And the fun begins

I don’t know about you, but we have never had to pack for a trip over 16 days long. It is amazing to see all of the “STUFF” that you use on a daily and regular basis, laid out in front of you, times 34, then try and pack it all. It’s one thing to pack shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes in a duffel bag, but we’re talking 9 formal dinner nights. I mean can you imagine dressing in full Tuxedo (and white dinner jacket), 9 times with in a 30 day period?  At least the rest of the nights will be “smart casual” and for us that means island attire.

You are pretty vulnerable when cruising. Besides your normal health, beauty and laundry needs, you have to try and anticipate any emergency needs that might arise such as colds, cuts or anything else that might put you at a disadvantage.  It wouldn't be so bad if all the ports we’re visiting gave us the ability to pop into a drug store or pharmacy and pick up things when needed, however, once we cross Equator, we will visit places like Fanning Island where they don’t  have electricity let alone a drugs store. So for that reason, I have packed a mini pharmacy filled with things we might need and can always use later. Then there is your basic fun “stuff” like cameras, books, IPOD, snorkel gear and wine. Oh yea, we packed a few bottles of our favorite wine and champagne.

We hope to get it all in 4 large bags and 2 suit bags the laptop and camera bags.  Being that Sandy has not packed yet, I may need to revise that count.

More when we are away.