Yesterday was the final round of the U.S. Open. It was also Father's Day. In other words, the right thing to do was give Bob the day off.
So I did.
That made it a good time to go into my notebook and extract some "do's" and "don'ts" about cruising…
Do arrive early enough for your cruise to allow for problems like delays, lost luggage, traffic. It happens. It happened to us after a Transatlantic flight last month.
Don't order glasses of wine with dinner…order a bottle and save what's left for the next night (cruise lines will bring out your unfinished bottle even if you're in a different restaurant the next night).
Do take a highlighter with you, to mark what interests you in the daily newsletter so you won't miss or forget events.
Don't be afraid to take local transportation in most ports.
Do pack light (or at least sensibly)! It plays a role in the enjoyment of your cruise.
Don't forget to take ID when going ashore…it could be critical.
Do make photocopies of all your important papers (passports, credit cards, health insurance, prescriptions) before you leave home, and leave them with someone you can reach if you need them.
Don't restrict shore excursions to the ones the cruise line endorses — check other options before you leave home.
Do take comfortable shoes, and forget about fashion statements.
Don't throw in the phone-home towel because it's expensive: Video Skype (for example) is free on your cel phone or iPad when you have WiFi, available in many ports…and phoning on Skype is cheap (so far).
Carnival Liberty
7 nights
September 22, 2012
Miami (return): Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman
Inside: $479
Cost per day: $68
www.carnival.com