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Pro-Tips and Fun Ship Thoughts.

Since the last blog posting, I’ve been preparing to tell you about a few helpful tips when cruising. After my 19th cruise, I am just as excited as the first time my eyes set sight on the “Fantasy” in 2000 my first cruise experience. The magic of cruising for someone like me never gets old. I look forward to the unveiling of new ships with anticipation of a new adventure.

During my travels, I have learned a few things to make cruising easier, worry and stress free. Pack with fun in mind. Know that there is a time your bags will be searched or away from you. Once you arrive at the port and the night before your departure. So keep your valuables with you.

Let’s start with whats most important to me, tipping. Do not think a dollar here a dollar there is too much. Although it adds up set a tip budget.

Carnival provides exceptional service above and beyond just because of who they are. Sowing a seed of thankfulness adds to your experience.

Whether traveling to the port or leaving the port without a doubt tip "anyone" who handles your luggage. Start with transportation either wheelchair, bus, taxi or Uber drivers. Most important to me is the baggage handlers at the port. You can get your bags on time, later or never. Be friendly to them it's vacation. Any delays, or changes is not their fault. They are there to help assist you.

The ship staff, housekeeping, who remembers your name all week, who cleans up behind you. Some of us have a lot of mess. Your bar staff, if you keep the same person he or she will remember your favorite drink. My happy place is with the dining room servers who remembers special meal request or that you like a few extra lemons with your water at dinner time without asking and the delightful entertainment they provide.

You should include gratuities in your travel package. but when extra care is given to detail, show your appreciation in tipping it makes you feel good.

Now remember this is a cruise you do not need to bring the entire house. Besides who wants to pay the airlines extra money when you can spend that on vacation. Or bring tons of heavy things that you never wear. Unless you are going to Alaska which is another topic by itself. One goal is to make sure you can identify your luggage by tags or colors. After all there will be at least 3,000 plus pieces. You want to move transparently through the crowds without a struggle.

Ladies, depending on the season shorts, tank tops, tshirts, socks, under garments, sundresses, swimsuits and cover ups are truly all that's needed. Interchangeable outfits make less clothing you have to carry. Bring a light jacket, rain poncho or sweater for those cool or rainy nights, maybe a pair of jeans if you normally get cold.

A pair of sandals, flip flops, ankle boots or rain boots (optional because I like rain boots) and a pair of tennis shoes. Honestly you don't need 40 pairs of shoes! Make sure you bring one nice dinner dress for The Captains formal night! This is your dress to impress night. Shoes are important just remember you are on a ship.

Men, tshirts, tanks, socks, underwear and shorts. A nice suit for your formal dinner night. Now men you don't have to bring 40 pairs of gymshoes but if you are strong enough to carry all that then go for it. Refer back to why I started with why you should tip.

Here are a few extras that won't take up much room but I find are essential and what I call cruise don't forgets. Keep in mind Carnival is the fun ship. Beach towels are available you don't have to bring one from home. Laundry services are available as well or you can do it yourself on board. Bring a roll of quarters or get them when on shore.

A small surge protector since there are only two outlets but nothing long or bulky it will be confescated by port authorities. Scarf or door designs which makes it easier to find your cabin especially for seniors, children or partaking in the spirits. Those cabin hallways are very long which can get confusing. Highlighter to highlight your itinerary for the day. A dry erase board for your door to leave messages along with walkie talkies for group travel on and off the ship. There are no phone signals on board plus it's a time to unplug. Ziplock bags to keep wet seperate from dry on the beach. To store your jewelry together when using the cabin safe, keep bottles from leaking, candy from melting or to take a few cookies to the beach. Strangely I bring a few sheets of foil when traveling with food from deck to cabin.

Let's not forget a hat to shield you from direct sunlight. A waterproof case to keep your money, credit cards and phone dry all in one place. A water bottle one of the main necessities while traveling. I also bring a small insulated coffee travel mug so I don't have to practice not spilling coffee while the ship is moving. I like to walk with my coffee.

Few clothes pins to hang swim suits to dry. A finger nail clipper or small scissors. I also bring a small battery operated flash light. NO CANDLES are allowed!

Hair dryers are provided along with shower jel and shampoo so you don't need a huge bottle in your suitcase. A few thank you notes for anyone who has shown you hospitality. Ear plugs for those times you want to block out the world, or if your cabin mate snores.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, aspirin, dramine for motion sickness, chap stick and bug repellent comes in handy. Hand sanitizer is provided on every deck. I bring wet wipes, face cloth and a small bottle of sanitizer to stay refreshed and keep cool on shore. Lastly earbuds for music and or a wireless speaker to share your music with your cabin mate.

All of these things are optional never required. Remember this blog is about helpful hints to travel smoothly. Keep in mind if your bags are heavy when you arrive imagine how much heavier they will be when you add your souvenirs to them. The airlines will charge you when returning home and there's no fun in that. I hope this helps you.

Happy fun ship sailings!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines News

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ “Black Watch” began itineraries from Liverpool at the close of March. Itineraries range from thirteen to eighteen days with destinations including Dublin and the Canary Islands. “This year, the City of Liverpool will welcome our most iconic ship, Black Watch, to its shores, and we look forward to receiving the same warm reception from the people of Merseyside as her sister ship, Boudicca, has experienced over the past two years. With its stunning vistas and proud maritime heritage, there is something very special about cruising from Liverpool, and it is a tremendous benefit to be able to offer our guests the chance to set sail from the world-famous Pier Head” said Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director for the line.

To begin, one has to know some things about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. They are a subsidiary of the Fred.Olsen Group, founded in 1848. They are based in the UK, owned by the founding family of Norwegians. The same company owns Timex and is involved in off shore oil drilling, air travel and tanker ships. However they have over a century of heritage in passenger travel and are among the oldest companies still plying the trade as a cruise line. They boast only four ships at present, all would be considered “classic” in their design. In lay terms, this means most of these ships have fewer than 2,000 passengers and were built in the late 1980s through mid-1990s. Well maintained and highly respected they carry names long known to the venerable line such as “Black Watch” and “Balmoral.” So as one watches news and announcements from Fred.Olsen realize that this is a small and unique line.

Captain Cave Innovation!

Details: Created: 16 September 2016 16 September 2016

The Innovation Lab is a new facility noted on Cruise Aficionados previously. It is a state of the art research and design center for Royal Caribbean designed to aid it in keeping pace within an increasingly aggressive industry. Royal Caribbean released this video giving an overview of the structure.

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