jcm996

USS Callaghan

USS Ranger

USS America

I never lost luggage, but have had 1 bag arrive many hours later than the others.

Because we always have to fly, we always pack at least 1 change of clothes in our carry on, so if the airline or ship would lose it. We have something to wear while hand washing the other. Lucky never have had to do this so far. And always carry your important stuff in your carry on, don't ever check that even when you get to the ship. (Such as cell phones, ipads, prescription meds..) On carrib cruises, I will pack 2-3 swimsuits in my carry on, at least I can still enjoy the water if something happens. And they double as shorts if needed. You get 2 shirts and 3 Shorts/pants and you have a good 6 outfits.

What to bring does also take into effect what type of cruiser you are. I think there are a few main types.

1. People who love the ship and could care less if the got off in port

2. People who look at the ship as a moving hotel and can't wait to see new places (these people rarely book the same cruise twice - been there done that)

3. Casual vs Formal - personally I have never wore a jacket or a tie to formal night. Jacket takes up to much room in a suit case - scuba gear is more important. I have never worn tee-shirt or jeans. Just a nice button down and dress pants.

4. Day vs Night - some are up at 6am and asleep by 10-11 other go to sleep at 4am.

1. Duct Tape - example 1 , 3 weeks ago we flew to Florida to catch a cruise. My checked bag had a big rip in it, it had a double liner so it had a flap hanging off and then the "silk" lining was still intact, so I fixed it with duct tape for the filgiht home. example 2, we were in Roatan, my wife falls in love with this carved wooden chest, which is about the size of a carry on bag. So back on the ship the night before we fly home we pack it full of stuff, lock it, put it in a garbage bag, tape it up then fashion a carrying strap out of duct tape. - I carry a full roll with me now every vacation. (and in my truck)

2. Book excursions with local companies. I have only booked 2 excursions through the ship and they were the worst 2 I have ever had. You are loaded like cattle onto huge buses. I have seen 6 buses waiting for the same tour figure 60 people a bus. Most of the time when I book local business (find them on the internet before hand, not at the dock. Shoretrips.com is good also) I have ended up with a private car with the driver/guide, my wife and I. Most of the time the guide see where the convoy of ship buses is going and goes the opposite way. I have been to many major island attractions being just my wife and I, maybe 2-6 other people. Not 200+ and it was $20-40 less than the ships cost. The drivers even have taken us to local markets and such, not the tourist shops the ships buses stop at.

3. Remember it is your vacation do what makes you happy (and is legal), not what you think other think you should do. If you don't own a jacket, don't go buy one. If you want 4 meals order them. I personally try things that are not common at restaurants at home.

4. If you criticize the food on the ship, please also include the magazine/newspaper you write the food column for and include at least 3 personal references, and pictures of the offending dishes. I have never had a bad meal on a ship, if I didn't like it I ordered something else, besides, you didn't have to cook it, serve it or clean up.

5. When you see a group a other cruisers trying to take pictures of each other in front of an attraction, take their camera, make them all get into the shot and take the picture for them.

6. A easy to remove door decoration. Not a sticker, but they make a removable cling. Print something nice on it, put it on the outside of you cabin door, makes finding your room much easier, for you and if you invite guests to your room. (and on the second to last day move it 2 doors down and watch all the other people who were also using it try to get into the wrong room)

$0.00 in the Casino. Guess you can't win if you don't play.

But the wife did win $500 at bingo one time.