Pack, pack, pack

pack Pack, pack, pack

It’s finally time to start thinking about packing for the Caribbean. Whooo hoooo! Bon voyage day is almost upon us.

Here’s a list of things you don’t want to forget:

• Passport: Check, check, double check that you have a valid passport. Do it now … I’ll wait. Tell me the expiration date is after November 15, 2009. If you don’t have a passport, it’s muy facile to get one. Google “passport expedite.” See how easy it is. You can have a passport in less than 24 hours. I’ve done it. It works.

• Pants: If you forget yours, you’ll be able to find pants to borrow, but nothing beats your very own pants. Bring jeans and slacks.

• Sunscreen: Until we fix global warming, pack at least SPF 15 and make it biodegradable.

• Toiletries: Razor, lotion, make up (or not), hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, iguana claw, hair brush, mousse, gel, Advil, tampons / pads, Q-Tips, etc.

• Hairdryer: If you have long or thick hair, you’ll want to bring your own dryer. The ones in the cabins are weak. Yours needs to be under 1,000 watts.

• Shorts: Cargo shorts — check! Camo shorts — check! Bermuda shorts — check! Board shorts — check! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you don’t need my help packing.

• Tank tops / T-shirts: Like you’d ever forget those.

• Sun dresses: These are optional … obviously, but if you like them, you’ll want to pack them.

• Sweater / jacket: We’re looking at warm weather for the week, but the air conditioning on the ship can get a bit chilly and it does cool down at night.

• Hat: Bring one, bring one for everyday or buy one on board. You’ll want a hat. There’s going to be sun.

• Sunglasses: Combine these with the hat and we’re talking hot, hot, hot. Bring a case for them, too. You do not need to be squinting into scratched up glasses.

• Watch: Take your Sweet time (and keep track of it, too).

• Flip flops: Essential footwear for the woman on the go. Formal flip flops for the evening, casual flip flops for the day and don’t forget your gag flip flops for starting conversations with strangers.

• Swimsuit, swimmie fins and water shoes

• Daypack: You’ll want something to carry around in port.

• Champagne and Bubbles party outfit: This is a snazzy soiree. Think tuxedos and ball gowns. Think prom night, but without the inexpert groping in the back of a stretch limo after too many Lynchberg Lemonades. Ahhh, memories.

• Pink party outfit: Don’t start with me, everyone looks good in pink. You don’t have to wear a pink tutu, tights and wig to fit in at this party. Besides, that’s what Flavia’s wearing. Be creative. Wear as much pink as you can stand or accent your outfit in pink. A pink tie, pink belt, pink bracelet … time to go to Hot Topic.

• 80s throwback outfit: Think “Flashdance.” You know, leg warmers, acid wash, jean jackets, Hammer pants, fishnet gloves, hairspray, spandex, neon and loads of jelly bracelets and tacky jewelry. Disco Bambina takes us back with all your favorite New Wave hits. Click for inspiration. A little more inspiration. And because we couldn’t resist, a little more inspiration. Wow, this is turning into a Hot Topic commercial.

• Sweet and Sassy outfit: Think good girl – bad girl, angel – devil or naughty – nice. We all look forward to your creative interpretations. It’s all about your attitude, wear whatever makes you feel sassy or sweet.

• PJs or lingerie: Before our party the last night, we have to put our luggage out in the hall in preparation to leave one another. So we can spend more time together, we’re going to party in our PJs or whatever you wear to bed. I know, some of you sleep in the buff, bring a towel or something to sit on, if that’s your outfit for the last night party.

• Workout gear: Don’t forget your sneakers, shorts, sports bras and tank tops. The gym on Norwegian Spirit is top notch. You’ll want to check it out.

• Business cards / notepad: You’re going to meet a lot of women with whom you’ll want to stay connected.

• United States to European converter, if you are bringing more than one electrical appliance.

• Camera with extra batteries or charger: Don’t miss a thing.

• A water bottle: You’ll want to refill this early and often.

• An English-language children’s book: We’re stocking a children’s library in Belize City with books for children 6 to 10 year old. Please bring one or two of your favorite selections. Because of port rules, when we disembark, you’ll carry your donations off the ship, through the port and deposit them into a collection vehicle. Keep that in mind if you’re feeling generous, you’ll need to carry whatever you bring out of the port. Gently used children’s toys and clothing are welcome for our hospital project.

• Work gloves: If you plan to participate in one of our beach clean ups or our wetlands restoration project, you’ll need to bring some gloves. Check out our projects, choose the one that’s right for you, pack your gloves if it looks like you’ll need them.

Share your favorite packing tips and anything I missed in the comments section below.

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32 Comments

 

Hi,

Does the ship have WIFI?
Are there computers on the ship for access?
And if I bring my iphone will I be able to use it and connect to the internet and phone service?

I am not sure if the high seas have internet and phone service accessibility and just wanted to see if someone could shed some light on that for me!

Thanks,

Tracy

 

Can you use the passport card for the cruise?
Its good for sea and land travel to mexico, caribean, bermuda and canada?

 

Yes, a passport card will work for this cruise.

 

Yes, the ship has wifi and computers; however, internet access is pretty expensive.

INTERNET ACCESS ON THE SPIRIT
It’s not the best you’ll ever have, but it’s not the worst and, hey, you’re on vacation, you need some time away from e-mail anyway. Internet cards work on your computer and the ship’s computers.

Here are the rates you’ll pay on board:
250 minutes: $100 at 40 cents per minute
100 minutes: $55 at 55 cents per minute
Pay as you go: 75 cents per minute

You will be able to get cell reception, but it’s really expensive to use on the ship. It’s best to leave your phone off while we’re on board (even when we’re in port).

 

Hi there cruise goers!!!! I wanted to know if the sweet and sassy was like a costume party? I just can’t get my mojo going on what to bring for this event….please help.

 

It’s an attitude party. It’s about showing your personality. Wear what makes you feel Sweet and Sassy. :)

 

With no cell phone service, and incredibly expensive wifi, is there an internet cafe? Is there an emergency phone number where people can reach us on board? How do people stay in touch with home? Postcards?

 

Yes, there is an emergency phone number where people may reach you. It’s 1.888.627.4477. Additionally, there are internet cafes in the ports. If you bring your laptop, you can write your emails offline, log on for a moment to sent them, then log off to save money.

 

Is there a physician on board just in case someone needs medical attention?

 

Yes! A physician and nurse are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship’s doctor.

 

Most ships allow calls home. Does the ship have phones we can make calls from? If so, what is the rate?

 

FROM THE NCL FAQ:
All of our ships have computer terminals you can rent by the hour at the Internet Café. You can also telephone, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in the world and be billed* at applicable ship-to-shore rates. NCL guests can also be contacted on our ships by calling 1.888.NCSHIPS (1.888.627.4477) from the USA. For the rest of the world please dial 1.732.335.3280. When guests are contacted with the ship via satellite, they can be reached directly, if they are in their stateroom. If not, a message about the incoming call will be delivered to their stateroom and then they can call back* the shore via satellite. NCL guests can also make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and read emails on their own cell phones and mobile devices just as they do on land when the ship is at sea with the Freestyle Cellular Service. Staying in touch with family and friends when cruising has never been so easy.

NCL Ship Telephone & Fax Numbers

When calling from the United States: Dial 1.888.NC SHIPS (627.4477), select the ship, and enter your credit card information.

When Calling from outside the United States: Dial 1.732.335.3280, select the ship, and enter your credit card information.

*Please use American Express, MasterCard and Discover Card, only.

To download the rate card, visit http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPages.html?pageId=FAQ

 

What is a passport card?

 

A passport card is a passport in card form; however, they are not recognized by all countries, so it’s best to get a passport booklet.

 

how are the waters in the caribbean? do very many people get seasick?

 

It depends, but generally the Caribbean is pretty calm. The ship is huge with stabilizers. I could barely feel the ship move when I was on in April. Seasickness is pretty minor. It goes away pretty fast, too. Your body gets used to the motion.

 

Something for the packing list:

For those going with the one they love, don’t forget to pack that really special card you picked up so you can tuck it under her pillow the first night. You know, the one that tells her all those wonderful things you wish you could tell her every day. If you really want to kick it up a notch, you can arrange on-board for a rose to put on the pillow with it.

For those going single, do not pack your ex, pictures of your ex or memories of your ex. It will just make meeting someone to take on the next cruise more difficult.

 

I was told by my sales agent to get a passport book for this trip not a card. :-) Yay! A week and a half!

 

are all the theme parties inside or are some outside?

 

If you are going on any of the more “jungle” type excursions on shore (e.g., to Mayan Ruins, river boat rides, etc.) you should think about getting the malaria prevention medications. Belize is an espacially high-risk area (outside of Belize City), according to the CDC. Typhoid vaccine (oral form lasts 5 years) is also recommended, as well as hepatitis A and B (these give life-long protection and are good to have anyway). See you doctor, or a travel health clinic ASAP.

 

All of the theme parties are indoors.

 

I’m glad to see biodegradable sunscreen on the packing list. I recently learned that this is VERY important for protecting the coral reefs. Regular sunscreen causes coral bleaching (and eventually, death of the coral). Mexico has a law now that you have to wear biodegradable sunscreen near any of tehh marine preserves (including the areas we are going). So, whether you are swimming or snorkeling, please get some! Other manufacturers include Mexitan, Soleo Organics, Kiss My Face, and UV Natural in addition to Caribbean Sol. Mexitan is the cheapest I’ve found, and online reviews seem to indicate that it is not as greasy-feeling as some of the others.

 

ok, shannon, so what is an ‘iguana claw’? is this an implement we need to protect ourselves out there on the open seas or, in port? or is it for catching and cook iguanas (or taking home as a pet perhaps?)!

do we need ‘lipstick’ to explain? ;-)

also – as far as length of pants to wear – what’s the temps like where we are going? days? nights? or, can we go somewhere online to get the weather forecast?

i’m a HOT one and, usually don’t need (long) pants unless it gets humid and below 70……hehehe – also i have great legs and prefer capris being a floridian…

 

Hi! I don’t meen to be a wet blanket but I thought I’d ask about H1N1. Are we goig to ports that have had a outbreak?

 

We have no reports of H1N1 in our port cities.

 

Are we aloud to bring a travel iron? Or is there one on the boat? Or are there no irons aloud??

 

There are no irons and you may not bring one. However, the ship will press your clothes for you at extremely reasonable rates.

 

I’ve had great experiences with Downy Wrinkle Releaser… And you can get a travel sized one at many department stores in their mini-size-stuff section. Might not be great for formal wear but it will be fine for just about everything else. :-) Six days and 4 hours!

 

Hi, Can you tell me if you are allowed to brikng alcohol on the ship? I hear the cocktail prices are extremely expensive

 

You are allowed one bottle of wine. Cocktails on board are not extremely expensive. When you pay for your drinks, the gratuity to your server is already included in that price. The prices are in line with going out anywhere for a drink.

 

omg, i just read the post about the vaccinations!!! yikes…should I not participate in some of those excursions in belize then?!

also curious – do we know approximately how many single ladies are on this cruise?? ;-)

 

We’ve got over 400 single ladies! We don’t have any vaccination advisories.

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