Activities: Don't try to do everything - you'll wear yourself out.
Activities: Participate in at least one activity a day.
Activities: Play or attend the last jackpot bingo.
Activities: Return cruisers cocktail party - arrive early to get a comfortable seat
Activities: The pool is generally least crowded while the ship is at port, especially upon arrival.
Clothing: On first day either wear swimwear under boarding clothes or bring in your carry on. (We carry ours on as you will not see your luggage until about 1:30 or so!)
Clothing: Get extra use out of polo you wear to dinner, wear it the next day if it's still clean
Clothing: Make a spreadsheet of your daily clothing plans so you don't overpack and also know what was in your luggage in case it's lost
Clothing: Pack clothes you don't want to iron on hangers and in dry cleaning bags.
Clothing: Pack kids clothing by day in ziplock bags.
Clothing: Pack underwear and socks in ziplocs to avoid TSA from getting their hands all over your delicates
Clothing: Pack what you think you will need, then reduce your clothing by 25-50%. This is stressed by most experienced cruisers.
Clothing: Save packing some t-shirts and beach towels by buying them at the ports.
Clothing: Take your old socks, underwear, etc. and have them make a one-way trip with you. Saves room for souvenirs. (My husband does this. Tosses after using them! LOL)
Clothing: The space bags really save space when packing
Clothing: Use black slacks; they will go with most tops or shirts and you will only need one pair of black shoes.
Departure: Have the post office hold your mail or find a neighbor to take care of it for you!
Departure: Stop your newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor take care of it!
Disembarkation: Be sure to leave a set of clothes out for disembarking. The rest of your luggage will be taken the night before and you do not want to walk out in your PJs!
Disembarkation: Bring pre-addressed labels with your stateroom number to stick on your assigned luggage tags.
Disembarkation: If you need a porter, stand by the doors where they come back in so you can get one without having to chase them down.
Disembarkation: If you're not in a hurry, don't rush off the ship - enjoy your last few moments aboard
Disembarkation: Make sure your party's luggage all has the same distinctive ribbons etc.; your luggage will probably not be located together
Disembarkation: The instructions will replay on your stateroom TV constantly; skip the live talk but do pay attention at some point.
Entertainment: Get your seats early so you're not disappointed with location.
Excursions: If you are comfortable with it, book your excursions on your own; you'll save money
Excursions: Locate the free coupon books at the pier for discounts you can use in the ports
Excursions: Sign up online as soon as you can if you plan to book through the cruise line
Excursions: Wear a t-shirt while snorkeling to reduce sunburn
Meals: Ask your server for dessert to go if you're too full to eat there
Meals: Beware of Bon Voyage drinks and Hot Chocolate Liquer drinks…can be very expensive (as much as $9)
Meals: Bring back fruit and cereal boxes to snack on throughout the day.
Meals: Don't be afraid to ask for more than one item per course; mix and match from other entrees as you like
Meals: Even if you can't eat the dessert/late-night buffet, make a plate and put it in your refrigerator for the next day
Meals: If you buy a rum cake, don't break the seal or eat all of it on board.
Meals: Make sure your waiter puts your room number on unfinished bottles of wine so you get the remainder at your next meal.
Meals: Make your own free iced mocha: mix one pack hot choc w/ coffee, pour over two cups filled 2/3 with ice and milk.
Meals: Order room service as a wakeup in case you're in an inside stateroom where it can get very dark so you don't oversleep
Meals: Order room service coffee the night before. It may still be hot in the carafe in the morning.
Meals: Order sandwiches the day before and take them ashore in your cooler. Some ports may not allow this.
Misc.: Aft elevators tend to be the lightest used. Avoid mid-ship.
Misc.: Arrive to the port city or transfer location at least the day or night before the cruise departs
Misc.: Buy when you see something you like or you may regret it later.
Misc.: Get extra copies of the daily newsletters for scrapbooking or collections.
Misc.: If you know you're going to use a lot of the internet, buy an unlimited package rather than pay by minute.
Misc.: Pack nailclipper or pocket knife on the outside of your suitcase to clip zip strips
Misc.: Save everything and make a scrapbook upon return.
Misc.: Treat sunburns and jellyfish bites with vinegar (order from room service)
Misc.: Use a label-maker to tag everything that may leave the room that needs to come back.
Misc.: Use the same distinctive ribbons on your family's luggage so it's easy to spot upon disembarkation.
Photo: Ask the photographers to take photographs rather than waiting for them to ask you.
Photo: Give each child his/her own disposable camera to use as they please and create their own memories.
Photo: Take photos of the luggage before turning them over to the airline or cruise ship; have a list of each's contents and notate usage for future planning.
Photo: Take pictures of everything so you don't regret it later.
Stateroom: Ask your attendant for a feather pillow if this is the kind of pillow you prefer
Stateroom: Don't be afraid to ask your cabin steward for extras you need…blankets, pillows, ice, extra Compass
Stateroom: Post a magnetic door sign to help find your cabin easily (especially good for kids)
Stateroom: Rather than bringing extra hangers, ask your attendant for them on the first day; or pack items on hangers then in luggage.
Stateroom: Store luggage under your bed if it will fit.
Stateroom: Store your life vest under your bed to give more shelf space.
Hope these help!
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