ago, ARandomTraveler said:

Then maybe you should just consider the most realistic option, which is to pay the money to bring extra luggage. What you're trying to do isn't reasonable, which is why the rest of us were trying to offer a little humor, but also a bit of a reality check. 
 

It's like those shows on HGTV where a couple says they want a 5 bedroom home in a big expensive city, with a big backyard and a man cave and a gourmet chef's kitchen, but their budget it $200,000. Sometimes we can't have what we want.

 

 

I've actually done this before for short trips, just ones that weren't cruises. I don't want to forget something that I would end up having to get on the ship or in port because  we all know how expensive and/or next to impossible some of those things are to find. There is nothing unrealistic about this and there is no need for a reality check. Maybe my wording in my original post wasn't specific enough for those of you that only see in black and white. I wasn't inquiring about ways to save money on my travel or my luggage. I was inquiring about ways to make the most of my packing space. Over my years of cruising I have learned how to minimize things already because in the past so much of what we brought either wasn't worn or wasn't used. I'm not expecting to take this trip living like first class on a water budget. Could we if we wanted to? You bet we could, but we have other things that we would rather spend our money on.

3 hours ago, mom4mom said:

Roll your clothes and get packing cubes.  It's a game changer for us.  We're flying out today for a 3 week trip in 1 checked bag, 1 carry on and 2 personal items.

Thank you for the advice. I have already planned on rolling the clothes in our carry on bags, and have considered packing cubes. If you can do 1 checked bag and one carry on and 2 personal items for a 3 week trip then I don't see how what I'm trying to so unrealistic. 

9 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

the only additional "everything" we pay for on Spirit is the checked bags... And it is still cheaper. And, yes, I do check prices every day and wait till they fall to an acceptable level (usually right around the 80-90 day mark).

 

RT ticket per person $171 on Spirit for our TG cruise, $458 on Delta, and you still have to pay for checked bags. I kept an eye on the SW tickets as well - very high and the times are inconvenient, and SW tickets are $328 to and $89 from, so nowhere near $171+$68 luggage fee.

Finally someone who gets it! We DID check prices (with and without checked luggage). Spirit was still the best deal (luggage included). We don't want to nix the formal wear as we will be celebrating our 22nd anniversary and, quite honestly, we like dressing up for formal night. I was asking for packing hacks and tips, not lectures on taking the wrong airline, and suggestions of divorce. At this point, I would have had better luck turning to Youtube for my answers.

1 hour ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

we usually fly on Spirit, and bring two 40# 28" roller suitcases for the 3 of us (we check them in, don't forget to pay for the suitcases before you check in to save money), and 3 school sized backpacks with electronics, meds and things we cannot cruise without (1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of flipflops, 1 swim suit or trunks/rashguard, and 1 sun hat per each person, toothbrushes).

We cruise for 7-10 days.

 

Here is our packing list for a 7-10 day cruise:

 

Passports, covid vaccine cards, wallet, credit card, cash, itinerary/flight printouts
Masks
Medications (stomach, echinacea, cough, ibuprofen, prescriptions, diarrhea, laxative, cold, thermometer, children’s meds, afrin)
Lysol wipes
SPF lotion and spray
Swimming suits, trunks, rashguard, sunhats, beach bags
Sunglasses
Swim ring, floaties, vest, nose clip and goggles
Water masks
Sand toys
Shoes: flip flops or crocs, sandals, sneakers (we wear these while traveling), proper, water shoes
Charging cables, laptop, phones, tablet and tablet holder
Truvia, thermos cup, water bottle, zip lock bags for snacks
Shorts, underwear, pjs, t-shirts, pants, dinner clothes
Toothbrushes, hair brush, cosmetics, always pads and tampons
Gloves and tall socks for skating
Water and heat on vacation, unplug everything, turn off computers, take out trash
 

My parents manage to cruise with one 40# suitcase and 2 medium backpacks (also flying on Spirit with us) for the two of them.

 

just so you know, you have to pay for checked luggage on pretty much all airlines now, except for Southwest.

 

On Spirit you pay MORE for carry on luggage than you pay for CHECKED luggage, so it makes sense to pack everything into 2 large suitcases and bring FREE personal items (backpacks) as carryons. Since you are going on a 4 day cruise, you will need even less stuff than we do, and your kid doesn't need sand toys...

Oh I know you have to pay on pretty much any airline, but was hoping to fly Southwest.

Good morning everyone. I'm needing some tips and tricks please. We (my husband, 17 yr old daughter and I) are cruising on the Indy on November 28th (4 night cruise) and this time we are flying to get to the ship. We have cruised what feels like a millions times already (Diamond status) but have always driven to the port. We are flying on Spirit, so for those of you who have flown with them before, already know that your carry on bags are limited to one and it cannot exceed 18" x 14" x 8" measurements, which isn't even the same size and the smallest luggage carry on with wheels. You also have to pay for each checked bag. Yeah this stinks but the hubby was the one who booked the airfare not me. Lol! So, long story short, we are going to pack every thing in one suit case (which will primarily hold our formal wear and shoes) and then each bring a carry on bag that will hopefully hold most if not all of our other clothes, meds, toiletries, etc). I'm hoping that those of you who have lots of experience flying to the ports can help me out with some great tips and tricks to help me minimize on things so we don't over pack.

Below are some of the things I have already thought of and/or already do.

1) I usually bring 2 pairs of dress shoes, tennis shoes, flip flops, and an older pair of flip flops that I wear to the pool that I don't mind getting wet. I have already decided     to only bring one pair of dress shoes, the tennis shoes (which I will already be wearing) and one pair of flops.

2) As for my skin care products, I plan on putting them in contact lens cases so that will free up some room instead of bringing the containers themselves.

3) I have no problem wearing the same skirt with different shirts for dinner. I always bring little sample packs of laundry detergent should I need to wash anything I can.

4) I tend to overpack on my cosmetics bringing way to many colors of eyeshadow and 2-3 different colors of lipstick. Nope, not this time. Just sticking to the basics. One eyeshadow palette, one lipstick, and my little VS roll on perfume.

5) I always travel with the travel sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so that's not an issue.

I know there are other hacks that I haven't thought of. Help me out here please, and thank you!

9 hours ago, Rogueperson said:

 

I was on Adventure a couple weeks ago.  You can get the milkshake from Johnny Rockets with the vouchers, but you cannot get them from Ben and Jerrys.

Well, that's interesting.

7 hours ago, Jasukkie said:

I tend to use my vouchers for a mix of non-alcohol and alcohol drinks. The specialty coffee shops will give you any size of any beverage, as opposed to the coffee cards which are each espresso shot equals one drink. If I haven't used my vouchers by the end of the day I stop by a bar and pick up a can of diet coke or water bottle for the next day.

Oh that's a good idea!

On 10/7/2022 at 3:38 PM, rimmit said:

Well we are at urgent care now, just to support that claim.  I have dealt with travel insurance extensively due to the our experience in Zimbabwe, which is a novel in itself in terms of what it took to get out of Zimbabwe, so I know exactly what they want to see.

 

TBH, part of my frustration is the last 3.5 months have been an absolute nightmare.  I cannot begin to explain the horror of we went through in Zimbabwe.

 

http://thesmallworldfamily.com/2022/06/24/so-what-exactly-happened/
 

That link goes to a 30 minute read that describes what it took to get out of Zimbabwe to a level 1 trauma center.

 

Unfortunately, it did not get any easier after we got out, as she almost had to have her foot amputated at one point.

 

I agree that policies are policies,  I am just frustrated at the endless bad luck we have had.  Travel insurance has been a pain, as I have a claim for 60k that I submitted beginning of July that hasn’t even been reviewed yet.  I have 3 other outstanding claims that also have yet to be reviewed.  
 

On top of that, since we were in Zimbabwe,  there is minimal insurance on the person that ran her over.  So she now has a lifelong disability because someone was careless, and we get to pay for it for eternity in medical bills.  While travel insurance covered us from Zimbabwe to the hospital she got transferred to in the US it stops there and now we are paying the bills.  While we hit our maximum out of pocket for the year,  this is going to be a permanent damage from this event and permanent disability.

 

This cruise was a much needed break that we couldn’t get off the ground.  I realize no one here cares.   Just needed to vent.  
 

Long story short.  The policy is what it is.   Oh well.

 

 

OMG, I just read your story from your link. That whole experience was horrible. I can't even begin to imagine what you all went through. Certainly makes you appreciate our health care here much better. I'm so sorry this happened to her.  I hope she is doing much better.

On 10/9/2022 at 11:01 PM, Lane Hog said:

Some people carry a permission slip and medical power of attorney.  It's questionably necessary for a loop cruise but a few countries do require it for air travel.

It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

So as far as the Diamond drink vouchers go. I know they can be used anywhere on the ship, but can they be used on any drink as well? I know they apply to alcoholic drinks but how about sodas, fresh squeezed juices, milk shakes from JR's and coffee from the speciality coffee shops? The vouchers are a new thing since the last time we sailed. We cruise again on the Indy on 11-28 and are trying to decide on which (if any) beverage packages we want to get.

2 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Do you have the Royal app on your phone?   

If so, click into Dining, then Menu, and you'll be able to see the menus.  

If you don't yet have the app, download it now.  It's pretty much essential now.

Yes, I do! I just found it. Thanks so much.

We will be sailing on the Indy on Nov. 28th. Just hoping that someone can share the MDR menu here so I can see what they will be offering. It's been since pre-COVID since we last cruised and I'm SO READY TO GO!!!

Can anyone tell me how the library works on the ship? Do you check books out for a period of time or the duration of the cruise or is it a leave books and take books type of situation?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I'm bringing a book from home that I've only gotten half way through so far. I'm hoping to just swap out books. Just do the leave on and take one way. Is this allowable?

I love this post!!! We are getting ready to leave on the LOS this Sunday and I just can't wait.

Never have I ever...

Eaten at a Speciality restaurant (but have eaten at Johnny Rockets)

Sang Karaoke on the ship

Stepped foot in the gym

Taken the napkin folding class

Been on the rock wall or the flow rider

Had room service

Had anything done in the salon

I have

Waited in line to meet the Captain (his name was spelled the same as mine so I just had to, Lol!)

Fallen asleep and spend almost the entire night on my balcony.

Taken the cupcake decorating class with my daughter.

Purchased several pieces of art at the art auction.

Ran into someone we knew while on the ship (we had no idea they were sailing as well)

Done the back stage tour

Yes, the kids can decorate the cupcakes and you can just stand back and take pics if you want to. I did the class a few years ago with my daughter while we were on NOS. I'm a professional decorator, but wanted to do it anyway for a fun mother/daughter memory. We had a good time, but I didn't think the frosting tasted very good at all. I'm kind of biased to my own icing. Lol! It was $25 per person then, but I do believe that it's gone up to $30 per person now.

I've gone out of Galveston twice and haven't had any issues. I've flown into IAH as it's much cheaper. There are shuttles that can get you to and from the port with ease. Both times I've shuttled down and then rented a car with Enterprise in Galveston and returned it in IAH. Galveston is a cool place and I really like going out of there.

My husband, daughter and I are on the June 17th sailing of LOS and are talking about flying in on the 16th. We would be fling into IAH. Our issue now is how to get from the airport and then back again after the cruise. We thought about renting a car and going that route but don't want to have to pay for the extra days for it to just sit in a parking lot. Is there a car rental place at the Port of Galveston where we can drop it off at? We've cruised out of Galveston many times and I've never noticed one, but on the other hand I also wasn't looking for one either. You mentioned a shuttle. What company have you used for a shuttle and aprox. how much did it cost you per person?

We cruised on the LOS last year and purchased a few Crown of Light pieces from Diamonds International. They are gorgeous. DI is one of the shops that Royal promotes and the man on Royal (Adam the Jewelry guy as we call him) was with us every step of the way. We got a great deal on our purchases. We had them checked out once we got home and got many compliments on them and was told that we got ourselves a great deal. Just make sure that you stick with the Jewelers that Royal promotes and you should be good.

We cruised on the Liberty last April and will go again on the Liberty this June. Both reservations were booked while onboard. The first reservation was booked 10 months out and the one we are taking in June was booked 14 months out. We love that the Galveston isn't to far of a drive (we are from Kansas). We also love the Liberty. She's a very nice ship so I don't think you will be disappointed. We are looking forward to making her our week long home again in June.

im going on the navigator in a week. I have a couple of questions.

Where can you get food or snacks that are free on board besides MDR and the windjammer. Anywhere there is scones or other neat desserts.

 

Is there herbal tea like chamomile free of charge in windjammer?

 

Any neat spots to go outside and watch the waves or places very few people know about?

 

Thank you! Mary

I've found that the helipad is a great place to go for the best views and has never been busy when I've been up there. It's also a wonderful place to go at night if you want to do some star gazing. So relaxing to get away from all the music and noise and be able to only hear the wind and the waves.

So I am confused I thought we were allowed to bring two bottles of wine per cabin and if we drank them in the room we were fine. Someone in a group on Facebook said we get the corkage charged if our cabin steward sees a bottle in our room at all. Which is correct?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So far we have gotten luck and have never been charged a corkage fee for any that we have brought to the MDR. Yeah, I probably just jinxed myself, but oh well.

I always bring little travel size laundry detergent incase you want to wash your swim suit (or other clothes), or need to get a stain out of your clothing. It's cheaper than paying for the laundry service. Before getting suites I would hang them up on the clothing line that's in the shower. Now I just hang them on the chairs on my balcony and push the chairs back far enough toward the door so they don't blow away. I also always bring a travel sized bottle of Downy wrinkle releaser too.

Yes, as of Jan 1, 2018.

Well that just stinks. Lol! We are cruising again in June. The hubby and I don't plan on getting a drink pkg because we will take advantage of the DL and the free drink vouchers. My 13 yr old daughter would like to have the specialty coffee pkg. She has braces on so she can't have soda and doesn't want to get stuck drinking water all week. We also have my son, two friends and their daughter in our cabin as well. I sure hope they don't want it either because we don't want to spend the extra money. Wondering if they will make an exception for my daughter. I'm sure the answer is no, but never hurts to ask.