misty57

Thanks! I'll look again, but I didn't see Colon as one of the ports.

We took a private tour in Cartagena. I'd post on the destination threads for more current information.

A few years ago we sailed on an itinerary that included Costa Rica, Cartagena Colombia and Panama. It sailed from Ft Lauderdale on the Equinox. We would like that itinerary again, but I do not see it for 2019. Will more sailings be added soon, or are the dates all set for next year? (yn)

We took a trolley tour on our first visit to Falmouth. Since then we'll stroll through the the shops, buy some coffee and then back on board. We've been to Ocho before with our kids.

We always get our flu shots. I also bring antiseptic wipes. Zycam for any prodromal symptoms. We drink a lot of water, and wash hands. I also bring hand sanitizer, and avoid holding onto stair railings.Use knuckle or something else to push elevator buttons. I also bring a mini drugstore with me with lomodal, pepto, Tylenol and Sudaphed. We don't run ourselves ragged trying to see and do everything. We're there to relax and rejuvenate.

I would recommend seeing a financial professional who can develop a plan for you based on your personal situation. $5000/mo would work for me in the Midwest but there are other factors to consider.

We've had some interesting tablemates over the years, mostly not that great, but then I'm sure we're not everyone's cup of tea either. We now do my time dining table for two. Much more relaxing. I have to "people" everyday at work and just do not want to not have to do so on vacation. We don't mind sharing a table at lunch in the MDR or breakfast, but either way is fine. It's nice to have options.:)

Probably not Alaska in December ;p !

Allure was the first Oasis class ship we sailed. We loved it! We were on Harmony early this year and it is very similar as most of the sister ships are, change being in decor and in the latest ones, the additional restaurants and slides and such. We've sailed Oasis twice. Allure was still our favorite in this class and we're going back in 90 days:D. One plus for the Harmony is the show "Grease" .

It is tempting to try to retire earlier than 65, but like you, the funds don't allow it right now. I'm trying to sock away as much as I can and we've cut back on our vacations ( so painful!) and living on a tighter budget. Should have done so when we were younger!

4years 9 months and 2 days. 682 actual work days. Wish I could retire now!

Our strong preference is for anytime. Don't mind sharing a table but we do not want to dine at the same time, with the same people every night.

Neither do we :)

Down 20.5 lbs since May. Slow loss but steady. I was able to fit into some smaller tops and pants!

Depending on the kids ages, I would set the expectations before leaving. There will be a lot of things that look enticing, like inches of gold stations, pets at sea, fancy drinks and additional cost foods. If the kids know that those are REALLY expensive and really overpriced and that you will NOT be purchasing those things it might make it easier . On our first cruises we bought a lot of junk and now buy nearly nothing extra unless we plan ahead for it. You can limit the souvenir purchase to one T shirt each or something that could be useful. Stay away from Del Sol! I have pitched more shirts and hair things from there and Hard Rock Cafe than I like to remember. Steer them toward the fun included things and you'll have less buyers remorse and more enjoyment.

I might switch! You won't know if you like the PR cabin unless you try it. In the Carribean I find it often too hot to sit out for very long. If the itinerary is such that the view is part of the draw then a balcony is preferred eg Alaska or Panama Canal. We've started booking interior facing balconies on the oasis class. They are higher than interior but cheaper than ocean view balcony. $1000 to cover airfare .. I think it would be worth it.

On our X cruise a few years ago they called a few nights elegant chic instead of formal. DH wore dress shirt and nice pants. We're skipping his formal dress on our next cruise, and I'll wear what I usually do... Nice dresses or pants and dressy top. Makes packing easier.

I feel that there is a pervasive expectation that passengers can have anything they desire at anytime. There are restrictions that staff have to follow, and it is unfair to criticize the cabin attendant who had to,get clearance for a request. He really is between a rock and a hard place with needing to please a guest and following company policies. His "disdain" may have been his feeling of conflict not his hesitancy to just give an extra blanket and pillow! Working with the public, I know I will do whatever I CAN do to make them happy but not risk an unsafe situation or my position for not following policies. The crew member with the empty tray... Probably the same thing. His tray may have been considered a clean try, not one for used glassware. I mean would you want your beverages next to a dirty glass? He might have been thinking, how can I collect dirty glassware while on my way to fill other drink orders? Things aren't always what they seem. Allure is a beautiful ship and we found to have some of the happiest crew members. Enjoy your vacation. It would be a waste not to.

I'm 60 and DH is 63. He plans to turn his business over to our son in 2 years and will continue to help him as needed. He plans to continue to farm until 70. My job is very stressful, and although I like many aspects of it I am ready to leave as soon as I can. Have 4 grown kids and 7 granddaughters. I take care of my granddaughters during the school year on my days off. There are lots of reason to not HAVE to keep working. The commute in the winter time is scary. My hours are long as well, leaving the house At 5:45 and getting home at 8:45-9:30.pm. 4 years 11 months and I hope to be able to leave. Is love to have a small business of my own then but not sure what that would be. No matter what I know I won't be idle.

Well things didn't go as planned. I did sign up and then the next day I casually saw a house (new build) that we fell in love with. We weren't even considering moving. The next 2 weeks we searched for a lot we loved in the best school district for our son's autism and frantically tried to get our messy and cluttered house ready to show.

 

2 weeks in, we put our offer in on the lot on Tuesday night, it was accepted Wednesday morning and our house went on the market that morning. Within minutes we had a showing scheduled for lunch. He immediately put an offer in and we accepted that evening. Everything moved so fast! Now we have to move in with my inlaws for 6+ months and we're packing up what goes where.

 

Needless to say, I haven't even had a chance to look at the WW materials. The great thing is that I had talked my mother in law into joining so we can help each other while we live with them. And I have made attending meetings a priority. And I've lost 4 lbs the last few weeks from the stress of moving 😂

Wow! Good for you! It's nice to have a buddy to join with, especially since you're going to be living with them. it will make it easier food wise.

Going on a cruise to Alaska with my son from Chicago and his family in a couple of weeks. Last August we went with my son from San Antonio on a cruise. So my granddaughter who just turned 6 and lives near us said next August with get to go on a cruise.

Alaskan cruises are so great! Have fun!

I was on here almost 3 years ago. Glad to see it still going. It would take a ball and chain to get me back to work now.. lol

 

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Any words of wisdom for those of us in the less than 5 years til freedom category? Recently had a family member tell us we shouldn't retire.. ever!

I am closer to retirement than I was yesterday:D. I have countdown app on my phone and am delighted that it turned over from 5 yrs + to 4 yrs +!

711 actual work days ( I work 3 12 hr days per week plus extra sometimes). I think about it every day.

Recently got a check from my brother in Farmington NM. Local bank branch said they couldn't accept foreign checks.

Do you ever think " I could work there?"

Giving it a try to keep this thread going:D. This week I went to Olive Garden with my daughter and granddaughters. Most of the entrees are high in points. I ordered the shrimp scampi and ate 1/3 of it and boxed up the rest. With a breadstick and small amount of salad it added up to 11sp. Not too bad for lunch. I think I will try this on our next cruise. Choose something and take only about 1/3 of what I would normally eat.

Lots of vegetable and fruit. I think it might be weird to take my measuring spoons and cups :rolleyes:.

We have been doing Mytime dining for a few years now. I began dreading dinner when we had table mates. It was like being at a party with complete strangers who have little to nothing in common. We have had better experiences with sharing a table at breakfast or lunch. We've had nice conversations with some people seated next to us with my time, and just as many people do not wish to interact with their "neighbors". It suits us either way.