5 Tips to Stress Free Packing

As airline baggage fees continue to rise with no end in sight, creative packing strategies have become the budget-savvy traveler's best friend. With airlines charging upwards of $75 dollars for a second bag and some even charging for the first, packing lightly is now a must.

October 30th is Checklists Day

As a local Cruises Inc. independent vacation specialist, we frequently consult with our clients on the best way to pack for their travels. The Top 5 tips to save space and money include:

1. Make a list. Before packing anything, create a list with each day of your vacation and what you will need. Having a list saves time, creates less hassle and even more excitement about your upcoming trip. Plus, having a list can save you from realizing you've included ten pairs of underwear for your 3-night cruise!

2. Always pack full outfits. It is easy to throw items randomly into a suitcase that you `might need, but it is more efficient to include outfits for your respective days on the road or at sea. Remember your accessories, shoes, hats and more.

3. Keep it simple! If your vacation includes sun and sand, don't over pack sweaters and pants. Most likely, you will end up in a bathing suit and flip flops with a suitcase of heavy (and costly - remember the airline fees!) clothes you never use.

4. Don't overdo toiletries. Sure, you may love your uber-concentrated overnight moisturizer, but if it's not a must, leave it at home. Packing only the essentials will save space. And remember, most resorts and cruise ships today offer blow dryers and complimentary amenities (even some created just for them by your favorite cosmetic companies). Don't forget airport security policies limit your carry-on liquids (this includes lotions, creams and sprays) to 3.4 oz. If you don't want it confiscated, don't bring it.

5. Finally, don't stress. Preparing for a trip can be overwhelming, needing to pack for your entire family, cleaning the house, remembering your important documents, finding a pet-sitter and more. The ultimate goal is to relax and unwind with your kids, significant other and friends. If you're organized about your packing, you can save time and money.

Travel agents are trained experts in every aspect of travel - from packing to specific airline or cruise line rules/regulations and more - so don't feel like you're alone in the vacation planning process. For help with your next trip, Contact Us.

 

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Celebrity Edge Embarkation

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Welcome Aboard 

Celebrity Edge

Having been on Celebrity Edge for the pre-inaugural trade and press cruise, we were filled with anticipation for our return visit.  The time had finally arrived for embarkation.

As Elite guests of Celebrity Cruises, our check-in process was pretty painless.  We showed our passports and boarding passes and were escorted to a waiting area.  We were the second group of passengers to board the ship.

The first thing that greats you when you arrive onboard a Celebrity cruise are staff offering you a glass of  champagne.  After finishing our welcome aboard drink, we headed to the elevators to go up to our cabin. 

Cabin rooms aren't open, but if you ask nicely, they will usually let you drop off your carry-on bags.   The fire doors were closed to keep passengers out of the hallways. Opening the door we were greeted by a sign which directs you to your cabins.

We selected a Sunset Veranda Balcony cabin this time, since we had already experienced the Infinite Veranda on our previous sailing.   These cabins are all the way aft.  In fact, if you look closely at the image, I'm pointing to our cabin number; it was the very last cabin on this side of the ship.

Our cabin steward hadn't completed the cabin setup yet, but had no problem with us putting our bags in the closet.

On our way back from the cabin, we passed an open doorway which led to the crew staircase.   There was our checked bag waiting to be delivered to our cabin.

It's always comforting to see your checked bags arrive early.  As I mentioned, we take no chances by making sure we have enough clothes for a few days in our carry-on bags in case there is any delay.

We'll continue our embarkation day activities in our next posts.  More photos:  Embarkation album.

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Welcome Aboard Symphony of the Seas

 Embarkation Day

National Conference 2019

Symphony of the Seas

We arrived at the Port of Miami around 10:00 AM. We got a glimpse of our home for the next week as our bus pulled into the terminal. We had several opportunities to get pictures of Symphony of the Seas as well as construction of a new Norwegian Cruise Line terminal.

click images to enlarge

Tip: Make sure to have all your bags tagged with your cabin information, prior to arriving at the pier, in the event the porters grab your carry-on bags as well.

The bus driver unloaded our luggage and porters were on hand to take our bags to the ship. We were able to get our carry-on  before they loaded them on the cart. A short walk to the terminal entrance and we were on our way through the embarkation process.

First stop was to check our passports and cruise documents, then on to security screening, and finally to the waiting area.  They wouldn't start boarding until shortly before 11 AM.   Turn around day is very hectic for the crew as the entire ship needs to be made ready for the arriving guests.

Tip: Be sure to print your Set Sail Passes or have you phone handy with your Royal Caribbean App.  We opted for paper method, but also had the app installed (always like that assurance in case technology fails us.)

Since we had a large group, and since we had an early general session on board at 1:30 PM, Royal Caribbean had a special waiting area set aside for us.  Much like an airline, they boarded the ship according to your cabin category or loyalty status.   First to board were the visitors who were there to tour the ship, then general boarding.

The cabins aren't ready when you board early, and the watertight doors to the cabin areas are closed.  We were able to drop off our bags in our cabin, however.   They really don't want you in the area while they are turning the ship around, but since we had a large group and were having a meeting in the theater before the ship sailed, they were pretty understanding and allowed us in the area.

Next it was time for some lunch before our meeting.  There were several venues open, but we opted for the Park Cafe in Central Park because it is one of our favorites on Oasis-class ships.   The Royal Kummelweck is their signature beef sandwich.  You can order it with your choice(s) of au jus, mustard, and horseradish.

We also added a made to order salad.  Other sandwiches, soups, and dessert items were also available.  This is an included food venue.

NOTE:  Cruise lines do an excellent job coordinating large groups like ours.  We have over 1100 people attending  our #2019DareConference.   Consider making your next corporate meeting at sea.  We can help you plan any size event.  For large groups you may even have your own Cruise Directory, like we did.

Continue with our Choose Cruise Month mini-series of articles or take a detour by clicking the following banner to explore Symphony of the Seas and our National Conference cruise.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

Top 5 Packing Tips for the Perfect Escape

As airline baggage fees continue to rise with no end in sight, creative packing strategies have become the budget-savvy traveler's best friend. With airlines charging upwards of $75 dollars for a second bag and some even charging for the first, packing lightly is now a must.

October 30th is Checklists Day

As a local Cruises Inc. independent vacation specialist, we frequently consult with our clients on the best way to pack for their travels. The Top 5 tips to save space and money include:

1. Make a list. Before packing anything, create a list with each day of your vacation and what you will need. Having a list saves time, creates less hassle and even more excitement about your upcoming trip. Plus, having a list can save you from realizing you've included ten pairs of underwear for your 3-night cruise!

2. Always pack full outfits. It is easy to throw items randomly into a suitcase that you `might need, but it is more efficient to include outfits for your respective days on the road or at sea. Remember your accessories, shoes, hats and more.

3. Keep it simple! If your vacation includes sun and sand, don't over pack sweaters and pants. Most likely, you will end up in a bathing suit and flip flops with a suitcase of heavy (and costly - remember the airline fees!) clothes you never use.

4. Don't overdo toiletries. Sure, you may love your uber-concentrated overnight moisturizer, but if it's not a must, leave it at home. Packing only the essentials will save space. And remember, most resorts and cruise ships today offer blow dryers and complimentary amenities (even some created just for them by your favorite cosmetic companies). Don't forget airport security policies limit your carry-on liquids (this includes lotions, creams and sprays) to 3.4 oz. If you don't want it confiscated, don't bring it.

5. Finally, don't stress. Preparing for a trip can be overwhelming, needing to pack for your entire family, cleaning the house, remembering your important documents, finding a pet-sitter and more. The ultimate goal is to relax and unwind with your kids, significant other and friends. If you're organized about your packing, you can save time and money.

Travel agents are trained experts in every aspect of travel - from packing to specific airline or cruise line rules/regulations and more - so don't feel like you're alone in the vacation planning process. For help with your next trip, Contact Us.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat