Floating GTG-Caribbean Style

[Forestgal]

OK, went looking for the soft sided cooler, couldn't find it, but did find a nifty little thingy for the white elephant sale at the ARK GTG. It'll be great for someone that hikes a lot. So now I'm on a mission to find that dang cooler that I carried in Hope for 5 years, used once and finally took it out....Found it in a cabinet where it definitley didn't belong!

Sharon, there are TONS of lunch pails that are soft-sided, and they're all on sale right now with the Back-to-School stuff. I've got more than I'd like to admit thanks to carrying my lunch for the past 23 years. But I digress ... Check out Target or WalMart -- you'll find some that are made of nylon & appear to be hard. But they've got a removable inner box-thingy that make them delightfully squishy. They'll easily hold a 6-pack and even some larger bottles if need be.

Isn't it fun getting all of those little goodies together? I remember doing just the same thing when we were preparing for our rafting trip down the Colorado. It was almost as much fun as the actual trip.

Laura

[sharon]

I found it....in a cabinet where it shouldn't have been. No way was I buying another one, I have to many small coolers as it is. I'm seriously trying to de-clutter, not add to it!

[Readytogo]

Wow Carolyn, you gave me a lot of things to remember! Like I said, Gwen knows all the cruising ropes.Can you bring your own Pepsi on board, how many? I guess thats all on the cruise website. I may go to bass Pro Shop or Academy tomorrow and look for one of those wallet things. Just how water proof are they, I still don't think i want to put them to the test with my crdit cards and money and driver's license! Anybody going to be there the day before. Wewill be at the Regency. Haven't decided on shore things yet, was thinking i might just like to get off the ship and explore and walk around. Do people do that? Anyone doing the canopy adventure? I want to zip line but one of the rewviews said you only spend a little time doing it. But that might be okay. It also said difficult level, but minimum age is 5!? If a five year old can do it...? Also does the casino take cash? Ill want a separate budget for that. Everyone have a good night. Wendy

[Lotus]

Now a few comments from me even though it sounds like most has been covered. I'm not going to address whom I might be replying to because there are so many posts and I can't remember!

If you pack a precious liquid (such as vodka), please be sure that the lid is tight, tight, tight!! Remember, it is precious! Voice of experience!

Each day before a port, there will be a shore excursion meeting to tell you things that you need to know about that port. Such as what to take, what time, etc. An example is that when you plan to swim, snorkel, or do any type of activity at the port, beach towels will be available to check out as you disembark. If you don't return the towel, it is charged to your room. You may want a tote bag to carry your "stuff" when you head out....depending on your excursion. You will learn about such meetings in your daily calendar of events (can't remember specific name of it!). Read your daily events....it will be delivered to your cabin each night for the next day. A highligher comes in handy to mark things of interest.

Fridges are not available in cabins.
Don't forget to tip room service at time of food delivery.

Re: comment about purses or not. Though I won't take a purse on shore either, you can purchase purses made by company called Pacsafe (with exomesh...some folks call it chicken wire but it's not chicken wire!). Straps can't be cut and there are some other safety features. A friend bought one for touring Europe, and it is very stylish & practical. Can be purchased here at Sports Chalet, on-line at TravelSmith, and I'm sure many other companies. Various sizes and styles.

It's been several years since I cruised, and at that time you could still use cash in the casino! A difference in the ship casino and casinos in Las Vegas and other cities is that you have to pay for your drinks in the ship casino....full price and not just tip as you do other places. Not that I have any experience at any of the casinos!! LOL!!

On earlier cruises we would take some cash plus travelers checks. Could cash a travelers check at the pursers desk if more cash is needed. Many banks (Wells Fargo here included) don't even carry travelers checks any longer so guess we'll just make sure to have sufficient cash and also rely on having a credit card. I doubt they will cash a personal desk on ship. Don't forget to notify your credit card company that you will be traveling out of the country on cruise so they won't question or prevent charges made.

Comments made by Carolyn & Sharon are right on about not being able to use cash on board. Purchase made at gift shop goes on your sign & sail card. Purchase a drink at the pool, etc., your tip will be written on as you sign your ticket for drink. Carolyn or someone, correct me if this is not correct. It's very easy to check your charges daily (as Carolyn said), and then there are some who wait till the last night and goes through each & every ticket!! Not this year!!

Beverages at the Lido deck that are comp usually include water, lemonade, tea (unsweetened), fruit juice, coffee, but no soft drinks. Even if it is not meal time, you can often go in and still get certain drinks but not all.

Now I need to get busy and see what I need to buy, pack, etc. My soft sided coolers all wore out and are no longer with me! New swim suit now from Lands End....they are the best and I've worn them for years.

That's it from me! Can't wait to see "ya'll"!! It is now 34 days!! We are flying to Miami on Sept 10 (my birthday!) and spending the night. Couldn't get a decent flight on the 11th. Will be rested up for the cruise!!

Beck

[BirdbyBird]

Thanks for sharing more details.....I won't remember it all but I will recognize more possibilities whe I see them as in "_____, told me about that!"

[BirdbyBird]

Okay, I have another question. Carolyn, how do I access the cruise info that you are referring us to? I am registered and I can find some forum posts that relate to our boat and sailing dates but.....it doesn't really lead anywhere. Is Cruise Critic a separate site to go find?

Now editing.....found the cruise critic web site and had to be reminded that I had already registered. Darn I am always misplacing those passwords....... I looked over all the ship decks and familiarized myself with more info but I am still missing something..... No, mitch, you can not comment unless it is related to the cruise...you sweet thing you....

[sharon]

You'll figure it out! After you've been lost a couple of times and can't find your room, you'll learn what to look for.....Took me an hour one time to find the room.

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Okay, I have another question. Carolyn, how do I access the cruise info that you are referring us to? I am registered and I can find some forum posts that relate to our boat and sailing dates but.....it doesn't really lead anywhere. Is Cruise Critic a separate site to go find?

Now editing.....found the cruise critic web site and had to be reminded that I had already registered. Darn I am always misplacing those passwords....... I looked over all the ship decks and familiarized myself with more info but I am still missing something..... No, mitch, you can not comment unless it is related to the cruise...you sweet thing you....

On the front page of CC about 1/2 way down is a ROLL CALLs link, click that and find Carnival Valor and then find 9/11/11 roll call. That should get you there.

[BirdbyBird]

Thanks, going to find a roll call now.....

[Readytogo]

This thread's been awlfully quiet lately. Of course we've been e-mailing and talking on the cruise forum.And some others are going also. I am doing laundry today and pretty much getting everything together. Have to do it a little at a time so dog doesn't sense something's up, but I think he already does! He's okay at the kennel, they play and have a good time, but I don't want to press my luck!

[BirdbyBird]

Wendy, I'm about to go out to the cruise site and try to figure out just what I need to print out and take with me......as far as paperwork is expected. I really feel at a disadvantage since it has been years since I flew anywhere, have never taken a transfer service and never cruised before. In the end I will have to do the best I can and trust the assistance of strangers. If I get laughed for mistakes it won't be the first time.

I did go get some new suitcases, Kohls was having a sale.......(remember that part of not traveling much before) Somehow I've never needed much in the way of baggage with the RV and even the times I stayed in motels with the dogs, I could carry a lot of what I needed in on hangers...... I am definitely "stepping it up" with my travel resume with this trip. ....could not help but think of where else I could use some of these purchases next! Maybe I can find some kindred gypsy spirits that will pplant more ideas on my "dream" list.....

Another doctor visit tomorrow. I am trying to make myself be good and responsible before I go play and spend any extra money I may think I have left. .....Need to decide what to do with my hair this week. It has grown out past my usual tolerance level.....and the urge to go get some color on it is lurking in the back of my mind.

Hope everyone is busy packing......

[bluepinecones]

Save some of that money, Tina. We may have to make a trip to Ky later this year.

[BirdbyBird]

As you know, it isn't that hard to twist my arm to convince me that I need to travel places...... :=) In November I will probably need to work a week or so if they offer me the chance..... $$$$$ :=)

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Tina, I have no doubt you will be able to navigate through all the different modes of transportation that awaits you. If you have mardi gras beads throw a strand in for identification w/another group we are meeting.

Wendy, glad your baby likes the kennel, Sedona hates it and I do too. This will be a first for her since she was a puppy. See you gals in 4 days. WooHoo.

[MsBHaven]

Hope everyone has a great cruise! With Carolyn planning it, you should have a lot of fun.