lindyf

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I can see that I do have my work cut out for me. I am already ready to go again! I guess I am truly a cruise crazy already!

We went to St. Thomas and St. Maarten on our first cruise. I am trying to do research for our next one. Are any ports and/or cruise lines more affordable, also what time of year is the most affordable? My husband has his own business so we can plan his schedule around the cruise. We got an inside cabin the last time, but have decide that we would like a balcony much more the next time. Does anyone have experience with both ? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thankx, Lindy

Oh, I forgot to mention that we were to start the disembarkation at 7 and we were the last group called since we had no other plans except to go by car to Boynton beach. We were on the road by 9:25. That may be a miracle but that is how it worked for us. Have a great trip!

We just used "At your Service Limos" to take us to and from Miami & Boynton Beach. There were 8 of us and it was $75 a couple for the round trip. They were great and had no problem waiting. They do it all the time and knew what time to be there. All we did was call them when we went to get our luggage and he was there when we got outside. I don't have the number but I can get it if you can't find it. We were on RCI and got off went through "customs"( it was a joke) and were in the limo in a matter of about an hour. Good luck

We just got home from RCI's Radiance. Our formal nights were good but not too formal for everyone. Some wore suits and ties and others wore shirts and ties. One night my husband wore a shirt and coat with no tie (AKA miami vice look) Do what you want we always feel like you are on vacation and shouldn't be forced to do anything. Just don't wear shorts as many frowned on this. Although they didn't ask the offender to leave.

We just returned from the radiance and went to coco cay. It was a beautiful island with not a lot to do except drink and soak up the sun. they did have a free buffet of hot dogs and hamburgers chicken wings and all the trimmings all the food was great. There were jet ski rental and the water slide was a slide with a guy spraying a hose on it. We ate drank and sunned and had a great time. Oh, The hair braiding cost more there than St. Thomas or St. Maarten.

I am taking several disposable cameras. I was told to make sure they didn't get x-rayed. Where do I put them? I know that sounds silly. I do fly all the time but I am mostly wondering about the ship. Don't they x-ray your luggage?

I am packed and ready to go. I have a few misc. things to pack, but I have nowhere to go Friday and nothing to do! I will just sit around the house with DH and think about how fun the next week will be! Our flight is at 2 PM on Saturday, and we sail on Sunday. So we have 2 days of anticipation before we sail!

Great to see you movin' on up. You are an inspiration to us newbies to the board as well as to cruising. Good luck on reaching the penthouse by Dec 1.

OK I've read the packing lists and plenty of posts about what to take. I really need to know the real deal. Should I really pack a blender(I do like those drinks) How about a cd player and a travel iron. My friend is going on this cruise too and is having a time getting all of her things into two large bags. I don't really want to take 10 pair of shoes, every item of makeup I own etc., But what about the above mentioned items. Just wanting a few suggestions. Any help will be appreciated a bunch. I am in the process of packing as I type. Lindyf

I got us registered online over the weekend. I am getting so excited! We are staying with friends Saturday night then Sunday we'll be crusin'!!!!!

We, the members already knew this was a great site. Glad to see it was recognized! Congrats!

Thanks for everyone's input. I have less than 2 weeks now and I have decided that I don't need anymore clothes. I will just mix and match. Or send something to the cleaners.Thanks again!!

OK I don't remember who said 'pack half the clothes and twice the money' but I don't get it. Do I wear some of the clothes twice or send some to the cleaners or what. If so, do I tip the cleaners too? I am going for 7 days I am planning to take 14 outfits with a couple of extra pieces just in case. Am I wrong? We have 2 formal nights and I am taking different clothes for the days and all the nights. I really don't want to overpack, I would like to have room for things I bring back.

They finally came! I am getting so hyped up now! I find myself putting things aside that I won't need to use again, so they will be ready when I pack. I still have some shopping to do for last minute things. I will probably be posting last minute questions and such as the time draws nearer. This will be the first Thanksgiving that I haven't cooked dinner for loads of people in I don't know how long. My adult sons aren't too happy but they'll live. LOL

Thanks to all for their info and advice. I will take the advice and try to quit worrying. Deep down I know that it will be fine. I understand that there's always shopping at all the ports!!!!!!!

I have been a member to this board for some time but haven't posted much. I have 2 new grandbabies that keep me from getting into my cruise research lately. I am about 4 1/2 weeks away from cruising to the eastern carribean and now I am getting nervous. My husband and I are going with 6 others. We have never cruised and neither has my 21yr. old son and his girlfriend. It is a 7 day cruise with three days in ports. Is 7 days too long for a first time? I am only 43, but I have a chronic condition which limits my energy level so I am<] planning accordingly. I noticed that others have said they filled out excursions and some documents. I wasn't aware that I could do that. My cruise docs won't be here until 3 weeks before the cruise. Is that normal too? The people we are going with are veterans and they make few plans, since they know they will be going again next year. I like to have plans when I vacation I don't want to get back on the ship and remember something I wish I would have done. Sorry this is going on and on but as I said, I am getting jittery. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

We will be on the RCCI Radiance of the Seas for 7 days over thanksgiving.

My first cruise is November 20, 2005. I have the packing list, but what I want to know is what kind of clothes to pack. My husband wears a lot of jean shorts and jeans. We know about the formal nights but what about the rest of the time? I would like to pack light enough to have room to bring plenty of things home for gifts.

Thanks to all who replied. I am already getting excited. They are aware of the neccesity of tips and are thinking of paying them upfront. I know that some think that is not a good idea, but with their cash situation it seems like it may be the best. I am sure I will have other questions. I am glad to have found such a great group of people to help me with this new experience... CRUISING!

We are booked on the RCCI Radiance for Nov, 20, 05 to the eastern carribean. We will pay airfare and maybe tips upfront. My 21 yr old son and his GF are going also. I am concerned that they will not be able to afford to do much. I want them to have a good time, but cannot afford to supplement their trip too much. I have offered to pay for one shore excursion each of them . Any tips on what they should do or not do? I know the casino is a no no as far as saving money goes. But, what excursions or shipboard extras are good value for the money. The ports are Co Co Cay, st thomas and st maarten. Thanks. I am a first time cruiser and hate to get them into to more than they can afford.