August 2012

A U.S.-flagged cruise ship makes its first visit to the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI today.

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Consumers Can Vote for their Favorite Competitor on Facebook for a Chance to Win a Cruise Onboard One of the World's Most Revolutionary Cruise Ships

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Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. today announced that Michael Bayley has been promoted to President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, replacing Dan Hanrahan, whose departure was recently announced.  Bayley will report directly to Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.   Bayley has been with Royal Caribbean for over 30 years, most recently as Executive Vice President of Operations.  Prior to this role, Bayley served as Executive Vice President — International, where he oversaw the international expansion for the company.

"In his role as Executive Vice President — International, Michael successfully spearheaded our aggressive expansion efforts into emerging and high-growth markets, and most recently has overseen all Operations for Royal Caribbean International," said Fain. "Fortunately, Celebrity has a very strong management team to build on and I am delighted that Michael will bring his vision, passion and drive to bear on the continued growth of this important brand."

In a related move, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations for Royal Caribbean International, reporting to Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.  Lutoff-Perlo is a 27 year veteran of the company who has served in a variety of roles within both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.  Most recently, Lutoff-Perlo served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises.  In that role, she oversaw all the hotel operations of the brand, including the highly successful introduction of the Solstice-class of ships.  Prior to her tour of duty with Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo was in charge of Product Marketing and Strategic Alliances for Royal Caribbean International.  In the past, she has also served both brands in a variety of increasingly senior sales roles.

"I am happy to welcome Lisa back to our team," said Goldstein.  "Given her tremendous accomplishments leading Celebrity's highly successful hotel operations, I am excited to have her in this expanded role."

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 39 ships in service and three under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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Princess Cruises has launched its first-ever Pinterest contest, asking fans to show “How I Escape Completely” through relaxing images.  Using the social “pinboard” site, entrants can create their own boards depicting exactly what “escape completely” means to them.

The top five boards will win a Sanctuary Relaxation Kit, complete with a Lotus Spa plush robe, skin nourishing milk bath and an iPod® with a $50 iTunes® gift card. The contest runs from August 1-14, 2012 – leading up to National Relaxation Day on August 15.

“We hope both experienced and novice ‘pinners’ will show us their perfect way to escape completely,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises. “It’s easy to do and I expect we’ll see some really creative ways of depicting relaxation and escape.”

To enter, participants can go to http://www.princess.com/pinterestcontest or Princess’ Facebook page to register and follow Princess on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/princesscruises/. Each entrant can then “pin” images to their personal boards showing the places, phrases and products that help them escape – including their own Princess cruise memories. Boards must contain at least five images pinned from Princess’ Pinterest board, princess.com, or Princess’ blogs at http://www.inspiredtocruise.com and http://50essentialexperiences.com.

All boards will be judged between August 16 and August 31, 2012 on creativity, originality and how well they define “escape completely.” Participants can also use any inspirational or mood imagery to enhance their board. Each image should be tagged with the hashtags #PrincessCruises and #Travel.

All entries for the “How I Escape Completely” contest must be received by August 14, 2012. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Official rules are available at: https://pinterest.brandmovers.net/rules. iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this program.

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Costa Cruises is project managing a Sustainable Cruise project, co-funded by the European Commission, in a first for the cruise industry.

Three waste streams on board the Costa Pacifica – packaging, biodegradable waste and paper – are being treated so that they can be reduced, recycled and reused as by-products.

The Costa Pacifica (114,500 gross tonnage and 3,780 total guests) was chosen as the first ship to trial the first ever shipboard experimental project involving the use of innovative techniques to reduce waste at the source. The scope of the project goes beyond shipboard application and also includes coordination with European port waste disposal facilities to increase opportunities for recycling and reuse.

The Sustainable Cruise project also aims to set up a new voluntary certification scheme for shipboard waste treatment and its effects in terms of CO2 reductions – possibly paving the way for the introduction of specific EU environmental legislation for shipping.

“We are very proud to be managing this highly innovative project on board the Costa Pacifica, which will be the pilot ship for new models of management of certain types of solid waste,” says Ernesto Gori, Costa Cruises’ Vice President Quality Standards Compliance & Auditing.

“The fact that we are the first cruise company in the world to carry out such a landmark experiment, which will lead to even higher standards in the treatment of shipboard waste, is further tangible evidence of our environmental excellence.”

The Sustainable Cruise project dovetails with Costa Cruises’ own waste management policy, which has been applied fleet-wide for some time now. Costa has a policy of 100% separation of solid waste on board, with separate storage and disposal of the following seven streams: glass, plastic, metal, food, paper, ceramics and aluminum.

The “Sustainable Cruise” project reflects Costa Cruises’ environmental compliance excellence. Not only does the company comply with all (domestic and international) environmental laws and regulations, but it also voluntarily pre-empts and proactively implements possible solutions designed to enhance environmental protection.

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Costa Cruises — the first Western cruise line to enter the Asian market in 2006 — took center stage during the “National Day of Italy” today at the Yeosu International Expo in Korea.

Costa Victoria (75,200 gross tons and 2,394 total guests) berthed for the occasion at a wharf set up by the expo organizers inside the exhibition area and hosted a reception for the National Day of Italy festivities. About 300 people, including local authorities and representatives of the expo’s participating countries, toured the ship and had an opportunity to experience Italian culinary excellence.

Attendees included Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman of the board of Costa Crociere S.p.A.; Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Costa Crociere S.p.A., and the Italian general commissioner for the Yeosu International Expo, Ambassador Claudio Moreno.

“We were the first company in the world to believe in the development of the cruise market in Asia, and every year our cruises bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to tens of thousands of Asian clients,” said Foschi.

“Our programs in the area are based on a long-term commitment confirmed positioning Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica to offer Asian guests an Italian-style cruise holiday experience,” said Thamm.

The National Day of Italy culminated with a magnificent opera concert, organized by Costa Cruises, by the Giuseppe Verdi Opera Company Orchestra of Trieste, Italy. The concert was held for an audience of 3,500, including Costa Victoria guests.

Costa is focusing on the emerging Asian market for future growth. In 2013 Costa will double it capacity in the region with the arrival in May of Costa Atlantica (85,700 gross tons and 2,680 total guests). The positioning of Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria represents a 90 percent increase of Costa’s capacity in Asia. Since 2006, about 400,000 Costa guests have cruised in the region.

Costa offers a unique product for the Asian market based on the concept of “Italy at Sea” with Italian hospitality, design, shopping, artwork and gastronomy. Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore and Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, China, designed to appeal to both Asians and Europeans. Destinations include exotic ports in Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea. In 2012 Costa will make 42 calls in Korea, increasing to 81 in 2013 and, besides Yeosu, include Cheju and Pusan.

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While a vacation with Crystal Cruises always presents a tremendous value, the ultra-luxury line has sweetened the deal for its fall season.   Beginning in September, nearly a dozen Mediterranean, South Pacific and trans-ocean voyages aboard Crystal Serenity and a freshly-redesigned Crystal Symphony offer several new opportunities to save on luxury. 

Crystal Serenity:

• $2000 per Couple Penthouse Savings – Save $1,000 per guest on stylishly appointed Penthouse, Penthouse Suite and Crystal Penthouse accommodations. (Aug 13, 25, Sep 6, 18, 30, Oct 12, 24, Nov 5, 17, 28)
• Kids Sale Free – Children age 17 and under can sail free in a third berth sharing with two adults  (Sep 6, 18, 30, Oct 12, 24, Nov 5, 17, 28, Dec 9)
• $1000 per Couple Verandah Savings – Save $500 per guest on luxury staterooms boasting spacious private verandahs in the Mediterranean. (Sep 6, 18, 30, Oct 12, 24, Nov 5, 17, 28)
•  Low Solo Fares – A significantly-reduced solo supplement of just 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own. (Aug 13, 25, Sep 6, 18, 30, Oct 12, 24, Nov 5, 17, 28)
• Crystal Getaways – Crystal’s new collection of five- to eight-day Crystal Serenity itineraries start at just $1,310 per person, and offer a concentrated taste of Crystal luxury and stunning European destinations.  (9 departures from mid-Aug through early-Dec)
• Explorer Combinations – Guests save up to 26% for combining back-to-back cruises for an extended vacation. (combos departing Aug 25, Sep 30, Nov 5, Nov 28, Dec 9)
  
  

Crystal Symphony:

• $1200 per Couple Verandah Savings – Save $600 per guest on luxury staterooms boasting spacious private verandahs in the South Pacific. (Nov 25, Dec 8)
  
  

“While our guests appreciate the luxurious nuances for which Crystal is celebrated, they also appreciate significant value,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president, sales and marketing.  “These offers are an ideal opportunity for travelers to realize even more savings on the all-inclusive Crystal Experience.”

With a “Book By” deadline of August 31, travelers can take advantage of value propositions and Crystal’s all inclusive luxury on the following voyages: 

• Aug 13 Mediterranean: Venice - Barcelona
• Aug 25 Mediterranean: Barcelona - Athens
• Sep 6 Mediterranean & Black Sea: Athens - Istanbul
• Sep18 Mediterranean: Istanbul - Venice
• Sep 30 Mediterranean: Venice - Athens
• Oct 12 Mediterranean & Holy Land: Athens - Venice
• Oct 24 Mediterranean: Venice - Istanbul
• Nov 5 Mediterranean: Istanbul - Barcelona
• Nov 17 Canary Islands & Iberia: Barcelona - Lisbon
• Nov 28 Canary Islands & Iberia: Lisbon - Barcelona
• Nov 25 Hawaii & South Pacific: Los Angeles - Papeete
•  Dec 8 South Pacific: Papeete – Auckland
• Dec 9 Trans-Atlantic: Barcelona - Miami
• Dec 21 Caribbean: Miami Round-trip
  
  

Attractive air add-ons from more than 90 North America gateways are also available.  Not all offers are combinable or apply to all listed itineraries.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.  With a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening Enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, a Crystal cruise always offers tremendous value in luxury resort vacationing.

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We first came across their unique art onboard a cruise ship; on an “art at sea” auction....

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“Jazz was born in America, so what better musical backdrop for one of the U.S.’s most treasured holidays along one of the country’s most jaw-dropping coastlines?” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.  “California’s natural beauty and exciting cities don’t need any jazzing up, but a little backbeat and soulful swing on board simply adds to the luxury of a Crystal experience.”

Thanks to Jazzdagen Tours, some of the genre’s leading artists from around the globe will headline at least four hours of jazz per day in the ship’s new, posh lounges and theatres.  The line-up, including bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott, saxophonist Harry Allen, vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, percussionist Butch Miles, clarinetist Antti Sarpila, and band leader/clarinetist Pieter Meijers, will cover musical styles ranging from New Orleans jazz, bebop and ragtime to swing, boogie-woogie and jumpin’ blues.  Their combined experience includes performing in such venues as New York’s Birdland, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Jazz Festival, and backing up some of the industry’s greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. 

From L.A., the 7-day voyage visits Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco (overnight) and Ensenada, Mexico.  Until August 31, all-inclusive, “Book Now” fares start at $2,560/person, double occupancy, with attractive air add-ons from more than 90 North American gateways.  Guests combining two luxury cruises, either from NY beforehand, or to Tahiti afterward, or traveling in a group of 6+, receive additional savings.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent.

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Expanded Lotus Spa Features "The Enclave" Thermal Suite

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Gregory Melikian is one of Last Surviving Witnesses to End of the War

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A bevy of experts will teach complimentary cooking lessons, hands-on recipe instruction, wine tasting, cocktail-mixing classes, and special dinner menus that all showcase the area’s unique gastronomic specialties.  Presenters include: 

•  Damien Pignolet – Sydney’s renowned Modern Australian/French fusion chef and executive chef at Bistro Moncur restaurant.
•  Heinz von Holzen – Balinese cookbook author and owner of the island’s only traditional, multi-award-winning restaurant and cooking school, Bumbu Bali.
•  Greg Doyle – Former Australian Restaurateur of the Year and Owner of Pier, one of Australia’s finest seafood restaurants and a Sydney institution.
•  Cameron Douglas – New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier.
  

Connoisseurs can also indulge in optional, intimate Vintage Room dining experiences, offering multiple courses paired with extraordinary wines.

“These wine, food, and spirits programs offer travelers another level of cultural understanding,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president of food and beverage operations.  “They provide them with sensory souvenirs they can share with friends and family forever.”

The voyages offer intimate access to each country’s culinary capitals, from the renowned wine regions of South Australia and Wellington to New South Wales’ fine dining and Northern Territory’s outback pubs.  The January “Koalas and Kiwis” itinerary explores Brisbane, Newcastle, and Sydney (overnight), Australia before sailing through stunning Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds en route to Dunedin, Christchurch/Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auckland, NZ.  The February “Reefs and Rainforest” voyage overnights in Sydney before venturing north through the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands/Hamilton, Cairns, Darwin, and Benoa/Bali. 

All-inclusive starting prices are $3,520 and $3,890, respectively, per person, double occupancy, with up to $3,000 in “Book Now” savings off the 2-for-1 fare if booked by August 31.  Three additional Wine & Food-themed voyages are also scheduled for May, July, and November 2013, in other regions.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  Extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers; fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa’s specialty restaurants; fine wines, champagnes, and premium spirits; and gratuities for bar, dining, and housekeeping staff — all complimentary and included with every cruise. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent.

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(AP) — Officials say the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship will not be moved from its resting place off Italy’s Tuscan coast as quickly as planned.

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Look who's calling San Francisco home next year! The recently renovated Grand Princess® is moving to the City by the Bay in March 2013 offering convenient sailings to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and California Coastals.     Grand Princess shows off her new look!   • NEW! Alfredo's Pizzeria • NEW! Leaves Tea Lounge & Library • NEW! The One5 Lounge & Nightclub • The Italian-inspired Piazza • The Sanctuary • Movies Under the Stars® • Sabatini's • Crown Grill • Vines wine and seafood bar         Departures begin in March 2013 and continue through April 2014.

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Passengers Aboard February 9 Crown Princess Cruise Will Vote for Line's Top Guest Performer

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...dedicated to providing special discounts to those who have served our country...

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If you're interested in getting away from it all in an exotic, tropical destination, why not consider a Caribbean cruise vacation? Not only will you be able to enjoy perfect weather, but you can stop at some of the most beautiful, popular attractions in the region while passing through on a Princess Cruise.

There are many Caribbean cruises to choose from, whether you're interested in traveling with your family or with your spouse. One area you might want to hone in on is Aruba. This Caribbean island is full of luxurious beaches and also has a vibrant culture that any visitor can enjoy. While your Caribbean cruise is docked in Aruba, here are some sites to check out.

Casibari and Ayo rock formations

Although many people think of beaches when Aruba comes to mind, the locals will tell you that some of the most beautiful areas to be seen are where the rock formations lie. The Casibari and Ayo rock formations are two of the most popular areas for residents and tourists alike.

Casibari is a must-visit for those who enjoy hiking, according to NaturalBornHikers.com. From the peak, you can get a bird's-eye view of the magnificent Aruba landscape below. Casibari is so large that it even has its own snack and souvenir shop.

Similarly, the Ayo rock formation can give you a glimpse of the beautiful beaches from above if you choose to hike up the structure. This area is free to the public - why not take advantage of it while you're here?

Arikok National Park

Another location to visit while you're taking in all that Aruba has to offer is Arikok National Park. This area is a part of a large preservation dedicated to maintaining the natural habitat and keeping Aruba's native creatures around for generations to come, according to the park's official website. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails for those who want to get their exercise, as well as guided hiking tours for a small fee.

Within the preserve, you can view numerous caves and beaches that make for perfect photo opportunities. Park officials recommend renting a 4x4 in order to explore all that the preserve has to offer, on and off the beaten path.

Aruba beaches

What would an Aruba cruise be without a trip to the beach? Once your ship arrives at port, you likely can't wait to leave the pool and lay on the sandy beaches of this luxurious island. That being said, there are numerous beaches to visit and tan on while you're indulging in all of the splendor of Aruba.

The official Aruba website states that there is a wide variety of beaches around the island, whether you're interested in watersports or a quiet retreat where you can relax under the sun. One of the most popular areas you might want to check out if you're nearby is Palm Beach. This 2-mile stretch of white sand caters to visitors from all over the world, offering plenty of snorkeling and tanning opportunities.

If you're looking for an area that is not as populated and noisy, you might want to consider Druif Beach instead. This long, narrow stretch of sand is a quiet spot for tourists and residents alike. However, it isn't too far from shops and restaurants, making it a happy medium for visitors.

Whether you're interested in exploring the unique nature in Aruba or you simply want to soak up some rays, this island has everything you need to relax and forget your troubles.

Interested? Contact a Cruise Travel Agent.

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You've worked hard to save for your world cruise and you want to cover all your bases as you get ready to go. However, planning can be stressful if you don't know where to start. Here are some tips for pulling off a glitch-free getaway.

Thinking about a world cruise vacation

• Read travel magazines and shop for travel guidebooks.

• If you don't already have one, find a travel agent who specializes in world cruise vacations and begin a discussion about how to plan the best cruise vacation that will meet your interests and desires.

• Ask family and friends for suggestions.

• Decide on what you would like to see and do on your cruise. Do you want to climb glaciers and kayak in Alaska, snorkel in the Caribbean or Tahiti, or visit historic sites in Europe, Asia, or Australia on your trip around the world?

• Visit cruise line websites or contact the cruise lines directly to request brochures and pricing information.

Six months or more ahead

• Settle on a budget for the cruise. Make sure to take into account every possible expense: plane tickets, transportation to the pier, hotels, shore excursions, spa treatments, shipboard activities, bar bills and even cruise wear.

• Book your trip through your travel agent. A good travel agent will keep you on track and help you sort through everything from stateroom choices to visa requirements.

• Select your ship and stateroom. Cabin choices range from butler-staffed suites to inside staterooms without windows, and they're priced accordingly.

• Consider signing up for a travel protection plan to protect your vacation if the unexpected should happen. Research travel protection plans offered by the cruise line, your credit cards, travel agent or an independent agency.

• Obtain your passports and visas. This is especially important for individuals on world cruises that stop at various ports around the globe.

Two months ahead

• Make sure you have a camera and luggage ready for the trip. If you buy a new camera, learn how to use it before leaving on the cruise.

• Start researching your ports of call and your opportunities for shore excursions. To avoid disappointment, book popular tours in advance on the cruise line's website.

One month ahead

• Make a packing list.

• Reconfirm all reservations.

• Start making arrangements for pets and home care.

• If you're on any medications, make sure you have plenty of your prescription on hand for the trip, and be sure to have a second pair of glasses if you wear them. Carry all medications with you (do not put them in checked luggage) in their original prescription bottles to avoid any difficulty at customs. Some locations may require you to have documentation from your doctor to allow you to travel with your medication. Square this away with your physician before leaving.

Two weeks ahead

• Collect travel documents (cruise tickets, airline flight information). Read all material carefully to make sure the information is correct. If it's not, your travel agent can correct it.

• If you don't want to use your credit card on your trip, consider obtaining traveler's checks (store the check numbers someplace safe in case the checks are lost or stolen).

• If you will need any foreign currency on the trip, consider exchanging some dollars before you leave.

• Keep plenty of one dollar bills on hand for tips to crew members, tour guides and taxi drivers.

One week ahead

• Touch base with your house and pet sitters to reconfirm arrangements. Arrange to have mail held at the post office and stop newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip.

• Print a copy of your itinerary and contact information and leave with family or friends.

• Make two to three sets of photocopies of your passport, credit cards, insurance, traveler's check numbers and any other paperwork you would need if your wallet were lost or stolen. Give one copy to a family member or friend.

• Set out clothes to pack and buy what you need.

Three days ahead

• Reconfirm overseas flights.

• Make sure you have reading material for your trip.

• Make arrangements for your rides to and from the airport.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary and a set of house keys with a relative or close friend in case of emergency.

• Check weather forecasts for your destination.

• Prepare your house or apartment for your departure - eat or dispose of perishable food, water plants, set timers, pay bills, etc.

One day ahead

• Reconfirm domestic flights.

• Make sure all your luggage, including carry-on luggage, is labeled both on the outside and inside with your name, flight information, hotels, cruise itinerary and phone number.

• Change your voicemail and e-mail messages at work to let others know that you will be away.

A little organization can make your pre-trip planning easy and stress-free, leaving you to embark on your cruise vacation with a big smile on your face.

Source; Princess Cruises

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