Chelo_mx NKOTB CRUISE blog

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My name is Chelo, I'm Mexican and some of you already follow me on twitter  @chelo_mx

I've been writing a NKOTB Cruise Blog for years in SPANISH, We've seen tons of useful blogs, tips and groups in English but I felt the need to help some of my BH sisters that don't speak the language. Apparently it has helped them and that makes me really happy

But now, some of my English-Speaking friends have asked me to translate some of my Spanish blogs into English.
It's is a huge work to do the write the whole blog ALL OVER again, and like I've said there are a lot of GOOD ones out there, So I will post some of the "Generic Info" that can be helpful for everyone.

It has to be said that I'm not a native speaker, so please forgive me for my grammatical and spelling mistakes. 

So, here we go!!!

SOUND THE HORNS AGAIN

Click on each topic for additional info




* Carnival Triumph -Meet the Ship (deck plans, pools, dining rooms, lounge)

• Cabin Prices 2016  (New Orleans- Cozumel Mexico)
• Door Decorations Tips, ideas and pictures
• 
  

NKOTB Cruise 2015 Blog (all the blogs)

Some of these are from previous cruises (some are still useful, I'll update others ASAP)  just keep coming back and take a look

• ) 
• Packing List (NYC-Bahamas) to be updated to 2015 once theme nights are announced (Download and Print .PDF Format checklist)
• 
  

I have tons of other blogs but they are written in Spanish

I have placed a gadget on each one that automatically translates it into English or other languages.

Remember that is a google translator so it may sound funny or won't make sense at some point.

Click on the link and look for the gadget on the right under the menu and select your language

Here are some of them, use the translator gadget...if I ever get a chance I'll make a better translation myself.

• Sail & Sign Card //  (Wristband) 
• Boarding - Sail away party
• Expenses on board  (how much do I need to bring, what they sell, drink menu)
• Early o Late Dining 
• Theme Parties - VIP Access
• Photo OP  
• Security on board 
• Debarkation day

Follow @chelo_mx

VISITA EL BLOG EN ESPAÑOL

Follow @chelo_mx

Chelo's NKOTB Cruise Blog

Follow @chelo_mx

My name is Chelo, I'm Mexican and some of you already follow me on twitter  @chelo_mx

I've been writing a NKOTB Cruise Blog for years in SPANISH, We've seen tons of useful blogs, tips and groups in English but I felt the need to help some of my BH sisters that don't speak the language. Apparently it has helped them and that makes me really happy

But now, some of my English-Speaking friends have asked me to translate some of my Spanish blogs into English.
It's is a huge work to do the write the whole blog ALL OVER again, and like I've said there are a lot of GOOD ones out there, So I will post some of the "Generic Info" that can be helpful for everyone.

It has to be said that I'm not a native speaker, so please forgive me for my grammatical and spelling mistakes. 

So, here we go!!!

SOUND THE HORNS AGAIN

Click on each topic for additional info




* Carnival Triumph -Meet the Ship (deck plans, pools, dining rooms, lounge)

• Cabin Prices 2016  (New Orleans- Cozumel Mexico)
• Door Decorations Tips, ideas and pictures
• 
  

NKOTB Cruise 2015 Blog (all the blogs)

Some of these are from previous cruises (some are still useful, I'll update others ASAP)  just keep coming back and take a look

• ) 
• Packing List (NYC-Bahamas) to be updated to 2015 once theme nights are announced (Download and Print .PDF Format checklist)
• 
  

I have tons of other blogs but they are written in Spanish

I have placed a gadget on each one that automatically translates it into English or other languages.

Remember that is a google translator so it may sound funny or won't make sense at some point.

Click on the link and look for the gadget on the right under the menu and select your language

Here are some of them, use the translator gadget...if I ever get a chance I'll make a better translation myself.

• Sail & Sign Card //  (Wristband) 
• Boarding - Sail away party
• Expenses on board  (how much do I need to bring, what they sell, drink menu)
• Early o Late Dining 
• Theme Parties - VIP Access
• Photo OP  
• Security on board 
• Debarkation day

Follow @chelo_mx

VISITA EL BLOG EN ESPAÑOL

Follow @chelo_mx

PACKING LIST

Follow @chelo_mx

Si la necesitas en ESPAÑOL da click aquí:

PACKING LIST

This is a printable check-list of things to pack on PDF format.

Consider checking first weather forecasts for Boston-NYC-Bermuda, it may be rainy and not so tropical as Miami.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD 

I know it is a long list and I don’t want you to overpack, but I’ve been  adding stuff that people have asked me to, so it’s up to you.

If you have some additional suggestions let me know via twitter @chelo_mx 

I don’t encourage the use of over the counter meds, etc. It’s your responsibility what you take!! 

Although some things are sold on board, they are EXPENSIVE.

Shampoo is provided on board, but if you want to use your own brand be sure to pack it, some of their amenities include (1 razor, white strips, 1 tiny soap bar, no toothpaste or toothbrush)

Remember to check with your Airline  size and weight limits and Carry On Luggage Restrictions

Follow TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations, incluiding: 

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

Don’t pack restricted items

For internationals: check and follow your Country’s regulations and Guidelines.

Remember that once you've landed you can "re-arrange" your luggage and move things into your carry-on and add the 20 bottles of water (20 oz. each) that Carnival allows, and the Scotch-masking tape, for decorations.
Your luggage make take HOURS to get to your cabin, so make sure you have on your carry-on everything you may need!!!!

Good thing that BHs don't  over pack 

BACK TO 2015 Cruise Blog

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NYC VIEW while sailing away

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This year we'll see two different ports with AMAZING views while sailing away or docking.

So you'll have to face an important decision during the sail away party.
Do you want to stay on the lido Deck (9) or do you want to be on the upper decks and enjoy the view too,  Snap some breathtaking pics of New York Skyline on the background, Staten Island, Jersey, Brooklyn and even the Statue of Liberty.

And FYI we'll be sailing UNDER one bridge!!!!
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Videos of Carnival Splendor departing from New York City

VIDEOS TAKEN FROM THE SHIP

 

VERRAZANO- NARROWS Bridge

Click on the link and watch a video a Carnival Splendor passenger took while going under the bridge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrNM_1ZPoXQ

I don't know why it wont let me post it like the other ones, just click on the link

And how about Bermuda??

This is how they'll see us arrive

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Door Decorations

Follow @chelo_mx  By @Chelo_mx

Decorate your door - 

DO I HAVE TO DECORATE???
Not really... It's up to you and your roomies.
It sure takes preparation, time, money and luggage space.. but it can really be fun!!!
It's a nice way to display your Blockhead pride and it helps your friends (and even yourself) to find your cabin faster. LOL

Is it a contest???
Yes, but there's only one winner, and it gets notified while on board so some only findout who the winner was until we get back home. The  process of how is it chosen remains a mistery.... some say that NK crew, bodyguards, Rose Tours or someone films or take pictures of their favorite's for the guys to select the winner. Or that they take into consideration the "buzz" of "have you seen the X door?
Prize has varied over the years, but it usually is NKOTB merch, either to be chosen on board or shipped home.

The Rule... HAVE FUN !!
Let your creativity flow, share your best NK memories, show us how you have fun with your friends, take us back to memory lane, kick it old school style, and proudly represent where are you from.

Work as a Team
Discuss with your roomies your ideas, divide and conquer!
Plan ahead, divide work and agree which supplies each will bring on board.

Door Size

There are several "versions" of the measurements but for what I've seen posted on different blogs and websites  You can find 2'2" x 68  / 20 x 75 inches / (64.7cm)x (2.03 mts) but it depends if they are talking about the door, the whole frame, or the size they have some banners made clearing or covering the notch 

This is the "popular" pic that has been floating around with some measurements, hope it helps (It's not my pic... so I didn't take those measurements)

Handle and lock (notch)

Take into consideration that the handle isn't on the same side for each cabin, some have it on the right side and some on the left.

Additional places to decorate
On previous ships, some rooms had a panel (light) which could be decorated too! (But it changes depending on the ship)
Some people use the ceiling or floors.
It depends on where your cabin is located, sometimes you can have an empty wall next to your door or across from it with NO cabins at all. SO bring additional props.

Before decorating:  BE CORTEOUS!!!!
Before spreading your domain and marking your territory. 
Check with your neighbors: share half of the "empty" wall or panel with your cabin neighbors. Or use the right side, or left side accordingly.  If they are not decorating ask if they mind if you use their wall before you take over.

*** NOT EVERY empty wall can be used.
It's a Cruise Ship, a Floating Hotel, so Stewards or House Keeping have special doors for their supplies or "authorized personnel only" entries or passages.  Don't decorate those.
SAFETY FIRST. Don't cover the ship's signs, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, hoses... etc ***
And Carnival has being enforcing some of their policies and removing items that are on the aisles or those thay they consider flamable or hazardous.


If I don't know my roommie, or I'm on the match program?
Hopefully you can get intouch with your roomie before boarding discuss "the door"
If not, make your own stuff, and before placing it ask what did she brought.
If she doesn't want to decorate at all, ask her if it's OK with her if you do, and If you should use the door or the side wall.

What can I use to decorate?
ANYTHING!!!!
Some people make some MEGA productions! with lights, music, tons of props and some keep it simple.
Here are some ideas:

• Some have their door decoration printed on a vinyl banner that just need to be unrolled and taped to the door.  Use posterprintshop.com or similar site to order a 20x75 inch aprox. 
• Place your pics with a NKOTB member, of them performing on a Concert, of your BH sisters onboard or back home
• Display your flag if you travel from another country, show your Team colors etc.
• Paste your pictures on a cardboard so you don't have to place them one by one
• Make an interactive door (check below)

Don't forget to make your twitter handle visible.
People may know your virtual self, just from your handle, and you can get some new followers ;)


Is it safe to display my favorite memorabilia?

Hmmm, I honestly don't know... Crazies are everywhere and although we go around saying we are sisters.. some are "jealous" sisters, or some have big claws. But I have also seen some amazing stuff not being "removed"

It's up to you, The rule is: if it is irreplaceable, don't use it.
Yes, it might get signed by a NK, but it might get stolen too!!!

Use copies or prints of your favorite memories. If it's old school or one of the kind and you want to use it is your decision.

Do they sign EVERY door?
Unfortunately... NO.
It is very random, and it depends on each guy.  Donnie, Jordan and Joe sign some doors.
Jon usually the ones that he finds funny, or that catches his attention. Danny does his best and goes through almost every door on EVERY deck, signing at least one item, poster or pic.

What to use to paste or hang my decorations?
Not with magnets, the doors aren't magnetic, the frames are but things won't stay in place
Keep in mind the weight of your decorations and that you are using Carnival Cruise Property so don't damage it. It is your responsibility what you choose to use.
Scotch tape, masking tape, duct tape, velcro, mounting tape, sticky tack, pritt tak

Remember to REMOVE your decorations and what ever stickiness left behind, the ship gets boarded again after docking and even though they have a cleaning crew, it is not part of their "regular" duties to scrub NK memories from the walls.

INTERACTING with fellow BH
Doors can also be used to communicate with other BH, leave a cute message, greetings, follow me on twitter note, or See you on lido deck at 10 pm  lol
I love the doors in which you can interact or have fun while visiting.
Here are some ideas I've seen or used before

• Place a POST - IT pad so they can leave you those notes. (with an attached pen)
• Wipe-off board to leave a quick message for your friends.
• Visitor's log (place a cardboard or little notepad) for twitter handle sharing or little notes
• "Business" cards with your twitter, facebook, instagram info so people can reconnect with you, either leave it on your cabin or hand it one on one.
• Bring Sharpies.... lot's of sharpies (for your door) to carry with you while on deck parties to get things signed (and as a gift to NK, because once they get one sharpie they won't let go..... lol  they'll use the same Sharpie to sign different things and return it to a "different" person minutes later)

FUN and interactive doors

I really like the doors that are "interactive"

• I've seen doors with different props that you can wear and take pictures with, 
• some people even place disposable cameras for you to snap a shot for the owner to keep,
• Face in a hole are fun too
• Doors that with cutout NK members and you can dress or undress them.
• Jeopardy like games
• Memory card games
• Guessing games
• Some people ask for cooperation from fellow cruisers beforehand to send stuff be used on their doors.

Gifts and Goodies

Not everyone does this, but everyone loves getting one.
You can leave them at your door for others to grab or  give them away during the deck parties.
Anything goes. You can have them custom made or make them yourself.

• pins and buttons
• bracelets
• beads
• lanyards
• keychains
• pens
• candy
• notepads
• trading cards

These are some of the things I've gotten from different years

I've been giving away these: buttons, pens and keychains

                                                                                                                                                   

How to pack everything
It depends of where are you coming from.
I just have a suggestion before boarding the ship, be sure to remove your decorations and supplies from your BIG (check upon arrival bag) and place them on your carry-on.
Luggage can take hours to get to your cabin and usually after boarding if your cabin is ready, you can start decorating before the safety drill and the sail away party.

If you are flying and going straight to the port, remember that you can't have the scissors or tapes on your carry-on.

Pannels and Walls are different depending on the ship

Doors and walls between change depending on the ship, some are "walls" others pannels, some are half fabric half wall..


Carnival Victory   
Walls between doors are half wall half fabric with flat hand rails and doors at the same level as walls

not my door, just my pic

Carnival Splendor  
Doors are NOT at the same level as walls, they are inside with lights on the sides of the entrance. Walls between doors are flat surfaces with a small stripe of fabric at the bottom.

2014 Cruise Door pics
.

This was my door decoration in 2013 (Carnival Victory)
I was on deck 7 on a single cabin, I way too lucky!!! Besides my door I had the right wall all for myself because it was next to the steward's closet. My neighbors didn't want to decorate at all, so they told me that I could use the other side too.

My neighbors just placed a post-it stating that they didn't want to decorate at all, which JON found hilarious, and he starting banging at their door screamin BOO!!, no one answered so he signed their "door"

Here are some pictures and albums from previous cruises with door decorations for you to get some inspiration


2013
Click on the link to see the whole set

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chelo_mx/sets/72157642737186905/

You can see the general door layout....  Door and wall pannels .

Añadir leyenda

2012 -2011

Click on the link so you can see them upclose

  https://flic.kr/s/aHsjCTxJrg

NKOTB Cruise Doors, a set on Flickr.
    

2011-10
Click on the link for 70 more pictures

Cruise door decorations 2011 by muko78
   

BACK TO 2015 CRUISE BLOG

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