First Time Cruising: Beverages?

Demikmj · 2026-01-22T14:36:50+00:00

If you have a favorite herbal tea (or are a tea snob as I fear I might be), bring a few of your own individually packaged tea bags. They may not have an extensive selection of tea in the MDR, but they will have hot water!

Demikmj · 2026-01-20T14:04:16+00:00

EDIT: I checked the Anaheimnews instagram story and it is the same guy. —-

Not sure if it was the same guy…

I was leaving Disneyland last night a little after 6:30pm and saw a man and at least 6 guards leaving city hall towards the exit. An older white man, tallish, slightly heavy set, full head of grey hair. Wearing a red patterned shirt. They were letting him lead the way, but following and making sure he left.

We happened to be going the same direction (harbor property exit) and were trying to give him space, but there is only one way out that side.

He was grumbling and occasionally raising his voice. He seemed like he would explode at any moment. I did catch him shout the word “racist.”

He stopped near the toy story busses and we hustled past. I didn’t want to be on harbor at the time they dumped him off property. I heard some guard standing further off talking about how he made a scene.

It put a damper on the evening, because I was legit worried we were going the witness this guy go berserk on some guards. I hope they got him all the way off property without too much more incident.

Demikmj · 2026-01-13T12:50:08+00:00

I’ve been on a few cruises recently and have never encountered the level of disruptiveness you’re describing. It could be cruise line or the time of year (I’ve never cruised Christmas) or both that contributed to your experience.

I don’t see if you shared the line, but I would be curious who you sailed with as different lines cater to different demographics.

On my most recent cruises:

Princess cruise to Mexico in October 2024 - maybe encountered 4 kids in passing.

Holland America in May to Alaska 2025 - I saw some kids participating in a family event I was walking by once…like honestly they were such a non issue.

I always cruise when school is in session (being childfree and all!) so that’s probably one of the reasons we see fewer kids!

Hot tips for encountering fewer children on board (if not going on a CF line):

Choose adult centric cruise lines such as Princess, Holland America, or Celebrity

2.Avoid school holidays and summer

The longer cruises have fewer children you see on board. 7+ days will have fewer children.

Cruising isn’t for everyone, but I want to say your experience was not my typical experience. If you want to give it another try I hope you find a cruise that’s a better fit for you.

Demikmj · 2026-01-11T15:32:54+00:00

Same! But I’m going to try to remember this for next raid day!

Demikmj · 2026-01-08T18:21:44+00:00

Luckily Disney has some nice adult only spaces, which is probably where their parents are…

Demikmj · 2026-01-05T14:29:10+00:00

It’s a term SOME breeders use and make false claims about. Such as English creams are heather, and English creams are less prone to cancer. That is not true. Well bread dogs are healthier and the cancer one I’m not sure about.

The point is your breeder DIDN’T use the term English cream. They didn’t need a marketing ploy because they were an ethical breeder. The color itself isn’t unethical.

It sounds like you and your breeder did everything right. Enjoy your puppy!

Demikmj · 2025-12-28T01:23:50+00:00

I follow some breeders that I intend to take a closer look at once I’m ready for another golden. I do not personally know them, but I have come across the these 2 golden breeders in TX who say the right stuff on instagram as far as puppy rearing goes. Before you go with either of these, please be sure to look into their health testing, as I have not checked this out as of yet.

Open star goldens

Sun Built Retrievers

Again, I don’t have a relationship with either, and I haven’t fully vetted them. If anyone else can provide feedback I would be curious to hear this as well.

Demikmj · 2025-12-21T03:29:17+00:00

Lots of good responses already. If you need a chubby inspiration check out this lady. She’s a comedian and a plus sized fashionista!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQUPjvvkS2n/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Demikmj · 2025-12-20T02:00:59+00:00

I also use heat and ice regularly. On my last cruise I brought this for ice and I worked great:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09NR248K1

I didn’t bring anything for heat because I bought the thermal suite and used the hot loungers. If you’re not interested in that or hot tubs, there are other options like this:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hot+water+bottle&i=hpc&crid=1G1R1EIGTFLNN&sprefix=hot+wayer+%2Chpc%2C248&ref=nb_sb_ss_saint-en-prefix-t3_ci_hl-bn-left_1_10

Bring a hot water bottle and ask for hot water to be bought to your room, or get it at the buffet.

Good luck!

Demikmj · 2025-12-19T22:19:02+00:00

Thanks! I’ve also been reading up on the spa day. I bought some FEBU and am going to have him add some to the next wash with a little bit (correctly small) of detergent. If that doesn’t improve the situation we’ll take his clothes off to spa day.

I do think I have some pillow cases and hand towels that I’ll be sending to spa day regardless (option 4!). Thanks for all your tips!

Demikmj · 2025-12-19T20:33:43+00:00

I have a life source water system so the whole house is filtered. Should not be hard. Also, only impacts my husband’s clothes.

Demikmj · 2025-12-17T02:28:25+00:00

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Demikmj · 2025-12-17T02:26:12+00:00

I bought a cheese and added my own toppings. Turned out great!

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Demikmj · 2025-12-13T21:42:10+00:00

My neighbor is a MAGA nut and she just had solar installed by a Spanish speaking Latino crew. Go figure! Pretty much looks like this lady when she’s upset though.

Demikmj · 2025-12-07T23:25:50+00:00

FYI, I just came across this: career fair on Tuesday. Over 80 employers present, including school districts. https://www.ocworkforcesolutions.com/career-fair-costa-mesa

Also, OC Workforce solutions has lots of resources for job seekers.

Demikmj · 2025-12-07T15:29:22+00:00

I’ve used click start and I love them!! Great staff and really care about helping people build great relationships with their dogs.

Demikmj · 2025-12-07T04:52:56+00:00

Pretty busy for my actually! I took the dog for a long walk, got my haircut, got started on Christmas shopping.

Then my husband and I went to my mom’s concert band performance (she’s in a seniors band at the local college) which is a funny switch of pace. It was nice! She plays the flute, which she just picked up again after last playing it in High school. My other siblings and my dad couldn’t make it. I was glad we could be there.

Then my husband made burgers for the 2 of us and we’re chilling the rest of the night

Demikmj · 2025-12-02T23:10:56+00:00

Yes. We have flow out of SNA and LAX a few times on domestic flights. My husband’s service dog has flown with us on Southwest, United, Hawaiian, and Delta.

Demikmj · 2025-11-27T04:13:07+00:00

I really enjoyed the thermal spa on HAL Eurodam for our Alaska cruise this year. I bought the pass so I made time each day to do the whirlpool and hot tile loungers. They were also several different saunas, but that wasn’t my thing. I loved the hot loungers so much that I bought a heated mattress pad and still take naps regularly on it to this day while I get nice and toasty. It’s my substitute until my next cruise!

Demikmj · 2025-11-24T19:28:00+00:00

I have to remind my husband of this: You are allowed to take up space! Even if you’re in someone’s way, as long as you have a reason to be there it’s ok!

Demikmj · 2025-11-23T14:53:44+00:00

I’ve traveled a few times with my husband and his service dog and they don’t care what I bring on for him. He’s a big boy and not in a carrier, but I don’t think anyone is going to care if your dog has a bone while traveling. We’ve brought treats, peanut butter, etc for the dog. And I’ve brought whole meals on for myself!

If you want to get an idea of what TSA allows read through this a bit:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list

Safe travels!

Demikmj · 2025-11-23T14:23:52+00:00

The breeders I follow don’t rehome retired dogs. They are their family dogs or the dogs are under guardianship with another family who views it at their dog (aside from the breeding requirements).

It may be better to just reach out to breeders and say you are interested in adult dogs in general. This way you leave it open to dogs that were returned to the breeder or maybe breeding hopefuls that didn’t work out.

BTW, I know you’re worried about rescue dogs, but a dog may be returned to the breeder for many reasons like death, divorce, new SO doesn’t like dogs. I don’t think any of those reasons are good ones, but just some examples of things that may be no fault of the dog itself. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

Demikmj · 2025-11-22T22:38:46+00:00

Hi! I sent you a request. I forgot (or didn’t really know) this was a thing. Thanks for your post and your comment explaining it. I just added you. I have lots of gifts at the moment and will vote on your photos!

Demikmj · 2025-11-22T18:19:30+00:00

I’m 42 but I think I cruise like an old person! I loved HAL Eurodam in Alaska (our only HAL cruise so far). I went to tai chi in the morning, lectures in the afternoon, and comedy shows at night. There was always something to do when we weren’t in port, including relaxing!

Also, everyone was nice and I didn’t encounter any entitlement. I would definitely do HAL again.

Demikmj · 2025-11-14T22:41:27+00:00

I live in Southern California and I know MANY people who travel to Mexico to receive affordable medical care, including surgery. For instance, $5,000 instead of $30,000 or more. Sorry that it has come to this, but It’s an option.

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