Ditchdoc

I understand trying to save a few bucks … but … there is always a but …. that would be me ...
On almost any extended vacation much longer than a week end … laundry is just part of the expense.
We have spent three weeks auto touring and halfway through was laundry day were we spent a good part of the day in a laundry mat, pumping in quarters for a cost of at least $20 for machines and detergents etc.
We did 15 days cruising after flying to the port. Again, halfway through most every thing went to the laundry. I don't remember the bill exactly but it was probably in the neighborhood of $50.
Now my point is simply, if you are paying for airline tickers, for the cruise and any one of a number excursions, dinners, booze, gambling etc … what is the total cost of the cruise and what percentage of that would a couple of loads of laundry be? Probably one half of one percent if that much.
I say you are on vacation, bite the bullet, send a couple of bags to the ship laundry, let them do it and give up trying to save the 30-50 bucks you would probably end up spending on machines and time anyway. You are spending a wad of bills for a cruise and every minute of your vacation is valuable. Why do your own laundry when you cold be having fun?

Oops … I made an assumption there. In which case, the number to Vancouver is useless. Sorry.

I am not sure I would have taken out travel insurance for this trip but it is one of those cases where it would have paid off.
 
As crappy as air lines have gotten, I am developing the opinion that any time you fly travel insurance just might be worth it, especially if its for an expensive vacation.

Some hotels near the port offer free (or discounted) cruise parking and/or shuttles. Parking at the port is usually the most expensive.  
Bring Ziploc bags for wet items. Maybe even a dry bag (like kayakers use) if you plan to go to a beach. It not only keeps dry things dry but protects things like phones from sand and can help small items from getting lost.  
From RCCL : “Royal Caribbean International has closed-circuit television cameras located in hundreds of strategic, public locations throughout the ship but not in private staterooms, public restrooms or private spa areas. These systems are upgraded as new and beneficial technologies are developed. Recordings from these cameras are routinely utilized by our security teams and made available to investigative authorities as requested.” So don’t get stupid.  
The gold and silver by the inch chain … ain't. Its cheap plated/layered that is worth little and probably will make your skin turn green.  
Breakfast and lunch are also served in the main dining room.  
Wash your hands, frequently. Use hand sanitizer. Its almost everywhere on the ship. Stay healthy.  
Some ports of call have pushy locals trying to hustle a dollar. Learn to ignore them and say no.  
Drinks are cheaper in port. Unless you drink so much you miss the ship when it leaves.  
Interior cabins are pitch black when the lights go out. You might what a night light or small flashlight.  
If you are not flying, you can pack more. Just remember you must carry it and find a place for it in a relatively small cabin.  
If flying to the departure port, go a night early and book a room near the port. It saves a lot of anxiety about boarding on time, late flights etc.  
Guests services are usually open 24 hours. Unless it just can't wait, avoid lines by going during off hours.  
Elevators – a right of way rule that is true everywhere in the world, not just ships: Wait for people to get off before you get on. Its polite, its courteous and it makes sense to enter a space that is less crowded.  
Take a picture of your passport photo page on your phone. It just might come in handy for ID someday.  
Take a light weight wind breaker/rain jacket. It can rain and cool off in the evenings, even in the tropics or on a deck underway. Standing at the rail in a slightly cool breeze, watching the reflection of the moon on the water with a loved one could be very romantic and more comfortable with a jacket. Towel clips – those over size clothes pins that hold your towel in place on a deck chair when it’s windy. Nuff said.  
Ship photographers are always wanting to take your picture. Its free. Unless you want to buy the picture.  
 
 

This is a great cruise!
In addition to kids activities on the ship, some things they will probably like along the way include:
Visits to a couple of glaciers. Make sure to have layers of clothes. Generally the weather will be nice (hopefully) but at Hubbard Glacier, it WILL be cold. Very cold.
Plan on the White Pass and Yukon Railway trip at Skagway. It is a narrow gauge rail trip that last a couple of hours through the mountains you (and the kids) will not soon forget.
 Icy Point straight is not very developed (at least the last time I was there) but … there is a very good chance that from the ship or dock you can see whales. Maybe a lot of whales. Probably more whales then even whale watching excursions. If the kids have phones or cameras, make a contest of the best whale photos etc.
Check the available excursions at each port. There will probably be something everyone will enjoy along the way such as lumberjack shows, jeep safaris, even float plane sightseeing trips or helicopters that land on glaciers, sled dogs, the proverbial zip lines and more. 
I cant say they will be entertained 100% of the time but I'm guessing they will be talking about the highlights for a long time. 
 

Some hotels near the port offer free (or discounted) cruise parking and/or shuttles. Parking at the port is usually the most expensive.  
Bring Ziploc bags for wet items. Maybe even a dry bag (like kayakers use) if you plan to go to a beach. It not only keeps dry things dry but protects things like phones from sand and can help small items from getting lost.  
From RCCL : “Royal Caribbean International has closed-circuit television cameras located in hundreds of strategic, public locations throughout the ship but not in private staterooms, public restrooms or private spa areas. These systems are upgraded as new and beneficial technologies are developed. Recordings from these cameras are routinely utilized by our security teams and made available to investigative authorities as requested.” So don’t get stupid.  
The gold and silver by the inch chain … ain't. Its cheap plated/layered that is worth little and probably will make your skin turn green.  
Breakfast and lunch are also served in the main dining room.  
Wash your hands, frequently. Use hand sanitizer. Its almost everywhere on the ship. Stay healthy.  
Some ports of call have pushy locals trying to hustle a dollar. Learn to ignore them and say no.  
Drinks are cheaper in port. Unless you drink so much you miss the ship when it leaves.  
Interior cabins are pitch black when the lights go out. You might what a night light or small flashlight.  
If you are not flying, you can pack more. Just remember you must carry it and find a place for it in a relatively small cabin.  
If flying to the departure port, go a night early and book a room near the port. It saves a lot of anxiety about boarding on time, late flights etc.  
Guests services are usually open 24 hours. Unless it just can't wait, avoid lines by going during off hours.  
Elevators – a right of way rule that is true everywhere in the world, not just ships: Wait for people to get off before you get on. Its polite, its courteous and it makes sense to enter a space that is less crowded.  
Take a picture of your passport photo page on your phone. It just might come in handy for ID someday.  
Take a light weight wind breaker/rain jacket. It can rain and cool off in the evenings, even in the tropics or on a deck underway. Standing at the rail in a slightly cool breeze, watching the reflection of the moon on the water with a loved one could be very romantic and more comfortable with a jacket. Towel clips – those over size clothes pins that hold your towel in place on a deck chair when it’s windy. Nuff said.  
Ship photographers are always wanting to take your picture. Its free. Unless you want to buy the picture.  
 
 

For those that just to be in contact all the time, small hand held portable radios work well. Some are more expensive but basic units come in in various packages of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and even 20 radios for about $10-11 per radio. The range is pretty good onboard. This is not such a bad option for 2-4 people as long as you keep up with the radios and keep them charged.
Phone and Voom is going to cost as well. Putting phones in airplane mode turns off phone service but maintains WIFI or data/Internet. Voom is basically $50 a phone and allows unlimited text. If you want data, then its $100 per phone.
Connection back to the mainland will depend on your phone service provider. Most charge about $2 per minute or offer some kind of package deal.
Your phone is constantly checking for new texts and e-mails. Those checks are connections you get billed for. If you just have your phone turned on, its racking up a bill that can be $100s. It's not much fun having your provider text you that excess charges have reached $200 when you were not expecting it. Been there, done that.
Unless you just have to have all that continuous communication or have deep pockets, I'd suggest turning off your phone and putting it inside your room safe for the duration. 
If you want to use your phone camera, think about putting it in airplane mode and turning off WIFI. You can still take pictures and play Bluetooth music on your phone (not streaming) to your wireless ear buds if you want. You could also read e-books and play some games and use some apps that do not require data or Internet.
 
 

Most of my cruises have been out of Port Canaveral or Miami.  Boarding and departure times vary an hour or two but usually boarding is about noon and departure about five. You might board as early as 10am and depart as late as 7pm.
In general, once the passengers from the previous cruise have departed, been accounted for and customs is cleared, passengers for the next cruise can start boarding. I have seen boarding start 2 and 3 hours ahead of scheduled boarding time. I am sure unusual circumstances could delay boarding but its never happed to me.
When you arrive, you and everyone else will be excited. Adrenalin will be flowing. Take a moment, breathe deep, don't get crazy. Have your bags tagged with your name and cabin information with the tags that RCCL provides on line. If you don't have them, agents at the curb will provide them. Have all your 'stuff' organized and ready. The curb agents may want to see your paperwork, probably not if your bags are tagged and ready. Depending on how you arrive, you may need to park your car. RCCL staff will be all along the way to help direct you where you need to go. Various levels of Crown and Anchor members may have shorter lines. If you have done all the 'pre-boarding' work on-line, check in will go pretty quick. You will get a quick photo taken for security (no glasses or hats). New technology is being introduced that includes facial recognition. I have not seen it in use yet, hopefully it just speeds things up a bit.
If you are able to board early, do not count on your room being ready. They are often not 'refurbished/ready' until 2 or 3pm and perhaps a bit later. Sometimes your luggage will not arrive until 5 or 6pm and sometimes a bit later.
There is always a long gangway walk up to the ship. RCCL personnel along the way will take your picture if you want or just by-pass them. Others will welcome you on board. If its your first time, you will be Wowed by the ship and totally lost.
Use the time between being able to board and when your room is ready to explore the ship, have lunch (the Windjammer will be serving) sit by the pool or enjoy a drink. Don't burden yourself down with too much carry on. You may have a couple bottles of wine in your carry on. Have any medications you may need, sun glasses, a hat, your camera or phone. Your Seapass card is now your money and ID. You probably will not need anything else until your room is ready.
If you are physically fit, taking the stairs is a good way to burn a few calories you bound to run into for the next few days. During busy times, such as boarding, the elevators can take a while. The Windjammer will be crowded as people eat their first meal on board. People will be staking out spots around the pool. A band will probably be playing. At the same time, there will quiet spots on the ship you can settle in, cool off and people watch if you just need to relax a bit after a hectic arrival.
So roam around, find out where your cabin is, even if its not ready, and start exploring from there. A lot of times I've been on the ship 3 days and am still finding places I haven't seen before.
 
 

Most of my cruises have been out of Port Canaveral or Miami.  Boarding and departure times vary an hour or two but usually boarding is about noon and departure about five. You might board as early as 10am and depart as late as 7pm.
In general, once the passengers from the previous cruise have departed, been accounted for and customs is cleared, passengers for the next cruise can start boarding. I have seen boarding start 2 and 3 hours ahead of scheduled boarding time. I am sure unusual circumstances could delay boarding but its never happed to me.
When you arrive, you and everyone else will be excited. Adrenalin will be flowing. Take a moment, breathe deep, don't get crazy. Have your bags tagged with your name and cabin information with the tags that RCCL provides on line. If you don't have them, agents at the curb will provide them. Have all your 'stuff' organized and ready. The curb agents may want to see your paperwork, probably not if your bags are tagged and ready. Depending on how you arrive, you may need to park your car. RCCL staff will be all along the way to help direct you where you need to go. Various levels of Crown and Anchor members may have shorter lines. If you have done all the 'pre-boarding' work on-line, check in will go pretty quick. You will get a quick photo taken for security (no glasses or hats). New technology is being introduced that includes facial recognition. I have not seen it in use yet, hopefully it just speeds things up a bit.
If you are able to board early, do not count on your room being ready. They are often not 'refurbished/ready' until 2 or 3pm and perhaps a bit later. Sometimes your luggage will not arrive until 5 or 6pm and sometimes a bit later.
There is always a long gangway walk up to the ship. RCCL personnel along the way will take your picture if you want or just by-pass them. Others will welcome you on board. If its your first time, you will be Wowed by the ship and totally lost.
Use the time between being able to board and when your room is ready to explore the ship, have lunch (the Windjammer will be serving) sit by the pool or enjoy a drink. Don't burden yourself down with too much carry on. You may have a couple bottles of wine in your carry on. Have any medications you may need, sun glasses, a hat, your camera or phone. Your Seapass card is now your money and ID. You probably will not need anything else until your room is ready.
If you are physically fit, taking the stairs is a good way to burn a few calories you bound to run into for the next few days. During busy times, such as boarding, the elevators can take a while. The Windjammer will be crowded as people eat their first meal on board. People will be staking out spots around the pool. A band will probably be playing. At the same time, there will quiet spots on the ship you can settle in, cool off and people watch if you just need to relax a bit after a hectic arrival.
So roam around, find out where your cabin is, even if its not ready, and start exploring from there. A lot of times I've been on the ship 3 days and am still finding places I haven't seen before.
 
 

I get so tired of advertisements. Back in the 70's I went to Acapulco and the beach was so annoying because every few minutes another beggar would  show up trying to sell cheap jewelry or something for a tip or handout. My latest pet peeve are ads on TV plastered across the bottom of the screen while the show I am trying to watch is playing. RCCL has gone the same path. They always had you the throat with drinks, artwork, watches and more. Every opportunity to try and sell you something and it just gets old to the point you become somewhat oblivious and numb to the whole process.
Though there are a few good deals, the bottom line is some things are overpriced on board, most are about the same as anything you could buy off Amazon any day of the week and some things are just a rip off. For instance, never buy the 'by the inch' chains they always have, not unless you like your skin turning green.
Any way, I agree .. enough of the perfect day. The day I drop a thousand bucks on an over the water cabana for a few hours someone needs to schedule a psychiatrist for me. ?
Don't get me wrong. I love cruising on RCCL but don't let the glamor smother your common sense.

I get so tired of advertisements. Back in the 70's I went to Acapulco and the beach was so annoying because every few minutes another beggar would  show up trying to sell cheap jewelry or something for a tip or handout. My latest pet peeve are ads on TV plastered across the bottom of the screen while the show I am trying to watch is playing. RCCL has gone the same path. They always had you the throat with drinks, artwork, watches and more. Every opportunity to try and sell you something and it just gets old to the point you become somewhat oblivious and numb to the whole process.
Though there are a few good deals, the bottom line is some things are overpriced on board, most are about the same as anything you could buy off Amazon any day of the week and some things are just a rip off. For instance, never buy the 'by the inch' chains they always have, not unless you like your skin turning green.
Any way, I agree .. enough of the perfect day. The day I drop a thousand bucks on an over the water cabana for a few hours someone needs to schedule a psychiatrist for me. ?
Don't get me wrong. I love cruising on RCCL but don't let the glamor smother your common sense.

I get so tired of advertisements. Back in the 70's I went to Acapulco and the beach was so annoying because every few minutes another beggar would  show up trying to sell cheap jewelry or something for a tip or handout. My latest pet peeve are ads on TV plastered across the bottom of the screen while the show I am trying to watch is playing. RCCL has gone the same path. They always had you the throat with drinks, artwork, watches and more. Every opportunity to try and sell you something and it just gets old to the point you become somewhat oblivious and numb to the whole process.
Though there are a few good deals, the bottom line is some things are overpriced on board, most are about the same as anything you could buy off Amazon any day of the week and some things are just a rip off. For instance, never buy the 'by the inch' chains they always have, not unless you like your skin turning green.
Any way, I agree .. enough of the perfect day. The day I drop a thousand bucks on an over the water cabana for a few hours someone needs to schedule a psychiatrist for me. ?
Don't get me wrong. I love cruising on RCCL but don't let the glamor smother your common sense.