well, yea. I have a small selection since my wife said she doesn't want me smelling like cigars the whole time. I told her, but that's why I got the balcony!

The only "specialty" one I have is the Old Man and the C box ... it's been humidor-in for about 2 mos. now ...

Yep - Caribbean. I'll do my homework before I go so hopefully I don't get bamboozled. And, worst case, I'll have my own stock on the ship 🇨🇮

thank you!

And don't pack softdrinks if you're flying.. there will be a mess when you unpack....

The one thing I'm not impressed with so far is the amount of nickle and dime-ing that seems to be going on for this cruise ... what a pain! I'm trying to take care of as much as I can up front so I can just leave my wallet in the room instead of worrying about stuff ...

Old cruising trick. Fill a big mouth wash bottle with your booze of choice. No one checks it.

Nickel & dime? I don't follow you on that. I have cruised lots and it's always been straight forward. What are these extra charges?

Mainly the eating parts ... they have five different restaurants, but only one is "paid for" .. the others have an additional charge to eat. Drinks (even the water) they charge you for unless you get a package ... other items like that.

Again, bear in mind, this is my first cruise, so I'm probably expecting more than I should, but what the heck. What's life without a little disappointment? 🇨🇮

I'll definitely take your advice and pack a little extra something to take on board.

Oh, and I'm sure I'll get the wifey mad, that seems to be my strongest trait lately! 😉

Best expandable plastic flasks! I spent less then 200 on booze (wine with dinner) by bringing two bottles of my favorite whisky with me. Just follow the instructions and no leaking, Chicago to Ketchikan.

I paid for the cruise and the side trips I smoked on my balcony everyday, thank god my wife allowed me to fully enjoy the cruise as well.

Have fun and bring us all some glass top cc's!

No need to put stuff in a different bottle... you can even leave it out.. your room guy won't nark out cause he wants his tip... 😟

If you're a big spender, forget everything I say and just live it up.

Booze - yes they charge. There will be a value drink or beer on the cruise, if you like it you're in luck, sometimes its buckets of a certain beer. If you drink a lot you are going to spend some coin.

Smuggle some booze on with you. We do and it saves money.

Premium Dining - Sound like RCCL. They have dining rooms that supposedly have better food. I don't believe it. I eaten at them before, and believe it is the same cut of steak, same pasta, chicken, or whatever they serve you in the main dinning room, but they may prepare a bit differently. Nice for a romantic evening though.

Water - you must mean in the room. They charge for bottles of water in the room. They may even call the bottles complimentary and still charge you, so watch out. Since you will have free beverages else where on the ship, I always go for them and only use maybe one bottle during an entire cruise.

Beverages - You pay for soda. If you need it you have to either pay or buy a soda pass.

Cabin Steward - Find the appropriate tipping amount and how your cruise line does it. I always give the cabin steward a $10 or $20 on my first meeting, slap him on the back and tell him this is in addition to the tip, take good care of us. You will usually get better service and towel animals.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning - it's pricey, but if you need it you need it.

Watch out for Cruising Buddies. You will meet nice people, but once in a while a couple will cling to you like stalkers. They can ruin your experience if you don't watch out.

any advise on shore excursions? pay up front or better to deal directly with the locals?

I've done both.. if you just want a tour then just go ashore and find a guide.. negotiate with him tho... tell him exactly where you want to go and see... boat trips i'd stick with the ship excursion packkages...

Sometimes we will catch a cab to a resort or a specific point of interest and there will always be cabs ready to take you back. Just watch your time.

Most of the islands look the same to me. They all come with radio shacks and Kentucky Fried Chickens for some reason.

Try not to look like Honkey #1 when you get off the boat. Pick pockets and aggressive trinket sales people are out there. Don't slow down for the trinket people just keep walking, avoid eye contact, and say NO. They are mostly right at the port. Don't pull out a wad of cash. Have cash folded and ready to go, and haggle, haggle, haggle. Agree on a price and say,,,,oops all I have is a $10 instead of $15 sorry. then walk away, they will usually stop you and take your price.

On the Island, don't drink anything unless it's from a bottle and you see it opened in front of you. Resorts and your cruise line are of course exceptions.

If your wife wants a smoothie from a street vendor, ask her if she also wants diarrhea.

People on here will disagree with some of what I've said, no doubt, but I am careful when I get off the boat.

And if you're going to Mexico, Holy $#!T don't get off the boat unless you want to be shot.