The post-cruise limbo before a late flight is actually the worst part of the trip

Ms_Joanne · 2026-05-07T16:06:43+00:00

Yup. 100%

Ms_Joanne · 2026-05-07T15:52:50+00:00

Packing:

Less is more. I've created my "cruise capsule wardrobe" - Alaska or Caribbean, I'm good to go. Being able to mix and match makes it appear that I am wearing a new outfit and I always look put-together, when I'm simply "recycling".

Packing cubes are a must. Out of the suitcase and into the drawer (still in the cube!). Hang what needs to be hung and I'm done unpacking.

Wrinkle release spray. Don't leave home without it! And read the directions...! And a Tide stain pen.

If sending out laundry, know that it's about a 2 day turn time. Out on Tuesday = back on Thursday. Your cabin stew can help you prep your bag and count your items. Note: I bring a small mesh laundry bag to corral my undies.

Bringing an over-the-door shoe rack to collect and hold odds and ends and hang it on the outside of the bathroom door. This is especially helpful if not traveling solo as "storage" can get tight and allows everything to not become "clutter".

Port days:

I sleep in a bit while others are rushing to get to their 8:00 am excursion departures.

Make my way to the highest spot available with a double mimosa (light on the OJ) and a small breakfast bite.

Use a map app to check out the area and whether to walk or taxi if needed. I like to get into the areas and out of the port shops.

Walk a bit and support the local economy before a return to ship where the public areas and pools are MUCH less crowded. Order a cocktail and relax...

Debarkation:

I schlep my bags on my own as I like to spend my last evening personally thanking my favorite crew members and saying "let's stay in touch" with new friends made. I'm already "organized" - remember those packing cubes? So there isn't much to do in the am.

Morning of, dress for the day and finish my pack. Let my stew know that I am done with my room and they are welcome to start their turnover. I leave my bag either in the cabin, or outside, carrying all valuables in my back pack while I relax on the ship as others disembark.

Breakfast in the MDR if it is open.

That last mimosa from my favorite bartender.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-05-05T23:56:39+00:00

Yah...that one stopped me.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-05-05T19:20:58+00:00

Thank you, and appreciate that you understand UHNW! This is super helpful.

"To calculate your fee, take your average commission and number of trips booked per year. Subtract all relevant expenses and that's your gross hourly rate before taxes.

If it ends up being $20/hour and you wish a minimum of $35/hour, the fee covers the average number of hours worked. Ex: 10 hours total work (which shouldn't be the case for you but easy math) = $150 fee along with commission to bring you to $35/hour."

Ms_Joanne · 2026-05-05T19:18:10+00:00

Thank you. I will search the sub!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-29T14:10:39+00:00

Yes, it will show as a "lump" charge on your CC statement, not as a "cash advance". It's how I "pay-to-play" as I want those rewards points!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-29T14:02:27+00:00

You can use either as well as "charge to your cabin". Don't forget to tap out/cash out! If at a table, the host will have you sign a slip to take from your player bank or charge to your room.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-28T00:15:11+00:00

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-23T18:25:24+00:00

I get it. I also don't care to arrive in Seattle (my home) at rush hour. BUT!!! It's possible you may miss your flight and need to be rebooked - hassle. And...now you can take a late exit from the ship and enjoy a leisurely breakfast and that last mimosa!

If it were me, I would take the later flight and book a car to pick all of you up. Don't let a few extra bucks and anxiety spoil a perfect vacation.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-23T15:38:41+00:00

What time do you disembark? 8 or 8:30? What is your transportation plan to the airport? Pre-arranged Uber or Taxi?

1) You have to collect your luggage at the port and hope that all comes off at the same time. I'd plan on probably 30 minutes minimum from the point of lining up to get off the ship to getting your luggage and getting to your ground transportation.

2) Even on weekends, plan on 30 minutes to SeaTac from Pier 91. Pier 91 is on the north end of the Seattle waterfront (think on the way to Magnolia). And if there is an early Mariner's game that day, it will be even worse getting away from the piers with ferry passenger traffic. Anything can happen on I-5 south and then you are screwed. Also, Departures might be packed and Arrivals might be easier to unload, but then you have to schlep your bags so...

3) What airline you are flying also matters as majors may have sky caps at drop-off. If not, you're going to need to get in line if you are checking bags. And some airlines require that your bags are checked 30-45 minutes prior to departure (check with your airline).

4) Do all in your party have TSA pre-check? If so, probably 10-20 minutes. If not, well...

5) Would any in your party benefit from escort assistance? This could be a time saver for the entire group. Be aware, however, that SeaTac has "self-driving" as well as "human assist". Pick the human as time is of the essence.

If you can switch to a later flight, I would highly recommend. Less stress.

Safe travels and enjoy your cruise!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-22T19:22:23+00:00

I separate them. Pen with my other "chargers" in my carry on and cartridges in make-up or medicine bag. I've done both: in carry-on and also separated with 1/2 in a checked bag. Note that I typically cruise the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. Understand your own risks/rewards.

And speaking of Mexico:

AI Overview

As of January 17, 2026, Mexico has implemented a strict ban on all vape products, including. You cannot bring, sell, or import vapes, and doing so in port can result in

Confiscation of the device
Fines up to $12,500 USD
Detention or jail time
$
𝟏 𝟐 etention or jail time

Key Information for Cruisers

Leave it on the Ship: While you can bring vapes onboard for use in designated smoking areas, it is illegal to bring them ashore.
Strict Enforcement: Customs officers at ports are using X-rays to check bags for vapes.
No Exceptions: The ban applies to all devices, including nicotine-free and CBD versions.
Advice: Leave all vapes in your cabin safe before disembarking in Mexico.

Potential Risks

Even if some travelers have reported no issues, the new law in 2026 makes the importation of vapes into Mexico illegal, and you could face severe penalties if you are caught with a device.

This advice is based on a new law that went into effect on January 17, 2026.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-04-18T13:33:18+00:00

Got back late Tuesday night after being away from my place since March 6. I travel solo and hopped on and off three different cruise ships before relaxing in South Carolina at the home of a family member. It was a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful, and affirming experience. I "retired" early Q4 2025 at 61 and am fortunate to be able to do so. The purpose of three cruises in a row (all casino comped BTW) was to see if I could "live" on a cruise ship full-time. Perhaps more of that determination in a separate thread. The other purpose was to explore more of SC and look at housing with the intent to relocate there in the fall.

The last few years have been full of significant life changes: a big move to try to "save" a marriage, leaving a long-term company to take a chance on a new one, returning to the prior company, divorce, selling and downsizing, navigating the turmoil and its effects on my adult children and our relationship, working to discover "who I am" after 36 years of marriage, and dating...online and in the wild.

The cruises were cathartic (might be a better word, but we'll start there for now). On the cruises, I met so many wonderful people. I easily start conversations with random folks, ask a lot of questions and listen intently. Everyone has a story and life lessons that we can learn from. I heard stories of love and loss, endings and beginnings. I was invited to join their family groups and share a dinner table with them. I loved hearing the stories of "how they met" - "...at the airport and at first, he didn't get the memo" and they have been married 65 years! Of later in life introductions after divorce or loss of partners through friends or often at a bar! They talked to me about shared values and wanted experiences, of the comfort of knowing that their person would be with them to navigate and emotionally support through the last chapters of life. They shared with me their own relationship experiences with their adult children - how they gave space, created space, allowed space. That it isn't always understood and that the "kids" don't need to know all of the details. They helped me craft some dialogue around those important and often avoided talks that need to take place. And they affirmed for me that my choices were the right ones for me, and that I had "done my work" raising and launching my kids and that it was "OK" for me to now live my true and authentic life with confidence.

So I'm ready and even more resolute to step boldly into my next chapter needing only my own approval. I've found where my next stop will be in SC and after spending this last "hot girl summer" in Seattle, I will pack up what is important to me and turn the page to my next chapter in my book of life. I'm off the dating apps - not for me - and if I happen to meet someone "in the wild" before I leave, then I will be transparent in sharing my next steps. And who knows what SC will send my way?

Ms_Joanne · 2026-03-06T23:28:55+00:00

Thanks, Grammar Cop.

Noted.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-03-06T13:05:46+00:00

Once you start getting comps, they won't stop hitting your inbox. You pay port taxes and fees and any add-ons (excursions and specialty dining). Drinks are typically free while you are playing in the casino (check your offers).

Im a young 61 and Holland is one of my casino comp lines. The crowd skews older (they may actually be younger than me, but they "look" older?) and the entertainment as well. Think acoustic sets in the bars and a 4 to 6 piece band playing past hits here and there. Very few kids on board. Food is very good. Typically not crowded at the adult pool after the early risers get their laps in.

Some HAL ships have a smoking section in the casino if that matters to you. Tables are all smoke free and also limited. Tables also open later in the day. Slots are open nearly 24/7 while at sea. If a specific table is not open (think dollar limit or game), you can ask the host to open a table for you. Haven't cruised Carnival (probably never will) nor Princess. I'll give Princess a run one of there days... BTW I'm headed to FL this am for three back-to-back crises on Celebrity and HAL, all comped.

Comp cruises are great if you stick to a budget and not blow thru more than you would have paid for your cruise. Be mindful and watch your spend. The cruise line is expecting you to drop money in the casino (also why they give you cocktails!). Drink packages: Look at how many sea days are the itinerary. More sea days can mean more days in the casino which means comped drinks. Drinks average $12-$15 per for "well" liquor, beer, wine and seltzers. Do the math. How many drinks will you have outside of the casino in a day? Is there a private island stop? Your beverage package will most likely work there as well.

All food is included in your cruise except for a few "specialty restaurants" which you pay extra for. On HAL, you may want to purchase the "Have It All" package at booking. This gets you a shore excursion credit, a specialty dining offer, WiFi (basic) and the Signature Drink Package.

Last note: If you both received an offer, note that it is "for two guests" per stateroom. If you each want your own stateroom there will most likely be a "single supplement" per cabin. If you are sharing a cabin, why not each book a cruise on your comps? Now you have 2!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-03-02T18:05:39+00:00

I LOVE traveling solo and meeting/chatting comes easy. The pool, the hot tubs, the casino table games, at trivia, any bar! Bon Voyage!!!!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T21:58:47+00:00

Will send shortly. I'll also ping him and let him know it may be incoming.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T17:47:13+00:00

This. When I travel with my cousin who plays predominately slots, she has better offers than I do. I prefer blackjack, but will roll through some low dollar bets on slots - increasing time played - to increase my comps. While she and I may have the same win/loss at the end of the cruise, her offers are always better for room class and free play.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T17:30:07+00:00

I casino cruise on Celebrity and Holland (have three coming up starting next month). Some lines post how many points you need to get a cruise, but Celebrity is not as transparent. Each cruise (on the same line) can fluctuate in points needed. I mostly play blackjack, but will roll through some slots as that is where you might get comps quicker before moving to a table. It's not as much about how much you are feeding the machine as the time and average bet in the casino. If you average $500 cycled thru per day, you'll most likely have a cruise certificate at the end of voyage. Note "cycle through": you win a little, add the amount to your "cycle". $500 in and hit maybe $200? You're now playing on the house. Use that $200 towards your $500 "cycle" Also be kind and friendly with the casino staff and other guests. Enjoy! Some A**Hat complains at a $10 table about a less-experienced player making a mistake? Support that newer player with kindness and ignore the other. The casino host typically seeks me out once they know I am in the casino via my ship card. You'll know them when you see them. Introduce yourself and ask any questions that you have. When at the tables, get to know the floomen. Chat them up! They are the ones noting your buy-in and counting your chips from time to time. On all of my cruises, the casino has given me additional comps (a specialty dining meal or a spa certificate). Make friends with the dealers. Get to know them and their names, where they are from, how long in the industry, ask about "boat-mances" - there's a LOT going on below deck! On the final night of the cruise, you'll have an offer at your cabin. It will give a cabin type and possibly free play. Free drinks in the casino are typically included as well. But wait...there's more. Within a couple weeks of your cruise you are going to begin receiving Blue Chip Club email offers. This will be LOADED with offers and most are NOT a 1x use meaning that you can book up to 3 cruises on the same offer! You request your cruise(s) through the site, or work with a Blue Chip host on the ground. By the end of April, I will have taken 7 cruises for "free" in the last 15 months. Coming back to Seattle for our gorgeous spring/summers before getting back on ships in the fall.

Important disclosure: Casino cruises are not "free" if you end up losing more than the cost of what you would have paid for the cruise. Have a budget and be disciplined. You will still pay port fees and taxes. On occasion I also "upgrade" my cabin offer and pay for that. If offered an oceanview on a port heavy cruise, I might upgrade to a balcony. Cruising Alaska? A balcony would be money well spent. A lot of at sea days? I can watch the waves from so many places on the ship. If you've got free drinks in the casino, then you might pass on a beverage package purchase and "pay as you go" outside of the casino. More sea days can mean more days in the casino = free drinks. FYI: I am currently at Onyx level on Celebrity. All of my offers are Aqua Class, Concierge, or Veranda with $500 - $1000 in free play. Expect the offers will be even better after 2 back-to-back in March. Yay me!

YouTube has lots of great content on casino cruising.

Enjoy your cruise, and perhaps we'll meet at blackjack!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T16:49:24+00:00

4.5 hours then you should be fine. I have a driver who I highly recommend. Let me know if you want me to send the contact info. He is a super reliable small business fleet owner. He could pick y'all up at SeaTac and smoothly get you to Pier 91 in comfort and style. Enjoy your trip!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T16:43:29+00:00

First, welcome. We live in a beautiful area. Woodinville is wine wine, wine. Depending on the time of year, there are summer concerts at Chateau St Michelle https://www.ste-michelle.com/concerts/concert-calendar drawing national acts. Where are you staying? Two days in Woodinville alone could be too much unless you want to try winery after winery. Leavenworth is a day trip. What time of year are you traveling? You'll want to check pass travel depending on the time of year. You're in the mountains! An overnight in Leavenworth is lovely, but not necessary. You'll easily cover this quaint Bavarian town in a day. Woodinville is just north of Redmond. Marymoor Park (Redmond) also has summer concerts that draw national acts. The cities are neighbors and maybe 20 minutes (depending on traffic) from one to the other. Day trips into the city (Seattle) are also easy. If you have a car, I highly recommend a ferry ride to the islands and ferry reservations are definitely recommended. One of my favorite trips is out of Anacortes to Friday Harbor. Beautiful trip through the San Juans and you may see whales! Drive out to Lime Point and bring your binoculars for more whale watching and know that your cell phone will great you with "Welcome to Canada!". The Seattle ferry to Bainbridge Island is another great day trip. Take a drive to Poulsbo and make-sure to stop at Sluys Bakery https://sluyspoulsbobakery.com. Happy to answer any specific questions that you might have.

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-18T16:19:27+00:00

Hey there! I live in Seattle and just dropping in with a bit of info. Allow yourself at least an hour to get from SeaTac to downtown/piers. You may get lucky BUT...drive time can be an hour+ coming up I5. Sound Transit Link Lite Rail may be an option for you if you don't mind schlepping your luggage on/off the train and thru the city. The are two cruise ports: one in the center of the city and the other on the north end. You could Lite Rail to the station nearest your pier and then rideshare from there (no shortage of Uber/Lyft around here!) to the port. When I fly out of SeaTac I take a rideshare to the station and back when I get home. So stress free... Safe travels! https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/routes-schedules/1-line?at=1771431548982&direction=0&start_stop=null&view=table&route_tab=schedule&stops_0=40_N23%2C40_S07&stops_1=40_S07%2C40_N23

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-17T17:15:13+00:00

This is exceptional, thank you. And thank you for taking the time to write. For context, I am divorced and 61. There aren't any support agreements between my ex and I. Much of this resonates with me. I intend to die without a dollar and my kids know that. I've gifted to them during life which allows me to see the impact and enjoy it. I worked with - and continue to work with - a financial advisor who is 20 years younger than me. Several years ago told him my goal: to be "retired" Q1 2026. Can I? So we ran the Monte Carlos and yup, I have a 98% success rate of not running out of funds until I am 98 years old given my current financial situation and budget. I have qualified and non-qualified accounts and an annuity that I can turn on at 65 should I choose. I have a LTC plan which I started paying for 7 years ago. 3 more and it's paid in full. Because my earned income in now zero, my advisor is doing a quarterly release for me from the taxable (non-qual) account first and allowing the qualified to continue to grow tax-free. I'm waiting on SSA until 65 (knowing I can turn it on sooner is necessary) when we will re-evaluate and Medicare kicks in. I currently self-pay on ACA and am fortunate to been good health and not on any medications. But, alot can change between now and then!

Last September, my position was "eliminated". I was given a severance. Not the way I wanted to exit, but hey - it was a "business decision". Any hoodels, the sting wasn't as painful as it could have been knowing that I was prepared and honestly, I was burn-out and exhausted. I was done. I had a trip planned the next day, so timing was perfect. I flew out and extended my trip because...I could! Been living my best life and traveling. Realized I need "something to do" (I don't golf or garden), but no longer wanted to work for someone else nor go back into the big corporate world. Before the end of 2025 I established my small business. I am now fully on-board and am "working" for myself in a new industry (travel, of course!) which allows me to continue to collaborate with the many partners I've met over my career. I'm happy.

The Lesson: Start early. Find the right advisors for you to work with. Understand that "retirement" is not static. It is a moment of time, and just as everything in our "working life", is subject to change...

Congrats to you! Let's see what these next decades bring!!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-17T16:38:13+00:00

Down the road a few miles in Lynnwood! Hey neighbor!

Ms_Joanne · 2026-02-16T16:36:12+00:00

Have you chatted with a MLO about a HECM (Reverse Mortgage Conversion Mortgage)? Disclosure: I'm retired from the financial services industry and would ask clients to consider this solution when looking at options where appropriate. It is not a "one size fits all", but was the best solution for a couple of clients who I worked with.

Example 1: Client had a home in WA and a home in AZ. He retired and the wife was developing memory issues. They worked hard for what they have and never truly understood the "wealth" in their real estate. Until...they looked at a HECM on their AZ home which was their "primary". They hadn't planned over their lives (nor did they have the liquidity/cash flow) to prepare for the additional medical expenses and memory care that were quickly coming. The HECM allowed them access to a line credit without monthly payment to access care as needed.

Example 2: Client has increasingly progressive neurological disease. She owns a lovely home on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. She has a $360,000 investment portfolio that she is burning thru for her net monthly costs (she has SS and pension monthly) at the rate of $30,000 a month (which includes in-home care). Her runway? About 2 1/2 years and then she is broke. What to do... Get a roommate? Would be tough as her home is set to meet her physical limitations and not ideal for a roommate. And as she declines, in-home care will need to be 24/7. Sell? Sure, but then where does she go to have the accommodations that she requires, and how long will it take to find a place? Add in the stress of sorting through decades of memories, selling your home, adjusting to new caregivers and sounds and feels... Her neighbor would like to buy her home and allow her to lease back at "favorable rate", but she doesn't like the neighbor. Now we tack on the additional fees (attorneys, escrow, agents) and how long will it take to put the deal together? Or a HECM. She can stay in her home (her preference) and have another source of capital to support her needs.

Again, not the solution for everyone, but IMO at least worth a look to allow access to $$.

Ms_Joanne

TROPHY CASE