Newbie!

[biodox]

I'm new to the forum and I look forward to learning more about cruising... the seas, that is - I'm a married woman! :wink:

My sister and I are headed for the great Western Caribbean via Enchantment of the Seas this April 26th-May 1st. It's a first for both of us! :grin:

We took the chance to treat ourselves and actually have an outside cabin on the 8th Deck with a balcony - woohoo!! :cheesy:

I've purchased my extra outlet glade air freshener, my 1 and 2 gallon ziploc baggies, and definitely enough travel sized items of all other things. Yes - an extra swim suit or two, as well! Learned on SoapTalk how to pack my luggage (sorry, I did say SoapTalk!) - stuffing shoes with socks inside other shoes, etc.

I've purchased two books on travelling the Western Carib. So, I think I'm set.

Any other suggestions? I'm taking my sister, not my children or DH - so I'm ready for some FUN<]!! :cool:

-Michele

[PEB]

One thing you should know is you will not have enough time to do everything you want to do so just focus on a few things so you do not wear yourself out. Read the daily newsletter in your room so you know when and where things you may want to do on the ship are as well as what ship specials there are for the day.

Most important thing to remember is don't sweat the small stuff and have a great time.

[DaCruzNut]

Hi, biodox, and

As PEB says, "Don't sweat the small stuff," and anything short of the ship sinking is "small stuff." :grin:

My first cruise was to the Western Caribbean, and, after 56 cruises, it's still my favorite itinerary! I would suggest that you go back through the varuios posts, on the board, and look for related topics. I know there are past posts about the ports you'll be visiting.

If you have any specific questions, let us know.

[KeithnRita]

biodox

It sounds like you and your sister are ready to cruise and have soom real fun!.

[Jason]

Hey biodox, Welcome to CruiseCrazies!!

Sounds like you guys are pretty well prepared! Packing your socks inside your shoes is a great idea, I've never heard of that one!! That will definitely help me out next time I'm packing!!

"Duct tape is very versatile and extremely important to take with you. I've heard of so many things you can do with it that I always take it along.

It can be used to patch a torn suitcase or garment bag and

It can be used to hold up a hem on a dress or pants."

Here's a link to a topic containing many other uses for duck tape on your cruise:

http://cruisecrazies.com/forums/index.php?...topic=119&st=0&

Once again, welcome to CruiseCrazies and I'm glad to see you posting. We hope to get to know you, and if you have any other questions at all, please don't hold back - our very experienced cruisers can answer any and every questions you may have. See you around!

[GottaCruz]

biodox, Welcome to CruiseCrazies. We're so glad to have you aboard. Is sounds like you have everything under control. Just relax and enjoy it all. Don't forget that duct tape !!!Did you post your cruise date to the CruiseCrazies calendar?

[hazelson]

Power bar for the 1 plug so you can plug in all the other stuff. Bungee cord - about 18" long - to tie back the drapes so you can lay in bed and enjoy the view out the balcony door. And little things like cold meds, aspirin, band aids, antacids - all that stuff is pretty pricey on board. Sun Screen. Also take your appetite for the wonderful meals, your sense of humor for the great entertainment and, most of all, pack all your worries and stress in a box and leave it at home - you won't need those lol - Have a great cruise TTFN Jennifer

[Shari2]

Welcome to Cruise Crazies, biodox!

It sounds like you have done your research pretty well. The advice of others is great, also. Try not to overpack... mixing and matching is a good idea. I don't know about RCL, but on Celebrity...I didn't like the hair dryer, so I would bring my own. It's a good idea to mark your luggage somehow...such as with some colored tape or a brightly colored luggage strap or tie on some pom poms or something. It makes it much easier to find.

If you wear glasses, I would be sure to bring another pair...I had mine come apart once on a cruise, but I had brought along a glasses repair kit, so my DH was able to fix them. He also broke his once in Las Vegas, so we spent our first day there at an optician at the local mall.

Hope you have a great cruise!!!!!

[Bibb]

Biodox,

You can store your suicases under your bed. If they are too fat to fit, open them up and then slide them under. You might have to lift the bed a little. On some ships, the cabin steward can store them for you also.

Safety pins are nice to have and, to go with one of the above post, an eyeglass repair kit.

A small flashlight just for emergencies.

If your cabin is hard to find, blow up a couple of party balloons and tape them over your door. You can spot those balloons from either direction way down the hallway. Or just decorate your door.

Most importantly, get the name of each staff member who helps you and call them by name and introduce yourself. You making the effort to know and call them by name instills in them the need to do more for you. They also like to talk about their families and home town or country.

Beyond everything, "Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun."

Bibb

[clayonandon]

Take a highlighter for your newsletter. I enjoy the different activities during the day and if I highlight them I have less chance of missing the ones I really want to go to.