Janie1229

Thank you. How do you make reservations to pass security?

My husband and I are looking at a cruise which will end in Amsterdam. I've been wanting to go to Amsterdam for a long time, but I've heard that the Amsterdam airport is a mess these days and huge lines? Does anyone here have any recent experience flying out of Amsterdam airport? Thanks!

I totally agree with you! I think some "tennies" are cute with a casual dress. I have a pair of Vionic beach sneakers which are super cute and I got them in a soft pink color (they come in lots of different colors too). Oftentimes on cruises I will wear a casual dress/sundress during the day especially if I am not going on a "sporty" adventure and doing more walking around (I find dresses cooler too). I always wear a dressier shoe in the evening. I have some really pretty Michael Kors wedge sandals that are a soft gold color and go with almost everything. Also have some black wedge/platform sandals. I love a heel but will not wear the traditional stiletto again with the sharp angle and no support. AND NO HOSE! I haven't worn traditional hose in probably 30 years or more! I do wear tights in the fall/winter sometimes with a casual dress and booties. Has anyone tried Fly London shoes? They have some dressier looking shoes that are really comfortable and supportive.

I have never understood the appeal of traditional flip flops!! To me they are so uncomfortable and no support. I think some brands like Clarks, Taos and Vionic make supportive flip flops now, but I still don't like anything between my toes! I am always impressed when I see women wearing them all over the ship. I need support. I will wear a high heel but it is always a platform/wedge.

@Mary229 I just discovered the joys of Taos sandals/shoes! I am very careful these days choosing shoes as I had issues last year with plantar fasciitis. I think Taos has some very comfortable and cute shoes. Same with Clarks.

My husband and I are also interested to hear about these ports. We are looking at Royal's Jewel leaving out of San Juan either Jan 13 or March 23. We are both divers and curious if the diving is good in either place or other activities.

I also suggest checking out TRAVEL FASHION GIRL on Facebook! She has some great tips/suggestions. As others here have said, HOW you pack can be as important as WHAT you pack. Shoes take up a lot of room. Wear your heaviest/biggest shoes. I usually wear my sneakers (I like to work out on the ship) and pack two shoes: one pair of dressy gold wedge sandals that go with everything, and pair of pretty/comfy walking sandals. Maybe a pair of water shoes but they take little room. I love wearing loose flowy dresses on a cruise. Cool and comfortable. But if you only want to wear slacks/pants, bring 2-3 at most. Take more tops that you can mix and match. Wear your heaviest wrap/sweater/jacket for the plane. I've actually worn a jacket, and tied a pretty pashmina/wrap around my neck so that I'm not packing either. I choose my jacket/wrap colors carefully so they go with all my clothing. My toiletries can all go in my 3-1-1 bag easily. My moisturizer, face wash, night cream are all decanted into small containers/bottles. Last easily for two weeks unless you really lather it on! I use very sparingly and it's fine. I buy sunscreen when I get to the port before boarding. I bring bar shampoo/conditioner (lots out there to choose from). Bar soap. The rest of any makeup (lipstick, powder foundation, blush, eyeliner) can go in a separate small bag since it is not liquid. It is very doable!! I have gone on 4 cruises (the longest only 8 nights) with a 21" carry on and a personal backpack (which I use to pack toiletries, makeup, and a few clothes). I could have gone two weeks with the way I packed and what I packed. There are also laundry "sheets" that you can wash a few things in the sink and hang in a portable clothes line. It works well. I do wish I could find more reversible dresses and/or tops! Those really give you more bang for the buck. Chico's had some in the past, White House Black Market sometimes has a few. Hard to find, for some reason! Also, I don't know what kind of carry on you have, but mine is super lightweight. My 21" rolling suitcase only weighs 5.1 lbs. Good luck - you can do it!! I can't tell you how nice it is not to worry about a checked bag arriving or having to spend time checking in a bag. I get up early, and walk myself off the ship with no problem. P.S. I do like the suggestion of getting one of those travel vests if you are wanting to pack a few things in the pockets, in case you are getting limited on space.

My husband and I purchased the Key for an 8-day cruise out of Miami back in 2019. My thoughts: Priority boarding: we always arrive early so I don't know it's a big deal for us. Kind of nice getting on earlier, but I I wouldn't pay some of the above prices for this privilege. Internet: I don't think either of us used Internet the entire time of our cruise! If I really wanted internet/WiFi, I would monitor the WiFi package in comparison to the Key pricing. Priority at shows: again, I didn't see any issue getting a good seat and we never used our "key" for better seats. But we were not on a big ship either. Chops lunch on boarding: BLEH! Not the worst food, but I not great either. Not worth it. Priority at rock climbing/wave boarding: Not times that I wanted. Disembarking: We always get up super early and get in line, and are off the ship right away. We also only paid $19.99/day for the Key. I would not pay the higher price, and probably wouldn't do it again for the $19.99!!

I am 61, and until recently rarely wore a foundation. I recently discovered Laura Geller "baked and balanced foundation". It goes on like a powder, but feels like velvet and really enhances your skin! I agree with others on using a good primer (another Laura Geller favorite of mine) and I will investigate getting a good setting spray. Sometimes I take those little sheets of blotting tissue you can pick up at almost any department store. They work well just to dab/pat on your face. In the end, I agree with the above posters about wearing a good tinted sunscreen and hat, and save the rest for evenings. I mean, nobody really sees your eyes during the day when you're walking around with sunglasses and a hat.

Very interesting ! I usually have a photocopy of my passport both printed/laminated and on my phone just as a precaution 🙂

Okay. So far we have only gone on Caribbean itineraries, which may account for not having passports taken at boarding. I am now looking at Europe and other itineraries so we'll see what happens. Not a big deal, but I was surprised to see that comment!

I don't remember ever giving up our passports on a cruise! Is this new?

I would love to do that - someday! Until we retire, we will have to figure out flights. Probably won't retire until 70 or 72. Just the way it is. Could be worse!

what a great idea, thanks ladies. I don't take prescription meds, but my husband does and this would be a great way to travel. And since I do take Vitamin D daily, I could use it too!

Me too. I just turned 61. I have NEVER lounged in the sun by the pool. Yuck. Like you, I love lounging on the promenade deck in the shade, people watching, ocean watching, and reading a good book.

If you are not focused solely on a cruise, I would also recommend looking at Club Med Turks. It is adults only and has one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. The sand was like butter. And the water a gorgeous turquoise blue. It's all inclusive.

@Senga, I have not checked out the Roll Call yet since we have not booked. I am still researching and looking to see what excursions are available to book independently in these areas.

Does anyone have recommendations for booking independent excursions for Norway ports of Olden, Flam, Geiranger, Alesund and Molde? We are looking at booking a cruise on RCL out of Amsterdam with those ports. We've never been to Norway. I prefer booking separate from the ship excursions so it is not as crowded and smaller groups. Thoughts? Thanks!

okay thank you. Interesting they have changed the name. I don't know that it really makes a big difference. And for the next cruise, I'm traveling with a friend who is a Diamond member so probably a waste of money

Hi, is Royal still selling the "key" for benefit of being able to board early/disembark etc. ? We purchased it for a cruise 3 years ago, and while it was nice in some ways, not sure it was really worth the cost. Curious if it is still in existence and what everyone thinks.

Thank you firefly333 ! Makes sense. I figured they would want/need to somehow track B2B passengers, same as they do passengers who are getting off and finished with cruise.

Hi, I am looking at possibly doing a B2B on Adventure of the Seas this coming May. I have never done a B2B before. Do you have to get off the boat when it comes back into port? I am guessing you don't have to pack up etc. (unless you are changing cabins lol. Wonder how that works. Thanks !!

If you are flying in the evening before the cruise, where would you recommend? A view does not matter to me since we will be arriving in the evening, and leaving in the morning to go to the ship. Basically going straight to bed that night. Something close to the port, clean, safe and comfortable. Thanks!

I usually wear a pretty maxi/sundress on embarkation day ( and on most days as a matter of fact). I've only been on Caribbean cruises so these are not only pretty, but cool and comfortable too. I really want to do a European cruise, so that may be a bit different. I don't dress up at home, and even less now that I've been working remote from home for the past 6+ years, so I really enjoy getting a little dressed up, but always do something where I'm comfortable as well.

@crystalspin, what are the hats you have that fold into themselves? I love a hat, and I also find that bringing a couple of headbands, pretty barrets etc. can help if you don't want to wash your hair daily and using hair accessories you can extend the "life" of your hair before washing again. At least for me!