MomSwag

That sounds horrific.

 

This is our first ever cruise after being 100% bedridden for three years. Several surgeries and I can now sit, stand, and walk for a short time (and I look able bodied). This is a celebration of my "new normal" cruise. It seems to be the best way I can think of, to have some semblance of a normal vacation.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Well, we officially booked tonight!

We are on the Carnival Breeze. We opted to pay the extra and choose a cabin. [emoji16]

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I will remain on board while DW does some excursions. I have a spinal cord stimulator implant to reduce agonizing pain from permanent nerve damage. Its my new normal and despite the allure of having new experiences, I just cannot do them.

A balcony with binoculars to check things out, and a bed close by, to rest... and of course, room service!

 

 

Paul

Cruising is about the only vacation I can do anymore. Driving long distances is more than I can do these days.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

It seems to me given your husband's surgery it is not worth taking the risk of messing up his knee. I would suggest you do something very relaxing like spending the day at Mr. Sanchos instead of an active tour where there is a lot of walking and even the chance of your husband damaging his knee. Sometimes it is best to have a relaxing vacation and this sounds like the ideal time for relaxation.

http://www.mrsanchos.com

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Can you guys give me your experiences (good OR bad) with allowing the cruiseline to pick your cabin?

Other than the difference in price, are there any advantages to allowing them to pick for you?

We are literally booking tonight and I need this information. It will be between the Carnival Breeze or RC LOTS. My hubby says "go as cheap as you can." I say "this is a big risk!"

Help us decide!!

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Thanks for asking. I’m appreciating all the comments as we recently booked a family cruise for nov 2019. (It’s just been me and hubs before.) my youngest has issues with gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy. (It flares up her eczema.) The TA has already noted it on our reservation but I still worry about what she’ll be able to eat. I would love s follow up after your cruise as to how it went. I’m especially interested in the almond milk situation. I think I going to need an extra suitcase just for her food.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I've had two knee replacements and have cruised quite a bit since getting them. Here's my input.

 

*Cenotes: I've done the cenotes excursion. (A quick review is here.) An amazing activity but tons of stairs. He'll want to wait on cenotes until he's at least a year or more out from surgery.

 

*Tulum: You'll have to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. There will be a walk from your ship to the ferry, more walking from the ferry to the bus, then the walking at the ruins themselves. There is a trolley that costs a couple bucks that can take you from the Tulum drop-off point to the entrance of the ruins so the walking would be cut down a bit. But the pathways in the ruins are pretty uneven in some places and gravel paths in others. If he's feeling strong it might be worth it. You can do the trip without many steps, but there are some uneven steps to some viewpoints. And if you want to visit the beach when you are there, you'd have to climb a bunch of stairs to get down. Then there is the walking back to the ferry and then back to the ship. That's a lot of walking on a new knee.

 

*Snorkeling: Easy to do post-knee replacement. Snorkel boat steps are relatively easy to navigate and the personnel working on the boats have always been great at giving an extra little help when getting out of the water.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I prefer to eat GF as well. I was just on the Anthem of the Seas late Jan/Feb. I asked for GF bread and it was brought to me each evening in the MDR. In the buffet there was a section at the back that I found with made to order selections. Some GF Deserts...Crepes for breakfast... there were also packaged Hamburger and hotdog buns in the buffet. Johnny Rockets had GF buns as well. I was really impressed with the choices and if you have Celiac they do accommodate , you just have to talk to the head waiter or someone in the buffet.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Inn at the Waterpark. They have a cruise package deal.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Totally agree with this...it’s the “hidden” glutens in gravies, sauces, seasonings, etc that can “get” you. The “tour” as you call it, is nice, but I can never remember if something was “safe” or not - it would be so nice if they labeled it on the labels if it was safe.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

KansCocoa

Thank you for sharing that email response!

It says you can't bring anything that requires refrigeration. Do you know what the policy is if I bring a container of almond milk ? It is not required to be refrigerated until it's open, and I could then put it on ice. ??

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I need a fan ALL NIGHT LONG, so I bring a small electric. Extension cord, if you need it by your bed...no surge protecter on it, tho.

 

At the pool, tell your lounger neighbors that you'll be right back....if anyone asks if someone is sitting there, they will say "yes".

Good idea about the lounge neighbors! I also bought brightly colored towel clips, so maybe that will help.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I should have specified that I'm coming from the opposite direction (Beaumont area) to Galveston. Lol. It's not a long drive for us, but my hubby insists on staying overnight in Galveston so we can unwind and relax the day before we get on the ship. He's a high stress person. He needs a day to relax to prepare for relaxing. [emoji23][emoji23]

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Surface snorkeling is staying on the surface of the water looking down. I like to dive as well to get a closer look at stuff.

 

I have only used a traditional mask and snorkel. The sides of my mask are clear' date=' so it doesn't feel like I'm peeking through a tunnel.[/quote']Do they have them for use onboard or should I purchase ahead of time?

 

Do you have one you recommend?

 

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Thank you!

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Thank you for the suggestions! It won't kill me if I eat it, I just don't enjoy the painful flare ups that it causes. [emoji53]

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Where is the best place to leave your vehicle parked while away?

Are there discounts available anywhere?

7 days on RC

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Best priced/favorite hotel for a 1 night stay pre cruise?

Also, do any allow you to keep your vehicle parked there for the duration of your cruise? Is that even a good idea?

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I already answered your GF questions. what Ports are you hitting? the Belize Itinerary often has an extended Customs procedure than can cause delays at disembarkation. you SHOULD be okay Fog wise in April.

Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

factory sealed items only. and nothing that requires heating or prep.

 

they do cater to a GF diet although your options may be limited especially bread wise. I have sailed with a few who are GF and they mostly found the bread options less than palatable. many meals can be made GF with advance notice( basically you pick your MDR meal the night before)

 

at the buffet just ask for a chef to come out and show you the safe options.

I was mostly wondering about bringing my own snacks.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I only do surface snorkeling and do have a full-face snorkel mask. I have used it in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and St. Maarten with no ill affects or problems at all.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Let me begin by saying that gluten issues seem to be a hot button topic these days.

I do NOT have a gluten allergy, per se. However, I avoid it as much as possible as it causes flare ups in my joints. When I consume a lot of it, I will have severe joint pain (autoimmune).

How accommodating is RC for people with gluten issues? Will I be allowed to bring gluten free food items on board?

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

My husband had a complete knee replacement surgery last summer. It takes a good year for complete healing. He sees the surgeon next summer for final visit. His knee is still sore so he does not like to walk any distances. Tours should be in a bus, not one where you walk a lot. We have no problem just staying on the ship but we have been to most ports more then once. Just about all passengers go ashore so we have the ship almost to ourselves!

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

I have only sailed on Carnival, but in April we will sail on RC (Liberty of the Seas) and I have some specific questions:

1. Is their soda policy the same as Carnival? (You can take a 12 pk per person on board Carnival)

2. I have chronic pain/osteoarthritis/autoimmune disease and I choose to treat it all naturally with essential oils. Will I be allowed to bring these on board? I also make my own bug spray/sunscreen/etc... I take zero prescription or OTC medications and rely heavily on my oils to function. Everything is stored in glass bottles/jars.

3. There are so many food choices on RC! Are they all free or do most of them require payment?

4. Is the solarium free of charge? From what I understand, it's the equivalent of Carnival's Serenity Deck, but I wasn't sure. There's an amazing looking pool/whirlpool thingy and I didn't know if it's included!

5. May I bring a small fan with me?

6. Are we allowed to bring a Yeti type cup to put water in?

7. Are we allowed to bring a cooler on board? If so, do you know the dimensions?

8. Are you allowed to bring your own tea or powdered drink mixes on board? What about if they are in a ziploc bag? (I'm a barista and I buy big bags of Chai powder that I keep in a jar at home. To avoid bringing the whole bag, I would bring a little in a ziploc!)

9. Is there a countdown app for your phone or computer? Also, Carnival has an app that you can download to keep up with what's going on onboard and also communicate with your group, keep track of ship time, etc....Is there one for RC?

10. How do you successfully hold your lounge chairs on RC while you take a dip in the pool or go get a quick snack/drink? On Carnival, people would move our stuff out of our chairs even if we were just taking a bathroom break, etc...I know you can't "hold" chairs for long periods of time, but what about when you won't be out of your spot for long?? Does this happen a lot on RC also??

I browsed the FAQ on the RC website, but their site isn't as user friendly as Carnival's site. The information seems more vague or nonexistent. I figured someone here would KNOW! TIA for your help.

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app

Thank you for all the input!

Sent from my LG-M153 using Forums mobile app