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.

What Clothes Do I Need to Buy to Take on a Cruise?

Many ladies, especially first time cruisers, ask me "what clothes do I need to buy to go on my cruise". The answer is pretty easy--probably nothing! If you have a bathing suit, flip flops, sneakers, casual attire such as shorts, tee shirts, capris, a couple of party or church dresses, a pair of dress shoes, a couple of dress pantsuits, and a change or two of costume jewelry may be all you need. Yes, you do see photographs in the brochure of ladies in evening gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos; and yes, if you have these things and want to certainly take them. But to go out and purchase an evening gown or cocktail dress isn't necessary. Here are a few ways to find the clothing you need or want to take on a cruise.

• Shop in your own closet. Root around and look for little worn items, things still in the bag you have forgotten about, or out of season items that may be perfect for your vacation. Often I am pleasantly surprised at the things that I have forgotten about that are there in the back of my closet.
• Borrow from a friend. When I ran out of time and money after buying several new outfits for my daughter's wedding, I asked a friend to lend me a beaded purse. Since I knew she probably had several (and she did) I was able to find one that was just perfect and got compliments on how beautiful it was as I carried it down the aisle.
• Shop your local thrift stores. Some of the outfits I take regularly with me on cruises came from thrift stores. Things that are gorgeous and perfect for dressing up for the dining room may only cost a few dollars at the second hand shops. I recently found a very expensive cotton sweater with beaded palm trees, flamingos, sunglasses, etc. Would I have paid the $100 this sweater cost new? No, but I sure will enjoy wearing it for the $5.95 I paid for it.
• Mix and match. I bring only one pair of dress shoes and wear them on both formal nights. Same with earrings and other jewelry. I bring two dresses that will coordinate with one pair of shoes and one set of jewelry. Better still, bring only one dress--who will remember?

One thing you will need to buy if you don't have it is a sun hat. The sun in the Caribbean is stronger and different than even a girl who grew up with Myrtle Beach in her backyard could take, so be sure to bring a hat. I did buy a good crushable one with a chin strap after having one blow away in Bermuda.

Hope this helps! Email me if you have specific questions about clothes to take on your cruise.

Divacruiser is really Sandy Wheeler, Independent Agent, for Connie George Travel Associates, who sponsors Chicks at Sea ladies cruises. See www.ChicksAtSea.com for more.

Cruising with The Ladies: Tips for Moms!

As ladies travel coordinator for our group, Chicks at Sea, I often find women who would love to cruise with a group of ladies, but don't feel they can take the time or the money away from the family. Women tend to put themselves last and sometimes feel a bit the martyr, often unnecessarily. While they will work hard to make it easy to send Johnny to camp, or do double duty to help hubby hit the links on a golfing get away, women feel funny taking vacation time for themselves. Well you shouldn't! No one needs and can probably benefit as much from a few days of r and r in the company of other like minded women. Here I have presented a short list of items that just might help you get the children (and dad) ready for our next cruise adventure!

• Don't let your trip come as a surprise to your children. Depending on their ages, tell the kids in a timely manner so they become comfortable with the idea of your leaving. Use maps and pictures of the places you will visit and print out the deck plan of your ship and mark your cabin. Perhaps your kids can put together a scrapbook of these items which you can add to when you return.
• Prepare and leave a list available of the children's doctor, dentist, and pharmacist, with names, phone numbers, and addresses, including directions if dad has never been. Be sure to leave a list of medications and details for administration. Take a copy with you in your bag, just in case!
• Stock the pantry shelves with supplies for easy to make meals (along with directions), put a few homemade frozen dinners in the freezer, and leave convenient coupons for "acceptable" fast food choices to make things simple for dad.
• Lower your housekeeping expectations for the period before, during, and after your trip for a little while to reduce the stress for yourself and your spouse.
• Put together a color-coded master schedule using a dry erase calendar or other calendar with large write-in spaces. List all the kids activities including times, addresses, and if any gear, shoes, or snacks are needed for the event. Also list who is going to drive the carpool if appropriate. Leave contact phone numbers for carpools and activities.
• Put together a tote bag or gym bag for the activities on the master schedule. For example, if Tuesday Sally has ballet, put her needed items in a bag and label clearly "Sally-Ballet-Tuesday-4:00) Make sure dad knows where all the activity bags are!
• Have dad make notes while you are away of suggestions for the next time you travel. If age appropriate, have the kids make notes as well. Their perspective of how things went could be invaluable for your next trip!
• Relax and have fun! Everything is going to be fine at home!

Sandy the Diva Cruiser is actually Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor, in association with Connie George Travel Associates. See our website: www.ChicksAtSea.com for more information about our ladies cruise.