List of things you do in cruise preparations...

[chicagojayhawk]

Okay...so we're compiling a list of things we need to do before our first RCI cruise...and I totally feel like I'm forgetting something (we're new to the cruising scene)...

 

Can some of you fine folks help me fill in the blanks?

 

Book Pre-Cruise Hotel

Purchase Travel Insurance

Book Flights to/from Miami

Make Final Payment

Purchase Excursions

Pack

 

How much cash should I bring for tips? Is there a suggested amount of 1's, 10's, 20's, etc. that we should pull before going?

 

I know I'm missing a crapload of stuff...

 

Help! What are we overlooking?

[lvz2cruz]

Make sure you keep a list of credit card numbers and phone numbers as well as travelers check numbers in a separate place. I am almost ashamed to say, but DH was pickpocketed on a tender into Grand Cayman and we lost 2 credit cards, traveler checks, and cash. Luckily mine were on the ship and we could figure the TC numbers by the sequence of those left in the series. Now we keep all that info.

You can get cash in the casino and exchange it for smaller bills at the ship bank. You will need a lot of small bills for tips at the airport, the taxi, and porters at the ship.

Finally, I always feel huge relief when I have scheduled someone to keep my dogs.

You will have a great time!

[Happy ks]

My thing is to make organized lists, for different things.

 

I make a packing list and stick to it.

 

I make a list of emergency phone numbers, including our insurance agent and policy number (I went through a flood incident with my sisters house when they were away, a burst pipe). This list is given to people who watch the house and a family member.

 

I make a list of our itinerary and give it to the above people and put one in each suitcase, carry on and my purse.

 

I make a list of things to take care of before we walk out the door and tape it to the door, to check off as we are exiting.

 

A few days before leaving, I start selecting clothes to take and hang them on a rolling rack, so I can see just where I'm able to condense, mix and match. Along with the clothes, I place the jewelry for each outfit in a pouch on the hanger and place the shoes I'm taking under the rack. When it's time to pack, I don't have to hunt down anything, or wonder if I've packed it yet. This keeps down the overpacking and the "what-ifs". Everything is pressed, ready to go and most important, downstairs, so I don't have to haul a heavy suitcase down the stairs.

 

I go through the toiletries, sunscreen, meds, all that stuff at least two weeks before leaving. I'm always amazed at how much more time it takes to organize that stuff than almost anything else. Although I haven't flown since the new liquid regulations, so I'll be revamping my system for that, I have always kept my carryon packed and ready all the time.

 

I try my very best to have everything done before the last evening. Then, we can have a nice dinner out, or some take-out food and be relaxed, get a good nights sleep and leave refreshed and confidant everything is done. I cannot stand last minute panic.

[misand]

Don't forget to print out the Calgons ultimate packing list. It will help you remember stuff. Some things may not apply but it may help. I have used it on the last two cruises. Also don't forget to get a gift card so that you can use the strip on the back for the safe.

[thankful10]

Have you planned a way to and from the airport/hotel/port?

 

Amanda

[Sue L]

Keep ALL medicine, valuables like jewelry, cameras, etc, with you at ALL times. They should never be checked.

 

Get TSA approved locks and use them for both the airline and the ship. They are available at Walmart, target, staples, etc. Yes, you are allowed to use them. Please do!!!!!

 

 

I usually bring 50$ in singles, 50$ in 5 which should take care of taxi, tipping at the ports etc. Make sure you have small bills in port because the taxi drivers and stores will many will tell you they don't have change.

 

 

My only other advice is to pack your patience and your sense of humour so that you can face any little issues that might surface

[ckrobyn]

Don't forget to print out the Calgons ultimate packing list. It will help you remember stuff. Some things may not apply but it may help. I have used it on the last two cruises. Also don't forget to get a gift card so that you can use the strip on the back for the safe.

 

Where can I find this Calgon ultimate packing list?? :confused: Never heard of it before..............

[Scorpiorose]

....don't forget to make copies of your passport (and drivers license) in case they are lost or stolen. I leave one copy at home, take a copy to leave on the ship when we go into ports and take the original with us! Having traveled around the world I don't feel comfortable being parted from my passport! We had several ppl left in port, I'd hate to be in Belize without an original passport. Also incase of an emergency when you can't get back on the ship, you want the original on your person. I always carry small zip lock bags to put them in when on excursions, so pack some of those! I LOVE the list of things to do when leaving idea! Thanks! I'd like to compare my list against that one you mentioned, above, where do I get that? I also take my cell, it's an alarm and I program all of my numbers, phone, credit card contact numbers in case they are lost or stolen, card numbers, itin., passport number....then I pass word protect it so no one but myself can get into it. I never take it off the ship but it's the record of everything I need in case things are lost, put web/email contact infor in so if your credit cards are stolen you can go to the internet cafe on ship and cancel them without trying to make a phone call!

[Sue L]

Where can I find this Calgon ultimate packing list?? :confused: Never heard of it before..............

 

 

Here is the link, you most likely will have to cut it down because if you take this much you won't be able to move in the room.LOL

 

http://www.geocities.com/jazzyjas63/PackingList.htm

[Scorpiorose]

Thanks so much!

[misand]

Here is the version I use.http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html. Have fun.

[PhoenixCruiser]

Call your credit card company(ies) and let them know where you are going so they don't deny your purchases -- thinking that someone stole your card.

 

Have fun planning :D

 

###

[nlcentralchmps03]

Here is the version I use.http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html. Have fun.

OMG!

 

That is awesome.

 

Thanks!

[chicagojayhawk]

Okay...here's my list so far...

 

How's it looking?

 

Make Final Payment

Book Airfare

Book Pre-Cruise Hotel

Book Labadee Excursion

Book Ocho Rios Excursion

Book Grand Caymen Excursion (paid)

Book Cozumel Excursion

Update Passport

Buy Travel Insurance

Create Packing List

Pack

Send Travel Schedule/Emergency Contact info to Family

Cash for Tips

Traveler's Checks

Make arrangements for Phog & Wrigley (pets)

Call Airline to Confirm Flight 48 hours prior

Check-in for cruise online

Prepare & Organize all travel documents in accordian (including copies of passport/credit card info)

[Sue L]

You can check in online for most airlines 24 hours before...this can be done and still check in luggage. Just make sure to pack the boarding passes

[EastTexans2]

Here's a tip that no one has suggested. Before I leave on an extended trip I turn the water off to the washing machine. (yes, I've had a hose burst). I also turn the hot water down to low while we are gone. I leave myself a note in the kitchen so as soon as we get home, I turn both back on again.

[Happy ks]

Here is the link, you most likely will have to cut it down because if you take this much you won't be able to move in the room.LOL

 

http://www.geocities.com/jazzyjas63/PackingList.htm

 

Egads, isn't that the truth. Besides listing some of the same items two or three times, I found I was able to cut out over 50 items before I even got out of the carry on list!

 

For some reason, people seem to love this list :rolleyes:

 

DO NOT take anything that you have to ask what it's used for and/or just because it is on this list!

[fanofseas]

Are you having someone house sit for you? If not you need to put a hold on your mail and newspaper. You don't want to make it look like no one is home Thats how break-ins happen. Also leave a light on.