Karen55

I always pack a tote bag I got a few years ago for placing an order for something else... It 'zips into itself' and has wheels on it... when zipped up it's about 10" x 12" and about 1" thick... but unzips into a 3' x 1' size tote on wheels... I wish I could remember where I placed the order, because I would love to have several more just like it.. and it was free to boot... I would gladly buy more of them, if I could just remember where I got it... LOL...

Congrats Rose!!!!!

Hello and welcome aboard... Glad to have you with us...

Thanks for sharing Andi...

The one thing I've learned in all my years of travel, is not to over pack... I have a list of 'must haves' in my suitcase for every trip. I keep this on my computer and print it each time, because it is basically the same for each trip. The one thing I learned the hard way about was makeup... never pack it in checked luggage... I was on a return business trip on a Friday from New York back to Birmingham. I had a wedding on Saturday...I came to Birmingham, my luggage went to Columbus, Mississippi... with all my makeup... I panicked my luggage arrived at noon on Saturday, the wedding was at 2:00 pm... never again have I packed my makeup in checked luggage... Lesson learned the hard way... LOL... Safe travel and calm seas....

We've been out of New Orleans, LA, Port Canaveral, FL, and Jacksonville, FL... I like New Orleans ... very organized and the people make waiting fun...

Congrats Sarge!!!

I had already booked before all the problems... I saw the prices had gone down... so I called my guy at Carnival.. got a $60.00 reduction in my November 2013 cruise.. I called my sister to tell her, and she and her husband are booked in the cabin next to us now... LOL...

Safe travels!!! Can't wait to hear all about it.. Hope to be here for the chat on Saturday....

Interesting policy... How would they know? Do they have a *drink* monitor on every passenger that goes off when you have a drink and you didn't purchase a card? Sorry.... just being a bit off the wall... But... as with anything... You will have people that will abuse any policy you have and that makes the remainder of us who follow things to the letter have to pay for their misdeeds... I drink water and coffee most of the time so it's not that hard for me... Now when they start charging for coffee we will have a big problem!!!

I will agree with all of your points... We have found that on all cruises they will nickle and dime you to death!!! The 'just say no' policy works very well... Last year in Jamaica, we got off the boat and purchased an 'all you can ride' bus pass that took us to all the same places the cruise ship shore excursion was going for a fraction of the cost...In Nassau, we hired a taxi with another couple and saw most of the island, The Atlantis Hotel and other sites and had a great time with a wonderful driver for a full day excursion...it was fun and reasonable...Just because the ship offers something doesn't mean there is not another way to do it... do your homework, it may save you a lot of money...

Seeing the ship and waiting for it to set sail... Standing on deck watching the anchors being hoisted, as the ship pulls away from the dock... the excitement of the engines coming to life and knowing when you wake up the next day, you will be somewhere exotic and wonderful... It gives me chills every time!!!

Our first cruise was out of Port Canaveral... It will be interesting to see what happens...

Like others, we have elderly parents and we too, have had medical problems... SO... travel insurance is always part of the deal... Would not think of going without it...

5 soon to be 6 all on Carnival

Wow, installing a window in an inside cabin or sea too loud... that's a toss up I think... Some people will try anyting to get something for free... Gotta love it!!!

Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome... Looking forward to being involved!!!

Hi I'm Karen ... My husband, Tim and I have been on five cruises and our sixth is planned for November 2013. We love cruising and find it the best vacation for the money. We are in Birmingham, Alabama and that puts us within driving distance of several ports. Looking forward to getting to know some of you... and chatting in the new chat room...

CarnivalFascination Click here to view the cruise

Thanks Jason...