We booked a last minute cruise to Merida and Cozumel, Mexico! We're going to Dallas for a concert in August, so we decided to take leave, drop the kids off in TX with the in-laws, and leave out of Galveston. This is going to be my first cruise, I'm so excited! The best part is I was booking through Hotwire, and called to see if we needed passports, or if our military IDs would suffice. The rep checked for military discounts on the cruise, and upgraded us to an oceanview on the upper deck for $150 less than the interior stateroom we were going to book! Yay!!! So, any advice from you experienced cruisers?

By Mommyof5 on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 05:31 pm:

I highly recommend the Jeep shore excursion in Cozumel..it was an experience!

By Tink on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 05:53 pm:

Oooh, a cruise sounds like so much fun! We still have to take one together one of these days! How many days will you be out?

By Sandysmom on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 06:10 pm:

Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!! I'm very excited for you. I have no advice though, I've never been on a cruise.

By Crystal915 on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 06:11 pm:

It's a 5 day, with one day in each port. And yes, Cori... we SO have to take a cruise, preferably one way with lots of cabana boys!! LOL!!!

By Jackie on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 06:36 pm:

Sounds like fun. I would not say I am an experienced cruiser. We are going on our 2nd cruise this coming August. We booked like 16 months in advance, it seems strange that it is almost here. The first cruise I was on was a lot of fun. My kids had the best time, and still talk about the first cruise, and it was almost 3 yrs ago. This will be Faith's first cruise, not too sure how she will act, only time will tell.
There is so much to do on a cruise ship, really so many options. I always thought being on a cruise would be boring, I was sure wrong LOL

By Yjja123 on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 12:15 pm:

HERE IS MY PACKING LIST FOR OUR CRUISES. PLEASE EXCUSE THE CAPS, I CUT AND PASTED IT FROM MY MASTER LIST:
WATER SHOES: DO NOT GO IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT THEM.
FIRST AID KIT: INCLUDE BENYDRYL, VINEGAR (FOR OCEAN STINGS), MOTION PILLS, ETC.
POST-ITS/PEN: SO YOU CAN WRITE DOWN SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR YOUR ROOM STEWARD OR TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP AS TO WHERE YOU MAY BE.
HIGHLIGHTERS: TO MARK THE “MUST-DO” EVENTS ON YOUR CRUISE COMPASS EACH DAY. IT IS SURPRISING HOW MUCH IS GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME.
MOTION SICKNESS PILLS: MOTION SICKNESS--NEED I SAY MORE?
INSULATED COFFEE CUPS: THEY’RE BIGGER AND EASIER TO TRAVEL AROUND THE SHIP WITH. THEY DON’T SPILL AND THEY STAY WARM OR COLD. YOU CAN EASILY FILL THEM WITH A COLD DRINK OR COFFEE AND GO.
LYSOL/WIPES: FOR SPRAYING BATHROOM AND OR WIPING SURFACES. A GREAT WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ANY VIRUSES THAT CAN OCCUR ON THE SHIP.
ALOE: SOMETIMES THIS IS FORGOTTEN OR USED UP QUICKLY.
SUNLOTION: SOMETIMES THIS IS FORGOTTEN OR USED UP QUICKLY.
GERM-X HAND SANITIZER/COTTONELLE WIPES: YOU NEVER WANT TO BE WITHOUT THESE IN PORT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THE BATHROOMS WILL BE LIKE!
SEWING KIT: IN CASE YOU NEED TO REPAIR ANYTHING LAST MINUTE.
WRINKLE RELEASER: FOR ALL THOSE CLOTHES THAT WERE CRUMPLED IN YOUR SUITECASE.
CHAPSTICK LIP BALM: TO PROTECT AGAINST THE SUN.
LAUNDRY DETERGENT/SHOUT WIPES: TO WASH OUT SWIMSUITS OR SPOT CLEAN ANY STAINS.
ALARM CLOCK: THE ROOMS DO NOT HAVE A CLOCK OTHER THAN THE PHONE.
CABLE TIES: TO LOCK LUGGAGE OR SECURE TAGS.
INSECT REPELLANT/AFTERBITE STICK: FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS.
TUMS: BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY! THERE IS SO MUCH FOOD THAT SOMETIMES YOU WILL OVERINDULGE.
FEBREEZE: TO FRESHEN THE SMELL OF CLOTHES OR ROOM. SOMETIMES THE CLOSET SMELLS MUSTY. WE ALWAYS SPRAY IT BEFORE STORING OUR CLOTHES.
TRAVEL ALBUM: TO DOCUMENT THE WONDERFUL TIME YOU HAVE ON YOUR CRUISE.
$$$$MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO NEED AND LESS CLOTHING THAN YOU THINK YOU WILL WEAR.
HAVE FUN!
YVONNE
PS---WE HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL CRUISES. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO ASK.

By Crystal915 on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 02:32 pm:

Thanks Yvonne!!