SweetHomeLady

We have successfully used Air BnB in other cities. My advice is to read every word of every review, and look carefully at every photo. I look for 100% positive comments, and make sure there are several comments. If there is some feature offered but not shown in a photo, there is probably a reason. You can always ask the host questions before booking. (Is the bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom? Is there a coffee pot and coffee? Etc.) I check in early afternoon, so I am not scrambling in the middle of the night if something is wrong. If something does go wrong you can dispute the charge on your credit card. We have had some good and some great experiences with Air BnB. Good luck to you!

I agree with all the great advice already given! Also, don't forget if meals seem overwhelming you can always order room service. (There is an upcharge, but it might be worth it to you.) You can also have "do it yourself room service." Make a plate and take it to your room if you like. On my next cruise I plan to order continental breakfast (for free) delivered to the room and "do it myself" and bring back some sausage and eggs one morning. If I time it correctly I will have hot coffee and pastries waiting when I get back with the hot stuff. Also, to echo what others have said, don't worry too much about planning everything. On my very first cruise I had no idea what to expect, didn't even know how we would get from the airport to the ship. I got my luggage and looked for someone in a Royal Caribbean shirt with a clipboard. She sold me a transfer on the spot. I boarded, checked into my interior state room and had a blast! You are way ahead of that learning curve. Have a great voyage!

Thanks for the info. Trying to decide on whether to buy The Key or not.

Back in the dark ages, we could purchase internet packages on board with a certain number of minutes for one flat price. (90 minute package for $25, eg.) I will be on Anthem next year. Will that be an option or will I need to purchase a package for daily use? If it is an option, can you tell me the cost? Thanks in advance!

Point for the team who has a photo of a person wearing a T-shirt from a location farthest from your embarkation port.

Agree with all about letting the steam from the shower help. To kick up this process I sometimes put a hanger with clips on it on the bottom of the article of clothing while steaming. The weight seems to help pull out the wrinkles even more.

I take a mini medicine kit. One plastic sleeve each of Benadryl, anti-diarrheal, mucinex, ex-lax, Sudafed, Pepto-Bismol tablets, etc. A few band-aids, small tube of Neosporin. Much cheaper and more convenient to have it if needed. I also take a mini can of Lysol in case one of us gets sick, we can manage the germs to protect the other. I also put two Clorox wipes in a Ziploc bag and wipe down the entire cabin first thing, just in case.

Ordering room service breakfast and enjoying it on your balcony.

I had a head waiter tell me that they stopped doing the midnight buffets because lots of people came to take pictures of the ice sculptures and fancy foods, but no one ate very much. Of course, nowadays people take lots of food photos. I do it, myself.

They use warmed smooth stones as part of the massage. Sometimes they will lay a series of stones on your back while using one to massage your shoulders, etc. Blissful!

I cruised with my parents for their 50th. We bought a gold mini cake topper for about 79 cents at Hobby Lobby. I had it in my purse and when the waiter brought out the cake for them I stuck it in while he was singing. It showed up great in the photos. You could do something similar for a room service breakfast or even a special cocktail.

Has anyone attended one? Can you give me a description of it? Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have advice on how to take a day trip into New York City? We will be driving to the port and staying in a hotel nearby. We might go a day early to try and see some of the city. I particularly want to see the Statue of Liberty. Thanks!

I like to wear a sundress to dinner one night, maybe with a shawl or shrug, then wear it again the next day on the ship or in port. Cuts down on my packing. However, unless you are worried about airline baggage fees I say take as much as you want. Enjoy your cruise!

A couple of questions for you knowledgeable cruising card holders.... Has anyone ever seen a bonus higher than 10,000 points for signing up? Will I get double points paying for an RCCL cruise through a travel agent? Thanks in advance.