PLan your wardrobe now. I always take 1 whole days worth of clothes with me as a carry-on, just in case. Never had a problem with lost suitcases, but it does happen. Also bring an extra set or two of underwear. Don't overpack. I believe for a 7 day, you might have 2 formal nights. Other nights are casually elegant. Men sometimes wear jackets, but most of the time not. Pantsuits are fine for women. As far as a passport, my advice is to get it now. While it is not required right now, all indications are it will be within the foreseable future. We carry ours at all times, even when just flying domestically. The airlines appear to look at you differently when you proudly display your passport. It's good for 10 years from the issue date, so my advice is get it now. Have fun! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
A hearty second to all of Sue's advice. More advice: don't overpack! It's easy to put in more than you need. For example, only pack a few t-shirts or other casual wear, as you can buy more onboard or in the ports. T-shirt prices in the e. Carib. this fall were comparable to (or lower than) those in the States. Do take 2 bathing suits, however, if you intend to swim or snorkel; in the humid tropics, it may take a few days for one to dry, and in the meantime you'd have another to wear as needed. Make sure to have enough cash, especially small bills, on you, for tips for porters in the airport and at the port of embarkation (and disembarkation). And bring a major credit card with you to establish your onboard account (you'll charge drinks, gift shop purchases, shore excursions, etc. to it). W/o a credit card, they will need a lot of cash upfront to establish your account.
Small items I like to have with me: a small, preferably flat, nightlight, especially if you have an inside cabin. A portable alarm clock. A hair dryer if you don't like using wimpy ones - they often are on cruise ships (though my last one had plenty of oomph). Remember to keep all ID, cruise documents and tickets, medications, a change of clothes, and any important or valuable items with you in your carryon, NOT in your check-thru luggage. However, if you carry any scissors or other sharp items for sewing or nail care, put those in your check-thru, or they will be confiscated at airport security.
Have a wonderful time!!
Karen [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
a passport is not required to go to the caribbean.as long as you have the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate and a goverment issued id like your drivers license thats all you'll need. if you plan on traveling more in the future then i would go ahead and get a passport there good for 10 years. just make sure that your birth certificate is either original or a certified copy because if its not you wil not be allowed to board the ship.
Still go with my original statement that it is better to have a passport, even though not required at this point. It may not be an option very shortly, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, after you take this cruise, I'm sure you'll be on many to locations where you will need a passport. Good luck & have fun! Other really good tips Karen. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
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