Think I have got this sussed

[Chloebags]

Right we are sortyed with the hotel in Miami the night before we sail, we shall get a taxi to take us to the ship the next morning.

 

We have decided to take $1800 for both of us for 2 weeks, should be more than we need but better to be safe than sorry.

 

I am going to book a few excursions before we go so they are not an added expense, and we have more fun money, for the casino and drinks :D

 

I am taking flip flops for the deck, and I will take so nice heels for elegant evening, and some shoes/trainers that I can walk in for some of the excursions.

 

So I think I have the basics sorted, I think.

 

Have I missed anything?

 

I only have 2 months before I go, and I am so excited that I am almost packing my bags now :D :D

[cb at sea]

Sounds like you've got it covered! Just don't forget the binoculars! And your ID's/paperwork for boarding!!!

Have fun!

[Chloebags]

Should be covered, as we are taking our passports, and we fill in the visa cards on the plane. That is unless they have changed that, oh I hope not!:confused:

[grandmato4]

You are doing just fine !:) Now spend some time zeroing in on what you'd like to do at each port so you have a plan before you get there. Check out the port of calls boards here in cc to see what others are enjoying doing at your different ports. I think that for a first time cruiser it can be a good idea to book some excursions through the cruiseline and for other ports doing some excursions on your own.

 

While it doesn't happen often that we need to use them, we like to have a backup plan in case things don't go exactly as we originally planned at each port that we plan excursions for. An example being this past Feb 08 we had a stop in Grand Cayman where we had booked an excursion to swim with the stingray and visit Rum Point Beach - a storm came up the night before and while we still got to tender at Grand Cayman from the other side of the island than tenders usually take place all the water excursions were cancelled because of rough water. We used our backup plan and knew to take a taxi to 7 Mile Beach and enjoyed a couple hours there before returning via the taxi to downtown to do a bit of shopping and then taking a taxi back to the other side of the island where we had tendered from. We still got to enjoy a nice day in Grand Cayman without the stress we saw others having that hadn't planned for the unexpected.

 

Have a great cruise! And by the way, its never too early to start packing;) :D

[Chloebags]

The case is out, and there are a few items already in it :D

 

And looking at the excursions too :p , so many choices and not enough time:p

[Rock Chick]

If you plan on taking a debit and credit card with you, you've got time to apply for these via Nationwide who don't charge commission for using these abroad. Most banks charge 3%. You may need to register a credit card for paying your on-board account.

 

I've used Travelmoneyservices.com to order my dollars and have got a better interest rate than any bank or post office. They deliver to your house free of charge.

 

Print out your flight and cruise itinerary and contact details and place a copy in the zip pocket of your suitcase or inside the case if there's no pocket. This way, if your luggage goes astray, the airline will know how to find you. (I found this useful when flying out of Heathrow Terminal 5 in April - the luggage didn't make it onto our flight but was delivered to our hotel in Texas the next day).

 

Don't forget your camera :)

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Carol