Patricia March 30th, 2007

Hey, Amie needs help. NO, not *THAT* kind of help — oh, well, this is what she wrote:

ot that I’m looking forward to this or anything, but I’ve already started my packing list.

Any chance you could provide a little assistance in that area for fellow cruise-virgins?

I don’t mean pack for us (though you’re welcome to come over and do that, if you wish) but little tips like what will be available on board and what we should bring?

Such as: is there a pharmacy, or should we be ready with possible OTC meds? will we need towels? shampoo? should we be prepared to tip housekeeping/waiters? will we need cash or credit for any onboard purchases?

Ok, let’s see if I can shed some light on this (and those of you who want to pipe up and help me — PLEASE do).

1. Bring ALL your meds with you. First, if you have a prescription you are going to need it and even the OTC stuff is more pricey on board. Don’t pay $2 for a Advil if you don’t have to.
2. Do NOT bring towels. You will be provided with towels in your stateroom and even pool towels.
3. Shampoo? Well, this is a personal call. I happen to HATE (with blazing fires) the stuff that hotels and ships provide. But if you are OK with it, there will be shampoo.
4. Tips. Last time we cruised with Royal Caribbean they sent around a form to charge $10 per day per person to our on board account and then sent vouchers to our cabin to hand out. That worked best for us — mostly because I never seem to have much cash around.
5. On board purchases. Everything can be charged to your SeaPass card (which is also your room key and the pass you use to get on and off the ship). That card is connected to a credit card that you will give them when you set-up your on board account. Thus, the shops become a cashless system.

In other things you are going to want to know:

1. You will check your bags when you check in with the ship. They will bring your bags to your stateroom by 8ish. SO, please carry on the ship anything you think you will need prior to 8pm — like your medicines, your camera, and your knitting. Folks, I can not be responsible for a knitter separated from her needles for a few hours.
2. Your photo will be taken as you board the ship — TWICE. Once is for the ship’s staff to be able to verify that when you are you when you get on and off the ship. The other one is the “Welcome Aboard” photo that will be available for purchase in the photo shop. So, if you think that might be a fun item — wear something you wish to be photo’d in.
3. I did put some packing information in your packages — so please review that too. And I didn’t mention it, but if you don’t mind dropping me an e-mail to confirm you got your documents, I’d appreciate it.

Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me with questions — but no, Amie, I’m sorry, I will be unavailable to help pack anyone except myself — which will completely explain why I’ll be wearing the same clothing for a week straight.

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