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. 

My Trip to the Sanderling, Part II--The Massage!

Hello again, it's Sandy here with more information about my great visit to the Sanderling Resort and Spa.  Be sure to read the first installment which describes the property and our room.  Now it's time for my favorite thing--a massage. Since I have been experiencing some shoulder spasms and a really tight neck, I had asked for a "deep tissue" massage, which is a bit more ($10) but in my case well worth it.  I had asked for a 50 minute massage and was impressed the massage therapist didn't spend much of my alloted time talking--actually spending 50 minutes working on my pain.  But let me back up and take it through the experience.

The Spa is located across the street and has very nice views of the Currituck Sound.  The building also houses the indoor heated pool and hot tub, so I knew I would spend a good bit of time there.  Upon entering the building, I was greeted by Ashley, the spa manager at the front desk.  To the left of the reception desk is built in space for bath and spa products, candels, spa clothing and other gal friendly items to purchase and enjoy.  To the right was the manicure, pedicure, and hair salon areas which although seemed busy, were very quiet and serene.  The Sanderling has 9 treatment rooms and once inside one you feel as if you are the only one there.  I was welcomed and led into the ladies dressing room area where I was given a key for my locker which contained a thirsty robe and sandals for my feet.  I appreciated the material of the footware, noticing it could be easily sanitized, which always makes me feel better.  I was then shown the "quiet room" with relaxing couches and chairs as well as a glass container of water with cucumber slices floating in it.  There was a short form to fill out, and I was really getting into the relaxation mode thumbing through a ladies magazine and sipping this theraputic water.

In approximately 8-10 minutes (watches are left in the locker of course) I met my therapist, Jackie.  After asking a few questions, she immediately got to work.  She assured me that she would give my neck and shoulder adequate pressure to relieve my problem, but that I was to immediately tell her if the pressure became too much.  I use massage therapy routinely to manage stress and fibromyalgia, so I know my stuff when I tell you this was a great massage. 

I did not mention the room, so let me back track a bit--it was above standard, well ventilated, and best of all had a view of the Currituck Sound.  The Resort has rooms for couples massage and a screened gazebo for water front massage when the weather permits.  This I definitely have put on my "bucket list" girls, what a super indulgent way to relax away the stress!  They have a complete line of facials and jetted tubs for scented, relaxing soaks.  The only thing I could say negative about the experience was the price is a bit high, considering it was the winter season. 

After the massage, I reversed the process and went back to the quiet room and enjoyed another glass of water and gave myself a few minutes to just breathe.  After checking out at the front desk, I wandered around out back of the spa, checking out the pier, gazebo, and more.  It was warm enough for a leisurely stroll and as usual, these unplanned moments were some of the most relaxing of my visit.  I finally wandered back to my room for a quick nap and when my husband returned from his tennis outing, (Pine Island Tennis Center) we made way back to the spa to use the pool.

The indoor heated pool was an absolute joy.  Glass enclosed, with a gorgeous view,  we really enjoyed working out swimming laps and in my case, treading water.  After about 30-40 minutes in the pool, we made our way to the indoor spa.  What a great way to end a relaxing, but busy day.  Everything in the pool area was immaculate, well stocked, and  "cozy" I guess is the best word to describe what I felt.  I did not see an attendant during our swim and soak, which left me feeling a bit disconcerted.  Somehow I thought someone would be near by, allowing for a point of contact should an accident arise or a problem--maybe that's just my own insecurity speaking?  Since we live only an hour or so from the Outer Banks, we ate dinner at one of our favorite spots and came back to our room exhausted but refreshed too.  A great massage and swim--a wonderful afternoon!

Check back for Part III in my series--having breakfast at the award winning LifeSaving Station Restaurant on property and being given a  personal tour by the Sanderling's Exective Chef, Joshua Hollinger.

More to come!

Remember gals, Relax, Refresh, and Realize Your Worth!

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, independent agent for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventure on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com