FloridaCruiseGirl1210

I'm so happy to be in double-digits... I booked this cruise 18 months out.... thankfully I've had one since but man is it brutal...

93 days til we go on the cruise! 93 days til we go! Sun goes down and comes back around, 93 days til we go on the cruise!

@twangster That pool area in Costa Maya, is that in the port? What is the charge to use it??? I've never seen anything like that so close to the port.

I'll just say this... My mom went on that back in '99 or EARLY 2000s.... I'm shocked that she is still in commission...(EDIT: The Ship not my mother)

I would be sloshed by noon if i went with this method.

Also great! I have a little vlogging camera I bring so my bf and I can record our memories on board

Yes! I have 2 packable backpacks from Eddie Bauer that we LOVE! We have a 20L and a 30L both which we used on the last cruise.

I feel ya on the sunscreen sis! Also on the flip flops. I accidentally packed them IN my clothes suitcase last time... major regret...Lesson Learned.

Amen to water between each drink. I average between 6-8 bottles of water a day. I got our package for about $47 so not awful. I will definitely be keeping tallies of mine, idk about the BF lol. I will check out the blog! TIA

lol! Alcohol-tasting alcohol sounds like something up my alley.

Hello All, I know most people post on here asking what they should pack etc, etc. I no matter what cruise try to never actually carry on my luggage with like clothes (like why deal with that). So I bring a carry on tote, backpack, small roller bag, etc. What is everyone's most useful item that they bring with them, I'm not talking passport, medicine, hand sanitizer or any of that. I always have to have a pen, sunscreen and portable battery charger bc my phone dies SO fast. I also like to have a small snack of nuts/protein bar to hold me over if there is a wait to get on the ship.

YAY! How excited are you? Feel free to DM me! Also are you on the FB group?

Question to those DX consumers @Matt @twangster and whomever else I'm forgetting. I thought i saw on Mariner that at Cafe Promenade the speciality drinks are a certain price with flavor shots being $0.50 each, does the drink package include those? I like my coffee with vanilla or caramel syrup (or creamer) so I would prefer to know ahead a time opposed to finding $8/$10 in syrup charges on my account at the end and being VERY confused...

Same here! What sailing are you going on? We have 4 port days including Labadee (though we don't get to PR til 1pm so I'm sure I can make some damage to the drink package that day).

hahaha thanks!

Thanks @KathyC I was coming back to tag Jenny but it seems you beat me to it!

Definitely check out youtube for some great ideas! I am thinking about making a pumpkin door decor for our cruise over halloween...

Hello All, My BF and I are sailing in less than 100 days (WOOT WOOT for double-digits) with the drink package for the first time. Last cruise I only had one alcohol beverage and he had 2-3... I just couldn't justify paying for a drink if I didn't know if I would like it or not (I'm very new when it comes to what booze I like). I know I plan on getting plenty of iced lattes (from Cafe Promenade) and mimosas at breakfast and bottles of water for on shore but does anyone have any advice for making the most of the package without being wasted the entire time. We are on a 8-night sailing with about 3-4 sea days and 3-4 port days (considering if you count Labadee sea/port day) we also have a half day on board before we get to PR at 1pm... All Advice and/or drink recommendations (note: I DO NOT like bourbon or whiskey). TIA

Oh yea definitely. For me it wouldn't be an issue as the first ship I ever went on only held 1496 passengers and its still one of my favorites to date. However, I started that BF cruising on the Mariner so I'm not sure how he would feel about less "stuff" (i.e., SkyPad, flowrider, waterslides, etc.). Especially if smaller ships are maintained I feel like they could be the best. @twangster did you mean you have no regrets or you are regretting booking 14 nights?

I love smaller ships because of all of the windows to the sea. I miss sitting at dinner and being able to look out and actually see the ocean (or the pier runners depending on time). I was hesitant about wanting to book empress without a Cuba sailing but its definitely more appealing now.

Following as well!

Same. Thankfully I couldn't smell it near Cafe Promenade or else i probably wouldn't be able to eat there.

Thanks this is our first trip with the drink package.

Does anyone know if I can refill my yeti in the freestyle machines? I have the drink package so i know i could just get a bottle of water but i like super iced water.

Oh def! not going to deal with the possibility of issues on the turnpike or 95.