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Presently it is easier than ever to find the correct voice over training necessary to jump start your career as a voice over pro. Whether inn many languages, radio or television, animation or live action movies, voice over training is imperative in the ever-growing entertainment field. A career in voice over work could lead to anything from speaking engagements to audiobook narration, and could ultimately lead to voicing animated characters for major Hollywood movies. It all begins with proper voice over training and vocal coaching. Whether you are interested in a career in voice over talent or concerned with public speaking, vocal training and voice coaching is the way to start.

Numerous voice over actors are quick to give advice to anyone concerned in taking on voiceover acting as a career. One rule of thumb is that a voice over talent obtain the proper pronunciations for common and seldom used words before the first take. Certain words can be pronounced different ways depending on the region of the country. You must be heedful of the intended pronunciation beforehand. Assuming that you know the pronunciation is not advocated. This is something that should be up to the discretion of the client and reviewed shortly before the clock starts running on the studio time. Making a point to annunciate intelligibly and properly, and that you revise any words that give you inconvenience in the original read through are the first steps to a job well done in the vocal booth.

Caribbean Aboard Royal Caribbean……………………..

No one knows the Caribbean better than Royal Caribbean. After all, it is their middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean is really the place. There are countless adventures within reach when you cruise the caribbean. Snorkle with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Join in an actual race on one of New Zealand’s former America’s Cup yachts in the Bahamas. Then, there’s the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico, Christoffel National Park in Curaao, and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, just a few of what can be done at the ports of call.

Highlights of Some Exciting Shore Excursion when Cruising:

-Climb Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls.
-Go mountain biking in Costa Rica’s rain forests.
-Snorkel with stingrays.
-Go horseback riding on the beach.
-Dive 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine.
-Discover the inhabitants of a coral reef on a glass-bottomed boat.
-Visit Labadee®, one of Royal Caribbean’s exclusive, private destinations.
-Explore ancient civilizations as you climb mysterious Mayan pyramids.

Snapshot of the 3 parts of the caribbean:

Western Caribbean
Besides their tropical paradise settings, the islands are home to rich culture and complex histories. Explore archaic ruins, beaches, rain forests and numerous waterfalls. Spend a fun-filled afternoon at Royal Caribbean floating Aqua Park in Labadee®, a private destination available only to Royal Caribbean guests.

Eastern Caribbean
Take in the Sun surrounded by the white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the most beautiful islands on earth. Find adventure parasailing high above it all or at the Dolphin Encounter. Or visit Labadee®, one of Royal Caribbeans, tropical private destinations where nature brings striking mountains and pristine beaches within arm’s reach.

Southern Caribbean
The most Fasinating Caribbean islands await you down south. Activities are endless in this area. You can navigate the Hato Caves in Curaao. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race an America’s Cup sailboat. Kick back and take in some sun at Magens Bay Beach in beautiful St. Thomas. Walk down the streets of Old San Juan and explore the largest Spanish citadel built in the New World. And study the many cultures that make up these exotic islands

www.CruiseDealership.com is a Discounted Online Cruise Agency - Any cruise, Any ship, Any cruise line, Any destination…. Always Low Rates!

Digital tellies refer to the distribution and receiving or moving images & sound by technique of separate signals that is in contrast to the traditional analog signals used by analogue televisions. Started in the last part of the 1990s this technology was of great eagerness to the telly broadcasting organisations and consumer electronics industry as it provided enormous financial opportunities. If you are looking for cheap Plasma TVs then why not visit the Sound and Vision website.

Digital telly is by far more supple and competent when compared against analog television. If properly setup by TV broadcasters, digital telly gives the user marvellous quality images & sound as well as offering more programming options than analog is capable of. Still, while digital telly can supply sharper technical quality a digital signal may possible not automatically have to carry a superior quality image or audio than an analogue signal would.

There are a number of different ways to take advantage of digital TV. One of the oldest methods of getting DTV is with a metal aerial; this is categorised as digital terrestrial TV. In the middle of the more traditional processes there is the alternative to buy a digital cable & a digital satellite receiver. Today in spite of how subscribers get hold of digital TV most will obtain digital television by way of a set-top box, that separates the digital signals into signals that analog televisions can make out.

The newest in & painless technique to get hold of digital television is obviously to buy a TV that includes digital TV incorporated within the system. Countless tellies have this now as between 2008 & 2012 TV services all over the UK is expected to go completely digital, TV area by TV district. Digital TV’s are not that expensive at this minute in time in reality you ought to probably find that Digital TV’s will be very similar in price as you would likely to pay for a normal TV. As a result, all you have to think of digital being is only a further added feature that is in actual fact going to help you as a result of all the ever expanding range of TV programmes you will soon obtain.

Cruising is the fastest growing leisure vacation choice today, and it also enjoys the highest rate of repeat satisfied customers of any type of vacation. The choices of destination, experience, accommodations, and cuisine are nearly limitless. There is a cruise for everyone — especially - you!

Going on a cruise offers you the opportunity to get away from it all, and be pampered in the process. When your not relaxing, or being treated like Royalty, you will have a wealth of options for sightseeing, exploring, sports activities, and of course shopping.

If you haven’t been on a cruise yet, than you are missing out on one of life’s greatest adventures. Compared to any other form of vacation, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties, and entertainment. Cruising can provide you with more options than any other type of vacation, and is both safe and economical.

Groups have become so popular that cruise lines have put together many packages catering to groups of 16 or more passengers. In most cases, if you book 8 rooms or more, you qualify for special rates and services, and with most cruise lines the 16th passenger sails free. Do you have a group of friends that would like to sail together? Most cruise lines have a groups department, and you should check with them for details.

Many ships either have single cabins, or offer single rates for double staterooms. If you would consider sharing your cabin, some cruise lines offer a “share” program and will assign a roommate to share a cabin with you. This way you can get the per person/double occupancy rate. You should check with the individual cruise lines for details. If you’re single, cruising is a great place to meet new people. Singles parties are held on the first night out on many ships, so singles can get to know each other early in the cruise.

Cruising offers an atmosphere that’s just right for romance. Intimate dinners for two, late night strolls on deck, or dancing the night away, a cruise can be the romantic adventure of a lifetime. Whether on your honeymoon, or your 50th wedding anniversary, the memories you create on a cruise will never be forgotten.

Hold your next company meeting on a cruise ship. Large meeting rooms, small breakout rooms, and even the on board theater are available for your company meeting, along with all your audio and visual equipment needs. Your employees can enjoy the luxury of visiting exotic places, excellent entertainment, fine dining, and all the amenities that come with cruising, and you can customize your meetings to handle company business. It’s an excellent opportunity for your employees to spend time together in a very pleasant atmosphere. Most cruise lines have everything you need to make your meeting a success, at a very affordable price.

A Wedding at Sea can be the perfect solution for those couples looking for a different and romantic way to get married?. Most cruise lines offer wedding packages, and many have wedding experts that can handle all the arrangements for you, from choosing the port and location, to getting the marriage license. You can enjoy a small private wedding for just the two of you, or a larger event that you can share with friends and family.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about cruising. Use your imagination and you can think of many ways to apply what’s available on a cruise to your own needs.

Browse a cruise site and put yourself into the pictures. See yourself relaxing on deck, enjoying your favorite activity, or visiting an exotic destination. Hear the fabulous entertainment and the joyous sounds as you and your fellow passengers experience all the ship has to offer. Feel the sea breeze and the relaxation that only the perfect vacation can bring you.

There are many types of cruises you can go on, and all of them offer something different, and special. Cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and many more wonderful and exotic places.

A cruising experience begins with anticipation, and ends with pleasant memories you will keep for a lifetime. Don’t wait to take yours.

Booking a cruise online is both easy, fast, and the most economical method to purchase a cruise. There are no commissions to pay online, so the prices are the best you can find, and with most sites, your can browse the ship, see your room, check out the dining room, and more, right online.

Best Cruise Prices

Ken Asselin is webmaster for the “Buds Best” series of websites. His 40 plus years experience in retail marketing
bring a fresh outlook to website development and promotion. You can find out more about cruising at his : Internet Travel Sites

You know what you want to pack as far as your wardrobe for your cruise vacation, but here are the little essentials that you might not think about.

One very important thing to pack is a Wall Mount Power Outlet with 3 Outlets. Electrical Outlets in the cruise cabins are very stingy and if you want to dry your hair while your curlers are heating up you will have a problem.

When I pack, I put all of my clothes in Dry Cleaners plastic bags. These will keep your clothes from wrinkling. Pack anything that can spill in zip lock bags. An international power converter and a currency converter will be needed for European Cruises. Some people pack a night light for the bathroom. I have found if you leave the bathroom light on and close the door it is sufficient to guide you there in the middle of the night.

We pack a portable CD player with 20 CD’s and an alarm clock. We pack “two way” radios so we can communicate when we are in different parts of the ship. I like to sleep in when we go to the Caribbean and John likes to get up and have breakfast. He quietly lets himself out of the cabin, and when I get up I call him to let him know its “safe” to come back to the room.

In colder climates you will need a jacket and some long sleeve shirts. I always pack sturdy hiking boots if we go to Europe or Alaska. (Most of the time I wear them on the airplane with slacks since they take up so much room in the suitcase). They come in very handy when touring Europe’s sometimes centuries old cobblestone streets. When you go to Europe you will probably visit churches, and other religious buildings and proper attire must be worn-no sleeveless tops, no shorts and in some places a head covering. In Thailand it was necessary to remove our shoes before entering their holy places. You are in some else’s country and must abide by their rules. No matter where you are headed remember that cabins are small and have little closets and drawers. This is an important fact to know when you are packing.

Bring all of your toiletries, film, in-cabin wine, lotions, medications and dental care products from home. They will be quite pricey on the ship. If you have an on going medical problem have your doctor write a brief medical history so you can supply it to the ships doctor if a problem should arise. You should also pack things like, Alka Seltzer, constipation relief, cough drops, aspirin and band aids. Make up a little first aid kit that suits your needs. Don’t laugh, you will probably be trying new foods, eating more than usual, and you never know how you will react. Those items mentioned above are expensive on the ship.

A few things that are handy are clothes pins for weighing down the shower curtain (the showers are small and the curtain will stick to you when your wet. This really gives me the creeps). A highlighter is great for highlighting the activities on your daily cruise sheet. The night before highlight the events you want to participate in and all you have to do is glance at the sheet to know where you want to be and when. Tell your room steward on the first day to leave you two daily cruise sheets so each of you will have one. This way if one of you wants to go to the wine tasting and the other wants to join in the art auction you both know where and when. Then when it’s over, call each other on the two way radios and meet up for a drink or lunch or whatever. Another valuable little item is “post it notes” if you don’t have the two way radios. Just write on the post it where you are going and at what time and then stick on the outside of the cabin door. Presto your traveling partner knows where you are and when to expect you back. This is great for parents traveling with children.

Cruise Tip: Pack business cards with your email address on them. You meet all kinds of interesting people that you will want to stay in touch with. Some of our best friends are people we met on cruises, friends we continue to cruise with. I like to pack computer generated address labels to make it easy to send postcards.

I read this tip in several cruise reviews. Send a postcard to yourself. I have postcards from all over the world with the local stamps that I have sent to our home during each of our exotic cruises. I have a stamp from the CCCP - that was the USSR- years ago. Its fun and you will always get a chuckle when the post card catches up to you after you are home.

It is a smart thing to bring along your cell phone (which means the charger too). If you incur delays you can call your Travel Agent and have her call the cruise lines. You can make phone calls while you’re leaving port on the ship, and in some islands. The islands I have found to be cell phone friendly are the Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman. It’s great for phoning for a cab to the airport, or getting in touch with friends when you disembark. On the islands that do provide service you won’t have to wait in long lines (pay phones on the islands is where the crew keeps in touch with home). It’s just a handy thing to do and would be invaluable in an emergency.

Please don’t forget a good sunscreen if you are going to the Caribbean. If you are from the colder climes and have not seen the sun in awhile you will NEED it. Even in Alaska you have to wear a sunscreen.

Lastly, don’t forget your camera. Put this in your carry on, do not pack it. I have a friend that went to Hawaii and video taped a wedding, packed the camera in her luggage and it was stolen on the way home. If it is digital camera take extra memory cards since you will be taking lots of pictures and the cards are more expensive once you leave home.

Follow this advice and you will have a very enjoyable and comfortable cruise.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

What do filing an income tax return, saving money and taking a cruise all have in common? Well, if handled well, you can ‘have your cake and eat it too’! That’s right, you can save money and take a cruise by utilizing your tax return properly.

In Canada for example, earners have the opportunity to invest in an RRSP – a registered retirement savings plan. By saving in an RRSP, one can minimize the amount of income tax that they must pay. Most employees have income tax deductions taken off their pay based on their income, marital status etc. The RRSP contribution amount actually reduces the ‘income’ which lowers the amount of income tax payable. In short, this usually means a healthy income tax refund cheque.

Although there is a limit as to how much one can contribute to an RRSP for tax considerations, the year’s amount can be increased if one has not taken advantage of previous years’ investment limit. So, if one takes advantage of this ‘top-up’ the income tax payable is lower still, and the income tax refund increases.

Think about it for just a minute. By taking advantage of the RRSP contribution limit on your tax return, you can save money for your retirement and get a tax refund cheque with which you can purchase a cruise vacation! How’s that for ‘having your cake and eating it too’?

Many other countries or states have similar programs. By maximizing your tax refund, you are able to both save and spend.

Of course there is a deadline for placing the contributions for the current year’s consideration. You certainly would not want to miss this contribution deadline. That would mean that you would have to wait until next year to take your income tax refund cruise vacation.

You have worked hard all year. Make your hard work pay even more dividends for your by taking a fabulous cruise vacation while saaving some of your hard earned cash. Use every benefit allowed on your tax return so that you can ‘have your cake and eat it too’.

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of your #1 source for cruise information, romantic getaways, cruisewear and great deals! Visit A1-Discount-Cruises to book your cruise vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages. Contact us at info@a1-discount-cruises.com

The areas prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the N-NW. It is first felt in June and becomes stronger through July, August and September when it can reach force 8. It dies down in October. In the spring and autumn gales are common from the N and the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures often reach 35 deg C.

Milos is the southwesternmost of the Cyclades. A large bay, Ormos Milou, was scooped out when an ancient volcano erupted and hot sulphur springs still exist today. Adhamas is the island’s port Go bow or stern to the E side of the ferry pier or bow to the smaller pier to the E. It is also possible to anchor off to the SE of the short pier. The bottom is mud rocks and weed and poor holding in places. There is good shelter from the Meltemi but winds from the south can produce dangerous conditions. There is water on the ferry pier and fuel can be delivered. Most provisions can be obtained in the village and there are some tavernas. Climb the hill to the Chora at Milos for breathtaking views across the bay. There are several other anchorages in the bay that are exposed to the north. There are no facilities at any of them. Apollonia is in the NE of Milos. Go bow or stern to the pier or anchor of the beach. Holding is good on a sandy bottom. There are tavernas and a mini market ashore. Ormos Voudhia lies one mile to the south of Apollonia. There is good shelter from the Meltemi but the surroundings are unattractive with open cast mines and a wharf and ore carrier all in view.

Kimilos lies to the NE of Milos. There are two anchorages in Ormos Sikia in the SW of the island. They are exposed to the N - NW and unsuitable when the Meltemi is blowing. Pirgonisi is a long sandy beach on the south coast and yachts can anchor almost anywhere along it in attractive surroundings. Good holding on sand and weed. Psathi lies further along the coast to the east. Go bows to the quay or anchor off. There is little shelter from the Meltemi and yachts are advised to use this anchorage only in calm weather. There are a couple of tavernas ashore and limited provisions can be obtained in the village. Just to the north is Semina Creek and yachts can anchor in the bay. Like Psathi, there is little shelter from the Meltemi and Psathi should be used only in calm weather.

The in the NW of island of Poliagos there is a lovely secluded anchorage just to the south of the tiny island of Moanolsi. There is shelter from the Meltemi and good holding on the sandy bottom. On the south side of the island there are several coves that yachts can anchor in when conditions are calm.

Folegandros is another barren, rocky island with exception of the small Chora in the NE that lies among green trees and shrubs. The island’s ferry port is Karavostasi. Go bow or stern to the mole on the south side of the arm extending westward. There is poor holding in places on sand and rock. There is reasonable shelter from the Meltemi. There are several tavernas but provisions can be difficult to obtain and the island is totally reliant on deliveries by ferry. On the W side of Folegandros is the large bay, Ormos Vathi. It can only be used in calm weather and there is poor holding in places on sand and weed.

Sikinos lies to the E of Folegandros. Ormos Skala is the only harbour on the island. Yachts can go alongside the quay or anchor off. There are tavernas ashore and some provisions can be obtained. The setting is attractive and popular with Greek tourists.

3.5 miles to the east of Sikinos lies Ios. It is claimed Homer is buried here. He died aboard a ship on passage from Samos to Athens and his body was thrown overboard and later washed up on Ios. Go bow or stern to in the harbour of Port Ios. There is excellent holding in mud. A mini tanker can deliver fuel and water is available from a public fountain in the square. There are tavernas all around the harbour and most provisions can be obtained. The resort is popular with the young and most of the bars play loud music in the evenings/night. Ormos Milopotamou lies to the S of Port Ios. In the north of the bay there are 4 coves where yachts can anchor, the easterly two provide the best shelter. Holding is good on sand. There are tavernas and hotels on the beach. Ormos Manganari is a large bay on the south coast of Ios, it is possible to anchor throughout the bay with good holding on sand. There are tavernas ashore.

Thira is similar to Milos in as much as it is a volcano and when it erupted in 1440 – 1450 BC it created the bay as it is today. The close lying islands of Thirasia, Nea Kammeni and Palaia Kammeni are also part of this huge volcanic structure. Around the basin, on cliffs 300m high you will see white Cycladic houses with blue painted windows hanging from black volcanic rocks which rise sheer from the sea all group together to make Thira is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

Finikia lies in the N of Thira. Anchor to the W of the mole in 10 –20m with a trip line because the bottom is rocky. Limited shelter from the Meltemi and completely open to the S. Skala Thira is the harbour of the island’s capital on the steep slopes above. Go bow or stern to the quay with a line to the large mooring buoy. Departing is difficult with the confusion of the many lines attached to the buoy and it is recommended that yachts are not left unattended. There is water on the quay and several tavernas in the harbour.
On the coast south of Ak Akrotiri there are a number of anchorages that provide good shelter from the Meltemi. The bottom is good holding in sand but there is often some ground swell that causes yachts to roll badly. Monolithos is a small harbour on the E coast. Go bows to the breakwater near its extremity with a long line. There is a taverna and showers ashore.

Thirasia is the westernmost island and the only anchorage is Ayios Nikolaos. Yachts can anchor off but the small pier is reserved for local boats. There are tavernas ashore and some provisions are available in the village atop the cliffs.

Nea Kammeni has a number of small inlets where a yacht can anchor. A trip line should be used as the bottom is strewn with rocks that are likely to snag an anchor. Nea Kammeni is known for it’s problem with large rats and there are many reports of the getting aboard yachts.

Anafi is the southernmost of the Cyclades. It has one anchorage on the S coast that is exposed. The island is barren and parched and you will not miss a lot if you choose not to visit.

The Chandris Line was the precursor of Celebrity Cruises.
One of the ships operated by Chandris was the beautiful Liner America previously owned by the United States Line and initially captained by Demitrios Challioris who had been in charge of a crude oil tanker in Southampton.

Chandris bought the largest passenger liner ever in Greece called the Australis. The Australis had served extensively as a troop ship during the second world war so underwent a major refit and became a one-class configuration geared to carry 2300 passengers.

The aft promenade decks were extended, a swimming poolwas added, and air conditioning was installed.

She made 3 month voyages around the world from Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Southampton, Casablanca, Las Palmas, Cape Town,(or through the Mediterranean via Gibraltar, Naples, Malta, Piraeus, Port Said and Aden), Freemantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Suva, Tahiti, Acapulco, Balboa, Cristobal, Port Everglades and return to Southampton.

Chandris Lines also had the Australian Government’s prized immigrant contract bringing tens of thousands of new immigrants out to major ports in Australia.

The ships were always sold out so that there were 3 sittings for dinner and special sittings for kids. P&O, a rival cruise line, had ceased the line voyage business to Australia so that the Australis was now known as “the world’s largest express liner” .

In 1977 Australis tried a new itinerary from the South Pacific to points in South America to Portugal.
Interest in Sea Travel at that time was low and Australis and became the sole remaining liner on the trade.
New Immigrants now traveled by jet.

In November of 1977 Australis was laid up.
In 1978 she was sold to US investors.
They mismanaged the ship and their company, Venture Cruises, was declared bankrupt.

Guess who bought the ship in bankruptcy court?
Chandris Lines.
For $4 million less than the amount for which they sold her four months earlier!

The ship was laid up and sold in 1992.
Celebrity Cruises was created by Chandris Lines as a separate luxury cruise line, initially using Chandris’s Galileo, which was renamed Meridian after she was rebuilt. She was joined by the new ships Horizon and Zenith in 1990 and 1992.

In 1989 there was a need in the Cruise Industry for a luxury product at a decent price.
Chandris wanted to establish a worldwide standard for cruising by The company was determined to set a new, worldwide standard for cruising.

Exceptional Cuisine and all its facets became the mainstay of the Celebrity Cruise experience.
Master Chefs serve as the line’s revered culinary and wine consultants since its founding.

In 1995 Celebrity introduced the so called Century Class Fleet with an Industry first:
Luxurious Spa Experiences.
In 1997, Celebrity Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean International, bringing together two extraordinary cruise brands within one corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Today Royal Caribbean uses 29 Cruise Liners.

Cruising has become so popular that from 2000 to 2002 Royal Caribbean doubled its passenger capacity.
Its newest ships use gas turbine engines reducing exhaust emissions by 95% and have become traveling art shows as well. They boast original paneling and artifacts from famous transatlantic luxury liners.

In 2001, building on the strengths of both the Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands,Royal Celebrity Tours was started to offer truly unique vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe, combining outstanding cruises with exceptional pre- or post-cruise land tour packages now known as “cruisetours.”

Frank Vanderlugt loves Celebrity Cruise Lines.

http://www.celebrity-cruise-now.info and http://www.2qz.com/condo-cruise-ship and http://www.condo-cruise-ship.com

Have you spent years envying those who take cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas while you’re stuck at home or driving to Florida? Well, now is the time to take action. Cruises aren’t just for the rich anymore; they’re for everyone!

Cruise lines have dropped their prices low enough that just about anyone who wants to go can save enough to take a cruise.

Although you might look at the prices for cruises online or at your local travel agency, and think I’m crazy. It really is possible. The great thing about a cruise is that one price pays for everything.

All your meals are included, and food is available constantly throughout the day! In my opinion, anywhere that feeds you well is always worth the price. However, if you happen to disagree, just start adding up how much you spend on food during a normal family vacation. Likely, you spend more than what the cruise is charging you.

If you are still not quite convinced that a cruise is for you, consider the fact that you won’t have to spend any time waiting in traffic when you’re on a boat. Nor will you have to spend hours driving to get to a great destination.

Instead of spending a lot of time cooped up in the car, the entire length of your cruise will be spent having fun together. No “Mommy, are we there yet?” just good old fashioned fun in the sun!

The real test of whether a cruise is for you is to decide what it will really cost in both time and money. Sometimes it is better to pay more up front in order to have more quality time to spend with your family. I discovered this to be true when I went on my first cruise. I wasn’t really excited about it at first because of the price; however, after a week on a cruise, I was a convert!

My experience went something like this: “I don’t want to pay all that money….. Well, I guess we could…. Now, THIS is what I’m talking about!”

For a whole seven days, I didn’t have to cook or clean or even make up the beds. There were maids and professional chefs there to do it for me.

Not once did I have to pull the kids away from the television, because there were so many fun shows and outdoor events that I had to beg them to come inside occasionally.

For one whole week, I was a queen. If only all of life was like a cruise…

Nicole Minard, traveler and internet publisher, is a
contributing author for A
Travel To, offering free information and resources for
travelers. Articles by Nicole can also be found
at FNX Cruise.

When going on a cruise, packing can be a slightly stressful but fun chore. You might be worrying about remembering everything? If you forget something, chances are you can buy it on the ship. The cruise lines are more then happy to sell you those little things you forgot…for an inflated price of course. That disposable underwater camera that you could buy on sale at home, might cost you up to three times that price on the ship, or in port. So well ahead of the cruise, I prepare a list of things I want to bring. The list can be modified and reused for the next cruise. Then as I am packing things into the suitcases, I place a little checkmark on the list to show I packed that particular item.

The following is part of my own list. It is by no means complete, or will it work for everyone. Copy and paste the list into an editor, and tweak it to fit your own needs.

Miscellaneous:

Cruise and airline tickets

Passports or driver’s licenses and birth certificates

Camera

Film if bringing film camera

Memory cards if bringing digital camera

Underwater disposable cameras

Guide books for places you are visiting

Reading material

Mp3 player loaded with favorite music

Contact info for friends and family

Batteries for electronic devices (correct sizes)

Athletic bag for carrying snorkel equipment, towels, etc etc. (double as carry-on bag)

Pin number for credit card cash

Toiletries: (most of this should be packed in carry-on luggage)

Prescription drugs (ALWAYS pack in carry on luggage)

Lotion

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Hairbrush

Shaving cream

Razors

Spare contacts and glasses (ALWAYS pack in carry on luggage)

Contact solution, and case

Sunglasses

Sewing kit (for loose buttons, seams, etc

Suntan lotion or sunblock

Aloe vera lotion

Shampoo

Deodorant soap

Deodorant

Motion sickness pills

Clothes:

Suit or dress

Dress shirt(s) or blouse

Dress socks or stockings

Dress shoes

White shirts

Tie(s)

Casual pants

Casual shoes

Casual shirts

Belt(s)

Sandals

Shorts

Swim-trunks

Socks (tube or ankle high)

Sneakers

T-shirts and tank tops

Hats

Fanny packs

Optional:

2 12packs soft drinks (wrapped in plastic bags)

(I do this, because I drink a lot of pop, and it is nice to have some cold pop’s available in the cabin. Just keep a couple of cans in the ice bucket with ice. At the end of the cruise, you have the space and weight available for souvenirs.

Comments:

Seal stuff that might leak inside plastic bags (ie shampoo, toothpaste…)

Rob Jacob loves to travel and runs a travel related blog at TravelWithRJ.com