The Best Cruise Line for YOU!

I am often asked the question "which cruise line is BEST?"  I always have to laugh, because this is a tough question to answer--I always answer back--define BEST.  Best price? itinerary? entertainment? food? accessibility? casinos? what is BEST?


Accessing your cruise needs are similar to writing a good news article.  There's the who, what, when, and how of it all.  Let's take them one at a time.  


WHO is sailing?  You and your hubby? You and your family? Family reunion? Gaggle of gal pals? WHO is sailing makes a lot of difference.  The who involves your interests, hobbies, and activity levels.  Will you be happy swimming with the dolphins, ice skating at sea, or just lounging by the pool?  Are you an experienced cruiser or a first timer?

WHAT do you want to, see, visit, and explore?  Do you have a special place or climate in mind?  On one cruise, I knew without a doubt I wanted to see a particular beach in St. Thomas as a shore excursion.  What do you want to do on board?  If you have your heart set on a surfing simulator or rock climbing at sea, you  are limited to the number of ships you can choose.  You need to think about WHAT you want to experience.


WHERE are you willing to go to board your ship?  Depending on your location, you may have to drive a long distance or fly to make your cruise happen.  If you choose not to travel, you could be limited by where you live.  Ships are traditionally stationed in certain ports and stay their until the season changes or larger/smaller ships are brought in.

WHEN do you want to sail?  The time of the year, season, or even holiday makes a big difference.  Going during spring break season?  Expect to see a lot of college students on board.  Think it would be cool to spend Thanksgiving on board?  Yes, it would, but you can expect to pay more.  Remember too, that certain itineraries like Alaska and New England are only available during certain seasons and fill up quickly.

Lastly, after deciding on all of the above--HOW much is your budget?  Do you have a realistic idea of what a cruise will cost?  With prices averaging $100-300 a night for accommodations, gourmet food, and entertainment galore--cruise prices are great vacation values. How much are you willing and able to spend?


When you talk with me, I will ask you all of these questions.  I try to match the client with the best fit of all of the above criteria.  By thinking on these questions and making a list of anything else that might be important to you--we can find the perfect fit just for you!


Call me and let's talk about your who, when, where, and how.  I will do my best  to match you as much as possible with the best cruise line and sailing to fit your needs.


Happy sailing!


Sandy


Sandy, thedivacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her web site www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Questions are always welcome click here to contact Sandy.


Photos are #1 Me onboard Celebrity. #2 Clients swimming with the dolphins onboard Royal Caribbean; #3 Line dancing on board Princess; #4 Hubby and I on pink sand beaches onboard NCL; #5 Hubby and I swimming with the stingrays onboard Carnival.

Cruising Question SOS-What About My Diet Coke?

Growing up I never acquired a taste for coffee.  Maybe because my parents drank so much of it, maybe because I am just a bit wierd, but for whatever reason, I just can't stand the taste.  So needing to get my "jolt" from somewhere, I turned to diet coke.  I drink it for breakfast and need a couple to get the neurons firing in the morning.  It's like you probably are with your coffee--I don't prefer it--I need it!  Funny but two or my three sisters are the same way.  You should see us at family gatherings, each packing a 12 pack of diet coke under each arm, trust me I have pictures!

So when clients ask me about the availability of their favorite (and necessary) soda on board their cruise ship vacation, I completely understand.  After all, it's not as if you can pop by the 7-11 and stock up in the open sea.  So let's address this question and  see what's available, what's free, and what's for sale.  Here we go:

• Coffee, tea, iced tea, water, are free all day
• Milk and juice are free during the breakfast hours
• Soda is available by the glass at the bars, dining room, pool, and theatre for $2-3 each,
• Alcholic drinks are available at any bar, in the dining room, pool, and theatre $5 and up
• "Drink of the Day" are daily specials and can be made virgin if requested
• Fountain soda cards can be purchased on most cruise lines for $6 per day adults, $4 children (approximate)

The soda fountain card is what I always get--first thing--at the "sail away" party!  (I always get a fruity ptooty sail away drink too, but that's another story).  Considering I drink at least 3 sodas every morning and a gingerale with my evening routine, it's well worth it.  Plus I just like to relax with my diet coke while reading out on the pool deck or having popcorn with the movie out by the pool.  So the soda fountain card saves me a good bit of money. 

A couple of things to remember!  All prices are for example and not a contract.  Prices change, usually going up, these are the latest I found today and vary a bit by the particular cruise line.  Secondly, drinks whether sodas or alcholol brought to you by waiters are subject to a 15% gratuitiy.  Lastly, not all lines may have the soda fountain card, so you will want to check with your travel professional or check the line's web site.  Fortunately for me, most do!

Now sit back, kick off your shoes, and enjoy your favorite drink!

Until next time, keep the questions coming!  Email me here with your question: sandy@cgta.com

Sandy

Sandy, the divacruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, an independent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her web site www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Have a question about cruising or one of our trips?  Email Sandy  at: sandy@cgta.com. 

One Step At a Time OR Plodding is a Good Thing!

One day last summer a new  woman showed up in my pool aerobics class and seemed to be working very hard for a newbie.  Being the busy body I am (I like to refer to it as "friendly") I asked about her and we were all told that she was indeed new to the Y, and was scheduled to get married soon and wanted to shape up.  Since most brides feel this way, I thought nothing of it until she further replied her wedding was only 2 weeks away!  I was floored as were the other members of the class as she mentioned her dress was too tight and she needed to lose 20 pounds in these two weeks to fit into it.  And that she intended to take at least 5 classes that DAY!  Since she was at least my age, I thought "she's going to kill her fool self"  but her enthusiasm was not to be shaken, even though our instructor tried to make her see that fitness and weight loss was achieved slowly over time.  I don't think I ever saw her again, but the lesson has stayed with me.  Some things don't happen overnight and are best done a bit at the time OR plodding along.

One thing I think fits this same principle well is spending money on travel.  Some people enjoy the thrill of finding a last minute trip and plunking down their cash and heading out! That's super and if you are of that mindset, call me, I always have last minute trips and cruises ready to book.  But for me and a lot of people, well we may not have a lot to cash to plunk.  Or enough leave from our employment, or quick-as-a-flash childcare available.  But with the right planning--especially financial planning, almost anyone can take the trip of their dreams.

So to help all those planners and plotters, Connie, (our esteemed leader) came up with the idea of a "payment plan" for our trips and cruises.  Two such trips where this would work well are my New Orleans at Christmas escorted bus tour or the Chicks at Sea cruise.  Pay $200 down this month and $100 a month (or more you decide) and pay until you are all paid up! With New Orleans coming in at $879 and Chicks at Sea 5 day ladies cruise prices starting at $500, it won't take long to make your trip a reality.  Plus to me, part of the fun of a vacation is the anticipation--you will have a few months to savour your trip--all paid for without taking too much out of the budget at one time.  I will be happy to work for you on a payment plan that suits your needs.  I will be delighted to help you join the ranks of the planners and the plodders--it's a good thing!

Happy travels AND happy budgeting,

Sandy

PS Just IN!  We have an absolutely fabulous value on board Holland America Line cruise ships.  Book during our Cruise Sale and receive an exclusive Onboard Value Booklet valued at $354.  Sail anywhere--these onboard services will enhance your voyage!   

PSS  Sail on our Chicks at Sea voyage and have dinner every night with Sandy the Diva Cruiser herself.  Have your picture taken for free!  Chances like this to mingle with celebrities don't come along every day!

Sandy, the divacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her web site: www.SandyWheelerTravel.com

The Gentle Art of Listening

Although my blog is technically about women’s travel opportunities, I also like from time to time to comment, ask questions, or make observations that might be beneficial to other women. Some of these observations are common sense that we just need to be reminded of from time to time—travel safety tips for example. Other things I share with my readers are about lessons learned or even grey hairs earned. And these are the blogs that seem to generate the most emails and comments, many of them off the record. For example, I was gratified that my blogs about weight issues during the holidays prompted many of you to write and share your struggles with me. So, with this in mind, here goes a little blog about an important issue; learning to listen.


When a friend confides in me, I consider it an honor and a blessing. I think women are a powerful force, more powerful than we imagine. The sharing of a confidence or concern is something that women do for other women that is so different from sharing with a man; no matter how loving or well intentioned. As I age, I am learning that the art of true listening is a skill I am developing after having done it the wrong way. It’s taking time, and I still don’t have all the answers, but here goes a few things I have learned.

I have always wanted to be supportive of people. But until recently if you tried to share a problem with me, I would listen attentively for a few moments, get the big picture of things and then jump right in—talking, talking, talking. I would immediately offer well intended advice and a plan for correcting the situation if MY ideas and action plan are followed. And often I would blow it with the friend trying to express herself. I want to “fix” things, it’s what I do, but not very helpful at all in a listening situation. Maybe it was my ego, I like to believe not—but everyone loves to hear the sound of their own voice, hey? I really did want to help and I certainly didn’t want to come across as bossy. So what IS good listening?


Most people just want your undivided attention when sharing with you. Making eye contact, a hug if appropriate, and active listening—really getting involved with what they are telling you. No recriminations or judgment during this time either. My favorite saying when a friend begins to chastise herself for a mistake is: “stop talking about my friend that way”. Just that bit of humor dispels the idea that you might be judging. I make soothing noises like “aw”, but I think the main point is stay engaged, continue with eye contact and provide a safe haven for your friend. A safe haven is a priceless gift you can give and by learning the art of gentle listening you will have made a difference to someone in a huge way. And chances are when your time comes to need counsel, she will be there for you too.  Listening is a skill that we may not have been born with, but it can be developed over time.  Good luck with your journey!

Have fun and be sure to visit our webpage.  We have a great new New Orleans escorted tour ready to book!  Email me at sandy@cgta.com to talk about this blog or to ask questions about our upcoming trips!

Sandy, the Diva Cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler,Indpendent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or through her website http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/ 

Flashy Red Polish

Don't run off, this will be a very short installment of my blog.  I do have a few questions.  Ok, here goes!

• why is my Santa hat the warmest one in my closet?
• why does the bright red OPI "Christmas Cheer" fingernail polish which looked so sleek and festive last week look so lame now?
• why do the Christmas lights ALWAYS come off the tree all tangled no matter how hard you try?
• why is it I always find the 75% off bows and wrapping paper I bought last year when I am putting the current year's stuff away?

If you have answers to these and any other of the great mysteries of life, drop me a line.  In the meantime,  please let me know if I can help you with any of your travel needs in 2010.  It has been my pleasure to work with some awesome clients in 2009, I thank you for your business and your friendship.  So, ponder these questions and remember whether it's a great gal's getaway, a fantasy honeymoon, or a special Valentine's treat for you and your sweetheart--I am your girl!

Blessings for the new year!

Sandy

Sandy, the divacruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or her website http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/.  Email Sandy @Email for Sandy 

Facebook Fun and Games

I admit it, I absolutely love Facebook! I check it every morning just after I check my business and personal email. I update it most every morning, sometimes several times a day. I check it before I go to sleep at night--I confess I love Facebook! To my friends and family, this comes as no surprise, to those of you who don't know me--well don't judge until you try.

Why do I love FB? Several reasons divided into two different categories. First personal reasons. Did you know I hardly ever miss a friend or family member's birthday now? And, I have reconnected with a friend I started elementary school with. In fact, more than one. Several people I went to high school with, people I knew from 25 years ago; it's amazing how many people I am finding. I found a lost cousin, people I love that I used to work with, and about a hundred kids I taught while they were in high school who are now raising kids of their own. I see what my own kids are doing even when they don't take the time to call their mom, and can take pride in my nieces and nephews as they enter their high school years. It's wonderful--I LOVE Facebook.

The second reason I love it is for business. I use it to introduce cruise specials, connect with clients and post my blogs, tweets, and pictures. I met my business coach and have received help, advice, and a chance to mentor from several like minded industry leaders and new friends. I have found suppliers and resources as well as inspiration from other small business owners working their way through the joys and problems of business ownership. I LOVE Facebook.

Some people maintain you really need to have two separate accounts, and they may be right. I tried it and didn't like doing it that way. I wound up mixing the two parts of my life by accident or lack of time anyway; plus I feel a person is the sum of their parts, so there you go.

However, I have a little advice that I would like to pass along.

• If you are like me and use FB as a personal and professional tool, be careful that you keep a decent balance. Too much info either way may be aggravating.
• Don't use your FB as a political, moral, or economic platform. Think before you expect other adults to change their minds about any of the before mentioned, no matter how eloquent your debate.
• Be careful the information you list in your updates. I freely give my business phone, but almost never give out my home phone or home address.
• Remember your Facebook page may be indexed by Yahoo and Google. Often my FB page will come up higher than my actual web page. And while most of the info is protected, any entry level hacker can figure out a way around the safeguards, so again discretion is advised.

Just some friendly advice, some unfortunately I learned the hard way. I am certainly no expert, but then that's another one of the beauties of Facebook--anyone can learn to use it and enjoy the product for personal and professional benefit. Just another reason I LOVE Facebook!

Keep on posting,

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures on www.SandyWheelerTravel.com and on Twitter @thedivacruiser

The Fruit Bowl Blog Post

I get aggravated when I see cruise ads for outrageous prices like "5 Day Cruise for $200". I have to ask 'cruise where and on what?' seeing in my mind a johnboat floating down a river with the theme from Deliverance playing menacingly in the background. What gets me even more aggravated is when my hardworking clients call me thinking they have found the deal of the century and want to book a well deserved vacation for their family at these prices. Sadly I have to inform my clients this price they found does not include the total cost of their vacation. They are not making a comparison "apples to apples" as my partner Connie loves to say. You can't compare apples to pears and have an adequate understanding of the value of your vacation. Cruise prices should include your base fare + your port fees + taxes+ any other items you wish to add on such as travel insurance, transfers to and from the cruise port, airfare, shore excursions, cruisetours, hotel stays before or after the cruise, prepaid gratutities for your crew members, AND anything else you wish to add to the mix. Your price quote must include the components you want and need to make your vacation the success you deserve. Your travel professional can walk you through each step saving you time, money, and lots of aggravation. One size does not fit all and clicking the NEXT button on your computer is not a good way to choose your vacation options! Your travel professional can help you compare apples to apples so your next cruise is as tasty and fun as a fresh baked apple pie!


Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, an outside agent for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow Sandy on Twitter @ladiestravel; and @thedivacruiser.

Girls getaway and inspirational cruise! Key West, Cozumel and 2 days of "reaching for the star in you" sessions. http://tinyurl.com/onr3xg

Sell 5 cabins and get $500! Easy way to get together any sized group, CRUISE, & make $ doing it! More details .http://tiny.cc/500265

To Each His Own!

The best lobster I have ever eaten was onboard NCL’s Norwegian Crown on their first “formal” night of a 7 day cruise. It was so moist and tasty, I can still remember it. In fact, I ate two of those lobsters, that’s how good they were. That’s saying a lot since I am a seafood snob, having spent most of my life within an hour drive of the Atlantic Ocean. Another thing I remember about that cruise was floating around in the pool with two ladies who knew each other from New York City. They were discussing how poor the food was onboard and particularly how poor the lobster was. They commented on this Italian place in Manhattan, and a bistro in Soho, and on and on. I remember thinking at the time, “to each his own” and it’s never truer than on a cruise.

If you are that person who is only happy if running, jumping, sliding, or climbing over, around, or into something—there’s lots for you on a cruise, with plenty to do on shore excursions as well. If relaxing by the pool with a good book and a cold drink is your ideal situation—you can do that all week long if you choose. Love Broadway, comedians, live music, lectures, classes, art auctions? It’s all there. From salsa dance lessons in the morning to soaking in the hot tub in the afternoon, a cruise has something for everyone.

Menu Terms DeMystified: Part Two

As you know from reading part I in this series, my husband and I are going on a cruise September 14-19, with a group of ladies called "Chicks At Sea". There's still time to join in, so please give me a call or email me if you would like to be a part of this fun group! This blog will feature additional French terms to make menus easier to understand and hopefully dining in a formal group setting more fun and relaxing!

Terms about how things are cooked:

A la Anglaise (ah lah AN glez) French for prepared in water or stock
Amandine (ah mahn DEEN) prepared with or often coated with almonds
Au gratin (oh GRAH tin) served with bread crumbs and/or cheese on top
Au jus (oh ZHOO) in its own natural juices
Au poivre (oh PWAHV ruh) French for with pepper
En croute (ahn KROOT) French for in a crust
Flambe (flam BAY) French for flamed
Provencale (proh VEHn SAHL) French, cooked with garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes
Saute (soh Tay) to cook in fat quickly

Remember as always, your waiter is ready to assist you in making your dining choices and will bring you anything on the menu to sample and experiment with. Second helpings are always available. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your dining companions either. People enjoy sharing knowledge, and it's a good conversation starter!

Cruise Menu Items Demystified-Chicks and Husbands at Sea!

When my husband announced he wanted a cruise for his retirement gift in September, I smiled. As realization dawned across his face, we both began to laugh out loud. As he well knew, I have spent a great deal of time and energy getting ready for our September sailing of Chicks at Sea girls getaway cruise. I told him I would be happy to take him sailing with us on Chicks at Sea. His one stipulation was that I not embarrass him at dinner by letting it be known that he didn't know what the menu items were. He, like many people, doesn't know Coq au vin from Nestle's Coco, so I thought a series of articles on menu demystification might be in order.

Many of the menu item descriptions you will see at fine dining establishments and on a cruise ship menu are derived from French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Thai, Indian, German and a multitude of other languages. Naturally, if you don't speak these languages, you like Marv, may lean over to your spouse and say: beef, chicken, pork? Let's start with French terms and start to simplify a bit.

Soup choices in French:

Bisque (BISK) French thick cream soup consisting of shellfish and spices
Bouillon (boo YON) clear broth
Consomme' (kahn soh MAY) clear, seasoned broth
Vichyssoise (vee shee SWAHZ) a cold cream, chicken stock, leek, and potato soup


Meats in French:

Beofu (BUHF) beef.
Chateaubriand (shah th bree AHn) French for a thick cut of grilled sirloin or Porterhouse steak served with vegetables and sauce
Filet mignon (fil LAY meen YAWN) French for a small, thick steak from the beef tenderloin.
Poisson (pwah SOHn) French for fish
Poulet (pooLAY) French for chicken
Saumon (soh MAHn) French for salmon
Veau (VOH) French for veal

and finally Viande (VYAHND) French for meat
and Escargots (es kahr GOH) French for snails. I didn't put it in the meat section, because, well it's snails.

Now foodies, this list is not for you, it's for the average person, so no negative comments! There are more French categories to explore, so look for the next installment soon. And, remember, the food will be just as tasty if you don't pronounce it perfectly! And, your waiters stand ready to assist you with your selection and will allow you to try any dish or dishes on the menu at no extra charge. A cruise is a wonderful place to try new things and spread your culinary wings a bit. Until our next installment, happy eating!

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, The Chicks at Sea lady, an independent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates. Email me with any questions or comments.

Hijinks, Hissy Fits, and Hysteria

Way back in the day in my lbtc (life before travel consultant), I taught high school for a number of years and was the sponsor for a student vocational organization that taught business skills and leadership. Our group was very good and we frequently won our tests and competitions at the regional, state, and even national level. I was young and foolish and would take a bus full of students to competitions--that was back when I could get by with only two hours sleep in a period from Thursday morning until Sunday afternoon. Now granted I stacked the deck in my favor by choosing only the brightest and best behaved students, but still it was not without it's problems.

The first category of problem is what I call hijinks, kids being kids, having silly but harmless fun. For example, we were all having dinner in the mall (or so I thought). One kid runs up and says, "come here Mrs. Nye, you have got to see this, hurry!". I took off running expecting to see blood, or at least guts. There sat one of our group in the middle of a store, playing the piano! Since no one was complaining (he played pretty darn well for a teenager) I laughed. I even let him keep the tips he made.

The second group of offense called for me to have a hissy fit. Now for those not familiar with that statement: it's when an adult finds out, lots of yelling occurs, and punishment is doled out accordingly. Had a couple of noteworthy fissy fits--once I caught some of the gals sneaking a smoke in their room and another time some of the boys (my own son included I am pretty sure) thought it would be oh so cool to write their name on their room wall with cheese-whiz and crackers. They all know who they are, so no names will be offered.

The third thing--hysteria--only happened once, when a student fell on the escalator and she and I went by ambulance to the ER in a strange town. I had to get hold of myself because the student needed me. That brings me to my point about hysteria.

I think the news media has done a pretty good job stirring up hysteria about the swine flu. Pictures of poor folks with face masks appear on every broadcast. But is this a situation where hysteria is necessary?

Let's look at the numbers. If you do research yourself, rather than allowing those face masks to scare you, you will realize that more people die each year of the regular flu and diabetes than have died of swine flu. And, we have medications for both. That's not to say I am not being careful. I am washing my hands a lot more and watching out for crowds and people who appear to be sick. But I do that anyway, don't you?

I’ve heard from a few clients who are concerned about visits to Mexico that are scheduled for their cruises for two months from now or even six months from now. The answer I give is simple. First, this too shall pass. It’s likely that this will be over in the next few months. Secondly, the cruise lines have no interest in putting their guests nor their crew in danger. We’ve seen the cruise lines change their itineraries for the next month as they take a “let’s wait and see” approach to decisions in the further future. Trust that they have everyone’s safety in mind and that the news media’s job is to keep your attention.

Don't let hysteria ruin the fun of anticipating your cruise!

Pre-Paid Gratuities? Huh?

One of the more frequent questions I hear, especially from first time cruisers, is about prepaid gratuities. Let's explore this topic a bit and hopefully clear up some miscommunication.

First of all, a gratuity or tip is an extra monetary amount paid to anyone who provides a service, such as a waiter, porter, or barber. We all tip everyday, knowing that often the tip constitutes a good portion of the individuals pay. On a cruise ship, you will be served and served well by a number of staff-the waiters in the dining room, your cabin steward, a virtual army of folks there to keep you happy, healthy, and having the time of your life. Notice I used the term "served well". I can do that with confidence since the service on a cruise ship is second to none. Now let's talk a moment about how to reward these service providers; or as I call it Tips for Tipping.

Every cruise line I have worked with or traveled with handles the idea of tipping just a bit differently. One added the gratuities to our cabin account which was taken from our credit card automatically. Another line offers envelopes for cash tips in your room so you can hand the waiter or steward their tip yourself. Another had a box at guest services that you placed either a voucher allowing them to take the tips from your credit card or to place cash tips in. You can also give additional tips for excellent service received to an individual server. Confused yet?

The actual amount of tips can vary from line to line as well. The average right now seems to be approximately $10 per person per day. The ship divides this $10 into portions for your waiter, steward, and other service providers. So a 7 day cruise would cost you $70 in tips and gratuities per person.

Now, finally, we get to the question: what are prepaid gratuities and how does this help me? When I price a trip for a client or myself, I like to choose to prepay gratuities. Simply put it means paying your tips ahead as part of your initial deposit or final payment. Doing this does a couple of things I like. First of all it frees you from having to have cash on board. After all, one of the great things about cruising is the ability to put everything on your ship account, no worries about having to carry cash. One less thing to worry about, besides your bathing suit has no pockets right? Secondly, if you are prepaying, it's one less expense you need to worry about after your cruise. Booking early and prepaying as much as possible will give you a much smaller bill to deal with when you return home refreshed and ready to book your next cruise.

Until next time, keep those questions coming. If you need further info, feel free to email me.

the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler. You may reach her at 252-339-9614 or visit www.ChicksatSea.com

Follow Up To My Last BLog--Stains on My Clothes While Cruising

I received two emails with questions as followups to my lastest article. One was “if I do as you say and only take one dressy dress for both formal cruise nights, what happens if I spill something on my dress the first night?” signed Messy Mendy from Virginia.
Well Mendy there are several ways you can handle this and still look sharp in the dining room on that second formal night. If it is a fabric that can be washed and the stain is relatively small I would use one of the strain treating sticks or cloths available on the market today. If that doesn’t take out the stain, then use those single use packets of regular clothes detergent–just wash your dress out in the sink and hang on a hanger in the bathroom to dry. Both of these are inexpensive and take up almost no room in your suitcase. While you are out enjoying your shore excursion your dress will dry and all will be well. I have done this several times with good results. Of course, the divacruiser knows to choose dresses in fabrics that are easy to pack and easy to spot clean if necessary!
If the stain is more extensive, the fabric is not washable, or requires ironing , the ship does have laundry services. Tell your cabin steward that you have an item to be dry cleaned or laundered and it will be back in your room spic and span before you know it. The cost of the drycleaning or laundering will be added to your ship’s account. Some larger ships have a self service laundry with machines that are paid for using your ship account. Personally, I try to avoid work of any kind while on board (except Pilates classes or rumba lessons).
Thanks for your question. It is my pleasure to help. Other questions can be sent to the divacruiser, aka cruise chick by clicking here.

the divacruiser, aka the cruise chick, is really Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates, which sponsors the ladies cruise Chicks at Sea. See more information at: www.ChicksAtSea.com.