Ready to Cruise?

Hello Again or Hi if you are new to my blog! 

We are getting ready to leave for a cruise soon and if the 737 grounding is not stressing me out, life is great.  I will go more into detail as time goes on, but wanted to share a couple of my pre-check for cruising.

The absolute most important thing is too important to number:  ARRIVE IN THE PORT CITY AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT.  I cannot stress this enough.  Unless you have booked your travel with the cruise line, they will not wait for you to get there to leave, regardless of the reason.  (Back to that 737 issue.)

1.  Keep all travel documents together.  Until I get ready to leave I use a folder, but then I move everything to a storage envelope like the kind kids might use in school.  The envelope snaps closed so you do lose those oh, so precious Confirmation numbers and Record Locator numbers.  If you get an envelope you can see through, put a page with the record numbers facing out so you have what you need without opening the file.  Saves time at the ticket counter, the value of not having your papers fall all over the floor in the airport or cruise terminal is well worth the $3 spent on the folder itself.  This type of folder is purchased at Office Max or Staples.

2.  Passports.  You need them pretty much wherever you are planning on cruising to.  Your drivers license will not serve as ID when you get to the cruise terminal, passport only.  Remember if you do not have one, it takes anywhere from 2 weeks (express) to three months (normal speed).  Passport cards will also not work for most cruises out there, so just buck up and get the passport book.  I have made my goal to fill mine up before it expires after 10 years.  Downside is that not every country stamps them any more.  Bummer.

3. Packing list, use one!  Make sure that you forget nothing, this will be needed when your husband asks where the q-tips, aspirin or a band aid are once you are in your cabin.  Charging cords are probably the single most important thing, for the phone, camera, I-pod, E-reader, Fit-bit, back up power block for when you are away from the ship.  I have a new reading light that is rechargeable and I am more than excited to test drive it on this trip while around the ship for other activities.

4.  A ride to and from the airport will save you a great deal of money these days.  Parking at our airport is anywhere from $10-$20 a day for parking, and that is the mid-west.  I remember when I used to go to Las Vegas for a visit.  I would actually leave my money to get my car out of hock under my floormat, because if I had it there, it might not make it back depending on my luck.  Now I won't recommend that you do that in this day and time, but if you aren't sure. . .

5.  Itinerary.  Leave copies of your itinerary with the dog sitter, the neighbor that you trust, and family that don't have keys to your house.