Hints for packing light
If weight versus convenience is an issue when you are travelling, you might consider
the following packing ideas:
Use a carry-on convertible suitcase/backpack or soft-sided suitcase
with wheels.
Use bags to categorize toiletries, first-aid items, camera and electronics
paraphernalia.
Roll clothes, or zip-lock outfits (shirt, shorts, underwear, socks)
in airless bags to minimize wrinkles.
Minimize clothing by bringing less and washing more often. Spend
a few minutes washing every couple of nights. Choose dark, lightweight, wrinkle-free
clothes that dry quickly or clothes designed to purposely look good wrinkled. Do a
hand-wash home test run if you are unsure of results.
Spread out everything you might need for your trip on the floor
and scrutinize each item.
— Ask yourself if you will really use each item enough to justify carrying
it.
— Can you buy the item on location and give it away after you
use it rather than carry it to your next location?
— Think in terms of what you can do without, not what will be handy.
— Toiletries and similar items can be purchased in most destinations
around the world. You don't need to carry a three-month supply with you.
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RCCL Allure of the Seas Review - Countdown to Launch
In November 2010, the 220,000-ton, 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas will debut,
joining sister ship Oasis of the Seas as the second of two biggest ships ever constructed.
The Oasis-class vessels will be a whopping 40 percent larger than the current title
holders, Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class trio. Oasis of the Seas, the first of the
two behemoths, is set to debut in December 2009.
Allure of the Seas will sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean
cruises every Sunday from Ft. Lauderdale starting December 12, 2010. The Eastern
Caribbean voyages will call on St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau. The Western
Caribbean voyages will call on Falmouth, Jamaica's new cruise port; Cozumel; and
Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach on Haiti. Both itineraries will feature
three days at sea.
Curious about Allure of the Seas' onboard amenities? Check out our full coverage of
copycat sister ship Oasis of the Seas.
Carnival announces new Conquest amenities
Carnival has recently announced that their Conquest now has several new amenities
and services following her completion of her dry dock on February 1. Here are her updates:
* Addition of Seaside Theatre!
Massive 270 sq. ft. LED screen on Lido Deck displaying movies, concerts, sporting
events, and other programming including a "Morning Show" hosted by the ship's cruise
director. Utilizing the same technology featured in large stadiums and New York's
Times Square, the state-of-the-art entertainment system includes a 70,000-watt sound
system, providing concert quality sound, even outdoors
* Addition of Circle "C" lounge (12-14 yr. olds)
The center now includes a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma screen TV's
displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the
latest video games and consoles.
* Space updates for Camp Carnival (2-11 yr. olds)
Now 4,200 sq. ft with updated gaming stations.
* Space updates for Club O2 (15-17 yr. olds)
Now 1800 sq. ft. featuring new plasma TV's.
* New exercise equipment in Spa Carnival
* New mattresses, carpet and vanity stools in staterooms
* Balconies added to the Ocean View staterooms on the Spa Deck
Including these accommodations, Carnival Conquest now has 573 total balcony staterooms.
* WiFi access now available bow to stern!
This enables guests to use their laptop computers from any location on the ship,
including their staterooms.
Low prices to Alaska
Now is the best time for low cruise pricing to Alaska and many other locations
because there are so many new ships with large capacities for cruisers. The cruise
lines are offering many special because of this competition.
Normally prices are higher in the summer when kids are out of school, but this year
is an exception.
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Voyager of the Seas sits majestically at the dock in Cozumel.
RCCL Voyager of the Seas Transatlantic
Voyager departed April 19 for a Transatlantic Eastbound crossing from Galveston,
Texas to Southampton, England. She will spend the summer cruising the Mediterranean
before returning to Galveston on November 29.
If you've ever thought of a Transatlantic cruise, this is a GREAT opportunity. The
14 Night Westbound cruise has Special Pricing starting from* $649.00 USD. Ports of
call are departing
Barcelona, Spain to:
Cartagena, Spain
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Nassau, Bahamas
Galveston, Texas
Sea lions basking on icebergs.
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