About a week before departure, consult
USA
Today or Wunderground for the weather forecast. Just remember to prepare for the
unexpected (
I needed that sweater when I was out on the windy Atlantic at
midnight
doing the Macarena at the pool party ).
By the way... Hurricane, Shmurricane
Don't worry, they don't go there.
From the Transportation Security Administration
What To Know Before You Go
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Special Needs
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Need Help?
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Luggage:Check with your carrier for luggage fees.
Check your cruise brochure and airlines for luggage weight
limits.
Try not to take too much because there may be a time when you'll have
to
carry your own luggage (going is not too bad--returning with an extra
50
pounds of gifts could be cumbersome).
- Durable cloth expandable bags with lots of pockets give you
the most
space
- Try to limit your bags to one suitcase and one carry-on per
person, and
one garment bag per couple. You may have more luggage on your way
back
- Pack all liquids in Ziploc bags
- To prevent wrinkling, pack items individually in
dry-cleaner bags or
between
layers of tissue paper
- Pack little stuff inside big stuff to save room
- Carefully mark each piece with
your
name and business
address and affix your cruise line tags as directed
- Locks
or straps are strongly recommended. Try the Austin House Tamper
Gard ... Each tag is individually numbered and when sealed, cannot be
refastened.
If the seal is broken, then the luggage has been tampered with. For use
with zippered luggage. Single use only. Twelve tags in four assorted
colors.
Here are some additional tips to reduce and
eliminate any
issues caused
by the new security screening:
- Consider what personal items you may be packing, keeping in
mind that
they
may be embarrassing if your bags are inspected.
- Put personal belongings in clear plastic zip-top bags. This
will reduce
inspection time as the TSA screener will not have to handle individual
items.
- Use Eagle Creek's Pack-It System of Folders, Cubes and
Sacs. These keep
items such as socks, toiletries, underwear, jewelry, and shirts
organized
within your bag and make it a snap to repack if your bags are searched.
- Spread out books and documents within your baggage; do not
stack them
on
top of each other. The sheer bulk of such items may lead to a manual
inspection.
- Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may
need to be
opened
for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.
- Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of
other
contents
in your luggage, as these are most likely to be inspected. Be sure to
place
them closest to the wheels to balance your bag and keep it from falling
over.
- Do not put film in your checked baggage. Some baggage
screening
equipment
will damage undeveloped film. All film should be kept in your carry-on
bag, preferably in a film-safe container.
- Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
Items such as
chocolate
bars and cheese can look suspicious in x-rays and may lead to manual
inspection.
- Be aware that items such as wooden matches, bleach, spray
paint,
firecrackers,
lighter fluid and certain batteries are banned even in checked luggage.
The TSA website site offers a complete list of Permitted and Prohibited
Items.
Checked baggage allowances change
from time
to time.
Click on the links below to get current information (while you're there, see if any fees apply for checked luggage).
Carry-On Bag Size Limits vary for
each
carrier:
- American:
23 x 13 x 9 or 45 linear inches ... 40 lbs.
- Continental:
45 linear inches ... 40 lbs.
- Delta:
22 x 14 x 9 ... 45 linear inches . .. under 40 lbs.
- Northwest:
22 x 14 x 9 ... 45 linear inches
- United:
22 x 14 x 9 linear inches ... 45 linear inches
- USAir:
21 x 16 x 8 (under seat); 24 x 16 x 10 (overhead) ... 45 linear inches ... 40 lbs.
- AirTran: 55 linear inches
Clothing:
Your agent or the cruise docs will inform you of what kind of dinner
attire
is expected when dining in the main dining room. Tuxedos are not
required, but many gentlemen do wear them. Suits and ties for men
and cocktail dresses for ladies is always appropriate. Tuxedos
and
accessories can usually be rented. Simply call or fax down the
measurements
they ask for in the brochure, give them a credit card number, and it
will
be waiting for you in your stateroom when you arrive.
RCI suggests the following dinner attire:
Nights
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3 / 4
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5
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6 / 7
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8 - 13
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14 / 15
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12+
nights |
Casual Nights |
2 / 3
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3
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3 / 4
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4 - 9
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11 - 12
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Ladies: Sundresses or pants and
blouses
Men: Sport shirts and slacks |
Smart Casual
(Semi-formal)
Nights |
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1
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1
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2
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3
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Ladies: Dresses or pantsuits
Men: Jackets and ties |
Formal Nights |
1
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1
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2
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2
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3
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Ladies: Cocktail dresses
Men: Suits and ties or tuxedos |
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On the mass market lines, think of it this way...
Formal night wear what you would wear to an
awards banquet,
high school prom, or very ritzy restaurant
Semi-formal night wear what you would wear
to a nice restaurant
for Easter brunch, or to celebrate your promotion to assistant
buyer
for widgets.
Casual night you are taking your
wife and kids to
dinner at Outback, Bennigan's, or Steak and Ale.
The first night people will often wear what they
travelled to the ship
in--especially if they are still waiting for the luggage to get to
their
cabin :)
Thanks to Jeffrey Bennet Smith (as posted in r.t.c.)
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Country club casual is along the lines of...
izod type collared golf shirt
khaki pants
topsider type shoes (without socks if you REALLY want
the country
club look)
and perhaps a blazer thrown over the whole thing, but
maybe not,
depending on how cool it is.
What's it's not...
no suit and tie
no jeans or shorts
Thanks to Kate in NY (as posted in r.t.c)
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Do not break in a new
pair of
shoes on a shore excursion...
...It could ruin your
week 
Your basic daytime attire would be similar to that at a smart
land-based
resort. You'll need just a few comfortable casual things for
daytime.
Select mix 'n' match clothing and remember you'll probably buy
yourself
a few T-shirts along the way. Comfortable shoes are an absolute
necessity.
The type of clothing you will need depends on the weather and the
general
mood of the cruise. Some cruises will be on the formal side while
others will have few dress requirements. If you are dragging out
some old comfortable favorites, try them on in plenty of time to alter,
repair or replace them. Try to respect that many religious
buildings
cannot be entered unless you are properly covered.
Essential Carry-on Items:
Cruise docs
Airline Tickets
Passports, visas or other required ID
(keep
copies in case
of loss)
Completed embarkation forms
Medications, motion sickness aids
AND a photocopy of your doctor's
original
prescription,
along with the pharmacy receipt.
- Be sure to keep your pills in the original container you
got at the
- pharmacy. (The label will allay any suspicions on the
part of Customs
officers, and might well be a lifesaver if you were to fall ill or be
injured, and unable to speak to ambulance or hospital staff).
- Small children can be given some sort of decongestant
cold medicine
about
30 minutes before flying. This'll clear their sinuses a bit, and
help with those awful ear popping problems. (Thanx, Scott & Jane)
Money, traveler's checks, plastic
Valuable items
Keys (luggage, car, home)
Film...in a ziploc for
hand-inspection.
(Since the
airport
security
scanners are using stronger, smarter methods these days, it has been
reported
that photographs
from film which has passed through security have turned out hazy.)
Packing for the Really Casual Cruiser:
Cruise
docs
Passport
or other required ID
T-shirts
Cutoffs
Flip-flops
Sunscreen
-
Packing for Ladies:
Cosmetics
Magnifying
makeup mirror & case/rack
Skin
care items (moisturizer, hair remover, razor)
Personal
hygiene care, deodorant, tooth brush,
toothpaste, mouthwash,
floss
Nail
care items (clippers, file, polish, remover,
KrazyGlue)
Hair
care items (comb, brush, shampoo, conditioner,
spray, gel, shower
cap)
Clear
nail polish for nail (and hosiery) repair
Hair
accessories (scrunchies, clips, bands)
Scarves,
Belts
Perfume
Jewelry
(necklaces, chokers, bracelets, watches,
earrings, pins, rings)
Hats,
caps, visors
Purses
Shoes
(formal, tennis, walking, sandals, water shoes)
but not too many
'cause they're heavy to carry.
Underwear
(don't forget the strapless bra)
Pantyhose,
sport socks
Nightwear
(pajamas, gowns, robes)
Shorts
Jeans
Tops
Sweater
or light jacket
Workout
clothes, wrist/headband
Dresses
or pantsuits
-
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Packing for Men:
Shaving items (razor, blades, cord, cream,
after-shave, styptic pencil)
Shorts
Slacks
Jeans
Shirts
or polos
Sweater
or light jacket
Workout
clothes, wrist/headband
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
(formal,deck, tennis, sandals)
Dinner
attire (suit, shirts, ties, slacks, sport coats)
Tuxedo
and accessories
Swimwear
Jewelry
(watches, tie tacks, studs, necklaces, rings)
Handkerchiefs
Special list for Jim and Candy:
Nasal spray
Cologne
Shoe
horn
White
socks
Leave
the bedroom slippers
2
sport coats
Hair
cut 1 week prior to cruise
Shaver
brush
Shampoo |
Mechanical Pencils
Clipboard
Colored Markers
Can lids
*dam Hats
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Packing for Children:
bottles
formula
diapers
(if available onboard, are costly)
"The
Blankie"
Quart-sized ziploc bags and a
travel-sized can of
Lysol for dirty diapers
Trial-sized hand sanitizing
gel
for diaper bag (for
island excursions when washing your/his hands isn't an option)
A bottle brush &
trial-sized
dish detergent for
washing sippy cups
Sun hat
Swim diapers (last few items thanx
to Jamine)
Infantseat
stroller
pacifiers
booster
seat aid (strap to hold child in just in case
the one on the
chair
you get at dinner doesn't work)
BIBS
(thanx, Susan)
Help me out here
port-a-crib
(cruise lines will try to
have one there,
but
better safe with it under the bed than sorry with baby IN your bed!)
waterproof
pads for toddler's bunks (sheets get
changed
daily--mattresses
don't!
baby
sunscreen
baby
wipes (thanx, Anna)
baby
aspirin or Tylenol
infant
thermometer
aspirator
antibiotics/drops
for ear or eye infections (yucky
foreign water)
(thanx,
Laurie)
Bandaids
Benadryl (for rashes)
Baby Cold Medicine (thanx, Lisa)
baby
shampoo (cruise lines have BIG people's kind)
backpack
stuffed with coloring books and crayons (to
occupy those long
hours on flights or in airports/lounges awaiting disembarkation)
favorite
stuffed animal
sipper
cups
juice
boxes for excursions
inflatable
swim aids (don't take up room in suitcase,
but are essential)
travel
games (magnetic or self-contained)
game
boy
kid's
books
night
light and extension cord
spiral
notebook for journal/diary
cheap
one-time camera for the things that are
important to them
Makes for a much more fun cruise when the little ones are happily
occupied
and provisioned! Last 15 items are courtesy of Randy
Mathews
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Proper Planning for Children Makes Traveling a Breeze
...courtesy of Tipworld
To keep your baby and other passengers happy while
traveling by plane,
try these ideas:
* Give the baby something to drink during take-off and
landing.
This will minimize discomfort to ears when cabin pressure
changes.
* Take your car seat if you can and strap in the baby.
This can be much
more comfortable for you and your little one.
* Pack distractions. A new toy or book is a great
idea.
* Use a backpack for essentials to keep your arms free
while moving
through the airport.
* Remember to pack for emergencies. Delays will cause
you to need more
diapers, and a change of clothes.
You may even want to schedule the flight around a time
when the baby
usually naps. That way, you may get some time to relax yourself!
Seasonal or Alaska Packing:
Think layers.
You can
always peel them off as the temperature rises. To prepare for
temps
from 40s to 90s, add:
Long underwear
Turtle
neck shirts
Long
sleeve shirts
Heavy
sweaters
Insulated
vest
Lightweight
jacket with removable lining
Mid-weight,
water/windproof jacket
Heavy
hooded jacket
Waterproof
raingear
Waterproof shoes or boots
Gloves
Hat
that covers your ears or scarf (wind kicks up)
Umbrella
Peter Berlin has some excellent advice (MSWord format):
Alaska Packing
Advice
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Packing for Everybody:
Sun Stuff
Sunscreen
Tan
lotion
Sun
glasses (and extras)
Hats,
caps, visors
Power Stuff
Batteries
& charger
Power
strip (for multiple chargers and turbo hair
dryers) thanx
to Patti
Current
converter,
extension
cord
Cameras
(flash, video, panoramic,
underwater)
film and batteries
Flashlight
*ography Stuff
Digital
camera, battery charger, cables &
extra chips
Camera,
batteries, film
Underwater
camera
Camcorder,
battery, power cord
Medical
Stuff
Glasses,
contact lenses (and extras), solutions
First
aid materials
Medications
Seasickness
remedies
Glasses
repair kit
Electronics /
Appliances
2-way radios
Laptop
Scanner
Walkman
& phones
IPod
razor,
curling iron, hair dryer
steamer,
iron
LED
alarm clock
Nite
light
Coffee
& travel coffeepot
Laptop
Tote Stuff
Fanny
pack, tote bag
Ziploc
bags for wet or leaky stuff
Extra
fold-up luggage or bags for the goodies you
bought
Old
totebag you don't care if you lose
Gadgets
Binoculars
Corkscrew
Compass
Telescope
Swiss
Army Knife
Reading
/ Writing Stuff
Cruise
line brochure
Books,
magazines
Journal,
Notepad or Laptop
Writing
materials, address book or labels
Highlighter
Sporting
Goods
See
Delta's regs
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Telephone
calling card
Water
bottle for excursions
Sewing
kit, tweezers, scissors, lint brush, safety
pins
Room
deodorizer
Luggage
locks
Tip
envelopes already filled out
$2.00
bills are good for unusual tips
Snorkeling
equipment (so you know whose mouth was
there last...)
More
money, less clothes
Pillow
Kite
Electrical
ties for luggage
Ziploc
bags
Maps
(you'll find generic maps in your cabin)
Coupons
for car rental or dining onshore
Small
reclining beach chairs
Clothespins
(for curtain-gap-closing) thanx
to
Susan B.
Duct
tape
Scotch
tape (if you have an outside cabin you
curtains never fit
completely
together
so the sun does come in very bright and early. Taping
the
curtains together gets you
some extra shuteye! It also works
great
for a quick hem job...see more tape tips below)
Using tape, you can survive almost any
emergency at sea:
1. Repairs the hem of your dress
2. Tape the curtains closed to keep out the sunlight
3. Make your own lint brush
4. Keeps extension cords out of the way
5. Emergency hinge repair for your camera
6. Keeps long shoelaces from tripping you on the treadmill
7. Make sticky notes out of the ship's stationery
8. Belly button lint remover
9. Tape bingo cards to the table in rough seas
10. Keeps your eyelids open to stay awake for the midnight buffet
11. Foils the pick-pockets at Martinique
12. After too many midnight buffets, make your own girdle (does anybody
remember what a girdle is?)
13. Use as a *mute function* for the noisy kid at your table
14. Tape yourself to the toilet during rough seas
15. Do-it-yourself bikini wax
16. Garters to keep your stockings up (inside joke)
17. Instant hand cuffs
18. The rowdy kid in the cabin next door... tape him to the wall
19. Makes a great strapless bra, it lifts and separates
20. Done correctly, it can be used as a contraceptive device
Becca <-----didn't even mention taping the
door key to my forehead
cuz I can't ever keep up with those darn things.
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2-Way Radios
From George in NY: We have been using them for a couple of years
now and they are great BUT since so many now use them I would recommend
that you not be cheap in your selection. Good ones are not inexpensive.
This year I made a similar suggestion to a friend traveling with us.
The
other traveling companions and ourselves use Motorola Talk abouts which
were in excess of $100 a piece when originally purchased. Our other
friends
found radios that looked very similar and offered one the most
important
features, multiple channels, and the alledged same 2 mile range for $50
a pair. As usual you get what you pay for. Although they looked the
same
they did not operate anywhere near the quality of our radios. Often
they
could not get through. Good quality is more important now since, again,
many now use these onboard, and quality filtering electronics and so
forth
will make them much more valuable to you.
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Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Check Before Traveling
You’ve
been planning this trip for months, and now you’re finally ready to go.
Hold on a second though. Before you open up that door, double check to
make sure you’ve covered all of these areas.
Home Security
Be sure that every single window and door is locked before embarking on
your journey. Purchase timers so that the television and lights go on at
certain times of the day. Additionally, set your home alarm and have
signs in the windows and lawn letting people know there is an alarm
present. Many alarm companies
also offer fire protection in which the alarm signals a call to the fire
department. You also don’t want your home to appear empty or to be
empty. Have a trusted family member or friend come over every single day
to check on the house, collect mail and to be alert to any dangerous
signs.
Pet Arrangements
Who is going to be taking care of your pets while you’re away? Perhaps
you are boarding them. In that case, call up the boarding facility the
day before to ensure that they have your reservation. It goes without
saying that you want to pick a facility with an excellent reputation.
It’s unlikely that you’ll leave dogs home alone, but you may do so for
other pets. Ask a trusted family member or friend to come over each day
to take care of the pets. Leave a list of instructions for the person, and make sure that he or she understands the importance of not letting the pets get out of the house.
Necessary Documents/Tickets
One of the worst moments of travelers’ journeys is when they arrive at
the airport only to realize that they have forgotten their tickets. As
soon as you sit down in the car, be sure that these are still on your person.
Checking in the house isn’t enough because you could easily misplace
them between your kitchen and the car door. This same rule applies for
licenses, passports and any other documents that you need for your trip.
Luggage Restrictions
You also don’t want to arrive at the bus stop or airport to discover that some of your items are simply too large. All types of public transportation have rules and regulations
available to the public. If you don’t see this information listed on
the establishment’s website, call to ask. There are also a number of
items that you are not permitted to bring on certain modes of
transportation. For example, you’ll likely have to bring travel sized
bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you. Containers with more than a
certain amount of liquid are generally not permitted on planes.
All of these preparations can make a person anxious to travel!
However, once you’ve covered all of them, you can rest your mind knowing
that everything has been taken care of. You’ll soon be on the road or
in the air, and you’ll know that a trusted person will be checking up on your house and pets every day.
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