Extravaganza! The Best Place On Earth.

Well, it's that time of year again.  A time when people from all over the country haul all of their crap to Renningers Antique Market in Mount Dora, Fl and put it out for sale.  Also known as, my favorite thing ever.  The picture doesn't really capture the size of this event.  I walked it for 4 hours and did not cover it.  This was the first of 3 Extravaganzas (or the last of 3 for the calendar year - for me it's the beginning of Extravaganza season).  There will be one in January and one in February.

As you can see, there is something for everyone.  That tower of Pyrex was my treasure chest, as I was looking for a bowl with lid to keep my sourdough starter in.  I also picked up a cute galvanized metal tray that could be used for a planter or... Who knows?

My sourdough starter is living happily in her new pyrex.  Now, what do I need when I go back in January?  The options are endless.

Review: Harmony of the Seas

Known as the world's biggest cruise ship, The Harmony of the Seas has a lot to offer for cruisers of all ages.  There are 3 water slides (The Perfect Storm), an ice skating rink, 2 rock walls, two flow riders, a 10 story dry slide (The Abyss!), 3 pools, a splash area for the little ones, a sports court, the adults-only Solarium, a zipline, broadway quality shows, live music everywhere, a HUGE spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, great shopping, fantastic specialty dining options, and...I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

The ship includes seven neighborhoods: peaceful outdoor space Central Park; bustling amusement park style Boardwalk; the Royal Promenade for shopping, dining, drinking and dancing; Entertainment Place, for comedy, jazz and production shows; Youth Place, for the kids; Vitality Sea Spa and Fitness Center, for working out and getting pampered; and Pool and Sports Zone, for playing, swimming and being active.  Sometimes you forget you're even on a ship, which can be a good or bad thing depending on one's preferences.  The neighborhood plan is designed to improve flow and reduce traffic, and it does for the most part.  With almost 6,000 othee cruises on the ship you are bound to run into a crowd here and there.  

 

The variety on this ship is astounding.  There are all kinds of activities going on all day, and tons of different food & drink options are available.  You can grab a hot dog and a beer on the boardwalk, hit the buffet in Windjammer, or sit down to a nice meal in the main dining room(s) or at a high end specialty restaurant.  Oh, and STARBUCKS!  Everything I ate on board was very good, and I am not usually a big fan of the food on Royal Caribbean.

  

Your kids won't even want to see you, with all of the fun they'll be having.  Between all of the slides, Dreamworks movie time, carousel, and all of the kids programming the HOTS offers, you will be able to enjoy your vacation as much as the kids do.

I feel I need to point out the negatives, so I'm going to get picky here.  I love that there are 2 closet spaces (one on each side of the bed) but the hangers in them tend to rock back and forth and make noise.  Since they're right next to the bed, that can be annoying.  Speaking of the bed, holy moly was mine hard as a rock.  I like a firm bed but this was extreme.  I also would like to see a better beer selection on board, and if you are going to call Sabor a tequila bar, there should be a variety of tequila.  And in the sports bar, On Air, it seems like the 14 television screens should be showing a variety of games.  I'm not a sports fan, but my travel companions were very dismayed by this.

Having mentioned those few things, I would absolutely sail on this ship again, and with excitement.  This ship is perfect for families, and especially a family reunion.  There is something for everyone.  As a couple with no children, I would likely book while school is in session and hang out in the Solarium and Central Park a lot.  

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Hibiscus Tea...and a Bonus.

I don't know about you, but this election has jacked up my blood pressure.  Word on the street is that hibiscus tea is good for your blood pressure.  I have also seen claims that it can relieve high cholesterol, reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and even speed up metabolism.  All I know is that it's pretty and tastes delicious.
Hibiscus leaves can be very inexpensive if you don't buy them at a tea shoppe (a tea shop is fine but if there is an extra "pe" on the end you are going to pay through the nose).  I have found them for 90 cents per ounce in bulk at the health food store and the carniceria/bodega in my neighborhood.  I paid $4.59 for 2 oz at the tea shoppe.  Never again.
There are a couple of ways to make the tea.  One is the typical way where you boil some water and steep the leaves for about 5 or so minutes.  My new favorite way is to use a pitcher with a tea infuser and let it cold brew over night.  I don't like this method for all teas, but it's great for this one.  I use one-ish teaspoon for every 8 oz of water.  To cold brew, just fill it with as much water as you want, put the corresponding amount of hibiscus leaves in the diffuser, and pop it in the fridge.  In the morning remove the leaves.  And that's it!  I like it unsweetened but it's great with some simple syrup or agave too.

Which brings me to the bonus... When you are done brewing your tea (either method), don't throw those beautiful red leaves away yet!  You can get a second use.  Hibiscus simple syrup.  You can use the syrup to sweeten your hibiscus tea, make homemade hibiscus soda (!!!!) with some club soda or sparkling water, or use it in a cocktail.  All you need to do is combine equal parts sugar and water (I used 1/2 cup of each) with your used hibiscus leaves in a saucepan and simmer until all of the sugar has dissolved.  Then strain it and put it in a jar.  It should last a week or two in the fridge.  I hear a hibiscus martini calling me...

Voluntourism

Impact travel.  Voluntourism.  Travel with purpose.  

I am so inspired by this concept.  I hope that it catches on so that we can all increase the fulfillment of our adventures.  The problem is that these opportunities are not often made easily available to the public.  You have to go looking for them (or have me do it).

Choosing a voluntourism trip can be intimidating.  If you're like me, you want to get out into the world and do some good but you don't want to poop in a hole in the ground.  So you have to think about what you really want.  Ask yourself questions like:

• Why do I want to do this trip?  What do I hope to get out of it?
• What are my minimum requirements for accommodations?
• What are my physical and mental capabilities?  For example, Can I handle hard labor but not seeing kids in extreme poverty?  
• What climate(s) can I tolerate?
• What dietary limitations do I have?
• Am I comfortable in places where I don't speak the language?

Make sure you are dealing with a reputable organization.  It's sad to say, but there are opportunists in the world who will do things like set up a fake orphanage to make money off of people like us, who are just trying to be helpful.  We also need to make sure we are traveling with an organization that works with the local community and is welcomed by them (not just barging in to show off and make a buck).  

Voluntourism can be a way to travel inexpensively, but you need to be very flexible about the questions I mentioned above.  Most people I know would be prefer a trip organized in by a travel company who knows how to balance comfort with service (and fun!).

One of the cushiest ways to travel with a purpose is on a cruise.  Your accommodations and meals are reliable and comfortable.  Crystal Cruises has a program called "You Care, We Care".  Instead of focusing the whole trip around service, there are opportunities through their shore excursion program so get out and help.  

Another option is a Fathom Cruise.  Fathom offers 2 options:  Impact travel in the Dominican Republic or cultural exchange travel in Cuba.  Both programs are focused on building community with like-minded travelers and the cultures you visit.

I went on the DR cruise last year and have been dying to start a group to go again, which I have finally done.  You can read about my experience here.  The prices are phenomenal through Spring 2017 so my group will be going on 4/23/17.  I can definitely help you plan another date if this one doesn't work for you, but we will be offering some special activities on this one.  You can read about it here.

If you are looking for opportunities to make your next trip more meaningful, look into voluntourism.  It's great for singles, couples, groups of friends, and families (there is usually a minimum age for children).  These experiences make us feel good inside, while making us grateful for what we have and giving us a new perspective on the world.  Who doesn't want that?

Easy Quinoa Salad

Did you ever watch the show Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee?  I never got into her recipes but I just loved HER.  She was a joy to watch and has done a lot to tackle the hunger problem in America.  

Every once in a while you just don't have the energy to cook something healthy from scratch, which can lead to some pretty bad food choices.  The good news is that there are some great products out there that can help make it easy to throw something together that you will feel good about eating.  

Costco carries organic frozen quinoa & kale that you can pop into the microwave in its own bag for three and half minutes and you are good to go.  The flavor I am using today is the citrus and pepper but sometimes they have one with herbs, olive oil, and sea salt.  My sister introduced me to the latter and she mixed in black beans, edamame, and a spoonful of pesto.  I fell in love immediately, and when I saw the citrus flavor I knew just what to do.

Of course I realized, after I was done, that I forgot to put the black beans in the picture.  Technically they are optional so... Anyhoo I just chop up some onion and mango, throw some black beans in, squeeze a lime on top and add salt & pepper to taste (a little olive oil never hurts either).  Today I was hungry so I had a big bowl and topped it with some avocado to make it a meal.

There are a million variations on this, but the point is that you can have something great in less than 10 minutes if you keep a couple of shortcuts on hand.  Do you have any tricks to share?

The Swing At The End Of The World

 Photo by Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Flickr

Have you ever had a hankering to swing over a steep slope that's 2600 meters above sea level with no safety measures whatsoever?  Well I have got the trip for you.  First, we'll need to get you to Ecuador.  Since you're here for thrills, we may as well get you over to the Galapagos Islands while we're at it.

What we are looking at here is in Baños, Ecuador at a seismic monitoring station called La Casa Del Árbol (The Treehouse).  As the name suggests it’s a small house built in a tree, at the edge of a canyon.  The view from up here alone is worth the trip, but for thrill seekers, La Casa del Árbol offers a swing hanging over the precipice with a beautiful and terrifying view of the Tungurahua Volcano.  Any takers?

Homemade Granola Bars - Bananas are the only sweetener!

My latest and most passionate adventure is removing processed foods from my home and body, and it's not easy.  Thank goodness for pinterest!  In my house it's important to have some easy, grab and go snacks around.  They keep us from getting too hungry and making a bad decision.  I love granola bars, but they are loaded with sugar and salt and they don't align with my desire to eliminate processed foods.  Even a lot of the homemade ones are complicated, with too much refined sugar.

Luckily, I ran across this recipe on Oh She Glows.  I love it and have also modified it to make a second flavor.  I think it's such a great base recipe and the sky is the limit in terms of changing it up.  My FAVORITE thing about it is that the sugar and binder is just bananas.  Here is the recipe:

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 Tbsp powdered peanut butter (I use this one)

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chococate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pepitas

1/2 cup sliced almonds (I've used slivered if that's what I have.  I just chop them a little)

1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds

1/4 tsp salt 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F
2. Line a 13x9x2 baking pan with parchment paper (so you can pull them right out of the pan)
3. Mash those bananas!  I tried a manual potato masher but a fork works better.
4. Mix in the vanilla and peanut powder.
5. Pulse the oats a few times in the food processor or blender, but leave some texture.
6. Mix the oats in with the bananas.
7. Now throw everything else in and mix until combined.
8. Dump it in the baking dish and press it down until it's all even and (sort of) smooth.
9. Bake for 23-27 minutes, until firm and slightly golden brown.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes and then lift out and place on a cooling rack to finish.  I don't have a cooling rack so I use the rack from my roasting pan.
11. Slice the bars once they have cooled completely.  I get 16 bars by cutting down the middle both ways, making 4 sections.  Then I cut each section in half and then half again (the longest sides are on the top & bottom), making 4 bars from each section.

I keep these in the fridge because they go fast, but they freeze well too.  Let me know what you think!

Making Memories: My First Cup of Coffee

Today I had my first cup of coffee (yep) because where better than Vienna? We stopped in a shop with handmade ceramics and I asked the shopkeeper where the best cup of coffee was. She sent us to the Kleinen Cafe which was very charming. The first sip didn't go down too well but a little sugar made everything better. I went back to the ceramic store and bought a cup so that when I make coffee at home I will always remember this day in Vienna.

Why I'm Still Traveling to Europe this Summer

In less than 3 weeks I am scheduled to fly to Munich, where just last week there was yet another attack.  I must admit that I am a little bit fearful.  I will be visiting Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany on this trip.  There have been attacks in seemingly random places around Europe and who knows if, when, and where another one could occur?  A couple of my clients have questioned my choice and a couple of clients have canceled their Europe plans.  

On June 12th, there was a mass shooting right here in my hometown.  At Pulse nightclub, not 5 miles from my house, 49 people were killed and another 53 were injured.  Since that tragic day it seems like there is another news story every other day or so, where people have been killed, both in the States and abroad.

But none of these things will stop me.  On the contrary.

Life is short.  While I am here I intend to live fully and experience all I can.  I have worked very hard to earn opportunities to fulfill my passions, and I won't give them up out of fear.  People do risky things all the time.  Sky diving, cliff diving, scuba diving....apparently any kind of diving.  People attempt to summit Mt. Everest, knowing that once they reach a certain point their body starts dying.  While I would never do any of those things, I will be sure to feed my eyeballs with as much majestic scenery as I can get access to.  I will feed my mind and soul with the experience of as many cultures as I am allowed.  I will smell the smells and taste the flavors and hear the sounds of every place I am blessed to visit.

I will be a cautious traveler -  I will use common sense.  I will not go to any festivals, sporting events or malls.  Although I love mass transit, I will use it only when necessary.  I will be vigilant about the safety of myself and my mother (who is traveling with me) - But I will continue to be a traveler.

I wrote this post for myself, with no plan to publish it, as a way to express and release my thoughts and fears.  But I decided to share it just in case it resonates with any of you.  During my trip I will be posting frequently on our Facebook page if you would like to follow my travels.  I will be traveling on a Uniworld Boutique river cruise from Budapest to Passau, with one extra night in Munich and Budapest.  See you soon!

5 Movies That Will Make You Want To Travel

I like a pretty movie.  Sometimes I can get past a silly plot or bad acting as long as the scenery is good.  If the plot, acting, and scenery are good I am in heaven.  Here are some movies that transport me when I can't jump on a plane and go.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - I didn't really want to watch this movie.  I had nothing else to watch and I do love Kristen Wiig, so I figured I would give it a go.  I am so happy I did.  It was totally charming and the scenery is to die for.  I also enjoy hearing Scandinavian languages so there was that.  I also like accordian music.  That has nothing to do with this movie but I thought you should know so you can decide whether I am qualified to recommend movies.

Amelie - This is my favorite movie of all time.  I want to be her.  I want to live in Paris, skip stones on the canal, dig my hands into bags of grain, do good deeds...if you haven't seen it you don't know what I am talking about and you really need to get on that.  It definitely makes me long for a France trip.

Under the Tuscan Sun - Okay, okay.  I admit this one is a guilty pleasure, but it makes me happy.  It's light and fun and oh so pretty.  How I ache for Italy when I watch it.

Top of the Lake -  This one is actually a mini-series but I couldn't leave it out.  Not only is it a top notch mystery, but the New Zealand landscape is AMAZING.  If you haven't seen this one I recommend you put on your comfy pants, get your snack situation in order, and prepare to hunker down for a few hours.  After that you can call me so we can plan your trip to NZ.

Into the Wild -  This movie will make you want to scrap it all and hit the road.  He does what a tiny part of all of us wants to do and the movie is visually stunning.  In theory, I would love to do a mega-tour of Alaska and the Yukon, but I don't think I have what it takes.  Do you?

Review: Fathom Dominican Republic Cruise

Eudaimonia: (also known as Eudaemonism) is a Greek word, which refers to a state of having a good indwelling spirit or being in a contented state of being healthy, happy and prosperous. In moral philosophy, eudaimonia is used to refer to the right actions as those that result in the well-being of an individual.

Also a core value of Fathom Impact Travel.

Let me start by saying I can't wait to get back on a Fathom cruise!  Never have I seen a travel product that is so aligned with my values.  Check it out...

The Concept:  Voluntourism.  It's a thing, and Fathom is making it accessible to all.  Do you want to have a great time, stay safe and comfortable, and still make an impact?  Do you want to make your vacation SO much more meaningful?
Don't forget the kids!  This is a very rich experience that you should consider for your kids (minimum 8 years old).

The Adonia:  I was worried about the small size of the ship, but I ended up loving it. It's very easy to navigate and conducive to making new friends.  You get to know your fellow travelers because not only is it an intimate atmosphere,  but we are also all here for a common goal.  

Are there stage shows, ice skating rinks, or water slides?  No.  But there are many activities you won't find on other lines, such as morning and evening meditations, yoga, workshops that teach you spanish phrases or how to use your smartphone camera to it's fullest (and many other workshops), wine & paint nights, local musicians coming on board for a pre-dinner show, and so much more.

In Amber Cove, you will find a water slide, zip line, giant pool, sky bar, paddle boarding, kayaks, and other activities.  It's really fun to stay here for a few days, only sharing with another ship for a few hours here and there.  You start to feel like you own the place.

Impact Activities:  You can see all of the Impact Activity options here, but I will focus on the ones I chose.  I did Water Filter Production, Cacao & Women's Chocolate Cooperative, and Recycled Paper & Crafts Entrepreneurship.  I enjoyed all 3 and they were all different.  Making water filters, knowing how important clean water is, felt very impactful.  It was also quite fascinating and in a beautiful setting in the mountains.  At the Cacao factory, we helped the ladies by doing some of the time consuming busy-work so they could focus on producing chocolate.  It doesn't sound exciting but I felt like I was making a difference and the tasks were kind of relaxing - like coloring (side note:  I am loving that adult coloring books are now a thing, and they are a great item to bring along to pass the time during layovers and the like).  At the paper recycling facility, what stood out was these ladies' spirits, and that was the highlight of the trip for me.  We worked, but we also sang and danced (and got lots of hugs).  I look forward to returning so I can do the activities that I couldn't fit in this time.  

The Crew:   The crew on the Adonia are like gentle little fairies, fluttering about to make sure you feel well taken care of.  They are used to an elderly british clientele, so they are very reserved.  I wanted to bring my dinner servers (Ashly and Sumanta) home with me, and my cabin steward, Veronica, was exceptional.

Dining:  First and foremost, the waitstaff is phenomenal.  They made every evening a lovely experience.  The food on the ship is fine.  Everything I have eaten has been tasty but there were many dishes that just weren't appealing to me, so I sometimes struggled to make a choice.  One night I just had 3 appetizers and the waitstaff was completely accommodating.  The ship has been serving a british clientele for many years so there are a lot of Indian spices.  Many of my friends would love this, and I wish I liked them but I just don't.  There was also a LOT of lamb.  Again, it's a matter of personal taste.  Something I really appreciated was real cheese.  In my omelet was real cheddar and not that weird shredded american you get on some lines.  And in the buffet was an assortment of nice cheeses and crackers (my favorite snack).  Ocean Grill is the ship's sole specialty restaurant ($15-25 per person), and that was spectacular.
I had lunch on site for two of my impact activities, and those meals were the best of all.  One was a delicious sancocho (stew) and the other was rice and chicken.  Both came with a tasty avocado salad and some other sides.

Being a completely new product there are some glitches to work out, but I will be singing it's praises from the mountain tops.  I have already recommended it countless times and I just got ff the ship a few days ago.  I really hope this concept catches on and spreads all over the globe.

There was a lot of talk on the trip that started with "I wish I had brought...", so I thought I would put together a list of important and/or not always top-of-mind items.

I recommend you bring the following:

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen - Consider putting on a base layer of lotion before you even get dressed (so you don't end up burned all along the edges of your swimsuit) and then reapply frequently.  I use spray for reapplication because it's easy.
• Hat - This is for more sun protection and will give your eyes a rest from the glaring sun.
• Insect repellent - I use these patches.  They were recommended by a friend who is allergic and I have never used anything so effective.  You should test them out first or bring something else as backup just in case these don't work as well for you.
• Bandana - I can't think of an item that takes up less space but has so many uses.  You can use it to cover your head and/or neck, dip it in water and tie around your neck to cool off, use it as a dust mask, wipe your sweat or anything else, tie it onto something to make a handle or knapsack, use it as a bib if things are getting messy...just bring one (or some).
• Chewable Pepto Bismol (or candied ginger if you like to keep it natural) -  It's a small ship and you do feel the movement more than on a large ship.  You will also find yourself on a bus traveling on curvy mountain roads on the way to and from your impact activities.  Sometimes it affects me and sometimes it doesn't, but it sure is nice to have something on hand that works FAST if I need relief from nausea.  It turns out that I like to be rocked to sleep.
• Earplugs - Have you ever had a vacation ruined because of lack of sleep?  I have, and it's awful.  This is another item that takes up almost no space, but can be a vacation-saver.  Trust me on this one.
• 2 pairs of sneakers - Anytime you need sneakers, you should probably bring two pairs, because they take a long time to dry if they get wet.  I realize that if you are flying this is not ideal, but do it if you can.  Skechers Go Walk shoes changed my life.  They are super light, comfy, and slip-on (which I prefer).
• Cash - I am so terrible about this.  At a lot of the impact activity sites there will be a gift shop and they don't take cards.  They are very simple little set-ups and you're probably going to want to buy some things.  The items are inexpensive so you don't need a ton of cash, but bring some.  If you are going into town on a non-Fathom excursion, please use a neck wallet or cash belt (something that goes under your clothes).
• Hand-held fan - This is the first trip where I forgot to bring one, and I missed it.  It's just nice to have and doesn't take up a lot of space in your bag (I use a sling bag for my day trips, but any type of backpack is good).  

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

I Just Call It Walnut Pasta

Sometimes you need some comfort food.  For me, that usually means pasta and this one is the mother of all comfort foods.  I think the name for this is Noci, but I just call it Walnut Pasta. This pasta is not light, so I eat it in a small bowl or as a side dish.  Having said that, the ingredient list is simple and so is the execution.  Since only 2 people live here, I halved the recipe.  It's always equal parts walnuts to cream so it's easy to modify.

The first step is to toast your walnuts.  In my toaster oven it only takes about 5 minutes on 400, but in the big oven it usually takes 9 or 10 minutes.  Be sure to watch them because they can go from beautiful to burnt in seconds.  When you smell them it's time to start watching like a hawk (or just take them out).  

Next you put the walnuts, cream, garlic, and salt & pepper into the blender.  Don't forget to put the liquid in first.  Liquid first, always.  Blend on high until the walnuts are completely blended into the cream.  When you take the lid off of the blender, you will be punched in the face by one of the most incredible aromas you've ever smelled.  Dramatic?  Maybe, but you let me know.

In the meantime, boil your pasta according to the directions.  I prefer fusilli for this dish because those spirals really grab onto the sauce.  I also realized that I prefer wheat pasta for this.  It's nuttiness is a great match.  As I mentioned, I halved the recipe.  If you don't feel comfortable eye-balling it to use half of the box, you can weigh it out.  Drain the pasta and then stir in the sauce.  I realize this sauce is already quite rich, but a sprinkle of parmesan or romano really finishes it off.

1 lb pasta
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1 cup heavy cream
1 or 2 cloves of garlic - this is going to stay raw so be careful if you don't like a strong garlic taste
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan, to sprinkle on top

Blend walnuts, cream, garlic, and salt & pepper in the blender until smooth.  Add to cooked pasta.  Sprinkle with parmesan, and enjoy!

First Time Cruising

 Photo by Roger from Flickr

Congratulations!  

You are about to be addicted to cruises.  Cruising is such a great value and so darn easy.  You get a lot for your money and you can be as lazy or as active as you like.  There is something for everyone.  I've put together a few items to get you acquainted with how cruising works, but if you think of any questions please let me know. 

Here's what's included:

• Accommodations
• Meals
• Many non-alcoholic beverages 
• Shows, live music, and lots of entertainment
• Programs and activities for kids/teens

Here's whats not:

• Gratuities
• Casino
• Spa
• Shopping
• Internet
• Alcoholic and specialty beverages (most cruise lines charge for soda as well)
• Specialty dining

Photo by Prayitno from Flickr

Required documents:  Please visit travel.state.gov to see what you need to bring.  

Flight times: If you are flying to the port I always recommend flying in the night before.  I can help you with booking a hotel for the night if you wish. When booking your return flight I recommend a flight no earlier than 5 hours from the time the ship arrives - more if possible.  Sometimes there are delays during debarkation and there is nothing worse than ending a lovely vacation in a panic.

Getting to the port:  The cruise lines offer airport transfers that I can set up for you, or we can look at outside companies and/or private transportation.

Insurance:  Always recommended.  Emergencies happen, and the cruise lines do not make exceptions when you are inside of the cancellation penalty period.   In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, the more comprehensive travel insurance plans available today may also cover emergency medical expenses; emergency medical transportation, when ordered by a doctor, to the nearest adequate medical facility; reimbursement for accommodations; and expenses.  There are many scenarios you may never have thought of (medical emergencies in port, stolen items, etc).  Click here for more information and please let me know if you would like a quote.

Money:  On cruise ships they use a cashless system.  All purchases are made with your cabin key, which is tied to your on board account.  You can set this up when you do your online check-in with a credit card, or you can set it up with cash once you board (not recommended because of long lines).  If you want to be able to use your credit card in port, please call them before-hand so they don't assume someone has stolen your card and freeze the account.  Most ships have an ATM but the fees are high.  You should bring some cash with you, but most places take credit cards.  I do not recommend using your debit card since those have less protection than credit cards.  In the wee hours of the last morning, an itemized bill will be slipped under your door.  When you wake up, take a look at it right away to make sure everything looks good.  If you need to dispute any charges you'll want to contact the purser right away.  You can also check your statement along the way.  Some ships will display it on your TV, some have kiosks, or you can go to the purser's desk.

Daily newsletter:  Every night you will be given a newsletter to let you know what's happening and when the next day.  Don't want to miss the hairy chest contest at the pool?  Movie under the stars?  Bingo?  This newsletter will be your best friend.  Please take it with you when you go into port.  It has contact information on it in case you get into a situation on land.

Gratuities:  The crew works very hard to make sure your vacation is magical.  Some of it you can see, and some happens behind the scenes.  Your cabin steward will attend to your cabin twice a day, keeping everything clean and providing turn down service.  Your wait staff will make a point to get to know you and your preferences.  It takes a village... For your convenience, the cruise line will automatically add the gratuities to your on board account.  If you would prefer to pay them ahead of time, you may do so by contacting me.  They are typically around $12 per person, per day (varies by cruise line and accommodation type), and they cover your cabin steward, wait staff, and other behind the scenes crew.  If you purchase beverages from the bar or go to the spa, those are done separately and on the spot.

E-documents:  Most cruise lines have switched to e-documents over the last several years.  You will receive quite a bit of documentation, but you really only need to print your boarding pass(es) and luggage tags.  Although you don't need to waste paper and ink, please read EVERYTHING very carefully.  

Muster Drill:  On every cruise, every passenger must participate in the muster drill.  This is a safety drill so you'll know what to do in the unlikely event there is an emergency situation during your cruise.  This is mandatory, so expect to spend about an hour on the first afternoon (sometimes less if everyone shows up on time).

Dining:  Dining has become quite a bit more flexible over the past few years.  Traditionally (and still available on many lines), you would choose either early or late seating (roughly 6 or 8pm) and you eat at the same table with the same people and the same wait staff each evening.  This is particularly nice if you have allergies or preferences, since you only need to let your wait staff know the first night and they will take care of it from there.  It's also great for groups because you have an assigned meeting place each night where you come back together, and you don't have to wait for a large table to become available.  Sometimes you can request a table size (table for 2, etc.), but those are always on request only, and never guaranteed.
These days most lines offer flexible dining, where you can either just show up when you like, or in some cases you can make reservations for each evening based on your schedule that day.  This is much like restaurant seating.  If you show up during peak times, there may be a wait (especially if there is a large group).  The upside is the flexibility and ability to choose whether you would like to share a table with other cruise guests or keep it private.
Outside of the main dining room, there are plenty of options for dining.  In most cases you have access to food 24 hours a day.  If you have allergies or need a special diet please let me know so I can note the booking, and you will also need to communicate with the crew throughout the cruise.

Cell phones and internet service:  Please contact your cell phone provider for details and prices if you plan to use your cell phone while on your cruise.  Internet on ships has come a long way, but is still not lightning fast and can be spotty.  Each cruise line handles prices for internet service differently, but you can typically pay by the minute or purchase packages that are a better value.  

What to wear: You'll want to double check based on the cruise line, but for the most part it's pretty casual.  They prefer that you don't come into the dining areas in your swim suit, and some dining rooms don't allow shorts for dinner.  Formal night is the exception.  On this night they ask you to get dressed up and there is often lobster and/or prime rib on the menu.  Some cruises have more than one formal night so be sure to check.

Shore excursions:  If you book your excursion through the cruise line and the excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you.  If you book with an outside company this is not the case.  The other advantage is that if you have to miss a port for some reason you will be refunded, which is not always the case with outside vendors.

What to book ahead of time:  Some cruise lines now require you to book your nightly shows in advance (or risk missing out).  I also recommend booking any shore excursions you have your heart set on in advance.  You can even book spa treatments ahead of time.

This should get you started, but don't hesitate to ask if you need clarification or if I've missed something.  Click here to read another blogger's first cruise experience.  She conquered her fears and was happy for it.  Bon voyage!