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Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises Article
Packing for the cruise
One of the most difficult things about a vacation is to pack your bags, which is kind of an unpromising struggle because in the end you will always find things in your bag that you don't need at all, while you longingly think of things you've left at home.
With a vacation on a cruise ship it's even harder to know what will be necessary and what not. As a first time cruiser you have no idea what things you will find provided on the ship so it may easily happen that you will arrive with over-packed bags. As an example, would you have expected to find a hair dryer as a standard feature in most of the cabins? Yes, even lots of hotels do not provide this service. Its availability on the ship might be due to the increased chances for it to be needed several times a day, but it is surely also part of the cruising luxury.
So let us think about what you definitely do have to take, what would be good to have and what are the extras you can take for the joy of packing.
The Fundamentals
Here are some things you must absolutely take with you, especially if your cruise will take you across country borders:
On most cruise lines that leave the country, you will be required to have your passport and/or state identification card or driving license with you.
Proof of automobile insurance, if you are thinking of renting a car during your stay on land
A watch, preferably with more than one time zone since you might be crossing several of them
Make sure you bring clothes according to your plans. If you want to have a luxury time, then take some elegant apparel for the dining and dancing events; if you plan on lingering around the pool and on the deck, you don’t need much more than your swimming-suite and some casual clothes. If you can find out what activities you have, it will be easier to pack accordingly.
The Less-Than-Fundamentals
Camera/Digital camera with extra memory cards
Camcorder
A book to read on the pool deck ?and your reading glasses
First-aid-kit
A small flash light in case of emergencies (a very handy item at all times!).
In the "The Fundamentals" list you find the most important things to bring along. Since you're merely going on vacation and not changing your residence, you won't need as many things as you might think. And don't forget that a cruise is a holiday where a lot of necessary things are already at your disposal.
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises News
Royal Caribbean Declares Dividend (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
The Board of Directors of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share payable on September 29, 2008, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2008.
Read more...Norwegian cruise ship plagued by propulsion problem (USA Today)
Damage to a thrust bearing has forced the Norwegian Pearl to slow its speed, resulting in missed and shortened port calls.
Read more...Royal Caribbean Redefines Cruising Favorites with Oasis of the Seas (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
Pool and sports, spa and fitness neighborhoods revealed at AAA Travel’s Virtual Travel Show.
Read more...Nickelodeon Expands Cruise Partnership With Royal Caribbean International (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
New Nickelodeon Family Cruise Itineraries - to the Mexican Rivera and Eastern Caribbean - Announced for Summer 2009
Read more...Controlling The 'Extras' While Cruising (Hartford Courant)
In today's tough economy, cruising can offer travelers a good value — lodging, food, entertainment — all for a preset price. But the "not-included" fees and onboard "extras" add up fast once you're aboard.
Read more...Airfare Too High? Senior Citizens Should Consider an All-Expenses-Included Cruise (Senior Journal)
Aug. 22, 2008 - With airline prices on the rise, senior citizens are looking for new ways to get creative with their travel dollars. Although there are still a few deals to be found on air travel, more senior citizens are turning to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Carnival cruises to realize a savings that comes from taking an all expenses included vacation.
Read more...