It's about 4 weeks until I leave from Vancouver on the Disney Wonder for my 10 night cruise to Hawaii, and as a consummate planner, you know I'm already getting my ducks in a row for vacation. I wanted to share with you some things I do, and some of the things I like to bring along with me when I go on Disney Cruise Line.
* Cash in my spare change jar for room service and baggage tips.
I have a coffee cup near my desk where I put my change, and in a few weeks I'll go the bank and cash that in. I don't pay with cash all that often (I use my debit card more often) but I typically find myself with at least $40 in change when cruise time comes around. I like to get that mostly in $5s and $1s so I can have tip money ready for baggage helpers at the airport and hotel, and also for room service on the cruise.
* Finalize my packing list.
As I've mentioned before, one of the oddities about me (hold your laughter, I know there are more than a few!) is that while I LOVE to vacation, I HATE packing. Seriously one of my least favorite things to do. So thus the next item on my cruise-prep list.
I am going to *try* to pack for about 2 weeks in a carry-on bag. I know. Hold me.
But seriously, when I pack a ton of clothes I never wear half of them so I don't feel like lugging around a giant suitcase, and I also would prefer to save the $50 in checked baggage fees. During the day, it's swimsuits, tees and shorts, so that's easy. At night, I do like to dress up for dinner but I'm planning on packing 3-4 skirts and pants, and 3-4 tops, in coordinating colors and patterns, so I can create multiple outfits from just a few pieces. In terms of shoes, I'll bring 2 pairs of sandals, one pair of walking shoes and also a pair of dress shoes.
I am also planning on doing laundry at least once during the 2 weeks so there's no need to pack tons of clothes.
I like to have a list (because, well do you know me at ALL?!) as it makes packing easier, quicker and even less painful. No muss, no fuss. No last minute "should I take that?!" decisions. Just use the list, baby.
* Load up the Kindle.
Probably my favorite vacation activity is reading. I don't find myself doing a lot of (for fun) reading during my normal schedule/life so knowing that I have all that free time to get into some great books is really fun. I'm going to peruse some of the new releases to see which one(s) will be added to my cruise reading list. If you have any favorites, I would love to get some suggestions!
I also really enjoy audio books; those are perfect for the plane, in particular. I have a few credits burning a hole in my Audible.com account so I'll find a few gems there, as well.
* Round up the fun little cruise "extras" to spiff up my stateroom.
On Disney Cruise Line, your stateroom doors are magnetized and so lots of people (me included!) like to bring items to decorate the door. I LOVE the magnets from Hair Majesty Boutique on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HairMajestyBoutique); I have a few already, and am thinking about getting another one or two to add to my collection, probably the Hawaiian/beach Mickey and Minnie. They're a fun way to spruce up your space, and also help you spot your door (especially in those first few days when you're getting your bearings!).
Just make sure they're magnets and NOT adhesives, as this will ruin the doors (and you'll get a nice, hefty cleaning/repair bill from Disney!).
How to do get ready for cruising?
Have a magical day!
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