38 more days...

Part 2

(because you can never be too prepared!)

~ Toss a few empty plastic bags into your suitcase. You may need them later to pack dirty or damp clothes.

~ Folding or inflatable travel hangers are useful if you need to dry out hand laundry or a bathing suit in your cabin.

~ Tuck fabric softener sheets between garments as you pack to keep clothing fresh during travels.

~ Bring your own travel alarm clock; most staterooms do not have them.

~ Keep track of your boarding pass, on board charge/key card, as well as a picture ID to take ashore by slipping them into a bi-fold business card style carrying case. Cases with a "suede" finish are less likely to fall out of your pocket.

~ Pack toiletries, clothing, and other items in clear zipper top bags for faster security examination of your carry-on at the airport and pier. This method makes it easier to repack if your bag is emptied and searched.

~ Pack a pad of Post-It notes to leave messages for your cabin steward, family, and shipboard friends.

~ Pre-address stick-on labels for postcards to the folks back home & you won’t have to carry along a bulky address book.

~ Make two copies of your passport, driver's license, and credit cards before leaving home. Leave one set of copies in a safe place on your ship. If the ship's purser holds your passport (which is often the case, to expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports), carry the passport copy ashore with you. Leave the other copies with a friend or family member at home.

~ Binoculars are as useful indoors as they are outside. Typically you might think they are only for bringing far off wildlife and sights within view, but take them into museums, cathedrals, and other buildings to examine the details of artwork, sculptures, and architectural elements.

~ Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, bring along extra camera batteries and change them before you think the old ones are “dead.”

~ Leave any paperback novels you've finished for the crew library. You'll have more room in your suitcase and crewmembers will have fresh reading material.

~ Don't forget to pack and USE your sunscreen. Why take the chance of a nasty sunburn ruining a great cruise vacation? Protect your skin from injury and aging. Excessive sun exposure contributes to wrinkles.

~ Check the balance of your on board account before the end of your cruise. Straighten out any discrepancies immediately and avoid a long line at the Purser's Desk that last morning after your final bill arrives.

~ Don't you look gorgeous in your formal attire? Have a family portrait taken to preserve the memory. There's no obligation to purchase any photos you don't care for.

~ Set aside gratuity money and keep it in your room safe. Many cruisers compute the "recommended" amounts in advance and get cash in the proper denominations before leaving home. If your ship automatically charges gratuities to your onboard account, you may adjust the amounts according to the level of service you receive.

~ Most ships’ cabins have only one or two electrical outlets located near the desk/vanity table (not counting the shaver-only outlet in the bathroom). A short extension cord allows you to use more than one electrical appliance at once and gives you a bit more flexibility to move around.

~Take along an insulated mug with a lid. Fill it at the beverage station in the buffet area—your drinks will stay hot or cold and you won’t have to worry about spills. Most bartenders will fill it with ice and water or a soft drink. With a straw, your ice won’t melt instantly while lounging at the pool. Better still, mugs are great souvenirs—buy one that sports your ship’s name from the gift shop.

~Pack a small flashlight to find your way around in the dark or in an emergency.

~ Personal 2-way radios are a great way to keep track of cruise companions, but set the volume low so you don’t disturb your fellow passengers.

~ A small air freshener will leave your bathroom area stink free and pleasant smelling.

~ Don't forget God - Remember that it's good memories you want to make so don't forget your morals. Make new friends, have a great time and be happy. Look at the sunsets and enjoy the beauty. At night, look up at the stars and say a little prayer and be thankful.

**************

Please Share YOUR Tips and Suggestions Below in the Comment Section!

**************

Cruise along and enjoy!...^_~

Karen