r&rfraz

i cut out the deck plan map from the cruise book i got from a travel agent. i made copies of the deck that have all public spaces (not cabin decks) i laminated them and will be giving them out to each family that will be traveling in out group. the map they give you on board is not very detailed and the size makes them a challange to read for some.:)

i do agree about all the gifts potentially getting out of hand for the cabin helpers but one item that seems to be well received by them are any books/magizines you bring on board as reading material. we have actually been asked if we could leave our magizines behind in the room when we checked out. the crew share them with each other and pass them around. our last cabin steward told us they have an informal "library" for the crew with all the books & mags. when it starts to fill up they take the well read books ashore and donate them to a school/hospital/hotel/etc. so you may want to consider a book if you are feeling like you want to give a gift since it is something all the crew can enjoy and then donate for others to enjoy.

here are a few more thoughts. if you have an inside cabin you can tune the tv to the deck camera channel that feeds live video from up top. this way your room will begin to get light when the sun begins to come up. this helps you start to wake up as if you had a window. it is also fun to see what it happening up top before you get out of bed. also, consider a night light for inside cabins, especially is you are traveling with young kids. also consider a clock if you are not a watch person. i have to know what time it is a night if i wake up. if you are either an early riser or a night owl use these times to walk the ship. both as beautiful in their own way. i am an early riser and i loved just exploring the ship while it was still "asleep"!

finally, the best single piece of advice i can give is your attitude toward others will have a huge impact on how your cruise goes. i am always sad to see people angry and short tempered, or treating crew members like they are second classs citizians and then complain if they are treated poorly. if you treat people with kindness and respect you will get great service all the way around. if you experience a problem don't let it ruin your trip. on our last cruise we had to skip a port because of ther whole "swine flu" scare. this sent some people over the edge with anger. we just used it an a excuse to spend an extra relaxing and enjoying each others company. make the best of every situation and you will have a great trip