OctoberSky

Just back from our cruise, and all pax were asked for "government issued ID" at least 3 times. Maybe a b.c. would have been ok for the kids, but I'm glad we had passports.

The chocolate croissants were pretty awesome. Taste like they are made fresh daily.

I only ate at a JR once, land based, years ago, and have no plans to eat it again.

Yes, both of my children will have and bring a passport for our upcoming closed loop cruise.

It depends what you consider comfortable. Some like a squishy footbed, some like firm support.

 

I prefer a firm, high arch. Otherwise I get foot fatigue. I have a pair of Keen sandals and a pair of adjustable Chaco sandals. Also a pair of Chaco flip flops and Rainbow flip flops.

Quick 1 or 2 at the beginning. As long as you can keep it unobtrusive.

Being around a lot of people can expose you to germs. Also, travelling can lower your immune system. This is to be expected and shouldn't surprise anyone.

2008 Coral Princess to Alaska

Is there a public sauna (steam room) without paying for the spa? In the gym locker room maybe?

 

How many power outlets in an inside cabin?

 

Does the MDR serve special food on the "dress up or don't" nights?

I find alternating shoes really helps. Change shoes at least once a day (sneakers to flats, flats to sandals, etc). And don't wear the same main shoes 2 days in a row.

Strappy silver, or nude pumps would be my suggestions.

We enjoy the Staten island ferry.

Following along. Have fun!!

Does Gem have shower curtains or doors? Wondering about inside cabins specifically, thanks.

[emoji16]

Is there a convenient place to rent a car in this port? I'd like to see the Fundy Trail, but we can't do a 7 hour bus tour because we'll have a toddler with us. Thanks!

They should find a place to have a wall of cubbie hole style lockers on the pool decks. Basically open shelving units to put sunscreen, shoes and towels while you swim or use watersides. I think less people would hoard chairs if their were other options to store belongings by the pool. When I bring the family to the water-slides I usually grab a chair solely for our stuff.

Oooh, that's a good one!

*Craft beer

*The ability to carry on some small amounts of booze or soda

*No corkage fee for wine if you drink it in your cabin

I'm not doing formal on our upcoming cruise. At home, I mainly wear jeans, but I'll be packing 3 sundresses and 1 skirt (in addition to shorts and jeans). They roll up into almost nothing so there's no reason not to. I'll dress them up a bit with a cardigan and suede ballet flats.

You had to edit my wording to make that work! [emoji12]

Yikes, sounds awful. I get low blood sugar and kinda understand how awful you must have been feeling.

 

I'll be traveling on Gem with a toddler so I hope we don't have delays like this. I guess I will pack tons of snacks just in case.

 

Thanks for sharing.

You're mad about straws but happy to continue cruising on a ship burning fossil fuels? I assume you also get on your high horse about flying?

I'm allowed to vacation how I see fit. Please quote where on this thread I said I was perfect or only make decisions that don't harm the environment. I'll wait.

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I'm not sure why this is about me. I could type out a long explanation of how I am, and am not, a good environmental steward, but that's really not the point, is it?

 

Straws are not necessary. They are single use disposable items. And I am a fan of them being banned on land and at sea.

Little to no impact on the environment. Why not paper cups then? Ahhhh, a lot more costly for them to clean on the ship. Did you all think about that? Now, that would be a win win.

Straws are of a size where they are consumed by marine life. Once lodged in their digestive systems they die. While any disposable, single use item is wasteful and a huge contributor to pollution, a focus has been on straws lately due to their size. I doubt paper cups are killing birds and fish because they are too large to be consumed by most marine life.

 

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/plastic-straws-ocean-trash-environment/

Did it occur to you that I similarly think you are misguided and "drinking the koolaid"?

 

You are free to think what you want. I'm leaving info for people who are still forming opinions on the matter.

 

http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/23/news/plastic-straws-bans-companies/index.html

Ok, whatever you think. [emoji849]