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!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The ‘Bed and Breakfast Lady’ visits the Fuquay Varina Mineral Springs Inn and Gardens
The perfect word to describe the Mineral Springs Inn at first sight was charming. Not too large, not too small, just perfect for a girl's getaway weekend or a quiet romantic weekend for two. Located on Main Street, directly across from the Mineral Springs Park, this Victorian home is on the National Historic Registry. With five gorgeous rooms, each with its own unique character, I had chosen the "Goldfinch Room". The online registration process was smooth and gave me a confirmation email I could print, always a comfort for those of us from the baby boomer generation. My first discovery on arrival was the charming gazebo tucked away with rockers and climbing roses. The shiny Smart Car parked next to the stone fireplace made me smile and left me thinking of questions for John and Patty, my Innkeepers. I glimpsed quiet garden seating and fountains ready to be explored. But all of these treasures would have to wait, as my first order of business was some quiet time.
My host, John Byrne, greeted me warmly in the best tradition of southern hospitality and I felt immediately comfortable. After showing me around the public areas of the inn downstairs, John brought in my luggage and showed me to my room. And of course, answered the most important question when visiting a b and b, when do you serve breakfast? John gave me a quick history of the room and some of the pieces of Victorian furniture and left me alone for a much needed nap. The Goldfinch room was a delight to the eyes, decorated in blues and yellows (my favorites) and of course a Goldfinch print in an antique frame. The attached bathroom was another treasure to explore later with interesting looking amenities and a step in glass enclosed shower.
Hunger woke me an hour later and I turned to the area guide in my room for my dining choices. There were several menus, complete with prices, and the decision was easy. A restaurant "just up the hill" named Cooley's had crabmeat stuffed flounder, a favorite and a deal maker. I dressed and went downstairs and asked John (and his visiting nearly twin brother) that I was thinking of Cooley's. When they assured me they were having dinner there later, I knew I had made the right decision.
Cooley's is a family enterprise and the owner greeted and brought me a glass of white wine personally We talked a bit about the fun and frustration of being a small business owner. I did order the crab stuffed flounder along with sweet potato and a garden salad. Raised near Calabash, NC I admit to being a seafood snob, but this meal could hold it's own in any of the eateries along Highway 17. One tip for ladies traveling together to Cooley's, you can easily split an entree' and add salads or desert. These are huge potions!
After a leisurely meal, I ambled back (if you haven’t ambled lately, try it--it’s delightful!) towards the inn and set about to explore the gardens and that gazebo I mentioned earlier. The gardens were integrated with fountains, intimate seating areas, birdhouses, and angel statues. Many of the plants and trees had informational plaques giving the name and other facts about the plant. An 80 year old magnolia graced the lawn on the side of the house, while herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, and decorative stone made the gardens a delight around every corner. I met Patty, the mistress of the garden, out digging, weeding, and watering. Patty is a 35 year retired educator, but she had definitely found a new calling creating a tranquil outdoor living area. I saved the gazebo for last and was glad I did. The rocking chair was perfect for my mood and the overhead ceiling fan made the area cool and peaceful sounding. The best sound, however, came from the birds in the trees overhead. The serenade was so perfect, I thought at first it was a CD of bird sounds. About dusk something happened that I had not seen in forever--fireflies starting popping all over the yard. It seemed a long time since I had slowed down enough to experience the calming peace of nature. Even as I enjoyed the solitude, I kept wishing my hubby were there or my best friends—what a time we could have had! Finally, there seemed nothing better to do than a hot shower and to curl up in the fluffy robe provided in my room with a good book and say goodnight.
Our breakfast was served on beautiful china and included fluffy scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon, deli baked blueberry bread, a croissant and cheese and an assortment of gourmet spreads. Our host, John, entertained us with a musical mystery CD and local and family folklore. This was a charming (excuse the second use of this word, but it just sums it up so well) addition to the usual ebb and flow of breakfast conversation. Our innkeepers went out of their way to make our stay warm--you went away feeling they really loved what they were doing!
After a quick stop for photos at the Mineral Springs Park, I was on my way home. The water from the spring has been reported for centuries to be a cure for whatever ails you. Individuals traveled long distances to "take the waters". To my untrained eye, it looked like a pretty spring with nothing special to see. But just to be on the safe side, I took my shoes off and dangled my toes and hands for a moment or two. Who knows, Maybe I do feel better!
Thanks for reading my report and email me for more information about an idea you have for a girl’s getaway weekend or ladies cruise.
The B and B Lady
Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser, takes on a new role as the b and b lady. Sandy is always willing to go the extra mile to find fun and relaxing getaway travel for the girls! For more information about our Chicks at Sea ladies cruise, please visit www.ChicksAtSea.com.
My host, John Byrne, greeted me warmly in the best tradition of southern hospitality and I felt immediately comfortable. After showing me around the public areas of the inn downstairs, John brought in my luggage and showed me to my room. And of course, answered the most important question when visiting a b and b, when do you serve breakfast? John gave me a quick history of the room and some of the pieces of Victorian furniture and left me alone for a much needed nap. The Goldfinch room was a delight to the eyes, decorated in blues and yellows (my favorites) and of course a Goldfinch print in an antique frame. The attached bathroom was another treasure to explore later with interesting looking amenities and a step in glass enclosed shower.
Hunger woke me an hour later and I turned to the area guide in my room for my dining choices. There were several menus, complete with prices, and the decision was easy. A restaurant "just up the hill" named Cooley's had crabmeat stuffed flounder, a favorite and a deal maker. I dressed and went downstairs and asked John (and his visiting nearly twin brother) that I was thinking of Cooley's. When they assured me they were having dinner there later, I knew I had made the right decision.
Cooley's is a family enterprise and the owner greeted and brought me a glass of white wine personally We talked a bit about the fun and frustration of being a small business owner. I did order the crab stuffed flounder along with sweet potato and a garden salad. Raised near Calabash, NC I admit to being a seafood snob, but this meal could hold it's own in any of the eateries along Highway 17. One tip for ladies traveling together to Cooley's, you can easily split an entree' and add salads or desert. These are huge potions!
After a leisurely meal, I ambled back (if you haven’t ambled lately, try it--it’s delightful!) towards the inn and set about to explore the gardens and that gazebo I mentioned earlier. The gardens were integrated with fountains, intimate seating areas, birdhouses, and angel statues. Many of the plants and trees had informational plaques giving the name and other facts about the plant. An 80 year old magnolia graced the lawn on the side of the house, while herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, and decorative stone made the gardens a delight around every corner. I met Patty, the mistress of the garden, out digging, weeding, and watering. Patty is a 35 year retired educator, but she had definitely found a new calling creating a tranquil outdoor living area. I saved the gazebo for last and was glad I did. The rocking chair was perfect for my mood and the overhead ceiling fan made the area cool and peaceful sounding. The best sound, however, came from the birds in the trees overhead. The serenade was so perfect, I thought at first it was a CD of bird sounds. About dusk something happened that I had not seen in forever--fireflies starting popping all over the yard. It seemed a long time since I had slowed down enough to experience the calming peace of nature. Even as I enjoyed the solitude, I kept wishing my hubby were there or my best friends—what a time we could have had! Finally, there seemed nothing better to do than a hot shower and to curl up in the fluffy robe provided in my room with a good book and say goodnight.
Our breakfast was served on beautiful china and included fluffy scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon, deli baked blueberry bread, a croissant and cheese and an assortment of gourmet spreads. Our host, John, entertained us with a musical mystery CD and local and family folklore. This was a charming (excuse the second use of this word, but it just sums it up so well) addition to the usual ebb and flow of breakfast conversation. Our innkeepers went out of their way to make our stay warm--you went away feeling they really loved what they were doing!
After a quick stop for photos at the Mineral Springs Park, I was on my way home. The water from the spring has been reported for centuries to be a cure for whatever ails you. Individuals traveled long distances to "take the waters". To my untrained eye, it looked like a pretty spring with nothing special to see. But just to be on the safe side, I took my shoes off and dangled my toes and hands for a moment or two. Who knows, Maybe I do feel better!
Thanks for reading my report and email me for more information about an idea you have for a girl’s getaway weekend or ladies cruise.
The B and B Lady
Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser, takes on a new role as the b and b lady. Sandy is always willing to go the extra mile to find fun and relaxing getaway travel for the girls! For more information about our Chicks at Sea ladies cruise, please visit www.ChicksAtSea.com.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Women Traveling Alone or With Other Women
Women Traveling with Other Women or ???Alone????
My hubby and I were having lunch at an awesome deli in town, Pineapple Cafe, during a busy time last week. The tables were pushed very close and seated just behind me were two obviously professional women who were discussing their business travels among other things. Honestly, I tried not to hear. Finally one lady said, "You know the really nice spa on Glenwood Avenue, what's it called"? I turned around (I couldn't help it) and said, it's the Umstead. She squealed "Right, the Umstead!" I knew how wonderful the property was because my daughter and son n law spent the first night of their honeymoon there. I had used the almost sinful beauty products my daughter brought home. I have the place on my to do list for certain.
Seeing these ladies made me think about safety and my duties as your ladies travel coordinator. Traveling alone for business or for fun has some serious implications these days. Having experienced violence in my own family, I know that problems can happen anywhere and at anytime.
My first advise to lady travelers is: don't do anything away from home that you wouldn't do at home and then err just a bit more on the side of safety. When at a club, dance, or party I don't get drunk and dance barefooted on the table. Don't at home, don't on the road. A couple of drinks, a few dances with my hubby or close friends and I am perfect. However, let me give you a more concrete example. Last summer I had to travel alone for business and made a reservation at a Hampton Inn in Morehead City. When the reservationist answered the phone (thankfully a woman) I asked point blank about the configuration of the rooms since I was traveling alone on business. I had already checked the hotel out online, looking for recommendations from other women business travelers and it passed the test with flying colors. I highly recommend this practice. The reservationist said she had many women travelers and actually had a hall on the first floor that was very visible from the front desk.
Later that evening I walked across the courtyard to a restaurant and had awesome shrimp and grits while indulging myself on a mystery thriller. There was a band playing in the bar area. I love live music with a passion and wanted to get closer to see and hear, but all the seats available were at the bar. Had I been at home with my girlfriends that I know have my back, yep, we would have sat there. But common sense told me a single woman sitting at the bar in a strange place could be a problem. So I opted on the conservative side and switched my seat to the other side of the table and just listened from the restaurant.
'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' may be a cute saying and may work for some travelers. But for a women traveling alone, if you wouldn't do it at home--maybe you shouldn't do it while away from home either.
Email me for more questions about ladies travel or to tell me about any spa experience you have encountered.
Happy travels,
Sandy, the diva cruiser
My hubby and I were having lunch at an awesome deli in town, Pineapple Cafe, during a busy time last week. The tables were pushed very close and seated just behind me were two obviously professional women who were discussing their business travels among other things. Honestly, I tried not to hear. Finally one lady said, "You know the really nice spa on Glenwood Avenue, what's it called"? I turned around (I couldn't help it) and said, it's the Umstead. She squealed "Right, the Umstead!" I knew how wonderful the property was because my daughter and son n law spent the first night of their honeymoon there. I had used the almost sinful beauty products my daughter brought home. I have the place on my to do list for certain.
Seeing these ladies made me think about safety and my duties as your ladies travel coordinator. Traveling alone for business or for fun has some serious implications these days. Having experienced violence in my own family, I know that problems can happen anywhere and at anytime.
My first advise to lady travelers is: don't do anything away from home that you wouldn't do at home and then err just a bit more on the side of safety. When at a club, dance, or party I don't get drunk and dance barefooted on the table. Don't at home, don't on the road. A couple of drinks, a few dances with my hubby or close friends and I am perfect. However, let me give you a more concrete example. Last summer I had to travel alone for business and made a reservation at a Hampton Inn in Morehead City. When the reservationist answered the phone (thankfully a woman) I asked point blank about the configuration of the rooms since I was traveling alone on business. I had already checked the hotel out online, looking for recommendations from other women business travelers and it passed the test with flying colors. I highly recommend this practice. The reservationist said she had many women travelers and actually had a hall on the first floor that was very visible from the front desk.
Later that evening I walked across the courtyard to a restaurant and had awesome shrimp and grits while indulging myself on a mystery thriller. There was a band playing in the bar area. I love live music with a passion and wanted to get closer to see and hear, but all the seats available were at the bar. Had I been at home with my girlfriends that I know have my back, yep, we would have sat there. But common sense told me a single woman sitting at the bar in a strange place could be a problem. So I opted on the conservative side and switched my seat to the other side of the table and just listened from the restaurant.
'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' may be a cute saying and may work for some travelers. But for a women traveling alone, if you wouldn't do it at home--maybe you shouldn't do it while away from home either.
Email me for more questions about ladies travel or to tell me about any spa experience you have encountered.
Happy travels,
Sandy, the diva cruiser
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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.
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
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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.
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.
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