Cruise of Irish Stars 2013

The Most Awesome Packing List!!!...Customize it as you need.

Here is a sample packing list for an 8 day family cruise we took last year. I have copied and pasted this list and modified it for every trip as determined by length of trip, type of trip and how many people. Save the list each time, copy, paste and tweak as needed.

The more you use the list, you will determine what to add and what to leave off, to customize your own list. I have other samples, like 3 night adult only beach trip, or adult only Vegas trip. I also have customized it for a family trip to Disney. Contact me to see if I have a more detailed list for you. Feel free to copy and paste this list or ask me to email you a copy.

Purse/ Carry-on

_____ travel documents (air tickets, cruise tickets, insurance forms)
_____ confirmations (taxi, limousine, hotel, motel)
_____ identity documents (passports, drivers licenses)
_______credit cards
_____ $ 1000 cash (- $600/$20s - $300/$100s and 50s -$100/10s, 5s and 1s)
_____ cell phone/ charger
_____ sleep mask
_____ chewing gum
_____ ear plugs

_____Keys
_____ nail clippers
_____ copies of all prescriptions
_____ cable ties
_____ camera *
_____ charging units
_____ cables, etc.
_____IPODs
_____ headphones/ splitter
_____ batteries / charger

_____magazines

_____coloring books/crayons

_____Nintendo DS/PSP/charger
_____ two-way radios (short range)
_____ open (nylon) mesh pool bag
_____ Zip-Lock ® bags
_____jewelry
____Kindle

______small binoculars

 

First Aid Kit/Toiletries

_____ Band-Aids ®
_____ eye drops/ contact spray
_____ 4 sun-block (SPF 30, or higher)
_____ anti-diahrreal (Imodium)
_____ antacid (Tums/Maalox)
_____ analgesic (Motrin & Tylenol)
_____ cold medicine (Dimetapp)
_____ allergy medicine (Zyrtec & Benadryl)
_____ triple antibiotic cream

_____Relpax (migraine)
_____ 4 toothbrushes
_____ toothpaste
_____ her razor w/extra blades
_____ his razor w/extra blades
_____ shaving cream/gel
_____ bath soap
_____ 4 anti-bacterial hand gel
_____ hair dryer
_____ hair straightener
_____ her deodorant
_____ his deodorant
_____ shampoo
_____ conditioner
_____ hair spray

_____frizz ease

_____hair gel
_____ combs/brushes
_____ hair items (bobby pins, ponytails, etc.)
_____ make-up
_____ nail polishes
_____ polish removers
_____ moisturizers

_____ feminine products
_____ vitamins
_____ medications
_____ glasses/contacts
_____ Tide stick

Her Stuff -

_____ 6 swimsuits

_____4 cover-ups
_____ 5 P-Js/sleepwear
_____ 1 hat/sun visor
_____ 6 dinner outfits
_____ 6 tanks/tees
_____ 4 pair shorts
_____ 5 brassieres (1 strapless)
_____ 8 pair panties
_____ 2 pair flip flops

_____3 dress shoes/sandals

___2 formal dresses

____2 sweaters

____2 small purses

His Stuff -

_____6 swimsuits

____2 pool shirts
_____ 1 belt (reversible)
_____ 5 sleep shirts
_____ 1 hat
_____ 6 dress /polo shirts
_____ 8 T-shirts
_____ 4 pair slacks
_____ 5 pair shorts
_____ 2 undershirts
_____ 8 pair underwear
_____ 2 pair dark socks
_____ 6 pair light socks
_____ 1 pair casual shoes

____1 pair dress shoes
_____ 1 pair sandals
_____1 sweatshirt

_____1 suit

____2 ties

Female child's Stuff

_____ 6 swimsuits
_____ 4 cover-ups
_____ 6 pair shorts
_____ 6 tanks/ tees
_____ 8 pair panties
_____ 2 pair dress socks
_____ 2 pair sandals
_____ 6 dinner outfits
_____ 5 P-J’s
_____ 2 sweater
_____2 pair flip flops

_____2 formal dress

____1 pair dress shoes

____1 hat

Male Child's Stuff

____6 shorts

____6 swimsuits

_____6 tees/tanks

____3 pool tees

_____6 polo/ dress shirts (plus2 long w/tie)

_____4 slacks

_____8 pair socks (1 dress)

______5 P-J’s

_____1 sweatshirt

______1 pair dress shoes

______1 pair sandals

_____1 hat

____1 belt

____1 sportcoat

　

Key West...Never Never Land!!

Key West, Florida. We spent three nights at the Hyatt Windward Pointe. It is a small timeshare property with 7 buildings of 2 bedroom condos. Each unit has 2 baths as well. The balcony was very spacious and had a telelscope. We had a first floor room that looked out over the sand volleyball court, and pool area. It is a small pool, but well maintained. Music played at the pool most days. It was not crowded and we never had trouble finding a spot in the sun. The weather was warm, but windy. We went in the hot tub one night. It was pretty large and the water was hot. It says it closes at 10pm, but I think if you are quiet, no one will kick you out.

The staff were not as attentive as in the Hyatt Coconut Plantation, in Bonita Springs, FL. The girl behind the front desk did not give us a whole information package, and we kept having to call with questions, like what were pool hours? I understand she was in training, but I didn't see anyone training her. It became a little frustrating. It was easier to get a cab if you walked outside yourself and hailed one, than to have the staff get you one.

Some people have mentioned a shuttle service at the hotel. There is no shuttle. It is the public bus across the street. We did not use it. We took a cab 2 days. It was $4.50 per person each way, if there were 4 people in the cab. In total it was $20 each way. On the evening I decided to drive, another couple had told us about a public lot on Greene and Simonton, where you could park for $10 all day. You could easily walk to Duval from here. it is way too far to walk to town from the hotel.

It was Conch Republic Independance week in Key West, and there was a lot of activity, like parades and mock battles at sea. This place is like no other. My sister in law described it in 3 words..."never never land". You truly never have to grow up. The bars were packed, and they had live bands/ singers in almost every one. We had so much fun. We did a sunset cruise with Fury. There were drinks and music. It was great. We spent time at Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joes, and mostly at Irish Kevin's. All have a fun atmosphere.

The Hyatt was well equippped, and perfect for 2 couples or a family. We stopped at the Publix on the island and stocked up on a few necessities. It is a nice, clean store. The housekeepers will remove your garbage and replace your towels everyday. Don't keep your garbage outside your room. We saw a baby racoon and one of the landings, picking through someone's garbage.

There is a small snack stand and an area with BBQ grills. We did not use them, but if we were there for more than 3 days, we probably would have.

We liked the hotel, but would probably choose to stay closer to town next time.

Royal Caribbean's Jewel Of the Seas Feb 2012

Sailing the Jewel :)

Our February sailing on the Jewel of the Seas started with some dense  fog which delayed her return to port, in turn delaying our sailing from Tampa until 10pm. We stood on line for 4 hours until we could board at 5:00pm. Unfortunately for some, they had to wait until 7:30-8:00pm to get on board. It was hot and many had to wait outside the terminal in the heat. I was a little disappointed in the fact that Royal Caribbean did  not give enough updates to the people waiting in line. Each person was  given a $20 credit on board. The rest of our cruise went very smoothly. The ship itself was the most beautiful ship I have ever sailed on. She has glass and views of the ocean  from every where you look. The service on board was truly amazing.  Everyone was friendly and could not do enough for you. The cruise director was very involved and entertaining. His staff were fun and energetic. It really contributed to a really nice cruise experience. The shows we went to I enjoyed, but my husband is not a fan, so we only went  to the first 3. The Captains party was lovely on formal night and the Hubby  and I danced a little and had some free Champagne. the 70's night party is  NOT to be missed. So much fun!!! The kids activities were OK but I think my kids are beginning to outgrow the programs. The water slide on this ship is a little lame compared to Carnival slides, but my daughter loved the rock climbing wall. My son said  the Arcade was better than Carnival's. They both played and enjoyed the mini golf. My daughter and I participated in the "Walk for Wishes". We enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to give to such a worthy charity. We had Junior Suite 1076. What a spacious room. It had a full balcony and   full bath with a tub. The room also had so much storage and even a walk in   closet. The sofa bed was terrible. Carnival has much more comfortable sofa beds.  Ask for a mattress topper. The bed is basically a flip foam sofa and is  practically on the floor. The king size bed on the room was extremely  comfortable. Our Room Steward, Jessica was top notch and very accommodating. We had a table for 4 by the window. In the main dining room, early seating.   Out waiter was Bruno and Assistant Vishal were some of the best we have   encountered. They taught the kids magic tricks and shared stories of home.  They sang Happy Birthday to my daughter. They were wonderful. The food  was a little disappointing though. It was OK, but nothing to rave about. The  lobster was my best meal. In Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach and had an amazing time as usual. It is even better than before with the new pool. In Costa Maya we went to Tropicante. More laid back and quiet than Paradise Beach, but a beautiful beach  and great service, and good food and cheap beers. The cruise port in Costa Maya was fun and the kids enjoyed the pool there and did some shopping. Disembarkation was one of the fastest I have ever had. It was smooth and efficient.

Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale Arizona- August 2011

We stayed at the Westin Kierland Villas for one week, in a 2 bedroom Lockoff unit. We are Starwood owners and the Westin Villas make you feel like coming home. They have all you need to make your vacation as comfortable and relaxing as is possible. The rooms are beautifully appointed with a clean contemporary feel. The Heavenly beds are just that... heavenly. The most comfortabel hotel beds I have ever slept on. The staff at the resort are top notch. They are friendly and accomodating, from the front desk staff, to the bellmen, to the activity staff at the pool. The young men and women working the pools are some of the hardest working kids I have ever come across. My children were always entertained. They had movies by the pool, dive stick, cannonball, belly flop, and slide race contests. They truly showed how much they like working with kids of all ages.
The pools are beautiful at the Villas as well as the resort, which is a short walk away. There are servers at the pool to bring drinks and food from the restaurants but also individuals who will bring a carafe or pitcher of ice cold water whenever you need, free of charge, Nice touch, Westin. In the heat of the day... it was so refreshing.
We stocked our fridge on the first day, by going to the Safeway just down the road from the resort. We did mostly breakfasts and a few lunches in the room. We went out to dinner each night. We used the shuttle to go to the Kierland Commons and ate at Tommy Bahamas. Excellent meal had by all. Great shuttle service. Just call when you want to be picked up.
Many nice memories were had and we truly felt comfortable and relaxed here. Like I said, it felt like home.

Room Tip: We were in building 1. I liked this alot, close to all: pools, marketplace, lobby.

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

The Palazzo Las Vegas Resort and Casino

We stayed at the Palazzo for 3 nights from June 1-4. We arrived at 1pm and were able to check in right away. We had a luxury suite on the 42 floor, with a partial strip view and a view of the Las Vegas Mountains. gorgeous during the day, spectacular at night. The suite was very spacious and luxurious. The room was spotless for the most part, except for some suspicious stains on the sofa. Velvet was probably not the best choice of upholstery for a hotel room in Las Vegas. Everything else was perfect. Be careful not to touch the candy at the minibar. They are located on sensors and you will be charged just for picking them up and not replacing them fast enough. $9.00 for a $0.75 bag of peanut M&Ms. If you need candy, go to Walgreens downstairs.
The beds were extremely comfortable and clean. Mattresses looked brand new. There is a card in the room that you can put on your bed to have your linen changed daily, otherwise it is routinely changed every 3 days. The hotel has won many green awards. The only problem was our shower was not very green conscious. The water pressure could remove your skin. It actually hurt. I am sure it was broken, as the other couple we travelled with had not problems with their shower. But if that was my only complaint, it's really no big deal.
The Palazzo has a fantastic pool area. There are so many pools to choose from, between the Palazzo and the Venetian. The pool lounges have cushions on them and are extremely comfortable. Wednesday and Thursday, you could find a chair easily, in the sun and near the pool. Friday afternoon was a little harder as it became more crowded, but we still found seats. The pools were a nice temperature.
The crowds at the pool varied in age. The main pools had a nice relaxing vibe, but if you wanted to party, Tao Beach was fantastic. Great music, good drinks. A little pricy, but worth it. No cover for Tao Beach on Wednesday and Thursday. Photo ID needed for entry. Azure at the Pool opened on Friday and ladies were free, guys $10. Ok Atmosphere , but all seats were reserved already when I got there. We got pizza at Solaro, by Wolfgang Puck at the pool. Pretty decent Pizza. We ate at Grand Luxe Cafe, great food.
The Palazzo connects to the Venetian, and the feel of the whole resort is luxurious. The gondola ride was undergoing some repair, so the outside portion was closed. We chose not to go on the shorter ride, but many people did, and looked like they enjoyed it.
The staff at the Palazzo were professional and friendly. The desk staff were courteous and accommodating. I loved having my boarding pass printed for me on check out. Nice touch, Thanks. They do charge $17 plus tax for use of fitness center and for internet access. Pricy, but we paid. The table staff were entertaining and funny. Cynthia at the Roulette table was my favorite. A real doll. Also, got $15 in slot play for signing up for Grazie online before I left home, and won a few dollars more. Overall I was up $240.00.
I would totally stay at Palazzo again.