Capt Nemo

I am incredibly "tacky" as well as "immoral".

I believe you are trying to be cute and funny, but it isn't going over very well. Your comments themselves are kinda tacky, not funny or cute.

We are going to have to make you walk the plank lady!

The way we do it and it works every time is to introduce ourselves and get his or her name. Every time we pass through the hallway and see them working, we wave and say hello. Every time!

On our last cruise, we asked if there was anything from the Windjammer he wanted? He joked back, black coffee. So we brought back a cup of black coffee (hidden from potential supervisors).

Let me tell you, our room was given 'special' attention from then on - and it was obvious too. And of course, at the end of the cruse, we gave him an 'envelope' to show our appreciation.

We are from Fort Lauderdale and it is easy to stop by local stores and pick up tee-shirts and other trinkets that have Florida on them.

Any tee-shirt (always get large) with football (Dolphins), baseball (Marlins) or just 'Florida' on it has been a terrific 'special' gift and appreciated.

The one thing I haven't noticed anyone mentioning is turning off the hot water heater and incoming cold water. This action is self explanatory. If you use tankless water heaters or instant hot water appliances this is not necessary.

Also, bring your own pain medication should you get injured or have sometimes serious back problems like I do. Many ships infirmary’s do not have medications stronger than aspirin and ibuprofen. You do not want to learn this the hard way.

Another item not to forget is the house alarm system. Be sure to have someone (with their own discreet code) be the person to check on the house. If any repairs need to be done while you are gone, these folks need to be there and available. You would be very unhappy if your favorite Picasso was stolen while you were away. <g>

You may find that your internet provider has internet web service like Comcast does. Turning that off MAY effect your getting your email. Email, for me, is VERY important and I need to view it at least every other day or so. As a result my on-board internet costs are higher than most folks. TIP: use the internet very late at night or very early in the morning for decent speeds. WiFi on the new ships is very good.

Of course bring your laptop. Be sure you have to put your passwords in manually each time in case it should get stolen. Do not store any sensitive information on it. I keep my passwords and login information safely hidden away and separate from the laptop.

Lastly, I could go on forever I think, is to notify your credit card folks on your travel plans because you might have to use them or they will not work at all.

The one thing I haven't noticed anyone mentioning is turning off the hot water heater and incoming cold water. This action is self explanatory.

If you use tankless water heaters or instant hot water appliances this is not necessary.

I have been using PBase.com for 4 years and find it is VERY good. Not free, but viewing is.