Cruise Tips from Monarch of the Seas

D&B have just returned from a vacation way beyond Dahlonega, cruising on Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas, our 5th time on that ship.

As serial cruisers or frequent floaters, people often ask us for cruising tips. Here's a few we've learned after almost 70 cruises:

1. Try new foods. For example, B never eats fish, but on this cruise, he tried Shrimp and Mahi Mahi Tempura for the first time. He liked it so much that he ordered a second plate.
2. Always pack a sewing kit and safety pins. When buttons pop or hems come out, you are prepared.
3. Just say no to the Seasick Patch. First the seas are usually pretty calm but if you feel woozy, use the motion sickness wrist bands. We tried the seasick patches once. They do work, but after a day or two you feel lightheaded and have trouble focusing. Reading a menu becomes a challenge.
4. Take a Dramamine before going to sleep at night. We've done this on every cruise and while others complain of feeling the waves while in bed, we sleep the night through.
5. Think twice before buying spa products. After a massage or other spa treatment, the technicians will offer you a variety of "must have" products. Watch out. They can be expensive, very expensive.

More cruising tips to come later.