Prepairing to leave the ship:

One issue you may have is what to do if you bought a bunch of stuff, and are having a hard time finding room in your suitcase? There are a couple of options. First, most luggage has an expansion zipper, so try to pack your suitcase before you leave home without having to expand your bag. Then when you are returning, you can expand it if you need to. This also works for the airlines as you don't have to pay for another bag.

Another solution is to buy one of those folding duffle bags, and pack it empty when you leave for the cruise. Especially if you are driving and don't have to pay for baggage, taking an extra bag for all of those souvineers is probably the better choice. You can also buy duffle bags at the ships store when you are on-board as well. Finally, you can simply take less stuff with you. The ships do have a laundry service, so you could pack fewer items and have them washed so you have enough clothing for your cruise, but this can get a bit expensive, depending on how much laundry you have done.

On the next-to-last evening, you will be given envelopes to tip your cabin attendant and dining room wait staff. Your attendants and wait staff really do work hard for you, and are deserving of a gratuity. The cruise line provides a recommended gratuity schedule, and in reality its not a lot for what they do. So, don't be afraid to tip a bit extra if you feel well served. You can pay in cash or put it on your account, in which case, you will be given vouchers on the last evening to put into the envelopes.

Also on the last evening, you will be given a set of colored tags to put on the luggage you want the staff to take off board for you. Again, we like to pack our essentials; medication, toiletries, and a change of clothing in a carry-on that we keep with us for the last day, then pack everything else. The luggage tags go on the luggage, and you usually put the luggage outside of your stateroom that evening. You will also be provided the custom forms, so now is a good time to fill them out. Be sure you keep your documentation; passports and custom forms with you.