NOTES ON AIR TRAVEL:

Security procedures for all airline passengers implemented on August 10, 2006 which banned passengers from bringing any liquid, lotion or gel aboard an aircraft in their carry-on luggage, was modified on September 25, 2006.

The current rules can be found here .

Laptop computers, cell phones and other electronic items are allowed. You should also carry aboard your identification papers (birth certificate/passport), airline/cruise tickets, wallet, jewelry, purse and photographic film. Packed clothing in your carry on is also OK.

All passengers will be required to remove their shoes for security inspection.

As of January 1, 2003, all "checked" luggage is electronically screened. If anything inside the suitcase is "suspicious", TSA security personnel are authorized to open the luggage. If it is locked, they are authorized to break the lock! We recommend using either inexpensive locks that won't be missed, TSA-approved locks that can be opened and re-locked by TSA personnel, or cable ties or locking plastic strips. The newly implemented screening machines will damage photographic film. Carry all film in your carry-on luggage.

The newly implemented screening procedures require that you arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

SUMMARY: Passengers may experience longer lines at airports and should plan to arrive early. Check with your specific airline and airport before flight departure time to determine how much time is needed for your flight. To expedite the process, avoid having clutter in your bags and minimize the number of carry-on items. For up-to-the-minute information visit www.tsa.gov

NOTES ON PACKING

Cruise ship cabins tend to be small, so pack accordingly. Pack your cosmetics and toiletries in zip-lock bags. Encase your dresses, suits and outfits in plastic bags or layer in your luggage with white tissue paper; this helps prevent wrinkling. Pack tickets, valuables, jewelry and prescription medication in your carry-on luggage. Take along extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for the return trip (better than locks but one-time use only).
Savvy travelers always include some duct tape (not the huge gray roll sold at the hardware store, but a smaller "flat-pack" sold in a variety of colors at Walmarts / K-marts and similar stores). Why? Use it for minor luggage repair. Ever had the stitching in a hem unravel at the last minute? Things rattling in your cabin? Hold the window curtains together to keep out the light! One of Duck Tape's most creative uses is as a replacement for an "uplifting" foundation garment. Under low cut or backless dresses, or when a brassiere just won't work with a gown, create your own Wonder Duck Bra. The list goes on!

If appropriate, cross-pack your luggage with your travel companion. Although we trust our bags will arrive with us at our destination we know that delivery can be delayed; having a change of clothes in your companions luggage will lessen the inconvenience. Undergarments and knits take only a third of the suitcase space they normally occupy when they're compressed. Simply fill the largest size zipper top kitchen storage bags with these articles and force all the air out before zipping them shut.
Ensure that a card or piece of paper is tucked inside your bags with your name/address/phone and ship name and date of departure prominently listed. Exterior bag tags can become "unattached" on "lost baggage"; if the contact info is inside the bag it may make it easier for it to be delivered to you in a timely manner.
Most bags look the same coming down the conveyer belt! Make your bags stand out with a colorful bow on the handle or brightly colored tape affixed in unique patterns along the side panels and top.
Try to coordinate outfits around a central color so you can mix and match items and consider taking items you can use to layer outfits instead of taking heavy limited use items. Create different looks with accessories.
For wrinkle free garments, leave them on their hangers, cover them with dry cleaning bags, and fold over once before placing them in the suitcase. Unpacking is a snap and there's no need to bring along a travel iron.
Use every bit of luggage space. Women's shoes will fit inside men's. Stuff socks and other small items inside larger space wasters. A tote bag that folds into its own zippered pocket is handy as a shopping or beach bag and invaluable when it's time to pack the souvenirs that are preventing your suitcase from closing.
Although you'll have a standard electrical outlet in the bathroom (European converter not required), you may find only one additional outlet in the cabin. If you plan on using several electrical devices at the same time, you might consider packing a small extension cord or 3-way extension plug found at any hardware store.