msrizzo

Thanks fo the great list. Lots of helpful suggestions that I would have never thought of....like the duct tape and power strip. I'm glad to hear that folks on this thread don't think walkie talkies are the devil. I was reading another thread about this and got the impression that I would be a pariah if I took one onboard. Actually I don't even think I would use it very much, but it will give me a feeling of security to know that I can reach my husband if the need should arise because I doubt we'll be joined at the hip for the duration of the cruise. I'm not really nervous about my first cruise but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I sometimes have a tendency to get anxious. Being prepared is the best way I've found to keep the anxiety at bay!

I just booked through stay123 and got the Holiday Inn Express for 99.00. I liked this hotel better because it has free shuttles to different places in Baltimore like the Inner Harbor and other attractions. My friend call the Sleep Inn and the Comfort Inn directly to ask questions and I think the people at the Comfort Inn said that they do not have a cruise stay and park deal. So make sure you call and check first. I talked to someone at the Holiday Inn and he was very helpful! I can't wait for my cruise in November! We will be celebrating my birthday the night before we leave in Baltimore somewhere. Any ideas for a great place to go out to dinner near the Inner Harbor?

I'm going to suggest a couple of places near my neighborhood, which is Federal Hill/Locust Point area. This is quite near to your hotel.

The Wine Market. http://www.the-wine-market.com/

Blue Agave http://www.blueagaverestaurant.com/

And not as close but still easy to get to in the Canton neighborhood is one of my favorites: Blue Hill Tavern http://www.bluehilltavern.com/

(Since its your anniversary, this is a good place. Great looking restaurant and can be quite romantic at the right table!)

The water taxi might be kind of cold in the winter. But I would say definitely take a taxi to Fell's point if you are staying in Harbor East or Inner Harbor. It won't cost too much. Once at Fell's Point, I would suggest you stay within three blocks of the waterfront, especially in the evening. You could also take a cab to my neighborhood, Federal Hill. It's on the other side of the Inner Harbor and very safe with nice little shops and great restaurants. The circulator bus does go there now...the purple line.