FloridaCruiseGirl1210

We have actually done a practice pack so we are finishing purchasing some last minute stuff (new flip flops for me, travel bottles for him, etc.). I just started a new job and its busy season so i knew it would be rough to do a practice pack with my SO before the trip. I am definitely relaxing and getting excited just trying to make sure I haven't forgotten anything major!

Thanks Matt! ?

Great tips... We are flying southwest so no assigned seats (free luggage is > picking my seats, for as short of a flight as we have). I actually checked with SW on our flights this morning and will continue to do so weekly until the trip.

Hello Everyone, So we are 40 days out... I feel like we are forgetting to do so much stuff but I can't figure out what. Does anyone have a checklist for when they get closer to sailing? Also, because I booked this cruise in April 2018 it really feels like its finally getting here when it was originally just a far far far far far off thought.

Just a note: See if you can get floor models, I got my DSLR for a THIRD of the normal price for the floor model.

Yea after our practice run of packing we realized that we need 2 bags plus our carry on that we also pack an extra outfit in. We don't right now have the ability to set our stuff up in our guest room (friends are coming into town in the next few weeks) but with our practice run I have an extremely detailed and photographed list of everything that needs to be packed.

That is similar to what we did (photography). Only we did it so far out. My BF actually packed like he was going while as I packed some things as fillers depending on my weight loss journey but i have an overall idea. I'm sure you've packed enough! Enjoy your trip!

I wouldn't worry about not having enough luggage. How long is your trip? Just remember if you have to you can always purchase something if you forgot it (could be a fun souvenir) OR pay for laundry if need be.

Your photos have convinced me that I NEED to get to Tortola or one of the BVIs, whether by cruise ship, boat, plane, etc., i just need to get there.

They have Luggage Valet but that has nothing to do with check-in unfortunately...It's purely so you aren't stuck with your luggage if you have a later in the day flight... for me I'd rather use Bags to Go (exponentially cheaper in my eyes $8/person instead of $25)

I wish I traveled enough for A-List.... One day...

Can't wait to follow along and see what new things you learn on Empress this time... Definitely living vicariously since we don't set sail for another 76 days...

Where are you going and when do you leave?

Packing cubes have changed my and my BFs packing style.... makes SO much easier when we can a). differentiate our stuff b). combine our stuff i.e., bathing suits, workout clothes, etc.

Where are you going and when do you leave?

Yea we are flying through from Orlando on a Saturday and come back on a sunday through Ft. Lauderdale.... lol

Thank you for the insight. We aren't getting the internet package so for us to try to check in the night before would be nearly impossible.

Hello All, Has anyone done Southwest Airlines Early Bird Checkin? We (BF and I) aren't getting the internet package and would preferably like to sit together... Do those who get it get to board in the first group? It also says Automatic Check In... Just curious on experiences ya'll have had with it... TIA

Have a great trip!

Oh we do... that's where his belts and dress socks go! haha

I can honestly say it was the best decision I can tell already... plus it ensures i have time to get my stuff in time.

Update: This may sound crazy but neither my BF or I have traveled this long for pleasure (I was in Nassau for 9 days for work but that's a different story), so we did a practice pack... Yes you read that right, we did a practice run of packing and BOY am I glad we did. We realized we didn't have enough packing cubes, we needed USB hub for travel and we needed toiletry bags for the both of us, as well as SeaBands and a few other items that we purchased through Amazon today. We also realized that we are going to have to take a suitcase for each of us, yes we pack a bit but at the same time we are bringing his suit, including jacket, which takes up room and he wears size 18 shoe.... which takes up a lot of room. Now, I know it sounds crazy that we did this, but with our insane schedules coming up, we have 3 concerts, 1 other trip and both of us will be starting new FT jobs (mine during peak season of my job) it just made sense, I now have a spreadsheet of everything we are bringing along with having them all photographed and itemized in a spreadsheet. My little Type-A personality is very happy. Ironically this was the BFs idea... anyone else do something like this?

I will say the week before christmas will be packed. I've worked at Universal during that time period and it will be packed. How long are you in port for? I would say take into account the 45+ minute trip there and back... plus traffic during the holidays... If you want to go I would say definitely don't expect to do everything... like @OrlandoC mentioned above get express pass if possible, but don't expect that express will give you less than 20 minute waits, you will still be waiting... If this is your first time ever going, I would say it might be better to come down for a specific trip to UO

Hello All, We recently booked both the zipline and the kayaking adventure but I've read some reviews basically saying that they take you to an island where people are there to just sell you stuff... Is the kayaking good there? Can you see through the water or is it murky? Just trying to decide if we should stay in or back out...

Hello, Yes you will find pizza at Cafe Promenade!