KRF326RN

So here's the accountability on the weight loss...started a month ago tomorrow...from Sept 5-Oct 4 I've lost a total of 21.5 lbs. I won't lie, it's been rocky. I started with a low calorie diet and working out for 45 minutes 6 times a week. I was absolutely miserable. I was exhausted and not losing as quickly as I thought I should for the little amount I was eating. MISERABLE! So had a cheat weekend, and started new a week ago yesterday. I have cut out all sugar and grains. Getting rid of all that processed junk. I'm eating real food-lean protein, veggies, a little fruit, dairy and working out 5 times a week for an hour. I'm steadily losing every day and so much happier. I have a goal to be 13.5 lbs lighter within this month. I'll let you know how it goes! :D

You are a great planner! Maybe you should be a travel agent on the side? First, I LOVE that dress! I will have to check out that site.

I too hate the thought of using a snorkel that has been in someone else's mouth. We have bought them at the excursion desk(I think that was it) for $5. We have taken the entire set before also and it is just too much to pack and carry around.

Dolphin Discovery at Chankanaab Park in Cozumel is a wonderful place to swim with dolphins. We have done that twice there and will be doing it again next March. They have great specials every so often when you book directly through them. The "Encounters" are not nearly as fun as the swims.

You all will have a blast and will be addicted to cruising by the time you get back.

My mom says the same thing about become a travel agent. My problem, I like to do it my way. Not sure I could do it for someone else! :)

We definitely won't take the whole set, but if only $5, maybe that's worth it not to take it at all. Will have to look into that. Thanks for the info!!

I've heard great things about Chankanaab-will check it out as well!

Thanks!! :D

We went on the Glory in August and I always put cash on my kids cards for games, purchases in the fun shops etc. My daughter is 15, she won an iPhone 6 Plus in the arcade. She was so excited.

Oh my goodness, I bet she was! :eek:

I've been watching for price drops...found one a couple weeks ago that dropped the price $110 and added $50 OBC. Today, found one that is $30 less than the last one, but no OBC. Will I lose the OBC? I assume not...but didn't want to lose $50 to get $30.

Thanks!

Well lets start a group-"Pre-cruise weight loss". Maybe even a thread on here? I am not exactly the best weight I should be and due to minor health issues I would be lot better with pounds off. I had begun dieting and I am now using my cruise in December as added incentive. Knowing I may put on a few pounds during cruise and want to be OK with eating what I want while on the cruise I have rededicated myself and it is working. I am down 32 pounds and there is still more to go. Plus heck will feel good to not feel like I have to wear a shirt the whole time I am at the beaches. I will be 60 next year and I am not turning 60 weighing what I weigh now.

I think there is a whole board dedicated to losing before cruising...but, those seem to be established and not just quite what I was looking for. We could do one here. May just be the two of us, but that's okay! :)

I'm down 15lbs since starting 12 days ago. I am mad at myself...thought all day that it was Friday and that the gym closed at 10, but it's Saturday and it closes at 7...uggh. It's too late to walk outside, so I'm getting up early in the morning to work out before church.

But, tomorrow is another day. Didn't happen overnight, won't lose it overnight.

What's funny...I have only lost a small part of what I plan to lose before June...but I already feel so differently. I find myself holding myself up straighter. I feel more confident. So much further to go, but those feelings keep me going :)

I'm not sure what you decided re: fly vs. drive, but I vote fly. I don't mind driving to places but the drive home seems at least 2.5 times longer than the drive there, for me. We went to NOLA for Christmas 2014 and found it to be very walkable and I would NOT consider it car friendly. Traffic was heavy all the time. We took the Streetcars several days & a bus once. All were friendly, safe, and affordable jaunts. Here's my streetcar review https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d109338-Reviews-RTA_Streetcars-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html - also, we loved our hotel. It's just slightly outside the French Quarter but quieter and more family oriented. Here's my review for it https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60864-d498233-r247274249-Country_Inn_Suites_By_Carlson_New_Orleans_French_Quarter-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html - My only concern, is that we are walkers & don't mind a walk - if your family likes to park close to the door everywhere you go, this probably is not a good hotel for you. Whatever you decide, have fun!!

Thanks for the links-I'll definitely check them out! LOVE to read reviews!! We did decide to fly, a huge reason, just like you said, the drive home=YUCK! I start dreading it before we leave. I found a great deal and we're flying out of our small local airport. Never would have even checked it, but after everyone suggesting it on here, I did. Was so pleasantly surprised!

We are for sure walkers in normal life. I worry a little about the heat of NOLA, but we do have our hotels booked. Streetcars will be our friend. :) Haven't really figured those out, but I will before we go. :)

I am the planner for my family! We're about 260ish days out on our first cruise. We're cruising for the same reasons...not much time left with our oldest. He'll be 16 next year and we told him to pick a trip. He decided he wanted to cruise, wanted to leave out of NOLA, and wanted to go to Belize and Cozumel...pretty much picked the cruise right there.

I have a really long post on here going through all the planning. Since you like planning, you might enjoy it. We'll be on the Dream, but it might still be interesting. I also plan to do an extensive trip review when it's over.

Enjoy the planning, I know I do (I have a spreadsheet for everything-budget, to do before, shopping list, packing, weight loss-it's a little insane). Helps keep me excited and I know I can relax when I step onboard!

Also, you may be a little far out, but remember to look for price drops. I got my first one this week and was super excited ($97 and $50 OBC, not a ton, but every little bit helps!)

Enjoy the board! :D

Here's a post I've put off writing. Another reason I've avoided cruising...my weight. I know, I know...there is always someone who wishes they were your size and everyone is minding their own fat that they're too busy to notice yours. It's not just that, but I've been uncomfortable in my own skin for a while. I knew when I wrote this, I'd have to do something about it. Now, I have, so I can write about it. Nothing fancy, move more/eat less (and better choices with what I do eat). I'm going to the gym daily (except Sundays-there isn't time) and counting everything I eat.

I'm down 13 lbs. Several more to go...but I've got 270+ days, right? :)

I just couldn't fathom the thought of trucking through NOLA in a million degrees with the humidity and enjoying it. Also, I'll be 40 next year, I refuse to turn 40 at this weight. So now I won't. It's fun being able to tell a difference in the mirror. A big change this time, I'm doing it for me! No one else...not to please anyone...just something for me. I think that's why I've been successful. I've not cheated once! :D

Okay, I wrote it, now it's out there. Keep me accountable!

We will be on the Dream in the fall of 2017 (still selecting the exact week). We will also have a 10 hour drive but we are already embracing it. My husband and I will be leaving before daylight on the day before the cruise. We are coming from Illinois so we are planning to eat in Memphis (bbq fix!) and then be in New Orleans in time to pick my mother up at the airport early that evening and head out for dinner. We are staying at the Crowne out by the airport and doing the Stay, Park and Cruise for $129 which is very close to what we would have paid just for parking if we drove straight through.

 

Our return will involve dropping my mother at the airport and then heading into Alabama to stay with family for the night at our halfway point.

 

I have looked at flights but I just don't think we can do it cheaper. My mother HAS to fly due to back issues.

Sounds like you have a good plan, now you just need a date! :D

Oh my goodness! Just saw a price drop and OBC offered...submitted the form and within about 20 minutes had the $97 credited to the final balance and $50 OBC added! It's not a huge amount, but anything helps! It was fun to find then and submit it. Being so far out, fingers crossed there will be another one! :D

Well, just made another change...uggh...switched from Playa Mia in Cozumel to Nachi Cocum. I've seen the recent reports of seaweed, etc at Nachi Cocum and decided I didn't want to chance it. But let's me honest, it's 270+ days away, many things can happen. Cozumel is our last port, I think we'll be exhausted. The thought of only 100 people at Nachi Cocum is so exciting to me. So, cancelled Playa Mia (think the youngest would have fun, but I think it will be crowded and we'll be hankering for a slower scene). There will be three ships with us in Cozumel. We should have a few hours when we arrive before Nachi Cocum opens...anything we need to do in port before we taxi over?

I purchased this one...

http://www.luglife.com/collections/totes/products/promenade-full-tote?variant=1270605624

I like these because they have lots of pockets, can wipe clean, and still a cute color. Figure DH can bring the backpack that we take on excursions. If I bring a wristlet that doubles as a wallet, I think I'll have all my bases covered on bags! :p

Next up, carry ons...we're flying and I only want to bring two large checked bags. I've got a spreadsheet that lists everything in our four personal items, four carry ons, and two suitcases. Problem...we have two carryons that will be fine. Our third is way too small. Gotta get two that meet the 22x12x9 United Airlines limit...what is your favorite carryon? I think I prefer soft sided, with a pocket or two on the outside. I don't think I care about inside pockets...take up too much room. Maybe a rolling duffel? Any opinions?

What I used to do when my son was younger is make his account a cash only account after I prepaid the gratuities. You can add cash then to their account for them to use how they like. Worked really well and he knew to budget his $. Just make sure you prepay the gratuities or they will try to charge their accounts and take the deposited $ for that instead of them getting it for anything they want(my son bought candy, arcade games, souvenir's)... Have fun, 1st cruises are awesome!

Yes, have definitely planned on putting an amount of cash each day for him to spend. Gratuities have been paid, so should be good there. DS will be 16 so he'll spend money without us, DD will be 8, probably won't have charging privileges as she won't be spending money without us...at least we don't want her to! :eek:

I haven't read all the posts but make sure your kids check out the arcade on the ship! It is kind of tucked away but it's big, tons of games and you can trade in virtual tickets for prizes in the machine. Our kids loved it! Just be sure to cap what they are allowed to spend in there or your sail and sign card will be out of control high even just after a day!

We loved the ship!

Awesome! My kids will love that!!

So now, on to the shopping portion of planning...

Bags...I kinda have a thing for the right bag. Since we're flying (and I detest taking extra stuff) I need a bag that will work as a personal item on the plane and a bag to carry on excursions. This bag will also be the bag I use as a purse in NOLA.

For the plane and NOLA, I need something that zips. I need something that has pockets and organizational spots. I like pockets on the outside sides (for water bottle). For ports..something water resistant, that zips, fairly large...but, I realize for ports, DH could carry a backpack.

What is your favorite all around travel bag? I carried two from Thirty One that I liked on recent flights. I don't like to take my good leather bags...too rough for those things. I have owned and liked Lug bags. Thinking of going with a Lug this time, but not sure. It wouldn't be so great for ports-too small, but as I said before, DH can bring a backpack.

I know two of our ports have lockers we can use. The Belize one does not, but I don't think we'd be far from our bags. Thinking the only time we wouldn't be with them would be while snorkeling and they'd be on the boat? Safe there?

Favorite plane bag? Favorite backpack? Same on the boat while snorkeling-if not, what are the options?

FYI, you're going to need more than a couple hours for the WWII museum. I live in the NOLA area and just took my folks to the WWII museum yesterday while they were visiting me. We were there for almost 3 1/2 hours, and we only got through the sections on the Pacific Theater and the Merchant Mariners. It's very in-depth.

Yes, that'w what everyone who has commented on that aspect has said. I think our revised plan is for DH and DS to go do that and stay as long as they want. They both could spend all day there and by fine, and they just might. I would like to go, but DD will hate it. I don't want her to ruin it for them by complaining. She and I will probably find something else to do.

The Carnival Dream will be sent to dry-dock 1/29/17 - 2/11/17. An announcement was made that it will be getting Guy's Pig and Anchor, a BBQ spot that is already on Magic. It is only open on Sea Days for lunch. I am hoping that Dream will also get Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina.

I have been anxiously awaiting to hear what will be added/changed while in dry dock! I've got my fingers crossed for Guy's Burgers and would love to see the Alchemy Bar show up!

The time has come...

Taxi to the airport around 9...check in and wait to board. We'll have a 3 hr layover in Houston...yuck, but I didn't have any other options. Anything good at the Houston airport?

We should be home around 6...back to reality...and on to the next trip to plan! :p

Yuck..no hurry to get off the ship since we're staying another night in NOLA so we'll stay out of the way of those who have a plane to catch. I've not really researched what we're supposed to do here. Anything I need to know?

After we are off and have our luggage, we'll head to our hotel for the night. Got a good Priceline deal on the Downtown Marriott. I don't think I'll reserve anything for this day. I assume we've already done the walking tours we wanted to do, gone to the Mardi Gras Museum and WWII. Maybe we'll hit up a restaurant we didn't make it to? Maybe a plantation tour? I think we'll just be completely done. And I know it will be so hot...any lazy, cool (as in temp) suggestions? :cool:

Three more days, going to try to knock these out tonight...then, on to possibly purchases (best beach bag that can be used as a personal item on the plane...Flipbelt yes or no...you know, the truly important topics!) :p

Day nine will be our final full day...one last sea day...by the end of vacation, I'm sad, but also always ready to come home. I miss the routine. I really do love my job and miss my staff. I miss our dog (a sweet rescued Beagle/Basset mix named Oliver). I miss the smell of our house...yes, I know, I'm strange. And oddly enough, I miss the planning. When I get home, it's time to start all over again! :D

So, last sea day. I assume we'll be exhausted. Hoping we'll sleep in, but not holding my breath. Planning on the sea day brunch and hoping DD will go to Camp Carnival for a while. I want to catch afternoon tea and spend some time in the spa. I'll want to spend time organizing the luggage to be set out. But no big plans. Anything to make sure and do this last day?

Cozumel day...

I think at this time we're going to be exhausted...I originally planned on Nachi Cocum. Thought we'd enjoy the "first 100 only" rule after being with so many people all week. Also, thought it would be nice to have the all inclusive option. Well, (imagine this), I've been soaking up all the recent reviews that are being posted. Seems that Nachi Cocum has taken a hit. I guess the area has had some rough times and the beach isn't what it once was. Sounds like there is a pretty good/scary drop off. That makes me nervous with my 8 year old DD...

At this point I started looking for other options. Thought I settled on Playa Mia. Seems well reviewed and would interest my kids. I reserved the all you can eat/drink and entrance for me and DH and the buffet and entrance for the kids. I know the "order your own" menu sounds better, but I prefer not to carry extra cash if I don't have to. Not expecting to have the best meal of my life, just something to eat will suffice. But, getting a little nervous...sounds like it's crazy busy. I'm okay with people...as long as we have a small corner. I don't want to be "chairless" all day....

I know a lot of people suggest Mr Sanchos, but not sure it would be any different...and, looks like the floating ocean toys are the big attraction...not going to let DD out there so I like that Playa Mia had other stuff she could participate in...

I assume I'm overthinking it? Experience?

Looks pretty easy to get to Playa Mia...I like that they have lockers you can rent...am I missing anything?

I talked about this day before, but to stay in order, thought I'd better stay in line ;)

I seriously have no idea really how this will go. We do have FTTF, don't know if it will matter. I'm sure weather will determine a lot more than who has "priority" off the ship. But for giggles, let's pretend the weather is perfect...our Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Snorkeling excursion by boat with Caye Caulker (long enough excursion title? goondess!) is supposed to start at 9 and we're supposed to meet them at 8:45. I fully expect we'll be later than that. But sounds like, this group is good with that. I have the number to call if we're late or lost...anyway, have to look for Terminal 2, go through the store to the gate on Fort Street and meet the rep there...sounds a little sketchy, but all reviews look good. I'll bring money for lunch and snorkel masks (grossed out about sharing those)...anyone done this excursion? I reserved through shoreexcursioneer, looks like good reviews on TripAdvisor, but I'm a little nervous and thinking of canceling and going through Coral Breeze. Any experience? I know there is one guy who gives rave reviews of the Coral Breeze version....anyone else?

What's the tender process? Does FTTF really matter? I have another coworker who is Platinum and hates that FTTF can be purchased while she earned the right. She says there is no priority with tendering, not that it isn't intended, but that it's kinda a cluster and doesn't usually work out. Experience?

Does seem that they are very cognizant of getting back to the ship on time. So I'm not so worried about that...

Another question I forgot on the day before...in Roatan, what's the scoop on the sky ride thing? I assume my children will want to participate, but I must not be searching for the right thing because I'm not finding much info.

Thanks again for all opinions and suggestions! :D

Enjoying your planning! I just wanted to add my two cents regarding Belize and your planned excursion. We have done Shark Ray Alley through Coral Breeze twice. It is amazing. You will tender from the ship to the pier and they will provide you with instructions as to where to meet. After meeting up, you will walk over to another pier and get in your boat to head out towards Caye Caulker. It is about a 45 min boat ride out and another 45 mins back. We did see dolphins and stopped to watch them on the way back on our first time time out. No such luck the second time. On the way out or as you load the boat, they will fit all for snorkeling gear. You will arrive at Caye Caulker and they will offer a bathroom break before you head out to snorkel and then swim with stingrays and nurse sharks. The snorkeling is amazing and takes 30 - 45 mins. You then get back in the boat and go to where the rays and sharks are. The water is only 3 - 4 feet deep here. I would suggest that you and your daughter stay with the boat. Even if you skip the snorkeling, your daughter will love seeing the stingrays and nurse sharks and if she's feeling brave could get in with them. After you will get a full stop at Caye Caulker. I love stewed chicken with rice and beans in Belize. Not a big fan of it at home but somehow in Belize, it tastes so good. I am sure you will have fun regardless of what you choose.

Thanks for the review! I'm excited about this one, but still a little nervous. Seems to be the one I have the least info about...can't picture it in my head for some reason? Probably just me, being me...I am kinda grossed out about sharing snorkel equipment with others...I mean, that mouthpiece-GROSS. Worth it to purchase my own before? I wouldn't be going super high end...don't think we'll use them much outside of this, but the gross factor really has me thinking....

Oh yeah, and if you go down a day before, be sure to reserve your hotel right away. Since we are going in October, I have to wait until October to make our reservations. The hotels are pricey, and usually fill up quick, so be ready!

Thanks for your responses! Someone else had mentioned Amtrak as well. When we looked into it the closest station is about 3 hours away. We ended up deciding to fly out of our small local airport...surprisingly affordable, who knew? Seems we caught a fluke, I have an employee who is flying to NOLA in October and for almost the same flight will cost her double. I purchased the tickets yesterday, so fingers crossed, it will all be good!

Yes, hotels are booked. We're going down two days early and staying an extra day on the end. Hotels booked, 2/3 excursions booked, flight booked, FTTF, Cheers, Bottomless Bubbles paid for...just need to pay off the cruise and set back the "extras" cash and we'll be set!

First port day! :p ROATAN!!

Ports are a little difficult for me...I go back and forth. Should we take it easy? Stay on the boat? Book through Carnival? Book independently? I try hard not to involve my family with my incessant planning. It drives them a little more than bonkers. Don't get me wrong, they enjoy the benefits, just don't want me to ask them a million questions 10 months before...

I've asked them what are things they'd like to do while in port...what things would they like to see? Experience? All they said is swim with dolphins. Uggh...

From what I've researched, sounds like the Dolphin Beach Encounter at Anthony's Key resort will work for us. I haven't reserved it yet, you can't this early. It's the biggest thing I haven't reserved so far. I much prefer the ones that I can go ahead and take care of, not sure when they open those, but I'll keep checking. Anyone done this excursion? Any tips or hints?