PACKING   ESSENTIALS

~ Checklist ~

To be kept in your carry-on bag:

Passports with at least 6-months validity after disembarkation*
Some countries require at least two completely blank, unused visa pages
One form of Government ID such as a driver's license*
Visas and Immunizations* (if required) CDC Tel: 800.232.4636
Credit cards* ATM cards* and new un-torn currency
* Photocopy of all your important documents including airline info:

               Japan Airlines:   800.525.3663
               United Airlines:     800.756.1000
               American Airlines:   800.433.7300
               All Nippon Airways:   800.235.9262

Prescription medications and vitamins + a listing of all medications
Cruise documentation and a copy of your travel insurance policy
Camera, batteries and/or battery charger, extra memory cards
Carry eye shades and a blowup pillow for the flight
Cell phone and charger
A change of clothes and toothbrush in your carry-on bag
I.D. or business card inside, as well as outside your luggage
An extra pen, comb, handkerchief, handy-wipe sanitation towel, snack bar or nuts is always good to have on hand when traveling

Pack in your checked luggage:

Sunscreen, sun protection and sunglasses
Casual shoes, sandals
Comfortable walking shoes and dress shoes
Swimwear and cover-up
Zip Lock bags
Toiletries
Brimmed hat or cap
Foldable tote bag for tours/shopping
Sleepwear, undergarments, socks
Night light, if you need one
Exercise attire and running shoes
Accessories such as scarves, belts and purses
Be sure to leave room for luggage expansion for the return home

Please keep in mind that world temperatures and weather conditions are becoming increasingly less predictable, so always bring something a little warmer and a little cooler than you expect you will need.

Sailings of eight days or less typically feature two formal nights. Typically, 10-to-14-day cruises have three formal nights.   The number of informal nights is usually based on the number of days at sea, and casual nights are based on days in port.

<> WOMEN <>

Blouses, tops and shirts
Jacket, sweater or wrap
Skirts, slacks, shorts
Informal cocktail/dinner attire
Evening or cocktail dress

<> <> MEN <> <>

Sweaters and shirts
Slacks and shorts
Sport jacket/jacket and tie

<> <> DRESS CODE <> <>

DAYTIME AND IN PORT

Casual, resort-style attire, including jeans and shorts are acceptable until 6PM

Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck in the spa and fitness center

EVENING ATTIRE AFTER 6PM

<<>> ELEGANT CASUAL <<>>

MEN: Slacks with a collard dress shirt or sweater

LADIES: Slacks/skirt, blouse, pant suit or dress.   Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day. Jeans are not appropriate in the restaurants after 6PM

<<>> <<>> FORMAL <<>> <<>>

MEN: Tuxedo, suit or slacks and jacket & tie

LADIES: Evening gown or other formal apparel

LOCAL CUSTOMS

It is helpful to be aware of the customs of the countries you are visiting. In some ports, men and women should not wear shorts, and many cultures prefer that women wear dresses or skirts when visiting places of worship.

"TO DO" LIST

Pre-register for tours and complete online guest registration form
Arrange to ship luggage ahead (if desired)
Stop the newspaper
Arrange for pet and plant/garden/mail care
Turn off the hot water and lower the thermostat
Leave your keys and travel itinerary with a friend
Lock all windows, garage and doors
Notify your credit card company you will be traveling

Procure comprehensive travel insurance.   We always recommend Alliance Travel Protection.   It is NOT age-based and covers pre-existing conditions!

http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/AA/integration_start.aspx?accamnum=F204565&Start_Page=products&referrer=emaillink

Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance pays off quickly and is 6% rather than the standard cruise line insurance's 10% rates.   It's quick and easy because it's procured online.  Please give Tom Taffel a call at: 415.566.7673 if you have any questions or need assistance.

What to Wear

Shipboard attire ranges from casual to informal to formal

DRESSING TO CRUISE vs CRUISING TO DRESS

1) Coordinate Colors.   Pick one or two prime color schemes, including both prints and solids for variety. Fewer colors mean fewer shoes and accessories.

2) Mix and Match.   Pick two tops from your two color schemes and pair them with the same pair of cream slacks. Now you have two days of casual touring clothes with only one pair of slacks. One top might also double as a swimsuit cover-up.

3) Scarves and Sun Dresses.   Use colorful scarves to dress up a slacks outfit and make it look entirely different night after night. Substitute one sundress for an extra pair of shorts. It can be worn into the evening simply by adding a light wrap of jacket.

Don't allocate an entirely different outfit for every activity or dining event. Leave robe and slippers home. Check the number of formal, informal and casual nights. Most cruise staterooms have hair dryers & steam irons. Pack an extra nylon bag for all the gifts and souvenirs you will be bringing back.

The World of Fashion

ASCOT is a village in Berkshire, England.   During the 1700's, people who attended the horse races wore a wide loosely tied scarf, which started the ascot trend.

BIKINI is a tiny island in the Pacific Marshall Islands.   A French designer introduced a two-piece bathing suit and called it a bikini.

COLOGNE is the city in Germany where cologne was first produced.

FEZ is a city in Morocco.   A fez is also a brimless felt hat, usually red, with a black tassel hanging from its crown.

SUEDE is the French pronunciation of Sweden, where suede was first made.

Tom Taffel
(415) 566-7673
www.TomsGroupCruises.com
Because some experiences in life are simply better when shared with others >/i>